Band-shaped spring and brake pad assembly, brake caliper, brake pad

Abstract

The invention relates to a belt spring and brake pad assembly (1) for a brake caliper (5), comprising:-a brake pad (5) comprising a plate (10) and a friction material piece (11) supported by the plate (10), in which the plate (10) comprises a first tangential outer edge (14) and a second tangential outer edge (15) arranged entirely opposite or mirrored with respect to a centerline plane (A-R), wherein the centerline plane (A-R) is parallel to the axial direction (A-A) and the radial direction (R-R), and wherein the plate (10) comprises a radially outer edge (16) and a radially inner edge (17); -a band spring (2) comprising a coupling portion (8) configured to be connected to the caliper body (7) and at least one spring thrust portion (9) configured to be in contact with the brake pad (5) at the thrust portion (12) to exert an elastic biasing effect on the brake pad (5), the thrust portion (12) is delimited at least by an inclined portion (18), the inclined portion (18) is inclined at least with respect to the axial direction (A-A) and the radial direction (R-R), the inclined portion (18) faces the same side as the friction material piece (11), and the friction material piece (11) and the friction material piece (11) are arranged on the thrust portion (12) so as to move the brake pad away from the brake disc (3), the thrust portion (12) being delimited by the inclined portion (18) at least with respect to the axial direction (A-A) and the radial direction (R-R). The invention relates to a friction element (10) comprising a friction material piece (20) having an inclined portion (18) extending radially and axially away from the friction material piece between a radially inner edge (19) and a radially outer edge (20), where the radially outer edge (20) extends at least in a radial direction (R-R) and at least in a tangential direction (C-C) so as to intersect the centerline plane (A-R), where the radially outer edge (20) comprises at least one first convex portion (21), where the first convex portion (21) has a first convex portion (22), and where the first convex portion (21) has a second convex portion (22), where the second convex portion (22) has a second convex portion (22). Wherein the first convex portion (21) forms a first recess facing radially inward (R-I), and wherein the first convex portion (21) comprises a first central portion (22), a first side portion (23) and a second side portion (24), and wherein the first central portion (22) is interposed between the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24), the belt spring (2) is adapted to exert, at least in part, said elastic biasing action on a first central portion (22) of said first convex portion (21) by means of said spring thrust portion (9), so as to bias said brake pad (5) at least away from said brake disc (3) in an axial direction (A-A) and in a radial direction (R-R), and the contact with the first side part (23) and the second side part (24) of the first convex part (21) is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a strip spring and brake pad assembly, a brake caliper and a brake pad. Background Art

[0002] In a disc brake, a brake caliper is usually arranged to straddle the peripheral edge of a brake disc, the brake disc being adapted to rotate about an axis of rotation (XX), the axis of rotation (XX) defining an axial direction (AA). In the brake disc, a radial direction (RR) substantially orthogonal to the axial direction (AA) and a tangential direction (CC) orthogonal to both the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR) are also defined, and a circumferential direction (TT) is also defined, the circumferential direction (TT) being locally or point-orthogonal to both the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), i.e. locally or point-orthogonal to both the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR) at their intersection.

[0003] As is known, a disc brake rotor comprises a bell suitable for associating the disc with a wheel hub of a vehicle, from which extends an annular portion known as the brake band intended to cooperate with the brake pads of a caliper.

[0004] Springs for disc brakes are known, which springs comprise a central portion and two end portions, wherein the end portions rest against pads to elastically bias the pads away from each other, thereby ensuring that the pads are separated from the brake disc after each braking action. According to such springs of a known type, the central portion of the spring is fixed to the caliper, thereby keeping the spring in its operating position. Such known springs are used to achieve: reducing vibrations of the pads; separating the pads from the brake disc to reduce or eliminate residual braking torques (residual torques) due to undesired contact between the pads and the brake disc when the brake is not applied; and even wear of the pad friction lining.

[0005] In particular, prior art springs typically include one or more connecting legs formed at a central portion of the spring that are adapted to connect the spring to the caliper at a coupling portion formed on the caliper.

[0006] For example, the following spring is known: the spring is connected to the caliper body so as to be arranged to straddle the brake disc in two tangentially opposite parts, thereby biasing the brake pad at two opposite side parts of the brake pad. This type of spring is known from documents WO2019 / 243958 and WO2020 / 128710, in which at least two springs are used, which are respectively connected to the first side bridge of the caliper body and at least one central bridge of the caliper body by elastic interference and are placed between the first side bridge of the caliper body and at least one central bridge of the caliper body, and are connected to the second side bridge of the caliper body and at least one central bridge of the caliper body by elastic interference and are placed between the second side bridge of the caliper body and at least one central bridge of the caliper body. This spring contacts the radial outer edge of the pad at the corresponding side ear of the brake pad. Although this solution is satisfactory, it is cumbersome and involves the use of two springs acting on completely opposite ears of the pad.

[0007] Therefore, a need is felt in the industry to provide a spring and pad solution which allows a reduction in weight and size thereof compared to the prior art, thereby allowing a more compact and lighter caliper body to be manufactured, while keeping the spring-pad interaction characteristics substantially unchanged (if not improved).

[0008] Other solutions of springs and spring / pad assemblies are known, for example, from document WO201118815. Here, the use of at least one spring is disclosed, which is in contact with a central portion of the pad at its upper or radially outer edge. Although this solution is satisfactory in many respects, it has been found that the curved configuration of the spring, in combination with the contact portion of the pad, creates high friction, which reduces the efficiency of the separation of the pad from the brake disc and thus affects the reduction and / or elimination of the residual torque.

[0009] Therefore, a need is felt in the industry to make brake springs and pads that allow their dimensions to be reduced compared to the prior art, thereby making the caliper body more compact without affecting the deformations induced by the caliper body, allowing the spring to be positioned safely and reliably on the pad and at the same time allowing the sliding friction between the spring and the pad to be low. Summary of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to provide a strip spring and pad assembly wherein low friction sliding between the spring and pad is permitted.

[0011] This object and advantages and others are achieved by a strip spring and pad assembly according to claim 1 , a brake caliper according to claim 11 , and a brake pad according to claim 13 .

[0012] Advantageous embodiments are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] By means of the proposed solution, the number of strip springs used to resiliently bias the brake pads can be reduced, thereby maintaining the excellent characteristic of the brake pads retracting from the disc by reducing, if not eliminating, any residual torque at the end of the braking application.

[0014] Furthermore, by means of the proposed solution the weight and size of the brake pads and brake calipers can be reduced compared to the prior art.

[0015] Furthermore, by means of the proposed geometry of the pad and the strip spring, it is possible to facilitate the assembly of the strip spring to the pad by a self-centering connection.

[0016] Furthermore, by means of the proposed pad and strip spring geometry, the contact and sliding areas of the pad and strip spring can be limited to a minimum of one contact and sliding area to a maximum of two contact and sliding areas, thereby allowing a highly responsive retraction of the brake pad relative to the brake disc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Further features and advantages of the strip spring and pad assembly, brake caliper and brake pad will become apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting indication with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] - Figure 1 is an isometric view of a brake caliper according to a first embodiment, in which a strip spring and brake pad assembly according to the invention is provided, in particular having a single strip spring interacting with two opposing brake pads, wherein the strip spring is connected to the caliper body only at two central axial connecting rods;

[0019] - Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A top view of the brake caliper in FIG.

[0020] - Figure 3 is an isometric view of a strip spring of a strip spring and pad assembly according to the present invention, the strip spring being suitable for use in Figure 1 Used in brake calipers;

[0021] - Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A side view of a strip spring in which the shaped spring thrust portion with two U-shaped or V-shaped branches can be seen;

[0022] - Figure 5is a front view of a brake pad of a strip spring and pad assembly according to the present invention according to a first embodiment, wherein the brake pad comprises a single thrust portion adapted to slide and contact with a strip spring according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the thrust portion is curved and has a radially outermost portion such that the spring contacts the pad only at said radially outermost portion to retract the brake pad in the absence of braking;

[0023] - Figure 6 yes Figure 1 A partial front cross-sectional view of the brake caliper in FIG. Figure 3 The strip spring connection Figure 5 A brake pad in which four connecting arms are connected in pairs to two axial connecting rods of the caliper body;

[0024] - Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A front view of the spring strip and pad assembly from the rear side of the brake pad, wherein the brake caliper thrust element or piston is shown;

[0025] - Figure 8 , Fig. 9 and Fig.10 is a cross-sectional view of the strip spring and brake pad assembly taken along sections JJ, KK and HH to show that the strip spring and pad are in contact only in the central portion of the spring thrust end and the central portion of the plate thrust portion;

[0026] - Fig.11 is a front view of a brake pad of a strip spring and pad assembly according to the present invention according to a second embodiment, wherein the brake pad comprises a single thrust portion adapted to slide and contact with a strip spring according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the thrust portion has a contour portion forming a recess between two convex portions, wherein the strip spring is configured to contact the thrust portion in two diametrically opposed contact areas within the recess via two diametrically opposed spring edges;

[0027] - Fig.12 yes Figure 1 A partial front cross-sectional view of a brake caliper in which the Fig.11 The brake pad in the caliper is coupled to a strip spring having only two coupling arms, which are coupled to corresponding axial connecting rods of the caliper body;

[0028] - Fig.13 yes Fig.12 A front view of the spring strip and pad assembly from the rear side of the brake pad, wherein the brake caliper thrust element or piston is shown;

[0029] - Fig.14, Fig.15 and Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of the strip spring and brake pad assembly taken along sections JJ, KK and HH to show the strip spring and pad contacting in two contact areas to avoid contact between the strip spring and pad through a central portion of the strip spring thrust end and a central portion of the plate thrust portion;

[0030] - Fig.17 yes Figure 1 2. A front partial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper in which a brake pad according to a third embodiment can be seen, wherein the thrust portion of the brake pad is arranged at the center of gravity of the pad as a through window portion closed by four sides through the plate and the friction material, wherein the thrust portion has a Figure 5 The same contour portion as the contour portion of the thrust portion of the brake pad shown in ;

[0031] - Fig.18 yes Figure 1 2. A front partial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper in which a brake pad according to a fourth embodiment can be seen, wherein the thrust portion of the brake pad is arranged at the center of gravity of the pad as a through window portion closed by four sides through the plate and the friction material, wherein the thrust portion has a Fig.11 The same contour portion as the contour portion of the thrust portion of the brake pad shown in ;

[0032] - Fig.19 is an isometric view of a brake caliper according to a first embodiment, wherein a strip spring and brake pad assembly according to the invention is provided, in particular the strip spring and brake pad assembly having a single strip spring interacting with two opposing brake pads, wherein the strip spring is connected to a tangential connecting rod of the caliper body, wherein the strip spring is formed by a single spring strip;

[0033] - Fig. 20 yes Fig.19 A top view of the brake caliper in FIG.

[0034] - Fig.21 is an isometric view of a strip spring of a strip spring and pad assembly according to the present invention, the strip spring being suitable for use in Fig.19 Used in brake calipers. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] According to a general embodiment, a spring strip and brake pad assembly for a brake caliper 6 is generally indicated by reference numeral 1 .

[0036] The assembly 1 defines an axial direction AA, a radial direction RR perpendicular to the axial direction AA, and a tangential direction CC perpendicular to both the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR. In the present specification, unless otherwise specified, the axial direction AA, the radial direction RR and the tangential direction CC may be understood to refer to directions that coincide with or are parallel to the axial direction AA, the radial direction RR and the tangential direction CC.

[0037] The assembly 1 comprises a brake pad 5 comprising a plate 10 and a friction material 11 supported by the plate 10. The friction material 11 is adapted to be in contact with a braking surface 4 of a brake disc 3. The brake disc 3 has an axis of rotation XX about which the brake disc 3 rotates, wherein the axis of rotation XX is parallel to the axial direction AA.

[0038] The plate 10 comprises a first tangential outer edge 14 and a second tangential outer edge 15, which are arranged diametrically opposite or mirrored relative to a centerline plane AR. The centerline plane AR is parallel to the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR. According to an embodiment, the first tangential outer edge 14 and the second tangential outer edge 15 extend mainly linearly in the radial direction RR.

[0039] The plate 10 comprises a radially outer edge 16 and a radially inner edge 17. The radially outer edge 16 faces away from the rotation axis XX radially outwards RO at least partially along the radial direction RR. The radially inner edge 17 faces the rotation axis XX radially inwards RI at least partially along the radial direction RR. The radially outer edge 16 comprises the thrust portion 12.

[0040] The assembly 1 comprises a strip spring 2. The strip spring 2 comprises: a coupling portion 8 configured to be connected to a caliper body 7; and at least one spring thrust portion 9 configured to contact the brake pad 5 at the thrust portion 12 to exert an elastic biasing action on the brake pad 5, thereby moving the brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 3, wherein the spring thrust portion 9 is connected to the coupling portion 8. According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 is shaped to be arranged to straddle the brake disc 3 to exert the elastic biasing action on the at least one brake pad 5, thereby biasing the at least one brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 3.

[0041] The thrust portion 12 is delimited at least by a ramp 18. The ramp 18 is inclined at least with respect to the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR. The ramp 18 faces the same side as the friction material 11.

[0042] The inclined portion 18 extends radially and axially away from the friction material 11 between a radially inner edge 19 and a radially outer edge 20 , wherein the radially outer edge 20 extends at least in a radial direction RR and at least in a tangential direction CC so as to intersect the centerline plane AR.

[0043] Advantageously, the radially outer edge 20 comprises at least one first convex portion 21. The first convex portion 21 forms a first concave portion facing radially inwards RI. The first convex portion 21 comprises a first central portion 22, a first side portion 23 and a second side portion 24. The first central portion 22 is disposed between the first side portion 23 and the second side portion 24.

[0044] Advantageously, the strip spring 2 is suitable for at least partially applying the elastic biasing action to the first central portion 22 of the first convex portion 21 through the spring thrust portion 9, thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA to at least be away from the brake disc 3 and avoiding contact with the first side portion 23 and the second side portion 24 of the first convex portion 21.

[0045] By means of the assembly 1 according to the invention, the contact area between the strip spring 2 and the brake pad 5 can be limited as much as possible to allow safe contact between the strip spring and the pad and to allow the pad to move away from the brake disc when an efficient braking action is completed.

[0046] According to an embodiment, the radially outer edge 20 comprises at least one second convex portion 25 forming a second recess facing radially inwards RI. According to an embodiment, the radially outer edge 20 comprises at least one concave portion 29 forming a third recess facing radially outwards RO. According to an embodiment, the concave portion 29 is centrally located with respect to the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25, the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25 being tangentially external with respect to the concave portion 29.

[0047] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 exerts the elastic biasing action on the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25 , thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA at least away from the brake disc 3 and avoiding contact with the concave portion 29 .

[0048] According to an embodiment, the second convex portion 25 comprises a second central portion 26 , a third side portion 27 and a fourth side portion 28 , wherein the second central portion 26 is interposed between the third side portion 27 and the fourth side portion 28 .

[0049] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 is suitable for at least partially applying the elastic biasing action on the second central portion 26 of the second convex portion 25 through the spring thrust portion 9, thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA to at least be away from the brake disc 3 and avoiding contact with the third side portion 27 and the fourth side portion 28 of the second convex portion 25.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 applies the elastic biasing action on the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25, thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA to at least be away from the brake disc 3, only contacting the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25, and avoiding contact with the brake pad 5 at other positions through the spring thrust portion 9.

[0051] By means of the strip spring and brake pad assembly 1, only two contact and sliding areas can be formed between the brake pad and the strip spring to allow the pad to retract when the braking action is completed.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 is adapted to exert the elastic biasing action on the brake pad 5 via the spring thrust portion 9, thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA at least away from the brake disc 3 and biasing the brake pad 5 in the radial direction RR.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the concave portion 29 is radially internal with respect to the first convex portion 21 and the second convex portion 25 , wherein the concave portion 29 intersects the centerline plane AR.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the radial outer edge 20 extends along a longitudinal edge direction GG which is U-shaped at the center so as to be at least partially inclined relative to both the radial direction RR and the tangential direction CC, and which is linear in the lateral direction and parallel to the tangential direction CC.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 comprises a first spring edge 30 and a second spring edge 31 arranged tangentially opposite to each other. According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 contacts the first convex portion 21 via the first spring edge 30 and contacts the second convex portion 25 via the second spring edge 31.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 comprises a radially inner face 32, which faces radially inwards RI towards the brake pad 5. According to an embodiment, the radially inner face 32 extends along the tangential direction CC between a first spring edge 33 and a second spring edge 34. According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 is in contact with the first convex portion 21 via the first spring edge 33 and with the second convex portion 25 via the second spring edge 34. According to an embodiment, the first spring edge 33 and the second spring edge 34 are rounded.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 comprises a thrust end 35 configured to contact the brake pad 5, wherein the thrust end 35 defines a thrust portion width 36. According to an embodiment, there is a first tangential distance along the tangential direction CC or a direction parallel to the tangential direction CC between the second side portion 24 of the first convex portion 21 and the fourth side portion 28 of the second convex portion 25. According to an embodiment, there is a second tangential distance along the tangential direction CC or a direction parallel to the tangential direction CC between the first side portion 23 of the first convex portion 21 and the third side portion 27 of the second convex portion 25. According to an embodiment, the thrust portion width 36 is greater than the first tangential distance and less than the second interference distance, such that the thrust end 35 interferes with the first central portion 22 and the second central portion 27, thereby being self-centered relative to the thrust portion 12. According to an embodiment, the thrust portion width 36 is equal to the central tangential distance between the first central portion 22 and the second central portion 27 along the tangential direction CC, such that the spring thrust portion 9 is self-centered on the thrust portion 12 .

[0058] By means of contact between only two tangentially opposite regions of the spring thrust portion 9 and the brake pad thrust portion 12 , a self-centering strip spring on the brake pad can be achieved, allowing a highly simplified assembly.

[0059] Furthermore, by means of contact between only two tangentially opposite regions of the spring thrust portion 9 and the brake pad thrust portion 12, a planar retraction of the brake pad is allowed, thereby avoiding that various parts of the friction material piece wear differently during retraction of the brake pad.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the first central portion 22 is radially outer with respect to the first side portion 23 and the second side portion 24. According to an embodiment, the first central portion 22 intersects the centerline plane AR. According to an embodiment, the first central portion 22 forms a radially outer top portion of the radially outer edge 20. According to an embodiment, the first central portion 22 is the radially outermost portion of the radially outer edge 20.

[0061] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 is adapted to apply the elastic biasing action only to the first central portion 22 of the first convex portion 21 through the spring thrust portion 9 , thereby biasing the brake pad 5 at least away from the brake disc 3 in the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the radially outer edge 20 comprises two concave portions 29, which are arranged tangentially opposite to the at least one first convex portion 21, wherein the first convex portion 21 is radially located outside with respect to the two concave portions 29. The strip spring 2 is adapted to exert the elastic biasing action on the first convex portion 21 through the spring thrust portion 9, thereby avoiding contact with the two concave portions 29.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 comprises a thrust end 35, which is configured to contact the brake pad 5. The thrust end 35 defines a thrust portion width 36. Each of the two concave portions 29 is substantially U-shaped. Each concave portion 29 has a radial minimum, wherein a concave portion distance is defined between the radial minimums of the two concave portions 29, wherein the thrust portion width 36 is substantially equal to the concave portion distance.

[0064] By means of the arrangement of the thrust portion 12 of the brake pad 5, which includes a central convex portion forming the radially outermost portion of the thrust portion 12, the contact between the strip spring 2 and the brake pad can be limited to a single contact and sliding area to allow excellent mutual contact and positioning of the strip spring and the pad, thereby allowing the pad to move away from the disk with high responsiveness immediately after the braking action is completed.

[0065] According to an embodiment, said plate 10 comprises a free front surface 37 surrounding the piece of friction material 11. The free front surface 37 faces the same side as the piece of friction material 10.

[0066] According to an embodiment, said plate 10 comprises a back 38 delimiting the plate 10 on a side axially opposite to the piece of friction material 11. Said back 38 is adapted to face towards a thrust element 45 of the brake calliper 6.

[0067] According to an embodiment, said radially inner edge 19 is defined by the intersection of said inclined portion 18 and said free front surface 37 .

[0068] According to an embodiment, said thrust portion 12 is delimited by an axial edge 39 extending along said axial direction AA between said inclined portion 18 and said back portion 38. According to an embodiment, said axial edge 39 extends linearly in a manner parallel to the axial direction AA.

[0069] According to an embodiment, said radially outer edge 20 is defined by the intersection of said inclined portion 18 and said axial edge 39 .

[0070] According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 includes a thrust end portion 35 suitable for contacting the brake pad 5, wherein the thrust end portion 35 is bent by a spring angle relative to the radial direction RR in an opposite direction relative to the brake pad 5, and wherein the inclined portion 18 is inclined by an inclined portion angle relative to the radial direction RR, wherein the inclined portion angle is smaller than the spring angle to avoid contact between the inclined portion 18 and the strip spring 2.

[0071] According to an embodiment, said radially inner edge 19 extends along a longitudinal direction parallel to the extension direction of the radially outer edge 20 .

[0072] According to an embodiment, said plate 10 comprises an impact portion 13. According to an embodiment, said axial edge 38 forms said impact portion 13.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 comprises an abutment portion 68 adapted to abut against the impact portion 13 by forming a support on the region of the impact portion 13, thereby preventing any sliding of the spring thrust portion 9 when the strip spring 2 is subjected to external action. According to an embodiment, the abutment portion 68 is biased to bend when the abutment portion 68 abuts against the impact portion 13. According to an embodiment, the abutment portion 68 extends from the spring body 46 in a cantilevered manner.

[0074] According to an embodiment, in the operating state, the abutment portion 68 is never in contact with the impact portion 13. According to an embodiment, the abutment portion 68 tends to move away from the impact portion 13 as the wear of the friction material piece progresses.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the plate 10 defines a spring housing 40 adapted to accommodate the spring thrust portion 9. The spring housing 40 extends through at least one plate thickness. The plate 10 comprises a first side seating wall 41 and a second side seating wall 42 connected to the thrust portion 12 and extending from the thrust portion 12 at least in a radial direction RR, thereby delimiting the spring housing 40 tangentially on opposite sides. According to the embodiment, the spring housing 40 is delimited radially inwards RI by the thrust portion 12 along the radial direction RR.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the spring receptacle 40 is open radially outward RO in a radial direction RR.

[0077] According to an embodiment, said spring housing 40 is closed by a radially inner wall 43 facing radially inwards RI.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the spring housing 40 is closed by a radial inner wall 43 facing radially inwards RI, wherein the spring housing 40 passes through the brake pad 5 to arrange the thrust portion 12 close to the center of gravity of the friction material 10 .

[0079] By positioning the thrust portion 12 of the brake pad 5 close to the center of gravity or thrust center of the brake pad 5, the spring force can be applied to the central portion of the brake band of the disc, thereby allowing the brake pad to be retracted in a highly balanced manner. In addition, deformation of the pad can be limited as much as possible.

[0080] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 includes a spring body 46 .

[0081] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 comprises at least a first coupling arm 47 and a second coupling arm 48 configured to couple the strip spring 2 to the caliper body 6. Each coupling arm 47, 48 extends from a central spring portion 50 to a respective coupling end 49.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the first coupling arm 47 and the second coupling arm 48 are substantially U-shaped bends.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 comprises at least one first thrust arm 51 extending from the central spring portion 50 to the spring thrust portion 9. According to an embodiment, the spring thrust portion 9 has a corresponding thrust end 35. According to an embodiment, the at least one first thrust arm 51 is formed as a branch with two U-shaped bends or V-shaped bends.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the first thrust arm 51 includes: a first flat thrust section 54, which mainly extends along the axial direction AA; a second flat thrust section 55, which is connected to the first flat thrust section 54 through a first curved thrust section 52, so that the second flat thrust section 55 is inclined relative to the radial direction RR and bent toward the central spring portion 50; and a third flat thrust section 56, which is connected to the second flat thrust section 55 through a second curved thrust section 53, so that the third flat thrust section 56 is inclined relative to the radial direction RR and bent toward the central spring portion 50.

[0085] According to an embodiment, the abutment portion 68 extends from the first thrust arm 51 away from the spring thrust portion 9 in a cantilevered manner.

[0086] According to an embodiment, said strip-shaped spring body 2 is obtained from a shaped and bent blank sheet having a predetermined spring thickness forming a spring strip.

[0087] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 and the spring thrust portion 9 are bent in orthogonal folding planes.

[0088] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 is formed in one piece with the spring thrust portion 9. For example, the coupling portion 8 is made as a tongue in the spring body 46, such as for example Fig.21 , in which the tongue is in a lateral position relative to the thrust portion 9; or as shown in Fig.19 As shown in , in which the tongue is formed in the strip-shaped body of the thrust portion 9, leaving a tongue opening.

[0089] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 and the spring thrust portion 9 are bent on coincident or parallel folding planes. According to an embodiment, the first coupling arm 47 and the second coupling arm 48 are configured to surround a tangential connecting rod 63 parallel to the brake disc 3. According to an embodiment, the strip spring comprises the first coupling arm 47 and the second coupling arm 48, and in the case of a brake pad having a thrust portion provided with two support areas, the strip spring does not comprise an additional coupling arm, thereby allowing the coupling between the strip spring and a self-centering pad.

[0090] According to an embodiment, the strip spring 2 comprises a first spring strip 57 and a second spring strip 58 connected to each other at the central spring portion 50 , wherein the first spring strip 57 forms the spring thrust portion 9 and the second spring strip 58 forms the coupling portion 8 .

[0091] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 comprises a third coupling arm 59 and a fourth coupling arm 60. According to an embodiment, the third coupling arm 59 cooperates with the first coupling arm 47 to constrain the strip spring 2 to a first axial connecting rod 61 of the caliper body 6 arranged to straddle the brake disc 3, and the fourth coupling arm 60 cooperates with the second coupling arm 48 to constrain the strip spring 2 to a second axial connecting rod 62 of the caliper body 6 arranged to straddle the brake disc 3. It is thus possible to center the strip spring 2 relative to the thrust portion 12 of the brake pad, which has a single convex portion forming the radially outermost portion, thereby allowing a single contact area between the brake pad 5 and the strip spring 2 to be obtained.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the coupling portion 8 and the spring thrust portion 9 extend in mutually orthogonal directions. According to an embodiment, an axial connecting rod tangential distance is defined between the first axial connecting rod 61 and the second axial connecting rod 62, wherein the axial connecting rod tangential distance is measured relative to the center of each axial connecting rod 61, 62, or between the respective faces or edges of the axial connecting rods 61, 62 facing each other along the tangential direction CC. According to an embodiment, the axial connecting rod tangential distance is between three times and one and a half times the thrust portion width 36 of the spring thrust portion 9. According to an embodiment, the axial connecting rod tangential distance is at least equal to the thrust portion width 36.

[0093] The invention also relates to a brake calliper denoted by reference numeral 6 .

[0094] The brake caliper 6 comprises a caliper body 7, which is adapted to be arranged to straddle the brake disc 3. The caliper body 7 comprises a first elongated element 64, a second elongated element 65, a first connecting bridge 66 and a second connecting bridge 67, which connect the first elongated element 64 and the second elongated element 65 on opposite sides in the tangential direction.

[0095] The brake caliper 6 comprises a strip spring and pad assembly 1 according to any of the preceding embodiments.

[0096] The brake pad 5 is directly or indirectly supported by the caliper body 7 and accommodated in the caliper body 7 .

[0097] The brake calliper 6 comprises a thrust element or piston 45 housed in the first elongated element 64 and / or in the second elongated element 65 to bias at least the brake pad 5 towards the brake disc 3 .

[0098] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 6 includes a first axial connecting rod 61 and a second axial connecting rod 62, and the first axial connecting rod 61 and the second axial connecting rod 62 connect the first elongated element 64 to the second elongated element 65 along the axial direction AA, wherein the strip spring 2 is connected to the first axial connecting rod 61 and the second axial connecting rod 62, thereby avoiding connection to the first connecting bridge 66 and / or the second connecting bridge 67; preferably, the strip spring 2 is connected to the first axial connecting rod 61 and the second axial connecting rod 62 as an undercut, thereby avoiding connection to the first connecting bridge 66 and / or the second connecting bridge 67.

[0099] According to an embodiment, the first axial connecting rod 61 and the second axial connecting rod 62 have an axial connecting rod tangential dimension or an axial connecting rod tangential thickness 70, which is less than the thrust portion width 36 of the thrust portion 9. According to an embodiment, each axial connecting rod tangential dimension or tangential thickness is measured as the distance between two tangentially opposite faces of the corresponding axial connecting rod 61, 62, preferably, each axial connecting rod tangential dimension or tangential thickness is measured as the distance between the areas where the two tangentially opposite faces are further separated.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the first 61 and the second 62 axial connecting rods extend beyond the first 64 and the second 65 elongated elements so as to form reinforcing ribs 72 in a reinforcing plane parallel to the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 6 includes a tangential connecting rod 63, which connects the first connecting bridge 66 to the second connecting bridge 67 along the tangential direction CC, so as to be located above the brake disc 3, wherein the strip spring 2 is connected to the tangential connecting rod 63, preferably, the strip spring 2 is connected to the tangential connecting rod 63 as an undercut.

[0102] According to an embodiment, the tangential connecting rod 63 has a tangential connecting rod axial dimension or a tangential connecting rod axial thickness 71, which is smaller than the thrust portion width 36 of the thrust portion 9. According to an embodiment, the tangential connecting rod axial dimension or the tangential connecting rod axial thickness 71 is measured as the distance between two axially opposite faces of the tangential connecting rod 63, preferably, the tangential connecting rod axial dimension or the tangential connecting rod axial thickness 71 is measured as the distance between the areas where the two axially opposite faces are further separated.

[0103] The invention also relates to a brake pad, indicated by reference numeral 5. Said brake pad 5 defines an axial direction AA, a radial direction RR perpendicular to the axial direction AA, and a tangential direction CC perpendicular to both said axial direction AA and said radial direction RR.

[0104] The brake pad 5 comprises a plate 10 and a friction material 11 supported by the plate 10, wherein the friction material 11 is adapted to be in contact with a braking surface 4 of a brake disc 3, wherein the brake disc 3 has a rotation axis XX about which the brake disc 3 rotates, wherein the rotation axis XX is parallel to the axial direction AA.

[0105] The plate 10 comprises a first tangential outer edge 14 and a second tangential outer edge 15 which are arranged diametrically opposite or mirrored relative to a centre line plane AR which is parallel to the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR.

[0106] The plate 10 comprises a radially outer edge 16 facing away from the rotation axis XX at least partially radially outwards RO along the radial direction RR and a radially inner edge 17 facing at least partially radially inwards RI along the radial direction RR towards the rotation axis XX.

[0107] The radially outer edge 16 comprises a thrust portion 12 adapted to come into contact with the strip spring 2 to receive an elastic bias away from the brake disc 3. The thrust portion 12 is delimited at least by an inclined portion 18, wherein the inclined portion 18 is inclined at least with respect to the axial direction AA and the radial direction RR, wherein the inclined portion 18 faces the same side as the friction material 11. The inclined portion 18 extends radially and axially away from the friction material 11 between a radially inner edge 19 and a radially outer edge 20. The radially outer edge 20 comprises at least a first convex portion 21, wherein the first convex portion 21 forms a first concave portion facing radially inwards RI. The first convex portion 21 includes a first central portion 22, a first side portion 23 and a second side portion 24, wherein the first central portion 22 is disposed between the first side portion 23 and the second side portion 24, so that the strip spring 2 is suitable for at least partially applying the elastic biasing action to the first central portion 22 of the first convex portion 21, thereby biasing the brake pad 5 in the axial direction AA to at least be away from the brake disc 3 while avoiding contact with the first side portion 23 and the second side portion 24 of the first convex portion 21.

[0108] According to an embodiment, the brake pad 5 is the brake pad of the strip spring and pad assembly 1 described above.

[0109] Reference numerals list

[0110] 1 Spring strip and brake pad assembly

[0111] 2 Strip springs

[0112] 3 Brake disc

[0113] 4 Braking surfaces

[0114] 5 Brake pads

[0115] 6 Brake calipers

[0116] 7 Caliper body

[0117] 8 Connection part

[0118] 9 Flexible thrust part

[0119] 10 Plates

[0120] 11 Friction material

[0121] 12 Thrust section

[0122] 13 Impact part

[0123] 14. Cut to the outer edge

[0124] 15 Second tangential outer edge

[0125] 16 Radial outer edge

[0126] 17 Radial inner edge

[0127] 18 Inclined part

[0128] 19 Radial inner edge

[0129] 20 Radial outer edge

[0130] 21 First convex part

[0131] 22 First Central Section

[0132] 23 First side section

[0133] 24 Second side section

[0134] 25 Second convex part

[0135] 26 Second Central Section

[0136] 27 Third side section

[0137] 28 Fourth side section

[0138] 29 Concave part

[0139] 30 First spring edge

[0140] 31 Second spring edge

[0141] 32 Radial inner surface

[0142] 33 First spring edge or first radial inner thrust portion edge

[0143] 34 Second spring edge or second radial inner thrust portion edge

[0144] 35 Thrust end

[0145] 36 Thrust section width

[0146] 37 Free front surface of plate

[0147] 38 Back of board

[0148] 39 Axial edge

[0149] 40 Spring receiving portion

[0150] 41 first side seating portion wall

[0151] 42 Second side seating portion wall

[0152] 43 Radial inner wall

[0153] 44 Plate thickness

[0154] 45 Thrust element or piston

[0155] 46 Spring body

[0156] 47 First connecting arm

[0157] 48 Second connecting arm

[0158] 49 Connection end

[0159] 50 Central spring section

[0160] 51 First thrust arm

[0161] 52 Thrust section of the first bend

[0162] 53 Thrust section of the second bend

[0163] 54 First flat thrust section

[0164] 55 Thrust section of the second plane

[0165] 56 The third flat thrust section

[0166] 57 First spring body with

[0167] 58 Second spring body with

[0168] 59 Third connecting arm

[0169] 60 Fourth connecting arm

[0170] 61 First axial connecting rod

[0171] 62 Second axial connecting rod

[0172] 63 Tangential connecting rod

[0173] 64 first elongated element

[0174] 65 Second elongated element

[0175] 66 First connecting bridge

[0176] 67 Second connecting bridge

[0177] 68 Abutment

[0178] 69 Pad support and sliding pin

[0179] XX Rotation axis

[0180] AA Axial direction

[0181] RR Radial direction

[0182] CC Tangential direction

[0183] TT Circumferential direction

[0184] AR Centerline Plane

[0185] RI Radial Inward

[0186] RO radial outward

[0187] GG Longitudinal edge direction

[0188] E Spring Angle

[0189] F is the angle of the inclined portion.

Claims

1. A strip spring and brake pad assembly (1) for a brake caliper (6), in, The component (1) defines an axial direction (AA), a radial direction (RR) perpendicular to the axial direction (AA), and a tangential direction (CC) perpendicular to both the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), Wherein, the component (1) comprises: - a brake pad (5), said brake pad (5) comprising a plate (10) and a friction material (11) supported by said plate (10), wherein said friction material (11) is adapted to come into contact with a braking surface (4) of a brake disc (3), wherein said brake disc (3) has an axis of rotation (XX) about which said brake disc (3) rotates, wherein said axis of rotation (XX) is parallel to said axial direction (AA), wherein the plate (10) comprises a first tangential outer edge (14) and a second tangential outer edge (15), wherein the first tangential outer edge (14) and the second tangential outer edge (15) are arranged diametrically opposite or mirrored relative to a centerline plane (AR), wherein the centerline plane (AR) is parallel to the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), wherein the plate (10) comprises a radially outer edge (16) and a radially inner edge (17), wherein the radially outer edge (16) at least partially faces radially outwards (RO) along the radial direction (RR) away from the rotation axis (XX), wherein the radially inner edge (17) at least partially faces radially inwards (RI) along the radial direction (RR) towards the rotation axis (XX), wherein the radial outer edge (16) comprises a thrust portion (12), Wherein, the component (1) comprises: - a strip spring (2), the strip spring (2) comprising a coupling portion (8) and at least one spring thrust portion (9), the coupling portion (8) being configured to be connected to the caliper body (7), the spring thrust portion (9) being configured to be in contact with the brake pad (5) at the thrust portion (12) to exert an elastic biasing action on the brake pad (5) so as to move the brake pad (5) away from the brake disc (3), wherein the spring thrust portion (9) is connected to the coupling portion (8), wherein the thrust portion (12) is bounded by at least an inclined portion (18), wherein the inclined portion (18) is inclined at least with respect to the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), wherein the inclined portion (18) faces the same side as the friction material piece (11), wherein the inclined portion (18) extends radially and axially away from the friction material piece (11) between the radial inner edge (19) and the radial outer edge (20), wherein the radial outer edge (20) extends at least along the radial direction (RR) and at least along the tangential direction (CC) so as to intersect the centerline plane (AR), wherein the radially outer edge (20) comprises at least one first convex portion (21), wherein the first convex portion (21) forms a first concave portion facing radially inward (RI), wherein the first convex portion (21) comprises a first central portion (22), a first side portion (23) and a second side portion (24), wherein the first central portion (22) is disposed between the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24), The strip spring (2) is suitable for applying the elastic biasing action at least partially to the first central portion (22) of the first convex portion (21) through the spring thrust portion (9), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) along the axial direction (AA) to at least be away from the brake disc (3) and avoid contact with the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24) of the first convex portion (21).

2. A spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, in, The radially outer edge (20) comprises at least one second convex portion (25) forming a second concave portion facing radially inwards (RI), wherein the radially outer edge (20) comprises at least one concave portion (29) forming a third recess facing radially outwards (RO), wherein the concave portion (29) is located in the center relative to the first convex portion (21) and the second convex portion (25), The spring thrust portion (9) applies the elastic biasing action to the first convex portion (21) and the second convex portion (25), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) along the axial direction (AA) to at least be away from the brake disc (3) and avoid contact with the concave portion (29).

3. The spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, said assembly (1) comprising at least one of the following: in, The second convex portion (25) comprises a second central portion (26), a third side portion (27) and a fourth side portion (28), wherein the second central portion (26) is disposed between the third side portion (27) and the fourth side portion (28), wherein the strip spring (2) is adapted to apply the elastic biasing action at least partially to the second central portion (26) of the second convex portion (25) via the spring thrust portion (9), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) in the axial direction (AA) at least away from the brake disc (4) while avoiding contact with the third side portion (27) and the fourth side portion (28) of the second convex portion (25), and / or wherein the spring thrust portion (9) applies the elastic biasing action to the first convex portion (21) and the second convex portion (25), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) in the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR) to at least be away from the brake disc (3), to only contact the first convex portion (21) and the second convex portion (25), and to avoid contact with the brake pad (5) at other positions through the spring thrust portion (9), And / or wherein the concave portion (29) is radially inward relative to the first convex portion (21) and the second convex portion (25), wherein the concave portion (29) intersects the centerline plane (AR).

4. The spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, said assembly (1) comprising one or more of the following features: in, The spring thrust portion (9) comprises a first spring edge (30) and a second spring edge (31) which are arranged tangentially opposite to each other, wherein the spring thrust portion (9) contacts the first convex portion (21) via the first spring edge (30) and contacts the second convex portion (25) via the second spring edge (31), and / or wherein the spring thrust portion (9) comprises a radially inner surface (32), the radially inner surface (32) facing radially inwardly (RI) towards the brake pad (5), wherein the radial inner surface (32) extends along the tangential direction (CC) between a first spring edge (33) and a second spring edge (34), wherein the spring thrust portion (9) contacts the first convex portion (21) via the first spring edge (33) and contacts the second convex portion (25) via the second spring edge (34), and / or wherein the spring thrust portion (9) comprises a thrust end portion (35), the thrust end portion (35) being configured to contact the brake pad (5), wherein the thrust end portion (35) defines a thrust portion width (36), wherein a first tangential distance exists between the second side portion (24) of the first convex portion (21) and the fourth side portion (28) of the second convex portion (25) along the tangential direction (CC) or in a direction parallel to the tangential direction (CC), wherein a second tangential distance exists between the first side portion (23) of the first convex portion (21) and the third side portion (27) of the second convex portion (25) along the tangential direction (CC) or in a direction parallel to the tangential direction (CC), The thrust portion width (36) is greater than the first tangential distance and less than the second interference distance, so that the thrust end (35) interferes with the first central portion (22) and the second central portion (27), thereby being self-centered relative to the thrust portion (12).

5. The strip spring and brake pad assembly (1) according to claim 1, in, The first central portion (22) is radially outer relative to the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24), wherein the first central portion (22) intersects the centerline plane (AR), wherein the first central portion (22) forms a radially outer top portion of the radially outer edge (20), wherein the first central portion (22) is the radially outermost portion of the radially outer edge (20), The strip spring (2) is adapted to apply the elastic biasing action only to the first central portion (22) of the first convex portion (21) through the spring thrust portion (9), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) in the axial direction (AA) to at least be away from the brake disc (3).

6. A strip spring and brake pad assembly (1) according to the preceding claim or according to claim 1, said assembly (1) comprising one or more of the following features: in, The first convex portion (21) is a curved portion of the thrust portion (12), the curved portion forming the radially outermost portion of the thrust portion (12), and / or where The radially outer edge (20) comprises two concave portions (29) which are arranged tangentially opposite to each other with respect to the at least one first convex portion (21), wherein the first convex portion (21) is radially located outside with respect to the two concave portions (29), The strip spring (2) is adapted to exert the elastic biasing action on the first convex portion (21) through the spring thrust portion (9), thereby avoiding contact with the two concave portions (29).

7. A spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The plate (10) comprises a free front surface (37) surrounding the piece of friction material (11), wherein the free front surface (37) faces the same side as the friction material piece (11), wherein the plate (10) comprises a back portion (38) which delimits the plate (10) on the side axially opposite to the friction material (11), wherein the back portion (38) is adapted to face a thrust element (45) of the brake caliper (6), wherein the radially inner edge (19) is defined by the intersection of the inclined portion (18) and the free front surface (37), wherein the thrust portion (12) is bounded by an axial edge (39) extending along the axial direction (AA) between the inclined portion (18) and the back portion (38), wherein the radial outer edge (20) is defined by the intersection of the inclined portion (18) and the axial edge (39), wherein the spring thrust portion (9) comprises a thrust end portion (35) adapted to contact the brake pad (5), wherein the thrust end portion (35) is bent by a spring angle (E) relative to the radial direction (RR) in a direction opposite to the brake pad (5), and wherein the inclined portion (18) is inclined by an inclined portion angle (F) relative to the radial direction (RR), wherein the inclined portion angle (F) is smaller than the spring angle (E) to prevent contact between the inclined portion (18) and the strip spring (2).

8. A spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The plate (11) defines a spring receiving portion (40), the spring receiving portion (40) being adapted to receive the spring thrust portion (9), wherein the spring receiving portion (40) penetrates at least one plate thickness, wherein the plate (11) comprises a first side seating wall (41) and a second side seating wall (42), wherein the first side seating wall (41) and the second side seating wall (42) are connected to the thrust portion (12) and extend from the thrust portion (12) at least in the radial direction (RR), thereby tangentially delimiting the spring receiving portion (40) from opposite sides, wherein the spring receiving portion (40) is bounded radially inwardly (RI) along the radial direction (RR) by the thrust portion (12), The spring receiving portion (40) is open radially outward (RO) along the radial direction (RR) or is closed by a radial inner wall (43) facing radially inward (RI), and the brake pad (5) passes through the spring receiving portion (40), so that the thrust portion (12) is arranged close to the center of gravity of the friction material member (10) or the thrust center of the brake pad (5).

9. A spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The strip spring (2) comprises a spring body (46), wherein the coupling portion (8) comprises at least a first coupling arm (47) and a second coupling arm (48), wherein the first coupling arm (47) and the second coupling arm (48) are configured to couple the strip spring (2) to the caliper body (6), wherein each coupling arm (47, 48) extends from a central spring portion (50) to a respective coupling end portion (49), wherein the first coupling arm (47) and the second coupling arm (48) are substantially U-shaped bends, The strip spring (2) comprises at least one first thrust arm (51), which extends from the central spring part (50) to the spring thrust part (9), wherein the spring thrust part (9) has a corresponding thrust end (35).

10. The spring strip and brake pad assembly (1) according to the preceding claim, said assembly (1) comprising one or more of the following features: in, The strip spring (2) is obtained from a formed and folded blank sheet with a predetermined spring thickness forming a strip spring, wherein the coupling portion (8) is formed in one piece with the spring thrust portion (9), for example, the engagement portion (8) is made as a projection in the spring body (46), wherein the coupling portion (8) and the spring thrust portion (9) are folded into coinciding or parallel folding planes, wherein the first coupling arm (47) and the second coupling arm (48) are configured to surround a tangential connecting rod (63), which is parallel to the brake disc (3), or wherein the strip spring (2) comprises a first spring strip (57) and a second spring strip (58), the first spring strip (57) and the second spring strip (58) being connected to each other at the central spring portion (50), wherein the first spring strip (57) forms the spring thrust portion (9), and wherein the second spring strip (58) forms the coupling portion (8), And / or wherein the connecting portion (8) comprises a third connecting arm (59) and a fourth connecting arm (60), wherein the third connecting arm (59) cooperates with the first connecting arm (47) to constrain the strip spring (2) to a first axial connecting rod (61) of the caliper body (6), the first axial connecting rod (61) being positioned to straddle the brake disc (3), and wherein the fourth connecting arm (60) cooperates with the second connecting arm (48) to constrain the strip spring (2) to a second axial connecting rod (62) of the caliper body (6), the second axial connecting rod (62) being arranged to straddle the brake disc (3), wherein the connecting portion (8) and the spring thrust portion (9) extend in mutually orthogonal directions.

11. A brake caliper (6), comprising: A caliper body (7), the caliper body (7) being adapted to be placed upright so as to straddle a brake disc (3), wherein the caliper body (7) comprises a first elongated element (64), a second elongated element (65), a first connecting bridge (66) and a second connecting bridge (67), the first connecting bridge (66) and the second connecting bridge (67) connecting the first elongated element (64) and the second elongated element (65) from opposite sides in a tangential direction; at least one strip spring and pad assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake pad (5) is supported by the caliper body (7) and is accommodated in the caliper body (7); a thrust element or piston (45), the thrust element or piston (45) being accommodated in the first elongated element (64) and / or in the second elongated element (65) to at least bias the brake pad (5) toward the brake disc (3).

12. Brake caliper (6) according to the preceding claim, comprising one or more of the following: The brake caliper (6) comprises a first axial connecting rod (61) and a second axial connecting rod (62), which connect the first elongated element (64) to the second elongated element (65) in the axial direction (AA), wherein: The strip spring (2) is engaged with the first axial connecting rod (61) and the second axial connecting rod (62), thereby avoiding engagement with the first connecting bridge (66) and / or the second connecting bridge (67), or - the brake caliper (6) comprises a tangential connecting rod (63) connecting the first connecting bridge (66) to the second connecting bridge (67) along the tangential direction (CC) so as to be suspended above the brake disc (3), wherein the strip spring (2) engages with the tangential connecting rod (63); and / or wherein the first axial connecting rod (61) and the second axial connecting rod (62) have an axial connecting rod tangential dimension or an axial connecting rod tangential thickness (70), which is smaller than the thrust portion width (36) of the thrust portion (9), wherein the first axial connecting rod (61) and the second axial connecting rod (62) extend over the first elongated element (64) and the second elongated element (65) to form a reinforcing rib (72) in a reinforcing plane parallel to the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), And / or wherein the tangential connecting rod (63) has a tangential connecting rod axial dimension or a tangential connecting rod axial thickness (71), and the tangential connecting rod axial dimension or the tangential connecting rod axial thickness (71) is smaller than the thrust portion width (36) of the thrust portion (9), and / or wherein the tangential distance between the first axial connecting rod (61) and the second axial connecting rod (62) is between three times and one and a half times the thrust portion width (36) of the spring thrust portion (9).

13. A brake pad (5) for a brake caliper (7), wherein: The brake pad (5) defines an axial direction (AA), a radial direction (RR) and a tangential direction (CC), the radial direction (RR) being perpendicular to the axial direction (AA), the tangential direction (CC) being perpendicular to both the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), The brake pad (5) comprises a plate (10) and a friction material (11) supported by the plate (10), wherein the friction material (11) is adapted to be in contact with a braking surface (4) of a brake disc (3), wherein the brake disc (3) has a rotation axis (XX) about which the brake disc (3) rotates, wherein the rotation axis (XX) is parallel to the axial direction (AA), wherein the plate (10) comprises a first tangential outer edge (14) and a second tangential outer edge (15), wherein the first tangential outer edge (14) and the second tangential outer edge (15) are arranged diametrically opposite or mirrored relative to a centerline plane (AR), wherein the centerline plane (AR) is parallel to the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), wherein the plate (10) comprises a radially outer edge (16) and a radially inner edge (17), wherein the radially outer edge (16) at least partially faces radially outwards (RO) along the radial direction (RR) away from the rotation axis (XX), wherein the radially inner edge (17) at least partially faces radially inwards (RI) along the radial direction (RR) towards the rotation axis (XX), wherein the radial outer edge (16) comprises a thrust portion (12) adapted to contact the strip spring (2) to receive an elastic bias away from the brake disc (3), wherein the thrust portion (12) is bounded by at least an inclined portion (18), wherein the inclined portion (18) is inclined at least with respect to the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), wherein the inclined portion (18) faces the same side as the friction material piece (11), wherein the inclined portion (18) extends radially and axially away from the friction material piece (11) between the radial inner edge (19) and the radial outer edge (20), wherein the radial outer edge (20) extends at least along the radial direction (RR) and at least along the tangential direction (CC) so as to intersect the centerline plane (AR), wherein the radially outer edge (20) comprises at least one first convex portion (21), wherein the first convex portion (21) forms a first concave portion facing radially inwards (RI), The first convex portion (21) comprises a first central portion (22), a first side portion (23) and a second side portion (24), wherein the first central portion (22) is disposed between the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24), so that the strip spring (2) is suitable for applying the elastic biasing action at least partially to the first central portion (22) of the first convex portion (21), thereby biasing the brake pad (5) along the axial direction (AA) to at least be away from the brake disc (3) while avoiding contact with the first side portion (23) and the second side portion (24) of the first convex portion (21).

Images