Disk brake for a commercial vehicle and brake lining set

Abstract

Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (1) designed as a sliding caliper, which engages over a brake disc (2) and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier (6), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake caliper (1) and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4, 4') and a friction pad (5, 5') fastened thereto, of which a brake pad (3) on the action side or the application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8, 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, 8') has at least one return element (24) attached to a brake pad (3, 3'), which return element is arranged between this brake pad (3, 3') and a stationary reference and exerts a restoring force on the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least one return element (24) is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (25) and the stationary reference is a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6), wherein the at least one return element (24) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (24) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (25a) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached with its fastening section (25a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2), characterized in that an upper end of the spring arm (25) of the at least one return element (24) is connected to the fastening section (25a), which is fixedly attached to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') via a fastening hole (25e) on the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the upper end of the fastening section (25a) is connected to a tab section (25f) via an angled step section (25e), and that an anti-twist device of the at least one return element (24) is formed by the tab section (25f) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the tab section (25f) has two upwardly projecting tabs which are supported in a through-opening (4c) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the spring arm (25) is connected at its lower end via a connecting section (25b) to a downwardly angled contact end (25c) which has an outwardly bent end portion (25d) at its free end,wherein the contact end (25c) and a part of the connecting portion (25b) are in contact with a bridge connector (6'c) of the brake carrier (6).

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), an application device that can be actuated pneumatically or by an electric motor presses an action-side brake pad against a vehicle-mounted brake disc during braking. As the braking process continues, the brake caliper is displaced relative to the brake disc in the opposite direction to the application direction of the action-side brake pad, driving and pressing the opposing, 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 this position, in which the brake pads, or at least the reaction-side brake pad, are in contact with the brake disc without pressure but still dragging. The resulting residual drag torque of the brake pads during driving has a detrimental effect in that it leads to increased fuel consumption and a reduction in the service life of the components involved, namely the brake disc and the brake pads.

[0004] Although a slight release of the brake pads occurs during driving, for example due to wobbling of the brake disc, as well as vibrations and lateral acceleration when cornering, these effects are not sufficient to effectively prevent the aforementioned residual drag torque. These effects can also lead to the brake pads coming into contact with the brake disc again after the brake pads have been released from the brake disc, which can then again create residual drag torque.

[0005] In order to counteract this problem, the generic DE 10 2007 001 213 A1 discloses a disc brake with a return device which is arranged in one of the guide bars, via which the brake calliper is displaceably held on the brake carrier, and which has a resilient return element by means of which the brake calliper is displaced into an initial position.

[0006] In principle, this design has proven itself. However, the use of this known reset device in air-operated disc brakes on heavy commercial vehicles can lead to problems, as there are wide ranges of variable influences caused by component tolerances and component deformations, which do not allow for reliable function of this reset device in every case.

[0007] Similar problems arise with a disc brake such as that discussed in DE 10 2012 006 111 A1. A reset device is arranged on the side opposite the brake application device, facing the reaction-side brake pad, thereby achieving effective, particularly automatic, reset of the brake caliper while simultaneously minimizing interference with the system's rigidity.

[0008] In any case, the return device acts on the brake calliper, with the brake carrier acting as an abutment.

[0009] DE 10 2016 202 520 A1 describes a friction lining arrangement with a back plate and with a return spring made of sheet metal fixed thereto, for a motor vehicle partial pad disc brake of the floating caliper type with a vehicle-fixed brake holder, on which friction lining assemblies arranged on both sides of a brake disc are slidably guided, with a housing which overlaps the brake disc and the friction lining assemblies and is slidably mounted on the brake holder, and wherein the return spring can be clamped axially between the brake holder and the friction lining arrangement with at least one spring leg in such a way that the return spring imposes a clearance on the friction lining arrangement.A friction lining assembly with a return spring for friction material wear-dependent clearance dimensioning is described. This assembly helps avoid the disadvantages of known arrangements, thus does not impair pedal travel, and offers robust functionality while maintaining reduced complexity for efficient production and simple assembly. The spring leg engages over a hammerhead-shaped claw on the back plate. Due to the reduction in friction material thickness under brake application, the spring leg is specifically designed to be plastically deformable in order to impose a constant clearance on the friction lining assembly.

[0010] US 2016 / 0 102 722 A1 relates to a sliding-caliper disc brake having an outer brake shoe slidably mounted in the brake's fixed support, the disc brake having a central outer spring for returning the outer brake shoe to its inactive position, which spring is attached to a corresponding central portion of the outer brake shoe and whose front portion is axially attached to a corresponding central portion of the fixed support. To return it to its inactive position, the inner brake shoe is forced to move axially with the brake piston.

[0011] DE 689 08 647 T2 describes a disc brake caliper comprising a cylinder and a bridge, the bridge having an inner part attached to the cylinder, a middle part, and an outer part. Inside and outside friction lining assemblies are arranged to be brought into contact with opposite surfaces of a disc. The bridge is made of an elastically flexible material and is shaped and configured such that, under braking conditions, the outer part can elastically deflect relative to the inner part in a direction transverse to the axis of the cylinder and substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the disc in the region where the friction lining assemblies engage the surfaces of the disc. The bridge and cylinder may be separately molded and joined together, or they may be integrally molded.

[0012] JP 2014 - 167 323 A discloses a disc brake capable of suppressing the inclination of the disc of a friction pad with respect to a surface to be pressurized when the friction pad is separated from the disc. A return spring is biased in a return direction such that it separates a friction pad from a disc. The return spring is configured such that the base edge side is fixed to the friction pad and the upper end side is disposed opposite to a fixing member side. In such a case, the return spring is configured to have a plurality of portions fixed to the friction pad at the base edge sides at intervals in the radial direction of the disc.When a line connecting the radially central disc portions of the respective ear parts of the friction pad is set as the center line XX, the return spring fixes a fixing leg part as the base edge side at two portion positions extending beyond the center line XX.

[0013] DE 102 38 734 A1 describes a floating-caliper disc brake for a motor vehicle, comprising a brake bracket fixed to the vehicle, on which brake pads arranged on both sides of an associated brake disc are slidably guided, a floating caliper which spans the brake disc and the brake pads and is slidably mounted on the brake bracket, and at least one brake pad spring which acts to adjust a clearance between the brake disc and the brake pad, at least axially between the brake bracket and the brake pad. To simplify brake pad assembly and to facilitate manufacture of the brake pad spring, the brake pad spring is fastened to the brake pad and is supported axially on the brake bracket by at least one spring arm. The spring arm is locked, in particular, radially and / or tangentially to the brake bracket.

[0014] DE 10 2017 129 672 A1 relates to a disc brake for a commercial vehicle, with a brake caliper which spans a brake disc and is designed as a sliding caliper and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier, two brake pads which are arranged in the brake caliper and can move in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate and a friction pad fastened thereon, of which a brake pad on the action side or application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, wherein the brake pads are each received in a pad shaft of the stationary brake carrier, wherein the pad shaft is fixed by two opposing brake carrier horns and a longitudinal connector connecting the brake carrier horns, and at least one return device with which the brake pads can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake.At least one of the brake pads is equipped with a pad return device, which allows the at least one brake pad to be returned after a braking-related displacement and release of the brake. Corresponding brake pad sets are specified.

[0015] DE 10 2016 117 777 A1 relates to a disc brake for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper designed as a sliding caliper that spans a brake disc, is attached to a stationary brake carrier and has a central opening above the brake disc, two brake pads arranged in the brake caliper, movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate and a friction pad attached thereto, of which a brake pad on the application side or the brake application side can be pressed against the brake disc by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device with which the brake pads can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake. The return device has at least one return element attached to a brake pad, which is arranged between this brake pad and a stationary reference and exerts a return force on the brake pad.A corresponding set of brake pads will be provided.

[0016] US 4 745 992 A discloses a disc brake assembly having a spring retainer that holds the inner brake shoe assembly to the brake piston, and having a brake pad wear sensor formed as part of the spring retainer that engages the rotating disc of the assembly and generates an audible wear warning signal when the brake is applied and the brake pad of the brake shoe assembly is sufficiently worn to allow such engagement.

[0017] JP 2012 - 092 968 A describes an electric disc brake that prevents brake pad dragging. Since each protrusion in the electric disc brake serves as a regulating means on a pad spring provided on a carrier, the retraction of an inner brake pad is regulated by each protrusion when a piston is retracted upon brake release, a caliper body is moved toward a disc rotor side by reaction, and a nail portion of the caliper body is moved in a direction away from the disc rotor. As a result, dragging of the inner and outer brake pads upon brake release is prevented.

[0018] The application piston is connected to the brake pad retaining plate via a return element, spring element, or spring arm. The return element is not in contact with a stationary reference.

[0019] The invention is based on the object 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 structural means.

[0020] Another task is to provide an appropriate set of brake pads.

[0021] This object is achieved by a disc brake having the respective features of claims 1, 2, 3, 4.

[0022] The further object is achieved by a brake pad set having the respective features of claims 10, 11, 12, 13.

[0023] A disc brake according to the invention for a commercial vehicle comprises, in a first, second, third and fourth embodiment, a brake caliper designed as a sliding caliper which engages over a brake disc and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier, two brake pads arranged in the brake caliper and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate and a friction pad fastened thereto, of which a brake pad on the action side or application side can be pressed against the brake disc by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device with which the brake pads can be returned after a braking-induced displacement and release of the brake, wherein the return device has at least one return element attached to a brake pad, which is arranged between this brake pad and a stationary reference and exerts a return force on the brake pad.The at least one return element is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm and the stationary reference is a contact section of the brake carrier.

[0024] The return element is advantageously designed as a simple leaf spring element that extends radially over the brake pad toward the axle center. This can be provided equally for both brake pads. The protruding end of the leaf spring is braced axially relative to the brake carrier. The resulting spring force exerts a return force on the respective brake pad. By supporting the spring elements on the stationary brake carrier, not only are the brake pads positioned relative to the brake disc, but also, advantageously, the axially movable brake caliper. By centering the brake pads and the brake caliper relative to the brake disc, an ideal reduction of residual drag torque can be achieved.

[0025] The return elements as leaf spring elements are particularly advantageous in that they are simple and cost-effective to manufacture, e.g. as a stamped / bent part.

[0026] A brake pad set according to the invention for the disc brake according to the invention of the first embodiment has a brake pad on the application side and a brake pad on the back side, wherein the brake pad on the application side and the brake pad on the back side have at least one return element of a return device which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm.

[0027] This has the advantage that when the brake pads are inserted, they do not have to be applied subsequently due to the pre-assembled return elements.

[0028] Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are characterized in the subclaims.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the first, second, and third embodiments of the disc brake according to the invention, the at least one return element exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad to which the at least one return element is attached. One advantage of this is the small space requirement.

[0030] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one return element is preloaded with respect to the contact section of the brake carrier when the associated brake pad is installed. During braking, a further preload is added to this preload, which is caused by the application of the brake. Depending on the design, this preload of the at least one return element can also increase with increasing pad / disc wear.

[0031] In a further preferred embodiment of the first, second, and third embodiments of the disc brake according to the invention, the at least one return element is attached to a pressure side of a pad carrier plate of the brake pad by means of a fastening section connected to the respective spring arm. Such attachment is simple and requires only minimal adjustment work.

[0032] It is particularly advantageous if the at least one return element acts or acts on the pressure side of the lining carrier plate of the brake pad in the area of ​​a mean friction radius, a center of gravity or centrally, i.e. centrally in the intersection point or in the area of ​​this intersection point of an imaginary transverse axis of the brake pad and an imaginary longitudinal axis of the brake pad, since in this way a tilting behavior of the brake pad can be prevented or substantially reduced.

[0033] This particular advantage also arises in the case where at least two return elements on the pressure side of the lining carrier plate of the brake pad in the area of ​​a mean friction radius engage or act symmetrically to an imaginary transverse axis of the brake pad on two contact areas to the right and left of it on an imaginary longitudinal axis of the brake pad.

[0034] In a further preferred embodiment of the first, second, and third embodiments of the disc brake according to the invention, the at least one return element is attached with its respective fastening section to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad in a manner secured against rotation about an axis that runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis of the brake disc. This can be achieved in a simple manner using two fastening elements (screws, rivets, etc.). It is also possible to use only one fastening element and one pin. This advantageously and easily prevents rotation and thus a reduction in the function of the return element.

[0035] In a further preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, it is provided that an upper end of the spring arm of the at least one return element is connected to the fastening section, which is firmly attached to the pressure side of the lining carrier plate via a fastening hole on the lining carrier plate, wherein the upper end of the fastening section is connected to a tab section via an angled step section.

[0036] In a further preferred embodiment of the first embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, the anti-rotation device of the at least one return element can also be formed with a tab section that is connected to the spring arm, wherein the tab section has two upwardly projecting tabs that are supported in a through-hole in the pad carrier plate. Such a through-hole, which is often already present, can advantageously be used twice in this way without requiring additional processing. The spring arm is connected at its lower end via a connecting section to a downwardly angled contact end, which has an outwardly bent end section at its free end, wherein the contact end and part of the connecting section are in contact with a bridge connector of the brake carrier.

[0037] A preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention provides that an anti-twist device of the at least one return element is formed by a positive fit of the fastening section connected to the spring arm in a recess of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad corresponding to the shape of the fastening section, wherein the fastening section is fastened in the recess, for example by pressing.

[0038] In a further preferred embodiment of the second embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, the spring arm is connected at its lower end via a connecting section to a downwardly angled contact end, which has an outwardly bent end section at its free end, wherein the contact end and a part of the connecting section are in contact with a bridge connector of the brake carrier.

[0039] In a further preferred embodiment of the third embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, an anti-twist device of the at least one return element on the brake pad can be formed by means of pressed-on friction material of the respective friction pad, wherein the return element is connected to an insert and, before the friction material is pressed onto the pad carrier plate, is threaded from one pad side of the pad carrier plate through a through-opening of the pad carrier plate, wherein the insert closes the through-opening and is covered by the friction pad and fixed in the pad carrier plate.

[0040] In a preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, the spring arm of the at least one return element can be designed as a curved leaf spring element and attached to the lining carrier plate of the brake pad with preload. This design offers the advantage that, due to the provided curvature, a preload is already present when the return element is attached to the pressure side of the lining carrier plate. This preload can then be transferred to the contact section of the brake carrier interface during assembly of the brake pad in the brake carrier, thereby enabling a greater preload travel with a small installation space requirement.

[0041] In a further preferred embodiment of the fourth embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention, an end section of a fastening section of the return element rests against the pressure side of the lining carrier plate in the installed state of the return element, wherein the part of the fastening section adjoining the end section has a guide hole and is connected to a first curved section which has a fastening hole, wherein these two sections are bent such that their concave sides face the pressure side of the lining carrier plate, wherein the first curved section is connected to the spring arm, which partially rests on the pressure side of the lining carrier plate and wherein the other part gradually lifts off from the pressure side and is connected to the second curved section, wherein a convex side of this connection faces the pressure side, wherein the second curved section then continues in a curved manner such thatthat its concave side faces the pressure side, and the free end of the second curved section merges into the approximately straight contact end, which contacts the contact section of the brake carrier. This is an advantageously compact design.

[0042] In yet another embodiment, the spring arm of the at least one return element has a contact end, with sections of this contact end and / or a section of the spring arm in the region of the connection to the contact end being in contact with a contact section of the brake carrier. This advantageously results in simple installation without tools.

[0043] Installation is made particularly easy if the contact end has a radius.

[0044] Another design provides for the contact end to be connected to the spring arm via a bend. This bend ensures easier installation of the return element. The resulting flat contact of the return element on the contact section of the brake carrier interface improves potential tipping behavior of the brake pads. The bend can be designed inward, i.e., pointing toward the brake pad, or outward, i.e., pointing away from the brake pad. This advantageously provides easy adaptation to different brake carrier designs.

[0045] In a further embodiment, at least two return elements (15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are mounted on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least two return elements (15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28) are each designed with a different spring rate. In this way, different spring forces can advantageously be set on the inlet and outlet sides, and potential tangential diagonal wear can be specifically counteracted. This is particularly advantageous in a single-piston disc brake design.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment of the brake pad set according to the invention for the disc brake according to the invention of the first embodiment, the at least one return element is attached to a pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad with a fastening section which is connected to the spring arm, wherein the at least one return element is attached with its fastening section to the pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc of the associated disc brake.

[0047] An upper end of the spring arm of the at least one return element is connected to the fastening section, which is firmly attached to the pressure side of the lining carrier plate via a fastening hole on the lining carrier plate, wherein the upper end of the fastening section is connected to a tab section via an angled step section, and an anti-twist device of the at least one return element is formed by the tab section, which is connected to the spring arm, wherein the tab section has two upwardly projecting tabs that are supported in a through-opening of the lining carrier plate, wherein the spring arm is connected at its lower end via a connecting section to a downwardly angled contact end, which has an outwardly bent end section at its free end.

[0048] This is advantageous because the pre-assembled return elements mean that the brake pads do not need to be subsequently applied when they are inserted.

[0049] A brake pad set according to the invention for the second embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention has a brake pad on the application side and a brake pad on the back side, wherein the brake pad on the application side and the back side have at least one return element of a return device, which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm, wherein the at least one return element exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad to which the at least one return element is attached, wherein the at least one return element is attached to a pressure side of a pad carrier plate of the brake pad with a fastening section which is connected to the spring arm, wherein the at least one return element is attached with its fastening section to the pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis of the brake disc of the associated disc brake.

[0050] An anti-twist device for the at least one return element is formed by a positive fit of the fastening section connected to the spring arm in a recess in the pad carrier plate of the brake pad that corresponds to the shape of the fastening section, wherein the fastening section is fastened in the recess via a press fit, wherein the spring arm is connected at its lower end via a connecting section to a downwardly angled contact end, which has an outwardly bent end section at its free end.

[0051] This is also advantageous because when the brake pads are inserted, the at least one pre-assembled reset element does not have to be applied subsequently.

[0052] A brake pad set according to the invention for the third embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention has a brake pad on the application side and a brake pad on the back side, wherein the brake pad on the application side and the back side have at least one return element of a return device, which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm, wherein the at least one return element exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad to which the at least one return element is attached, wherein the at least one return element is attached to a pressure side of a pad carrier plate of the brake pad with a fastening section which is connected to the spring arm, wherein the at least one return element is attached with its fastening section to the pressure side of the pad carrier plate of the brake pad in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis of the brake disc of the associated disc brake.

[0053] An anti-twist device of the at least one return element on the brake pad is formed by pressed-on friction material of the respective friction pad, wherein the return element is connected to an insert and is threaded from one pad side of the pad carrier plate through a through-opening of the pad carrier plate before the friction material is pressed onto the pad carrier plate, wherein the insert closes the through-opening and is covered by the friction pad and fixed in the pad carrier plate.

[0054] This is also advantageous because when the brake pads are inserted, the at least one pre-assembled reset element does not have to be applied subsequently.

[0055] A brake pad set according to the invention for the fourth embodiment of the disc brake according to the invention has a brake pad on the application side and a brake pad on the back side, wherein the brake pad on the application side and the brake pad on the back side have at least one return element of a return device which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm.

[0056] The spring arm of the at least one return element is designed as a curved leaf spring element and is attached with preload to the pad carrier plate of the brake pad, wherein an end section of a fastening section of the return element, in the installed state of the return element, rests against the pressure side of the lining carrier plate, wherein the part of the fastening section adjoining the end section has a guide hole and is connected to a first curved section which has a fastening hole, wherein these two sections are bent such that their concave sides face the pressure side of the lining carrier plate, wherein the first curved section is connected to the spring arm, which partially rests on the pressure side of the lining carrier plate and wherein the other part gradually lifts off from the pressure side and is connected to the second curved section, wherein a convex side of this connection faces the pressure side, wherein the second curved section then continues in a bent manner such thatthat its concave side faces the pressure side and the free end of the second arc section merges into the approximately straight contact end.

[0057] The advantage here is that when the brake pads are inserted, the at least one pre-assembled reset element does not have to be applied subsequently.

[0058] Embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0059] They show: Fig. 1 is a schematic plan view of a prior art disc brake; Fig. 2 a schematic perspective partial view of a brake carrier with a brake pad on the application side and return elements of a first embodiment of a return device of a disc brake according to the invention; Fig. 3 a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier with a rear brake pad and return elements of the first embodiment of the return device according to Fig. 2; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier with a rear-side brake pad and return elements of a second embodiment of the return device; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier with a rear-side brake pad and return elements of a variation of the second embodiment of the return device according to Fig. 4; Fig. 6-7 are schematic perspective views of reset elements of the second embodiment and the variation of the second embodiment of the reset device; Fig. 8-9 schematic partial views of the brake carrier with a back-side brake pad and with a return element of a third embodiment of the return device; Fig. 10 is a schematic perspective view of the brake carrier with a back-side brake pad and with a return element of a fourth embodiment of the return device; Fig. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the brake carrier with a back-side brake pad and with a return element of a fifth embodiment of the return device; Fig. 12 a schematic perspective view of the return element of the fifth embodiment of the return device according to Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional view of a back-side brake pad with a return element of a sixth embodiment of the return device; Fig. 14 a schematic perspective view of the return element of the sixth embodiment of the return device according to Fig. 13; and Fig. 15 a schematic view of the back-side brake pad with the return element of the sixth embodiment of the return device according to Fig. 13.

[0060] The terms “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” refer to the respective arrangements in the figures.

[0061] An "upper side" and a "lower side" 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 lower side 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 upper side of this brake pad 3, 3'.

[0062] The term "transverse axis" of the brake pad 3, 3' refers to an imaginary axis that runs radially to the brake disc rotation axis 2a when the brake pad 3, 3' is installed. A "longitudinal axis" of the brake pad 3, 3' thus runs perpendicular to the transverse axis and tangential to the brake disc 2.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a schematic plan view of a prior art disc brake 1.

[0064] The disc brake 1 is designed here as a pneumatic disc brake 1. However, it can also be operated in other ways, e.g., hydraulically, electrically, or in combinations thereof. The disc brake 1 comprises a brake disc 2 with a brake disc axle 2a, brake pads 3, 3', a brake carrier 6, and a brake caliper 10. The disc brake 1 can also be equipped with a reset device. This is not shown here; reference is made to document DE 10 2016 117 777 A1.

[0065] The brake disc 2 is overlapped by the brake caliper 10, which is designed here as a sliding caliper. The brake caliper 10 is displaceably attached to the stationary brake carrier 6 in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a and has a central opening 9 above the brake disc 2.

[0066] The brake caliper 10 comprises an application section 11, a caliper back 12 and two tension struts 13. The caliper back 12 is connected to the application section 11 at one end each with a tension strut 13.

[0067] The application section 11 has an interior in which an application device (not shown) of the disc brake 1 is arranged.

[0068] In this arrangement, the clamping section 11, the saddle back 12 and the tension struts 13 define a central opening 9 between them, which spans the brake disc 2.

[0069] The side of the brake carrier 6 facing the application section 11 of the brake caliper 10 is referred to as the fastening side 6a. The brake carrier 6 is fastened with its fastening side 6a to a stationary part of an associated vehicle.

[0070] A brake pad 3, 3' is arranged on each side of the brake disc 2. The brake pad 3 arranged between the brake disc 2 and the application section 11 of the brake caliper 1 is referred to as the application-side brake pad 3. The other brake pad 3' is arranged between the brake disc 2 and the caliper back 12 and is referred to as the back-side brake pad 3'. For differentiation, reference numerals with an apostrophe indicate components and sections arranged on the side of the caliper back 12.

[0071] Each brake pad 3, 3' has a pad carrier plate 4, 4' and a friction pad 5, 5' attached to the pad carrier plate 4, 4'. The friction pad 5, 5' is attached to a pad side 4a, 4'a of the pad carrier plate 4, 4'. The pad side 4a, 4'a faces the brake disc 2. The friction pads 5, 5' are pressed against the brake disc 2 when in operation, i.e., during braking.

[0072] The other side of the pad carrier plate 4, 4' is referred to below as the pressure side 4b, 4'b. Thus, the application-side brake pad 3, with its pressure side 4b, is operatively connected to the application device of the disc brake 1 via a brake piston 11a. The disc brake 1 shown here has only one brake piston 11a; however, disc brakes can also be equipped with two or more brake pistons.

[0073] The pressure side 4'b of the back brake pad 3' is in contact with the inside of the caliper back 12 of the brake caliper 10.

[0074] In the brake carrier 6, the brake pads 3, 3' are arranged in so-called pad shafts between two brake carrier horns 6b, 6'b and lie with sections of their undersides on respective support sections 6e, 6'e (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) of a respective pad shaft base of the brake carrier 6. The brake pads 3, 3' are displaceable in the axial direction with respect to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. The pad shaft base is connected by a bridge connector 6c, 6'c (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3) of the brake carrier 6.

[0075] During braking, the brake pads 3, 3' can be pressed against the brake disc 2 on both sides and are accessible for replacement and maintenance through the central opening 9. They can be inserted into and removed from their corresponding pad wells through this central opening 9.

[0076] In the example shown, the brake pads 3, 3' are held in their pad shafts in the brake carrier 6 in different ways in the radial direction. In the radial direction towards the brake disc rotation axis 2a, both brake pads 3, 3' are located on the respective support sections 6e, 6'e. In the opposite radial direction, which points away from the brake disc rotation axis 2a, the brake pad 3 on the application side, as shown in Fig. 2, is guided axially, i.e., in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a, in contour guides 6f in the respective brake carrier horn 6b, 6'b, with undesignated lugs projecting to its sides. The contour guides 6f, with their contour, form a radial fixation of the brake pad 3 on the application side.

[0077] Arranged on the upper side of the application-side brake pad 3 is a pad retaining spring 7, which is held in its central region on the pad carrier plate 4 in a manner not described in detail and is supported by its ends on a brake carrier horn 6b, 6'b. In this way, the application-side brake pad 3, pointing radially away from the brake disc rotation axis 2a, is pressed with its lugs against upper sections of the guide contours 6f by a tensile force of the pad retaining spring 7.

[0078] As in Fig. 1, in the example of the prior art shown, a length of the pad carrier plate 4 of the brake pad 3 on the application side is greater than a length of the pad carrier plate 4' of the brake pad 3' on the back side.

[0079] The back-side brake pad 3 has no lateral lugs and is held in place by means of a short pad retaining bracket 14 pointing radially away from the brake disc rotation axis 2a. The pad retaining bracket 14 is attached to the caliper back 12, extends parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a over the back-side brake pad 3', and is in contact with a pad retaining spring 7' of the back-side brake pad 3' (here via a hood 7'a). The pad retaining spring 7' is connected to the hood 7'a on the upper side of the pad carrier plate 4' of the back-side brake pad 3' (see also Fig. 4, Fig. 5) is attached.

[0080] Braking is effected by means of the application device arranged in the application section 11 of the brake caliper 10, e.g., with a brake lever positioned in a dome of the brake caliper 10. The application-side brake pad 3 initially contacts the brake disc 2 during braking. Subsequently, the brake caliper 10 is displaced in the opposite direction by means of the reaction forces that occur, taking with it the reaction-side brake pad 3', until it also comes into frictional contact with the brake disc 2.

[0081] In Fig. 2 shows a schematic perspective partial view of a brake carrier 6 with a brake pad 3 on the application side and return elements 15 of a first embodiment of a return device 8, 8' of a disc brake 1 according to the invention. Fig. 3 shows a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier 6 with a rear-side brake pad 3' and return elements 15 of the first embodiment of the return device 8, 8' according to Fig. 2.

[0082] After the brake is released, the two opposing brake pads 3, 3' are released from the brake disc 2 by means of the return device 8, 8' to such an extent that the latter can rotate freely relative to the brake pads 3, 3'.

[0083] A return device 8, 8' is attached to each brake pad 3, 3' and exerts a force on the associated brake pad 3, 3', which is referred to below as the return force. This return force moves the respective brake pad 3, 3' in the direction of the brake disc rotation axis 2a, i.e. in the axial direction, away from the brake disc 2. In other words, the brake pad 3 on the application side is displaced by its return device 8 from the brake disc 2 in the opposite direction to an application force of the application device onto the application section 11 of the brake caliper 10, wherein the back-side brake pad 3' is displaced by its return device 8' away from the brake disc 2 in the opposite direction of movement to the application-side brake pad 3, together with the brake caliper 10.

[0084] The restoring force of the restoring device 8, 8' is generated by one or more force storage elements. These force storage elements are designed here as spring elements that are preloaded between the respective brake pad 3, 3' and a stationary reference. The stationary reference refers to components of the disc brake 10 that are fixedly connected to the associated vehicle, such as the brake carrier 6.

[0085] The restoring force can be applied to the respective brake pad 3, 3' as a tensile or / and compressive force. Here, the restoring force is applied to the respective brake pad 3, 3' as a tensile force.

[0086] The return device 8, 8' here has two return elements 15 on each brake pad 3, 3'.

[0087] The reset elements 15 are constructed similarly. Therefore, only one reset element 15 is described.

[0088] The return element 15 is a simple leaf spring element with a spring arm 16, which in this case has a flat rectangular cross-section. The spring arm 16 has a first end with a fastening section 16a and a second end as the contact end 16b. A fastening hole 16c and a guide hole 16d are formed in the fastening section 16a. The contact end 16b is provided with a radius (rounded portion).

[0089] The fastening of the return elements 15 as leaf spring elements can be carried out using various fastening methods such as riveting, screwing, welding, twisting, pressing, etc.

[0090] The return element 15 is fastened with the fastening end 16a to the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the pad carrier plate 4, 4' of the brake pad 3, 3'. In the example shown, a fastening element 17, e.g. a rivet, is guided through the fastening hole 16c and fixed in the pad carrier plate 4, 4'. The guide hole 16d engages with another rivet or pin. This prevents the return element from rotating relative to the pad carrier plate 4, 4'. The term "anti-rotation device" will be used several times below. This means that the respective return element 15 is prevented from rotating about an axis that runs parallel to the brake disc rotation axis 2a. This axis can, for example, run through the fastening element 17.

[0091] In this way, the return element 15 is attached to the pad carrier plate 4, 4' such that it extends radially downward (toward the center of the brake disc rotation axis 2a) and protrudes with the contact end 16b over the lower edge of the pad carrier plate 4, 4' of the brake pad 3, 3'. The concave side of the radius or rounded portion of the contact end 16b points away from the pressure side 4b, 4'b.

[0092] The return elements 15 are arranged in pairs on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' of a brake pad 3, 3', symmetrically to an imaginary transverse axis Q of the lining carrier plate 4, 4', each in the region of a short side of the lining carrier plate 4, 4'. The short sides of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' are each in contact with a brake carrier horn 6b, 6'b.

[0093] In addition to a reset function for the respective brake pad 3, 3', the return elements 15 also have the further function of preventing the respective brake pad 3, 3' from tipping over. To this end, the return elements 15 act, for example, in the area of ​​a mean friction radius, a center of gravity or centrally, i.e. centrally at the intersection point or in the area of ​​the intersection point of the imaginary transverse axis Q and an imaginary longitudinal axis L of the brake pad 3, 3', symmetrically to the transverse axis Q on two contact areas to the right and left of it on the longitudinal axis L of the brake pad 3, 3'. In this way, a tilting moment of the respective brake pad 3, 3' about the longitudinal axis L, which can cause an inclined position of the respective brake pad 3, 3', can be reduced or even eliminated.

[0094] The projecting contact end 16b of the return element 15 is clamped axially relative to the brake carrier 6 and is in contact with a contact section 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier 6 via the convex side of the rounding or radius of the contact end 16b and / or with a section of the spring arm 16 in the area of ​​the connection with the contact end 16b. The contact sections 6d, 6'd are located in the example shown in the transition areas of the bridge connectors 6c, 6'c with the brake carrier horns 6b, 6'b of the brake carrier. The contact sections 6d (see e.g. Fig. 2) can also be machined (e.g. as a slope, as a surface, etc.).

[0095] The resulting spring force of the thus tensioned return elements 15 causes a restoring force on the respective brake pad 3, 3'. By supporting the return elements 15 on the stationary brake carrier 6, not only the brake pads 3, 3' are positioned relative to the brake disc 2, but also the axially displaceable brake caliper 10 with the application unit in the application section 11. By centering the brake pads 3, 3' and the brake caliper 6 with the application unit relative to the brake disc 2, an ideal reduction of residual drag torques can be achieved.

[0096] The interface to the brake carrier 6, which has the contact sections 6d, 6'd, is designed such that the return element 15 is automatically preloaded during installation of the brake pads 3, 3'. This preload enables a return effect on the brake pads 3, 3' even in the new state, thus reducing the residual drag torque. The preload can be achieved, for example, via the radius at the contact end 16b of the return element 15 or via a bevel, as stated above, on the brake carrier 6. As a result, the return element 16 slides in the axial direction during installation of the brake pad 3, 3' and is preloaded.

[0097] The required spring rate and spring force of the return element 15 can be defined via the geometry of the spring arm 16 and its ends 16a, 16b.

[0098] As the brake pad 3, 3' and brake disc 2 wear, the spring force of the return elements 15 continuously increases to a certain degree. Due to plastic deformation and temperature influences, this preload force is partially reduced, resulting in an approximately constant return force on the brake pads 3, 3'.

[0099] In a design with two return elements 15 as leaf springs per brake pad 3, 3', it is also possible to design the two return elements 15 with a different spring rate. This allows different spring forces to be set on the inlet and outlet sides, and potential tangential diagonal wear can be specifically counteracted. This is particularly important with a single-piston design of the disc brake 1 (see Fig. 1) is advantageous.

[0100] Fig. 4 shows a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier 6 with a rear-side brake pad 3' and return elements 18 of a second embodiment of the return device 8, 8'. In Fig. 5 is a schematic perspective partial view of the brake carrier 6 with a back-side brake pad 3' and return elements 20 of a variation of the second embodiment of the return device 8, 8' according to Fig. 4 shown. Fig. 6 shows a schematic perspective view of the return element 18 of the second embodiment. In Fig. 7 shows a schematic perspective view of the return element 20 of the variation of the second embodiment of the return device 8, 8'.

[0101] The return elements 18 of the second embodiment are an outwardly cranked version of a leaf spring element.

[0102] The reset elements 18 are constructed similarly. Therefore, only one reset element 18 is described.

[0103] The return element 18 comprises a spring arm 19 with a fastening section 19a like the return element 15, a crank 19b, a contact end 19c and an end section 19d.

[0104] The fastening section 19a of the return element 18 is provided with a fastening hole 19e and a guide hole 19f. This and the fastening of the return element 18 have already been described above in connection with the return element 15.

[0105] At the free end of the spring arm 19, the offset 19b is formed in the form of a short section which extends approximately at right angles from the spring arm 19a to the outside, ie in the fastened state of the return element 18 on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' protrudes from the pressure side 4b, 4'b.

[0106] The free end of the offset 19b is connected to the flat contact end 19c, which in turn has at its free end the end portion 19d which is angled outwards.

[0107] The offset 19b ensures easier assembly of the return element 18. The resulting flat support of the return element 18 with the end section 19d on the contact section 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier interface of the brake carrier 6 improves the potential tilting behavior of the brake pads 3, 3'.

[0108] In the variation according to Fig. 5 and Fig. 7, the return element 20 is designed essentially like the return element 18 as a leaf spring element and comprises a spring arm 21 with a fastening section 21a, which has a fastening hole 21e and a guide hole 21f, a crank 21b, a contact end 21c, and an end section 21d. The fastening of the return element 20 to the lining carrier plate 4, 4' has already been described above in connection with the return element 15.

[0109] The return element 20 differs from the return element 18 in that it is bent inward. The bent portion 21b therefore points inward, i.e., when the return element 20 is fastened, toward the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4'. The inwardly facing bent portion 21b enables an advantageous design of the interface on the brake carrier 6, i.e., the contact sections 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier 6.

[0110] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 also shows a mounting of the pad retaining spring 7' of the back-side brake pad 3' by means of a hood 7. The hood 7 engages with a central portion of the pad retaining spring 7' in a manner not described in detail and extends with a retaining portion not designated through a through-opening 4c in an upper, central region of the pad carrier plate 4'.

[0111] Fig. 8-9 show schematic partial views of the brake carrier 6 with a rear-side brake pad 3' and with a return element 22 of a third embodiment of the return device 8, 8'. In Fig. 9 shows a side view of the brake pad 3' in the brake carrier 6, wherein the brake carrier horn 6'b is not shown.

[0112] The return element 22 of the third embodiment is designed as a curved leaf spring element with preload on the brake pad 3'.

[0113] The return element 22 comprises a spring arm 23 with a fastening section 23a like the return element 15, two arc sections 23b, 23c, and a contact end 23d.

[0114] When the return element 22 is installed, one end section of the fastening section 23a rests against the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4'. The fastening is similar to that described above in connection with the return element 15. The part of the fastening section 23a adjoining the end section has the guide hole 23f and is connected to the first curved section 23b, which has the fastening hole 23e. These two sections are bent such that their concave sides face the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0115] The first curved section 23b is connected to the spring arm 23, which rests partially on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4'. The other part gradually lifts off from the pressure side 4b, 4'b and is connected to the second curved section 23c, with a convex side of this connection facing the pressure side 4b, 4'b. The second curved section 23c then continues curved such that its concave side faces the pressure side 4b, 4'b. The free end of the second curved section 23c merges into the approximately straight contact end 23d, which contacts the contact section 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier 6.

[0116] This design offers the advantage that, due to the intended curvature of the first curved section 23b together with part of the fastening section 23a on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the pad carrier plate 4, 4' on the brake pad 3, 3', a preload is already present when the return element 22 is fastened to the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the pad carrier plate 4, 4' on the brake pad 3, 3'. This preload can then be transferred to the contact section 6d, 6'd of the brake carrier interface during assembly of the brake pad 3, 3' in the brake carrier 6, thereby enabling a greater preload travel with a small installation space requirement.

[0117] A respective width of the return elements 15, 18, 20, 22 corresponds approximately to a width of the pad retaining spring 7'.

[0118] The first, second, and third embodiments of the reset device 8, 8' each have two reset elements 15, 18, 20, 22. It is also possible for the number of reset elements 15, 18, 20, 22 to be greater than two.

[0119] Fig. 10 shows a schematic perspective view of the brake carrier 6 with a back-side brake pad 3' and with a return element 24 of a fourth embodiment of the return device 8, 8'.

[0120] Instead of two or more return elements 15, 18, 20, 22 as leaf springs, it is also possible to use only one return element 24 as a leaf spring element. This is realized in the fourth embodiment, which Fig. 10 shows.

[0121] The return element 24 has a spring arm 25, a fastening portion 25a with a fastening hole 25g, a connecting portion 25b, a contact end 25c with a bent end portion 25d, a step portion 25e and a tab portion 25f.

[0122] The return element 24 is arranged along the transverse axis Q of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' (see Fig. 4) is arranged centrally on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' and has a width which corresponds approximately to a length of the hood 7a.

[0123] The representation in Fig. Figure 10 shows the brake pads 3, 3' in the worn state, with only a residual thickness of the friction pads 5, 5' remaining. The brake pads 3, 3' are adjusted to the brake disc 2 by a wear adjustment device (not shown). The spring arm 24 of the attached return element 24 is therefore bent accordingly in this state.

[0124] The Fig. The upper end of the spring arm 25 is connected to the fastening section 25a, which rests on the pressure side 4b, 4'b and, as described above, is firmly attached to the lining carrier plate 4, 4' via its fastening hole 25e. The upper end of the fastening section 25a is connected to the tab section 25f via an angled step section 25e. The tab section 25f has two upwardly projecting tabs that are supported in the existing through-opening 4c in the upper area of ​​the lining carrier plate 4, 4' below the hood 7a. This support provides an anti-twist device for the return element 24.

[0125] The spring arm 25 is connected at its lower end via the connecting section 25b to the downwardly angled contact end 25c, which has the outwardly bent end section 25d at its free end. The contact end 25c and a part of the connecting section 25b are in contact with a contact section 6'g in a central region of the bridge connector 6'c of the brake carrier 6.

[0126] Fig. 11 shows a schematic perspective view of the brake carrier 6 with a back-side brake pad 3' and with a return element 26 of a fifth embodiment of the return device 8, 8'. Fig. 12 shows a schematic perspective view of the return element 26 of the fifth embodiment of the return device 8, 8' according to Fig. 11.

[0127] The return element 26 as a leaf spring element comprises a spring arm 27, a fastening portion 27a, a connecting portion 27b, a contact end 27c with a bent end portion 27d and a step portion 27e.

[0128] The return element 26 is, like the return element 24 of the fourth embodiment, arranged along the transverse axis Q of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' (see Fig. 10) is arranged centrally on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' and has a width which corresponds approximately to a length of the hood 7a.

[0129] The return element 26 of the fifth embodiment of the return device 8, 8' differs from the return element 24 of the fourth embodiment in the design of the fastening section 27a and the fastening to the pad carrier plate 4, 4' of the respective brake pad 3, 3'. Thus, the fastening section 27a is formed as a rectangular plate, which is connected to the upper end of the spring arm 27a via the stepped section 27e. The stepped section 27e extends approximately 90° from the spring arm 27a toward the pad carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0130] The fastening section 27a is here fastened by means of a press fit in a recess 4d corresponding to the shape of the fastening section 27a from the pressure side 4b, 4'b in the lining carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0131] The return element 26 of the fifth embodiment of the return device 8, 8' has the advantage that it is attached to the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' by pressing (in a corresponding machining operation) the fastening section 27a. This type of attachment, with the rectangular shape of the fastening section 27a and the corresponding recess 4d, forms a positive anti-rotation lock for the return element 26.

[0132] The shape of the fastening portion 27a may have a different angular shape in addition to a rectangular shape.

[0133] It is also conceivable for the fastening section 27a and the corresponding recess 4d to have an oval or round shape. In the case of a circular shape, an anti-twist feature can be implemented, for example, by pinning and / or caulking between the fastening section 27a and the lining carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0134] The design and function of the other end of the return element 26 with the connecting section 27b, contact end 27c and end section 27d has already been explained above in connection with the return element 24 of the fifth embodiment.

[0135] In Fig. 13 shows a schematic sectional view of a back-side brake pad 3' with a return element 28 of a sixth embodiment of the return device 8, 8'. Fig. 14 shows a schematic perspective view of the return element 28 of the sixth embodiment of the return device 8, 8' according to Fig. 13. Fig. 15 shows a schematic view of the back-side brake pad 3' with the return element 28 of the sixth embodiment of the return device 8, 8' according to Fig. 13.

[0136] The return element 28 of the sixth embodiment is, like the return element 24 of the fourth embodiment, also designed as a leaf spring element and is arranged along the transverse axis Q of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' (see Fig. 10) is arranged centrally on the pressure side 4b, 4'b of the lining carrier plate 4, 4' and has a width which corresponds approximately to a length of the hood 7a.

[0137] The return element 28 comprises a spring arm 29, a fastening section 29a with a stepped section 29e and a connection 29f, a connecting section 29b, and a contact end 29c with a bent end section 29d. Furthermore, the return element 28 has an insert 30, which is firmly connected to the fastening section 29a.

[0138] The design and function of the end of the return element 28 with the connecting section 29b, contact end 29c and end section 29d for contacting the brake carrier 6 has already been explained above in connection with the return element 24 of the fifth embodiment.

[0139] The spring arm 29 is connected at its upper end via the step section 29e to the fastening section 29a, which in turn has at its upper end a connection 29f which is angled by 90° towards the insert 30.

[0140] The insert 30 is here a circular cylindrical body with a coaxial circular cylindrical projection 30a, an outer diameter 30b, an end face 30c, an annular surface 30d which is arranged circumferentially around the projection 30a, wherein the projection 30a has an outer diameter 30e and a connection surface 30f.

[0141] The insert 30 and the projection 30a form a common body with a step formed from the annular surface 30d, since the outer diameter 30e of the projection 30a is smaller than the outer diameter 30b of the insert 30.

[0142] The fastening section 29a is attached to the connecting surface 30f of the projection 30a, e.g., by welding, with the stepped section 29e and the connection 29f. A region of a connection between the upper end of the spring arm 29 and the stepped section 29e is also firmly connected, e.g., by welding, to the projection 30a at its connecting surface 30f.

[0143] The return element 28 of the sixth embodiment is attached to the brake pad 3, 3' via pressed-on friction material of the respective friction pad 5, 5'. In the sixth embodiment shown, the return element 28 is threaded from the pad side 4a, 4'a with the spring arm 29 leading through a through-opening of a recess 4e in the pad carrier plate 4, 4' before the friction material is pressed onto the pad carrier plate 4, 4'. The subsequent pressing on of the friction material of the friction pad 5, 5' also secures the return element 28 and secures it against rotation. The return element 28 is designed such that it closes the necessary through-opening of the recess 4e in the pad carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0144] In the assembled state, the insert 30 with the projection 30a is received in the recess 4e and a coaxial recess 4f. An inner diameter of the recess 4e is adapted to the outer diameter 30e of the projection 30a, with an inner diameter of the recess 4f corresponding to the outer diameter 30b of the insert 30f. The annular surface 30d of the insert 30 rests against a shoulder 4g as a step between the recess 4e and the recess 4f. After inserting the return element 29, the friction lining 5, 5' is applied to the lining side 4a, 4'a of the lining carrier plate 4, 4', with the friction lining 5, 5' covering the end face 30c of the insert 30 and fixing it in the lining carrier plate 4, 4'.

[0145] The invention is not limited by the embodiments described above. It may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

[0146] For subsequent installation of the reset device 8, 8' with the reset elements 15, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, the corresponding brake pads 3, 3' provided with them can be used when changing.

[0147] Restoring elements 15, 18, 20 made of round wire or other possible cross-sections are also conceivable, also in combination or additional arrangement. LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS 1 disc brake 2 brake discs 2a Brake disc rotation axis 3, 3' brake pad 4, 4' pad carrier plate 4a, 4'a surface side 4b, 4'b print page 4c Passage opening 4d recess 4th recess 4f recess 4g shoulder 5.5' friction lining 6 brake carriers 6a Mounting side 6b, 6'b brake carrier horn 6c, 6'c bridge connectors 6d, 6'd contact section 6e, 6'e support section 6f contour guide 6'g contact section 7, 7' pad retaining spring 7a hood 8, 8' reset device 9 Opening 10 brake caliper 11 Clamping section 11a Brake piston 12 saddle backs 13 Tension strut 14 pad retaining brackets 15 Reset element 16 spring arm 16a Fastening section 16b Contact end 16c mounting hole 16d guide hole 17 Fastening element 17a Guide pin 18, 20 Reset element 19, 21 spring arm 19a, 21a fastening section 19b, 21b crank 19c, 21c contact end 19d, 21d final section 19e, 21e mounting hole 19f, 21f guide hole 22 Reset element 23 Spring arm 23a Fastening section 23b, 23c arch section 23d Contact end 23e mounting hole 23f guide hole 24 Reset element 25 spring arm 25a Fastening section 25b connecting section 25c contact end 25d final section 25th stage section 25f tab section 25g mounting hole 26 Reset element 27 Spring arm 27a Fastening section 27b connecting section 27c Contact end 27d final section 27th step section 28 Reset element 29 Spring arm 29a Fastening section 29b connecting section 29c Contact end 29d final section 29e step section 29f connection 30 deployment 30a lead 30b outer diameter 30c frontal area 30d ring area 30e outer diameter 30f connection area L Longitudinal axis Q transverse axis S focus

Claims

[1] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake calliper (1) designed as a sliding calliper which engages over a brake disc (2) and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier (6), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake calliper (1) and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4, 4') and a friction pad (5, 5') fastened thereto, of which a brake pad (3) on the action side or the application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8, 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, 8') has at least one return element (24) attached to a brake pad (3, 3') which is arranged between this brake pad (3, 3') and a stationary reference and exerts a restoring force on the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least one return element (24) is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (25) and the stationary reference is a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6), wherein the at least one return element (24) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (24) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (25a) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached with its fastening section (25a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2), characterized by , that an upper end of the spring arm (25) of the at least one return element (24) is connected to the fastening section (25a), which is fixedly attached to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') via a fastening hole (25e) on the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the upper end of the fastening section (25a) is connected to a tab section (25f) via an angled step section (25e), and that an anti-twist device of the at least one return element (24) is formed by the tab section (25f) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the tab section (25f) has two upwardly projecting tabs which are supported in a through-opening (4c) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the spring arm (25) is connected at its lower end via a connecting section (25b) to a downwardly angled contact end (25c) which has an outwardly bent end portion (25d) at its free end,wherein the contact end (25c) and a part of the connecting portion (25b) are in contact with a bridge connector (6'c) of the brake carrier (6). [2] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, with a brake calliper (1) designed as a sliding calliper which engages over a brake disc (2) and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier (6), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake calliper (1) and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4, 4') and a friction pad (5, 5') fastened thereto, of which a brake pad (3) on the action side or the application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8, 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, 8') has at least one return element (26) attached to a brake pad (3, 3') which is arranged between this brake pad (3, 3') and a stationary reference and exerts a restoring force on the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least one return element (26) is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (27) and the stationary reference is a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6), wherein the at least one return element (26) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (26) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (26) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (27a) which is connected to the spring arm (27), wherein the at least one return element (26) is attached with its fastening section (27a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2), characterized by , that an anti-twist device for the at least one return element (26) is formed by a positive fit of the fastening section (27a) connected to the spring arm (27) in a recess (4d) of the pad carrier plate (4, 4') of the brake pad (3, 3') corresponding to the shape of the fastening section (27a), wherein the fastening section (27a) is fastened in the recess (4d) via a press fit, wherein the spring arm (27) is connected at its lower end via a connecting section (27b) to a downwardly angled contact end (27c) which has an outwardly bent end section (27d) at its free end, wherein the contact end (27c) and a part of the connecting section (27b) are in contact with a bridge connector (6'c) of the brake carrier (6). [3] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, with a brake calliper (1) designed as a sliding calliper which engages over a brake disc (2) and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier (6), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake calliper (1) and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4, 4') and a friction pad (5, 5') fastened thereto, of which a brake pad (3) on the action side or the application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8, 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, 8') has at least one return element (28) attached to a brake pad (3, 3') which is arranged between this brake pad (3, 3') and a stationary reference and exerts a restoring force on the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least one return element (28) is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (29) and the stationary reference is a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6), wherein the at least one return element (28) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (28) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (28) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (29a) which is connected to the spring arm (29), wherein the at least one return element (28) is attached with its fastening section (29a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2), characterized by , that an anti-twist device for the at least one return element (28) on the brake pad (3, 3') is formed by means of pressed-on friction material of the respective friction pad (5, 5'), wherein the return element (28) is connected to an insert (30) and, before the friction material is pressed onto the pad carrier plate (4, 4'), is threaded from a pad side (4a, 4'a) of the pad carrier plate (4, 4') through a through-opening in the pad carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the insert (30) closes the through-opening and is covered by the friction pad (5, 5') and is fixed in the pad carrier plate (4, 4'). [4] Disc brake (10) for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake calliper (1) designed as a sliding calliper which engages over a brake disc (2) and is fastened to a stationary brake carrier (6), two brake pads (3, 3') arranged in the brake calliper (1) and movable in opposite directions, each having a pad carrier plate (4, 4') and a friction pad (5, 5') fastened thereto, of which a brake pad (3) on the action side or the application side can be pressed against the brake disc (2) by means of an application device via at least one brake piston, and at least one return device (8, 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, 8') has at least one return element (22) attached to a brake pad (3, 3') which is arranged between this brake pad (3, 3') and a stationary reference and exerts a restoring force on the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein the at least one return element (22) is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (23) and the stationary reference is a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6), characterized by , that the spring arm (23) of the at least one return element (22) is designed as a curved leaf spring element and is attached with preload to the pad carrier plate (4, 4') of the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein an end section of a fastening section (23a) of the return element (22) rests against the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') in the installed state of the return element (22), wherein the part of the fastening section (23a) adjoining the end section has a guide hole (23f) and is connected to a first curved section (23b) which has a fastening hole (23e), wherein these two sections (23a, 23b) are bent such that their concave sides point towards the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the first curved section (23b) is connected to the spring arm (23), which rests partly on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') and wherein the other part gradually extends away from the pressure side (4b, 4'b) and is connected to the second arc section (23c), a convex side of this connection facing the pressure side (4b, 4'b),wherein the second curved section (23c) then continues curved in such a way that its concave side points towards the pressure side (4b, 4'b) and the free end of the second curved section (23c) merges into the approximately straight contact end (23d), which contacts the contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6). [5] Disc brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one return element (24, 26, 28) is arranged prestressed in relation to the contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6) in the installed state of the associated brake pad (3, 3'). [6] Disc brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the at least one return element (24, 26, 28) acts or acts on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in the region of a mean friction radius, a center of gravity or centrally, ie centrally in the point of intersection or in the region of this point of intersection of an imaginary transverse axis (Q) of the brake pad (3, 3') and an imaginary longitudinal axis (L) of the brake pad (3, 3'). [7] Disc brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two return elements (24, 26, 28) on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in the region of a mean friction radius symmetrically to an imaginary transverse axis (Q) of the brake pad (3, 3') on two contact areas to the right and left thereof on an imaginary longitudinal axis (L) of the brake pad (3, 3'). [8] Disc brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the spring arm (23, 25, 27, 29) of the at least one return element (22, 24, 26, 28) has a contact end (23d, 25c, 27c, 29c), wherein sections of this contact end (23d, 25c, 27c, 29c) and / or a section of the spring arm (23, 25, 27, 29) in the region of the connection with the contact end (23d, 25c, 27c, 29c) are in contact with a contact section (6d, 6'd) of the brake carrier (6). [9] Disc brake (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least two return elements (22, 24, 26, 28) are attached to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake lining (3, 3'), wherein the at least two return elements (22, 24, 26, 28) are each designed with a different spring rate. [10] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 1, wherein the brake pad set comprises a brake pad (3) on the application side and a brake pad (3') on the back side, wherein the brake pad (3) on the application side and the brake pad (3') on the back side comprise at least one return element (24) of a return device (8, 8') which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (25), wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (25a) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the at least one return element (24) is attached with its fastening section (25a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2) of the disc brake (10) to be assigned, characterized by , that an upper end of the spring arm (25) of the at least one return element (24) is connected to the fastening section (25a), which is fixedly attached to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') via a fastening hole (25e) on the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the upper end of the fastening section (25a) is connected to a tab section (25f) via an angled step section (25e), and that an anti-twist device of the at least one return element (24) is formed by the tab section (25f) which is connected to the spring arm (25), wherein the tab section (25f) has two upwardly projecting tabs which are supported in a through-opening (4c) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the spring arm (25) is connected at its lower end via a connecting section (25b) to a downwardly angled contact end (25c) which has an outwardly bent end portion (25d) at its free end. [11] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 2, wherein the brake pad set comprises a brake pad (3) on the application side and a brake pad (3') on the back side, wherein the brake pad (3) on the application side and the brake pad (3') on the back side have at least one return element (26) of a return device (8, 8'), which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (27), wherein the at least one return element (26) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (26) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (26) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a pad carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') with a fastening section (27a) which is connected to the spring arm (27), wherein the at least one return element (26) is attached with its fastening section (27a) to the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the pad carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2) of the disc brake (10) to be assigned, characterized by , that an anti-twist device for the at least one return element (26) is formed by a positive fit of the fastening section (27a) connected to the spring arm (27) in a recess (4d) of the pad carrier plate (4, 4') of the brake pad (3, 3') corresponding to the shape of the fastening section (27a), wherein the fastening section (27a) is fastened in the recess (4d) via a press fit, wherein the spring arm (27) is connected at its lower end via a connecting section (27b) to a downwardly angled contact end (27c) which has an outwardly bent end section (27d) at its free end. [12] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 3, wherein the brake pad set comprises a brake pad (3) on the application side and a brake pad (3') on the back side, wherein the brake pad (3) on the application side and the brake pad (3') on the back side have at least one return element (28) of a return device (8, 8'), which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (29), wherein the at least one return element (28) exerts a tensile force as a return force on the brake pad (3, 3') to which the at least one return element (28) is attached, wherein the at least one return element (28) is attached to a pressure side (4b, 4'b) of a pad carrier plate (4) of the brake pad (3, 3') by means of a fastening section (29a) which is connected to the spring arm (29), wherein the at least one return element (28) is mounted with its fastening section (29a) on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4) of the brake lining (3, 3') in a rotationally secure manner about an axis which runs parallel to a brake disc rotation axis (2a) of the brake disc (2) of the disc brake (10) to be assigned, characterized by , that an anti-twist device for the at least one return element (28) on the brake pad (3, 3') is formed by means of pressed-on friction material of the respective friction pad (5, 5'), wherein the return element (28) is connected to an insert (30) and, before the friction material is pressed onto the pad carrier plate (4, 4'), is threaded from a pad side (4a, 4'a) of the pad carrier plate (4, 4') through a through-opening in the pad carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the insert (30) closes the through-opening and is covered by the friction pad (5, 5') and is fixed in the pad carrier plate (4, 4'). [13] Brake pad set for a disc brake (10) according to claim 4, wherein the brake pad set comprises a brake pad (3) on the application side and a brake pad (3') on the back side, wherein the brake pad (3) on the application side and the brake pad (3') on the back side have at least one return element (28) of a return device (8, 8'), which is designed as a leaf spring element with a spring arm (29), characterized by , that the spring arm (23) of the at least one return element (22) is designed as a curved leaf spring element and is attached with preload to the pad carrier plate (4, 4') of the brake pad (3, 3'), wherein an end section of a fastening section (23a) of the return element (22) rests against the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') in the installed state of the return element (22), wherein the part of the fastening section (23a) adjoining the end section has a guide hole (23f) and is connected to a first curved section (23b) which has a fastening hole (23e), wherein these two sections (23a, 23b) are bent such that their concave sides point towards the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4'), wherein the first curved section (23b) is connected to the spring arm (23), which rests partly on the pressure side (4b, 4'b) of the lining carrier plate (4, 4') and wherein the other part gradually extends away from the pressure side (4b, 4'b) and is connected to the second arc section (23c), a convex side of this connection facing the pressure side (4b, 4'b),wherein the second arcuate section (23c) then continues in a curved manner such that its concave side points towards the pressure side (4b, 4'b) and the free end of the second arcuate section (23c) merges into the approximately straight contact end (23d).

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