JP2009166688A - Caliper brake - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a caliper brake capable of achieving both a reduction in vibration and noise and an increase in response of a braking operation.
A caliper brake 1 according to the present invention includes a brake pad, a brake actuator that displaces the brake pad in a direction in which the brake pad approaches or separates from the rotor, a housing 2 that holds the brake actuator, and the center of the rotor of the housing 2 Opening stiffness changing means 6 and 8 for changing the opening stiffness in the cross section including the axis are provided.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a caliper brake for applying a braking force to a vehicle such as an automobile.

  Generally, there is a caliper brake used in a vehicle such as an automobile as described in Patent Document 1. As shown in FIG. 9, the caliper brake 61 includes a rotor 62 that rotates in conjunction with a wheel, a pair of left and right brake pads 63, 64, and one brake pad 63 that approaches or separates from the rotor 62. A brake actuator 66 that is displaced, and a housing 65 that holds the brake actuator 66 and the other brake pad 64 are provided. The housing 65 is supported on the vehicle body side so as to be slidable in the direction of the central axis of the rotor 62. . The casing 65 has a U-shape in a cross section including the central axis direction so as to sandwich both end surfaces of the rotor 62 in the central axis direction.

  The brake actuator 66 is composed of a piston 67 and a cylinder 68. The fluid chamber 69 defined between the piston 67 and the cylinder 68 is filled with hydraulic oil and is proportional to the amount of depression of a brake pedal (not shown) by the driver. When the hydraulic pressure is transmitted to the liquid chamber 69, the piston 67 is displaced so as to be separated from the cylinder 68, and when one brake pad 63 is moved closer to the rotor 62 by the piston 67 and brought into contact therewith. The reaction force causes the housing 65 to slide to the left in FIG. 9, and the other brake pad 64 is moved closer to the rotor 62 by sliding the housing 65. , 64 are brought into contact with each other, and the vehicle is caused by the frictional force between the rotor 62 and the brake pads 63, 64 generated thereby. It is carried out of the braking action.

  In this case, generally, the thickness D in the central axis direction of the portion of the rotor 62 that is contacted by the brake pads 63 and 64 is not uniform in the circumferential direction, and the maximum value and the minimum value appear during one rotation of the rotor. Due to the maximum displacement amount ΔD that is the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value, the position of the brake pad 63 in contact with the rotor 62 in the center axis direction of the brake pad 63 that is in contact with the rotor 62 also changes as the rotor 62 rotates. The volume of the liquid chamber 69 defined by 67 and the cylinder 68 also changes. A hydraulic pulsation ΔP is generated in the hydraulic system for operating the brake actuator 66 by the volume change of the liquid chamber 69, that is, in the brake actuator 66 and the hydraulic piping 70.

This hydraulic pulsation ΔP propagates to the hydraulic system boosted by the same hydraulic compressor in the vehicle, and further propagates to various parts of the vehicle body such as the steering wheel, roof, floor, dash panel, instrument panel, etc. Vibration and noise are generated from each part of the car body. Such vibration and noise are particularly necessary for a driver or occupant when a relatively gentle braking operation is required, such as when moving from a highway to a general road, and a low oil pressure is continuously applied in the hydraulic system. It is easy to be perceived by and is likely to be a problem.
JP-A-6-171484

  In the case where such vibration and noise become significant, in order to prevent vibration from propagating from the hydraulic system, which is a vibration source due to the hydraulic pulsation ΔP, to each part of the vehicle body, It is preferable to reduce the rigidity in the direction R in which the U-shaped opening in the cross section including the central axis of the rotor 62, that is, the opening rigidity is low. Although it is preferable to increase the responsiveness, in adjusting the opening rigidity in the caliper brake 61, the radial thickness of the built-up portion 71 located on the opposite side to the outer peripheral surface of the rotor 62 of the housing 65 must be changed. However, it is difficult to achieve both the reduction of vibration and noise and the improvement of the response of the braking operation by using the same casing 65.

  In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a caliper brake that makes it possible to simultaneously reduce vibration and noise and improve the response of a braking operation.

In order to solve the above problem, the caliper brake according to the present invention is:
A brake pad, a brake actuator that displaces the brake pad in a direction in which the brake pad approaches or separates from the rotor, a housing that holds the brake actuator, and an opening rigidity in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing is changed. An opening stiffness changing means is provided.

  According to this, the opening rigidity within the cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the casing can be changed by the opening rigidity changing means under the condition that the casings are the same. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both reduction of vibration and noise and improvement of the response of the braking operation.

Here, in the caliper brake,
Hydraulic pulsation detecting means for detecting hydraulic pulsation of hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator caused by the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the thickness in the central axis direction of the rotor is provided. It is preferable to include control means for controlling the opening rigidity changing means so as to increase the opening rigidity when the noise is not equal to or higher than a predetermined hydraulic pulsation that exceeds a permissible value.

  According to this, when the hydraulic pulsation is not equal to or higher than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation in which vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is larger than an allowable value, the control means controls the opening rigidity changing means to increase the opening rigidity. If the hydraulic pulsation is greater than or equal to a predetermined hydraulic pulsation in which vibration or noise on the vehicle body is greater than an allowable value, the control means controls the opening stiffness changing means to increase the response of the braking operation. By not increasing the rigidity, the opening rigidity can be reduced, and vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be reduced.

Alternatively, in the caliper brake,
The maximum displacement amount detecting means for detecting the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the thickness in the central axis direction of the rotor is provided, and the maximum displacement amount is not equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount at which a vibration or noise on the vehicle body side becomes larger than an allowable value. Furthermore, it is good also as providing the control means which controls the said opening rigidity change means so that the said opening rigidity may be made high.

  Even in this case, the control means controls the opening stiffness changing means when the control parameter is the maximum displacement amount and the maximum displacement amount is not equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount at which vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is larger than an allowable value. Then, by increasing the opening rigidity, the responsiveness of the braking operation is enhanced, and when the maximum displacement amount is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount at which vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is larger than an allowable value, the control means However, by controlling the opening stiffness changing means so as not to increase the opening stiffness, the opening stiffness can be lowered and the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be reduced.

Here, in the caliper brake,
When the opening rigidity changing means does not increase the opening rigidity, it is preferable that the opening rigidity of the housing is set to a predetermined value in which vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation is less than an allowable value.

  According to this, when the opening rigidity is lowered by the opening rigidity changing means not increasing the opening rigidity, the opening rigidity is set to a vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation below an allowable value. Since it can be set to the predetermined value, the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be reduced, and the effect of reducing the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be further ensured by setting the value to the allowable value or less.

In the caliper brake,
In setting the opening rigidity of the casing to the predetermined value, it is preferable to adjust the radial thickness of the built-up portion that protrudes on the opposite side of the casing from the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor.

  According to this, the opening rigidity of the casing is more easily realized to the predetermined value, and the opening rigidity of the casing is determined to be a vehicle-side vibration or noise with respect to the hydraulic pulsation below an allowable value. In setting the value, since the radial thickness of the built-up portion is adjusted to be thin, the casing and thus the caliper brake as a whole can be reduced in weight.

  In other words, when the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side do not become larger than the allowable value, the predetermined value is subtracted from the opening rigidity higher than the predetermined value, which is necessary for improving the responsiveness of the braking operation. Since the difference in thickness can be borne by the opening rigidity changing means, the thickness in the radial direction of the built-up portion is reduced accordingly, so that the weight of the casing and the caliper brake as a whole can be reduced. it can.

In the caliper brake,
The opening stiffness changing means may include an actuator including a piston and a cylinder using hydraulic pressure and a solenoid valve.

  According to this, since the opening stiffness changing means can be configured using hydraulic pressure that is a power source that is originally used in the brake actuator of the caliper brake, the opening stiffness changing means can be made more reliable. Can be expensive.

In addition to this,
A plurality of the pistons may be provided for the cylinder.

  According to this, since a plurality of liquid chambers defined between the piston and the cylinder can be provided, the opening rigidity changing means acts on the casing in order to increase the opening rigidity of the casing. The opening force of the housing can be increased to a plurality of levels by using a plurality of levels of force.

Alternatively, in the caliper brake,
The opening stiffness changing means may be an actuator using an electromagnet.

  According to this, by controlling the current applied to the electromagnet, the force acting on the casing in order to increase the opening rigidity of the casing by the opening rigidity changing means is stepless, and the casing The opening rigidity of the body can be increased steplessly.

Alternatively, in the caliper brake,
The opening stiffness changing means may be constituted by an actuator composed of a piston and a cylinder using ER fluid and an electric field applying means. The ER fluid has a property that the viscosity increases when an electric field is applied.

  According to this, since the electric field is applied to the ER fluid filled in the liquid chamber defined between the piston and the cylinder, the viscosity can be controlled so as to increase. The force acting on the casing in order to increase the opening rigidity of the casing can be generated only when the casing is displaced in the opening direction.

Alternatively, in the caliper brake,
The opening stiffness changing means may be constituted by an actuator composed of a piston and a cylinder using MR fluid and a magnetic field applying means. MR fluid has the property of increasing viscosity when a magnetic field is applied.

  According to this, since the magnetic field is applied to the MR fluid filled in the liquid chamber defined between the piston and the cylinder, both can be controlled to increase the viscosity. The force applied to the casing in order for the opening rigidity changing means of the casing to increase the opening rigidity of the casing can be generated only when the casing is displaced in the opening direction.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the caliper brake which makes it possible to make compatible the reduction of a vibration and noise, and improving the response of a braking operation can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a caliper brake according to the present invention in a cross section including a central axis of a rotor. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a control result of one embodiment of the caliper brake according to the present invention. In addition, illustration is abbreviate | omitted about the component similar to the rotor 62 of the prior art shown in FIG. 9, the brake pads 63 and 64, and the brake actuator 66, and has shown only the component concerning this invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the caliper brake 1 of the first embodiment includes a pair of left and right brake pads (not shown), a brake actuator that displaces the left brake pad in a direction to approach or separate from a rotor (not shown), and a brake actuator. As an opening stiffness changing means that includes a holding housing 2 and controls the opening stiffness in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing 2, an actuator 6 including pistons 3 and 4 and a cylinder 5 using hydraulic pressure, A pipe 7 and an electromagnetic valve 8 are provided, and a brake ECU 9 (Electronic Control Unit), a hydraulic pressure sensor 10 and a gap sensor 11 are further provided.

  The actuator 6 is provided at a position where it does not overlap with the brake actuator in the circumferential direction so as not to interfere with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. For example, the actuator 6 is provided at both circumferential ends of the housing 2.

  The left end portion of the left piston 3 is provided with a disc-shaped portion 3a, and this disc-shaped portion 3a is embedded in the left side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by a technique such as cast walnut at the casting stage. It is. Further, the right end portion of the right piston 4 also includes a disc-shaped portion 4a, and this disc-shaped portion 4a is also embedded in the right side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by a similar method at the stage of casting. ing. The cylinder 5 is also embedded in a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor having a U-shaped cross section of the housing 2. The housing 2 is made of cast iron, for example, and the pistons 3 and 4 and the cylinder 5 are also made of cast iron, for example.

  A liquid chamber 12 defined by the piston 3 and the cylinder 5 and a liquid chamber 13 defined by the piston 4 and the cylinder 5 are liquid-tightly connected to a hydraulic system for operating the brake actuator by a bifurcated hydraulic pipe 7. The electromagnetic valve 8 is installed upstream of the bifurcated branch point of the hydraulic pipe 7, that is, on the hydraulic system side.

  The electromagnetic valve 8 communicates and shuts off the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13 with respect to the hydraulic system and discharges the hydraulic pressure in the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13 based on a command from a brake ECU 9 described later. It is selectable.

  The brake ECU 9 is composed of, for example, a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, a data bus that connects them to each other, and an input / output interface, and according to a program stored in the ROM, the CPU performs each process described below, thereby causing hydraulic pulsation. The detection means 9a, the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b, and the control means 9c are comprised.

  The hydraulic sensor 10 is disposed at any location of the hydraulic system that operates the brake actuator described above, detects the hydraulic pressure of the hydraulic oil in the hydraulic system, and outputs the detection result to the brake ECU 9. The gap sensor 11 detects the thickness of the rotor in the central axis direction at a position where it does not interfere with either the brake actuator or the actuator 6 of the housing 2 and outputs the detection result to the brake ECU 9.

  Based on the output of the hydraulic sensor 10, the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a of the brake ECU 9 calculates the maximum value of the hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator resulting from the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial thickness of the rotor. The hydraulic pulsation ΔP, which is the difference between the minimum values, is detected. Further, the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor based on the output of the gap sensor 11.

  The control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 determines the presence or absence of a driver's brake operation by a brake pedal (not shown) based on the output of a stop lamp switch (not shown), and detects the presence of the brake operation by the hydraulic pulsation detection means 9a. When the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than a predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side exceeds the allowable value, the solenoid valve 8 is set so that the hydraulic oil flows into the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13 of the actuator 6. When the piston 3 on the left side of the actuator 6 and the piston 4 on the right side of the actuator 6 are displaced so as to approach each other, the disk-shaped part 3a of the piston 3 and the disk-shaped part 4a of the piston 4 approach each other. The actuator 2 is actuated by applying a force in the direction in which the opening of the housing 2 having a U-shaped cross-section is narrowed. The opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the data 6.

  Similarly, when the maximum displacement amount ΔD detected by the maximum displacement amount detection unit 9b is not equal to or greater than the predetermined maximum displacement amount β at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body exceeds the allowable value, the control unit 9c of the brake ECU 9 The electromagnetic valve 8 is opened so that the hydraulic oil flows into the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13, and the left piston 3 and the right piston 4 of the actuator 6 are displaced so as to approach each other. Thus, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased.

  Note that the opening rigidity of the housing 2 when the opening rigidity cannot be increased by the actuator 6 is set to a predetermined value γ that makes the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation obtained in advance by an actual vehicle test equal to or less than an allowable value. Further, when the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is set to the predetermined value γ, the radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the housing 2 is adjusted. Compared with the built-up portion 71 provided in the housing 65 shown in FIG. 9, the radial thickness of the built-up portion is set to zero.

  Hereinafter, the control content of the brake ECU 9 related to the caliper brake 1 of the first embodiment will be described using a flowchart. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of control by one embodiment of the caliper brake according to the present invention.

  As shown in S1, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 detects the output of the stop lamp switch, and in S2, based on this detection result, determines the presence or absence of the brake operation by the driver's brake pedal, If YES, proceed to S3, and if NO, return to S1.

  In S3, the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a of the brake ECU 9 determines the hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator caused by the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the thickness in the central axis direction of the rotor based on the output of the hydraulic sensor 10. Based on the output of the gap sensor 11, the maximum displacement amount detecting means 9b of the brake ECU 9 detects the hydraulic pulsation ΔP which is the difference between the maximum value and the minimum value, and the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor. ΔD is detected.

  In S4, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 determines that the hydraulic pulsation ΔP detected by the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a is greater than or equal to a predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body is greater than an allowable value, or the maximum displacement. It is determined whether or not the maximum displacement amount ΔD detected by the amount detection means 9b is equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount β at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body is greater than the allowable value. Proceed to S8.

  In S5, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 opens the electromagnetic valve 8 so that the hydraulic oil flows into the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13 of the actuator 6, and the left piston 3 and the right piston 4 of the actuator 6 are opened. Are displaced so as to approach each other, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the actuator 6, and the process proceeds to S6.

  In S6, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 again detects the output of the stop lamp switch, and in S7, based on the detection result, determines the presence or absence of the brake operation by the driver's brake pedal. Return to S5, and if none, control is terminated.

  In S8, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 causes the electromagnetic valve 8 to discharge so that the hydraulic oil is discharged from the liquid chamber 12 and the liquid chamber 13 of the actuator 6, and the left piston 3 and the right piston of the actuator 6 are discharged. 4 is stopped so as to approach each other, and the actuator 6 is stopped from increasing the opening rigidity of the casing 2 to set the opening rigidity of the casing 2 to a predetermined value γ.

  According to the caliper brake 1 of the first embodiment, which is implemented according to the control contents described above, the following operational effects can be obtained. That is, the opening stiffness in the cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing 2 is changed by the opening stiffness changing means including the actuator 6 and the electromagnetic valve 8 under the condition that the housing 2 is the same. can do. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both reduction of vibration and noise and improvement of the response of the braking operation.

  Further, when the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is larger than the allowable value, or the predetermined maximum displacement amount at which the maximum displacement amount ΔD is greater than the allowable value on the vehicle body side. When the control means 9c controls the opening rigidity changing means including the actuator 6 and the electromagnetic valve 8 so as to increase the opening rigidity of the housing 2 when β is not greater than or equal to β, the following effects can be obtained. be able to.

  That is, when the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is larger than the allowable value, or the predetermined maximum displacement amount at which the maximum displacement amount ΔD is greater than the allowable value on the vehicle body side. When β is not greater than β, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased, thereby reducing the amount of liquid consumed in the brake actuator and increasing the response of the braking operation as shown in (2) in FIG. When the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is greater than or equal to a predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is greater than the allowable value, or the predetermined maximum displacement amount at which the maximum displacement amount ΔD is greater than the allowable value on the vehicle body side. When β is greater than or equal to β, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is not increased, thereby lowering the opening rigidity and increasing the amount of liquid consumed in the brake actuator as shown by (1) in FIG. Thus, vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be reduced.

  Further, when the opening rigidity changing means including the actuator 6 and the electromagnetic valve 8 does not increase the opening rigidity of the casing 2, the opening rigidity of the casing 2 is allowed to allow vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to hydraulic pulsation. When the opening stiffness changing means lowers the opening stiffness by not increasing the opening stiffness of the housing 2 by setting the predetermined value γ to be equal to or less than the value, the opening stiffness of the housing 2 is reduced on the vehicle body side against the hydraulic pulsation. Since the vibration or noise can be set to a predetermined value γ that makes the vibration or noise less than or equal to the allowable value, the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be reduced and the effect of reducing the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side can be made more reliable by making the vibration or noise less than the allowable value can do.

  Further, when the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is set to the predetermined value γ, the radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the housing 2 is adjusted. Since the radial thickness of the built-up portion as shown in FIG. 9 is adjusted to be thin, the weight of the casing 2 and thus the caliper brake 1 as a whole can be reduced.

  In other words, in the case where the vibration and noise on the vehicle body side are not larger than the allowable value, the difference obtained by subtracting the predetermined value γ from the opening rigidity higher than the predetermined value γ, which is necessary for improving the response of the braking operation, that is, the feeling. Can be borne by the opening rigidity changing means including the actuator 6 and the electromagnetic valve 8, and accordingly, the radial thickness of the built-up portion can be reduced, and the casing 2 and the caliper brake can be reduced accordingly. The weight of the entire 1 can be reduced.

  In addition, according to the configuration in which the opening stiffness changing means includes the actuator 6 including the pistons 3 and 4 and the cylinder 5 using the hydraulic pressure and the electromagnetic valve 8, it is originally used in the brake actuator of the caliper brake 1. Since the opening stiffness changing means can be configured using hydraulic pressure as a power source, the opening stiffness changing means can be made more reliable.

  In addition, about the opening rigidity change means comprised by the solenoid valve 8 and the actuator 6, it can replace with the thing of the form mentioned above, and can also be the thing of the following forms. 4 and 5 are schematic views showing another embodiment of the caliper brake according to the present invention in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of, here, two pistons 3, 4 are provided for one cylinder 5, and two liquid chambers 12, 13 defined between the pistons 3, 4 and the cylinder 5 are provided. The solenoid valve 8 is provided on the downstream side of the branch point of the bifurcated pipe 7, that is, on the cylinder 5 side. In this case, opening both of the two solenoid valves 8 by opening only one of the two solenoid valves 8 and discharging both of the two solenoid valves 8 are performed. It is possible to increase the opening rigidity of the casing 2 in two stages by using two stages of force acting on the casing 2 in order for the rigidity changing means to increase the opening rigidity of the casing 2.

  That is, although not shown here, when the oil pressure detected by the oil pressure pulsation detecting means 9a by the oil pressure sensor 10 exceeds the threshold value ε, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 opens both the electromagnetic valves 8 and opens the housing. When the opening rigidity of the body 2 is increased and the hydraulic pressure is less than or equal to the threshold value ε, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 opens only one solenoid valve 8, thereby opening the casing 2 to reduce the hydraulic pressure. When the threshold value ε is exceeded, the opening stiffness changing means can be controlled to be highly flexible in accordance with the hydraulic pressure by increasing the value so as to be a lower value.

  That is, as the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder of the brake actuator increases, the hydraulic rigidity is increased by the opening rigidity changing means in response to the increase in the opening rigidity of the housing 2 necessary to increase the response of the braking operation. Accordingly, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 can be increased.

  Further, instead of providing a plurality of pistons 3 and 4 here for one cylinder 5, as shown in FIG. 5, only one piston 4 may be provided. In that case, the left end portion of the cylinder 5 is provided with a disc-shaped portion 5a as provided in the above-described piston 3, and the disc-shaped portion 5a is embedded in the housing 2 by a technique such as cast-in. As a result, when the working fluid is fed into the liquid chamber 13 of the actuator 6, the disc-shaped portion 5a and the disc-shaped portion 3a are displaced so as to approach each other. As with the actuator 6 shown in FIG. Of course, the positional relationship between the piston 4 and the cylinder 5 can be reversed left and right.

  In the first embodiment described above, the opening stiffness changing means is configured to include the actuator 6 and the electromagnetic valve 8, but the opening stiffness changing means may be configured to include an actuator using an electromagnet. The second embodiment will be described below.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the caliper brake according to the present invention in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to what was shown in Example 1, and the overlapping description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the caliper brake 21 of the second embodiment includes a pair of left and right brake pads (not shown), a brake actuator that displaces the left brake pad in a direction to approach or separate from a rotor (not shown), and a brake actuator. An opening 26 is provided in the piston 23 and includes an actuator 26 including pistons 23 and 24 and a cylinder 25 as an opening stiffness changing unit that includes the housing 2 to be held and controls the opening stiffness in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing 2. An electromagnet 27, an electromagnet 28 provided on the piston 24, a wiring 29 that applies current to the electromagnets 27 and 28, a brake ECU 9 (Electronic Control Unit), a hydraulic pressure sensor 10, and a gap sensor 11 are provided.

  Also in this case, the actuator 26 is provided at a position where it does not overlap with the brake actuator in the circumferential direction so as not to interfere with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor.

  The left end portion of the left piston 23 is provided with a disc-shaped portion 23a, and this disc-shaped portion 23a is embedded on the left side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by a technique such as cast walnut at the casting stage. It is. The right end portion of the right piston 24 also has a disc-shaped portion 24a, and this disc-shaped portion 24a is also embedded in the right side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by the same method at the casting stage. ing. The cylinder 25 is also embedded in a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor having a U-shaped cross section of the housing 2. The housing 2 is made of cast iron, for example, and the pistons 23 and 24 and the cylinder 25 are made of cast iron, for example.

  A first coil that forms part of the wiring 29 is wound around a cylindrical portion that slides on the inner peripheral surface of the cylinder 25 on the right side of the piston 23 to form an electromagnet 27. A second coil that forms part of the wiring 29 is wound around the cylindrical portion that slides with the inner peripheral surface to form an electromagnet 28. When the first coil and the second coil are wound in the same direction and current is applied by the wiring 29 based on the control of the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9, the electromagnet 27 and the electromagnet 28 are electromagnetic in the same direction. A force is generated, and a suction force is generated in the direction in which the cylinders 25 approach each other.

  Based on the output of the hydraulic sensor 10, the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a of the brake ECU 9 calculates the maximum value of the hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator resulting from the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial thickness of the rotor. The hydraulic pulsation ΔP, which is the difference between the minimum values, is detected. Further, the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor based on the output of the gap sensor 11.

  The control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 determines the presence or absence of a driver's brake operation by a brake pedal (not shown) based on the output of a stop lamp switch (not shown), and detects the presence of the brake operation by the hydraulic pulsation detection means 9a. When the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side exceeds the allowable value, the wiring 29 is configured to generate a force that the electromagnet 27 and the electromagnet 28 of the actuator 26 attract each other. By applying an electric current to displace the left piston 23 and the right piston 24 of the actuator 26 so as to approach each other, the disk-shaped portion 23a of the piston 23 and the disk-shaped portion 24a of the piston 24 approach each other. So that the opening of the housing 2 having a U-shaped cross section becomes narrower. And the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the actuator 26.

  Similarly, when the maximum displacement amount ΔD detected by the maximum displacement amount detection unit 9b is not equal to or greater than the predetermined maximum displacement amount β at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body is greater than the allowable value, the control unit 9c of the brake ECU 9 By applying an electric current to the wiring 29 so that the electromagnet 27 and the electromagnet 28 attract each other, the left piston 23 and the right piston 24 of the actuator 26 are displaced so as to approach each other. The disk-shaped portion 23a of the piston 23 and the disk-shaped portion 24a of the piston 24 are displaced so as to approach each other, and a force is applied in a direction in which the opening portion of the housing 2 having a U-shaped cross section becomes narrow, The opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the actuator 26.

  Note that the opening rigidity of the housing 2 when the opening rigidity cannot be increased by the actuator 26 is the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation obtained in advance by an actual vehicle test, as in the first embodiment. The predetermined value γ is set. Further, when the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is set to the predetermined value γ, the radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the housing 2 is adjusted. Compared with the built-up portion 71 provided in the housing 65 shown in FIG. 9, the radial thickness of the built-up portion is set to zero.

  The flowchart showing the control contents of the second embodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment except for the control contents specific to the opening stiffness changing means using hydraulic pressure. I will omit the explanation. According to the caliper brake 21 of the second embodiment, in addition to the functions and effects shown in the first embodiment, the following functions and effects can be obtained.

  That is, the current applied to the electromagnets 27 and 28 is controlled by the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9, whereby the actuator 26 including the pistons 23 and 24 and the cylinder 25, the electromagnet 27 provided on the piston 23, and the piston 24 are provided. The opening stiffness changing means configured to include the electromagnet 28 and the wiring 29 for applying current to the electromagnets 27 and 28 has a stepless force acting on the housing 2 in order to increase the opening stiffness of the housing 2. As a result, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 can be increased steplessly.

  That is, although illustration is omitted here, the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 controls the current of the wiring 29 in accordance with the hydraulic pressure detected by the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a by the hydraulic pressure sensor 10, thereby increasing the opening rigidity of the housing 2. The amount of change according to the hydraulic pressure is increased, and the control of the opening stiffness changing means can be made more flexible according to the hydraulic pressure. That is, as the hydraulic pressure in the cylinder of the brake actuator increases, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 required to increase the responsiveness of the braking operation increases, and the hydraulic pressure is changed by the opening rigidity changing means in a more detailed manner. The opening rigidity of the housing 2 can be increased in accordance with the increase of.

  In the second embodiment described above, the opening stiffness changing means includes the actuator 26 and the electromagnets 27 and 28. However, the opening stiffness changing means may be configured to include an actuator using ER fluid. Hereinafter, Example 3 will be described.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing an embodiment of a caliper brake according to the present invention in a cross section including a central axis of a rotor. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to what was shown in Example 1, and the overlapping description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the caliper brake 31 of the third embodiment includes a pair of left and right brake pads (not shown), a brake actuator that displaces the left brake pad in a direction to approach or separate from a rotor (not shown), and a brake actuator. Pistons 33, 34 and a cylinder 35 using an ER fluid (Electro-Rheological Fluid) as an opening stiffness changing means having a housing 2 to be held and controlling opening stiffness in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing 2 An actuator 36, a wiring 37 for applying a voltage to the ER fluid, an electrode 38, an electrode 39, and a wiring 40, and further includes a brake ECU 9 (Electronic Control Unit), a hydraulic sensor 10, and a gap sensor 11. I have. Also here, the actuator 36 is provided at a position where it does not overlap with the brake actuator in the circumferential direction so as not to interfere with the outer peripheral surface of the rotor. For example, it is provided at both circumferential ends of the housing 2.

  The left end portion of the left piston 33 is provided with a disc-shaped portion 33a, and this disc-shaped portion 33a is embedded in the left side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by a technique such as cast walnut at the casting stage. It is. Further, the right end portion of the right piston 34 also includes a disc-shaped portion 34a, and this disc-shaped portion 34a is also embedded in the right side of the U-shaped cross section of the housing 2 by a similar method at the stage of casting. ing. The cylinder 35 is also embedded in a surface facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor having a U-shaped cross section of the housing 2. The housing 2 is made of cast iron, for example, and the pistons 33 and 34 and the cylinder 35 are made of cast iron, for example.

  The liquid chamber 41 defined by the piston 33 and the cylinder 35 and the liquid chamber 42 defined by the piston 34 and the cylinder 35 are pre-filled with ER fluid, and the outer periphery of the cylinder 35 constituting the liquid chamber 42. An arc column-shaped electrode 38 is disposed on the surface, and an arc column-shaped electrode 39 is also disposed on the outer peripheral surface of the cylinder 35 constituting the liquid chamber 41. The electrode 38 is connected to the + side of the brake ECU 9 by a wiring 37, and the electrode 39 is connected to the GND side of the brake ECU 9 by a wiring 40.

  A voltage is applied to the electrode 38 based on a command from the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9, and it can be selected to apply an electric field to the ER fluid inside the liquid chamber 41 and the liquid chamber 42.

  Based on the output of the hydraulic sensor 10, the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a of the brake ECU 9 calculates the maximum value of the hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator resulting from the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial thickness of the rotor. The hydraulic pulsation ΔP, which is the difference between the minimum values, is detected. Further, the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor based on the output of the gap sensor 11.

  The control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 determines the presence or absence of a driver's brake operation by a brake pedal (not shown) based on the output of a stop lamp switch (not shown), and detects the presence of the brake operation by the hydraulic pulsation detection means 9a. When the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side exceeds the allowable value, or the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount detected by the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b. When ΔD is not equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount β at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is greater than the allowable value, a voltage is applied to the wiring 37 so as to apply a voltage between the electrode 38 and the electrode 39, and the liquid chamber 41 and the viscosity of the ER fluid inside the liquid chamber 42 are increased.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the left piston 33 and the right piston 34 of the actuator 36 from being displaced so as to be separated from each other when the housing 2 is opened in accordance with the operation of the brake actuator. This prevents the disc-shaped portion 33a of the piston 33 and the disc-shaped portion 34a of the piston 34 from being displaced apart from each other, thereby opening the opening of the housing 2 having a U-shaped cross section. And the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the actuator 36.

  Note that the opening rigidity of the casing 2 when the opening rigidity cannot be increased by the actuator 36 is set to a predetermined value γ that makes the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation obtained in advance by an actual vehicle test less than an allowable value. Further, when the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is set to the predetermined value γ, the radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the housing 2 is adjusted. Compared with the built-up portion 71 provided in the housing 65 shown in FIG. 9, the radial thickness of the built-up portion is set to zero.

  Here, the flowchart showing the control contents of the third embodiment is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment except for the control contents specific to the opening stiffness changing means using hydraulic pressure. Illustration and explanation are omitted.

  According to the caliper brake 31 of the third embodiment described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained in addition to the functions and effects obtained by the caliper brake 1 shown in the first embodiment. In other words, the opening stiffness changing means can be constituted by an electric field applying means constituted by the actuator 36 including the pistons 33 and 34 and the cylinder 35 using the ER fluid, the electrode 38 and the electrode 39.

  According to this, it is possible to control the viscosity to increase by applying an electric field to the ER fluid filled in the liquid chambers 41 and 42 defined between the pistons 33 and 34 and the cylinder 35. Therefore, the force applied to the casing 2 by the opening rigidity changing means to increase the opening rigidity of the casing 2 can be generated only when the casing 2 is displaced in the opening direction in accordance with the operation of the brake actuator. it can.

  In the above-described third embodiment, the opening stiffness changing means is configured to include the actuator using the ER fluid, but may be configured to include the actuator using the MR fluid. Hereinafter, Example 4 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing another embodiment of the caliper brake according to the present invention in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected about the component similar to what was shown in Example 3, and the overlapping description is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the caliper brake 51 of the fourth embodiment includes a pair of left and right brake pads (not shown), a brake actuator that displaces the left brake pad in a direction to approach or separate from a rotor (not shown), and a brake actuator. Pistons 33, 34 and a cylinder 35 using an ER fluid (Magneto-Rheological Fluid) as an opening stiffness changing means that includes a holding housing 2 and controls the opening stiffness in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing 2. And a wiring 43 for applying a magnetic field to the ER fluid, a brake ECU 9 (Electronic Control Unit), a hydraulic pressure sensor 10, and a gap sensor 11.

  The liquid chamber 41 defined by the piston 33 and the cylinder 35 and the liquid chamber 42 defined by the piston 34 and the cylinder 35 are pre-filled with MR fluid. A part of the wiring 43 is connected to the + side of the brake ECU 9 and the other side of the wiring 43 is connected to the GND side of the brake ECU 9.

  A current is applied to the wiring 43 based on a command from the control means 9 c of the brake ECU 9, and a magnetic field is applied to the MR fluid in the liquid chamber 41 and the liquid chamber 42 by a coil that forms a part of the wiring 43. It is something that can be selected.

  Based on the output of the hydraulic sensor 10, the hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9a of the brake ECU 9 determines the maximum value and minimum value of the hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator due to the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor. A hydraulic pulsation ΔP, which is a difference in values, is detected. Further, the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount ΔD in the circumferential direction of the central axial direction thickness of the rotor based on the output of the gap sensor 11.

  The control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 determines the presence or absence of a driver's brake operation by a brake pedal (not shown) based on the output of a stop lamp switch (not shown), and detects the presence of the brake operation by the hydraulic pulsation detection means 9a. When the hydraulic pulsation ΔP is not equal to or greater than the predetermined hydraulic pulsation α at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side exceeds the allowable value, or the control means 9c of the brake ECU 9 detects the maximum displacement amount detected by the maximum displacement amount detection means 9b. When ΔD is not equal to or larger than the predetermined maximum displacement amount β at which the vibration or noise on the vehicle body side is greater than the allowable value, a current is applied to the wiring 43 to increase the viscosity of the MR fluid inside the liquid chamber 41 and the liquid chamber 42.

  Thereby, it is possible to prevent the left piston 33 and the right piston 34 of the actuator 36 from being displaced so as to be separated from each other when the housing 2 is opened in accordance with the operation of the brake actuator. This prevents the disc-shaped portion 33a of the piston 33 and the disc-shaped portion 34a of the piston 34 from being displaced apart from each other, thereby opening the opening of the housing 2 having a U-shaped cross section. And the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is increased by the actuator 36.

  In this case as well, the opening rigidity of the housing 2 when the opening rigidity cannot be increased by the actuator 36 is set to a predetermined value γ that causes the vibration or noise on the vehicle body with respect to the hydraulic pulsation obtained in advance by an actual vehicle test to be not more than an allowable value. Further, when the opening rigidity of the housing 2 is set to the predetermined value γ, the radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the housing 2 is adjusted. Compared with the built-up portion 71 provided in the housing 65 shown in FIG. 9, the radial thickness of the built-up portion is set to zero.

  Here, the flowchart showing the control contents of the fourth embodiment is the same as the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 of the first embodiment except for the control contents specific to the opening stiffness changing means using hydraulic pressure. Illustration and explanation are omitted.

  According to the caliper brake 51 of the fourth embodiment described above, the following functions and effects can be obtained in addition to the functions and effects obtained by the caliper brake 1 shown in the first embodiment. That is, the opening rigidity changing means can be constituted by a magnetic field applying means constituted by the actuator 36 including the pistons 33 and 34 and the cylinder 35 using the MR fluid and the wiring 43.

  According to this, it is possible to control the viscosity to increase by applying a magnetic field to the MR fluid filled in the liquid chambers 41 and 42 defined between the pistons 33 and 34 and the cylinder 35. Therefore, the force applied to the casing 2 by the opening rigidity changing means to increase the opening rigidity of the casing 2 can be generated only when the casing 2 is displaced in the opening direction in accordance with the operation of the brake actuator. it can.

  Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications and substitutions are made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. be able to.

  For example, in this embodiment, the caliper brake is a floating type in which the casing is slidable in the direction of the central axis of the rotor with respect to the vehicle body side, but the pair of left and right brake pads are independently approached or separated from the rotor. It is good also as an opposing type | mold provided with the brake actuator to which it is displaced.

  Moreover, in the Example mentioned above, although the piston and the cylinder were comprised with cast iron, it is also possible to comprise with resin.

  The present invention relates to a technique for preventing vibration and noise reduction of each part of a vehicle body, and makes it possible to achieve both reduction of vibration and noise and improvement of responsiveness of a braking operation. Since the desired effect can be obtained by the change, it is useful when applied to various vehicles such as passenger cars, trucks, buses and the like.

It is a mimetic diagram showing one embodiment of a caliper brake concerning the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the control result of one Embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the control content by one Example of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows other embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows other embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows other embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows other embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows other embodiment of the caliper brake concerning this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the conventional caliper brake.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Caliper brake 2 Case 3 Piston 4 Piston 5 Cylinder 6 Actuator 7 Hydraulic piping 8 Solenoid valve 9 Brake ECU
9a Hydraulic pulsation detecting means 9b Maximum displacement detecting means 9c Control means 10 Hydraulic sensor 11 Gap sensor 12 Liquid chamber 13 Liquid chamber 21 Caliper brake 23 Piston 24 Piston 25 Cylinder 26 Actuator 27 Electromagnet 28 Electromagnet 29 Wiring 31 Caliper brake 33 Piston 34 Piston 35 Cylinder 36 Actuator 37 Wiring 38 Electrode 39 Electrode 40 Wiring 41 Liquid chamber 42 Liquid chamber 51 Caliper brake 43 Wiring

Claims (10)

  A brake pad, a brake actuator that displaces the brake pad in a direction in which the brake pad approaches or separates from the rotor, a housing that holds the brake actuator, and an opening rigidity in a cross section including the central axis of the rotor of the housing is changed. A caliper brake characterized by comprising an opening rigidity changing means.   Hydraulic pulsation detecting means for detecting hydraulic pulsation of hydraulic pressure used for the operation of the brake actuator caused by the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the thickness in the central axis direction of the rotor is provided. 2. The caliper brake according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the opening stiffness changing unit so as to increase the opening stiffness when the noise is not equal to or greater than a predetermined hydraulic pulsation that exceeds an allowable value.   The maximum displacement amount detecting means for detecting the maximum displacement amount in the circumferential direction of the thickness in the central axis direction of the rotor is provided, and the maximum displacement amount is not equal to or greater than a predetermined maximum displacement amount at which a vibration or noise on the vehicle body side becomes larger than an allowable value The caliper brake according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the opening rigidity changing means so as to increase the opening rigidity.   The opening rigidity of the housing when the opening rigidity changing means does not increase the opening rigidity is set to a predetermined value that makes a vibration or noise on the vehicle body side with respect to the hydraulic pulsation less than an allowable value. Item 4. The caliper brake according to Item 2 or 3.   The radial thickness of the built-up portion protruding to the opposite side to the side facing the outer peripheral surface of the rotor of the casing is adjusted when the opening rigidity of the casing is set to the predetermined value. The caliper brake according to 4.   The caliper brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening rigidity changing means includes an actuator including a piston and a cylinder using hydraulic pressure and an electromagnetic valve.   The caliper brake according to claim 6, wherein a plurality of the pistons are provided for the cylinder.   The caliper brake according to claim 1, wherein the opening stiffness changing means is an actuator using an electromagnet.   The caliper brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening stiffness changing means includes an actuator composed of a piston and a cylinder using ER fluid and an electric field applying means.   The caliper brake according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the opening stiffness changing means includes an actuator including a piston and a cylinder using MR fluid and a magnetic field applying means.

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