Search

DE-102024133140-A1 - Device and method for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator

DE102024133140A1DE 102024133140 A1DE102024133140 A1DE 102024133140A1DE-102024133140-A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator of a wheel axle, which comprises a spring element and a lever-like preloading device that interacts with the mechanics of the brake force regulator and the spring element. The spring element has a first spring end, a second spring end, and a coiled section arranged between the first and second spring ends. The device is designed as a substantially U-shaped bracket with a first leg having a first leg end and a second leg having a second leg end. The bracket can be attached to the coiled section of the spring element adjacent to the second spring end by means of its second leg end, and to the preloading device by means of its first leg end. The preloading device can be attached to the first spring end of the spring element in a predetermined axial position. The predetermined axial position can be determined by the device in order to adjust the preload. The invention further relates to a method for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator.

Inventors

  • Benjamin Vorwerg
  • Marcus Wölki

Assignees

  • EVUM Motors GmbH

Dates

Publication Date
20260513
Application Date
20241113

Claims (13)

  1. Device (1) for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator (2) of a wheel axle, which has a spring element (3) and a lever-like preloading device (9) cooperating with a mechanism of the brake force regulator (2) and the spring element (3), wherein the spring element (3) has a first spring end (6), a second spring end (7) and a coiled section (8) arranged between the first and second spring ends (6, 7), characterized in that the device (1) is designed as a substantially U-shaped bracket with a first leg (14) having a first leg end (15) and a second leg (16) having a second leg end (17), wherein the bracket can be attached by means of its second leg end (17) to the coiled section (8) of the spring element (3) adjacent to the second spring end (7), and can be attached by means of its first leg end (15) to the preloading device (9), which can be attached to the first spring end (6) of the spring element (3) in a predetermined axial position at the first spring end (6), wherein the predetermined axial position can be determined by the device (1) in order to adjust the preload.
  2. Device (1) according to Claim 1 , wherein the spring element (3) is attached at its second spring end (7) to an element, in particular to a rear axle linkage lever (10), which can move the spring element (3) against the preload device (9) depending on the wheel axle deflection and thus act on the piston via the preload device (9).
  3. Device (1) according to Claim 1 or 2 , wherein a predetermined distance is provided between the first leg end (15) and the second leg end (17) of the bracket, which is such that the pretensioning device (9) can be moved by the device (1) into the predetermined axial position.
  4. Device (1) according to Claim 3 , wherein the predetermined distance determines the axial position of the preloading device (9) for the desired preload on the first spring end (6).
  5. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (15) and the second leg (17) are substantially connected to each other at a vertex (19) of the bracket via a pivot axis (20).
  6. Device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first leg (14) and the second leg (16) are connected to each other via a first elastic element (18).
  7. Device (1) according to Claim 6 , wherein the first elastic element (18) is adjustable to define the predetermined distance between the first and second leg ends (15, 17).
  8. Device (1) according to Claim 6 or Claim 7 , wherein the first elastic element (18) is designed as a coil spring, torsion spring, spring rod or rubber band.
  9. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the first leg (14) and the second leg (16) are substantially connected to each other at the apex (19) of the stirrup via a second elastic element, in particular a spring element.
  10. Device (1) according to Claim 9 , wherein the second elastic element is adjustable to define the predetermined distance between the first and second leg ends (15, 17).
  11. Device (1) according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , wherein the first leg (14) and the second leg (16) are integrally formed together.
  12. Method for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator (2) of a wheel axle by means of a device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Engaging, by means of the device (1), a preloading device (9) cooperating with a spring element (3) with a first leg end (15) of a first leg (14) of a U-shaped bracket of the device (1), and a coiled section (8) of the spring element (3) adjacent to a second spring end (7) with a second leg end (17) of a second leg (16) of the U-shaped bracket of the device (1), in order to move the preloading device (9) over a predetermined distance between the first and second leg ends (15, 17) into a predetermined axial position on a first spring end (6) of the to bring the spring element (3) which produces a desired preload; - fixing the preload device (9) to the first spring end (6) in the predetermined axial position; and - removing the device (1).
  13. Procedure according to Claim 12 , wherein the preload device (9) is screwed onto the first spring end (6) at the predetermined axial position.

Description

The invention relates to a device for adjusting a preload of a mechanical brake force regulator according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method for adjusting a preload of a mechanical brake force regulator according to the preamble of claim 12. State of the art Brake force regulators are used in vehicle braking systems to ensure that the braking force is optimally distributed across the vehicle's axles. This prevents one axle from becoming overbraked, which could cause the vehicle to skid. Various types of brake force regulators are known in the art. Mechanical brake force regulators have the advantage of simple design and lower costs, for example, compared to pressure-controlled or electronic brake force regulators. In particular, mechanical brake force regulators with a coil spring are a simple yet effective system, especially used in older vehicles and commercial vehicles without electronic brake force distribution. The brake force regulator is load-dependent and adjusts the brake force distribution between the front and rear axles based on the vehicle load. Brake force regulators on a vehicle must be precisely adjusted to function as desired and reliably. This adjustment requires a series of steps. Among other things, the brake force regulator must be pre-tensioned to a defined state. Currently, simple and imprecise aids such as rubber bands or the expertise of a specially trained technician are often used for this purpose. While a rubber band offers a practical way to adjust the basic setting of the brake force regulator, it is prone to wear, especially when constantly under tension or exposed to extreme temperatures. Furthermore, the tension of the rubber band can change over time, potentially leading to inaccurate brake force regulation. Finally, due to the lack of precision and reliability of this device, a high level of vehicle safety cannot be guaranteed. Task Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of providing a device for adjusting a preload of a mechanical brake force regulator and a corresponding method which enable a simple, accurate and reproducible adjustment. This problem is solved according to the invention by a device for adjusting a preload of a mechanical brake force regulator with the features of claim 1 and a method for adjusting a preload of a mechanical brake force regulator with the features of claim 12. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims. According to the invention, a device for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator of a wheel axle is provided, the device comprising a spring element and a lever-like preloading device cooperating with a mechanism of the brake force regulator and the spring element, wherein the spring element has a first spring end, a second spring end and a coiled section arranged between the first and second spring ends, wherein the device is designed as a substantially U-shaped bracket with a first leg with a first leg end and a second leg with a second leg end, wherein the bracket can be attached to the coiled section of the spring element adjacent to the second spring end by means of its second leg end, and can be attached to the preloading device by means of its first leg end, which can be fastened to the first spring end of the spring element in a predetermined axial position on the first spring end, wherein the predetermined axial position can be determined by the device in order to adjust the preload. The inventive configuration of a device for adjusting the preload of a mechanical brake force regulator provides a reliable and easy-to-use adjustment aid, which is also reusable. Furthermore, the inventive device ensures a reproducible adjustment procedure, which is also precisely calibrated and enables precise adherence to the manufacturer's specifications. According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spring element is attached at its second spring end to an element, in particular to a rear axle linkage lever, which directs the spring element depending on the wheel axle can move the sen deflection against the preload device and thus act on the piston via the preload device. According to a further preferred embodiment, a predetermined distance is provided between the first leg end and the second leg end of the bracket, which is such that the preloading device can be moved by the device into the predetermined axial position. According to yet another preferred embodiment, the predetermined distance determines the axial position of the preloading device for the desired preload on or at the first spring end. Furthermore, it is preferred if the first leg and the second leg are essentially connected to each other at a vertex of the bracket via a pivot axis. Preferably, the first leg and the second leg are connected to each other via a first elastic element. The swivel axis and the first elastic element make the device advantageously adjustable for differen