Braking system

Abstract

TITLE: Braking System The invention relates to a braking system (10) comprising a first brake pad (11) and a second brake pad (12), each of the pads (11, 12) comprising a lining (2) adapted to come into contact with a rotor (100), the linings (2) of the pads (11, 12) together comprising a first and a second brake particle collection groove (4), each collection groove (4) comprising an air inlet (43) and an air outlet (44), said braking system (10) comprising a linking element (5) configured to fluidly connect the air outlet (44) of the first groove (41) to the air inlet (43) of the second groove (42), the air outlet (44) of the second groove (42) being fluidly connected to a vacuum source (9). Figure 4a

Description

Title of the invention: Braking system technical field

[0001] The scope of this disclosure relates to non-polluting braking systems intended for use in machines with a rotating element whose rotation is to be braked, such as, for example, road or rail vehicles, or structures with rotating elements, such as wind turbines. In such braking systems, particles and dust are emitted by friction braking as a result of the abrasion of brake pads against the rotating element. This rotating element is, for example, the vehicle wheel or a disc driven by the rotating element. It is known that these particles dispersed into the environment are harmful to human health. Furthermore, the development of electric motors for motor vehicles has increased the need to treat the particles and dust resulting from the abrasion of friction braking systems.Therefore, there is a need to capture these particles and dust before they are released into the environment.

[0002] More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a braking system.

[0003] This disclosure also relates to a brake pad. Previous technique

[0004] Unpublished application FR2301604, illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, describes a pair of brake pads 11, 12, each having a blind groove 4. The assembly also includes two suction lines 13.1, 13.2, each fluidically connected to the outlet of one of the two grooves 4, the inlet of each groove being, for example, open to the atmosphere. The suction lines 13.1 and 13.2 communicate with a vacuum source to form two separate airflows, each passing through a groove 4 of a brake pad 11, 12 to collect the brake particles.

[0005] This solution is satisfactory with regard to the efficiency of particle capture. However, it still has some drawbacks, particularly concerning the integration of the suction lines, which are bulky for a highly constrained system such as a braking system, which is also a confined environment with moving parts.

[0006] Such a system is also often considered "safe", particularly in the automotive field, and is subject to strict regulations and approvals, so that it is difficult to modify a design to free up space for these pipes.

[0007] Thus, adapting a suction system to an existing system requires adapting to the existing design: if a brake pad already has grooves (for its mechanical strength or vibration damping), it may not be possible to provide a particle collection groove with an ideal shape and arrangement. One solution is to provide several (small) grooves. The same solution is considered to provide sufficient suction for large brake pads. In both examples, for each of these multiple grooves to "see" a sufficient flow rate, the suction source must provide a high flow rate, which results in increased electrical energy consumption (proportional to the flow rate).

[0008] The purpose of this disclosure is therefore to mitigate at least in part the disadvantages of the prior art mentioned above.

[0009] In particular, one objective of this disclosure is to propose a solution that, among other things, minimizes the modifications required to the braking system while maintaining satisfactory particle collection performance. The proposed solution is also reliable and economical. It is also adaptable to numerous brake pad sizes and shapes, and to many applications, for example, in vehicles, from passenger cars to heavy vehicles, such as trucks. Finally, the proposed solution aims to protect the environment by collecting brake particles while minimizing the energy consumed to do so. Summary

[0010] The objectives mentioned above are achieved in particular by a braking system, according to a first aspect of this disclosure, comprising a first brake pad and a second brake pad, each of the pads comprising a lining suitable for contacting a rotor, the linings of the pads comprising, together, a first and a second brake particle collection groove, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said braking system comprising a linking element configured to fluidly connect the air outlet of the first groove to the air inlet of the second groove, the air outlet of the second groove being fluidly connected to a vacuum source.

[0011] Thus, in a particularly efficient manner, the solution according to the present disclosure makes it possible to ensure complete brake particle collection using a single continuous airflow, thereby minimizing the power required by the vacuum source. This "series" arrangement makes it possible to deliver a significant suction flow rate to all grooves without correspondingly increasing the overall flow rate of the source (and therefore its consumption).

[0012] The proposed solution is also less bulky, since the number of pipes is reduced compared to the solution illustrated in [Fig.3b].

[0013] In some examples, the linings of the first and second brake pads are positioned opposite each other so that each comes into contact with a rotor (brake disc). Each brake pad may include a friction surface configured to come into contact with the rotor. The brake pads may be positioned so that the friction surfaces of the linings include at least one flat portion substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the rotor, on which contact can be made.

[0014] In other examples, the pads and their linings can be arranged differently, so as to be used in a drum brake system: the friction surface of the pads is cylindrical and bears radially on an inner face of the drum.

[0015] The braking system according to the first aspect can be used for example in a road vehicle (cars, buses, trucks, ...) or railway vehicle (trains, trams, metros...), but also in a stationary rotor machine, such as a wind turbine or an industrial machine.

[0016] The linings may comprise a friction surface, delimited by at least four principal sides: two lateral sides, one radially outer side, and one radially inner side. The grooves may extend at least partially along one of the lateral sides. The grooves may extend substantially across the middle of the linings at an equal distance from the two lateral sides, from the level of the radially inner side to the level of the radially outer side.

[0017] The linings are formed from a friction material, which may include a material commonly called "ferodo". The friction material may be chosen from a group including organic, metallic, semi-metallic, or ceramic materials.

[0018] Each lining can be fixed to a backing plate, together forming a brake pad. The backing plate can be generally plate-shaped, for example, metallic. The backing plate can serve as an interface between the pad and other elements of the braking system, for example, sensors, or mounting elements of a caliper or a linear drive mechanism. While the lining's function is to come into contact with the rotor to be braked, the backing plate itself does not come into contact with the rotor during braking. The lining can typically be fixed to the backing plate by a mounting surface opposite the friction surface.

[0019] According to one aspect, the linings together comprise a first and a second groove for collecting brake particles. The proposed solution is not limited to the number of two grooves, but it is understood that the linings, in themselves- Both pads must have at least two grooves. In other words, the sum of all the grooves in the first and second pads must be at least two. One pad could therefore have two grooves, while the other pad has none. Furthermore, since the term "comprising" remains open-ended, it is possible that the first and second pads together could have more than two grooves. For example, the first pad could have two grooves, and the second pad could have one groove.

[0020] In one aspect, the grooves include an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlets and outlets may include openings leading to the outside of the pad. It is possible for the grooves to include several air inlets. The air inlet may, for example, open from the lining onto a surface other than the friction surface. For example, the air inlet may open onto one of the lateral sides, or radially inside or outside the lining. The air inlet may open as a slot onto the friction surface. The air inlet may open as a duct with no opening onto the friction surface, and opening onto a lateral or radial side of the lining through an orifice, for example, a circular one. In some examples, the air inlet may open across a lateral side of the sole and a lateral side of the lining.According to examples, the air intake may open exclusively from a lateral side, or from a rear face, of the sole. The air intake may open directly to the open air, or indirectly via a fluidic communication element.

[0021] The air outlet may open onto the pad's base. The air outlet may form a duct opening from the lining's mounting surface and passing through the base. The air outlet may be connected to a vacuum source.

[0022] The grooves may include an opening separate from the air inlet and outlet. This opening may be provided along at least part of the groove's length and may open onto the friction surface. The grooves may be arranged such that when the rotor makes contact with the friction surface, the rotor closes the opening in the groove. An airflow is then created by the low-pressure source between the air inlet and outlet of the groove, the opening remaining closed by the rotor during braking. This opening allows brake particles to enter the groove and be collected by the airflow.

[0023] The vacuum source can be a suction device, for example, comprising a fan or a turbine. The vacuum source can include a filtration device. Thanks to the connecting element, air can flow from the inlet of the first groove to the vacuum source, which is connected to the outlet of the second groove. The outlet of the second groove can be connected to the vacuum source of directly, for example via a sealed fluid connection, such as a pipe or tube. The outlet of the second groove can be connected to the vacuum source indirectly, for example via an element other than a simple fluid connection, such as a filter placed between the outlet of the second groove and the vacuum source, or via a third groove.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a brake pad comprising a friction material lining, the lining comprising a first and a second brake particle collection groove, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said pad comprising a linking element fluidly connecting the air outlet of said first groove to the air inlet of said second groove.

[0025] The features described in the following paragraphs may optionally be implemented independently of each other or in combination with each other:

[0026] In some examples, the connecting element is at least partially arranged radially externally to the first and second brake pads. The term "radially external" refers to the outward radial direction relative to the rotor's axis of rotation. This allows access to the connecting element even when the brake pads are assembled in the brake.

[0027] In some examples, the first groove is formed in the lining of the first pad and the second groove is formed in the lining of the second pad. Thus, the connecting element forms a fluidic "bridge" between the first and second pads. The suction power is therefore (apart from pressure losses in the pipe and the groove) identical on both sides of the disc.

[0028] In examples, the braking system according to the first aspect may include a caliper, the connecting element comprising a flexible portion connected to the first pad by a first rigid portion and to the second pad by a second rigid portion.

[0029] The brake pads can be linked to the caliper so that at least one of them is free to move in translation, preferably along the axial direction, relative to the caliper. This brake pad is driven in translation by an actuator, for example at least one piston.

[0030] Said flexible portion can be extensible in the direction of progression of the connecting element.

[0031] The flexible portion may serve to absorb the axial movement of one or both brake pads relative to the caliper. Thus, fluid communication between the two pads is maintained throughout the braking operation, even when at least one of them moves translationally to reach the rotor.

[0032] The caliper can be a fixed caliper, stationary relative to the hub and comprising one or more pistons applying a force to each of the pads. In the examples illustrated here, the caliper is a floating caliper that moves axially relative to a fixed bracket, with one or more pistons applying a force to only one of the pads.

[0033] The connecting element may include an air circulation duct formed in the bracket, and preferably the air circulation duct is obtained by a recess in the bracket. Thus, the connecting element is at least partly constituted by a particular geometry of the bracket. For example, the air circulation duct may be a channel, or a bore, formed in a single piece of the bracket.

[0034] In some examples, the air circulation duct can be obtained by molding using one or more lost-wax cores. In other examples, the air circulation duct can be obtained by machining.

[0035] In some examples, a flexible hose can be inserted into the caliper's air circulation channel, maintaining fluid communication between the outlet of the first brake pad and the inlet of the second brake pad. This allows, in particular, in the event of a blockage in the hose, for the fluid communication to be restored by removing and / or replacing the blocked hose, without needing to remove and clean the caliper or replace it.

[0036] The air circulation duct may have a path exclusively contained within a plane. In other words, the air duct may extend in only two dimensions.

[0037] The air circulation duct can extend in several distinct planes, i.e. in three dimensions. This can notably be the case in examples in which the air outlet of the first plate and the air inlet of the second plate are offset from each other in a transverse / circumferential direction.

[0038] At least one of the pads may be movable in translation relative to the caliper, and an adapter plate may be attached to said at least one pad. The adapter plate comprises a barrel, preferably axial, through which an orifice passes. The barrel is engaged in sliding motion, preferably axial, within the caliper in such a way that the orifice fluidly connects the air circulation duct of the caliper to the groove of said at least one pad for all translational positions of said at least one pad. Said at least one pad may be the second pad, and the barrel may be fluidly connected to the air inlet of a groove in the second pad. The adapter plate further provides a passage fluidly connected to the air outlet of the groove in the second pad, the passage being connected to the vacuum source via a conduit that is at least partially flexible.

[0039] According to one aspect, the axial length of the barrel is dimensioned to maintain fluidic communication between the air circulation duct and the groove of the pad throughout the maximum relative stroke of said pad with respect to the caliper.

[0040] The two pads can be fitted with an adapter plate. This can be the case in particular in the case of a fixed caliper, the two pads then being movable in translation relative to the caliper and relative to the air circulation duct integrated into the caliper.

[0041] The passage (connecting the source to the groove) may extend in a purely axial direction. In other examples, the passage may extend in both radial and axial dimensions, the conduit, at least partially flexible, not being aligned with the outlet of the groove.

[0042] The conduit, at least in part flexible, may comprise a sleeve or a rigid cannula and a flexible portion, for example, a flexible and / or extensible portion. Such a flexible portion may, for example, be a bellows comprising an elastomer.

[0043] The connecting element can be fluidly connected to the grooves by means of two cannulas, each of the cannulas being respectively attached to the air outlet of a first groove and to the air inlet of a second groove.

[0044] Indeed, according to examples, each inlet and outlet of each groove connected to the connecting element can be fluidly connected to an intermediate cannula. In particular, each intermediate cannula can be, at least partially, installed in the respective inlet or outlet orifice. Thus, each intermediate cannula protrudes substantially radially from its orifice. The cannula can be oriented at an angle between 110° and 170° to the surface from which it protrudes. Those skilled in the art will adapt the position and orientation of the cannula, taking into account, in particular, the dimensions of the splint.

[0045] Each intermediate cannula can be screwed, welded, glued, press-fitted or shrink-fitted into the plate, in particular in each inlet and outlet port requiring such an intermediate cannula, without this being limiting.

[0046] Each end of the connecting element can be connected, directly or indirectly, to one of the inlet and / or outlet ports. For example, when the intermediate cannulas described above are provided, the connecting element is connected to one of the ports via the corresponding intermediate cannula. As an example, the connecting element can be clipped onto the corresponding intermediate cannula. Alternatively, the intermediate cannula can be clipped onto the corresponding connecting element.

[0047] The connecting element may comprise two rigid, angled portions mechanically and fluidly connected to each of the first and second The connecting element consists of brake pads and a flexible portion that fluidly and directly connects the rigid, angled portions. This connecting element can be accessed through an opening in the caliper, for example, for assembly, disassembly, or maintenance. Since the rigid, angled portions are designed to remain in place on the brake pads, the flexible portion of the connecting element can be easily removed for replacement or cleaning.

[0048] The wafer's connecting element according to a second aspect of this disclosure can be at least partly arranged radially internally to the wafer with respect to the axis of rotation.

[0049] The air outlet and / or inlet may be provided and / or open onto a radially inner side of the trim.

[0050] The air outlet and / or inlet may be provided and / or open onto two different sides of the lining, or onto the base of the pad.

[0051] In one example, at least one of the brake pads in the braking system according to the first aspect is a brake pad according to the second aspect. In this case, the braking system comprises a first connecting element linking two grooves of the same (first) brake pad, and a second connecting element linking a groove of the first brake pad to a groove of the second brake pad. Brief description of the drawings

[0052] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the detailed description below and from analyzing the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1

[0053] [Fig.1] shows a schematic representation of a disc brake, comprising a caliper and a pad braking system equipped with suction lines known from the prior art. Fig. 2

[0054] [Fig.2] shows a schematic view of two examples of brake pads known from the prior art. Fig. 3a

[0055] [Fig.3a] shows a front view of an example of a plate known from the prior art, provided with a straight groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet. Fig. 3b

[0056] [Fig. 3b] shows a schematic representation of a known prior art caliper equipped with brake pads comprising grooves according to an example, the grooves each connected to a suction pipe. The two separate airflows are represented by dotted lines. Fig. 4a

[0057] [Fig.4a] shows a schematic perspective representation of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, a connecting element linking two grooves of two pads. Fig. 4b

[0058] [Fig.4b] shows a schematic perspective representation of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, the linking element comprising a trace passing through an area radially outside a portion of the caliper. Fig. 5a

[0059] [Fig.5a] shows a plan view of a longitudinal section of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, the connecting element comprising an air circulation duct provided in the caliper. Fig. 5b

[0060] [Fig.5b] shows a perspective view of a longitudinal section of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, the linking element comprising an air circulation duct provided in the caliper, and one of the pads being equipped with an adapter plate. Fig. 5c

[0061] [Fig. 5c] shows a schematic representation of an example of an adapter plate according to the present disclosure and of two plates according to an example. Fig. 6a

[0062] [Fig.6a] shows a schematic representation of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, in which the linking element and the pads are made accessible through an opening in the caliper. Fig. 6b

[0063] [Fig.6b] shows a schematic representation of an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure, the connecting element fluidly linking the pads by two rigid angled portions. Fig. 7

[0064] [Fig.7] shows a schematic representation of an example of a brake pad according to the present disclosure, two grooves of the same pad being connected by a connecting element. Description of the implementation methods

[0065] The drawings and description below contain, essentially, elements of a definite nature. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

[0066] In the various figures, the same reference numerals designate identical or similar elements. For the sake of brevity, only the elements that are useful for understanding the described embodiment are shown in the figures and are described in detail below.

[0067] In the following description, when reference is made to absolute position qualifiers, such as "front," "rear," "top," "bottom," "left," "right," etc., or relative position qualifiers, such as "above," "below," "upper," "lower," etc., or to orientation qualifiers, such as "horizontal," "vertical," etc., reference is made, unless otherwise specified, to the usual designations of a braking system in its normal operating position. The terms "axial" and "radial" are understood, in particular, unless otherwise stated, to refer to the axis of rotation of the braked rotor. The "longitudinal" direction is considered parallel to the axis of rotation of the rotor, and the "transverse" direction is considered perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the term "approximately" is to be interpreted as indicating that the result obtained is as precise as the known method for measuring it.

[0068] Figures 1 to 3b illustrate an example of a prior art braking system discussed above. [Fig. 1] shows an example of a prior art braking system, in particular from document FR3087238, comprising a rotor 100, more specifically in this example a brake disc, a caliper 6 with two brake pads partially visible here, positioned on either side of the annular faces of the disc, and two suction lines 13.1 and 13.2, known from the prior art, connecting the grooves of the two pads and thus forming two separate airflows, which can join for example at a node 13.3 communicating with a single line connected to a vacuum source 9 (not shown).

[0069] Fig. 2 shows two examples of brake pads 1, 11, 12 having a lining 2 fixed on a base 3. The pads 1, 11, 12 each include a lining 2, suitable for contacting a rotor 100. The linings 2 include in particular a friction surface 21, at least partially contained in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotor 100 when mounted on a braking system.

[0070] During braking, the friction surfaces 21 of the pads 11, 12 are pressed against the rotor 100. This contact causes frictional forces between the pads and the rotor, which lead to progressive wear of the linings. Particles from the friction material of the linings are thus generated; these particles are generally polluting and toxic. These particles are at least partially collected by collection grooves 4 fitted into the linings.

[0071] According to these examples of the plate, the groove 4 includes an air inlet 43, particularly visible here, and an air outlet (not shown). The two examples differ from each other with regard to the geometry of the air inlet 43, one (in the upper part of the figure) being made in the form of a slot opening onto the friction surface 21, which has the disadvantage of narrowing with wear of the lining, and the other example (at the bottom of the figure) presenting an improvement of the first example with an air inlet having a non-open orifice on the friction surface.

[0072] Another example of a brake pad 11, 12 is shown in [Fig. 3a]. According to such an example, the lining 2 has four sides: a radially outer side 22, a radially inner side 25, and two lateral sides 23, 24. In this example, the groove 4 is arranged on one lateral side 23 of the lining 2, the groove 4 being straight, and having an air inlet 43 and an air outlet 44. Here, the air inlet is provided on the radially outer side 22 of the lining 2, the outlet 44 being provided on the radially inner side 25 of the lining 2. The inlet 43 and the outlet 44 are connected by the straight groove 4. In other examples, the fitting 2 may have several inlets and several outlets, which may, for example, be provided in positions distinct from the ends of the groove 4. The groove 4 may, according to examples, have non-straight portions, for example forming angles.

[0073] The plate 1, 11, 12 in this example is fixed to a base 3, the base having fixing interfaces 31, here two in number. The base 3 also has a housing 32 provided for example for attaching an electronic element, for example a wear sensor.

[0074] Figure 3b illustrates an example of a braking system according to the prior art, comprising two brake pads 11, 12 received in a caliper 6, each pad having a groove fluidly connected by two separate suction lines 13.1 and 13.2 to a node 13.3, the node being fluidly connected to a vacuum source 9. The vacuum source 9 is configured to generate a dual airflow, comprising two parallel branches shown in dashed lines, drawing air through each of the two air inlets to the vacuum source 9. The total flow rate supplied by the vacuum source 9 is thus at least equal to the sum of the two minimum flow rates Xm required for the proper functioning of the two grooves of the two brake pads. The total flow rate is therefore, in this example, at least equal to 2Xm.

[0075] Reference is now made to Figures 4a and 4b, which represent an example of a braking system according to this disclosure. A system is shown A braking element 10 comprising two pads 11, 12, which may be, for example, of the type described above, or of another type known to those skilled in the art, configured to be positioned so as to make contact with a rotor 100 (not shown, an example of which is illustrated in [Fig. 1]). The example shown demonstrates an arrangement that may be applied to a brake disc, but the scope of this disclosure is not limited to this example. It is, for example, also possible to consider a drum brake, or any other type of brake equipped with friction elements.

[0076] In some examples, the two plates may have different shapes and / or different grooves. The plates may also have a different number of grooves. In some examples, one of the plates may not have any grooves.

[0077] Each groove includes at least one air inlet 43 and at least one air outlet 44. Although the example in [Fig.4a] represents two apparently similar plates 11, 12 positioned opposite each other, it is possible, according to examples, that the inlet 43 of the first groove 41 of the first plate 11, once mounted, is not located opposite the inlet 43 of the second groove 42 of the second plate 12.

[0078] In the example shown in [Fig.4a], the braking system 10 includes a linking element 5 configured to fluidly link the exit of the groove of the first pad 11 with the inlet 43 of the groove of the second pad 12. The linking element 5 here has a path that bypasses the pads through a zone radially external to the pads 11, 12. In other examples, it is possible that the path of the linking element 5 passes through radially internal, and / or lateral and / or radially superior zones of the pads.

[0079] In this example, the outlet of the groove of the first plate 11 opens onto a rear face, opposite to the fixing face of the lining 2, of the sole 3. The connecting element 5 includes an interface element 32 intended to ensure the fluidic connection between the connecting element 5 and the outlet 44 of the groove 4.

[0080] In this example, the connecting element 5 comprises a flexible portion 52 which can be stretched and two rigid portions 53 and 51. The flexible portion 52 is connected to the two rigid portions. Said rigid portions 53 and 51 are connected, respectively, one to the outlet 44 of the first plate 11 and the other to the inlet 43 of the plate 12.

[0081] In this example, the inlet 43 of the second plate 12 opens onto the radially external side 22 of the second plate 12 and of the sole 3. In particular, the inlet 43 opens at the level of an edge delimiting the fixing surface of the lining 2 on the sole 3, by a mouth shared between the sole 3 and the lining 2.

[0082] In this example, the outlet 44 of the second plate 12 is connected to one or more vacuum sources 9 by a conduit 8. This conduit can connect the outlet 44 directly to the vacuum source 9, or indirectly via components such as a filter. Furthermore, in other examples, this conduit can be a second connecting element, linking, for example, the outlet of the second groove to the inlet of a third groove.

[0083] Figure 4b illustrates an example in which the braking system 10 is represented in [Fig.4a] is mounted on a bracket 6. The bracket 6 includes in particular a geometry allowing the passage of the connecting element 5 in a zone radially outside the bracket 6.

[0084] According to examples, the pads 11, 12 are translationally movable relative to the rotor 100. Depending on the type of caliper, one of the pads is therefore movable relative to the caliper, typically mounted on one or more pistons movable along the axial direction, so as to come into contact with the rotor 100, for example with an annular face of a brake disc, the caliper itself being movable to bring the other pad into contact with the other annular face of the brake disc. In such cases, the flexible portion 52 may have the function of accompanying, by its deformable and / or extensible nature, the translation of at least one of the pads 11, 12 along the axial direction during the braking action.

[0085] In the example of [Fig. 5a], the connecting element 5 includes an air circulation duct 61, formed in the caliper 6. In the example shown, which displays a plan view of a longitudinal section of an example of a braking system 10, the air circulation duct 61 extends in a single plane parallel to a longitudinal direction. Indeed, since the outlet 44 of the first brake pad 11 is in the same longitudinal plane as the inlet 43 of the second brake pad 12, the air circulation duct 61 can therefore extend in only two dimensions. According to other examples, the air circulation duct can extend in several planes, and for example in three dimensions.

[0086] In the example shown, the connecting element 5 is entirely formed by the air circulation duct 61. However, in other examples, the connecting element 5 may comprise one or more distinct portions of the bracket 6 and / or one or more portions of the air circulation duct 61 formed in the bracket 6. For example, the connecting element 5 may comprise a distinct portion of the bracket 6 connecting a first plate to an air circulation duct 61 formed in the bracket 6, and a second distinct portion of the bracket 6 connecting the air circulation duct 61 to a second plate. It is also possible, in other examples, for the air circulation duct 61 formed in the bracket 6 to fluidly connect two grooves of the same plate.

[0087] Reference is now made to [Fig. 5b]. An example of a braking system 10 according to the present disclosure is shown therein, in which the caliper 6 is, as in the example shown in [Fig. 5a]. The pads 11, 12 are visible here, pad 11 being directly connected to the air circulation duct 61, which constitutes the connecting element 5, and the other pad 12 being indirectly connected to the air circulation duct 61 by an adapter plate 7. Such an adapter plate 7 may, in particular, have the function of allowing different types of pads 11, 12 to be fluidly connected to a single caliper design 6.

[0088] In the examples illustrated in [Fig. 5b] and 5c, the pad 12 is movable in translation relative to the caliper 6, as described above. The adapter plate 7 is attached to the movable pad 12 so as to maintain fluid communication throughout the translation of the pad 12. That is to say, for all positions occupied by the pad 12, considering its maximum stroke amplitude, fluid communication is always ensured. To this end, the adapter plate 7 comprises a shaft 72 extending in an axial direction and through which a through orifice 73 passes. The shaft 72 may have an axial length of between 3 and 10 times the thickness of the adapter plate 7. The length of the shaft 72 may be greater than the lining thickness, for example, by at least 20%.

[0089] In this example, the adapter plate 7 has a rear face, oriented towards the caliper 6, and a front face oriented towards the plate 11, 12. Here, the orifice 73 is through-hole in that it opens onto both the front face and the rear face of the adapter plate 7.

[0090] Due to its axially elongated geometry, the shaft 73 is configured to engage in a functional portion 62 of the stirrup 6, the functional portion 62 being fluidly connected to the air circulation duct 61. In the examples shown in [Fig. 5a] and 5b, the functional portion 62 has a larger cross-sectional area than the air circulation duct 61. The orifice 73 may also have a cross-sectional area equal to or smaller than that of the air circulation duct 61. The cross-section is obtained by a planar section perpendicular to the neutral axis of the air circulation duct 61, the functional portion 62, or the orifice 73.

[0091] The barrel 72 is configured to engage in axial sliding in the bracket 6. The barrel 72 and / or the functional portion 62 may include a sealing element to ensure a leak-proof fluidic connection while allowing relative axial translation between the two parts, for example an O-ring, or a bellows.

[0092] In the examples shown in [Fig. 5b] and 5c, the air inlet 43 of the groove 4 of the second plate 12 is fluidly connected to the air circulation duct by the barrel 72. In other examples, it is the first plate 11 that is fluidly connected to the adapter plate 7. In other examples, the plates are all fitted with an adapter plate 7.

[0093] In the examples shown in Figures 5b and 5c, the adapter plate 7 further has a through passage 71, fluidly connected to the air outlet 44 of the groove 4 of the second insert 12. The passage 71 is connected to the vacuum source 9 via a conduit 8, at least partially flexible. The flexible portion of the conduit 8 includes, for example, a bellows 81, configured to extend at least in one axial direction so as to accompany the translational movement of the insert fitted with the adapter plate 7. The conduit 8 may include a rigid cannula fluidly connected to the vacuum source 9.

[0094] Figure 5c shows the path of the single airflow permitted by an example of a braking system according to this disclosure. The airflow is created by a vacuum source 9, which induces a suction force at one end of the airflow path. The air is then drawn in from the other end, at the air inlet 43 of the first brake pad 11. This air inlet may open directly to the atmosphere, for example, from the lining 2 and / or the backing plate 3 of the first brake pad 11. It may also open indirectly to the atmosphere, for example, through a channel in the caliper 6, or through a duct. The air then flows through the groove 4 of the first brake pad 11, the opening of which on the friction surface 21 is blocked by the contact between the lining and the rotor 100.The air has no other possible path than to flow towards the outlet 44 of the groove 4 of the first brake pad 11, thus collecting at least some of the brake particles generated by the braking action. The connecting element 5 guides the air from the outlet 44 of the first groove of the first brake pad 11 to the inlet 43 of the second groove, which, in this example, is located on the lining 2 of a second brake pad 12. The air is brought from the connecting element 5 to the inlet of the second groove 43 by the shaft of an adapter plate 7. The air then travels along the groove 4 of the second brake pad 12, thus performing a second collection of brake particles on the second brake pad 12, before progressing towards the outlet 44 of the second groove. The air then passes through passage 71 of the adapter plate 7 to be guided by the conduit 8 towards the source of depression 9.

[0095] According to the present disclosure, a single airflow is thus obtained, enabling the collection of brake particles to be carried out on at least two separate grooves.

[0096] Compared to the prior art solution using at least two suction lines 13.1, 13.2 connected by a node 13.3, here we have a total flow rate supplied by the vacuum source 9 which is at least equal to the highest minimum flow rate Xm required for the proper functioning of each groove. The total flow rate is therefore, in this For example, at least equal to Xm. This allows for a satisfactory brake particle collection operation with a vacuum source sized to deliver a flow theoretically half that of a state-of-the-art solution.

[0097] Reference is now made to figures 6a and 6b.

[0098] In this example, the yoke has a through opening 63 on its upper part. The opening 63 of the yoke 6 is shaped to allow the installation and removal of at least one pad. In other words, the dimensions of the opening allow at least one pad to be inserted into or removed from the assembly through the opening. More precisely, this passage of at least one pad through the yoke opening is possible with the pad positioned in its final orientation within the assembly. It is therefore possible to replace at least one pad with a new pad without needing to disassemble the yoke from the rotor 100. The yoke opening can thus have a dual purpose: an opening for the installation / removal of at least one pad, and an opening for mounting / dismounting the connecting element 5 onto the pad(s) 11, 12.The manufacturing process is therefore simpler and more economical because the same opening can perform both functions.

[0099] In the illustrated example, the connecting element 5 comprises two rigid, angled portions 54 mechanically and fluidly connected to one and the other of the first and second inserts 11, 12, and a flexible portion 55 fluidly and directly connecting said rigid, angled portions 54 to each other. For example, the rigid portions 54 can be mounted to rotate relative to the inlet 43 and outlet 44 of the first and second inserts 11, 12, respectively. The flexible portion 55 can be generally U-shaped, so as to be able to deform without bending when the inserts translate to approach the rotor 100. In this example, the rigid portions 54 are fluidly connected to the grooves of the first and second inserts by a radially superior side of the linings 2 of the inserts 11, 12. The flexible portion 55 extends entirely in an area radially outside the two inserts.The flexible part is thus accessible through opening 63 in the stirrup.

[0100] Reference is now made to [Fig. 7]. In this example, the connecting element 5 fluidly links two collection grooves 41, 42 of the same insert 1. It is known to provide a central groove 45 for water drainage and to impart certain mechanical or vibrational properties to the packing. However, the central groove 45 prevents the two particle intake grooves 41, 42 from being connected through the packing. It is therefore necessary to use a connecting element 5. The connecting element 5 connects the outlet 44 of the first groove 41 to the inlet 43 of the second groove 42. In some examples, it is possible to connect the outlet of the second groove 44 of the pad 1, as shown in this example, to a third groove of a second pad by means of a second connecting element 5, for example of the type illustrated in [Fig. 5a] or 6b. Such an arrangement makes it possible, in particular, to integrate pads 1 with several grooves, for example relatively large pads, into a braking system 10 as described above, while retaining the advantage of having a single airflow for all brake particle collection operations.

[0101] In the example shown in [Fig. 7], the connecting element 5 extends entirely within a radially internal area of ​​the insert 1. Here, the exit of the first groove and the inlet of the second groove open onto a radially internal side 25 of the lining 2. This configuration is made possible, in particular, because the connecting element 5 remains on only one side of the rotor. According to other examples, it is possible for the connecting element 5 to fluidly connect two grooves of the same insert by extending into other areas around the insert 1. In some examples, the exit 44 of the first groove 41 and the inlet 43 of the second groove 42 do not open onto the same side of the lining 2 and / or the base 3.

[0102] It is understood that the various examples presented above can be combined within the same brake system. For example, the pad in [Fig. 7] can replace the pad 11 shown in Figures 5 or 6.

[0103] The flexible hoses or hose sections discussed in the various examples above may be made of elastomer, for example silicone, or also of flexible metal tubing braided to withstand the heat generated by the brake. The rigid hoses or hose sections may be metallic, made of cast iron or possibly stainless steel.

Claims

Demands

1. Braking system (10) comprising a first brake pad (11) and a second brake pad (12), each of the pads (11, 12) comprising a lining (2) adapted to come into contact with a rotor (100), the linings (2) of the pads (11, 12) each comprising respectively a first and a second brake particle collection groove (4), each collection groove (4) comprising an air inlet (43) and an air outlet (44), said braking system (10) comprising a linking element (5) configured to fluidly connect the air outlet (44) of the first groove (41) of the first pad (11) to the air inlet (43) of the second groove (42) of the second pad (12), the air outlet (44) of the second groove (42) being fluidly connected to a vacuum source (9).

2. Braking system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein the connecting element (5) is at least partly arranged radially externally to the first and second pads (11, 12).

3. Braking system (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a caliper (6), the linking element (5) comprising a flexible portion (52) connected to the first pad (11) by a first rigid portion (51) and to the second pad (12) by a second rigid portion (53).

4. Braking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the connecting element (5) comprises an air circulation duct (61) provided in the caliper (6), and preferably the air circulation duct (61) is obtained by a recess in the caliper (6).

5. A braking system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one of the pads (11, 12) is movable in translation relative to the caliper (6), and wherein an adapter plate (7) is attached to said at least one pad (11, 12), the adapter plate (7) comprising a barrel (72), preferably axial, through which an orifice (73) passes, the barrel (72) being engaged in sliding, preferably axial, in the caliper (6) in such a way that the orifice (73) fluidly connects the air circulation duct (61) of the caliper (6) to the groove (4) of said at least one pad (11, 12). 12) for all translational positions of said at least one plate (11, 12).

6. Braking system (10) according to the preceding claim, wherein said at least one pad (11, 12) is the second pad (12) and the barrel (72) is fluidly connected to the air inlet (43) of a groove (4) of the second pad (12), the adapter plate (7) further having a passage (71) fluidly connected to the air outlet (44) of the groove (4) of the second pad (12), the passage (71) being connected to the vacuum source (9) via a line (8) at least partly flexible.

7. Braking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element (5) is fluidly connected to the grooves (41, 42) by means of two cannulas, each of the cannulas being respectively attached to the air outlet of the first groove (41) and to the air inlet of the second groove (42).

8. Braking system (10) according to any one of claims 1 or 2 in which the connecting element (5) comprises two rigid angled portions (54) mechanically and fluidly connected to one and the other of the first and second pads (11, 12), and a flexible portion (55) fluidly and directly connecting said rigid angled portions (54) to each other.

9. Brake pad (1) comprising a friction material lining (2) configured to come into contact with a rotor (100) rotating about an axis A, the lining (2) comprising a first and a second brake particle collection groove (41, 42), each collection groove (41, 42) comprising an air inlet (43) and an air outlet (44), said pad (1) comprising a linking element (5) fluidly connecting the air outlet (44) of said first groove (41) to the air inlet (43) of said second groove (42), the linking element (5) being at least partially disposed radially internally to the pad (11) with respect to the axis of rotation A, or the linking element (5) extending into other areas around the pad (1).

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