Wheel carrier and brake caliper device, wheel carrier and brake caliper module

Abstract

A wheel carrier and a brake caliper device (7) for a vehicle (1), comprising a wheel carrier (8) and a brake caliper (9), wherein the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9) form the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) as an integrally cast part, and the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) surround cavities (54, 55) through which cooling air (L) can pass to cool the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7), and a wall (64) of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) separating the cavities (54, 55) from the periphery (4) of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device (7) comprises an inner surface (66) facing the cavities (54, 55) and an outer surface (65) facing the periphery (4), and the inner surface (66) has a larger surface roughness than the outer surface (65).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle wheel carrier and a brake caliper device, and a wheel carrier and a brake caliper module including such a vehicle wheel carrier and a brake caliper device.

Background Art

[0002] An automobile wheel suspension can be composed of a wheel carrier and a brake caliper manufactured separately from the wheel carrier. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper are removably connected to each other for attachment, for example, using screws. This design with two separate parts, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper, causes, for example, design constraints regarding rigidity, accumulation of machining tolerances, and an increase in weight. Furthermore, an external brake fluid pipe is also required. Assembly of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper requires a separate assembly process, thereby requiring additional connecting parts. There is a need to improve this.

[0003] DE60304537T2 describes an arrangement of a wheel carrier and a brake caliper, where the brake caliper is fixed to the wheel carrier with bolts and is manufactured separately from the wheel carrier.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Against such a background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved wheel carrier and a brake caliper device.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] That is, a wheel carrier and a brake caliper device for a vehicle are proposed. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device include a wheel carrier and a brake caliper. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper form the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device as an integrally cast part. The wall of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device that surrounds a cavity through which cooling air can pass to cool the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device separates the cavity from the surroundings of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device and has an inner surface facing the cavity and an outer surface facing the surroundings, and the inner surface has a larger surface roughness than the outer surface.

[0007] Since the wheel carrier and the brake caliper are integrally cast parts, there is no need to assemble the wheel carrier and the brake caliper. The cavity provided in the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device enables cooling of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device, particularly the brake caliper. Cooling of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper can be optimized by different surface roughnesses.

[0008] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are preferably part of a vehicle chassis, particularly a wheel suspension. Preferably, the vehicle includes a plurality of wheel carrier and brake caliper devices. Such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device can be assigned to each wheel of the vehicle. If the vehicle is composed of four wheels, accordingly, it includes four such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices.

[0009] The vehicle is an automobile, particularly a passenger car. As described above, the vehicle includes a plurality of wheels. For example, the vehicle may include four wheels. Among these, for example, two front wheels may be steered and two rear wheels may be non-steered. Alternatively, all wheels can also be steered. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device can be used for both steered wheels and non-steered wheels.

[0010] In particular, the wheel carrier is configured to rotatably support one of the vehicle's wheels using a wheel bearing and a wheel hub. For this purpose, the wheel carrier preferably consists of a rigid base part. The base part is provided with a recess or through-hole for accommodating the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is fixed to the wheel carrier with bolts or firmly connected in some other way.

[0011] The brake caliper is used to accommodate a brake piston and brake pads. Furthermore, the brake disc can be at least partially accommodated in the brake caliper. For this purpose, the brake caliper comprises a brake piston, brake pads, and a housing part for holding at least partially the brake disc. The brake caliper can be part of the vehicle's brake system.

[0012] In addition to the base part, the wheel carrier preferably comprises a neck part and an arm part extending laterally from the base part. A first connection area for connecting the first or lower wishbone can be provided on the base part. The arm part can be provided with a second connection area, for example, used to connect a track rod to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. The neck part can be provided with a third connection area for attaching the second or upper wishbone.

[0013] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are integral parts, particularly one-piece material parts. Here, "integral" or "one-piece" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are not composed of separate parts, but rather the wheel carrier and the brake caliper together form a common part, namely the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. In particular, this means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper cannot be separated from each other without being damaged.

[0014] In this case, "one-piece material" means that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are made of the same material throughout. However, this does not exclude the possibility that, for example, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are composed of insert parts made of different materials. These insert parts can be inserted, for example, into a mold for casting the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device.

[0015] The fact that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper form an integral or one-piece "cast part" means, in particular, that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are manufactured using a casting process such as a low-pressure casting process or a gravity casting process. However, in principle, any casting process can be used. Preferably, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device are made of an aluminum alloy. However, magnesium alloys or steel alloys can also be used.

[0016] The cavities are provided within the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. This means, in particular, that the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device surround the cavities or surround the cavities within themselves. The cavities can be provided within the wheel carrier and / or within the brake caliper. That is, the cavities can be provided only within the wheel carrier, only within the brake caliper, or within both the wheel carrier and the brake caliper. A plurality of cavities can also be provided. In particular, it means that separate cavities can be assigned to both the wheel carrier and the brake caliper.

[0017] In this case, a "cavity" is interpreted as a region surrounded by the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device and delimited from the surroundings of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device by the walls of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device, for example, the walls mentioned at the beginning. Thus, the cavity is at least partially surrounded by the walls. The walls surround the cavity.

[0018] In contrast, a "bore" or "through-hole" is interpreted, for example, as an opening that penetrates an entire cross-section of a wall or the like. In particular, such a bore or through-hole is not interpreted as the "cavity" defined above. The cavity extends from a preferably rigid base portion to a neck portion within the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. The neck portion has a smaller cross-sectional area than the base portion.

[0019] A coordinate system having an x-direction, i.e., a length direction, a y-direction, i.e., a height direction, and a z-direction, i.e., a depth direction, is assigned to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. These directions are orthogonal to each other. In particular, the cavity extends in the height direction of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. The height direction is oriented from the first connection region or the second connection region towards the third connection region. The cavity preferably has the largest geometric extent along the height direction. This means that the geometric extent of the cavity along the height direction is larger than the extents along the length direction and the depth direction.

[0020] Different surface roughnesses can be produced by selecting molding sand or molding salt having specific particle sizes and / or particle shapes for the sand cores or salt cores used to form the cavity. For example, a center roughness value Ra of 15 μm is desirable for the inner surface. Therefore, the outer surface can have a center roughness value Ra of less than 15 μm.

[0021] The fact that the inner surface is rougher than the outer surface increases the heat transfer surface area of the inner surface. Thereby, heat dissipation from the wheel carrier and brake caliper device is improved using cooling air. The wall can be part of the wheel carrier, particularly the neck portion. However, the wall can also be part of the brake caliper. In this case, the "wall" means the region of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device that separates each cavity from the surroundings.

[0022] According to further developments, a wheel carrier and a brake caliper device for a vehicle are proposed. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device include a wheel carrier and a brake caliper, and the wheel carrier and the brake caliper form the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device as an integrally cast part. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper device surround a cavity through which cooling air can pass to cool the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. The cavity tapers from the base portion of the wheel carrier to the neck portion of the wheel carrier.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the cavity tapers from the base portion of the wheel carrier to the neck portion of the wheel carrier.

[0024] The fact that the cavity tapers in the direction from the base portion to the neck portion means here that the cross-section or cross-sectional area of the cavity becomes smaller or decreases in the direction from the base portion to the neck portion. In particular, this means that the cavity has a larger cross-sectional area in the region of the base portion than in the region of the neck portion. Thus, the neck portion can function as a chimney due to the tapering or narrowing of the cavity. Thereby, when the vehicle is stationary, warm cooling air can flow from the brake caliper into the neck portion, rise within the neck portion, and create a chimney effect within the neck portion that allows it to exit the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device through a suitable opening or through-hole, particularly an exhaust port. Thereby, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device can be cooled even when the vehicle is stopped.

[0025] According to another embodiment, the neck portion is curved, particularly curved in an arc shape.

[0026] When viewed along the height direction, the neck portion extends from above the base portion. When viewed along the length direction, the neck portion preferably extends in the direction of the brake caliper and can at least partially protrude above the brake caliper.

[0027] According to another embodiment, a hydraulic pipeline is incorporated into the brake caliper, fluidly connecting the first double brake cylinder of the brake caliper and the second double brake cylinder of the brake caliper.

[0028] The fact that the hydraulic pipeline is "integrated" with the brake caliper means in this case that the hydraulic pipeline runs inside the brake caliper and passes through it. The hydraulic pipeline can be made, for example, using a suitable core or salt core that is inserted into a mold for manufacturing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. Since the hydraulic pipeline is incorporated into the brake caliper, there is no need to provide a hydraulic pipe or a brake fluid pipe externally. Each double brake cylinder can comprise a first bore and a second bore. These bores can accommodate the aforementioned brake pistons used to operate the brake pads. For example, the first bore or the second bore of the two double brake cylinders is in fluid communication via the hydraulic pipeline. Furthermore, such a hydraulic pipeline can be provided between the first bore and the second bore of the double brake cylinder to fluidly connect the first bore and the second bore to each other. Brake fluid is supplied through the hydraulic pipeline. A plurality of hydraulic pipelines can also be provided.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device comprise a first cavity assigned to the wheel carrier and a second cavity assigned to the brake caliper.

[0030] The first cavity is arranged inside the wheel carrier, particularly inside the neck portion. Accordingly, the second cavity is arranged inside the brake caliper. Alternatively, instead of the first cavity and the second cavity, a common cavity provided both inside the wheel carrier and inside the brake caliper can be provided.

[0031] According to another embodiment, the first cavity is separated from the second cavity by a partition wall, and the partition wall comprises a through hole that fluidly connects the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0032] Thus, a partition wall is provided between the first cavity and the second cavity. The partition wall can be provided with any number of through holes through which cooling air can flow from the first cavity to the second cavity or vice versa. The fact that the first cavity and the second cavity are "in fluid communication" means, in particular, that cooling air can flow from the first cavity to the second cavity or vice versa.

[0033] According to another embodiment, the second cavity comprises a bottom through which the cooling air flows.

[0034] The bottom is preferably arranged perpendicular to the partition wall provided between the first cavity and the second cavity. In this case, "perpendicular" means an angle of 90° ± 10°, preferably 90° ± 5°, more preferably 90° ± 3°, more preferably 90° ± 1°, and even more preferably exactly 90°. In particular, by providing an exhaust port in the bottom of the second cavity that opens into the housing of the brake caliper, the cooling air can flow through the bottom. The exhaust port opens into the housing for this purpose. The exhaust port is in fluid communication with the first cavity and the second cavity via a through hole provided in the partition wall arranged between the cavities.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier comprises an air inlet for introducing cooling air into the cavity.

[0036] Any number of air inlets can be provided. Preferably, the air inlet is provided in the neck portion. The air inlet can be in the shape of a rounded rectangle or a circle. A plurality of air inlets with different shapes can also be provided. When the vehicle is moving, the cooling air flows in through the air inlet. A plurality of exhaust ports can be provided, through which the cooling air flows out of the cavity again. These exhaust ports can be provided in the neck portion. With the plurality of air inlets and the plurality of exhaust ports, the neck portion in particular forms a skeletal or truss-like structure. This means in particular that the air inlets and / or the exhaust ports are separated from each other only by thin webs or webs of material.

[0037] According to another embodiment, the intake port is provided with a cooling air guiding element that is at least partially funnel-shaped.

[0038] When a plurality of intake ports are provided, the cooling air guiding element can be provided at one of the intake ports. The cooling air guiding element can be a chamfer or an inclined surface provided at the intake port. Alternatively, the cooling air guiding element can be a separate component from the wheel carrier and the caliper assembly and can be attached to the wheel carrier and the caliper assembly. The cooling air guiding element can include a funnel portion for the inlet of the cooling air, a pipe portion for supplying the cooling air, and an outlet portion through which the cooling air flows out. The funnel portion is preferably disposed outside the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. In particular, it means that the funnel portion can protrude from the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. The cooling air guiding element can be inserted into the intake port, for example. By means of the funnel portion, the cooling air can be directly introduced into the second cavity through the first cavity, for example. In this way, the pipe portion can pass through the first cavity. The outlet portion preferably has a chamfered front surface or end surface. This front surface or end surface can be configured to directly guide the cooling air to the through hole at the bottom of the second cavity. Together with the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device, the cooling air guiding element can also form an integral part, particularly a one-piece material part. This means that the cooling air guiding element can be manufactured using the same casting process as that used for manufacturing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device. The cooling air guiding element can also be soldered or welded to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the brake caliper includes an exhaust port that opens into the accommodating portion of the brake caliper, and the exhaust port is in fluid communication with the cavity.

[0040] In particular, the exhaust port is in fluid communication with the second cavity, and the second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity. The exhaust port can be used to supply cooling air to the brake disc and the brake pads, thereby dissipating heat from the brake caliper, the brake disc, and / or the brake pads.

[0041] According to another embodiment, the housing is provided with through holes for sending out the cooling air from the housing.

[0042] The housing can be provided with any number of through holes. The heated cooling air can be conveyed through these through holes from the brake caliper to the wheel carrier and around the brake caliper device.

[0043] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier includes an exhaust port for discharging the cooling air from the cavity.

[0044] Any number of exhaust ports can be provided. The air that has flowed into the cavity through the intake port can flow out of the cavity again through the exhaust port. Preferably, the exhaust port is associated with the wheel carrier. In particular, the exhaust port can be provided in the neck portion. The skeletal or truss-like structure of the aforementioned neck portion is formed by this exhaust port and the intake port.

[0045] According to another embodiment, a through hole is provided between the wheel carrier and the brake caliper, and the wheel carrier is connected to the brake caliper by a web that at least partially runs around the through hole.

[0046] By providing the through hole, materials can be saved. Thereby, weight reduction and cost reduction are achieved. The web connects the wheel carrier and the brake caliper, thereby enhancing the rigidity of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device.

[0047] Furthermore, a wheel carrier and a brake caliper module for a vehicle are proposed. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper module include such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel bearing for rotatably attaching a vehicle wheel to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel hub capable of coupling the wheel, a brake disc connected to the wheel hub, a first brake pad, and a second brake pad, and the brake disc is disposed between the first brake pad and the second brake pad.

[0048] The brake disc is preferably an internally ventilated brake disc. For example, the brake disc can be riveted or bolted to the wheel hub. The wheel carrier and the brake caliper module preferably include a brake piston housed within the bore of a double brake cylinder as described above.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the first brake pad and / or the second brake pad includes a recess capable of tilting the brake disc during its assembly and disassembly.

[0050] Since the brake caliper is fixed to the wheel carrier, the brake caliper cannot be removed. Therefore, to attach and detach the brake disc, it is necessary to tilt the brake disc. To prevent the brake disc from colliding with one of the brake pads, at least one of the brake pads is provided with a recess of this kind. This recess is designed as an annular groove running around the respective brake disc. Each brake pad can also be provided with such a recess.

[0051] The embodiments and features described for the proposed wheel carrier and brake caliper device are mutatis mutandis applicable to the proposed wheel carrier and brake caliper module, and vice versa.

[0052] Further possible embodiments of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to exemplary embodiments not explicitly mentioned. Those skilled in the art can also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic forms of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0053] Further embodiments and aspects of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module are the subject of the dependent claims and are the subject of the embodiments of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module described below. Hereinafter, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or the wheel carrier and brake caliper module will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0054]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

[0055] In the figures, the same or functionally identical elements are designated by the same reference numerals unless otherwise specified.

[0056] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of a vehicle 1. The vehicle 1 is an automobile, particularly a passenger car. Also, the vehicle 1 may be a utility vehicle, such as a truck, a harvester, a construction machine. Further, the vehicle 1 can be a military vehicle. However, hereinafter, it is assumed that the vehicle 1 is an automobile, particularly a passenger car.

[0057] The vehicle 1 includes a vehicle body 2 surrounding a passenger compartment or the interior 3 of the vehicle 1. In the interior 3, a driver and passengers can board. The vehicle body 2 separates the surroundings 4 of the vehicle 1 from the interior 3. The interior 3 is accessible from the surroundings 4 by a door.

[0058] The vehicle 1 includes a chassis having a plurality of wheels 5, 6. The number of the wheels 5, 6 is basically arbitrary. Preferably, the vehicle 1 is composed of four wheels 5, 6. However, the vehicle 1 may be composed of, for example, six wheels 5, 6. The wheels 5, 6 are part of the chassis of the vehicle 1. Only two of the wheels 5, 6 can be driven. However, all of the wheels 5, 6 can also be driven. In this case, the vehicle 1 is a four-wheel drive vehicle. The vehicle 1 can move in the longitudinal direction of the driving direction F.

[0059] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 for the vehicle 1. FIG. 3 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. Hereinafter, FIGS. 2 and 3 are referred to simultaneously.

[0060] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is assigned a coordinate system consisting of the x-direction, i.e., the length direction x, the y-direction, i.e., the height direction y, and the z-direction, i.e., the depth direction z. The directions x, y, and z are mutually orthogonal directions.

[0061] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is part of the chassis of the vehicle 1, and in particular part of the wheel suspension of one of the wheels 5, 6. The vehicle 1 may be provided with a plurality of such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7. Each of the wheels 5, 6 can be assigned such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. That is, the vehicle 1 can be provided with four such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7.

[0062] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is a combination of a wheel carrier 8 and a brake caliper 9. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are part of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are integral parts, in particular one-piece material parts, that is, they form the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 can be made of an aluminum alloy. However, other materials can also be used. By selecting an appropriate material, the cooling performance can be enhanced.

[0063] As used herein, "integral" and "one-piece" mean that the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is not composed of separate parts, but rather the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are integrated with each other and cannot be separated from each other. "One-piece material" means that the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is made of the same material throughout. Therefore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is an integral part. For example, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is a low-pressure casting part or a gravity casting part.

[0064] The wheel carrier 8 includes a base portion 10 that is connected to the brake caliper 9. The base portion 10 is provided with a through hole 11 having a step, and this through hole 11 is configured to accommodate wheel bearings in the form of, for example, roller bearings of the respective wheels 5, 6. In the orientation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a first connection region 12 to which the lower wishbone can be connected extends from the lower side of the base portion 10.

[0065] An arm portion 13 also extends from the base portion 10. A second connecting portion 14 is provided on the arm portion 13. A track rod can be connected to the second connection region 14. In the orientation shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a curved, particularly arcuately curved neck portion 15 having a third connection region 16 is adjacent to the upper side of the base portion 10. The upper wishbone can be connected to the third connection region 16.

[0066] The front surface 17 of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 extends from the arm portion 13 through the base portion 10 to the neck portion 15. A plurality of air inlets 18 to 21 are provided on the front surface 17, and through these openings, cooling air can flow into and out of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. Therefore, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are hollow. For example, the air inlet 18 is a rounded rectangle. The air inlets 19 to 21 may be circular. However, in principle, the air inlets 18 to 21 can have any shape.

[0067] On the surface opposite to the front surface 17, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 have a rear surface 22. Further, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 include a first side wall 23 having a plurality of exhaust ports 24, 25. For example, the exhaust ports 24, 25 are rounded rectangles. However, the exhaust ports 24, 25 can have any shape. The exhaust ports 24, 25 may be in fluid communication with the air inlets 18 to 21.

[0068] A plurality of exhaust ports 27 to 30 are also provided in the second side wall 26 on the side opposite to the first side wall 23. The exhaust ports 27 to 30 can be of any shape. The exhaust ports 27 to 30 are in fluid communication with the intake ports 18 to 21 and the exhaust ports 24, 25.

[0069] A deep part 31 is provided in the second side wall 26. The deep part 31 consists of a bottom part 32, and this bottom part 32 is recessed with respect to the second side wall 26. The through hole 11 is provided in the bottom part 32. The exhaust port 33 opens into the deep part 31. The exhaust port 33 can be in fluid communication with the intake ports 18 to 21 and the exhaust ports 24, 25, 27 to 30. A through hole 34 is provided between the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9. In the region of the through hole 34, the wheel carrier 8 is connected to the brake caliper 9 via a web 35.

[0070] The brake caliper 9 includes a housing part 36 suitable for at least partially receiving a brake piston, a brake disc, and brake pads. The housing part 36 consists of a recess 37 suitable for at least partially receiving the brake pads and the brake disc. A plurality of through holes 38 to 42 open into the recess 37, and through these through holes 38 to 42, the recess 37 is in fluid communication with the surroundings 4. Further, an exhaust port 43 in fluid communication with the intake ports 18 to 21 and the exhaust ports 24, 25, 27 to 30, 33 opens into the recess 37.

[0071] Two double brake cylinders 44, 45 arranged opposite to each other are provided in the housing part 36. Each double brake cylinder 44, 45 can accommodate two brake pistons. For this purpose, each double brake cylinder 44, 45 can be provided with two circular cylinder-shaped bores 46, 47, and a brake piston is accommodated in each of them. The first double brake cylinder 44 extends from the side wall 48 of the housing part 36. The side wall 48 is offset from the first side wall 23. The second double brake cylinder 45 extends from the second side wall 26.

[0072] The second double brake cylinder 45 is provided with a connection part 49 for connecting the brake fluid pipe. Such a connection part 49 can also be provided in the first double brake cylinder 44. However, this is not absolutely necessary. Two guidance rails 50, 51 for guiding the brake pads are assigned to each of the double brake cylinders 44, 45. On the back side, that is, the rear surface 22, the accommodating part 36 has an opening 52, and through this opening 52, for example, access can be made to the brake pads accommodated in the accommodating part 36.

[0073] Figure 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 at the height of the double brake cylinders 44, 45.

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, inside the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7, particularly inside the accommodating part 36 of the brake caliper 9, a hydraulic pipeline 53 for fluidly connecting the two bores 47 of the double brake cylinders 44, 45 to each other is provided. Furthermore, such a hydraulic pipeline 53 can also be provided, and this hydraulic pipeline 53 fluidly connects the two bores 46 to each other.

[0075] Furthermore, the bores 46, 47 of each of the double brake cylinders 44, 45 may be in fluid communication with each other. The brake fluid is led out through the hydraulic pipeline 53 during the operation of the vehicle 1. The hydraulic pipeline 53 is incorporated into the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 during the casting of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. An additional brake fluid pipe connecting the double brake cylinders 44, 45 can be omitted.

[0076] Figures 5 and 6 are further schematic perspective views of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 respectively. Hereinafter, Figures 5 and 6 will be referred to simultaneously.

[0077] Figure 6 shows the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 in partial cross-section. The wheel carrier 8 surrounds a first cavity 54 that extends from a base portion 10 to a neck portion 15. The first cavity 54 is accessible via intake ports 18-21 and exhaust ports 24, 25, 27-30, 33.

[0078] The brake caliper 9 includes a second cavity 55 surrounded by the brake caliper 9. Cavities 54, 55 are separated from each other by a partition wall 56. The partition wall 56 includes through-holes 57, 58 through which cavities 54, 55 are in fluid communication with each other. An exhaust port 43 that opens into the receiving portion 36 of the brake caliper 9 is provided at the bottom 59 of the second cavity 55.

[0079] In particular, cavities 54, 55 extend along the height direction y of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. The height direction y is directed from the first connection region 12 or the second connection region 14 towards the third connection region 16. Along the height direction y, each cavity 54, 55 has its maximum geometric extent. This means that the geometric extent of each cavity 54, 55 along the height direction y is greater than the extent along the length direction x and the depth direction z.

[0080] When the vehicle 1 moves along the traveling direction F, cooling air L is forced to flow into the first cavity 54 via the intake ports 18-21. Chamfers may be provided at the intake ports 18-21, particularly at the intake port 18, to form a funnel-shaped inlet shape that allows the cooling air L to easily flow into the first cavity 54.

[0081] The cooling air L then flows into the second cavity 55 via the through-holes 57, 58, and from there is guided via the exhaust port 43 into the receiving portion 36, where it can cool the brake disc, brake pads, and brake caliper 9 that are at least partially received. The cooling air L flows along the brake disc and extracts heat from the brake disc. The heated cooling air L can flow out of the brake caliper 9 via the through-holes 38-42.

[0082] As an option, a cooling air guiding element 60 may be provided. The cooling air guiding element 60 can be a component separate from the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 and is connected to the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 after manufacture. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The cooling air guiding element 60 can also be integrally formed with the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7, especially from a single component material.

[0083] The cooling air guiding element 60 is received in the air intake 18 and extends through the first cavity 54 and the through hole 57 into the second cavity 55. The cooling air guiding element 60 includes a funnel portion 61, a pipe portion 62 adjacent to the funnel portion 61, and an outlet portion 63 adjacent to the pipe portion 62.

[0084] The funnel portion 61 is funnel-shaped to facilitate the inflow of the cooling air L. The cooling air L is conveyed through the first cavity 54 to the second cavity 55 by the pipe portion 62. The outlet portion 63 directly guides the cooling air L to the exhaust port 43. For this reason, the end face of the outlet portion 63 is chamfered.

[0085] FIG. 7 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7.

[0086] In FIG. 7, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are shown partially cut away. Since the vehicle 1 is stationary, the cooling air L is not guided through the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 by the running motion of the vehicle 1 as described above. However, the flow of the cooling air L through the cavities 54, 55 and the through hole 58, especially the reverse flow, is generated by the chimney effect.

[0087] FIG. 8 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7.

[0088] In particular, FIG. 8 shows a cross-section through the wall 64 of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. The wall 64 separates, for example, the first cavity 54 from the surroundings 4. The wall 64 has an outer surface 65 facing the surroundings 4 and opposite the first cavity 54, and an inner surface 66 facing the first cavity 54 and opposite the surroundings 4. The outer surface 65 can be, for example, part of the front surface 17, the rear surface 22, or the side walls 23, 26.

[0089] The inner surface 66 has a greater roughness compared to the outer surface 65. For example, the inner surface 66 can be based on a center roughness value Ra of at least 15 μm. In this way, the target surface texture or surface structure is provided on the inner surface 66. The inner surface 66 can be embossed with molding sand, and this embossing can be in the shape of a polyhedron having a non-repeating structure. The surface structure of the inner surface 66 increases the heat transfer surface area and improves heat dissipation.

[0090] FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper module 67.

[0091] The wheel carrier and the brake caliper module 67 include the aforementioned wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7, a wheel bearing 68 at least partially received in the through-hole 11 of the wheel carrier 8, a wheel hub 69, and a brake disc 70 firmly connected to the wheel hub 69. The brake disc 70 can be an internally ventilated brake disc. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The brake disc 70 has two surfaces 71, 72 facing away from each other, and these can be coated. A wear-free surface coating can be applied. This eliminates the need for maintenance work and thus provides a solution for the entire service life of the vehicle 1, reducing the total vehicle cost and operating cost and extending the service life.

[0092] Furthermore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 includes two brake pads 73, 74. The first brake pad 73 is assigned to the surface 71. The second brake pad 74 is assigned to the surface 72. To brake the respective wheels 5, 6, the brake pads 73, 74 are driven against the brake disc 70 using brake pistons housed in double brake cylinders 44, 45.

[0093] For the attachment and removal of the brake disc 70, the brake pads 73, 74 each have recesses 75, 76. These recesses 75, 76 allow the brake disc 70 to be tilted during the attachment and removal of the brake disc 70. Thus, the brake disc 70 does not collide with the brake pads 73, 74, and jamming of the brake disc 70 is reliably prevented.

[0094] By using the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7, improvement in handling and reduction in noise emission can be achieved. There is no need to attach the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9, and screws, cables, etc. become unnecessary. And the cooling of the brake caliper 9, the brake disc 70 and / or the brake pads 73, 74 is improved.

[0095] As a result, a more homogeneous heat distribution is obtained, and heat dissipation from important areas of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is improved. The cooling air L can be supplied in a targeted manner. The waste heat from the brake caliper 9, the brake disc 70 and / or the brake pads 73, 74 is dissipated in a targeted manner. Since the hydraulic pipeline 53 is incorporated in the brake caliper 9, an external brake fluid pipe is unnecessary. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 is a service life module that eliminates the need for maintenance of the vehicle 1.

[0096] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 are integrally cast and machined. By improving rigidity, the overall weight of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is reduced. As a whole, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 reduce the weight of the vehicle, especially the unsprung mass, and improve handling. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 directly reduce the energy consumption of the vehicle 1. By improving rigidity, the wheel path tracking is also improved.

[0097] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 can be used to reduce the overall cost, for example, in manufacturing, procurement, logistics, assembly, etc. Since the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 can be produced as a single casting at one location instead of being produced at two separate factories, the CO2 balance is improved. This is because the casting itself and the required heat treatment, that is, the heat treatment process is completed in one step, and it is also applied to the final machining of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7.

[0098] Since the necessary transportation process is only one step from the supplier to the customer, there is no need to transport the brake caliper, connecting bolts, washers, and brake fluid pipes separately. That is, there is only one required delivery route at the vehicle factory. By combining processes, energy is saved and CO2 emissions are significantly reduced. Furthermore, the heat load capacity increases. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 can be miniaturized and lightweight. Lightweighting directly affects the reduction of fuel consumption and energy consumption.

[0099] Since the brake caliper 9 has the largest connection cross-sectional area with the wheel carrier 8, the heat dissipation from the brake caliper 9 to the wheel carrier 8 is optimized. This connection cross-sectional area makes the heat distribution in the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 more uniform. Furthermore, the heat dissipation from important parts such as the brake pads 73, 74 and the brake fluid is also significantly improved.

[0100] To produce the cavities 54, 55, cores or salt cores are inserted into the mold for manufacturing the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. Thereafter, these cores are destroyed, leaving the respective cavities 54, 55. When salt cores are provided, they are washed away, leaving the respective cavities 54, 55.

[0101] On the one hand, the cavities 54, 55 serve the purpose of reducing weight. On the other hand, the cavities 54, 55 function as cooling channels having an appropriate assembly and / or shape. Alternatively, these cooling channels can also be formed by ducts made of plastic or other materials inserted into the cavities 54, 55. The orientation, shape and / or position are determined by the conditions of the respective vehicle.

[0102] The cavities 54, 55 inside the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 are utilized to dissipate the heat of the brake by the inner surface 66 and a specific surface texture of the duct. The inner surface 66 can be embossed with molding sand, which can be composed of polyhedral sand grains having a non-repeating structure. In particular, the molding sand is intentionally selected to be coarse in order to create the surface structure of the inner surface 66. This results in more freedom in the design of the shape and size of the wheel carrier 8 and / or the brake caliper 9.

[0103] The second cavity 55 extends horizontally when viewed from the front along the driving direction F of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. Here, the cooling air L is supplied through the first cavity 54 using the cooling air induction element 60. Thereafter, the cooling air L exits from the exhaust port 43 into the accommodation portion 36 of the brake caliper 9. Next, the second cavity 55 is used to cool the brake disc 70 and the brake caliper 9 during the running of the vehicle 1, and the cooling air L flows against and / or through the brake disc 70 and the brake caliper 9.

[0104] The first cavity 54, which is in fluid communication with the second cavity 55, is provided through the hollow neck portion 15 of the wheel carrier 8 and exits into the region of the third connection area 16 at the upper end of the neck portion 15. In this way, the first cavity 54 serves to dissipate heat when the vehicle 1 is stationary. Here, due to the chimney effect of the neck portion 15, the heated cooling air L is taken out from the region of the brake caliper 9 through the neck portion 15, passes through the neck portion 15, and is dissipated through the exhaust ports 24, 25, 27 to 30 of the neck portion 15.

[0105] Cooling paths can be formed by webs within the cavities 54, 55. With these webs, air can be flowed through each of the cavities 54, 55 as desired. The webs can also be directly cast, for example, in the form of partition walls 56. Using fins, an anchor plate that is partially integrated with the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7 can be realized. When space is limited or higher strength is required, it may be necessary to locally reinforce the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7. For this purpose, inserts made of different materials such as steel can be inserted into the mold and sealed with the materials of the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device 7.

[0106] The present invention has been described with reference to examples of embodiments, but many modifications are possible.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0107] 1 ··· Vehicle 2 ··· Vehicle body 3 ··· Inside the vehicle 4 ··· Surroundings 5 ··· Wheel 6 ··· Wheel 7 ··· Wheel carrier and brake caliper device 8 ··· Wheel carrier 9 ··· Brake caliper 10 ··· Base portion 11 ··· Through hole 12 ··· Connection area 13 ··· Arm portion 14 ··· Connection area 15 ··· Neck part 16 ··· Connection area 17 ··· Front surface 18 ··· Intake port 19 ··· Intake port 20 ··· Intake port 21 ··· Intake port 22 ··· Rear surface 23 ··· Side wall 24 ··· Exhaust port 25 ··· Exhaust port 26 ··· Side wall 27 ··· Exhaust port 28 ··· Exhaust port 29 ··· Exhaust port 30 ··· Exhaust port 31 ··· Depth 32 ··· Bottom 33 ··· Exhaust port 34 ··· Through hole 35 ··· Web 36 ··· Accommodation part 37 ··· Recessed part 38 ··· Through hole 39 ··· Through hole 40 ··· Through hole 41 ··· Through hole 42 ··· Through hole 43 ··· Exhaust port 44 ··· Double brake cylinder 45 ··· Double brake cylinder 46 ··· Bore 47 ··· Bore 48 ··· Side wall 49 ··· Connection part 50 ··· Guidance rail 51 ··· Guidance rail 52 ··· Opening 53 ··· Hydraulic pipeline 54 ··· Cavity 55 ··· Cavity 56 ··· Partition wall 57 ··· Through hole 58 ··· Through hole 59 ··· Bottom 60 ··· Cooling air induction element 61 ··· Funnel part 62 ··· Pipeline part 63 ··· Outlet part 64 ··· Wall 65 ··· Outer surface 66 ··· Inner surface 67 ··· Wheel carrier and brake caliper module 68 ··· Wheel bearing 69 ··· Wheel hub 70 ··· Brake disc 71 ··· Surface 72 ··· Surface 73 ··· Brake pad 74 ··· Brake pad 75 ··· Recess 76 ··· Recess F ··· Driving direction L ··· Cooling air x ··· Length direction y ··· Height direction z ··· Depth direction

Claims

1. A wheel carrier and a brake caliper device (7) for a vehicle (1), comprising a wheel carrier (8), and a brake caliper (9), wherein the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9) form the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) as an integrally cast part, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) surrounds cavities (54, 55) through which cooling air (L) can pass to cool the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7), a wall (64) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) separating the cavities (54, 55) from the surroundings (4) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) has an inner surface (66) facing the cavities (54, 55) and an outer surface (65) facing the surroundings (4), and the inner surface (66) has a larger surface roughness than the outer surface (65), a wheel carrier and brake caliper device.

2. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1, wherein the cavities (54, 55) taper from a base portion (10) of the wheel carrier (8) to a neck portion (15) of the wheel carrier (8).

3. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 2, wherein the neck portion (15) is curved, particularly curved in an arc shape.

4. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a hydraulic pipeline (53) is incorporated into the brake caliper (9) to fluidly connect a first double brake cylinder (44) of the brake caliper (9) and a second double brake cylinder (45) of the brake caliper (9).

5. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) comprises a first cavity (54) assigned to the wheel carrier (8), and a second cavity (55) assigned to the brake caliper (9), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The first cavity (54) is separated from the second cavity (55) by a partition wall (56), The partition wall (56) is provided with through holes (57, 58) that fluidly connect the first cavity (54) and the second cavity (55), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 5.

7. The second cavity (55) is provided with a bottom portion (59) through which cooling air (L) flows, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 6.

8. The wheel carrier (8) is provided with air inlets (18 - 21) for introducing cooling air (L) into the cavities (54, 55), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air inlet (18) is provided with a cooling air guiding element (60) that is at least partially funnel-shaped, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 8.

10. The brake caliper (9) is provided with an exhaust port (43) that opens into the housing portion (36) of the brake caliper (9), The exhaust port (43) is in fluid communication with the cavities (54, 55), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The housing portion (36) is provided with through holes (38 - 42) for sending out cooling air (L) from the housing portion (36), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 10.

12. The wheel carrier (8) is provided with exhaust ports (24, 25, 27 - 30, 33) for discharging cooling air (L) from the cavities (54, 55), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A through hole (34) is provided between the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9), The wheel carrier (8) is connected to the brake caliper (9) by a web (35) that at least partially runs around the through hole (34), the wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A wheel carrier and brake caliper module (67) for a vehicle (1), The wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, and A wheel bearing (68) for rotatably mounting the wheels (5, 6) of the vehicle (1) to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7); A wheel hub (69) capable of coupling the wheels (5, 6); A brake disc (70) connected to the wheel hub (69); A first brake pad (73); A second brake pad (74), and A wheel carrier and brake caliper module in which the brake disc (70) is disposed between the first brake pad (73) and the second brake pad (74). **Claim 15** The wheel carrier and brake caliper module according to claim 14, characterized in that the first brake pad (73) and / or the second brake pad (74) comprises recesses (75, 76) that enable tilting of the brake disc (70) during assembly and disassembly.

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