Brake caliper for disc brakes

Abstract

A brake caliper (1) for a disc brake (2) comprises a housing body (3). The housing body (3) comprises a housing body (3) positioned to sandwich a brake disc (4). The brake caliper (1) comprises a first pad (5) connected to the housing body (3) and a second pad (6) facing the first pad (5). The first pad (5) and the second pad (6) are spaced apart from each other and define a disc space for housing the brake disc (4). The brake caliper (1) comprises an electric motor (8) and a transmission system (9). The transmission system (9) is configured to transmit the mechanical power generated by the electric motor (8) to the first pad (5) and the second pad (6). The transmission system (9) comprises a first actuator (10) and a second actuator (11), the first actuator (10) being positioned on the first pad (5) and acting to move the first pad (5) closer to or further away from the brake disc (4). The second actuator (11) is positioned on the second pad (6) and acting to move the second pad (6) closer to or further away from the brake disc (4). The first actuator (10) comprises a first threaded wall (12) forming a first screw (19), and the second actuator (11) comprises a second threaded wall (33) forming a second screw (21), the first screw (19) being on the opposite side of the second screw (21).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a brake caliper for a disc brake, particularly an electromechanical brake caliper, and a disc brake provided with such a brake caliper.

Background Art

[0003] Background Art

[0004] In a vehicle, particularly in a disc brake, the brake caliper is arranged to straddle the outer peripheral edge of the brake disc. The brake caliper usually consists of a body having two elongated elements (referred to as sides) arranged to face the opposing braking surfaces of the disc. Friction pads are provided between each side of the caliper and the braking surface of the brake disc. At least one side of the caliper body is provided with a cylinder for accommodating a piston. This piston is actuated by any suitable known method (e.g., hydraulic or electromechanical) to apply a pressing operation to the pads to bring the pads into contact with the braking surface of the disc, thereby exerting a braking action on the vehicle.

[0005] The brake caliper is usually constrained by a support structure fixed to the vehicle (such as a stub axle of a vehicle suspension, etc.).

[0006] In a typical configuration, on one of the two sides, there are provided two or more attachment parts for fixing the caliper body to the support structure. For example, there are axially arranged slots or eyelets, or radially arranged through holes, etc., which are designed to receive caliper fixing screws. These screws fit their ends into screw holes provided in the caliper support part. Such a side is called an attachment side or a vehicle-side elongated member. The other side is called a non-attachment side or a wheel-side elongated member.

[0007] In a typical caliper structure, the sides facing the braking surface of the disc are connected to each other by bridge-like members (called bridges) positioned to straddle the disc.

[0008] As mentioned above, opposing pads within a disc brake caliper are pressed against the opposing braking surfaces of the corresponding brake disc by the action of at least one piston.

[0009] This piston is typically housed in a cylinder within the caliper body and is operated by brake fluid pressurized by a brake pump. The brake pump is usually pedal-operated in automobiles and lever-operated in motorcycles.

[0010] Brake calipers in which the piston is operated electromechanically are also known. For example, a system in which a ball screw housed in the piston body is rotated by an electric motor, or more commonly, a limit motor.

[0011] In particular, there are electromechanical brake calipers in which the piston operating system is entirely located on only one side of the brake caliper, the so-called operating side, opposite to the reaction side.

[0012] In such electromechanical brake calipers, the actuation system can control only the pad located on the actuation side (actuation pad) on both the pushing and pulling sides, and cannot control the pad on the opposite reaction side (reaction pad).

[0013] Therefore, in such electromechanical brake calipers, residual torque is known to occur on the brake disc. This occurs because there is no means to control the movement of the reaction pad toward complete separation from the brake disc, resulting in the reaction pad not completely separating from the brake disc.

[0014] A further problem with known electromechanical calipers is that their axial dimensions are large because the actuation system typically consists of a ball screw system located on the actuation pad side. [Overview of the project]

[0015] solution

[0016] The object of the present invention is to provide a brake caliper for disc brakes, particularly an electromechanical brake caliper, that has features that eliminate at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.

[0017] In particular, the objective is to prevent residual torque from being generated in the brake disc, especially in brake calipers for disc brakes, and especially in electromechanical brake calipers.

[0018] Furthermore, the aim is to reduce the axial dimension, especially in brake calipers for disc brakes, particularly electromechanical brake calipers.

[0019] These and other objectives are achieved by the brake caliper for disc brakes described in claim 1.

[0020] The dependent claims relate to preferred and advantageous embodiments of the present invention. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0021] drawing

[0022] To better understand the present invention and evaluate its advantages, non-limiting embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0023] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] [Figure 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic axial cross-sectional view of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a part of a brake caliper for a disc brake according to an embodiment of the present invention.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] Description of Some Preferred Embodiments

[0031] Referring to the drawings, the brake caliper, particularly an electromechanical brake caliper, is generally indicated by reference numeral 1.

[0032] The brake caliper 1 is suitable for a disc brake 2.

[0033] The brake caliper 1 includes a housing body 3. The housing body 3 is configured to be connected integrally with a stub axle of a vehicle.

[0034] Brake caliper 1 comprises a first pad 5 and a second pad 6 on the opposite side.

[0035] The first pad 5 and the second pad 6 are connected to the housing body 3.

[0036] The first pad 5 and the second pad 6 are positioned with a gap between them, defining the disc space that houses the brake disc 4.

[0037] The brake caliper 1 is equipped with an electric motor 8 and a transmission system 9.

[0038] The transmission system 9 is configured to transmit the mechanical power generated by the electric motor 8 to the first pad 5 and the second pad 6.

[0039] The transmission system 9 comprises a first actuator 10 and a second actuator 11.

[0040] The first actuator 10 is positioned on the first pad 5.

[0041] The first actuator 10 is configured to operate the first pad 5 so as to move it closer to or further away from the brake disc 4.

[0042] The second actuator 11 is positioned on the second pad 6.

[0043] The second actuator 11 is configured to operate the second pad 6 to move closer to or further away from the brake disc 4.

[0044] According to one aspect of the present invention, the first actuator 10 includes a first threaded wall 12 that forms a first screw 19.

[0045] Furthermore, the second actuator 11 includes a second threaded wall 33 that forms the second screw 21.

[0046] Furthermore, the first screw 19 is a reverse thread compared to the second screw 21.

[0047] Advantageously, by having screws 19 and 21 in opposite directions, i.e., screws with opposite helical directions, the transmission system 9 can be used to move both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 closer to or further away from the brake disc 4.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the first screw 19 is a right-hand thread, and the second screw 21 is a left-hand thread.

[0049] An advantage is that by using the first right-hand thread 19 and the second left-hand thread 21, it is possible to move both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 closer to or further away from the brake disc 4 via the transmission system 9.

[0050] Advantageously, by controlling the movement of both pads 5 and 6, it is possible to ensure that opposing pads 5 and 6 completely disengage from the brake disc 4. This eliminates any residual torque that may be generated on the brake disc 4.

[0051] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 10 is integrally connected to the first pad 5, and the second actuator 11 is integrally connected to the second pad 6.

[0052] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 10 includes a first nut screw 20.

[0053] The second actuator 11 is equipped with a second nut screw 22.

[0054] According to one embodiment, the first nut screw 20 is integrally connected to the first pad 5, and the second nut screw 22 is integrally connected to the second pad 6.

[0055] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 10 includes a first circulating ball screw 17.

[0056] The second actuator 11 includes a second circulating ball screw 18.

[0057] According to one embodiment, the first circulating ball screw 17 includes a first nut screw 20 externally connected to the first threaded wall 12.

[0058] The second circulating ball screw 18 includes a second nut screw 22 externally connected to the second threaded wall 33.

[0059] According to this embodiment, the first circulating ball screw 17 has a thread opposite to that of the second circulating ball screw 18. Specifically, the first circulating ball screw 17 has a right-hand thread, and the second circulating ball screw 18 has a left-hand thread.

[0060] According to one embodiment, both the first circulating ball screw 17 and the second circulating ball screw 18 have reversible threads.

[0061] Advantageously, this configuration allows the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 to move in opposite directions when the electric motor 8 is not operating, and as a result, the braking force applied to the brake disc 5 is stopped.

[0062] This configuration is particularly advantageous for the service disc brake 2.

[0063] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 10 includes a first screw nut screw assembly 34.

[0064] The second actuator 11 includes a second screw nut screw assembly 35.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the first screw-nut-screw assembly 34 includes a first nut-screw 20 externally connected to the first threaded wall 12.

[0066] The second threaded nut assembly 35 includes a second nut thread 22 externally connected to the second threaded wall 33.

[0067] According to this embodiment, the first screw-nut assembly 34 has a thread opposite to that of the second screw-nut assembly 35. Specifically, the first screw-nut assembly 34 has a right-hand thread, and the second screw-nut assembly 35 has a left-hand thread.

[0068] According to one embodiment, both the first screw-nut-screw assembly 34 and the second screw-nut-screw assembly 35 have irreversible threads.

[0069] Advantageously, this configuration allows the first and second pads 5 and 6 to maintain the braking force applied to the brake disc 4 even when there is no operation from the electric motor 8.

[0070] This configuration is particularly advantageous for parking disc brakes 2.

[0071] According to one embodiment, the transmission device 9 includes a threaded operating shaft 7.

[0072] According to one embodiment, the operating shaft 7 has a first threaded wall 12 and a second threaded wall 33 that form opposite threads. Specifically, the operating shaft 7 has a first threaded wall 12 and a second threaded wall 33 that form a first right-hand thread 19 and a second left-hand thread 21, respectively.

[0073] In this embodiment, both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 are connected to the operating shaft 7.

[0074] The operating shaft 7 is configured to move both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 either closer to the brake disc 4 or further away from the brake disc 4.

[0075] Specifically, the first pad 5 is connected to the operating shaft 7 by the first screw 19, and the second pad 6 is connected to the operating shaft 7 by the second screw 21.

[0076] An advantage is that by simply moving the actuation shaft 7 using the first screw 19 opposite the second screw 21, i.e., the first right-hand screw 19 and the second left-hand screw 21 of the actuation shaft 7, it is possible to selectively move both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 closer to or further away from the brake disc 4. Therefore, with this configuration, the movement of both pads 5 and 6 can be controlled by a single actuation element represented by the actuation shaft 7.

[0077] Specifically, the transmission system 9 is configured such that when the actuation shaft 7 is rotated in one direction by a first screw 19 opposite the second screw 21, preferably a first right-hand screw 19 and a second left-hand screw 21, both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 move closer to the brake disc 4. Conversely, when the actuation shaft 7 is rotated in the opposite direction, both the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 move away from the brake disc 4. Thus, when the actuation shaft 7 is rotated by the first right-hand screw 19 and the second left-hand screw 21, the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 move in opposite directions. Therefore, the movement of the two pads 5 and 6 depends on only one control variable, namely the position of the electric motor 8.

[0078] Advantageously, this configuration eliminates any residual torque that may occur in the brake disc 4. The actuating shaft 7 controls the movement of the opposing pads 5 and 6 of the brake caliper 1 by two oppositely moving screws 19 and 21, thus ensuring that the opposing pads 5 and 6 completely disengage from the brake disc 4.

[0079] A further advantage is that this brake caliper 1 configuration has smaller axial dimensions because it does not require the entire actuation system, including the circulating ball screw system, to be located on only one of the two pads.

[0080] According to one embodiment, the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 each include a pressing portion 13 and a connecting portion 14.

[0081] The pressing portion 13 is positioned on the brake disc 4 and includes a friction material layer 15 facing the brake disc 4 and a support plate 16 that supports the friction material layer 15.

[0082] The first pad 5 and the second pad 6 are connected to the transmission system 9 at their respective connecting parts 14.

[0083] According to one embodiment, the first actuator 10 is positioned at the connecting portion 14 of the first pad 5, and the second actuator 11 is positioned at the connecting portion 14 of the second pad 6.

[0084] According to one embodiment, the operating shaft 7 extends along the axis 23.

[0085] According to one embodiment, the axis 23 is substantially perpendicular to the brake disc 4.

[0086] Furthermore, the axis 23 is substantially perpendicular to the first pad 5 and the second pad 6. Specifically, the axis 23 is perpendicular to the friction material layer 15 of the first pad 5 and the second pad 6.

[0087] Specifically, the axis 23 is oriented parallel to the rotation axis of the brake disc 4. Furthermore, the axis 23 extends in a direction that does not pass through the brake disc 4.

[0088] According to one embodiment, the operating shaft 7 is connected to the housing body 3 by a floating connecting member 24.

[0089] The floating connecting member 24 is configured to allow relative translation in the direction of the axis 23 between the operating shaft 7 and the housing body 3.

[0090] An advantage of the floating connecting member 24 is that even if only one of the two pads 5 and 6 makes contact with the brake disc 4 first, both pads 5 and 6 can make contact with the brake disc 4 simultaneously. This ensures that the braking force is evenly distributed between the first pad 5 and the second pad 6. Specifically, if one of the two brake pads 5 and 6 makes contact with the brake disc 4 before the other, the translational motion of the operating shaft 7 relative to the housing body 3, realized by the floating connecting member 24, allows the other pad to also make contact with the brake disc 4.

[0091] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 is further configured to reposition the operating shaft 7 to a predetermined starting position when the first and second pads 5 and 6 are operated.

[0092] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 includes an elastic device.

[0093] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 includes a compression spring 25.

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 is a compression disc spring 25.

[0095] The compression spring 25 is configured to allow the operating shaft 7 to move relative to the housing body 3 along the axis 23, while simultaneously providing elastic resistance to the relative movement of the operating shaft 7 along the axis 23 relative to the housing body 3. This maintains balance when the operating shaft 7 is positioned relative to the housing body 3.

[0096] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 includes a compression coil spring and / or a square spring and / or a torsion spring and / or a band spring and / or a molded spring.

[0097] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 includes a damper 26.

[0098] The damper 26 is configured to allow the operating shaft 7 to perform relative translational motion along the axis 23 relative to the housing body 3, while damping the relative translational motion that the operating shaft 7 performs along the axis 23 relative to the housing body 3. This balances the positioning of the operating shaft 7 relative to the housing body 3.

[0099] Preferably, the damper 26 is a polymer damper, for example, made of rubber. According to one embodiment, the damper 26 is configured not only to dampen the relative movement of the operating shaft 7 along the axis 23 with respect to the housing body 3, but also to provide elastic resistance when the operating shaft 7 moves relative to the housing body 3 along the axis 23.

[0100] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 is an annular member 28 made of elastomer material. The annular element 28 made of elastomer material is configured to allow relative movement along the axis 23 between the operating shaft 7 and the housing body 3, while simultaneously damping the relative movement along the axis 23 between the operating shaft 7 and the housing body 3. This balances the positional relationship between the operating shaft 7 and the housing body 3.

[0101] According to one embodiment, both ends of the operating shaft 7 are inserted into annular elements 28 made of an elastic material.

[0102] According to one embodiment, the operating shaft 7 extends between both ends of the operating shaft 7, and the floating connecting member 24 is positioned between the housing body 3 and each end of the operating shaft 7.

[0103] According to one embodiment, the housing body 3 defines two opposing housing seats 27 at both ends of the operating shaft 7.

[0104] According to this embodiment, both ends of the operating shaft 7 are housed in the housing seat 27.

[0105] According to one embodiment, the floating connecting member 24 is also housed within the housing seat 27.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the transmission system 9 is mechanical.

[0107] According to one embodiment, the transmission system 9 includes a gear device 29 having a plurality of gears.

[0108] According to one embodiment, the gear device 29 includes a spur gear 30.

[0109] The spur gear 30 is connected to the operating shaft 7.

[0110] Furthermore, the spur gear 30 is configured to transmit the mechanical power generated by the electric motor 8 to the drive shaft 7.

[0111] Preferably, the spur gear 30 enables the transmission of mechanical power to the operating shaft 7 while allowing relative translation in the direction of the axis 23 between the operating shaft 7 and the operating system 9.

[0112] According to one embodiment, the spur gear 31 is integrated with the operating shaft 7 and fixed so as to be coaxial with the shaft center 23.

[0113] According to this embodiment, the spur gear 30 is configured to transmit mechanical power to the operating shaft 7 and at the same time to be movable in a direction parallel to the axis 23 relative to the rest of the gear unit 29.

[0114] In embodiments where the floating connecting member 24 is an annular member 28 made of an elastic material, the brake caliper 1 is configured such that the dynamic friction between the operating shaft 7 and the annular member 28 made of the elastic material is less than the dynamic friction between the spur gear 30 and the rest of the gear unit 29. Thus, the sliding resistance generated by the operating shaft 7 through the annular member 28 made of the elastomer material is less than the sliding resistance between the spur gear 30 and the rest of the gear unit 29. Advantageously, such a configuration ensures that the pads 5 and 6 actually retract from the brake disc 4 when the electric motor 8 is operated. This causes the pads 5 and 6 to retract relative to the brake disc 4, preventing either pad 5 or 6 from remaining in contact with the brake disc 4.

[0115] According to one embodiment, the operating shaft 7 has circumferential spur gear teeth.

[0116] In this embodiment, the circumferential spur gear teeth mesh with the spur gear 30 of the gear assembly 29.

[0117] Advantageously, the spur gear 30 enables mechanical power transmission to the operating shaft 7 while simultaneously allowing relative translational motion along the axial direction 23 between the operating shaft 7 and the spur gear 30.

[0118] According to one embodiment, the spur gear 30 is positioned at one end of the operating shaft 7.

[0119] According to one embodiment, the spur gear 30 is positioned on the opposite side of the first threaded wall 12 from the second threaded wall 33.

[0120] Advantageously, this configuration reduces the overall dimensions of brake caliper 1.

[0121] According to one embodiment, the housing body 3 includes a support portion 31.

[0122] The support portion 31 is connected to the operating shaft 7.

[0123] The support portion 31 is configured to support the operating shaft 7. This prevents the operating shaft 7 from translating in a direction perpendicular to the axis 23, while allowing the operating shaft 7 to rotate about the axis 23.

[0124] Advantageously, the support portion 31 contributes to supporting the stress that the operating shaft 7 experiences during the operation of the transmission system 9.

[0125] According to one embodiment, the support portion 31 is positioned in the middle of the operating shaft 7, that is, between the first threaded portion 19 and the second threaded portion 21.

[0126] According to a preferred embodiment, the support portion 31 is substantially positioned on the centerline of the operating shaft 7.

[0127] Advantageously, this configuration limits the displacement of the operating shaft 7 in a direction perpendicular to the axis 23 while the transmission system 9 is in operation.

[0128] According to one embodiment, the support portion 31 has a through hole extending in a direction parallel to the axis 23.

[0129] The operating shaft 7 is positioned to pass through the through hole in the support portion 31.

[0130] According to one embodiment, the brake caliper 1 has a plurality of linear guides 32.

[0131] The linear guide 32 is interposed between the housing body 3 and either the first pad 5 or the second pad 6.

[0132] The linear guide 32 is configured to drive the approach or retraction motion of the first pad 5 and the second pad 6 relative to the brake disc 4.

[0133] An advantage is that the linear guide 32 allows for greater control over the motion of the first pad 5 and the second pad 6.

[0134] According to one embodiment, the linear guide 32 is connected to the pressing portions 13 of the first pad 5 and the second pad 6.

[0135] According to one embodiment, the linear guide 32 extends in a direction parallel to the shaft axis 23.

[0136] Advantageously, this configuration reduces the stress and bending moment acting on the actuating shaft 7 and the first and second actuating devices 10 and 11 when the brake caliper 1 is in operation.

[0137] Specifically, the bending moment acting on the operating shaft 7 and the first and second operating devices 10 and 11 is caused by the operating force of each pad 5 and 6 acting along the axis 23, and the reaction force of the brake disc 4 acting on each pad 5 and 6 acting in a direction parallel to but not coincidental with the axis 23.

[0138] According to one embodiment, the brake caliper 1 includes a plurality of hydraulic pistons 36.

[0139] The hydraulic piston 36 is interposed between the housing body 3 and either the first pad 5 or the second pad 6.

[0140] The hydraulic pistons 36 are configured to contact the first pad 5 and the second pad 6, respectively, to apply braking force to the brake disc 4. Preferably, the hydraulic pistons 36 are actuated by a hydraulic actuation system located on the outside of the brake caliper 1.

[0141] Conveniently, the hydraulic piston 36 is configured to perform service braking.

[0142] According to this embodiment, the first and second screw nut assemblies 34 and 35 are used to perform parking braking, and the hydraulic piston 36 is used to perform service braking.

[0143] According to one embodiment, the hydraulic piston 36 is connected to the pressing portions 13 of the first and second pads 5 and 6.

[0144] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the disc brake 2 comprises the brake caliper 1 described above. In one embodiment, the disc brake 2 further comprises a brake disc 4 interposed between two pads 5, 6 of the brake caliper 1.

[0145] In one embodiment, the disc brake 2 is configured to perform service braking.

[0146] According to this embodiment, the first actuator 10 and the second actuator 11 of the brake caliper 1 of the disc brake 2 are a first circulating ball screw 17 and a second circulating ball screw 18, respectively.

[0147] The first circulating ball screw 17 and the second circulating ball screw 18 are configured to perform service braking.

[0148] According to one embodiment, the first circulating ball screw 17 and the second circulating ball screw 18 have reversible threads.

[0149] According to one embodiment, the disc brake 2 is configured to perform parking braking.

[0150] In this embodiment, the first actuation device 10 and the second actuation device 11 of the brake caliper 1 of the disc brake 2 are the first screw-nut assembly 34 and the second screw-nut assembly 35, respectively.

[0151] The first screw-nut assembly 34 and the second screw-nut assembly 35 are configured to perform parking braking.

[0152] According to one embodiment, the first screw-nut assembly 34 and the second screw-nut assembly 35 have anti-reverse screws.

[0153] According to one embodiment, the brake caliper 2 further comprises a plurality of hydraulic pistons 36.

[0154] Multiple hydraulic pistons 36 are configured to perform service braking.

[0155] Advantageously, the disc brake 2 configured in this way is particularly suitable for light vehicles such as electric city cars and robot taxis.

[0156] An advantage is that the brake caliper 1 and disc brake 2 configured in this way allow for the elimination of residual torque acting on the brake disc 4. Such elimination results in a reduction of energy consumed when not needed, and a reduction in pad wear and the resulting emission of particulate matter.

[0157] Another advantage is that by removing residual torque, it becomes possible to reduce the cost of BEV batteries for the same driving range.

[0158] Another advantage is that the brake caliper 1 and disc brake 2 configured in this way have a small axial dimension, that is, a dimension along the shaft axis 23.

[0159] Another advantage is that by configuring the brake caliper 1 of the disc brake 2 in this way, its appearance can be made to be the same as that of a conventional hydraulic caliper.

[0160] Naturally, those skilled in the art can make changes and adaptations to the present invention without departing from the scope of the following claims. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] List of reference numbers 1. Brake caliper 2. Disc brakes 3. Housing body 4. Brake disc 5. First pad 6. Second pad 7. Operating shaft 8. Electric motor 9. Transmission System 10. First Actuator 11. Second Actuator 12. First threaded wall 13. Extrusion section 14. Connection part 15. Friction material layer 16. Support plate 17. First ball screw 18. Second ball screw 19. First screw 20. First nut thread 21. Second screw 22. Second nut screw 23. Axial center 24. Floating connecting member 25. Compression spring 26. Damper 27. Housing Seat 28. Annular elements made of elastomer material 29. Gear system 30. Spur gear 31. Support part 32. Linear guide 33. Second threaded wall 34. First Screw Nut Screw Assembly 35. Second Screw Nut Screw Assembly 36. Hydraulic piston

Claims

1. A brake caliper (1) for a disc brake (2), The brake caliper (1) comprises a housing body (3) that can be integrally connected to the spindle of the vehicle. The brake caliper (1) includes a first pad (5) and a second pad (6), The first pad (5) and the second pad (6) are connected to the opposite side of the housing body (3), The first pad (5) and the second pad (6) are arranged with a gap between them to define a disc space for housing the brake disc (4). The brake caliper (1) comprises an electric motor (8) and a transmission system (9). The transmission system (9) is configured to transmit the mechanical power generated by the electric motor (8) to the first pad (5) and the second pad (6). The transmission system (9) comprises a first actuator (10) and a second actuator (11), The first actuator (10) is positioned on the first pad (5) and is configured to actuate the first pad (5) toward or toward the brake disc (4). The second actuator (11) is positioned on the second pad (6) and is configured to actuate the second pad (6) toward or toward the brake disc (4). The first actuator (10) includes a first threaded wall (12), The first threaded wall (12) forms a first thread (19), The second actuator (11) is equipped with a second threaded wall (33), The second threaded wall (33) forms a second thread (21), Brake caliper (1), wherein the first screw (19) and the second screw (21) are reverse threads.

2. The first screw (19) is a right-hand thread, The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second screw (21) is a left-hand thread.

3. The first actuator (10) is integrally connected to the first pad (5), The second actuator (11) is integrally connected to the second pad (6), Preferably, The first actuator (10) includes a first nut screw (20), The first nut screw (20) is integrally connected to the first pad (5), The second actuator (11) includes a second nut screw (22), The second nut screw (22) is integrally connected to the second pad (6). A brake caliper (1) according to either claim 1 or 2.

4. The first actuator (10) includes a first circulating ball screw (17), The second actuator (11) includes a second circulating ball screw (18), The first circulating ball screw (17) includes a first nut screw (20) externally connected to the first threaded wall (12), The second circulating ball screw (18) includes a second nut screw (22) externally connected to the second threaded wall (33), The first circulating ball screw (17) is a right-hand thread, The second circulating ball screw (18) is a left-hand thread, Preferably, the brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both the first circulating ball screw (17) and the second circulating ball screw (18) have reversible threads.

5. The first actuator (10) includes a first screw nut screw assembly (34), The second actuator (11) includes a second screw nut screw assembly (35), The first screw-nut-screw assembly (34) comprises a first nut screw (20), The first nut screw (20) is externally connected to the first threaded wall (12), The second screw-nut-screw assembly (35) comprises a second nut screw (22), The second nut screw (22) is externally connected to the second threaded wall (33), The first screw nut screw assembly (34) has a right-hand thread, The second screw nut screw assembly (35) has a left-hand thread, Preferably, the brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein both the first screw-nut-screw assembly (34) and the second screw-nut-screw assembly (35) have irreversible threads.

6. The transmission system (9) includes a threaded operating shaft (7), The operating shaft (7) comprises the first threaded wall (12) and the second threaded wall (33), The first threaded wall (12) forms the first right-hand thread (19), The second threaded wall (33) forms the second left-hand thread (21), The first pad (5) and the second pad (6) are connected to the operating shaft (7), The operating shaft (7) is configured to move both the first pad (5) and the second pad (6) closer to the brake disc (4) or backward from the brake disc (4). Preferably, the first pad (5) is connected to the operating shaft (7) by the first screw (19), and the second pad (6) is connected to the operating shaft (7) by the second screw (21), as described in any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. Each of the first pad (5) and the second pad (6) is provided with a pressing portion (13) and a connecting portion (14), The pressing portion (13) is positioned on the brake disc (4) and comprises a friction material layer (15) facing the brake disc (4) and a support plate (16) supporting the friction material layer (15). The first pad (5) and the second pad (6) are connected to the transmission system (9) at their respective connecting portions (14). The first actuator (10) is positioned on the connecting portion (14) of the first pad (5), The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the second actuator (11) is positioned on the connecting portion (14) of the second pad (6).

8. The operating shaft (7) extends in a direction parallel to the rotation axis of the brake disc (4) and extends along the axis (23) that does not pass through the brake disc (4), The operating shaft (7) is connected to the housing body (3) by a floating connecting member (24), The brake caliper (1) according to claim 6, wherein the floating connecting member (24) is configured to enable relative translation in the direction of the axis (23) between the operating shaft (7) and the housing body (3).

9. The floating connecting member (24) includes an elastic device. and / or the floating connecting member (24) includes a compression spring (25), and / or, the floating connecting member (24) is a compression disc spring (25), and / or the floating connecting member (24) includes a compression coil spring and / or a square spring and / or a torsion spring and / or a band spring and / or a molded spring, and / or the floating connecting member (24) includes a damper (26), and / or the floating connecting member (24) includes, for example, a polymer damper made of rubber. and / or, the floating connecting member (24) includes an annular element made of an elastomer material (28), and / or the operating shaft (7) extends between two opposing operating shaft (7) ends, and the floating connecting member (24) is interposed between the housing body (3) and the operating shaft (7) ends, and / or, the brake caliper (1) according to claim 8, wherein the housing body (3) defines two housing seats (27) facing the end of the operating shaft (7), the end of the operating shaft (7) is housed in the housing seats (27), and the floating connecting member (24) is housed inside the housing seats (27).

10. The transmission system (9) comprises a gear device (29) including a plurality of gears, The gear device (29) includes a spur gear (30) connected to the operating shaft (7), The spur gear (30) is configured to transmit the mechanical power generated by the electric motor (8) to the operating shaft (7). The spur gear (31) is integrally fixed to the operating shaft (7) and is coaxial with the axis (23). The spur gear (30) transmits mechanical power to the operating shaft (7) and is configured to be relatively movable relative to the rest of the gear assembly (29) in a direction parallel to the axis (23), or the operating shaft (7) has spur gear teeth in the circumferential direction, and the circumferential spur gear teeth mesh with the spur gear (30) of the gear assembly (29). Preferably, the spur gear (30) is positioned at the end of the operating shaft (7) opposite to the first threaded wall (12) relative to the second threaded wall (33), as described in claim 6, for the brake caliper (1).

11. The housing body (3) is equipped with a support portion (31), The support portion (31) is connected to the operating shaft (7) and supports the operating shaft (7), and is configured to prevent the operating shaft (7) from translating in a direction perpendicular to the axis (23), while allowing the operating shaft (7) to rotate about the axis (23). Preferably, the support portion (31) is positioned between the first threaded portion (19) and the second threaded portion (21) in the middle of the operating shaft (7), Preferably, the support portion (31) has a through hole extending in a direction parallel to the axis (23), and the operating shaft (7) is arranged to pass through the through hole of the support portion (31), as described in claim 6.

12. The housing body (3) and the first pad (5) or the second pad (6) are each interposed, and a plurality of linear guides (32) are provided. The linear guide (32) is configured to move the first pad (5) and the second pad (6) closer to or further away from the brake disc (4), Preferably, the linear guide (32) is connected to the first pad (5) and the second pad (6) at the pressing portion (13) of the first pad (5) and the second pad (6), as described in any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The housing body (3) and the first pad (5) or the second pad (6) are interposed between them, The hydraulic piston (36) is configured to contact the first pad (5) and the second pad (6), respectively, in order to generate braking force against the brake disc (4). Preferably, the hydraulic piston (36) is connected to the first pad (5) and the second pad (6) at the pressing portion (13) of the first pad (5) and the second pad (6), as described in any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. A disc brake (2) comprising a brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The aforementioned disc brake (2) is configured to perform service braking, The first actuator (10) and the second actuator (11) of the brake caliper (1) of the disc brake (2) are a first circulating ball screw (17) and a second circulating ball screw (18), respectively. The first circulating ball screw (17) and the second circulating ball screw (18) are configured to perform service braking. Preferably, the disc brake (2) according to claim 14, wherein the first circulating ball screw (17) and the second circulating ball screw (18) have reversible type screws.

16. The aforementioned disc brake (2) is configured to perform parking braking, The first actuator (10) and the second actuator (11) of the brake caliper (1) of the disc brake (2) are, respectively, a first screw-nut-screw assembly (34) and a second screw-nut-screw assembly (35). The first screw-nut-screw assembly (34) and the second screw-nut-screw assembly (35) are configured to perform parking braking. Preferably, the first screw-nut-screw assembly (34) and the second screw-nut-screw assembly (35) have irreversible threads. The disc brake according to claim 14, optionally comprising a plurality of hydraulic pistons (36) configured to perform service braking, wherein the plurality of hydraulic pistons (36) are configured to perform service braking.

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