ELECTROMECHANICAL BRAKE

The electromechanical brake system addresses the issue of continuous power requirement for parking brake functionality by using a locking device with a pivot rod and ratchet wheel mechanism, enhancing reliability and compactness.

DE102024210293A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-04-30ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
DE102024210293
Authority / Receiving Office
DE · DE
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2023-10-26
Filing Date
2024-10-25
Publication Date
2025-04-30

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Conventional electromechanical brakes require continuous power to the electromagnetic actuator for parking brake functionality, which can lead to failures if the actuator fails.

Method used

An electromechanical brake system with a locking device that includes a pivot rod, actuator, and reset element, allowing the parking brake to engage without continuous power, using a ratchet wheel mechanism to maintain the braking position.

Benefits of technology

The system reduces the risk of parking brake failure by allowing engagement without continuous power and maintains compactness and functionality within the wheel hub.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
    Figure 00000000_0000_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The present invention provides an electromechanical brake.The electromechanical brake comprises: a brake motor; a drive shaft connected to the brake motor, which is driven by the brake motor to rotate in a first direction, thereby driving the brake caliper module to perform the braking operation; and a locking device, the locking device comprising: a rotary rod, the rotary rod comprising an actuating end and the rotary rod being able to rotate between a rest position and a working position, and in the working position the actuating end is locked with the ratchet wheel; an actuating element and a return element; wherein the ratchet wheel and the actuating end of the rotary rod are arranged such that, in the working position, the actuating end interacts with the ratchet wheel to prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction and to prevent the rotary rod from rotating into the rest position.The electromechanical brake according to embodiments of the present invention requires less space and is more compact.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicle braking devices, more specifically to electromechanical brakes with an integrated locking device. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] An electromechanical brake is a device in which braking is achieved using motor-driven brake calipers. Compared to conventional hydraulic line brakes, it offers a fast response time, simple design, convenient maintenance, and other advantages. With the increasing electrification and intelligent control of vehicles, the electromechanical brake is becoming a key development trend in braking systems due to its easier integration into electrical control systems. Since the electromechanical brake is located within the vehicle's wheel hub, balancing compactness and functionality presents a design challenge.

[0003] In conventional hydraulic braking systems, the hydraulic pressure in the brake cylinder is maintained by a hand or foot brake to activate the parking brake. Electromechanical brakes often incorporate a parking lock device to achieve the parking brake function, such as a bolt driven by an electromagnetic actuator that interacts with the transmission mechanism to lock the brake. However, such systems require the electromagnetic actuator to be continuously energized while the vehicle is parked, and a failure of the electromagnetic actuator can result in a parking brake failure. REVELATION OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present utility model aims to solve or at least reduce the problems existing in the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an electromechanical brake is provided which comprises the following: a brake motor; a drive shaft coupled to the brake motor and a pawl wheel fixedly mounted on the drive shaft, wherein the drive shaft defines the axial direction and rotates in a first direction under the action of the brake motor to drive a brake caliper module and perform a braking operation; and a locking device, wherein the locking device comprises the following: a rotary rod, wherein the rotary rod comprises an actuating end and can rotate between a rest position and a working position, and in the rest position the actuating end is separated from the ratchet wheel, while in the working position the actuating end is locked with the ratchet wheel; and an actuating element and a return element, wherein the actuating element rotates the rotary rod from the rest position to the working position and the return element returns the rotary rod from the working position to the rest position; wherein the ratchet wheel and the actuating end of the rotary rod are arranged such that, in the working state, the actuating end interacts with the ratchet wheel to prevent the ratchet wheel from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction and to prevent the rotary rod from rotating to the rest position.

[0006] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the ratchet wheel optionally rotates with the drive shaft in a first plane perpendicular to the axial direction, and the rotary rod is arranged such that it rotates in the first plane between the rest position and the working position; or The rotary rod is configured to rotate on a second plane parallel to the first plane, the actuating end of the rotary rod extends from the second plane to the first plane, and the rotary rod moves in the axial direction at least partially congruent with the ratchet wheel.

[0007] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the drive shaft optionally comprises a front end and a rear end opposite each other, the front end of the drive shaft is coupled to the brake caliper module, and the ratchet wheel is fixedly mounted on the rear end of the drive shaft.

[0008] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the worm gear is optionally fixed in the middle section between the front end and the rear end of the drive shaft.

[0009] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the output shaft of the brake motor optionally crosses the axial direction and is designed as a worm gear that engages with the worm wheel on the drive shaft.

[0010] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the electromechanical brake optionally comprises the following: a brake motor, a main module, a brake caliper module and an electronic control unit, wherein the main module comprises a main housing and an end cap, a first end of the main housing is connected to the brake caliper module and a second end of the main housing is closed to the first end by the end cap.

[0011] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the drive shaft, the ratchet wheel, the worm wheel and the locking device are optionally arranged between the main housing and the end cap.

[0012] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the rotary rod and the return element are optionally pre-installed on the end cap and mounted together with the end cap on the main housing.

[0013] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the brake motor and the electronic control unit are optionally connected to the main housing from two opposite sides of the main housing, the output shaft of the brake motor runs through the main housing to the electronic control unit, the end of the output shaft of the brake motor is provided with a position sensor, and the electronic control unit is electrically connected to the brake motor and the actuating element of the locking device.

[0014] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the actuating element is optionally an electromagnet, wherein the electromagnet is pre-installed on the main housing or on the end cap, the main housing or the end cap has a connection facing the electronic control unit for an electrical connection between the electromagnet and the electronic control unit, the return element is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot axis of the rotary rod, or the return element is a folding spring arranged between several positioning pins of the end cap.

[0015] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the rotary rod optionally includes an axially extending working end, wherein the electromagnet acts on the working end.

[0016] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the lever arm L2 extending from the actuating end to the center of rotation optionally has at least 3 times the length of the lever arm L1 extending from the effective end to the center of rotation, for example at least 5 times the length.

[0017] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the rotary rod optionally includes a counterweight component, so that the center of gravity of the rotary rod is moved closer to the center of rotation.

[0018] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the locking device optionally further includes a stop, the stop serving as a limiter when the rotary rod returns from the working position to the rest position.

[0019] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the stop is optionally a stop pin that is fixedly connected to the end cap.

[0020] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the stop pin is optionally encased in a damping material.

[0021] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the end cap optionally includes an additional chamber to accommodate the electromagnet, and the electromagnet is arranged in the additional chamber.

[0022] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the pivot axis of the rotary rod is optionally arranged between the opening of the end cap and the corresponding opening of the main housing, the rotary rod is rotatably attached to the pivot axis, the return element is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot axis, the first end of the torsion spring rests against the rotary rod, the second end of the torsion spring is fixed, and the rotary rod and the ratchet wheel are on the same plane.

[0023] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the second end of the main housing optionally includes a cylindrical recess, and the side wall of the cylindrical recess includes an electromagnetic cavity. The electromagnetic cavity has a connection that is connected to the electronic control unit. The electromagnet is arranged in the electromagnetic cavity such that the effective end of the electromagnet is oriented towards the inside of the cylindrical recess. The connection on the back of the electromagnet faces the electronic control unit, and the end cap is disc-shaped and can be mounted in the cylindrical recess.

[0024] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the end cap optionally has a pivot axis to which the rotary rod is rotatably attached.

[0025] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the rotary rod optionally comprises a rotary rod main part, the rotary rod main part comprises a pivot axis mounting hole as well as a first arm, a second arm and a third arm, each extending in three directions from the pivot axis mounting hole, the ends of the first arm, the second arm and the third arm each extend in the axial direction and have an actuating end, an effective end and a counterweight part, the rotary rod main part rotates in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the actuating end, the effective end and the counterweight part extend separately in the axial direction from the second plane to the first plane, and during the rotation of the rotary rod to change between the rest position and the working position, the effective end and the counterweight part are located radially outside the ratchet wheel.

[0026] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the end cap optionally also has a first positioning bolt and a second positioning bolt, as well as a folding spring that is installed on the first positioning bolt and on the second positioning bolt.

[0027] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the electromechanical brake optionally further comprises an adapter that connects the electronic control unit, the electromagnet and the brake motor, wherein the adapter includes an electromagnet clamping part for receiving the electromagnet.

[0028] In one embodiment of the electromechanical brake, the pivot axis of the rotary rod comprises a first cylinder section, a second cylinder section and a transition area, the first cylinder section and the second cylinder section are arranged offset from each other and connected by the transition area, and the pivot axis is the connection between the end cap and the offset mounting hole of the main housing.

[0029] The electromechanical brake according to embodiments of the present invention requires less space and is more compact. DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0030] The disclosed contents of the present application are made easier to understand by reference to the figures. Those skilled in the field can readily recognize that the figures serve only for illustration and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present application. Furthermore, identical reference numerals in the figures denote similar components, whereby: Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment when mounted on the wheel hub; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the end cap and the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of the rotating rod according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 7 shows an assembly view of the end cap and the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 8 shows an exploded view of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention without an end cap; Fig. 10 and Fig. Figures 11 show a front view and a perspective view of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the rest state; Fig. Figure 12 shows a front view of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention during the transition from the rest state to the working state; Fig. Figure 13 shows a front view of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention in the working state; Fig. Figure 14 shows part of the design dimensions of the locking device according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 15 shows a schematic representation of the assembly of the end cap of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 16 shows a schematic representation of the assembly of the electronic control unit of the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 17 shows a perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 18 shows a partial exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 19 shows a perspective view of the end cap and the locking device of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 20 shows an exploded view of the end cap and locking device of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 21 shows a perspective view of the rotary rod according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 22 and Fig. Figures 23 show a front view and a rear view of the locking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the rest state; Fig. 24 and Fig. Figures 25 show a perspective view and a front view of the locking device according to the second embodiment of the present invention in the rest state; Fig. Figure 26 shows a schematic representation of the assembly of the end cap of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 27 shows a schematic representation of the assembly of the electromechanical brake according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 28 shows a perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 29 shows a partial exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 30 shows a perspective view of the end cap and the locking device of the electromechanical brake according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 31 shows a perspective view of the locking device according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 32 shows an exploded view of the end cap and locking device of the electromechanical brake according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 33 shows a perspective view of the pivot bolt according to the third embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 34 and Fig. Figures 35 each show a perspective view of the main housing according to the third embodiment of the present invention and an enlarged view of the pivot bolt receiving bore therein; and Fig. Figure 36 shows a perspective view of the adapter of the electromechanical brake according to the third embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS

[0031] Fig. Figure 1 shows an assembly view of the electromechanical brake, which depicts the shaft 91, the shock absorber 92, the bearing 94, the steering knuckle 93, the brake disc 95, and the vehicle wheel 96, as well as the electromechanical brake 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, which is driven by a motor to generate braking force by clamping the brake disc 95 with a brake caliper. During assembly, the electromechanical brake 100 is mounted on the steering knuckle 93, and the electromechanical brake 100 is also housed in the compact space on the inside of the wheel hub of the vehicle wheel 96, thus strictly limiting the volume of the electromechanical brake 100 itself.

[0032] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. Section 16 describes the electromechanical brake 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The electromechanical brake 100 has a modular design and essentially comprises the brake motor 1, the main module 3, the brake caliper module 5, and the electronic control unit 4. The drive shaft 301, coupled to the brake motor 1, is housed in the main module 3, the direction in which the drive shaft 301 runs being defined in this document as the axial direction. Under the action of the brake motor 1, the drive shaft 301 rotates in a first direction to drive the brake caliper module 5 to perform the braking process, that is, to generate friction with the brake disc 95, with a pawl wheel 33 being fixedly mounted on the drive shaft 301.

[0033] With reference to Fig. 4 The drive shaft 301 comprises a front end 302 and a rear end 303. The front end 302 of the drive shaft 301, i.e., the end near the brake caliper module 5, forms the spindle of the ball screw nut device 304, while the ratchet wheel 33 is attached to the rear end 303 of the drive shaft 301, which is located away from the brake caliper module 5. A worm wheel 32 can be attached to the middle section of the drive shaft 301 (between the front end and the rear end) to receive the torque from the brake motor 1, wherein at least one section of the output shaft 11 of the brake motor 1 can be configured as a worm gear arranged in a direction that crosses the axial direction and engages with the worm wheel 32 to transmit the torque (see Fig. 9) The drive shaft 301 rotates in a first direction under the action of the brake motor 1 and, by means of the ball screw nut device 304, moves the piston 305 so that the brake caliper module 5 clamps the brake disc 95 to perform the braking function.

[0034] On the other hand, the locking device 8 is provided to cooperate with the ratchet wheel 33 and to perform the function of the parking brake. The locking device comprises the following: a rotary rod 81, wherein the rotary rod 81 has an actuating end 811 and can be moved between a rest position in which the actuating end 811 is separated from the ratchet wheel (as shown in Figure 1). Fig. 10 and Fig. 11), and a working position in which the actuating end 811 is locked with the ratchet wheel (as shown in Fig. (as shown in Figure 13), and an actuating element and a return element, wherein the actuating element moves the rotary rod from the rest position to the working position and the return element returns the rotary rod from the working position to the rest position. The ratchet wheel and the actuating end of the rotary rod are arranged such that the actuating end 811 interferes with the ratchet wheel 33 in the working position to prevent the ratchet wheel 33 from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction and to prevent the rotary rod 81 from returning to the rest position.

[0035] In some embodiments, the main module 3 of the electromechanical brake comprises the main housing 31 and the end cap 39, wherein the first end of the main housing 31 is connected to the brake caliper module 5 and the second end of the main housing 31, opposite the first end, is closed by the end cap 39. The space between the main housing 31 and the end cap 39 accommodates the drive shaft 301, the ratchet wheel 33, the worm wheel 32, and the locking device 8. In the first embodiment, the locking device 8 is arranged in the end cap 39. Specifically, the end cap 39 comprises, with reference to Fig. 5, in some embodiments, a main part (lower part) which essentially serves to cover the position of the ratchet wheel in the main housing, and an additional part (upper part) which essentially serves to cover the position of the worm gear in the main housing, wherein the additional part of the end cap contains an additional chamber 391 which accommodates the actuating element of the locking device 8, the actuating element being the electromagnet 82 which is arranged in the additional chamber 391 of the end cap. In this embodiment, the pivot axis 83 of the rotary rod 81 is connected via the opening 392 of the end cap and the corresponding opening of the main housing (not shown in the figure), wherein the rotary rod 81 is rotatably attached to the pivot axis 83 by, for example, guiding the pivot axis 83 through the pivot axis mounting bore 810 of the rotary rod 81.In the specific embodiment described in . Fig. As shown in Figure 8, the rotary rod 81 is positioned axially on the pivot axis 83 by the interaction of the grooves 831 and 832 on the pivot axis 83 with the corresponding retaining rings 833 and 834, while the opposite ends 835 and 836 of the pivot axis 83 are press-fitted to the openings of the end cap 39 and the main housing 31. In this embodiment, the return element is the torsion spring 84, which is mounted on the pivot axis 83 and connected to the rotary rod 81. More specifically, with reference to Fig. 7, the first end 841 of the torsion spring 84 rests against the hook part 817 of the rotary rod 81, while the other end 842 of the torsion spring is attached, for example, to the first projection 394 of the end cap, the torsion spring 84 being pre-compressed or pre-stretched to provide the restoring force. Furthermore, a second projection 393 is provided on the end cap, the function of which is to limit the rotary rod 81 when the elastic element returns the rotary rod to its initial position, the second projection 393 being, in some embodiments, encased in a damping material to provide damping and reduce collision noise.

[0036] In some embodiments, the working end 819 of the rotary rod 81 extends in an axial direction to come into contact with the actuating mechanism, such as the working end 821 of the electromagnet 82, and to receive driving force (visible in Fig. 8) In this first embodiment, the rotary rod 81 and the ratchet wheel 33 are located in the same plane, being situated essentially on the side of the ratchet wheel facing the worm gear of the brake motor, and the rotary rod 81 receives the rotational force through the axially extending working end 819. With reference to Fig. 10 to Fig. 13 The ratchet wheel 33 rotates with the drive shaft 301 in a first plane, the rotary rod 81 being arranged so that it also rotates in the first plane, and in the rest position the rotary rod 81 is located on the radial outside of the ratchet wheel 33 (on the side of the worm gear), the locking teeth 331 of the ratchet wheel 33 being located on the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel 33. In some embodiments, the actuating end 811 is designed as a hook part, the hook part of the actuating end 811 engaging one of the locking teeth 331 on the outer circumference of the ratchet wheel in the working position and thereby effecting the locking. More specifically, using the example of Fig. 13, the counterclockwise rotation corresponds to the first direction of rotation of the ratchet wheel 33 when it receives drive from the brake motor 1, and when the brake motor 1 is no longer operating, the ratchet wheel 33 tends to rotate in the second direction opposite to the first direction (clockwise). Fig. 13) to rotate, whereby the locking tooth 331 engages the hook part of the actuating end 811, thereby causing the locking action, and in this state the locking tooth 331 remains locked to the actuating end 811, even if the electromagnet 82 is de-energized and its working end 821 is retracted. However, if the ratchet wheel 33 is again rotated under the action of the brake motor 1 in the first direction (counterclockwise in Fig. 13) rotates, the restoring force of the torsion spring 84 causes the locking tooth 331 to move the rotary rod 81 into the rest position, thereby simultaneously releasing both the rotary rod 81 and the ratchet wheel 33.

[0037] With reference to Fig. According to the present invention, the electromechanical brake 3 employs a modular design and comprises the main module 3 and the brake caliper module 5, which is attached to the far end of the main module 3, with a fastening nut 61 and a sealing ring 62 arranged between them. The main module 3 comprises the main housing 31 and the end cap 39, the main housing 31 containing the drive shaft 301, the ball screw nut assembly 304, the ratchet wheel 33, the worm gear 32, and the locking device 8. The first end 311 of the main housing 31 is connected to the brake caliper module 5, and the second end 312 of the main housing 31, opposite the first end, is closed by the end cap 39. The brake motor 1 and the electronic control unit 4 are integrated on opposite sides of the main module 3, for example, on the first side 313 and the second side 314.It should be understood that the brake motor 1 and the electromagnet 82 of the locking device 8 are controlled by the electronic control unit 4. Specifically, as shown in . Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the brake motor 1 and the electromagnet 82 are connected to the electronic control unit 4. When controlling the parking brake, the electronic control unit 4, as soon as a parking brake signal is received, controls the brake motor 1, causing the drive shaft 301 to rotate in the first direction and thereby actuate the brake caliper module 5 to build up the specified braking torque by clamping the brake disc 95. Subsequently, the electronic control unit 4 controls the electromagnet 82, causing it to act on the rotary rod 81 and rotate it from the rest position to the working position. At this point, the hook part of the actuating end of the rotary rod 81 and the locking teeth 331 of the ratchet wheel 33 may not be aligned (for example, as shown in Figure 4). Fig. 12), then the electronic control unit controls the brake motor 1 so that it rotates slightly in the second direction (for example, by the position of one tooth) to bring the actuating end 811 of the rotary rod into the working position, as shown in Fig. Figure 13 shows that the rotary rod 81 locks with the locking teeth 331 of the ratchet wheel 33, and then the power supply to the electromagnet 82 and the brake motor 1 can be switched off. Because the rotary rod 81 is locked with the ratchet wheel 33, the brake caliper module 5 can maintain the braking torque even when the power supply to the electromagnet 82 and the brake motor 1 is switched off. This means that the electromagnet 82 does not need to be constantly operating when the parking brake is engaged, thus reducing the risk of damage to the electromagnet 82 from prolonged operation. When the vehicle is to be restarted, only the brake motor 1 needs to be controlled so that the ratchet wheel 33 rotates in the first direction, and the rotary rod 81 returns to its rest position under the guidance of the locking teeth of the ratchet wheel 33 and the action of the return element until the parking brake is next applied.

[0038] Further with reference to Fig. In some embodiments, the maximum engagement depth c of the locking teeth 331 of the ratchet wheel 33 with the rotary rod 81 is greater than 3 mm. For example, the maximum engagement depth c of the locking teeth 331 of the ratchet wheel 33 is 4.5 mm to ensure stability during locking. Furthermore, L2, the second lever arm from the actuating end of the rotary rod 81 to the center of rotation, is more than three times the length of L1, the first lever arm from the effective end to the center of rotation. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the second lever arm L2 is 39.3 mm and the first lever arm L1 is 7 mm, with L2 being more than five times that of L1. This arrangement can reduce the displacement d of the electromagnet 82.Furthermore, the rotary rod can include a counterweight part 818, so that the center of gravity of the rotary rod is moved closer to the center of rotation, thereby reducing the performance requirement of the electromagnet 82, i.e. the electromagnet 82 can have a lower force effect, thus having a smaller volume.

[0039] Further with reference to Fig. 15 and Fig. 16. The end cap 39, pre-assembled with the locking device 8, is mounted to the main housing 31, with the first sealing element 318 positioned between the main housing 31 and the end cap 39 to ensure a seal between the two. The electronic control unit 4 is then mounted to the main module 3. The end cap 39 has a connection that links the electromagnet 82 to the electronic control unit 4, and the second sealing element 82 is arranged around this connection. The main housing 31 also has a connection facing the electronic control unit, at which the output shaft 11 of the brake motor is exposed. A position sensor can be attached to this connection so that the angular position of the output shaft is monitored by the electronic control unit 4.The additional opening 310 can, for example, be used to attach lines connecting the brake motor 1 and the electronic control unit 4. The third sealing element 319 surrounds the output shaft 11 of the brake motor 1 and the opening 310 to provide additional sealing. It is evident from the above structure that the electromechanical brake according to the first embodiment of the present invention has a compact design, a well-thought-out arrangement, and is easy to assemble, and the modular design facilitates subsequent maintenance.

[0040] Further with reference to Fig. 17 to Fig. Section 27 describes the second embodiment according to the present invention, wherein in this second embodiment only the rear wall 40 of the electronic control unit is used instead of the electronic control unit 4, and other identical components are identified with the same reference numerals. In this embodiment, the second end of the main housing 31 of the main module 3 has a cylindrical recess, and the end cap 39 is also substantially disc-shaped. In this embodiment, the locking device 8 is also substantially integrated into the end cap 39, and the actuating element, i.e., the electromagnet 82, is provided on the main housing 31. Specifically, an electromagnet chamber 318 is arranged in the side wall of the cylindrical recess, in which the electromagnet 82 is housed, and the end cap 39 also has a wall 399 (see Figure 27). Fig. 20), which corresponds to the cylindrical contour of the electromagnet 82, so that the electromagnet 82 is positioned between the main housing 31 and the end cap 39 during installation and is in contact with both. With reference to Fig. 19 the working end 821 of the electromagnet 82 is aligned with the rotary rod 81 when installed, and the connection on the back of the electromagnet 82 is aligned with the electronic control unit 4.

[0041] Further with reference to Fig. Figure 20 shows that the inside of the end cap 39 has an axle bore 390 for positioning the rotary rod pivot axis 83, as well as openings 397 and 398 for arranging the first positioning pin 68 and the second positioning pin 69. Additionally, the inside of the end cap 39 has several reinforcing ribs extending from the axle bore 390. One end of the pivot axis 83 fits into the axle bore 390 and passes through the pivot axis mounting bore 810 of the rotary rod 81, where it is axially positioned by a retaining ring 833.The folding spring 84 is mounted on the first positioning pin 68 and on the second positioning pin 69, wherein the first end 843 of the folding spring 84 is attached to the first positioning pin 68, its bending area 844 surrounds the second positioning pin 69 and its second end 845 presses against the rotary rod, wherein this second end 845 is shaped, for example, as a gripping claw or as a ring to better support the arm which is connected to the actuating end 811.

[0042] Further with reference to Fig. Figure 21 illustrates the specific structure of the rotary rod 81. The rotary rod 81 comprises a first arm 812, a second arm 813, and a third arm 814, each extending in three directions from the pivot axis mounting bore 810. The ends of the first arm 812, the second arm 813, and the third arm 814 axially form the actuating end 811, the working end 819, and the counterweight part 818, respectively. The actuating end 811 serves to interact with the ratchet wheel 33, as previously described in connection with the first embodiment. The working end 819 receives the thrust force from the electromagnet 82, and the counterweight part 818 is arranged such that the center of gravity of the rotary rod is located close to the center of rotation. Fig. 21 to Fig. Figure 25 shows that the plane of rotation of the ratchet wheel 33 is considered the first plane, while the rotary rod 81 rotates in a second plane that is parallel to the first plane and located further away from the brake module 5. In some embodiments, the rotary rod 81 overlaps at least partially in the axial direction with the ratchet wheel 33, with the actuating end 811, the working end 819, and the counterweight part 818 each extending axially from the second plane to the first plane and being located radially outside the ratchet wheel. Specifically, the working end 819 and the counterweight part 818 are always located radially outside the ratchet wheel 33 during the rotation of the rotary rod between the rest position and the working position, while the interaction of the actuating end 811 with the locking teeth of the ratchet wheel essentially corresponds to that in the first embodiment, which is why it is not described further here.This arrangement allows the locking device 8 to increase the dimensions of the main module 1 only slightly in the axial direction, without increasing the dimensions in other directions, thus making the main module 1 more compact.

[0043] Further with reference to Fig. 26 and Fig. The end cap 39 has a disc-shaped form and can be installed in the cylindrical recess of the main housing 31, with a sealing element 69 provided between the two. Similarly, the connection of the electromagnet 82 and the end of the motor's output shaft extend to the electronic control unit 4.

[0044] Further with reference to Fig. 28 to Fig. Section 36 describes the third embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment, the adapter 41 is provided between the electronic control unit 4 and the electromagnet 82 as well as the brake motor 1, wherein the adapter 41 is configured as shown in Fig. Figure 36 shows a retaining element 43 for receiving the electromagnet 82. The adapter 41 further comprises several positioning bores 441.

[0045] With reference to Fig. 30 and Fig.Figure 31 shows the locking device connected to the end cap 39 and the separate locking device. In some embodiments, the end cap 39 is equipped with at least one positioning pin 395, which is inserted into the mounting bore of the main housing to absorb the recoil forces of the end cap that occur when the ratchet wheel is locked to the rotary rod. Furthermore, in this third embodiment, the return element is designed as a folding spring, similar to the second embodiment, wherein the pivot axis 83, due to the impossibility of creating a bore at the corresponding location in the main housing, is designed to have a first cylinder section 837, a second cylinder section 838, and a transition section 839, wherein the first cylinder section 837 and the second cylinder section 838 are offset and connected to each other by the transition section 839.The first cylinder section 837 passes through the positioning bushing 63 and is inserted into the bore of the end cap, while the second cylinder section 838 is inserted into the positioning opening 315 of the main housing 31. The positioning opening 315 is designed to accommodate both the second cylinder section 838 and the transition section 839, thereby suppressing the rotation of the shaft 83. The pivot axis 83 passes through the rotary rod 81, with the actuating end 811 of the rotary rod 81 interacting with the ratchet wheel 33 in the manner described in detail above in the first embodiment.

[0046] The specific embodiments described above in this application serve only to further illustrate the principles of this application, with the individual components being clearly depicted or described to make the principles of the present invention easier to understand. Persons skilled in the field may make various modifications or changes without altering the scope of protection of the present application. It should therefore be assumed that these modifications or changes are included in the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

[1] Electromechanical brake, characterized by that it includes: a brake motor (1); a drive shaft (301) coupled to the brake motor (1) and a ratchet wheel (33) fixedly arranged on the drive shaft (301), wherein the drive shaft (301) defines the axial direction and rotates in a first direction under the action of the brake motor to drive a brake caliper module (5) and perform a braking operation; and a locking device (8), the locking device (8) comprising: a rotating rod (81), the rotating rod (81) comprising an actuating end (811) and the rotating rod (81) being able to rotate between a rest position and a working position, and in the rest position the actuating end (811) is separated from the ratchet wheel (33), while in the working position the actuating end (811) is locked to the ratchet wheel (33); and an actuating element and a return element, wherein the actuating element rotates the rotating rod (81) from the rest position to the working position and the return element returns the rotating rod (81) from the working position to the rest position; wherein the ratchet wheel (33) and the actuating end (811) of the rotating rod are arranged such that, in the working position, the actuating end (811) interacts with the ratchet wheel (33) to prevent the ratchet wheel (33) from rotating in a second direction opposite to the first direction and to prevent the rotating rod (81) from rotating to the rest position. [2] Electromechanical brake according to claim 1, characterized byin that the ratchet wheel (33) rotates with the drive shaft (301) in a first plane perpendicular to the axial direction and the rotating rod (81) is arranged such that it rotates in the first plane between the rest position and the working position; or the rotating rod (81) is configured to rotate on a second plane parallel to the first plane, the actuating end (811) of the rotating rod (81) extends from the second plane to the first plane, and the rotating rod (81) moves in the axial direction at least partially congruent with the ratchet wheel (33). [3] Electromechanical brake according to claim 1, characterized byin that the drive shaft (301) has a front end (302) and a rear end (303) which are opposite one another, wherein the front end (302) of the drive shaft is coupled to the brake caliper module (5), the ratchet wheel (33) is fixedly mounted on the rear end (303) of the drive shaft (301) and optionally a worm wheel (32) is fixedly arranged in the middle section between the front end (302) and the rear end (303) of the drive shaft (301), wherein the output shaft (11) of the brake motor (1) crosses the axial direction and is designed as a worm which engages with the worm wheel of the drive shaft (301). [4] Electromechanical brake according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized bythat the electromechanical brake comprises: a brake motor (1), a main module (3), a brake caliper module (5) and an electronic control unit (4), wherein the main module (3) comprises a main housing (31) and an end cap (39), a first end of the main housing (31) is connected to the brake caliper module (5) and a second end of the main housing (31) is closed to the first end by the end cap (39); Optionally, the drive shaft (301), the ratchet wheel (33), the worm wheel (32) and the locking device (8) are arranged between the main housing (31) and the end cap (39); The rotary rod (81) and the return element are pre-installed on the end cap (39) and mounted together with the end cap (39) on the main housing (31); The brake motor (1) and the electronic control unit (4) are connected to the main housing (31) from two opposite sides of the main housing (31), the output shaft of the brake motor (1) runs through the main housing (31) to the electronic control unit (4), the end of the output shaft of the brake motor (1) is provided with a position sensor, and the electronic control unit (4) is electrically connected to the brake motor (1) and the actuating element (82) of the locking device. [5] Electromechanical brake according to claim 4, characterized byin that the actuating element is an electromagnet (82), wherein the electromagnet (82) is pre-installed on the main housing (31) or on the end cap (39), the main housing (31) or the end cap (39) has a terminal facing the electronic control unit (4) for an electrical connection between the electromagnet (82) and the electronic control unit (4), the return element is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot axis of the rotary rod (81), or the return element is a folding spring arranged between a plurality of positioning pins of the end cap (39). [6] Electromechanical brake according to claim 5, characterized byin that the rotary rod (81) comprises an axially extending active end (819), wherein the electromagnet (82) acts on the active end (819), wherein the lever arm L2 extending from the actuating end (811) to the center of rotation has at least 3 times the length of the lever arm L1 extending from the active end (819) to the center of rotation, for example at least 5 times the length, wherein the rotary rod (81) comprises a counterweight part (818) so that the center of gravity of the rotary rod (81) is shifted closer to the center of rotation. [7] Electromechanical brake according to claim 5, characterized by in that the locking device further comprises a stop (393), wherein the stop (393) serves to limit when the rotary rod returns from the working position to the rest position, wherein the stop (393) is a stop pin which is firmly connected to the end cap and which is optionally covered with a damping material. [8] Electromechanical brake according to claim 4, characterized by that the end cap (39) comprises an additional chamber (391) for receiving the electromagnet (82), wherein the electromagnet is arranged in the additional chamber (391), the pivot axis of the rotary rod (81) is arranged between the opening of the end cap and the corresponding opening of the main housing, the rotary rod (81) is rotatably fastened to the pivot axis, the return element is a torsion spring arranged on the pivot axis, the first end of the torsion spring rests on the rotary rod, the second end of the torsion spring is fastened and the rotary rod (81) and the ratchet wheel (33) lie on the same plane. [9] Electromechanical brake according to claim 4, characterized bythat the second end of the main housing (31) has a cylindrical recess and the side wall of the cylindrical recess comprises an electromagnet cavity (318), the electromagnet cavity (318) has a connection that is connected to the electronic control unit (4), the electromagnet (82) is arranged in the electromagnet cavity (318) such that the acting end of the electromagnet (82) is aligned with the inside of the cylindrical recess, the connection on the back of the electromagnet (82) faces the electronic control unit (4), the end cap is disc-shaped and can be mounted in the cylindrical recess, wherein the end cap has a pivot axis to which the rotating rod (81) is rotatably attached, wherein the rotating rod (81) comprises a rotating rod main part, the rotating rod main part comprises a pivot axis mounting hole and a first arm, a second arm, and a third arm,which each extend in three directions from the pivot axis mounting hole, the ends of the first arm, the second arm, and the third arm each extend in the axial direction and have an operating end, an acting end, and a counterweight part, the rotating rod main part rotates in a second plane parallel to the first plane, the operating end, the acting end, and the counterweight part extend separately in the axial direction from the second plane to the first plane, while the rotating rod rotates to change between the rest position and the working position, the acting end and the counterweight part are located radially outside the ratchet wheel, the end cap further comprising a first positioning pin and a second positioning pin, and a folding spring installed on the first positioning pin and the second positioning pin. [10] Electromechanical brake according to claim 4, characterized byin that the electromechanical brake further comprises an adapter (41) which connects the electronic control unit (4), the electromagnet (82) and the brake motor (1), wherein the adapter (41) comprises an electromagnet clamping part (43) for receiving the electromagnet (82), wherein the pivot axis (83) of the rotary rod comprises a first cylinder section (837), a second cylinder section (838) and a transition region (839), the first cylinder section (837) and the second cylinder section (838) are arranged offset from one another and are connected by the transition region (839), and the pivot axis (83) is the connection between the end cap and the offset mounting hole of the main housing.