Brake pad, brake device, brake system and vehicle for vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a brake pad for a vehicle, which is suitable for being connected to a bracket surrounding a rotatable brake disc, which rotates around a geometric center axis, and the brake pad comprises: an upper side; a lower side; a friction surface, which extends downward from the upper side to the lower side and is suitable for pressing against the brake disc; an opposite surface, which extends downward from the upper side to the lower side and is suitable for facing away from the brake disc, wherein the lower side comprises at least one sliding portion, which is configured to slide against a mating sliding portion of the bracket, wherein the at least one sliding portion extends downward toward the opposite surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a brake pad for a vehicle, which is suitable for being connected to a support surrounding a rotatable brake disc. The invention also relates to a brake device comprising such a brake pad and a support. The invention also relates to a brake system comprising such a brake device and a brake disc. The invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a brake pad, such a brake device or such a brake system.

[0002] The invention may be applied to heavy vehicles such as trucks, buses and construction equipment.Although the invention will be described with respect to a truck, the invention is not limited to this particular vehicle but may also be used in other vehicles such as cars. Background Art

[0003] Disc brakes are available in different forms and variations. Typically, a caliper is used to press or squeeze the brake pads against the brake disc to create friction. The friction slows down the rotation of the axle to which the brake disc is connected, thereby reducing the speed of the vehicle. Typically, when the driver presses the brake pedal, fluid pressure is activated and forces the brake pads towards the brake disc. The caliper deflects during brake application and rebounds to its original position after the brake is released. However, the brake pads may not be fully retracted after the brake is released. This results in residual contact between the brake pads and the brake disc, thereby generating drag. This drag affects fuel efficiency and increases wear on the brake pads and brake disc.

[0004] An example of a disc brake is disclosed in GB 1302745 A. The disc brake is designed to reduce noise. The disc brake comprises a pad assembly adapted to be pushed against the disc by a brake motor. The pad assembly comprises an inner pad of friction material attached to a support plate. The support plate has lateral ends which slide in fixed supports and are held circumferentially by the fixed supports for receiving them. However, although the lateral ends can slide in the circumferential supports, such a design does not solve the resistance problem. Summary of the invention

[0005] It is an object of the present invention to provide a brake pad which alleviates the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a brake pad according to the present invention. Therefore, according to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brake pad for a vehicle. The brake pad is adapted to be connected to a support around a rotatable brake disc, which rotates around a geometric center axis. The brake pad comprises:

[0007] upper side,

[0008] Lower side,

[0009] a friction surface extending downwards from the upper side to the lower side and adapted to be pressed against the brake disc,

[0010] an opposing surface extending downwardly from the upper side to the lower side and adapted to face away from the brake disc,

[0011] Wherein the underside comprises at least one sliding portion configured to slide against a mating sliding portion of the bracket, wherein the at least one sliding portion extends downwardly towards the opposite surface.

[0012] By providing a brake pad with a sliding portion extending downwardly (e.g. obliquely or with a curvature) towards an opposite surface of the pad adapted to face away from the brake disc, the brake pad will move away from the brake disc due to gravity and vibrations when the driver releases the brake pedal. Thus, the risk of drag is reduced. Thus, the inventors have realised that by designing the sliding portion of the brake pad according to the ramp principle, the brake pad will move away from the brake disc at least due to gravity, provided that there is a suitably low coefficient of friction between the sliding portion of the brake pad and a mating sliding portion of the bracket on which the brake pad is intended to slide. When the driver is not applying braking force, vehicle vibrations further encourage the brake pad to move in the retraction direction.

[0013] The geometric design of the sliding portion is also advantageous because it allows the brake pad to be retracted without any additional retraction mechanism, instead the configuration of the present invention utilizes gravity which may be assisted by vibrations such as shaft vibrations.

[0014] It should be understood that in the present application, directional terms such as "upper" and "lower" relate to normal use of the brake pad. Therefore, in normal use, when correctly installed, the upper side of the brake pad will be above the lower side of the brake pad when the vehicle with the brake pad installed is parked on a level ground. The friction surface extends between the upper side and the lower side. In addition, if an upper geometric plane is imagined in which the upper side (but not the friction surface) lies and a lower geometric plane is imagined in which the lower side (but not the friction surface) lies, the term "downward" or "downwardly" means the direction extending from the upper geometric plane to the lower geometric plane. It should be noted that downward or downward is not necessarily a direction perpendicular to the upper and lower geometric planes, but can also be a direction inclined or bent relative to the planes.

[0015] It will also be appreciated that for a brake pad intended for use in a caliper mounted on top of a brake disc (at "12 o'clock"), the upper and lower sides will be configured and shaped differently than a brake pad intended for use in a caliper mounted at a 90° displacement position on the brake disc (at "3 o'clock or 9 o'clock"). In the first case, the upper and lower sides of the brake pad may have a relatively long extension, with the lower side intended to face the geometrical centre axis of the brake disc. In the second case, the upper and lower sides of the brake pad may have a relatively short extension, and the lateral sides may instead be intended to face the geometrical centre axis of the brake disc (such lateral sides will suitably interconnect the upper and lower sides, and will also suitably interconnect the friction surface and the counter surface).

[0016] It will also be appreciated that in this application, when the driver applies the brakes, for simplicity reference will always be made to the driver pressing the brake pedal. However, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to embodiments relating to a brake pedal, and other means for applying the brakes are also contemplated. For example, instead of a brake pedal, the brakes may be actuated by a manual controller such as a handle or a joystick. For example, the cab may be designed for disabled persons to control the operation.

[0017] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one sliding portion extends obliquely downwards towards the opposite surface. An oblique inclination is a simple way to produce a sliding portion extending downwards.

[0018] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one sliding portion extends downwardly toward the opposite surface with a certain curvature (e.g., the sliding portion may have a certain radius). This may be advantageous, for example, if mating with a non-curved sliding portion of a bracket, in which case there will be line contact rather than surface contact between the mating sliding portions, thereby reducing friction between the mating sliding portions.

[0019] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the brake pad comprises a backing portion and a consumable lining portion fixedly mounted to the backing portion, wherein the friction surface is provided on the lining portion and the counter surface is provided on the backing portion, wherein a downwardly extending sliding portion is formed by both the backing portion and the lining portion. By having a sliding portion formed by both the backing portion and the lining portion, a longer sliding surface can be achieved.

[0020] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, at least one sliding portion extends from the friction surface to the opposing surface, thereby interconnecting the friction surface with the opposing surface. This is advantageous because the tapering of the sliding portion can extend all the way from one side to the other side. However, it should be noted that the sliding portion does not need to cover the entire underside. For example, in some exemplary embodiments, the sliding portion may form one or more tapered strips across the underside of the brake pad, i.e., extending from the friction surface to the opposing surface, while other portions of the underside may or may not be tapered. In some exemplary embodiments, the entire underside may be the tapered sliding portion.

[0021] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the friction surface extends in a geometrical plane, wherein at least one sliding portion extends at an angle of 3°-45°, for example 5°-30°, for example 7°-15° relative to the normal of said geometrical plane. Said range has been found to be advantageous for returning the brake pad after the brake pedal is released by means of gravity aided by any vibrations.

[0022] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the brake pad comprises at least two sliding portions spaced apart from each other. According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the two sliding portions are located on respective sides of a symmetry plane of the brake pad. This can provide a balanced and stable retraction, and by not having the entire underside with sliding portions, the friction between the brake pad and the bracket on which the brake pad is to be mounted can be reduced, thereby improving the sliding capacity.

[0023] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the upper side is adapted to face away from a geometric center axis of the brake disc, wherein the lower side is adapted to face in a direction towards said geometric center axis, wherein the friction surface is adapted to press against the brake disc above said geometric center axis. Such a configuration of the brake pad is suitable for use in a caliper intended to be mounted on top of a brake disc.

[0024] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the brake pad comprises a side surface extending in one direction from an upper side to a lower side and in another direction from a friction surface to an opposite surface, wherein the side surface is adapted to face in a direction toward the geometric center axis. This configuration of the brake pad is suitable for use in a caliper intended to be mounted at a side of a brake disc (i.e., along the outer circumference of the brake disc between the top and the bottom of the brake disc, which is usually referred to as at "3 o'clock" or "9 o'clock").

[0025] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object is achieved by a brake device according to the present invention. Therefore, according to a second aspect of the present invention, a brake device is provided, which includes a brake pad according to the first aspect of the present invention and a bracket suitable for being mounted to a rotatable brake disc, wherein the sliding portion of the brake pad is a first sliding portion, wherein the bracket includes a second sliding portion that cooperates with the first sliding portion, wherein the brake pad having the first sliding portion can slide toward and away from the brake disc along the second sliding portion. By providing a bracket with a second sliding portion having a specified cooperation, the interaction between the brake pad and the bracket can be effectively controlled. For example, the inclination angle, the length of the extension and the surface smoothness can be design parameters that can be appropriately dimensioned.

[0026] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the second sliding portion (of the bracket) and the first sliding portion (of the brake pad) have the same inclination angle relative to the friction surface of the brake pad. By having the same inclination angle, a continuous interface can be obtained between the sliding portions, thereby enabling effective movement of the brake pad along the bracket and away from the brake disc. In other exemplary embodiments, the braking device can have a brake pad with a sliding portion, which has a curved extension downwardly towards the opposite surface, which cooperates with a non-curved or differently curved sliding portion of the bracket, thereby obtaining a line contact between the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion, thereby reducing the friction between the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion.

[0027] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the brake device further comprises a spring element which pushes the first sliding part against the second sliding part by a downwardly directed spring force. This is advantageous because an additional force is provided in addition to vibration and / or gravity, thereby further improving the retraction of the brake pad from the brake disc after the driver has released the brake pedal.

[0028] According to a third aspect of the present invention, this object is achieved by a brake system according to the present invention. Therefore, according to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a brake system comprising a brake device according to the second aspect and a brake disc rotatable about a geometric center axis, wherein the bracket is mounted so that the friction surface of the brake pad can be pressed against the brake disc when the brake pad is subjected to a force directed toward the brake disc.

[0029] According to at least one exemplary embodiment, the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion taper downwardly (such as toward the geometric center axis when viewed in a direction away from the brake disc), wherein the taper enables the brake pad to move away from the brake disc due to vibration and / or gravity. Thus, when the brake pad has been installed, the sliding portion will taper downwardly as it extends from the friction surface to the opposing surface.

[0030] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, this object is achieved by a vehicle according to the invention. Therefore, according to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a brake pad according to the first aspect, a brake device according to the second aspect, or a brake system according to the third aspect.

[0031] Further advantages and advantageous features of the invention are disclosed in the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] With reference to the accompanying drawings, below follows a more detailed description of embodiments of the invention cited as examples.

[0033] In the attached picture:

[0034] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0035] Figure 2a to Figure 2c shows a brake pad according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0036] Figure 3 shows a bracket for use in a braking device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0037] Figure 4 shows a braking system according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the invention,

[0038] Figure 5 Shows the control Figure 4 The brake pads in the braking system activate the calipers,

[0039] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Detailed view of the caliper and brake system in cross section,

[0040] Figure 7 schematically shows a side view of a brake pad according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention,

[0041] Figure 8a to Figure 8b A brake pad according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown, and

[0042] Fig. 9 A bracket for use in a braking device according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle 2 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Although the vehicle 2 is shown in the form of a truck, other types of vehicles may be provided according to the present invention, such as a bus, construction equipment, trailer or van.

[0044] The truck (vehicle) includes a cab 4 in which a driver can operate the vehicle. The vehicle includes a plurality of road wheels 6, three pairs of wheels are shown here, but in other embodiments there may be a different number of wheels, such as two, four or more pairs. In the cab 4, the driver can press a brake pedal with his / her foot to activate one or more brakes. Activation of the brakes causes the brake pads to be pressed against the brake discs ( Figure 1 ), wherein the brake disc is connected to an axle that rotates the road wheel.

[0045] Figure 2a to Figure 2c A brake pad 10 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 2a is an end view of the brake pad 10, Figure 2b is a stereogram viewed from above, and Figure 2c This is a stereogram viewed from below.

[0046] The brake pad 10 is intended for use in a vehicle, such as Figure 1 More specifically, the brake pad 10 is adapted to be connected to a support surrounding a rotatable brake disc, which rotates around a geometrical center axis.

[0047] The brake pad 10 comprises an upper side 12 which is adapted to face away from the geometric center axis of the brake disc. When the vehicle is parked on level ground, the upper side 12 will be at a level higher than the geometric center axis of the brake disc and thus at a level higher than the wheel axle. The upper side 12 will face away from the ground and upwards. Figure 2a to Figure 2c It can be seen that the upper side 12 does not need to be limited to one horizontal plane, but can have different horizontal planes that are all facing upwards.

[0048] The brake pad 10 comprises a lower side 14 which is adapted to face in a direction towards the geometrical centre axis. Thus, the upper side 12 and the lower side 14 face in substantially opposite directions.

[0049] The friction surface 16 extends downward from the upper side 12 to the lower side 14 and is adapted to be pressed against the brake disc above the geometric center axis. The material of the friction surface 16 may, for example, include a non-metallic material (such as a synthetic substance combined into a composite material), or a semi-metallic material (such as a synthetic material mixed with sheet metal in different proportions), or a ceramic material, or a full metal material.

[0050] The friction surface 16 is adapted to face the brake disc. An opposite surface 18 extending downward from the upper side 12 to the lower side 14 is formed on the other side of the brake pad 10 (see Figure 2a The opposite surface 18 is adapted to face away from the brake disc.

[0051] The underside 14 comprises at least one sliding portion 20 configured to slide against a mating sliding portion of the bracket. Figure 2c In the exemplary embodiment of , two sliding parts 20 are shown, however, other numbers of sliding parts, such as one, three, four or more, can be envisaged. The at least one sliding part 20 extends downwardly obliquely toward the opposite surface.

[0052] like Figure 2a to Figure 2c As shown, the brake pad 10 includes a backing portion 22 and a consumable lining portion 24 fixedly mounted to the backing portion 22, wherein the friction surface 16 is disposed on the lining portion 24, and the opposite surface 18 is disposed on the backing portion 22, wherein the obliquely extending sliding portion 20 is formed by both the backing portion 22 and the lining portion 24. The backing portion 22 and the consumable lining portion 24 may have substantially the same thickness, or as Figure 2a As shown, the consumable lining portion 24 may be slightly thicker than the backing portion 22. The friction surface 16 may be suitably formed by the consumable lining portion 24. The backing portion 22 may be made of metal, such as steel, for example. The backing portion 22 may be considered as a backing plate that provides support for the consumable friction material, i.e., the lining portion 24.

[0053] exist Figure 2a to Figure 2c In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, two sliding portions 20 are formed on the underside 14, each sliding portion 20 being formed by both a backing portion 22 and an inner lining portion 24. Therefore, in at least some exemplary embodiments, each sliding portion 20 may include two or more different material portions, one formed by the backing portion 22 and one formed by the inner lining portion 24. The two sliding portions 20 are located on respective sides of the plane of symmetry of the brake pad 10. For example, Figure 2c As shown, in at least some exemplary embodiments, the two sliding portions 20 of the brake pad 10 are separated by an arched portion 26. Such an arched portion 26 can contribute to the proper stability and / or balance of the brake pad 10 when mounted on a bracket. The arched portion 26 can suitably have a profile that conforms to the profile of a corresponding arched portion of a bracket on which the brake pad 10 is to be mounted. In at least some exemplary embodiments, the arched portion 26 does not extend downwardly from the friction surface 16 toward the opposing surface 18, as opposed to the sliding portion 20. However, in other exemplary embodiments, similar to the sliding portion 20, the arched portion 26 can extend downwardly from the friction surface 16 toward the opposing surface 18.

[0054] According to at least some exemplary embodiments, the sliding portion 20 constitutes less than 75%, suitably less than 50%, of the total area of ​​the underside 14 of the brake pad 10. Thus, according to at least some exemplary embodiments, each individual continuous (i.e., uninterrupted) sliding portion 20 constitutes less than 50%, suitably less than 30% of the total area of ​​the underside 14. This provides low sliding friction between the brake pad 10 and the bracket on which the brake pad 10 is to be mounted.

[0055] like Figure 2a to Figure 2c As shown, the sliding portion 20 extends from the friction surface 16 all the way to the opposite surface 18, thereby interconnecting the friction surface 16 and the opposite surface 18. In other exemplary embodiments, one or more sliding portions 20 may extend only a portion between the friction surface 16 and the opposite surface 18.

[0056] The friction surface 16 lies in a geometrical plane, wherein at least one sliding portion extends at an angle α of 3°-45°, such as 5°-30°, for example 7°-15°, relative to a normal to the geometrical plane. When the vehicle is parked on level ground, the brake pad 10 is configured to be mounted in such a way that the angle α is formed relative to the level ground, and thus relative to a central geometrical axis extending through the brake disc.

[0057] The friction surface 16 may extend in more than one geometrical plane, however, each geometrical plane extends in a vertical direction, i.e., from the lower side 14 to the upper side 12 of the brake pad 10. Therefore, the angle α relative to the normal is the same regardless of which geometrical plane the normal is taken from.

[0058] exist Figure 2a to Figure 2c , an optional spring element 28 is shown as an upwardly protruding connector 30 connected to the backing portion 22. As will be explained below, the spring element 28 can help urge the brake pad 10 into the retracted position after the driver has released the brake pedal. The spring element 28 is intended to provide a downwardly directed force, i.e., to supplement the downwardly directed gravity force. However, it should be understood that in other exemplary embodiments, the spring element 28 can be omitted because the tilt of the sliding portion 20 is sufficient to achieve the desired retraction due to gravity and any vibration forces transmitted, for example, from the axle of the load-bearing wheel. In other embodiments, other spring element configurations can be provided, which are connected to the backing portion 22 or some other part of the braking device in different ways.

[0059] Hereinafter, the sliding portion 20 of the brake pad will be referred to as the first sliding portion 20 to avoid confusion when discussing the sliding portion of the bracket below, which will be referred to as the second sliding portion.

[0060] Figure 3 A bracket 40 is shown for use in a braking device according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention. According to the present invention, the braking device includes a bracket (such as Figure 3 The bracket 40 in the Figure 2a to Figure 2c The bracket 40 includes an inner part 42 and an outer part 44. The inner part 42 is adapted to be positioned on the inner side of the brake disc, i.e., the side closest to the center of the vehicle. The outer part 44 is adapted to be positioned on the outer side of the brake disc, i.e., the side farthest from the center of the vehicle. Each of the inner part 42 and the outer part 44 has a pair of sliding portions 50, which are referred to herein as second sliding portions 50 (in order to distinguish them from the brake pad (such as the first sliding portion 20) which may be referred to as the first sliding portion 20). Figure 1 The second sliding portions 50 of the bracket 40 are separated by sliding portions 52 of the brake pads). The distance separating each pair of second sliding portions 50 corresponds to the distance separating the first sliding portions of the brake pads. In use, the second sliding portions 50 of the bracket 40 are configured to receive the first sliding portions of the brake pads and allow the first sliding portions to slide along the second sliding portions 50. Thus, the inner portion 42 of the bracket 40 will support one brake pad, while the outer portion 44 of the bracket 40 will support the other brake pad. When the driver brakes the vehicle, the two brake pads will be able to slide on the second sliding portions 50 toward the brake disc to squeeze the brake disc between the brake pads, and when the driver releases the brakes, the two brake pads will be able to slide from the brake disc to a retracted position.

[0061] The second sliding portion 50 on the inner part 42 of the bracket 40 tapers downward in a direction extending from the outer side toward the inner side of the brake disc (i.e., in a direction away from the brake disc and toward the center of the vehicle). The second sliding portion 50 on the outer part 44 of the bracket tapers downward in a direction extending from the inner side toward the outer side of the brake disc (i.e., in a direction away from the brake disc and away from the center of the vehicle). Therefore, the two pairs of second sliding portions 50 taper in opposite directions, both of which are directions away from the brake disc intended to be inserted between the two pairs of second sliding portions 50.

[0062] The inner and outer parts 42, 44 of the bracket 40 each include a corresponding arcuate portion 46 that separates the second sliding portions 50 of each pair of second sliding portions 50 from each other. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the arcuate portions 46 of the bracket 40 do not taper downwardly, however, in other exemplary embodiments, the arcuate portions may have a taper corresponding to the taper of the second sliding portions located on both sides of the arcuate portions.

[0063] According to at least some example embodiments, when the first sliding portion of the brake pad is received by the bracket, the second sliding portion 50 of the bracket 40 and the first sliding portion of the brake pad have the same inclination angle relative to the friction surface of the brake pad.

[0064] Figure 4 A brake system 100 according to at least one exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. The brake system includes a brake disc 102 and a brake device 104 (shown here as two brake pads 110 mounted to a bracket 140, such as a Figure 3 The type of bracket shown Figure 2a to Figure 2c The brake disc 102 is rotatable about a geometric center axis, wherein the bracket 140 is mounted such that when the brake pad 110 is subjected to a force directed toward the brake disc 102, the friction surface of the brake pad 110 is pressed against the brake disc 102. When viewed from a direction away from the brake disc 102, the first sliding portion (of the brake pad 110) and the second sliding portion (of the bracket 140) taper toward the geometric center axis, wherein the taper enables the brake pad 110 to move away from the brake disc 102 due to vibration and / or gravity.

[0065] On the outside of the brake disc 102, a hub 106 having a plurality of wheel bolts 108 may be provided in a conventional manner for receiving a road wheel (such as Figure 1 One of the road wheels schematically shown in FIG.

[0066] Figure 4 It is also shown that the brake device 104 in the brake system 100 includes two spring elements 128 (such as Figure 2a to Figure 2c A spring element 28 of the type shown in the figure is provided which, by a downwardly directed spring force, urges a first sliding portion of each brake pad 110 against a second sliding portion of each of the inner and outer parts of the bracket 140. Due to the downwardly inclined surfaces of the sliding portions, this downwardly directed force (similar to the downwardly directed force of gravity) will (when the brakes are not applied) cause the brake pad 110 to slide away from the brake disc 102.

[0067] Figure 5 A caliper 200 is shown, which is configured to control Figure 4 Activation of the brake pad 110 in the brake system 100 .

[0068] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 Detailed cross-sectional view of the caliper 200 and the brake system 100 in FIG.

[0069] like Figure 5 As shown, and in particular Figure 6As shown, the caliper 200 may be a conventional caliper for controlling the movement of the brake pad 110. Therefore, the caliper 200 has a pump device 202. When the driver applies the brake (e.g., when pressing the brake pedal), the hydraulic fluid in the pump device 202 will cause the brake pad 110 to slide upward along the inclined interface 204 formed by the mating sliding portions of the brake pad 110 and the bracket 140, respectively, and will cause the corresponding friction surface of the brake pad 110 to be pressed against the brake disc 102. By squeezing the brake disc 102 between the brake pads 110, the friction generated will reduce the rotation speed of the brake disc 102, thereby reducing the speed of the vehicle. When the driver releases the brake and the hydraulic pressure stops, the inclined interface 204 (including the first sliding portion of the brake pad 110 and the second sliding portion of the bracket 140) will push the brake pad 110 in the opposite direction due to gravity and any vibration (and optionally due to the spring element pressing downward). That is, the brake pad 110 will move down the sloped interface 204 and away from the brake disc 102 , thereby reducing the risk of drag.

[0070] Figure 7 A side view of a brake pad 210 according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. The brake pad 210 has a friction surface 16 and an opposite surface 18. The brake pad 210 has a sliding portion 220, which has a curved extension (such as an arc) from the friction surface 16 to the opposite surface 18. However, in other embodiments, the sliding portion 220 can extend a shorter distance and can have a different curved form. If the mating sliding portion has a different form, for example, a non-curved shape, line contact can be achieved between the sliding portion 220 and the mating sliding portion of the bracket. Because of the low line contact friction between the sliding portions, this facilitates the retraction of the brake pad after the driver releases the brake. Figure 7 The principle of using a curved sliding portion is only shown very schematically. However, it should be understood that the brake pad may have various other features, such as those described elsewhere in this application. For example, the brake pad 210 may include a backing portion and a consumable lining portion, wherein the sliding portion is formed by two or only one of the backing portion and the consumable lining portion. The brake pad 210 may have two or more sliding portions spaced apart from each other, as well as any other compatible features already described in this disclosure.

[0071] Figure 8a to Figure 8b A brake pad 310 according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown. Figure 8a is a side view of the brake pad 310, Figure 8b 3 is a perspective view of a brake pad 310. The brake pad 310 is configured to be used for a caliper. Figure 5Compared to the position of the central caliper, the caliper is displaced 90° along the outer circumference of the brake disc, ie at a position corresponding to "3 o'clock" or "9 o'clock".

[0072] As in the previously discussed exemplary embodiments, Figure 8a to Figure 8b The brake pad 310 includes a friction surface 16 and an opposing surface 18. Figure 8a to Figure 8b In the figure, the upper side 312 and the lower side 314 have a shorter extension than in the other figures, because the brake pad 310 is intended to be placed at different positions around the brake disc. The brake pad 310 comprises a longer side 315 extending from the upper side 312 to the lower side 314 in one direction and from the friction surface 16 to the opposite surface 18 in another direction, wherein the side 315 is adapted to face in the direction towards the geometrical center axis.

[0073] The underside 314 of the brake pad 310 includes a sliding portion 320 (shown here as a straight sliding portion, however, in other embodiments it may be curved) that extends downwardly toward the opposing surface 18. The sliding portion 320 is configured to slide against a mating sliding portion of the bracket, and when the driver releases the brake pedal, the downward extension of the sliding portion 320 will combine with gravity and possible vibration forces to cause the brake pad to retract from the brake disc.

[0074] Fig. 9 A bracket 340 is shown for use in a braking device according to at least another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 340 may be suitably used to receive a brake according to Figure 8a to Figure 8b The brake pad 310 is therefore used to install the caliper laterally (rather than on top of the brake disc), as explained above. The bracket 340 has a receiving sliding portion, namely the second sliding portion 350, for receiving the sliding portions of two brake pads.

[0075] Similar to Figure 3 An embodiment of Fig. 9 The bracket 340 has an inner part 42 and an outer part 44, both of which include corresponding arched portions 46. A second sliding portion 350 extends substantially perpendicular to the arched portion 46. The second sliding portion 350 tapers downwardly away from the brake disc and may suitably have a shape that is compatible with a brake pad to be received (such as Figure 8a to Figure 8b The sliding portion of the brake pad 310) has the same tapered angle.

[0076] It should be understood that in some exemplary embodiments, the brake pads may be configured as Figures 2a to 2c Brake pads and Figure 8a to Figure 8b For example, a brake pad (such as Figure 8a to Figure 8bThe side of the brake pad of the brake disc may be provided with an additional sliding portion. As the additional sliding portion extends toward the opposite surface, this additional sliding portion will also be provided with a taper that gets closer and closer to the geometric center axis of the brake disc. Therefore, such a hybrid embodiment can be combined with Figures 3 to 5 Use with the bracket and caliper positions shown, or with Fig. 9 The bracket shown is used in combination with a 90° displaced caliper position.

[0077] It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and shown in the drawings; on the contrary, the skilled person will recognize that many changes and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) for a vehicle (2), the brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) being adapted to be connected to a bracket (40, 140) surrounding a rotatable brake disc (102), the rotatable brake disc (102) rotating about a geometric center axis, the brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) comprising: upper side(12,312), Lower side (14, 314), a friction surface (16) extending downwardly from the upper side (12) to the lower side (14) and adapted to press against a rotatable brake disc (102), an opposing surface (18) extending downwardly from the upper side (12) to the lower side (14) and adapted to face away from the rotatable brake disc (102), Characterized in that the lower side (14) includes at least one sliding portion, which is configured to slide against a mating sliding portion of a bracket (40, 140, 340), wherein the at least one sliding portion extends downwardly toward the opposite surface (18), thereby enabling the brake pad to move away from the rotatable brake disc due to gravity, wherein the upper side (12) is suitable for facing away from the geometric center axis of the rotatable brake disc (102), wherein the lower side (14) is suitable for facing in a direction toward the geometric center axis, and wherein the friction surface (16) is suitable for pressing against the rotatable brake disc above the geometric center axis.

2. The brake pad (10, 110, 310) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends obliquely downward toward the opposite surface (18).

3. The brake pad (210) according to claim 1, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends downwardly toward the opposite surface (18) with a certain curvature.

4. The brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 2, comprising a backing portion (22) and a consumable lining portion (24) fixedly mounted to the backing portion (22), wherein: The friction surface (16) is provided on the lining portion (24), and the counter surface (18) is provided on the backing portion (22), wherein the downwardly extending sliding portion is formed by both the backing portion (22) and the lining portion (24).

5. The brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) according to claim 2, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends from the friction surface (16) to the opposing surface (18), thereby interconnecting the friction surface (16) and the opposing surface (18).

6. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 2, wherein: The friction surface (16) extends in a geometrical plane, wherein the at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 3°-45° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

7. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 5°-30° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

8. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 6, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 7°-15° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

9. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 4, wherein: The friction surface (16) extends in a geometrical plane, wherein the at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 3°-45° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

10. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 5°-30° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

11. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 9, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 7°-15° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

12. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 5, wherein: The friction surface (16) extends in a geometrical plane, wherein the at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 3°-45° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

13. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 5°-30° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

14. The brake pad (10, 110) according to claim 12, wherein: The at least one sliding portion extends at an angle (α) of 7°-15° relative to a normal to the geometrical plane.

15. The brake pad (10, 110, 210) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least two sliding portions spaced apart from each other.

16. The brake pad (10, 110, 210) according to claim 15, wherein: The two sliding portions are located on respective sides of a symmetry plane of the brake pad (10, 110, 210).

17. A brake pad (310) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising a side surface (315) extending in one direction from the upper side (312) to the lower side (314) and in another direction from the friction surface (16) to the opposing surface (18), wherein The side surface (315) is adapted to face in a direction toward the geometric center axis.

18. A braking device (104) comprising a brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 17 and a bracket (40, 140, 340) adapted to be mounted to a rotatable brake disc (102), wherein: The sliding portion of the brake pad (10, 110) is a first sliding portion, wherein the bracket includes a second sliding portion that cooperates with the first sliding portion, wherein the brake pad (10, 110) having the first sliding portion can slide toward and away from the rotatable brake disc (102) along the second sliding portion.

19. The braking device (104) according to claim 18, wherein: The second sliding portion and the first sliding portion have the same inclination angle relative to the friction surface (16) of the brake pad (10, 110, 310).

20. The braking device (104) according to claim 18 or 19, further comprising a spring element (28, 128) which causes the first sliding part to be urged against the second sliding part by a downwardly directed spring force.

21. A braking system (100) comprising a braking device (104) according to any one of claims 18 to 20 and a rotatable brake disc (102) rotatable about a geometric center axis, wherein: The bracket (40, 140, 340) is mounted so that when the brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) is subjected to a force directed toward the rotatable brake disc (102), the bracket can cause the friction surface (16) of the brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) to press against the rotatable brake disc (102).

22. The brake system (100) according to claim 21, wherein: The first sliding portion and the second sliding portion taper downwardly, wherein the taper enables the brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) to move away from the rotatable brake disc (102) due to vibration and / or gravity.

23. The brake system (100) according to claim 22, wherein: When viewed in a direction away from the rotatable brake disc (102), the first sliding portion and the second sliding portion taper toward the geometric center axis.

24. A vehicle comprising a brake pad (10, 110, 210, 310) according to any one of claims 1 to 17, a brake device (104) according to any one of claims 18 to 20 or a brake system (100) according to any one of claims 21 to 23.

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