Disc brake comprising at least one elastic return spring for a brake pad, elastic return spring, replacement kit and installation method

Abstract

The invention proposes an elastic return spring for axially returning a brake pad (118) of a disc brake (36) from an activated position to a deactivated position, the spring being intended to be inserted between the brake pad (118) and a fixed support (140), the spring (1) comprising an elastically deformable portion, a bearing portion arranged to be fastened to the fixed support (140) of the disc brake, and a pad portion. The bearing portion comprises a supporting portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion comprising at least one connecting folding portion, the at least one connecting folding portion being arranged and configured to bear on an anchoring portion (145) of the fixed support (140) and to cooperate with the anchoring portion (145).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a disc brake comprising at least one elastic return spring for a brake pad, an elastic return spring and a method for mounting said elastic return spring.The field of the invention is that of brake systems for motor vehicles.

[0002] The present invention proposes an axial elastic return spring for a brake pad, the axial elastic return spring comprising a device for compensating the wear clearance of the friction brake lining of the brake pad by plastic deformation. The present invention proposes an axial elastic return spring for axially returning the brake pad of a disc brake from an activated position to a deactivated position, the spring being intended to be inserted between the brake pad and a fixed support, the spring comprising an elastically deformable portion, a bearing portion arranged to be fastened to the fixed support of the disc brake, and a pad portion. The bearing portion comprises a supporting portion and a connecting portion, the connecting portion comprising at least one connecting folding portion, the connecting folding portion being arranged and configured to be pressed on an anchoring portion of the fixed support, and cooperating with the anchoring portion to prevent the lifting of the connecting portion. Background Art

[0003] Disc brakes for motor vehicles generally include:

[0004] a brake disc extending in a plane transverse to an axially oriented axis of rotation of said disc, "axial" orientation being here understood to mean an orientation parallel to the axis of rotation of the wheel and disc,

[0005] - a support, called a carrier, which is fixed relative to the frame of the vehicle,

[0006] - a rotationally fixed element called a calliper, which is held by a carrier and covers the disk over a portion of its circumference,

[0007] - at least one pair of brake pads, each of which comprises a friction brake lining, the friction face of which cooperates with an associated brake track carried by one of the faces of the disc.

[0008] Such a brake pad is mounted in a housing carried by a carrier so as to slide axially between an activation position, called "forward" position, in which the friction face is pressed against the associated annular track of the disc, and a deactivation position, called "withdrawn" position, in which the friction face is axially away from the associated annular track of the disc with a defined working clearance. The two pads of such a brake pad or pair of pads are arranged inside the arm of the caliper, on either side of the disc and facing each other.

[0009] To perform braking, one or more pistons housed in the caliper move towards the disc to apply a clamping force that brings the same pair of pads closer to each other, which causes the pads to rub on the friction track surface of the disc and slow its rotation. The pads are usually each equipped with two lugs on their periphery, which enter in a plane parallel to the disc and are arranged in two substantially opposite positions, each lug sliding axially in a housing arranged in the carrier.

[0010] The brake pads slide to their activated position when pressed by one or more pistons, which brings the brake pads closer to each other. The two brake pads then clamp tightly against the disc, applying a braking torque to the disc, which slows down its rotation. The braking operation is therefore an operation that can be called "active" because it is caused by the actuator (piston).

[0011] When the piston no longer presses on the brake pad, the brake pad is repelled by the rotating disc and by the elasticity of the seal surrounding the piston to its inactive position. This is therefore an operation referred to herein as "passive" and occurs naturally under the effect of pre-existing stresses.

[0012] However, it is possible that the disc does not repel the brake pad with enough force to move the brake pad away from the disc enough distance. For example, this may happen when the sliding of the brake pad is not of sufficient quality or is stuck.

[0013] Although the brake pads are no longer actively clamped against the disc, each of the disc's annular tracks still continuously rubs against the friction brake lining carried by the associated brake pad. As a result, the friction brake lining is subject to premature non-operational wear, which increases noise and dust emissions. In addition, this continuous friction can cause heating that can damage certain components of the disc brake.

[0014] This constant friction also generates a residual torque that opposes the rotation of the disc. This increases the vehicle's consumption while reducing its performance.

[0015] It has therefore been proposed to insert at least one spring between the carrier and the brake pad, which at least one spring returns the brake pad elastically into its rest position.

[0016] In order to solve these useless wear and heat problems, document FR 3 004 500A1 (such as Figure 1 A disc brake is proposed, wherein the elastic return spring (48) comprises a component that undergoes plastic deformation when the travel of the brake pad is greater than the working clearance. Therefore, the plastic deformation modifies the rest position of the pad, thereby producing wear compensation.

[0017] The elastic return spring has the form of a leaf folded into multiple parts with an axial orientation and connects one of the brake pads (18) and a fixed support (14) of the disc brake. One end of the spring is fastened to the edge of the pad. The other end has an axial orientation and slides into a recess in the carrier, which is in the form of a groove with an axial orientation and is located at the bottom of the sliding housing of the pad.

[0018] According to the known method from document FR 3 027 080 A1 and as Figure 2 In another design shown in the figure, the fastening portion (50) of the elastic return spring (48) on the fixed support is composed of a plate (52) extending in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad and including a through hole for fastening the spring by riveting to the carrier constituting the fixed support.

[0019] According to the known method from document FR 3 033 012 A1 and as Figure 3 In another design shown in FIG. 1 , the fastening portion for fastening the elastic return spring to the fixed support is formed as a similar fastening piece (52) which is arranged to be fastened to a pin (350F) having an axial orientation and axially forced to fit in a complementary hole formed in the fixed support. The fastening piece (52) includes an orifice (53) provided with internal teeth (366) which is elastically deformed when mounted on the pin by axial assembly and then axially retains the head of the pin by being eccentric to the internal teeth.

[0020] However, it is still desirable to facilitate installation and reduce manufacturing costs while maintaining or improving the stability of the restoring force.

[0021] Another object of the invention is to reduce the duration and / or intensity of residual braking while maintaining or improving simplicity and reliability of manufacture, maintenance and operation. Summary of the invention

[0022] According to a first aspect, the invention proposes an axial elastic return spring for axially returning a brake pad of a disc brake from an activated braking position to a deactivated position. The spring is intended to be inserted between a fixed support of the disc brake and the brake pad. The spring comprises:

[0023] - an elastically deformable portion arranged to generate a reaction force during depression of the pad in the activated position in order to return the brake pad in an axial translation to the deactivated position,

[0024] a load-bearing portion arranged to be fastened to a fixed support of the disc brake and integral with the deforming portion,

[0025] A pad portion, which is provided to be fastened to the brake pad in the form of a fastening sheet, is integral with the deformation portion and extends in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad.

[0026] According to the invention, the load-bearing part comprises a supporting part having a first supporting section, the first supporting section:

[0027] - Becomes one with the deformed part,

[0028] - extends in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad, for example by means of a flat surface or at least one area of ​​linear contact included in such a plane, and

[0029] - is arranged to press axially on the fixed support under the effect of the deformation of the spring when the pad leaves its rest position.

[0030] Furthermore, the load-bearing part comprises a connection portion comprising at least one connection fold arranged and configured to press on an anchoring portion carried by a transverse face of the fixing support and to cooperate with said anchoring portion to prevent lifting of said connection portion.

[0031] The spring according to the invention can move the pad away from the disc when the piston is no longer pressing on the pad, thereby reducing the duration and / or intensity of residual braking, while facilitating the installation of the spring, reducing manufacturing costs, simplifying the structure and manufacturing of the spring, and improving the optimal compromise in terms of manufacturing, installation and reliability.

[0032] The "activated position" of a brake pad is the position referred to as the forward position, in which the friction face of said pad is pressed against the associated annular track of the brake disc. The "deactivated position" of a brake pad is the position adopted by the pad when the brake is not actuated, referred to as the withdrawn position, in which said friction face is axially away from said associated annular track of the brake disc with a predetermined working clearance.

[0033] An “axial direction” is understood, in particular with regard to axial sliding or axial pressing, to be a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the brake disk.

[0034] By "lateral direction" is meant (except as regards the folding of the spring) a direction transverse to the axis of rotation and thus parallel to the plane of the disc and orthogonal to the axis of rotation of the disc. Thus, a transverse face of the fixed brake support will be a face of the fixed support which is substantially parallel to the plane of the disc (e.g. forming an angle of less than 10° or 20° with this plane).

[0035] The "radial direction" refers to the direction forming the radius of the rotation of the disk about the axis (i.e. passing through the rotation axis of the disk and perpendicular to the axis), or the direction forming a small angle of less than 45° or even less than 20° or 10° with the radius. The tangential direction is defined at a given point as the direction of the rotation that will be produced about the rotation axis of the disk tangential to the point, or the direction forming a small angle of less than 45° or even less than 20° or 10° with the tangent.

[0036] "Pin" refers to a part or shape that protrudes from a given surface, such as capable of being received in a groove or recess.

[0037] The axial elastic return spring is preferably in the form of an elongated strip, for example rectangular, comprising a plurality of transverse folds in order to form different parts or components of the spring. "Parts or components of the spring" refers to one or more continuous spring sections within the strip; a spring section is delimited by two continuous folds.

[0038] Preferably, the elastically deformable portion is an elastically and plastically deformable portion, arranged to undergo an elastic deformation during depression of the brake pad generating a reaction force in order to return the brake pad translationally to the inactive position, said reaction force remaining substantially constant during wear of the pad under the effect of the plastic deformation generated in the spring exceeding a predetermined amplitude of said deformation. The reaction force is an elastic restoring force when the pad is pressed against the brake disc by the piston of the caliper. When the depression stroke of the brake pad, i.e. its stroke between the inactive position and the active position, increases until it exceeds a predetermined elastic working clearance and thus exceeds a determined bending stress, the deformable portion undergoes a plastic deformation, which modifies the static shape of the deformable portion in order to reduce said stroke, thereby keeping it substantially equal to the predetermined elastic working clearance. Thus, despite wear of the pad, the elastic working clearance is stabilized at a substantially constant value during the service life of the pad.

[0039] The elastically and plastically deformed portions can therefore compensate for the effects of wear of the lining of the brake pad and prevent an increase in the restoring force under the influence of this wear.

[0040] According to a first class of embodiments of the spring, the connection portion comprises a second connection section, the proximal end of which is connected to the first support section by at least one connection fold, the fold axis of which is orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad. The second connection section extends substantially parallel to the first support section so as to be insertable under a projection of an anchor in the form of a pin, thereby preventing lifting by exerting axial pressure under said projection. The contact between the connection portion of the spring and the anchor of the fixed support is substantially linear or surface.

[0041] Preferably, the protrusion protrudes in a direction orthogonal to both the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad and the folding axis of the spring.

[0042] This arrangement may facilitate placement and retention of the resilient return spring in place.

[0043] According to a second class of embodiments of the spring, the connecting portion comprises at least three connecting sections:

[0044] a second lateral connecting section, the proximal end of which is connected to the first supporting section by a connecting fold, the fold axis of said second lateral connecting section being orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad,

[0045] a third connecting section, the proximal end of which is connected to the second lateral connecting section by a connecting fold, the fold axis of said third connecting section being orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad,

[0046] - a fourth lateral connecting section comprising a proximal end connected to the third section by a connecting fold and a distal end, the fold axis of said fourth lateral connecting section being orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad.

[0047] At least three connecting sections and / or three folds are arranged to essentially form a "U" so that the connecting portion can be fitted on an anchoring portion in the form of a pin, thereby preventing said lifting by compressing said pin.

[0048] In this embodiment, the anchoring portion is in the form of a pin, which may or may not have a protrusion.

[0049] Furthermore, the connecting fold can be only elastically deformable or can be elastically and plastically deformable.

[0050] For example, the second lateral connecting segment and the fourth lateral connecting segment are substantially straight and perpendicular to the first supporting segment so as to form a straight "U".

[0051] According to another example, the connecting folds, in particular those located near the proximal and distal ends of the third connecting segment, are elastically deformable. The second lateral connecting segment and / or the fourth lateral connecting segment are inclined or curved so that the distance between the proximal end of the second connecting segment and the distal end of the fourth connecting segment is less than the length of the third connecting segment, so as to be in the shape of an Ω or a half Ω (e.g., two symmetrical "S" facing each other). This feature can squeeze the bottom of the anchoring portion in the form of a pin. Thus, the squeezing produces a lateral pressing that cooperates with the squeezing surface by friction and / or engagement to provide an axial anti-lifting force.

[0052] Preferably, the connection portion comprises a column protruding in the direction of the lateral connection section. According to one embodiment, the lateral connection section has a column protruding in the direction opposite to the connection section. The column creates a resilient clamp, which is arranged to clamp the anchoring portion, for example by eccentricity. Preferably, the connection section has a "U"-shaped cutout to create the column. The column can facilitate holding the connection portion of the spring in place on the anchoring portion of the fixed support.

[0053] In the context of the second embodiment of the spring, the connection can comprise a fifth connection section comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected to the fourth section by a connection fold, the fold axis of the fifth connection section being orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad.

[0054] The fifth connection section may press on the fixing support and facilitate clamping the connection portion on the anchoring portion of said fixing support and / or facilitate holding the connection portion of the spring in place on the anchoring portion of the fixing support.

[0055] For example, the fifth section extends in a direction opposite to that of the first support section, thereby facilitating, for example, clamping the connection section on the anchoring section. According to another example, the fifth section extends substantially in the direction of the first support section, thereby forming, for example, a clamp facilitating clamping to a wall of the anchoring section and / or clamping under a protrusion of the anchoring section.

[0056] According to the first or second embodiment of the spring, the spring is manufactured in a single component by cutting and forming (eg by punching and folding) a sheet or strip of material, for example of constant width. For example, the spring is made of steel.

[0057] Optionally, the spring comprises at least one rib, which is arranged across the fold and / or between two consecutive folds. "Rib" refers to a protrusion that protrudes to locally increase resistance or mechanical stiffness. For example, the rib can be produced by stamping the spring.

[0058] According to a second aspect, the invention proposes an assembly comprising a brake pad according to one or more features described in the first aspect of the invention and an axial elastic return spring. According to the second aspect of the invention, the pad part of the axial elastic return spring is fastened to the brake pad in a non-detachable manner. For example, the spring can be riveted or welded to the brake pad. The spring can also be assembled by force.

[0059] Preferably, the assembly comprises a brake pad and two axially elastic return springs paired with said brake pad.

[0060] According to a third aspect, the invention proposes a fixed support for a brake caliper of a disc brake of a motor vehicle, wherein the support has an anchoring portion in the form of a pin protruding axially from a pressing surface of the fixed support, the pressing surface preferably being in a plane parallel to the disc. Such a pin is made, for example, in the form of a rib protruding from the pressing surface. The anchoring portion in the form of a pin is molded in a single part with the fixed support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the load-bearing portion of the axial elastic return spring according to the first aspect of the invention or of the axial elastic return spring of the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0061] Preferably, the fixing support has an anchoring portion carried by a transverse face of the fixing support and comprises at least one projection protruding transversely, the projection being molded in a single piece with the fixing support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the bearing portion of the axial elastic return spring according to the first aspect of the invention or of the axial elastic return spring of the assembly according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0062] According to a fourth aspect, the invention provides a disc brake for a motor vehicle, comprising:

[0063] a brake disk which extends in a plane transverse to the axially oriented axis of rotation of the brake disk,

[0064] - a fixed support, fixed relative to the frame of the vehicle, said support being provided according to the third aspect of the invention,

[0065] at least one brake pad mounted axially sliding in the fixed support between an activated position, in which the at least one brake pad presses against an associated brake track of the brake disc, and a deactivated position, in which the at least one brake pad is axially remote from said brake track with a non-zero working clearance,

[0066] at least one axial elastic return spring according to the first aspect of the invention, mounted between at least one brake pad and the fixed support in a removable manner relative to the fixed support, so as to exert a return force on said at least one brake pad towards its rest position,

[0067] A brake calliper arranged and configured to be held by the fixed support and to act on at least one brake pad towards its activated position.

[0068] According to a fifth aspect, the present invention proposes a method for mounting at least one axial elastic return spring of the second embodiment of the spring according to the first aspect of the present invention on a fixed support according to the third aspect of the present invention, the method comprising the following steps:

[0069] - mounting the brake pad in or on the fixed support,

[0070] - The axially elastic return spring is mounted by axial assembly by clipping the connection portion onto an anchoring portion in the form of a pin carried by a fixed support.

[0071] According to a sixth aspect, the invention proposes a method for mounting at least one axial elastic return spring of a first embodiment of the spring according to the first aspect of the invention on a fixed support according to the third aspect of the invention, the fixed support comprising an anchoring portion provided with a transverse projection, the method comprising the following steps:

[0072] - mounting the brake pad in or on the fixed support,

[0073] - The axial elastic return spring is mounted by inserting its connecting part transversely under the projection of the anchoring part of the fixed support opposite the brake pad.

[0074] List of Figures

[0075] Other advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description of a non-limiting mode of embodiment and from the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0076] - Figure 1 , 2 3 and 4 are views of different elastic return springs of the prior art:

[0077] - Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a disc brake comprising two springs, each of which comprises an end having an axial orientation,

[0078] - Figure 2 is a perspective view of a spring comprising an end extending in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad, the end comprising a through hole,

[0079] - Figure 3 is an assembled perspective view of a spring comprising an end extending in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad, said end comprising an orifice provided with internal teeth;

[0080] - Figure 4a and 4b is a perspective view of a disc brake comprising two axial elastic return springs according to a first class of embodiments, arranged on either side of a brake pad, each spring being fastened on the one hand to the end of the brake pad and connected on the other hand by means of a fitting to a fixed support of the brake:

[0081] - Figure 4a The brake on the wheel side is shown,

[0082] - Figure 4b The brakes on the frame side are shown;

[0083] - Figure 5 a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b show three embodiments of a fixed brake support, in particular according to a first type of embodiment of a spring, each end of which comprises an anchoring portion in the form of a pin:

[0084] - Figure 5 include Figure 5 a and Figure 5 b,

[0085] - Figure 5 a is a perspective view of a fixing support showing a first embodiment of an axially protruding anchoring portion having a substantially constant cross section in the axial direction,

[0086] - Figure 5 b is a top view of the end of the fixed support member, which shows the anchoring portion according to the first embodiment,

[0087] - Figure 6 include Figure 6 a and Figure 6 b,

[0088] - Figure 6 a is a perspective view of a fixing support showing a second embodiment of an axially protruding anchoring portion with a lateral protrusion from an axial end of the anchoring portion,

[0089] - Figure 6 b is a top view of the end of the fixed support member, which shows the anchoring portion according to the second embodiment,

[0090] - Figure 7 include Figure 7 a and Figure 7 b,

[0091] - Figure 7 a is a perspective view of a fixing support showing a third embodiment of an axially protruding anchoring portion having two opposite lateral protrusions from the axial ends of the anchoring portion,

[0092] - Figure 7 b is a top view of the end of the fixed support member, which shows the anchoring portion according to the third embodiment;

[0093] - Figure 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a, 12b, 12c, 12d, 13a, 13b, 14a, 14b show seven embodiments of the axial elastic return spring according to the first embodiment of the spring, each of which is arranged with respect to the spring according to Figure 5 One or more fixed supports of a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b cooperate with:

[0094] - Figure 8 a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a are three-dimensional views of the spring. Figure 8 b, 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b are profile views of the spring, which show from right to left: a pad portion, a deformation portion, and a load-bearing portion, wherein the load-bearing portion includes a supporting portion and a connecting portion.

[0095] - Figure 8 include Figure 8 a and Figure 8 b,

[0096] - Figure 8 a is a perspective view of a spring according to the first embodiment, in which the connecting portion is in a "U" shape.

[0097] - Figure 8 b is a profile view of a spring according to a first embodiment,

[0098] - Fig. 9 include Fig. 9 a and Fig. 9 b,

[0099] - Fig. 9 a is a perspective view of a spring according to a second embodiment, in which the connecting portion is in an "R" shape.

[0100] - Fig. 9 b is a profile view of a spring according to a second embodiment,

[0101] - Fig.10 include Fig.10 a and Fig.10 b,

[0102] - Fig.10 a is a perspective view of a spring according to a third embodiment, wherein the connecting portion is in an Ω shape,

[0103] - Fig.10 b is a profile view of a spring according to a third embodiment,

[0104] - Fig.11 include Fig.11 a and Fig.11 b,

[0105] - Fig.11 a is a perspective view of a spring according to a fourth embodiment, wherein the connecting portion is Ω-shaped and includes two ribs,

[0106] - Fig.11 b is a profile view of a spring according to a fourth embodiment,

[0107] - Fig.12 include Fig.12 a. Fig.12 b. Fig.12 c and Fig.12 d,

[0108] - Fig.12 a is a perspective view of a spring according to a fifth embodiment, wherein the connecting portion is Ω-shaped and includes a cut-out columnar member,

[0109] - Fig.12 b is a profile view of a spring according to a fifth embodiment,

[0110] - Fig.12 c shows the Fig.12 The connection between the springs a and 12b is in accordance with Figure 5 Assembly of the anchoring parts of a and 5b,

[0111] - Fig.12 d is based on Fig.12 A three-dimensional view of the connection part of the spring of 12a and 12b,

[0112] - Fig.13 include Fig.13 a and Fig.13 b,

[0113] - Fig.13 a is a perspective view of a spring according to a sixth embodiment, wherein the connecting portion is in an Ω shape,

[0114] - Fig.13 b is a profile view of a spring according to a sixth embodiment,

[0115] - Fig.14 include Fig.14 a and Fig.14 b,

[0116] - Fig.14 a is a profile view of a spring according to a seventh embodiment, in which the connecting portion is Ω-shaped and includes an outer wrapping portion,

[0117] - Fig.14 b is a profile view of a spring according to a seventh embodiment,

[0118] - Fig.15a and 15dis a perspective view of a disc brake comprising two axial elastic return springs according to a second class of embodiments, arranged on either side of a brake pad, each spring being fastened on the one hand to the end of the brake pad and connected on the other hand by means of a fitting to a fixed support of the brake:

[0119] - Fig.15a The brake on the wheel side is shown,

[0120] - Fig.15d The brakes on the frame side are shown,

[0121] - Fig.15b and 15c is based on Fig.15a Top view of the end of the fixed support:

[0122] - Fig.15b is based on Fig.15a a top view of an end of a fixing support of the type shown in FIG. 1 , the fixing support comprising an axially protruding anchoring portion in the form of a pin and having a lateral protrusion from an axial end of the anchoring portion,

[0123] - Fig.15c Shown according to Fig.15b The assembly of the anchoring portion with the spring according to the second embodiment of the spring,

[0124] - Fig.15e and 15f is based on Fig.15d Bottom view of the end of the fixed support:

[0125] - Fig.15e A fixing support is shown which comprises an axially projecting anchoring portion in the form of a pin and which has a lateral projection from an axial end of the anchoring portion,

[0126] - Fig.15f Shown according to Fig.15e The assembly of the anchoring portion with the spring according to the second embodiment of the spring,

[0127] - Fig.16 include Fig.16 a and Fig.16 b,

[0128] - Fig.16 a is a perspective view of an axial elastic return spring according to a second embodiment of the spring, wherein the axial elastic return spring is arranged in a manner similar to that according to Fig.15b or one or more fixed supports of 15e,

[0129] - Fig.16 b is based on Fig.16a, which shows from right to left: a pad portion, a deformation portion and a load-bearing portion, the load-bearing portion including a support portion and a C-shaped connection portion,

[0130] - Fig.17 is a diagram showing the mechanical action exerted on the spring according to the invention by means of a carrier and a pad in the context of a first class of embodiments,

[0131] - Fig.18 The diagram shows the mechanical action exerted on the spring according to the invention by means of a carrier and a pad in the context of a second class of embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0132] Different directions are defined here with respect to the axis of the wheel being braked: the "axial" direction A is the direction parallel to this axis. In the context of the disc brake shown here, it should be considered, for the sake of simplicity, that the mechanism clamping the disc occupies an area located on the periphery of the disc and occupies a limited angular segment. In this area, the "radial" direction R will therefore be the direction close to the axis of the disc, while the "tangential" direction T will be the direction substantially parallel to the displacement of the disc in the area where it is in contact with the pad.

[0133] By "transverse direction" is meant (except as regards the folding of the spring) a direction parallel to the plane of the disk, in particular in relation to the transverse plane of the transversely pressed or fixed brake support. The tangential direction T and the radial direction R are both transverse directions. The three directions (axial, radial and tangential) are schematically indicated here by the trihedron A, R, T.

[0134] Figure 4a , 4b , 15a, 15d show a motor vehicle disc brake 100 of the sliding calliper type. In a known manner, the disc brake comprises a brake disc (not shown) which is rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation having an axial orientation A. The brake disc is rotatably integral with a wheel (not shown) of the motor vehicle.

[0135] The disc brake 100 comprises a fixed support 140 (also called a carrier) which is fixedly mounted relative to the frame (not shown) of the vehicle. The fixed support 140 comprises two pairs of legs intended to span the peripheral segment of the brake disc. The fixed support 140 comprises two outer or front legs 142 connected to each other to form a "U"; and two inner or rear legs 141 connected to each other to form a "U" and fixed to a suspension portion of the frame by two holes. These legs extend substantially radially along the segment of the brake disc. Each outer leg 142 is connected to the inner leg 141 via an axial beam 143 spanning the periphery of the disc. These beams 143 are arranged to receive the caliper according to an axial sliding link and here each has a hollow form (not visible because it is open on the side of the rear leg 141) which is intended to receive a sliding post (not shown) of the brake caliper.

[0136] The disc brake 100 also includes two opposing brake pads 118 (referred to as rear brake pads and front brake pads (also referred to as inner brake pads and outer brake pads or frame side brake pads and wheel side brake pads). Figure 4b ), the two opposing brake pads are axially slidably mounted in a fixed support 140 on either side of the brake disc. Figure 4b The brake pads 118 are in the form of transverse plates, serving as supports for the friction brake linings. Most commonly, the two brake pads 118 (rear brake pad and front brake pad) have a structure and arrangement symmetrical to each other around a median transverse plane, generally perpendicular to the road, on a fixed support 140.

[0137] Reference Figure 5 a, 6a and 7a, the fixed support 140 comprises four pad housings 11 arranged in the four legs, on the faces of these four legs and facing the pads of these four legs (two housings are visible in the figure). These housings 11 are arranged and configured to receive the brake pads in a rotationally fixed and axially sliding manner. The brake housings 11 are arranged to receive the "lugs" or the longitudinal ends of the two brake pads and guide them in axial translation.

[0138] The disc brake 100 comprises a brake caliper 36 comprising two arms intended to span a section of the brake disc with an arm on each side of the disc. The caliper 36 comprises an arch 38 and two arms (a rear arm 40 and a front arm 42) extending axially above a fixed support 140 so as to cover it and span the disc, the two arms extending radially from the rear and front ends of the arch 38 towards the axis of rotation of the brake disc. The front arm 42 extends to the disc opposite the front brake pad 118 it holds (see Figure 4a ), and the rear arm 40 extends opposite to the rear brake pad 118 it holds (see Figure 4b). The inner or rear arm 40 comprises a piston cylinder which is arranged and constructed to receive a slidingly mounted axial brake piston (not shown) and whose lateral pressing surface is arranged to face the support plate (frame side) of the rear brake pad 118. The brake piston is arranged to cooperate with the inner brake pad 118 so as to apply the pad lining to be pressed against the inner surface of the brake disc, for example but not necessarily under the action of hydraulic pressure.

[0139] The caliper 36 is here connected via two parallel guide posts (see Figure 4a and 4b , whose axis is shown only in dotted lines) is mounted axially slidingly relative to the fixed support 140, and each of the two parallel guide columns is slidingly received in an axial hole associated with the beam 143 of the fixed support 140.

[0140] Each brake pad 118 is therefore mounted slidingly in the fixed support 140 in the axial direction, parallel to the axis of rotation of the brake disc, along an operating stroke between two positions:

[0141] an activated position, in which the friction brake lining of the brake pad is pressed against the face opposite the brake disc, and

[0142] A rest position, in which the friction brake lining of the brake pad 118 is axially away from the associated face of the brake disk by a predetermined working clearance.

[0143] During a braking operation, clamping of the brake pad 118 from its deactivated position to its activated position is controlled by the brake caliper 36 of the disc brake 100 .

[0144] During braking operation, the axial brake piston acts axially on the brake pad towards the disc to exert an axial clamping force of the friction brake lining which is pressed against the face of the brake disc ( Figure 4b In response, the caliper 36 slides axially rearward and, symmetrically, the front arm 42 acts on the front brake pad 118 (wheel side) to clamp the friction brake lining of the front brake pad 118 against the opposite face of the brake disc ( Figure 4a ).

[0145] When the brake piston ceases to act on the rear brake pads 118 at the end of a braking operation, the return of the brake pads 118 from their activated positions to their deactivated positions is typically caused by rotation of the brake discs, which "repel" each brake pad 18 to its deactivated position.

[0146] However, in some cases, it should be noted that the repulsive force applied by the brake disc is insufficient to repel each of the brake pads 118 to its respective inactive position. Therefore, the friction brake linings of the brake pads 118 continue to rub the brake disc without requiring braking action.

[0147] At the end of the braking operation, in order to ensure that each brake pad 118 returns to the rest position, the disc brake 100 is equipped with elastic return means for returning the brake pad 118 to its rest position. These elastic return means are made in the form of elastic return springs, which connect the brake pad 118 and the fixed support 140 to each other.

[0148] As a non-limiting example, the disc brake 100 comprises four axial elastic return springs 1 (also called “retraction” springs), each of which is here - without limitation - arranged to connect a leg of a fixed support 140 and a lateral lug associated with a brake pad 118 to each other.

[0149] Each brake pad 118 (rear or front) is therefore associated here with two axial elastic return springs 1 , each of which cooperates with a plate forming the back of the pad and which carries the friction brake lining.

[0150] In this case, as a non-limiting example, the four axial elastic return springs of one and the same brake have the same overall design and they are arranged in the same way on the fixed support 140. Therefore, the design principle of one of these axial elastic return springs of the brake pad 18 will be described in detail here. However, it is entirely foreseeable that different types of springs are mixed on one and the same brake, for example different versions of springs according to the invention and springs according to the invention with springs of known types.

[0151] The axial elastic return spring 1 is in the form of a metal strip, for example made of steel, having a rectangular shape and manufactured, for example, by cutting, punching and folding a stainless steel sheet of constant thickness. All materials of the axial elastic return spring are of the elasto-plastic type. By way of example, the thickness of the material strip is 0.5 mm to 0.8 mm and the material is stainless steel as reference X2CrNbCu21 or as reference 304L (X2CrNi18-9 / X2CrNi19-11).

[0152] Reference Figure 4a , 4b , 15a and 15d, each spring 1 presses against a transverse surface (called axial pressing surface 141a, 142a), which is essentially parallel to the plane of the brake disc.

[0153] According to any embodiment, each axial elastic return spring is Figure 8 The methods shown by the dotted ellipse in b include:

[0154] a pad portion 63 in the form of a fastening sheet, which is provided to be fastened to the brake pad or to receive pressure on said pad,

[0155] - an elastically and plastically deformable portion 65 arranged to generate a reaction force during axial pressing of the pad in order to return the brake pad translationally to the rest position.

[0156] Reference Figure 8 a, 9a, 10a, 11a, 12a, 13a, 14a and 16a, the pad part 63 here comprising a through hole so that the spring can be fixed to the pad there, for example by riveting to the surface of a plate, which forms the pad back and supports the material of the friction brake lining.

[0157] Alternatively, the pad part 63 can also be inserted, with or without a hole, under a pad part forming the return portion, for example under a plate forming the pad back, so that its return force is applied by simple axial pressing.

[0158] The pad portion 63 is connected to the deformation portion 65 via an elbow, which is produced by folding in a direction transverse to the spring, so that the angular distance between the load-bearing portion and the deformation portion is 60 to 90 degrees.

[0159] Preferably, refer to Figure 8 b, 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b and 16b, the deformed portion 65 is produced by folding so as to have a plurality of continuous segments (here four continuous segments 66, 67, 68 and 69) connected to each other by the deformed fold Ci. Each segment 66, 67, 68 and 69 is preferably straight and substantially rigid (or at least elastic). The deformed fold Ci can produce elasticity, which causes sufficient and necessary restoring action of the brake pad, while the plasticity can establish a plastic deformation sufficient to follow the wear of the brake pad friction brake lining.

[0160] The pad portion 63 is rigidly connected to the deformation portion via the proximal end of the first section 66. The distal end of the first section 66 is connected to the second section 67. The second rigid section 67 is connected to the first rigid section 66 by a first deformable deformation fold C1.

[0161] In order for the first elbow-shaped fold C1 to constitute an elastically and plastically deformable region, this portion is mechanically weakened here by means of a window or opening F1 , which is a rectangular through-cut here.

[0162] In the same way, the third rigid section 68 is connected to the second rigid section 67 by a second elastically and plastically deformable deformation fold C2 comprising a window F2 in the material strip.

[0163] Finally, the fourth section 69 is connected to the third rigid section 68 by a third deformable fold C3 that is both elastically and plastically deformable. The third fold C3 comprises a window F3 similar to the windows F1 and F2.

[0164] The fourth and here also last rigid section 69 is rectilinear and has an axial general orientation and extends rigidly through the load-bearing part.

[0165] By way of example, the maximum plastic displacement corresponding to the maximum wear is typically equal to about 14 millimeters. The maximum displacement corresponds substantially to the maximum wear thickness of the friction brake lining of the brake pad. When the brake pad 118 is acted upon by the brake piston towards its activated position, the brake pad 118 drives the pad portion 63 of the return spring, which causes the first section 66 of the elastic return spring to deform elastically between the load-bearing portion 70 fastened to the fixed support 140 and the first section 66 connected to the brake pad 118.

[0166] The elastic return spring and its folds Ci are first elastically deformed up to the elastic limit of its weakest part (folds Ci). The elasticity and resistance of these folds Ci are selected and determined so that the elastic travel corresponds to the working clearance sought.

[0167] When this elastic limit is reached, if the front lateral face of the brake pad 118 rubbing against the brake lining is still away from the associated face or annular track of the brake disc, the brake pad 118 continues its axial travel to its activated position in contact with the disc.

[0168] During the second part of the stroke, the stress in the spring exceeds the resistance of the fold Ci, which then deforms plastically.

[0169] When the braking operation is finished, the brake pad 118 returns to its rest position by means of the elastically deformable portion which resumes its rest state, but in a position closer to the disc due to the plastic deformation of the fold.

[0170] The brake pad 118 is then separated from the brake disc again under the elastic return action of the axial spring 1, but only by a distance equal to the uniquely determined working gap. The wear gap has been absorbed by the plastic deformation of the plastically deformable fold Ci.

[0171] The elastic return spring 1 thus ensures that the brake pad 118 returns to a rest position which remains at the same distance from the disc despite pad wear.

[0172] Furthermore, by maintaining a constant operating gap between the brake pad 118 and the brake disc in the deactivated position, the response time of the braking system remains constant regardless of wear of the friction brake lining and the force required to actuate the pad.

[0173] This plastic deformation may also prevent the clamping force applied by the brake piston to actuate the brake pad 118 toward its activated position from increasing as wear increases.

[0174] When the friction brake lining reaches the maximum wear, the axial elastic return spring 1 undergoes plastic deformation and must be replaced as the brake lining is worn out.

[0175] Reference Figure 8 b, 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b, 14b and 16b, the axial elastic return spring includes a bearing portion 70 arranged to be fastened to a fixed support member 140 of the disc brake. The bearing portion 70 includes Figure 8 The supporting portion 71 and the connecting portion 72 are shown in the form of a dot-dash ellipse in b.

[0176] The support portion 71 includes a first support section S1, which:

[0177] - is integrated with the fourth section 69 of the deformation part via the elbow,

[0178] - extends in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction of the brake pad, and

[0179] - Arranged to press axially on the pressing surfaces 141a, 142a of the fixed support 140 when the pad leaves its inactive position towards the active position and when the pad leaves its active position towards the inactive position.

[0180] The connection portion 72 comprises at least one connection fold P1 arranged and configured to press on an anchor 145 carried by the lateral pressing surfaces 141a, 142a of the fixed support 140. The connection portion 72 cooperates with the anchor to prevent the lifting M2 of the connection portion of the spring 1 (see Fig.12 c, 17 and 18).

[0181] First Class Embodiment

[0182] Figures 4a to 14 b shows a first type of embodiment of the axial elastic return spring, in which the connecting portion 72 of the bearing part 70 clamps the anchoring portion 145 of the bearing member 140 .

[0183] Fig.17The interaction mode of the spring with the carrier and with the pad is shown in more detail. The pad part 63 shown here slides under the plate forming the back of the pad 118, so that it moves the pad towards the disk without being fastened there. Fig.18 As shown, the pad part can also be fastened on top of the plate of the pad, for example by riveting.

[0184] During the displacement of the brake pad 118 toward the disc (indicated by arrow M1), the pad portion 63 is moved by the pad 118. The support portion 71 presses on the pressing surface 142a of the carrier so as to apply an axial pressing force (indicated by arrow T1). On the other side of this pressing T1, the connecting portion 72 presses the opposite face of the pin of the anchoring portion 145 so as to apply a pressing force (indicated by arrow T3), and thus the pressing force opposes the lifting of the connecting portion (indicated by arrow M2). By levering around the radial direction passing through the support portion 71, the elasticity of the spring thus applies an axial lifting force (indicated by arrow T2) on the carrier and an axial restoring force (indicated by arrow T0) on the brake pad due to the axial pressing force T1.

[0185] In these examples, the connection portion 72 includes at least three connection sections:

[0186] a second lateral connecting section S2, whose proximal end S2p is connected to the first supporting section S1 via a connecting fold P1, whose folding axis is orthogonal to the axial direction A of displacement of the brake pad 118 and which extends upwards along the first face of the anchoring portion 145;

[0187] a third connecting section S3, whose proximal end S3p is connected to the second section S2 by a connecting fold P2, whose fold axis is orthogonal to the axial direction A of displacement of the brake pad 118 and which extends above and across the anchoring portion 145;

[0188] - A fourth lateral connecting segment S4, comprising a distal end portion S4d and a proximal end portion S4p connected to the third segment S3 via a connecting folding portion P3, wherein the folding axis of the fourth lateral connecting segment is orthogonal to the axial direction A of the displacement of the brake pad 118, and which extends downward on the other side of the anchoring portion 145 along a second surface of the anchoring portion opposite to the first surface of the anchoring portion.

[0189] The three sections S2, S3, S4 and / or the three folds P1, P2, P3 are arranged to substantially form a "U" so that the connection portion 72 can be assembled on the anchoring portion 145 in the form of a pin, thereby preventing the lifting M2 by squeezing T3 of the pin (see Fig.12c) The connecting parts S2, S3, S4 are rigid. The folds P2 and P3 are elastically deformable, so that the lateral connecting sections S2 and S4 can be further separated.

[0190] The connecting portion 72 presses T3 the bottom of the anchoring portion 145 in the form of a pin so as to prevent lifting M2 of the spring.

[0191] Reference Figure 8 a and 8b, the second lateral connecting section S2 and the fourth lateral connecting section S4 are substantially straight and perpendicular to the first supporting section S1 so as to form a straight “U”. Other examples of this type will only be described for their differences.

[0192] Reference Fig.10 a to 12d, the second lateral connecting section S2 and the fourth lateral connecting section S4 are substantially inclined, so that the distance between the proximal end S2p and the distal end S4d is smaller than the length of the third connecting section S3, so that the connecting portion is in the shape of Ω.

[0193] According to a first hybrid embodiment variant of the two aforementioned types of embodiments, and with reference to Fig. 9 a and 9b, the second lateral connecting section S2 is straight and perpendicular to the supporting section S1, while the fourth lateral connecting section S4 is inclined so that the connecting portion is in the shape of a half Ω.

[0194] According to a second embodiment variant, which can be considered a hybrid of the two aforementioned types of embodiments, and with reference to Fig.13 a and 13b, the connection portion includes five connection sections:

[0195] - Second lateral connecting section S2

[0196] a first intermediate connecting section S2', the proximal end of which is connected to the second connecting section S2, said first intermediate section being straight and perpendicular to the supporting section S1,

[0197] - a third connecting section S3, the proximal end of which is connected to the first intermediate connecting section S2',

[0198] a second intermediate connecting section S4', the proximal end of which is connected to the third connecting section S3, said second intermediate section being straight and perpendicular to the supporting section S1 and / or parallel to the first intermediate connecting section S2',

[0199] A fourth lateral connecting section S4, the proximal end S4p of which is connected to the second middle section S4'.

[0200] It should be noted that Fig.13b shows the elastic member 65 in two different positions, which to some extent applies in a similar manner to all other embodiments. The dashed outline shows the rest position before installation. The solid outline shows the deformed position, in which it can be seen that the pad portion 63 has an axially offset position, which is lower in the figure and corresponds to the pad being closer to the disc.

[0201] According to a particular embodiment, the connection portion 72 comprises a lateral column 73 arranged to protrude from the lateral connection sections S2, S4 towards the opposite lateral connection section. Fig.12 c. The column 73 creates a resilient clamp arranged to clamp or eccentrically engage the anchor 145 of the fixed support.

[0202] Reference Fig.12 a, 12b, 12c and 12d, the connection 72 comprises four columns 73: two columns per lateral connection section. Preferably, the columns 73 are obtained by a "U" shaped cut out from a spring metal strip. See Fig.12 d. Create a cutout so that the base of the "U" is located in the lateral connecting sections S2, S4, and the arms of the "U" extend to the level of the folds P1 and P4.

[0203] In addition, refer to Figure 8 b, 9b, 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b and 14b, the connecting portion includes a fifth connecting segment S5, which includes a distal end portion S5d and a proximal end portion S5p connected to the fourth segment S4 through a folding portion P4, and the folding axis of the fifth connecting segment is orthogonal to the axial direction A of the displacement of the brake pad 118.

[0204] According to a specific embodiment and with reference to Figure 8 b. The fifth connecting section extends in the direction of the first supporting section S1 or the second connecting section S2 to generate a clamping piece or an eccentric piece with the anchoring portion.

[0205] Reference Fig. 9 b, 10b, 11b, 12b, 13b and 14b, the connecting portion includes a fifth connecting segment S5, which extends in a direction opposite to the first supporting segment S1 to produce a supporting sheet that can be pressed on a pressing surface of the fixed support member so that the first supporting segment is relative to the anchoring portion.

[0206] According to another specific embodiment and with reference to Fig.14a and 14b, the fifth connecting section S5 extends in a direction opposite to that of the first supporting section S1, creating a folded loop and doubling the connecting section over its entire outer surface to form an overwrap or additional thickness. This feature makes it possible to mechanically strengthen the load-bearing part without changing the thickness of the metal strip used to make the spring.

[0207] Second Class Embodiment

[0208] Figures 15a to 16 b shows a second type of embodiment of the axial elastic return spring, only the differences with respect to the first type will be described. In these embodiments, the connecting portion 72 of the load-bearing portion 70 comprises a second connecting segment S2, the proximal end S2p of which is connected to the first supporting segment S1 via a connecting fold P1, the fold axis of which is orthogonal to the axial direction of displacement of the brake pad A. The fold P1 substantially forms a semi-cylinder.

[0209] The second section S2 extends substantially parallel to the first support section S1 so as to be insertable under the projection 146 of the anchoring portion 145 in the form of a pin, see Fig.15c and 15f , thereby preventing lifting M2 by exerting an axial pressure T2 under the protrusion, see Fig.18 .

[0210] Fig.18 The interaction mode of the spring with the carrier and with the pad in this embodiment is shown in more detail. The pad part 63 shown here is fastened to the back of the pad 118, for example by rivets. Alternatively, for example Fig.18 As shown, the pad portion can also slide under the plate forming the back of the pad 118, so that it moves the pad towards the disk without having to be fastened there.

[0211] During the displacement M1 of the pad toward the disc, the pad portion 63 is moved by the pad 118. The support portion 71 presses on the pressing surface 142a of the carrier so as to apply an axial pressing force (indicated by arrow T1). On the other side of this pressing T1, the connecting portion 72 presses under the protrusion 146 of the anchoring portion 145 so as to apply an axial lifting force (indicated by arrow T2), so that the protrusion opposes the lifting M2 of the connecting portion. By levering around the radial direction passing through the support portion 71, the elasticity of the spring therefore applies an axial lifting force T2 on the carrier due to the axial pressing force T1, and an axial restoring force on the pad, as shown by arrow T0.

[0212] According to any embodiment, the axial elastic return spring can include at least one rib 74 arranged across the fold and / or between two consecutive folds. Figure 8a to 12b, 13a to 14b, the spring 1 includes a rib 74 at the bottom of the deformation portion.

[0213] Reference Fig. 9 b and 11b, the spring 1 here comprises a rib 74 between the support portion 71 and the second lateral connecting section.

[0214] Reference Figure 8 a and 11a, the spring 1 includes a rib 74 on the top surface of the third connecting section S3.

[0215] Reference Fig.13 a and 13b, the spring 1 includes a rib 74 provided on the connecting folds P2 and P3.

[0216] Anchorage

[0217] The anchoring portion 145 of the fixed support 140 will now be described, which is arranged and configured to cooperate with the axial elastic return spring. The anchoring portion has the form of a general pin, which protrudes axially from the pressing faces 141a, 142a of the fixed support 140. According to any embodiment, the anchoring portion is preferably molded in a single part with the fixed support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the load-bearing portion of the axial elastic return spring defined above.

[0218] Preferably, the pressing surface 141 a , 142 a provided on each leg 141 or 142 extends in a plane parallel to the plane of the brake disk.

[0219] According to one embodiment, in particular according to the first class of embodiments of the axial elastic return spring, Figure 5 b, 6b and 7b show in more detail different forms provided for the anchoring portion 145, which can be combined with different forms of the connecting portion 72.

[0220] Reference Figure 5 a and 5b, the anchoring part is in the form of a pin, all edges of which are rounded. For example, the anchoring part has a cross section that is substantially in the form of a semi-cylinder.

[0221] Preferably, but not necessarily, the anchoring portion 145 comprises at least one protrusion 146 or a curling edge protruding laterally from the axial distal end so as to define an overhang between the protrusion and the pressing surface 141a, 142a of the fixed support. The protrusion is molded in a single part with the support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the load-bearing part of the spring. Figure 6b and 7b, projections 146 extend from one or both sides of the anchoring portion. For example, each projection extends transversely (and in particular tangentially) with an equal length of 10% to 30% of the width of the anchoring portion, preferably 15% to 20% of the width of the anchoring portion. In particular, the size of the projection is selected according to the elastic capacity of the connection portion, in particular the maximum possible distance between the folds P1 and P4 due to the elastic deformation of the connection portion. The anchoring portion is arranged to be surrounded by the connection portion of the spring. Under the compression action T3, each of these overhangs 146 allows a better anti-lifting constraint M2 of the connection portion 72 of the spring.

[0222] According to a variant embodiment, in particular according to the second embodiment of the axial elastic return spring, and with reference to Figures 15a to 15f , the anchoring portion comprises a projection 146 extending transversely (and in particular tangentially) to its end, the projection having an equal length of 40% to 100% of the width of the anchoring portion, preferably 50% to 60% of the width of the anchoring portion. In particular, the size of the projection is such that the segments 67 and 68 are moved closer together in order to introduce the connection portion 72 under the projection 146, see Fig.15c and 15f Thus, in this embodiment, the spring is held in place due to the pressing T2 under the protrusion 146 of the anchor 145 .

[0223] Of course, the invention is not limited to the examples that have just been described and various arrangements of these examples are possible without exceeding the scope of the invention.

[0224] Vocabulary List

[0225] Background technology Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 )

[0226] 14 Fixing support

[0227] 18 Brake pads

[0228] 48 Elastic return spring

[0229] 50 Spring fastening part

[0230] 52 Fastening piece

[0231] 53 Orifice

[0232] 350F has axially oriented pins

[0233] 366 Internal teeth

[0234] The present invention

[0235] A Axial direction

[0236] T Tangential direction

[0237] R Radial direction

[0238] Disc brakes

[0239] 100 Disc brake

[0240] 36 Brake calipers

[0241] 38 Arch

[0242] 40 caliper rear arm

[0243] 42 Caliper front arm

[0244] 118 Brake Pads

[0245] Fixed support

[0246] 140 Fixed support, bearing member

[0247] 141 Inner or rear legs of fixed support

[0248] 141a Pressing surface of the rear leg of the fixed support

[0249] 142 Outer or front legs of fixed support

[0250] 142a Pressing surface of the front leg of the fixed support

[0251] 143 Beams for fixing supports

[0252] 145 Anchoring portion of the fixed support member

[0253] 146 protrusion of anchoring portion

[0254] 11 Pad housing

[0255] Axial elastic return spring

[0256] 1 Axial elastic return spring

[0257] 63 Spring pad part

[0258] 65 Elastic (and plastic) deformation of the spring

[0259] 66 The first section of the deformation part

[0260] 67 The second section of the deformation part

[0261] 68 The third section of the deformation part

[0262] 69 The fourth segment of the deformation part

[0263] C1 First deformation folding part

[0264] C2 Second deformation folding part

[0265] C3 The third deformation folding part

[0266] 70 Load-bearing part

[0267] 71 Supporting part of the load-bearing part

[0268] S1: First support section of the support

[0269] 72 Connection of load-bearing part

[0270] S2 Second lateral connecting section

[0271] S2p Proximal end of the second connecting section

[0272] S2' first intermediate connecting section

[0273] S3 Third connecting section

[0274] S3p Proximal end of the third connecting section

[0275] S4 Fourth lateral connecting section

[0276] S4p Proximal end of the fourth connecting section

[0277] S4d Distal end of the fourth connecting section

[0278] S4' The second intermediate connecting section

[0279] S5 Fifth connecting section

[0280] S5p Proximal end of the fifth connecting section

[0281] S5d Distal end of the fifth connecting section

[0282] 73 Columnar parts, connecting fixtures

[0283] 74 Strengthening ribs

[0284] F1 Window or opening

[0285] F2 Window or opening

[0286] F3 Window or opening

[0287] M1 Displacement when pad is activated

[0288] M2 Spring Lift Trend

[0289] T0 Restoring force applied to the pad

[0290] T1 Spring return pressure on the carrier

[0291] T2 Lifting force exerted by the spring on the carrier

[0292] T3 Anchor Extrusion

Claims

1. An axially elastic return spring for axially returning a brake pad of a disc brake from an activated position to a deactivated position, the spring being intended to be inserted between the brake pad and a fixed support, the spring comprising: an elastically deformable portion arranged to generate a reaction force during depression of the pad in the activated position in order to return the brake pad translationally to the deactivated position, - a load-bearing portion arranged to be fastened to a fixed support of said disc brake and integral with said deformable portion, a pad portion, arranged to be fastened to the brake pad in the form of a fastening tab, which is integral with the deformation portion and extends in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction (A) of the brake pad, The load-bearing portion comprises a support portion having a first support section, wherein: - is integral with said deformed portion, - extends in a plane orthogonal to the axial sliding direction (A) of said brake pad, and - arranged to press axially on the fixed support under the effect of the deformation of the spring when the brake pad leaves its rest position, and the load-bearing portion comprises a connection portion, the connection portion comprising at least one connection fold, the at least one connection fold being arranged and configured to press on an anchor portion carried by a transverse face of the fixed support and to cooperate with the anchor portion to prevent lifting of the connection portion, Characterized in that the connecting portion comprises at least three connecting sections: a second lateral connecting section, the proximal end of which is connected to the first supporting section by a fold, the fold axis of which is orthogonal to the axial direction (A) of displacement of the brake pad, a third connecting section, the proximal end of which is connected to the second section by a fold, the fold axis of which is orthogonal to the axial direction (A) of displacement of the brake pad, a fourth lateral connecting section comprising a distal end and a proximal end connected to the third section by a fold, the fold axis of the fourth lateral connecting section being orthogonal to the axial direction (A) of displacement of the brake pad, and The at least three sections and / or three folds are arranged to substantially form a "U" so that the connecting portion can be fitted on the anchoring portion in the form of a pin, thereby preventing the lifting by squeezing the pin.

2. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The elastic deformation portion is an elastic and plastic deformation portion, which is configured to undergo elastic deformation during the pressing of the pad to generate a reaction force so as to return the brake pad translationally to the rest position. Under the action of the plastic deformation generated in the spring exceeding the predetermined amplitude of the deformation, the reaction force remains basically constant during the wear of the pad.

3. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The second and fourth lateral connecting sections are substantially straight and perpendicular to the first supporting section so as to form a straight "U".

4. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The folding portion is elastically deformable, and the second lateral connecting segment and / or the fourth lateral connecting segment is inclined or bent so that the distance between the proximal end and the distal end is smaller than the length of the third connecting segment, so as to squeeze the bottom of the anchoring portion in the form of a pin in an Ω or semi-Ω shape.

5. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The lateral connecting section has a column-like piece which protrudes in the direction of the opposite section, thereby producing a resilient clamp which is arranged to clamp onto the anchoring portion.

6. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The connecting portion includes a fifth connecting section including a distal end portion and a proximal end portion connected to the fourth section via a folded portion, wherein a folding axis of the fifth connecting section is orthogonal to an axial direction (A) of displacement of the brake pad.

7. The spring according to claim 6, characterized in that The fifth section extends in a direction opposite to the first supporting section.

8. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring is manufactured from a single component by cutting and forming a sheet or strip of material.

9. The spring according to claim 1, characterized in that The spring comprises at least one rib which is arranged across the folds and / or between two consecutive folds.

10. A kit comprising an axial elastic return spring according to claim 1 and a brake pad, characterized in that The pad portion of the axial elastic return spring is non-detachably fastened to the brake pad.

11. A kit comprising two axial elastic return springs according to claim 1 and a brake pad, the two axial elastic return springs being paired with the brake pad.

12. A fixing support for a brake caliper of a motor vehicle disc brake, characterized in that: The fixing support has an anchoring portion in the form of a pin protruding axially from the pressing surface of the fixing support, and the anchoring portion in the form of a pin is molded in a single part with the fixing support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the load-bearing portion of the axial elastic return spring according to claim 1.

13. A fixing support for a brake caliper of a disc brake of a motor vehicle, the fixing support having an anchoring portion carried by a transverse face of the fixing support and comprising at least one protrusion protruding laterally, the protrusion being molded in a single part with the fixing support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the bearing portion of an axially elastic return spring according to claim 1.

14. A disc brake for a motor vehicle, comprising: a brake disc extending in a plane transverse to an axial orientation axis (A) of rotation of said brake disc, - a fixed support, fixed relative to the frame of the vehicle, said support being arranged according to claim 12, at least one brake pad mounted axially sliding in the fixed support between an activated position in which it presses against an associated brake track of the brake disc and a deactivated position in which it is axially remote from the brake track with a non-zero working clearance, at least one axial elastic return spring mounted between said at least one brake pad and the fixed support in a removable manner relative to said fixed support so as to exert a return force of said at least one brake pad towards its rest position, A brake calliper arranged and configured to be held by the fixed support and to act on the at least one brake pad towards its activated position.

15. A method for mounting at least one axially elastic return spring according to claim 1 on a fixed support of a brake caliper for a disc brake of a motor vehicle, the fixed support having an anchoring portion in the form of a pin protruding axially from a pressing surface of the fixed support, the anchoring portion in the form of a pin being molded in a single part with the fixed support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with a load-bearing portion of a return spring, the method comprising the following steps: - mounting the brake pad in or on a fixed support, - Mounting of the axially elastic return spring by axial assembly by clipping the connection portion onto the anchoring portion in the form of a pin carried by the fixing support.

16. A method for mounting at least one axial elastic return spring according to claim 1 on a fixed support of a brake caliper for a disc brake of a motor vehicle, the fixed support having an anchoring portion carried by a transverse face of the fixed support and comprising at least one projection protruding laterally, the projection being molded in a single part with the fixed support so as to be able to receive and cooperate with the carrying portion of the axial elastic return spring, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: - mounting the brake pad in or on a fixed support, - The axial elastic return spring is mounted by inserting the connection portion of the spring transversely under the projection of the anchoring portion of the fixed support opposite the brake pad.

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