Floating brake caliper

Abstract

This invention relates to a floating brake caliper 1 for a disc brake, comprising a caliper body or floating element 2, a bracket or support element 3 configured to connect to a vehicle, at least one sliding guide or guide pin 4, 5, and at least one guide dustproof element 41, 42 for each sliding guide 4, 5, wherein the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 is arranged between the caliper body 2 and the bracket 3 to allow relative sliding between the caliper body 2 and the bracket 3 in an axial direction A-A, wherein the caliper body 2 includes a first caliper portion or a vehicle-side caliper portion 6, wherein the first... A clamp portion 6 defines a receiving seat 7 for a thrust device 8, wherein the clamp 2 includes a second clamp portion or a cantilevered clamp portion 9, wherein the second clamp portion 9 extends from the first clamp portion 6 at least along an axial direction A-A on the opposite side relative to the vehicle, such that the clamp 2 is arranged to straddle the brake disc, wherein each sliding guide 4, 5 includes a guide sliding portion 10, wherein the guide sliding portion 10 is slidably received in a corresponding sliding seat 11, 12, wherein the corresponding sliding seat 11, 12 is formed in the clamp 2; wherein at least one guide is protected against Dust-proof elements 41 and 42 are connected to corresponding sliding guides 4 and 5 and clamp body 2 on opposite sides in the axial direction to form a sealing gasket, wherein at least one guide dust-proof element 41 or 42 defines a corresponding sleeve cavity 43 or 44, and the guide sliding portion 10 of the corresponding sliding guide 4 or 5 is at least partially slidably received within the sleeve cavity; guide fixing portion 13 is fixed to or rigidly constrained to bracket 3; screw head 14 defines at least one operating seat 15, such that screw head 14 can be operated by a user and / or tool. The operation secures at least one sliding guide 4, 5 to the bracket 3, with the screw head 14 positioned axially opposite to the first clamping body portion 6, such that the screw head 14 can be operated axially on the side opposite to the first clamping body portion 6, thereby securing and / or removing at least one sliding guide 4, 5 at least relative to the bracket 3, wherein at least one sliding seat 11, 12 is axially open on the side where the bracket 3 is located and axially closed on the opposite side, thus eliminating the need for a closing cap for reversibly connecting to the clamping body to close the sliding seat 11, 12.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a floating brake caliper. Background Technology

[0002] In a disc brake of the floating caliper type, the brake caliper includes a support structure or bracket, and a caliper body slidably mounted on the support structure via at least one sliding guide (preferably a pair of sliding guides). The support structure or bracket is adapted to be mounted on a fixed part of the vehicle and is generally arranged to straddle the outer peripheral edge of the brake disc, wherein the brake disc is adapted to rotate about a rotation axis (XX), which defines an axial direction (AA). In the installed state, the sliding or floating movement of the brake caliper is parallel to the rotation axis (XX) of the brake disc along the axial direction (AA). Furthermore, in the disc brake, a radial direction (RR) is defined, which is substantially orthogonal to the axial direction (AA).

[0003] Typically, the caliper (i.e., the floating structure) includes a lateral portion arranged outside the support structure (usually located on the hub side of the braking system) and having a housing for the thrust device or piston, as well as a cantilever portion or support portion that extends axially (towards the wheel side) from the lateral portion onto the support structure or bracket.

[0004] As is known, a brake disc for a disc brake includes a hub for associating the brake disc with a vehicle wheel hub, from which an annular portion, called a brake band, extends to cooperate with the brake pads of the brake caliper.

[0005] The brake caliper carries two slidingly associated brake pads arranged in a housing formed within a support structure, allowing them to contact the braking surface of the brake disc. The first brake pad, also called the active brake pad or active-side brake pad, is directly pushed against the brake disc by a thrust device or piston housed in the lateral portion of the caliper body. The second brake pad, also called the reaction brake pad, is opposite the first brake pad and is pushed against the brake disc by the reaction force generated by the interaction between the first brake pad and the brake disc during sliding of the caliper body relative to the support structure or bracket, by the cantilevered or support portion of the caliper body.

[0006] In some known schemes, the sliding guide is fixed to the bracket and slides within the seat of the clamp body.

[0007] In these known solutions, the sliding guide includes a screw head suitable for user operation, i.e., defining an outer contour with a recessed seat or suitable for tool operation, and also includes a sliding portion of the guide and a threaded guide portion. The threaded guide portion is configured to connect to a bracket.

[0008] In these known designs, the caliper body defines two sliding seats for a corresponding sliding guide, wherein the two sliding seats are formed as two holes extending axially through the caliper body, and the sliding portion of the sliding guide is received therein. A bracket defines two threaded retaining holes for securing the threaded guide portion. These known designs include connecting and inserting the sliding guide into the caliper body and inserting the bracket on the vehicle side, axially from the sidewall side of the caliper body towards the opposite side. In other words, once the sliding guide is connected to the caliper body, the screw head is always located on the vehicle side or the sidewall side of the floating caliper body that houses the thrust device or piston. Furthermore, once the sliding guide is secured to the bracket, the screw head is located inside the corresponding sliding seat, and during normal use of the brake caliper, the sliding seat on the vehicle side is sealed by a special sealing cap configured to prevent liquid or dust from entering the interior of the sliding seat. This sealing cap is connected to the sliding seat via a groove formed on the caliper body.

[0009] With this insertion design, during brake caliper maintenance, such as when replacing brake pads, the user or operator is forced to operate the sliding guide from the side facing the vehicle to remove it from the brake caliper, making the operation difficult given the limited space between the brake caliper and the wheel axle. Furthermore, with this insertion design, the sealing cap always needs to be removed to inspect the brake caliper or brake pads, exposing the sliding seat and / or the sliding portion of the guide to dust and / or liquids from the external environment during maintenance. Moreover, once maintenance is complete, the user may not be able to properly reinstall the sealing cap, or may not install it completely, thus exposing the sliding seat to liquids and dust during normal use, which will lead to accelerated wear of the brake caliper.

[0010] Furthermore, considering that the sidewall of the caliper body has the dimensions required to accommodate the thrust device, in some brake caliper designs, the sidewall can also be connected to a motor and a transmission mechanism, thus the center of gravity of the caliper body is unbalanced on the sidewall.

[0011] It has been found that the imbalance of the floating caliper's center of gravity may lead to the risk of bending of the sliding guide. This could generate greater friction during the sliding of the sliding guide or guide pin arranged between the caliper body and the support bracket, thus hindering the sliding itself. This could potentially lead to unintended contact between the brake pad and the brake disc at the end of braking action, or the brake pad dragging on the brake disc, generating residual torque and accelerating brake pad wear. Furthermore, the obstruction of the sliding guide or guide pin leads to uneven wear of the first and second brake pads, thus requiring more frequent maintenance and potentially introducing the risk of brake pad dragging at the end of braking action, generating residual drag torque that further accelerates the wear of the friction materials of the brake pad and brake disc.

[0012] Therefore, there is a need in the field for floating brake caliper solutions that can simplify assembly and maintenance.

[0013] Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to design a floating brake caliper with structural and functional features to meet the above requirements, while overcoming the disadvantages mentioned in the prior art and satisfying the above requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention aims to provide a floating brake caliper that simplifies the maintenance, assembly or disassembly of the brake caliper and improves the service life of the brake caliper.

[0015] This objective and other advantages are achieved by the brake caliper according to the independent claims.

[0016] Other advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] The proposed solution simplifies brake caliper maintenance, making it easier for maintenance personnel to access the sliding guide.

[0018] The proposed solution frees up useful space for brake calipers or other vehicle components from the caliper side, which includes the thrust mount (typically on the vehicle side, i.e. the side from which the bracket connects to the vehicle).

[0019] The proposed scheme provides a brake caliper in which the center of gravity of the caliper body falls within the sliding area of ​​the sliding guide on the caliper body.

[0020] The proposed solution enables the manufacture of brake calipers that are lighter and have fewer parts.

[0021] With the proposed solution, brake calipers can be manufactured at a lower cost by reducing the number of parts and machining on the caliper body.

[0022] The proposed solution enables the creation of a brake caliper that slides between the caliper body and the support, exhibiting high resistance to external stress.

[0023] The proposed solution simplifies brake caliper maintenance and reduces or even eliminates the risk of the sliding portion of the sliding guide coming into contact with liquid or dust during brake pad replacement. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Further features and advantages of this brake caliper will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are given by way of non-limiting example, wherein: - Figure 1A floating brake caliper according to an embodiment of the present invention is depicted in an axonometric view of the side opposite to the vehicle, comprising at least one sliding guide or guide pin, preferably including a first sliding guide and a second sliding guide that are fixed to a bracket and slide in the caliper body, wherein each sliding guide is inserted into the bracket and the caliper body from the side opposite to the vehicle, and wherein each sliding guide includes a screw head that can be operated by a user. - Figure 2 A cross-sectional view depicting the at least one sliding guide (preferably the first sliding guide) is shown, parallel to the axial and radial directions and passing through the axis. Figure 1 The brake caliper has a screw head visible from the side of the floating caliper opposite to the vehicle side, and the fixed part of the sliding guide is fixed to the bracket, clamping it between the screw head and the sliding part of the guide. - Figure 3 A cross-sectional view depicting the at least one sliding guide (preferably the second sliding guide) is shown, parallel to the axial and radial directions and passing through the axis. Figure 1 The brake caliper has a screw head visible from the side of the floating caliper opposite to the vehicle side, and the fixed part of the sliding guide is fixed to the bracket. - Figure 4 Depicted in exploded axonometric drawing Figure 1 A guide assembly for a brake caliper, wherein the guide assembly includes a first sliding guide configured to slidably connect a bracket to... Figure 1 The brake caliper body, and the first guide dustproof element, wherein the first sliding guide includes a guide screw and a guide sliding portion made in a separate manner and capable of being connected to each other by a threaded connection; - Figure 5 Depicted in exploded axonometric drawing Figure 1 The brake caliper guide assembly, wherein the guide assembly includes a second sliding guide configured to slidably connect the bracket to... Figure 1 The brake caliper body, and the second guide dustproof element, wherein the second sliding guide is the same as and interchangeable with the first sliding guide; - Figure 6 The isometric view shows the operation during brake pad replacement. Figure 1 The brake caliper wherein the guide screw of the first sliding guide is separated from the corresponding sliding portion of the guide, and the caliper body is hinged to the bracket only at the second sliding guide, allowing the caliper body to be lifted by rotating about the axis of the second sliding guide, thereby allowing inspection and replacement of the brake pads without separating the sliding portions of the first and second guide pins from the caliper body; - Figure 7The guide sliding portion is shown in an isometric view, having a shaped collar housed in a corresponding anti-rotation seat of the bracket, wherein the collar and the corresponding anti-rotation seat of the bracket are shaped to prevent the guide sliding portion from rotating during the securing of the guide pin to the bracket; - Figure 8 The anti-rotation seat of the bracket is shown in an isometric view, which has a portion partially defined by a generally circular edge and a radial opening, wherein the legs of the collar of the guide sliding portion protrude radially from the radial opening; - Figure 9 Showing Figure 4 and Figure 5 The details show the radial clearance when the guide screw is installed relative to the corresponding insert, which allows the guide pin to be connected to the brake caliper through the insert of the bracket and the sliding seat of the caliper body that is not aligned within the radial clearance, thus enabling the assembly of the components without forcing or interfering. Detailed Implementation

[0025] According to the general embodiment, the floating brake caliper for the disc brake is indicated by reference numeral 1 in the figure.

[0026] The brake caliper 1 includes a caliper body or floating element 2, a bracket or support element 3 configured to be connected to a vehicle, at least one sliding guide or guide pin 4, 5, and at least one guide dustproof element 41, 42 for each sliding guide 4, 5.

[0027] The at least one sliding guide 4, 5 is arranged between the clamp body 2 and the bracket 3 to allow relative sliding between the clamp body 2 and the bracket 3 in the axial direction AA.

[0028] The clamp body 2 includes a first clamp body portion or a vehicle-side clamp body portion 6, wherein the first clamp body portion 6 defines a receiving seat 7 for the thrust device 8.

[0029] The caliper 2 includes a second caliper portion or a cantilevered caliper portion 9, wherein the second caliper portion 9 extends from the first caliper portion 6 on the opposite side of the vehicle at least in the axial direction AA, such that the caliper 2 is arranged to straddle the brake disc.

[0030] Each sliding guide 4, 5 includes a guide sliding portion 10. The guide sliding portion 10 is slidably received in a corresponding sliding seat 11, 12, wherein the corresponding sliding seat 11, 12 is disposed in the clamp body 2. The at least one guide dustproof element 41, 42 is connected to the corresponding sliding guide 4, 5 and the clamp body 2 on axially opposite sides, thereby forming a sealing gasket. The at least one guide dustproof element 41, 42 defines a corresponding sleeve cavity 43, 44 in which the guide sliding portion 10 of the corresponding sliding guide 4, 5 is at least partially slidably received.

[0031] Each sliding guide 4, 5 includes a corresponding guide fixing portion 13, which is fixed to or rigidly constrained to the bracket 3.

[0032] Each sliding guide 4, 5 includes a corresponding screw head 14, wherein the screw head 14 defines at least one operating seat 15 such that the screw head 14 can be operated by a user and / or a tool to secure the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 to the bracket 3.

[0033] Advantageously, the screw head 14 is arranged on the side opposite to the first clamping body portion 6 in the axial direction, such that the screw head 14 can be operated on the side opposite to the first clamping body portion 6 in the axial direction to secure and / or remove the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 at least relative to the bracket 3.

[0034] Advantageously, the at least one sliding seat 11, 12 is axially open on the support 3 side and axially closed on the opposite side by the clamp body bottom wall 28 to form a blind hole, or the at least one sliding seat 11, 12 is axially open on the support 3 side and axially closed on the opposite side by corresponding guide dustproof elements 41, 42, the corresponding guide dustproof elements including a sealing wall 45, such that the corresponding sleeve cavities 43, 44 are open on one side and closed on the other side.

[0035] Advantageously, the brake caliper 1 does not need to include a sealing cap for reversibly connecting to the caliper body to close the slide seats 11, 12.

[0036] Thus, the weight of the screw head 14 is positioned axially opposite to the first caliper body portion 6 in the brake caliper 1, avoiding adding weight to the first caliper body portion 6 and / or allowing the weight of the caliper body to be unloaded onto the guide sliding portion 10, thereby avoiding and / or reducing the risk of the sliding guide bending by improving the balance of the brake caliper's center of gravity; on the other hand, it makes it easier to maintain the brake caliper because the screw head 14 can be easily accessed from the side opposite to the brake caliper portion connected to the vehicle.

[0037] In addition, it is conceivable to use a sliding guide that maintains a fluid-tight connection with the corresponding sliding seat, thus avoiding the need to operate the sealing cap of the sliding seat during maintenance operations in order to at least partially separate the clamp body from the support bracket.

[0038] In one embodiment, the bracket 3 is shaped to be arranged in a straddle brake disc manner.

[0039] In one embodiment, the bracket 3 includes a connecting flange 16 configured to be rigidly connected to the vehicle's suspension via connecting devices such as screws or bolts and nuts.

[0040] In one embodiment, the bracket 3 includes at least one bracket connection portion 17, 18.

[0041] In one embodiment, the at least one bracket connection portion 17, 18 (preferably each bracket connection portion) defines a corresponding bracket through hole 19 along the axial direction AA.

[0042] In one embodiment, the bracket through hole 19 extends between the first bracket opening 20 and the second bracket opening 21, wherein the first bracket opening 20 faces the first clamp portion 6 and the second bracket opening 21 faces the opposite side.

[0043] In one embodiment, each bracket through-hole 19 defines a corresponding insertion seat 35, 36, for at least partial insertion of the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 and for securing the guide fixing portion 13 to the bracket 3.

[0044] In one embodiment, the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 and / or guide fixing portion 13 includes guide screws 46, 47 and guide sliding portion 10 as separate and reversibly connectable components. In one embodiment, the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 and / or guide fixing portion 13 includes a threaded guide seat 48, preferably defined by guide sliding portion 10, wherein the guide screws 46, 47 and guide sliding portion 10 are made as separate parts and preferably connected by a threaded connection.

[0045] In one embodiment, the guide screws 46, 47 include the screw head 13 and a screw shank 50 extending from the screw head 13 to the threaded screw portion 49.

[0046] In one embodiment, the screw rod 50 is received in the bracket through hole 19, wherein the threaded screw portion 49 is connected to the threaded guide seat 48 by clamping the at least one bracket connecting portion 17, 18 between the screw head 14 and the guide sliding portion 10, while the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 and the guide fixing portion 13 are fixed to the bracket 3.

[0047] In one embodiment, the guide sliding portion 10 is slidably inserted into the at least one sliding seat 11, 12.

[0048] In one embodiment, the connecting flange 16 includes a first U-shaped support portion 33. In one embodiment, the at least one support connecting portion 17, 18 protrudes from the connecting flange 16 (preferably from the first U-shaped support portion 33) in the axial direction AA. In one embodiment, the at least one support connecting portion 17, 18 includes a first support connecting portion 17 and a second support connecting portion 18, which protrude from the connecting flange 16 (preferably from the first U-shaped support portion 33) in the axial direction AA.

[0049] In one embodiment, the bracket includes a second U-shaped bracket portion 34 on the side opposite to the first U-shaped bracket portion 33 in the axial direction. In one embodiment, the second U-shaped bracket portion 34 forms a reinforcing element or flange that tangentially connects the first bracket connecting portion 17 and the second bracket connecting portion 18. In one embodiment, the first bracket connecting portion 17 and the second bracket connecting portion 18 form a connecting bridge between the first U-shaped bracket portion 33 and the second U-shaped bracket portion 34 to arrange the bracket to straddle the brake disc.

[0050] In one embodiment, the at least one insertion seat 35, 36 includes a first insertion seat 35 and a second insertion seat 36.

[0051] In one embodiment, the bracket through hole 19 of the first bracket connecting portion 17 and the bracket through hole 19 of the second bracket connecting portion 18 respectively define a first insertion seat 35 and a second insertion seat 36, which are preferably cylindrical.

[0052] In one embodiment, the bracket 3 defines a first brake pad seat 39 and a second brake pad seat 40, which are respectively configured to support a first brake pad 37 and a second brake pad 38. In one embodiment, the first bracket connection portion 17 and the second bracket connection portion 18 include corresponding support portions that define support surfaces for the brake pads. In one embodiment, each brake pad seat 39, 40 is at least partially defined by the support surfaces for the brake pads.

[0053] In one embodiment, the first clamping body portion 6 includes at least one clamping body connecting portion 22, 23.

[0054] In one embodiment, the at least one clamp body connecting portion 22, 23 includes a corresponding clamp body hole 24, which extends between the clamp body support side opening 28 and the clamp body bottom wall 28 in a direction parallel to or coincident with the axial direction AA, forming a blind hole.

[0055] In one embodiment, the at least one clamp body connecting portion 22, 23 includes a corresponding clamp body hole 24, which extends in a direction parallel to or coincident with the axial direction AA between the clamp body support side opening 28 and the clamp body back-to-support side opening 26, thereby forming a through hole.

[0056] In one embodiment, the clamp body hole 24 defines corresponding sliding seats 11, 12.

[0057] In one embodiment, the first clamp portion 6 includes a central portion 30, a first tangential portion 31, and a second tangential portion 32. In one embodiment, the first tangential portion 31 and the second tangential portion 32 extend from the central portion 30 on opposite sides in the tangential direction at least along a tangential direction TT perpendicular to the axial direction AA.

[0058] In one embodiment, the central portion 30 defines the receiving seat 7 for the thrust device 8.

[0059] In one embodiment, the at least one clamp body connecting portion 22, 23 includes a first clamp body connecting portion 22 and a second clamp body connecting portion 23.

[0060] In one embodiment, the first tangential portion 31 supports the first clamping body connecting portion 22 at its distal end relative to the central portion 30. In one embodiment, the second tangential portion 32 supports the second clamping body connecting portion 23 at its distal end relative to the central portion 30.

[0061] In one embodiment, the first clamp body connecting portion 22 and the second clamp body connecting portion 23 each include a corresponding clamp body hole 24.

[0062] In one embodiment, the clamping hole 24 of the first clamping body connecting portion 22 is a blind hole, and the clamping hole 24 of the second clamping body connecting portion 23 is a through hole, or each clamping hole 24 is a through hole, or each clamping hole 24 is a blind hole.

[0063] In one embodiment, each screw shank 50 is received in a corresponding bracket insert 35, 36 and has a radial clearance R to allow connection between the guide screws 46, 47 and the sliding portion 10, even if the bracket inserts 35, 36 and the threaded guides 48 and / or the sliding portions 11, 12 are non-axial and / or misaligned within the radial clearance R.

[0064] In one embodiment, the screw rod 50 has a rod diameter D1.

[0065] In one embodiment, the through holes of the bracket inserts 35 and 36 have a maximum through hole diameter D2.

[0066] In one embodiment, the maximum through-hole diameter D2 is greater than the radial clearance R relative to the rod diameter D1.

[0067] In one embodiment, the radial clearance R is between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, preferably between 0.1 mm and 2 mm.

[0068] In one embodiment, the screw head 14 has a maximum head diameter D3, wherein the maximum head diameter D3 is greater than the maximum through-hole diameter D2.

[0069] In one embodiment, the guide sliding portion 10 includes a guide abutment portion 51.

[0070] In one embodiment, the guide abutment portion 51 abuts against the bracket connection portions 17, 18.

[0071] In one embodiment, the bracket connection portions 17, 18 include an anti-rotation seat 52 adapted to receive the guide abutment portion 51 through a gap and configured to prevent the guide sliding portion 10 from rotating when the guide screws 46, 47 are tightened.

[0072] In one embodiment, the anti-rotation seat 52 is radially bounded by a circular radial wall 53 extending between the first anti-rotation end 54 and the second anti-rotation end 55. In another embodiment, the first anti-rotation end 54 and the second anti-rotation end 55 are circumferentially spaced to allow for unobstructed passage.

[0073] In one embodiment, the guide abutment portion 51 is shaped to at least partially abut against the circular radial wall 53 radially. In one embodiment, the guide abutment portion 51 includes a leg 56 extending through the unobstructed passage. In one embodiment, the leg 56 is configured to tangentially abut against the first anti-rotation end 54 and / or the second anti-rotation end 55 when the guide sliding portion 10 is used to tighten or loosen the guide screws 46, 47.

[0074] In one embodiment, the at least one sliding guide 4, 5 includes a first sliding guide 4 and a second sliding guide 5.

[0075] In one embodiment, the at least one guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a first guide dustproof element 41 and a second guide dustproof element 42. In one embodiment, the guide dustproof element 41, 42 is a dustproof bellows and / or a dustproof sleeve, including at least one telescopic portion or a bellows-like portion 58. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 is integrally formed. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 is made from a single elastomer body. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 is seamlessly integrally formed without the need to assemble multiple parts. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a corresponding tubular portion 57 configured to fit onto a corresponding sliding guide 4, 5. In one embodiment, the corresponding tubular portion 57 of each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a corresponding sealing sliding portion 59 configured to form a sliding seal with the corresponding sliding guide 4, 5. In one embodiment, each corresponding sealing sliding portion 59 is sealed by at least partially contacting the corresponding sliding guide 4, 5, allowing it to slide freely. In one embodiment, the corresponding tubular portion 57 of each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a corresponding telescopic portion or corrugated tubular portion 58 configured to elastically adapt to the sliding of the clamp body 2 relative to the support 3. In one embodiment, each corresponding sealing sliding portion 59 is integrally formed seamlessly with the corresponding telescopic portion 58. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 extends seamlessly, defining a corresponding sleeve cavity 43, 44. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 does not need to include a metal sleeve.

[0076] In one embodiment, the first sliding guide 4 slides at least partially within the first sleeve cavity 43 and the first sliding seat 11.

[0077] In one embodiment, the second sliding guide 5 slides at least partially within the second sleeve cavity 44 and the second sliding seat 12.

[0078] In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 is configured to prevent liquids and dust from entering the respective slide seats 11, 12 and to prevent liquids and dust from contacting the guide sliding portion 10 of the respective sliding guide 4, 5.

[0079] In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a retractable portion 58 (e.g., a bellows-like portion) configured to be elastically adapted to slide the clamp 2 relative to the support 3.

[0080] In one embodiment, each sleeve cavity 43, 44 is a cavity that extends through in the axial direction AA, and each sliding seat 11, 12 includes a corresponding clamp body bottom wall 28 to form a closed seat.

[0081] In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a corresponding sealing wall 45, such that each sleeve cavity 43, 44 is an axially open cavity on one side to accommodate the corresponding sliding guide 4, 5, while on the other side it is axially closed by the corresponding sealing wall 45. In one embodiment, each guide dustproof element 41, 42 includes a corresponding tubular portion 57 and a corresponding sealing wall 45, wherein the corresponding tubular portion 57 and the corresponding sealing wall 45 are seamlessly integrally formed, defining the corresponding sleeve cavity 43, 44.

[0082] In one embodiment, the first guide dustproof element 41 has an axially extending first sleeve cavity 43, while the second guide dustproof element 42 includes a closing wall 45 such that the second sleeve cavity 44 is open on one side and closed on the other side, wherein the first sliding seat 11 includes the clamp body bottom wall 28, and the second sliding seat 12 is axially extending, wherein the second guide dustproof element 42 is received in the second sliding seat 12. In one embodiment, the second guide dustproof element 42 includes a corresponding tubular portion 57 and a closing wall 45, which are seamlessly integrally formed and define the second sleeve cavity 44.

[0083] In one embodiment, the first sliding guide 4 and the second sliding guide 5 are identical and interchangeable. In one embodiment, the first guide screw and the second guide screw are identical and interchangeable, for example, they may be M8 screws. In one embodiment, the guide sliding portion of the first sliding guide 4 and the guide sliding portion of the second sliding guide 5 are identical and interchangeable. In one embodiment, the first sliding guide 4 and the second sliding guide 5 have the same geometry and dimensions.

[0084] The proposed solution provides a brake caliper that reduces the probability of human error during maintenance and lowers the cost of the caliper itself.

[0085] By using the proposed solution, it is possible to avoid setting a closing cap and / or sealing cap for the sliding seat of the sliding guide on the side of the caliper body opposite to the support, thereby obtaining a brake caliper with fewer parts and less machining, because there is no seat and / or groove for connecting the closing cap at or near the sliding seat of the sliding guide in the caliper body.

[0086] With the proposed solution, even during maintenance and / or brake pad replacement operations, the sliding portion of the corresponding sliding guide can be held within the corresponding sliding seat in the caliper body, because the caliper body can be released from the bracket simply by separating the guide screw from the corresponding sliding portion, without removing the sliding portion from the caliper body. Thus, the sliding seat remains protected and isolated from the external environment during each brake pad replacement operation.

[0087] With the proposed solution, the caliper's center of gravity is balanced on the sliding guide, providing a very stable brake caliper and long-lasting slip, which helps to reduce any residual torque.

[0088] By using the proposed solution, a radial clearance is provided between the guide screw and its insert, ensuring the ease of assembly of the sliding guide between the caliper body and the bracket, even with large machining tolerances, thereby reducing the machining and production costs of the brake caliper.

[0089] List of reference numerals 1: Brake calipers 2: Clamping body or floating element 3: Brackets or support elements 4: First sliding guide or first guide pin 5: Second sliding guide or second guide pin 6: First clamping body part or vehicle side clamping body part 7: Receiving seat for the thrust device 8: Thrust device 9: Second clamping body or cantilever clamping body 10: Guide sliding part 11: First sliding seat 12: Second sliding seat 13: Guide fixing part 14: Screw head 15: Operating console 16: Bracket connection flange 17: First bracket connection part 18: Second bracket connection part 19: Through hole for bracket 20: First bracket hole opening 21: Second bracket hole opening 22: First clamp body connection part 23: Second clamp body connection part 24: First clamp body hole 25: Second clamp body hole 26: The opening of the first clamp body or the opening on the side of the clamp body facing away from the support. 27: Second clamp opening or clamp support side opening 28: Bottom wall of the clamp body 30: Central part of the clamp body 31: First tangential portion 32: Second tangential portion 33: First U-shaped support section 34: Second U-shaped support section 35: First insertion socket 36: Second insertion seat 37: First Brake Pad 38: Second brake pad 39: First brake pad 40: Second brake pad 41: Dustproof element for the first guide 42: Dustproof element for the second guide 43: First sleeve cavity 44: Second sleeve cavity 45: Sleeve closed wall 46: First guide screw 47: Second guide screw 48: Threaded guide seat 49: Threaded screw portion 50: Screw rod 51: Guiding arrival section 52: Anti-rotation seat 53: Circular radial wall 54: First anti-rotation end 55: Second anti-rotation end 56: Legs 57: Tubular portion 58: Telescopic or corrugated tubular section 59: Sealed sliding part R: Radial clearance D1: Rod diameter D2: Maximum through-hole diameter D3: Head diameter.

Claims

1. A floating brake caliper (1) for a disc brake, the brake caliper comprising: Clamp or floating element (2). A bracket or support element (3) is configured to be connected to the vehicle. At least one sliding guide or guide pin (4, 5), and At least one guide dustproof element (41, 42) for each sliding guide (4, 5). The at least one sliding guide (4, 5) is arranged between the clamp body (2) and the bracket (3) to allow relative sliding between the clamp body (2) and the bracket (3) in the axial direction (AA). The clamp (2) includes a first clamp portion or a vehicle-side clamp portion (6), wherein the first clamp portion (6) defines a receiving seat (7) for the thrust device (8). The caliper (2) includes a second caliper portion or a cantilevered caliper portion (9), wherein the second caliper portion (9) extends from the first caliper portion (6) at least along the axial direction (AA) on the opposite side relative to the vehicle, such that the caliper (2) is arranged to straddle the brake disc. Each sliding guide (4, 5) includes: - A guide sliding portion (10), wherein the guide sliding portion (10) is slidably received in a corresponding sliding seat (11, 12), wherein the corresponding sliding seat (11, 12) is formed in the clamp body (2); wherein at least one guide dustproof element (41, 42) is connected to the corresponding sliding guide (4, 5) and the clamp body (2) on opposite sides in the axial direction to form a sealing gasket, wherein the at least one guide dustproof element (41, 42) defines a corresponding sleeve cavity (43, 44), and the guide sliding portion (10) of the corresponding sliding guide (4, 5) is at least partially slidably received inside the corresponding sleeve cavity. - Guide fixing part (13), which is fixed or rigidly constrained to the bracket (3). - A screw head (14), wherein the screw head (14) defines at least one operating seat (15) such that the screw head (14) can be operated by a user and / or a tool to secure the at least one sliding guide (4, 5) to the bracket (3). Its features are, The screw head (14) is positioned axially opposite to the first clamping body portion (6), such that the screw head (14) can be operated axially opposite to the first clamping body portion (6) to fix and / or remove the at least one sliding guide (4, 5) at least relative to the bracket (3). Wherein, at least one sliding seat (11, 12) is axially open on the side where the bracket (3) is located and axially closed on the opposite side, thus eliminating the need for a closing cap for reversibly connecting to the clamp body to close the sliding seat (11, 12), wherein the at least one sliding seat (11, 12) is axially closed on the side opposite to the bracket (3) by the clamp body bottom wall (28) to form a blind hole, or by a corresponding guide dustproof element (41, 42) including a closing wall (45), such that the corresponding sleeve cavity (43, 44) is axially open on the side where the bracket (3) is located and closed on the side opposite to the bracket (3).

2. The brake caliper (1) according to the preceding claim. in, The bracket (3) includes at least one bracket connecting portion (17, 18), wherein the at least one bracket connecting portion (17, 18) defines a corresponding bracket through hole (19) along the axial direction (AA), wherein the bracket through hole (19) extends between a first bracket opening (20) and a second bracket opening (21), wherein the first bracket opening (20) faces the first clamping body portion (6), and wherein the second bracket opening (21) faces the opposite side. Each bracket through-hole (19) defines a corresponding insertion seat (35, 36) for at least partially inserting the at least one sliding guide (4, 5) and securing the guide fixing portion (13) to the bracket (3). Wherein, the at least one sliding guide (4, 5) and / or the guide fixing portion (13) includes a guide screw (46, 47) and a threaded guide seat (48) defined by the guide sliding portion (10), wherein the guide screw (46, 47) and the guide sliding portion (10) are made as separate parts. The guide screws (46, 47) include the screw head (13) and the screw shank (50) extending from the screw head (13) to the threaded screw portion (49). The screw rod (50) is accommodated in the through hole (19) of the bracket, wherein the threaded screw portion (49) is connected to the threaded guide seat (48) by tightening the at least one bracket connecting portion (17, 18) between the screw head (14) and the guide sliding portion (10), thereby fixing the at least one sliding guide (4, 5) and the guide fixing portion (13) to the bracket (3). The guide sliding portion (10) is slidably inserted into the at least one sliding seat (11, 12).

3. The brake caliper (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein, The bracket (3) includes a connecting flange (16) configured to be rigidly connected to the vehicle's suspension via connecting devices, such as screws or bolts and nuts. in, The connecting flange (16) includes a first U-shaped support portion (33), wherein, The at least one bracket connecting portion (17, 18) includes a first bracket connecting portion (17) and a second bracket connecting portion (18), the first bracket connecting portion and the second bracket connecting portion protruding from the connecting flange (16) along the axial direction (AA), specifically, the first bracket connecting portion and the second bracket connecting portion protruding from the first U-shaped bracket portion (33) along the axial direction (AA). The bracket includes a second U-shaped bracket portion (34) on the side opposite to the first U-shaped bracket portion (33) in the axial direction. The second U-shaped bracket portion (34) forms a reinforcing element or flange that tangentially connects the first bracket connecting portion (17) and the second bracket connecting portion (18). The first bracket connecting portion (17) and the second bracket connecting portion (18) form a connecting bridge between the first U-shaped bracket portion (33) and the second U-shaped bracket portion (34) to arrange the bracket to straddle the brake disc. The at least one insertion seat (35, 36) includes a first insertion seat (35) and a second insertion seat (36). Wherein, the bracket through hole (19) of the first bracket connecting part (17) and the bracket through hole (19) of the second bracket connecting part (18) respectively define the first insertion seat (35) and the second insertion seat (36). Preferably, the first insertion seat and the second insertion seat are cylindrical.

4. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 2 or 3 in, Each screw rod (50) is accommodated in a corresponding bracket insert (35, 36) with a radial clearance (R) to allow connection between the guide screw (46, 47) and the sliding portion (10), even if the bracket insert (35, 36) and the threaded guide (48) and / or the sliding portion (11, 12) are not coaxial and / or misaligned within the radial clearance (R), thus allowing the guide screw (46, 47) to be connected to the sliding portion (10) bracket.

5. The brake caliper (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein The screw rod (50) has a rod diameter (D1). The through holes of the bracket inserts (35, 36) have a maximum through hole diameter (D2). in, The maximum through-hole diameter (D2) is greater than the radial clearance (R) compared to the rod diameter (D1). Wherein, the radial clearance (R) is between 0.1 mm and 4 mm, preferably, the radial clearance (R) is between 0.1 mm and 2 mm; The screw head (14) has a maximum head diameter (D3), wherein the maximum head diameter (D3) is greater than the maximum through hole diameter (D2).

6. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 2, wherein the guide sliding portion (10) includes a guide abutment portion (51). in, The guide abutment portion (51) abuts against the bracket connection portion (17, 18). The bracket connection portion (17, 18) includes an anti-rotation seat (52) adapted to accommodate the guide abutment portion (51) with a gap and configured to prevent the guide sliding portion (10) from rotating when the guide screw (46, 47) is turned.

7. The brake caliper (1) according to the preceding claim. in, The anti-rotation seat (52) is defined radially by a circular radial wall (53) extending between a first anti-rotation end (54) and a second anti-rotation end (55), wherein the first anti-rotation end (54) and the second anti-rotation end (55) are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to provide a clear passage. The guide abutment portion (51) is shaped to abut the circular radial wall (53) in the radial direction and includes a leg (56) extending through the unobstructed passage, wherein the leg (56) is configured to abut the first anti-rotation end (54) and / or the second anti-rotation end (55) when the guide screw (46, 47) is tightened or loosened with the guide sliding portion (10).

8. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one sliding guide (4, 5) includes a first sliding guide (4) and a second sliding guide (5), wherein the at least one guide dustproof element (41, 42) includes a first guide dustproof element (41) and a second guide dustproof element (42), wherein at least the first sliding guide (4) slides at least partially in the first sleeve cavity (43) and the first sliding seat (11), wherein the second sliding guide (5) slides at least partially in the second sleeve cavity (44) and the second sliding seat (12).

9. The brake caliper (1) according to the preceding claim. in, Each sleeve cavity (43, 44) is a cavity that extends along the axial direction (AA), and each sliding seat (11, 12) includes a corresponding clamp body bottom wall (28), thereby forming a closed seat.

10. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 8. in, Each guide dustproof element (41, 42) includes a corresponding sealing wall (45) such that each sleeve cavity (43, 44) is an axially open cavity on one side to accommodate the corresponding sliding guide (4, 5), while on the other side it is axially closed by the corresponding sealing wall (45).

11. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 8. in, The first guide dustproof element (41) has a first sleeve cavity (43) extending through in the axial direction, and the second guide dustproof element (42) includes a closing wall (45) such that the second sleeve cavity (44) is open on one side and closed on the other side, wherein the first sliding seat (11) includes the clamp body bottom wall (28). And the second sliding seat (12) extends axially, wherein the second guide dustproof element (42) is accommodated in the second sliding seat (12).

12. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first sliding guide (4) and the second sliding guide (5) have the same geometry and size, and / or the positions of the first sliding guide (4) and the second sliding guide (5) are interchangeable.

13. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The at least one guide dustproof element (41, 42) is made in a single piece.

14. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each guide dustproof element (41, 42) seamlessly defines the corresponding sleeve cavity (43, 44).

15. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, Each guide dustproof element (41, 42) is made of a corresponding single elastomer body, wherein each guide dustproof element (41, 42) includes a corresponding tubular portion (57) configured to fit into the corresponding sliding guide (4, 5), wherein each corresponding tubular portion (57) includes a corresponding telescopic portion or corrugated tubular portion (58) configured to elastically adapt to the sliding of the clamp body (2) relative to the support (3), wherein each corresponding tubular portion (57) includes a corresponding sealing sliding portion (59) configured to form a sliding seal with the corresponding sliding guide (4, 5), wherein each corresponding tubular portion (57) and each corresponding telescopic portion or corrugated tubular portion (58) are integrally formed.

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