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 that is fixed to the wheel carrier with bolts and manufactured separately from the wheel carrier.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

[0005] From 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] In other words, a wheel carrier and brake caliper device for a vehicle is proposed. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device comprises a wheel carrier and a brake caliper, and the wheel carrier and brake caliper are formed as a single cast part, and the wheel carrier and brake caliper device surrounds a cavity through which cooling air can pass to cool the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, and the wall of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device separating the cavity from the surroundings comprises an inner surface facing the cavity and an outer surface facing the surroundings, with the inner surface having a greater surface roughness than the outer surface.

[0007] Since the wheel carrier and brake caliper are integrally cast parts, there is no need to assemble the wheel carrier and brake caliper separately. Cavities within the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly allow for cooling of the assembly, particularly the brake caliper. Cooling of the wheel carrier and brake caliper can be optimized by varying surface roughness.

[0008] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device is preferably part of the vehicle's chassis, particularly the wheel suspension. Preferably, the vehicle comprises multiple wheel carrier and brake caliper devices. Each wheel of the vehicle can be assigned such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device. If the vehicle consists of four wheels, it will accordingly comprise four such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices.

[0009] The vehicle is an automobile, particularly a passenger car. As mentioned above, the vehicle has multiple wheels. For example, the vehicle may have four wheels. Of these, for example, two front wheels may be steered and two rear wheels may not be steered. Alternatively, all wheels may be steered. Wheel carriers and brake caliper devices can be used for both steered 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. The base is provided with recesses or through holes for housing the wheel bearing. The wheel bearing is bolted to the wheel carrier or otherwise firmly connected.

[0011] A brake caliper is used to house a brake piston and brake pads. Furthermore, a brake disc can be housed, at least partially, within the brake caliper. For this purpose, the brake caliper comprises a housing that holds the brake piston, brake pads, and at least partially the brake disc. A brake caliper can be part of a vehicle's braking system.

[0012] The wheel carrier preferably comprises a base section, a neck section, and an arm section extending laterally from the base section. A first connection area may be provided in the base section for connecting a first or lower wishbone. A second connection area may be provided in the arm section, for example, for connecting a track rod to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. A third connection area may be provided in the neck section to which a second or upper wishbone can be attached.

[0013] The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly are a single, integrated component, particularly a one-piece component. In this context, "integrated" or "one-piece" means that the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly are not made up of separate parts, but rather that the wheel carrier and brake caliper together form a common component, i.e., the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly. In particular, this means that the wheel carrier and brake caliper cannot be separated from each other without destruction.

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

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

[0016] The cavity is located within the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly. This specifically means that the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly surround the cavity, or surround the cavity within themselves. The cavity can be located within the wheel carrier and / or within the brake caliper. That is, the cavity can be located only within the wheel carrier, only within the brake caliper, or both within the wheel carrier and the brake caliper. Multiple cavities can also be provided. In particular, this means that separate cavities can be assigned to both the wheel carrier and the brake caliper.

[0017] In this case, the "cavity" is interpreted as the area enclosed by the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, and separated from the surrounding area by the walls of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, such as the wall mentioned at the beginning. Therefore, the cavity is enclosed, at least partially, by a wall. The wall surrounds the cavity.

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

[0019] The wheel carrier and brake caliper device are assigned a coordinate system with x-direction (length direction), y-direction (height direction), and z-direction (depth direction). 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 a first or second connection region towards a third connection region. Preferably, the cavity has the greatest geometric extent along the height direction. This means that the geometric extent of the cavity along the height direction is greater than the extent along the length and depth directions.

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

[0021] The inner surface being rougher than the outer surface increases the heat transfer surface area of ​​the inner surface. This improves heat dissipation from the wheel carrier and brake caliper device using cooling air. The wall can be part of the wheel carrier, particularly the neck. However, the wall can also be part of the brake caliper. In this case, "wall" refers to the area that separates the respective cavities of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device from their surroundings.

[0022] According to further development, 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 that can pass cooling air 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. Therefore, 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 generate a chimney effect within the neck portion that allows it to exit from 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 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 an external hydraulic pipe or brake fluid pipe. Each double brake cylinder can include 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 two double brake cylinders are in fluid communication via the hydraulic pipeline. Additionally, 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. It is also possible to provide a plurality of hydraulic pipelines.

[0029] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier and the brake caliper device include 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 includes a through hole that fluidly connects the first cavity and the second cavity.

[0032] Therefore, a partition wall is provided between the first cavity and the second cavity. The partition wall may have 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 is provided with a bottom through which cooling air flows.

[0034] The bottom is preferably positioned 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 more preferably exactly 90°. In particular, by providing an exhaust port in the bottom that opens from the second cavity into the housing of the brake caliper, 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 through a through-hole provided in the partition wall provided between the cavities.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the wheel carrier is equipped with an air intake for introducing cooling air into the cavity.

[0036] Any number of intake ports can be provided. Preferably, the intake ports are located in the neck. The intake ports can be rectangular or circular in shape with rounded corners. Multiple intake ports of different shapes can also be provided. When the vehicle is moving, cooling air flows in through the intake ports. Multiple exhaust ports can be provided, from which the cooling air flows out again from the cavity. These exhaust ports can be located in the neck. Multiple intake ports and multiple exhaust ports constitute a particularly skeletal or truss-like structure in the neck. This specifically means that the intake ports and / or exhaust ports are separated from each other only by a thin web or material web.

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

[0038] If multiple air intakes are provided, the cooling air guide element can be installed in one of the air intakes. The cooling air guide element can be a chamfer or bevel provided on the air intake. Alternatively, the cooling air guide element may be a separate component from the wheel carrier and caliper assembly and be attached to the wheel carrier and caliper assembly. The cooling air guide element may comprise a funnel portion for the inlet of cooling air, a conduit portion for supplying cooling air, and an outlet portion for the outflow of cooling air. The funnel portion is preferably located outside the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. In particular, this means that the funnel portion can protrude from the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. The cooling air guide element can be inserted, for example, into the air intake. The funnel portion allows cooling air to be introduced directly into a second cavity, for example, through a first cavity. Thus, the conduit portion can pass through the first cavity. The outlet portion preferably has a chamfered front or end face. This front or end face can be configured to direct cooling air directly into a through-hole at the bottom of the second cavity. The cooling air guide element can also be formed as an integral part, particularly a one-piece material part, together with the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly. This means that the cooling air guide element can be manufactured using the same casting process used in the manufacture of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly. The cooling air guide element can also be soldered or welded to the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the brake caliper is provided with an exhaust port that opens into the housing of the brake caliper, and the exhaust port is in fluid communication with a 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 brake pad, thereby dissipating heat from the brake caliper, brake disc and / or brake pad.

[0041] In another embodiment, the housing is provided with through holes for discharging cooling air from the housing.

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

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

[0044] Any number of exhaust ports can be provided. Air that flows into the cavity through the intake port can exit 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 section. The aforementioned skeletal or truss-like structure of the neck section is created by these exhaust and intake ports.

[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 runs at least partially around the through-hole.

[0046] By providing through holes, material can be saved. This results in weight reduction and cost savings. The web connects the wheel carrier and brake caliper, thereby increasing the rigidity of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly.

[0047] Furthermore, a wheel carrier and brake caliper module for a vehicle is proposed. This wheel carrier and brake caliper module comprises such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel bearing for rotatably mounting a vehicle's wheel to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device, a wheel hub to which the wheel can be coupled, a brake disc connected to the wheel hub, a first brake pad, and a second brake pad, wherein the brake disc is positioned between the first brake pad and the second brake pad.

[0048] The brake disc is preferably an internally vented brake disc. For example, the brake disc can be riveted or bolted to the wheel hub. The wheel carrier and brake caliper module preferably include a brake piston housed in 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 are provided with a recess that allows the brake disc to be tilted during assembly and disassembly.

[0050] Since the brake caliper is fixed to the wheel carrier, it cannot be removed. Therefore, the brake disc must be tilted to remove or install it. To prevent the brake disc from colliding with one of the brake pads, at least one of the brake pads has this type of recess. This recess is designed as an annular groove running around the perimeter of each brake disc. Each brake pad may also have such a recess.

[0051] The embodiments and features described for the proposed wheel carrier and brake caliper device are applicable mutatis mutandis 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 wheel carrier and brake caliper module include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to embodiments not explicitly mentioned. Those skilled in the art can also add individual embodiments as improvements or additions to each of the basic forms of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or wheel carrier and brake caliper module. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0053] Further embodiments and aspects of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or wheel carrier and brake caliper module are subject to the dependent claims and are subject to the embodiments of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or wheel carrier and brake caliper module described below. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device and / or wheel carrier and brake caliper module will be described in more detail below with reference to the attached figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0054] [Figure 1] This is a schematic side view of one embodiment of the vehicle. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper device for a vehicle. [Figure 3] Figure 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 4] Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 5] Figure 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 6] Figure 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 7]Figure 2 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 8] Figure 2 is a further schematic cross-sectional view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device. [Figure 9] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper module for a vehicle.

[0055] In the diagram, identical or functionally identical elements are denoted by the same reference numeral unless otherwise specified.

[0056] Figure 1 is a schematic side view of one embodiment of Vehicle 1. Vehicle 1 is an automobile, particularly a passenger car. Vehicle 1 may also be a utility vehicle, such as a truck, harvester, or construction machine. Furthermore, Vehicle 1 could be a military vehicle. However, in the following discussion, we will assume that Vehicle 1 is an automobile, particularly a passenger car.

[0057] Vehicle 1 comprises a body 2 that encloses the passenger compartment or interior 3 of vehicle 1. The interior 3 can accommodate a driver and passengers. The body 2 separates the interior 3 from the surrounding area 4 of vehicle 1. The interior 3 is accessible from the surrounding area 4 by doors.

[0058] Vehicle 1 comprises a chassis having multiple wheels 5, 6. The number of wheels 5, 6 is basically arbitrary. Preferably, vehicle 1 consists of four wheels 5, 6. However, vehicle 1 may consist of, for example, six wheels 5, 6. The wheels 5, 6 are part of the chassis of vehicle 1. Only two wheels 5, 6 are drivable. However, all wheels 5, 6 can also be driven. In this case, vehicle 1 is a four-wheel drive vehicle. Vehicle 1 can move in the forward and backward directions in the driving direction F.

[0059] Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 for vehicle 1. Figure 3 is a further schematic perspective view of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. Hereafter, Figures 2 and 3 will be referred to together.

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

[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 and 6. The vehicle 1 may have multiple such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7. Each of the wheels 5 and 6 can be assigned such a wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. In other words, the vehicle 1 may have four such wheel carrier and brake caliper devices 7.

[0062] The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 is a combination of the wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 are part of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7. The wheel carrier 8 and the brake caliper 9 form a single component, specifically a one-piece material component, i.e., the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7. The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 can be made of aluminum alloy. However, other materials can also be used. By selecting an appropriate material, cooling performance can be improved.

[0063] Here, "integrated" and "one part" mean that the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 are not made up of separate parts, but rather the wheel carrier 8 and brake caliper 9 are integrated with each other and cannot be separated. "One-part material" means that the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 are made from the same material throughout. Therefore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 are a single part. For example, the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 are low-pressure cast or gravity cast parts.

[0064] The wheel carrier 8 includes a base section 10 that connects to the brake caliper 9. The base section 10 is provided with stepped through-holes 11, which are configured to accommodate the wheel bearings of each wheel 5, 6, for example, in the form of roller bearings. In the orientation shown in Figures 2 and 3, a first connection area 12 to which the lower wishbone can be connected extends from the underside of the base section 10.

[0065] An arm section 13 extends from the base section 10. A second connecting section 14 is provided on the arm section 13. A track rod can be connected to the second connecting area 14. In the orientation shown in Figures 2 and 3, a curved, particularly arc-shaped, neck section 15, which includes a third connecting area 16, is adjacent to the upper side of the base section 10. An upper wishbone can be connected to the third connecting area 16.

[0066] The front surface 17 of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 extends from the arm portion 13 through the base portion 10 to the neck portion 15. The front surface 17 is provided with a plurality of air intake ports 18 to 21, through which cooling air can flow into the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 and out again. Therefore, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is hollow. For example, air intake port 18 is a rectangle with rounded corners. Air intake ports 19 to 21 may be circular. However, in principle, the air intake ports 18 to 21 can have any shape.

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

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

[0069] A deep section 31 is provided in the second side wall 26. The deep section 31 consists of a bottom section 32, which is recessed relative to the second side wall 26. A through hole 11 is provided in the bottom section 32. An exhaust port 33 opens into the deep section 31. The exhaust port 33 can communicate fluidly with the intake ports 18-21 and the exhaust ports 24, 25, 27-30. 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 36 suitable for at least partially receiving a brake piston, brake disc, and brake pad. The housing 36 consists of a recess 37 suitable for at least partially receiving the brake pad and brake disc. Multiple through holes 38-42 open into the recess 37, and the recess 37 is in fluid communication with the surrounding area 4 through these through holes 38-42. Furthermore, an exhaust port 43, which is in fluid communication with intake ports 18-21 and exhaust ports 24, 25, 27-30, 33, opens into the recess 37.

[0071] The housing section 36 is provided with two double brake cylinders 44 and 45 arranged opposite each other. Each double brake cylinder 44 and 45 can accommodate two brake pistons. For this purpose, each double brake cylinder 44 and 45 may have two circular cylindrical bores 46 and 47, each housing a brake piston. The first double brake cylinder 44 extends from the side wall 48 of the housing section 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 equipped with a connection 49 for connecting a brake fluid pipe. The first double brake cylinder 44 can also be provided with such a connection 49, however this is not absolutely necessary. Each double brake cylinder 44, 45 is assigned two guidance rails 50, 51 for guiding the brake pads. On the rear side, i.e., the rear surface 22, the housing 36 has an opening 52 through which, for example, the brake pads housed in the housing 36 can be accessed.

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

[0074] As shown in Figure 4, a hydraulic pipeline 53 is provided within the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7, particularly within the housing 36 of the brake caliper 9, to fluidize the two bores 47 of the double brake cylinders 44 and 45. Furthermore, such a hydraulic pipeline 53 can also be provided, which fluidize the two bores 46.

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

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

[0077] Figure 6 shows a partial cross-section of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wheel carrier 8 surrounds a first cavity 54 that extends from the base portion 10 to the neck portion 15. The first cavity 54 is accessible through 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. The cavities 54 and 55 are separated from each other by a partition wall 56. The partition wall 56 includes through holes 57 and 58 through which the cavities 54 and 55 are in fluid communication with each other. An exhaust port 43 opening into the housing 36 of the brake caliper 9 is provided at the bottom 59 of the second cavity 55.

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

[0080] As the vehicle 1 moves along the direction of travel F, cooling air L is forcibly drawn into the first cavity 54 through the intake ports 18-21. To form a funnel-shaped inlet that allows the cooling air L to easily flow into the first cavity 54, chamfers may be provided on the intake ports 18-21, particularly intake port 18.

[0081] The cooling air L then flows into the second cavity 55 through the through holes 57 and 58, and from there is guided to the housing 36 through the exhaust port 43, where it can cool the brake disc, brake pads and brake caliper 9 which are at least partially received in the housing 36. The cooling air L flows along the brake disc, removing heat from the brake disc. The heated cooling air L can then be discharged from the brake caliper 9 through the through holes 38-42.

[0082] Optionally, a cooling air guide element 60 may be provided. The cooling air guide element 60 can be a separate component from the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 and is connected to the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 after manufacturing. However, this is not absolutely necessary. The cooling air guide element 60 can also be formed integrally with the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7, particularly from a single component material.

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

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

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

[0086] In Figure 7, the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 are shown partially cut away. Since vehicle 1 is stationary, the cooling air L is not guided through the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 by the vehicle's motion, as previously described. However, the flow of cooling air L through the cavities 54, 55 and through-holes 58, particularly the backflow, is generated by the chimney effect.

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

[0088] Figure 8, in particular, shows a cross-section through the wall 64 of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7. The wall 64 separates, for example, the first cavity 54 from the surrounding 4. The wall 64 has an outer surface 65 facing the surrounding 4 and opposite the first cavity 54, and an inner surface 66 facing the first cavity 54 and opposite the surrounding 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 have a central 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 molded sand, and this embossing can result in a polyhedral shape with a non-repeable structure. The surface structure of the inner surface 66 increases the heat transfer surface area and improves heat dissipation.

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

[0091] The wheel carrier and brake caliper module 67 comprises the aforementioned wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7, a wheel bearing 68 at least partially housed 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, which can be coated. A wear-resistant surface coating can be applied. This eliminates maintenance work and therefore provides a solution for the overall service life of the vehicle 1, thereby reducing total vehicle costs and operating costs and extending the service life.

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

[0093] For the installation and removal of the brake disc 70, the brake pads 73 and 74 are provided with recesses 75 and 76, respectively. These recesses 75 and 76 allow the brake disc 70 to be tilted during installation and removal. Therefore, the brake disc 70 will not collide with the brake pads 73 and 74, and jamming of the brake disc 70 is reliably prevented.

[0094] By using the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7, handling can be improved and noise emissions can be reduced. There is no need to install the wheel carrier 8 and brake caliper 9, and screws, cables, etc. are not required. Furthermore, the cooling of the brake caliper 9, brake disc 70 and / or brake pads 73, 74 is improved.

[0095] As a result, a more homogeneous heat distribution is achieved, and heat dissipation from critical areas of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 is improved. Cooling air L can be supplied in a targeted manner. Waste heat from the brake caliper 9, brake disc 70 and / or brake pads 73, 74 is dissipated in a targeted manner. Since the hydraulic line 53 is integrated into the brake caliper 9, an external brake fluid line is not required. 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 assembly 7 are integrally cast and machined. Increased rigidity reduces the overall weight of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7. Overall, the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 reduces the vehicle's weight, particularly its unsprung mass, improving handling. The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 directly reduces the vehicle's energy consumption. Increased rigidity also improves wheel alignment.

[0097] The wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 can be used to reduce overall costs in areas such as manufacturing, procurement, logistics, and assembly. The CO2 balance is improved because the wheel carrier 8 and brake caliper 9 can be produced as a single casting in one location, rather than in two separate factories. This applies to the casting itself, the required heat treatment (i.e., the heat treatment process), and even the final machining of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7, all within a single process.

[0098] Since only one transportation process is required from supplier to customer, there is no need to transport brake calipers, connecting bolts, washers, and brake fluid lines separately. In other words, only one delivery route is required at the vehicle factory. Combining the processes saves energy and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. Furthermore, thermal load capacity is increased. The wheel carrier and brake caliper unit 7 can be made smaller and lighter. Lighter weight directly impacts the reduction of fuel consumption and energy consumption.

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

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

[0101] On the one hand, the cavities 54 and 55 serve to reduce weight. On the other hand, the cavities 54 and 55 function as cooling passages with appropriate assembly and / or shape. Alternatively, these cooling passages can be formed by ducts made of plastic or other material inserted into the cavities 54 and 55. The orientation, shape and / or position are determined by the requirements of each vehicle.

[0102] The internal cavities 54 and 55 of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 are utilized to dissipate brake heat through the specific surface texture of the inner surface 66 and ducts. The inner surface 66 can be embossed with molded sand, which can consist of polyhedral sand grains with a non-repeable structure. In particular, the molded sand is intentionally selected to be coarse in order to create the surface structure of the inner surface 66. This provides further freedom in the design of the shape and size of the wheel carrier 8 and / or brake caliper 9.

[0103] The second cavity 55 runs horizontally through the wheel carrier and brake caliper device 7 when viewed from the front along the direction of travel F. Here, cooling air L is supplied through the first cavity 54 using a cooling air guide element 60. The cooling air L then exits through the exhaust port 43 into the housing 36 of the brake caliper 9. Next, the second cavity 55 is used to cool the brake disc 70 and brake caliper 9 while the vehicle 1 is running, and the cooling air L flows to and / or through the brake disc 70 and 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 third connection region 16 at the upper end of the neck portion 15. In this way, the first cavity 54 plays a role in dissipating heat when the vehicle 1 is stationary. Here, due to the chimney effect of the neck portion 15, heated cooling air L is taken out from the area 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, 27-30 of the neck portion 15.

[0105] Cooling channels can be formed within the cavities 54 and 55 by webs. These webs allow air to flow into each cavity 54 and 55 as desired. The webs can also be cast directly, for example, in the form of partition walls 56. Fins can be used to realize anchor plates that are partially integrated with the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7. When space is limited or higher strength is required, the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7 may need to be reinforced locally. For this purpose, inserts made of different materials, such as steel, can be inserted into the mold and sealed with the material of the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly 7.

[0106] Although the present invention has been described with reference to examples of embodiments, many modifications are possible. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0107] 1. Vehicle 2. Body 3. Inside the car 4. Surroundings 5...wheels 6...wheels 7. Wheel carrier and brake caliper device 8-Wheel Carrier 9. Brake caliper 10...Basic part 11. Through hole 12. Connection area 13. Arm section 14. Connection area 15. Neck section 16. Connection area 17...Front 18. Air intake 19...Air intake 20... Air intake 21... Air intake 22...Rear side 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...deep 32...bottom 33... Exhaust vent 34... Through hole 35...Web 36.. Storage Unit 37.. recessed 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... Boa 47... Boa 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... Pipe section 63...Exit section 64...wall 65...outer surface 66...Inner surface 67. Wheel carrier and brake caliper module 68... Wheel bearings 69... Wheel Hub 70... Brake disc 71...Surface 72...Surface 73... Brake pads 74...Brake pads 75···recess 76... recessed F...Direction of operation L... Cooling air x...length direction y...height direction z··· depth direction

Claims

1. A wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) for a vehicle (1), Wheel carrier (8) and, Equipped with a brake caliper (9), The wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9) are formed as a single cast part to create the wheel carrier and brake caliper assembly (7). The wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) surrounds a cavity (54, 55) through which cooling air (L) can be passed to cool the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7), The wall (64) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) that separates the cavities (54, 55) from the surrounding area (4) of the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) comprises an inner surface (66) facing the cavities (54, 55) and an outer surface (65) facing the surrounding area (4). The wheel carrier and brake caliper device wherein the inner surface (66) has a surface roughness greater than that of the outer surface (65).

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

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

4. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a hydraulic pipeline (53) is incorporated into the brake caliper (9), and a first double brake cylinder (44) of the brake caliper (9) and a second double brake cylinder (45) of the brake caliper (9) are in fluid communication.

5. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) are, The first cavity (54) is allocated to the wheel carrier (8), The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second cavity (55) allocated to the brake caliper (9).

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

7. The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 6, characterized in that the second cavity (55) has a bottom (59) through which cooling air (L) flows.

8. The wheel carrier (8) is provided with air intake ports (18-21) for introducing cooling air (L) into the cavities (54, 55), as described in claim 1 or 2, for the wheel carrier and brake caliper device.

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

10. The brake caliper (9) is provided with an exhaust port (43) that opens into the housing (36) of the brake caliper (9), The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the exhaust port (43) is in fluid communication with the cavities (54, 55).

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

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), as described in claim 1 or 2, for the wheel carrier and brake caliper device.

13. A through hole (34) is provided between the wheel carrier (8) and the brake caliper (9). The wheel carrier and brake caliper device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the wheel carrier (8) is connected to the brake caliper (9) by a web (35) that runs at least partially around the through hole (34).

14. A wheel carrier and brake caliper module (67) for a vehicle (1), A wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7) according to claim 1 or 2, Wheel bearings (68) for rotatably attaching the wheels (5, 6) of the vehicle (1) to the wheel carrier and brake caliper device (7), A wheel hub (69) to which the aforementioned wheels (5, 6) can be connected, A brake disc (70) connected to the wheel hub (69), The first brake pad (73) and Equipped with a second brake pad (74), A wheel carrier and brake caliper module in which the brake disc (70) is positioned between the first brake pad (73) and the second brake pad (74).

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) are provided with recesses (75, 76) that allow the brake disc (70) to be tilted during assembly and disassembly.

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