Elastic return power mechanism, disc brake assembly and vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of vehicle parts, in particular to an elastic return power mechanism, a disc brake assembly and a vehicle. The elastic return power mechanism comprises an arched elastic part and a connecting part. The arched elastic part comprises a top plate and two support plates; the top plate is connected between the two support plates; the included angle between the top plate and the supporting plate is smaller than 180 degrees. The ends, away from the top plate, of the supporting plates are abutting ends. The abutting end is used for abutting against the brake caliper support. The two supporting plates are arranged at intervals in the length direction of the top plate. The distance between the abutting end and the top plate is smaller than the length of the top plate. The connecting part comprises a first connecting plate; the first connecting plate is fixedly connected with the top plate; the first connecting plate is used for being connected with a friction plate. Therefore, the problem of how to reduce the size of the elastic return power mechanism while ensuring large elastic force of the elastic return power mechanism is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of vehicle parts, and in particular to an elastic return power mechanism, a disc brake assembly and a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] A vehicle's brake pads are a core component of the vehicle's braking system. Their primary function is to generate resistance through friction with the brake disc or drum, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby slowing or stopping the vehicle. During braking, the pads press against the brake disc. When braking is complete and the brake is released, the pads must return to their resting position, a process accomplished by an elastic return mechanism. This mechanism is a key component in the braking system, ensuring that the pads smoothly disengage from the disc and return to their initial position after the brakes are released. This mechanism typically utilizes an elastic pad installed within the brake caliper or inside the caliper, leveraging its elastic force to propel the pads back into position.

[0003] However, to ensure the elastic plate meets the required high rebound force, the required size of the elastic plate must be met to meet the required elastic force for the friction plate's return. However, space in a vehicle's braking system is limited, and a large elastic plate would be difficult to fit within the limited space. If the elastic plate's size is reduced, the required elastic force for the friction plate's return cannot be met. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to solve the problem of how to reduce the size of the elastic return power mechanism while ensuring a large elastic force of the elastic return power mechanism, the present invention provides an elastic return power mechanism, a disc brake assembly and a vehicle.

[0005] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an elastic return power mechanism, the elastic return power mechanism comprising:

[0006] An arched elastic portion, comprising a top plate and two support plates; the top plate is connected between the two support plates; the angle between the top plate and the support plates is less than 180°; the end of the support plate away from the top plate is a tightening end; the tightening end is used to tighten against the brake caliper bracket; the two support plates are spaced apart along the length direction of the top plate; the distance between the tightening end and the top plate is less than the length of the top plate;

[0007] The connecting part includes a first connecting plate; the first connecting plate is fixedly connected to the top plate; the first connecting plate is used to connect to the friction plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the distance between the abutting end and the top plate is the length of the support plate; and the length of the support plate is 60% to 75% of the length of the top plate.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first reference section is perpendicular to the top plate, and the first reference section intersects with the two support plates at the same time; the projection of the support plate in the first reference section is arc-shaped; the concave sides of the two support plates are arranged facing each other.

[0010] In some embodiments, the distance between the abutting end and the top plate is the length of the support plate; the length of the support plate is 25% to 40% of the radius of the support plate.

[0011] In some embodiments, the arched elastic portion also includes a bottom plate; two bottom plates are provided; the bottom plates are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the support plates; the bottom plates are fixedly connected to the abutting ends of the support plates; when the arched elastic portion is in a natural state, there is an angle between the bottom plate and the top plate, and the side of the bottom plate away from the abutting end is bent toward the direction close to the top plate.

[0012] In some embodiments, the second reference section is perpendicular to the top plate; the second reference section is perpendicular to the first reference section; in the projection of the elastic return power mechanism on the second reference section, the angle between the first connecting plate and the top plate is a first angle, and the first angle is between 90° and 100°.

[0013] In some embodiments, the elastic return power mechanism also includes a limiting part; the limiting part includes a first limiting plate and a second limiting plate; one end of the first limiting plate is fixedly connected to the top plate, and the other end of the first limiting plate is fixedly connected to the second limiting plate; the angle between the second limiting plate and the first reference section is a second angle; the second angle is an acute angle, and the end of the second limiting plate away from the first limiting plate is bent toward the direction close to the connecting part.

[0014] In some embodiments, the second angle is positively correlated with the first angle.

[0015] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a disc brake assembly, comprising:

[0016] The elastic return power mechanism as described in any one of the first aspects;

[0017] a brake caliper bracket, wherein the abutting end of the support plate in the elastic return power mechanism abuts against the brake caliper bracket;

[0018] a piston, wherein the piston is fixedly connected to the brake caliper bracket;

[0019] Two friction plates, the piston drives the two friction plates to move toward each other; each friction plate corresponds to at least one elastic return power mechanism; the end of the first connecting plate of the elastic return power mechanism away from the arched elastic portion is fixedly connected to the corresponding friction plate;

[0020] A brake disc is located between the two friction plates; the brake disc is used to be fixedly connected to the wheel.

[0021] In a third aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle, comprising:

[0022] body of the vehicle;

[0023] wheels, the wheels being rotatably connected to the vehicle body;

[0024] As described in the second aspect of the disc brake assembly, the brake disc of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the wheel; and the brake caliper bracket of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the vehicle body.

[0025] In order to solve the problem of how to reduce the size of the elastic return power mechanism while ensuring a large elastic force of the elastic return power mechanism, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0026] By providing an arched elastic portion and a connecting portion, a two-stage return force structure is formed. The first stage of the return force is achieved by the first connecting plate pulling the top plate to bend toward the caliper bracket, while the second stage is achieved by the top plate pulling the support plate to bend. This structure can meet the increasing return force requirements as friction pad wear increases. Furthermore, the distance between the abutting end and the top plate is less than the top plate's length. While meeting the high return force requirements, the arched elastic portion's dimensions along the friction pad's travel direction are reduced. This ultimately resolves the issue of elastic return mechanisms often requiring large dimensions while maintaining a sufficient return force. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 shows a front view of an elastic sheet;

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an elastic return power mechanism according to an embodiment is shown;

[0029] Figure 3 Shown Figure 2 A side view of the elastic return power mechanism;

[0030] Figure 4 Shown Figure 2 A front view of the elastic return power mechanism;

[0031] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a disc brake assembly according to an embodiment is shown;

[0032] Figure 6 Shown Figure 5 A front view of the disc brake assembly;

[0033] Figure 7A schematic diagram of a vehicle is shown according to one embodiment.

[0034] Figure numerals: arched elastic portion 10; top plate 11; support plate 12; bottom plate 13; connecting portion 20; first connecting plate 21; second connecting plate 22; limiting portion 30; first limiting plate 31; second limiting plate 32; third limiting plate 33; brake caliper bracket 40; friction plate 50; piston 60; vehicle body 70; wheel 80; elastic plate 90; connecting end 91; abutting end 92; bent portion 93; first angle α1; second angle α2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] The present disclosure will now be discussed with reference to several exemplary embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are discussed only to enable those skilled in the art to better understand and implement the present disclosure, rather than to imply any limitation on the scope of the present disclosure.

[0036] As used herein, the term "including" and its variations are to be interpreted as open-ended terms meaning "including, but not limited to." The term "based on" is to be interpreted as "based, at least in part, on." The terms "one embodiment" and "an embodiment" are to be interpreted as "at least one embodiment." The term "another embodiment" is to be interpreted as "at least one other embodiment." Terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "front," "back," "top," "bottom," "inner," "outer," "vertical," "horizontal," "transverse," and "longitudinal" indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily intended to better describe the present application and its embodiments and are not intended to limit the devices, elements, or components indicated to having a specific orientation, or to being constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Furthermore, some of the above terms may be used to indicate other meanings besides orientation or positional relationships. For example, the term "on" may, in certain circumstances, be used to indicate a dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances. Furthermore, the terms "installed," "disposed," "provided with," "connected," and "connected" are to be interpreted broadly. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral structure; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, elements, or components. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to the specific circumstances. In addition, the terms "first", "second", etc. are mainly used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (the specific types and structures may be the same or different), and are not used to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0037] The vehicle's brake friction pad 50 generates resistance through friction with the brake disc or brake drum, converting the vehicle's kinetic energy into heat energy, thereby achieving vehicle deceleration or stopping. During the braking process, the brake friction pad 50 will be pressed against the brake disc; when braking ends and the brake is released, the friction pad 50 needs to return to its static position. This process is completed by the elastic return power mechanism. Figure 1As shown, the current elastic return mechanism comprises a bent elastic plate 90, which includes a connecting end 91, an abutting end 92, and a curved portion 93. The connecting end 91 is riveted to the friction plate 50, while the abutting end 92 abuts the surface of the caliper bracket 40 facing away from the friction plate 50. When the friction plate 50 is braked by the thrust of the piston 60, the connecting end 91 moves synchronously with the friction plate 50, driving the curved portion 93 toward the connecting end 91. This movement, in other words, follows an arc centered on the abutting end 92, reducing the angle β2 between the connecting portion 20 of the elastic plate 90 and the friction plate 50 to β1. To ensure a large deformation limit, the distance from the curved portion 93 to the abutting end 92 needs to be longer. However, this results in a larger size for the elastic plate 90, which is not conducive to assembly. Furthermore, due to the limited space in the disc brake assembly, the size of the elastic plate 90 needs to be further limited while also ensuring its return capability. Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides an elastic return power mechanism.

[0038] Example 1:

[0039] In this embodiment, if Figure 2 、 Figure 3 、 Figure 4 As shown, an elastic return power mechanism includes an arched elastic portion 10 and a connecting portion 20.

[0040] The arched elastic part 10 includes a top plate 11 and two support plates 12. The top plate 11 is connected between the two support plates 12, so that the arched elastic part 10 forms a stable integral structure, providing a basis for the generation of rebound force. The angle between the top plate 11 and the support plate 12 is less than 180°, so that the arched structure has a certain elastic deformation ability, creating conditions for the generation of return force. The end of the support plate 12 away from the top plate 11 is a tightening end, which is used to tighten the brake caliper bracket 40 to achieve the fixation of the arched elastic part 10 on the brake caliper bracket 40. The two support plates 12 are arranged at intervals along the length direction of the top plate 11 to ensure that the top plate 11 is more balanced when subjected to force, further improving the stability of the structure. The distance between the tightening end and the top plate 11 is less than the length of the top plate 11, so as to ensure that the size of the arched elastic part 10 along the moving direction of the friction plate 50 is relatively low, that is, as shown Figure 4 As shown, the height dimension of the arched elastic portion 10 along the up-down direction reduces the space occupied by the arched elastic portion 10 while ensuring that the arched elastic portion 10 has a better return effect.

[0041] The connecting portion 20 includes a first connecting plate 21. The first connecting plate 21 is fixedly connected to the top plate 11. Through the fixed connection, the connecting portion 20 and the arched elastic portion 10 are firmly combined, ensuring that the force can be effectively transmitted. The first connecting plate 21 is used to connect to the friction plate 50, and can transmit the return force generated by the arched elastic portion 10 to the friction plate 50. The first connecting plate 21 pulls the top plate 11 toward the brake caliper bracket 40 to bend it to form a primary return force structure, and then the top plate 11 pulls the two support plates 12 toward the abutting end to bend them to form a secondary return force structure. When the friction plate 50 is greatly worn, that is, the return force demand increases, the friction plate 50 can also be reset by the secondary return force structure, thereby meeting the high return force demand of the friction plate 50.

[0042] Preferably, when the vehicle brakes, the first connecting plate 21 pulls the top plate 11, causing the two support plates 12 to deform through the top plate 11. After braking, the two support plates 12 and the first connecting plate 21 form a two-stage return force structure, and the first connecting plate 21 is located between the two support plates 12 to reset the friction plate 50. In this way, the force transmission can be more balanced and the return effect is better.

[0043] Further, if Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the abutting end and the top plate 11 is the length of the support plate 12, and the length of the support plate 12 is 60% to 75% of the length of the top plate 11. This can not only prevent the support plate 12 from being too long and resulting in a larger size, but also prevent the support plate 12 from being too short and difficult to elastically deform, thereby ensuring that the elastic performance of the support plate 12 is effectively exerted, thereby ensuring that the elastic return power mechanism can effectively apply a return force to the friction plate 50.

[0044] Furthermore, the first reference section is perpendicular to the top plate 11 and intersects with the two support plates 12 at the same time, that is, Figure 4 Figure 2 is a schematic projection diagram along the first reference cross-section. The projection of support plate 12 along the first reference cross-section is arc-shaped. This arc-shaped design avoids stress concentration during deformation of support plate 12, facilitates deformation of support plate 12, and improves its elasticity and service life. Furthermore, the concave sides of the two support plates 12 are positioned facing each other, enabling the force directions and deformation trends of the two support plates 12 to coordinate with each other, ensuring balanced transmission of the return force and further optimizing the return effect of the elastic return mechanism.

[0045] Further, if Figure 4 As shown, the distance between the abutting end and the top plate 11 is the length of the support plate 12. The length of the support plate 12 is 25% to 40% of the radius of the support plate 12. This reduces the curvature of the support plate 12 and ensures that the support plate 12 has a high elastic modulus, thereby increasing the magnitude of the second-stage return force and ensuring that the return force of the elastic return power mechanism is large enough to meet the return force requirement of the friction plate 50.

[0046] Further, if Figure 2 、 Figure 4 As shown, the arched elastic portion 10 also includes a bottom plate 13. Two bottom plates 13 are provided. The bottom plates 13 are arranged in a one-to-one correspondence with the support plates 12, so that each support plate 12 can cooperate with the brake caliper bracket 40 through the corresponding bottom plate 13 to ensure balanced force. The bottom plate 13 is fixedly connected to the abutting end of the support plate 12. The fixed connection increases the stability of the connection and ensures effective force transmission. In the natural state of the arched elastic portion 10, there is an angle between the bottom plate 13 and the top plate 11, and the side of the bottom plate 13 away from the abutting end is bent toward the top plate 11. That is, in the initial state (when the arched elastic portion 10 is not subjected to force), the bottom plate 13 forms line contact with the brake caliper bracket 40. When the arched elastic portion 10 is pulled by the friction plate 50, the side of the bottom plate 13 away from the abutting end swings toward the direction away from the top plate 11 until the bottom plate 13 forms surface contact with the brake caliper bracket 40. As the support plate 12 continues to bend and swing, the angle between the support plate 12 and the bottom plate 13 gradually becomes smaller, increasing the difficulty of bending the support plate 12. At this time, the third level of return force is formed, further enhancing the elastic force of the elastic return power mechanism.

[0047] Furthermore, the second reference section is perpendicular to the top plate 11, and the second reference section is perpendicular to the first reference section, that is, Figure 3 The diagram is a projection diagram along the second reference cross-section. In the projection of the elastic return mechanism along the second reference cross-section, the angle between the first connecting plate 21 and the top plate 11 is a first angle α1, which is between 90° and 100°. This ensures the structural stability of the connection between the first connecting plate 21 and the top plate 11 while also facilitating the transmission of tension to the top plate 11 when subjected to stress. This facilitates the effective generation and application of the first-stage return force, ensuring a smooth return process.

[0048] Further, if Figure 2As shown, the elastic return mechanism also includes a limiting portion 30. The limiting portion 30 includes a first limiting plate 31 and a second limiting plate 32. One end of the first limiting plate 31 is fixedly connected to the top plate 11, and the other end of the first limiting plate 31 is fixedly connected to the second limiting plate 32, forming a stable support structure that provides a limiting function for the elastic return mechanism and prevents excessive tension on the friction plate 50, which could cause the elastic return mechanism to detach from the brake caliper bracket 40. The angle between the second limiting plate 32 and the first reference cross section is a second angle α2. This second angle α2 is an acute angle. The end of the second limiting plate 32 away from the first limiting plate 31 is bent toward the connecting portion 20. This effectively limits the range of motion of the connecting portion 20 and the arched elastic portion 10, preventing the connecting portion 20 from affecting the normal operation of the return mechanism due to transitional displacement. The setting of the second angle α2 and the bending direction ensure the accuracy and reliability of the limiting function, improving the stability of the overall structure.

[0049] Further, if Figure 2 As shown, the second angle α2 is positively correlated with the first angle α1. It should be understood that the changing trends of the second angle α2 and the first angle α1 are consistent. When the first angle α1 changes, the second angle α2 changes proportionally. This correlation allows the limiting effect of the limiting portion 30 to be adapted to the stress state of the connecting portion 20, ensuring that the limiting portion 30 effectively constrains the connecting portion 20 under different operating conditions, avoiding problems such as limiting failure or excessive restriction caused by angle mismatch between the two, thereby ensuring the coordination and stability of the overall operation of the elastic return power mechanism.

[0050] In other embodiments, the connecting portion 20 further includes a second connecting plate 22, one end of which is fixedly connected to the first connecting plate 21, and the other end of which is fixedly connected to the friction plate 50. The second connecting plate 22 connects the elastic return power mechanism to the friction plate 50, thereby ensuring the effectiveness of the force transmission.

[0051] The limiting portion 30 further includes a third limiting plate 33 , which is fixedly connected to an end of the second limiting plate 32 away from the first limiting plate 31 . The third limiting plate 33 facilitates assembly of the elastic return power mechanism.

[0052] Example 2:

[0053] In this embodiment, if Figure 5 、 6 As shown, the disc brake assembly includes an elastic return power mechanism, a brake caliper bracket 40, a piston 60, two friction plates 50, and a brake disc.

[0054] The abutting end of the support plate 12 in the elastic return power mechanism abuts against the brake caliper bracket 40, thereby firmly connecting the elastic return power mechanism and the brake caliper bracket 40. At the same time, the return function of the elastic return power mechanism is used to ensure the smooth reset of the friction plate 50 after braking.

[0055] The piston 60 is fixedly connected to the brake caliper bracket 40 , so that the piston 60 obtains a stable installation base, which facilitates driving the friction plate 50 .

[0056] The piston 60 drives the two friction plates 50 toward each other, clamping the brake disc. Each friction plate 50 also has at least one elastic return mechanism. The first connecting plate 21 of the elastic return mechanism, located at the end away from the arched elastic portion 10, is fixedly connected to the corresponding friction plate 50, ensuring that each friction plate 50 receives sufficient return force for reliable reset.

[0057] The brake disc is located between the two friction plates 50 and is fixedly connected to the wheel 80. The clamping of the friction plates 50 slows down or stops the wheel 80. Through the coordinated cooperation of various components, the disc brake assembly can stably achieve braking and return functions, ensuring vehicle driving safety.

[0058] Example 3:

[0059] In this embodiment, if Figure 7 As shown, the vehicle includes a vehicle body 70 , wheels 80 , and a disc brake assembly.

[0060] The wheels 80 are rotatably connected to the vehicle body 70 to provide a basic rotating structure for the vehicle to travel.

[0061] The brake disc of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the wheel 80, and the braking of the brake disc can drive the wheel 80 to slow down or stop, thereby realizing the vehicle braking function; the brake caliper bracket 40 of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the vehicle body 70, providing a stable installation support for the disc brake assembly, ensuring that the force of each component is stable during the braking process. Through the coordinated cooperation of various parts, the vehicle can reliably realize the braking operation and ensure driving safety.

[0062] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-mentioned embodiments are specific examples for implementing the present disclosure, and that in actual applications, various changes may be made thereto in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. An elastic return power mechanism, characterized in that: The elastic return power mechanism comprises: An arched elastic portion, comprising a top plate and two support plates; the top plate is connected between the two support plates; the angle between the top plate and the support plates is less than 180°; the end of the support plate away from the top plate is a tightening end; the tightening end is used to tighten against the brake caliper bracket; the two support plates are spaced apart along the length direction of the top plate; the distance between the tightening end and the top plate is less than the length of the top plate; The connecting part includes a first connecting plate; the first connecting plate is fixedly connected to the top plate; the first connecting plate is used to connect to the friction plate.

2. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The distance between the abutting end and the top plate is the length of the support plate; the length of the support plate is 60% to 75% of the length of the top plate.

3. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first reference section is perpendicular to the top plate, and the first reference section intersects with the two support plates at the same time; the projection of the support plate in the first reference section is arc-shaped; the concave sides of the two support plates are arranged facing each other.

4. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The distance between the abutting end and the top plate is the length of the support plate; the length of the support plate is 25% to 40% of the radius of the support plate.

5. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that: The arched elastic portion also includes a bottom plate; two bottom plates are provided; the bottom plates are provided in a one-to-one correspondence with the support plates; the bottom plate is fixedly connected to the abutting end of the support plate; when the arched elastic portion is in a natural state, there is an angle between the bottom plate and the top plate, and the side of the bottom plate away from the abutting end is bent toward the direction close to the top plate.

6. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that: The second reference section is perpendicular to the top plate; the second reference section is perpendicular to the first reference section; in the projection of the elastic return power mechanism on the second reference section, the angle between the first connecting plate and the top plate is a first angle, and the first angle is between 90° and 100°.

7. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 6, characterized in that: The elastic return power mechanism also includes a limiting part; the limiting part includes a first limiting plate and a second limiting plate; one end of the first limiting plate is fixedly connected to the top plate, and the other end of the first limiting plate is fixedly connected to the second limiting plate; the angle between the second limiting plate and the first reference section is a second angle; the second angle is an acute angle, and the end of the second limiting plate away from the first limiting plate is bent toward the direction close to the connecting part.

8. The elastic return power mechanism according to claim 7, characterized in that: The second angle is positively correlated with the first angle.

9. A disc brake assembly, characterized in that: The disc brake assembly comprises: The elastic return power mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 8; a brake caliper bracket, wherein the abutting end of the support plate in the elastic return power mechanism abuts against the brake caliper bracket; a piston, wherein the piston is fixedly connected to the brake caliper bracket; Two friction plates, the piston drives the two friction plates to move toward each other; each friction plate corresponds to at least one elastic return power mechanism; the end of the first connecting plate of the elastic return power mechanism away from the arched elastic portion is fixedly connected to the corresponding friction plate; A brake disc is located between the two friction plates; the brake disc is used to be fixedly connected to the wheel.

10. A vehicle, characterized in that: The vehicle comprises: body of the vehicle; wheels, the wheels being rotatably connected to the vehicle body; The disc brake assembly according to claim 9, wherein the brake disc of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the wheel; and the brake caliper bracket of the disc brake assembly is fixedly connected to the vehicle body.

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