Sliding brake caliper for disc brakes with thermal insulation insert on the reaction side

Abstract

A sliding brake caliper for a disc brake includes: a caliper body straddling a brake disc, having a rotation axis defining an axial direction and having a first friction surface and a second friction surface disposed opposite to each other, first and second caliper body portions facing the first and second friction surfaces, and a bridging member connecting them; a first pad and a second pad integral with the caliper body, which are slidable relative to the caliper body in an axial direction and configured to act on one of the friction surfaces respectively; a piston configured to push the first pad against the first friction surface under braking action; the caliper body being driven by the reaction action of the second friction surface; and an insert of a heat-insulating material disposed between the caliper body and the second pad to prevent the transfer of heat generated during braking.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a sliding brake caliper for use with disc brakes, for example for two-wheeled or four-wheeled vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] As is known, in disc brakes, a sliding brake caliper can be used to push a pair of brake pads against the brake disc.

[0003] Brake calipers are typically confined to stationary support structures connected to the vehicle, such as vehicle suspension, or more specifically, the fork or rocker arm of a vehicle or motor vehicle suspension.

[0004] Specifically, a brake caliper spans the peripheral edge of a brake disc, which defines the braking band of the disc. A brake caliper typically includes a body, referred to as the caliper body, having two longitudinally extending portions arranged as two opposing braking surfaces facing the brake disc. In a typical caliper body configuration, the portions of the caliper body arranged facing the braking surfaces of the brake disc are connected to each other by one or more bridging elements (or bridging members) positioned across the disc. Friction pads are disposed between each longitudinally extending portion of the caliper and a corresponding braking surface of the brake disc. The brake caliper also includes at least one cylinder adapted to house a piston (typically hydraulically or electromechanically driven) capable of applying thrust to a first pad of the caliper and positioning it against a corresponding braking surface, thereby applying braking force to the vehicle. The reaction force generated by the thrust applied to the brake disc by the first pad via the hinge causes the caliper body to be pushed in the opposite axial direction to the direction in which the first pad is pushed. This causes the second pad to move together with the caliper body and push it against the brake disc on one side of the second braking surface, which is opposite to the first braking surface. Therefore, in a sliding brake caliper, an actuating side (or operating side) and a reaction side are defined. Specifically, the actuating side is the side where the piston directly pushes the first pad against the first braking surface of the brake disc; while the reaction side is the side where the second pad is pushed against the second braking surface of the brake disc by the reaction force.

[0005] During braking, a significant amount of heat is generated due to the pressure of the friction pads on the disc and the heat generated by friction. The amount of heat depends on various factors, such as the duration and effectiveness of braking, frequency of use, and vehicle type.

[0006] Therefore, thermal load management is particularly important in the field of brake calipers, especially preventing heat transfer to the piston and cylinder, and subsequently to the oil (or brake fluid) used to drive the hydraulic system. In fact, if heat reaches the oil and causes it to overheat or even evaporate, the function of the braking system, especially the brake caliper, may be affected, even reducing its braking efficiency, potentially posing serious consequences to the safety of the vehicle or driver. The same problem exists even if the piston drive is not hydraulically driven, but electrically, electromechanically, or otherwise; in fact, heat not only affects hydraulic drives but can also damage electrical systems and cause small but significant relative deformation between the piston and the cylinder where the piston slides.

[0007] Various solutions have been developed to minimize heat generation, or reduce heat transfer to oil (or brake fluid), or overall reduce heat transfer to the piston and / or cylinder drive system, or at least facilitate heat dissipation.

[0008] For example, patent document US9382956 describes a caliper braking device comprising: a main caliper body supported on a vehicle body; a brake pad that moves forward or backward relative to the main caliper body, the brake pad applying frictional force through sliding contact with a disc; a guide plate supporting the brake pad; an anchor pin supporting the guide plate on the main caliper body such that the guide plate can move forward or backward freely; a piston that moves forward or backward relative to the main caliper body and can be pressed against the brake pad by the guide plate; a diaphragm located on the rear surface of the piston and defining a pressure chamber inside the main caliper body, the diaphragm elastically deforming due to the pressure of compressed air in the pressure chamber, thereby pushing the piston; and a piston plate supporting the piston on the anchor pin such that the piston can slide freely.

[0009] Patent document US9360071 describes a caliper braking device comprising: a brake pad that moves forward or backward relative to a main caliper body supported on a vehicle body, and the brake pad can apply frictional force by sliding contact with a disc; an anchor pin that supports a guide plate that supports the brake pad on the main caliper body, allowing the brake pad to move forward or backward freely; a piston that moves forward or backward relative to the main caliper body and can press the brake pad through the guide plate; a diaphragm located on the rear surface of the piston and defining a pressure chamber within the main caliper body, and elastically deforming due to the pressure of compressed air within the pressure chamber, thereby moving the piston; and a piston plate that supports the piston on the anchor pin, allowing the piston to slide freely. The piston includes a plurality of thermal insulation elements, the distal ends of which protrude toward the guide plate.

[0010] Furthermore, document US20220056973 describes a disc brake for a vehicle, comprising a first pad and a second pad, a brake disc located between the first pad and the second pad, and a brake caliper engaged with the brake disc via a brake caliper housing; the brake caliper housing includes a brake application device, wherein the brake application device includes a pressure element applicable to the first pad, and wherein the brake application device is provided with a bellows to protect the interior of the brake caliper housing from dust contamination, wherein the bellows passes through a first end... The device is fixed to a brake caliper housing and, via a second end, to a sheet metal arrangement structure comprising a sheet metal plate and a sheet metal ring coaxially arranged with and integrally connected to the sheet metal plate. The sheet metal plate is disposed between the end side of the pressure element and a first pad, and the sheet metal ring is disposed between a bellows and a brake pad to protect the bellows from heat radiation generated during braking of the brake pad and brake disc. The sheet metal ring has at least one recess to reduce its bending stiffness.

[0011] Finally, US4085828 describes a disc brake comprising a caliper having a pair of friction pads and a hydraulic motor that directly applies one of the pads against a corresponding face of the disc and, through a sliding connection between the caliper and a fixed support, causes the other pad to abut against the opposite face of the disc. Pads can be moved forward of recesses located on at least one edge of a circumferentially spaced edge of a radial opening on the caliper, the opening being offset towards the hydraulic motor, allowing pads near the motor to be removed. Typically, a removable heat shield is inserted between the hydraulic motor and its adjacent pad to prevent pad leakage and to prevent boiling of the hydraulic fluid within the motor due to brake heat.

[0012] The cited prior art documents all provide a thermal insulation element disposed between the friction pad and the piston. This element is used to thermally insulate the brake fluid housed within the piston housing, thereby primarily preventing heat transfer to the actuation side. However, unfortunately, the bridging component connecting the two parts of the brake caliper body itself can also overheat due to heat transfer from the reaction side. The applicant recognizes that the prior art does not seem to have addressed this problem or found a concrete solution. In particular, due to the stricter size constraints on the reaction side, designers find it difficult to use conventional assemblies consisting of gaskets and nickel-based insulating elements, which are typically used on the actuation side. Therefore, reducing heat transfer to the reaction side is especially challenging. Summary of the Invention

[0013] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved brake caliper, particularly a brake caliper that eliminates at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0014] The specific object of the present invention is to provide a brake caliper in which heat transfer to the brake fluid, or to the piston drive system, or to the piston is further reduced or at least minimized, without increasing the axial volume of the caliper body.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a brake caliper that at least addresses some of the disadvantages pointed out in the prior art, while still being simple and economical to manufacture and construct.

[0016] This and other objectives are fully achieved according to the invention and by means of the brake caliper as defined in the appended independent claim 1.

[0017] Advantageous embodiments of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, which should be understood as an integral part of the following description.

[0018] In summary, the present invention is based on the concept of providing a sliding brake caliper for a disc brake, the sliding brake caliper including an insert made of a heat-insulating material adapted to reduce the transfer of heat from a second pad, or a friction pad on the reaction side, to the caliper body. Specifically, the brake caliper according to the present invention includes: - A caliper body adapted to be positioned across a brake disc or a brake band of the brake disc, the brake disc having a rotation axis defining an axial direction and a first friction surface and a second friction surface disposed opposite to each other; the caliper body includes a first caliper body portion adapted to face the first friction surface, a second caliper body portion adapted to face the second friction surface, and a bridging member connecting the first caliper body portion to the second caliper body portion; - A first pad and a second pad, the first pad being able to slide relative to the caliper body in a direction parallel to the axial direction, the second pad being supported on the caliper body and integral with the caliper body, the first pad and the second pad being configured to act on one of the two opposite friction surfaces of the brake disc respectively. - A piston, which is slidably arranged in the cylinder, is configured such that, under braking, the piston is slidably driven such that, when driven, the piston pushes the first pad against the first friction surface of the brake disc in a thrust direction that is generally parallel to the axial direction. The caliper body is adapted to be driven in the thrust direction under the reaction of the piston being driven, thereby pushing the second pad into a second friction surface against the brake disc; The brake caliper also includes an insert, which is made of a heat-insulating material and is embedded between the caliper body and the second pad, particularly between the second caliper body portion and the second pad, thereby preventing heat generated during braking due to friction between the brake disc and the first pad and between the brake disc and the second pad from being transferred from the second pad toward the caliper body.

[0019] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insert includes a first end surface facing the second pad, a second end surface disposed opposite to the first end surface, and a lateral surface connecting the first end surface to the second end surface. Preferably, the first end surface of the insert has at least one vent or ventilation channel adapted to allow airflow between the insert and the second pad to promote heat dissipation. Similarly, the second caliper body portion may also include a seat portion accommodating the insert, such that: the first end surface of the insert contacts the second pad, the second end surface of the insert faces outward, and the lateral surface of the insert is shaped such that at least a majority of the lateral surface contacts the seat portion of the second caliper body portion and remains axially anchored to the seat portion. In this case, it is advantageous that at least one of the seat portion of the second caliper body portion and the lateral surface of the insert has a circumferential recess, and an open resilient ring, preferably metallic, or an O-ring, is accommodated in the circumferential recess.

[0020] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insert further has a support surface facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface and is adapted to at least partially abut against a step portion formed in the seat portion. More preferably, when the support surface abuts against the step portion, the insert protrudes axially from the seat portion toward the second pad portion.

[0021] According to an embodiment of the invention, the seat has a generally cylindrical shape and is generally coaxial with the piston and cylinder.

[0022] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insert is shaped such that: on one side of the second end surface, the dimension of the insert in the axial direction does not exceed the dimension of the second caliper body portion.

[0023] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insert further includes a heat dissipation element that protrudes from the second end surface and is adapted to facilitate heat dissipation toward the environment; the heat dissipation element is, for example, a plurality of heat sinks. In this case, preferably, all or part of the heat dissipation element comprises a metal portion, preferably a copper portion and / or a titanium portion.

[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, the insert is made entirely or mostly of phenolic resin, or at least the portion in direct contact with the second pad is made of phenolic resin.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the seat is defined by two finger-like portions on the second caliper body, which are adapted to enclose the insert to restrict its movement in the radial direction perpendicular to the axial direction. In this case, the two finger-like portions can be constructed or shaped such that, when viewed from a cross-section perpendicular to the axial direction, the seat generally has a circular horseshoe shape or an incomplete circle shape.

[0026] Finally, according to the implementation method, the brake caliper may further include: - A separate piston, slidably disposed within a separate cylinder, is configured such that, under braking, this separate piston is slidably driven to push the first pad against a first friction surface of the brake disc along a thrust direction generally parallel to the axial direction; this separate piston is generally disposed on one side of the piston; and - An additional insert of heat-insulating material, which is embedded at the additional piston between the caliper body and the second pad, to prevent heat generated during braking due to friction between the brake disc and the first pad and between the brake disc and the second pad from being transferred from the second pad toward the caliper body. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Other features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example only, in which: Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the caliper body of a brake caliper according to an embodiment of the present invention; in this view, the brake disc, first pad, second pad and insert are omitted for clarity. Figure 2 This is a front view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 Side view of the brake caliper; Figure 4 Is with Figure 3 A similar view, where a portion corresponds to the body portion of the second caliper; Figure 5 Is with Figure 3 A similar view, but showing a full cross-section (the section shading is omitted for clarity), and also showing the brake disc; Figure 6 Is with Figure 5 Similar view, but corresponding to another embodiment of the brake caliper according to the invention; Figure 7A From and Figure 1 A perspective view of the brake caliper insert according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a corresponding viewpoint; Figure 7B From and Figure 7A A perspective view of the brake caliper insert according to another embodiment of the present invention, viewed from a perspective opposite to the viewpoint. Figure 8 This is a perspective view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment of the present invention, which includes a plurality of, particularly two, pistons and corresponding inserts. For clarity, the inserts are omitted in the figure. Figure 9 Is with Figure 8 It is a view similar to the view, but in which the embedded parts are explicitly shown. Detailed Implementation

[0028] Referring first to the accompanying drawings, the sliding brake caliper according to the invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. The brake caliper 10 is used in disc brakes, for example, to apply braking action to brake discs associated with the wheels of a vehicle or motor vehicle in a known manner.

[0029] The brake caliper 10 mainly includes a caliper body 12, a first pad 14 and a second pad 16, at least one piston 18, and an insert 20.

[0030] The caliper body 12 is adapted to straddle the brake disc 22 or the brake band of the brake disc, and the brake disc 22 is adapted in a known manner to be constrained to a rotating body, such as a wheel, during rotation, thereby allowing braking of the wheel by means of frictional forces acting on the brake disc 22. The brake disc 22 has a pair of opposing friction surfaces, specifically a first friction surface 22a and a second friction surface 22b, which are also known in themselves. The brake disc 22 also defines an axial direction AA parallel to its axis of rotation (not shown in the figure, which is also known in itself), a circumferential direction CC parallel to the first friction surface 22a and perpendicular to the axial direction AA, and a radial direction RR perpendicular to the axial direction AA and the circumferential direction CC.

[0031] Typically, the caliper body 12 can be made of a metal such as aluminum, aluminum alloy, or cast iron. Therefore, the caliper body 12 can be obtained by casting, machining, or forging. The caliper body 12 includes a first caliper body portion 24 and a second caliper body portion 26, and a bridging portion or bridging member 28 connecting the first caliper body portion 24 and the second caliper body portion 26 to each other. The first caliper body portion 24 is adapted or arranged to face a first friction surface 22a of the brake disc 22; similarly, the second caliper body portion 26 is adapted or arranged to face a second friction surface 22b of the brake disc 22. Therefore, the first caliper body portion 24 and the first friction surface 22a define the so-called "actuated side" of the sliding brake caliper 10, while the second caliper body portion 26 and the second friction surface 22b define the so-called "reaction side" of the brake caliper 10.

[0032] The first pad 14 is mounted such that it can slide relative to the caliper body 12 parallel to the axial direction AA, while the second pad 16 is integrally mounted on the caliper body 12. The arrangement of the first pad 14 and the second pad 16 allows them to act on the first friction surface 22a and the second friction surface 22b of the brake disc 22 during braking, as described below. The manufacturing methods of pads 14 and 16 are known. For example, as... Figures 3 to 6 As shown, the second pad 16 includes a friction portion 16a and a support plate 16b. Specifically, the friction portion 16a is the front portion, i.e., arranged facing the brake disc 22, and therefore in direct contact with the second friction surface 22b of the brake disc 22; on the other hand, the support plate 16b is disposed at the rear to support the friction portion 16a on the caliper body 12, i.e., the support plate 16b is substantially located between the friction portion 16a and the second caliper body portion 26.

[0033] The piston 18, or thrust head, is slidably arranged within the cylinder 30. Therefore, during braking, the piston 18 is driven to slide along the axial direction AA, pushing the first pad 14 against the first friction surface 22a of the brake disc 22 in a thrust direction generally parallel to the axial direction AA. Similar to the common configuration of a sliding brake caliper 10, the caliper body 12 is thus adapted to be driven in the thrust direction by the reaction force of the piston 18, thereby translating approximately in the axial direction AA in a direction opposite to the thrust direction of the piston 18. In this way, the caliper body 12 moves the second pad 16 along with it, pushing the second pad against the friction surface 22b of the brake disc 22.

[0034] For example, piston 18 can be driven by injecting pressurized brake fluid into cylinder 30, particularly into chamber 31 defined between piston 18 and cylinder 30. Alternatively, piston 18 can also be driven by known electromechanical drive mechanisms, such as electric actuators. Obviously, the method of driving piston 18 is irrelevant to the purpose of this invention, and therefore the invention is not limited to applications employing a specific driving method.

[0035] According to known methods, a thermal insulation element 19 can be provided between the piston 18 and the first pad 14.

[0036] As previously described, according to the invention, the brake caliper 10 further includes an insert 20. The insert 20 has a body made of a heat-insulating material, such as phenolic resin, at least in the portion of the insert that contacts the second pad 16 or the support plate 16b of the second pad 16. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the insert 20 is entirely made of a heat-insulating material, without any portions specifically designed to promote heat dissipation. The insert 20 is positioned between the caliper body 12, particularly the second caliper body portion 26, and the second pad 16 or the support plate 16b of the second pad 16, to impede, minimize, prevent, or reduce heat transfer between these components. Specifically, during braking, heat is generated by friction between the brake disc 22 and the first pad 14, corresponding to the first friction surface 22a, and between the brake disc 22 and the second pad 16, corresponding to the second friction surface 22b; by positioning the insert 20 in the aforementioned locations, heat transfer to the second caliper body 26 can be effectively reduced, as can heat transfer indirectly to the piston 18 and cylinder 30 via the bridging member 28.

[0037] According to an embodiment, the insert 20 includes a first end surface 32 and a second end surface 34. The first end surface 32 faces the second pad 16 or faces the support plate 16b of the second pad 16 or is in contact with the support plate 16b of the second pad 16. The second end surface 34 is disposed opposite to the first end surface 32. Finally, the insert 20 has a lateral surface 36 connecting the first end surface 32 and the second end surface 34. For example, the insert 20 can be made into a single axisymmetric body, and preferably, the diameter of the insert 20 has a discontinuous change at a certain point.

[0038] Since the first end surface 32 is adapted to contact the support plate 16b to limit heat transfer from the support plate, this surface is preferably flat. Furthermore, in a particularly preferred embodiment, such as... Figure 7AAs shown, the first end surface 32 has a central recess 40; more preferably, the first end surface 32 has a plurality of outlets or vents 42, such as ventilation channels, allowing air to flow outward through the recess 40. In this way, air is allowed to flow through the recess 40 and / or vents 42, thereby further reducing heat transfer from the second pad 16 to the second caliper body portion 26.

[0039] Conversely, the second end surface 34 is preferably adapted to promote the dissipation of heat transferred to the insert 20, and therefore may be serrated or finned. For example, in Figure 7B In the preferred embodiment shown, the heat dissipation element 38 protrudes from the second end surface 34. Advantageously, these heat dissipation elements 38 may include metallic portions, such as copper and / or titanium, for more efficient heat dissipation.

[0040] According to an embodiment of the present invention, the second caliper body portion 26 includes a seat portion 44 configured to stably accommodate the insert 20.

[0041] Preferably, the insert 20 is housed within the seat 44 such that the insert partially protrudes from the seat 44 toward the second pad 16 in the axial direction AA, or protrudes substantially in the same direction relative to the second caliper body 26. This ensures that the insert 20 remains in contact with the support plate 16b of the second pad 16 even under the most unfavorable clearance or tolerance conditions; therefore, the generated heat is not transferred directly from the support plate 16b to the second caliper body 26 as is common in some prior art solutions, thus avoiding this unfavorable phenomenon.

[0042] For example, the seat portion 44 can be configured to constrain the insert 20 by limiting its movement in the axial direction AA. Specifically, the seat portion 44 is configured such that when the insert 20 is disposed in the seat portion 44, the first end surface 32 contacts the second pad 16 or the support plate 16b of the second pad 16, while the second end surface 34 of the insert 20 faces outward on the side away from the second pad 16 in the axial direction AA. Simultaneously, the lateral surface 36 of the insert is shaped such that at least a majority of the lateral surface contacts the seat portion 44 and remains axially anchored to it; that is, the movement of the insert 20 in the axial direction AA away from the second pad 16 is restricted by the shape of the seat portion 44 or by the shape matching of the seat portion 44 with the lateral surface 36 of the insert 20.

[0043] For example, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second caliper body portion 26 includes two finger portions 26a and 26b that define or define the seat portion 44 such that, when viewed from a cross section perpendicular to the axial direction AA, the seat portion 44 has a substantially circular horseshoe shape or an incomplete circle shape.

[0044] from Figure 1 and Figure 2 It can be clearly seen that the two fingers 26a and 26b are preferably long enough or extended to enclose the insert 20 and constrain the insert in the radial direction RR, that is, the two fingers extend to enclose half of the insert 20 beyond its lateral surface 36.

[0045] like Figure 6 In the embodiment shown, the insert 20 has a circumferential recess 46 or channel in which an elastic ring 48, such as an O-ring, is accommodated to ensure a seal in the axial direction AA.

[0046] exist Figure 5 In another embodiment shown, the seat portion 44 also has a corresponding recess 50, such that the elastic ring 48, for example a metal type elastic ring, is partially received in the recess 50 and partially received in the circumferential recess 46 to ensure a seal in the axial direction AA.

[0047] In a preferred embodiment, to ensure that the insert 20 is seated in the seating portion 44 along the axial direction AA, at least in the direction away from the second pad 16, the insert 20 may have a support surface 52 facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface 32, or facing away from the second pad 16 in the axial direction AA, and the support surface 52 is adapted to at least partially, preferably substantially, abut against a corresponding step portion 54 formed in the seating portion 44. Also in this case, preferably, the insert 20 may partially protrude from the seating portion 44 toward the second pad 16 in the axial direction AA, especially when the support surface 52 has abutted or is seated against the step portion 54.

[0048] Therefore, it is important that in various embodiments of the invention, the seat 44 can have a generally cylindrical shape, or it can be machined into a drilled shape in any case. In this case, it is advantageous that the seat 44 is substantially coaxial with the piston 18 and the cylinder 30. In this case, especially when the second caliper body 26 includes two finger portions 26a and 26b, the cylindrical shape needs to be machined for mounting the piston 18; therefore, it is obviously advantageous to replicate the same geometry to obtain the two finger portions 26a and 26b, so that the insert 20 has a matching geometry, for example, by making the insert 20 into a single axisymmetric body with a discontinuously varying diameter. This allows for a faster manufacturing process and simpler, smoother assembly.

[0049] In summary, the specific shapes of the seat 44 and the insert 20 are not relevant to the purpose of the present invention, but it is important that the cooperation between the seat 44 and the insert 20 enables the insert 20 to be at least partially accommodated in the seat 44 and ensures that the insert 20 is constrained in the axial direction AA, at least in the direction away from the second pad 16.

[0050] In an embodiment, the insert 20 is shaped such that: on one side of the second end surface 34, the dimension of the insert in the axial direction AA does not exceed the dimension of the second caliper body portion 26, or the insert 20 is shaped such that: the insert does not protrude from the second caliper body portion 26 in the axial direction AA in a direction away from the second pad 16. Preferably, the insert 20 is shaped such that: on one side of the second end surface 34, the dimension of the insert 20 in the axial direction AA does not exceed the dimension of the second caliper body portion 26, or the insert 20 is shaped such that: the insert 20 does not protrude from the second caliper body portion 26 in the axial direction AA in a direction away from the second pad 16, even if the insert 20 includes the aforementioned dispersing element 38. For example, such as Figure 7B As shown, this could mean that the heat sink 38 is a heat sink that protrudes from the second end surface 34 away from the second pad 16 in the axial direction AA, but does not protrude from the second caliper body portion 26, and the length of each heat sink decreases outward from the bridge member 28 in the radial direction RR.

[0051] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As clearly shown, the present invention is also applicable to brake calipers comprising multiple pistons and corresponding multiple cylinders. Specifically, in Figure 8 and Figure 9 In the example shown, the brake caliper 10 includes an additional piston (not shown, but known in itself) that is slidably disposed in an additional cylinder (not shown, but known in itself) – with Figure 8 and Figure 9 (Corresponding to one side of the caliper body 12, not shown in the figure), this additional piston is configured to be slidably driven under braking to push the first pad 14 against the first friction surface 22a of the brake disc 22 in a thrust direction generally parallel to the axial direction AA. As clearly shown, this additional piston is substantially located to one side of the piston 18 and works in conjunction with the piston 18 to apply a thrust to the first pad 14 during the same braking action. Figure 9As shown, in this embodiment, the brake caliper 10 further includes an additional insert 20' made of a heat-insulating material, which is embedded at the additional piston between the caliper body 12 and the second pad 16 to prevent heat generated during braking due to friction between the brake disc 22 and the first pad 14 and between the brake disc 22 and the second pad 16 from being transferred from the second pad 16 toward the caliper body 12. Alternatively, only one insert 20 can be used instead of the additional insert 20'. In this case, the insert 20 is configured to be embedded on the reaction side corresponding to the additional piston between the second pad 16 and the caliper body 12, thereby covering a wider area.

[0052] In embodiments where the brake caliper 10 includes more than one piston 18, the caliper body 12 may thereby include additional finger-like portions (e.g., Figure 8 and Figure 9 The third finger (26c) shown is adapted to define a seat between pairs of fingers, such that the seat can accommodate the insert 20. Essentially, even in embodiments where the brake caliper 10 includes more than one piston 18, all the above features and principles can be applied in a similar, obvious manner, such as... Figure 8 and Figure 9 As clearly shown. Thus, for example, each insert 20 and 20' may have a vent 42 or vent channel as described above, and / or a support surface 52 as described above, and / or a corresponding dispersing element 38 protruding from its respective second end surface 34, etc.

[0053] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that embodiments of brake calipers including three, four or more pistons and corresponding inserts are also within the scope of this invention.

[0054] All embodiments of the present invention will be self-evident to those skilled in the art and are compatible with known solutions involving embedding a gasket 56 or an insulating layer, such as Nikolite, on the actuation side (rather than the reaction side) and embedding these elements between the first pad 14 and the first caliper body portion 24. Specifically, Figure 4 An embodiment of the invention comprising such a gasket 56 is shown.

[0055] As can be clearly seen from the specification, the present invention overcomes the shortcomings of the prior art.

[0056] Specifically, thanks to this insert, heat transfer can be minimized even from the reaction side without increasing the axial dimensions of the brake caliper.

[0057] Since the configuration of the seat and the insert determines the degree of external exposure of the second end surface of the insert, it can promote the dissipation of heat that has been transferred to the insert.

[0058] Furthermore, the presence of the dissipating element can increase the speed of this dissipation.

[0059] Finally, due to the configuration of the two finger-shaped portions of the second caliper body, a brake caliper that is easy to manufacture and assemble can be obtained, wherein the position of the insert is firmly fixed in both the axial and radial directions.

[0060] Of course, without affecting the principles of the invention, the implementation methods and details can be varied extensively relative to the description and illustration provided only as non-limiting examples, without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

[0061] List of reference numerals AA axial direction CC circumferential direction RR radial direction 10 brake calipers 12 caliper body 14 First Pad 16 Second Pad 16a Friction Part 16b support plate 18-piston 19 thermal insulation elements 20 inserts 20' additional inserts 22 brake discs 22a First friction surface 22b Second friction surface 24 First caliper body part 26 Second caliper body part 26a The finger section of the second caliper body 26b Second caliper body finger section 26c second caliper body finger section 28 Bridging components 30 cylinders Room 31 32 First end surface 34 Second end surface 36 Lateral surfaces 38 emission elements 40 recess 42 Ventilation outlets / exhaust outlets 44 Seating Section 46 circumferential concave portion 48. Elastic rings or O-rings 50 recesses 52 Support Surface 54 steps 56 gasket.

Claims

1. A sliding brake caliper (10) for a disc brake, the brake caliper (10) comprising: - A caliper body (12) adapted to be positioned across a brake disc (22) having a rotation axis defining an axial direction (AA) and having a first friction surface (22a) and a second friction surface (22b) disposed opposite to each other; the caliper body (12) includes a first caliper body portion (24) adapted to face the first friction surface (22a), a second caliper body portion (26) adapted to face the second friction surface (22b), and a bridging member (28) connecting the first caliper body portion (24) to the second caliper body portion (26). - A first pad (14) and a second pad (16), the first pad (14) being able to slide relative to the caliper body (12) parallel to the axial direction (AA), the second pad (16) being supported on the caliper body (12) and integral with the caliper body (12), the first pad (14) and the second pad (16) being configured to act on a corresponding friction surface (22a; 22b) of opposite friction surfaces of the brake disc (22); - Piston (18), which is slidably arranged in the cylinder (30) and configured such that, under braking, the piston (18) is slidably driven to push the first pad (14) against the first friction surface (22a) of the brake disc (22) in a thrust direction generally parallel to the axial direction (AA). The caliper body (12) is adapted to be driven in the thrust direction under the reaction of the piston (18) being driven, so as to push the second pad (16) against the second friction surface (22b) of the brake disc (22). The brake caliper (10) also includes a heat-insulating material insert (20) which is embedded between the caliper body (12) and the second pad (16) to prevent heat generated during braking due to friction between the brake disc (22) and the first pad (14) and between the brake disc (22) and the second pad (16) from being transferred from the second pad (16) toward the caliper body (12).

2. The brake caliper according to claim 1, wherein, The insert (20) includes a first end surface (32) facing the second pad (16), a second end surface (34) disposed opposite to the first end surface (32), and a lateral surface (36) connecting the first end surface (32) to the second end surface (34).

3. The brake caliper according to claim 2, wherein, The first end surface (32) of the insert (20) has at least one vent (42) or ventilation channel, which is adapted to allow airflow to flow between the insert (20) and the second pad (16) to promote heat dissipation.

4. The brake caliper according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The second caliper body portion (26) includes a seat portion (44) in which the insert (20) is accommodated, such that the first end surface (32) of the insert (20) contacts the second pad (16), the second end surface (34) of the insert (20) faces outward, and the lateral surface (36) of the insert (20) is shaped such that at least a majority of the lateral surface (36) contacts the seat portion (44) of the second caliper body portion (26) and the lateral surface (36) remains axially anchored to the seat portion (44).

5. The brake caliper according to claim 4, wherein, At least one of the seat portion (44) of the second caliper body portion (26) and the lateral surface (36) of the insert (20) has a circumferential recess (46, 50) in which an open elastic ring (48) or an O-ring is accommodated, preferably, the open elastic ring (48) is metal.

6. The brake caliper according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The insert (20) also has a support surface (52) facing in a direction opposite to the first end surface (32), and the support surface (52) is adapted to at least partially abut against a step (54) formed in the seat (44), wherein preferably, when the support surface (52) abuts against the step (54), the insert (20) partially protrudes from the seat (44) toward the second pad (16) in the axial direction (AA).

7. The brake caliper according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The seat (44) has a generally cylindrical shape that is coaxial with the piston (18) and the cylinder (30).

8. The brake caliper according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The shape of the insert (20) is such that the dimension of the insert (20) in the axial direction (AA) on one side of the second end surface (34) does not exceed the dimension of the second caliper body portion (26).

9. The brake caliper according to any one of claims 4 to 8, wherein, The insert (20) also includes a heat dissipation element (38) that protrudes from the second end surface (34) and is adapted to facilitate heat dissipation toward the environment, for example, the heat dissipation element (38) being a plurality of heat sinks.

10. The brake caliper according to claim 9, wherein, The emitting element (38) includes a metal portion, preferably a copper portion and / or a titanium portion.

11. The brake caliper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The insert (20) is made of phenolic resin.

12. The brake caliper according to any one of claims 4 to 11, wherein, The seat (44) is defined by two finger-shaped portions (26a; 26b) of the second caliper body portion (26), which are adapted to enclose the insert (20) to restrict the movement of the insert (20) in the radial direction (RR) perpendicular to the axial direction (AA).

13. The brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein, The two finger-like portions (26a; 26b) are configured such that, when viewed from a section perpendicular to the axial direction (AA), the seat portion (44) has a generally circular horseshoe shape or an incomplete circle shape.

14. The brake caliper according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake caliper further comprises: - An additional piston, which is slidably arranged in a separate cylinder, is configured such that, under braking, the additional piston is slidably driven to push the first pad (14) against the first friction surface (22a) of the brake disc (22) in a thrust direction generally parallel to the axial direction (AA); the additional piston is generally arranged on one side of the piston (18). as well as - An additional insert (20') of heat-insulating material is embedded at the additional piston between the caliper body (12) and the second pad (16) to prevent heat generated during braking due to friction between the brake disc (22) and the first pad (14) and between the brake disc (22) and the second pad (16) from the second pad (16) toward the caliper body (12).

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