Friction Brake Device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a friction brake device (10) comprising a caliper (12), at least one pad (16) translatable relative to the caliper (12) along a movement axis (A) and intended to engage a brake disc, and at least one piston movably attached to the caliper (12) and capable of axially translating the pad (16), the pad (16) comprising at least one particle suction area including a suction port, the device (10) further comprising a suction tube (60) including a first rigid portion (64-1) having a first end that can face the suction port of the pad (16) and a second end, the suction tube (60) comprising an axially extendable flexible portion (66).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of friction braking devices.

[0002] The present invention relates to a friction brake device intended to be fitted to road or rail vehicles or stationary machines containing a rotor, such as, for example, wind turbines or industrial machines. [Background technology]

[0003] Such a braking device is known, in particular, from the patent application DE 10 02 04 14 522 A1 in the name of the applicant. This device classically comprises a so-called floating caliper, intended to be mounted on a fixed caliper support, and two pads mounted on opposite sides of a brake disc, which is rigidly connected, for example, to a wheel of a vehicle or to the rotor of a stationary machine. This device in particular comprises a so-called interior pad, which is moved in translation by a piston and intended to abut against a first side of the disc, and a so-called exterior pad, which is intended to abut against a second side of the disc opposite the first side. The piston includes a part that is subjected to the pressure of a hydraulic fluid, such as oil, in a pressure chamber. When the pressure in the chamber increases, the piston moves axially relative to the caliper, thus pressing the interior pad against the first side of the disc. At the same time, the rear of the floating caliper presses the exterior pad against the second side of the disc. The disc is therefore braked by a resisting torque generated by the pads rubbing against the corresponding surfaces.

[0004] When the pressure in the chamber drops, the piston retracts, causing the floating caliper to move and release the pads, which are then allowed to move away from the disc due to the slight wobble that naturally exists in the disc as it rotates.

[0005] Each pad includes a base and a friction lining. The lining is intended to contact the disc and wears over time due to abrasion. Wear of the lining generates harmful dust particles. To limit the release of such particles, it is known to provide means for collecting and suctioning the released particles. For this purpose, each pad includes grooves in the lining near the side edges of the pad and suction ports that open into the grooves and axially into the base on the opposite side of the grooves. Flexible tubing connects each suction port to a suction and filtering device.

[0006] During operation, the flexibility of the tubes allows them to compensate for any axial movement of the pads caused by piston movement and / or progressive pad wear. However, such tubes have a spring effect that tends to apply an undesirable axial force to the pads, which can move the pads toward or away from the disc in an uncontrolled manner. This can cause premature pad wear and lead to imperfect control of braking torque. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] French Patent No. 3057040 [Patent Document 2] French Patent Application Publication No. 3069832 [Patent Document 3] DE 4240873 A1 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present disclosure improves this situation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] For this purpose, a friction brake device has been proposed, which includes a caliper, at least one pad translatable along a movement axis relative to the caliper and intended to cooperate with a brake disc, and at least one piston movably attached to the caliper and capable of axially translating the pad, wherein the pad includes at least one particle suction area including a suction port, and the device further includes a suction tube having a first rigid part having a first end that can face the suction port of the pad and a second end, the suction tube being an axially extendable flexible part having a first end connected to the first rigid part and a second end intended to be connected to a means for suctioning the particles.

[0010] In contrast to the prior art, the suction tube is not flexible over its entire length, which reduces the spring effect of the suction tube on at least one pad. While the axially extensible flexible section of the suction tube allows it to compensate for the axial movement of the pad, the first rigid section faces the pad, limiting the spring effect on the latter. The residual torque resulting from contact between at least one pad and the brake disc is reduced compared to the prior art.

[0011] Furthermore, it should be noted that the suction tube is more heat resistant due to the reduced length of the flexible portion: in fact, the first rigid portion may have a higher melting point than the flexible portion.

[0012] Here, "rigid portion" means a portion of the suction tube whose axial dimension does not change when the piston moves the pad axially, and "flexible portion" means a portion of the suction tube whose axial dimension is adapted to change when the piston moves the pad axially.

[0013] The flexible portion is axially extensible to allow axial movement of the piston.

[0014] As described in detail above, the first rigid part may be fixed directly or indirectly to the piston, or may be integral with the piston.

[0015] In this specification, "axial" should be understood to mean "substantially parallel to the axis of said movement."

[0016] The suction means may consist, for example, of a suction and filtering device.

[0017] The second end of the flexible portion may be directly or indirectly connected to said suction means (e.g., as in the embodiments described below, another portion of the tube may be positioned between the second end of the flexible portion and the suction means).

[0018] According to one embodiment, the suction tube may include a second rigid portion having a first end connected to the second end of the flexible portion and a second end intended to be connected to the suction means.

[0019] Thus, the flexible portion is disposed between the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion, and thus can contract between the first rigid portion and the second rigid portion when the piston is retracted.

[0020] In this configuration, the suction means is directly connected to the second rigid portion and indirectly connected (via the second rigid portion) to the second end of the flexible tube.

[0021] The second rigid portion may be fixed to the caliper by, for example, a generally L-shaped arm.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the flexible portion may include at least one bellows.

[0023] Thanks to the pleated bellows, the flexible part can follow the axial movement of the corresponding pad (caused by the runout of the piston and disc) without being subjected to high traction forces that could lead to the breakage of the flexible part. Alternatively, the flexible part can be replaced by an elastic flexible or rigid part.

[0024] According to one embodiment, said flexible portion may be made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, and therefore may exhibit elastic behavior.

[0025] According to one aspect, the suction tube can be secured to the pad, with the first end of the first rigid portion adapted to sealingly abut the pad opposite the suction port to connect the suction tube to the suction region of the pad.

[0026] The suction tube is sealed and supported on the pad opposite the suction port, allowing for the suction of particles generated by the pad rubbing against the brake disc, thus limiting the amount of particles released to the outside.

[0027] The suction tube can be fixed to the pad directly or indirectly, i.e. via an additional part.

[0028] According to one aspect, the suction tube can be fixed to a piston, and the first end of the first rigid portion can sealingly abut on the pad opposite the suction port of the pad to connect the suction tube and the suction area of ​​the pad.

[0029] Therefore, the suction tube is fixed to the piston rather than to the at least one pad, and as a result does not exert an axial force on the corresponding pad, thereby avoiding the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art.

[0030] The suction tube can be fixed to the piston directly or indirectly, i.e. via an additional part. The first end of the first rigid part of the suction tube can abut sealingly against said pad directly or indirectly.

[0031] During braking, i.e. when the piston is bearing against the pads to push them axially towards the disc, the corresponding end of the suction tube can come into sealing contact with the pads. During these braking phases, particles are generated which need to be suctioned. Therefore, also during these phases, a seal must be provided between the tube and the suction area of ​​the pads by bearing engagement in a sealed manner.

[0032] This seal is also provided during the braking phase, which makes it possible to suck in post-braking particles at least during the so-called cleaning phase immediately following the braking phase.

[0033] In some cases, the suction tube can be rigidly connected to a support, which is fixed to the piston. The support can be in the form of a metal sheet. The support can include a central opening through which the piston passes. The support can be fixed to the piston by, for example, screwing, riveting, or welding. The suction tube can be fixed to this support.

[0034] The support may include a port facing the corresponding end of the tube, and the support is adapted to abut against the pad in a sealed manner such that the suction port of the pad and the port of the support face each other.

[0035] In one aspect, the caliper may be a floating caliper that can translate axially relative to the caliper support, the device including a first so-called inner pad and a second so-called outer pad, the first pad being directly actuated by a piston and the second pad being directly actuated by the rear of the floating caliper, the first suction tube being connectable to the suction area of ​​the first pad and the second suction tube being connectable to the suction area of ​​the second pad.

[0036] Such a configuration with a floating caliper allows both the first pad and the second pad to be indirectly actuated via the floating caliper.

[0037] Particles released from each pad are sucked through a dedicated tube.

[0038] According to one embodiment, the rear of the floating caliper can include a suction port, a second suction tube can be connected to the suction port of the floating caliper, and the suction port of the floating caliper can be abutted in a sealing manner against the second pad on the side opposite the suction region of the second pad to connect the second suction tube to the suction region of the second pad.

[0039] As mentioned above, the suction port of the caliper is adapted to make sealing contact with the suction port of the second pad when particles are generated.

[0040] The second tube may be entirely made of one or more rigid sections and may not have any flexible sections. For example, the second suction tube may be manufactured from a floating casting of the caliper. In particular, the second tube may be integral with the floating casting of the caliper.

[0041] Therefore, the sealing bearing engagement between the suction port of the caliper and the suction port of the second pad ensures a seal between the second suction pipe and the second pad, thus limiting the number of components in the brake device.

[0042] The second suction tube can have a first end directly or indirectly fixed to the caliper and a second end intended for connection to a suction and filtering device. Fixing the second suction tube to the caliper prevents the second suction tube from exerting a force on the second pad. In fact, rather than fixing the second suction tube directly to the second pad, the second suction tube provides a suction port on the caliper for sucking up particles generated by braking.

[0043] The suction port of the second pad can have a diameter smaller than that of the suction port of the caliper, which ensures that the maximum amount of particles released during the interaction of the second pad with the brake disc is sucked up by the second suction pipe. In fact, if the diameter of the suction port of the caliper is the same as or smaller than that of the suction port of the second pad, the risk of particles accumulating at the interface between the two suction ports is very high.

[0044] In some cases, the first portion of the suction port of the caliper includes a generally annular shoulder configured to receive the suction tube.

[0045] This allows for an improved seal between the caliper and the second suction pipe when the second suction pipe is partially inserted into the suction port of the caliper, thereby limiting the risk of particles being released outside the brake system at the interface between the caliper and the second suction port.

[0046] The first end corresponds specifically to the end of the caliper suction port opposite the second pad. The shoulder allows the diameter of the caliper suction port to be enlarged at the first end. This allows the second suction tube to be accommodated in the caliper suction port while ensuring that the diameter of the suction tube flow passage through which particles enter is equal to or greater than the diameter of the caliper suction port. This limits the risk of particle accumulation at the interface between the caliper suction port and the second suction tube.

[0047] The second suction tube can in particular be fitted snugly or tightly onto said shoulder.

[0048] The second suction tube can be secured to the caliper using at least one removable connecting member, so that the second suction tube can be easily replaced if worn. For example, the second suction tube can be threaded onto the caliper.

[0049] The suction port of the second pad can be located on a first surface of the second pad that is made of metal and that sealingly abuts the first metallic surface of the caliper where the suction port of the caliper opens, thus ensuring a metal-to-metal seal between the second pad and the caliper.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the caliper can be a so-called fixed caliper, and the device includes a first so-called inner pad on the vehicle side and a second so-called outer pad on the rim side, each pad being directly actuated by at least one piston, and a first suction pipe connectable to the suction area of ​​the first pad and a second suction pipe connectable to the suction area of ​​the second pad.

[0051] In such a fixed caliper configuration, each pad is actuated by at least one dedicated piston.

[0052] As before, particles emitted by each pad are sucked through a dedicated tube.

[0053] According to one aspect, the first suction tube and / or the suction tube can include a first rigid portion connected to the pad and an axially extensible flexible portion.

[0054] Additionally, the first suction tube and / or the second suction tube may have the advantages described above.

[0055] The invention also relates to a braking system including a brake disc and a friction brake device of the aforementioned type.

[0056] This document also relates to a vehicle including a braking system of the aforementioned type.

[0057] This document also relates to a stationary machine including a rotor and a braking system of the aforementioned type. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0058] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a friction brake device. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the friction brake device of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] 2 is another schematic perspective view of the friction brake device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of the friction brake device from FIG. 1. [Figure 5] 2 is another schematic cross-sectional front view of the friction brake device of FIG. 1. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic perspective view of a portion of the friction brake device of FIG. 1, including a first pad, a piston, and a suction tube connected to a support surrounding the piston. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a suction tube connected to the support shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 2 is a schematic partial cross-sectional view of the friction brake device of FIG. 1 showing a second pad of the friction brake device; [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of another embodiment of a friction brake device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0059] Other features, details and advantages will become apparent from reading the following detailed description and examining the accompanying drawings.

[0060] 1 is a schematic perspective view of an example of a friction brake device 10. Device 10 can be used, for example, in the braking systems of road or rail vehicles, or in stationary machines that include rotors, such as wind turbines or industrial machines.

[0061] The friction brake device 10 includes a caliper 12. In Figures 1 to 8, the caliper 12 is a floating caliper, but as will be described in detail, it may also be a fixed caliper. When the caliper 12 is a floating caliper, the caliper 12 can move translationally relative to a caliper support (not shown) to which it is attached.

[0062] The caliper 12 includes a fixed portion 13A and a floating cast portion 13B shown in FIG.

[0063] The apparatus 10 further includes a piston 14 attached to the caliper 12. The piston 14 may include a portion that is subjected to the pressure of a hydraulic fluid, such as oil, in a pressure chamber. Increasing pressure in the chamber causes the piston 14 to move in an axial direction A relative to the caliper. Hereinafter, "axial" or "axially" means generally parallel to the direction A.

[0064] The device 10 includes a first pad 16, also referred to as a front pad. In particular, the pad 16 may be arranged in a housing 17 (see FIG. 4) in a front part 19 of the caliper 12. The pad 16 may be mounted, for example, axially directly opposite the piston 14. In particular, as can be seen in FIG. 4, the pad 16 may be in contact with the piston 14. As will be explained in more detail below, the pad 16 is intended to cooperate with a brake disc (not shown).

[0065] The first pad 16 includes a base 18 and a lining 20 .

[0066] The base 18 has an outer surface 22 and an inner surface 24 that are axially opposed to each other. The outer surface 22 supports the piston 14 and / or the caliper 12.

[0067] The thickness of the base 18 is, for example, 3 mm to 5 mm. Here, the "thickness of the base" refers to the dimension of the base 18 in the axial direction A.

[0068] The base 18 is preferably made of metal.

[0069] The lining 20 is secured to the inner surface 24 of the base 18. The lining 20 is formed from a friction material commonly known as ferodo material.

[0070] The lining 20 includes a friction surface 26 axially opposite a surface of the lining 20 fixed to the base 18. The friction surface 26 is intended to abut axially against a first surface of a brake disc rotating about an axis generally parallel to the axial direction A during a braking phase. In particular, when the piston 14 moves in the direction A towards the brake disc, the friction surface 26 abuts against the first surface of the brake disc.

[0071] The lining 20 and disc release particles resulting from wear when the friction surface 26 comes into contact with the brake disc during braking. This causes wear of the lining 20 and disc. Thus, the thickness (i.e., axial dimension) of the lining gradually decreases over the life of the pad 16.

[0072] 4, the pad 16 includes a particle suction area 28. The particle suction area 28 includes a suction port 30 formed by a first cavity 32 in the base 18 and a groove 34 in the lining 20. The suction port extends, for example, in a generally axial direction.

[0073] The first cavity 32 penetrates the base 18 between the outer surface 22 and the inner surface 24 of the base 18, which faces at least a portion of the groove 34 in the lining 20. The groove 34 extends axially between the friction surface 26 and the second surface of the lining 20. In other words, the depth of the groove 34 is equal to the thickness of the lining 20. Furthermore, particles released by wear can be collected in the groove 34 and then sucked through the cavity 32 in the base 18.

[0074] The apparatus includes a first suction tube 60 for aspirating particles collected in the groove 34. The first suction tube 60 has a first end 62 and an opposite second end 63.

[0075] As can be seen in particular in Figure 5, the first end 62 can rest in a direct or indirect sealing manner on the first pad 16. Advantageously, the end 62 rests in a sealing manner opposite the suction port 30 of the pad 16. The suction tube 60 is thus connected to the suction area 28 of the plate 16. This limits the risk of particles formed by wear of the pad 16 and the disc being released when they come into contact with each other.

[0076] During the braking phase, it is advantageous for the end 62 of the suction tube 60 to rest sealingly on the pad 16. Indeed, as mentioned above, during the braking phase, the pad 16 comes to rest axially on the brake disc and therefore particles are formed due to wear.

[0077] The seal between the suction tube 60 and the pad 16 is also maintained during the braking phase, or at least during the cleaning phase immediately following the braking phase, which allows for the suction of particles after braking.

[0078] The second end 63 of the tube 60 is adapted to be connected in part to suction means (not shown), such as a suction and filtering device, which is adapted to suck particles formed by the wear of the pads 16 and the brake disc when they come into contact with each other.

[0079] In some cases, the tube 60 may include at least one rigid portion 64 and at least one flexible portion 66. Here, "rigid portion" refers to a portion of the tube 60 whose axial dimension does not change when the piston 14 axially moves the pad 16. Here, "flexible portion" refers to a portion of the tube 60 whose axial dimension is adapted to change when the piston 14 axially moves the pad 16.

[0080] In the non-limiting example shown in the figures, the tube 60 includes a first rigid portion 64-1, a second rigid portion 64-2, and a flexible portion 66 between the two rigid portions 64-1, 64-2.

[0081] The first end of the first rigid portion 64-1 corresponds to the first end 62 of the tube 60 described above, and the first end 62 of the first rigid portion 64-1 is adapted to be supported in a sealed state directly or indirectly on the pad 16, particularly on the side opposite the suction port 30 of the pad 16.

[0082] As will be explained in detail, the first rigid portion 64-1 may be fixed to the piston 14 or directly to the pad 16.

[0083] The first rigid portion 64-1 further has a second end 65 axially opposite the first end 62. As can be seen in Figure 5, the second end 65 is connected to a flexible portion 66.

[0084] The flexible portion 66 has a first end 67 and an axially opposite second end 69 .

[0085] The first end 67 of the flexible portion 66 is connected to the first rigid portion 64-1. In particular, the first end 67 of the flexible portion 66 is connected to the second end 65 of the first rigid portion 64-1.

[0086] The second end 69 is intended to be connected to a means for suctioning particles generated by abrasion. In the example shown, the connection between the second end 69 and the particle suction means is an indirect connection via the second rigid part 64-2. Nevertheless, in an example not shown, the second end 69 of the flexible part 66 can be directly connected to the suction means.

[0087] The flexible portion 66 is axially extensible and can advantageously be made of an elastomeric material, for example rubber, so that it exhibits an elastic behavior that allows it to follow the axial movement of the piston 14.

[0088] In the illustration, the flexible portion 66 includes at least one bellows 70 that includes pleats.

[0089] The second rigid portion 64-2 has a first end 71. As clearly shown in FIG. 5, the first end 71 is connected to the second end 69 of the flexible portion 66. Thus, the flexible portion 66 is disposed between the first rigid portion 64-1 and the second rigid portion 64-2. Thus, the flexible portion 66 can contract between the first rigid portion 64-1 and the second rigid portion 64-2 when the piston 14 retracts.

[0090] The second rigid portion 64-2 also has a second end corresponding to the second end 63 of the tube 60 described above. The second end 63 of the second rigid portion 64-2 is also adapted to be connected to a suction means. For example, the second end 63 can be directly connected to the suction means.

[0091] Thanks to the presence of the rigid portions 64-1, 64-2, the tube 60 is not flexible over its entire length, which reduces the spring effect of the tube 60 on the pad 16. In particular, the first rigid portion 64-1 is the portion that directly or indirectly abuts in a sealed state on the pad 16 and is the portion that is directly or indirectly fixed to the piston 14, so the spring effect applied to the pad 16 is limited. Therefore, the residual torque of the brake device is reduced compared to the prior art.

[0092] It should also be noted that shortening the length of the flexible portion 66 can increase the heat resistance of the tube 60. In fact, the rigid portions 64-1, 64-2 can have a melting point higher than that of the flexible portion 66.

[0093] In the illustrated non-limiting embodiment, the suction tube 60 is fixed to the piston 14. In particular, a first rigid portion 64-1 of the tube 60 is fixed to the piston 14. More precisely, the first rigid portion 64-1 can be fixed to the piston by its first end 62.

[0094] The tubes 60 are therefore fixed to the piston 14 rather than to the pads 16, so that the tubes 60 do not exert an axial force on the pads 16. This therefore prevents the pads 16 from moving towards or away from the disc in an uncontrolled manner, reducing the risk of premature wear of the pads 16 and allowing for greater control of the braking torque.

[0095] Advantageously, when the tube 60 is secured to the piston, its end 62 rests sealingly on the pad 16 opposite the suction port 30. This establishes a connection between the first suction tube 60 and the suction port 30 of the pad 16.

[0096] The tube 60, and in particular its first rigid portion 64-1, can be fixed directly to the piston 14. For example, the first rigid portion 64-1 can be integral with the piston 14.

[0097] Alternatively, the first rigid portion 64-1 of the tube 60 may be indirectly fixed to the piston 14. For example, as shown, the first rigid portion 64-1 may be indirectly connected to the piston by an attachment 74. The attachment 74 may be, for example, a support fixed to the piston 14, for example, screwed, riveted or welded.

[0098] The support 74 may take the form of a metal sheet. As can be seen in Figure 7, the support 74 includes a central opening 75. The piston 14 passes through this opening 75, as can be seen particularly in Figure 6.

[0099] The end 62 of the tube 60 is rigidly connected to a support 74. The support 74 may include a port 76 facing the end 62 of the tube 60. The support 74 may thus be sealingly abutted onto the pad 16 such that the suction port 30 of the pad 16 and the port 76 of the support face each other.

[0100] In another embodiment, not shown, the tube 60 can be secured directly to the pad 16. As before, the end 62 of the tube 60 can sealingly abut the first pad 12 opposite the suction port 30, thereby connecting the first suction tube 60 with the suction region 28 of the pad 16.

[0101] As can be seen, the caliper may further include an L-shaped arm 78 that allows the tube 60 to be secured to the caliper 12. The arm 78 preferably secures one of the rigid portions 64, in this example the second rigid portion 64-2, to the caliper 12.

[0102] A second pad 36, also known as the rear pad, is provided in the device 10. The second pad 36 may be located in a housing 37 at the rear 39 of the caliper 12. As can be seen from the figures, and particularly from Figure 4, the second pad 36 is axially opposite the first pad 16. A space 21 for accommodating a brake disc is formed between the two pads 16, 36.

[0103] The second pad 36 includes a base 38 and a lining 40. The base 38 and the lining 40 are similar to or identical to the base 18 and the lining 20, respectively, described above, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described in detail below. Note only that the second pad 36 includes a suction region 48 that includes suction ports 50 formed by first cavities 52 and grooves 54 that are similar to or identical to the first cavities 32 and grooves 34, respectively, of the first pad 16. The suction ports 50 extend, for example, in a generally axial direction.

[0104] It should also be noted that the second pad 36, and in particular the friction surface of its lining 40, is adapted to axially support a second face of the brake disc axially opposite the first face of the disc during the braking phase. As with the front pad 16, this causes wear of the lining 40 and the disc, and therefore particle generation.

[0105] 4 and 8, the second pad 36 has a first surface 42 that axially abuts the first surface 56 of the caliper 12. The first surface 42 of the second pad 36 is similar to or identical to the outer surface 22 of the base 18 of the first pad 16. The first surface 42 of the pad 32 and the first surface 56 of the caliper 12 are preferably made of metal.

[0106] If the caliper 12 is a floating caliper, the second pad 36 is advantageously mounted on a guide and slide (not shown). Therefore, movement of the second pad 36 toward the brake disc is caused by axial movement of the caliper 12, particularly its rear portion 39, relative to the caliper support. This axial movement of the rear portion 39 of the caliper 12 causes the second pad 36 to slide on the guide and slide to which it is attached. The second pad 36 is therefore directly actuated by the rear portion 39 of the floating caliper 12. Furthermore, in this floating caliper configuration, a single piston, here piston 14, allows both direct actuation of the first pad 16 and indirect actuation of the second pad 36 via the floating caliper.

[0107] The suction ports 50 of the second pad 36 may be on the first surface 42 of the pad 36 .

[0108] The rear portion 39 of the caliper 12 may include a suction port 80, as shown in Figure 8. The suction port 80 extends through the rear portion 39 of the caliper 12 between the first face 56 and the exterior of the caliper 12. For example, the suction port 80 extends generally axially.

[0109] When the surface 42 of the pad 36 contacts the surface 56 of the caliper 12, the suction port 50 of the pad 36 is advantageously aligned with the suction port of the caliper 12. In particular, the suction port 80 of the caliper 12 is adapted to sealingly abut on the second pad 36 opposite the suction port 50. The first surface 42 of the pad 32 and the first surface 56 of the caliper 12 are made of metal, and the seal between the second pad 32 and the caliper 12 is provided by metal-to-metal contact. Thanks to this seal between the pad 32 and the caliper 12, particles generated by wear of the pad 32 and the disc during the braking phase can be sucked in by the suction means, limiting the amount of particles released into the environment, as will be explained in more detail.

[0110] The suction port 80 of the caliper 12 can be configured to sealingly abut the suction port 50 of the second pad 36 during braking, which generates particles due to wear. During the braking phase, the pad 36 is pushed towards the rear 39, allowing a seal to be maintained between the second pad 32 and the caliper 12, allowing any remaining particles to be sucked away during the cleaning phase.

[0111] 8, the diameter D1 of the suction port 50 of the second pad 36 can be smaller than the diameter D2 of the suction port 80 of the caliper 12. This ensures that the maximum amount of particles released during cooperation of the second pad 36 with the brake disc is sucked in by the suction means. Indeed, if the suction port 80 of the caliper 12 has the same diameter as the suction port 50 of the second pad 36 or a smaller diameter, the risk of particles accumulating at the interface between the two suction ports 50, 80 is very high.

[0112] To connect the suction ports 50, 80 to suction means, the apparatus 10 includes a second suction pipe 90. The second pipe 90 may be formed in continuity with the floating casting 13B.

[0113] The second tube 90 has a first end 92 and a second end 93 .

[0114] A first end 92 of the tube 90 is fixed directly or indirectly to the caliper 12. In the illustration, the first end 92 is directly connected to the suction port 80 of the caliper 12. This allows the tube 90 to be indirectly connected to the suction area 48 of the second pad 36. Therefore, particles generated by wear of the pad 36 and the disc can be transferred from the suction area 48 of the pad 36 to the tube 90 via the port 80 of the caliper.

[0115] In particular, the first end 92 fits at least partially within the port 80. This improves the seal between the caliper 12 and the suction tube 90, limiting the risk of particles being expelled outside the device 10 at the interface between the caliper 12 and the second suction tube 90.

[0116] In the non-limiting example seen in the drawings, the suction port 80 includes a shoulder 82 at an end 81 facing the second pad 36. Due to the shoulder 82, the diameter D2 of the suction port 80 of the caliper 12 increases at that end 81 relative to the remainder of the port 80.

[0117] The shoulder 82 may be, for example, generally annular. The shoulder 82 is advantageously shaped to receive the second suction tube 90, particularly its first end 92. The end 92 of the tube 90 may specifically fit snugly or tightly into the end 81 of the port 80.

[0118] The second suction tube 90 is received within the suction port 80 of the caliper 12 by being enlarged from the first end 81 of the caliper 12 by a shoulder 82, ensuring that the diameter of the passage 94 of the suction tube through which particles enter is equal to or greater than the diameter of the suction port 80 of the caliper 12. This limits the risk of particle buildup at the interface between the suction port 80 of the caliper 12 and the second suction tube 90.

[0119] Securing the suction tube 90 to the caliper 12 prevents the second suction tube 90 from exerting a force on the second pad 36 .

[0120] The second end 93 of the tube 90 is adapted to be connected to suction means. As mentioned above, such means may be a suction and filtration device. Note that the first tube 60 and the second tube 90 may be connected to the same suction and filtration device, or to separate suction and filtration devices.

[0121] The second suction tube 90 is preferably made entirely of one or more rigid sections. In other words, the tube 90 preferably does not have any flexible sections similar to the flexible section 66 of the tube 60.

[0122] 3, the shape of the tube 90 can include an elbow 95. This elbow 95 allows the end 93 of the tube 90 to be located on the same side of the caliper 12 as the end 63 of the tube 60. This makes it easier to connect the two tubes 60, 90 to the same suction and filtering device.

[0123] 8, the second suction tube 90 can be secured to the caliper 12 by at least one removable coupling member 96. Thus, the tube 90 can be easily replaced if worn. The removable coupling member 96 can be, for example, a screw.

[0124] A variant of device 10 will now be described, as shown in Figure 9. In that figure, elements of device 10 that are identical or similar to elements of the example of Figures 1 to 8 are designated by the same reference numerals, and for the sake of brevity, they will not be described below; the descriptions given above for such elements are valid for this variant.

[0125] Here, the caliper 12 is a fixed caliper, which differs from the floating calipers described above in that the second pad 36 is moved axially by a piston 104 similar to or identical to the piston 14 that moves the first pad 16. Also, the second pad 36 does not move axially with the movement of the caliper 12 relative to the caliper support.

[0126] 9 can include a tube 110 similar to or identical to the tube 60 described above. That is, the tube 110 can include at least one rigid portion and at least one flexible portion similar to or identical to the rigid portions 64-1, 64-2 and flexible portion 66 of the tube 60.

[0127] Finally, tube 110 is attached in a similar or identical manner to tube 60 and therefore will not be described below. It is merely stated that tube 110 can be connected directly or indirectly to piston 104 or pad 36 in a similar manner to tube 60. One end 112 of tube 110 is adapted to rest sealingly on pad 36 opposite suction port 50.

[0128] It should be noted that in the case of a fixed caliper, as with a floating caliper, after the pads 16, 36 rub against the brake disc, the pads 16, 36 move away from the disc due to a slight deflection of the disc (not shown). In particular, the pads 16, 36 move away from the disc as the disc rotates.

[0129] In the floating caliper shown in the figures, the pads 16, 36 move away from the brake disc when the piston 14 retracts (and thus moves away from the inner pad 16) and the caliper 12 moves relative to the caliper support away from the inner pad 36. The pads 16, 36 are released and can move away from the brake disc due to slight deflection of the disc.

[0130] In a fixed caliper, the pistons 14, 104 associated with the inner and outer pads 16, 36 are retracted away from the corresponding pads, allowing the pads 16, 36 to move away from the brake disc under the influence of slight disc runout.

[0131] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above by way of example only, but encompasses all variants that a person skilled in the art may envisage within the scope of the applicable protection. For example, as shown in the figures, each of the pipes 60, 90, 110 may include a tapping 120. Such tappings 120 are preferably not provided on devices 10 intended to be installed on vehicles or stationary machines, including rotors. These tappings 120 are only useful when using the device 10 to carry out experimental tests and measure the reduced pressure in the pipes that carry them.

Claims

1. A friction brake device (10), comprising: A caliper (12), at least one pad (16) translatable along an axis of movement (A) relative to said caliper (12) and intended to cooperate with a brake disc; at least one piston (14) movably mounted to the caliper (12) and capable of axially translating the pads (16); Including, the at least one pad (16) includes at least one particle suction area (28) including a suction port (30); The friction brake device (10) further includes a suction tube (60) including a first rigid portion (64-1) having a first end (62) that can face the suction port (30) of the pad (16) and a second end (65); The suction tube (60) comprises an axially extendable flexible portion (66) having a first end (67) connected to the first rigid portion (64-1) and a second end (69) intended to be connected to a means for aspirating the particles; Friction braking device.

2. Friction brake device according to claim 1, wherein the suction tube (60) comprises a second rigid part (64-2) having a first end (71) connected to the second end (69) of the flexible part (66) and a second end (63) intended to be connected to the suction means.

3. 2. The friction brake device of claim 1, wherein the flexible portion (66) includes at least one bellows (70).

4. Friction brake device according to claim 1, wherein said flexible portion (66) is made from an elastomeric material.

5. 2. The friction brake device of claim 1, wherein the suction tube is fixed to the at least one pad, and the first end of the first rigid portion is adapted to sealingly contact the at least one pad opposite the suction port of the at least one pad to connect the suction tube and the suction region of the at least one pad.

6. 2. The friction brake device of claim 1, wherein the suction pipe is fixed to the piston, and the first end of the first rigid portion is capable of sealingly contacting the pad opposite the suction port of the at least one pad to connect the suction pipe and the suction region of the at least one pad.

7. 2. The friction brake device of claim 1, wherein the caliper (12) is a floating caliper axially translatable relative to a caliper support, the at least one pad (16) includes a first pad (16) and a second pad (36), the first pad (16) is directly actuated by the piston (14), and the second pad (36) is directly actuated by a rear portion (39) of the floating caliper, the suction pipe (60) is a first suction pipe (60) connectable to a suction region (28) of the first pad (16), and the friction brake device (10) further comprises a second suction pipe (90) connectable to a suction region (48) of the second pad (36).

8. 8. The friction brake device of claim 7, wherein the rear portion (39) of the floating caliper includes a suction port (80), the second suction pipe (90) is connected to the suction port (80) of the floating caliper, and the suction port (80) of the floating caliper is capable of sealingly contacting the second pad (36) on a side opposite the suction region (48) of the second pad (36) so as to connect the second suction pipe (90) to the suction region (48) of the second pad (36).

9. 2. The friction brake device according to claim 1, wherein the caliper (12) is a so-called fixed caliper, the at least one pad (16) includes a first pad (16) on the vehicle side and a second pad (36) on the rim side, the first and second pads (16, 36) are directly operated by at least one piston (14, 104), the suction pipe is a first suction pipe (60) connectable to a suction area (28) of the first pad (16), and the friction brake device (10) further comprises a second suction pipe (110) connectable to a suction area (48) of the second pad (36).

10. 8. The friction brake device according to claim 7, wherein the first suction pipe (60) and / or the second suction pipe (110) includes a first rigid portion (64-1) connected to the pad (16, 36) and an axially extensible flexible portion (66).

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