CLAMPING BLOCK FOR A WHEEL BEARING OF A MODEL VEHICLE

SUMMARY

[0001] The present invention relates to a clamping block.

[0002] The company Lego A/S offers brake discs and brake calipers as decorative elements in its LEGO Technic Set 42115 Lamborghini Sián FKP 37. According to the building instructions, the brake disc is mounted on an axle or hub and the brake caliper is placed next to it as a separate part.

[0003] It is the object of the invention to improve the known system.

[0004] Starting from a clamping block for a wheel bearing of a model vehicle comprising a bearing body with a wheel carrier for rotatably mounting a wheel about a rotation axis, a tie rod connection for connection of a tie rod and a chassis connection for transferring weight force of the chassis onto the wheel, the bearing body according to the invention has at least two form-fitting elements, with which radially to the rotation axis a clamping block for holding a brake caliper can be connected in order to fix it in a form-fitting manner in circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

[0005] A disadvantage of the initially mentioned solution of the company Lego consists in that the brake caliper is not mechanically connected to the wheel bearing module, but is only attached as a separate decorative element to the surrounding building structure. As a result, a firm technical coupling to the rotatably mounted wheel carrier is missing, in particular a defined position in circumferential direction. The brake caliper is thus not positionally stable relative to the rotational position of the wheel and can easily become misaligned or accidentally displaced during play operation. In addition, no simple exchangeability or variable positioning of the brake caliper is provided, so that any change of the installation position requires a complete rebuilding of the surrounding model.

[0006] These disadvantages are avoided by the inventive feature according to which the bearing body has at least two form-fitting elements, with which radially to the rotation axis a clamping block for holding a brake caliper can be connected in order to fix it in a form-fitting manner in circumferential direction about the rotation axis. The form-fitting elements enable the radial insertion of the brake caliper block into a defined mounting position in which it is secured against rotation. The connection takes place by form-fitting elements which are specifically designed for absorbing force in circumferential direction, whereby the brake caliper can be held in a stable, play-proof position relative to the rotatable wheel carrier.

[0007] By this configuration, a technically defined, loadable and at the same time play-appropriate connection of the brake caliper to the wheel bearing module is achieved. The modular design allows tool-free assembly and disassembly as well as a flexible selection of different installation positions, which significantly expands the design possibilities in model building. At the same time, the mechanically defined coupling ensures that the brake caliper remains functionally correct in its position during play operation, without the need for additional fixations or external support structures.

[0008] For clearer distinction, the clamping block just explained shall hereinafter be called wheel bearing clamping block.

[0009] In a further development of the mentioned wheel bearing clamping block, the form-fitting elements are arranged around the rotation axis at a constant distance from each other in circumferential direction. In this way, a regular grid is created, which allows angle-selective mounting of a brake caliper in different circumferential positions. As a result, the position of the brake caliper can be flexibly adapted to different reference vehicles, regardless of whether it is located in the real construction at the front, rear or side of the wheel carrier. The radial plug connection enables a simple change of the installation position without additional construction measures, whereby the form-fitting fixation in each selected position provides for a stable and repeatable fastening. This further development creates the basis for a uniform but versatile interface, with which different chassis concepts can be implemented in model form – without special parts and with constant system compatibility.

[0010] In an additional further development of the mentioned wheel bearing clamping block, the form-fitting elements are designed as radial slots. In this way, the manufacturing is simplified, since radial slots can be produced in a single injection molding process without movable mold cores. In addition, they allow a particularly intuitive and easily accessible assembly of the brake caliper, since it can simply be inserted along a straight guide. The radial slot geometry furthermore results in a defined guidance during insertion, which supports correct positioning and prevents unintentional tilting.

[0011] In a special further development of the mentioned wheel bearing clamping block, the bearing body comprises two sleeves arranged concentrically with respect to the rotation axis, wherein the radial slots are formed into the radially outer sleeve. In this way, a functional separation between the bearing structure and the reception of the brake caliper is achieved, since the outer sleeve serves specifically as carrier element for the positioning of the brake caliper, without influencing the central bearing geometry. At the same time, a circumferential, mechanically stable surface is created, into which the radial slots can be uniformly introduced, which increases the repeat accuracy of the mounting positions and improves the load capacity of the form-fitting connection.

[0012] In a preferred further development of the specified wheel bearing clamping block, the sleeves are connected to each other by radial struts. In this way, a high torsional stiffness of the bearing body is achieved, without restricting the radial accessibility to the slots of the outer sleeve. The radial struts stabilize the concentric alignment of the sleeves to each other and enable a material-saving, injection-molding-appropriate construction with simultaneously high structural integrity.

[0013] In another further development of the specified wheel bearing clamping block, the radial slots are designed axially open. In this way, an injection-molding-appropriate demolding of the radial slots is enabled, since no undercuts arise and movable mold cores can be dispensed with. At the same time, the axial opening facilitates the assembly of the brake caliper, since it can be inserted in axial direction without exact pre-positioning and subsequently pushed radially into the desired position.

[0014] In a still another further development of the specified wheel bearing clamping block, on an axial end face of the bearing body facing the wheel, a ring-shaped sliding surface for the wheel is formed. In this way, a defined, low-friction support of the wheel relative to the bearing body is created, whereby undesired frictional torques during the rotary movement are reduced and uniform running properties are achieved. The ring-shaped design enables an areal contact zone with controlled support geometry, without generating punctual pressure peaks, which minimizes wear and permanently ensures the functionality even during frequent play operation.

[0015] According to a further aspect of the invention, a clamping block for holding a brake caliper for a model vehicle comprises a connection body with a brake caliper carrier for carrying the brake caliper, and a connection interface on a side opposite the brake caliper carrier for connection to one of the previously explained wheel bearing clamping blocks. According to the invention, the connection interface has at least two form-fitting elements which can be connected radially to the rotation axis with the wheel bearing clamping block in order to fix it in a form-fitting manner in circumferential direction about the rotation axis.

[0016] By the inventive design of the connection interface with at least two form-fitting elements, a clearly defined positioning of the brake caliper block relative to the wheel bearing module is made possible. The connection takes place by a radial insertion into corresponding counter-shapes of the wheel bearing clamping block, whereby a precise alignment of the brake caliper in circumferential direction is ensured. The form-fitting connection reliably prevents an unintentional rotation of the block about the rotation axis, so that the brake caliper is always held in technically correct position to the brake disc, without additional holding means being required.

[0017] For clearer distinction, the clamping block just mentioned shall hereinafter be called brake caliper clamping block.

[0018] The radial connection of the brake caliper clamping block at the same time offers high modularity and design flexibility. Since the positioning along the circumference can take place over several optionally designed plug-in positions, the brake caliper clamping block can be mounted in different angular positions, for example for adaptation to different model variants or for targeted simulation of braking systems on front or rear axle. The connection is tool-free reversible, which brings a considerable simplification both in the building process and in later modifications, and promotes the toy-suitable use.

[0019] The structured design of the connection interface further ensures a force-locking support under play load and causes a reproducible and positionally stable assembly. The brake caliper clamping block, by its inventive design, becomes integrated as functional module into the overall system of the wheel bearing, whereby its constructive orientation and the compatibility with the bearing block merge into a technical unit. The joint design of both clamping blocks as complementary form-fitting elements allows a targeted control of installation space, installation position and force transmission in the model, without restricting the design freedom in the overall structure.

[0020] For clearer distinction, the clamping block just explained shall hereinafter be called brake caliper clamping block.

[0021] In a further development, the mentioned brake caliper clamping block comprises at least three form-fitting elements arranged in circumferential direction about the rotation axis one behind the other, wherein the two form-fitting elements seen as outer in circumferential direction are designed as hooks directed towards each other. In this way, not only a form-fit in circumferential direction is achieved, which prevents a rotation of the brake caliper clamping block relative to the wheel bearing, but at the same time a form-fit in radial direction is achieved, which prevents an unintentional pulling out or loosening of the block against the insertion direction. The form-fitting elements designed as hooks engage, during insertion, behind corresponding counter-contours on the wheel bearing clamping block and thus create a mechanical locking, which both blocks the rotary movement and stably fixes the block against tensile load. Particularly advantageous in this context is an axial opening of the radial slots in the wheel bearing clamping block, since it allows a simple insertion of the hooks from outside along the insertion direction and at the same time supports the releasing of the brake caliper clamping block by targeted axial movement, without the holding force of the latching being impaired. In this way, a particularly stable, play-proof connection is created, which manages without additional fastening means and at the same time remains tool-free releasable.

[0022] In an additional further development of the specified brake caliper clamping block the hooks are designed as snap hooks. In this way, a particularly assembly-friendly and re-releasable connection is created, since the snap hooks, during the radial insertion of the brake caliper clamping block, automatically snap behind the associated form elements on the wheel bearing clamping block and thus create a form-fitting latching. The installation position is thereby clearly predetermined by the geometry of the snap hooks, wherein their direction of action is preferably designed so that they counteract a pulling-off moment directed radially outward. Should a complete retention by snap hooks not be possible or desired for design or manufacturing reasons, an alternatively purely sliding form-fit connection can be provided, in which the fixation takes place by stop or friction fit, whereby the basic function of positioning in circumferential direction remains preserved.

[0023] In a still another further development of the specified brake caliper clamping block the form-fitting elements are held in an at least partially enclosing housing, from which the form-fitting elements protrude radially to the rotation axis. In this way, the form-fitting elements are constructively enclosed and protected, whereby their mechanical load capacity and fatigue strength during repeated assembly and disassembly are improved. The at least partial enclosure enables a targeted guidance of the insertion process, by channeling the movement path of the brake caliper and effectively preventing tilting or catching during insertion into the radial slots of the wheel bearing clamping block. At the same time, the spatial delimitation ensures that adjacent components or movable structures do not unintentionally interfere with the form-fitting elements, which increases operational safety and compatibility within complex model structures.

[0024] In a special further development of the specified brake caliper clamping block, the housing comprises a support wall, via which the connection body can be radially placed on the bearing body. In this way, a defined radial support of the brake caliper clamping block relative to the wheel bearing clamping block is created, which, in addition to the form-fitting connection, forms a force-locking support. The support wall absorbs radial forces occurring during insertion and prevents bending or tilting of the connection body, in particular under play-typical loads or under force application during assembly. In addition, the support wall facilitates the positioning of the block during the insertion process, since it serves as contact surface and thus supports the even insertion of the form-fitting elements.

[0025] In an additional special further development of the specified brake caliper clamping block, the support wall is held between two support feet. In this way, the support wall is constructively enclosed and stabilized in its position relative to the connection body, whereby a higher stiffness and load capacity of the radial support surface is achieved. The bilateral support by the support feet prevents a rotation or buckling of the support wall under load and improves the force distribution under radial pressure on the wheel bearing clamping block. In addition, a defined installation position of the brake caliper clamping block is created, since the support feet provide additional guidance and limit the axial displacement during assembly.

[0026] In this way, an areal and low-stress support of the brake caliper clamping block on the wheel bearing clamping block is achieved, even if minor tolerances or misalignments between the components are present. The radially inclined support surface enables a self-aligning contact during insertion and thereby improves the fitting accuracy and the form-fit of the connection. At the same time, the risk of local stress peaks or punctual edge pressing is reduced, which increases the mechanical load capacity of the support zone and reduces material wear during frequent assembly and disassembly.

[0027] In a particularly preferred further development of the specified brake caliper clamping block, each support foot has, between the support surface and the support wall, a lateral surface which is arranged in such a way that the lateral surfaces of the two support feet are opposite to each other in circumferential direction about the rotation axis. The lateral surfaces laterally delimit a free space arranged between the support feet, which enables the formation of a central support wall foot. The free space lying between the lateral surfaces contributes to tolerance freedom and assembly safety, without the lateral surfaces themselves taking over a functional guiding or holding effect. Their geometrical arrangement facilitates the insertion of the brake caliper clamping block in axial direction, without unnecessarily enlarging the installation space or forming disturbing edges.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

[0028] The above-described properties, features and advantages of this invention as well as the manner in which these are achieved become more understandable in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which are explained in more detail in connection with the drawing. Shown are:

[0029]FIG. 1 view of an incompletely assembled clamping block model,

[0030]FIG. 2A an exploded view of a wheel bearing and a wheel attachable thereto,

[0031]FIG. 2B the wheel bearing and the wheel attached thereto of FIG. 2A in a sectional view,

[0032]FIG. 3 in a perspective exploded view a wheel bearing clamping block and a brake caliper clamping block, and

[0033]FIG. 4 in a perspective view a wheel bearing assembly of a wheel bearing clamping block, a brake caliper clamping block and a brake disc block.

[0034] In the figures, identical technical elements are provided with identical reference signs and described only once. The figures are purely schematic and in particular do not reproduce the actual geometric relationships.

[0035] Reference sign list

[0036]2 – clamping block model

[0037]4 – longitudinal direction

[0038]6 – transverse direction

[0039]8 – height direction

[0040]10 – clamping block in general

[0041]12 – chassis

[0042]13 – wheel

[0043]14 – wheel axle

[0044]16 – headlight

[0045]18 – taillight

[0046]20 – brake light

[0047]22 – wheel assembly

[0048]23 – first clamping block (with hub flange)

[0049]24 – hub flange

[0050]26 – rotation axis

[0051]28 – receiving opening in the hub flange

[0052]30 – brake disc

[0053]32 – bolt receptacle

[0054]34 – bayonet groove

[0055]38 – receiving tube

[0056]40 – universal joint partner

[0057]42 – bearing opening

[0058]44 – wheel bearing clamping block

[0059]46 – ball joint receptacle

[0060]48 – tie rod connection

[0061]50 – brake caliper clamping block

[0062]52 – wheel rim

[0063]54 – cover plate of the wheel rim

[0064]56 – torque transmission pin

[0065]58 – securing bolt

[0066]59 – hollow tube of the securing bolt

[0067]60 – bayonet lug

[0068]62 – fixing flange

[0069]64 – central receiving opening in the cover plate

[0070]66 – retaining shoulder in the receiving tube

[0071]72 – bearing body of the wheel bearing clamping block

[0072]73 – cross-shaped receptacle at the tie rod connection

[0073]74 – pivot axis (defined by ball joint receptacles)

[0074]75 – inner sleeve

[0075]76 – outer sleeve

[0076]77 – slot spacing

[0077]78 – radial slot

[0078]79 – connection body of the brake caliper clamping block

[0079]80 – brake caliper model

[0080]81 – connection interface

[0081]82 – first form-fitting element (snap hook)

[0082]83 – second form-fitting element (centering pin)

[0083]84 – third form-fitting element (snap hook)

[0084]85 – housing

[0085]86 – support wall

[0086]87 – lateral support foot

[0087]88 – support surface

[0088]89 – lateral surface (lateral delimiting surface)

[0089]90 – central support wall foot

[0090]91 – strut (radial)

[0091]92 – ring-shaped section / support ring

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Reference is made to FIG. 1, which shows a view of a clamping block model 2 not yet completely assembled.

[0093] The clamping block model 2 is designed in the represented embodiment as a vehicle movable in a longitudinal direction 4, which extends in the longitudinal direction 4, a transverse direction 6 (transverse to the longitudinal direction 4) as well as a height direction 8 (transverse to the longitudinal direction 4 and to the transverse direction 6).

[0094] The shown vehicle consists of a multitude of clamping blocks 10, which in FIG. 1 for reasons of clarity are not all individually referenced. Each clamping block 10 is designed as reusable element for modular and scalable construction of the clamping block model 2. The blocks 10 follow a standardized grid dimension, which ensures a seamless connection of differently sized and shaped blocks. The connection takes place by a mechanical clamping principle, in which not further referenced projections – such as studs or pins – are pressed into complementary, likewise not further referenced recesses, whereby a stable but detachable connection is created. This modular construction method allows nearly unlimited combination possibilities, so that the blocks 10 can be flexibly assembled, separated and reused.

[0095] The vehicle shown in FIG. 1 serves merely as exemplary embodiment of the clamping block model 2 and is therefore hereinafter explained only in its essential elements. It comprises a chassis 12, which is carried drivable on wheels. In the construction state according to FIG. 1, the wheel axles 14 are already mounted, but the wheels 13 are not yet plugged on. On the front side of the vehicle seen in longitudinal direction 4, blocks are provided which in the assembled state function as headlights 16. In an analogous manner, on the rear end side of the vehicle blocks are provided which in the final state form taillights 18 as well as brake lights 20.

[0096] In FIG. 1, the wheels 13 are held directly on the wheel axles 14, which proves to be unsuitable particularly for motorized clamping block models 2 or those in which functional details – such as the braking system – are to be represented as realistically as possible. For this reason, in the following an alternative wheel assembly 22 is described, which is explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B.

[0097] The wheel assembly 22 comprises one of the wheels 13, which is set up for mounting on a first clamping block 23 with a hub flange 24. The wheel 13 is designed hollow cylindrical and open at one end side, so that it can be pushed onto the hub flange 24.

[0098] The hub flange 24 is formed rotationally symmetric about a rotation axis 26 of the wheel assembly 22 and has on its side facing the wheel 13 several – in the present embodiment six – receiving openings 28, which are distributed evenly in circumferential direction about the rotation axis 26. The receiving openings 28 are arranged in a common radial plane and serve, as described in more detail below, for form-fitting transmission of a torque acting about the rotation axis 26 between hub flange 24 and wheel 13.

[0099] The uniform, rotationally symmetric arrangement of the receiving openings 28 allows an assembly-friendly and tolerance-insensitive connection, since the wheel 13 can be placed in several relative positions to the axis without a defined alignment position being required. Furthermore, the multiple distribution of the receiving openings ensures a uniform force introduction and thereby a high long-term load capacity of the connection.

[0100] On the side of the hub flange 24 facing away from the wheel 13, a brake disc 30 is connected, which lies coaxial to the rotation axis 26 and is torsionally fixed with the hub flange 24. The brake disc 30 is provided according to FIG. 2A with several warping recesses, which serve the stylized representation of cooling air passages of real brake discs.

[0101] Concentric to the hub flange 24 a bolt receptacle 32 is guided, on whose outer surface two – seen in circumferential direction – rotationally symmetrically arranged bayonet grooves 34 are formed. These will be discussed in more detail below. The bolt receptacle 32 is embedded in a receiving tube 38, which on the side facing the wheel 13 is radially enclosed by the receiving openings 28 and on the opposite side – beyond the brake disc 30 – is formed as tubular extension. At its rear end a universal joint partner 40 for coupling to a drive element is formed.

[0102] The universal joint partner 40 is guided through a wheel carrier in the form of a bearing opening 42 of a wheel bearing clamping block 44, so that the receiving tube 38 in the assembled state is rotatably mounted in the bearing opening 42. On the wheel bearing clamping block 44, as chassis connection, ball joint receptacles 46 are formed, which enable a rotatable mounting of the wheel bearing 44 for simulation of a steering function and transfer the weight of the chassis 12 of the vehicle 2 onto the respective wheel 13. Via tie rod connections 48, fastened in known manner, steering forces can be introduced which pivot the wheel bearing clamping block 44 about the ball joint receptacles 46. The universal joint in this context provides for a flexible transmission of drive forces with simultaneous mobility.

[0103] For further functional modeling, on the wheel bearing clamping block 44 a brake caliper clamping block 50 can be attached, on whose exact design as well as on further details of the wheel bearing clamping block 44 will be entered into later individually.

[0104] As already explained before, the receiving openings 28 are arranged in a common radial plane and are provided for torque transmission between hub flange 24 and wheel 13. For this purpose, the wheel 13 has a wheel rim 52, which is closed on its end side – axially opposite to the hub flange 24 – with a cover plate 54. The cover plate 54 is provided with several not further referenced through openings, through which stylized spokes are modeled. On the cover plate 54, on the side facing the hub flange 24, several torque transmission pins 56 are held radially on a common plane and in equidistant circumferential intervals about the rotation axis 26. These can be axially inserted into the corresponding receiving openings 28. The torque transmission pins 56 can basically be designed in analogy to LEGO Technic pins, for example according to part number 2780, and – if desired – latch there. A latching or clamping is however not required for the function of torque transmission; a purely form-fitting engagement suffices.

[0105] Independently of the torque transmission, the wheel 13 is axially fastened to the clamping block 23 with the hub flange 24 by a securing bolt 58. The securing bolt 58 comprises a hollow tube 59 with a first end insertable into the bolt receptacle 32, which is provided with two radially protruding and rotationally symmetrically arranged bayonet lugs 60 with respect to the rotation axis 26. On the second end of the hollow tube 59 opposite the first end, a fixing flange 62 is formed. Not all bayonet lugs 60 are separately provided with reference signs in the figures.

[0106] For axial securing of the wheel 13 on the hub flange 24, the securing bolt 58 is guided through a central receiving opening 64. The bayonet lugs 60 are thereby inserted into the bayonet grooves 34 of the bolt receptacle 32 and shifted axially in the direction of the universal joint 40. As soon as the fixing flange 62 rests against the cover plate 54 of the wheel 13, the securing bolt 58 is rotated about the rotation axis 26, so that the bayonet lugs 60 come to rest on radially inner retaining shoulders 66 in the receiving tube 38 and the securing bolt 58 can no longer be pulled axially out of the bolt receptacle 32. Thus the wheel 13 is axially secured on the hub flange 24.

[0107] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 4, the design of the wheel bearing clamping block 44 as well as the brake caliper clamping block 50 will now be discussed in more detail.

[0108] The wheel bearing clamping block 44 comprises a one-piece formed bearing body 72, which is overall rotationally symmetric about the rotation axis 26. Coaxial to the rotation axis 26, the bearing opening 42 serving for rotatable reception of the receiving tube 38 of the wheel assembly 22 is guided through the bearing body 72, so that bearing opening 42 forms the bearing function of the wheel bearing clamping block 44.

[0109] The tie rod connections 48 on the bearing body 72, provided for connection to a not further shown steering module of the vehicle 2, each have a cross-shaped receptacle 73 for connection to a not further shown tie rod of the vehicle 2. The tie rod connections 48 are arranged in such a way that the wheel bearing clamping block 44 is pivotable about a pivot axis 74 defined by the two ball joint receptacles 46. This enables a steering movement in the assembled clamping block model of the vehicle 2. In this case, a translational movement introduced by the not further shown tie rod in transverse direction 6 is converted, via the form-fitting connection in the cross-shaped receptacle 73, into a torque about the mentioned pivot axis 74, so that the entire wheel bearing clamping block 44 is pivoted relative to the chassis 12. The cross-shaped receptacle 73 thus serves as force introduction point, which directionally defined receives the movement energy of the tie rod and purposefully transfers it into a steering-effective rotation of the bearing body 72.

[0110] The bearing body 72 comprises an inner sleeve 75 and, concentric with respect to the rotation axis 26, an outer sleeve 76 radially surrounding the inner sleeve 75. In the outer sleeve 76, along the circumferential direction, at uniform slot spacings 77 several radial slots 78 are formed. The radial slots 78 each extend from an outer end face of the sleeve 76, seen in transverse direction 4 and from direction of the vehicle interior, radially inward, so that they radially penetrate the outer sleeve 76 as seen from the rotation axis 26 and are open in axial direction. The radial slots 78 are each designed with essentially parallel flanks not further referenced, so that their cross-section considered in circumferential direction is essentially rectangular.

[0111] The radial slots 78 of the wheel bearing clamping block 44 serve for receiving corresponding form-fitting elements of the brake caliper clamping block 50, which – as explained later in more detail – can be radially plugged onto the bearing body 72 from outside. The brake caliper clamping block 50 comprises a connection body 79, on which frontally a brake caliper model 80 is formed. On the brake caliper model 80 various functionless design elements are formed, which imitate a real brake caliper in order to generate a brake optics. The connection body 79 and the brake caliper model 80 can be integrally connected with each other.

[0112] On the side opposite the brake caliper model 80, a connection interface 81 is formed on the connection body 79, via which the brake caliper clamping block 50 can be connected to the wheel bearing clamping block 44. The connection interface 81 in the represented embodiment has a first form-fitting element 82, a second form-fitting element 83 and a third form-fitting element 84, which are arranged one behind the other in circumferential direction about the rotation axis 26. The first and third form-fitting element 82, 84 form, as seen in circumferential direction about the rotation axis 26, the two outer form-fitting elements 82 and 84 and are each designed as snap hooks directed towards each other, which snap into corresponding radial slots 78 during radial insertion and are there form-fittedly fixed against circumferential movement. Between the two snap hooks, the second form-fitting element 83 is designed as central centering pin, which is inserted into a radial slot 78 lying between the first and third form-fitting element 82, 84 and during assembly of the brake caliper clamping block 50 and the wheel bearing clamping block 44 serves for radially symmetric guiding and positioning.

[0113] The three form-fitting elements 82, 83, 84 are guided in the region of an at least partially enclosing housing 85, which mechanically holds the form-fitting elements and protects them against external force effects. From the housing 85 the form-fitting elements protrude radially towards the rotation axis 26, so that they can engage into the radial slots 78 during assembly with the wheel bearing clamping block 44. The housing 85 comprises, as seen in the direction of the rotation axis 26, on the axial front side and on the axial rear side in each case a support wall 86 running transverse to the rotation axis 26. The support walls 86 are held between support feet 87, which protrude in transverse direction 6 on both sides beyond the two support walls 86. Between the two support feet 87, on each support wall 86, a further, centrally aligned support wall foot 90 is arranged, which projects radially towards the rotation axis 26 in the area between the support feet 87.

[0114] The support feet 87 and the support wall feet 90 primarily serve for radial support of the connection body 79 during assembly of the two clamping blocks 44, 50. The support feet 87 each have a radially inclined support surface 88, via which the brake caliper clamping block 50 during insertion can lay itself obliquely on the outer contour of the outer sleeve 76. Between the support surfaces 88 and the support wall 86, on each support foot, a lateral surface 89 is formed, which, seen in circumferential direction to the rotation axis 26, face each other. The lateral surfaces 89 do not serve for guiding or form-fitting fixation, but delimit laterally a free space that remains between the support feet 87 and the central support wall foot 90. This free space facilitates the radial insertion of the brake caliper clamping block 50 into the wheel bearing clamping block 44, by enabling a certain tolerance compensation, reducing the risk of edge offset and facilitating demolding during manufacturing. The lateral surfaces 89 themselves do not have any immediate effective function in the sense of the inventive connection.

[0115] Between the inner sleeve 75 and the outer sleeve 76 extend several radially directed struts 91, which secure the concentric alignment of the sleeves with each other and stiffen the bearing body 72 overall. Of the struts 91, in FIG. 4 not all are provided with their own reference signs for clarity. The struts 91 are designed step-shaped, whereby along the radial extension in each case a not further referenced axial offset results. The axial steps are formed in direction of the rear side of the bearing body 72 and cause that the respective struts end sectionwise at different axial height levels. The steps are each formed within the respective strut 91, so that the respective strut 91 at one radial section has a different axial height than at an adjacent section. This staggering is recognizable from the rear side of the bearing body 72 and differs between the individual struts, wherein in the represented embodiment at least two different height levels are realized.

[0116] The mentioned staggering of the struts 91 is clearly formed on the axial end face of the bearing body 72. There, concentric to the inner sleeve 75, an additional ring-shaped section 92 is provided, which together with the outer sleeve 76 forms an axial termination of the bearing body. Between the inner sleeve 75 and the ring section 92 the struts 91 run, wherein individual struts are designed step-shaped, so that their radially directed webs end sectionwise at different axial height levels. On the end face, this results in an interrupted ring area with sectionwise raised and recessed zones. The elevations recognizable on the end face form a height profile distributed regularly about the rotation axis 26, which in the represented embodiment alternates with the lower-lying strut areas.

[0117] Finally, the assembly of the wheel bearing clamping block 44 and the brake caliper clamping block 50 shall be discussed. After selecting a circumferential position according to the grid of the slot spacings 77, the brake caliper clamping block 50 is first roughly aligned in front of the wheel bearing clamping block 44, so that the connection interface 81 faces the ring of radial slots 78 of the outer sleeve 76. When attaching, the connection body 79 automatically lays itself with the radially inclined support surfaces 88 of the lateral support feet 87 as well as the radial outer surface of the central support wall foot 90 onto the outer contour of the outer sleeve 76 and is thereby aligned in radial and axial direction; the lateral surfaces 89 have no guiding function in this case.

[0118] Subsequently, the brake caliper clamping block 50 is pushed radially towards the rotation axis 26, whereby first the central centering pin 83 dips into the middle radial slot 78 selected for this purpose. The parallel running flanks of the slot guide the centering pin 83 play-free in insertion direction and already roughly fix the connection interface 81 in circumferential direction. With progressing insertion, the snap hooks 82 and 84, spaced apart in circumferential direction, come before the adjacent radial slots 78. Their run-on slopes slide over the slot-side mouth edges; the hook arms are elastically deformed towards the rotation axis 26 until the hook noses have passed the inner slot edges. Immediately thereafter, the hooks spring back and rest behind the inner slot edges, so that a form-fitting securing in circumferential direction is established and at the same time a radial retaining effect against pulling out counter to the insertion direction arises. During this process, the connection body 79 remains areally supported via the support feet 87 and the support wall foot 90, so that tilting moments are limited and transverse forces are introduced into the bearing body 72.

[0119] In the final state, the centering pin 83 and the snap hooks 82, 84 each engage in three radial slots 78 lying next to each other (pin in the middle, hooks in the two lateral ones). The centering pin 83 ensures the central guiding, the snap hooks 82, 84 take over the rotation-proof fixation in circumferential direction and bring about the radial holding securing. For releasing, the brake caliper clamping block 50 can be unlatched by pressing the hook arms 82, 84 towards the rotation axis 26 and subsequently pulled radially outward; the axial opening of the radial slots 78 supports both insertion and removal, without undercuts in the slot being required.