Brake caliper of disc brake, disc brake system and detection device

Abstract

A brake caliper for a disc brake system, the brake caliper comprising a caliper body suitable for spanning the disc, the caliper body comprising: a first elongated portion, the first elongated portion being suitable for facing a first braking surface of the brake disc; and a second elongated portion, the second elongated portion being opposite to the first elongated portion and being suitable for facing a second braking surface of the brake disc opposite to the first braking surface; and at least one bridging member, at least one bridging member being used to connect the first elongated portion and the second elongated portion to each other, the bridging member being arranged to span the disc; the brake caliper also comprising at least one pair of opposing brake pads; the brake caliper also comprising: at least one detection device, the detection device being suitable for detecting a biasing force directed in an axial direction; the detection device of the brake caliper being placed between the plate back of the second brake pad of the pair of brake pads and the elongated portion of the caliper body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a brake caliper for a disc brake.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a brake caliper comprising a detection device.

[0003] The invention also relates to a disc brake system and a vehicle comprising said disc brake system.

[0004] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a detection device for a brake caliper. Background Art

[0005] In a disc brake, a brake caliper is usually arranged to straddle the peripheral edge of a brake disc, the brake disc being adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation defining an axial direction (XX). In the disc brake, a radial direction (RR) is additionally defined, the radial direction (RR) being substantially orthogonal to the axial direction (XX), and a tangential or circumferential direction (TT) being orthogonal to both the axial direction (XX) and the radial direction (RR).

[0006] The brake caliper is constrained to a support structure that remains stationary relative to the wheel, such as, for example, a stub axle of a vehicle suspension, or a vehicle hub, or a fork or swingarm of a motorcycle. The brake caliper generally comprises a caliper body having two opposite elongated portions arranged to face respectively opposite braking surfaces of a brake disc, and at least one caliper bridge connecting the two elongated portions protruding across the disc.

[0007] In a typical arrangement of a disc brake on a motorcycle, a braking surface of the brake disc faces toward the wheel of the motorcycle defining an axial side of the disc brake facing the motorcycle side or wheel, while another opposing braking surface of the brake disc faces toward the axially opposite direction of the disc brake defining a side opposite to the motorcycle or opposite to the wheel.

[0008] The portion of the caliper facing the side of the disc opposite the motorcycle usually has fixing means fixed to the fork. In addition, the elongated portion of the caliper body facing the side of the disc opposite the motorcycle has a significant extension in the axial direction, forming a suspension portion that protrudes axially away from both the motorcycle wheel and the fork.

[0009] A clutch pad is provided disposed between each elongated portion of the caliper body and a facing braking surface of the brake disc.

[0010] In a floating caliper body associated with a fixed disc, the floating or axially sliding portion of the caliper body has a thrust device, such as a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder assembly or an electrically actuated ball screw assembly on only one of the opposite elongated portions of the caliper body. This thrust device exerts a thrust action on the back of the facing brake pad to ensure that the friction material of the brake pad abuts against the braking surface of the brake disc.

[0011] When the brake pads abut against such braking surfaces of the brake disc under the action of said thrust means, the floating or axially sliding body of the brake caliper is subjected to an axial reaction force intended to push a relatively elongated portion of the brake caliper mounting the brake pads against the opposite braking surfaces of the brake disc, thereby producing a braking action on both sides of the brake band of the brake disc. An axial guide, for example in the form of a pin, is usually provided to guide the relative sliding of the floating portion of the brake caliper on a bracket which in turn is connected to a supporting structure integral with the motorcycle.

[0012] Typically, an elongated portion of the caliper body, which mounts the thrust means, and an attachment portion of the caliper body, which is intended to form a secure connection with a support structure that remains stationary relative to the motorcycle, are provided on the side of the caliper facing toward the outside of the motorcycle. In this way, the caliper body protrudes axially relative to the dimensions of the motorcycle wheel.

[0013] It is also known to mount a floating brake caliper associated with a fixed disc on a vehicle. In this case, the elongated portion comprising the thrust means is usually arranged on the caliper side facing the vehicle and on the vehicle connection element, while the side opposite the vehicle, usually facing the wheel, is free of thrust means and therefore has a smaller overhanging axial extension.

[0014] Therefore, there is a need to reduce the axial dimension of the elongated portion of the caliper body on the side of the disc opposite to the vehicle.

[0015] In contrast, in a fixed caliper body associated with a fixed disc, thrust means, such as a cylinder-piston assembly, are present in two opposite elongated portions of the caliper body, which are able to exert a thrust action on the friction pads facing the caliper body by abutting the caliper body against the braking surface of the disc without axially moving the caliper body.

[0016] Fixed caliper bodies associated with fixed discs are also known, in which only one of the elongated parts of the caliper body has one or more cylinders, suitable for accommodating a hydraulic piston capable of exerting a thrust action on a friction pad facing the hydraulic piston, causing the friction pad to bear against the braking surface of the disc, which in turn slides axially on its support and bears against the opposing friction pad to exert the braking action.

[0017] In known electrically actuated brake caliper solutions, such as shown in document US-2017-0321773, the thrust means is electrically actuated and according to some known examples comprises a ball screw assembly in which the screw is moved by an electric motor and a nut screw or a scroll or a slider, thereby causing the ball screw assembly to move axially on the screw and relative to the caliper body, the screw being intended to act as a piston or to push a piston to bring the brake pad against the facing braking surface.

[0018] Thus, in the case of an electrically actuated brake caliper, the brake control is activated by the vehicle driver and converted by appropriately designed sensors into a series of drive signals to the electric motor that moves the screw of the ball screw assembly, thereby determining the axial movement of the nut screw or scroll or slider.

[0019] Typically, such an electric motor associated with the thrust means of an electrically actuated brake caliper is controlled by a loop control with feedback from sensors located on components of the motor itself, such as the screw of a ball screw assembly.

[0020] However, this solution is not without drawbacks, since the loop control with feedback thus obtained does not necessarily take into account the structural and dynamic influences caused by friction and deformations of the brake caliper or parts of the brake caliper, such as the brake caliper body.

[0021] Furthermore, in floating brake calipers, the axial guide elements of the sliding or floating part of the brake caliper can generate dynamic effects due to the friction between the parts that slide axially relative to each other.

[0022] Solutions are known in which a sensor is mounted on the body of an electrically actuated brake caliper in the form of an elongated element extending axially suspended along the pad, in order to estimate the braking torque applied to the brake disc based on the detection of the tangential deflection of the elongated element of the sensor, as shown, for example, in document US-2013-0233065.

[0023] However, this solution which provides for a sensor housed in an elongated suspension element arranged tangentially along the brake pad must take into account the axial thinning of the friction material of the brake pad due to prolonged use, which produces a gradual displacement of the disc in the axial direction towards the contact point between the sides of the brake pad, which therefore determines the deflection of the elongated suspension element on which the sensor is mounted.

[0024] Therefore, there is a strongly felt need to provide a solution for detecting the forces exchanged between the brake caliper and the brake disc.

[0025] Therefore, there is a strongly felt need to provide improved control of the axial thrust action exerted on at least one brake pad of a brake caliper in order to compensate for structural and dynamic effects due to friction and deformation of the brake caliper or parts of the brake caliper that influence the braking action. Summary of the invention

[0026] The object of the present invention is to address the drawbacks of the prior art and to provide a solution to the needs described with reference to the prior art.

[0027] These and other objects are achieved by the brake caliper according to the present application, the disc brake according to the present application, and the detection device according to the present application.

[0028] Some advantageous embodiments of the present application are described herein.

[0029] By means of the proposed solution, the axial forces exchanged between the caliper body of the brake caliper and the brake disc during a braking action can be detected. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Further features and advantages of the brake caliper, the brake disc system and the detection device will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the brake caliper, the brake disc system and the detection device by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0031] – Figure 1 is a vertical front view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment;

[0032] – Figure 2 is along Figure 1 A cross-sectional view taken along the drawing plane indicated by arrow II-II in FIG.

[0033] – Figure 3 yes Figure 2 an enlarged view of a portion of a brake caliper;

[0034] – Figure 4 is a view of an elastic device of a detection device according to an embodiment;

[0035] – Figure 5 is a partial cross-sectional isometric view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment;

[0036] – Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of a brake caliper in which the cross section is taken along a drawing plane parallel to the axial direction and the radial direction;

[0037] – Figure 7 yes Figure 6 an enlarged view of a portion of a brake caliper;

[0038] – Figure 8 is an isometric view of a disc brake system mounted on a motorcycle according to another embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] According to a general embodiment, a brake caliper 1 for a disc brake 2 is provided.

[0040] In the disc brake 2, an axial direction XX is defined to coincide with or be parallel to the rotation axis AA of the disc 3 of the disc brake 2, a radial direction RR is orthogonal to the axial direction XX, and a tangential direction TT is orthogonal to both the axial direction XX and the radial direction RR.

[0041] The brake caliper 1 comprises a caliper body 4 adapted to straddle a disc 3 .

[0042] The caliper body 4 comprises a first elongated portion 5 adapted to face a first braking surface 6 of the disc 3 , and a second elongated portion 7 opposite to the first elongated portion 5 and adapted to face a second braking surface 8 of the disc 3 opposite to the first braking surface 6 .

[0043] The caliper body 4 further comprises at least one bridge 9 for connecting the first elongated portion 5 and the second elongated portion 7 to each other, the at least one bridge 9 being arranged to span the disc 3 .

[0044] The brake caliper 1 further includes at least one pair of opposing brake pads 10 , 20 , and the at least one pair of opposing brake pads 10 , 20 includes a first brake pad 10 and a second brake pad 20 .

[0045] Each brake pad 10, 20 of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads 10, 20 comprises: a friction material piece 11, 21; and a support plate 12, 22 supporting the friction material piece 11, 21. The support plate 12, 22 of each brake pad 10, 20 comprises a plate back 13, 23, and the plate back 13, 23 faces the corresponding elongated portion 5 or 7 of the elongated portions 5, 7 of the caliper body 4.

[0046] In this manner, the first brake pad 10 includes the first friction material 11 and the first support plate 12 including the first plate back 13 , and the second brake pad 20 includes the second friction material 21 and the second support plate 22 including the second plate back 23 .

[0047] The brake caliper 1 further comprises at least one thrust device 14 comprising an actuator 16 adapted to exert a thrust action on the plate back 13 so as to cause the first brake pad 10 of the pair of brake pads 10, 20 to abut against the brake surface 6 of the facing brake surfaces 6, 8 of the disc 3. According to an embodiment, the thrust device 14 comprises at least one piston 44 adapted to press against the plate back 13 of the first brake pad 10.

[0048] According to an embodiment, said actuator 16 comprises a ball screw assembly designed to exert an axial thrust action on the piston 44 to axially push said first brake pad 10 against the facing braking surface 6 of the disc 3 .

[0049] According to an embodiment, said caliper body 4 further comprises at least one housing adapted to receive at least a portion of said at least one thrust means 14. According to an embodiment, said at least one housing of the caliper body 4 comprises: a housing bottom wall 18 facing in the axial direction XX; and at least one housing edge 19 facing said back plate 13 of the first brake pad 10. According to an embodiment, said piston 44 is associated with a seal 45 to prevent water or foreign bodies, such as dust or gravel, from penetrating into the actuator.

[0050] The brake calliper 1 further comprises at least one detection device 15 suitable for detecting a biasing force directed in the axial direction XX.

[0051] Advantageously, the detection device 15 of the brake caliper 1 is placed directly or indirectly along the axial direction XX between the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 in the pair of brake pads 10, 20 and the elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4. For example, the detection device 15 of the brake caliper 1 is placed directly or indirectly along the axial direction XX between the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 in the pair of brake pads 10, 20 and the elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 by being placed through one or more components, such as a slewing ring body 29 and / or a sliding member 32.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment, provision of the actuator 16 between the detection device 15 and the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 of the pair of brake pads 10 , 20 is avoided.

[0053] By avoiding the provision of an actuator 16 arranged axially between the detection device 15 and the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 , an improved measurement accuracy of the axial force exchanged between the second brake pad 20 and the second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 is achieved.

[0054] Such a detection device 15, positioned axially between the caliper body 4 and the second brake pad 20, therefore allows a precise and reliable measurement of the axial forces exchanged with the brake disc during a braking action, taking into account the influence of friction between the brake caliper parts in relative movement, for example in relative sliding movement, and deformations of parts of the caliper body and / or of the brake caliper itself.

[0055] Furthermore, the estimate of the axial force exchanged with the disc that can be obtained with such a detection device 15 makes it possible to implement a control loop by feedback to the thrust means. For example, this estimate of the axial force exchanged can be stored by the control unit and can be compared with the power supply of the electric motor driving the thrust means of the electrically actuated brake caliper in order to diagnose possible faults.

[0056] For example, in the case of a floating or axially sliding caliper, the friction generated by the sliding of the axially sliding part of the brake caliper necessarily generates a dissipation of the mechanical power generated by the electric motor. With the aid of such a detection device 15, it is possible to estimate the forces actually exchanged with the disc and therefore the dissipation due to friction.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection device 15 comprises at least one load cell 25. Preferably, the load cell 25 comprises at least one piezoelectric element.

[0058] According to an embodiment, said load cell 25 is adapted to work by deflection. In this way, the load cell 25 is provided with, for example, a strain gauge which detects the elongation of the deflected portion of the load cell body when measuring the forces exchanged with the brake disc.

[0059] According to an embodiment, said load sensor 25 is adapted to work under compression.

[0060] According to an embodiment, said load sensor 25 comprises at least one contact ridge 26 , 26 ′ adapted to define an axially contacting stretch 27 , 27 ′ which bears axially against the body of said load sensor 25 .

[0061] According to an embodiment, the load sensor 25 includes: at least two contact ridges 26 and 26', which are axially opposite to each other; and a body of the load sensor 25, each contact ridge 26 or 26' of the at least two contact ridges 26, 26' is suitable for limiting an extension portion 27, 27' of an axial contact portion of the body that is axially opposite to the load sensor 25.

[0062] According to an embodiment, said axial contact stretch 27, 27' is at least one arcuate portion of a circumferential portion. According to an embodiment, said axial contact stretch 27, 27' is a circumferential portion.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 includes a connector 52, which is suitable for forming an operational connection to a brake control member, for example, the connector 52 is suitable for forming an operational connection to a brake control member by means of one or more transducer units. According to an embodiment, the connector 52 includes at least one sealing portion 33", such as a collar 53, to achieve a mechanical interference connection with a part of the caliper body 4. Preferably, the collar 53 exerts a retaining effect. According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4, and preferably the second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4, limits the access channel to the load sensor 25 that receives the connector 52.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the load sensor 25 has an annular body formed around a through hole 28. In this way, other components of the brake caliper 1 can be at least partially accommodated in the through hole 29, thereby reducing the axial size of the caliper body 4. In this way, for example, an anti-rotation device can be at least partially accommodated in the through hole 29 of the load sensor 25.

[0065] According to an embodiment, said detection device 15 comprises at least one slewing ring body 29 interposed between said plate back 23 of said second brake pad 20 and said load sensor 25 in the axial direction XX.

[0066] According to an embodiment, said at least one slewing ring body 29 is adapted to abut axially against said contact ridge 26 of the load sensor 25 .

[0067] According to an embodiment, the at least one slewing ring body 29 has an annular body surrounding a through hole of the slewing ring body. Preferably, the through hole of the slewing ring coupling body is in one axis or coaxial with the through hole 29 of the load sensor 25.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 further comprises at least one elastic device 30 .

[0069] According to an embodiment, said elastic means 30 are adapted to exert a direct preloading action in the axial direction XX between said load sensor 25 , and preferably said contact ridge 26 of said load sensor 25 , and said at least one slewing ring body 29 .

[0070] According to an embodiment, said elastic element 30 comprises one or more conical spring washers 47. Preferably, said elastic means comprises a plurality of conical spring washers 47 stacked in the axial direction XX.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the elastic means 30 also include adjustment means 46, for example comprising an adjustment screw cooperating with a nut, the adjustment means 46 being suitable for carrying the slewing ring body 29 into an axial abutment on the load sensor 25, so as to apply a preload effect. In this way, the measurement errors of the load sensor 25 are minimized.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the plurality of conical spring washers 47 have an annular body surrounding the stem 48 of the adjustment screw of the adjustment device 46. According to an embodiment, the head 50 of the adjustment screw of the adjustment device 46 abuts axially against the slewing ring body 29, thereby biasing the slewing ring body 29 to abut axially against the load sensor 25.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the elastic device 30 comprises at least one abutment body 49 forming an axial abutment surface for the plurality of conical spring washers 47 to apply the preload effect. For example, the abutment body 49 is substantially cup-shaped with a through hole in the bottom wall of the abutment body 49. By providing such an abutment body 49, the elastic device 30 forms a sleeve system with the adjustment device 46, which can be axially inserted into the brake caliper body 1.

[0074] According to an embodiment, said second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 comprises at least one axial guide wall 31 extending in the axial direction XX between said plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 and said load sensor 25 .

[0075] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 also includes at least one sliding member 32, preferably, the at least one sliding member 32 is associated with the at least one axial guide wall 31 in a sealing manner, for example, the at least one sliding member 32 is associated with the at least one axial guide wall 31 in a sealing manner by inserting an O-ring 33, and the at least one sliding member 32 cooperates with the at least one axial guide wall 31 so that when the at least one sliding member is pushed by the second brake pad 20 during braking action, the at least one sliding member slides along the axial direction XX.

[0076] According to an embodiment, said at least one slide 32 comprises at least one axially guiding opposite wall 34 which is in contact with said at least one axially guiding wall 32 of the caliper body 4 up to a predetermined axial extension X3 .

[0077] According to an embodiment, said at least one slide 32 comprises an abutment surface 36 adapted to abut axially against said plate back 23 of said second brake pad 20 .

[0078] Such a slide 32 is therefore only suitable for biasing the load sensor 25 in the axial direction directly or indirectly by the insertion of the slewing ring body 29 .

[0079] The arrangement of the at least one contact ridge 26 defining the contact portion 27, 27' with the slewing ring body 29 and / or the slider 32 ensures that only axial stresses are transmitted to the load sensor 25, thereby avoiding the transmission of bending or torsional stresses that could interfere with the reading of the detection device 15. Preferably, when viewed in cross section, the at least two contact ridges 26, 26' ideally define a single contact point with the slewing ring body 29 and at least one contact point with the annular abutment body 38.

[0080] Preferably, the at least two contact ridges 26, 26' are arranged at different diameters of the annular body of the load sensor 25 to form two substantially concentric and coaxial contact circumferences 27, 27'. Preferably, a strain gauge is applied between the two contact ridges 26, 26' to detect the elongation caused by the bending of the annular body of the load sensor 25 between the two contact ridges 26, 26'.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the slider 32 is made of a thermally insulating material, for example, the slider 32 is made of phenolic resin. In this way, the load sensor 25 is protected from disturbances caused by thermal stress. Preferably, the slider 32 is not suitable for deformation caused by the influence of thermal stress in the operating state.

[0082] According to an embodiment, one or more seals are associated with the load cell body 25 to provide a protective seal against penetration.

[0083] According to an embodiment, an annular abutment body 38, made of steel for example, is associated with the body of the load sensor 25 to form an axial abutment and radial positioning reference for the load sensor 25. Providing such an annular body 38 also makes it possible to form a non-deformable abutment reference in the operating state.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one sealing element 33, 33', 33"', and preferably comprises a plurality of sealing elements 33, 33', 33"', which define a sealed chamber 35 that at least receives the load sensor 25. In this way, foreign matter and liquids are prevented from interfering with the reading of the load sensor 25. According to an embodiment, the sealing element comprises an O-ring and / or a sealed threaded connection.

[0085] According to an embodiment, pneumatic means 37 are provided for discharging and assembling at least one component from said sealed chamber 35 defined by the detection device 15. In practice, by means of said pneumatic means 37 comprising a tube, an undesired increase in chamber pressure which could make it impossible to reach the rest position of the slide 32 is avoided.

[0086] Preferably, the pneumatic means 37 comprise at least one duct opening onto the wall of the slide 32, for example onto the abutment surface 36, to separate the slide 32 from the caliper body 4 when actuated, for example by blowing compressed air. In this way, the disassembly operation is facilitated.

[0087] According to an embodiment, said actuator 16 of the thrust device 14 is associated with an electric motor 41. For example, said motor 41 comprises both a rotor and a stator, both received in the caliper body 4 and preferably in the first elongated portion 5 thereof.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 1 further comprises a bracket 42 comprising fixing means 43 for fixing the brake caliper 1 for the vehicle 40 .

[0089] According to an embodiment, said caliper body 4 is suitable for sliding in the axial direction XX relative to the support 42 in order to apply a braking action. In this way, a brake caliper 1 of the floating type is produced.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4 is made in a single piece. In other words, the caliper body 4 is monolithic. Preferably, the caliper body 4 is made of a single casting.

[0091] According to an embodiment, said caliper body 4 is unitary and is suitable for sliding on a support 42 .

[0092] According to a general embodiment, a disc brake system 2 comprises at least one brake caliper 1 according to any one of the embodiments described above.

[0093] The disc brake system 2 further comprises at least one disc 3. The disc 3 defines a rotation axis AA. In the disc brake system 2, an axial direction XX is defined as coinciding with or parallel to the rotation axis AA- of the disc 3 of the disc brake 2, a radial direction RR is orthogonal to the axial direction XX, and a tangential direction TT is orthogonal to both the axial direction XX and the radial direction RR.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the disc brake system 2 further comprises at least one brake control member. Preferably, the brake control member comprises a control lever.

[0095] Preferably, the term "brake control" refers to a control interface intended to receive control from a driver of the vehicle 40 to apply a braking action.

[0096] Preferably, the term "braking action" refers to the clamping action of the opposing braking surfaces 6, 8 applied by the opposing brake pads 10, 20 of the brake caliper 1 when actuated by the thrust device 14, thereby generating a braking torque.

[0097] Preferably, the term “braking torque” refers to the force generated by the brake pads 10 , 20 for braking the disc 3 , said force being exerted on the opposing braking surfaces 6 , 8 at a predetermined radial distance from the axis of rotation AA of the disc 3 .

[0098] According to an embodiment, said disc brake system 2 comprises at least one electric motor 41 for activating said thrust means 14 .

[0099] According to an embodiment, said disc brake system 2 comprises at least one converter unit operatively connected to said brake control and to said detection device 15 .

[0100] Preferably, the at least one conversion unit is configured to transmit a control signal to the thrust device 14 based on a control action transmitted by a brake control when activated by a driver of the vehicle, for example by activating the electric motor 41 .

[0101] According to a general embodiment, a vehicle 40 comprises at least one disc brake 2 according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0102] Preferably, the vehicle 40 is a motorcycle 40 .

[0103] For example, the motorcycle 40 is adapted to lean when turning.

[0104] According to an embodiment, said motorcycle 40 comprises at least one fork 51 associated with said support 42 by means of fixing means 43 .

[0105] According to an embodiment, said first elongated portion 5 of the caliper body 4 receiving said electric motor 41 of the brake caliper 1 is arranged on the side of the disc 3 facing said fork 51 , said first elongated portion 5 protruding axially beyond the axial level of said fork 51 by a predetermined amount 55 .

[0106] According to an embodiment, said second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 comprising said detection means 15 is arranged on the side of the disc 3 facing the motorcycle wheel 56 .

[0107] According to an embodiment, said brake control 17 comprises a control lever preferably associated with the handlebars of the motorcycle 40 .

[0108] According to an embodiment, the at least one detection device 15 is adapted to detect a biasing force directed in the axial direction XX.

[0109] The detection device 15 includes at least one load sensor 25 .

[0110] The load sensor 25 comprises at least one contact ridge 26, 26' adapted to define an axial contact stretch 27, 27', preferably adapted to define a circumferential portion against a body axially against the load sensor 25. Preferably, the body axially against the load sensor 25 is a brake pad 10, 20. In this way, it is possible to detect the axial force exchanged between the brake disc and the brake pad 10, 20, which is the first member of the brake caliper providing a force to the brake disc during a braking action.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the load sensor 25 has an annular body formed around the through hole 28 .

[0112] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one of the features described in any of the above embodiments.

[0113] According to a general embodiment, a vehicle is provided comprising at least one detection device according to any of the above embodiments. According to an embodiment, the vehicle is a car. According to an embodiment, the vehicle is a motorcycle.

[0114] By means of the above features provided individually or in combination, the above needs can be met and the above advantages can be achieved, in particular:

[0115] - providing a brake control, typically a control lever and / or a brake pedal, with feedback on the forces exchanged between the brake pads and the caliper body;

[0116] - an electrically actuated floating brake caliper is provided which has an exceptional performance in terms of control by the vehicle driver, even in emergency situations, and has an improved comfort for the vehicle driver;

[0117] - it is possible to detect only the axial stress exchanged between the brake pad and the caliper body as required, thereby avoiding the detection of shear stress, bending stress and / or torsion stress;

[0118] - the body, for example the elastic means, can be accommodated within the overall dimensions of the load cell 25, thereby reducing the overall dimensions of the brake caliper while maintaining the same performance;

[0119] - a compact caliper body is provided, in particular a compact caliper body in the axial direction, thereby reducing the axial dimensions of the suspension part of the brake caliper;

[0120] - The anti-rotation device can be integrated in the piston instead of in the caliper body, thus allowing further size reduction;

[0121] -Can be made into a one-piece caliper body, even in the case of floating brake calipers;

[0122] - The brake caliper can be mounted from a single axial side of the brake disc;

[0123] - Concealed volumes can be used to preload sensors that affect external dimensions;

[0124] The mechanical layout of the drive screw can be simplified for removing sensor components and especially for managing the electrical contacts.

[0125] A person skilled in the art may make numerous changes and modifications to the embodiments described above, or may replace the elements with other functionally equivalent elements to meet possible needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0126] Reference numerals list

[0127] 1. Brake calipers

[0128] 2. Disc brake system, or disc brake

[0129] 3. Disc brake disc

[0130] 4. Caliper body

[0131] 5. The first elongated portion of the caliper body

[0132] 6. The first braking surface of the disc

[0133] 7. The second elongated portion of the caliper body

[0134] 8. Second braking surface of the disc

[0135] 9. Caliper body bridge

[0136] 10. First brake pad

[0137] 11. Friction material of the first brake pad

[0138] 12. Support plate for the first brake pad

[0139] 13. Backing plate of the first brake pad

[0140] 14.Thrust device

[0141] 15. Detection device

[0142] 16. Actuator

[0143] 18. Shell bottom wall

[0144] 19. Shell edge

[0145] 20. Second brake pad

[0146] 21. Friction material of the second brake pad

[0147] 22. Second brake pad support plate

[0148] 23. Second brake pad backing plate

[0149] 25. Load cell

[0150] 26.26'.Contact ridge

[0151] 27,27'.Contact stretch

[0152] 28.Through hole for load cell

[0153] 29.Slewing ring body

[0154] 30. Elastic device

[0155] 31. Axial guide wall

[0156] 32. Sliders

[0157] 33, 33', 33"'. Sealing element

[0158] 34. Axially guided opposite wall

[0159] 35. Sealed chamber of the detection device

[0160] 36. Sliding member abutment surface

[0161] 37. Ejection device

[0162] 38.Abutting the annular body

[0163] 40. Vehicle or motorcycle

[0164] 41. Electric Motor

[0165] 42. Brake caliper bracket

[0166] 43.Fixed devices

[0167] 44.Thrust device piston

[0168] 45. Seals

[0169] 46. ​​Adjustment device

[0170] 47. Conical spring washer

[0171] 48. Adjusting screw stem

[0172] 49. Contact the body

[0173] 50. Adjust the screw head

[0174] 51. Fork

[0175] 52.Connectors

[0176] 53.Shaft collar

[0177] 55. Suspended axial extension

[0178] 56.Wheel

[0179] AA. Disc rotation axis

[0180] XX. Axial direction

[0181] RR. Radial direction

[0182] TT. Tangential direction.

Claims

1. A brake caliper (1) for a disc brake system, wherein: an axial direction (XX) being defined as being coincident with or parallel to the axis of rotation (AA) of a brake disc (3) of the disc brake, a radial direction (RR) being orthogonal to said axial direction (XX), and a tangential direction (TT) being orthogonal to both said axial direction (XX) and said radial direction (RR); The brake caliper (1) comprises a caliper body (4) adapted to straddle the brake disc (3), wherein the caliper body (4) comprises: - a first elongated portion (5) adapted to face a first braking surface (6) of the brake disc (3), and a second elongated portion (7) opposite to the first elongated portion (5) and adapted to face a second braking surface (8) of the brake disc (3) opposite to the first braking surface (6), and - at least one bridge (9) for connecting the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) to each other, the bridge (9) being arranged to span the brake disc (3); And wherein the brake caliper (1) further comprises at least one pair of opposing brake pads, wherein the at least one pair of opposing brake pads comprises a first brake pad (10) and a second brake pad (20); Each brake pad of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads comprises: - friction material pieces (11, 21), and - a support plate (12, 22) supporting the friction material element (11, 21); wherein the support plate (12, 22) of each brake pad comprises a plate back (13, 23), the plate back (13, 23) facing the corresponding elongated portion of the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4); And wherein the brake caliper (1) further comprises: - at least one thrust device (14), at least one of the thrust devices (14) comprising an actuator (16) adapted to exert a thrust action on the plate back (13) so as to cause the first brake pad (10) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads to abut against a first brake surface (6) of the first and second brake surfaces (8) facing each other of the brake disc (3); - at least one detection device (15), at least one of said detection devices (15) being suitable for detecting a biasing force directed along an axial direction (XX); in: - the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is placed between the plate back of the second brake pad (20) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4), Wherein, the detection device (15) comprises at least one load unit (25), The load unit (25) has an annular body formed around a through hole (28). The load cell (25) comprises at least one contact ridge (26, 26') adapted to define an axial contact stretch (27, 27') which abuts axially against a body of the load cell (25); and The axial contact stretch (27, 27') is a circumferential portion.

2. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1, in, in, The load cell (25) comprises at least two contact ridges (26, 26') of the at least one contact ridge (26, 26'), wherein: - the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are arranged at different diameters of the annular body of the load cell (25) to form two concentric and coaxial contact circumferences; and / or wherein, - A strain gauge is applied between the two contact ridges (26, 26') to detect the elongation caused by the bending of the annular body of the load cell (25) between the two contact ridges (26, 26').

3. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 2, wherein: The at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are axially opposite to each other.

4. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is placed between the plate back of the second brake pad (20) in the at least one pair of opposing brake pads and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4), thereby avoiding the need to provide an actuator (16) between the detection device (15) and the plate back of the second brake pad (20) in the at least one pair of opposing brake pads; and / or wherein, - the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is directly placed between the plate back of the second brake pad (20) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4); and wherein the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is in direct contact with the plate back of the second brake pad (20) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4).

5. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The detection device (15) comprises at least one slewing ring body (29), which is placed between the plate back of the second brake pad (20) and the load unit (25) in the axial direction (XX); and wherein, - said at least one slewing ring body (29) is adapted to abut axially against said at least one contact ridge of said load cell (25).

6. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The detection device (15) further comprises at least one elastic device (30); and wherein, - said elastic means (30) are suitable for exerting a direct preloading action between said load cell (25) and said at least one slewing ring body (29) in an axial direction (XX).

7. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 5, wherein: The detection device (15) also comprises at least one elastic device (30) suitable for applying a direct preloading action between the at least one contact ridge of the load unit (25) and the at least one slewing ring body (29) in the axial direction (XX).

8. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: - the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4) comprises at least one axial guide wall (31) extending in an axial direction (XX) between the plate back of the second brake pad (20) and the load unit (25); as well as - the detection device (15) further comprises at least one sliding member (32), the at least one sliding member (32) being associated in a sealing manner with the at least one axial guide wall (31), the at least one sliding member (32) cooperating with the at least one axial guide wall (31) so that: when the at least one sliding member is pushed by the second brake pad (20) during a braking action, the at least one sliding member slides in the axial direction (XX); and wherein, - said at least one sliding element (32) comprises at least one axially guiding opposing wall (34) which is in contact with said at least one axially guiding wall (31) of said caliper body (4) over a predetermined axial extension (X3); and wherein, - said at least one slide (32) comprises an abutment surface (36) adapted to abut axially against said plate back of said second brake pad (20).

9. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 8, wherein: The at least one sliding element (32) is associated in a sealing manner with the at least one axial guide wall (31) by means of an inserted O-ring (33).

10. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The detection device (15) comprises a plurality of sealing elements (33, 33', 33'"), wherein the plurality of sealing elements (33, 33', 33'") define a sealed chamber (35), wherein the sealed chamber (35) receives at least the load unit (25); and Pneumatic means (37) are provided for discharging and / or assembling at least one component from said sealed chamber (35) defined by said detection device (15).

11. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: The actuator (16) of the thrust device (14) is associated with an electric motor (41); and / or wherein, The brake caliper (1) further comprises a bracket (42), the bracket (42) comprising a fixing device (43) for fixing the brake caliper (1) to the vehicle (40); and the caliper body (4) is suitable for sliding in an axial direction (XX) relative to the bracket (42) to apply a braking action; and / or wherein, The caliper body (4) is made as a single piece.

12. A disc brake system (2), comprising: At least one brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11; and at least one brake disc (3).

13. A motor vehicle (40) comprising at least one disc brake system (2) according to claim 12.

14. A detection device (15), adapted to detect a biasing force directed in an axial direction (XX), the detection device (15) comprising at least one load cell (25), - the load cell (25) comprises at least one contact ridge (26, 26') adapted to define at least one axial contact stretch (27, 27') abutting axially against a body of the load cell (25); - the load cell (25) has an annular body formed around a through hole (28), in, The at least one axial contact stretch (27, 27') is a circumferential portion.

15. The detection device (15) according to claim 14, wherein: The load cell (25) comprises: at least two contact ridges (26, 26') of the at least one contact ridge (26, 26'); and the annular body of the load cell (25), the at least two contact ridges being axially opposite to each other, The at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are arranged at different diameters of the annular body of the load unit (25) to form two concentric and coaxial contact circumferences.

16. The detection device (15) according to claim 15, wherein: A strain gauge is applied between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') to detect the elongation caused by the bending of the annular body of the load cell (25) between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26').

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