Spindle, ball screw, integrated brake control system and electromechanical brake system

Abstract

This application relates to the field of automotive component technology, providing a spindle, ball screw, integrated braking control system, and electromechanical braking system. The spindle includes a spindle body, which includes a threaded raceway region and a power input end. A bending stiffness-reducing structure is provided in the connection area between the threaded raceway region and the power input end. This bending stiffness-reducing structure includes slots and / or openings. By providing slots and / or openings in the connection area between the threaded raceway region and the power input end of the spindle, this application forms a bending stiffness-reducing structure, effectively reducing the bending stiffness of the spindle (connection area). This allows the spindle (connection area) to undergo controllable elastic deformation under the bending moment of lateral forces to absorb bending moment energy and uniformly transfer the load to the bearing balls, thereby improving the smoothness of ball screw operation and extending its service life. It is particularly suitable for compact braking systems such as integrated braking control systems and electromechanical braking systems.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of automotive parts technology, specifically to spindles, ball screws, integrated braking control systems, and electromechanical braking systems. Background Technology

[0002] A ball screw is a high-efficiency kinematic pair used to convert rotary motion into linear motion, and is widely used in applications requiring precise linear motion, such as braking devices. A ball screw can withstand axial force, rotational torque, and a certain radial force; however, if a ball screw is subjected to a large lateral force, its motion performance will be severely affected.

[0003] Reference Figure 1 The ball screw shown is used in a braking device structure. With use, the end 111 of the main shaft 110 of the ball screw deforms (arrow F1 indicates the deformation of end 111), generating a lateral force F2 acting on the main shaft 110. This lateral force F2 is further transmitted to the bearing balls 120 (i.e., the balls), causing uneven stress on the bearing balls 120 and affecting the smoothness of operation. (Refer to...) Figure 2 The force distribution of the bearing balls when the ball screw is not subjected to lateral force is shown. Figure 3 The force distribution of the bearing balls when the ball screw is subjected to lateral force is shown: When the ball screw is not subjected to lateral force, the bearing balls (numbered 01 to 27) are subjected to uniform force, and the ball screw runs smoothly; when the ball screw is subjected to lateral force, the force on some bearing balls (numbered 01, 02, 14, 18, 24, etc.) increases sharply, while the force on some bearing balls (numbered 05, 06, 19, etc.) is almost zero, causing the ball screw to jam, vibrate, and make loud noise, resulting in uneven operation and severe wear of the bearing balls, which affects the life of the ball screw.

[0004] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Utility Model Content

[0005] This application provides an improved spindle for ball screws, as well as a ball screw configured with the spindle, an integrated braking control system, and an electromechanical braking system, which can solve the negative impact of lateral forces on the performance and life of ball screws without requiring additional support structures.

[0006] According to one aspect of this application, a spindle is provided for a ball screw, including a spindle body, wherein: the spindle body includes a threaded raceway region and a power input end, and a bending stiffness weakening structure is provided in the connection area between the threaded raceway region and the power input end, the bending stiffness weakening structure including a slot and / or an opening.

[0007] Lateral forces primarily originate from deformation at the power input end and are transmitted to the bearing balls via the spindle. This application addresses this by creating slots and / or openings in the connection area between the threaded raceway region of the spindle and the power input end, forming a bending stiffness-reducing structure. This effectively lowers the bending stiffness of the spindle, especially the connection area, allowing controllable elastic deformation of the spindle, particularly the connection area, under the bending moment of lateral forces. This absorbs the bending moment energy and evenly distributes the load to the bearing balls, preventing uneven stress on the bearing balls and thus avoiding problems such as jamming, vibration, noise, and wear. This significantly improves the smoothness of the ball screw's operation and extends its service life. This application eliminates the need for external support structures such as bearing housings to support the spindle against lateral forces. Instead, by effectively absorbing bending moment energy through a bending stiffness-reducing structure on the spindle to reduce and evenly distribute the lateral forces transmitted to the bearing balls, it saves costs, reduces weight, and minimizes space requirements. It is particularly suitable for compact braking systems, such as integrated braking control systems and electromechanical braking systems.

[0008] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness weakening structure includes a slot, the shape of which has one or more of the following characteristics: variable cross section; straight; spiral; wavy.

[0009] Variable cross-section slots can be flexibly designed according to the magnitude of bending moment at different locations in the connection area; straight slots are easy to process and form; spiral slots can not only reduce bending stiffness, but also optimize the stress characteristics of the spindle through design such as spiral angle; wavy slots help reduce stress concentration.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness weakening structure includes slots, the distribution of which has one or more of the following characteristics: discrete and axially distributed; discrete and circumferentially arranged; discrete and variable density distributed.

[0011] Discretization helps maintain continuity in the connection area, allowing the spindle to maintain appropriate strength.

[0012] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structure includes an opening, which is formed as a regular hole and / or an irregular hole.

[0013] Regular holes are easy to machine and form; irregular holes can not only reduce bending stiffness, but also optimize the spindle stress characteristics through specific shape design.

[0014] In some embodiments, the regular holes are formed as square holes and / or conical holes and / or circular holes, and the irregular holes are formed as streamlined holes and / or teardrop-shaped holes.

[0015] The streamlined / teardrop-shaped design creates rounded corners at the opening ends, preventing stress concentration and improving spindle life.

[0016] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structure includes slots and openings.

[0017] Slots and openings can be set separately or stacked, depending on the usage requirements.

[0018] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structure is filled with damping material.

[0019] The damping material does not impede the necessary elastic bending deformation of the spindle and can absorb vibration energy, ensuring reliable operation of the spindle.

[0020] According to another aspect of this application, a ball screw is provided, comprising: a spindle as described in any of the above embodiments; a nut fitted onto the threaded raceway region of the spindle; and a bearing ball that is rolled and limited in the raceway space limited by the threaded raceway of the spindle and the threaded raceway of the nut.

[0021] The ball screw of this application is configured with the aforementioned spindle. By creating slots and / or openings in the connection area between the thread raceway region and the power input end, a bending stiffness-reducing structure is formed. This effectively reduces the bending stiffness of the spindle, allowing controllable elastic deformation under lateral bending moments to absorb bending moment energy and evenly distribute the load to the bearing balls. This improves the smoothness of the ball screw's operation and extends its service life. This application eliminates the need for external support structures, saving costs, reducing weight, and minimizing space required for the ball screw. It is suitable for various types of braking systems, especially compact braking systems.

[0022] According to another aspect of this application, an integrated braking control system is provided, which is equipped with the aforementioned ball screw. The ball screw is connected to the power input source of the integrated braking control system through the power input end of the main shaft, and the nut of the ball screw can extend or retract as the main shaft rotates.

[0023] According to another aspect of this application, an electromechanical braking system is provided, which is equipped with the aforementioned ball screw. The ball screw is connected to the power input source of the electromechanical braking system through the power input end of the main shaft, and the nut of the ball screw can extend or retract as the main shaft rotates.

[0024] The integrated braking control system highly integrates hydraulic braking with electronic control, requiring precise force and displacement control. The electromechanical braking system drives the nut via a motor. The integrated braking control system / electromechanical braking system, equipped with the ball screw described in this application, saves space, reduces weight, and improves reliability, achieving high-precision braking control based on the smooth operation of the ball screw.

[0025] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application. It is obvious that the drawings described below are merely some embodiments of this application, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without any inventive effort.

[0027] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a ball screw applied to a braking device is shown.

[0028] Figure 2 This diagram illustrates the force distribution of the bearing balls when the ball screw is not subjected to lateral force.

[0029] Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the force distribution of the bearing balls when the ball screw is subjected to a lateral force.

[0030] Figure 4 This illustration shows a front view of a spindle structure according to an embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 5 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of a spindle according to an embodiment of this application.

[0032] Figure 6 and Figure 7 This application shows schematic diagrams of the front view structures of two other spindles in its embodiments;

[0033] Figure 8 This shows a schematic diagram of the main structure of the ball screw in an embodiment of this application;

[0034] Figure 9 This diagram shows a cross-sectional view of the ball screw in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Exemplary embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, these exemplary embodiments can be implemented in many forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this application more comprehensive and complete, and to fully convey the concept of the exemplary embodiments to those skilled in the art.

[0036] The accompanying drawings are merely illustrative of this application and are not necessarily drawn to scale. The same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or similar structures, and therefore, repeated descriptions of them will be omitted.

[0037] The term "multiple" as used in the specific description means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the term "connection" should be interpreted broadly, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a direct connection, an indirect connection through an intermediate medium, or a connection within two elements.

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features in different embodiments can be combined with each other.

[0039] Figure 4 This illustration shows the front view structure of a spindle in one embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This illustration shows a cross-sectional view of a spindle according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 6 and Figure 7 This illustration shows the front view structure of two other main axes in the embodiments of this application; combined with Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the spindle 200 for ball screws provided in this application embodiment includes a spindle body, the spindle body includes a thread raceway region 210 and a power input end 220, and the connection area 230 between the thread raceway region 210 and the power input end 220 is provided with a bending stiffness weakening structure (240a, 240b), the bending stiffness weakening structure (240a, 240b) includes a slot 240a and / or an opening 240b.

[0040] Lateral forces mainly originate from the deformation of the power input end 220 and are transmitted to the bearing balls via the spindle 200. This application addresses this by creating slots 240a and / or openings 240b in the connection area 230 between the threaded raceway area 210 of the spindle 200 and the power input end 220, forming a bending stiffness-reducing structure (240a, 240b). This effectively reduces the bending stiffness of the spindle 200, especially the connection area 230, allowing the spindle 200, particularly the connection area 230, to undergo controllable elastic deformation under the bending moment of lateral forces. This absorbs the bending moment energy and evenly distributes the load to the bearing balls, preventing uneven stress on the bearing balls and avoiding problems such as jamming, vibration, noise, and wear. This significantly improves the smoothness of the ball screw's operation and extends its service life. This application eliminates the need for external support structures such as bearing housings to support the spindle 200 against lateral forces. Instead, by setting bending stiffness weakening structures (240a, 240b) on the spindle 200, it effectively absorbs bending moment energy to reduce and homogenize the lateral forces transmitted to the bearing balls. This saves costs, reduces weight, and minimizes space, making it particularly suitable for compact braking systems, such as integrated brake control (IBC) systems and electronic mechanical brake (EMB) systems.

[0041] It should be noted that the lateral force in this application mainly refers to the transverse force (the force that generates bending moment) that does not pass through the center of the spindle 200, i.e., lateral force = radial force component + bending moment component. Bending moment can easily cause bending deformation of the spindle 200, leading to a change in the contact angle of the bearing balls, further causing the load to concentrate on a few balls, resulting in a surge in stress and causing negative impacts on the performance and life of the ball screw, such as noise, wear, and failure. This application reduces the bending stiffness by providing a slot 240a / hole 240b in the connection area 230 of the spindle 200, thereby reducing the lateral force and uniformizing the load distribution, thus solving the negative impact of lateral force on the performance and life of the ball screw.

[0042] In this application, slot 240a refers to a linear opening formed on the surface of spindle 200, which is a long strip-shaped recess; opening 240b refers to a point-like cavity formed on the surface and / or inside of spindle 200, which is in the form of a hole.

[0043] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structure (240a, 240b) includes a slot 240a, the shape of which has one or more of the following characteristics: variable cross-section; straight; spiral; wavy. A straight slot 240a is easy to process and can extend horizontally, such as... Figure 6 As shown, it can also be extended at an angle. The helical slot 240a not only reduces bending stiffness, but also optimizes the stress characteristics of the spindle 200 through design such as the helical angle. Figure 4 The diagram illustrates a spiral-shaped slot 240a. Both the straight and spiral slots 240a can employ variable cross-sections to flexibly design for different bending moments at different locations in the connection area 230. Wavy slots help disperse stress and reduce stress concentration. Different shapes of slots 240a, such as variable cross-section, straight, spiral, and wavy, can be combined, for example... Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a slot 240a that combines straight and spiral shapes. In practical applications, slots 240a of different shapes can be manufactured according to different requirements.

[0044] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structures (240a, 240b) include slots 240a, the distribution of which has one or more of the following characteristics: discrete and axially distributed; discrete and circumferentially arranged; discrete and variable-density distributed. Discretization helps maintain the continuity of the connection region 230, allowing the main shaft 200 to maintain appropriate strength. Depending on the different requirements of the actual application scenario, the slots 240a can adopt suitable distribution methods such as axial / circumferential / variable-density.

[0045] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness reduction structure (240a, 240b) includes an opening 240b, which is formed as a regular hole and / or an irregular hole. Regular holes are easy to machine; irregular holes not only reduce bending stiffness but can also optimize the stress characteristics of the spindle 200 through specific shape design. In practical applications, openings 240b of different shapes can be machined according to different requirements.

[0046] In some embodiments, regular holes are formed as square holes and / or tapered holes and / or circular holes; irregular holes are formed as streamlined holes and / or teardrop-shaped holes, and the opening 240b of the portion of the irregular hole near the power input end 220 is larger than the opening 240b of the portion of the irregular hole near the thread raceway region 210. Figure 5 The square opening 240b is shown in the diagram. Figure 7 The diagram illustrates both teardrop-shaped and tapered openings 240b. The streamlined / teardrop design rounds the corners of the opening 240b, preventing stress concentration and improving the lifespan of the spindle 200. Furthermore, the opening size near the power input end 220 is larger than the opening size near the thread raceway region 210, resulting in lower bending stiffness near the power input end 220 and better absorption of bending moment energy from it.

[0047] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness weakening structure (240a, 240b) includes a slot 240a and an opening 240b. The slot 240a and the opening 240b can be arranged separately or stacked, depending on the application requirements.

[0048] In some embodiments, the bending stiffness-reducing structures (240a, 240b) are filled with damping material. The damping material does not impede the necessary elastic bending deformation of the spindle 200 and can absorb vibration energy, ensuring reliable operation of the spindle 200. The damping material can specifically be a suitable filler material such as polyurethane or butyl rubber.

[0049] In a specific example, axially and circumferentially discrete slots 240a can be provided on the surface of the spindle 200, and teardrop-shaped openings 240b can be provided inside the spindle 200, with a damping layer filled in the openings 240b, so as to comprehensively improve the stress performance of the spindle 200.

[0050] According to experimental testing, the spindle 200 described in any of the above embodiments has a smaller bending stiffness under the same displacement (deformation) conditions. Compared with ordinary spindles, the lateral force can be reduced by more than 67%, effectively absorbing bending moment energy and uniformly transferring the load to the bearing ball.

[0051] Figure 8This illustration shows the main view of the ball screw in an embodiment of this application. Figure 9 The cross-sectional structure of the ball screw in the embodiment of this application is illustrated; see reference. Figure 8 and Figure 9 and combined Figures 4 to 7 As shown, the ball screw provided in this application embodiment is configured with: a spindle 200 as described in any of the above embodiments; a nut 300, which is sleeved in the threaded raceway area 210 of the spindle 200; and a bearing ball 400, which is rolled and limited in the raceway space 330 limited by the threaded raceway of the spindle 200 and the threaded raceway of the nut 300.

[0052] The ball screw of this application is configured with the aforementioned spindle 200. By providing slots 240a and / or openings 240b in the connection area 230 between the thread raceway region 210 and the power input end 220, a bending stiffness-reducing structure (240a, 240b) is formed. This effectively reduces the bending stiffness of the spindle 200, allowing controllable elastic deformation under the bending moment of lateral forces to absorb bending moment energy and uniformly transfer the load to the bearing balls 400, thereby improving the smoothness of the ball screw's operation and extending its service life. This application eliminates the need for external support structures, saving costs, reducing weight, and minimizing space required for the ball screw. It is suitable for various types of braking systems, especially compact braking systems.

[0053] This application embodiment also provides an integrated brake control system (IBC) configured with the aforementioned ball screw. The ball screw is assembled in the housing of the integrated brake control system. The main shaft 200 passes through the through hole of the housing and is connected to the power input source of the integrated brake control system through the power input end 220. The nut 300 is partially housed in the housing and can extend or retract linearly into the housing as the main shaft 200 rotates, so as to push the brake pads to achieve braking or release the brake.

[0054] The integrated braking control system highly integrates hydraulic braking with electronic control, requiring precise force and displacement control. The integrated braking control system, equipped with the spindle 200 and ball screw of this application, saves space, reduces weight, and improves reliability, achieving high-precision braking control based on the smooth operation of the ball screw.

[0055] This application embodiment also provides an electromechanical braking system (EMB) equipped with the aforementioned ball screw. The ball screw is mounted in the housing of the electromechanical braking system. The main shaft 200 passes through the through hole of the housing and is connected to the power input source of the electromechanical braking system through the power input end 220. The nut 300 is partially housed in the housing and can extend or retract linearly into the housing as the main shaft 200 rotates, so as to push the brake pads to achieve braking or release the brake.

[0056] The electromechanical braking system drives the ball screw nut 300 via a motor. The electromechanical braking system, configured with the spindle 200 and ball screw of this application, saves space, reduces weight, and improves reliability, achieving high-precision braking control based on the smooth operation of the ball screw.

[0057] The above description, in conjunction with specific preferred embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of this application and should not be construed as limiting the specific implementation of this application to these descriptions. For those skilled in the art, various simple deductions or substitutions can be made without departing from the concept of this application, and all such modifications or substitutions should be considered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A spindle for ball screws, comprising a spindle body, characterized in that: The spindle body includes a threaded raceway area and a power input end. The connection area between the threaded raceway area and the power input end is provided with a bending stiffness weakening structure, which includes a slot and / or an opening.

2. The spindle of claim 1, wherein, The bending stiffness-reducing structure includes a slot, the shape of which has one or more of the following characteristics: Variable cross section; Straight line; Spiral; Wavy.

3. The spindle of claim 1 wherein, The bending stiffness weakening structure includes slots, and the distribution of the slots has one or more of the following characteristics: Discrete and axially distributed; Discrete and arranged circumferentially; Discrete and variable density distribution.

4. The spindle of claim 1 wherein, The bending stiffness weakening structure includes openings, which are formed as regular holes and / or irregular holes.

5. The spindle of claim 4 wherein, The regular holes are formed as square holes and / or conical holes and / or circular holes, and the irregular holes are formed as streamlined holes and / or teardrop-shaped holes.

6. The spindle of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The bending stiffness weakening structure includes slots and openings.

7. The spindle of claim 1 wherein, The bending stiffness-reducing structure is filled with damping material.

8. A ball screw, characterized by being configured have: Spindle as described in any one of claims 1 to 7; Nuts are fitted onto the threaded raceway area of ​​the spindle; The bearing ball is rolled and limited within the raceway space defined by the threaded raceway of the main shaft and the threaded raceway of the nut.

9. An integrated brake control system characterized by, The device is equipped with a ball screw as described in claim 8, wherein the ball screw is connected to the power input source of the integrated braking control system via the power input end of the main shaft, and the nut of the ball screw can extend or retract as the main shaft rotates.

10. An electromechanical brake system characterized by, The device is equipped with a ball screw as described in claim 8, wherein the ball screw is connected to the power input source of the electromechanical braking system via the power input end of the main shaft, and the nut of the ball screw can extend or retract as the main shaft rotates.

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