Electromechanical brake and elastic member

Abstract

This invention provides an electromechanical brake and an elastic member. The electromechanical brake includes: a main braking module including a generally cylindrical protrusion, the protrusion including a shoulder and at least one first protrusion; a brake caliper module including a recess that mates with the protrusion of the main braking module; and an elastic member including an annular body including opposing first and second sides, the second side of the annular body including a pair of elastic arms; wherein the main braking module is assembled with the brake caliper module by the following operation: the protrusion is axially inserted into the recess of the brake caliper module in a first circumferential position, and rotated circumferentially relative to the brake caliper module to a second circumferential position. The electromechanical brake according to the embodiment is easy to assemble and / or disassemble.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of braking devices, and more specifically, to an electromechanical brake. Background Technology

[0002] Electromechanical brakes are devices that achieve braking by using a motor to drive the brake caliper. Compared to traditional hydraulic brakes, they offer advantages such as faster response, simpler structure, and easier maintenance. With the increasing electrification and intelligence of vehicles, electromechanical brakes are becoming a development trend in braking systems due to their easier integration with electric control systems.

[0003] Electromechanical brakes generally consist of a main braking module and a brake caliper module. The main braking module includes a brake motor, transmission mechanism, and control unit, while the brake caliper module includes a housing and friction pad support, etc. The main braking module and brake caliper module need to be fixed together when assembled, and are difficult to disassemble after assembly. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this application is to solve or at least alleviate one or more problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect, an electromechanical brake is provided, comprising: A main braking module, the main braking module including a generally cylindrical protrusion, the protrusion including a shoulder and at least one first protrusion; A brake caliper module, the brake caliper module including a recess that mates with a protrusion of the main brake module, the recess including: an end face, at least one second protrusion on the inner side of the recess, and a pair of slots on the outer side of the recess; and An elastic member, the elastic member comprising an annular body, the annular body comprising opposing first and second sides, the second side of the annular body comprising a pair of elastic arms; When the main braking module and the brake caliper module are assembled, the elastic member is sleeved on the protrusion of the main braking module, so that the first side faces the main braking module. The main braking module is assembled with the brake caliper module by the following operation: the protrusion is axially inserted into the notch of the brake caliper module at the first circumferential position, and rotated circumferentially relative to the brake caliper module to the second circumferential position. At the first circumferential position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion are offset in the circumferential direction, and the pair of elastic arms are offset from the pair of slots in the circumferential direction; In the second circumferential position, the first protrusion and the second protrusion at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction to interlock in the axial direction, the pair of elastic arms enter the pair of slots, and the elastic member is located between the end face of the recess and the shoulder of the protrusion.

[0006] According to another aspect, an elastic member and an electromechanical brake including the elastic member are also provided, wherein the elastic member comprises: An annular body, the annular body comprising opposing first and second sides; The plurality of elastic protrusions on the first side of the annular body provide axial elastic force when compressed axially; and A pair of elastic arms are located on the second side of the annular body, which provide radial clamping force when they are radially spread open.

[0007] The electromechanical brake according to the embodiment is easy to assemble and / or disassemble. Attached Figure Description

[0008] The disclosure of this application will become more readily understood with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be readily understood by those skilled in the art that these drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Furthermore, similar numbers in the drawings are used to denote similar components, wherein: Figure 1 An exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to an embodiment being assembled to a wheel hub is shown; Figure 2 A perspective view of an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 3 An exploded view of an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of an electromechanical brake according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 5 A perspective view of the elastic member according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 6 A perspective view of the cylindrical outer wall of the protrusion according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 7 A perspective view of the elastic member and protrusion assembled according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 8 A perspective view of the housing of a brake caliper module according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 9 It shows Figure 8 Enlarged view of region A in the middle; Figure 10 An end view of the housing of the brake caliper module according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 11 A perspective view of a brake caliper module according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a brake caliper module according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 13 and Figure 14 A schematic diagram showing different angles at the first circumferential position during the assembly process of the electromechanical brake according to an embodiment is shown; Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the electromechanical brake in its second circumferential position during assembly according to an embodiment is shown; and Figure 16 A perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to an embodiment when it is fully assembled is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0009] Figure 1 An installation diagram of an electromechanical brake is shown, illustrating a shaft 91, a shock absorber 92, a bearing 94, a steering knuckle arm 93, a brake disc 95, and a wheel 96, as well as an electromechanical brake 100 according to an embodiment, which is driven by a motor to provide braking force by clamping the brake disc 95 with a brake caliper. During assembly, the electromechanical brake 100 is mounted on the steering knuckle arm 93, and is also housed within a compact space inside the wheel hub of the wheel 96, thus imposing strict limitations on the volume of the electromechanical brake 100 itself.

[0010] refer to Figures 2 to 16 An electromechanical brake according to an embodiment is described below. The electromechanical brake mainly includes: a brake caliper module 1, a main brake module 2, and an elastic member 3. The brake caliper module 1 and the main brake module 2 are connected by the elastic member 3. More specifically, the main brake module 2 includes a generally cylindrical protrusion 20, which includes a shoulder 29 and at least one first protrusion 201, wherein the at least one first protrusion 201 is closer to the end of the protrusion 20 than the shoulder 29. On the other hand, the brake caliper module 1 includes a recess 10 that mates with the protrusion 20 of the main brake module 2. The recess 10 is generally cylindrical and includes: an end face 19, at least one second protrusion 111 on the inner side of the recess 10, and a pair of grooves 13 on the outer side of the recess 10. The elastic member 3 includes an annular body 30, which includes opposing first and second sides. The second side of the annular body 30 includes a pair of elastic arms 33. Figure 7 As shown, during the assembly of the main braking module 2 and the brake caliper module 1, the elastic member 3 is sleeved on the protrusion 20 of the main braking module 2, such that the first side faces the main braking module 2, while the second side faces the brake caliper module 1 to be assembled.

[0011] Continue to refer to Figure 1314, 15, where the main braking module 2 is omitted to more clearly show the relative relationship between the elastic member 3 and the brake caliper module 1. The main braking module 2 is assembled with the brake caliper module 1 by the following operation: First, the protrusion 20 is as follows... Figure 13 and Figure 14 The brake caliper module 1 is inserted axially into the notch 10 in the first circumferential position shown, and rotated circumferentially relative to the brake caliper module 1 to a certain depth when inserted. Figure 15 The second circumferential position is shown. Additionally... Figure 16 The specific state of the electromechanical brake when the main brake module 2 is assembled is shown. In the first circumferential position, the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 111 are offset circumferentially, and a pair of elastic retaining arms 33 are offset circumferentially from a pair of slots 13; in the second circumferential position, the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 111 at least partially overlap circumferentially to interlock axially, the pair of elastic retaining arms 33 enter the pair of slots 13, and the elastic member 3 is located between the end face 19 of the recess 10 and the shoulder 29 of the protrusion 20. According to the embodiments of this application, the brake caliper module 1 and the main brake module 2 are assembled in two steps of insertion and rotation, which is convenient and quick.

[0012] In some embodiments, the main braking module includes a brake motor, a transmission mechanism, and an electronic control unit, while the brake caliper module includes a housing and a friction pad support, etc. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 4As shown, the protrusion 20 includes a cylindrical outer wall 23 and a telescopic end wall 21, with at least one first protrusion 201 and a shoulder 29 disposed along the outer periphery of the cylindrical outer wall 23. In some embodiments, a ball screw mechanism is internally housed within the cylindrical outer wall 23, and the telescopic end wall 21 is connected to the ball screw mechanism, thereby enabling its telescopic movement. Specifically, the ball screw mechanism may include a spindle 221, a plurality of balls 222, and a sleeve 223. The spindle 221 and the sleeve 223 are drivenly connected by the plurality of balls 222, and the sleeve 223 is further connected to the end wall 21, such that rotation of the motor-driven spindle 221 can be converted into telescopic movement of the end wall 21. The brake caliper module 1 includes a housing 101 and a friction pad support 102. A first friction pad 71 and a second friction pad 72 are disposed on the friction pad support 102. The friction pad support 102 is fixedly mounted near the wheel through mounting holes 103. After being fixedly connected to the main brake module 2, the housing 101 is axially slidably supported on the friction pad support 102. The notch 10 of the brake caliper module 1 communicates with the first friction pad 71, allowing the end wall 21 to act on the first friction pad 71, and simultaneously act on the second friction pad 72 via the housing 101, thereby clamping the brake disc 95 to achieve braking. For the specific structure and operation of the electromechanical brake including the main brake module 2 and the brake caliper module 1, please refer to Chinese invention patent application CN117267280A entitled "Electromechanical Brake", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0013] In some embodiments, such as Figure 6 As shown, the protrusion 20 of the main braking module 2, such as the cylindrical outer wall 23, includes a plurality of first protrusions 201 distributed circumferentially. The shoulder 29 includes a plurality of shoulder protrusions 203 aligned circumferentially with the plurality of first protrusions 201. A plurality of shoulder slots 204 are disposed between adjacent shoulder protrusions 203, and each shoulder slot 204 includes a bottom surface 2041. The first side of the elastic member 3 includes a plurality of elastic tabs 31 corresponding to the positions of the plurality of shoulder slots 204. The plurality of elastic tabs 31 engage with the plurality of shoulder slots 204, for example, as shown in the figure. Figure 7 As shown, the ends of the plurality of elastic tabs 31 abut against the bottom surface 2041 of the shoulder groove 204 axially. When the elastic member 3 is assembled to the protrusion 20 of the main braking module 2, the elastic member 3 is axially fitted onto the protrusion 20 and the plurality of elastic tabs 31 pass through the first gap between the plurality of first protrusions 201. In some embodiments, the cylindrical outer wall 23 may be manufactured (e.g., forged) to have a plurality of splines, and then the portion corresponding to the plurality of first protrusions 201 and the plurality of shoulder protrusions 203 is removed by lathe, i.e., a circumferential groove 202 is formed.

[0014] In some embodiments, such as Figure 11As shown, the inner side of the recess 10 includes a plurality of second protrusions 111 distributed circumferentially, and a plurality of circumferential gaps 19 are located between adjacent second protrusions 111. In the first circumferential position, the plurality of first protrusions 201 on the protrusion 20 are respectively aligned circumferentially with the plurality of circumferential gaps 19, such that when the protrusion 20 is axially inserted into the recess 10 of the brake caliper module 1, the plurality of first protrusions 201 pass through the plurality of circumferential gaps 19. When the protrusion 20 is axially inserted into the recess 10 of the brake caliper module 1 until the first protrusion 201 axially exceeds (e.g., just exceeds) the second protrusion 111, that is, when the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 111 no longer overlap axially and the first protrusion 201 is closer to the first friction plate 71 (see reference). Figure 4 The main braking module 2 can be rotated relative to the brake caliper module 1 to a second circumferential position. It should be understood that during the rotation operation, the multiple elastic tabs 31 of the elastic member 3 are compressed axially, so that at the end of the rotation, the multiple elastic tabs 31 apply forces in opposite directions to the main braking module 2 and the brake caliper module 1, causing the first protrusion 201 to tightly abut against the second protrusion 111, achieving axial interlocking. It should be understood that although the illustrated embodiments use multiple first protrusions 201 and multiple second protrusions 111 distributed circumferentially to achieve balanced force distribution on the circumference, it is conceivable that interlocking can be achieved using only one first protrusion 201 and one second protrusion 111. Therefore, the number, shape, and distribution of the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 111 are not limited to the specific embodiments shown.

[0015] In some embodiments, the inner side of the recess 10 further includes a plurality of third protrusions 112 distributed circumferentially, the plurality of third protrusions 112 corresponding to a plurality of second protrusions 111 in the circumferential direction and spaced apart by circumferential grooves 12. Figure 4 As shown, when the main braking module 2 and the brake caliper module 1 are assembled, a plurality of first protrusions 201 are axially positioned between a plurality of second protrusions 111 and a plurality of third protrusions 112. Similarly, in some embodiments, the notch 10 may be manufactured with a plurality of splines, which are then divided into a plurality of second protrusions 111 and a plurality of third protrusions 112 by removing portions corresponding to the circumferential groove 12.

[0016] It should be understood that the axial length of the first protrusion 201 is slightly less than the axial length of the circumferential groove 12 between the second protrusion 111 and the third protrusion 112, to allow rotation of the main brake module 2 relative to the brake caliper module 1. Upon completion of rotation and release of the main brake module 2, the first protrusion 201 will abut against the second protrusion 111 due to the axial force of the elastic member 3. When disassembling the main brake module 2 and the brake caliper module 1, it is necessary to first resist the axial force of the elastic member 3 from further pressing into the protrusion of the main brake module 2, causing the first protrusion 201 to separate from the second protrusion 111 and be stopped by the third protrusion 112. Simultaneously, a tool should be used to pry open the pair of retaining arms 33 to allow the main brake module 2 to rotate from the second circumferential position back to the first circumferential position or another suitable circumferential position (at this point, it is only necessary for the first protrusion 201 and the second protrusion 111 to be circumferentially offset). When rotated to the first circumferential position, the axially compressed elastic member 3 will eject the main brake module 2 from the brake caliper module 1. Then, the main brake module 2 is pulled out axially. It should be understood that the above disassembly requires specific tools to perform, thereby preventing unauthorized operation of the electromechanical brake.

[0017] In some embodiments, protrusions 14 are provided on both sides of a pair of slots 13, such as... Figure 13 and Figure 14 In the first circumferential position shown, the pair of elastic arms 33 of the elastic member 3 are aligned circumferentially with the boss 14. For example... Figure 9 As shown, in some embodiments, the front end of the protrusion 14 on one or both sides of the slot 13 is provided as a slope 141, which guides the elastic arm 33 to be radially expanded when engaged with the elastic arm 33. Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in some embodiments, the side of the boss 14 on one or both sides of the slot 13 facing the slot 13 is provided as an inclined surface 142, that is, a vertical line relative to the bottom surface of the slot 13. Figure 10 (As shown by the dashed line) the slope is inclined outward. This slope 142 facilitates the sliding of the arm 33 into the slot 13. It should be understood that the slot 13, on the one hand, provides circumferential restraint for the arm 33, and on the other hand, the diameter of the slot 13 is set to be slightly larger than the diameter of the arm 33 in its natural state, so that when the arm 33 is inserted into the slot 13, there is a radial clamping force between the arm 33 and the bottom wall or side of the slot 13.

[0018] refer to Figure 5In some embodiments, the resilient arm 33 includes: a radial segment 330 extending radially from the annular body 30; an arcuate transition segment 331 transitioning from the radial segment 330 to the axial segment 332; the axial segment 332; and an outwardly extending segment 333 connected to the axial segment 332. In some embodiments, the resilient arm 33 may have other suitable structures. In some embodiments, a pair of resilient arms 33 has an included angle between 150 and 210 degrees. Ideally, a pair of resilient arms 33 may be spaced 180 degrees apart, but considering the need to avoid other designs, a pair of resilient arms 33 with an angle interval within the above-mentioned angle range or other suitable angle intervals may be used depending on the actual situation.

[0019] According to another aspect, an elastic member 3 is also provided, comprising: an annular body 30 including opposing first and second sides; a plurality of elastic tabs 31 at the first side of the annular body 30, the plurality of elastic tabs 31 providing axial elastic force when compressed axially; and a pair of elastic clamping arms 33 at the second side of the annular body 30, the pair of elastic clamping arms 33 providing radial clamping force when spread radially. In some embodiments, the elastic member 3 may be integrally formed, such as by stamping. An electromechanical brake is also provided, comprising a main brake module 2 and a brake caliper module 1 assembled together by means of the aforementioned elastic member.

[0020] The specific embodiments described above are merely for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the principles of this application, wherein various components are clearly shown or described to make the principles of the invention easier to understand. Various modifications or variations can be easily made to this application by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of this application. Therefore, it should be understood that all such modifications or variations should be included within the patent protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. An electromechanical brake, comprising: The main braking module (2) includes a generally cylindrical protrusion (20), the protrusion (20) including a shoulder (29) and at least one first protrusion (201); A brake caliper module (1), the brake caliper module (1) including a recess (10) that mates with a protrusion (20) of the main brake module (2), the recess (10) including: an end face (19), at least one second protrusion (111) on the inner side of the recess (10), and a pair of slots (13) on the outer side of the recess (10); and The elastic member (3) includes an annular body (30), the annular body (30) includes a first side and a second side opposite to each other, and the second side of the annular body (30) includes a pair of elastic arms (33); When the main braking module (2) and the brake caliper module (1) are assembled, the elastic member (3) is sleeved on the protrusion (20) of the main braking module (2), so that the first side faces the main braking module (2); The main braking module (2) is assembled with the brake caliper module (1) by the following operation: the protrusion (20) is axially inserted into the notch (10) of the brake caliper module (1) at the first circumferential position, and rotated circumferentially relative to the brake caliper module (1) to the second circumferential position; At the first circumferential position, the first protrusion (201) and the second protrusion (111) are offset in the circumferential direction, and the pair of elastic arms (33) are offset from the pair of slots (13) in the circumferential direction; In the second circumferential position, the first protrusion (201) and the second protrusion (111) at least partially overlap in the circumferential direction to interlock in the axial direction, the pair of elastic arms (33) enter the pair of slots (13), and the elastic member (3) is located between the end face (19) of the notch (10) and the shoulder (29) of the protrusion (20).

2. The electromechanical brake according to claim 1, characterized in that, The protrusion (20) of the main braking module (2) includes a plurality of first protrusions (201) distributed along the circumference, the shoulder (29) includes a plurality of shoulder protrusions (203) aligned with the plurality of first protrusions (201) in the circumferential direction, a plurality of shoulder slots (204) are disposed between adjacent shoulder protrusions (203), the first side of the elastic member (3) includes a plurality of elastic tabs (31) corresponding to the positions of the plurality of shoulder slots (204), the plurality of elastic tabs (31) and the plurality of shoulder slots (204) are axially engaged.

3. The electromechanical brake according to claim 2, characterized in that, The notch (10) includes a plurality of second protrusions (111) distributed along the circumference, and a plurality of circumferential gaps (19) are located between adjacent second protrusions (111). At the first circumferential position, the plurality of first protrusions (201) are respectively aligned with the plurality of circumferential gaps (19) in the circumferential direction, such that when the protrusion (20) is inserted axially into the notch (10) of the brake caliper module (1), the plurality of first protrusions (201) pass through the plurality of circumferential gaps (19).

4. The electromechanical brake according to claim 3, characterized in that, The notch (10) includes a plurality of third protrusions (112) distributed along the circumference. The plurality of third protrusions (112) correspond to the plurality of second protrusions (111) in the circumferential direction and are separated by circumferential grooves (12). When the main braking module (2) and the brake caliper module (1) are assembled, the plurality of first protrusions (201) are located axially between the plurality of second protrusions (111) and the plurality of third protrusions (112).

5. The electromechanical brake according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, When the protrusion (20) is inserted axially into the notch (10) of the brake caliper module (1) until the first protrusion (201) passes the second protrusion (111) in the axial direction, the main brake module (2) rotates relative to the brake caliper module (1) to the second circumferential position, and the plurality of elastic tabs (31) of the elastic member (3) are compressed in the axial direction.

6. The electromechanical brake according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The pair of slots (13) are provided with protrusions (14) on both sides. At the first circumferential position, the pair of elastic arms (33) of the elastic member (3) are aligned with the protrusions (14) in the circumferential direction. The front end of the protrusions (14) on one or both sides of the slots (13) is provided as a slope (141). When the slope (141) engages with the elastic arms (33), it guides the elastic arms (33) to be spread out radially.

7. The electromechanical brake according to claim 6, characterized in that, The side of the boss (14) on one or both sides of the slot (13) facing the slot (13) is set as a slope (142).

8. The electromechanical brake according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The elastic arm (33) includes: A radial segment (330) extending radially from the annular body (30); An arc-shaped transition section (331) from the radial section to the axial section (332); Axial section (332); and The extended section (333) connected to the axial section (332); The pair of elastic arms (33) have an angle between 150 and 210 degrees.

9. The electromechanical brake according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The protrusion (20) includes a cylindrical outer wall (23) and a retractable end wall (21), the first protrusion (201) and the shoulder (29) are arranged along the outer periphery of the cylindrical outer wall (23), wherein the cylindrical outer wall (23) houses a ball screw mechanism, and the retractable end wall (21) is connected to the ball screw mechanism, wherein the notch (10) of the brake caliper module (1) communicates with the first friction plate (71), so that the end wall can act on the first friction plate (71).

10. An elastic member, characterized in that, The elastic member includes: An annular body (30) includes opposing first and second sides; The plurality of elastic tabs (31) on the first side of the annular body (30) provide axial elastic force when compressed axially; and A pair of elastic arms (33) are located on the second side of the annular body (30), which provide radial clamping force when they are radially spread open.

11. The elastic member according to claim 10, characterized in that, The elastic arm (33) includes: A radial segment (330) extending radially from the annular body (30); An arc-shaped transition section (331) from the radial section to the axial section (332); Axial section (332); and The extended section (333) connected to the axial section (332); The pair of elastic arms (33) have an angle between 150 and 210 degrees.

12. An electromechanical brake, characterized in that, The electromechanical brake includes a main braking module (2) and a brake caliper module (1) assembled together by means of an elastic member as described in claim 10 or 11.

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