Bosch has begun series production of an innovative new rear-axle brake calliper for light commercial vehicles with integrated parking brake function.
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It was first fitted to the updated Ford Transit, launched earlier this year.
Two approaches have become established for integrating park brakes and rear disc brakes: one is a compact drum brake integrated into the rotor of the brake disc, while the other is a ball-in-ramp (BIR) mechanism integrated into the brake calliper.
In this case, the rotation transmitted through a Bowden cable to a lever on the brake calliper is converted by means of balls that run in a ramp-shaped groove into a translation with a very short distance, and therefore with high force; this, in turn, causes the brake piston to stop the vehicle.
In contrast to the first solution, a second, independent braking mechanism is not required here. This approach is therefore more compact and economical, but until now has been limited to automobile applications. The new BIRplus model can transmit a clamping force of up to 21 kilonewtons, which is some 40% greater. For that reason it is now possible to use it on light commercial vehicles.
The robust mechanism can, however, also be used on any car with an electric parking brake, in order to meet the high demands placed on the parking brake mechanism. Push-button operated parking brakes of this sort are being used increasingly, as they increase driver convenience. Doing away with the handbrake lever also gives greater flexibility to the interior design.
