Accessory of brake pad and brake caliper

Abstract

As an example, an attachment for a brake pad according to an embodiment is provided with: a base part configured so as to be detachably attached to a back plate of the brake pad by means of an elastic force; a first spring configured to extend from the base portion and press the brake pad in a direction away from the rotor; and an extension portion extending from the base portion, the extension portion having at least one of a wear warning device configured to be in contact with the rotor when a distance between the back plate and the rotor is shorter than a predetermined distance and a second spring configured to be in contact with the rotor when the distance between the back plate and the rotor is shorter than the predetermined distance. The second spring is configured to press the brake pad around a rotation center axis of the rotor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments of the present invention relate to brake pad accessories and brake calipers. Background Technology

[0002] Previously, disc brakes were known to include a brake pad and a spring that causes the brake pad to disengage from the rotor when the brake is released. The spring suppresses drag resistance by disengaging the brake pad from the rotor (Patent Document 1).

[0003] Existing technical documents Patent documents Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 5-272561 Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention However, in conventional designs, the spring is fixed to the brake pad by compression. Therefore, it is difficult to say that installing the spring onto the brake pad, i.e., assigning the function of disengaging the brake pad from the rotor, is a simple task.

[0005] Therefore, the present invention was made in view of the above-mentioned technical problems, and its object is to provide a simple brake pad accessory and brake caliper that adds the function of disengaging the brake pad from the rotor.

[0006] Technical means for solving technical problems As an example, the brake pad accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a base configured to be detachably mounted to a back plate of the brake pad by elastic force; a first spring configured to extend from the base and press the brake pad in a direction away from the rotor; and an extension extending from the base, the extension having at least one of a wear warning device and a second spring, the wear warning device being configured to contact the rotor when the distance between the back plate and the rotor is shorter than a predetermined distance, and the second spring being configured to press the brake pad about the rotational axis of the rotor. Therefore, as an example, the accessory can be easily mounted to the brake pad, and it is easy to add a function to the brake caliper to move the brake pad away from the rotor. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view of the disc brake device according to the first embodiment.

[0008] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the brake caliper of the first embodiment.

[0009] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the brake caliper of the first embodiment.

[0010] Figure 4This is a top view showing the pad assembly of the first embodiment.

[0011] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view that partially shows the pad assembly, mounting base, and pad support of the first embodiment.

[0012] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Line F6-F6 shows a cross-sectional view of the disc rotor, pad assembly, mounting base, and pad support of the first embodiment.

[0013] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing the accessories of the first embodiment.

[0014] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the pad assembly according to the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the brake caliper according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing the accessories of the second embodiment.

[0017] Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the disc rotor, pad assembly, mounting base, and pad support of the second embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0018] (First Implementation) The following is for reference Figures 1 to 9 The first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in this specification, there are various ways of describing the constituent elements involved in the embodiment and their descriptions. The constituent elements and their descriptions are listed together and are not limited to the way they are described in this specification. Constituent elements may also be specified by names different from those described in this specification. Additionally, constituent elements may also be described using methods different from those used in this specification.

[0019] In the following description, "suppression" is defined as: for example, preventing the occurrence of a phenomenon, effect, or influence, or reducing the degree of a phenomenon, effect, or influence. Additionally, in the following description, "restriction" is defined as: for example, preventing movement or rotation, or allowing movement or rotation within a specified range and preventing movement or rotation beyond that specified range.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic front view showing the disc brake device 10 according to the first embodiment. The disc brake device 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1, such as a four-wheeled automobile. However, the disc brake device 10 is not limited to this example. Figure 1As shown, the disc brake device 10 has a disc rotor 11 and a brake caliper 12. The disc rotor 11 is an example of a rotor.

[0021] The disc rotor 11 rotates integrally with the wheels of the vehicle 1 around a central axis Ax. The central axis Ax is, for example, the central axis of the axle, the central axis of the disc rotor 11, and the central axis of rotation of the disc rotor 11. However, the central axis Ax is not limited to this example.

[0022] For ease of explanation, the following definitions define axial, radial, and circumferential directions. Axial direction is along the central axis Ax. Radial direction is orthogonal to the central axis Ax. Circumferential direction is around the central axis Ax.

[0023] Circumferential inclusion Figure 1 The diagram shows the forward rotation direction Dcn and the reverse rotation direction Dcr. The forward rotation direction Dcn is one direction about the central axis Ax. The reverse rotation direction Dcr is the opposite direction about the central axis Ax. When vehicle 1 moves forward, the disc rotor 11 rotates in the forward rotation direction Dcn. On the other hand, when vehicle 1 moves backward, the disc rotor 11 rotates in the reverse rotation direction Dcr.

[0024] The disc rotor 11 has a rotor body 11a and a cap 11b. The rotor body 11a is formed in a disc shape that is substantially orthogonal to the central axis Ax. The cap 11b is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, for example, for connection with the axle of the vehicle 1.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a top view showing the brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 2 As shown, the brake caliper 12 in this embodiment is a floating caliper. However, the brake caliper can also be other types, such as an opposed caliper. The brake caliper 12 is configured to span the rotor body 11a.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a front view showing the brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 2 as well as Figure 3 As shown, the brake caliper 12 has a pair of brake pad assemblies (hereinafter referred to as pad assemblies) 21, a mounting base 22, a movable caliper 23, and two pairs of pad support springs (hereinafter referred to as pad supports) 24. The mounting base 22 is an example of the caliper body.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a top view showing the pad assembly 21 of the first embodiment. A pair of pad assemblies 21 are arranged axially and configured to be mirror symmetrical. The rotor body 11a is disposed between the pair of pad assemblies 21.

[0028] Each pair of pad assemblies 21 has a brake pad 25 and an accessory 26. The accessory 26 is an example of an accessory for the brake pad, and may also be referred to as a pad assembly, spring assembly, compression spring, or pad wear indicator (PWI).

[0029] In this embodiment, the pair of brake pads 25 are formed to be substantially the same shape. Alternatively, the pair of brake pads 25 may be of different shapes. Each pair of brake pads 25 has a backing plate 31, a friction element 32, and a liner 33.

[0030] Figure 5 This is a cross-sectional view partially showing the pad assembly 21, mounting base 22, and pad support 24 of the first embodiment. The back plate 31 is configured to be substantially orthogonal to the central axis Ax and is formed as a plate extending in a substantially circumferential direction. The back plate 31 has two circumferentially oriented ends 31a. Figure 5 The end 31a in the reverse direction Dcr is shown among the two ends 31a.

[0031] like Figure 4 As shown, the back plate 31 further has a mounting surface 31b facing generally axially and a back surface 31c. The mounting surface 31b is an example of a second surface. The back surface 31c is an example of a first surface. The mounting surface 31b faces the rotor body 11a. The back surface 31c is located on the opposite side of the mounting surface 31b.

[0032] like Figure 5 As shown, a pair of protrusions 35 are provided on the back plate 31. The protrusions 35 are provided at the end 31a of the back plate 31. The protrusions 35 are integrally formed with the back plate 31.

[0033] Each of the pair of protrusions 35 has an inner surface 35a, an outer surface 35b, and an end face 35c. The inner surface 35a faces radially inward. The outer surface 35b is located on the opposite side of the inner surface 35a and faces radially outward. The end face 35c is disposed between the end of the inner surface 35a and the end of the outer surface 35b, and is oriented circumferentially.

[0034] In this embodiment, the end face 35c has irregularities. Specifically, the end face 35c has an inner end face 35d, an inner locking surface 35e, a bottom surface 35f, an outer locking surface 35g, and an outer end face 35h. The inner end face 35d can also be referred to as a torque transmission surface.

[0035] The inner end face 35d, the bottom face 35f, and the outer end face 35h extend in a generally radial direction. For example, the inner end face 35d, the bottom face 35f, and the outer end face 35h extend approximately parallel to a virtual line extending radially through the center of the back plate 31 in the circumferential direction.

[0036] The inner end face 35d extends radially outward from the end of the inner side face 35a in the circumferential direction. The inner end face 35d is located at the end of the circumferential protrusion 35. The inner locking surface 35e extends radially outward from the end of the inner end face 35d in the radially outward direction toward the center of the back plate 31 in the circumferential direction.

[0037] The bottom surface 35f extends radially outward from the end of the inner locking surface 35e in the circumferential direction. The outer locking surface 35g extends generally circumferentially from the end of the bottom surface 35f on the radially outer side, toward the radially inner side. The outer end surface 35h extends between the end of the outer surface 35b in the circumferential direction and the end of the outer locking surface 35g in the circumferential direction.

[0038] The outer end face 35h is closer to the center of the back plate 31 than the inner end face 35d. The bottom surface 35f is closer to the center of the back plate 31 than the outer end face 35h. Therefore, the inner locking surface 35e, the bottom surface 35f, and the outer locking surface 35g form a recess 36 that is recessed from the inner end face 35d and the outer end face 35h.

[0039] Figure 6 It is along Figure 5 Line F6-F6 shows a cross-sectional view of the disc rotor 11, pad assembly 21, mounting base 22, and pad support 24 of the first embodiment. Figure 6 As shown, a recess 37 is provided in the protrusion 35. The recess 37 is recessed axially upward from the mounting surface 31b of the back plate 31 in the protrusion 35. The recess 37 is radially separated from the inner surface 35a and the outer surface 35b.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the friction element 32 is fixed to the mounting surface 31b of the back plate 31. The friction element 32 is located between the mounting surface 31b and the rotor body 11a. The liner 33 is mounted on the back surface 31c of the back plate 31.

[0041] The accessory 26 is mounted on the protrusion 35 on one side of the brake pad 25. In this embodiment, the accessory 26 is mounted on the protrusion 35 of the end 31a provided in the reverse direction Dcr. Alternatively, the accessory 26 may be mounted on the protrusion 35 of the end 31a provided in the forward direction Dcn, or two accessories 26 may be mounted on two protrusions 35.

[0042] Mounting bracket 22 is fixed to a non-rotating part of vehicle 1. For example, mounting bracket 22 is mounted on the body of vehicle 1. Mounting bracket 22 supports pad assembly 21, movable caliper 23, and pad support member 24.

[0043] like Figure 2As shown, the mounting base 22 has two pairs of support portions 41. One pair of support portions 41 is arranged axially with the other pair of support portions 41. The pair of support portions 41 supports a pair of protrusions 35 of the corresponding brake pad 25 in a manner that allows the corresponding brake pad 25 to move axially. The rotor body 11a is disposed between the pair of support portions 41 and the other pair of support portions 41. Corresponding pad support members 24 are mounted on each of the two pairs of support portions 41.

[0044] like Figure 6 As shown, each of the multiple support portions 41 has two sides 41a and 41b. Side 41a faces the rotor body 11a. Side 41b is located on the opposite side of side 41a.

[0045] like Figure 5 As shown, each of the plurality of support portions 41 further has a concave surface 41c. The concave surface 41c extends axially between the two side surfaces 41a and 41b. The concave surface 41c forms (defined, marked) a recess 45. That is, each of the plurality of support portions 41 is provided with a recess 45. The recess 45 extends axially. The axial length of the concave surface 41c and the recess 45 is longer than the axial length (thickness) of the back plate 31.

[0046] The concave surface 41c has an inner surface 45a, an outer surface 45b, and an end face 45c. The end face 45c can also be referred to as a torque transmission surface. The inner surface 45a faces radially outward. The outer surface 45b faces radially inward. The inner surface 45a and the outer surface 45b are opposite to each other. The end face 45c is disposed between the end of the inner surface 45a and the end of the outer surface 45b, and faces circumferentially.

[0047] The protrusion 35 is embedded (received) in the recess 45. The inner surface 45a faces the inner surface 35a of the protrusion 35 through a gap. The outer surface 45b faces the outer surface 35b of the protrusion 35 through a gap. The end face 45c faces the end face 35c of the protrusion 35 through a gap.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown, the movable caliper 23 has a pressing device 23a. The pressing device 23a includes, for example, a cylinder, a piston, and an actuator that drives the piston. The pressing device 23a is positioned inside the disc rotor 11 in the vehicle width direction.

[0049] The pressing device 23a operates by hydraulic or electric pressure, pressing axially on one of the inner brake pads 25 via a piston. This causes the friction element 32 of the inner brake pad 25 to press against the rotor body 11a.

[0050] When the inner brake pad 25 presses against the rotor body 11a, the movable caliper 23 moves in the opposite direction to the piston's movement direction through reaction. As a result, the movable caliper 23 presses the outermost one of the pair of brake pads 25 against the rotor body 11a.

[0051] Specifically, the movable caliper 23 presses against the back plate 31 through the pad 33. This brings the friction element 32 into contact with the rotor body 11a. Alternatively, the pad 233 can be omitted, and the movable caliper 23 can press directly against the back plate 31.

[0052] like Figure 5 As shown, two pairs of pad supports 24 are mounted on the mounting base 22. Multiple pad supports 24 are respectively embedded in corresponding recesses 45. The pad supports 24 are located between the brake pad 25 and the mounting base 22, and axially movably hold the brake pad 25. That is, the mounting base 22 supports the brake pad 25 by means of the pad supports 24 in a manner that allows it to move axially relative to the disc rotor 11.

[0053] The pad support 24 is formed, for example, from a bent metal sheet and is elastic. The pad support 24 has an inner plate portion 51, an outer plate portion 52, a connecting plate portion 53, and a pad holding portion 54. The connecting plate portion 53 can also be referred to as a torque transmission portion. Further, as... Figure 6 As shown, the pad support 24 further has two retaining plate portions 56 and 57.

[0054] The inner plate portion 51, the outer plate portion 52, the connecting plate portion 53, and the two retaining plate portions 56 and 57 are formed into a plate shape. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the inner plate portion 51, the outer plate portion 52, and the connecting plate portion 53 are generally U-shaped, located between the protrusion 35 and the concave surface 41c. The protrusion 35 is supported on the mounting base 22 by means of the pad support member 24.

[0055] The inner plate portion 51 is located between the inner side surface 35a of the protrusion 35 and the inner side surface 45a of the mounting base 22, and extends in a generally circumferential direction. The outer plate portion 52 is located between the outer side surface 35b of the protrusion 35 and the outer side surface 45b of the mounting base 22, and extends in a generally circumferential direction.

[0056] A connecting plate portion 53 is disposed between one end of the inner plate portion 51 in the circumferential direction and one end of the outer plate portion 52 in the circumferential direction. The connecting plate portion 53 is located between the end face 35c of the protrusion 35 and the end face 45c of the mounting base 22, and extends in a generally radial direction. The connecting plate portion 53 contacts the end face 45c of the mounting base 22.

[0057] The pad retainer 54 is, for example, a leaf spring extending from the end of the inner plate portion 51 in the axial direction. A portion of the pad retainer 54 is located between the inner plate portion 51 and the protrusion 35, and contacts the inner side surface 35a of the protrusion 35. The pad retainer 54 presses the protrusion 35 against the outer plate portion 52, holding the brake pad 25 in the radial direction.

[0058] The brake pad 25 is circumferentially movable relative to the mounting base 22 and the pad support 24 within a specified range. When the brake pad 25 moves to its maximum extent in one circumferential direction, the inner end face 35d of the protrusion 35 contacts the connecting plate portion 53 of the pad support 24. Alternatively, other portions of the back plate 31 may contact the pad support 24. When the brake pad 25 moves in another circumferential direction, the inner end face 35d moves away from the connecting plate portion 53.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, retaining plate portion 56 extends from one end of connecting plate portion 53 in the axial direction. Retaining plate portion 56 abuts against side 41a of support portion 41. Retaining plate portion 57 extends from the other end of connecting plate portion 53 in the axial direction. Retaining plate portion 57 abuts against side 41b of support portion 41. Pad support member 24 holds support portion 41 between the two retaining plates 56, 57 by elastic force.

[0060] Figure 7 This is a perspective view showing accessory 26 of the first embodiment. (See attached image.) Figure 7 As shown, component 26 is formed, for example, from a bent metal sheet and is elastic. Component 26 has a base 61, a return spring 62, and an extension 63. The return spring 62 is an example of a first spring. The base 61, the return spring 62, and the extension 63 are formed in a plate shape.

[0061] like Figure 6 As shown, the base 61 is formed in a generally U-shape, having two retaining plate portions 71 and 72, and a connecting portion 73. Retaining plate portion 71 is an example of a second wall. Retaining plate portion 72 is an example of a first wall.

[0062] The retaining plate portion 71 is disposed along the mounting surface 31b of the back plate 31. The retaining plate portion 72 is disposed along the back surface 31c of the back plate 31. The connecting portion 73 extends substantially axially between one end 71a of the retaining plate portion 71 in the circumferential direction and one end 72a of the retaining plate portion 72 in the circumferential direction. The connecting portion 73 connects the two retaining plate portions 71 and 72.

[0063] Figure 8 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the pad assembly 21 according to the first embodiment. Figure 8 As shown, the connecting portion 73 is at least partially accommodated in the recess 36. Therefore, as Figure 5 As shown, the connecting part 73 is arranged along the bottom surface 35f of the back plate 31 and is located between the inner locking surface 35e and the outer locking surface 35g.

[0064] like Figure 6 As shown, a protrusion 75 is provided at the other end 71b of the retaining plate portion 71 in the circumferential direction. The protrusion 75 protrudes from the retaining plate portion 71 toward the mounting surface 31b of the back plate 31.

[0065] When the accessory 26 is removed from the brake pad 25, the minimum distance between the protrusion 75 and the retaining plate portion 72 is greater than the thickness of the back plate 31. Furthermore, the minimum distance between the protrusion 75 and the retaining plate portion 72 is, for example, the distance between the recess 37 and the back surface 31c.

[0066] The retaining plate portion 72 contacts the back surface 31c of the back plate 31. Furthermore, the protrusion 75 is embedded in the recess 37 and contacts the bottom surface of the recess 37. The protrusion 35 of the back plate 31 is located between the two retaining plate portions 71 and 72 to widen the gap between the protrusion 75 and the retaining plate portion 72. Therefore, the protrusion 35 causes the base 61 to elastically deform.

[0067] The base 61 holds the protrusion 35 of the back plate 31 between the two retaining plate portions 71 and 72 by elastic force. Thus, the base 61 is detachably mounted to the back plate 31 by elastic force.

[0068] The retaining plates 71 and 72 restrict the axial movement of the base 61 relative to the back plate 31. The protrusion 75 embedded in the connecting portion 73 and the recess 37 restricts the circumferential movement of the base 61 relative to the back plate 31. Furthermore, the protrusion 75 embedded in the recess 37, the inner locking surface 35e, and the outer locking surface 35g restrict the radial movement of the base 61 relative to the back plate 31.

[0069] The return spring 62 and the extension 63 extend from the end 72b on the other side of the circumferential retaining plate portion 72 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a. The end 72b is an example of the edge of the first wall. Furthermore, the direction away from the rotor body 11a is not limited to a direction orthogonal to the rotor body 11a.

[0070] like Figure 7 As shown, the return spring 62 of this embodiment is formed in a generally Y-shaped or generally V-shaped form. Alternatively, the return spring 62 may have other shapes. The return spring 62 has a first arm 81, a second arm 82, and a pressing portion 83.

[0071] The first arm 81 and the second arm 82 extend substantially parallel to each other. Each of the first arm 81 and the second arm 82 has a straight portion 85 and a curved portion 86. The straight portion 85 extends from the end 72b of the retaining plate portion 72 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a. That is, the first arm 81 and the second arm 82 extend from the base 61. The curved portion 86 extends from the straight portion 85 in an arc shape. However, the first arm 81 and the second arm 82 are not limited to this example.

[0072] The pressing part 83 is connected to the curved part 86 of the first arm 81 and the second arm 82. In other words, the pressing part 83 connects the first arm 81 and the second arm 82 at a position away from the base 61. Figure 6As shown, the pressing part 83 is circumferentially spaced from the back plate 31 and the base 61. Furthermore, the pressing part 83 is further away from the rotor body 11a than the base 61.

[0073] Figure 9 This is a perspective view showing a portion of the brake caliper 12 according to the first embodiment. Figure 9 As shown, the pressing part 83 contacts the side 41b of the support part 41 of the mounting base 22 at a position radially away from the retaining plate part 57 of the pad support 24. Furthermore, the pressing part 83 may also contact other components such as the pad support 24.

[0074] like Figure 7 As shown, the extension 63 extends from the base 61 between the first arm 81 and the second arm 82. The extension 63 has a compression spring 91 and a PWI 92. The compression spring 91 is an example of a second spring. Alternatively, the extension 63 may have only one of the compression spring 91 and the PWI 92.

[0075] The compression spring 91 has a curved portion 94, a straight portion 95, and a protrusion 96. The curved portion 94 extends in an arc shape from the end 72b of the retaining plate portion 72. The straight portion 95 extends from the curved portion 94 in a generally axial direction. In other words, the curved portion 94 is disposed between the base portion 61 and the straight portion 95.

[0076] like Figure 6 As shown, the straight portion 95 is located between the back plate 31 and the connecting plate portion 53 of the pad support member 24. Furthermore, the straight portion 95 is located between the base portion 61 and the connecting plate portion 53. The straight portion 95 is separated from the base portion 61.

[0077] The protrusion 96 protrudes from the straight portion 95 toward the connecting plate portion 53. The protrusion 96 is formed, for example, generally hemispherical. However, the protrusion 96 is not limited to this example. The protrusion 96 makes approximately point contact or line contact with the connecting plate portion 53. In addition, the protrusion 96 may also contact the end face 45c of the support portion 41 of the mounting base 22.

[0078] The curved portion 94 elastically deforms to bring the base 61 and the straight portion 95 closer together. As a result, the compression spring 91 presses the connecting plate portion 53 in the reverse direction Dcr by its elastic force. Furthermore, the compression spring 91 presses the brake pad 25 mounted on the base 61 in the forward direction Dcn (circumferential direction) by its elastic force (reaction force). As a result, in the end portion 31a in the forward direction Dcn, the inner end face 35d of the protrusion 35 presses against the connecting plate portion 53 of the pad support member 24. That is, the compression spring 91 holds the brake pad 25 in the circumferential direction by its elastic force.

[0079] PWI 92 extends from the straight portion 95 of the compression spring 91 toward the rotor body 11a. The end portion 92a of PWI 92 closest to the rotor body 11a is closer to the rotor body 11a than the base portion 61. Therefore, the end portion 92a of PWI 92 is closer to the rotor body 11a than the back plate 31.

[0080] When the disc brake device 10 brakes the disc rotor 11 and the wheels, the pressing device 23a causes the brake pad 25 to move axially toward the rotor body 11a. The brake pad 25 moves axially along the recess 45, and the friction member 32 abuts against the rotor body 11a.

[0081] When the brake pad 25 approaches the rotor body 11a, the base 61 mounted on the back plate 31 also moves toward the rotor body 11a. On the other hand, since the mounting base 22 is mounted on the non-rotating part of the vehicle 1, it does not move relative to the vehicle 1. Since the pressing part 83 of the return spring 62 also abuts against the side 41b of the mounting base 22, it remains in approximately the same position. That is, in the axial direction, the distance between the base 61 and the pressing part 83 increases.

[0082] When the distance between the base 61 and the pressing part 83 increases, for example, the curved part 86 of the return spring 62 elastically deforms. As a result, the pressing part 83 of the return spring 62 presses the side 41b of the mounting base 22 toward the rotor body 11a by the elastic force. Furthermore, the return spring 62 presses the brake pad 25 mounted on the base 61 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a by the reaction force (elastic force) of pressing the mounting base 22.

[0083] The force exerted by the return spring 62 on the brake pad 25 is less than the force exerted by the pressing device 23a on the brake pad 25. Therefore, the pressing device 23a resists the force exerted by the return spring 62 on the brake pad 25, causing the brake pad 25 to move toward the rotor body 11a.

[0084] When the friction element 32 contacts the disc rotor 11 rotating in the forward direction Dcn, the brake pad 25 is subjected to a force in the forward direction Dcn due to the friction between the rotor body 11a and the friction element 32. As a result, at the end 31a in the forward direction Dcn, the inner end face 35d of the protrusion 35 presses against the end face 45c of the mounting base 22 via the connecting plate portion 53 of the corresponding pad support 24.

[0085] Mounting bracket 22 receives the braking force (braking torque) transmitted via brake pad 25 and transmits it to the vehicle body 1. Thus, disc brake device 10 brakes disc rotor 11.

[0086] When the brake is released, the return spring 62, for example, resists the friction (sliding resistance) between the protrusion 35 and the pad support 24, and uses its elastic force to move the brake pad 25 away from the rotor body 11a. Therefore, by quickly pulling the friction member 32 away from the rotor body 11a, it is possible to suppress the generation of drag resistance (dragging torque) between the friction member 32 and the rotor body 11a.

[0087] When the friction element 32 wears, the distance between the back plate 31 and the rotor body 11a when the friction element 32 contacts the rotor body 11a decreases. Therefore, the distance between the end 92a of the PWI 92 and the rotor body 11a also decreases.

[0088] When the friction element 32 wears beyond a specified amount, the distance between the back plate 31 and the rotor body 11a becomes shorter than the specified limit (distance) when the friction element 32 contacts the rotor body 11a. At this time, the end 92a of the PWI 92 contacts the rotor body 11a.

[0089] When the PWI 92 comes into contact with the rotating rotor body 11a, it produces an alarm sound (vibration sound). The driver can notice from this alarm sound that the friction element 32 is wearing beyond a specified amount. The PWI 92 is able to produce an alarm sound before the back plate 31 and base 61 come into contact with the rotor body 11a.

[0090] The accessory 26 can be easily installed on the back plate 31 by holding the back plate 31 between the retaining plates 71 and 72 of the base 61. That is, the installation of the accessory 26 on the back plate 31 does not require the use of special equipment or tools such as clamping or screw fixing.

[0091] For example, existing vehicles 1 sometimes have conventional accessories installed on the back panel 31 that do not have a return spring 62. Accessory 26 can replace the conventional accessories and be installed on the back panel 31, adding a return spring 62 to the pad assembly 21. In service locations such as vehicle dealerships that do not have processing equipment and tools, accessory 26 can also be easily replaced from the aforementioned conventional accessories.

[0092] A recess 37 is provided at the back plate 31 for the protrusion 75 of the accessory 26 to be inserted. However, since the recess 37 is provided on the mounting surface 31b, it can be provided, for example, at the same time as the back plate 31 is formed by stamping. Therefore, the accessory 26 can be installed on the existing back plate 31 without new processing such as drilling.

[0093] In the brake caliper 12 described in the first embodiment above, the accessory 26 has a base 61, a return spring 62, and an extension 63. The base 61 is detachably mounted to the back plate 31 of the brake pad 25 by elastic force. The return spring 62 is configured to extend from the base 61 and press the brake pad 25 away from the disc rotor 11. The extension 63 extends from the base 61 and has at least one of a PWI 92 and a compression spring 91. The PWI 92 is configured to contact the disc rotor 11 when the distance between the back plate 31 and the disc rotor 11 is shorter than a predetermined distance. The compression spring 91 is configured to press the brake pad 25 around the central axis Ax.

[0094] The return spring 62, by disengaging the brake pad 25 from the disc rotor 11, suppresses drag resistance caused by the contact between the brake pad 25 and the disc rotor 11 when the brake is released. Therefore, the accessory 26 can suppress noise generation and fuel efficiency reduction. Furthermore, conventionally, accessories having at least one of a PWI and a compression spring are sometimes mounted on the brake pad 25. However, in this embodiment, the accessory 26, in addition to at least one of the PWI 92 and the compression spring 91, further includes a return spring 62, and is detachably mounted to the back plate 31 in the base 61. Thus, the accessory 26 can be replaced with conventional accessories and mounted on the brake pad 25, easily adding the function of disengaging the brake pad 25 from the disc rotor 11 to the brake caliper 12. Furthermore, the accessory 26 is easily mounted to the back plate 31 by its elasticity. Therefore, the accessory 26 can be removed from the brake pad 25 before assembling the brake caliper 12, suppressing operational inconveniences caused by its mounting on the brake pad 25. Furthermore, accessory 26 can be easily installed on brake pad 25 even without equipment for processing such as clamping.

[0095] The base 61 has a retaining plate portion 72, a retaining plate portion 71, and a connecting portion 73. The retaining plate portion 72 is disposed along the back surface 31c of the back plate 31. The retaining plate portion 71 is disposed along the mounting surface 31b of the back plate 31 located on the opposite side of the back surface 31c. The connecting portion 73 connects the retaining plate portion 72 and the retaining plate portion 71. The base 61 is configured to hold the back plate 31 between the retaining plate portion 72 and the retaining plate portion 71 by elastic force. A return spring 62 and an extension portion 63 extend from the end 72b of the retaining plate portion 72. Thus, for example, the fitting 26 can be made from a bent sheet metal.

[0096] The return spring 62 has a first arm 81, a second arm 82, and a pressing portion 83. The first arm 81 and the second arm 82 extend from the base 61, respectively. The pressing portion 83 is configured to connect the first arm 81 and the second arm 82 at a position away from the base 61 and press the mounting base 22. The extension 63 extends from the base 61 between the first arm 81 and the second arm 82. Thus, the fitting 26 for the inner brake pad 25 and the fitting 26 for the outer brake pad 25 can have a common shape. Therefore, the fitting 26 can reduce costs and make the forces acting on the inner brake pad 25 and the forces acting on the outer brake pad 25 approximately equal. Furthermore, the fitting 26 can apply the reaction force of the return spring 62 to both sides of the extension 63 approximately equally. Therefore, accessory 26 can, for example, suppress the tilting (rotation) of brake pad 25 with the position (protrusion 96) of the compression spring 91 pressing the mounting base 22 as an axis (e.g., an axis extending upward around the circumference), thereby stabilizing the posture of brake pad 25. By stabilizing the posture of brake pad 25, PWI 92 can more accurately contact disc rotor 11 at a time when the distance between back plate 31 and disc rotor 11 is shorter than a specified distance, improving the detection accuracy based on PWI 92.

[0097] The brake caliper 12 includes a brake pad 25, a fitting 26 mounted on the brake pad 25, and a mounting base 22 that supports the brake pad 25 in a manner movable along the central axis Ax. A return spring 62 is configured to press the brake pad 25 away from the disc rotor 11 by the reaction force of pressing the mounting base 22. As described above, the return spring 62 can suppress drag resistance caused by the contact between the brake pad 25 and the disc rotor 11 during brake release by disengaging the brake pad 25 from the disc rotor 11. Therefore, the brake caliper 12 can suppress noise and reduce fuel consumption.

[0098] The return spring 62 and the extension 63 extend from the base 61 in a direction away from the disc rotor 11. Thus, even if the friction element 32 of the brake pad 25 wears, the return spring 62 and the extension 63 can suppress interference with the disc rotor 11.

[0099] (Second Implementation) The following is for reference Figure 10 as well as Figure 11 The second embodiment will now be described. Furthermore, in the following description of the embodiments, there are instances where components having the same function as the previously described components are given the same reference numerals as those previously described components, and further omitting some details. Additionally, multiple components given the same reference numerals are not limited to having all the same functions and properties; they may also have different functions and properties corresponding to each embodiment.

[0100] Figure 10 This is a perspective view showing accessory 26 of the second embodiment. Figure 11 This is a cross-sectional view showing the disc rotor 11, pad assembly 21, mounting base 22, and pad support 24 of the second embodiment.

[0101] like Figure 10 As shown, instead of the return spring 62 and the extension 63, the accessory 26 of the second embodiment has a return spring 201 and an extension 202. The return spring 201 and the extension 202 are substantially the same as the return spring 62 and the extension 63, except for the points described below.

[0102] The return spring 201 has a first arm 211, a second arm 212, and a pressing portion 213. The first arm 211 and the second arm 212 extend substantially parallel to each other. The first arm 211 and the second arm 212 each have a first curved portion 215, a first straight portion 216, a second curved portion 217, and a second straight portion 218.

[0103] The first curved portion 215 extends in an arc shape from the end 72b of the retaining plate portion 72 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a. The first straight portion 216 extends from the first curved portion 215 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a. The second curved portion 217 extends in an arc shape from the first straight portion 216. The second straight portion 218 extends from the second curved portion 217 toward the side 41b of the support portion 41 of the mounting base 22. Furthermore, the first arm 211 and the second arm 212 are not limited to this example.

[0104] The radius of the first curved portion 215 is larger than the radius of the second curved portion 217. The lengths of the first straight portion 216 and the second straight portion 218 are each larger than the radius of the second curved portion 217. Furthermore, the first arm 211 and the second arm 212 are not limited to this example.

[0105] The pressing part 213 connects the second straight part 218 of the first arm 211 and the second arm 212 to each other at a position away from the base 61. For example... Figure 11 As shown, the pressing part 213 contacts the side 41b of the support part 41 of the mounting base 22.

[0106] When the distance between the base 61 and the pressing part 213 increases due to the movement of the brake pad 25, for example, the first curved part 215 or the second curved part 217 of the return spring 201 undergoes elastic deformation. As a result, the pressing part 213 of the return spring 201 presses the side 41b of the mounting base 22 towards the rotor body 11a by its elastic force. Furthermore, the return spring 201, through the reaction force (elastic force) of pressing the mounting base 22, presses the brake pad 25 mounted on the base 61 in a direction away from the rotor body 11a.

[0107] The extension 202 extends from the base 61 between the first arm 211 and the second arm 212. The extension 202 has a compression spring 221 and a PWI 222. Alternatively, the extension 202 may have only one of the compression spring 221 and the PWI 222.

[0108] The compression spring 221 has a curved portion 225 and a protrusion 226. The curved portion 225 extends from the end 72b of the retaining plate portion 72 in a generally arc shape. A portion of the curved portion 225 is located between the back plate 31 and the connecting plate portion 53, and also between the base portion 61 and the connecting plate portion 53. The curved portion 225 is located between the back plate 31 and the connecting plate portion 53, away from the base portion 61.

[0109] The protrusion 226 protrudes from the curved portion 225 toward the connecting plate portion 53. The protrusion 226 extends along the curved portion 225 in a generally arc shape, for example. The protrusion 226 makes approximately point contact or line contact with the connecting plate portion 53.

[0110] The curved portion 225 elastically deforms to approach the base 61. As a result, the compression spring 221 presses against the connecting plate portion 53 in the reverse direction Dcr by its elastic force. Furthermore, the compression spring 221 presses against the brake pad 25 in the forward direction Dcn by its elastic force (reaction force).

[0111] PWI 222 extends from the curved portion 225 of the compression spring 221 toward the rotor body 11a. PWI 222 contacts the rotor body 11a when the distance between the back plate 31 and the rotor body 11a is shorter than a predetermined distance.

[0112] As mentioned above, accessory 26 can also have various shapes. The shapes of the return springs 62, 201 and the extensions 63, 202 can be set, for example, according to the desired elasticity or the configuration of various components in the brake caliper 12.

[0113] As an example, the brake pad accessory described in at least one embodiment above includes: a base configured to be detachably mounted to the back plate of the brake pad by elastic force; a first spring configured to extend from the base and press the brake pad in a direction away from the rotor; and an extension extending from the base, the extension having at least one of a wear warning device and a second spring, the wear warning device being configured to contact the rotor when the distance between the back plate and the rotor is shorter than a predetermined distance, and the second spring being configured to press the brake pad about the central axis of rotation of the rotor. Therefore, as an example, the first spring can suppress the occurrence of drag resistance caused by the contact between the brake pad and the rotor when braking is released by disengaging the brake pad from the rotor. As a result, the brake pad accessory can suppress noise generation and reduce fuel consumption. In addition, conventionally, there are cases where accessories having at least one of a wear warning device and a circumferential compression spring (second spring) are mounted on the brake pad. On the other hand, the accessory of the embodiment further includes a first spring in addition to at least one of a wear warning device and a second spring, and is detachably mounted to the back plate at the base. Therefore, the accessory of this embodiment can be replaced with conventional accessories and installed on the brake pad, and the function of removing the brake pad from the rotor can be easily added to the brake caliper. Furthermore, the accessory of this embodiment is easily installed on the backplate by elasticity. Therefore, the accessory of this embodiment can be removed from the brake pad before the brake caliper is assembled, for example, suppressing operational inconvenience caused by its installation on the brake pad. Furthermore, the accessory of this embodiment can be easily installed on the brake pad even without equipment for processing such as clamping.

[0114] In one example of the aforementioned brake pad fitting, the base has: a first wall disposed along a first surface of the back plate; a second wall disposed along a second surface of the back plate located on the opposite side of the first surface; and a connecting portion connecting the first wall and the second wall, configured to hold the back plate between the first wall and the second wall by the elastic force, wherein the first spring and the extension portion extend from the edge of the first wall. Therefore, as an example, the fitting can be made from a bent sheet metal.

[0115] In the aforementioned brake pad fitting, as an example, the first spring has: a first arm extending from the base; a second arm extending from the base; and a pressing portion configured to connect the first arm and the second arm at a position away from the base and press the caliper body, the extension extending from the base between the first arm and the second arm. Therefore, as an example, the shapes of the fittings for the brake pads mounted on the inner side and the fittings for the brake pads mounted on the outer side can be made consistent. Therefore, the fitting can reduce costs and make the forces acting on the inner brake pad and the forces acting on the outer brake pad approximately equal. Furthermore, the fitting of the embodiment allows the reaction force of the first spring to act approximately equally on both sides of the extension. Therefore, the fitting can suppress brake pad tilting and stabilize the brake pad's posture. By stabilizing the brake pad's posture, the wear warning device can more accurately contact the rotor at a time point when the distance between the backplate and the rotor is shorter than a predetermined distance, improving the detection accuracy based on the wear warning device.

[0116] As an example, the brake caliper described in at least one embodiment above includes: a brake pad; a brake pad accessory mounted on the brake pad; and a caliper body that supports the brake pad in a manner movable along the central axis of rotation of the rotor. The first spring is configured to press the brake pad away from the rotor by the reaction force of pressing the caliper body. Therefore, as an example, as described above, the first spring can suppress the drag resistance caused by the contact between the brake pad and the rotor when the brake is released by disengaging the brake pad from the rotor. Thus, the brake caliper can suppress noise generation and reduce fuel efficiency.

[0117] In the aforementioned brake caliper, as an example, the first spring and the extension extend from the base in a direction away from the rotor. Therefore, as an example, even if the friction element of the brake pad is worn, the first spring and the extension can suppress interference with the rotor.

[0118] The above examples illustrate embodiments of the present invention. However, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The above embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, combinations, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the structure and shape of each embodiment and modification can be partially replaced during implementation.

Claims

1. A brake pad fitting, comprising: a base configured to be detachably attached to a back plate of a brake pad by an elastic force; a first spring configured to press the brake pad in a direction away from a rotor from the base; and an extension portion extending from the base, the extension portion having at least one of a wear warning device configured to contact the rotor when a distance between the back plate and the rotor is shorter than a prescribed distance, and a second spring configured to press the brake pad around a center axis of rotation of the rotor.

2. The brake pad fitting according to claim 1, wherein the base has a first wall disposed along a first surface of the back plate, a second wall disposed along a second surface of the back plate on an opposite side of the first surface, and a connecting portion connecting the first wall and the second wall, the base being configured to hold the back plate between the first wall and the second wall by the elastic force, and the first spring and the extension portion extend from an edge of the first wall.

3. The brake pad fitting according to claim 1, wherein the first spring has a first arm extending from the base, a second arm extending from the base, and a pressing portion connecting the first arm and the second arm at a position away from the base and configured to press a caliper body, and the extension portion extends from the base between the first arm and the second arm.

4. A brake caliper, comprising: a brake pad; the brake pad fitting according to any one of claims 1 to 3 attached to the brake pad; and a caliper body supporting the brake pad in a manner movable in a direction along a center axis of rotation of a rotor, the first spring being configured to press the brake pad in a direction away from the rotor by a reaction force of pressing the caliper body.

5. The brake caliper according to claim 4, wherein the first spring and the extension portion extend from the base in a direction away from the rotor. ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

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