Windebremsvorrichtung

A brake mechanism for a vehicle winch is automatically applied when the applied torque of the drive motor ceases and automatically released upon application of motor torque. Brake pads (22) move radially outward against the interior of a drum (12) to effect braking and retract radially inward to effect release of the brake. The pads have tapered ends that mate with opposed frusto-conical shoes (24,26). A cam (30) is rotatable with respect to a cam follower (40) in one direction to force one shoe toward the other to force the pads radially outward to engage the interior surface of the drum. Rotation of the cam with respect to the cam follower in the opposite direction releases the braking action. A wave spring (46) is incorporated to eliminate chatter as the brake is applied and released. The configuration of the brake components provides a conductive path for the dissipation of heat generated by the braking action.