Braking system

Abstract

A control system (10) for a vehicle, comprising a braking system (1) of the Brake-By- Wire type, comprising a braking assembly, an actuating device (2), a brake pedal (3), a proximity sensor (4) positioned at the brake pedal (3), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is configured to acquire proximity data of the driver's body part with respect to the brake pedal (3), in a predetermined region at the brake pedal (3), electronic control means, wherein the braking system (1) is configured to perform a first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal (3) is less than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold and the approach speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold; and perform a second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, other than the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal (4) is less than or equal to the predetermined distance threshold and the approach speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold, and wherein the second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises an actuation of the actuating device (2).

Description

“Braking system”

[0001] Field of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a braking system of the Brake-By-Wire ("BBW") type of vehicles with two or more wheels actuatable by a driver by means of a brake pedal or lever.

[0003] Background art

[0004] In braking systems of the BBW type, there is a decoupling between the force and displacement imparted on the brake pedal or lever by the driver and the resulting braking force which is applied by the calipers to the vehicle wheels.

[0005] In particular, in BBW braking systems, the force and displacement imparted by the driver on the brake pedal or lever are transduced into an electrical signal, which is processed by a control unit to control an electromechanical actuating device of the braking system calipers.

[0006] One of the critical issues related to the known BBW braking systems is that they do not exhibit immediate responsiveness to the demand for braking force by the driver who actuates the brake pedal.

[0007] Specifically, such a lack of immediate responsiveness of the braking system occurs as a delay between the initial instant in which the driver actuates the brake pedal and the initial instant in which the electromechanical actuating device commands the actuation of the braking system calipers.

[0008] As a result, the brake pedal of a braking system has an initial idle stroke, i.e. , an initial fraction of the brake pedal stroke does not correspond to the generation of braking force by the braking system.

[0009] Attempts to solve such a critical issue by configuring the braking system so as to minimize or cancel the time interval between the instant in which the brake pedal is moved and the instant in which the control unit actuates the electromechanical actuation of the braking system calipers, thus attempting to achieve as much simultaneity as possible between the actuation of the brake pedal and the actuation of the electromechanical actuating device, are known to the inventors.

[0010] However, such a solution is not sufficient to minimize or cancel the time interval between the instant in which the brake pedal is actuated and the instant in which the braking system begins to apply a braking force, because the electromechanical actuating device has a chain of internal backlashes, inherent in the structural nature of the actuating device, which however causes a delay between the actuation of the actuating device and the actuation of the braking force.

[0011] A conceivable technical solution to minimize such a delay would be to keep the electromechanical actuating device constantly actuated, so as to keep the chain of internal backlashes in the actuating device constantly canceled. However, such a technical solution would result in excessively high energy consumption as well as a constant residual torque phenomenon at the vehicle wheels.

[0012] Solution

[0013] It is the object of the present invention to provide an improved braking system adapted to solve at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0014] It is a particular object of the present invention to provide a braking system having greater responsiveness to the demand for braking force by the driver who actuates the brake pedal.

[0015] It is a further particular object of the present invention to provide a braking system which minimizes or cancels the delay between the instant in which the brake pedal is actuated and the instant in which the braking system generates a braking force.

[0016] These and other objects are achieved by a braking system according to claim 1.

[0017] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention.

[0018] Figures

[0019] In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments thereof will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0020] - figure 1 is a perspective view of a braking system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0021] - figure 2 is a side view of the braking system shown in figure 1 ;

[0022] - figure 3 is a front view of the braking system shown in figure 1 ;

[0023] - figure 4 is a bottom view of the braking system shown in figure 1 ;

[0024] - figure 5 is a side view of a braking system, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0025] - figure 6 is a side view of a braking system, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0026] - figure 7 is a side view of a braking system, according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0027] - figure 8 is a front view of a braking system, according to a furtherembodiment of the invention;

[0028] - figure 9 is a front view of a braking system, according to a further embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Description of some preferred embodiments

[0030] With reference to the figures, a braking feel simulator device is generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The braking system 1 is of the Brake-By-Wire (BBW) type. The braking system 1 is included in a control system 10 for a vehicle.

[0031] The braking system 1 comprises a braking assembly. The braking assembly is configured to apply a braking force to a wheel or axle of a vehicle on which the braking system 1 is installed.

[0032] The braking system 1 comprises an actuating device 2, operatively connected to the braking assembly. The actuating device 2 is configured to actuate the braking assembly.

[0033] The braking system 1 comprises a brake pedal 3. The brake pedal 3 is actuatable by a driver's body part.

[0034] The braking system 1 is configured so that an actuation force impressed by the driver on the brake pedal 3 corresponds to a braking force applied by the braking assembly to the vehicle wheel or axle.

[0035] The braking system 1 further comprises at least one proximity sensor 4. The proximity sensor 4 is positioned at the brake pedal 3.

[0036] The proximity sensor 4 is configured to acquire proximity data of the driver's body part with respect to the brake pedal 3, in a predetermined region at the brake pedal 3.

[0037] The braking system 1 further comprises electronic control means.

[0038] The electronic control means are configured to process a distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal 3 based on proximity data acquired by the proximity sensor 4.

[0039] Furthermore, the electronic control means are configured to process an approach speed by the driver's body part to the pedal 3 based on proximity data acquired by the proximity sensor 4.

[0040] The braking system 1 is configured to:

[0041] - perform a first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal 3 is less than or equal to a predetermined distance thresholdand the approach speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold; and

[0042] - perform a second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, other than the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal 3 is less than or equal to the predetermined distance threshold and the approach speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold.

[0043] Furthermore, the second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises an actuation of the actuating device 2.

[0044] Advantageously, a braking system 1 thus configured exhibits greater responsiveness to the demand for braking force by the driver who actuates the brake pedal 3. In particular, the braking system 1 thus configured allows minimizing or cancelling the delay between the instant in which the brake pedal 3 is actuated and the instant in which the braking system 1 generates braking force. Indeed, the braking system 1 thus configured is capable of predicting the driver's intention to perform the braking action, by means of the proximity sensor 4 and the electronic control means, and actuate the actuating device 2 so as to overcome the chain of internal backlashes in the actuating device 2 and the braking assembly, making the braking system 1 ready to apply the braking action when the driver actuates the brake pedal 3.

[0045] According to an embodiment, the braking system 1 comprises a plurality of proximity sensors 4.

[0046] The control system 10 comprises the braking system 1 described above.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the control system 10 comprises a firewall 6.

[0048] The firewall 6 is positioned above the brake pedal 3. "Above" refers to an orientation of the brake pedal 3 and the firewall 1 installed in a vehicle.

[0049] Hereafter in the description, the terms "above," "below," "by the side of", "in front of", and "behind" will always refer to an orientation with respect to the brake pedal 3 installed inside the vehicle.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the firewall 6.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 faces the brake pedal 3.

[0052] Specifically, the proximity sensor 4 is connected to a surface of the firewall 6 facing the brake pedal 3.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the brake pedal 3 comprises a pedal 8 connected to a crank 9. The pedal 8 is directly actuatable by the driver's body part to actuate the brake pedal 3.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the firewall 6 comprises at least one planar portion and the proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the planar portion of the firewall 6.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned on the planar portion of the firewall 6 so that at least one axis 7 transverse to the planar portion of the firewall 6 passes through the proximity sensor 4 and the pedal 8 of the brake pedal 3 (figs. 1-4).

[0056] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor is oriented in the direction of the pedal 8.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the control system 10 comprises an accelerator pedal 12.

[0058] The accelerator pedal 12 is positioned adjacent to the brake pedal 3 and separated from the brake pedal 3 by a gap 11.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned at the gap 11. As a result, the proximity sensor 4 is interposed between the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is pointed toward the gap11 between the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is pointed toward the gap 11 , along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal12 (figs. 8-9).

[0062] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned above the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12, and is pointed toward the gap 11 , along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12 (fig. 8).

[0063] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned below the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12, and is pointed toward the gap 11 , along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12 (fig. 9).

[0064] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned behind the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12, and is pointed toward the gap 11 , along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned in front of the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12, and is pointed toward the gap 11 , along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal 3 and the accelerator pedal 12.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the control system 10 comprises any combination of proximity sensors positioned as described above.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the control system 10 comprises a support surface 13.

[0068] The brake pedal 3 is positioned on the support surface 13.

[0069] When provided, the accelerator pedal 12 is also positioned on the support surface 13.

[0070] According to an embodiment, at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned on the support plane 13 (fig. 7).

[0071] According to an embodiment, the braking system 1 comprises a braking feel simulator device 14.

[0072] The braking feel simulator device 14 is connected to the brake pedal 3.

[0073] The braking system 1 is configured so that an actuation force applied to the brake pedal 3 by a driver corresponds to a reaction force applied by the braking feel simulator device 14 to the brake pedal 3 as opposed to an actuation of the brake pedal 3.

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake pedal 3 is operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device 14 by means of a mechanical connection system 15. An actuation force applied by a driver to the brake pedal 3 is thus mechanically transferred to the braking feel simulator device 14.

[0075] For example, the mechanical connection system 15 is a hinge mechanism or an articulated connection.

[0076] The mechanical connection system 15 is configured to connect the crank 9 to the braking feel simulator device 14.

[0077] According to an embodiment, at least one proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the crank 9.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the crank 9 at the mechanical connection system 15 (fig. 5).

[0079] According to an embodiment, the mechanical connection system 15 comprises a thrust shaft 16 hinged to the crank 9 by means of a hinge 17.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the crank 9 at the hinge 17. Preferably, the proximity sensor 4 is positioned above the hinge 17.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the pedal 8.

[0082] According to an embodiment, at least one proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the braking feel simulator device 14 (fig. 6).

[0083] According to an embodiment, the braking feel simulator device 14 comprises at least one elastic element. The elastic element is configured to apply a reaction force in response to an actuation of the braking feel simulator device 14. Specifically, the at least one elastic element is configured to apply a reaction force to the brake pedal 3 in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3 by a driver.

[0084] The at least one elastic element is housed inside a housing body 18.

[0085] The thrust shaft 16 is configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element, in response to an actuation of the brake pedal 3. The at least one elastic element thus applies an opposing force against the actuation of the brake pedal 3.

[0086] According to an embodiment, at least one proximity sensor 4 is fixed to the housing body 18 (fig. 6).

[0087] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is externally connected to the housing body 18.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is pointed in the direction of the brake pedal 3.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is pointed in the direction of the pedal 8.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor is pointed in the direction of the crank 9 or both the pedal 8 and the crank 9.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned in front of the brake pedal 4.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned behind the brake pedal 3.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned by the side of the brake pedal 3.

[0094] According to an embodiment, at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned on the pedal 8 or on the crank 9.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the control system 10 comprises any combination of proximity sensors positioned as described above.

[0096] According to an embodiment, the brake pedal 3 is movable on a pedal plane 19.

[0097] Specifically, the pedal plane 19 is defined by the movement of a straight line 20 integral with the brake pedal 3 and interpolating the brake pedal 3.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the thrust shaft 16 is actuatable along anactuation axis 5. The actuation axis 5 is included in the pedal plane 19.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the at least one proximity sensor 4 is positioned at the pedal plane 19. Specifically, the pedal plane 19 passes through the proximity sensor 4.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is a camera.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is an infrared position sensor.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the proximity sensor 4 is at least one of:

[0103] - an optical sensor;

[0104] - an ultrasonic sensor;

[0105] - a laser sensor;

[0106] - a lidar sensor;

[0107] - a vision system.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the braking assembly comprises at least one brake disc, comprising a braking surface.

[0109] Furthermore, the braking system comprises a brake caliper. The brake caliper comprises at least one pad.

[0110] The at least one pad is operatively connected to the actuating device 2.

[0111] The actuating device 2 is configured to move the pad from an open position, in which the pad is spaced apart from the braking surface of the brake disc, to a closed position, in which the pad abuts against the braking surface of the brake disc.

[0112] According to an embodiment, the second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises an actuation of the actuating device 2 so as to position the at least one pad to abut against the braking surface of the brake disc, without substantially applying a braking force. As a result, the pad is adjacent against the braking surface, but applies a braking force substantially equal to zero.

[0113] Advantageously, the braking system 1 thus configured is capable of anticipating the driver's intention to perform the braking action, and the actuation of actuating device 2 allows cancelling the internal backlashes in the actuating device 2 and the braking assembly, bringing the pad already abutting against the braking surface, making the braking system 1 ready to perform the braking action when the driver presses the brake pedal 3.

[0114] According to an embodiment, the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises keeping the at least one pad in the opening position.

[0115] According to an embodiment, the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises keeping the actuating device 2 off.

[0116] Advantageously, such a configuration reduces the energy consumption of the braking system 1.

[0117] Obviously, those skilled in the art will be able to make changes or adaptations to the present invention, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.List of reference numerals1. Braking system2. Actuating device3. Brake pedal4. Proximity sensor5. Actuation axis6. Firewall7. Axis8. Pedal9. Crank10. Control system11. Gap12. Accelerator pedal13. Support surface14. Braking feel simulator device15. Mechanical connection system16. Thrust shaft17. Hinge18. Housing body19. Pedal plane20. Interpolating straight line

Claims

Claims1. A control system (10) for a vehicle, comprising a braking system (1) of the Brake-By- Wire type, comprising:- a braking assembly, configured to apply a braking force to a wheel or axle of a vehicle;- an actuating device (2), operatively connected to the braking assembly and configured to actuate the braking assembly,- a brake pedal (3), actuatable by a driver's body part, wherein the braking system (1) is configured so that an actuation force impressed by the driver on the brake pedal (3) corresponds to a braking force applied by the braking assembly to the vehicle wheel or axle,- at least one proximity sensor (4) positioned at the brake pedal (3), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is configured to acquire proximity data of the driver's body part with respect to the brake pedal (3), in a predetermined region at the brake pedal (3),- electronic control means, configured to process a distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal (3), and to process an approach speed of the driver's body part to the brake pedal (3), based on proximity data acquired by the proximity sensor (4), wherein the braking system (1) is configured to:- perform a first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal (3) is less than or equal to a predetermined distance threshold and the approach speed is less than a predetermined speed threshold; and- perform a second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, other than the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function, when the electronic control means determine that the distance between the driver's body part and the brake pedal (4) is less than or equal to the predetermined distance threshold and the approach speed is greater than or equal to the predetermined speed threshold, and wherein the second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises an actuation of the actuating device (2).

2. A control system (10) according to claim 1 , comprising a firewall (6) positioned above the brake pedal (3), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the firewall (6) facing the brake pedal (3).

3. A control system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the brake pedal (3) comprises a pedal (8) connected to a crank (9), wherein the pedal (8) is directly actuatable by thedriver's body part to actuate the brake pedal (3), wherein the firewall (6) comprises at least one planar portion and the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the planar portion of the firewall (6), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned on the planar portion of the firewall (6) so that at least one axis (7) transverse to the planar portion of the firewall (6) passes through the proximity sensor (4) and the pedal (8) of the brake pedal (3), and wherein, optionally, the proximity sensor is oriented in the direction of the pedal (8).

4. A control system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an accelerator pedal (12) positioned adjacent to the brake pedal (3) and spaced apart from the brake pedal (3) by a gap (11), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned at the gap (11), interposed between the brake pedal (3) and the accelerator pedal (12), and is pointed toward the gap (11) between the brake pedal (3) and the accelerator pedal (12), preferably along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal (3) and the accelerator pedal (12).

5. A control system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising an accelerator pedal (12) positioned adjacent to the brake pedal (3) and spaced apart from the brake pedal (3) by a gap (11), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned either above or below or behind or in front of the brake pedal (3) and the accelerator pedal (12), and is pointed at the gap (11), preferably along a direction substantially parallel to the brake pedal (3) and the accelerator pedal (12).

6. A control system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a support surface (13), wherein the brake pedal (3) is positioned on the support surface (13), and wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned on the support surface (13).

7. A control system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a braking feel simulator device (14) connected to the brake pedal (3), wherein the braking system (1) is configured so that an actuation force impressed on the brake pedal (3) by a driver corresponds to a reaction force applied by the braking feel simulator device (14) to the brake pedal (3) as opposed to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), wherein the brake pedal (3) is operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device(14) by means of a mechanical connection system (15), wherein the mechanical connection system (15) is configured to connect the crank (9) to the braking feel simulator device (14), and wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the crank (9), preferably at the mechanical connection system (15).

8. A control system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a braking feel simulator device (14) connected to the brake pedal (3), wherein the braking system (1) is configured so that an actuation force impressed on the brake pedal (3) by a driver corresponds to a reaction force applied by the braking feel simulator device (14) to the brake pedal (3) as opposed to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), wherein the brake pedal (3) is operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device (14) by means of a mechanical connection system (15), wherein the mechanical connection system (15) is configured to connect the crank (9) to the braking feel simulator device (14), wherein the mechanical connection system (15) comprises a thrust shaft (16) hinged to the crank (9) by means of a hinge (17), and wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the crank (9), at the hinge (17), preferably above the hinge (17), or wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the pedal (8).

8. A control system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a braking feel simulator device (14) connected to the brake pedal (3), wherein the braking system (1) is configured so that an actuation force impressed on the brake pedal (3) by a driver corresponds to a reaction force applied by the braking feel simulator device (14) to the brake pedal (3) as opposed to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the braking feel simulator device (14).

9. A control system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, comprising a braking feel simulator device (14) connected to the brake pedal (3), wherein the braking system (1) is configured so that an actuation force impressed on the brake pedal (3) by a driver corresponds to a reaction force applied by the braking feel simulator device (14) to the brake pedal (3) as opposed to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), wherein the brake pedal (3) is operatively connected to the braking feel simulator device (14) by means of a mechanical connection system (15),wherein the mechanical connection system (15) is configured to connect the crank (9) to the braking feel simulator device (14), wherein the mechanical connection system (15) comprises a thrust shaft (16) hinged to the crank (9) by means of a hinge (17), and wherein the braking feel simulator device (14) comprises at least one elastic element configured to apply a reaction force in response to an actuation of the braking feel simulation device (14), wherein the at least one elastic element is housed inside a housing body (18), wherein the thrust shaft (16) is configured to be biased against the at least one elastic element in response to an actuation of the brake pedal (3), and wherein the proximity sensor (4) is fixed to the housing body (18).

10. A control system (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor (4) is pointed in the direction of the brake pedal (3), and / or wherein the proximity sensor (4) is pointed in the direction of the pedal (8), and / or wherein the proximity sensor is pointed in the direction of the crank (9), or wherein the proximity sensor is pointed in the direction of both the pedal (8) and the crank (9).

11. A control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned in front of the brake pedal (4), and / or is positioned behind the brake pedal (3), and / or is positionable by the side of the brake pedal (3), and / or is positioned on a pedal (8) or a crank (9) of the brake pedal (3).

12. A control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the brake pedal (3) is movable in a pedal plane (19) defined by the movement of a straight line (20) integral with the brake pedal (3) and interpolating the brake pedal (3), and wherein the proximity sensor (4) is positioned at the pedal plane (19), so that the pedal plane (19) passes through the proximity sensor (4).

13. A control system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the proximity sensor (4) is at least one of:- a camera;- an infrared position sensor;- an optical sensor;- an ultrasonic sensor;- a laser sensor;- a lidar sensor;- a vision system.

14. A control system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the braking assembly comprises at least one brake disc comprising a braking surface, wherein the braking assembly comprises a brake caliper comprising at least one pad, wherein the at least one pad is operatively connected to the actuating device (2), wherein the actuating device (2) is configured to move the pad from an open position, in which the pad is spaced apart from the braking surface of the brake disc, to a closed position, in which the pad abuts against the braking surface of the brake disc, and wherein the second predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises an actuation of the actuating device (2) so as to position the at least one pad to abut against the braking surface of the brake disc, without substantially applying a braking force.

15. A control system (10) according to claim 14, wherein the first predetermined braking preparation or assistance function comprises keeping the at least one pad in the open position, or keeping the actuating device (2) deactivated.

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