SE546307C2 - Caliper unit with a wear sensor device, and method for registering wear on brake pads and brake disc of a caliper unit of a disc brake - Google Patents

Abstract

SUMMARY Brake caliper unit (1,1') for a disc brake, in particular for rail vehicles, with two yoke arms (2,3), a brake cylinder (8), an adjustment module (9), brake pads (4,5) and a wear sensor device (11,11',11") with at least one sensor element (24,24') and an evaluation unit (12). The wear sensor device (11,11',11") is connected to the two yoke arms (2,3) in parallel with the adjustment module (9) and/or the brake cylinder (8) in coupling shafts. And a method for determining wear of brake pads (4,5) and brake discs in a brake caliper unit (1,1') in a disc brake.

Description

BRAKE CALIPER UNIT WITH A WEAR SENSOR DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REGISTRATION OF WEAR ON BRAKE PADS AND BRAKE DISC OF A BRAKE CALIPER UNIT OF A DISC BRAKE The invention relates to a brake caliper unit with a wear sensor device according to the preamble to claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for detecting wear of brake pads and brake discs in a brake caliper unit with a disc brake.

Due to their braking effect, such caliper units are widely distributed within the railway industry, in particular for locomotives, tramways and multi-articulated trains is called.

During daily braking operation, the brake pads and brake discs wear out. For safety reasons, the condition of the brakes must be regularly tested, whereby the test procedure up to now depends on the maintenance staff's visual test of the brake pads and brake discs. This is cost-intensive and requires well-trained maintenance personnel zonal.

An automatic wear detection is known for disc brakes, for example from the document WO 2018/178018 A1. According to this document, a non-contact control sensor is inserted against or in the brake pad holder or against or in a brake caliper arm connected to the brake pad holder. The sensor measures the distance to a side surface of the brake disc in order to calculate the wear of the brake pad. However, such a device is considered disadvantageous because it is too sensitive, therefore for a robust operation requires too much protection.

In addition, only the wear of the brake pad will be sensed and some wear of the disc cannot be determined.

The purpose of the invention is to provide an improved brake caliper unit with an automatic wear detection for brake pads and brake disc, whereby costs and maintenance time are reduced.

An additional task is to specify an improved procedure for detecting wear- ning of brake pads and brake discs at a brake caliper unit for a disc brake.

The task is solved through the object according to patent claims The additional task is solved by a procedure according to patent claims An inventive idea consists in sensing the wear by means of at least one wear sensor cable, which is connected in parallel with a brake cylinder and/or an adjustment module of the caliper assembly.

The purpose of the invention is achieved with a brake caliper unit for a disc brake, in particular for track vehicles, with two yokes, a brake cylinder, an adjustment module, brake pads and a wear sensor device with at least one sensor element and an evaluation unit, wherein the wear sensor device is, in parallel with the adjustment module and/or the brake cylinder, between the two yokes linked to these in coupling shafts, and whereby a sensor shaft for wear sensors the device runs parallel to an axis of the adjustment module, characterized in that the wear sensor device is linked in coupling shafts at coupling points, in which the brake cylinder and/or the adjustment module are linked/connected, the coupling points being arranged at mutual distance nd.

In this way, a robust and simple wear sensor device is made possible, as in a simple way can be mounted and also supplemented.

The aim of the invention is also achieved with a method for determining a wear of brake pads and brake discs at a brake caliper unit in a disc brake, in particular for track vehicles, with two yokes, a brake cylinder, brake pads and a wear sensor wiring with an evaluation unit, characterized by the method steps: ( VS1) detection of an initial position sa mt detection of length changes for a distance between coupling points for the two yoke arms at braking process with the wear sensor device, wherein a conversion of the length changes of the distance takes place by means of a motion conversion device into rotation angle changes of a rotation angle sensor, or wherein a detection of the length changes of the distance takes place by measuring a distance, a sensor element of a contact-making and/or non-contact distance measuring device and a reference section for the wear sensor device , (VS2) generation of measurement signals in connection with the thus sensed measurement values, and forwarding the measurement signals to an evaluation unit, (VS3) evaluation of the measurement signal by means of the evaluation unit, so that the wear values summed in the measurement signal for lining wear and disc wear of the caliper assembly are determined.

A particular advantage consists in the fact that an automatic determination is possible not only by coating wear but also disc wear.

Further advantageous embodiments are set forth in the independent claims.

In one embodiment, the wear sensor device is attached link-like in coupling shafts at coupling points, in which the brake cylinder and/or adjustment module are link-connected/connected, the coupling points being arranged with mutual de- stand. These connection points already exist and can be used in a simple way.

A further embodiment assumes that the wear sensor device has a movement conversion unit, which converts a longitudinal movement such as a change in the distance of the coupling points into a twisting movement. It generates a beneficial com- compact and easily sealable construction.

It is advantageous for such a compact construction when the motion conversion unit of the wear sensor device in one embodiment has a threaded tube with an internal thread and a threaded spindle with an external thread, the internal thread and the external thread being in engagement and forms a movement thread.

In a further embodiment, it is arranged so that the threaded tube is torsionally connected to the wear sensor device and where the threaded spindle is pivoted and connected to said at least one sensor element, or the threaded spindle is torsionally connected to the wear sensor device and where the threaded tube is pivoted and connected to said at least one sensor element. This construction is simple and compact.

Here, it is advantageous that said at least one sensor element is a rotation angle sensor because such a component is cost-effective and available on the market. the.

A further embodiment assumes that the wear sensor device comprises fastening elements, a sensor cover, a cover, the motion conversion unit and said at least one sensor element, whereby the wear sensor device is linked to brought with a respective fastening element the coupling shafts of the coupling points.

Such an application is simple and cost-effective. Yet another embodiment assumes that the casing pipe and the threaded pipe together are telescopically arranged, whereby the casing pipe is pushed against the threaded pipe.

This achieves an advantageous space-saving construction.

In an alternative embodiment, the wear sensor device has at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor. Thus, an advantageous compact and simple construction can be Possible.

Thereby, it is advantageous when said at least one non-contact distance measurement sensor is an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor and/or an optical distance measurement sensor. For this, common components on the market can be used, which are already pre- seen with integrated electronic measurement data processing circuits.

It is also advantageous for a compact and simple construction when the wear sensor device has fastening elements, a tube and said minimum one non-contact distance measurement sensor, whereby the cover pipe and said at least one contact free distance measuring sensor together are telescopically arranged.

In yet another embodiment, said at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor cooperates with a reference section for the wear sensor device and detects a distance between the sensor element and the reference section as a measure of a change in the distance between the coupling points. This is beneficial because only one ring number of components required.

The caliper assembly is designed for a pneumatic disc brake. This expands with advantage the input area.

In one embodiment of the method, the non-contact distance measuring sensor is an ultrasonic sensor, a radar sensor and/or an optical sensor. These components are advantageously available on the market in highly integrated designs such as ready-to-use functional components.

When the evaluation unit compares the determined wear values with previous ones stored limit values for lining replacement (or replacement of a brake pad) and/or brake disc replacement (or brake disc replacement) and corresponding to the comparison results emits indications, warnings, etc. to suitable media, then beneficial un- maintenance times are planned.

It is also a great advantage that the evaluation unit determines the wear of brake linings and brake discs for the entire disc from all the detected measurement values and wear values determined from them in connection with comparison values. the brake.

Embodiment examples of the invention will be described below in connection with attached drawings.

There shows: Fig. 1 - 2 schematic plan views of a conventional and a compact caliper assembly, Fig. 3 a schematic sectional view of an inventive brake caliper unit with a first embodiment of an inventive wear sensor device, Fig. 4 a schematic, enlarged sectional view of a sensor cover according to Fig. 3, Fig. 5 a sectional view of a variant of the first embodiment of the wear sensor device according to Fig. 3, Fig. 6 a sectional view of a second embodiment of the wear sensor device according to Fig. 3, Fig. 7 a schematic diagram of wear curves, and Fig. 8 a schematic flow chart for an embodiment of an inventive according to procedure.

The coordinates x, y, z serve in the figures for the orientation. The coordinate X runs in the longitudinal direction of the brake caliper unit 1, the coordinate y across it, whereby the coordinate z here forms a vertical direction. Other positions of the brake caliper unit 1 are of course also possible.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a conventional brake caliper unit 1. In Fig. 2 shows a schematic plan view of a conventional, so-called compact brake caliper unit 1'.

Each of these brake caliper units 1, 1' forms a disc brake for a rail vehicle and comprises a first yoke arm 2 and a second yoke arm 3, two brake pads 4, 5, a brake cylinder 8 and an adjustment module 9 for the wear adjustment.

The brake caliper unit 1 has a brake cylinder 8 with an integrated adjustment module 9, whereby the second brake caliper unit 1' has a separate brake cylinder 8 and a separate adjustment module Both yoke arms 2, 3 are pivotably mounted in a respective link 2a, 3a around a respective lever in the z-direction, which shall not be described in more detail.

On one side of the yoke arms 2, 3, brake pads 4, 5 are pivotally mounted in links 2b, 3b via pad holders at the free ends of the yoke arms 2, 3. On the other free ends of the yoke arms 2, 3, in the brake caliper unit 1 according to Fig. 1, the brake cylinder 8 with the integrated adjustment module 9 is linked in the coupling shafts at the coupling point 6, 7. In the case of the compact brake caliper unit 1' according to Fig. 2 is only the adjustment module 9 linked to the coupling points 6, The brake cylinder 8 can e.g. be pneumatically, hydraulically, electromechanically or similarly driven. The brake pads 4, 5 are arranged on both sides of a not shown here brake disc.

During a braking process, the brake cylinder 8 will be activated when braking the brake and enlarges a distance 10 in the y-direction between the coupling points 6, 7. This shows that the brake pads 4, 5 move towards each other in the y-direction and thus pressed against the brake disc.

When the brake is released, the brake cylinder 8 is not affected, the distance 10 between the coupling points 6, 7 decreases again in the y direction and the brake pads 4, 5 move away from each other. The brake pads 4, 5 are thereby released from the brake disc.

The use of the adjustment module 9 ensures that the brake lining play, which is also referred to as air play, is kept constant during the operating time when the brake is released. Air- the play exists between a brake pad 4, 5 and the brake disc.

During the operation of the brake, the wear of the brake pads 4, 5 and the brake disc increases and causes the distance 10 between the coupling points 6, 7 to increase, whereby at the braking process reduces a distance in the y direction between the brake pads 4, In this way, the distance 10 forms a measure of the wear of the brake pads 4, 5 and the brake disc. A dynamic change of the distance 10 during the braking processes can further also give information about the function of the braking process.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of an inventive brake caliper unit 1' with a first embodiment of an inventive wear sensor device 11. Fig. shows a schematic, enlarged sectional view of a sensor cover 15 according to Fig.

The sectional view shows the caliper assembly 1' turned in the x-direction (compare Fig. 2).

The inventive brake caliper unit 1' further includes here the wear sensor device The wear sensor device 11 is here arranged in parallel with the adjustment module 9 between the axes of the coupling points 6, 7 at two points, namely in the coupling points 6, 7 on the yoke arms 2, 3. That is, a sensor axis 11a for the wear sensor device 11 here runs parallel to an axis 9a of the pre-adjustment module 9. A movement of the yoke arms 2, 3 at the braking processes with the associated change in the distance are transferred via the coupling points 6, 7 to the wear sensor device The wear sensor device 11 comprises in the first embodiment an evaluation unit 12, attachment elements 13 and 14, a sensor cover 15, a cover 16, a movement conversion unit with a threaded tube 17 and a threaded spindle 18, a folding bellows 20, at least one bearing 21 and at least one sensor element 24, 24'.

The evaluation unit 12 is via a connection path 12a, e.g. an electrical and/or optical transmission line, connected to said at least one sensor element 24, 24'. It is also conceivable that instead of a wired connection section 12a use a cable-free transmission distance, e.g. radio, infrared light, ultrasound.

The wear sensor device 11 is attached to the coupling points 6, 7 on the yoke arms by means of the fastening elements 13, 14, which are designed here as a fastening angle 2, 3. This will be described further below.

Via the attachment elements 13, 14, a change in the distance 10 of the coupling points 6, 7 is transmitted to the wear sensor device 11. The coupling points 6, 7 move at brake course along a circular arc, the center of which is the axis of the respective yoke arm 2, link 2a, 3a. The axes of the coupling points 6, 7 and the links 2a, 3a run parallel to each other in the z-direction. Thereby, the attachment elements 13, 14 allow a linear movement view of the wear sensor device 11 in the y direction.

The sensor cover 15 serves to accommodate said at least one sensor element 24. The sensor cover 15 has a surrounding wall 15a, which is closed with a front panel 15b. The front panel 15b and the wall 15a define an inner space 15c, the opening of which 15d is provided with a radially outwardly projecting surrounding collar 15e.

The sensor cover 15 is attached with its surrounding collar 15e to a fastening plate 13a on the first fastening element 13 and is by means of a seal 15f, e.g. an O-ring, sealed against the atmosphere. The first fastening element 13 thus forms the wear sensor device 11 attached to the first sleeve arm 2 connection point In addition, the sensor housing pan 15 is connected via the fastening disc 13a to the housing pan 16 bearing cover 16a. The bearing cover 16a is thereby attached with a ledge 16c in an opening 13b in the attachment plate 13a. The pan 16 also has a cover tube 16b. The sensor cover 15, the bearing cover 16a and the cover tube 16b are arranged behind each other coaxially with the sensor shaft 11a.

An exemplary possibility is shown here where the casing pipe 16b completely extends over the entire length of the distance 10 between the connection points 6 and 7. Of course, the length of the casing pipe 16b can also have other dimensions. The cover pipe 16b and a threaded pipe 17 are here together telescopically arranged, whereby the cover pipe 16b is pushed against the threaded pipe 17. The threaded pipe 17 has an internal thread 19 and a flat let out a roar.

A free end 17a of the threaded pipe 17 is located in the one in Fig. 3 showed the starting position of the wear sensor device 11 at a small distance from the bearing cap 16a. The other end 17b of the threaded pipe 17 is designed as a flange, with which the threaded pipe 17 is attached to a fixing plate 14a on the second fastening element 14. The second fastening element 14 forms a further attachment of the wear device 11 to the coupling point 7 for it second yoke The motion conversion unit comprises the threaded spindle 18 with an external thread 19 and the threaded tube 17 with an internal thread 19a. In this example, the internal thread 19a is made in a section of the free end 17a of the threaded pipe 17. The threaded spindle 18 is arranged in the threaded tube 17, whereby the outer thread 19 of the threaded spindle 18 engages with the inner thread 19a of the threaded tube 17. Outer thread 19 and the inner thread 19a here forms a movement thread with a corresponding pitch.

The threaded spindle 18 is arranged in such a way in the threaded tube 17 that a first spindle end 18a projects out of the threaded tube 17 in the direction of the bearing cap 16a. A second, free spindle end 18b is in the design of the wear sensor device 11 arranged inside the end 17b of the cover tube 17.

The first spindle end 18a of the threaded spindle 18 is connected to a bearing section 18c. A layer 21, here e.g. a pendulum ball bearing, is arranged with its inner ring on the bearing section 18c and with its outer ring taken up in the bearing cap 21. The bearing 21 forms a central drum bearing for the threaded spindle 18 around the sensor shaft 11a.

The threaded tube 17 is attached in a non-rotating manner with its end 17b on the fastening plate 14a of the fastening element 14. A seal is arranged over the cover pipe 16b and the section of the threaded pipe 17 with the end 17b that protrudes from it. This seal is here a folding bellows 20, which with a first sealing end section 20a in the area of the connection of the bearing cover 16a and the cover tube 16b is attached to the cover tube 16b. A second sealing section 20b is attached to the section for the threaded pipe 17 end 17b.

The bearing section 18c of the threaded spindle 18 is further connected to the sensor element 24 via a drive 23 by means of a rotary connection. The drive 23 can e.g. be a planetary gear. Sensor- the element 24 senses the angle of rotation of the threaded spindle 18 around the sensor axis 11a. The sensor element 24 is a rotation angle receiver, for example with a potentiometer or with Hall sensors. Optical and/or capacitive angle sensors are also natural somewhat possible.

The movement of the yoke arms 2, 3 during a braking process causes a change in the distance 10, which is transmitted to the wear sensor device 11 as a longitudinal movement. In doing so, the wear sensor device 11 will be telescopically pulled out from each other or pushed together again. Since the threaded tube 17 of the motion conversion unit is fixed against rotation on the second fastening element 14, the threaded spindle 18 will change the length of the distance 10 due to the movement thread, which is formed by the outer thread 19 of the threaded tube 17 engaging with the inner thread 19a of the threaded tube 18, the threaded spindle 18 to be twisted around the sensor axis 11a. In this way, the motion conversion unit converts it the longitudinal movement of the distance 10 change to a twisting movement.

Via the swivel joint 22, the sensor element 24 will then be rotated and thus detects the angle of rotation, which is proportional to the change in length of the distance 10. The evaluation unit 12 determines, based on the signals transmitted to it from the sensor element 24, the wear values of the brake pads 4, 5 and the brake disc. In addition, the evaluation unit 12 can monitor the braking process in connection with the detected length change caused by the movement of the distance 10, e.g. by comparison with previously determined values.

An evaluation of the signals will be further explained in even more detail in sa m- band with Fig. 7 below.

Fig. 5 shows a sectional view of a variation of the first embodiment of wear sensor device 11 according to Fig.

The wear sensor device 11' differs in the variation according to Fig. 5 from the first embodiment of the wear sensor device 11 according to Fig. 3 in the design of the cover 16, in the arrangement of the internal thread 19a in the other end 17b of the threaded pipe 17 as well as in the arrangement of the threaded pipe 17 and the gang spider The bearing cover 16a is fixed via the ledge 16c in an opening in an intermediate disc 16d. The intermediate disk 16d is on the attachment disk 13a and with a ledge in the opening 13bi the attachment disk 13a of the attachment element 13. On the fixing disc 13a, the sensor cover 15 with its surrounding collar 15e is again attached and with the seal 15f sealed against the atmosphere.

The bearing cap 16a has the bearing 21, which, with its inner ring opposite to the first embodiment, is arranged on the end 17a of the threaded tube 17. In this variant is the threaded tube 17 rotatably supported with the bearing A length of the threaded pipe 16b takes up approximately a quarter of the length of the threaded pipe 17 here. The threaded tube 17 extends throughout the length of the threaded spindle 18.

The threaded spindle 18 is, in this variant, by means of a retaining disc 18e secured against rotation via a holder 18 on the second fastening element 14 fastening plate 14a.

The folding bellows 20 is attached with the first sealing end section 20a to the cover tube 16b and with the second sealing end portion 20b on the threaded spindle 18 holder 18d.

In contrast to the first embodiment, in this variant the rotary connection 22 to the drive 23 of the sensor element 24 is connected via a driver 22a to the rotatable threaded pipe 17. The driver 22a is inserted into a channel in the first end 17a of the threaded pipe 17 and rotatably connected to the threaded tube 17, for example screwed in, pinched or similar.

The movement of the yoke arm 2, 3 during a braking process causes a change in the distance 10, which is transmitted to the wear sensor device 11. Thereby, these will be telescopically pulled out from each other and pushed back together again. By means of motion- the thread (external thread 19 of the threaded spindle 18 and internal thread 19a of the threaded tube 17) this longitudinal movement will here be converted into a twisting movement of the threaded tube 17 and transferred to the sensor element In Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of a second embodiment of the wear sensor device 11 according to Fig.

The wear sensor device 11" according to the second embodiment in Fig. 6 comprises the fastening elements 13, 14, the folding bellows 20, a cover pipe 25 and a non-contact distance measuring sensor.

The non-contact distance measuring sensor is by means of a holder 26 attached to it second attachment element 14 and has at least one sensor element 24'.

The non-contact distance measuring sensor cooperates with a reference section of the wear sensor device 11" and detects a distance 10' between the sensor element 24' and the reference section. Thereby, the change in the distance 10' corresponds to a change in the distance 10 between the connection points 6, 7. It is also possible that a change in the distance 10' is proportional to a change in the distance 10 between the connection points 6, 7. A calculation of the real the distance and the associated wear- one takes place through the evaluation unit The casing pipe 25 is fixed with a pipe end 25a in a recess 13c in the fastening disc 13a of the first fastening element 13. The recess 13c is closed by means of a wall 13d.

The pipe end 25a rests against an inside 13e of this wall 13d.

The casing pipe 25 extends over a length of about two-thirds of the distance in the y direction between the fixing plate 13a of the first fixing element 13 and the fixing plate 14a of the second fixing element 14 and has a free pipe end 25b.

Coaxially with the cover tube 25 and the sensor shaft 11a, the holder 26 with an attachment end 26a is attached to the attachment plate 14a of the second attachment element 14.

The holder 26 is designed as a tube, which with a free retaining end 26b slides into the space between the first fastening element 13's fastening disc 13a and the second fastening element 14's fastening disc 14a from the fastening disc 14a. Thereby, the free holding end 26b extends in the output path shown here get for the wear sensor device 11' into the other end 25b of the cover tube 25.

A rod-shaped sensor cover 27 is inserted through the free holder end 26b with a similarly rod-shaped fastening section 27a in the holder 26. An insertion depth is adjustable through sensor cover ns 27 adjustable stop elements 27b.

In the section of the sensor cover 27, which projects into the cover tube 25, the sensor element 24' is arranged. The cover tube 25 and sensor cover pan 27 with the sensor element 24' are telescopically arranged against the holder 26. In other words, the cover tube 25 and the contact-free av- the position measurement sensor are together telescopically arranged.

The sensor element 24' is here an ultrasonic sensor, which cooperates with the inside 13e of the wall 13d of the opening 13b in the fastening plate 13a of the first fastening element 13. Thereby, the inside 13e of the wall 13d forms, as a reflection surface for the ultrasonic vibrations of the sensor element 24', the wear sensor device's 11" reference section. A transmitter/receiver surface 24'a on the sensor element 24' and the inside 13e of the wall 13d are arranged at a distance of 10'. A change in this distance 10' is a measure of a change in the distance 10 between the coupling points 6 and 7. In this way, wear sensor device 11" with the ultrasonic sensor as sensor element 24' sense the distance's 10 changes.

The folding bellows 20 is attached with its first sealing end section 20a in the area of the first pipe end 25a of the cover tube 25 and with its second sealing end section 20b attached in the area of the attachment end 26a of the holder 26. The pipe end 25a is here designed as thickened collars.

The movement of the yoke arms 2, 3 during a braking process causes a change in the distance 10, which is transmitted to the wear sensor device 11". In doing so, this will telescopically pulled out from each other or pushed together again. Thereby the distance 10' between the transmitter/receiver surface 24'a of the sensor element 24' and the inside 13e of the wall 13d changes in the same way as the distance 10. This change is sensed by means of the ultrasonic sensor with the sensor element 24'.

The ultrasonic sensor with the sensor element 24' forms the non-contact distance measuring sensor. The connection distance 12a, e.g. an electrical line for power supply and sig- nal transfer, is connected to the evaluation unit Instead of a non-contact distance measuring sensor, in one embodiment, a contacting distance measuring sensor with at least one electromechanical contact can also be arranged. This contact will then, depending on the contact design as a closing or breaking contact, be closed or broken, when a distance is reached that corresponds to a certain, for example maximum wear value.

However, such a contact can also be arranged in a different design than an electromechanical contact in the sensor cover 27, whereby this contact is affected by an actuator at a pre-set distance, which corresponds to the determined wear value. Such an electromechanical contact can, for example, be a so-called snap- switch, micro switch or limit switch.

Several contacts can also be arranged, which are coordinated with different stages of wear, e.g. a) report that wear is imminent, b) report that a wear requires replacement, c) warn that a wear end value has been reached and a further trip is not longer is possible.

The activator can e.g. be a rod fixed to the pipe 25 or one on the pipe coupling lug arranged on the inside.

Such a mechanical contact can also be arranged as additional, redundant components.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic diagram SB of wear curves for the brake caliper assembly 1, 1'.lndrawn is the measurement signal S for one or more sensor elements 24, 24' in the brake unit 1, 1' wear sensor device 11, 11', 11" as a function of time t. The measurement signal S is received from the evaluation unit 12, amplified and evaluated. The evaluation result is forwarded from the evaluation unit 12 to the appropriate rendering, data processing and memory systems.

The measurement signal S shows the changes in the distance 10 and corresponds to the sum of the wear of the brake pads 4, 5, of the brake disc and the air gap.

A coating wear curve 28 runs as a triangular function rising up to a maximum wear value for coating wear 29, at which a coating change 30 of the brake pads 4, A disc wear curve 31 shows a longitudinal sawtooth profile. A replacement of the brake disc is required as a disc replacement 32 only after a few coating replacements 30, when a maximum disc wear 33 exists.

A total wear 34 includes the sum of coating wear 29 and disc wear abrasion The shape of the measuring signal 3 for the brake pad wear 31 is likewise a sawtooth profile, but the brake pads 4, 5 need to be changed more often than the brake disc.

In particular, a continuous detection of the measuring signal corresponding to the wear, a continuous monitoring of the wear can be quickly determined in the event of peculiarities and such events such as premature or abnormal wear.

In Fig. 8, a schematic flow chart is shown for an embodiment of an inventive method for detecting wear of brake pads 4, 5 and brake disk in a brake caliper unit 1, 1'. In a first procedure step VS1, the starting position and the changes in the distance 10 of the connecting points 6, 7 of the yoke arms 2, 3 are sensed during braking with at least a wear sensor device 11, 11' 11”.

Said at least one wear sensor device 11, 11' 11" is a rotation angle sensor and detects rotation angle changes proportional to the length changes of the distance for the coupling points 6 of the yoke arms 2, 3, Said at least one wear sensor device 11" can also have a non-contact distance measuring sensor, which detects the length changes 10' between a sensor element 24' of the non-contact distance measuring sensor and a reference section of wear sensor device 11".

The sensor element 24' is here an ultrasound sensor, which cooperates with the inside 13e of the wall 13d in an opening 13b in the fastening disc 13a of the first fastening element 13, in which the tube 25 is attached. Thereby, the inside of the wall 13d as a reflection surface for the ultrasonic oscillations of the sensor element 24' forms the reference section for the wear sensor device 11". A transmitter/receiver surface 24'a on the sensor element 24' and the inside 13e of the wall 13d are arranged at the distance 10'. An amendment to this distance 10' is a measure of a change in the distance 10 between the connection points 6, Said at least one wear sensor device 11, 11', 11" generates in a second procedure step VS2 measurement signals S in connection with the sensed measurement values and leads these to an evaluation unit The evaluation unit 12 evaluates the measurement signals Si in a third procedure step VS3 in such a way that the wear values summarized in the measurement signals S are determined for the coating wear and disc wear of the caliper assembly The wear values will then be compared with previously stored limit values for coating replacement and disc replacement. Corresponding to the wear result is output indications, warnings, etc. on suitable media. In addition, the measurement signals can be evaluated in such a way that information regarding distances or sinusoidal progressions, which train wheelset is continuously determined from its out- walking position.

In the case of a device with two or more wear sensor devices 11, 11', 11", their measurement signals can alternately be used to justify the determined pre- the wear values.

In addition, the measurement signals delivered by the wear sensor devices 11, 11', 11" can also be used to detect the loss of a brake pad 4, 5 and/or to test whether the brake caliper unit 1, 1' is activated or loose.

From all sensed measurement values and wear values determined from them, the evaluation unit 12 can also, in conjunction with comparative values, determine the wear of the entire caliper assembly 1, 1'.

The wear sensor devices 11, 11', 11" can be attached to both conventional brake caliper units 1 according to Fig. 1 as on the so-called compact brake caliper units 1' according to Fig. 2. There is also a possibility of additional extension at the two brake caliper units 1, 1'.

The invention is not limited by the examples given above, but is modifiable within the scope of the patent claims.

Thus, it is e.g. possible to use a radar sensor and/or an optical distance measuring sensor, e.g., instead of the ultrasonic sensor in the second embodiment. a infrared distance sensor.

Another option consists in adapting the depth measurement solution of a reference disk.REFERENCENU|\/|I\/IERLISTA2,3 2a,3a;2b,3b 4,6,9 10,10' 11,11fl 11” lla12a 13,14 13a, 14a 13b 13c 13d 13th 15a 15b 15c 15d 15th 15f16a 16b 16c 16th 17 17a,17b 18 18a,18b 18c 18th 18th Bronze hardness Unknown Link Bronze egg Cupping shaft Bronze cylinder Adjustment module Distance Floor sensor device Sensor shaft Evaluation unit Connection line Fastening element Fastening disc Opening Recess Wall lnáda Sensor cover Wall Front flap Inner space Opening Collar Sealing Housing Bearing cover Cover pipe !\vset Middle disc Threaded tube End Gängsmdel Smndeende Stock section HåHare Lager fldva 18e19a 20a, 20b22a24, 24' 24'a 25a, 25b 26 26a 26b 27 27aS SB T VS1, VS2, VSX,v,Retaining disc External thread Internal thread Folding Bellows Seal End Section Bearing Swivel joint Bringer Drive Sensor element Send/Receive Roar Touch Pipe end Holder Fastening end Holder end Sensor cover Fastening section Coating wear curve Coating wear Coating replacement Disc wear curve Disc replacement Disc wear Total wear Ivlet signal Diagram Time Procedure steps Coordinates

Claims (17)

1. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') for a disc brake, in particular for track vehicles, with two yokes (2, 3), a brake cylinder (8), an adjustment module (9), brake pads (4, 5) and a wear sensor device (11) , 11', 11") with at least one sensor element (24, 24') and an evaluation unit (12), wherein the wear sensor device (11, 11', 11") is, parallel to the adjustment module (9) and/or the brake cylinder (8), between the two yoke arms (2, 3) linked to these in coupling shafts, and whereby a sensor shaft (11a) for the wear sensor device (11) runs parallel to an axis (9a) the pre-adjustment module (9), characterized in that the wear sensor device (11, 11', 11") is attached in a link-like manner in coupling shafts for coupling points (6, 7), in which the brake cylinder (8) and/or adjustment module (9) are linked/connected, whereby the coupling points (6, 7) are arranged at a distance from each other (10). 2. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear sensor device (11, 11') has a movement conversion unit, which converts a longitudinal movement such as a change in the distance of the coupling points (10) into a turning movement. 3. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to patent claim 2, characterized in that the movement conversion unit of the wear sensor device (11, 11') has a threaded tube (17) with an internal thread (19a) and a threaded spindle (18) with an external thread (19), wherein the internal thread (19a) and the external thread (19) are engaged and form a movement thread. 4. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to patent claim 3, characterized in that the threaded tube (17) is torsionally connected to the wear sensor device (11, 11') and wherein the threaded spindle (18) is pivoted and connected to said at least one sensor element (24) ), or the threaded spindle (18) is rotatably connected to the wear sensor device (11, 11') and whereby the the threaded pipe (17) is pivoted and connected to said at least one sensor element (24). 5. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to claim 4, characterized in that said at least one sensor element (24) is a rotation angle recorder. 6. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to one of claims 2 - 5, characterized in that the wear sensor device (11, 11') comprises fastening elements (13; 14), a sensor cover (15), a cover (16), the motion conversion unit and said at least one sensor element (24), whereby the wear sensor device (11, 11') is attached in a link-like manner with the respective attachment element (13; 14) in the coupling shafts of the coupling points (6, 7). 7. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to claim 6, characterized in that the wear sensor device (11, 11') additionally comprises at least one bearing (21), which forms a pivot bearing for the threaded spindle (18) or for the threaded tube (17). 8. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that the cover tube (16b) and the threaded tube (17) are telescopically arranged together, the cover tube (16b) being pushed onto the threaded tube (17). 9. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to claim 1, characterized in that the wear sensor device (11, 11') has at least one contact-making or at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor. 10. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to patent claim 9, characterized in that said at least one non-contact distance measurement sensor is an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor and/or an optical distance measurement sensor. 11. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to patent claim 10, characterized in that the wear sensor device (11") has fastening elements (13, 14), a cover tube (25) and said at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor, wherein the cover tube (25) and said at least one contactless distance measuring sensor together are telescopically arranged. 12. Brake caliper unit (1, 1') according to one of claims 9 - 11, characterized in that said at least one non-contact distance measuring sensor cooperates with a reference section for the wear sensor device (11") and detects a distance (10') between the sensor element (24' ) and the reference section as a measure of a change in the distance (10) between the coupling points (6, 7). 13. Caliper unit (1, 1') according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the caliper unit (1, 1') is designed for a pneumatic disc brake. 14. Method for determining a wear of brake pads (4, 5) and brake discs at a brake caliper unit (1, 1') in a disc brake, in particular for track vehicles, with two yoke arms (2, 3), a brake cylinder (8 ), brake pads (4, 5) and a wear sensor device (11, 11', 11") with an evaluation unit (12), characterized by the procedural steps: (V51) detection of an initial position and detection of length changes for a distance (10) between coupling points (6, 7) of the two yoke arms (2, 3) during braking with the wear sensor device (11, 11', 11"), whereby a conversion of the length changes of the distance (10) takes place by means of a motion conversion device into rotation angle changes of a rotation angle sensor, or in which a detection of the length changes of the distance (10) takes place by measuring a distance (10') between a sensor element (24') of a contacting and/or non-contacting distance measuring device and a reference section for the wear sensor device (11") (V52) generation of measurement signals (5) in connection with the thus sensed measurement values, and forwarding of the measurement signals to an evaluation unit (12), (V53) evaluation of the measurement signal (5) by means of the evaluation unit (12), so that the measurement signal (5) summed wear values for coating wear and disc wear of the brake caliper unit (1, 1') are determined. 15. Method according to patent claim 14, characterized in that the non-contact distance measurement sensor is an ultrasound sensor, a radar sensor and/or an optical sensor. 16. Method according to patent claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the evaluation unit (12) compares the determined wear values with previously stored limit values for coating replacement and disc replacement and, in accordance with the comparison results, emits indications, warnings, etc. to suitable media. 17. Method according to one of the patent claims 14 - 16, characterized in that the evaluation unit (12) determines a wear of brake linings (4, 5) and brake discs ( 13, 13') for the entire disc brake.