Electromechanical brake

Abstract

The present application provides an electromechanical brake. The electromechanical brake comprises a master brake module and a brake actuator module. During assembly of the master brake module with the brake actuator module, the shell wall of the brake actuator module is inserted into the recess of the master brake module such that the outer wall is positioned to surround the shell wall, and the electric motor is driven by the spindle. The electromechanical brake according to the exemplary embodiments is advantageously designed and easy to assemble.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of braking devices, in particular to an electromechanical brake. State of the art

[0002] Electromechanical brakes are devices in which a brake caliper is driven by an electric motor to effect braking. Compared to conventional braking technology using hydraulic lines, they offer advantages such as rapid response, simple structure, and ease of maintenance. Due to their improved integration with electrical control systems, electromechanical brakes are increasingly becoming the dominant trend in braking systems for the development of electrified and intelligent vehicles.

[0003] Typically, an electromechanical brake is formed by assembling a first module with a second module. The first module comprises a brake electric motor, a gear mechanism, and a control unit, while the second module includes a housing, a friction disc holder, and similar components. Given the many internal components of an electromechanical brake, the challenge lies in designing one that is easy to assemble. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The present application aims to solve or at least mitigate one or more problems from the prior art.

[0005] According to one aspect, an electromechanical brake is provided, which includes: a master brake module, the master brake module comprising: an electric motor, an electronic control unit and a housing, the housing comprising an outer wall defining a recess; and a brake actuator module, wherein the brake actuator module comprises a shell, the shell comprising a shell wall defining a receiving cavity, and wherein an actuator arrangement is arranged in the receiving cavity. which includes a spindle which is supported by a bearing on an inner side of the shell wall, and wherein, during the assembly of the main brake module with the brake actuator module, the shell wall of the brake actuator module is inserted into the recess of the main brake module in such a way that the outer wall is positioned so that it surrounds the shell wall, and the electric motor is connected to the spindle in a drive manner.

[0006] The electromechanical brake according to the exemplary embodiments is suitably designed and easy to install. Brief description of the characters

[0007] With regard to the figures, the disclosure of the present application becomes clearer. It should be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art that the drawings are intended solely for illustrative purposes, without limiting the scope of protection of the present application. Furthermore, similar reference marks in the figures represent similar parts. In the figures: Fig. Figure 1 shows an exploded view of an electromechanical brake during assembly on a wheel hub according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 4 shows a longitudinal section of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 5 shows a perspective view of a shell of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 6 shows a sectional view of the shell of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 7 shows a longitudinal section of the shell of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a bearing and a retaining ring of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 9 shows a section of an electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment in longitudinal section; Fig. Figure 10 shows a perspective view of an elastic component made of Fig. 9; Fig. Figure 11 shows a section of an electromechanical brake according to a further embodiment in longitudinal section; Fig. Figure 12 shows a perspective view of an elastic component made of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 and Fig. Figures 14 each show a perspective view of a housing of a main brake module according to an exemplary embodiment from different perspectives; Fig. Figure 15 shows a sectional view of the housing of the main brake module according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 16 shows a longitudinal section during an assembly process of an electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; Fig. Figure 17 shows a sectional view of the electromechanical brake according to an exemplary embodiment; and Fig. Figure 18 shows an enlarged view of area A from Fig. 17. Detailed descriptions

[0008] Fig. Figure 1 shows a view of the electromechanical brake in an assembled state, from which the following can be seen: a pivot shaft 91, a damper 92, a bearing 94, a steering knuckle 93, a brake disc 95, and a wheel 96, as well as an electromechanical brake 100 according to an exemplary embodiment, which is driven by an electric motor to provide a braking force by clamping the brake disc 95 via a brake caliper. During assembly, the electromechanical brake 100 is attached to the steering knuckle 93, while the electromechanical brake 100 is also housed in a compact space on the inside of the wheel hub of the wheel 96, so that the volume of the electromechanical brake 100 itself is strictly limited.

[0009] With reference to the Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6, Fig. 7, Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10, Fig. 11, Fig. 12, Fig. 13, Fig. 14, Fig. 15, Fig. 16, Fig. 17 to Fig. Figure 18 illustrates the electromechanical brakes according to the respective embodiments. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the electromechanical brake comprises a brake actuator module 1 and a master brake module 2. The master brake module 2 may include an electric motor. The figure shows only an output shaft 31 of the electric motor, an electronic control unit 4, and a housing, the housing comprising an outer wall 21 that defines a recess 20. The electronic control unit 4 can be mounted at one end of the housing and connected to a vehicle via wiring harnesses to receive a brake control signal, while simultaneously being connected to the electric motor to control the electric motor to output an appropriate braking torque. The brake actuator module 1 may comprise a shell 11, a brake caliper consisting of friction discs and a friction disc holder, an actuator assembly, etc.The shell 11 comprises a shell wall 12, which defines a receiving cavity 120, wherein the actuator arrangement is arranged in the receiving cavity 120, comprising a spindle 4 which is supported by a bearing 5 on an inner side of the shell wall 12. As shown in the longitudinal section of . Fig. As shown in Figure 4, when assembling the main brake module 1 with the brake actuator module 2, the shell wall 12 of the brake actuator module is inserted into the recess 20 of the main brake module 2. This positions the outer wall 21 so that it surrounds the shell wall 12, and that the electric motor, for example its output shaft 31, is drivenly connected to the spindle 4.

[0010] Both the outer wall 21 and the shell wall 12 can be cylindrical. When the outer wall 21 surrounds the shell wall 12, they are in close contact with each other, with only a mounting gap between them. The outer wall 21 can be connected to the shell wall 12 by any suitable means, such as welding, gluing, etc. With reference to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. In some embodiments, figure 7 provides that an outer surface of the shell wall 12 has a first circumferential groove 62. The outer wall 21 is inserted into the first groove 62 by deformation, thereby connecting the main brake module 1 to the brake actuator module 2. This method is also referred to as gap-filling riveting (caulking or crimping). With reference to the Fig. 17 and Fig. In some embodiments, 18 provides that an outer surface of the outer wall 21 comprises at least one projecting rib 23. When the at least one projecting rib 23 on the outer surface of the outer wall 21 is aligned with the first groove 62 (as in the state of Fig. (as shown in Figure 18), a force is exerted on the at least one projecting rib 23. This deforms the at least one projecting rib 23 in the direction of the first groove 62 so that it is inserted into the first groove 62, thus creating a connection. To achieve this combination, the outer wall 21 can be made of an aluminum-based material or other metallic or non-metallic materials with favorable formability, with the deformation being carried out by means of a punch-pressing process. During the pressing process, the projecting rib 23 is, for example, pressed into the first groove 62 at one point by the punch. The assembly is then rotated to press the entire projecting rib 23 into the first groove 62.

[0011] With further reference to the Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the shell wall has a second circumferential groove 61, wherein the second groove 61 runs parallel to the first groove 62 and a first sealing element 81, for example a sealing ring, is arranged in the second groove 61, the first sealing element 81 sealing a gap between the shell wall 12 and the outer wall 21. In the illustrated embodiment, the first groove 62 is arranged closer to the end or further out than the second groove 61. In some embodiments, the outer surface of the shell wall 12 also includes circumferential anti-rotation teeth 63, wherein the anti-rotation teeth 63 are interference-fitted in the recess 20 of the outer wall 21.The interference fit of the anti-rotation teeth 63 with the outer wall 21 creates a circumferential boundary between them, while an axial boundary between them is achieved by the gap-filling riveting described above. In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-rotation teeth 63 are positioned further outwards, or closer to the end, than the first groove 62. The anti-rotation teeth 63 can be formed by a cylindrical scraper acting on the outer surface of the shell wall 12. In some embodiments, the anti-rotation teeth can be formed by two processes: coarse scraping and fine scraping. In the illustrated embodiment, the anti-rotation teeth 63 are formed along the entire circumference; however, in an alternative embodiment, the anti-rotation teeth 63 can occupy only one or more arc segments.By arranging the first groove 62, the second groove 61 and the anti-rotation teeth 63 on the outside of the shell wall 12, the boundary and sealing between the shell wall 12 and the outer wall 21 can be achieved.

[0012] Before assembling the main brake module 1 with the brake actuator module 2, the actuator assembly is first assembled with the housing. In some embodiments, an inner surface of the housing wall 12 further comprises a third circumferential groove 64, wherein the bearing 5 fits into the third groove 64 by means of a retaining ring 51. More precisely, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, an outer ring of the bearing 5 has a retaining ring groove in which the retaining ring 51 can be compressed and subsequently inserted, together with the bearing, into the inner side of the shell wall 12. The retaining ring 51 then expands in the third groove 64, thereby achieving an axial limit for the bearing 5. As shown in Fig. As clearly shown in Figure 9, the inner diameter of the third groove 64 is dimensioned such that the retaining ring 51 continues to radially overlap the third groove 64 and the retaining ring groove when it expands. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the shell wall 12 further comprises a cam 650, wherein the cam 650 includes a first shoulder 65 facing the third groove 64, and an elastic component 52 is arranged between the first shoulder 65 and the bearing 5. The elastic component 52 exerts an outward compressive force on the outer ring 501 of the bearing 5, while the retaining ring 51 prevents outward displacement of the outer ring 501 of the bearing 5, thereby achieving axial limitation of the bearing 5. An axial bearing can be selected as the bearing 5.In some embodiments, the first shoulder 65 is provided with a fourth groove 66 in the circumferential direction, wherein the elastic component 52 can be embedded in the fourth groove 66. As in . Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, the elastic component 52 can, in some embodiments, be an elastic washer which, for example, may comprise an annular body 520 embedded in the fourth groove 66 and several spaced-apart projections 521 extending from the annular body 520 towards the bearing 5. As shown in Fig. 11 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, in an alternative embodiment the elastic component 52 can be a wave spring 52'. The sections of the wave spring 52' are partially embedded in the fourth groove 66 and partially provide an elastic force to the bearing 5. In some other alternative embodiments, the elastic component 52 can also be a disc spring or a helical spring, etc.

[0013] With further reference to Fig. In some embodiments, the spindle 4 comprises a first end 45 and a second end 41, which are opposite each other. The first end 45 of the spindle 4 extends beyond the shell wall 12 and is fixedly connected to an input gear 43, and the second end 41 of the spindle is designed as a screw of a ball screw mechanism, wherein a nut 42 of the ball screw mechanism is connected to an end plate assembly 44. The input gear 43 receives an input torque from the electric motor and converts it, via the ball screw mechanism, into a translational movement of the end plate assembly 44.In some embodiments, the input gear 43 is designed as a worm gear, while the output shaft 31 of the electric motor is designed as a worm shaft and extends into the recess 20. During assembly of the main brake module 2 with the brake actuator module 1, the worm gear 43 enters the recess 20 to engage with the output shaft 31 of the electric motor. The worm gear and worm shaft structure allows the electric motor to be arranged transversely to the spindle 4, thus making better use of the compact space. In an alternative embodiment, the input gear 43 can be a standard gear. In this case, the output shaft 31 of the electric motor can be arranged parallel to the spindle 4 and engage with the input gear 43 via a gear. In some embodiments, the input gear 43 can comprise an inner ring 431 made of a first material and an outer ring 432 made of a second material.The inner ring 431 can, for example, be made of metal to improve its connection strength with the spindle, while the outer ring can be made of materials such as plastic. The mechanism described above converts the rotation of the output shaft 31 of the electric motor into a translational movement of the end plate assembly 44. For example, when the electric motor rotates in a first direction, the end plate assembly 44 moves towards the first friction disc 71. Conversely, when the electric motor rotates in a second direction opposite to the first, the end plate assembly 44 moves away from the first friction disc 71. The rotation of the electric motor is controlled by the electronic control unit 4, which controls the electric motor according to the vehicle's braking requirements to deliver the necessary braking torque.

[0014] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the shell wall 12 further comprises a fifth circumferential groove 68, in which a sliding bearing 54 is arranged to guide an axial sliding movement of the nut 42. In some embodiments, the fifth groove 68 can be arranged on the cam 650. In some embodiments, the inner surface of the shell wall further comprises at least one axial anti-rotation groove 67, and an outer surface of the nut 42 comprises a projection, such as a slide, that fits into the anti-rotation groove 67. In the illustrated embodiment, two anti-rotation grooves 67 are arranged. As shown in the figure, the anti-rotation grooves 67 can also be arranged on the cam 650, for example, such that they extend over the entire cam 650.In some embodiments, the cam 650 comprises a second shoulder 651 facing the first friction disc 71. A front face of the second shoulder 651 is provided with a sixth circumferential groove 69, and a second sealing element 82 is embedded in the sixth groove 69 to provide a seal between the nut 42 and the shell wall 12. The second sealing element 82 is designed as a U-shaped sealing ring and comprises a framework 820 and an elastic coating 821, for example a rubber coating, formed on the framework.

[0015] With further reference to Fig. 13, Fig. 14 to Fig. Figure 15 shows the housing of the main brake module 2. The housing of the main brake module 2 comprises an outer wall 21 and an associated additional housing section 27, the additional housing section 27 having an open top 24. The additional housing section 27 serves to accommodate the electric motor, and its open top 24 is covered by the electronic control unit 4. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, a space 201 for the output shaft of the electric motor is provided to the side of the recess 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 21 also includes two projecting ribs 231, 232 on both sides, the two projecting ribs 231, 232 being arranged opposite each other. As shown in Figure 13, a space 201 for the arrangement of the output shaft of the electric motor is provided laterally to the recess 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 21 also includes two projecting ribs 231, 232 on both sides, wherein the two projecting ribs 231, 232 are arranged opposite each other. Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the inner wall of the recess 20 is divided into several sections, including an entry guide section 251, a first section 252, a transition guide section 254, and a second section 253. The second section 253 has a reduced diameter to achieve an interference fit with the anti-rotation teeth of the shell wall 12. The transition guide section 254 serves to guide the entry of the anti-rotation teeth, while the first section 252 serves to fit with the first groove 62 and the second groove 61. The housing 21 of the main brake module 2 can be made from an aluminum base material.

[0016] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the sliding bearing 54 and the elastic component 52 are first assembled with the shell wall 12 before final assembly. The spindle 4 is also connected to the bearing 5, for example, by being press-fitted in the inner ring 502 of the bearing. The input gear 43 is then attached to the spindle 4. Finally, the assembly consisting of the spindle 4 and the bearing 5 is inserted into the shell wall 12 and secured in position by the retaining ring 51.

[0017] In some embodiments, the brake actuator module further comprises a friction disc holder 112, wherein the friction disc holder 112 includes mounting holes 1121 for fastening or attaching it to the vehicle. The first friction disc 71 and the second friction disc 72 are arranged on the friction disc holder 112 and can move along the friction disc holder 112. The shell 11 is slidably mounted on the friction disc holder 112, wherein the receiving cavity 120 of the shell 11 is in contact with the first friction disc 71, so that the end plate assembly 44 can act on the first friction disc 71.

[0018] In some embodiments, the shell 11 comprises a shell body 110 that covers the first friction disc 71 and the second friction disc 72, wherein an outer end of the shell body 110 (on the left side in Fig. 4) has a hook section 111 that acts on the second friction disc 72, while the cylindrical shell wall 12 is arranged at the inner end of the shell body 110. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 5, the inner end of the shell body 110 has two flanges 113 on both sides, each of which encompasses a mounting hole 114 for connection to a first guide pin and a second guide pin running parallel to each other. The shell 11 is slidably mounted over the first and second guide pins in a pair of guide holes 122 of the friction disc holder 112. This allows the shell 11 to be mounted on the friction disc holder 112 in a way that allows it to slide relative to the holder. Furthermore, the shell wall 12 and the shell body 110 are formed in one piece. Compared to a split shell wall 12, this design reduces the number of parts and simplifies the assembly process.The specific structure and operation of the electromechanical brake can be found in the Chinese patent application with publication number CN 117267280 A and the title "Electromechanical Brake", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the electromechanical brake according to the embodiments of the present application, the main brake module 2 and the brake caliper module 1 are designed for optimal efficiency and are therefore easy to assemble.

[0019] The specific embodiments of the present application described above serve only to clarify the principle of the present application, in which the principle of the invention can be more easily understood through the clear presentation and description of individual components. Those skilled in the art can make numerous modifications or changes to the present application without exceeding its scope. Therefore, it should be understood that these modifications or changes are intended to be contained within the scope of protection of the present application. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 117267280 A

[0018]

Claims

Electromechanical brake comprising: a main brake module (2), wherein the main brake module (2) comprises: an electric motor, an electronic control unit and a housing, the housing comprising an outer wall (21) defining a recess (20); and a brake actuator module (1), wherein the brake actuator module (1) comprises a shell (11), the shell (11) comprising a shell wall (12) defining a receiving cavity (120), wherein an actuator arrangement is arranged in the receiving cavity (120) comprising a spindle (4) which is supported by a bearing (5) on an inner side of the shell wall (12), and wherein, during assembly of the main brake module (1) with the brake actuator module (2), the shell wall (12) of the brake actuator module (1) is inserted into the recess (20) of the main brake module such that the outer wall (21) is positioned to surround the shell wall (12), and the electric motor is driven by the spindle (4). Electromechanical brake according to claim 1, characterized in that an outer surface of the shell wall (12) has a first groove (62) in the circumferential direction, wherein the outer wall (21) is inserted into the first groove (62) by deformation, thereby connecting the main brake module (2) to the brake actuator module (1), wherein an outer surface of the outer wall (21) comprises at least one projecting rib (23), and wherein, when the at least one projecting rib (23) on the outer surface of the outer wall (21) is aligned with the first groove (62), a force is exerted on the at least one projecting rib (23), thereby deforming the at least one projecting rib (23) in the direction of the first groove (62) so that it is inserted into the first groove (62). Electromechanical brake according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer surface of the shell wall has a second groove (61) in the circumferential direction, wherein the second groove (61) runs parallel to the first groove (62) and a first sealing element (81) is arranged in the second groove (61), and wherein the first sealing element (81) seals a gap between the shell wall (12) and the outer wall (21). Electromechanical brake according to claim 2, characterized in that the outer surface of the shell wall (12) further comprises anti-rotation teeth (63) in the circumferential direction, wherein the anti-rotation teeth (63) are in press fit in the recess (20) of the outer wall (21). Electromechanical brake according to claim 2, characterized in that an inner surface of the shell wall (12) further comprises a third groove (64) in the circumferential direction, wherein the bearing (5) fits into the third groove (64) by means of a retaining ring (51), wherein the inner surface of the shell wall (12) further comprises a cam (650), wherein the cam (650) comprises a first shoulder (65) facing the third groove (64), wherein an elastic component (52) is arranged between the first shoulder (65) and the bearing (5), wherein the first shoulder (65) is provided with a fourth groove (66) in the circumferential direction, and wherein the elastic component (52) is an elastic washer or a wave spring embedded in the fourth groove (66). Electromechanical brake according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that sections in which the outer wall (21) and the shell wall (12) are connected to each other are each cylindrical, wherein the spindle (4) comprises a first end (45) and a second end (41) opposite each other, wherein the first end (45) of the spindle (4) extends beyond the shell wall (12) and is fixedly connected to an input wheel (43), and the second end (41) of the spindle is designed as a screw of a ball screw mechanism, wherein a nut (42) of the ball screw mechanism is connected to an end plate arrangement (44), wherein the input wheel (43) is designed as a worm wheel, while an output shaft (31) of the electric motor is designed as a worm shaft and extends into the recess (20), and wherein, during assembly of the main brake module with the brake actuator module, the worm wheel enters the recess (20).to engage with the output shaft (31). Electromechanical brake according to claim 6, characterized in that the inner surface of the shell wall further comprises a fifth groove (68) in the circumferential direction, wherein a sliding bearing (54) is arranged in the fifth groove (68) to guide an axial sliding movement of the nut (42), wherein the inner surface of the shell wall further comprises at least one anti-rotation groove (67) in the axial direction and an outer surface of the nut (42) comprises a projection that fits into the anti-rotation groove (67), wherein the inner surface of the shell wall (12) further comprises the cam (650), and wherein the fifth groove (68) and the at least one anti-rotation groove (67) are arranged on the cam (650). Electromechanical brake according to claim 6, characterized in that the brake actuator module further comprises a friction disc holder (112), wherein a first friction disc (71) and a second friction disc (72) are arranged on the friction disc holder (112) and the shell (11) is slidably mounted on the friction disc holder (112), and wherein the receiving cavity (120) is in contact with the first friction disc (71) so that the end plate arrangement (44) can act on the first friction disc (71). Electromechanical brake according to claim 8, characterized in that the shell (11) comprises a shell body (110) covering the first friction disc (71) and the second friction disc (72), wherein an outer end of the shell body (110) has a hook section (111) that acts on the second friction disc (72), while the cylindrical shell wall (12) is arranged at the inner end of the shell body (110), wherein the inner end of the shell body has two flanges (113) on both sides, wherein the two flanges (113) are each connected to a first guide pin and a second guide pin that run parallel to each other, wherein the shell (11) is slidably mounted on the friction disc holder (112) via the first guide pin and the second guide pin, and wherein the shell wall (12) and the shell body (110) are formed in one piece. Electromechanical brake according to claim 6, characterized in that the inner surface of the shell wall (12) further comprises the cam (650) and the cam (650) comprises a second shoulder (651) facing the first friction disc (71), wherein a front face of the second shoulder (651) is provided with a sixth groove (69) in the circumferential direction, wherein a second sealing element (82) is embedded in the sixth groove (69) to provide a seal between the nut (42) and the shell wall (12), and wherein the second sealing element (82) is U-shaped and comprises a framework and an elastic coating formed on the framework.

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