Disk brake, securing elements and retaining bracket therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates inter alia to securing elements (11; 20; 30; 37, 65) in various embodiments for securing a retaining bracket (1; 21; 31; 39) for clamping brake linings (6) in a lining shaft (5) of a disk brake.

Description

[0001] Disc brake, safety elements and retaining brackets

[0002] The present invention relates generally to a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, with different designs of securing elements acting as a locking device for a retaining bracket which spans a pad shaft of the disc brake and on which pad hold-down springs for clamping the brake pads or brake pad retaining plates are supported.

[0003] It is generally known that the brake pads or brake pad retaining plates on disc brakes are radially preloaded to prevent rattling noises when driving on uneven surfaces, to ensure proper guidance of the brake pad retaining plates along the walls of the pad well, and sometimes also to assist in the resetting of the brake pads when the brake is released. This preload is achieved using pad retainer springs, which are generally designed as leaf springs and are arranged between the brake pad retaining plates and a retaining bracket that forms the abutment for them.

[0004] The retaining bracket spans the upwardly opening assembly opening of the pad shaft in the disc brake caliper, through which the brake pads can be easily removed or inserted for quick assembly or disassembly. For this purpose, the retaining bracket must be detachably connected to the brake caliper. This connection, on the one hand, accommodates the force conditions occurring in a disc brake and, on the other hand, should be designed without requiring increased force or assembly effort, in order to enable quick pad changes.The simplest implementation known from the prior art is disclosed in DE 86 15 015 U1, in which the retaining bracket is inserted into a pocket-shaped opening in the brake caliper housing on one side, which is opposite the actuating mechanism, and is then fixed above the assembly opening for preloading the pad hold-down springs by simply screwing this retaining bracket to the brake caliper housing on the opposite side using a bolt. Although this design enables the retaining bracket to be held securely, it requires a threaded hole to be provided in the brake caliper housing after casting, which involves additional, costly machining steps.

[0005] DE 10 2005 044 091 A1 proposes a design in which an upwardly projecting bolt is provided on the housing of the brake caliper, preferably on the inside of the brake, which bolt is connected in one piece with the brake caliper and over which the retaining bracket can be slipped using a corresponding opening, wherein on the opposite outside of the brake the retaining bracket is inserted into a corresponding receiving opening. The bolt can have either a transverse bore, i.e. parallel to the axial direction of the brake disc, or a circumferential groove. The retaining bracket is then fixed in its position either by inserting a split pin into the transverse bore of the bolt or by sliding a snap ring over the groove. This design, in turn, has the same disadvantages, namely that subsequent machining steps on the brake caliper housing are necessary.

[0006] The embodiment of a disc brake described in EP 1 069 334 A1 enables quick assembly and disassembly of the retaining bracket. In this case, the retaining bracket consists of two parts that are connected to one another in the center of the mounting opening via a manually operable clamping mechanism. Since each of the two parts engages with one of their ends in corresponding openings or abutments on the inside or outside of the brake, the retaining bracket is captively held above the mounting opening by being fixed in the center via a suitable securing device, for example a locking pin. However, both halves of the retaining bracket must be designed accordingly to accommodate the securing device, which increases manufacturing costs.In addition, there is a risk that the securing element will come loose and get lost during ferry operation, so that the two-part retaining bracket loses its abutment function and consequently the brake pads cannot be fixed in the appropriate place, so that the general problem of a complete failure of such a disc brake arises.

[0007] EP 0 703 378 A1 describes a further possibility in which circular slots or grooves are provided on both the inside and outside of the brake caliper housing, into which the ends of the retaining bracket engage by the retaining bracket simply being rotated around its center point. Final fixing is achieved by pins which are inserted radially inwards on both sides into corresponding openings which extend vertically through the slots and thus prevent the retaining bracket from being unscrewed from the slots. Such a solution is also very disadvantageous because it requires extensive machining steps in the brake caliper housing, in particular milling the semicircular grooves and providing corresponding bores to accommodate the locking pins, which is not desirable from a cost perspective.The disc brake described in EP 1 767 805 A2 proposes a solution in which a spring means is provided which acts essentially in the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket, i.e. parallel to the axial direction of the brake disc, and clamps the retaining bracket between two abutments in the assembled state. The spring means is provided at one end of the retaining bracket so that it engages in a recess on the inside of the brake caliper housing. However, this has the disadvantage that the spring means, together with the retaining bracket, must be inserted into the recess under pretension, which requires a certain dexterity during assembly and disassembly.

[0008] DE 10 2006 039 298 B3 discloses a disc brake in which the retaining bracket has a locking tongue formed in one piece. This locking tongue can be deformed during assembly and thus prevents longitudinal displacement of the retaining bracket relative to an abutment arranged on the brake caliper housing. However, when changing the brake pads, the locking tongue can only be moved between the assembly or locking position and the disassembly position using a tool, which can prove extremely cumbersome due to the limited installation space.

[0009] In DE 10 2006 002 306 B4, a spring tongue riveted to the retaining bracket rests against or in an opening on the side of the actuating mechanism. In another embodiment, a clamp bracket is inserted from above into an opening in the retaining bracket located on the side of the actuating mechanism, in order to limit the displacement of the retaining bracket, which rests in an opening in the brake caliper on the actuating side and engages around a nose-like projection of the brake caliper on the opposite side. From the German utility model DE 20 2008 013 446 Ul of the applicant a securing element in the form of an elongated leaf spring is known which is riveted to the retaining bracket and is shaped at its distal end in such a way that it comes to rest on the nose-like abutment of the brake calliper, which is designed in the form of a hook pointing away from the actuation side, and thus limits or prevents the path of the retaining bracket.This is braced. In a further embodiment, this utility model proposes a spring element running transversely to the retaining bracket, which engages from below into an opening in the retaining bracket on the abutment side and is fastened to the brake calliper with its free ends, so that the opening can be exposed by simply pressing from above, allowing the retaining bracket to be moved. The disadvantage, however, is that additional openings or, if necessary, abutment surfaces that require machining must be provided in the brake calliper to accommodate the free ends of the spring element. These openings must be taken into account in the design and thus increase costs.

[0010] Based on the locking devices and safety elements known from the above-described prior art and the associated disadvantages, the present invention has the object of further developing a disc brake so that, in addition to a relatively cost-effective production of such safety elements, above all a simple and quick assembly and disassembly of the retaining bracket and thus of the brake pads can be realized without the operational reliability of the disc brake being restricted in any way.

[0011] This object is achieved in a first functional principle with a disc brake having the features of claim 1 and in a second functional principle with a disc brake having the features of claim 14 or claim 17. Furthermore, to achieve this object, the invention proposes securing elements for a retaining bracket for pad hold-down springs having the features of claims 20, 24, 26, 27 and 32 as well as a retaining bracket for pad hold-down springs having the features of claim 34.

[0012] According to a first functional principle with respect to a securing element, the invention relates to a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, with a brake calliper which accommodates a brake actuation mechanism and surrounds a brake disc, against which brake pads can be pressed on both sides during braking, and with a retaining bracket which can be fastened to the brake calliper and on which pad retainer springs acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads are supported, wherein the retaining bracket spanning a mounting opening of the brake calliper transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc is positively fastened to the brake calliper both with its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and with its opposite, distal end, and with a securing element which is elastically deformable and designed such that it interacts with the retaining bracket and / or the brake calliper,to hold the retaining bracket in its positive fastenings relative to the brake caliper, wherein the retaining bracket has a through-opening in the region of its distal end, with which it rests against a projection of the brake caliper, wherein the securing element is designed and configured as an element separate from the retaining bracket to at least partially fill the through-opening, and wherein, according to the invention, the securing element is furthermore clamped to the retaining bracket in a captive manner. The relevant functional principle is that the securing element, regardless of its different designs, limits the axial displacement path of the retaining bracket to such an extent that it cannot be moved out of the receiving opening in the brake caliper on the side of the actuating mechanism, into which it preferably rests freely with its proximal end,While the through-opening at its distal end engages an abutment on the brake caliper, which protrudes upward from the top of the brake caliper in the shape of a hook, preferably pointing toward the actuation side. At the same time, the retaining bracket can engage an undercut of the hook-like abutment with one end face of the through-opening to support itself upwards.

[0013] According to the invention, the connection between the securing element and the retaining bracket is preferably such that the retaining bracket is not prestressed in the axial direction, but rather that a certain amount of play exists between the securing element and the hook-like abutment. For further security, the securing element can also be designed, if necessary, to exert a spring force on the retaining bracket in the axial direction, which, however, is preferably not so great that it counteracts simple, preferably manual, assembly and disassembly of the retaining bracket.

[0014] In a first embodiment, the securing element is designed as a wire spring. The wire spring has a first linear section which extends through a receiving opening provided on the retaining bracket and running transversely to the latter. The receiving opening is preferably located on the underside of the retaining bracket and consists of two eyelets on either side of the through-opening. The dimensions of the eyelets and the wire thickness are selected such that simple, if necessary manual, assembly is possible, but the wire spring is securely held in the eyelets. Above the linear section, when the wire spring is inserted, it has a second, curved or wave-shaped section which is designed such that it engages in the through-opening from above when the linear section is received in the receiving opening.On one side, the wire spring encloses the retaining bracket with a loop-shaped section. The loop-shaped section is dimensioned to allow easy manual access for assembly purposes or to accommodate a suitable tool.

[0015] Furthermore, the curved section has two oppositely inclined legs, which are designed such that they each come into contact with the side surfaces of the through-opening, forming a spring effect acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket, i.e., acting from the inside outwards. Preferably, the curved section is supported at least partially on or against the linear section when the linear section extends through the through-opening with its legs.

[0016] When the wire spring is mounted, it causes the through opening on the outside of the hook-like abutment to be reduced in size, so that the retaining bracket can no longer be moved or can only be moved slightly in the axial direction and thus remains secured below the hook-like projection of the abutment.

[0017] For disassembly, the free end of the curved section opposite the loop-shaped section can be lifted so that the legs are disengaged from the side surfaces of the through-opening and the securing element can be pulled off to the side. In a second embodiment, the securing element is designed as a spring plate in the shape of a clip which has a wave shape with an upper closed end and a lower open end. When assembled, the clip extends through the through-opening so that the closed end lies above the retaining bracket. The clip completely fills the through-opening and creates a spring effect acting in the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket.

[0018] At one free end the clamp has fastening elements which are arranged in opposite directions so that they at least partially encompass the retaining bracket on one, preferably the outer, end face of the through opening. At the other free end the clamp has a curvature which engages under the retaining bracket on the opposite, i.e. inner, end face of the through opening. In this way the clamp can be firmly fixed to the retaining bracket due to the spring action so that its axial mobility is restricted. To disassemble the clamp it can be easily compressed so that both the fastening elements and the curvature are disengaged from the retaining bracket.

[0019] Preferably, the clamp is dimensioned so that it extends over the entire width of the passage opening.

[0020] In a third embodiment, the securing element is designed as a spring plate in the form of a U-shaped clamp. This clamp has a base, two legs and hooks folded over at the free ends. When assembled, the base, which is offset downwards towards the lateral legs via side flanks, engages from above into the through-opening in such a way that the side flanks come into contact with the outer end face of the through-opening from the inside. The legs, in turn, come to rest on the upper side of the retaining bracket, while the hooks at the free ends grip the edge of the retaining bracket on the sides.

[0021] In this way, the clamp is fixed to the retaining bracket in a captive manner and its base limits the through opening on the outside to the hook-like abutment in order to block or restrict the axial mobility of the retaining bracket accordingly.

[0022] In a fourth embodiment according to the invention, the securing element is designed as a curved, wave-like spring plate in the form of a clamping bracket such that it engages in the through-opening, resting on its inner side surfaces. For this purpose, the clamping bracket has two oppositely inclined legs, which are designed such that, in a preferred embodiment, they each rest on the side surfaces of the through-opening, forming a spring effect acting transversely to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket.

[0023] The wave shape of the clamp bracket has at least one upper, semicircular bend and at least two lower, correspondingly opposite semicircular bends. Preferably, the upper bend extends above the retaining bracket and the lower bends are then located below the retaining bracket. With its free ends, the clamp bracket engages over the lateral edges of the through-opening of the retaining bracket, but without exerting a clamping effect there. In this way, the clamp bracket at least partially fills the through-opening of the retaining bracket on the outside of the hook-like abutment and thereby limits its axial mobility. In a preferred embodiment of the clamp bracket in this embodiment, the upper bend and / or the lower bends are designed such that they can interact with an assembly tool in order to be able to assemble or disassemble the clamp bracket.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferred that the oppositely inclined legs extend from the lower, preferably 180-degree loop-like bends each with such an inclination upwards that these legs, when the securing element with its respective sections is completely inserted into the through-opening, each form an undercut opposite the through-opening, which reliably counteracts easy removal or accidental release of the securing element.

[0025] The legs merge into transverse sections which, when the securing element is in the assembled state, come to rest on the lateral, upper edges of the through-opening of the retaining bracket. From these transverse sections, sections in turn extend downwards, at a distance from the outer edges of the retaining bracket, which sections, in a particularly preferred embodiment, are also leg-like and end in an upward-pointing, loop-like bend. According to the invention, the free ends of these loops are provided on both sides in such a position that when the securing element is dismantled, they come to rest on the retaining bracket below the lateral edges of the through-opening. In other words, the distance between the free ends in the transverse direction is smaller than the entire width of the retaining bracket.This prevents the securing element from accidentally springing away due to the inherent spring force when an assembly tool engages one of the loop-like bends. The position of the free ends is also selected such that when they rest on the underside of the retaining bracket, the spring force is at least already so low that when an assembly tool engages, the lateral, outer sections can be easily widened to allow removal of the securing element without the risk of the securing element springing away.

[0026] While in the previously described embodiments the through opening in the retaining bracket is designed and dimensioned in such a way that an overhang of the hook-like abutment, preferably pointing in the direction of the actuating mechanism and forming an undercut, is gripped under by the retaining bracket, so that when blocked by the respective securing elements, at least partially filling the through opening and thereby limiting the axial displaceability of the retaining bracket, the latter cannot be lifted upwards, whereby the entire mechanism is effected under pretension of the pad hold-down springs, the present invention includes a further functional principle in which the securing element interacts directly with the abutment arranged on the brake calliper.

[0027] According to a second functional principle with respect to a securing element, the invention further relates to a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, with a brake calliper which accommodates a brake actuation mechanism and surrounds a brake disc, against which brake pads can be pressed on both sides during braking, and with a retaining bracket which can be fastened to the brake calliper and on which pad retainer springs acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads are supported, wherein the retaining bracket spanning a mounting opening of the brake calliper transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc is positively fastened to the brake calliper both with its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and with its opposite, distal end, and with a securing element which is elastically deformable and designed such that it interacts with the brake calliper,in order to hold the retaining bracket in its positive fastenings relative to the brake calliper, wherein the securing element is designed and configured as an element separate from the retaining bracket to at least partially fill the through-opening, wherein the brake calliper has a projection on the side opposite the brake actuation mechanism, and wherein the securing element is clamped captively to the projection of the brake calliper.

[0028] In this embodiment, the securing element can be designed as a spring plate in the shape of a clamp with a central section that engages from above into the through-opening and thereby encompasses the projection of the brake caliper, and two lateral sections that can laterally encompass the projection or an edge of the retaining bracket. As with the previously described embodiments of the first functional principle, the through-opening in the retaining bracket is thereby narrowed to such an extent that it can no longer move relative to the projection or can only move with a small amount of play, thus blocking its axial displacement.

[0029] The projection serving as an abutment for the retaining bracket is also shaped in the form of a hook which points in the direction of the brake actuation mechanism and has a through opening opposite it into which a distal end of the retaining bracket extends .

[0030] In addition, the central portion of the clamp may have fastening elements which engage under a cross member of the projection of the brake caliper which is exposed as a result of the through opening.

[0031] The invention also relates in particular to securing elements as such in the different embodiments described above, which have in common that they are formed in one piece and can be produced in a simple manner by bending and / or punching, preferably from a spring sheet.

[0032] Furthermore, the invention relates to a third functional principle with respect to the securing element, which is itself a component of the retaining bracket. The invention also relates, in particular, to such a retaining bracket as such.

[0033] According to this functional principle with respect to a securing element, the invention further relates to a disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, with a brake calliper which accommodates a brake actuation mechanism and surrounds a brake disc, against which brake pads can be pressed on both sides during braking, and with a retaining bracket which can be fastened to the brake calliper and on which pad retainer springs acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads are supported, wherein the retaining bracket spanning a mounting opening of the brake calliper transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc is positively fastened to the brake calliper both with its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and with its opposite, distal end, and with a securing element which is elastically deformable and designed such that it interacts with the brake calliper,to hold the retaining bracket in its positive fastenings relative to the brake calliper, wherein the brake calliper has a projection with an opening on the side opposite the brake actuation mechanism and the retaining bracket in the region of its distal end has the securing element integrally with a free end which is designed to engage behind the opening in the projection.

[0034] Preferably, the securing element is designed as a type of spring tongue, which can be realized in structural terms by appropriate punching and bending of the retaining bracket, which is preferably made of sheet metal.

[0035] As a result of the through opening, the hook facing the actuating side has an exposed cross strut with which a hook-like projection at the distal end of the spring tongue engages.

[0036] For further stabilization, the front end of the retaining bracket can grip the projection of the brake calliper from the side.

[0037] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the different

[0038] Embodiments with reference to the corresponding drawings.

[0039] Fig. 1 schematically shows a partial sectional view through a brake caliper to illustrate the mounted state of a securing element in a first embodiment according to the invention;

[0040] Fig. 2 shows the securing element in the first embodiment;

[0041] Fig. 3 shows a retaining bracket designed for this securing element;

[0042] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the assembled state of this securing element;

[0043] Fig. 5 is a partial sectional view through the brake caliper and the securing element to illustrate the assembled state; Figures 6a-c show various views of a securing element in a second embodiment according to the invention;

[0044] Fig. 7 is a partial sectional view through the brake calliper to illustrate the assembled state of this securing element; Fig. 8 is a partial perspective view to illustrate the assembled securing element;

[0045] Fig. 9 shows a further perspective partial view illustrating the assembled state of the securing element; Figures 10a-d show various views of a securing element in a third embodiment according to the invention;

[0046] Fig. 11 is a partial perspective view showing the assembled state of this securing element;

[0047] Fig. 12 is a further perspective partial view showing the assembled state of the securing element;

[0048] Fig. 13 is a partial sectional view through the brake calliper to show the assembled state of the securing element;

[0049] Fig. 14 shows a securing element in a fourth embodiment according to the invention;

[0050] Figures 15a-c show schematically in perspective view individual steps of the assembly of this securing element and a retaining bracket;

[0051] Fig. 16 is a partial sectional view through the brake caliper to illustrate the assembled state of the securing element; Fig. 17 is a perspective view from below of a securing element in a fifth embodiment according to the invention;

[0052] Fig. 18 is a partial sectional view through the brake calliper to illustrate the assembled state of this securing element; Fig. 19 a and b schematically show, in perspective view, individual steps in the assembly of this securing element and a retaining bracket;

[0053] Fig. 20 shows a perspective view of a retaining bracket with an integral securing element according to the invention; Figures 21a-c show schematically, in perspective view, individual steps of the assembly of this retaining bracket;

[0054] Fig. 22 shows a perspective view of a securing element in a seventh embodiment;

[0055] Fig. 23 shows a section of this securing element in the assembled state; and Figures 24a-c schematically show individual steps of the assembly and disassembly of this securing element.

[0056] All embodiments of a securing element 11, 20, 30, 37, 47, 58 and 65 to be described below serve for the captive holding and fixing of a retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 on a brake calliper 2, wherein according to the invention, simple assembly and disassembly of both the securing element 11, 20, 30, 37, 47, 58 and 65 and the retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 is ensured at the same time. The retaining brackets 1, 21, 31, 39, 57, and 62 serve as abutments for pad retainer springs 3, which are arranged on the upper side of brake pad retaining plates 4 to clamp them in a pad shaft 5 of the brake caliper, as best seen in Figures 15a-c or 19a-d. This guides the brake pad retaining plates 4 with the brake pads 6 arranged thereon in the pad shaft 5 without vibration.

[0057] Furthermore, all embodiments have in common that the retaining brackets 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 are received with their proximal ends, i.e. on the side of a brake actuation mechanism (not shown), in an opening 7 in the brake calliper 2 with a certain amount of play or are inserted into this opening. In the assembled state, the retaining brackets 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 span the pad shaft 5 and thus both brake pad retaining plates 4 in an axial direction that corresponds to the actuation direction during the delivery of the brake pads 6. For the purpose of securing, on the opposite side, the retaining brackets 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 cooperate with their respective distal ends in a form-fitting manner with an upwardly projecting projection 8, 48 and 59 serving as an abutment, which is integrally formed on the brake calliper 2.The abutment 8, 48 and 59 has the overall shape of a hook which extends in the axial direction towards the actuation side and has a hook-like extension or overhang 9 which, viewed from above, forms an undercut with a groove 10 into which the retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 lies with the actuation-side end face of its respective through openings 12, 22, 32, 38 and 56, as can be seen in particular in Fig. 5. In the assembled, i.e. secured, state, the retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 cannot therefore migrate upwards, but is supported on the distal side on the hook-like extension 9 on the one hand and on the proximal side in the opening 7 on the other hand and thereby clamps the brake pad retaining plates 4 by means of the pad hold-down springs 3, whereby a minimal movement of the retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 in its axial direction may be possible.

[0058] The securing elements 11, 20, 30, 37, 47, 58 and 65 ensure that this axial mobility is restricted completely or at least to such an extent that the retaining bracket 1, 21, 31, 39, 57 and 62 cannot move out of engagement with the groove 10.

[0059] Figures 1 to 5 show a first securing element 11 according to the invention.

[0060] The retaining bracket 1 has a through-opening 12 at its distal end, through which the hook-like projection 8 passes, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5. On the outside of the projection 8, the securing element acts

[0061] 11 together with the retaining bracket 1 in order to lock it against excessive axial displacement.

[0062] The securing element 11 in this embodiment is bent in one piece from a spring wire and has a lower linear section 13 and an upper, wave-shaped section 14.

[0063] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the linear section 13 extends through a receiving opening in the retaining bracket 1, which is formed by two eyelets 15 arranged on opposite sides of the through-opening 12. The wave-shaped section 14, in the assembled state, engages into the through-opening 12 from above, wherein two legs 16 of the wave-shaped section 14, opening away from each other, come to rest on the respective inner side edges or surfaces 17, which have a corresponding inclination. The wave-shaped section 14 or its legs 16 can in this case be arranged in relation to the through-opening

[0064] 12 be dimensioned such that these legs 16 exert a spring force acting from the inside outwards which is sufficient to hold the securing element 11 captively on the retaining bracket 1. Preferably, the lower bends 18 of the wave-shaped section 14 are supported on the linear section 13.

[0065] As can be seen in particular in Fig. 5, the opening width of the through opening 12 is thereby reduced to such an extent that the retaining bracket 1 can no longer be axially displaced so far that there would be a risk that it could come out of engagement with the groove 10 on the opposite side.

[0066] The securing element 11 further comprises a loop-like section 19 which allows manual handling or access by a tool for assembly purposes.

[0067] Figures 6a to 9 show a second securing element 20 according to the invention.

[0068] The corresponding retaining bracket 21 has a through-opening 22 through which the projection 8 passes, as well as a U-shaped bead 23 on the underside surrounding the through-opening 22, which does not extend completely to the outer end face of the through-opening 22, but defines a free area 24 with an extended width.

[0069] The securing element 20 is designed in the form of a wave-shaped clip made of spring sheet metal with an upper closed end 25 or a bend and two lower free ends 26. The clip 20 widens downwards. Clamping or fastening elements 27 and 28 in the form of opposing hooks are arranged at one free end 26, while an outward bend or curvature 29 is provided at the other free, opposite end.

[0070] As can be seen in Figures 7 to 9, the hook-like fastening elements 27 and 28 engage around the outer end face of the through-opening 22, while the bulge 29 rests against the underside of the bead 23. The clamp 20 exerts a spring action in the axial direction of the retaining bracket 21, which securely holds this securing element 20 in the through-opening 22.

[0071] As can be seen in Fig. 9, the securing element 20 extends over the entire width of the free area 24 of the through opening 22. Furthermore, as can be seen in Fig. 7, the curvature 29 does not come into direct contact with the projection 8, so that a certain, albeit slight, play with regard to axial displacement of the retaining bracket 21 is ensured.

[0072] Figures 10a to 13 show a third securing element 30 according to the invention.

[0073] As in the previous embodiments, this securing element 30 cooperates with a retaining bracket 31 in such a way that it reduces the size of a through opening 32 in this retaining bracket 31 in order to counteract its axial displacement.

[0074] The securing element 30 is preferably bent and punched from a spring sheet and has a substantially U-shape, with a base 33 and two lateral legs 34, wherein the base 33 is offset downwards relative to the legs 34 via side flanks 35. Folded hooks 36 are provided at each end of the legs 34.

[0075] As can be seen in Figures 11 to 13, the securing element 30 is mounted in the through-opening 32 such that the base 33 lies below the through-opening 32, with the side flanks 35 coming into contact with its outer end face, while at the same time the flat legs 34 on the upper side of the retaining bracket 31 rest on the edge of the through-opening 32. The securing element 30 is ultimately fastened by the folded-over hooks 36 gripping the side edges of the retaining bracket 31.

[0076] As can be seen in Fig. 13, the base 33 does not necessarily come into contact with the outer surface of the projection 8, but rather allows a slight play with respect to the axial mobility of the retaining bracket 31. Figures 14 to 16 show a fourth securing element 37 according to the invention.

[0077] Here too, the securing element 37 serves to reduce the size of a through opening 38 in a retaining bracket 39 accordingly.

[0078] The securing element 37 in this embodiment is designed in the form of a wave-shaped clamp. This clamp 37 preferably has an upper bend 40 and two lower bends 41, between which two inner legs 42 extend. The bends 40 and 41 are designed in the form of loops encompassing substantially 180 degrees. From the lower bends 41, outer legs 43 extend upwards, which merge into transverse sections 44 with downwardly bent sections 45.

[0079] Figures 15a - c show an example of the assembly process. The retaining bracket 39, after it has been inserted with its proximal end into the actuation-side opening 7, is slipped with its through-opening 38 over the integral projection 8 of the brake caliper (Fig. 15a), then moved outwards in the axial direction so that the inner end face of the through-opening 38 engages in the groove 10 of the projection 8 (Fig. 15b) and finally the retaining bracket 39 is locked against axial displacement by the securing element 37 being introduced or inserted from above into the remaining exposed area of ​​the through-opening 38 (Fig. 15c).

[0080] As can be seen in Figure 16, the outer legs 43 come to rest on the corresponding inner edges 46 of the through opening 38, wherein the clamp bracket is preferably designed and dimensioned in such a way that a spring effect acting from the inside outwards is generated, which clamps the clamp bracket captively to the retaining bracket 39. The upper bend 40 is arranged above the retaining bracket 39, while the lower bends 41 are located below the retaining bracket 39. The transverse sections

[0081] 44 do not necessarily have to lie completely on the surface of the retaining bracket 39 and with their sections

[0082] 45 also have no clamping effect. Rather, they can serve to repel dirt.

[0083] The upper bend 40 is preferably located far enough above the retaining bracket 39 to allow easy access to the upper section using an assembly tool.

[0084] In addition to the spring action acting outwards from the legs 43, supporting this, or even without the presence of such a spring action, the legs 43 are designed such that they form an undercut on both sides in relation to the through opening 38, which prevents the securing element 37 from jumping out of the through opening 38 by itself.

[0085] Figures 22 to 24c show a further development of the previously explained securing element 37. This securing element 65 is almost identical in structure and function, with the same reference numerals designating identical sections.

[0086] The transversely extending sections 44 merge here into leg-like sections 66, which continue into loops or bends 67 encompassing almost 180 degrees, each of which ends in free ends 68 directed upwards towards the retaining bracket 39. As Figures 24a-c show, the free ends 68 are in a position such that, upon disassembly of the securing element 65, they come into contact with the underside of the lateral edges of the through-opening 38 of the retaining bracket 39. This prevents the securing element 65 from springing away due to the spring action. This simplifies and safer the disassembly process.When the free ends 68 are in place, the spring effect prevailing in the securing element 65 is already so weakened or even no longer present that, by interaction with a suitable assembly tool, the lateral sections 66 can be easily widened and thus the free ends 68 can be brought out of engagement with the retaining bracket 39. The securing element 65 can then be easily removed manually.

[0087] Figures 17 to 19d show a fifth securing element 47 according to the invention which, in contrast to the previously described embodiments, does not interact with a retaining bracket but directly with an integral projection 48 of the brake calliper 2.

[0088] The projection 48 which serves as a counter bearing is also shaped in the form of a hook pointing towards the actuating side, but in addition has an opening 49 such that the hook ends in a cross strut 50.

[0089] The securing element 47 is manufactured as a punched and bent sheet metal part and has a central section 51 and two adjacent lateral sections 52.

[0090] The central section 51 has, in the assembled state, two downwardly extending legs 53, which have hook-like fastening elements 54 and 55, which engage under the cross strut 50, as can be seen in Fig. 18. The lateral sections 52 then correspondingly engage the sides of the projection 48, as shown in Fig. 19d.

[0091] By clamping the securing element 47 in this way to the cross strut 50 of the projection 48 in a captive manner, both legs 53 extend from above into a through opening 56 of a corresponding retaining bracket 57 and thereby limit its axial mobility.

[0092] The assembly process is illustrated by way of example in the sequence of figures 19a to d.

[0093] The retaining bracket 57 is inserted with its proximal end into the actuation-side opening 7 in the brake calliper 2 (Fig. 19a), pivoted downwards (Fig. 19b) and then displaced in the axial direction towards the projection 48 (Fig. 19c) until the through-opening 56 is arranged below the cross strut 50 in such a way that when the securing element 47 is clamped to the cross strut (Fig. 19d), both legs 53 pass through the through-opening 56.

[0094] Figures 20 to 21c show a sixth securing element 58 according to the invention, which is also designed to interact directly with an integral projection 59 of the brake caliper 2.

[0095] The projection 59 is also provided with an opening 60 with respect to this securing element 58, forming a cross strut 61.

[0096] In this embodiment, the securing element 58 is formed integrally with the retaining bracket 62, which is preferably punched and deep-drawn from a spring sheet, as a type of spring tongue which has a hook 63 at its distal end.

[0097] As can be seen in the sequence of Figures 21 a to c, the retaining bracket 62, after being received in the actuation-side opening 7 (Fig. 21a), is pivoted downward and displaced in the direction of the projection 59 (Fig. 21b) until the resilient hook 63 engages behind the cross strut 61 and thus axially fixes the retaining bracket 62. Release is achieved in a simple manner by pressing the hook 63 downward using a tool and then displacing the retaining bracket 62 inward.

[0098] The retaining bracket 62 has a nose-like extension 64 on each side, which rests laterally on the projection 59 for stabilization purposes.

Claims

Claims 1. Disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, with a brake caliper (2) accommodating a brake actuation mechanism, which surrounds a brake disc against which brake pads (6) can be pressed on both sides during braking, and a retaining bracket that can be attached to the brake caliper (2). ( 1 ; 21 ; 31 ; 39) , on which pad retaining springs (3) acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads (6) are supported, wherein the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39) spanning a mounting opening (5) of the brake caliper (2) transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc is positively locked to the brake caliper (2) both with its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and with its opposite distal end, and with a locking element ( 11 ; 20 ; 30 ; 37 , 65 ) , which is elastically deformable and designed to cooperate with the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39) and / or the brake caliper (2) to hold the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39) in its positive-locking fixings relative to the brake caliper (2), wherein the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39) has a through-opening in the region of its distal end ( 12 ; 22 ; 32 ; 38 ) having a projection (8) of the brake caliper (2), and wherein the locking element ( 11 ; 20 ; 30 ; 37 , 65 ) is designed and configured as an element separate from the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39) to at least partially fill the through-opening ( 12 ; 22 ; 32 ; 38 ), characterized in that the locking element ( 11 ; 20 ; 30 ; 37 , 65 ) is clamped securely to the retaining bracket (1;21;31;39).

2. Disc brake according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (11) is designed as a wire spring with a first linear section (13) which is attached to the The retaining bracket (1) extends through the receiving opening (15) provided for this transverse direction, and with a second curved section (14) which engages in the passage opening (12) from above.

3. Disc brake according to claim 2, in which the curved section (14) has two oppositely inclined legs (16) which are designed such that they each come into contact with the side surfaces (17) of the through-opening (12) by forming a spring effect transverse to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (1).

4. Disc brake according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the curved section (14) is at least partially supported on the linear section (13).

5. Disc brake according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (20) is designed as a spring plate in the form of a clamp having a wave shape with an upper closed end (25) and a lower open end, and which, with the closed end (25), forms a spring action acting in the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (21) above the Retaining bracket (21) extends through.

6. Disc brake according to claim 5, wherein the clamp has fastening elements (27, 28) at one free end (26) which at least partially engage the retaining bracket (21) at an end face of the through-opening (22), and a bulge (29) at the other free end (26) which engages the retaining bracket (21).

7. Disc brake according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the clamp (20) extends over the entire width of the through-opening (22).

8. Disc brake according to claim 1, in which the locking element (30) is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a U-shaped clamp such that a base (33) engages in the through-opening (32) from above, bearing against the side surfaces and / or the outer end face thereof, legs (34) come to rest on the top of the retaining bracket (31) and the free ends (36) laterally encompass the retaining bracket (31).

9. Disc brake according to claim 1, wherein the locking element (37, 65) is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a clamping bracket such that it engages in the through-opening (38) while bearing against its side surfaces (46).

10. Disc brake according to claim 9, wherein the clamp bracket (37) has two oppositely inclined legs (43) which are designed such that they each form a spring action transverse to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (39) on the side surfaces (46) of the through opening (38) come to the facility.

11. Disc brake according to claim 10, wherein the clamp bracket (37) has a wave shape with at least one upper bend (40) and at least two lower bends (41), wherein the upper bend (40) and / or the lower bends (41) are designed to receive an assembly tool.

12. Disc brake according to claim 11, wherein the legs (43) extend from the lower bends (41) at such an inclination that the legs (43) form an undercut in the inserted state with respect to the through-opening (38).

13. Disc brake according to one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the locking element (65) has external sections (66) which continue in bends (67) which have free ends (68) in such a position that, when the locking element (65) is pulled out of the through-opening (38), they come into contact with the underside of the retaining bracket (39).

14. Disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (2) accommodating a brake actuation mechanism and encompassing a brake disc against which brake pads (6) can be pressed on both sides during braking, and a retaining bracket (57) attachable to the brake caliper (2) on which pad retaining springs (3) acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads (6) are supported, wherein the retaining bracket (57), which spans a mounting opening (5) of the brake caliper (2) transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc, is positively locked to the brake caliper (2) both at its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and at its opposite distal end, and with a locking element (47) which is elastically deformable and designed to cooperate with the brake caliper (2) in order to hold the retaining bracket (57) in its positive locking attachments relative to the brake caliper (2).wherein the brake caliper (2) has a projection (48) on the side opposite the brake actuation mechanism, wherein the locking element (47) is designed and configured as an element separate from the retaining bracket (57) to at least partially fill a through-opening (56) in the retaining bracket (57), characterized in that the locking element (47) is clamped securely to the projection (48) of the brake caliper (2).

15. Disc brake according to claim 14, wherein the locking element is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a clamp (47) with a central section (51) which engages from above into the through-opening (56) and thereby encompasses the projection (48) of the brake caliper (2), and two lateral sections (52) which laterally encompass the retaining bracket (57) and / or the projection (48).

16. Disc brake according to claim 15, wherein the central section (51) has fastening elements (54, 55) which engage under the projection (48) of the brake caliper.

17. Disc brake, in particular for a commercial vehicle, comprising a brake caliper (2) accommodating a brake actuation mechanism and encompassing a brake disc against which brake pads (6) can be pressed on both sides during braking, and a retaining bracket (62) attachable to the brake caliper (2), on which pad retaining springs (3) acting on the upper outer edges of the brake pads (6) are supported, wherein the retaining bracket (62), which spans a mounting opening (5) of the brake caliper (2) transversely to the direction of rotation of the brake disc, is positively locked to the brake caliper (2) both at its proximal end on the side of the brake actuation mechanism and at its opposite distal end, and with a locking element (58) which is elastically deformable and designed to cooperate with the brake caliper (2) in order to hold the retaining bracket (62) in its positive locking attachments relative to the brake caliper (2), characterized in thatthat the brake caliper (2) has a projection (59) with an opening (60) on the side opposite the brake actuation mechanism and the retaining bracket (62) integrally incorporates the locking element (58) in the region of its distal end, has a free end (63) which is designed to engage the opening (60) in the projection (59).

18. Disc brake according to claim 17, wherein the locking element is designed as a spring tongue (58).

19. Disc brake according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the retaining bracket (62) laterally engages the projection (59) of the brake caliper (2) with its end face.

20. A locking element (11) which is elastically deformable and designed to hold a retaining bracket (1) for brake pad retaining springs (3) against a brake caliper (2) of a disc brake in positive locking fixings by at least partially filling a through-opening (12) in the retaining bracket (1), characterized by a first linear section (13) which is designed to pass through a receiving opening provided on the retaining bracket (1), and a second curved section which is designed to engage in the through-opening (12) from above.

21. Securing element (11) according to claim 20, wherein the curved section (14) has two oppositely inclined legs (16) which are designed to come into contact with the side surfaces (17) of the through-opening (12) by forming a spring action transverse to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (1).

22. Securing element (11) according to claim 20 or 21, wherein the curved section (14) is designed to support itself against the linear section (13) when mounted on the retaining bracket (1).

23. Locking element (11) according to claims 20, 21 or 22, wherein the locking element is designed as a wire spring (11).

24. A locking element (20) which is elastically deformable and designed to hold a retaining bracket (21) for brake pad retaining springs (3) in positive-locking fastenings relative to a brake caliper (2) of a disc brake by at least partially filling a through-opening (22) in the retaining bracket (1), characterized in that the locking element (20) is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a clamp which has a wave shape with an upper closed end (25) and with a lower open end and which is designed to penetrate the through-opening (22) with the closed end (25) above the retaining bracket (21) by forming a spring action acting in the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (21).

25. Securing element (20) according to claim 24, wherein the clamp has fastening elements (27, 28) at one free end (26) which are configured to at least partially engage the retaining bracket (21) at an end face of the through-opening (22), and at the other free end (26) has a bulge (29) which is configured to engage under the retaining bracket (21).

26. Locking element (30) which is elastically deformable and designed to hold a retaining bracket (1) for brake pad retaining springs (3) against a brake caliper (2) of a disc brake in positive locking connections by at least partially filling a through-opening (32) in the retaining bracket (1), characterized in that the locking element (30) is a spring plate in the form is formed by a U-shaped bracket, with a base (33) , which is designed to engage in the passage opening (32) from above, resting against the side surfaces and / or the outer end face thereof, with legs (34) , which are designed to come into contact with the top of the retaining bracket (31), and with free ends (36) , which are designed to grip the retaining bracket (31) laterally.

27. Securing element (37) which is elastically deformable and designed to form a retaining bracket (1) for The retaining springs (3) are able to hold the brake pad retainer springs (3) in positive-locking fixings against a brake caliper (2) of a disc brake by at least partially filling a through-opening (38) in the retaining bracket (1), characterized in that the locking element (37) is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a clamp bracket such that it can engage in the through-opening (38) by bearing against its side surfaces (46).

28. Securing element (37) according to claim 27, wherein the clamping bracket (37) has two oppositely inclined legs (43) which are designed to come into contact with the side surfaces (46) of the through-opening (38) by forming a spring action transverse to the longitudinal direction of the retaining bracket (39).

29. Securing element (37) according to claim 27, wherein the clamping bracket (37) has a wave shape with at least one upper bend (40) and at least two lower bends (41), wherein the upper bend (40) and / or the lower bends (41) are designed to receive an assembly tool.

30. Locking element according to claim 29, wherein the thigh (43) from the lower bends (41) in such a The inclination extends such that the legs (43) form an undercut in the inserted state with respect to the through-opening (38).

31. Locking element according to one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the locking element (65) has external sections (66) which continue in bends (67) which have free ends (68) in such a position that, when the locking element (65) is pulled out of the through-opening (38), they come into contact with the underside of the retaining bracket (39).

32. A locking element (47) which is elastically deformable and designed to hold a retaining bracket (57) for brake pad retaining springs (3) in positive-locking fastenings relative to a brake caliper (2) of a disc brake by at least partially filling a through-opening (56) in the retaining bracket (1), characterized in that the locking element is designed as a spring sheet in the form of a clamp (47) with a central section (51) which is designed to engage from above into the through-opening (56) and thereby engage a projection (48) of the brake caliper (2), and with two lateral sections (52) which are designed to engage the retaining bracket (57) and / or the projection (48) laterally.

33. Securing element (47) according to claim 32, wherein the central section (51) has fastening elements (54, 55) configured to engage under the projection (48) of the brake caliper.

34. Retaining bracket (62) for lining retainer springs (3) with a locking element (58) which is elastically deformable and designed to secure the retaining bracket (62) against a able to hold the brake caliper (2) of a disc brake in positive-locking fixings, wherein the brake caliper (2) has a projection (59) with an opening (60), characterized in that the locking element (58) is designed as an integral spring tongue with a free end (63) which is designed to engage behind the opening (60) in the projection (59).

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