Brake band, disc brake rotor, and vehicle for a disc of a ventilated disc brake

Abstract

The object of the present invention is a brake band of a disc of a ventilated disc brake, a disc brake disc and a vehicle. The brake band includes two plates facing each other, the inner surfaces of the plates facing directly or indirectly a gap and delimiting the gap. The plates are interconnected by heat dissipating elements or connecting elements. One of the plates includes at least one ridge projecting from the plate into the gap without touching the opposite plate, thereby forming at least one local narrowing of the gap and a thickening of the plate body, resulting in a local increase in the plate thickness. The ridge extends at least from a first connecting element to an adjacent connecting element connected to the connecting element. The ridge extends at least along the circumferential direction so as to connect at least two adjacent connecting elements arranged side by side in the circumferential direction. The assembly of each ridge extends circumferentially along a discontinuous annular path so as to avoid a uniform distribution in the circumferential direction.

Description

Field of the Invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake band and a ventilated disc for a disc brake, particularly but not exclusively limited to a brake band and a ventilated disc for applications in the automotive field, and also relates to a vehicle having said ventilated disc. Background Art

[0002] The brake caliper in a disc brake is typically arranged to straddle the peripheral outer edge of the brake disc, which is adapted to rotate about a rotation axis (A - A) defining an axial direction (X - X). In a disc brake, there are also defined: a radial direction (R - R) substantially orthogonal to said axial direction (X - X); a circumferential direction (C - C) orthogonal to both said axial direction (X - X) and said radial direction (R - R); and also a tangential direction (T - T) locally orthogonal or preferably point - orthogonal to both said axial direction (X - X) and the radial direction (R - R).

[0003] As is known, the disc for a disc brake includes a bell - shaped member adapted to associate the disc with the vehicle's wheel hub, and an annular portion extends from the bell - shaped member, which annular portion is called a brake band and is intended to act together with the brake pads of the caliper. In the case of a ventilated disc, the brake band is made of two plates facing each other and interconnected respectively by connecting elements, such as connecting elements in the form of columns or fins. The outer surfaces of the two plates define opposite braking surfaces, while the inner surfaces together with the columns or fins delimit a ventilation channel for cooling the disc, and air flows in the channel in the centrifugal direction during the rotational movement of the disc itself.

[0004] The brake band is intended to act together with the caliper of a disc brake adapted to exert a braking action on the vehicle, so as to apply friction on the opposite surfaces, called braking surfaces, of the two plates by means of the above - mentioned pads.

[0005] As is well known, during the actuation of the brake, the friction between the pads of the brake caliper and the braking surfaces of the brake band generates increased heat that needs to be disposed of.

[0006] The heat generated does indeed cause some undesirable phenomena, such as, for example, deformation of the brake band, formation of cracks on the braking surfaces or local state transformation of the material forming the brake band, which in turn leads to deterioration of the brake band itself.

[0007] Especially in applications on high - performance motor vehicles where the braking efficiency is increased, the energy to be disposed of is very high, and the need to dispose of the heat generated by the braking action is even more evident.

[0008] Ventilated discs of the above type have undergone continuous evolution over time, particularly with regard to the number and shape of the so-called ventilation channels, thus defining the gap formed by two axially facing plates.

[0009] Among known ventilated discs, the so-called "columnar part" discs are particularly effective in terms of heat dissipation, i.e., cooling, where the ventilation channels are internally limited by specific columnar part connecting elements that have a radial extension and a circumferential extension with limited or substantially little deformation relative to their axial extension, and the radial extension and the circumferential extension are defined as "columnar parts", and the "columnar parts" transversely connect the two plates.

[0010] For example, the "columnar part" ventilated disc is known from EP 1 373 751 B1, where the columnar parts are geometrically arranged along three concentric circumferential parts coaxial with the disc and having different radii to form three "rows"; in a cross-section taken in a plane parallel to the two plates and intermediate with respect to the two plates, the columnar parts have various types of cross-sections (for example, the columnar parts have a "rhomboid" cross-section in the middle row and the inner row; the columnar parts in the outer row are "drop-shaped" columnar parts).

[0011] Other ventilated discs with a "columnar part" structure are known, for example, from WO2004 / 102028 and US5,542,503.

[0012] Known ventilated discs include the so-called "finned" or "winged" discs, where the ventilation channels are internally defined by specific connecting elements that elongate along a main direction, for example, along a main direction oriented parallel to the radial direction (R-R), or are oriented in a helical manner, and the specific connecting elements transversely connect the two plates.

[0013] It is also known that the braking action performed by the pads on the braking surface of the disc generates heat, so the temperature of the disc rises, and in particularly severe operating conditions, the disc itself becomes incandescent. Due to the temperature rise reached by the disc during braking, the disc deforms and the contact between the pads and the braking surface deteriorates. In addition, the friction material of the pads is subject to vitrification and contamination caused by the disc material.

[0014] It has also been found that the highest temperature is reached at the annular central part of the braking surface, i.e., at the annular central part of the outer surface of each plate. During the service life of the disc, cracks are easily formed in such areas.

[0015] To eliminate the above drawbacks, it is therefore particularly necessary, on the one hand, to improve the efficiency of heat dissipation generated by braking in this field to contain the temperature reached by the brake disc during and after braking, and on the other hand, to increase the mechanical resistance of the central part of the brake band.

[0016] Solutions are known from WO2004 / 102028 and also from WO 2002 / 064992, US7066306, US7267210, US20060243546, US2004 0124047, US6367599, US5542503 and US4865167. Although these solutions are satisfactory from various viewpoints, these known solutions do not allow a compromise to be reached between the desired mechanical resistance in the central annular region of the brake band and the opposite need to maximize the air flow in the same region that enables the elimination of the strong local temperature increase caused by the braking action.

[0017] However, it is noted that a ventilated disc of the above type by itself does not provide a solution to additional problems that occur simultaneously with and are solved simultaneously with the above problems, and such additional problems may affect disc brakes, especially disc brakes with ventilated discs, and the problems are briefly disclosed below.

[0018] As is known, during actuation of the brake, the disc and the brake band can mechanically vibrate, in particular, at various frequencies related to the various vibration modes of the disc itself. Such vibrations of the disc may be caused, for example, by resonance triggered by the vibrations of an object mechanically coupled to the disc, and if the vibration frequencies of these objects are the same as or close enough to the vibration frequency of the disc, the objects are stressed during the braking step.

[0019] It is also known that when the resonance frequency is within the audible range (for example, between 2 kHz and 9 kHz, with a subsequent more or less sharp whistling sound), the above vibrations cause audible noise, especially in the form of an annoying whistling sound.

[0020] Therefore, there is a need to design solutions to reduce or eliminate such whistling sounds by constructing a device that "moves" the vibration frequency of the disc to a value different from the excited frequency.

[0021] Some solutions are known for discs having a structure different from the mentioned "columnar" structure.

[0022] For example, IT 1 273 754 has a brake band with protrusions that project into the inner part of the plate towards the gap between the two plates, and the protrusions have a particular position and a particularly determined mass to reduce the vibrations that occur and the subsequent noise.

[0023] Other ventilated discs having structures suitable for reducing annoying vibration phenomena are known, for example, from US 4 523666.

[0024] The document US3,983,973 of Knorr - Bremse GmbH shows a brake disc which includes a pair of friction plates spaced apart from each other to form ventilation channels. The braking force can be applied to the plates by brake pad brake washers. The two plates are interconnected by a plurality of ribs or flow - guiding fins, thereby defining ventilation channels between the friction plates. Anti - vibration material strips are positioned in radial grooves formed in the mutually facing surfaces of the friction plates. These inserts are formed of metal elements which suppress vibrations and have a coefficient of expansion greater than that of one of the ferrous materials used to manufacture the friction plates, such as lead, bronze or copper.

[0025] A similar solution is known from US2009035598.

[0026] It is known from the document US2012111692 to couple a Squawk - type passive connection damper to a braking device to reduce vibrations.

[0027] It is known from the solutions US6131707, WO2016020820, WO2017153902, WO2017153873, EP0318687, WO2011058594, WO2006105131, US2006219500, US6145636, US2010122880, US6325185, US4523666, US5004078, SI23474, GB2060796, DE102013210700, EP3421833, WO2015092671, GB2286438, DE102004056645, EP2192321, WO2008078352, US3983973, DE202006017092, US20090000884, DE202015102580 that connections are provided between unevenly distributed plates of circumferentially distributed brake bands, thereby reducing vibrations excited by the braking action and increasing ventilation in the gaps.

[0028] However, these distributions of the connecting elements of the plates create structural non - uniformities which, in certain cases of the braking action, can generate completely unwanted stresses concentrated in the brake bands.

[0029] Therefore, there is a need for a ventilation disc with a new structure which can provide particularly effective cooling performance as well as vibration and noise minimization characteristics during the braking step, and at the same time avoid generating concentrated stresses in the brake bands which may damage the integrity and lifespan of the brake bands.

[0030] The above-known examples of ventilated discs and associated brake bands do not fully meet all the mentioned and highly desirable requirements.

[0031] The document EP 2 715 179 B1 of the same applicant partially solves these problems, in particular by attempting to reduce the frequency of the vibration modes of the brake band, which results in vibrations outside the plane of the plate of the band itself. In particular, the solution has ridges that project overhangingly into the gap, and these ridges are arranged between the connecting elements.

[0032] Although satisfactory from many viewpoints, this known solution does not completely solve the problem, and particularly emphasizes how much there is a need to find a solution for the surface shape that allows delimiting the brake band gap.

[0033] Therefore, there is still a strong need to increase the mass of the brake band near its outer edge in order to reduce the vibration of the brake band of the "out-of-plane" type, which, if excited, has a rather negative impact on the performance of the brake.

[0034] At the same time, there is still a strong need to maintain the distance between the ridges and the connecting elements, especially near the outer edge of the disc, for example to simplify the production process of the core, which allows the brake band to be manufactured by casting: since the geometry of the columns is achieved by the core, which geometrically represents the space between one column and another, it is necessary to ensure a minimum cross-section so that the sand for the core can fill all the spaces forming the gap. In addition, the core has a minimum cross-section that can provide the structural resistance of the core itself, and this structural resistance is sufficient for handling the core and melting the brake band.

[0035] Furthermore, there is a strong perception of an obvious need to avoid wide annular regions of the gap without connecting elements or protrusions, thus avoiding poor temperature distribution on the brake band, for example to generate vibrations of the disc or other imbalance phenomena.

[0036] Therefore, the basic problem of the present invention lies in designing a brake band and a disc of a disc brake, the brake band and the disc of the disc brake having structural and functional features that meet the above needs, for example, while eliminating the disadvantages described with respect to the prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0037] The object of the present invention is to provide a braking device in which the tendency to generate these vibration waves and subsequent whistling sounds is reduced.

[0038] These and other objects and advantages are achieved by a brake band, a disc brake disc, and a vehicle according to the present application.

[0039] Through the analysis of this solution, it has emerged how the proposed solution achieves excellent braking comfort compared to the solutions of the prior art, thus reducing vibrations and in particular the vibrations that cause whistling noises.

[0040] Furthermore, the proposed solution maintains a very high disc cooling efficiency and even increases the disc cooling efficiency in some embodiments. For example, due to the increased turbulence of the air flow passing through the brake band gap, the increased turbulence caused by the specific shape of the ridges located in the plate(s) and arranged between the connecting elements and extending in the circumferential direction, the efficiency is greatly improved.

[0041] Furthermore, the proposed solution allows for an increase in the mass of the brake band near its outer edge to reduce the vibration of the "out-of-plane" type of brake band, which, if excited, would have a very negative impact on the performance of the brake.

[0042] Furthermore, due to the proposed solution, the distance between the ridges and the connecting elements can be ensured, especially the distance between the ridges and the connecting elements near the outer edge of the disc, thus simplifying the production process. For example, the minimum distance to be ensured between the connecting element and the ridge (ranging from 5 mm to 7 mm, usually 6 mm) is detected to facilitate the manufacture of the basic core of the brake band: since the core, which geometrically represents the space between one connecting element and another, realizes the geometry of the connecting elements, it is necessary to ensure a minimum cross-section so that the casting sand can fill all the spaces and ensure the structural resistance of the core itself.

[0043] Furthermore, due to the proposed solution, a wide annular area without gaps in the connecting elements or ridges can be avoided, thus avoiding poor temperature distribution on the brake band, such as generating vibrations or other imbalance phenomena of the disc.

[0044] Furthermore, due to the proposed solution, the mass near the outer edge can be increased while avoiding excessive blocking or narrowing of the ventilation channels, and at the same time strengthening the structure of the band to limit the formation and propagation of cracks.

[0045] Furthermore, due to the proposed solution, an increased braking resistance due to elevated temperatures can be ensured.

[0046] Furthermore, due to the proposed solution, ridges can be ensured, which can further increase the available surface area for heat exchange. Description of the Drawings

[0047] Other features and advantages of the device, disc brake, and vehicle will become apparent from the following description of preferred and non-limiting embodiments thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0048] - Figure 1 An axonometric view of a brake band according to the present invention is shown;

[0049] - Figure 2 A plan view of the brake band taken along a middle flow plane of the fluid flowing through the gap is shown; Figure 1 in the brake band;

[0050] - Figure 3 is shown; Figure 2 an enlarged detail of a cross-section of the brake band in;

[0051] - Figure 4 is shown; Figure 3 an axonometric view of a detail of the cross-section in;

[0052] - Figure 5 is shown; Figure 1 a cross-section of the brake band in along a plane including an axial direction and a radial direction, where the shape of additional ridges is highlighted;

[0053] - Figure 6 is shown; Figure 1 a cross-section of the brake band in along a plane including an axial direction and a radial direction, where the shape of the ridges is highlighted;

[0054] - Figure 7 is shown; Figure 1 an axonometric and partial cross-sectional view of the brake band in;

[0055] - Figure 8 A cross-section of a brake disc including the brake band according to the present invention along a plane including an axial direction and a radial direction is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] According to a general embodiment, a brake band 1 for a disc of a ventilated disc brake 2 is provided.

[0057] The brake band 1 extends between an inner diameter portion D1 close to the rotation axis X-X of the brake band 1 and an outer diameter portion D2 remote from the rotation axis X-X. The rotation axis defines an axial direction X-X.

[0058] The brake band 1 is defined with: a radial direction R-R that is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction X-X; and a circumferential direction C-C that is orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and orthogonal to the radial direction R-R.

[0059] The brake band 1 includes two plates 3, 4 facing each other.

[0060] The plates 3, 4 include inner surfaces 5, 6 which face each other directly or indirectly and delimit a gap 7 that defines a ventilation duct for the brake band 1.

[0061] The plates 3, 4 include outer surfaces 8, 9.

[0062] The outer surfaces 8, 9 include flat and opposite circumferential portions that form braking surfaces 10, 11. In other words, portions of the outer surfaces 8, 9 cooperate with brake pads received in a brake caliper to exert a braking action when clamped against the brake band 1. The portions of the outer surfaces 8, 9 that are brushed by or associated with the pads define the braking surfaces 10, 11.

[0063] The plates 3, 4 include plate bodies 12, 13 having extensions or plate thicknesses 14, 15 in the axial direction X-X. In other words, when evaluated in the axial direction, each plate 3, 4 exhibits a plate thickness 14, 15 which is given by the thickness in the axial direction of the plate body 12 of the plate 3, 4.

[0064] The plates 3, 4 are connected to each other by heat dissipation elements or connecting elements 16, 17, 18 of the plates 3, 4.

[0065] The connecting elements 16, 17, 18 are shaped as columns and / or ribs that project from the plates towards the opposite plates in the form of bridge-like members connecting the plates 3, 4.

[0066] At least one of the plates 3, 4 includes at least one ridge 20, 21 that projects from the plate 3; 4 into the gap 7 without touching the opposite plate 4; 3.

[0067] The ridges 20, 21 form at least one local narrowing of the gap 7. In other words, when passing through the gap 7, a reduction in the cross-section of the width of the gap 7 in the axial direction X-X is encountered when reaching the ridges 20, 21.

[0068] The ridges 20, 21 form at least one thickening of the plate bodies 12; 13, thereby creating a local increase in the plate thickness 14; 15. In other words, considering the thickness of the plate body in the axial direction X-X, the thicknesses 14, 15 increase at the ridges 20, 21.

[0069] According to a general embodiment, a brake band 1 for a disc of a ventilated disc brake 2 extends between an inner diameter portion D1 close to the rotational axis X-X of the brake band 1 and an outer diameter portion D2 remote from the rotational axis X-X, the rotational axis defining an axial direction X-X.

[0070] The brake band 1 is defined with: a radial direction R-R which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction X-X; a circumferential direction C-C which is orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and orthogonal to the radial direction R-R; and a tangential direction T-T which is punctually orthogonal to the axial direction X-X and the radial direction R-R.

[0071] The brake band 1 includes two plates 3, 4 facing each other.

[0072] The plates 3, 4 include inner surfaces 5, 6 which directly or indirectly face and bound a gap 7.

[0073] The plates 3, 4 include plate bodies 12, 13 having a predetermined extension in the axial direction X-X or having a predetermined plate thickness 14, 15.

[0074] The plates 3, 4 are connected to each other by heat dissipation and connection elements 16, 17, 18 (also referred to as connection elements).

[0075] The connection elements 16, 17, 18 are shaped as columns and / or ribs and / or fins which project from a plate towards the opposite plate, thereby forming a bridge-like member connecting the plates 3, 4 to each other.

[0076] At least one of the plates 3, 4 includes at least one ridge 20, 21 which projects from the plates 3, 4 into the gap 7 without touching the opposite plates 4, 3, thereby forming at least one local narrowing of the gap 7 and a thickening of the plate bodies 12, 13, thereby resulting in a local increase in the plate thickness 14, 15.

[0077] The at least one ridge 20, 21 is kept separated from each connection element 16, 17, 18, wherein the thickness of at least one of the plates 3, 4 around the at least one ridge 20, 21 is substantially equal to the predetermined plate thickness 14, 15.

[0078] Advantageously, the at least one ridge 20 extends to form at least two separate ridge branches 31, 32.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the thickness between the at least two ridge-like partial branches 31, 32 of the at least one plate 3, 4 is substantially equal to the predetermined plate thicknesses 14, 15.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the inner surfaces 5, 6 are flat surfaces.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the plates 3, 4 include outer surfaces 8, 9. The outer surfaces 8, 9 include flat and opposite annular portions, and the flat and opposite annular portions form braking surfaces 10, 11. The distance between the inner surfaces 5, 6 and the braking surfaces 10, 11 defines the predetermined plate thicknesses 14, 15.

[0082] According to one embodiment, between the at least one ridge 20, 21 and each adjacent connecting element, the maximum axial width portion or axial extension portion of the gap 7 is reached.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 and at least two separate ridge-like partial branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 have a shape symmetrical with respect to a plane containing the axial direction X-X and the radial direction R-R.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the brake band 1 has a band outer edge 35 at the band outer diameter portion D2. When observed in a plane including the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, the at least one ridge 20 and at least two separate branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 form a branched ridge 34; the branched ridge 34 is in a "V" shape and forms a concave portion facing the outer edge of the disc.

[0085] According to one embodiment, when observed in a plane including the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, the at least one ridge 20 and at least two separate branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 form a branched ridge 34; the bifurcated ridge 34 is crescent-shaped.

[0086] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 includes a columnar ridge central body 36, and the at least two separate ridge-like partial branches 31, 32 project from the columnar ridge central body 36.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the extensions of the at least two ridge-like partial branches 31, 32 are arranged to span at least one connecting element 16.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the brake band 1 includes at least one additional ridge 21.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the extension of at least one of the at least two branches 31, 32 intersects the at least one additional ridge 21.

[0090] According to one embodiment, the brake band 1 includes at least two additional ridges 21 disposed on both sides of the connecting element 16.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the extensions of the at least two branches 31, 32 each intersect at least one additional ridge 21.

[0092] According to one embodiment, when observed in a plane including the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, the at least one additional ridge 21 is drop-shaped.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the at least one additional ridge 21 has an additional ridge tapered extension 37 that tapers in the radial direction R-R, preferably, the additional ridge tapered extension 37 tapers in the radial direction R-R oriented towards the rotational axis X-X.

[0094] According to one embodiment, the at least one additional ridge 21 is a plurality of additional ridges 21.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the at least one additional ridge 21 is a plurality of additional ridges 21 disposed near the outer edge 35 of the band.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the at least one additional ridge 21 is a plurality of additional ridges 21 that are uniformly distributed along the circumferential portion.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the at least one additional ridge 21 is a plurality of additional ridges 21 disposed between a plurality of connecting elements 16.

[0098] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 and the at least two separate ridge branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 are a plurality of ridges 20, each ridge 20 having a corresponding at least two separate ridge branches 31, 32.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 and the at least two separate ridge branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 are a plurality of ridges 20 that are uniformly distributed along the circumferential portion.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 and the at least two separate ridge branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge 20 are a plurality of ridges 20 that are at least partially disposed between connecting elements 17.

[0101] According to one embodiment, at least one circumferential portion that is concentric with the rotation axis X-X of the brake band 1 also intersects the at least one ridge portion 20, and the at least one circumferential portion is arranged on the inner surfaces 5, 6 and intersects the connecting elements 17 of the inner row or the middle row.

[0102] According to one embodiment, at least one circumferential portion that is concentric with the rotation axis X-X of the brake band 1 also intersects the at least one additional ridge portion 21, and the at least one circumferential portion is arranged on the inner surfaces 5, 6 and intersects the connecting elements 16 of the outer row.

[0103] According to one embodiment, when observed in a plane including the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, the at least one ridge portion 20 and at least two separate branches 31, 32 of the at least one ridge portion 20 form a branched ridge portion 34; the branched ridge portion 34 has a rounded outer surface 38 of the ridge portion, and the rounded outer surface 38 of the ridge portion is connected to the inner surface 5 or 6, and the branched ridge portion 34 protrudes from the inner surface 5 or 6 into the gap 7.

[0104] According to one embodiment, when observed in a plane including the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, the at least one additional ridge portion 21 has a rounded outer surface 39 of the additional ridge portion, and the rounded outer surface 39 of the additional ridge portion is connected to the inner surface 5 or 6, and the outer surface 39 of the additional ridge portion protrudes from the inner surface 5 or 6 into the gap 7.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the connecting elements 16, 17, 18 are grouped into at least two columns or rows 23, 24, 25 arranged circumferentially. The first row in the row 23 is arranged radially inside or near the inner diameter portion D1 facing the axis X-X. The second row in the row 24 is positioned radially farther from the axis X-X near the outer diameter portion D2.

[0106] According to one embodiment, at least one third row of the row 24 is arranged radially between the first inner column 23 and the second outer column 24.

[0107] According to one embodiment, each connecting element 16 in the second row of the row 24 has three ridge portions 20, 21, and for each plate, the three ridge portions 20, 21 face the plate on three sides.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge portion 20 or 21 is at least a plurality of ridge portions; each group of the plurality of ridge portions 20 or 21 is arranged between the connecting elements 16 or 17 in the same row 23, 24.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 or 21 projects only from one of the plates 3, 4 into the gap 7.

[0110] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 or 21 is at least two ridges 20 or 21, and the at least two ridges 20 or 21 project from the two plates 3, 4 into the gap 7.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 or 21 is at least two ridges 20 or 21, and the at least two ridges 20 or 21 project from the two plates 3, 4 into the gap 7 and face each other.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the at least one ridge 20 or 21 is at least two ridges 20 or 21, and the at least two ridges 20 or 21 project from the two plates 3, 4 into the gap 7 and are at least partially offset from each other.

[0113] According to one embodiment, at least some of the connecting elements 16, 17, 18 are fins or ribs which have a cross-section, for example, of an elongate shape in the radial direction R-R in a plane substantially parallel to the air flow along the gap 7.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the connecting element 16 near the outer diameter portion D2 or the outer row 24 has an elongate drop-shaped cross-section in the radial direction R-R in a plane substantially parallel to the air flow along the gap 7.

[0115] According to one embodiment, at least two of the connecting elements 17, 18 have a rhombic or lozenge-shaped cross-section 27 in a plane substantially parallel to the air flow along the gap 7, the rhombic or lozenge-shaped cross-section 27 having four vertices 28 which are joined by four side edges 29, wherein the side edges bounding the cross-section are substantially straight in shape.

[0116] According to one embodiment, all of the ridges 20, 21 of the ridges 20, 21 are arranged in the circular portion of the gap 7 near the outer diameter portion D2.

[0117] According to one embodiment, all of the ridges 20, 21 of the ridges 20, 21 are arranged in the following circular portion of the gap 7: near which there is a connecting element 16 of the outer row 24.

[0118] The invention also relates to a disc brake disc 2 which comprises a brake band 1 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0119] The present invention also relates to a vehicle, which includes a brake band 1 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0120] Those skilled in the art can make several changes and adjustments to the above embodiments, and can replace elements with other functionally equivalent elements to meet possible and specific needs, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[0121] The assembly of the ridges 20, 21 arranged close to each other forms a set of circumferentially arranged ridges 20, 21, thus generating a circumferential distribution that has a circumferential discontinuity concentrated near the outer diameter portion D2 of the brake band and can produce a non-uniform distribution of the ridge assembly, suitable for avoiding the distribution of vibration modes of the brake band 1, which will generate annoying noise or whistling sounds when the brake band 1 is arranged in resonance.

[0122] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the brake band 1 has an outer diameter D2 of 415 mm, an inner diameter of 295 mm, and a thickness of 33 mm.

[0124] The height of the gap 7 or the ventilation channel determined in the axial direction X-X is 12.6 mm.

[0125] Two plates 3, 4 are connected to each other by connecting elements 16, 17, 18 in the form of columns arranged in three concentric columns or rows 23, 24, 25, and the connecting elements 16, 17, 18 are arranged according to a staggered arrangement.

[0126] The connecting elements in the outer row 24 have a drop-like shape determined on the average flow plane passing through the gap 7, and the drop-like shape has a tapered extension oriented according to the radial direction R-R and facing the rotation axis X-X.

[0127] The connecting elements 17, 18 in the middle row 25 and the inner row 23 have a rhomboid shape determined on the average flow plane passing through the gap 7.

[0128] Each row has 47 connecting elements 16 or 17 or 18.

[0129] An additional ridge 21 exists between each connecting element 16 in the outer row 23. The additional ridge 21 has a drop-like shape in a plane containing the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, and the drop-like shape has a tapered extension oriented according to the radial direction R-R and facing the rotation axis X-X.

[0130] The ridge 20 is present in the intermediate row 25 between each connecting element 17. The additional ridge 20 has a branched shape 34 in a plane containing the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C, i.e., it has a cylindrical central body from which a first ridge branch 31 and a second ridge branch 32 project separately from each other.

[0131] The ridge 20 has an extension of 3.4 mm in the axial direction. The base of the ridge 20 has a radius of 4 mm. The total height of the shape of the ridge 20 is 9.7 mm and the total width including the branches is 13.5 mm.

[0132] The outer surface 38 of the ridge 20 is connected to the flat inner surface 5 or 6 with a radius of 2 mm.

[0133] The modal analysis carried out in the frequency range from 20 Hz to 10,000 Hz (where the material has a Young's modulus of 112,000 MPa, a Poisson's ratio of 0.263 and a density of 7.113 kg / dm) shows the following interesting values compared to the solution described in EP 2 715 179 B1 by the same applicant:

[0134]

[0135] List of reference signs

[0136] 1 Brake band

[0137] 2 Disc brake rotor

[0138] 3 Plate

[0139] 4 Plate

[0140] 5 Inner surface

[0141] 6 Inner surface

[0142] 7 Gap

[0143] 8 Outer surface

[0144] 9 Outer surface

[0145] 10 Brake surface

[0146] 11 Brake surface

[0147] 12 Plate body

[0148] 13 Plate body

[0149] 14 Plate thickness

[0150] 15 Plate thickness

[0151] 16 Connecting element

[0152] 17 Connecting element

[0153] 18 Connecting element

[0154] 20 Ridge

[0155] 21 Ridge

[0156] 23 Row

[0157] 24 Row

[0158] 25 Row

[0159] 26 Columnar part

[0160] 27 Fin or rib

[0161] 28 Rhomboid or diamond with four vertices

[0162] 29 Rhomboid side

[0163] 31 First ridge branch

[0164] 32 Second ridge branch

[0165] 33 Bell-shaped part

[0166] 34 Branch ridge

[0167] 35 With outer edge

[0168] 36 Central body of ridge

[0169] 37 Another tapering extension of ridge

[0170] 38 Outer surface of ridge

[0171] 39 Another outer surface of ridge

[0172] Axis of rotation of brake band or brake disc, A - A

[0173] Axis of rotation or axial direction, X - X

[0174] Radial direction, R - R

[0175] Tangential direction, C - C

[0176] D1 Inner diameter of band

[0177] D2 Outer diameter of band.

Claims

1. A brake band (1) for a disc of a ventilated disc brake, - The brake band (1) extends between an inner diameter part (D1) close to the axis of rotation (A-A) of the brake band (1) and an outer diameter part (D2) remote from the axis of rotation (A-A), the axis of rotation defining an axial direction (X-X); - The brake band (1) defines: a radial direction (R-R) orthogonal to the axial direction (X-X); a circumferential direction (C-C) orthogonal to the axial direction (X-X) and the radial direction (R-R); and a tangential direction (T-T) that is point-orthogonal to the axial direction (X-X) and the radial direction (R-R); - The brake band (1) includes two plates (3, 4) facing each other; The plates (3, 4) include inner surfaces (5, 6) that directly or indirectly face and bound a gap (7); - The plates (3, 4) include plate bodies (12, 13) having a predetermined elongation in the axial direction (X-X) or a predetermined plate thickness (14, 15); - The plates (3, 4) are connected to each other by heat dissipation and connection elements, which are also referred to as connection elements; - The connection elements (16, 17, 18) are shaped as columns and / or ribs and / or fins that project from the plates towards the opposite plates, thereby forming bridge-like members connecting the plates (3, 4) to each other; Wherein, - One of the plates (3, 4) includes at least one ridge (20, 21) that projects from the plate (3, 4) into the gap (7) but does not touch the opposite plate, thereby forming at least one local narrowing of the gap (7) and a thickening of the plate body (12, 13), resulting in a local increase in the predetermined plate thickness (14, 15); and wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) is kept separated from each connection element, and the thickness of at least one plate (3, 4) near the at least one ridge (20, 21) is equal to the predetermined plate thickness (14, 15); The brake band (1) is characterized in that - The at least one ridge extends to form at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32), and the extensions of the at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) are arranged to straddle at least one connection element.

2. The brake band (1) according to claim 1, wherein - The thickness of at least one plate (3, 4) located between the at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) is equal to the predetermined plate thickness (14, 15); and / or wherein The inner surfaces (5, 6) are flat surfaces; and wherein - The plates (3, 4) include outer surfaces (8, 9); and wherein - The outer surfaces (8, 9) include flat and opposite annular portions that form braking surfaces (10, 11); and wherein The distance between the inner surfaces (5, 6) and the braking surfaces (10, 11) defines the predetermined plate thicknesses (14, 15); and / or wherein - The maximum axial width or axial extension of the clearance (7) is obtained between the at least one ridge (20, 21) and each adjacent connecting element.

3. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - The at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge have a shape symmetric about a plane containing the axial direction (X-X) and the radial direction (R-R); and / or wherein - The brake band (1) has a band outer edge (35) at the outer diameter portion (D2); and wherein - When viewed in a plane including the radial direction (R-R) and the circumferential direction (C-C), the at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge form a branched ridge (34), the branched ridge (34) is in a "V" shape and forms a concave portion facing the outer edge of the disc; and / or wherein - When viewed in a plane including the radial direction (R-R) and the circumferential direction (C-C), the at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge form a branched ridge (34), the branched ridge (34) is crescent-shaped; and / or wherein - The at least one ridge includes a cylindrical ridge central body (36), and the at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) project from the cylindrical ridge central body (36).

4. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - The brake band (1) includes at least one additional ridge; and wherein - The extension of at least one of the at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) intersects at least one additional ridge; and / or wherein - The brake band (1) includes at least two additional ridges arranged at the side of the connecting element; and / or wherein - The extensions of the at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) each intersect at least one additional ridge; and / or wherein - When viewed in a plane including the radial direction (R-R) and the circumferential direction (C-C), the at least one additional ridge is drop-shaped; and / or wherein - The at least one additional ridge has an additional ridge tapered extension (37) that tapers in the radial direction (R-R).

5. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The brake band (1) includes at least one additional ridge, the at least one additional ridge has an additional ridge tapered extension (37) that tapers in the radial direction (R-R), and the additional ridge tapered extension (37) tapers in the radial direction (R-R) oriented towards the axis of rotation (A-A).

6. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - The brake band (1) includes at least one additional ridge, wherein the at least one additional ridge is a plurality of additional ridges; and / or wherein - the at least one additional ridge is a plurality of additional ridges arranged near the outer edge (35) of the belt; and / or wherein - the at least one additional ridge is a plurality of additional ridges uniformly distributed along the circumferential portion; and / or wherein - at least one additional ridge is a plurality of additional ridges arranged between a plurality of connecting elements; and / or wherein - the at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge are a plurality of ridges, each ridge having a corresponding at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32); and / or wherein - the at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge are a plurality of ridges uniformly distributed along the circumferential portion; and / or wherein - the at least one ridge and at least two separate ridge branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge are a plurality of ridges at least partially arranged between the connecting elements; and / or wherein - at least one circumferential portion that is concentric with the rotational axis (A-A) of the brake belt (1) and is arranged on the inner surface (5, 6) and intersects the connecting elements of the inner row or the middle row also intersects the at least one ridge; and / or wherein - at least one circumferential portion that is concentric with the rotational axis of the brake belt (1) and is arranged on the inner surface (5, 6) and intersects the connecting elements of the outer row also intersects the at least one additional ridge; and / or wherein - when observed in a plane including the radial direction (R-R) and the circumferential direction (C-C), the at least one ridge and at least two separate branches (31, 32) of the at least one ridge form a branched ridge (34); the branched ridge (34) is a rounded outer ridge (38), the rounded outer ridge (38) is connected to the inner surface (5, 6), and the rounded outer ridge (38) protrudes from the inner surface (5, 6) into the gap (7); and / or wherein - when observed in a plane including the radial direction (R-R) and the circumferential direction (C-C), the at least one additional ridge has a rounded outer surface (39) of the additional ridge, the rounded outer surface (39) of the additional ridge is connected to the inner surface (5, 6), and the rounded outer surface (39) of the additional ridge protrudes from the inner surface (5, 6) into the gap (7).

7. The brake belt (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the connecting elements (16, 17, 18) are grouped into at least two columns or rows arranged circumferentially; and wherein - the first row (23) in the row is arranged radially internally or near the inner diameter portion (D1) towards the rotational axis; and wherein - the second row (24) in the row is positioned radially further away from the rotational axis near the outer diameter portion (D2).

8. The brake band (1) according to claim 7, wherein, The row further includes at least one third row (25) which is arranged radially between the inner first row (23) and the outer second row (24).

9. The brake band (1) according to claim 7, wherein, - Each connecting element of the second row (24) in a row has three ridges, or a combination of ridges and additional ridges, and the three ridges, or the combination of ridges and additional ridges, face the plate on three sides for each plate; and / or wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) is at least a plurality of ridges; each group of the plurality of ridges is arranged between the connecting elements of the same row; and / or wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) projects into the gap (7) from only one of the plates (3, 4); and / or wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) is at least two ridges, and the at least two ridges project into the gap (7) from the two plates (3, 4); and / or wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) is at least two ridges, and the at least two ridges project into the gap (7) from the two plates (3, 4) and face each other; and / or wherein - The at least one ridge (20, 21) is at least two ridges, and the at least two ridges project into the gap (7) from the two plates (3, 4) and are at least partially offset from each other.

10. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, - At least some of the connecting elements (16, 17, 18) are fins or ribs which have a cross-section with an elongated shape in a plane parallel to the air flow along the gap (7); and / or wherein - The connecting elements near the outer diameter portion (D2) or the outer row have a cross-section with an elongated drop shape in the radial direction (R-R) in a plane parallel to the air flow along the gap (7); and / or wherein - At least two of the connecting elements have a rhombic or rhomboid cross-section (27) in a plane parallel to the air flow along the gap (7), and the rhombic or rhomboid cross-section (27) has four vertices (28) which are connected by four side edges (29), wherein the bounding side edges are straight in shape; and / or wherein - All of the ridges in the at least one ridge (20, 21) are arranged in a circular portion of the gap (7) near the outer diameter portion (D2); and / or wherein - All of the ridges in the at least one ridge (20, 21) are arranged in a circular portion of the gap (7) near which connecting elements of the outer row are provided.

11. The brake band (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, At least some of the connecting elements (16, 17, 18) are fins or ribs which have a cross-section with an elongated shape in the radial direction (R-R) in a plane parallel to the air flow along the gap (7).

12. A disc brake rotor (2), said disc brake rotor (2) comprising a brake band (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A vehicle, said vehicle comprising a brake band (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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