Brake caliper arrangement with a hollow guide pin

Abstract

Brake caliper assembly (10) for a vehicle disc brake, wherein the brake caliper assembly (10) comprises: - a brake caliper housing (12) with a receiving area (15) for a brake piston; - a brake pad carrier (14) designed to slidably receive a pair of brake pads (26); and - at least one guide pin (28) designed to guide a relative movement between the brake caliper housing (12) and the brake pad carrier (14); wherein at least one section of the guide pin (28) has a cross-sectional shape that is at least partially hollow, wherein a cavity formed by the cross-sectional shape is completely filled with a vibration-damping material comprising a noise-damping material which is at least one of the following materials: a porous material, a foam material, a bulk material, a textile material, a fiber material and an elastically deformable material, wherein the hollow cross-sectional shape has at least two sections which extend at an angle to each other.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a brake caliper assembly for a vehicle disc brake. The vehicle can be, in particular, a motor vehicle and / or a road vehicle. For example, the vehicle can be a passenger car, a truck, or a bus.

[0002] Brake caliper assemblies, and in particular floating brake calipers, are well-known and established in engineering. Generally, they serve to position brake pads relative to a rotating brake disc in order to produce a braking effect. An example of an existing brake caliper assembly can be found in KR 101208370 B1.

[0003] This example from the prior art also illustrates the established principle of the floating caliper housing, which includes guide pins. These are rigidly coupled to the caliper housing and typically mechanically attached to it. The guide pins form elongated projections, for example in the shape of cylindrical shafts, and are each received in a guide recess of a brake pad carrier. The brake pad carrier is not movable relative to the brake disc and is, for example, attached to a steering knuckle. In contrast, the floating caliper housing is movable relative to both the brake disc and the brake pad carrier.

[0004] In summary, this means that the guide pins, which facilitate relative movement between the brake pad carrier and the caliper housing, have so far been attached to the movable component, i.e., the caliper housing. The guide pins are also designed as bolt-like cylindrical elements with solid cross-sections.

[0005] While appropriately designed brake caliper assemblies offer various advantages, there is still room for improvement. For example, the NVH (Noise, Vibration, Harshness) characteristics of existing brake calipers can be further improved, particularly to limit vibrations and the associated brake noise. Furthermore, it is desirable to reduce the weight of existing brake caliper assemblies.

[0006] Further state of the art is as follows: US 2013 / 0199879 A1 discloses a guide pin for the sliding attachment of a brake caliper to a brake carrier of a disc brake. The guide pin has a fastening element for connecting the guide pin to the brake carrier and a hollow tube that surrounds the fastening element and provides a surface along which the brake caliper can slide. An elongated insert can be positioned within the hollow tube and occupies the space between the hollow tube and the fastening element. - DE 10 2004 029 462 A1 teaches a floating caliper disc brake with bolt guides comprising guide bolts with a sliding sleeve. - DE 102 42 102 A1 teaches a guide pin of a floating caliper disc brake with a reduced notch effect. - DE 10 2012 017 961 A1 describes a device for determining the thickness of brake pads, comprising an electrically operated distance sensor. DE 102 01 901 A1 discloses a disc brake with wear indicator. - DE 196 26 296 A1 describes a floating caliper partial pad disc brake with bolt guides, at least one of which is designed as a fixed bearing attached to the brake carrier. - DE 32 44 789 A1 discloses a partial pad disc brake with a guide pin which is attached to the brake caliper or to the brake carrier by means of a welded connection. US 2021 / 0048080 A1 describes a guide assembly for a disc brake, a disc brake, and an assembly method. The guide assembly may include a guide pin, a receiving section, and a weld. The receiving section may receive an assembly section of the guide pin. The weld may secure the assembly section and the receiving section. - FR 2 903 160 A1 reveals a disc brake with sliding bolts. - US 6 454 056 B1 discloses a disc brake with multiple guide pins, whereby a constant bearing length is achieved between a first and second guide pin and a support element, even if the thickness of friction elements changes due to wear. - DE 20 2018 100 969 U1 discloses a brake caliper housing with a vibration damper designed to dampen vibrations that occur during the use of a brake caliper housing. - DE 102 18 907 A1 describes a brake pad comprising a backing plate and a friction lining. The backing plate and the friction lining form two cavities filled with energy-absorbing material and covered by a damping plate. When the brake pad is subjected to friction-induced vibrations, the fillings dissipate vibrational energy and thus help to prevent disruptive brake noise. - DE 103 05 308 A1 discloses a counterweight for a brake pad carrier used for vibration damping. - JP H10-196 691 A describes a disc brake device with a piston that has a squeal prevention structure, wherein a space inside the piston is filled with metal shavings.

[0007] Consequently, it is an object of this invention to provide a brake caliper assembly with improved NVH characteristics, in particular a limited weight.

[0008] This problem is solved by the subject matter according to the attached independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are disclosed in this description, in the figures, and in the dependent claims.

[0009] Accordingly, a brake caliper assembly for a vehicle disc brake is disclosed, wherein the brake caliper assembly comprises, among other things: a brake caliper housing with a receiving area for a brake piston; a brake pad carrier configured to slidably receive a pair of brake pads; and at least one guide pin configured to guide a relative (e.g., sliding) movement between the brake caliper housing and the brake pad carrier; wherein at least one section of the guide pin has an at least partially hollow cross-sectional shape or is otherwise

[0010] In other words, it has a partially hollow cross-section or hollow cross-sectional profile. For example, a partially hollow, partially solid cross-sectional profile can be provided, wherein the area of ​​the hollow part is preferably larger than the area of ​​the solid part (e.g., more than 1.5 times as large).

[0011] The brake caliper assembly can be a floating caliper. The brake caliper housing can therefore be slidably connected to the brake pad carrier or, viewed differently, can be movable relative to and / or supported by the brake pad carrier. This can be achieved by a brake caliper housing that is coupled to the brake pad carrier via at least one guide pin. That is to say, the brake caliper housing can be supported by the guide pin, in particular in such a way that it is axially displaceable along the guide pin.

[0012] The brake pad carrier, on the other hand, can be stationary (i.e., it may not be movable relative to the brake disc). It can be attached to a vehicle component that is not movable relative to the brake disc, such as a steering knuckle.

[0013] There may be one or more guide pins, in particular two guide pins. One of the guide pins may be positioned on a rear side and the other on a front side of the brake caliper assembly (e.g., "front" and "rear" with reference to a forward direction of rotation of the brake disc). Reference here to only one guide pin does not preclude the existence of at least one corresponding second guide. Conversely, reference to two guide pins does not preclude the possibility that only one guide pin may be provided.

[0014] The guide pin can also be described as a rod. It can be configured according to known examples. For instance, it can be or comprise an elongated element, in particular a cylindrical shaft section. At least a portion (e.g., an axial section) of this shaft section can be received in a guide recess of the brake caliper housing or brake pad carrier. A longitudinal axis of the guide pin can extend parallel (or at an angle of less than 45°, in particular less than 20°) to the axis of rotation of a brake disc braked by the brake caliper assembly. The cross-sectional plane in which the hollow cross-sectional shape of the guide pin is defined can extend orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the guide pin. The section having the hollow cross-sectional shape can extend along the longitudinal axis.

[0015] The hollow portion of the cross-sectional shape can form a cavity that is at least partially or completely enclosed. For example, the hollow portion can be part of a hollow three-dimensional cavity that is completely enclosed by or located within the guide pin. Alternatively, the hollow portion can be part of a cavity that is not completely enclosed, such as a recess or an internal cavity of the guide pin that is connected to the outside via at least one opening.

[0016] The brake caliper housing can be a floating caliper. It can have a finger side on (or opposite to) a first side face of a brake disc of the vehicle's disc brake. It can have a piston side that encompasses the receiving area and is positioned opposite another side face of the brake disc. The piston side and the finger side can be connected by a bridge section. The bridge section can extend along, and in particular substantially parallel to, an axis of rotation of the brake disc. In other words, the brake caliper housing can therefore bridge, span, and / or partially enclose the brake disc.

[0017] References to terms such as axial, radial, and circumferential used here can generally refer to the axis of rotation of the brake disc. An axial direction can extend along the axis of rotation, a radial direction can extend at an angle to the axis of rotation (e.g., orthogonally), and a circumferential direction can extend around the axis of rotation.

[0018] The receiving area for the brake piston can define a recess or cavity in which the brake piston is received. It can have a round cross-section and / or can be generally cylindrical. It can have an open end face or an open base, with the end face or base facing a brake pad supported by the brake pad carrier. The receiving area can be configured, together with the brake piston, to define a hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic pressure in which can be adjusted to move the brake piston to activate or deactivate the brake.

[0019] The brake pad carrier can include a finger side that is positioned on the same side face of the brake disc as the finger side of the caliper housing. The brake pad carrier can include a piston side that is positioned on the same side face of the brake disc as the piston side of the caliper housing. The brake pad carrier can include at least one bridge section that connects its finger side and piston side. In particular, two bridge sections can be provided that form circumferential outer edge sections of the brake pad carrier.

[0020] The brake pad carrier and the caliper housing can be configured according to known examples (e.g., differing from the distinguishing configuration of the guide pins according to this disclosure, as well as an optional distinguishing arrangement of the guide pins discussed below). Accordingly, the brake pad carrier can form a frame structure in which the brake pads are received on both sides of the brake disc, while also slidably supporting the caliper housing. The caliper housing can be configured to contact and move the brake pads relative to the brake disc in accordance with a brake piston movement.

[0021] Designing the guide pin with at least a partially hollow section reduces the weight of this component and thus the weight of the entire brake caliper assembly. This can further improve vibration behavior, for example, by providing the hollow section of the guide pin with deliberately increased elasticity or specifically tuned vibration characteristics, such as with respect to its natural frequencies. This can help to reliably isolate the natural frequencies of the guide pins and at least one of the brake caliper housing and brake pad carrier from each other. This, in turn, limits the transmission and amplification of vibrations within or across the brake caliper assembly.

[0022] The cavity can be provided, for example, by assembling the guide pin from multiple parts or by giving the guide pin an elongated extruded profile. Alternatively, additive manufacturing processes such as 3D printing or selective laser melting can be used. The guide pin can generally be a single component or a multi-part assembly, with the hollow section being, for example, part of this assembly.

[0023] According to one example, a cavity (in particular all cavities) encompassed by the cross-sectional shape is at least partially filled with a vibration-damping material. The vibration damping can, in particular, comprise a noise-damping material, the noise being generated by structural vibrations of the brake caliper assembly.

[0024] The noise-dampening material can be at least one of the following materials: porous material, foam material, bulk material, textile material, (e.g. flexible) fiber material, elastically deformable material (e.g. elastically deformable under its own weight and / or under the influence of vibrations that occur during braking).

[0025] The vibration-damping material is preferably different from the material of the guide pin, the caliper housing, the brake pad carrier, or any other component of the caliper assembly. It can be non-metallic. It can be a plastic material or, for example, a (natural or synthetic) rubber material, or it can include one.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the section of the guide pin having the at least partially hollow cross-sectional shape extends over at least one quarter of the total length of the guide pin or over at least half of the total length of the guide pin. Alternatively, the section of the guide pin having the at least partially hollow cross-sectional shape may extend over no more than three quarters of the total length of the guide pin or over no more than half of the total length of the guide pin. This can help to increase the stiffness of the guide pin.

[0027] In a further embodiment, the hollow cross-sectional shape has at least two sections that are at an angle to each other (e.g., orthogonal) and / or have at least one section that is concentric to a longitudinal axis of the guide pin. The concentric section can be a central section that coincides with the geometric center of the guide pin's cross-section. It can be held by other sections, e.g., by at least one radial web section. These other sections can be connected to an outer circumferential part or an outer circumferential shell of the guide pin.

[0028] In one example, the guide pin is arranged on the brake pad carrier and, for instance, rigidly coupled (fixed) to it. Alternatively, the guide pin can be formed integrally with the brake pad carrier. Furthermore, it can be slidably mounted within the brake caliper housing. Each of these embodiments deviates from the proven principle of arranging the guide pin on the brake caliper housing and slidably mounting it in the brake pad carrier.

[0029] It has been found that providing at least one guide pin on the brake pad carrier helps to reduce noise and vibration generated by the brake caliper assembly during braking. Furthermore, it offers the potential to reduce the weight of the brake caliper assembly without compromising braking performance.

[0030] In particular, this allows the at least one guide pin and / or its support within the brake caliper assembly to be stiffer than when the guide pin is located on the moving brake caliper housing. This enables the guide pin to have a hollow cross-sectional shape without having to compensate for any associated loss of stiffness, for example, without increasing the overall size or mass of the guide pin. In other words, when the guide pin is located on the stationary brake pad carrier, the weight savings achieved by providing the hollow profile can be particularly significant, as the brake pad carrier stiffens the guide pin.

[0031] Furthermore, it was found that positioning the at least one guide pin on the brake pad carrier means that the size and mass of the movable caliper housing can be reduced. Since the caliper housing is movably guided, it tends to move (especially tilt) and vibrate more during braking compared to the fixed brake pad carrier. Accordingly, the present solution allows the size and mass of the tilting and vibration-prone component of the caliper assembly to be reduced. Additionally, the stiffness of the fixed brake pad carrier can be increased, for example, by omitting previously provided guide recesses for receiving guide pins, as is common in the prior art, which are attached to the caliper housing. The above helps to reduce the overall level of noise and vibration generated by the caliper assembly.

[0032] The overall level of elastic deformation of the brake caliper assembly can also be reduced, as the guide pins no longer form an extended lever arm by which the tilting caliper housing is held in the brake pad carrier. The mass of the tilting caliper housing can also be reduced, as it no longer encompasses the guide pins. Consequently, the levels of torque transmitted to the brake pad carrier by the movable and potentially tilting caliper housing can be reduced. The stiffness of the brake pad carrier can also be increased, for example, by omitting guide recesses in the brake pad carrier and instead attaching the guide pins to them.

[0033] As a result, the overall level of elastic deformation of the brake caliper assembly components can be reduced. This can allow for a corresponding reduction in the mass of, for example, the brake pad carrier. Likewise, it makes it possible to enclose the hollow profiles within the guide pin without compensating for, or only partially compensating for, the resulting loss of stiffness in the guide pins.

[0034] Particularly in conjunction with tilting movements of existing brake caliper housings during braking, it has also been observed that uneven pressure distributions can occur along existing guide pins attached to such brake caliper housings. For example, the guide pins can be bent and / or tilted within the guide recesses of the brake pad carrier in which they are held. This can lead to varying contact pressures along the length of the guide pins. Specifically, a so-called flutter can occur, which can cause the guide pins to vibrate within the guide recesses in which they are held.

[0035] However, by positioning the guide pins on the brake pad carrier, the extent of such flutter can be reduced (which in turn allows for a reduction in the stiffness of the guide pins due to the hollow profile). This is attributable to the reduced overall level of elastic deformation discussed above. Furthermore, the contact area between the guide pins and the recess in which they are received can now be reduced compared to existing solutions, thereby also reducing the size of the contacting fluttering surfaces (and consequently limiting the level of vibration generated). For example, it has been found that the present solution (e.g.,Due to the reduced level of bending moments transmitted between the components (see above), smaller contact areas are possible between the at least one guide pin and a guide recess (or other receiving component) in which it is received. This also means that the size of potentially fluttering surfaces in contact with each other can be reduced, thereby limiting the level of vibration transmitted between the caliper housing and the brake pad carrier.

[0036] In turn, limiting the size of the contact areas and the level of transmitted vibrations allows for a reduction in the mass of the brake caliper assembly.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the brake caliper housing includes a guide recess in which the guide pin is received. The guide recess can be, for example, a bore, a cavity, a blind hole, or a through hole. It can have a cylindrical shape. In one example, the guide recess is an elongated hole.

[0038] In general, a shape and, in particular, an (inner) cross-section of the guide recess can correspond to a shape or an (outer) cross-section of the guide pin.

[0039] The guide pin and / or guide recess can extend axially. Their longitudinal axes can coincide. There can be exactly two guide recesses (and two guide pins). One can be positioned at a front edge and one at a rear edge of the brake caliper assembly.

[0040] In one embodiment, the guide pin is supported by at least one elastic element that is received in the guide recess. The elastic element can also be referred to as an elastic seat. The brake caliper housing and / or the brake pad carrier can both be metallic elements, in particular made of cast iron, or manufactured by additive manufacturing. The guide pin can likewise be a metallic element. The elastic element can be more elastic than the brake housing and / or the brake pad carrier and / or the guide pin. For example, it can be at least twice as elastic, at least four times as elastic, or at least ten times as elastic as the brake caliper housing and / or the brake pad carrier and / or the guide pin. The elasticity can be measured, for example, by the Young's modulus of the respective elements and materials.

[0041] In general, the elastic property of the elastic element can be defined as a significant macroscopic elastic deformability (e.g., of more than 0.1 mm) under operating conditions.

[0042] The guide pin can (apart from the brake pad carrier to which it is attached) only be in contact with or resting against the elastic element. In other words, it is possible that there is no contact with and / or resting against an element, in particular a comparatively inelastic element or a significantly less elastic element (e.g., an element that is less than half as elastic, less than a quarter as elastic, or less than a tenth as elastic).

[0043] The elastic element can comprise or consist of a non-metallic material. For example, the elastic element comprises (or consists of) a plastic and / or rubber material. The rubber material can be natural or synthetic.

[0044] Additionally or alternatively, the elastic element can be an elastic sleeve, an elastic bushing, or an elastic disc configured to contact the guide pin. Put another way, the guide pin can be contained within the elastic element and in direct contact with it. Accordingly, a surface of the elastic element contacting the guide pin can act as a sliding surface as the caliper housing slides along the guide pins. Generally, the elastic element can surround and / or contact at least one section of the guide pin. This section can be a portion of the guide pin that projects, for example, from the brake pad carrier and toward the caliper housing (or vice versa). In one example, the section can be formed by a free end of the guide pin.

[0045] Additionally or alternatively, the elastic element can be configured to be fixed within the guide recess. Conversely, the elastic element can be fixed relative to the guide recess and the caliper housing during operation of the brake caliper assembly. For example, it can be bonded to the guide recess or another part of the caliper housing. Additionally or alternatively, it can be held in the guide recess by a positive fit (e.g., a tight fit) and the resulting frictional forces.

[0046] Alternatively, the elastic element can be held to the guide pin, for example, by a positive fit (e.g., a tight fit). In this case, it can be movable relative to the brake caliper housing and its guide recesses. For example, the elastic element can be a bushing or sleeve into which a shaft section of the guide is inserted (and is not movable relative to it). Alternatively, the elastic element can define an elastic section that is arranged on the guide pin (e.g., received in a recess of it). There can be multiple such elastic sections, e.g., distributed around the circumference of the guide pin and / or forming an elastic arrangement.

[0047] Providing an elastic element, as in one of the examples discussed here, can further help to reduce vibrations transmitted from the moving caliper housing to the brake pad carrier. In addition, it can dampen tilting movements of the caliper housing relative to the brake pad carrier and the guide pin attached to it.

[0048] In one example, the guide pin is mechanically attached to the brake pad carrier. Alternatively, it can be welded or bonded to the brake pad carrier, or formed integrally with it. The latter can be achieved by manufacturing the guide pins and the brake pad carrier as a single cast part. That is, in one embodiment, the guide pin and the brake pad carrier are a single casting. Alternatively, they can be manufactured, for example, by additive manufacturing.

[0049] The mechanical fastening can, for example, involve clamping the guide pin to and / or within the brake pad carrier. Additionally or alternatively, the guide pin can be mechanically fastened to the brake pad carrier by means of a screw connection.

[0050] For example, the brake pad carrier may include at least one threaded section, such as a threaded through-hole. The guide pin may be provided with a threaded section configured to engage with the threaded section. The guide pin may be screwed into the threaded section, thereby mechanically securing it to the brake pad carrier. A portion of the guide pin, and in particular a free end, that is away from (and / or protrudes from) the threaded section may project relative to the through-hole and toward the caliper housing.

[0051] This mechanical fixing, and in particular the optional screw connection, allows the section of the brake pad carrier (e.g., encompassing the through-hole mentioned above) to which the guide pin is attached to be designed with limited dimensions. This is especially true when compared to the dimensions of sections of existing brake pad carriers where the guide pins are movably mounted and which, for example, have comparatively large guide recesses.

[0052] On the other hand, due to the limited transmitted torques (e.g., due to the reduced mass of the caliper housing, which no longer includes the guide pins), the guide recesses in the caliper housing can also be of a limited size. Consequently, when arranging and securing at least one guide pin as described here, the overall size and therefore mass of the caliper assembly can be reduced.

[0053] In general, the guide pin can be provided as a single-piece element. It can be the only element required to provide attachment to the brake pad carrier and to be received in the brake pad housing. Consequently, unlike some prior art examples, it is possible to provide an arrangement without a multi-part assembly in which a guide pin element is attached to the brake pad housing (in the prior art) by a separately provided locking nut element. Further embodiments of this disclosure may include a multi-part assembly, in particular comprising a corresponding locking nut.

[0054] Accordingly, the guide pin can include a threaded section to form a direct screw connection with the brake pad carrier, for example, by screwing it into a threaded recess or hole in the brake pad carrier. Alternatively, the threaded section can engage with a mechanical fastener (e.g., a lock nut discussed here) that secures the guide pin to the brake pad carrier.

[0055] According to another example, the brake caliper assembly further comprises a dust sleeve connected to the brake caliper housing and the brake pad carrier. In particular, the dust sleeve may be attached (e.g., clamped, screwed, or glued) to both the brake caliper housing and the brake pad carrier. The dust sleeve may surround or, in other words, enclose a portion of the guide pin extending between the brake caliper housing and the brake pad carrier. The dust sleeve may be made of an elastic material, e.g., a material according to one of the examples discussed in connection with the elastic element received in the guide recess. The dust sleeve can prevent dirt from entering the guide recess and / or between surfaces of the guide pin and the brake caliper housing that contact and slide against each other.

[0056] In one example, one of the brake caliper housing and the brake pad carrier is made of a different material than the guide pin, and in particular, the guide pin material is more elastic than the brake caliper housing and / or the brake pad carrier material (e.g., with a Young's modulus at least 3%–5% higher). For example, the brake pad carrier and / or the brake caliper housing may be made of or comprised of steel, while the guide pin may be made of or comprised of a different and more elastic steel alloy (e.g., with a Young's modulus at least 3%–5% higher). Alternatively, the brake pad carrier and / or the brake caliper housing may be made of or comprised of aluminum, while the guide pin may be made of or comprised of a different and more elastic aluminum alloy (e.g., with a Young's modulus at least 3%–5% higher).

[0057] Embodiments of the invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying schematic figures. Identical or similar features may be designated with the same reference numerals across all figures. Fig. Figure 1 shows a brake caliper arrangement according to one embodiment of this invention and with certain features marked therein to emphasize a further embodiment according to this invention. Fig. Figure 2 is a partial sectional view of a brake caliper arrangement according to a further embodiment of this invention. Fig. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of an elastic element of the brake caliper assembly according to Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a brake caliper arrangement according to a further embodiment of this invention. Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view of a brake caliper arrangement according to a further embodiment of this invention. Fig. Figures 6a-e show cross-sectional views of hollow profiles of guide pins, which in the embodiment of Fig. 2 can be used. Fig. Figures 7a-c are sectional views of the brake pad carrier to illustrate further embodiments.

[0058] Fig. Figure 1 shows a brake caliper assembly 10, which is in principle configured according to prior art solutions, in particular with regard to the illustrated arrangement and fastening of guide pins 28, as discussed below. Embodiments of the present invention may have an identical arrangement and fixing of the guide pins 28, but a hollow shape of the guide pins 28 that differs from the prior art.

[0059] However, optional connecting projecting parts 29 are also shown schematically to illustrate an embodiment of the invention in which the guide pins 28 are arranged differently than in the prior art. This is explained in more detail below.

[0060] The brake caliper assembly 10 of Fig. 1 is designed according to generally known principles of a floating caliper. It comprises a brake caliper housing 12, which is slidably supported by a stationary brake pad carrier 14.

[0061] The brake caliper assembly 10 is generally configured, brake pads 26 (one of which is in Fig. 1 (partially visible) to press, which are received and guided in the brake pad carrier 14 against a brake disc 16. Only a part of the outer circumferential edge of the brake disc 16 is in Fig. 1 is indicated by a dashed line, where the brake disc 16 is generally configured according to known examples. Furthermore, in Fig. 1 A rotation axis R, about which a brake disc 16 rotates, is schematically indicated by a dashed line.

[0062] The brake caliper housing 12 includes a receiving area 15, of which in Fig. 1. Only an outer wall is visible, and the cavity is designed as a (not visible) open cylindrical cavity. A brake piston (not illustrated) can be accommodated in the receiving area 15.

[0063] The brake caliper housing 12 comprises a piston side 18, which is located on a first side surface of the brake disc 16 and specifically on the same side surface as the receiving area 15. Furthermore, the brake caliper housing 12 comprises a finger side 20, which is located on the corresponding opposite side surface of the brake disc 16 compared to the piston side 18. The finger side 20 comprises (only as an example) two finger parts 21 according to known configurations.

[0064] The finger side 20 and the piston side 18 are connected to each other by a bridge section 22. The bridge section 22 overlaps the outer circumferential shell of the brake disc 16 or, viewed in other terms, spans the brake disc 16 axially and / or extends from one of the side surfaces of the brake disc 16 to the other.

[0065] In a generally known way, in Fig. 2 the brake pistons recorded in the recording area 15 and the inside of the finger parts 21, which are facing away from the viewer, are positioned towards the brake pads 26 and press them against the brake disc 16.

[0066] Like the brake caliper housing 12, the brake pad carrier 14 comprises a piston side 18, a finger side 20, and a bridge section 22. It should be noted that the weight savings made possible by the present solution can be achieved in particular by reducing the volume of the finger side 20 of the brake pad carrier 14. There, the so-called outer support, to which the arrow of the lower reference numeral 20 points, can be reduced in size or even omitted due to the increased stiffness of the disclosed brake pad carrier 14.

[0067] Guide grooves 24 are provided on an inner side of the bridge part 22 to slidably accommodate two brake pads 26, which in Fig. 1 is partially visible. The brake pads 26 are located on opposite sides of the brake disc 16. The brake pads 26 are generally identical to each other, but are oriented differently to face the different sides of the brake disc 16.

[0068] Fig. Figure 1 also illustrates that the movable brake caliper housing 12 is supported by means of guide pins 28 on both a rear side and a front side of the brake caliper assembly 10 by the brake pad carrier 14 and guided relative to it.

[0069] According to the configuration of Fig. 1. The guide pins 28 are each received in a cylindrical blind hole (not illustrated) in the brake pad carrier 14. The axial length of the blind holes exceeds that of the guide pins 28, allowing the latter to slide axially backwards and forwards within the blind holes.

[0070] The guide pins 28 are attached to the brake caliper housing 12 by means of a screw connection. Specifically, mounting projections 31 are provided on each of the rear and front sides of the brake caliper housing 12, each mounting projection 31 encompassing a concealed through-hole. The guide pin 28 is aligned with the through-hole to engage a lock nut 33 provided on the opposite side of the mounting projections 31. In this way, the guide pin 28 is mechanically secured to the mounting projections 31 and consequently to the brake caliper housing 12.

[0071] Fig. Figure 1 also schematically illustrates optional connecting protruding parts 29, which can be used to provide the alternative arrangement and fastening of the guide pins 28, e.g. according to the design of Fig. 2. It should be noted that in order to use the connecting projecting parts 29, the fastening projections 31 would also have to be repositioned so that the through holes 34 in the connecting projecting parts 29 and those in the fastening projections 31 are aligned. This is not specifically illustrated.

[0072] Fig. Figure 2 is a sectional view of a part of a brake caliper assembly 10 according to a further embodiment of this invention. The brake caliper assembly 10 can be constructed according to the example of Fig. 1 be trained, with the exception of the differences regarding the guide pins 28, which are discussed below. In Fig. Figure 2 shows only one of the guide pins 28 and a connection formed by it. However, both guide pins 28 (which are generally similar) can be used. Fig. 1 can be positioned on both a rear and a front side of the brake assembly 10) according to this example.

[0073] Fig. Figure 2 shows a guide pin 28, which is configured as a one-piece metallic element. Specifically, the guide pin 28 is configured as a bolt-like element. The guide pin 28 has an optional head section 30 and an elongated shaft section 32. The shaft section 32 extends parallel to the axis of rotation R of the brake disc 16 and along a longitudinal axis L of the guide pin 28.

[0074] The guide pin 28 is inserted into a through hole 34 provided in the brake pad carrier 14. The through hole 34 is provided in a connecting projecting part 29, which is shown in Fig. The connecting protruding part 29 can be positioned as indicated in section 1. However, the connecting protruding part 29 could also be positioned differently. Furthermore, the through-hole 34 could be provided in a different part of the brake pad carrier 14, and the brake pad carrier 14 could be free of any connecting protruding parts 29.

[0075] The guide pin 28 is inserted into the through-hole 34 in such a way that its head 30 acts as a stop element by bearing against a surface of the brake pad carrier 14. The shaft 32 extends towards the brake caliper housing 12 and reaches into a guide recess 38 provided therein. At least a portion of the shaft 32 adjacent to the head 30 is threaded. The through-hole 34 is also threaded. Accordingly, a screw connection is formed between the guide pin 28 and the through-hole 34, by which the guide pin 28 is mechanically fastened to the brake pad carrier 14. Consequently, the guide pin 28 is not movable relative to the brake pad carrier 14.

[0076] The guide recess 38 of the brake caliper housing 12 is configured as a through-hole aligned with the through-hole 34 provided in the brake pad carrier 14. The inner cross-sectional shape of the guide recess 38 corresponds to the outer cross-sectional shape (i.e., circumferential shape) of the guide pin 28, and more specifically, its shaft portion 32. Accordingly, the guide recess 38 receives and surrounds at least one axial section of the guide pin 28.

[0077] As a further optional feature, an elastic element 40 in the form of a plastic or rubber bushing is inserted into the guide recess 38. The elastic element 14 surrounds and contacts the guide pin 28. Accordingly, the guide pin 28 bears directly against the elastic element 40 and slides along its inner surface.

[0078] Such relative movement occurs when the brake caliper housing 12 is offset according to known principles of a floating caliper. In this case, the brake caliper housing 12, together with the elastic element 40 (which is pressed into the guide recess 38 and is not movable relative to the brake caliper housing 12), slides along the shaft part 32 of the guide pin 28 and consequently relative to the brake pad carrier 14.

[0079] Fig. Figure 2 also shows a flexible and, in particular, elastically deformable dust protection sleeve 42, the axial end sections of which are attached to each of the brake caliper housing 12 and brake pad carrier 14. The flexible and, in particular, elastic deformation can occur during the sliding movement of the brake caliper housing 12 relative to the brake pad carrier 14.

[0080] Fig. Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the elastic element 40. Fig. 2. It can be seen that the elastic element 40 has a round, ring-like cross-section, i.e., it is generally designed as a tubular element. Consequently, it can accommodate and reliably contact the correspondingly shaped round cross-section of the shaft part 32 of the guide pin 28.

[0081] It should be noted that the elastic element 40 also appears in the example of Fig. 1 and in particular could be provided in a guide recess of the brake pad carrier 14.

[0082] Fig. Figures 6a-e show embodiments of cross-sectional shapes of the guide pins 28. Guide pins 28 with each of these cross-sectional shapes can be used in each of the brake caliper assemblies 10 according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 or in any other brake caliper arrangement 10 configured in accordance with this disclosure.

[0083] The cross-sectional plane in the Fig. 6a-e each passes through a wave section 32 of the guide pin 28 and orthogonally to a longitudinal axis L of this wave section 32 (cf. Fig. 2) The longitudinal axis L is in the Fig. 6a-e not shown, but runs orthogonally to the image plane. The axial length of a section of the guide pin 28 with the respective cross-sectional shape shown can be designed according to any of the examples disclosed herein.

[0084] Fig. Figure 6a shows a hollow spherical cross-sectional shape of the guide pin 28. The guide pin 28 has a closed outer circumferential shell 44, which may, however, also have recesses or radial openings. The cross-section of the guide pin 28 defines a cavity 45.

[0085] Fig. Figure 6b shows another concave circular cross-sectional shape of the guide pin 28, wherein the cross-sectional shape has stiffening profile sections 46. These extend within the outer circumferential shell 44 and are connected to it. They also run at an angle to each other. In the example shown, the angle is approximately 90° and the profile sections 46 thus form a transverse shape.

[0086] It should be noted that each of the cross-sections shown, and the sections and structures contained therein, can be integrally formed as single-piece elements (e.g., by extrusion, casting, or additive manufacturing). Therefore, the profile sections 46 of Fig. 6b merge into one another and / or have a homogeneous common material structure.

[0087] Fig. Figure 6b also shows that, despite the profile sections 46, a cavity 45 remains within the guide pin 28. There may be several cavities 45 with volumes separated by the profile sections 46, or only one cavity 45 encompassing all interconnected cavities. The latter can be provided, for example, if the profile sections 46 are shorter than the overall length of a hollow profile of the guide pin 28, or if through-holes or other fluidic connections are provided in or through the profile sections 46.

[0088] Fig. 6c and Fig. Figure 6d shows alternative arrangements and numbers of profile sections 46 within and / or for subdividing cavities 45 of the guide pin 28 according to further embodiments. The profile sections 46 can be arranged and dimensioned such that they effect certain direction-dependent stiffness properties and / or direction-dependent vibration properties of the guide pin 28. The guide pin 28 can generally be received in the guide recess 48 in a rotationally fixed manner about its longitudinal axis L.

[0089] Fig. Figure 6e shows an example with a concentric section 48 held by web sections 50 at a geometric center of the cross-section 28 of the guide pin.

[0090] Anyone who is in the Fig. The cross-sections shown in Figures 6a-e can be at least partially filled with a vibration-damping material corresponding to one of the examples disclosed herein. This will dampen the vibrations caused by the previously mentioned fluttering of the guide pins 28 in the guide recesses 48.

[0091] Fig. Figures 7a-c show sectional views of brake pad carriers 14 that can be provided in conjunction with one of the disclosed embodiments. The section plane passes through one of the guide pins 28, and the brake pad carriers 14 are designed slightly differently from one another. In the Fig. However, the hollow design of the guide pins 28 becomes clear in Figures 7a-c. The cross-sectional shape of each guide pin 28 corresponds to that of Fig. 6a, wherein the guide pins 28 each have a cylindrical cavity 45 with a circular shape. The length of the cavity 45 corresponds almost to the entire length of the guide pin 28 (i.e., its entire axial length along the longitudinal axis L). However, the length of the cavity 45 could also be shorter (e.g., at most half the length of the guide pin 28).

[0092] Optionally, the cavity 45 can correspond to a blind hole that has an open end face (in the Fig. 7a-c: an open left forehead). List of reference symbols 10 Brake caliper arrangement 12 brake caliper housings 14 brake pad carriers 15 Recording area 16 brake disc 18 Piston side 20 finger side 21 finger section 22 Bridge section 24 guide grooves 26 brake pads 28 guide pin 29 connecting preceding part 30 Headboard 31 Mounting projection 32 shaft section 33 Lock nut 34 Through hole 36 thread section 38 Management Unit 40 elastic element 41 elastic section 42 Dust protection sleeve 43 Exclusion 44 outer circumferential shell 45 cavity 46 profile sections 48 concentric section 50 Bridge section R axis of rotation L Longitudinal axis

Claims

Brake caliper assembly (10) for a vehicle disc brake, wherein the brake caliper assembly (10) comprises: - a brake caliper housing (12) with a receiving area (15) for a brake piston; - a brake pad carrier (14) configured to slidably receive a pair of brake pads (26); and - at least one guide pin (28) configured to guide a relative movement between the brake caliper housing (12) and the brake pad carrier (14);wherein at least one section of the guide pin (28) has an at least partially hollow cross-sectional shape, wherein a cavity formed by the cross-sectional shape is completely filled with a vibration-damping material comprising a noise-damping material which is at least one of the following materials: a porous material, a foam material, a bulk material, a textile material, a fiber material and an elastically deformable material, wherein the hollow cross-sectional shape has at least two sections which extend at an angle to each other.; Brake caliper arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein the section of the guide pin (28) having the at least partially hollow cross-sectional shape extends over at least one quarter or at least one half of the total length of the guide pin (28). Brake caliper arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the hollow cross-sectional shape further comprises at least one section extending concentrically to a longitudinal axis of the guide pin. Brake caliper arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide pin (28) is formed integrally with the brake pad carrier (14) and is slidably received in the brake caliper housing (12). Brake caliper assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the guide pin (28) and the brake pad carrier (14) are a one-piece cast part or a one-piece component produced by additive manufacturing. Brake caliper assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake caliper housing (12) has a guide recess (38) in which the guide pin (28) is received, in particular wherein the guide recess (38) is an elongated hole. Brake caliper arrangement (10) according to claim 6, wherein the guide pin (28) is supported on at least one elastic element (40) which is received in the guide recess, in particular wherein the elastic element (40) comprises a plastic or rubber material. Brake caliper assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic element (40) is an elastic sleeve, an elastic bushing or an elastic disc which is configured to contact the guide pin (28) and / or wherein the elastic element (40) is configured to be non-movably received in the guide recess (38). Brake caliper arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the guide pin (28) is attached to the brake pad carrier (14) and in particular is mechanically attached to the brake pad carrier (14). Brake caliper assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the guide pin (28) is mechanically fastened to the brake pad carrier (14) by a screw connection, wherein the guide pin (28) in particular comprises a threaded section to form a screw connection directly with the brake pad carrier (14) or with a mechanical fastening element that fastens the guide pin (28) to the brake pad carrier (14). Brake caliper assembly (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein any of the brake caliper housing (12) or the brake pad carrier (14) has or is made of a different material than the guide pin (28), in particular wherein a material of the guide pin (28) is more elastic than a material of the brake caliper housing (12) and / or the brake pad carrier (14).

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