disc brake and brake pad

Abstract

Disc brake, featuring: a mounting element (2) that can be attached to a vehicle while extending transversely over a disc (1) and having torque-absorbing surfaces (4) that absorb torque when the vehicle is braked; a brake pad (7) comprising an anchor plate (8) which is supported by the mounting element (2) and a lining (9) as a friction element which is attached to the anchor plate (8), wherein the anchor plate (8) has ear sections (8B, 8C) formed on side surface sections located in a circumferential direction on both sides, wherein each of the ear sections (8B, 8C) is configured to transmit the torque during braking of the vehicle by contacting the respective torque receiving surface (4) of the mounting element (2); a caliper (5) which is slidably provided on the mounting element (2), wherein the caliper (5) is arranged to press the brake pad (7) against the disc (1); a preload section (13) provided between one of the ear sections (8B, 8C) of the brake pad (7), which is located on the disc rotation entry side during the forward movement of the vehicle, and the torque receiving surface (4) of the mounting element (2), which faces the one ear section (8B, 8C), wherein the preload section (13) is configured to preload the brake pad (7) in the direction of a disc rotation exit side, wherein the preload section (13) comprises: a fastening section (14) which is attached to the anchor plate (8), an extension section (15) extending from an end section of the fastening section (14) in a direction away from the disk (1), and a section of the system (16) which is folded back from the extension section (15) and extends in one direction towards the disk (1), wherein the system section (16) is configured to receive a reaction force from the torque receiving surface (4) by bearing against the torque receiving surface (4) at a position on a side opposite the ear section (8B, 8C) of the disk (1), wherein the extension section (15) comprises an axial extension plate (15A) and a circumferential extension plate (15B), wherein the axial extension plate (15A) extends from the mounting section (14) along a disk axial direction (CC), wherein the circumferential extension plate (15B) extends from the axial extension plate (15A) in one direction towards the torque receiving surface (4), wherein the installation section (16) extends from the circumferential extension plate (15B) in the direction between the ear section (8B, 8C) and the torque receiving surface (4), wherein a contact section (17) is provided at a distal end of the attachment section (16), and wherein the contact section (17) is bent in the direction of the torque receiving surface (4) to increase an angle that is formed between the contact section (16) and the disk axial direction (CC), and elastically contacts the torque receiving surface (4).

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a disc brake designed to impart braking force to a vehicle such as a motor vehicle, and to a brake pad mounted on the disc brake. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] In general, a disc brake fitted to a vehicle such as a motor vehicle has a mounting element (a carrier) designed to extend transversely over a disc (a rotor) and attached to a non-rotating part of the vehicle, a brake pad with an anchor plate and a lining (a friction element) connected (fixed) to the anchor plate and designed to be pressed against the disc by hydraulic pressure supplied to a caliper, and a spring element (a preload section) attached to this brake pad and designed to press against the brake pad in a circumferential direction around the disc.

[0003] This spring element pre-tensions the brake pad towards a disc rotation exit side as the vehicle moves forward, thereby eliminating play between the brake pad and the mounting element (a torque-absorbing surface). This design prevents or reduces the generation of a rattling noise (an impact noise) when the brake pad strikes the torque-absorbing surface during braking while moving forward. Furthermore, the spring force of the pre-tensioning element dampens the impact force between the brake pad and the torque-absorbing surface during braking while moving forward, thus preventing or reducing the generation of the rattling noise. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTIONAL PROBLEM

[0004] In contrast, with the JP 2011 012713 A, during mild braking of the vehicle in reverse, the contact load between the brake pad and the torque absorption surface is low, which easily causes the brake pad to vibrate, thus increasing the likelihood of generating a squeal from the brake (a squeal at low pressure). US 2014 0 345 984 A1 describes a brake pad compression spring that presses a brake pad of a disc brake and that presses the brake pad against a torque receiving surface, as well as a disc brake that uses such a spring. DE 10 2007 055 763 A1 describes a disc brake which has a lining that is pressed onto a disc rotor and a bearing element for movable bearing of the lining. JP 2013 167 290 A describes a spring element comprising a retaining part, a spring part, and a vibration part. The retaining part has a rectangular U-shaped cross-section and can be inserted into an ear-shaped portion of a backplate. The spring part is formed from the retaining part by twisting and bending it into a U-shaped cross-section within a rear surface of the backplate. The vibration part extends from a front end of the spring part toward a disk and is shaped such that a value increases in a radial direction of the disk toward a front end. SOLUTION TO THE PROBLEM

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide a disc brake and a brake pad capable of preventing or reducing brake squeal when braking a vehicle during reverse movement. The present invention is defined by the accompanying set of claims.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present invention, a disc brake comprises a mounting element attached to a vehicle, extending transversely across a disc, and having a torque-absorbing surface that receives torque during braking of the vehicle, as well as a brake pad comprising an anchor plate supported by the mounting element and a friction lining attached to the anchor plate. The anchor plate has ear sections formed on side surface sections located on both sides in a circumferential direction around the disc. Each ear section is configured to transmit torque during braking of the vehicle by bearing against the torque-absorbing surface of the mounting element.The disc brake further comprises a caliper that is slidably mounted on the mounting element and is designed to press the brake pad against the disc, as well as a preload section located between one of the ear sections of the brake pad, which is located on a disc rotation entry side during the forward movement of the vehicle, and the torque-absorbing surface of the mounting element, which faces that ear section. The preload section is designed to preload the brake pad towards a disc rotation exit side.

[0007] The preload section then comprises a mounting section attached to the anchor plate, an extension section extending away from an end section of the mounting section in a direction away from the disk, and a contact section folded back from the extension section and extending in a direction toward the disk. The contact section is configured to receive a reaction force from the torque-receiving surface by bearing against the torque-receiving surface at a position on the opposite side of the ear section from the disk.

[0008] Furthermore, according to one aspect of the present invention, a brake pad comprises an anchor plate and a friction lining attached to this anchor plate. An ear section is formed on each of the two sides of the anchor plate in a longitudinal direction. The ear section includes a preload section.

[0009] The preload section then comprises a mounting section attached to the anchor plate, an extension section extending from an end section of the mounting section in a direction away from the pad, and a contact section folded back from the extension section and extending in a direction toward the pad. The contact section is configured to absorb a reaction force from a torque-absorbing surface by bearing against the torque-absorbing surface at a position on the opposite side of the ear section from the pad in a direction perpendicular to a pad mounting surface of the anchor plate when the brake pad is mounted on the disc brake and the ear section is in contact with the torque-absorbing surface of the disc brake. The extension section comprises an axial extension plate and a circumferential extension plate.The axial extension plate extends from the mounting section along a disk axis. The circumferential extension plate extends from the axial extension plate in a direction towards the torque-absorbing surface. The contact section extends from the circumferential extension plate in a direction between the ear section and the torque-absorbing surface. A contact section is provided at a distal end of the contact section. The contact section is curved towards the torque-absorbing surface to increase the angle formed between the contact section and the disk axis, and elastically contacts the torque-absorbing surface. ADVANTAGEOUS EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent or reduce brake squealing when braking the vehicle during reverse movement. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. Figure 1 is a top view of a disc brake according to an embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is a front view of the disc brake from an outside (the bottom side in Fig. 1) considered. Fig. Figure 3 is a top view with a partial sectional view illustrating an inner brake pad and a spring element in enlarged form. Fig. Figure 4 is a top view showing an ear section of the brake pad and spring element in Fig. 3 shows in an enlarged manner. Fig. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view in enlarged form, illustrating the brake pad and spring element when a vehicle is braked and moving backwards. Fig. Figure 6 is a perspective view illustrating the spring element alone. Fig. Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a spring element according to a first exemplary modification of the present invention. Fig. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a spring element according to a second exemplary modification of the present invention. Fig. Figure 9 is a perspective view showing a spring element according to a third exemplary modification of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EXECUTION FORMS

[0011] The following description details a disc brake according to an embodiment of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0012] One in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. Illustrated disc 1 is set up to rotate, for example, in a direction indicated by arrow A together with a wheel (not illustrated) when a vehicle is moving in a forward direction, and to rotate in a direction indicated by arrow B when the vehicle is moving backwards.

[0013] A mounting element (a support) 2 is attached to a non-rotating section (not illustrated) of the vehicle and extends transversely across the disc 1. As shown in the Fig. 1 and Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2, the mounting element 2 has a pair of arm sections 2A, a bearing section 2B, and a reinforcing beam 2C. The arm sections 2A are separated from each other in one direction of rotation of the disk 1 (the left-right directions in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2; referred to in the present disclosure as a circumferential direction of the disk) are spaced apart and extend in such a way in an axial direction of the disk 1 (the vertical direction in Fig. 1, the front-to-back direction in Fig. 2 (referred to in the present disclosure as a disk axial direction), that they extend transversely over the outer circumference of disk 1.

[0014] The bearing section 2B is designed to integrally connect the respective proximal end faces of the arm sections 2A and is attached to the non-rotating section of the vehicle at a position located on the inner side of the disc 1. The reinforcement carrier 2C couples the respective distal end faces of the arm sections 2A at a position located on the outer side of the disc 1. Due to this design, these arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2 are integrally coupled to each other via the bearing section 2B on the inner side of the disc 1 and are also integrally coupled to each other via the reinforcement carrier 2C on the outer side of the disc 1.

[0015] A disk path section (not illustrated), extending exactly along the outer circumference (a track of rotation) of disk 1, is formed at the respective intermediate sections of the arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2 in the disk axial direction. Inner and outer block guides 3 are formed on both sides of the disk path section in the mounting element 2 (the two sides in the disk axial direction).

[0016] In other words, the block guides 3 are formed as bearing sections which support brake blocks 7, which are described below, on the inside and outside of sections of the mounting element 2 in a disc circumferential direction (the two sides in the disc circumferential direction). Each of these block guides 3 is designed as a recessed groove shaped like a square U in cross-section and extends in the direction in which the brake block 7, which is described below, is displaceably moved, i.e., in the disc axial direction.

[0017] Each of the block guides 3 serves to guide the brake block 7 in the axial direction of the disc over ear sections 8B and 8C of an anchor plate 8, which forms the brake block 7. Therefore, the ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake block 7 (of the anchor plate 8) are attached to each of the block guides 3 in the form of a recess / projection fit, so that they are sandwiched together in a radial direction of the disc 1 (the front-to-back direction). Fig. 1 and the vertical direction in Fig. 2; referred to in the present disclosure as disk radial direction).

[0018] An underside wall surface of each of the block guides 3 forms a torque-absorbing surface 4 as a so-called torque-absorbing section. This torque-absorbing surface 4 carries a braking torque that is generated at the time of a braking operation (at the time of braking) via the ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake block 7.

[0019] A caliper 5 is slidably mounted on the mounting element 2 and presses the brake pad 7 against the disc 1. This caliper 5 has an inner leg section 5A, a bridge section 5B, and an outer leg section 5C. The inner leg section 5A is located on the inside, which is one side in the axial direction of the disc 1. The bridge section 5B extends from the inner leg section 5A to the outside, which is the other side in the axial direction of the disc 1, as if it were extending transversely across the outer circumferential side of the disc 1 between the two arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2.The outer leg section 5C extends in the disc radial direction from the outside to the inside, which is the distal end of the bridge section 5B, and forms a two-forked (or forked) claw section at the distal end of the leg section.

[0020] A cylinder (not illustrated) into which a piston 5D (see Fig. 2) is inserted in a slidable manner and is formed in the inner arm section 5A of the saddle 5. As in Fig. Figure 1 further illustrates a pair of mounting sections 5E, which project in the circumferential direction of the disc and are integrally provided on the inner leg section 5A. Each of these mounting sections 5E serves to slidably support the saddle 5 on each of the arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2 via a sliding pin (not illustrated).

[0021] Each block spring 6 is mounted on the arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2. Each block spring 6 serves to elastically mount the inner and outer brake pads 7 and also smooths out any displacement of each of these brake pads 7 in the disc axial direction. Each block spring 6 is formed by performing a bending process (punching or embossing) on, for example, a stainless steel plate with spring properties.

[0022] The block spring 6 comprises a pair of guide plate sections 6A, a connecting plate section 6B, and radially preloading plate sections 6C. The pair of guide plate sections 6A is formed by being bent into a generally square U-shape so that it is placed against the respective block guides 3 of the mounting element 2, and is designed such that it is spaced apart from each other on the inside and outside of the disk 1.

[0023] The connecting plate section 6B is designed to extend axially and transversely across the outer circumference of the disk 1, integrally connecting the respective guide plate sections 6A on the inner and outer sides of the disk 1. The radially preloading plate sections 6C are integrally formed with the inner sections of the respective guide plate sections 6A in the disk radial direction.

[0024] Each of the guide plate sections 6A of the block springs 6 is attached by being connected to each of the block guides 3 of the mounting element 2 and guides the anchor plate 8 of the brake pad 7 in the disc axial direction over the projecting ear section 8B or 8C. Each of the radially preloading plate sections 6C is in elastic contact with the ear section 8B or 8C of each of the brake pads 7 (of the anchor plates 8) in each of the block guides 3 of the mounting element 2, thereby preloading the anchor plate 8 of each of the brake pads 7 outwards in the disc radial direction. Due to this design, the block spring 6 can guide the brake pad 7 smoothly along the guide plate section 6A in the disc axial direction during the braking process, thereby preventing or reducing rattling or clattering from each of the brake pads 7.

[0025] Next, the brake pad 7, which is attached to the mounting element 2, and a spring element 13, which presses the brake pad 7 in the circumferential direction of the disc, are described.

[0026] The inner and outer brake pads 7 are arranged such that they face both sides of the disc 1 in the axial direction. Each brake pad 7 has an anchor plate 8 and a lining 9. The anchor plate 8 extends in the circumferential direction of the disc and is shaped like a flat plate or disc. The lining 9 is connected to (firmly attached to) a lining mounting surface 8A, which is one of the surfaces of the anchor plate 8 facing the disc 1, and serves as a friction element in frictional contact with the surface of the disc 1 (the side face in the axial direction). The anchor plate 8 can be made of metal, resin, or the like.

[0027] The anchor plate 8 of the brake pad 7 has ear sections 8B and 8C, which serve as projecting sections on the side surface sections located on both sides in the circumferential direction of the disc. In other words, the ear sections 8B and 8C are formed longitudinally on both sides of the anchor plate 8. Each of these ear sections 8B and 8C is designed to engage with the pad guide 3 of the mounting element 2 in the form of a recess / projection fit. Each ear section 8B and 8C then forms a torque transmission section that transmits a braking torque, which the brake pad 7 receives from the disc 1 during the braking process on the vehicle, by bearing against the torque receiving surface 4 of the mounting element 2.

[0028] The ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake pad 7 (the anchor plate 8) are horizontally symmetrical and have identical shapes. Ear section 8B, which is one of the ear sections (the right one in Fig. 3), on the inlet side (a disc rotation inlet side) in the direction of rotation of disc 1, which rotates in the direction indicated by arrow A when the vehicle moves forward. The ear section 8C, which is the other of the ear sections (the left one in Fig. 3), is located on the output side (a disc rotation exit side) in the direction of rotation of the disc 1. The spring element 13, which is described below, is attached to the ear section 8B, which is one of the two ear sections 8B and 8C located on the rotation input side of the disc 1.

[0029] Projections 10 are provided on the anchor plate 8 of the brake pad 7 at positions near the proximal end faces (the base faces) of the two ear sections 8B and 8C, respectively. These respective projections 10 are designed to protrude from one side of the rear surface 8D (a surface opposite the pad mounting surface 8A, where the pad 9 is provided, the rear surface) of the anchor plate 8. One of these projections 10, located on the disc rotation entry side, is used to position the spring element 13, which is described below, relative to the anchor plate 8. Specifically, an engagement hole 14D of the spring element 13 is operatively connected (fitted) with one of the projections 10.

[0030] Groove sections 11 are formed on surfaces 8E of the two ear sections 8B and 8C of the anchor plate 8, which face the torque-absorbing surfaces 4 of the block guides 3. Each of these groove sections 11 is formed into a recessed shape by cutting or milling the facing surface 8E, which is the end surface of ear section 8B or 8C on its distal end (the projecting side). One of these groove sections 11, located on the disk rotation entry side, forms a housing space for receiving a portion of the spring element 13, which is described below. The spring element 13 is located in this groove section 11 and extends in the disk axial direction.

[0031] Anti-squeal shims 12 are detachably attached to the inner and outer brake pads 7 at positions on the sides of the rear surface 8D of the anchor plates 8 (only the outer anti-squeal shim 12 is in Fig. (2 illustrated). The outer compensating shim 12 is located between the outer leg section 5C of the caliper 5 and the anchor plate 8 and serves to prevent the generation of so-called brake squeal between them by preventing them from directly touching. On the other hand, the inner compensating shim is arranged between the piston 5D, which is fitted into the inner leg section 5A of the caliper 5, and the anchor plate 8 and serves to prevent the generation of brake squeal between them by preventing them from directly touching.

[0032] The spring element 13 is mounted between the ear section 8B, which is located on the disc rotation entry side when the vehicle is moving forward, and which is one of the two ear sections 8B and 8C of each of the anchor plates 8 forming the inner and outer brake pads 7, and the torque receiving surface 4 of the mounting element 2, which faces the ear section 8B. In the present invention, the spring element 13 forms a preload section and has a pressing function for pressing the brake pad 7 in the disc circumferential direction (the disc rotation exit side) by preloading the pad guide 3. The spring element 13 is formed by performing a bending operation (embossing or stamping) on, for example, a stainless steel plate with spring properties. The spring element 13 then has a fastening section 14, an extension section 15, a bearing section 16, and a contact section 17.

[0033] The mounting section 14 of the spring element 13 is a section attached to the anchor plate 8 of the brake pad 7 and has a square U-shape in cross-section that can be inserted into the ear section 8B. This mounting section 14 has two opposing pieces 14A and 14B and a connecting piece 14C. The opposing pieces 14A and 14B clamp the ear section 8B from both sides in the thickness direction (the disc axial direction). The connecting piece 14C joins these two opposing pieces 14A and 14B in the thickness direction described above.

[0034] The opposing piece 14A, which is one of the two opposing pieces 14A and 14B of the fastening section 14 arranged on the side of the rear surface 8D of the anchor plate 8, is generally rectangular in shape, and the engagement hole 14D is provided such that it extends through the central section of the opposing piece 14A. The engagement hole 14D engages (is fitted) with the projection 10 of the anchor plate 8 (the ear section 8B). As shown in Fig. Figure 6 illustrates that the engagement hole 14D is shaped as a hole similar to the cross-sectional shape of the projection 10 of the ear section 8B. The engagement of the projection 10 with the engagement hole 14D can, for example, help to position the spring element 13 relative to the anchor plate 8 and to prevent rattling of the spring element 13.

[0035] One end of the connecting piece 14C of the fastening section 14 is connected to the opposite piece 14A and extends from the side of the rear surface 8D towards the side of the lining fastening surface 8A of the anchor plate 8 in a direction towards the disc 1 via the groove section 11 of the ear section 8B. Furthermore, the other end of the connecting piece 14C, which extends to the side of the lining fastening surface 8A of the anchor plate 8, is connected to the other opposite piece 14B.

[0036] Then the opposite piece 14B of the fastening section 14 extends from the connecting piece 14C along the lining mounting surface 8B of the anchor plate 8. The fastening section 14 is formed in a generally square U-shape by the opposite pieces 14A and 14B and the connecting piece 14C and sandwiches the ear section 8B of the anchor plate 8, through which the spring element 13 is attached to the brake pad 7.

[0037] The extension section 15 of the spring element 13 extends from the end section of the opposite piece 14A of the fastening section 14 (the end section in the circumferential direction of the disc) in a direction away from the disc 1 (the lining 9). More precisely, the extension section 15 is connected to the end section of the opposite piece 14A on the opposite side of the engagement hole 14D of the connecting piece 14C, and extends in a direction away from the rear surface 8D of the anchor plate 8.

[0038] The extension section 15 then has an axial extension plate 15A and a circumferential extension plate 15B. The axial extension plate 15A extends from the opposite piece 14A of the mounting section 14 along the axial direction of the disk 1. The circumferential extension plate 15B extends from the axial extension plate 15A in one direction towards the torque-absorbing surface 4 on the disk's rotational entry side. In other words, the extension section 15 is formed as a plate element bent into an L-shape by the axial extension plate 15A and the circumferential extension plate 15B. In this case, as in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the circumferential extension plate 15B of the extension section 15 extends from the axial extension plate 15A in the direction of the side of the torque receiving surface 4 beyond the facing surface 8E of the ear section 8B (a tangent CC of the facing surface 8E of the ear section 8B in the disk axial direction).

[0039] The mounting section 16 of the spring element 13 is folded back from the circumferential extension plate 15B of the extension section 15 and extends in the direction towards the disc 1 (the lining 9). As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the attachment section 16 is bent by the circumferential extension plate 15B, forming an angle α between the attachment section 16 and the disk axial direction, and extends between the ear section 8B and the torque receiving surface 4.

[0040] The contact section 16 rests against the torque-absorbing surface 4 at a position on the opposite side of the ear section 8B from the disc 1 and absorbs a reaction force from the torque-absorbing surface 4 when the ear section 8B and the torque-absorbing surface 4 are in contact. In other words, the contact section 16 rests against the torque-absorbing surface 4 at the position on the opposite side of the ear section 8B from the lining 9 in a direction perpendicular to the lining mounting surface 8A of the anchor plate 8 and absorbs the reaction force from the torque-absorbing surface 4 when the ear section 8B and the torque-absorbing surface 4 are in contact. In this case, the contact section 16 is located on the side of the torque-absorbing surface 4 with respect to the surface 8E facing the ear section 8B.Therefore, the system section 16 rests against the torque receiving surface 4 in order to absorb the reaction force via the block spring 6 when the facing surface 8E of the ear section 8B rests against the torque receiving surface 4.

[0041] As in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates that during the braking process, when the vehicle is moving backwards, the brake pad 7 is pulled along by the disc 1, which rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B, and the ear section 8B contacts the torque-absorbing surface 4 via the pad spring 6. At this point, the contact section 16 of the spring element 13, which is provided on the inner brake pad 7, contacts the torque-absorbing surface 4 via the pad spring 6 on the side of the piston 5D with respect to the ear section 8B. On the other side, the contact section 16 of the spring element 13, which is provided on the outer brake pad 7, contacts the torque-absorbing surface 4 via the pad spring 6 with respect to the ear section 8B on the side of the inner leg section 5A.

[0042] Now, as in Fig. Figure 5 illustrates a moment Ma generated on the brake pad 7 in the counterclockwise direction around a center of mass G due to a contact reaction force between the lining 9 of the brake pad 7 and the disc 1, which rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B. This moment Ma causes the ear section 8B of the brake pad 7 to vibrate away from the disc 1. This vibration can cause a self-induced vibration or oscillation of the brake pad 7, thereby triggering brake squeal.

[0043] However, the contact section 16 of the spring element 13 generates a clockwise moment Mb at the ear section 8B of the brake pad 7 by absorbing the reaction force from the torque-receiving surface 4 at a position farther from the disc 1 than the ear section 8B of the brake pad 7. This moment Mb reduces the moment Ma generated at the brake pad 7. This can help suppress the self-induced vibrations generated at the brake pad 7, thereby reducing the generation of brake squeal.

[0044] The contact section 17 of the spring element 13 extends from the distal end of the contact section 16 in the direction towards the disc 1. As shown in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 4, the contact section 17 is bent in the direction of the torque-absorbing surface 4 such that an angle β formed between the contact section 17 and the disk axial direction exceeds the angle α formed between the mounting section 16 and the disk axial direction. In other words, the contact section 17 is bent from the distal end of the mounting section 16 in the circumferential direction of the disk towards the side opposite the mounting section 14. The contact section 17 elastically contacts the torque-absorbing surface 4 at the disk rotation entry side of the mounting element 2 via the block spring 6 when the brake pad 7 is attached to the mounting element 2.

[0045] Due to this design, the spring element 13 pre-tensions the brake pad 7 towards the disc rotation exit side when the vehicle moves forward, thereby eliminating any play between the brake pad 7 and the torque-absorbing surface 4 on the disc rotation exit side. As a result, the generation of a rattling noise (an impact noise) when the brake pad 7 strikes the torque-absorbing surface 4 is prevented or reduced when the vehicle is braked in forward motion. Furthermore, the impact force between the brake pad 7 and the torque-absorbing surface 4 is dampened by the elastic force of the contact section 17, and the generation of the rattling noise is prevented or reduced when the vehicle is braked in reverse motion.

[0046] Furthermore, the contact section 17 extends such that a distal end 17A of the contact section projects beyond the ear section 8B towards the side of the disc 1 when the brake pad 7 is attached to the mounting element 2. The distal end 17A of the contact section 17 generates a noise (an abnormal noise) by contacting the side surface of the disc 1 in the axial direction and by vibrating when the lining 9 of the brake pad 7 is worn down to a predetermined section (a wear limit), which is predefined. As a result, a warning can be issued to the driver or the like to indicate that it is time to replace the brake pad 7 (the lining 9 has reached its wear limit).

[0047] The disc brake according to the present embodiment is set up in the manner described above, and the operation or function of the brake is described next.

[0048] Initially, at the time of braking, hydraulic pressure is applied to the inner arm section 5A (the cylinder) of the caliper 5. This causes the piston 5D to move towards the disc 1, pressing the inner brake pad 7 against one side of the disc 1. Then, because the caliper 5 receives a pressure reaction force from the disc 1, the entire caliper 5 moves inwards relative to the arm sections 2A of the mounting element 2. Consequently, the outer arm section 5C presses the outer brake pad 7 against the other side of the disc 1.

[0049] As a result, the inner and outer brake pads 7 can brake the disc 1, which rotates, for example, in the direction indicated by arrow A. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is indicated (when the vehicle is moving forward), the two brake pads wedge themselves between them in a sandwich-like manner in the axial direction of the disc, thus enabling them to impart braking force to the brake 1. When the braking process is completed, the supply of hydraulic pressure to the piston 5D is stopped, thereby separating the inner and outer brake pads 7 from the disc 1 and returning them to a non-braking state.

[0050] On the brake pad 7, the ear section 8B, which is one of the ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake pad 7 located on the disc rotation entry side, is constantly pre-tensioned by the contact section 17 of the spring element 13 in a direction indicated by an arrow D. Fig. 2 is indicated. Due to this design, the ear section 8C, located on the disc rotation exit side, is elastically pressed against the torque-absorbing surface 4 of the block guide 3 via the guide plate section 6A of the block spring 6 by the preload force at this point. Therefore, the rattling of the brake block 7 in the circumferential direction of the disc due to vibration or the like when the vehicle is in motion can be controlled by the spring element 13, which is arranged between the ear section 8B on the disc rotation entry side and the torque-absorbing surface 4.

[0051] Then, at the time of braking, when the vehicle is moving forward, the braking torque that the brake pad 7 receives from the disc 1 (a torque in the direction indicated by arrow A) can be carried by the arm section 2A (the torque-receiving surface 4 of the pad guide 3) on the disc rotation exit side. As a result, the ear section 8C of the brake pad 7, located on the disc rotation exit side, remains in contact with the torque-receiving surface 4 of the pad guide 3 via the guide plate section 6A.

[0052] Furthermore, prior to the braking process, the ear section 8C on the disc rotation exit side is in contact with the guide plate section 6A due to the preload force of the contact section 17 of the spring element 13 and is held in a state in which no play (space) is created between them. This can prevent or reduce the generation of abnormal noise due to movement of the brake pad 7. As a result, the present design can reduce brake squeal (a low-pressure squeal) when the vehicle is braked gently.

[0053] If, however, the lining 9 of the brake pad 7 is worn down to the predetermined section (the wear limit), which is predefined according to, for example, long-term use, the position of the anchor plate 8 approaches the disc 1 at the moment of braking. In this case, the distal end 17A of the contact section 17 of the spring element 13 contacts the side surface (the area) of the disc 1, and the noise is generated by the spring element 13. As a result, the driver or other person can be notified that it is time to replace the brake pad 7. In other words, the distal end 17A of the contact section 17 serves as a wear detection section that detects the wear limit of the lining 9.

[0054] Furthermore, at the time of braking, when the vehicle is moving backwards, the brake pad 7 will be pulled along by the disc 1, which rotates in the direction indicated by arrow B, and the ear section 8B will contact the torque-absorbing surface 4 via the pad spring 6. In this case, the contact section 17 of the spring element 13 will be bent by the contact section 16 such that the distal end 17A is located on the side of the torque-absorbing surface 4 with respect to the contact section 16.

[0055] Due to this design, at the time of braking, when the vehicle is moving backwards, the brake pad 7 can be gently moved against the spring force of the contact section 17 to cause the contact section 16 to touch the torque-absorbing surface 4. Furthermore, the brake pad 7 is gently moved against the spring force of the contact section 17 of the spring element 13, which helps to ease the impact force between the ear section 8B of the brake pad 7 and the torque-absorbing surface 4, thereby preventing or reducing the generation of the rattling noise (impact noise) when the ear section 8B strikes the torque-absorbing surface 4.

[0056] The spring element now pushes the brake pad towards the disc's rotation exit side, closer to the disc than the ear section of the brake pad. In this case, for example, when the vehicle is braked gently while reversing, the ear section in contact with the torque-absorbing surface can oscillate away from the disc due to the small contact area between the brake pad and the torque-absorbing surface. Such oscillation can cause a self-induced vibration of the brake pad, resulting in brake squeal (a squeal at low pressure).

[0057] To counteract such an inconvenience, in the present embodiment the spring element 13 is provided with the contact section 16. As in Fig. Figure 4 illustrates that the attachment section 16 is in the state in which it is attached to the ear section 8B of the brake pad 7, on the opposite side of the ear section 8B from the disc 1, and projects beyond the facing surface 8E of the ear section 8B towards the side of the torque-absorbing surface 4. Due to this design, at the time of braking, when the vehicle is moving backwards, the attachment section 16 is located at the torque-absorbing surface 4 in a position that is farther away from the disc 1 than the ear section 8B, and it absorbs the reaction force from the torque-absorbing surface 4 when the brake pad 7 is pulled along by the disc 1, which is rotating in the direction indicated by arrow B, and the ear section 8B is in contact with the torque-absorbing surface 4.

[0058] As in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 5, the reaction force absorbed by the mounting section 16 from the torque-receiving surface 4 generates the counterclockwise torque Mb on the brake pad 7. This torque Mb cancels out the torque Ma, which would otherwise cause the self-induced vibration on the brake pad 7. As a result, the present design allows the lining 9 of the brake pad 7 and the disc 1 to maintain stable contact when the vehicle is gently braked in reverse, thus reducing brake squeal.

[0059] The embodiment described above was described with reference to the example where the contact section 17, which is bent from the distal end of the contact section 16, is formed on the spring element 13. However, the present invention is not limited to this and, for example, a spring element 21 does not have the contact section 17 formed on it and only has a contact section 22 formed on it and bearing against the torque receiving surface 4 on the opposite side of the ear section 8B from the disk 1, as in a first exemplary modification shown in Fig. Figure 7 illustrates this. In this case, the mounting section 22 of the spring element 21 can constantly preload the brake pad 7 in the direction indicated by the arrow D, which is shown in Fig. 2 is illustrated.

[0060] Alternatively, the present invention can be configured such that a spring element 31 has a contact section 32 and a contact section 33 which is formed along a straight line without being bent, as in a second exemplary modification described in Fig. 8 is illustrated. Alternatively, the present invention can be configured such that a spring element 41 has a contact section 43 formed on it and bent from the distal end of a contact section 42 towards the side of the fastening section 14, as in a third exemplary modification shown in Fig. Figure 9 illustrates this.

[0061] The embodiment described above was described with reference to the example in which the projection 10 for attaching the spring element 13 is provided on the side of the rear surface 8D of each of the ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake pad 7. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and can, for example, be configured such that the engagement hole 14D is formed on the opposite section 14B of the spring element 13, and a projection for attaching the spring element 13 is provided on the side of the lining mounting surface 8A of each of the ear sections 8B and 8C of the brake pad 7. The same applies to the first, second, and third exemplary modifications.

[0062] Furthermore, the embodiment described above was described with reference to the example of a disc brake of the so-called floating caliper type, which is configured such that the piston 5D is provided to be displaceable over the cylinder in the inner leg section 5A of the caliper 5, and the outer leg section 5C of the caliper 5 is brought into contact with the outer brake pad 7. However, the present invention is not limited to this and can, for example, be applied to a disc brake of the so-called opposing piston type, which is configured such that pistons are provided on the inside and outside of the caliper, respectively.

[0063] Possible configurations as disc brake and brake pad based on the embodiment described above include the following examples.

[0064] In its basic configuration, the disc brake comprises a mounting element attached to a vehicle, extending transversely across a disc, and featuring a torque-absorbing surface that receives torque when the vehicle brakes. It also includes a brake pad with an anchor plate supported by the mounting element and a friction lining attached to the anchor plate. The anchor plate incorporates ear sections formed on side surface sections located on both sides in a circumferential direction around the disc. Each ear section is configured to transmit torque during braking by bearing against the torque-absorbing surface of the mounting element.The disc brake further comprises a caliper, which is slidably mounted on the mounting element and is designed to press the brake pad against the disc, and a preload section located between one of the ear sections of the brake pad, which is located on the disc rotation entry side during forward movement of the vehicle, and the torque-absorbing surface of the mounting element, which faces that ear section. The preload section is designed to preload the brake pad towards a disc rotation exit side.The preload section comprises a fastening section attached to the anchor plate, an extension section extending from an end section of the fastening section in a direction away from the disk, and a contact section folded back from the extension section and extending in a direction towards the disk, the contact section being configured to receive a reaction force from the torque receiving surface by contacting the torque receiving surface at a position on a side of the ear section opposite the disk.

[0065] In a second configuration, the extension section comprises an axial extension plate and a circumferential extension plate. The axial extension plate extends from the mounting section along a disk axis. The circumferential extension plate extends from the axial extension plate towards the torque-absorbing surface. The mounting section extends from the circumferential extension plate in the direction between the ear section and the torque-absorbing surface.

[0066] As a third configuration, in the second configuration, a contact section is provided at a distal end of the mounting section. The contact section is bent in the direction of the torque-absorbing surface to increase the angle that arises between the mounting section and the disk's axial direction, and elastically contacts the torque-absorbing surface.

[0067] In its initial configuration, the brake pad comprises an anchor plate and a lining as the friction element, which is attached to the anchor plate. An ear section is formed longitudinally on each of the two sides of the anchor plate. The ear section includes a preload section. The preload section comprises a mounting section attached to the anchor plate, an extension section extending away from the lining from an end section of the mounting section, and a contact section folded back from the extension section and extending toward the lining.The system section is designed to absorb a reaction force from a torque receiving surface by bearing against the torque receiving surface at a position on an opposite side of the ear section from the lining in a direction perpendicular to a lining mounting surface of the anchor plate, when the brake pad is mounted on the disc brake and the ear section is in contact with the torque receiving surface of the disc brake. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 slice 2 Mounting element 4 Torque absorption area 5 saddles 7 brake pads 8 Anchor plate 8A Pavement fixing surface 8B, 8C Ear section 9 coating 13, 21, 31, 41 Spring element (preload section) 14 Fastening section 15 Extension section 15A axial extension plate 15B Circumferential extension plate 16, 22, 32, 42 Plant section 17 Contact section

Claims

[1] Disc brake, comprising: a mounting element (2) attachable to a vehicle while extending transversely across a disc (1) and having torque-absorbing surfaces (4) adapted to absorb torque when the vehicle is braked; a brake pad (7) having an anchor plate (8) carried by the mounting element (2) and a lining (9) as a friction element, which is attached to the anchor plate (8), wherein the anchor plate (8) has ear portions (8B, 8C) formed on side surface portions located on both sides in a disc circumferential direction, wherein each of the ear portions (8B, 8C) is configured to transmit the torque during braking of the vehicle by abutting against the respective torque-receiving surface (4) of the mounting element (2); a caliper (5) slidably provided on the mounting member (2), the caliper (5) being adapted to press the brake pad (7) against the disc (1); a preloading portion (13) provided between one of the ear portions (8B, 8C) of the brake pad (7) located on the disc rotation entry side during forward movement of the vehicle and the torque receiving surface (4) of the mounting element (2) facing the one ear portion (8B, 8C), wherein the preloading portion (13) is configured to preload the brake pad (7) toward a disc rotation exit side, wherein the preloading portion (13) comprises: a fastening section (14) which is fastened to the anchor plate (8), an extension portion (15) extending from an end portion of the fastening portion (14) in a direction away from the disc (1), and a contact section (16) which is folded back from the extension section (15) and extends in a direction towards the disc (1), wherein the abutment portion (16) is adapted to absorb a reaction force from the torque-receiving surface (4) by abutting against the torque-receiving surface (4) at a position on an opposite side of the ear portion (8B, 8C) of the disc (1), wherein the extension portion (15) comprises an axial extension plate (15A) and a circumferential extension plate (15B), wherein the axial extension plate (15A) extends from the fixing portion (14) along a disc axial direction (CC), wherein the circumferential extension plate (15B) extends from the axial extension plate (15A) in a direction towards the torque receiving surface (4), wherein the contact portion (16) extends from the peripheral extension plate (15B) in the direction between the ear portion (8B, 8C) and the torque receiving surface (4), wherein a contact portion (17) is provided at a distal end of the contact portion (16), and wherein the contact portion (17) is bent toward the torque receiving surface (4) to increase an angle formed between the abutment portion (16) and the disc axial direction (CC) and elastically contacts the torque receiving surface (4).

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