Floating brake caliper of disc brake

Abstract

The invention relates to a floating brake caliper of a disc brake, comprising: a carrier or support element connected to a vehicle, and a caliper body comprising a first caliper body portion delimiting at least one receiving seat for a thrust device; the caliper body includes a second caliper body portion protruding from the first caliper body portion at least in the axial direction; at least one caliper body sliding guide disposed between the caliper body and the bracket to allow relative sliding between the caliper body and the bracket in an axial direction; at least two pads, each pad positionable on one side of the brake disc facing opposite brake surfaces of the brake band; at least one pad guide pin to which the pad is slidably mounted to allow the pad to slide in an axial direction along the pad guide pin; and at least one elastic member that exerts an elastic biasing effect on the pad by which the caliper body is slid in the axial direction in a direction in which the second caliper body portion is moved away from the brake disc.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a floating brake caliper and to a disc brake comprising such a caliper. Background Art

[0002] In a floating caliper disc brake, the brake caliper is typically arranged to straddle the outer peripheral edge of the brake disc. The brake caliper generally comprises a body having two elongate elements or parts which are arranged to face opposite braking surfaces of the disc. Friction pads are provided between each elongate element of the caliper and the braking surface of the brake disc. At least one of the elongate elements of the caliper body has at least one actuator, such as a cylinder adapted to receive a hydraulic piston, which hydraulic piston is capable of exerting a thrust action on the pad to urge the pad against the braking surface of the disc, thereby applying a braking action to the vehicle.

[0003] The brake caliper is typically constrained to a support structure which is held firmly connected to the vehicle, for example, the support structure is held firmly connected to the vehicle's suspension, and more particularly, in the case of a motorcycle for example, the support structure is held firmly connected to the fork or swing arm of the suspension.

[0004] In a typical arrangement, one of the two elongate elements has two or more attachment portions for attaching the caliper body to the support structure, for example by providing axially arranged slots or eyelets or radially arranged through holes adapted to receive screws for fixing the caliper, the screws being received in threaded holes provided in the caliper support via the ends of the screws.

[0005] In a typical caliper body structure, the elongate elements arranged to face the braking surfaces of the disc are interconnected by a bridge-like element straddling the disc.

[0006] In particular, service and / or parking disc brakes include a brake disc that rotates with the vehicle's wheel. The brake pads face the brake disc and are received in a brake caliper arranged to straddle the brake disc. The pads are biased directly or indirectly against opposite braking surfaces of the brake disc by various types of actuating means, the various types of actuating means including hydraulic means, or in particular in the case of a parking brake, lever means.

[0007] In particular, in a floating caliper disc brake, the brake pad on one side, typically the side facing the vehicle, is displaced relative to the caliper because the brake pad is biased towards the pad by a thrust means, such as a piston housed in the caliper body, and by the brake fluid pressurized by the command of the vehicle driver towards the pad.

[0008] The brake pads located on the other side of the disc, e.g., the side facing the wheel, are typically fixed relative to the caliper. To provide a clamping force on both sides of the disc, the caliper body moves axially relative to the brake disc when the brake is actuated so that the brake pads fixed to the caliper come into contact with the brake disc. The caliper body also moves axially relative to the brake disc to allow for wear of the pads and the disc. Such disc brakes are known, for example, from US-A-4 685 686 and from EP3633224, JP2017214962, JP2019128023, WO2020189356.

[0009] To achieve this, the caliper is typically mounted on a brake carrier or a brake support or a bracket by means of two guide pins.

[0010] In a typical caliper construction, the bracket defines a sliding system for the pads, which is equipped with sliding elastomers and is for resisting braking torque. The disadvantage of such a sliding system is that it requires the manufacture of a relatively large number of components and manufacturing processes. The typical construction of the pad sliding system defined in the bracket is also relatively heavy.

[0011] Another disadvantage of known calipers is related to the fact that, due to the overall geometry of the caliper body having a generally "U-shaped" construction also known as a "fist-shaped" construction, the caliper body is prone to high deformation and is also difficult to customize aesthetically except by adding an aesthetic plate, which is typically coupled to the side of the caliper body that is exposed to view during use. The application of the above-mentioned aesthetic plate has the disadvantage of requiring the development of ad-hoc coupling devices for coupling the aesthetic plate to the caliper body.

[0012] In a brake caliper, it is known to provide a disc brake elastomer consisting of a central part and two end parts, where the end parts rest against the pads so as to elastically bias the pads away from each other, thus ensuring separation of the pads from the brake disc after each braking action.

[0013] Known elastomers are typically used to achieve a triple effect:

[0014] - reducing vibration of the pads;

[0015] - moving the pads away from the brake disc to reduce or eliminate residual braking torque (residual torque) resulting from unwanted contact between the pads and the brake disc when the brake is deactivated;

[0016] - achieving uniform wear of the friction linings of the pads.

[0017] Typically, known elastomers are held in their operating position by fixing the central part of the elastomer to the caliper body.

[0018] In particular, the elastic members of the prior art generally include one or more connecting legs, which are formed at the central part of the elastic member and are adapted to connect the elastic member to the caliper at a coupling portion formed on the caliper body.

[0019] A disadvantage of these known solutions in which the elastic member is connected to the caliper body or the pad is due to the fact that these solutions cannot ensure the correct centering of the caliper body relative to the brake band of the brake disc at the end of the braking action, which can have a negative impact on the residual torque. Summary of the Invention

[0020] The general object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows solving or at least partially eliminating the disadvantages described above with reference to the brake caliper of the prior art.

[0021] In addition to or in place of the above object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows improving the performance of the brake caliper in terms of residual torque, particularly at the end of the braking action.

[0022] In addition to or in place of the above object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a solution that improves the robustness of the brake caliper by allowing a reduction in the degree of deformation of the caliper body, preferably also by improving the aesthetics of the caliper itself, compared to the solutions of the prior art.

[0023] In addition to or in place of the above object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows reducing the number of components and / or the number of processes required for manufacturing the brake caliper and particularly the associated pad sliding system.

[0024] In addition to or in place of the above object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows reducing the weight of the brake caliper.

[0025] In addition to or in place of the above object, a specific object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows processing the seat for the thrust device of the caliper using standard tools without resorting to angled tools, which would increase the processing difficulty and time while reducing the scope of application.

[0026] These and other objects are achieved by a brake caliper as defined in claim 1 in its broadest form and in the dependent claims in several specific embodiments. The present invention also relates to a brake disc as defined in claim 15. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] To better understand the present invention and appreciate its advantages, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] - Figure 1 is a perspective view of a floating brake caliper according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0029] - Figure 2 is Figure 1 another perspective view of the caliper in

[0030] - Figure 3 is Figure 1 a top plan view of the caliper in

[0031] - Figure 4 is Figure 1 a bottom plan view of the caliper in

[0032] - Figure 5 is Figure 1 a front plan view of the brake caliper in

[0033] - Figure 6 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the caliper body of the brake caliper in

[0034] - Figure 7 is Figure 1 a side plan view of the brake caliper in

[0035] - Figure 8 is according to Figure 5 a cross-sectional plan view of the brake caliper taken along line Q-Q in

[0036] - Figure 9 is a plan view of a disc brake including the brake caliper in Figure 1 in which a cross-section of the brake caliper taken along line P-P in Figure 5 is shown, and in which the brake band of the brake disc of the disc brake is schematically and partially depicted;

[0037] - Figure 10 is Figure 9 an enlarged detail of

[0038] - Figure 11 is Figure 1 a perspective view of the elastic member of the brake caliper in

[0039] - Figure 12 is Figure 11 a side plan view of the elastic member in

[0040] - Figure 13 is Figure 1Bottom perspective view of a part of a brake caliper, in which an Figure 11 elastic member in it is shown;

[0041] - Figure 14 is Figure 1 front elevation plan view of a pad of the brake caliper in it;

[0042] - Figure 15 is Figure 1 perspective view of a support element or bracket of the brake caliper in it;

[0043] - Figure 16 is Figure 1 perspective view in which a guide pin of a pad of the brake caliper in Figure 6 is coupled with a sliding guide of a caliper body in it;

[0044] - Figure 17 is Figure 16 perspective view of the guide pin of the pad shown in it;

[0045] - Figure 18 is Figure 16 perspective view of the caliper body sliding guide shown in it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to Figures 1 to 18 , the disc brake is generally denoted by reference numeral 100, and in particular, the disc brake is for use on a motor vehicle. Specifically, the disc brake is a floating caliper type disc brake.

[0047] The disc brake 100 includes a floating brake caliper 1 and a brake disc 4, wherein the brake disc 4 defines a rotational axis 10. The caliper 1 includes: a bracket or support element or support 2 of the brake, which is configured to be connected to the vehicle; and a caliper body or floating element 3. According to an embodiment, the bracket 2 is fixed to the vehicle suspension, and the brake disc 4 provided with an annular brake band can be connected to the vehicle hub (not shown).

[0048] The brake disc 4 is a rotor adapted to rotate about the rotational axis 10, and the rotational axis 10 defines: an axial direction A-A parallel to the rotational axis 10, a radial direction R-R orthogonal to the rotational axis 10, and a circumferential direction C-C orthogonal to the axial direction A-A and the radial direction R-R. According to an embodiment, the rotational axis 10 also defines a tangential direction T-T, which is precisely orthogonal to the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C at the intersection of the radial direction R-R and the circumferential direction C-C.

[0049] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 3 includes a first caliper part or the vehicle-side part 3.1 of the caliper body. The first caliper body part 3.1 delimits at least one seat 5 for the thrust device 5a. According to an embodiment, the thrust device 5a includes at least one actuator 5a, such as a hydraulic cylinder-piston assembly 5a, and the at least one actuator 5a is, for example, received in the at least one seat 5. According to an embodiment, the first caliper body part 3.1 delimits two seats 5, and the aforementioned thrust device 5a is received in the two seats 5.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 3 further includes a second caliper part or the cantilever caliper body part 3.2, wherein the second caliper body part 3.2 projects from the first caliper body part 3.1 at least in the axial direction A-A. In particular, according to an embodiment, the second caliper body part 3.2 projects from the first caliper body part 3.1 at least in the axial direction A-A on the side opposite to the vehicle. According to an embodiment, the first caliper body part 3.1 and the second caliper body part 3.2 are arranged to face opposite braking surfaces 4a of the brake disc 4.

[0051] According to an embodiment, the second caliper body portion 3.2 includes a first portion 3a, a second portion 3b, and a third portion 3c of the second caliper body portion 3.2. The first portion 3a of the second caliper body portion 3.2 is opposite to the first caliper body portion 3.1, and the first portion 3a of the second caliper body portion 3.2 is spaced apart from the first caliper body portion 3.1 in the axial direction A-A. According to an embodiment, the first caliper body portion 3.1 and the first portion 3a of the second caliper body portion 3.2 are arranged to face opposite braking surfaces of the brake disc 4. The second portion 3b and the third portion 3c of the second caliper body portion 3.2 are arranged opposite to each other and extend at least along the axial direction A-A to connect the first caliper body portion 3.1 and the first portion 3a of the second caliper body portion 3.2. The first caliper body portion 3.1 and the above-mentioned first portion 3a, second portion 3b, and third portion 3c of the second caliper body portion 3.2 are joined together to form a closed ring-shaped member that extends around or bounds the accommodation space 3.3 of the pad 6 of the caliper 1. In practice, according to an embodiment, the first caliper body portion 3.1 and the above-mentioned first portion 3a, second portion 3b, and third portion 3c of the second caliper body portion 3.2 are joined together to form a substantially frame-shaped portion of the caliper body 3, wherein the first caliper body portion 3.1 and the above-mentioned first portion 3a, second portion 3b, and third portion 3c of the second caliper body portion 3.2 each correspond to a frame side of the frame-shaped portion of the caliper body 3. Advantageously, this configuration of the caliper body 3 allows for a significant improvement in the stiffness of the caliper body by reducing the deformation of the caliper body 3 under the operating conditions of the caliper 1. In addition, this configuration of the caliper body 3 allows for an improvement in the aesthetics of the caliper body 3. In fact, the frame-shaped portion of the caliper body 3 not only makes the design of the caliper body more aesthetically pleasing, but also allows the first portion 3a of the caliper body to be shaped to form more available space on which a possible logo can be applied, for example, by directly engraving the logo on the caliper body without applying a cosmetic plate to apply the possible logo.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the second caliper body portion 3.2 includes a bridge-shaped connecting portion 3d that connects the first caliper body portion 3.1 and the first portion 3a of the second caliper body portion 3.2 such that the caliper body 3 is adapted to be arranged to straddle the brake disc 4.

[0053] According to a preferred embodiment, the second caliper body part 3.2 includes a first part 3a of the second caliper body part 3.2, which is arranged opposite to the first caliper body part 3.1 and is spaced apart from the first caliper body part 3.1 in the axial direction A-A. In addition, the second caliper body part 3.2 includes a bridge-like connecting part 3d, which connects the first caliper body part 3.1 and the first part 3a of the second caliper body part 3.2 such that the caliper body 3 is adapted to be arranged to straddle the brake disc 4.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the first part 3a of the second caliper body part 3.2 includes at least one through-opening for processing or a front discharge through-opening 3.4, and the at least one through-opening for processing or the front discharge through-opening 3.4 is arranged to face the at least one receiving seat 5 for the thrust device 5a. The at least one through-opening for processing or the front discharge through-opening 3.4 is configured to be penetrated by a tool to allow the tool to process the inner surface of the at least one receiving seat 5 for the thrust device 5a. According to an embodiment, the at least one opening 3.4 is a circular opening. According to an embodiment, the at least one opening 3.4 has a diameter corresponding to the diameter of the cylinder-piston assembly received in the receiving seat 5. According to an embodiment, the first part 3a includes two through-openings for processing 3.4. Advantageously, the presence of at least one through-opening for processing 3.4 allows the at least one receiving seat 5 to be processed using a standard tool.

[0055] The caliper 1 includes at least one caliper body sliding guide or caliper body guide pin 11. According to an embodiment, the caliper 1 includes two caliper body sliding guides or caliper body guide pins 11, and the two caliper body sliding guides or caliper body guide pins 11 are arranged on opposite sides with respect to the pad 6 or on opposite sides in the circumferential direction C-C. The pad 6 will be described hereinafter in this specification. The at least one caliper body sliding guide 11 is arranged between the caliper body 3 and the bracket 2 to allow relative sliding between the caliper body 3 and the bracket 2 along the axial direction A-A. In other words, the at least one brake caliper sliding guide 11 is directly or indirectly supported by the bracket 2 to allow relative sliding between the caliper body 3 and the bracket 2 along the axial direction A-A. According to the embodiment to be described hereinafter in this specification, the at least one caliper body sliding guide 11 is indirectly supported by the bracket 2, for example, by at least one pad guide pin 12.

[0056] The caliper 1 includes at least two pads or clutch pads 6, each of the at least two pads or clutch pads 6 having a friction material lining 8 and a support plate 7 made of, for example, steel. Each of the at least two pads 6 can be positioned on one side of the brake disc 4 of the disc brake 100 such that the at least two pads 6 face opposite braking surfaces 4a of the braking band 4b of the brake disc 4.

[0057] According to a possible embodiment, the support plate 7 of each pad 6 is preferably substantially planar. According to an embodiment, the support plate 7 has a central portion 7a and is preferably formed with two ears 7b projecting outwardly from the support plate 7. In particular, according to an embodiment, the two ears 7b extend outwardly from the support plate 7 in the circumferential direction C-C. According to an embodiment, each of the ears 7b is formed with a coupling seat 13. According to an embodiment, each ear 7b forms and defines a coupling portion 37 of the support plate 7. The central portion 7a preferably has a substantially distorted rectangular shape. This central portion 7a has an upper edge 7.1 and a lower edge 7.2 opposite the upper edge 7.1. Preferably, the upper edge 7.1 is substantially convex, while the lower edge 7.2 is substantially concave. According to an embodiment, each pad 6 includes one or more holes 9, preferably provided in the plate 7 and outside the area where the friction material member 8 is provided, more preferably provided in the ears 7b. Each hole 9 is for receiving a respective pad guide pin 12 of the caliper 1 preferably with a certain clearance, and the pad guide pin 12 will be described in more detail hereinafter in this specification. According to a possible embodiment, each pad is provided with two such holes 9, and the brake caliper 1 is provided with two pins 12. According to an advantageous embodiment, the holes 9 are provided according to the solution described in the patent application with the publication number WO 2010010583 of Freni Brembo SpA. Conveniently, this geometry of the holes 9 allows preventing or at least limiting the noise (clattering noise) generated by the pads 6 hitting each other.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the pad 6 is mounted to be suspended from the at least one pad guide pin 12. In other words, according to an embodiment, the lower edge 7.2 of the pad 6 is a free edge. In other words, according to an embodiment, the lower edge 7.2 of the pad 6 does not contact or prevent contact with other components of the caliper 1. In other words, according to an embodiment, each pad 6 is configured to slide only along the at least one pad guide pin 12, and more preferably, each pad 6 is configured to slide along two pad guide pins 12. According to an embodiment, the pad 6 is prevented from being fixed to the caliper body 3.

[0059] The pad 6 can be displaced towards the brake disc 4 mainly in the axial direction A-A (parallel to the rotation axis 10 of the brake disc 4) by means of the above-mentioned thrust device 5a, so as to clamp a part of the brake band 4b by means of the friction material piece 8. The surface and shape of the brake band 4b preferably correspond to the surface and shape of the friction material piece 8.

[0060] The caliper 1 includes the aforementioned at least one pad guide pin 12, and the at least one pad guide pin 12 is supported by the bracket 2. According to an embodiment, the pad guide pin 12 is directly or indirectly supported by the bracket 2. According to the embodiment shown in the drawings and described in more detail hereinafter in this specification, the at least one guide pin 12 is directly supported by the bracket 2. The at least one pin 12 extends in the axial direction A-A. The pad 6 is slidably mounted to the at least one pad guide pin 12 to allow the pad 6 to slide along the pad guide pin 12 in the axial direction A-A. According to an embodiment, the pad 6 is slidably mounted to two pad guide pins 12 to allow the pad 6 to slide along the two pad guide pins 12 in the axial direction A-A.

[0061] The caliper 1 includes at least one elastic member (spring) 15, which is shaped to be arranged to straddle the disc brake 4. The elastic member 15 exerts an elastic biasing action on the pad 6 so as to elastically bias the pad 6 away from the brake disc 4. In addition, the elastic member 15 exerts an elastic biasing action on the pad 6 so as to bias the caliper body 3 through at least one of the pads 6, causing the caliper body 3 to slide in the axial direction A-A in a direction away from the brake disc 4 along the second caliper body portion 3.2. Advantageously, the elastic member 15 is connected to the at least one pad guide pin 12 in addition to being connected to the pad 6. According to an embodiment, in particular, the elastic member 15 is only connected to the pad 6 and the pad guide pin 12. In fact, by connecting the at least one elastic member 15 to the corresponding pad guide pin 12, the elastic member 15 can advantageously be held in a predetermined position relative to the fixed element of the caliper 1, specifically the pad guide pin 12, so as to allow the pad 6 to be centered relative to the center line plane 4c of the brake disc 4 and thus the caliper body 3 to be centered relative to the center line plane 4c of the brake disc 4 at the end of the braking action carried out particularly by the pad 6, wherein the pad 6 is arranged to be axially away from the thrust device 5a, the thrust device 5a pushes the second part 3.2 of the caliper body 3, and the center line plane 4c is orthogonal to the rotation axis of the brake disc 4. In other words, according to an embodiment, when the pressure on the brake disc 4 is released, the elastic member 15 returns to the initial position corresponding to the deactivated braking state, causing the pad 6 to move symmetrically away from the pad guide pin portion 12 fixed to the pad 6, thereby ensuring that the pad 6 and the caliper body 3 are centered relative to the brake disc 4.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the caliper 1 includes two elastic members 15, and the two elastic members 15 are adapted to be arranged to straddle the brake disc 4 so as to elastically bias the pads 6 away from the brake disc 4. Each of the two elastic members 15 is configured to be directly connected only to the pad 6 and the corresponding pad guide pin 12. According to an embodiment, the two elastic members 15 are connected to opposite side portions of the two pads 6. According to an embodiment, each elastic member 15 is removably coupled or hooked to the pad 6 and the corresponding pad guide pin 12.

[0063] According to an embodiment, the at least one elastic member 15 is a one-piece wire elastic member. According to an embodiment, in particular, the elastic member 15 is a wire elastic member made of, for example, a metal wire having a circular or rectangular cross-section, such as a steel wire.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the pad guide pin 12 includes a pin coupling seat 12a, and the elastic member 15 is connected to the pin coupling seat 12a. According to an embodiment, the pin coupling seat 12a is located at a predetermined portion of the pad guide pin 12 for alignment or approximate alignment with the center line plane 4c of the brake band 4b of the brake disc 4, and the center line plane 4c is orthogonal to the axial direction A-A or orthogonal to the rotation axis 10 of the brake disc 4. According to an embodiment, when the pad 6 assumes an initial configuration corresponding to the deactivated braking state (e.g., Figure 3 or Figure 4 ), the pin coupling seat 12a is located at a position centered with respect to the support plates of the two pads 6 in the axial direction A-A.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 15 defines an elastic member symmetry plane 16 and includes two side elastic member coupling portions or side elastic member arms 17 and a central elastic member coupling portion or central elastic member arm 41 or is composed of two side elastic member coupling portions or side elastic member arms 17 and a central elastic member coupling portion or central elastic member arm 41. According to an embodiment, the elastic member 15 is arranged such that the elastic member symmetry plane 16 coincides or substantially coincides with the center line plane 4c of the brake band 4b of the brake disc 4. The central portion 41 is disposed between the side elastic member coupling portions 17 and is connected to such side coupling portions 17. According to an embodiment, the central portion 41 is connected to the side portions 17 by a pair of connecting portions 18, and the pair of connecting portions 18 preferably extend at least partially along the axial direction A-A. According to an embodiment, the central coupling portion 41 extends mainly or completely along a direction parallel to the elastic member symmetry plane 16. According to an embodiment, the side coupling portions or side elastic member arms 17 are configured to be coupled to the corresponding ears 7b of the two pads 6. According to an embodiment, the side coupling portions 17 are symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane 16, and the side coupling portions 17 are configured to be coupled to the corresponding two opposite plate coupling portions 37 of the pad 6.

[0066] According to an embodiment, each of the two side connection portions or side elastic arm members 17 is connected to the central elastic connection portion by a respective connection portion 18 and / or by a first connection member 19 having a helical profile. According to an embodiment, the first connection member 19 has a helical profile, wherein at least one first connection turn 35 forms an angle of at least 360°.

[0067] According to an embodiment, each of the side connection portions or side elastic arm members 17 is generally “Z”-shaped or “S”-shaped, and each of the side connection portions or side elastic arm members 17 includes:

[0068] - a first vertical portion or first radial portion 21a;

[0069] - a second diagonal portion or second inclined portion 21b;

[0070] - a recess 22.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the second diagonal portion 21b is inclined with respect to the first vertical portion 21a, and the recess 22 is disposed between the first vertical portion 21a and the second diagonal portion 21b. According to an embodiment, the recess 22 is generally transverse to the first vertical portion 21a and the second diagonal portion 21b.

[0072] According to an embodiment, the recess 22 is configured to be located on a respective connection seat 13 of the ear portion 7b.

[0073] According to an embodiment, the first vertical portion 21a of each of the side connection portions or side elastic arm members 17 is connected to the recess 22 at a first end of the first vertical portion 21a by a second connection member 24, wherein the second connection member 24 is preferably shaped as an annular member or an arc-shaped member.

[0074] According to an embodiment, the second end of the vertical portion 21a is connected to a hook-shaped end 23.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 15 is configured such that, in the operating position, each of the side connection portions or side elastic arm members 17 is disposed between the pad 6 and the brake disc 4.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the side connection portions 17 of the elastic member 15 are shaped to exhibit only a curvature about axes that are generally parallel to each other and generally parallel to the symmetry plane 16 of the elastic member 15.

[0077] According to an embodiment, the elastic member 15 is elastically deformable by relative movement of the connection portions 17, wherein the connection portions 17 are movable relative to the central elastic connection portion 41 through respective pads 6.

[0078] The central elastic member coupling portion 41 is configured to couple or connect to the pin coupling seat 12a.

[0079] According to one embodiment, the side coupling portions 17 are arranged or generally arranged in the axial direction A - A, and the central elastic member coupling portion 41 is an inclined portion that projects relative to the side coupling portions 17 along the circumferential direction C - C to couple to or hook onto the coupling seat 12a.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the central elastic member coupling portion 41 includes an end coupling portion 42, which is preferably hook - shaped and surrounds a major part or substantially completely surrounds the outer peripheral portion of the pin coupling seat 12a.

[0081] According to one embodiment, the central coupling portion 41 includes a pair of parallel portions 43. Each of the pair of parallel portions 43 is connected to a corresponding side coupling portion 17, preferably connected to the corresponding side coupling portion 17 through a corresponding connecting portion 18. According to one embodiment, the parallel portions 43 are symmetric with respect to the symmetry plane 16 of the elastic member 15. According to one embodiment, the parallel portions 43 continue into the end coupling portion 42 and are preferably connected together by an end connecting portion 44, which defines the end of the end portion 42.

[0082] According to one embodiment, the central elastic member coupling portion 41 and the pin coupling seat 12a are configured to hold the central elastic member coupling portion 41 in a fixed position or a substantially fixed position in the pin coupling seat 12a. In particular, according to one embodiment, the central coupling portion 41 is fitted onto the coupling seat 12a.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the pin coupling seat 12a is a recessed pin portion bounded in the axial direction A - A by a pair of opposing shoulders 12b. In particular, according to one embodiment, the coupling seat 12a includes a portion with a reduced cross - section or a reduced diameter of the pin 12. At least a portion of the central elastic member coupling portion 41 is received in the above - mentioned recessed pin portion so as to be placed between the opposing shoulders 12b, thereby preventing or substantially preventing the central elastic member coupling portion 41 from sliding along the pad guiding pin 12 in the axial direction A - A.

[0084] According to one embodiment, in a cross - section of each plate coupling portion 37 in a plane including the axial direction A - A and the radial direction R - R, each plate coupling portion 37 includes:

[0085] - an inner lower edge 25, which is adapted to face the brake disc 4 or the axis of rotation 10 of the disc in a radially inward direction;

[0086] - an inner upper edge 26, which is adapted to face the brake disc 4 or the opposite of the axis of rotation 10 of the disc in a radially outward direction.

[0087] According to one embodiment, the inner upper edge 26 is arranged on the opposite side in the radial direction to the inner lower edge 25.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the inner upper edge 26 continues into the upper surface 27 pointing in the axial direction A - A parallel to the axis of rotation of the disc 10, thereby forming the upper edge 29 of the connection part of the plate and the elastic member.

[0089] In particular, according to one embodiment, each side elastic member connection part 17 is always in contact with the following:

[0090] - the inner lower edge 25; and

[0091] - the upper edge 29 of the connection part of the plate and the elastic member.

[0092] More particularly, according to one embodiment, each side elastic member connection part 17 is always in contact with the following:

[0093] - the inner lower edge 25; and

[0094] - the upper edge 29 of the connection part of the plate and the elastic member.

[0095] According to one embodiment, the upper surface 27 continues into the outer upper edge 28, which is adapted to face the opposite direction with respect to the brake disc 4.

[0096] According to one embodiment, each elastic member 15 is always in contact with the upper inner edge 26 or the upper surface 27 or the upper outer edge 28.

[0097] According to one embodiment, each of the two elastic members 15 is respectively connected to the ear 7b of the first pad 6 and the ear 7b of the other pad 6, facing the ear 7b of the first pad directly or indirectly.

[0098] According to one embodiment, at least one plate coupling portion 37 includes: an upper edge 29 of the coupling portion where the plate is coupled to the elastic member, an inner portion 33 of the pad coupling portion, and a lower edge 34 of the coupling portion where the plate is coupled to the elastic member, the inner portion 33 being adapted to face the brake disc 4 directly or indirectly, the lower edge 34 including an inner lower edge 25. The inner upper edge 25 extends into an upper surface 39 directed in the axial direction A-A parallel to the rotation axis of the disc 10.

[0099] According to one embodiment, the upper edge 29 of the coupling portion that couples the plate to the elastic member includes an upper edge elastic member seat, which is shaped to be tightly coupled to the side coupling portion or the side elastic member arm 17.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the lower edge 34 of the coupling portion of the plate to the elastic member includes a lower edge elastic member seat, which is shaped to be tightly coupled to the side coupling portion or the side elastic member arm 17.

[0101] According to one embodiment, the side portion 33 of the inner pad coupling portion includes an inner elastic member seat, which is shaped to be tightly coupled to the side coupling portion or the side elastic member arm 17.

[0102] According to one embodiment, when observed in a plane containing the axial direction A-A and the radial direction R-R, at least one elastic member 15 is generally in an "M" shape ( Figure 12 ).

[0103] According to one embodiment, the caliper body 3 includes at least one receiving recess 30, which extends in the caliper body 3 in the axial direction A-A and the radial direction R-R, and at least one of the side elastic member coupling portions 17 in the side elastic member coupling portions is at least partially received in the receiving recess. Advantageously, at least one receiving recess 30 allows the creation of an operating space facilitating the assembly and operation of the elastic member 15, while allowing the overall dimensions of the caliper in the axial direction A-A to remain small.

[0104] According to one embodiment, the receiving recess 30 is obtained in the second caliper portion 3.2. According to one embodiment, the receiving recess 30 has an open radially outer portion 31 and an opposite radially inner portion 32 bounded by the wall 32a of the caliper body 3. According to one embodiment, at least a part of the side elastic member coupling portion 17 received in the receiving recess 30 is spaced apart from the caliper body 3. In other words, at least a part of the side elastic member coupling portion 17 received in the receiving recess 30 does not contact the caliper body 3 or avoids contacting the caliper body 3.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the bracket 2 includes a bracket body 2.1 configured to extend from only one side of the brake disc 4. Advantageously, this shape and arrangement of the bracket body 2.1 allow for weight reduction and improved appearance of the caliper 1. Additionally, the geometry of the bracket body 2.1 advantageously allows for an increase in the surface area of the friction material 8 of the pad 6 without overly increasing the weight of the caliper 1, as is the case with floating calipers where the bracket is arranged to straddle the brake disc. In fact, since the bracket body 2.1 does not have the side portions typically present in brackets configured to straddle the brake disc, the corresponding volume can be used to increase the surface of the pad friction material. According to one embodiment, the bracket body 2.1 comprises or consists of the following: two bracket support arms 2a and a bracket connection portion 2b connecting the bracket support arms 2a. In particular, according to one embodiment, the bracket body 2.1 has a generally "C" - shaped form. According to one embodiment, the bracket body 2.1 extends parallel to or substantially parallel to a plane orthogonal to the rotational axis 10 of the brake disc 4.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the body 2.1 of the bracket 2 is disposed between the pad 6 and the caliper body sliding guide 11, and the pad 6 is biased by a thrust device 5a, i.e., the pad 6 is arranged to be axially closer to the first caliper body portion 3.1. More particularly, according to one embodiment, the bracket body 2.1 is disposed between the pad guide pin 12 and the caliper body sliding guide 11.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the bracket 2 includes a bracket mounting element 2.3 or a bracket mounting hole 2.3. Preferably, the bracket 2 includes two bracket mounting elements or bracket mounting holes 2.3. At least one bracket mounting element 2.3 is configured to allow the bracket 2 to be rigidly connected to the vehicle suspension by a connecting device such as, for example, a screw or a bolt and nut.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the bracket 2 includes at least one bracket connection portion 2.2. According to one embodiment, the bracket 2 includes two bracket connection portions 2.2, each bracket connection portion being provided on a corresponding bracket support arm 2a. In one embodiment, at least one bracket connection portion 2.2 delimits a corresponding bracket connection through - hole or bracket connection channel 2.4 along the axial direction A - A. In one embodiment, the bracket connection through - hole 2.4 extends between a first bracket opening 2.5 and a second bracket opening 2.6. In one embodiment, the first bracket opening 2.5 faces the first caliper body portion 3.1, while the second bracket opening 2.6 faces the opposite side.

[0109] According to one embodiment, the pad guide pin 12 is connected to and coaxial with the caliper body guide pin 11. Advantageously, providing such an integrated system for sliding the pad 6 and guiding the caliper body 3 ensures a reduction in the components and processes required for manufacturing the guide systems for the pad and the caliper body. According to one embodiment, the pad guide pin 12 is reversibly connected to the caliper body guide pin 11.

[0110] According to one embodiment, at least one pad guide pin 12 includes a coupling end portion 12.1 that passes through the first bracket connection through-hole 2.4 and is removably coupled to the caliper body guide pin 11. According to one embodiment, the coupling end portion 12.1 includes a first segment 12.2 that extends into the bracket connection through-hole 2.4 and a second end segment 12.3 that extends outside the bracket connection through-hole to be coupled to a mating coupling seat 11.1 provided in the caliper body guide pin 11. According to one embodiment, the first segment 12.2 only extends into the bracket connection through-hole 2.4. According to one embodiment, the second end segment 12.2 only extends outside the bracket connection through-hole 2.4.

[0111] According to one embodiment, the second end segment 12.3 is a threaded segment and the mating coupling seat 11.1 is a threaded coupling seat, and the second end segment 12.3 is screwed into the threaded coupling seat. According to one embodiment, the first segment 12.2 and the connection through-hole 2.4 are non-threaded. In other words, according to one embodiment, the first segment 12.2 and the bracket connection through-hole 2.4 form a shaft / hole type of coupling with a clearance. Thus, advantageously, it is possible to prevent the pad pin 12 from being accidentally unscrewed when the caliper body guide pin 11 is unscrewed, for example if the pad 6 needs to be replaced.

[0112] According to one embodiment, at least one pad guide pin 12 includes a contact portion or contact flange 12.4 that is adapted to abut against the bracket 2 on one side of the second bracket opening 2.6 when the pad guide pin 12 and the caliper body guide pin 11 are coupled together.

[0113] According to one embodiment, the caliper body 3 includes at least one caliper body hole 3.6, which is arranged facing an end portion 12.5 of at least one pad guide pin 12, and this end portion 12.5 is opposite to the coupling end portion 12.1. According to one embodiment, the hole 3.6 is adapted to receive the end portion 12.5 after the pad 6 wears. In fact, during the wear of the friction material 8, the caliper body 3 retracts, and the pad guide pin 12 is fitted into the hole 3.6. According to an alternative embodiment, the hole 3.6 can accommodate at least one bearing, preferably a self-lubricating bearing. Such a bearing will be adapted to receive and guide the corresponding pad guide pin 12 to increase stiffness. In this way, in addition to performing the function of guiding the pad 6, the pad guide pin 12 will also resist the deformation or distortion of the caliper body 3 at the same time.

[0114] According to one embodiment, the end portion 12.5 of the pad guide pin 12 includes a manipulation seat 12.6, such that the end portion 12.5 can be accessed through the hole 3.6 and can be manipulated by a tool that can be inserted through the hole 3.6.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the caliper body guide pin 11 includes a first end portion 11.2 on the axial inner side and a second end portion 11.3 on the axial outer side. According to one embodiment, when the pad guide pin 12 and the caliper body guide pin 11 are coupled together, the first end portion 11.2 on the axial inner side is adapted to abut against the bracket 2 on one side of the first bracket opening 2.5. According to one embodiment, the axial inner end portion 11.2 includes a mating coupling seat 11.1.

[0116] According to an alternative embodiment (not shown), the pad guide pin 12 and the caliper body sliding pin 11 can be made as a single piece. In this case, the pad guide pin 12 and the caliper body sliding pin 11 will respectively correspond to the pad guiding portion 12 and the caliper body sliding portion of a single pin 11, 12, and this pin 11, 12 has the functions of both a pad sliding guide and a caliper body sliding guide at the same time.

[0117] According to one embodiment, the axial outer second end portion 11.3 of the caliper body guide pin 11 includes a manipulation seat 11.4, such that the end portion 11.3 can be manipulated by the user and / or a tool to couple the caliper body guide pin 11 with the pad guide pin 12 or to disconnect the caliper body guide pin 11 from the pad guide pin 12.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the caliper body guide pin 11 includes a pin sliding portion 11.5. The pin sliding portion 11.5 is slidably received in a corresponding sliding seat 3.5 formed in the caliper body 3. According to one embodiment, the pin sliding portion 11.5 slides relative to the sliding seat 3.5 into direct contact with the sliding seat 3.5.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the brake caliper 1 includes at least one dust boot 50, 51 associated with at least one caliper body guide pin 11. According to one embodiment, the brake caliper 1 includes a first dust boot 50 and a second dust boot 51 associated with at least one caliper body guide pin 11.

[0120] According to one embodiment, each dust boot 50, 51 is configured to prevent liquid and dust from entering the sliding seat 3.5 and to prevent liquid and dust from contacting the guiding sliding portion 11.5.

[0121] According to one embodiment, each dust boot 50, 51 includes an extensible portion, such as a corrugated portion, which is configured to elastically accommodate the sliding of the caliper body 3 relative to the bracket 2.

[0122] According to one embodiment, the first sleeve 50 is fitted onto the end portion 11.3 of the guide pin 11 and is preferably coupled in a suitable coupling seat provided in the portion 11.3 and in the sliding seat 3.5.

[0123] According to one embodiment, the second sleeve 51 is fitted onto the end portion 11.2 of the guide pin 11 and is preferably coupled in a suitable additional coupling seat provided in the portion 11.2 and in the sliding seat 3.5.

[0124] Based on the above description, it can thus be understood how the floating brake caliper according to the present invention can achieve the object mentioned in the above prior art. Without departing from the principle of the present invention, the embodiments and structural details can be varied in many aspects relative to the description disclosed above only by way of non-limiting example, without departing from the scope of the present invention defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A floating brake caliper (1) of a disc brake (100), the brake caliper comprising: - a bracket or support element (2) configured to be connected to a vehicle, - the caliper body or floating element (3), The caliper body (3) comprises a first caliper body part or a caliper body vehicle side part (3.1), wherein the first caliper body part (3.1) delimits at least one receiving seat (5) for a thrust device (5a); The caliper body (3) comprises a second caliper body part or a cantilever caliper body part (3.2), wherein the second caliper body part (3.2) protrudes from the first caliper body part (3.1) at least in an axial direction (AA); - at least one caliper body sliding guide or caliper body guide pin (11), wherein the at least one caliper body sliding guide (11) is arranged between the caliper body (3) and the bracket (2) to allow relative sliding between the caliper body (3) and the bracket (2) along the axial direction (AA); - at least two pads (6) having a support plate (7) and a friction material lining (8), each of the at least two pads (6) being positionable on one side of a brake disc (4) of the disc brake (100) to face an opposite braking surface (4a) of a brake band (4b) of the brake disc (4); The brake disc (4) is a rotor adapted to rotate about a rotation axis (10), wherein the rotation axis (10) defines: an axial direction (AA) parallel to the rotation axis (10), a radial direction (RR) orthogonal to the rotation axis (10), and a circumferential direction (CC) orthogonal to the radial direction (RR) and the axial direction (AA); - at least one pad guide pin (12) supported by the bracket (2) and extending in the axial direction (AA), the pad (6) being slidably mounted to the pad guide pin (12) to allow the pad (6) to slide along the pad guide pin (12) in the axial direction (AA); - at least one elastic member (15) shaped to be arranged astride the brake disc (4), the elastic member (15) exerting an elastic biasing action on the pads (6) so as to elastically bias the pads (6) away from the brake disc (4) and, by means of at least one of the pads (6), causing the caliper body (3) to slide in the axial direction (AA) in a direction in which the second caliper body part (3.2) moves away from the brake disc (4); Wherein, the elastic member (15) is connected to the pad guide pin (12) in addition to being connected to the pad (6).

2. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1, wherein: The pad guide pin (12) includes a pin coupling seat (12a), the elastic member (15) is connected to the pin coupling seat (12a), and the pin coupling seat (12a) is located at a predetermined pad guide pin portion (12), and the predetermined pad guide pin portion is used to align or approximately align with the centerline plane (4c) of the brake band (4b), and the centerline plane is orthogonal to the axial direction (AA).

3. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The elastic member (15) defines an elastic member symmetry plane (16) and comprises or consists of: two side elastic member coupling portions or lateral elastic member arms (17), and a central elastic member coupling portion or central elastic member arm (41), the central elastic member coupling portion or central elastic member arm (41) being disposed between and connected to the side elastic member coupling portions (17), the side elastic member coupling portions (17) being symmetrical about the elastic member symmetry plane (16) and being configured to be coupled to two corresponding opposite plate coupling portions (37) of the pad (6), the central elastic member coupling portion (41) being configured to be coupled to the pin coupling seat (12a); and / or among them The central elastic member coupling portion (41) extends mainly in a direction parallel to the elastic member symmetry plane (16), or completely in a direction parallel to the elastic member symmetry plane (16).

4. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 3, wherein: The central elastic member coupling portion (41) and the pin coupling seat (12a) are configured to hold the central elastic member coupling portion (41) in a fixed position or a substantially fixed position in the pin coupling seat (12a).

5. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein: The pin coupling seat (12a) is a recessed pin portion which is bounded in the axial direction (AA) by a pair of opposing shoulders (12b), and at least a portion of the central elastic member coupling portion (41) is received in the recessed pin portion so as to be positioned between the opposing shoulders (12b) to prevent or substantially prevent the central elastic member coupling portion (41) from sliding along the pad guide pin (12) in the axial direction (AA).

6. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 5, wherein: The central elastic member coupling portion (41) includes an end coupling portion (42) which is hook-shaped and surrounds a major portion of or substantially completely around the periphery of the pin coupling seat (12a).

7. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastic member (15) is connected only to the pad (6) and the pad guide pin (12).

8. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 3 to 7, wherein: The caliper body (3) comprises at least one accommodating recess (30) extending in the caliper body (3) along the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), and one of the side elastic member coupling parts (17) is at least partially received in the accommodating recess, and / or among them The receiving recess (30) has a radially open outer side (31) and an opposite radial inner side (32), wherein the outer side and the radial inner side are bounded by a wall (32a) of the caliper body (3); and / or among them The at least one elastic member coupling side portion (17) received in the accommodation recess (30) is spaced apart from the caliper body (3).

9. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims 3 to 8, wherein: In a cross section of the plate coupling portions (37) along a plane containing the axial direction (AA) and the radial direction (RR), each of the plate coupling portions (37) comprises: - an inner lower edge (25) adapted to face the brake disc (4) or towards the axis of rotation (10) of the disc in a radially inward direction; - an inner upper edge (26) adapted to face the brake disc (4) in a radially outward direction or opposite to the axis of rotation (10) of the brake disc; - the inner upper edge (26) continues in an upper surface (27) directed according to an axial direction (AA) parallel to the axis of rotation of the disk (10), forming an upper edge (29) of the coupling portion of the plate with the elastic element; And each side elastic member connecting portion (17) is always in contact with: - said inner lower edge (25), and - said upper edge (29) of the coupling portion of said plate to said elastic element.

10. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The elastic member (15) is a one-piece wire elastic member; and / or among them Wherein, the elastic member (15) is a wire elastic member with a circular or rectangular cross-section.

11. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The bracket (2) comprises a bracket body (2.1) which is configured to extend from only one side of the brake disc (4) and to be interposed between the caliper body sliding guide (11) and the pad (6) intended to be biased by the thrust device (5a); and / or among them The support body (2.1) is placed between the pad guide pin (12) and the caliper body sliding guide (11); and / or among them The support body (2.1) comprises or is composed of the following: two support arms (2a) and a support connection portion (2b) connecting the support arms (2a); and / or wherein The support body (2.1) is roughly "C" shaped.

12. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The pad guide pin (12) is connected to the caliper body guide pin (11), and the pad guide pin (12) is coaxial with the caliper body guide pin (11).

13. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 12, wherein: The bracket (2) includes at least one bracket connection portion (2.2), which limits the corresponding bracket connection through hole or bracket connection channel (2.4) along the axial direction (AA), and at least the first pad guide pin (12) includes a connecting end portion (12.1), which passes through the bracket connection through hole (2.4) and is removably connected to the caliper body guide pin (11), and the connecting end portion (12.1) includes a first section (12.2) and a second end section (12.3), the first section (12.2) extends into the bracket connection through hole (2.4), and the second end section (12.3) extends to the outside of the bracket connection through hole to be connected to a matching connecting seat (11.1) provided in the caliper body guide pin (11).

14. Brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The second caliper body part (3.2) comprises a first part (3a), a second part (3b) and a third part (3c) of the second caliper body part (3.2), wherein the first portion (3a) of the second caliper body portion (3.2) is opposite to the first caliper body portion (3.1) in the axial direction (AA) and is spaced apart from the first caliper body portion (3.1), wherein the second portion (3b) and the third portion (3c) of the second caliper body portion (3.2) are opposite to each other and extend at least in the axial direction (AA) to connect the first caliper body portion (3.1) with the first portion (3a) of the second caliper body portion (3.2), wherein the first caliper body part (3.1) and the first part (3a), the second part (3b) and the third part (3c) of the second caliper body part (3.2) are connected together to form a closed loop, and the closed loop extends to surround the accommodating space (3.3) of the pad (6) or to limit the accommodating space (3.3) of the pad (6); and / or among them The second caliper body part (3.2) comprises a bridge-shaped connecting part (3d), the bridge-shaped connecting part (3d) connecting the first caliper body part (3.1) with the first part (3a) of the second caliper body part (3.2), so that the caliper body (3) is suitable for being arranged to straddle the brake disc (4); or among them The second caliper body part (3.2) comprises a first portion (3a) of the second caliper body part (3.2), the first portion (3a) being opposite to the first caliper body part (3.1) in the axial direction (AA) and spaced apart from the first caliper body part (3.1), the second caliper body part (3.2) comprising a bridge-shaped connecting portion (3d), the bridge-shaped connecting portion (3d) connecting the first caliper body part (3.1) with the first portion (3a) of the second caliper body part (3.2), so that the caliper body (3) is suitable for being arranged to straddle the brake disc (4); and / or among them The first part (3a) of the second caliper body part (3.2) includes at least one through-opening (3.4) for processing, which is arranged to face the at least one accommodating seat (5) for the thrust device (5a), and the through-opening for processing is configured to be passed through by a tool for processing the inner surface of the accommodating seat (5) used for the thrust device (5a).

15. A disc brake (100) comprising a caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.

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