Brake

Abstract

The utility model relates to a friction brake, which is characterized in that a driving mechanism is always pressed on a force sensor through a pressing mechanism, so that when a brake piece starts braking, the force sensor can directly detect the change of pressure through the driving mechanism, and a correct friction plate pressure value is obtained by calculating and removing the influence of the pressing mechanism through a processing mechanism. Therefore, the method has the beneficial effects of high sensitivity and low delay.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to brakes. Background Technology

[0002] The performance and precise control of a vehicle's brakes play a crucial role in safe driving. Precise control of braking force during braking relies on a force sensing structure. Current force sensors work by having the braking force drive friction pads to clamp onto the brake disc during braking. The reaction force from the brake disc on the friction pads is then transmitted to the force sensor via a drive mechanism to detect the braking force. However, in existing structures, the drive mechanism and the force sensor do not come into contact when the brakes are released. The main purpose of this approach is to ensure that the force sensor is only subjected to the force transmitted by the drive mechanism during braking, and the pressure detected by the force sensor is the braking force, thus ensuring the simplicity and directness of the force sensing.

[0003] However, precisely because of the aforementioned non-contact design, a delay inevitably occurs during force sensing. This delay manifests as follows: when the friction pad is pressed against the brake disc, the lead screw mechanism needs to move a small distance to make contact with the force sensor and achieve force sensing detection.

[0004] In summary, given the non-contact relationship between the existing force sensor and the lead screw mechanism during brake release and the delay in force sensing, there is an urgent need for a new type of brake force sensing structure to overcome the above-mentioned defects and improve the sensitivity, accuracy, and overall performance of the brake force sensing system. Utility Model Content

[0005] The main objective of this invention is to provide a brake that can sensitively detect pressure on the friction plate.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a brake, which includes a driving mechanism, a pressing mechanism, a force sensor, and a processing mechanism, wherein...

[0007] The drive mechanism is used to drive the friction pads to perform braking. The pressure on the friction pads can be transmitted to the force sensor through the drive mechanism.

[0008] The clamping mechanism is used to keep the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor.

[0009] The processing mechanism is used to receive signals from the force sensor and calculate the pressure of the friction plate.

[0010] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake includes a brake frame, and the pressing mechanism includes a first stop, a first elastic member, and a second stop along the pressing direction. The first stop is fixed on the brake frame, the second stop is fixed on the drive mechanism, and the first elastic member is disposed between the first stop and the second stop. The first elastic member is in a compressed state and applies an elastic force to the second stop to keep the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor.

[0011] In some embodiments of this utility model, the driving mechanism includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a lead screw mechanism, wherein,

[0012] The lead screw mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut. The motor drives the nut to rotate through a transmission mechanism. The nut is kept pressed against the force sensor. The lead screw is connected to the friction plate.

[0013] The brake frame has a groove, the lead screw mechanism is disposed in the groove, the groove has a groove wall opposite to the periphery of the nut, the first stop is fixed on the groove wall, and the second stop is fixed on the periphery of the nut.

[0014] In some embodiments of this utility model, the first stop is a first retaining spring, the groove wall is provided with a first retaining spring fixing groove, the first retaining spring is fixed in the first retaining spring fixing groove, the second stop is a flange provided on the periphery of the nut, the elastic element is a wave spring, the wave spring is sleeved on the periphery of the nut, the nut is also sleeved with a plane bearing and a washer, the plane bearing is disposed between the wave spring and the flange, and the washer is disposed between the first retaining spring and the wave spring.

[0015] In some embodiments of this utility model, a shaft seat and a thrust member are further provided between the nut and the force sensor. A spindle is provided on the shaft seat, and the nut and the lead screw are provided on the spindle. A thrust member is provided between the shaft seat and the force sensor.

[0016] In some embodiments of this utility model, the transmission mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism, which includes a first gear. The nut has a second snap ring fixing groove and a first gear mounting surface on its side. The first gear mounting surface includes an anti-rotation limiting part and an axial limiting part.

[0017] The first gear is assembled on the first gear assembly surface, the axial limiting part abuts against one side surface of the first gear, the anti-rotation limiting part is used to prevent the first gear from rotating relative to the nut, and the second snap ring is snapped into the second snap ring fixing groove and abuts against the other side surface of the first gear.

[0018] In some embodiments of this utility model, the brake further includes a stop block, the friction plate is fixed on the stop block, the stop block is bolted to the end of the lead screw, and the stop block and the lead screw are engaged by a spherical surface.

[0019] In some embodiments of this utility model, a shock-absorbing rubber ring is provided between the bolt and the stop block.

[0020] In some embodiments of this utility model, the processing mechanism of the brake is a control circuit.

[0021] In the aforementioned brake, the clamping mechanism keeps the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor at all times, so that when the friction pads begin to brake, the force sensor can directly detect the pressure change by the drive mechanism. The processing mechanism calculates and removes the influence of the clamping mechanism to obtain the correct friction pad pressure value, thus having the beneficial effects of high sensitivity and low delay. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the brake.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the cross-section of the lead screw mechanism.

[0024] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Exploded view of the structure.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the lead screw mechanism.

[0026] In the diagram, 100-brake frame, 110-groove, 200-force sensor, 310-nut, 311-first gear assembly surface, 311a-anti-rotation limiting part, 311b-axial limiting part, 312-second snap ring fixing groove, 320-lead screw, 321-assembly convex surface, 322-threaded hole, 330-shaft seat, 340-spindle, 350-thrust component, 410-first gear, 411-gear assembly hole, 420-second snap ring, 510-stop block, 511-assembly concave surface, 512-bolt assembly hole, 512a-bolt head abutment surface, 520-bolt, 530-shock-absorbing rubber ring, 600-clamping mechanism, 610-flange, 620-plane bearing, 621-protrusion, 630-wave spring, 640-washer, 650-first snap ring. Detailed Implementation

[0027] A brake is provided, comprising a drive mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a force sensor, and a processing mechanism, wherein...

[0028] The drive mechanism is used to drive the friction pads to perform braking. The pressure on the friction pads can be transmitted to the force sensor through the drive mechanism.

[0029] The clamping mechanism is used to keep the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor.

[0030] The processing mechanism is used to receive signals from the force sensor and calculate the pressure of the friction plate.

[0031] The drive structure and the way it drives the friction pads to perform braking are known. Typically, the drive mechanism drives the friction pads to move linearly to press against or release a friction disc located on the wheel. The brake disc applies / releases friction force to the friction disc, thereby achieving braking or releasing the brake.

[0032] The main function of the clamping mechanism is to keep the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor. When the brake is released, the clamping mechanism applies a clamping force towards the force sensor to achieve tight contact between the two. This clamping force is primarily intended to immediately transmit the reaction force to the force sensor as soon as the friction pads contact the friction disc during braking, enabling sensitive sensing. However, during subsequent braking processes, the drive mechanism does not necessarily need to continuously provide clamping force through the clamping mechanism.

[0033] The processing mechanism is generally connected to the force sensor via a signal transmission circuit to transmit signals. Its main function is to process the received signals from the force sensor. In order to accurately calculate the pressure on the friction plate, the processing mechanism of this invention needs to eliminate the influence of the clamping force applied by the clamping mechanism on the calculation results. One way to eliminate the pressure applied by the clamping mechanism is as follows: when releasing the brake, the processing mechanism uses the force data sensed by the force sensor as the initial pressure applied by the clamping mechanism; during the start of braking, the increment relative to the stored initial force is used as the pressure on the friction plate.

[0034] Therefore, by using a clamping mechanism to keep the drive mechanism and the force sensor in constant contact and clamping, the delay caused by the displacement of the drive device is avoided. The processing mechanism eliminates the influence of the clamping mechanism on the pressure detection. Together, they ensure the accuracy of the detection results, thus achieving the beneficial effect of being sensitive and accurate.

[0035] The clamping force applied by the clamping mechanism to the drive mechanism can be provided by the elastic force of the elastic element. The clamping mechanism along the clamping direction may include a first stop, a first elastic element, and a second stop. The first stop is fixed to the brake frame of the brake, the second stop is fixed to the drive mechanism, and the first elastic element is disposed between the first and second stops. The first elastic element is compressed under the opposing forces of the first and second stops. The elastic element applies an elastic reaction force to the second stop, keeping the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor.

[0036] One specific structure of the drive mechanism includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a lead screw mechanism. The lead screw mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut. The motor drives the nut to rotate through the transmission mechanism, and the nut drives the lead screw to move linearly. Through the connection between the lead screw and the friction plate, the lead screw drives the friction plate to move for braking. The brake frame has a groove, and the lead screw mechanism is disposed in the groove. The groove has a groove wall opposite to the periphery of the nut. The aforementioned first stop is fixed to the groove wall, and the aforementioned second stop is fixed to the periphery of the nut. The elastic member acts on the second stop with an elastic reaction force, thereby pressing the nut fixed to the second stop against the force sensor.

[0037] For example, the first stop can be a first retaining ring, the second stop is a flange disposed on the periphery of the nut, the elastic element is a wave spring, and it also includes a plane bearing and a washer. Specific configuration methods can be found in the reference. Figures 1 to 3 A recessed first retaining spring fixing groove 111 is provided circumferentially on the groove wall of the groove body 110. The outer edge of the first retaining spring 650 is engaged and fixed in the first retaining spring fixing groove 111, while the outer extension of the first retaining spring 650 protrudes from the groove wall and has a clearance to avoid contact with the nut. The nut 310 has an integral flange 610 on its side circumferentially, and there is also a clearance between the flange and the groove wall. The wave spring 630 is sleeved on the nut 310 and located between the first retaining spring 650 and the flange 610. The plane bearing 620 is disposed between the wave spring 630 and the flange 610. The washer 640 is disposed between the first retaining spring 650 and the wave spring 630. The wave spring 630 pushes the flange 610 with elastic force to keep the nut 310 pressed against the force sensor 200.

[0038] In one feasible structure where the nut is held tightly against the force sensor, a bearing and a thrust member are provided between the nut and the force sensor. A spindle is mounted on the bearing, and the nut and lead screw are mounted on the spindle. The thrust member is provided between the bearing and the force sensor. (See reference...) Figure 1 A bearing seat 330 is provided on the force sensor 200. A thrust member 350, which can be a thrust bearing, is provided between the bearing seat 330 and the nut 310. The end of the spindle 340 is mounted on the bearing seat 330, and the lead screw 320 and the nut 310 are mounted on the spindle 340. When the nut is driven by the transmission mechanism, the nut 310 can rotate around the spindle. At the same time, the lead screw moves along the axial direction of the spindle. The spindle plays a stabilizing and guiding role for the lead screw.

[0039] In the above structure where a motor drives a lead screw mechanism via a transmission mechanism, the transmission mechanism can be a gear transmission mechanism. The gear transmission mechanism includes a first gear. (See reference...) Figures 1-4 The nut has a second snap ring fixing groove 312 and a first gear mounting surface 311 on its side, for reference. Figure 4 The first gear assembly surface includes an anti-rotation limiting part 311a and an axial limiting part 311b. The structure of the anti-rotation limiting part 311a is optional. For example, when a key structure is used for anti-rotation, the anti-rotation limiting part is a keyway; when a pin is used for anti-rotation, the anti-rotation limiting part is a pin hole; when interference is used for anti-rotation, it is an interference fit surface; and when fixed for anti-rotation, it is a plane. Figure 4 The anti-rotation fitting part 311a is a plane, and the center of the gear has a mating D-shaped shaft hole. The D-shaped shaft hole mates with the circumferential surface of the nut 310 on the plane to achieve fixed anti-rotation. The structure of the axial limiting part is optional. For example, a shoulder is machined on the surface of the nut. When the gear is inserted into the nut to a certain depth, one side surface of the gear abuts against the shoulder to achieve axial limiting. Alternatively, a retaining ring is provided on the gear to lock the gear surface. Or, after the gear is assembled, the core is locked by a spline and a locking nut. Figure 4 The axial limiting portion 311b is machined to form a shoulder. Furthermore, when the first gear is inserted into the nut 310 and stopped by the axial limiting portion 311b, a second snap ring fixing groove 312 is provided on the other side surface of the nut 310. A second snap ring 420 is inserted into the second snap ring fixing groove 312, so that both sides of the first gear 410 are axially restricted by the second snap ring 420 and the axial limiting portion 311b, thus achieving axial limiting.

[0040] The brake also includes a stop block, on which the friction pad is fixed. The stop block is bolted to the end of the lead screw, and the stop block and the lead screw are engaged via a spherical surface. Because the spherical surface can achieve contact and force application at various angles, this engagement method helps to better transmit the reaction force of the friction pad to the lead screw and nut, even if the angle of force application on the friction pad is tilted. (Reference) Figure 3 and Figure 4 The lead screw end has a spherical mounting convex surface 321 with a threaded hole 322 at its center. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The stop block 510 has a spherical mounting concave surface 511 and a bolt mounting hole 512. The bolt mounting hole 512 has a bolt head abutment surface 512a for abutting the bolt head 521. The bolt shank of the bolt 520 passes through the bolt mounting hole 512 and is threadedly fixed to the threaded hole 320 on the lead screw 320. The bolt head abuts against the bolt head abutment surface 512a so that the mounting concave surface 511 of the stop block 510 contacts and engages with the mounting convex surface 321 of the lead screw bolt to ensure force transmission.

[0041] Furthermore, a shock-absorbing rubber ring is provided between the bolt and the stop block. (Reference) Figure 2The damping rubber ring 530 is disposed between the bolt head 521 and the bolt head abutment surface 512a. The damping rubber ring can buffer the skewing of the stop block caused by uneven force, thereby preventing it from further exerting non-axial force on the lead screw and causing damage to the lead screw mechanism. On the other hand, the damping rubber ring also serves a sealing function.

[0042] The processing mechanism used in this invention includes, but is not limited to, a microcontroller. In an electromechanical brake (EMB) with a built-in control circuit board, the processing mechanism can also be a programmable chip configured on the control circuit board. The connection method between the control circuit board and the force sensor is known to those skilled in the art.

[0043] Figures 1-4 A specific brake structure is shown, in conjunction with the preceding description. When the brake is released, the wave spring 630 pushes the nut 310 with elastic force to maintain pressure on the force sensor 200. The force sensor is communicatively connected to the control circuit, which records the initial pressure value. After braking begins, the friction pad is driven by the lead screw mechanism to translate towards the friction disc until it contacts the disc. The friction disc generates a reaction force on the friction pad, which is transmitted to the lead screw mechanism and the force sensor 200 through the stop lever. The control circuit determines the force on the friction pad based on the increment of the pressure value. Since the nut remains in contact with the force sensor throughout this process, there is no delay in the control circuit's response to the force sensor. Therefore, the force sensing structure of this invention has the advantages of sensitivity and accuracy.

[0044] The embodiments described in this utility model are for illustrative purposes only and do not constitute a limitation on the scope of the claims. Other substantially equivalent substitutions that can be conceived by those skilled in the art are all within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. A brake, characterized in that... It includes a drive mechanism, a clamping mechanism, a force sensor, and a processing mechanism, among which, The drive mechanism is used to drive the friction pads to perform braking. The pressure on the friction pads can be transmitted to the force sensor through the drive mechanism. The clamping mechanism is used to keep the drive mechanism pressed against the force sensor. The processing mechanism is used to receive signals from the force sensor and calculate the pressure of the friction plate.

2. The brake as described in claim 1, characterized in that... It also includes a brake frame, and the pressing mechanism includes a first stop, a first elastic member and a second stop along the pressing direction. The first stop is fixed on the brake frame, the second stop is fixed on the drive mechanism, and the first elastic member is disposed between the first stop and the second stop. The first elastic member is in a compressed state and applies an elastic force to the second stop so that the drive mechanism keeps pressing against the force sensor.

3. The brake as described in claim 2, characterized in that... The drive mechanism includes a motor, a transmission mechanism, and a lead screw mechanism, wherein, The lead screw mechanism includes a lead screw and a nut. The motor drives the nut to rotate through a transmission mechanism. The nut is kept pressed against the force sensor. The lead screw is connected to the friction plate. The brake frame has a groove, the lead screw mechanism is disposed in the groove, the groove has a groove wall opposite to the periphery of the nut, the first stop is fixed on the groove wall, and the second stop is fixed on the periphery of the nut.

4. The brake as described in claim 3, characterized in that... The first stop is a first retaining ring, and a first retaining ring fixing groove is provided on the groove wall. The first retaining ring is fixed in the first retaining ring fixing groove. The second stop is a flange provided on the periphery of the nut. The elastic element is a wave spring, which is sleeved on the periphery of the nut. A plane bearing and a washer are also sleeved on the nut. The plane bearing is located between the wave spring and the flange, and the washer is located between the first retaining ring and the wave spring.

5. The brake as described in claim 3, characterized in that... The nut and the force sensor also include a bearing and a thrust member. A spindle is provided on the bearing, and the nut and the lead screw are provided on the spindle. A thrust member is provided between the bearing and the force sensor.

6. The brake as described in claim 3, characterized in that... The transmission mechanism is a gear transmission mechanism, which includes a first gear. The nut has a second retaining ring fixing groove and a first gear mounting surface on its side. The first gear mounting surface includes an anti-rotation limiting part and an axial limiting part. The first gear is assembled on the first gear assembly surface, the axial limiting part abuts against one side surface of the first gear, the anti-rotation limiting part is used to prevent the first gear from rotating relative to the nut, and the second snap ring is snapped into the second snap ring fixing groove and abuts against the other side surface of the first gear.

7. The brake as described in claim 3, characterized in that... The friction plate is fixed on the stop block, which is bolted to the end of the lead screw. The mounting surface between the stop block and the lead screw is a spherical surface.

8. The brake as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that... A shock-absorbing rubber ring is provided between the bolt and the stop block.

9. The brake as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that... The processing mechanism is a control circuit.

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