Disc brake for a commercial vehicle and brake pad set

Abstract

Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein a pad retaining bracket (20) rests with its underside on pad retaining springs (7) of the brake pads (3, 3'), is fixed with a first end section (20a) in a retaining section (14) of the clamping section (11) of the brake caliper 1 and is fixed with a second end section (20b) to a retaining section (15) of a caliper back (12) of the brake caliper (1), wherein at least one energy storage element (17) is attached between corner areas of the lining carrier plates (4) of the brake linings (3, 3'), characterized in that the at least one energy storage element (17) is pushed with its end regions onto bolt-like guide elements (17a) which are attached to lining sides (4a) of the lining carrier plates (4) of the brake linings (3, 3') and protrude from the lining sides (4a) towards the brake disc (2).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a disc brake for a commercial vehicle according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a brake pad set.

[0002] In a disc brake of this type, also known as a sliding caliper brake (or floating caliper brake), a clamping device, which can be pneumatically or electrically actuated, presses an action-side brake pad against a vehicle-side brake disc during braking. As the braking process continues, the brake caliper, relative to the brake disc, is moved in the opposite direction to the clamping direction of the action-side brake pad, thereby engaging and pressing the opposite, reaction-side brake pad against the other side of the brake disc.

[0003] After the brake is released, the brake caliper of a conventional disc brake remains in a position where the brake pads, or at least the brake pad on the reaction side, are in contact with the brake disc without pressure, but still rubbing against it. The resulting residual friction torque of the brake pads during driving has a detrimental effect, leading to increased fuel consumption and a reduction in the service life of the components involved, namely the brake disc and the brake pads.

[0004] While a slight release of the brake pads during driving occurs, for example due to runout of the brake disc, as well as vibrations and lateral accelerations during cornering, these effects are insufficient to effectively prevent the aforementioned residual friction torques. Likewise, these effects can cause the brake pads to re-contact the brake disc after they have released, which can again create a residual friction torque.

[0005] To address this problem, a disc brake is disclosed in generic DE 10 2007 001 213 A1 with a return device which is arranged in one of the guide arms by which the brake caliper is slidably held on the brake carrier and which has a spring-loaded return element by which the brake caliper is moved into a starting position.

[0006] In principle, this design has proven successful. However, the use of this known reset device with pneumatically actuated disc brakes on heavy commercial vehicles can lead to problems, as there are wide limits of variable influences due to component tolerances and deformations, which do not guarantee the reliable function of this reset device in every case.

[0007] Similar problems arise with a disc brake as described in DE 10 2012 006 111 A1. In this design, a return mechanism is arranged on the side opposite the clamping device and facing the brake pad on the reaction side, thereby achieving effective, and in particular automatic, return of the brake caliper while minimizing the impact on system stiffness.

[0008] In any case, the reset mechanism acts on the brake caliper, with the brake carrier acting as a counter-support.

[0009] DE 43 01 621 A1 describes a floating caliper disc brake with a stationary brake carrier having two support arms projecting beyond the outer edge of a brake disc, with brake shoes arranged on both sides of the brake disc, each having a friction lining and a backing plate, which are slidably supported on the support arms, with a floating caliper guided axially slidably on the brake carrier, which encompasses the brake shoes and has an actuating device intended for pressing the brake shoes against the brake disc, with a spring arrangement acting axially on the brake shoes in the brake release direction, which assists in setting a clearance between the brake shoes and the brake disc after braking.The spring arrangement comprises at least one expanding spring which is fixed to a support arm of the brake carrier in an axially immovable manner, the attachment being made to a section of the support arm located above the outer edge of the brake disc, and the expanding spring having at least two spring arms which bear resiliently against the back plates of the brake shoes in an axial direction.

[0010] US2014 / 0339026 A1 describes a spreader spring comprising a locking arm connecting the spreader spring to a brake component, a retraction arm, and a preload device located between the locking arm and the retraction arm. The preload device comprises six or more spiral loops that store energy during brake activation and, once the braking process is complete, retract the brake components (brake pads). A floating caliper, not a sliding caliper, is specified. This caliper is suitable for a passenger vehicle but not for a commercial vehicle.

[0011] DE 10 2004 039 141 A1 relates to an electromechanically or pneumatically actuated disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle.

[0012] DE 43 04 616 A1 describes a disc brake for the wheels of a motor vehicle.

[0013] DE 20 2016 102 686 U1 concerns a disc brake for a commercial vehicle. DE 11 2013 004 669 T5 describes a disc brake.

[0014] WO 2008 / 079 087 A1 concerns a method for reliably preventing the brake pads of a vehicle disc brake from applying.

[0015] DE10 2016 004 516 A1 concerns a disc brake, especially for commercial vehicles.

[0016] JP H09 - 210 104 A describes a spring for a disc brake.

[0017] US 2002 / 0 043 436 A1 concerns a partial pad disc brake.

[0018] US 2016 / 0 003 315 A1 specifies a brake caliper for a disc brake.

[0019] DE 696 21 032 T2 describes a disc brake arrangement for motor vehicles.

[0020] DE 10 2015 114 349 A1 concerns a brake piston of a pneumatically or electrically actuated disc brake of a commercial vehicle.

[0021] The invention is based on the objective of further developing a disc brake of the generic type in such a way that the service life of the brake pads and the brake disc in particular is increased and the overall operating costs are reduced using the simplest possible design means.

[0022] Another task is to provide a suitable set of brake pads.

[0023] This problem is solved in each case by a disc brake having the features of independent claims 1 and 3 to 12.

[0024] The further problem is solved by a brake pad set with the features of claims 14 and 15.

[0025] A first embodiment of a disc brake according to the invention for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper designed as a sliding caliper and encompassing a brake disc, which is attached to a stationary brake carrier and has a central opening above the brake disc, two brake linings arranged in the brake caliper that are movable in opposite directions, each having a lining carrier plate and a friction lining attached thereto, of which one action-side or clamping-side brake lining can be pressed against the brake disc by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device with which the brake linings can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, is designed such that the return device has a spreading device arranged in the opening, which engages the upper edges of the brake linings, with at least one energy storage element.

[0026] The inventive design of the disc brake achieves a synchronous return of both brake pads and the brake caliper when the brake is released, with the synchronicity relating to both the return forces and the return travel. A return force acts against the respective clamping direction of the two brake pads, i.e., towards the back of the caliper for the reaction-side (back-side) brake pad and towards the caliper head (also referred to as the clamping section) for the action-side (clamping-side) brake pad, e.g., towards the pressure piece(s) of the clamping device, creating a gap, i.e., clearance, relative to the brake disc. The overall clearance can thus be adjusted symmetrically to the brake disc by the return mechanism.

[0027] After each brake application, the retraction mechanism actively moves the respective brake pad away from the brake disc, thus returning it to its original position. This prevents residual friction torque that can occur if the brake disc and brake pad remain in contact after the brake is released.

[0028] A brake pad set not according to the invention for the disc brake according to the invention comprises at least two brake pads, each with a pad carrier plate and a friction lining mounted on the pad carrier plate. The brake pad set is also provided with a return mechanism.

[0029] In a non-inventive embodiment, the at least one energy storage element is attached to a lining retaining bracket in the center of the opening. This is advantageously space-saving.

[0030] In this case, the pad retaining bracket can be designed in a U-shape with two bracket arms made of a single wire, according to the invention, wherein the at least one energy storage element is attached to the bracket arms. An advantage of this design is its simple manufacturing process.

[0031] It is also advantageous that, in a non-inventive embodiment, at least one energy storage element in the form of a compression spring is slid onto each bracket arm. No additional spring holder is required in this case.

[0032] In a further embodiment not according to the invention, the bracket arms of the pad retaining bracket extend through through-openings in the backing plates of the brake pads, with the at least one energy storage element pushed onto each bracket arm being supported against the backing plates. This arrangement can be pre-assembled.

[0033] In another embodiment not according to the invention, the bracket arms of the pad retaining bracket extend through retaining plates which are connected to the backing plates of the brake pads, wherein the at least one energy storage element pushed onto each bracket arm is supported against the retaining plates. This is advantageous because the brake pads do not need to be machined.

[0034] In an alternative embodiment not according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element with retaining sections is attached to the bracket arms of the pad retaining bracket between the bracket arms and between the brake pads, wherein it is in contact with the pad backing plates of the brake pads by at least one spring arm. This results in a simple and space-saving design.

[0035] If, contrary to the invention, at least one energy storage element is installed between the corner regions of the brake pad backing plates, a high degree of resistance to tilting of the brake pads can be achieved by the spreading device. Tilting is understood to mean a pivoting of the brake pad about its transverse or vertical axis.

[0036] In the first embodiment according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element is slid with its end regions onto guide elements which are attached to the lining surfaces of the backing plates of the brake linings. This ensures that the energy storage elements are securely held in place.

[0037] In the first embodiment according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element is designed as a compression spring and is installed under preload. This eliminates the need for additional pivot points.

[0038] Although the brake pads are already retracted from the brake disc by the spreading mechanism after braking, this mechanism only engages an upper portion of the brake pads. This area of ​​engagement lies outside the center of gravity of the respective brake pad and can lead to misalignment of the brake pads, promoting uneven wear. Misalignment, in this context, refers to a tilting of the brake pad around its longitudinal axis, which runs through its center of gravity. This means that the spreading mechanism can generate a tilting moment around the center of gravity axis of the brake pad.

[0039] The term "outside a center of gravity" means that a line of action of a restoring force, in a projection onto a vertical plane that lies along the brake disc's axis of rotation, does not pass through the center of gravity axially, i.e., not parallel to the brake disc's axis of rotation.

[0040] Therefore, in a second embodiment of the invention, the resetting device includes at least one pad resetting unit. This provides additional support for the resetting of the brake pads.

[0041] The brake pad retraction units therefore have, in addition to their retraction function for the respective brake pad, the further function of preventing the brake pad from tilting. To achieve this, the brake pad retraction units engage at least at the third point of contact, for example, in the area of ​​the mean friction radius, the center of gravity, or centrally, i.e., at the intersection of the imaginary transverse and longitudinal axes of the brake pad, symmetrically to the transverse axis, at two contact points to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis and / or in a lower edge area of ​​the brake pad. In this way, the tilting moment potentially generated by the spreading mechanism can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0042] A second to seventh embodiment of the invention each provides that the pad return unit has at least one energy storage element which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake caliper and to the brake pad on the clamping side. This results in a simple design.

[0043] In the second embodiment according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element is received as a tension spring in a bore in the clamping section of the brake caliper and fixed with one end section in the bore, the other end section engaging with a retaining eyelet on a pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the clamping-side brake pad. This allows for a space-saving design.

[0044] In the second embodiment according to the invention, it is advantageous if the bore in which the at least one energy storage element is fixed is a threaded bore of a fastening element of a base plate of the clamping section, since this eliminates the need for additional machining steps for the clamping section.

[0045] Alternatively, in the third embodiment according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element can be received as a tension spring in a cavity in the clamping section of the brake caliper and attached at one end section by means of a spreading spring behind a base plate, with the other end section engaging with a retaining eyelet on a pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the clamping-side brake pad. This design saves space.

[0046] In the fourth embodiment according to the invention, the at least one energy storage element is attached as a tension spring to a retaining eyelet of a base plate of the clamping section, with the other end section engaging with a retaining eyelet on a pressure side of the lining carrier plate of the clamping-side brake lining. This results in simple assembly.

[0047] In the fifth embodiment according to the invention, the disc brake further comprises a split brake caliper. Here, the at least one energy storage element can be configured as a tension spring with one end section attached to a holder which is mounted between the clamping section of the first part of the brake caliper and the tension strut of the second part of the brake caliper, and wherein the other end section engages with a retaining eyelet on a pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the clamping-side brake pad. No modifications to the brake caliper are required for this.

[0048] In a non-inventive embodiment, the pad retraction unit has radial ramps which are formed in guide grooves of support sections of the brake carrier, wherein the guide grooves interact with guide sections of the pad carrier plate of the clamping-side brake pad, and wherein the ramps are inclined in the direction from the brake disc towards the clamping section of the brake caliper. In this way, the retraction of the brake pad can be assisted by its own weight. This embodiment can also be advantageous in conjunction with other embodiments.

[0049] The sixth embodiment of the invention provides that the brake pad return unit has at least one energy storage element in the form of a tension spring, which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake carrier and to the brake pad on the clamping side. This can be particularly advantageous if this connection to the brake pad is made on its underside, as this keeps the tilting moment low.

[0050] In the sixth embodiment according to the invention, for example, guide grooves of support sections of the brake carrier, which each interact with guide sections of the lining carrier plate of the clamping-side brake lining, can each form a receptacle for the at least one energy storage element, wherein the at least one energy storage element is connected with one end section to the associated guide section of the lining carrier plate of the clamping-side brake lining, and the other end sections engage with an edge of the respective support section. This is also highly advantageous due to a reduction or prevention of tilting moments.

[0051] In the seventh embodiment of the invention, the brake pad retraction unit can be formed by a positive-locking connection and / or an adhesive bond between a pressure piston and the brake pad on the clamping side. This is advantageous because energy storage elements are then unnecessary.

[0052] For this purpose, a positive-locking connection can be a T-slot connection, wherein a pressure piece of the pressure ram has a projection with a T-shaped head, this projection engaging with a T-slot of a projection on the backing plate of the clamping-side brake lining. This is an effective connection and easy to assemble.

[0053] An eighth embodiment of the invention provides separately or additionally that the pad return unit has two guide rods arranged parallel to each other, which are guided axially parallel to a brake disc rotation axis on the underside of the clamping section of the brake caliper, wherein the guide rods are each provided with a force storage element in the form of a compression spring and are connected to the pressure plate, the pressure plate being coupled to the brake pad on the clamping side. This results in an advantageous return function in a space-saving design.

[0054] A ninth embodiment of the invention provides that the brake pad retraction unit has guide rods which are slidably mounted in guide projections on the back of the caliper and coupled to the rear brake pad, wherein the guide rods are each provided with at least one force storage element which is under preload and exerts a tensile force on the rear brake pad through the guide rods. This assembly is easily accessible through the opening and is therefore advantageously easy to install.

[0055] In a tenth embodiment according to the invention, the pad retraction unit can have a retraction element which is pre-tensioned and attached to the back of the brake caliper and is in contact with a spring arm on one side of the backing plate of the rear brake pad. This is particularly advantageous because it results in a space-saving design.

[0056] An eleventh embodiment of the invention provides that the pad return unit of the rear brake pad is formed by coupling sections of the caliper back, wherein the coupling sections each have a vertical groove with a brake disc-side vertical edge, wherein the pad carrier plate of the rear brake pad is in contact with the upper corner regions of its respective side sections, these corner regions of the side sections being arranged between the edge and the caliper back. This is an advantageously simple design and results in simple assembly.

[0057] In the second to sixth embodiments according to the invention, it is particularly preferred that the at least one pad return unit engages at least at a third point of attack in the area of ​​the mean friction radius, the center of gravity or centrally, i.e. centrally at the intersection of an imaginary transverse axis and longitudinal axis of the brake pad, symmetrically to the transverse axis on two contact areas to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis and / or in a lower edge area of ​​the brake pad and reduces a tilting moment generated by the spreading device.

[0058] A brake pad set according to the invention for the first embodiment of the disc brake described above, comprising a clamping-side brake pad and a back-side brake pad, each of which has a pad carrier plate and a friction lining attached thereto, and a return mechanism, is specified. The return mechanism comprises two energy storage elements, wherein the pad carrier plates of the brake pads have bolt-like guide elements in their corner regions for the energy storage elements, the bolt-like guide elements projecting from the sides of the pads.

[0059] A brake pad set according to the invention for the tenth embodiment of the disc brake described above, comprising a front brake pad and a rear brake pad, each of which has a pad carrier plate and a friction lining attached thereto, and a return device, is characterized in that the return device has a pad retaining bracket and a return element with a spring arm, which can be pre-tensioned and attached to the back of the brake caliper under an underside of a rear end section of the pad retaining bracket, wherein the friction lining has a slot for the spring arm on a pad side of the pad carrier plate of the rear brake pad.

[0060] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the dependent claims.

[0061] Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] They show: Fig. 1-4 schematic perspective views of exemplary embodiments of a disc brake according to the invention with a return device; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of a spring element; Fig. 6-10 schematic perspective views of further embodiments of a disc brake according to the invention with a return device; Fig. 11-12 schematic perspective views of a brake carrier with brake linings and a functional group of the return device; Fig. 13 a schematic perspective view of another pad return unit of the return device with a split brake caliper; Fig. 14-18 schematic views of further embodiments of the reset device; and Fig. 19-21 schematic views of the lining resetting units of the resetting device.

[0063] The terms "above", "below", "left", "right" refer to the respective arrangements in the figures.

[0064] A “top” and a “bottom” of a brake pad 3, 3’ or a pad carrier plate 4 always refer to the installation situation of the respective brake pad 3, 3’. The underside of the respective brake pad 3, 3’ is located radially closer to a brake disc rotation axis 2a of a brake disc 2 than the top side of this brake pad 3, 3’.

[0065] The term "transverse axis" of the brake pad 3, 3' refers to an imaginary axis which, when the brake pad 3, 3' is installed, runs radially to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. A "longitudinal axis" of the brake pad 3, 3' thus runs perpendicular to the transverse axis and tangentially to the brake disc 2.

[0066] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a disc brake 10 according to the invention with a return mechanism 8. In the Fig. 2 is a variant of the first embodiment according to Fig. 1 shown. Fig. 3 and Fig. Figure 4 shows further variants of the first embodiment according to Fig. 1. Fig. Figure 5 shows an enlarged schematic perspective view of a spring element 21 of the variant according to Fig. 4 dar.

[0067] A brake caliper 1 engages a brake disc 2 with a brake disc rotation axis 2a. The brake caliper 1 is a so-called sliding caliper, axially displaceable in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a on a brake carrier 6 (in Fig. 11 (best seen here) is attached. For this purpose, the brake caliper 1 with bearing sections 11a is mounted via guide openings 11b (see e.g. Fig. 6) mounted axially displaceable on guide rails not shown, which are connected to the brake carrier 6 which is fixed to the vehicle.

[0068] The brake caliper 1 comprises a clamping section 11, a caliper back 12, and two tie rods 13. The clamping section 11 extends with one side parallel to the plane of the brake disc 2 on one side of the brake disc 2. On the other side of the brake disc 2, also extending parallel to the brake disc 2, the caliper back 12 is arranged. The caliper back 12 is connected to the clamping section 11 at each end by a tie rod 13. The tie rods 13 extend substantially perpendicular to the clamping section 11 and the caliper back 12.

[0069] The clamping section 11 has an interior space in which a clamping device for the disc brake 10 (not shown) is arranged. An opening of the interior space faces the brake disc 2 and is closed with a plate, which is referred to as the base plate 110 (best seen in Fig. 6).

[0070] In this arrangement, the clamping section 11, the caliper back 12, and the tie rods 13 define a central opening 9 between them, which spans the brake disc 2. The opening 9 has an imaginary longitudinal centerline that lies in the plane of the brake disc 2 and connects the imaginary centers of the tie rods 13. The opening 9 also has an imaginary transverse centerline that connects an imaginary center of the clamping section 11 with an imaginary center of the caliper back 12. The transverse centerline runs parallel to the brake disc's axis of rotation 2a. The longitudinal centerline and the transverse centerline intersect at an imaginary center point, which is referred to here as the virtual center of the opening 9.

[0071] A brake pad 3, 3' is arranged on each side of the brake disc 2. The brake pad 3 located between the brake disc 2 and the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1 is referred to as the action-side or clamping-side brake pad. The other brake pad 3' is located between the brake disc 2 and the caliper back 12 and is referred to as the back-side or reaction-side brake pad 3' and is distinguished from the clamping-side brake pad 3 by the reference numeral 3'.

[0072] Each brake pad 3, 3' has a backing plate 4 and a friction lining 5 attached to the side facing the brake disc 2 on one side 4a, which is pressed against the brake disc 2 during operation, i.e., during braking. The other side of the backing plate 4 is hereinafter referred to as the pressure side 4b. Thus, the pressure side 4b of the brake pad 3 on the clamping side is in operative contact with the clamping device of the disc brake 10, with the pressure side 4b of the brake pad 3' on the back side being in contact with the inner surface of the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1.

[0073] In the brake carrier 6, the brake linings 3, 3' are arranged in so-called lining chambers between each pair of brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a (see e.g. Fig. 11), wherein their side sections 4g of their backing plates 4 bear against the inner sides of the brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a. The brake linings 3, 3' also bear against bearing surfaces 4f on the undersides of their backing plates 4 on respective bearing sections 6d, 6'd (see Fig. 11) of a respective lining shaft bottom of the brake carrier 6. The lining shaft bottom is formed in each case by a bridge connector 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier 6 (see Fig. 11).

[0074] The brake pads 3, 3' can be pressed against the brake disc 2 on both sides during braking. The brake pads 3, 3' are accessible for replacement and maintenance through the central opening 9. They can be inserted into and removed from their respective pad slots through this central opening 9.

[0075] A rotation arrow around the brake disc rotation axis 2a in Fig. 1 indicates a main direction of rotation for forward travel of the vehicle to which the disc brake 10 is assigned. With respect to the main direction of rotation of the brake disc 2, an entry side ES and, opposite it, an exit side AS are defined on the disc brake 10. Accordingly, the brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a on the entry side ES are called entry-side brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a and on the exit side AS exit-side brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a.

[0076] Braking is effected by means of the clamping device located in a receiving space in the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1, e.g. with a brake lever positioned in a dome of the brake caliper 1 and with one or more pressure pistons 22 (see e.g. Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 10) interacts, which contact the clamping-side brake pad 3 via one or more pressure pieces 23, 30 (see e.g. Fig. 6, Fig. 8, Fig. 16) The clamping-side brake pad 3 initially contacts the brake disc 2 during braking. Subsequently, by means of the reaction forces that occur, the brake caliper 1 is moved in the opposite direction, taking the rear-side brake pad 3' with it, until the rear-side brake pad 3' also comes into contact with the brake disc 2 by rubbing.

[0077] To prevent residual drag torque, after brake application both the brake caliper 3 and the brake pads 3, 3' must be actively retracted or moved back from the brake disc 2. Therefore, after the brake is released, the two opposing brake pads 3, 3' are moved away from the brake disc 2 by means of the retraction device 8 to such an extent that the brake disc 2 rotates freely relative to the brake pads 3, 3'.

[0078] The return mechanism 8 exerts a force on each brake pad 3, 3', hereinafter referred to as the return force, which moves the respective brake pad 3, 3' away from the brake disc 2 in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a. In other words, the clamping-side brake pad 3 is moved from the brake disc 2 in the opposite direction of a clamping force of the clamping mechanism onto the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1, while the rear-side brake pad 3' is moved from the brake disc 2 in the opposite direction of movement to the clamping-side brake pad 3, together with the brake caliper 1.

[0079] The restoring force can be applied to the respective brake pad 3, 3' as a tensile and / or compressive force.

[0080] To apply the restoring force to the respective brake pad 3, 3', the restoring device 8 engages the respective brake pad 3, 3', for example, either centrally, at an upper and / or lower exposed edge area of ​​the pad backing plate, or symmetrically at two contact areas on the right and left. The contact areas can also be located directly on the respective corner sections of the pad backing plates 4 at the top and / or bottom. It is also possible, of course, for the points or areas of engagement on the respective pad backing plate 4 to be arranged arbitrarily, e.g., in the middle.

[0081] The return mechanism 8 has two main functions. The first main function is to center the brake caliper 1, i.e., that the virtual center of the opening 9 of the brake caliper 1 lies with its imaginary longitudinal centerline in an imaginary center plane of the brake disc 2 above it. The second main function is to return the brake pads 3, 3' to their original position.

[0082] For this purpose, the reset device 8 has one or more functional groups.

[0083] A first functional group is designated as a spreading device 80, which engages the upper edges of the brake pads 3, 3'. The spreading device 80 engages the two brake pads 3, 3' advantageously at the respective backing plate 4 of each brake pad 3, 3', specifically on the pad side 4a facing the attached friction lining 5 or on the opposite back side, which is designated as the pressure side 4b. To prevent the respective brake pad 3, 3' from tilting about its transverse axis during retraction, the spreading device 80 engages either centrally at an upper, exposed edge region of the backing plate 4 or symmetrically at two contact areas on the right and left.

[0084] A second functional group is designated as a pad return unit 81, 81', where the pad return unit 81' with the reference number indicated by the apostrophe is assigned to the rear brake pad 3'. Each brake pad 3, 3' can be assigned a pad return unit 81, 81', although it is also possible that only one brake pad 3, 3' is equipped with a pad return unit 81, 81'. The second functional group acts on at least one third point of application on the respective brake pad 3, 3'. This third point of application can be located, for example, in the region of the mean friction radius, the center of gravity, or centrally, i.e., centrally at the intersection of the imaginary transverse and longitudinal axes of the brake pad 3, 3', symmetrically to the transverse axis at two contact areas to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis and / or in a lower edge region of the brake pad 3, 3'.

[0085] The brake pads 3, 3' are indeed reset from the brake disc 2 after a braking operation by the first functional group, i.e., the spreading device, via the first main function of caliper centering. However, the spreading device 80 only engages in an upper area of ​​the brake pads 3, 3'. This area of ​​engagement lies outside the center of gravity of the respective brake pad 3, 3' and can lead to an inclination of the brake pads 3, 3' and promote uneven wear. Inclination here refers to a so-called tilting of the respective brake pad 3, 3' about its longitudinal axis, which runs through its center of gravity. This means that the spreading device 80 can cause a tilting moment about the center of gravity axis of the brake pad 3, 3'.

[0086] The term "outside a center of gravity" means that a line of action of a restoring force in a projection onto a vertical plane that lies along the brake disc rotation axis 2a does not pass axially through the center of gravity, i.e., not parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a.

[0087] The pad return units 81, 81' therefore have, in addition to a return function for the respective brake pad 3, 3', the further function of preventing the respective brake pad 3, 3' from tilting. For this purpose, the pad return units 81, 81' engage at least at the third point of contact, for example, in the area of ​​the mean friction radius, the center of gravity, or centrally, i.e., centrally at the intersection of the imaginary transverse and longitudinal axes of the brake pad 3, 3', symmetrically to the transverse axis, at two contact areas to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis and / or in a lower edge region of the brake pad 3, 3'. In this way, the tilting moment potentially generated by the spreading device 80 can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0088] In the first embodiment according to Fig. Figure 1 shows a spreading device 80 of the reset device 8.

[0089] The spreading device 80 comprises a lining retaining bracket 16 and two energy storage elements 17.

[0090] The pad retaining bracket 16 is formed from a wire in a U-shape with two parallel bracket arms 16a, 16b and an arc-shaped connection 16c. The bracket arms 16, 16b run parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a and are arranged symmetrically to the imaginary transverse center line of the opening 9. The bracket arms 16, 16b extend in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a across the entire width of the opening 9 through a raised edge region of each pad backing plate 4 of each brake pad 3, 3' through through-openings 18, 18'.

[0091] The free ends of the bracket arms 16a, 16b are inserted and held in a retaining section 14 of the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1. The opposite ends of the bracket arms 16a, 16b are connected to each other via the arc-shaped connection 16c and held on a retaining section 15 of the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1. The connection 16c is further bent downwards. A locking element 15a, not described in detail, interacts with the connection 16c of the pad retaining bracket 16 and fixes it axially and radially to the brake caliper 1. In this way, the brake pads 3, 3' are held by the pad retaining bracket 16 in their pad slots between the brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a.

[0092] The energy storage elements 17 are designed here as compression springs, which are arranged pre-tensioned between the brake linings 3, 3' and each with one end on the lining side 4a of the lining carrier plate 4 above the friction lining 5 of the tension-side brake lining 3 and each with the other end on the lining side 4a of the lining carrier plate 4 above the friction lining 5 of the back-side brake lining 3'.

[0093] Each energy storage element 17 is arranged around a bracket arm 16a, 16b. Each bracket arm 16a, 16b extends through a power storage element 17 in the area between the lining carrier plates 4 of the brake linings 3, 3'.

[0094] The energy storage elements 17 thus exert compressive forces on the brake pads 3, 3' for return. When the disc brake 10 is applied, the preload of each energy storage element 17 is further increased, as the brake pads 3, 3' are moved towards the brake disc 2.

[0095] Fig. Figure 2 shows a variant of the spreading device 80 according to Fig. 1.

[0096] In this variant, there are 4i on the upper surfaces (see also Fig. 15) so-called lining retaining springs 7 are arranged on the lining support plates 4, which are held on projections 4c of the lining support plates 4.

[0097] The pad retaining springs 7 have radial, U-shaped projections 7a in their central areas with respect to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. The pad retaining bracket 16 is designed according to the following. Fig. 1 formed, wherein the bracket arms 16a, 16b each extend through a force storage element 17 designed as a compression spring. Furthermore, the bracket arms 16a, 16b rest on the pad retaining springs 7 on both sides of the projections 7a and thus hold the brake pads 3, 3' in their pad slots.

[0098] The energy storage elements 17 are also as in the version according to Fig. 1 between the brake pads 3, 3', but are arranged here in contrast to the design according to Fig. 1 with their adjacent ends each in contact with a retaining section 19. The retaining sections 19 are, for example, manufactured as plates made of sheet metal and attached to a respective lining side 4a of the brake linings 3, 3'.

[0099] In the variant according to Fig. 3 the energy storage elements 17 are also arranged between the brake pads 3, 3'. In contrast to the designs according to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. The energy storage elements 17 are located here between the corner regions of the pad carrier plates 4 of the brake pads 3, 3'. The end regions of the energy storage elements 17 are pushed onto guide elements 17a, which are attached to the pad sides 4a of the pad carrier plates 4. Thus, in this variant, a large, tangential distance with respect to the brake disc results between the force application points of the energy storage elements 17 of the spreading device 80 of the return device 8, with high resistance to tilting when the brake pads 3, 3' are returned.

[0100] In the execution according to Fig. 3 A pad retaining bracket 20 is provided, which here, for example, is manufactured from a flat metallic material as a stamped and bent part. The underside of this pad retaining bracket 20 rests on the pad retaining springs 7 of the brake pads 3, 3' and is secured by a first end section 20a in the retaining section 14 of the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1. A second end section 20b is fixed to the retaining section 15 of the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1 by a bolt-like locking element 15a.

[0101] The variant according Fig. 4 is similar to the variant after Fig. 2 is constructed, but in contrast it has a spring element 21 arranged within the pad retaining bracket 16, which can also be referred to as a leaf spring element. Fig. Figure 5 shows the spring element 21 in an enlarged perspective view.

[0102] The spring element 21 is attached with retaining sections to the bracket arms 16a, 16b of the pad retaining bracket 16 between the bracket arms 16a, 16b between the brake pads 3, 3', wherein it is in contact with the pad carrier plates 4 of the brake pads 3, 3' via spring arms 21c, 21'c and exerts a compressive force on them.

[0103] The spring element 21 comprises a right-angled central section 21a, two retaining sections 21b, two spring arms 21c, 21'c and two pressure sections 21d, 21'd each with a pressure surface 21e, 21'e.

[0104] A retaining section 21b is attached to each of two opposing, parallel sides of the central section 21a. Each retaining section 21a is bent upwards such that it has an inner profile which corresponds to an outer profile of an associated bracket arm 16a, 16b of the U-shaped pad retaining bracket 16. Here, the profile is circular. An imaginary central axis of each retaining section 21a runs coaxially to each bracket arm 16a, 16b and parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a when the spring element 21 is installed.

[0105] A spring arm 21c, 21'c is attached to each of the other two opposite, parallel sides of the central section 21a. Each spring arm 21c, 21'c extends downwards from the plane of the central section 21a at an angle of approximately 30° to 45°. The width of the last third of each spring arm 21c, 21'c decreases to about half its width towards the end of the spring arm 21c, 21'c.

[0106] Each end of a spring arm 21c, 21'c is connected to a pressure section 21e, 21'e, which extends upwards and is, in this case, perpendicular to the spring arm. The length of each pressure section 21e, 21'e corresponds approximately to the width of the spring arm 21c, 21'c at the junction with the central section 21a. The outward-facing surfaces of the pressure sections 21e, 21'e each have a pressure surface 21e, 21'e.

[0107] In the installed state, the spring element 21 with its spring arms 21c, 21'c is in contact with a section of the lining side 4a of the lining carrier plate 4 of a respective brake lining 3, 3' above the friction lining 5 via the pressure surfaces 21e, 21'e of the pressure sections 21d, 21'd.

[0108] In the Fig. Figures 6 to 10 are schematic perspective views of further embodiments of a disc brake 10 according to the invention with a return device 8, wherein the pad return units 81, 81' of the second functional group of the return device 8 are described below.

[0109] Fig. 6 and Fig. Figure 7 shows a pad return unit 81 of the clamping-side brake pad 3 in the form of energy storage elements 24, wherein Fig. Figure 6 shows a top view of the base plate 110, and Fig. Figure 7 shows a vertical section in the area of ​​one of the power storage element 24.

[0110] The energy storage elements 24 are designed here as tension springs and exert a tensile force on the clamping-side brake pad 3.

[0111] The energy storage elements 24 are each received in an outer bore 11c in the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1 and are each secured by an end section 24b via a threaded pin 24c in the bore 11c. The bores 11c are threaded for this purpose. The other end sections 24a of the energy storage elements 24 each protrude from the bores 11c through through-openings 110a in the base plate 110 and engage in retaining lugs 4d arranged laterally on the pressure side 4b of the pad carrier plate 4. In the embodiment shown, the bores 11c are pre-existing threaded mounting holes for fastening elements 110b in the base plate 110.

[0112] The force application points of the force storage elements 24 on the retaining lugs 4d of the lining carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake lining 3 are thus located near a mean friction radius or in the area or below the center of gravity of the clamping-side brake lining 3 and therefore do not cause an additional tilting moment or reduce a tilting moment of the clamping-side brake lining 3 that could be generated by a spreading device 80.

[0113] Fig. 8 and Fig. Figure 9 shows a variant of the pad return unit 81 of the clamping-side brake pad 3 in the form of energy storage elements 24 of the design according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7, wherein Fig. Figure 8 shows a top view of the base plate 110, and Fig. Figure 7 shows a sectional view in the area of ​​one of the power storage element 24.

[0114] The energy storage elements 24 are also designed as tension springs and exert a tensile force on the clamping-side brake pad 3.

[0115] This example shows a single-piston disc brake 10.

[0116] The energy storage elements 24 are each received in a cavity 11d in the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1 by means of a spreader spring 24d. The spreader springs 24d run horizontally between the base plate 110 and the clamping section 11 in the front area of ​​the recesses 11d. The end sections 24b of the energy storage elements 24 are each fixed in the spreader spring 24d.

[0117] The other end sections 24a of the energy storage elements 24 each protrude from through openings 111 in the base plate 110 and engage with retaining lugs 4d arranged laterally on the pressure side 4b of the support plate 4.

[0118] The force application points of the energy storage elements 24 are as in the example according to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 as described.

[0119] Another variant of the variant according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 shows Fig. 10 in a sectional view.

[0120] In this further variant, the difference to the variant according to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 in that the tensioning-side end sections 24b of the energy storage elements 24 engage with retaining eyelets 111d on the base plate 110.

[0121] Fig. 11 and Fig. Figure 12 shows schematic perspective views of a brake carrier 6 with brake linings 3, 3' and a functional group of the return device 8. The functional group is the second functional group with lining return units 81.

[0122] The side of the brake carrier 6 shown, which corresponds to the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1 in Fig. The part 11 is designated as mounting side 6b. The brake carrier 6 is attached to a stationary part of an associated vehicle via its mounting side 6b. Mounting side 6b is also provided with two bearing receptacles 6c for guide rails (not shown) for the axial support of the brake caliper 1.

[0123] The brake linings 3, 3' are shown in their lining slots, with the inlet-side brake carrier horns 6a, 6'a not shown for clarity.

[0124] The brake lining 3 on the clamping side rests with sections of the underside of its lining support plate 4 on support sections 6d of the lining chamber base of the brake carrier 6 in the area of ​​the ends of the bridge connector 6e of the brake carrier 6. The brake lining 3 is guided axially, i.e., displaceably in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a, by means of guide sections 4e of its lining support plate 4 in guide grooves 25 of the support sections 6d of the brake carrier 6. The guide sections 4e are in contact with the guide grooves 25 at their contact surfaces 4f on their undersides.

[0125] In this embodiment, the guide grooves 25 are each provided with a radial chamfer 25a. This facilitates a return movement of the clamping-side brake pad 3, since the radial chamfers 25a are inclined downwards from the brake disc 2 towards the mounting side 6b of the brake carrier 6. Thus, a gravitational component of the brake pad 3 is added to the return force.

[0126] The difference in execution according to Fig. 12 to the example after Fig. 11 lies in the fact that the guide grooves 25 are widened in the tangential direction of the brake disc 2 and each form a receptacle for a power storage element 24.

[0127] The energy storage elements 24 are each connected with an end section 24a to the associated guide section 4e of the lining carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake lining 3, wherein the other end sections 24b each engage with an edge of the respective support section 6d.

[0128] The energy storage elements 24 are designed as tension springs and are articulated outside (here below) the center of gravity of the clamping-side brake pad 3 at external force application points on the lower edge area of ​​the pad carrier plate 4, thereby preventing the brake pad 3 from tilting when resetting.

[0129] Fig. Figure 13 shows a schematic perspective view of another pad return unit 81 of the return device 8 with a split brake caliper 1, 1'.

[0130] The split brake caliper 1, 1' comprises the clamping section 11 as the first part, with the caliper back 12 and the tension rods 13 forming the other part, the brake caliper 1'. The clamping section 11 is provided on both sides in the area of ​​the tension rods 13 with through-holes 27 for fastening elements 26, e.g., screws. During assembly of the split brake caliper 1, 1', the fastening elements 26 interact with fastening openings 27a (e.g., with threads) in the tension rods 13.

[0131] A force storage element 24 of the pad return unit 81 is connected at one end section 24b to a retaining eye 4d, described above, on the pressure side 4b of the pad backing plate 4 of the clamping-side brake pad 3. The other end section 24b of the force storage element 24 is articulated to a bracket 28. The bracket 28 has a mounting section 28a and a connecting retaining section 28b. The retaining section 28b is connected to the mounting section 28a via a crank. The mounting section 28a has a through-opening 28c and is fastened at the junction of the tension strut 13 and the clamping section 11. The upper mounting element 27 extends through the through-opening 28c of the bracket 28. This is also the case on the other side, not shown here, so that two force storage elements 24 are provided.

[0132] The force storage elements 24 are designed as tension springs and are articulated outside (here below) the center of gravity of the clamping-side brake pad 3 at outer force application points (here the retaining lugs 4d) of the pad carrier plate 4 on its pressure side 4b, whereby tilting of the brake pad 3 during resetting is prevented.

[0133] The Fig. Figures 14 to 19 show schematic views of further embodiments of the lining resetting units 81 of the resetting device 8.

[0134] Fig. Figure 14 shows a sectional view of a pressure stamp 22 with a pressure piece 23 and the clamping-side brake pad 3 of the disc brake 10. Fig. Figure 15 shows the clamping-side brake pad 3 in a perspective view of the pressure side 4b of the pad carrier plate 4.

[0135] A pressure plunger 22 of the unspecified clamping device is firmly connected to a pressure piece 23 at its brake disc-side end and is in contact via the pressure piece 23 with a pressure section 29 of the pad carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake pad 3.

[0136] The pressure section 29 is formed on the pressure side 4b of the support plate 4 and protrudes from it in the direction of the clamping section 11.

[0137] In this embodiment, the pad return unit 81 is formed by a positive-locking connection between the pressure piston 22 and the clamping-side brake pad 3. For this purpose, the pressure piece 23 has a projection 23a with a T-shaped head 23b. This projection 23a engages with a T-slot 29a of the projection 29 of the pad carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake pad 3. Since this example is a two-piston disc brake 10, two pressure sections 29 are provided on the pad carrier plate 4. The T-slots 29a run parallel to each other and parallel to a transverse axis of the clamping-side brake pad 3.

[0138] Instead of the positive-locking connection of the T-shaped projection 23a with the T-slot 29a, an adhesive connection between the pressure piece 23 and the pressure section 29 is also possible. A combination of adhesive film and T-slot connection is also conceivable.

[0139] When the disc brake 10 is released after a braking operation, the pressure pistons 23 are moved back into the clamping section 11 by a spring (not described in detail). During this process, the clamping-side brake pad 3 is carried along via the positive-locking connection projection 23a / T-slot 29a or the adhesive bond and also returned to its original position.

[0140] In Fig. Figure 15 further shows that the pad retaining spring 7 is held on the upper surface 4i of the pad support plate 4 in its center by a clamping element 37, which is attached to the pad support plate 4. This attachment is designed such that a tab of the clamping element 7 extends through a continuous opening 4h in the central upper region of the pad support plate 4 and is firmly connected to the clamping element 37 on the other side. In this way, a permanent but movable connection is formed between the pad retaining spring 7 and the pad support plate 4.

[0141] In Fig. Figure 16 shows the pressure stamp 22 of a single-stamp disc brake 10 with a pressure plate 30 and a clamping-side brake pad 3.

[0142] The pressure plate 30 has approximately the same dimensions as the pad carrier plate 4 and is arranged between the pressure side 4b of the pad carrier plate 4 and the pressure plunger 22, at the brake-disc-side end of which the pressure piece 23 is rigidly attached. A central, circular recess 30a with a continuous slot 30b is formed in a clamping side 30c of the pressure plate 30, which faces the clamping section 11. The slot 30b extends horizontally from the center of the recess 30a to the right side.

[0143] On the printing side 4b of the backing plate 4, two horizontal projections 31 are formed, which form a horizontal T-slot 32.

[0144] On the side of the pressure piece 23 that points towards the brake disc 2, a bolt-shaped projection 23a with a head 23b in a T-shape is eccentrically attached.

[0145] In the assembled state, the pressure plate 30, with its pressure side 30d and pressure sections not described in detail, rests on the pressure side 4b of the lining carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake lining 3, with the pressure piece 23 of the pressure plunger 22 being received in the recess 30a of the pressure plate 30. The T-shaped projection 23a extends through the slot 30b and its head 23b engages in a positive-locking manner with the T-slot 32 of the projection 31 of the lining carrier plate 4.

[0146] The function of this pad return unit 81 is as described above in connection with Fig. 15 described. Here too, an adhesive bond can be used instead of or in addition to the form-fitting connection.

[0147] Fig. Figure 17 shows the underside of a disc brake 10 with the pressure plate 30. Fig. 16. In Fig. Figure 18 is a sectional view of the disc brake 10 Fig. 17 shown.

[0148] In this embodiment, the pressure plate 30 is guided axially parallel to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a on the underside of the clamping section 11 of the brake caliper 1 by means of two guide rods 34 arranged parallel to each other. The guide rods 34 are attached to the left and right outer sides of the pressure plate 30 in the region of an underside 30e of the pressure plate 30 in a guide projection 35 with their brake disc-side rod ends 34a and are axially fixed in one direction. Furthermore, the guide rods 34 extend through guide sections 14a and 14b on the underside of the clamping section 11, parallel and symmetrically to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, to approximately the middle of the clamping section 11. They project freely from the guide sections 14a and 14b, in which the guide rods 34 are mounted to be axially displaceable.

[0149] Between the other rod ends 34b of the free sections of the guide rods 34 and the contact sections 14c of the guide sections 14a, 14b facing away from the brake disc 2, a force storage element 33 in the form of a compression spring is pushed onto the respective free section of the guide rods 34 under preload.

[0150] Due to the pre-tensioned energy storage elements 33, these exert a compressive force on the other rod ends 34b below the clamping section 11 in the axial direction parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. This compressive force pushes the guide rods 34 away from the brake disc 2 in the axial direction, whereby the guide rods 34 with their brake disc-side rod ends 34a each exert a tensile force on the pressure plate 30 in the direction towards the clamping section 11.

[0151] During braking, the energy storage elements 33 on the guide rods 34 are further pre-tensioned, as the pressure plate 30 moves the guide rods 34, which are axially fixed in one direction, towards the brake disc 2. When the brake is released, the pressure plate 30 is then carried along again via the one-sided axial connection of the brake disc-side rod ends 34a of the guide rods 34 and also returned to its original position.

[0152] To reset the clamping-side brake pad 3, the positive locking connection or adhesive connection between pressure plate 30 and pad carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake pad 3 can be... Fig. 16 is provided. This transfers the above-described resetting of the pressure plate 30 to the clamping-side brake pad 3, and this is also moved away from the brake disc 2.

[0153] The points of application of this lining return unit 81 are on the underside of the lining carrier plate 4 of the clamping-side brake lining 3 and thus below the center of gravity, thereby preventing a possible tilting moment of the brake lining 3 caused by a spreading device 80.

[0154] In the Fig. Figures 19 to 21 show schematic views of the pad return units 81' of the return device 8 of the rear brake pad 3'.

[0155] Fig. Figure 19 shows a pad return unit 81' of the rear brake pad 3', wherein the pad carrier plate 4 has upwardly extended side areas that serve as guide projections 35 for holding a guide rod 34 each. The guide rods 34 are axially fixed in the guide projections 35 with brake disc-side rod ends 34a and extend over the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1 in an axial direction parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. Opposite the guide projections 35 of the pad carrier plate 4, further guide projections 36 of the caliper back 12 are arranged. The guide rods 34 are slidably mounted in the guide projections 36 of the caliper back 12 and extend further over the caliper back 12 away from the brake disc 2.

[0156] Between the other rod ends 34b of the free sections of the guide rods 34 and the guide projections 36, a force storage element 33 in the form of a compression spring is pushed onto the respective free section of the guide rods 34 under preload.

[0157] The guide rods 34 form an axial guide for the rear brake pad 3'.

[0158] When the brake is released after a braking operation, the caliper back 12 moves away from the brake disc 2 and the rear brake pad 3' is carried along and returned via the one-sided axial connection of the brake disc-side rod ends 34a of the guide rods 34.

[0159] In Fig. 20 is a pad return unit 81' of the rear brake pad 3' with a return element 38.

[0160] The return element 38 is pre-tensioned here by means of a screw connection of a rear end section 20b of the pad retaining bracket 20 to the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1 and exerts a pressure force on the rear brake pad 3' such that it is pressed against the caliper back 12 in a direction away from the brake disc 2.

[0161] The return element 38 here comprises a spring arm 38a with a pressure surface 38e, connecting sections 38b and 38c, and a fastening section 38d.

[0162] The spring arm 38a of the return element 38 is arranged on the lining side 4a of the lining carrier plate 4 of the rear brake lining 3' in a slot of the friction lining 5 such that the spring arm 38a rests with its pressure surface 38e on the lining side 4a of the lining carrier plate 4. The spring arm 38a extends downwards along the transverse axis of the lining carrier plate 4 to approximately the area of ​​the center of gravity or to the vicinity of the mean friction radius.

[0163] An upper end of the spring arm 38a is bent by approximately 90° and transitions into the first connecting section 38b, which extends through the opening 4h below the clamping element 37 and is then connected to the second connecting section 38c, which points approximately vertically upwards. The second connecting section 38c runs over a contact section 12a on the inside of the saddle back 12 and is bent at its upper end, transitioning into the axially extending fastening section 38d.

[0164] The fastening section 38d lies beneath a bottom surface 20c of the rear end section 20b of the pad retaining bracket 20 and on a flat bearing surface 12b of the saddle back 12. The end section 20b of the pad retaining bracket 20 and the fastening section 38d of the return element 38 located beneath it are fastened to the saddle back 12 by a fastening element 15b, e.g., a screw. The fastening element 15b extends through a through-opening in the fastening section 38d of the return element 38.

[0165] When the brake is released after a braking operation, the caliper back 12 moves away from the brake disc 2 and the rear brake pad 3' is carried along and reset via the spring arm 38a of the return element 38.

[0166] In the execution according to Fig. 21, which shows a perspective view of the disc brake 10 from above, the pad return unit 81' of the rear brake pad 3 is formed by coupling sections 39 of the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 1.

[0167] The coupling sections 39 are located in corner areas of the opening 9 between a respective tie rod 13 and the saddle back 12, each at an upper corner of the lining carrier plate 4 of the rear brake lining 3'.

[0168] The coupling sections 39 each have a vertical groove 40, which is bounded on the brake disc side by a vertically extending edge 40a and on the rear side by a section of the caliper back 12. The pad carrier plate 4 of the rear brake pad 3' is in contact with the upper corner regions of its respective side sections 4g, each with a groove 40, these corner regions of the side sections 4g being arranged between the edge 40a and the caliper back 12.

[0169] When the brake is released after a braking operation, the caliper back 12 moves away from the brake disc 2 and the rear brake pad 3' is carried along by the edges 40a of the grooves 40 and reset.

[0170] In the Fig. Sections 6 to 19 describe pad return units 81 for the clamping-side brake pad 3. Due to the operating principle of the disc brake 10 with the floating caliper brake 1, it is necessary that the energy storage elements 24 of the pad return units 81 of the clamping-side brake pad 3 can compensate for the complete wear path of the clamping-side brake pad 3, whereas the spring forces of the pad return units 81' of the Fig. 19 to 21 only need to be designed for a fixed preload.

[0171] It is possible that the disc brake 10 may be equipped only with the spreading device 80 or only with one or two return units 81, 81'. However, it is also possible that the disc brake 10 may be equipped with the spreading device 80 and only with one or with two return units 81, 81'.

[0172] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above. It is modifiable within the scope of the attached claims. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1, 1' brake caliper 2 brake discs 2a Brake disc pivot axis 3, 3' brake pad 4. Support plate 4a Cover side 4b Print page 4c advantage 4d retaining eyelet 4e Guided Section 4f contact surface 4g side section 4h opening 4i Top 5 friction lining 6 brake carriers 6a, 6'a Brake carrier horn 6b Mounting side 6c Bearing 6d, 6'd ejection section 6e, 6'e bridge connector 7 Pad retaining spring 7a advantage 8 Reset device 9 Opening 10 disc brakes 11 Tensioning section 11a Storage section 11b Guide opening 11c bore 11d cavity 12 saddle backs 12a Plant section 12b Support surface 13 Tension strut 14 Stop section 14a, 14b Guided section 14c Plant section 15 Stop section 15a Locking element 15b Fastening element 16 pad retaining clips 16a, 16b Ironing arm 16c connection 17 Energy storage element 17a Guide element 18, 18' Passage opening 19 Stop section 20 pad retaining clips 20a, 20b Final section 20c underside 21 Spring element 21a Central section 21b Stop section 21c, 21'c spring arm 21d, 21'd print section 21e, 21'e printing area 22 printing stamps 23 printed piece 23a advantage 23b Head 24 Energy storage element 24a, 24b End section 24c threaded pin 24d spreader spring 25 guide groove 25a Slope 26 Fastening element 27 Passage opening 27a Mounting opening 28 holders 28a Fastening section 28b Stop section 28c Through opening 29 Print section 29a T-slot 30 printing plates 30a Exemption 30b slot 30c tensioning side 30d print side 30e bottom 31 lead 32 T-slot 33 Energy storage element 34 Guide rod 34a, 34b Rod end 35, 36 Leading advantage 37 Clamping element 38 Reset element 38a Spring arm 38b, 38c connecting section 38d Mounting section 38e Print area 39 coupling section 40 Nut 40a Rand 80 Spreader device 81, 81' Pad return unit 110 Floor plate 110a Through opening 110b Fastening element 110c retaining eye 111 Passage opening AS outlet side ES inlet side

Claims

[1] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2), which is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein a pad retaining bracket (20) rests with its underside on pad retaining springs (7) of the brake pads (3, 3'), is fixed with a first end section (20a) in a retaining section (14) of the clamping section (11) of the brake caliper 1 and is fixed with a second end section (20b) to a retaining section (15) of a caliper back (12) of the brake caliper (1), wherein at least one energy storage element (17) is attached between corner areas of the pad carrier plates (4) of the brake linings (3, 3'), characterized by , that the at least one energy storage element (17) is pushed with its end regions onto bolt-like guide elements (17a) which are attached to lining sides (4a) of the lining carrier plates (4) of the brake linings (3, 3') and protrude from the lining sides (4a) towards the brake disc (2). [2] Disc brake (10) according to claim 1, characterized by, that the at least one energy storage element (17) is designed as a compression spring and is installed under preload. [3] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein the return device (8) has at least one lining return unit (81, 81'), wherein the lining return unit (81) has at least one energy storage element (24) which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake caliper (1) and to the clamping-side brake lining (3), wherein the at least one energy storage element (24) is received as a tension spring in a bore (11c) in the clamping section (11) of the brake caliper (1) and is fixed with an end section (24b) in the bore (11c), wherein the other end section (24a) engages with a retaining eyelet (4d) on a pressure side (4b) of the pad carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake pad (3), characterized by , that the bore (11c) in which the at least one energy storage element (24) is fixed is a threaded bore of a fastening element (110b) of a base plate (110) of the clamping section (11). [4] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2) and is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions and each have a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein the return device (8) has at least one lining return unit (81, 81'), wherein the lining return unit (81) has at least one energy storage element (24) which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake caliper (1) and to the clamping-side brake lining (3), characterized by , that the at least one energy storage element (24) is received as a tension spring in a cavity (11d) in the clamping section (11) of the brake caliper (1) and is attached with an end section (24b) by means of a spreading spring (24d) behind a base plate (110), wherein the other end section (24a) engages with a retaining eyelet (4d) on a pressure side (4b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake lining (3). [5] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein the return device (8) has at least one lining return unit (81, 81'), wherein the pad return unit (81) has at least one energy storage element (24) which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake caliper (1) and to the clamping-side brake pad (3), characterized by , that the at least one energy storage element (24) is attached as a tension spring to a retaining eyelet (110c) of a base plate (110) of the clamping section (11), wherein the other end section (24a) engages with a retaining eyelet (4d) on a pressure side (4b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake lining (3). [6] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, further comprising a split brake caliper (1, 1'), with a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), which is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake linings (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1), which are movable in opposite directions and each have a lining carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake lining (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake linings (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-related displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein the return device (8) has at least one lining return unit (81, 81'), wherein the lining return unit (81) has at least one energy storage element (24) which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake caliper (1) and to the clamping-side brake lining (3), characterized by , that the at least one energy storage element (24) is attached as a tension spring with an end section (24b) to a holder (28) which is attached between the clamping section (11) of the first part of the brake caliper (1) and the tension strut (13) of the second part of the brake caliper (1'), and wherein the other end section (24a) engages with a retaining eyelet (4d) on a pressure side (4b) of the pad carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake pad (3). [7] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper which overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) has a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17), wherein the return device (8) has at least one lining return unit (81, 81'), wherein the pad return unit (81) has at least one energy storage element (24) as a tension spring which is connected directly or indirectly to the brake carrier (6) and to the clamping-side brake pad (3), characterized by, that guide grooves (25) of support sections (6d) of the brake carrier (6), which each interact with guide sections (4e) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake lining (3), each form a receptacle for the at least one energy storage element (24), wherein the at least one energy storage element (24) is connected with an end section (24a) to the associated guide section (4e) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake lining (3), wherein the other end sections (24b) each engage with an edge of the respective support section (6d). [8] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), which is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) comprises a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake pads (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17) exhibitsand wherein the resetting device (8) comprises at least one lining resetting unit (81, 81'), , characterized by , that the pad return unit (81) is formed by a positive-locking connection and / or an adhesive connection between a pressure punch (22) and the clamping-side brake pad (3), wherein the positive-locking connection is a T-slot connection, wherein a pressure piece (23) of the pressure punch (22) has a projection (23a) with a head (23b) in T-shape, wherein this projection (23a) engages with a T-slot (29a) of a projection (29) of the pad carrier plate (4) of the clamping-side brake pad (3). [9] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) comprises a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake pads (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17) exhibitsand wherein the resetting device (8) comprises at least one lining resetting unit (81, 81'), , characterized by , that the pad return unit (81) has two guide rods (34) arranged parallel to each other, which are guided axially parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) on the underside of the clamping section (11) of the brake caliper (1), wherein the guide rods (34) are each provided with a force storage element (33) in the form of a compression spring and are connected to the pressure plate (30), wherein the pressure plate (30) is coupled to the clamping-side brake pad (3). [10] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), which is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one brake pad (3) on the clamping side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) comprises a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake pads (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17) exhibitsand wherein the resetting device (8) comprises at least one lining resetting unit (81, 81'), , characterized by , that the pad return unit (81') has guide rods (34) which are slidably mounted in guide projections (36) of the saddle back (12) and coupled to the rear brake pad (3'), wherein the guide rods (34) are each provided with at least one force storage element (33) which is under preload and exerts a tensile force on the rear brake pad (3') through the guide rods (34). [11] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake pad (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake pads (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) comprises a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake pads (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17) exhibitsand wherein the resetting device (8) comprises at least one lining resetting unit (81, 81'), , characterized by , that the pad return unit (81') has a return element (38) which is pre-tensioned to the back of the caliper (12) of the brake caliper (1) under a bottom surface (20c) of a rear end section (20b) of a pad retaining bracket (20) and is in contact with a spring arm (38a) with a pad side (4a) of the pad carrier plate (4) of the rear brake pad (3'), wherein the spring arm (38a) is arranged in a slot of a friction lining (5) of the rear brake pad (3') and extends in the course of the transverse axis of the pad carrier plate (4) to approximately the area of ​​the center of gravity or to the vicinity of the mean friction radius. [12] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper that overlaps a brake disc (2), which is attached to a stationary brake carrier (6) and has a central opening (9) above the brake disc (2), two brake linings (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) that are movable in opposite directions, each having a lining carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, of which one clamping-side brake lining (3) can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of a clamping device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8) with which the brake linings (3, 3') can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device (8) comprises a spreading device (80) arranged in the opening (9), which engages the upper edges of the brake linings (3, 3'), with at least one energy storage element (17) exhibitsand wherein the resetting device (8) comprises at least one lining resetting unit (81, 81'), , characterized by , that the pad return unit (81') of the rear brake pad (3) is formed by coupling sections (39) of the caliper back (12) of the brake caliper (1), wherein the coupling sections (39) each have a vertical groove (40) with a brake disc-side vertical edge (40a), wherein the pad carrier plate (4) of the rear brake pad (3') is in contact with upper corner regions of its respective side sections (4g) with a groove (40) each, wherein these corner regions of the side sections (4g) are arranged between the edge (40a) and the caliper back (12). [13] Disc brake (10) according to one of claims 3 to 7, characterized by, that the at least one pad return unit (81, 81') engages at least at a third point of application in the area of ​​the mean friction radius, the center of gravity or centrally, i.e. centrally at the intersection of an imaginary transverse axis and longitudinal axis of the brake pad (3, 3'), symmetrically to the transverse axis at two contact areas to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis and / or in a lower edge area of ​​the brake pad (3, 3') and reduces a tilting moment generated by the spreading device (80). [14] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 1, comprising a clamping-side brake pad (3) and a rear-side brake pad (3'), each of which has a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, and a return device (8), characterized by, that the return device (8) comprises two energy storage elements (17), wherein the lining carrier plates (4) of the brake linings (3, 3') have bolt-like guide elements (17a) in their corner areas for the energy storage elements (17), wherein the bolt-like guide elements (17a) protrude from the lining sides (4a). [15] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 11, comprising a clamping-side brake pad (3) and a rear-side brake pad (3'), each of which has a pad carrier plate (4) and a friction lining (5) attached thereto, and a return device (8), characterized by, that the return device (8) has a pad retaining bracket (20) and a return element (38) with a spring arm (38a) which can be pre-tensioned to the back of the caliper (12) of the brake caliper (1) under a bottom surface (20c) of a rear end section (20b) of the pad retaining bracket (20), wherein the friction lining (5) has a slot for the spring arm (38a) on a lining side (4a) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the rear brake lining (3').

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