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.

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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.