Brake pad with different holding devices

Abstract

A brake pad assembly comprising a washer and a backing plate. The washer and backing plate include a matching pair of retaining devices that optimize the assembly of the brake pad assembly. In some embodiments, the washer includes one or more snap fasteners and the backing plate includes a matching number of locking tabs. In some embodiments, the washer includes one or more spring tabs and the backing plate includes a matching number of tab recesses. The retaining devices may have geometric shapes to optimize the holding force of the washer and backing plate during assembly.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] This disclosure relates to the use and installation of brake pads for motor vehicles. BACKGROUND

[0002] Motor vehicle brake pads consist of consumables in the form of washers that generate friction with the vehicle's brake disc during use. Washers are typically bonded to a stiffer backing plate to facilitate installation in the vehicle and to ensure an even distribution of braking force across the washer's surface.

[0003] In conventional brake pads, the washer and backing plate are joined together during manufacturing by a stamping process. Stamping is energy-intensive and requires special equipment to create the connection. A brake pad design with a washer that can be easily and cost-effectively bonded to the backing plate is desired. OVERVIEW

[0004] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a brake pad assembly comprising a washer and a backing plate. The washer has a body and a snap lock extending from the body. The backing plate has a locking pawl. The snap lock defines a recess with a first geometric shape, and the locking pawl has a second geometric shape. The washer is connected to the backing plate by the locking pawl engaging in the recess such that the recess receives the locking pawl during the connection. In some embodiments, the snap lock extends from an outer edge of the washer. In some embodiments, the locking pawl extends from an outer edge of the backing plate.

[0005] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a brake pad assembly comprising a washer and a backing plate. The washer has a body and a spring tab extending from the body. The backing plate has a tab recess. The spring tab defines a projection with a first geometric shape, and the tab recess has a second geometric shape. The washer is connected to the backing plate by the spring tab engaging in the tab recess such that the tab recess receives the projection during the connection. In some embodiments, the spring tab extends from an outer edge of the washer. In some embodiments, the tab recess is defined along an outer edge of the backing plate.

[0006] The aforementioned aspects of this revelation and other aspects will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying illustrations. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 shows a representation of a brake pad arrangement. Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the brake pad assembly made of Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 3 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 4 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 6 shows a brake pad arrangement. Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the brake pad assembly. Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 8 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 9 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 10 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 11 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 12 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. Fig. Figure 13 is a close-up of some features of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad arrangement. Fig. 6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0007] The embodiments shown are disclosed with reference to the figures in the drawings. It is understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples that can be implemented in various and alternative forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate details of certain components. The specific structural and functional details disclosed are not to be interpreted as limiting, but rather as a representative basis to convey to a person skilled in the art how the disclosed concepts can be implemented in practice.

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a brake pad assembly 100. The brake pad assembly 100 comprises a washer 101 and a backing plate 103. After assembly, the washer 101 is connected to the backing plate 103. The washer 101 provides a tribological surface suitable for friction braking against the rotor of a motor vehicle, while the backing plate 103 provides a stiffer frame for braking operations to activate friction braking and to mount (assemble) the brake pad assembly 100 in a set of brake calipers (or a similar mounting position within a vehicle). Further features of the brake pad assembly 100 are shown in additional illustrations.

[0009] Fig. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the brake pad assembly 100 with additional features. The washer 101 comprises a body 200 and a number of snap locks 201 extending from the body 200 of the washer 101. Each of the snap locks 201 defines a recess 203 with a first geometric shape. The carrier plate 103 additionally comprises a corresponding number of locking pawls 205, each having a second geometric shape. Each snap lock 201 engages in a corresponding locking pawl 205 during the connection of the washer 101 and the carrier plate 103. The engagement of each snap lock 201 in the corresponding locking pawl 205 is achieved by the locking pawl 205 being guided through the associated recess 203 during the connection.In the illustrated embodiment, the shapes of the snap fasteners 201, including the first geometric shape of the recess 203, can be achieved during the manufacture of the washer 101, for example, during a stamping process, a forming process, a casting process, a cutting process, or any other manufacturing process known to a person skilled in the art, without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the shapes of the locking latches 205 can be achieved during the manufacture of the carrier plate 103, for example, during a stamping process, a forming process, a casting process, a cutting process, or any other manufacturing process known to a person skilled in the art, without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0010] Advantageously, due to the snap fasteners 201 and the locking pawls 205 of the brake pad assembly 100, the washer 101 can be connected to the backing plate 103 without the need for an expensive or energy-intensive machining process. In some embodiments, the connection of the washer 101 and the backing plate 103 can be made by hand or using hand tools. Other embodiments may use different tools or methods for connecting the washer 101 and the backing plate 103 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. A further advantage is that the replacement of the washer 101 can also be carried out by hand or with hand tools, thus allowing a backing plate 103 to be reused to be connected to a replacement washer 101 after an original washer has been worn out by normal wear.This advantageously allows for lower production costs by minimizing the material and time required to manufacture and assemble a functioning brake pad assembly 100, since the non-tribological materials can be safely and effectively reused after the washer 101 has worn out.

[0011] In the illustrated embodiment, the brake pad assembly 100 comprises a plurality of four snap locks 201 and a corresponding plurality of four locking pawls 205; however, other embodiments may include a different number without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of the snap locks 201 and the locking pawls 205 exhibits symmetry with respect to a vertical and a horizontal bisecting of the brake pad assembly 100; however, other embodiments may include different arrangements or configurations with different, additional, or no symmetry with respect to any dimension or length of the brake pad assembly 100 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0012] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the snap fasteners 201 extends from the body 200 of the washer 101 along an outer edge 208. The outer edge 208 is a circumferential surface of the body 200 that defines the outer shape of the washer 101. Other embodiments may include other arrangements of the snap fasteners 201 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0013] In the illustrated embodiment, the locking latches 205 each extend from an outer edge 210 of the carrier plate 103. The outer edge 210 is a circumferential surface of the carrier plate 103, which defines the outer shape of the carrier plate 103. Other embodiments may include different arrangements of the locking latches 205 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0014] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the recesses 203 has a recess 203a configuration having a first geometric shape of a rectangle. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the locking latches 205 has a second geometric shape in the form of a wedge. Other embodiments may include different geometric shapes for one or more of the recesses 203 or locking latches 205 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0015] Fig. Figure 3 is a close-up of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad assembly 100b, which has different geometric shapes for its snap locks 201 and locking pawls 205. In this embodiment, the first geometric shape of the recess 203b defines a rectangular shape, and the corresponding second geometric shape of the locking pawls 205b is also a rectangle.

[0016] Fig. Figure 4 is a close-up of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad assembly 100c, which has different geometric shapes for its snap fasteners 201 and its locking pawl 205. In this embodiment, the first geometric shape of the recess 203c defines a triangular shape, and the corresponding second geometric shape of the locking pawls 205b is also a triangle.

[0017] Fig. Figure 5 is a close-up of an alternative embodiment of the brake pad assembly 100d, which has different geometric shapes for its snap fasteners 201 and its locking pawl 205. In this embodiment, the first geometric shape of the recess 203d defines a circular shape, and the corresponding second geometric shape of the locking pawls 205d is also a circle.

[0018] In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the snap lock 201 may differ in its dimensions or arrangement from the corresponding second geometric shape of the latch 205 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. For example, and without limitation, the first geometric shape may define a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle, a semicircle or partial circle, an oval, a flattened pseudocircle, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, or any other defined shape known to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.For example, and without limitation, the second geometric shape can define a rectangle, a prism, a square, a cube, a triangle, a pyramid, a wedge, a circle, a semicircle or partial circle, a cylinder, an oval, a solenoid, a flattened pseudocircle, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, or any other defined shape known to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In such embodiments, any of the first geometric shapes can be paired without limitation with any of the second geometric shapes, provided that the locking latch 205 is sufficiently dimensioned and arranged to engage in the corresponding recess 203.

[0019] Fig. Figure 6 shows a brake pad assembly 600. The brake pad assembly 600 comprises a washer 601 and a backing plate 603. After assembly (attachment), the washer 601 is connected to the backing plate 603. The washer 601 provides a tribological surface suitable for friction braking against the rotor of a motor vehicle, while the backing plate 603 provides a stiffer frame for braking operations to utilize friction braking and to mount the brake pad assembly 600 within a set of brake calipers (or a similar mounting position within a vehicle). Further features of the brake pad assembly 600 are shown in additional figures.

[0020] Fig. Figure 7 is an exploded view of the brake pad assembly 600 with additional features. The washer 601 comprises a body 700 and a number of spring-shaped tabs (spring tabs) 701 extending from the body 700. Each of the snap fasteners 201 includes a projection (not shown; see later drawing figures) with a first geometric shape. The carrier plate 603 additionally includes a corresponding number of tab recesses 705, each having a second geometric shape. Each spring tab 701 engages in a corresponding tab recess 705 during the connection of the washer 601 and the carrier plate 603. The engagement of each spring tab 701 in the corresponding tab recess 605 is achieved by the projection being guided through the associated tab recess 703 during the connection.In the illustrated embodiment, the shapes of the spring tabs 701, including the first geometric shape of the associated projections, can be achieved during the manufacture of the washer 601, for example, during a stamping process, a forming process, a casting process, a cutting process, or any other manufacturing process known to a person skilled in the art, without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the shapes of the tab recesses 705 can be achieved during the manufacture of the carrier plate 603, for example, during a stamping process, a forming process, a casting process, a cutting process, or any other manufacturing process known to a person skilled in the art, without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0021] Advantageously, due to the spring tabs 701 and the tab recesses 705 of the brake pad assembly 600, the washer 601 can be connected to the backing plate 603 without requiring an expensive or energy-intensive machining process. In some embodiments, the connection of the washer 601 and the backing plate 603 can be made by hand or using hand tools. Other embodiments may use different tools or methods for connecting the washer 601 and the backing plate 603 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. A further advantage is that the replacement of the washer 601 can also be carried out by hand or with hand tools, thus allowing a backing plate 603 to be reused to be connected to a replacement washer 601 after an original washer has been worn out by normal wear.This advantageously allows for lower production costs by minimizing the material and time required to manufacture and assemble a functioning brake pad assembly 600, since the non-tribological materials can be safely and effectively reused after the washer 601 has worn out.

[0022] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring tabs 701 exert a spring-like force when the washer 601 is connected to the carrier plate 603. This spring-like force acts as a compressive force during the connection, which advantageously assists the engagement of the projection in the associated tab recess 705.

[0023] In the illustrated embodiment, the brake pad assembly 600 comprises a plurality of four spring tabs 701 and a corresponding plurality of four tab recesses 705; however, other embodiments may include a different number without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein. In the illustrated embodiment, the arrangement of the spring tabs 701 and the tab recesses 705 exhibit symmetry with respect to a vertical and a horizontal bisecting of the brake pad assembly 600; however, other embodiments may include different arrangements or configurations with different, additional, or no symmetry with respect to any dimension or length of the brake pad assembly 600 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the spring tabs 701 each extend from the body 600 of the washer 601 along an outer edge 708. The outer edge 708 is a circumferential surface of the body 700 that defines the outer shape of the washer 601. Other embodiments may include different arrangements of the spring tabs 701 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, the tab recesses 705 are defined along an outer edge 710 of the support plate 603. The outer edge 710 is a circumferential surface of the support plate 603, which defines the outer shape of the support plate 603. Other embodiments may include different arrangements of the tab recesses 705 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0026] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the projections of the spring tabs 701 can have a configuration having a first geometric shape of a cylinder. Additionally, in the illustrated embodiment, each of the tab recesses 705 has a second geometric shape in the form of a circle. Other embodiments can include different geometric shapes for one or more of the projections of the spring tabs 701 or tab recesses 705 without deviating from the teachings disclosed herein.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment, each of the spring tabs 701 has a first configuration in the form of a spring tab 701a. Fig. Figure 8 is a close-up of a section of the washer 601, showing additional features of the spring tab 701a. In the illustrated embodiment, the associated projection 801a is visible, and the first geometric shape comprises a circle and a cylinder. Fig. Figure 9 is a close-up of the associated tab recess 705, configured as tab recess 705a, which defines a second geometric shape of a circle suitable for receiving the projection 801a. During the connection of washer 601 and carrier plate 603, the tab recess 705a receives the projection 801a, and the matching cross-sectional shape advantageously provides an optimized holding force for the connection.

[0028] Other configurations can also be used without deviating from the teachings revealed here. Fig. Figure 10 is a close-up of part of the washer 601, showing additional features of an alternative embodiment of the spring tab 701b. In the illustrated embodiment, the associated projection 801b of the tab is visible, and the first geometric shape comprises a prism with a rectangular cross-section. Fig. Figure 11 is a close-up of the associated tab recess 705b, which defines a second geometric shape of a rectangle suitable for receiving the projection 801b. During the coupling of washer 601 and carrier plate 603, the tab recess 705b receives the projection 801b, and the suitable cross-sectional shape advantageously provides an optimized holding force for the coupling.

[0029] Additional configurations can be used without deviating from the teachings revealed here. Fig. Figure 12 is a close-up of part of the washer 601, showing additional features of an alternative embodiment of the spring tab 701c. In the illustrated embodiment, the associated projection 801c is visible, and the first geometric shape comprises a polygon with a triangular cross-section. Fig.Figure 13 is a close-up of the associated tab recess 705c, which defines a second geometric shape of a triangle suitable for receiving the projection 801c. During the coupling of the washer 601 and the carrier plate 603, the tab recess 705c receives the projection 801c, and the matching cross-sectional shape advantageously ensures an optimized holding force for the coupling.

[0030] In some embodiments, the first geometric shape of the projection 801 may differ in its dimensions or arrangement from the corresponding second geometric shape of the tab recess 705 without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. For example, and without limitation, the first geometric shape may define a rectangle, a square, a triangle, a circle, a semicircle, a partial circle, an oval, a flattened pseudocircle, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, or any other defined shape known to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein.For example, and without limitation, the second geometric shape can define a rectangle, a prism, a square, a cube, a triangle, a pyramid, a wedge, a circle, a semicircle, a partial circle, a cylinder, an oval, a solenoid, a flattened pseudocircle, a regular polygon, an irregular polygon, or any other defined shape known to a person skilled in the art, without departing from the teachings disclosed herein. In such embodiments, any of the first geometric shapes can be paired without limitation with any of the second geometric shapes, provided that the projection 801 is sufficiently dimensioned and positioned to engage with the corresponding tab recess 705.

[0031] Although exemplary embodiments are described above, these embodiments are not intended to describe all possible forms of the disclosed device and method. Rather, the terms used in the description are descriptive rather than limiting, and it is understood that various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed disclosure. The features of different embodiments can be combined to form further embodiments of the disclosed concepts.

Claims

[1] Brake pad assembly comprising: a washer with a body and a snap fastener extending from the body; and a carrier plate with a locking latch, where The snap closure defines a recess with a first geometric shape, the carrier plate includes a locking latch with a second geometric shape, where the washer is connected to the carrier plate by the locking latch engaging in the recess in such a way that the recess receives the locking latch. [2] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the snap lock extends from an outer edge of the washer. [3] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking pawl extends from an outer edge of the carrier plate. [4] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the washer has several snap locks extending from the body and the carrier plate has a suitable plurality of locking latches. [5] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the washer has four snap locks extending from the body and the carrier plate has four matching locking latches. [6] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 5, wherein the arrangement of the four snap locks is symmetrical to at least one dimension of the washer and wherein the arrangement of the four locking pawls is symmetrical to at least one dimension of the carrier plate. [7] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first geometric shape is a circle. [8] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second geometric shape is a circle. [9] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first geometric shape is a rectangle. [10] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second geometric shape is a rectangle. [11] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the first geometric shape is a triangle. [12] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second geometric shape is a triangle. [13] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the second geometric shape is a wedge. [14] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the recess is formed during a stamping process in the manufacture of the washer. [15] Brake pad arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the locking latch is formed during a stamping process in the manufacture of the carrier plate.

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