Caliper bodies, brake calipers and disc brakes

Abstract

A caliper body for a brake caliper for a disc brake, comprising: a first elongated portion facing a first braking surface of a disc; a second elongated portion facing a second braking surface of the disc; at least one caliper bridge for connecting the two elongated portions to each other; wherein at least one of the first elongated portion or the second elongated portion comprises: at least one thrust device housing or cylinder adapted to receive at least a portion of a thrust device, the thrust device adapted to exert a thrust action directed in an inner axial direction on at least one opposing brake pad so that at least one opposing brake pad abuts against the braking surface of the disc, at least one thrust device housing extending around a thrust axis; and wherein a first annular housing is provided, which opens radially into the thrust device housing and is adapted to receive an elastic contraction element adapted to exert a contraction action in an outer axial direction on the thrust device. In addition, a brake caliper and a disc brake are provided.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Furthermore, the invention relates to a brake caliper for a disc brake. Background Art

[0003] In a disc brake, a brake caliper is usually arranged to straddle the outer periphery 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 brake disc radial direction (RR) substantially orthogonal to the axial direction (XX) and a tangential direction (TT) orthogonal to both the axial direction (XX) and the radial direction (RR) of the disc brake are also defined.

[0004] Brake pads typically include a pad to which is secured a piece of friction material adapted to be pressed against an opposing braking surface of a brake band of a brake disc.

[0005] A known type of brake caliper comprises a caliper body specifically designed to provide sufficient rigidity and avoid deformation of the caliper due to the forces generated during the braking action. This type of deformation is very undesirable in a caliper since it can render the brake ineffective, for example by the brake pedal absorbing part of the action exerted on the brake fluid in the deformation.

[0006] In a floating caliper body associated with a fixed disc, the floating part of the caliper body has one or more cylinders adapted to accommodate a hydraulic piston capable of exerting a thrust action on a friction pad facing the hydraulic piston, thereby causing the friction pad to press against the braking surface of the disc, while sliding on a bracket or fixed part of the caliper and acting on a second clutch pad that presses the friction pad against the brake disc to apply a braking action to the motor vehicle.

[0007] In a fixed caliper body associated with a fixed disc, one or more cylinders are present on two opposite sides of the caliper body, the one or more cylinders being adapted to accommodate a hydraulic piston capable of exerting a thrust action on a friction pad facing the hydraulic piston, thereby causing two opposing brake pads to abut against opposite braking surfaces of the disc to apply a braking action to the vehicle.

[0008] Conversely, floating caliper bodies associated with fixed discs are also known, in which only one of the elongated parts of the caliper body has a cylinder suitable for exerting a thrust action on a friction pad facing the cylinder, thereby causing the friction pad to press against the braking surface of the disc and, by reaction, causing the friction pad to slide axially on its support, usually two supports, and in turn causing a second friction pad to press against the disc braking surface to apply a braking action to the vehicle.

[0009] Typically, in a hydraulically actuated brake caliper, pressure applied by the vehicle driver on the brake pedal applies brake fluid pressure through a brake master cylinder, which is applied through a conduit to brake fluid present in a hydraulic circuit arranged within the caliper body to reach the cylinder, where pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the piston, thereby forcing the piston to approach against the pad, which in turn rests against the braking surface of the disc.

[0010] The pressure action of the brake fluid also exerts on the bottom wall of the cylinder, causing a reaction in the caliper body, which deforms the caliper body away from the disc surface. The caliper body is therefore also deformed according to the torque action exerted by the action of the piston, which presses the pad against the braking surface of the disc, and which is applied in the direction of the torque arm that forms the support of the caliper body relative to the fixing point of the caliper body to the caliper body. These torques also deform the caliper body in the tangential and radial directions and in the axial direction relative to the disc. This deformation of the caliper body leads to an increase in the piston stroke and thus to an increase in the brake pedal stroke.

[0011] Typically, in an electrically actuated brake caliper, the brake control applied by the vehicle driver generates a series of electrical signals for activating an electric motor, which in turn is operatively connected to a ball screw assembly in which a nut moving on a screw acts as a piston that exerts a thrust action on a friction pad facing the piston by sliding axially relative to the caliper body.

[0012] When the braking action ceases, and thus when the bias generated and deforming the caliper body away from the brake disc ceases, the caliper body returns to its undeformed rest configuration, again approaching the brake disc and thus the pads close to the braking surface.

[0013] Such proximity of the pad to the brake disc is sometimes undesirable, since it determines a contact, albeit slight, between the pad and the disc, which results in a continuous small friction and thus a braking effect, also called residual braking torque, during a braking stop commanded by the driver of the vehicle.

[0014] Residual braking torque is generally considered undesirable because it generates noise, albeit a small one, is caused by friction between the pad and disc braking surfaces, unexpected wear of the pads and brake disc, and means more frequent maintenance for their replacement, and minimum fuel consumption to deliver energy to the drive unit, even at a minimum, is required to overcome the residual torque.

[0015] In part, this phenomenon, known as elastic deformation or "strain" of the brake caliper, is compensated by providing a roll-back device in the piston-cylinder joint which retracts the piston into its cylinder by a limited, predetermined entity, away from the corresponding pad and thereby allows the pad, which is in turn biased by an axial spring, to move away from the disc, thereby reducing the undesirable residual torque.

[0016] The amount of axial distance (XX) that the piston is from the rear of the respective pad when the braking action ceases defines the so-called "luft" axial distance.

[0017] Ideally, the axial luft distance is maintained within the permissible value throughout the service life of the brake pad.

[0018] When the brake pads become thinner due to long-term use, the piston must increase the stroke of the piston by protruding further from the cylinder to compensate for the reduction in the axial thickness of the brake pad friction material.

[0019] Furthermore, in hydraulically actuated brake calipers, the piston pull is biased by the pressure of the brake fluid, which during braking action pushes the piston itself and, therefore, the brake pad facing the piston. Prolonged braking action, such as that necessary for major vehicle deceleration, requires a significant increase in brake fluid pressure. It is estimated that, in certain circumstances, this pressure can activate and reach or even exceed 100 bar.

[0020] The resistance exerted on the elastic return element by the sliding of the piston relative to the cylinder may cause the piston to slide relative to the elastic return element, resulting in a loss of retractability of the system, especially when the pressures in progress are high.

[0021] This piston sliding phenomenon will inevitably cause deviations in the axial luft distance value and will cause pad wear.

[0022] The elastic deformation of the caliper body can also cause deviations in the axial luft distance value. In fact, the retraction properties of the piston located on the side of the caliper body opposite to the fixing device means fixing the brake caliper to the vehicle are usually deteriorated.

[0023] Typically, the elastic return spring element is in the form of an elastic ring with a substantially constant cross-section. It is also known that a return spring element exerts an elastic force on the piston in order to bring the piston closer to the rear portion of the brake pad facing the piston. Typically, the return spring element and the return spring element are integrated into a single spring ring and their function is determined by the geometry of the annular housing and the deformation chamber.

[0024] Various geometries of the annular housing that receives the elastic roll-back element have been proposed.

[0025] For example, the solution of a roll-back spring element housed in a dedicated annular housing surrounding the brake caliper piston is shown in document US-6044936, in which a roll-back deformation chamber is made on the side of the annular housing facing the brake disc. This deformation chamber accommodates a predetermined portion of the elastic roll-back element during its elastic deformation approaching the disc when fed in the axial direction (XX) by the piston exerting a thrust action on the brake pad. The extension of this deformation chamber in the axial direction (XX) is chosen to obtain the desired elastic contraction action.

[0026] For example, document US-8794369 shows a housing bottom wall having a characteristic saddle shape, in which a radial relief serves as a stop element to prevent an axial deformation (XX) of a portion of the elastic element. However, this solution leads to strain concentrations in the radially outer peripheral portion of the elastic element body, which repeatedly contacts and rubs against the radial relief acting as a stop. In this way, the elastic element undergoes a rapid progressive degradation of the functionality of the elastic element.

[0027] For example, document JP-H06249274 shows an annular deformation chamber which is situated radially outside an annular housing which receives the roll-back spring element when the latter is in the undeformed configuration.

[0028] Document EP-2370707 of the applicant shows a solution in which the deformation chamber is obtained by installing an additional annular part arranged axially between the elastic rolling element and the wall of the annular housing facing axially in the direction of the disc.

[0029] However, the above-mentioned known solution is not without disadvantages, since it is not possible to keep the axial luft distance value within permissible values, for example when the brake fluid pressure is high.

[0030] In addition, the wall of such a deformation chamber forms a boundary facing the side of the elastic return element that is deformed when fed by the piston. During the movement of the piston toward the brake pad facing the piston and thus toward the disk, such a boundary can generate strain concentrations on the elastic return element.

[0031] There is a strong need to provide a solution capable of providing elastic contraction of the piston relative to the caliper body, improving efficiency compared to known solutions without increasing the number of components of the disc brake system.

[0032] The axial luft distance needs to be kept within the permissible value, even during prolonged braking. Summary of the invention

[0033] 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.

[0034] Other objectives are to reduce the residual braking torque of the caliper, reduce the noise of the disc brake when not braking, and reduce the wear of the pads and discs.

[0035] These and other objects are achieved by a caliper body according to the present application.

[0036] The proposed solution can be applied to cars, racing cars, and racing cars, motor vehicles, and motor vehicles, scooters, motor vehicles, or scooters with three or more wheels and other three-wheeled motor vehicles, and snowmobiles. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0037] Other features and advantages of the caliper body will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the caliper body provided for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0038] - Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a disc brake according to another embodiment;

[0039] - Figure 2 is an axonometric cross-sectional view of a caliper body according to an embodiment, with a thrust device associated with the caliper body;

[0040] - Figure 3 , Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the braking action;

[0041] - Figure 5 The axial luft distance is schematically shown;

[0042] - Figure 6is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a brake caliper including a caliper body according to an embodiment, wherein an elastic contraction element is shown in an undeformed state;

[0043] - Figure 7 Shows Figure 6 A portion of a brake caliper, wherein the elastic contraction element is in a deformed state;

[0044] - Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 A cross section of a portion of a caliper body;

[0045] - Fig. 9 It is shown Figure 6 and Figure 7 A graph of the axial luft distance in a brake caliper as a function of brake fluid pressure;

[0046] - Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a brake caliper including a caliper body according to an embodiment, wherein an elastic contraction element is shown in an undeformed state;

[0047] - Fig.11 Shows Fig.10 A portion of a brake caliper, wherein the elastic contraction element is in a deformed state;

[0048] - Fig.12 Shows Fig.10 and Fig.11 A cross section of a portion of a caliper body;

[0049] - Fig.13 It is shown Fig.10 and Fig.11 A graph of the axial luft distance in a brake caliper as a function of brake fluid pressure;

[0050] - Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of a brake caliper including a caliper body according to an embodiment, wherein an elastic contraction element is shown in an undeformed state;

[0051] - Fig.15 Shows Fig.14 A portion of a brake caliper, wherein the elastic contraction element is in a deformed state;

[0052] - Fig.16 Shows Fig.14 and Fig.15 A cross section of a portion of a caliper body;

[0053] - Fig.17 It is shown Fig.14 and Fig.15Graph of the axial luft distance in a brake caliper as a function of the brake fluid pressure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0054] According to a general embodiment, a caliper body 1 of a brake caliper 2 for a disc brake 3 is provided.

[0055] In the disc brake 3 , the axial direction XX is defined as being coincident or parallel to the rotation axis AA of the disc 4 of the disc brake 3 , the disc radial direction RR being orthogonal to the axial direction XX, and the tangential direction TT being orthogonal to both the axial direction XX and the disc radial direction RR.

[0056] The axial direction XX defines an inner axial direction XI pointing towards the disc 4 and an outer axial direction XO opposite to said inner axial direction XI.

[0057] The caliper body 1 is adapted to span a disc 4 .

[0058] The caliper body 1 includes: a first elongated portion 5, which is suitable for directly facing a first braking surface 6 of a disc 4, or indirectly facing the first braking surface 6 of the disc 4 by inserting at least one brake pad 11; and a second elongated portion 7, which is opposite to the first elongated portion 5 and is suitable for directly facing a second braking surface 8 of the disc 4 opposite to the first braking surface 6, or indirectly facing the second braking surface 8 of the disc 4 opposite to the first braking surface 6 by inserting at least one brake pad 11.

[0059] The caliper body 1 further comprises at least one caliper bridge 9 for connecting the first elongated portion 5 and the second elongated portion 7 to each other and arranged to span the disc 4 .

[0060] At least one of the elongated portion 5 or the second elongated portion 7 comprises at least one thrust device housing 10 or a cylinder 10, and the at least one thrust device housing 10 or the cylinder 10 is suitable for receiving at least a portion of a thrust device 13 or a piston 13, and the thrust device 13 or the piston 13 is suitable for applying a thrust action 14 directed along the inner axial direction XI on at least one opposing brake pad 11 so that the at least one opposing brake pad 11 abuts against the braking surfaces 6, 8 of the disc 4.

[0061] The at least one thrust device housing 10 extends around a thrust axis aa parallel to the axial direction XX and defines a radial thrust direction rr orthogonal to and incident on the thrust axis aa. The radial direction rr defines an outer radial direction rI pointing towards the thrust axis aa and an outer radial direction rO opposite to the inner radial direction rI. A circumferential direction cc of the thrust device orthogonal to the thrust axis aa and to the radial direction rr is also defined.

[0062] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of said elongated portion 5 and said second elongated portion 7 comprises a first annular housing 15 opening radially into said thrust device housing 10 .

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment, said first annular housing 15 is suitable for receiving an elastic contraction element 30 or an elastic roll-back element 30 adapted to exert a contraction action on said thrust means 13 in an outer axial direction XO.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the first annular housing 15 is at least partially delimited in the outer radial direction r0 by a first bottom wall 16 .

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment, the first annular housing 15 is at least partially delimited in the inner axial direction XI by a second axial wall 17 .

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the first annular housing 15 is at least partially delimited in the outer axial direction XO by a third axial wall 18 .

[0067] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of the first elongated portion 5 and the second elongated portion 7 further comprises a second annular housing 20 which opens radially into the first annular piece 15 .

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment, the second annular chamber 20 is limited in the outer radial direction rO by a chamber bottom arched wall 19, and the chamber bottom arched wall 19 has a chamber bottom arched wall recess R19 facing the inner radial direction rI, and the chamber bottom arched wall recess R19 is connected to the second axial wall 17 in the inner axial part of the chamber bottom arched wall recess R19 and is connected to the first bottom wall 16 of the first annular shell 15 in the outer axial part of the chamber bottom arched wall recess R19.

[0069] In this way, at least when said thrust means 13 exert a thrust effect 14 , said second annular chamber 20 is suitable for receiving at least a portion of said elastic contractile element 30 .

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment, said chamber arched bottom wall 19 has a substantially constant radius of curvature.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the first bottom wall 16 of the first annular housing 15 extends substantially along a straight line.

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment, said first bottom wall 16 of the first annular housing 15 tapers in the outer axial direction XO, in other words, it tapers away from the disk 4. Preferably, said first bottom wall 16 of the first annular housing 15 tapers in the outer axial direction XO so as to form a first bottom wall angle γ comprised between 6° and 8° and preferably equal to 7°15′.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the chamber bottom arched wall 19 extends over an arched wall angle α comprised between 170° and 220°. Preferably, said arched wall angle α is comprised between 175° and 200°. According to a preferred embodiment, said arched wall angle α is substantially equal to 180°. According to an embodiment, said arched wall angle α is evaluated on a plane parallel to the axial direction XX and the radial thrust direction rr.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the chamber bottom arched wall 19 is connected to the first bottom wall 16 by means of a first connection portion 22, which has a first connection recess R22 opposite to the bottom wall chamber recess R19. According to an embodiment, the recess of the first connection portion R22 points along the outer radial direction r0.

[0075] According to an embodiment, said first connecting wall 22 extends over a first connecting wall angle δ comprised between 96° and 98° and preferably, said first connecting wall angle δ is substantially equal to 97° 15′.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the second axial wall (17) extends substantially in a radial direction rr of the thrust device, preferably, the second axial wall tapers in an outer radial direction rO by the effect of a draft angle.

[0077] Preferably, the caliper body 1 is made of metal using a casting technique, such as sand casting or shell casting. According to an embodiment, the caliper body 1 is made in one piece, such as by a single casting.

[0078] According to an embodiment, said second axial wall 17 joins said chamber bottom arched wall 19 in radial direction rr of the thrust device.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the thrust device housing 10 is at least partially delimited in an outer radial direction r0 by at least one thrust device housing wall 23 .

[0080] According to an embodiment, said thrust device housing wall 23 is joined to said second axial wall 17 by means of an inner axial stretch 24 which is parallel neither to the radial direction rr nor to the axial direction XX of the thrust device.

[0081] According to an embodiment, said internal axial stretch 24 forms with said second internal axial wall 17 an internal axial stretch angle β comprised between 54° and 56°. Preferably, said internal axial stretch angle β is substantially equal to 55°.

[0082] According to an embodiment, said internal axial stretch 24 forms with the radial direction rr of the thrust device an internal axial stretch angle β comprised between 54° and 56° and preferably substantially equal to 55°.

[0083] According to an embodiment, said thrust device housing wall 23 is joined to said third axial wall 18 by means of an inner axial stretch 25 which is parallel neither to the radial direction rr nor to the axial direction XX of the thrust device.

[0084] According to an embodiment, said external axial stretch 25 forms an angle with the radial direction rr of the thrust device comprised between 44° and 46°, and preferably substantially equal to 45°.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the thrust device housing 10 is delimited in the outer axial direction XO by a housing rear wall 29 .

[0086] According to an embodiment, said thrust device housing 10 is substantially cup-shaped.

[0087] According to an embodiment, said third axial wall 18 is joined to said first bottom wall 16 by means of a radial stretch 26 which is inclined and parallel neither to the radial direction rr nor to the axial direction XX. Preferably, said radial stretch 26 forms with the thrust device radial direction rr an angle comprised between 44° and 46° and preferably substantially equal to 45°.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the second axial wall 17 of the first annular housing 15 is connected to the thrust device housing wall 23 by means of an internal axial stretching portion 24 forming an internal axial stretching angle β with the radial direction rr of the thrust device to form an internal axial deformation chamber 37 for the elastic contraction element 30.

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner axial deformation chamber 37 has a wedge-shaped cross section that tapers along the inner axial direction XI.

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment, the inner axial stretch portion 24 comprises an arched stretch portion 36 having an inner arched axial stretch recess R36 facing the outer radial direction rO.

[0091] Providing said arched portion 36 adapted to abut against the axially inner face of the elastic contraction element 30 makes it possible to reduce the amount of strain generated on the body of the contraction device 30 during the thrust action 14 .

[0092] According to a preferred embodiment, said inner axial stretch angle β is comprised between 55° and 75°.

[0093] According to the embodiment, for example Fig.12 As shown in , the inner axial stretch angle β is approximately equal to 60°.

[0094] According to the embodiment, for example Fig.16 As shown in , the inner axial stretch angle β is approximately equal to 70°.

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment, the arched stretch portion 36 connects the inner axial stretch portion 24 with the second axial wall 17 .

[0096] According to an embodiment, the radius of curvature of said arched stretch 36 is comprised between 0.25 and 1.30.

[0097] According to the embodiment, for example Fig.12 As shown in FIG. , the radius of curvature of the arcuate stretching portion 36 is substantially equal to 0.30.

[0098] According to the embodiment, for example Fig.14 As shown in FIG. , the radius of curvature of the arcuate stretching portion 36 is substantially equal to 1.25.

[0099] According to an embodiment, said first bottom wall 16 is connected to said second axial wall 17 by means of an outer radial connection 38. According to an embodiment, said outer radial connection 38 has a radius of curvature comprised between 0.2 and 0.3 and preferably, said outer radial connection 38 has a radius of curvature substantially equal to 0.25.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 2 comprises a caliper body 1 according to any of the above-described embodiments.

[0101] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake caliper 2 further comprises: at least one pair of brake pads 11 , each brake pad 11 comprising a friction material piece 34 , the friction material piece 34 being suitable for pressing against the facing braking surface 6 or 8 of the disc 4 ; and a support plate 33 , the support plate 33 supporting the friction material piece 34 .

[0102] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake caliper 2 further comprises at least one thrust device 13 , which is received in the at least one thrust device housing 10 such that the at least one thrust device 13 can slide axially relative to the thrust device housing 10 .

[0103] When the thrust device 13 is at least partially accommodated in the thrust device housing 10, the thrust axis aa parallel to the axial direction xx, the radial thrust direction rr orthogonal to the thrust axis aa and incident on the thrust axis aa, the inner radial direction rI pointing toward the thrust axis aa, the outer radial direction rO opposite to the inner radial direction rI, and the circumferential direction cc of the thrust device 13 are understood to be also defined on the thrust device 13.

[0104] According to a preferred embodiment, the support plate 33 comprises a back plate 35 or pad back 35 which faces oppositely with respect to the friction material piece 34 and is adapted to face the thrust device 13 .

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment, the thrust device 13 further comprises a thrust surface 32 adapted to abut against the back plate 35 of the brake pad 11 to exert the thrust effect 14 .

[0106] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one of said thrust means 13 is in the form of a piston having a substantially cylindrical geometry extending about a thrust axis aa.

[0107] According to a preferred embodiment, at least one thrust device 13 comprises an outer wall or skirt 28 directed in an axial direction XX. Preferably, said skirt 28 is also directed in a thrust device circumferential direction cc.

[0108] According to a preferred embodiment, said skirt 28 of the thrust device 13 cooperates with said thrust housing wall 23 of the thrust device housing 10 to guide the movement of the thrust device 13 in the axial direction XX relative to the caliper body 1. In this way, said thrust action 14 is applied.

[0109] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 2 further comprises at least one elastic contraction element 30. According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one elastic contraction element 30 has an annular shape and is received in the first annular housing 15.

[0110] In the operating state during the thrust action 14, the at least one elastic contraction element 30 is elastically deformed due to the inner axial direction XI exerted by the thrust means 13 towards the disk 4. When the thrust action 14 ceases, the elastic contraction element 30 exerts a contraction action on the thrust means 13, moving the thrust means 13 away from the plate back 35 by the axial luft distance 31.

[0111] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake caliper 2 further comprises at least one axial spring 21 adapted to bias at least one brake pad 11 away from the disc when the retraction action ceases, in other words when the braking action ceases. In this way, the axial spring 21 carries the plate back 35 against the thrust surface 32 of the thrust means 13.

[0112] Fixing means of the vehicle 12 , for example threaded fixing means, may be provided on the caliper body 1 , for example on the second extension 7 .

[0113] Due to the provision of said deformation chamber 37 , according to an embodiment, during the thrust action 14 , the body of the retraction device 30 is elastically deformed in the inner axial direction XI in contact with the skirt 28 of the thrust device 13 .

[0114] Due to the provision of the at least one second chamber 20, according to a preferred embodiment, during the thrust action 14, the body of the contraction device 30 elastically deforms to occupy the second chamber 20, thereby reducing the axial deformation of the contraction device 30 in the chamber 37, which can therefore be made smaller than known solutions with the same contraction action.

[0115] Thanks to the proposed solution, the variability of the axial luft distance 31 can be reduced, even in long-term use.

[0116] Thanks to the proposed solution, the wear of the elastic shrink element 30 can be reduced by extending its service life.

[0117] According to a general embodiment, a disc brake 3 comprises at least one brake caliper 1 according to any of the embodiments described above.

[0118] According to a preferred embodiment, the disc brake 3 comprises at least one disc brake disc 4 .

[0119] 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.

[0120] Reference Mark List

[0121] 1 Caliper body

[0122] 2 Brake calipers

[0123] 3 Disc brakes

[0124] 4 disc brake discs

[0125] 5 The first elongated portion of the caliper body

[0126] 6 Disc's first braking surface

[0127] 7 The second elongated portion of the caliper body

[0128] 8 Disc's second braking surface

[0129] 9 Caliper bridge

[0130] 10 Thrust device housing or cylinder

[0131] 11 Brake pads

[0132] 12 Fixing devices for vehicles

[0133] 13 Thrust device or piston

[0134] 14 Thrust

[0135] 15 First annular housing

[0136] 16 First bottom wall of the first annular housing

[0137] 17 Second axial wall of the first annular housing

[0138] 18 The third axial wall of the first annular housing

[0139] 19. Arched wall at the bottom of chamber

[0140] 20 Second Ring Room

[0141] 21 Axial spring of brake caliper

[0142] 22 first connection part or connection part

[0143] 23 Thrust device housing wall

[0144] 24 Internal axial tension section

[0145] 25 External axial tension section

[0146] 26 Inclined radial stretching section

[0147] 27 Dust Cuff

[0148] 28 Thrust device skirt

[0149] 29 Shell bottom wall

[0150] 30 Elastic shrink element

[0151] 31 Axial luft distance, or luft

[0152] 32 Piston thrust surface

[0153] 33 Brake pad support plate

[0154] 34 Brake pad friction material

[0155] 35 Brake pad back, or plate back

[0156] 36 Arched connection stretching section

[0157] 37 Transformation Room

[0158] 38 Outer radial connection

[0159] α Arched wall angle

[0160] β Internal axial tension angle

[0161] γ First back wall angle

[0162] δ First connection wall angle

[0163] R19 Arched wall recess at the bottom of chamber

[0164] R22 First connection recess

[0165] R36 Arched axial tensile recess

[0166] AA Disc rotation axis

[0167] XX Disc brake axial direction

[0168] XI Inner axial direction

[0169] XO External axial direction

[0170] RR Disc brake radial direction

[0171] TT disc brake tangential direction

[0172] aa Thrust axis

[0173] rr radial direction, or radial direction of thrust device

[0174] rI Inner radial direction

[0175] rO Outer radial direction

[0176] cc Circumferential direction of the thrust device.

Claims

1. A caliper body (1) of a brake caliper (2) for a disc brake (3), wherein: The disc brake (3) defines an axial direction (XX) which coincides with or is parallel to the axis of rotation (AA) of the disc (4) of the disc brake (3); the axial direction (XX) defines an inner axial direction (XI) directed towards the disc (4) and an outer axial direction (XO) opposite to the inner axial direction (XI); wherein the caliper body (1) is adapted to span the disc (4); And wherein the caliper body (1) comprises: - a first elongated portion (5) adapted to face the first braking surface (6) of the disc (4) directly or indirectly by inserting at least one brake pad (11); - a second elongated portion (7) opposite to the first elongated portion (5) and adapted to face directly a second braking surface (8) of the disc (4) opposite to the first braking surface (6) or indirectly by interposing at least one second braking pad; - at least one caliper bridge (9) for connecting the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) to each other and arranged to span the disc (4); And wherein at least one of the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) comprises: - at least one thrust device housing (10), at least one of said thrust device housings (10) being adapted to receive at least a portion of a thrust device (13), said thrust device (13) being adapted to exert a thrust action (14) directed in an inner axial direction (XI) on at least one opposing brake pad (11) so as to bring said at least one opposing brake pad (11) against said first braking surface (6) or said second braking surface (8) of said disc (4); - at least one of the thrust device housings (10) extends around a thrust axis (aa) parallel to the axial direction (XX), and at least one of the thrust device housings (10) defines a radial direction (rr) orthogonal to the thrust axis (aa) and intersecting the thrust axis (aa); the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device defines an inner radial direction (rI) pointing towards the thrust axis (aa) and an outer radial direction (rO) opposite to the inner radial direction (rI); - a first annular housing (15), which is radially open into the thrust device housing (10), the first annular housing (15) being suitable for receiving an elastic contraction element (30), the elastic contraction element (30) being suitable for exerting a contraction effect on the thrust device (13) along an outer axial direction (XO); the first annular housing (15) being at least partially delimited in the outer radial direction (rO) by a first bottom wall (16), and the first annular housing (15) being at least partially delimited in the inner axial direction (XI) by a second axial wall (17); - a second annular chamber (20), which opens radially into the first annular housing (15), the second annular chamber (20) being delimited in the outer radial direction (rO) by a chamber bottom arched wall (19), the chamber bottom arched wall (19) having a chamber bottom arched wall recess (R19) facing the inner radial direction (rI), the chamber bottom arched wall (19) being connected to the second axial wall (17) in the inner axial part of the chamber bottom arched wall (19) and being connected to the first bottom wall (16) of the first annular housing (15) in the outer axial part of the chamber bottom arched wall (19), so that the second annular chamber (20) is suitable for receiving at least a part of the elastic contraction element (30) at least when the thrust device (13) applies the thrust action (14), The second axial wall (17) is connected to the chamber bottom arch wall (19) in a continuous manner, thereby forming no boundary.

2. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1, wherein: - the chamber bottom arched wall (19) is an arched member with a constant radius of curvature; and / or wherein, - The first bottom wall (16), the chamber bottom arched wall (19) and the second axial wall (17) are continuous with each other and connected to avoid having boundaries between the first bottom wall (16), the chamber bottom arched wall (19) and the second axial wall (17).

3. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first bottom wall (16) of the first annular housing (15) extends along a straight line.

4. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first bottom wall (16) of the first annular housing (15) tapers along an outer axial direction (XO).

5. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first bottom wall (16) of the first annular housing (15) tapers in an outer axial direction (XO) forming a first bottom wall angle (γ) comprised between 6° and 8°.

6. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The first bottom wall (16) of the first annular housing (15) tapers in an outer axial direction (XO) so as to form a first bottom wall angle (γ) equal to 7°15′.

7. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the chamber bottom arched wall (19) extends over an arched wall angle (α) comprised between 170° and 220°, wherein the arched wall angle (α) is evaluated on a plane parallel to the axial direction (XX) and the radial direction (rr); and / or wherein The chamber bottom arched wall (19) is connected to the first bottom wall (16) by means of a first connecting portion (22), wherein the first connecting portion (22) has a first connecting recess (R22) opposite to the chamber bottom arched wall recess (R19).

8. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The chamber bottom arched wall (19) extends over an arched wall angle (α) comprised between 175° and 200°, the arched wall angle (α) being evaluated on a plane parallel to the axial direction (XX) and to the radial direction (rr).

9. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The chamber bottom arched wall (19) sweeps over an arched wall angle (α) equal to 180°, the arched wall angle (α) being evaluated on a plane parallel to the axial direction (XX) and the radial direction (rr).

10. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The chamber bottom arched wall (19) is connected to the first bottom wall (16) by means of a first connecting portion (22), wherein the first connecting portion (22) has a first connecting recess (R22) opposite to the chamber bottom arched wall recess (R19), wherein the first connecting portion (22) extends within a range between 96° and 120°. Angle between 98° and 98°.

11. The caliper body (1) according to claim 10, wherein: The first connecting portion (22) extends over an angle equal to 97°15′.

12. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the second axial wall (17) extends in the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device; and / or wherein - said second axial wall (17) joins said chamber bottom arched wall (19) in the radial direction (rr) of the thrust means.

13. The caliper body (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: - the thrust device housing (10) is at least partially delimited in an outer radial direction (rO) by at least one thrust device housing wall (23); and wherein The thrust device housing wall (23) is joined to the second axial wall (17) by means of an inner axial stretch (24) which is parallel neither to the radial direction (rr) nor to the axial direction (XX) of the thrust device.

14. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The inner axial stretch (24) forms with the second axial wall (17) an inner axial stretch angle (β) comprised between 54° and 56°.

15. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The inner axial stretch portion (24) forms with the second axial wall (17) an inner axial stretch angle (β) equal to 55°.

16. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The inner axial stretch (24) forms with the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device an inner axial stretch angle (β) comprised between 54° and 56°.

17. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The inner axial stretch portion (24) forms an inner axial stretch angle (β) equal to 55° with the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device.

18. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: - the second axial wall (17) and the inner axial stretch (24) are continuous with each other and connected to avoid having a boundary between the second axial wall (17) and the inner axial stretch (24); and / or wherein - The first bottom wall (16), the chamber bottom arched wall (19), the second axial wall (17) and the inner axial stretch portion (24) are continuous with each other and connected to avoid having a boundary between the first bottom wall (16), the chamber bottom arched wall (19), the second axial wall (17) and the inner axial stretch portion (24).

19. The caliper body (1) according to claim 13, wherein: The thrust device housing wall (23) is connected to a third axial wall (18) which delimits the first annular housing (15) in an outer axial direction (XO) by means of an outer axial stretch (25) which is neither parallel to the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device nor to the axial direction (XX).

20. The caliper body (1) according to claim 19, wherein: The outer axial stretch (25) forms an angle comprised between 44° and 46° with the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device.

21. The caliper body (1) according to claim 19, wherein: The external axial stretch (25) forms an angle equal to 45° with the radial direction (rr) of the thrust device.

22. A brake caliper (2), comprising a caliper body (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 21.

23. The brake caliper (2) according to claim 22 further comprises at least one thrust device (13), at least one of the thrust devices (13) being received in at least one of the thrust device housings (10) so that at least one of the thrust devices (13) can slide axially relative to the thrust device housing (10), and at least one of the thrust devices (13) is in the form of a piston having a cylindrical geometry extending around the thrust axis (aa).

24. The brake caliper (2) according to claim 22, wherein: At least one of the thrust devices (13) comprises a skirt (28) pointing in an axial direction (XX), wherein the skirt (28) of the thrust device (13) cooperates with a thrust device housing wall (23) of the thrust device housing (10) to guide the movement of the thrust device (13) relative to the caliper body (1) in the axial direction (XX).

25. Brake caliper (2) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising at least one elastic contraction element (30) having an annular shape and received in the first annular housing (15).

26. The brake caliper (2) according to any one of claims 22 to 24, further comprising: At least one pair of brake pads (11), each brake pad (11) includes a friction material piece (34), the friction material piece is suitable for pressing against the opposing braking surfaces of the disk (4); and a support plate (33), the support plate (33) supports the friction material piece (34); and wherein the support plate (33) includes a back plate (35), the back plate (35) faces opposite to the friction material piece (34), and the back plate (35) is suitable for facing the thrust device (13).

27. The brake caliper (2) according to claim 26, wherein: - the thrust device (13) further comprises a thrust surface (32) adapted to abut against the back plate (35) of the brake pad (11) to exert the thrust effect (14); and / or wherein - the brake caliper (2) further comprises at least one axial spring (21) adapted to bias at least one of the brake pads (11) away from the disc (4).

28. A disc brake (3) comprising at least one brake caliper (2) according to any one of claims 22 to 27.

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