Brake caliper for disc brake, disc brake system and detection device

Abstract

The brake caliper (1) of the disc brake system includes a caliper body (4) configured to straddle a disc (3), a first elongated portion (5) configured to face a first braking surface (6) of a brake disc (6), a second elongated portion (7) opposite the first elongated portion (5) and configured to face a second braking surface (8) of the brake disc (3) opposite the first braking surface (6), and at least one bridge (9) for connecting the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) to each other and disposed across the disc (3). The brake caliper (1) includes at least one pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20). The brake caliper (1) includes at least one detection device (15) adapted to detect a bias force directed in an axial direction (XX). The detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is interposed between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the pair of brake pads (10, 20) and the elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake caliper for a disc brake.

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a brake caliper equipped with a sensing device.

[0003] The present invention further relates to a disc brake system and a vehicle including the disc brake system.

[0004] The present invention further relates to a detection device for a brake caliper. [Background technology]

[0005] In a disc brake, the brake caliper is generally arranged astride the outer margin of a brake disc arranged to rotate about an axis of rotation defining an axial direction (XX). In a disc brake, a radial direction (RR) defines a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (XX), and a tangential direction (TT) or circumferential direction (TT) defines a direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction (XX) and the radial direction (RR).

[0006] Brake calipers are constrained to a support structure that remains stationary relative to the vehicle wheel, for example a stub axle of a vehicle suspension, or a vehicle wheel hub, or a fork or swingarm of a motorcycle. A brake caliper typically comprises a caliper body having two opposing elongated portions arranged to face respectively opposite braking surfaces of a brake disc, and at least one caliper bridge connecting the two elongated portions that project across the disc.

[0007] In a typical arrangement of motorcycle disc brakes, one braking surface of the brake disc is directed towards the wheel of the motorcycle and the opposite braking surface of the brake disc is directed axially in the opposite direction.

[0008] The part of the caliper facing the side of the disc opposite the motorcycle usually has a fastening means to the fork, and furthermore the elongated part of the caliper body facing the side of the disc opposite the motorcycle has a significant axial extension and forms an overlap which protrudes axially from both the wheel and the fork of the motorcycle.

[0009] A clutch pad is disposed between each elongated portion of the caliper body and an opposing braking surface of the brake disc.

[0010] In a floating caliper body relative to a fixed disc, the floating or axially sliding portion of the caliper body has a thrust means, such as a hydraulically actuated piston-cylinder assembly or an electrically actuated ball-screw assembly, on only one of the opposing elongated portions, which applies a thrust action to the backside of the opposing brake pad, thereby forcing the friction material of the brake pad against the braking surface of the brake disc.

[0011] When the brake pads come into contact with such a braking surface of the brake disc under the action of the thrust means, the floating or axially sliding body of the brake caliper is subjected to an axial reaction force intended to take up an elongated part of the brake caliper which presses the brake pads against the opposite braking surface of the brake disc, thereby generating a braking action on both sides of the braking band of the brake disc. The axial guide is usually provided in the form of a pin, which guides the relative sliding of the floating part of the brake caliper on a bracket which is connected to a support structure integral with the motorcycle.

[0012] Typically, the elongated portion of the caliper body on which the thrust means is attached and the mounting portion of the caliper body intended to form a rigid connection to a support structure that remains stationary relative to the motorcycle are provided on the side of the caliper facing towards the outside of the motorcycle, thus projecting axially relative to the dimensions of the motorcycle wheel.

[0013] It is also commonly known to fit vehicles with floating brake calipers associated with fixed discs.

[0014] In this case, the elongated portion including the thrust means is usually arranged on the caliper side facing the vehicle and on the vehicle connecting element, while the opposite side of the vehicle, which usually faces the wheels of the vehicle, is free of thrust means and therefore has a smaller overhanging axial extension.

[0015] There is therefore a need felt to reduce the axial dimension of the elongated portion of the caliper body on the side of the disc facing away from the vehicle.

[0016] On the contrary, in a fixed caliper body associated with a fixed disc, thrust means, e.g. cylinder-piston assemblies, are present on both opposite elongated portions of the caliper body which can be brought into contact with the braking surface of the disc and thereby exert a thrust action on the friction pads facing it, without the need to move the caliper body axially.

[0017] Fixed caliper bodies associated with fixed discs are also known, in which only one of the elongated parts of the caliper body has one or more cylinders adapted to accommodate a hydraulic piston capable of exerting a thrust action on the friction pad facing it, the braking surface of the disc sliding axially on the support and coming into contact with the opposite friction pad to exert a braking action.

[0018] In known electrically actuated brake caliper solutions, as shown for example in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017-0321773, the thrust means is electrically actuated and according to some known examples includes a ball screw assembly in which a screw is driven by an electric motor and a nut screw or a scroll or slider that moves axially along the screw relative to the caliper body, acting as a piston or pushing the piston to bring the brake pad into contact with the opposing braking surface.

[0019] Thus, in the case of an electrically actuated brake caliper, the brake control is actuated by the vehicle driver and converted, via a suitably designed transducer, into a series of drive signals for an electric motor which moves the screw of a ball screw assembly, thereby determining the axial movement of a nut screw or scroll or slider.

[0020] Typically, such an electric motor is associated with the thrust means of an electrically actuated brake caliper (e.g. the screw of a ball screw assembly) and is controlled by a feedback loop control from sensors located on parts of the motor itself.

[0021] However, such a solution is not without drawbacks, since the feedback loop control thus obtained does not necessarily take into account the structural and dynamic effects caused by friction and deformations of the brake caliper or its parts (e.g. the brake caliper body).

[0022] Furthermore, in floating brake calipers, axial guide elements of the sliding or floating part of the brake caliper can generate dynamic effects due to friction between the components during relative axial sliding.

[0023] Solutions are known in which a sensor is mounted on the body of an electrically actuated brake caliper in the form of an elongated element extending axially along the pad, as shown, for example, in US Patent Application Publication No. 2013-0233065, to estimate the braking torque applied to the brake disc based on detection of the tangential deflection of the elongated element of the sensor.

[0024] However, this solution of providing a sensor housed in an elongated cantilever element arranged tangentially next to the brake pad must take into account the axial thinning of the friction material of the brake pad over time, which causes the brake pad to gradually move axially towards the disc at the contact point between the sides of the brake pad plate, which determines the deflection of the elongated cantilever element mounting the sensor.

[0025] There is therefore a strong felt need to provide a solution for detecting the forces exchanged between a brake caliper and a brake disc. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0026] There is therefore a strong felt need to provide improved control over the axial thrust force acting on at least one brake pad of a brake caliper in order to compensate for structural and dynamic effects due to friction and deformation of the brake caliper or its parts which affect braking action.

[0027] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and to provide a solution to the needs described herein with reference to the prior art.

[0028] These and other objects are achieved by a brake caliper according to claim 1, a disc brake according to claim 8 and a detection device according to claim 10.

[0029] Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0030] The proposed solution makes it possible to detect the axial forces exchanged between the caliper body of the brake caliper and the brake disc during braking.

[0031] Further features and advantages of the brake caliper, the brake disc system and the detection device will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments thereof, given as non-limiting examples, with reference to the attached drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a vertical elevational view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the plot plane indicated by arrows II-II in FIG. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of a portion of the brake caliper of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram of an elastic device of a detection device according to an embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional axonometric view of a brake caliper according to an embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the brake caliper of FIG. 1 taken along a plot plane parallel to the axial and radial directions. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion of the brake caliper of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is an axonometric view of a disc brake system according to a further embodiment mounted on a motorcycle. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0033] According to a general embodiment, a brake caliper 1 for a disc brake 2 is provided.

[0034] In the disc brake 2, the axial direction XX coincides with or is parallel to the axis of rotation AA of the disc 3 of the disc brake 2, the radial direction RR is perpendicular to the axial direction XX, and the tangential direction is perpendicular to both the axial direction XX and the radial direction RR.

[0035] The brake caliper 1 comprises a caliper body 4 arranged to straddle a disc 3 .

[0036] The caliper body 4 comprises a first elongated portion 5 configured to face a first braking surface 6 of the disc 3 and a second elongated portion 7 opposite the first elongated portion 5 and configured to face a second braking surface 8 of the disc 3 on the opposite side of the first braking surface 6.

[0037] The caliper body 4 is disposed across the disc 3 and further comprises at least one bridge 9 for connecting the first elongated portion 5 and the second elongated portion 7 to each other.

[0038] The brake caliper 1 further comprises at least one pair of opposing brake pads 10 , 20 including a first brake pad 10 and a second brake pad 20 .

[0039] Each brake pad 10, 20 of at least one pair of opposing brake pads 10, 20 comprises a friction material 11, 21 and a support plate 12, 22 supporting the friction material 11, 21. The support plate 12, 22 of each brake pad 10, 20 comprises a plate back 13, 23 facing a respective one of the elongated portions 5 or 7 of the caliper body 4.

[0040] Thus, the first brake pad 10 includes a first support plate 12 including a first friction material 11 and a first plate back 13, and the second brake pad 20 includes a second support plate 22 including a second friction material 21 and a second plate back 23.

[0041] The brake caliper 1 comprises an adapter 16 configured to apply a thrust action to the plate back 13 to bring a first brake pad 10 of the pair of brake pads 10,20 into abutment against the braking surface 6 of the opposing braking surfaces 6,8 of the disc 3. According to an embodiment, the thrust device 14 comprises at least one piston 44 configured to press the plate back 13 of the first brake pad 10.

[0042] According to an embodiment, the actuator 16 comprises a ball screw assembly designed to apply an axial thrust to a piston 44 to axially urge the first brake pad 10 into contact with the opposing braking surface 6 of the disc 3.

[0043] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4 further comprises at least one housing configured to receive at least a part of the at least one thrust device 14. According to an embodiment, the at least one housing of the caliper body 4 has axially opposed housing walls 18 and has at least one housing edge 19 facing the brake plate 13 of the first brake pad 10. According to an embodiment, the piston 44 is associated with a seal 45 to prevent the ingress of water or foreign objects (e.g. dirt or gravel) into the actuator.

[0044] The brake caliper 1 further comprises at least one detection device 15 arranged to detect a bias force directed in the axial direction XX.

[0045] Advantageously, the detection device 15 of the brake caliper 1 is interposed directly or indirectly in the axial direction XX, for example by interposing one or more parts (e.g. the swivel ring body 29 and / or the slider 32) between the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 of the pair of brake pads 10, 20 and the elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4.

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment, it is avoided to provide an actuator 16 between the detection device 15 and the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 of the brake pad pair 10,20.

[0047] An improved measurement accuracy of the axial force exchanged between the second brake pad 20 and the second elongated portion 7 is achieved by avoiding the provision of an actuator 16 arranged axially between the detection device 15 and the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20.

[0048] Such a detection device 15 arranged axially between the caliper body 4 and the second brake pad 20 therefore enables an accurate and reliable measurement of the axial force exchanged with the brake disc during braking operation, which takes into account the effects of friction between the brake caliper components during their relative movement (relative sliding movement) as well as deformations of, for example, parts of the caliper body and / or the brake caliper itself.

[0049] Furthermore, an estimation of the axial force exchanged with the disc, obtainable with such a detection device 15, makes it possible to carry out a loop control with feedback on the thrust means. For example, such an estimate of the exchanged axial force can be stored by the control unit and compared with the power supply of an electric motor driving the thrust means of an electrically actuated brake caliper in order to diagnose possible malfunctions.

[0050] For example, in the case of a floating or axially sliding caliper, friction due to the sliding of the axially sliding part of the brake caliper necessarily results in dissipation of the mechanical power generated by the electric motor. By means of such a detection device 15 it is possible to estimate the force actually exchanged with the disc and therefore to evaluate the dissipation caused by friction.

[0051] According to a preferred embodiment, the connection device 15 includes at least one load cell 25. Preferably, the load cell 25 includes at least one piezoelectric element.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the load cell 25 is configured to operate by deflection, thus comprising, for example, a strain gauge which detects the elongation of the deflected part of the load cell body when measuring the force exchanged with a brake disc.

[0053] According to an embodiment, the load cell 25 is configured to operate in compression.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the load cell 25 comprises at least one contact ridge 26, 26' configured to define an axial contact stretch 27, 27' with respect to a body axially adjacent to the load cell 25.

[0055] According to an embodiment, the load cell 25 comprises at least two contact ridges 26 and 26' axially opposite each other and a body of the load cell 25, each contact ridge 26 or 26' of the at least two contact ridges 26, 26 being configured to define an axial contact stretch 27, 27' with respect to the body axially opposite the load cell 25.

[0056] According to an embodiment, the axial contact stretch 27, 27' is at least a circumferential arc. According to an embodiment, the axial contact stretch 27, 27' is circumferential.

[0057] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises a connector 52 configured to form an operational connection to the brake control, for example by means of one or more conversion units. According to an embodiment, the connector 52 comprises at least one sealing portion 33' (for example a collar 53) for achieving a mechanical interference coupling with a part of the caliper body 4. Preferably, the collar 53 provides a retention effect. According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4, preferably the second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4, defines an access channel to the load cell 25 for receiving the connector 52.

[0058] According to an embodiment, the load cell 25 has an annular body that develops around the through opening 28. In this way, it is possible to accommodate other components of the brake caliper 1 at least partially inside the through opening 29, thereby reducing the axial dimension of the caliper body 4. In this way, it is possible, for example, to accommodate an anti-rotation device at least partially in the through opening 29 of the load cell 25.

[0059] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one swivel ring body 29 inserted between the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 and the load cell 25 in the axial direction XX.

[0060] According to an embodiment, the at least one swivel ring body 29 is configured to axially abut against a contact ridge 26 of the load cell 25 .

[0061] According to an embodiment, at least one swivel ring body 29 has an annular body surrounding a through opening of the swivel ring body. Preferably, the through opening of the swivel ring coupling body is axial or coaxial with the through opening 29 of the load cell 25.

[0062] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 further comprises at least one resilient device 30 .

[0063] According to an embodiment, the elastic device 30 is configured to apply a preloading action directly in the axial direction XX between the load cell 25 , preferably the contact ridge 26 of the load cell 25 , and the at least one slewing ring body 29 .

[0064] According to an embodiment, the elastic element 30 comprises one or more conical spring washers 47. Preferably, the elastic device comprises a plurality of conical spring washers 47 stacked in the axial direction XX.

[0065] According to an embodiment, the elastic device 30 further comprises an adjustment device 46, for example having an adjustment screw cooperating with a nut. The adjustment device 46 is configured to preload the slewing ring body 29 axially against the load cell 25. Measurement errors of the load cell 25 are thus minimized.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the plurality of conical spring washers 47 have an annular body that surrounds a stem 48 of an adjustment screw of the adjustment device 46. According to an embodiment, a head 50 of the adjustment screw of the adjustment device 46 axially abuts against the slewing ring body 29 to axially bias the load cell 25.

[0067] According to an embodiment, the elastic device 30 comprises at least one abutment body 49 forming an axial abutment surface for the conical spring washers 47 to apply the above-mentioned preload. For example, the abutment body 49 is essentially cup-shaped with a through opening in its bottom wall. By providing such an abutment body 49, the elastic device 30 forms a cartridge system with the adjustment device 46 that can be axially inserted into the brake caliper body 1.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 comprises at least one axial guide wall 31 extending in the axial direction XX between the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 and the load cell 25 .

[0069] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one slider 32 preferably associated in a sealed manner with the at least one axial wall 31, for example via an O-ring 33. The at least one slider 32 cooperating with the at least one axial guide wall 31 slides in the axial direction XX when pressed by the second brake pad 20 during braking.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the at least one slider 32 comprises at least one axial guiding counter wall 34 which is in contact with the at least one axial guiding wall 32 of the caliper body 4 for a given axial extension X3.

[0071] According to an embodiment, the at least one slider 32 comprises an abutment surface 36 configured to abut axially against the plate back 23 of the second brake pad 20 .

[0072] Thus, such a slider 32 is configured only to axially bias the load cell 25 directly or indirectly through the intermediation of the slewing ring body 29 .

[0073] The provision of at least one contact ridge 26 defining a contact section 27, 27' with the swivel ring body 29 and / or slider 32 ensures that only axial stresses are transmitted to the load cell 25, thereby avoiding bending or torsional stresses that may interfere with the reading of the detection device 15. Preferably, at least two contact ridges 26, 26', if observed, ideally define a single point of contact with the swivel ring body 29 and at least one point of contact with the annular abutment body 38.

[0074] Preferably, at least two contact ridges 26, 26' are arranged on different diameters of the annular body of the load cell 25 to form two substantially concentric and coaxial contact circumferences 27, 27'. Preferably, a strain gauge is applied between the two contact ridges 26, 26' to detect the bending-induced elongation of the annular body of the load cell 25 between the two contact ridges 26, 26'.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the slider 32 is made of a thermal insulating material, for example a thermal insulating material (for example a phenolic resin). In this way, the load cell 25 is protected from interference caused by thermal stresses. Preferably, the slider 32 is insensitive to deformations under the influence of thermal stresses under operating conditions.

[0076] According to an embodiment, one or more seals are associated with the load cell body 25 to provide a protective seal against infiltration.

[0077] According to an embodiment, an annular abutment body 38, for example made of steel, is associated with the body of the load cell 25 to form an axial abutment and a radial positioning datum for the load cell 25. The provision of such an annular body 38 also makes it possible to form an abutment datum that is not deformable during operation.

[0078] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one sealing element 33, 33', 33''', and preferably a plurality of sealing elements 33, 33', 33''', which form a sealed chamber 35 housing at least the load cell 25. In this way, foreign objects and liquids are prevented from interfering with the reading of the load cell 25. According to an embodiment, the sealing element comprises an O-ring and / or a sealed threaded connection.

[0079] According to an embodiment, a pneumatic device 37 is provided for evacuating and assembling at least one component from the enclosed chamber 35 defined by the detection device 15. Indeed, the pneumatic device 37 including a pipe avoids an undesired increase in the chamber pressure that may result in failure to reach the rest position of the slider 32.

[0080] Preferably, the pneumatic device 37 includes at least one pipe leading to a wall (e.g., the abutment surface 36) of the slider 32 in order to detach the slider 32 from the caliper body 4 when actuated, for example by blowing compressed air, thereby facilitating disassembly.

[0081] According to an embodiment, the actuator 16 of the thrust device 14 is associated to an electric motor 41. For example, the motor 41 comprises a rotor and a stator, both of which are received in the caliper 4 (preferably in the first elongated portion 5 of the caliper body 4).

[0082] According to an embodiment, the brake caliper 1 further comprises a bracket 42 including fastening means 43 for fastening the brake caliper 1 for the vehicle 40 .

[0083] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4 is configured to slide in the axial direction XX relative to the bracket 42 for applying a braking action. In this way, a floating brake caliper 1 is made.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the caliper body 4 is made in a single piece, in other words it is a monoblock. Preferably, the caliper body 4 is made in a single casting.

[0085] According to the embodiment, the caliper body 4 is a monoblock and is adapted to slide on a bracket 42 .

[0086] According to a general embodiment, the disc brake system 2 comprises at least one brake caliper 1 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0087] The disc brake system 2 further comprises at least one disc 3. The disc 3 defines an axis of rotation AA. In the disc brake system 2, an axial direction XX is coincident with or parallel to the axis of rotation AA of the disc 3 of the disc brake 2, a radial direction RR is perpendicular to the axial direction XX and a tangential direction TT is perpendicular to both the axial direction XX and the radial direction RR.

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment, the disc brake system 2 further comprises at least one brake control. Preferably, the brake control comprises a control lever.

[0089] Preferably, the term "brake control" refers to a control interface intended to receive control from the driver of the vehicle 40 to apply braking action.

[0090] Preferably, the term "braking action" refers to the clamping action of opposing braking surfaces 6, 8 exerted by opposing brake pads 10, 20 of the brake caliper 1 when actuated by the thrust device 14, thereby generating a braking torque.

[0091] Preferably, the term "braking torque" refers to the force generated by the brake pads 10, 20 to brake the disc 3 applied to opposing braking surfaces 6, 8 at a given radial distance from the axis of rotation AA of the disc 3.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the disc brake system 2 comprises at least one electric motor 41 for actuating the thrust device 14 .

[0093] According to an embodiment, the disc brake system 2 comprises at least one converter unit operatively connected to the brake control and detection device 15 .

[0094] Preferably, the at least one conversion unit is configured to transmit a control signal to the thrust device 14 based on a control action transmitted by a brake control when actuated by the vehicle driver, for example by actuation of the electric motor 41.

[0095] According to a general embodiment, the vehicle 40 is equipped with at least one disc brake 2 according to any one of the above embodiments.

[0096] Preferably, the vehicle 40 is a motorcycle 40 .

[0097] For example, the motorcycle 40 is configured to lean when cornering.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the motorcycle 40 comprises at least one fork 51 associated with a bracket 42 via fastening means 43 .

[0099] According to an embodiment, the first elongated portion 5 of the caliper body 4, which receives the electric motor 41 of the brake caliper 1, is arranged on the side of the disc 3 facing the fork 51 and protrudes axially beyond the axial level of the fork by a predetermined amount 55.

[0100] According to an embodiment, the second elongated portion 7 of the caliper body 4 including the detection device 15 is arranged on the side of the disc 3 facing the wheel 56 of the motorcycle.

[0101] According to an embodiment, the brake control 17 preferably comprises a control lever associated with the handlebars of the motorcycle 40 .

[0102] According to an embodiment, at least one detection device 15 adapted to detect a bias force directed in the axial direction XX.

[0103] The detection device 15 comprises at least one load cell 25 .

[0104] The load cell 25 comprises at least one contact ridge 26, 26' configured to define an axial contact stretch 27, 27', preferably a circumference relative to an object axially abutting the load cell 25. Preferably, the body axially abutting the load cell 25 is a brake pad 10, 20. In this way, it is possible to detect the axial force exchanged between the brake disc and the brake pad 10, 20, which is the first member of the brake caliper providing a force to the brake disc, during braking operation.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment, the load cell 25 has an annulus that develops around the through opening 28 .

[0106] According to an embodiment, the detection device 15 comprises at least one of the features described in any one of the above embodiments.

[0107] According to a general embodiment, there is provided a vehicle comprising at least one detection device according to any one of the above embodiments. According to an embodiment, the vehicle is a car. According to an embodiment, the vehicle is a motorcycle.

[0108] Thanks to the above features, provided individually or in combination, it is possible to meet the above-mentioned needs and to obtain in particular the above-mentioned advantages.

[0109] The brake control (usually a control lever and / or brake pedal) is provided with feedback regarding the forces exchanged between the brake pads and the caliper body.

[0110] The electric floating brake caliper provides exceptional performance in terms of driver control of the vehicle, even in emergency situations, and excellent comfort for the vehicle operator.

[0111] If desired, it is possible to detect only the axial stress exchanged between the brake pad and the caliper body, without detecting the shear, bending and / or torsional stresses.

[0112] It is possible to accommodate the body (e.g. the elastic device) within the overall dimensions of the load cell 25. This allows the overall dimensions of the brake caliper to be reduced while still maintaining the same performance.

[0113] In particular, an axially compact caliper body is provided, which reduces the axial dimension of the cantilever portion of the brake caliper.

[0114] The anti-rotation can be integrated into the piston rather than the caliper body, resulting in even smaller dimensions.

[0115] Even in the case of floating brake calipers, it is possible to create a monoblock caliper body.

[0116] The brake caliper may be mounted from a single axial side of the brake disc.

[0117] The masked volume can be used to preload the sensors, which affects the overall dimensions.

[0118] This allows a simplified mechanical layout of the transmission screw for removal of the sensor components, especially for management of the electrical contacts.

[0119] Those skilled in the art may make numerous modifications and adaptations to the above-described embodiments, or may substitute other elements that are functionally equivalent to meet their foreseeable needs, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1: Brake caliper 2: Disc brake system (disc brake) 3: Disc brake disc 4: Caliper body 5: First elongated part of the caliper body 6: First braking surface of the disc 7: The second elongated part of the caliper body 8: Second braking surface of the disc 9: Caliper body bridge 10: First brake pad 11: Friction material of the first brake pad 12: First brake pad support plate 13: Back plate of first brake pad 14: Thrust device 15:Detection device 16: Actuator 18: Housing bottom wall 19: Housing edge 20: Second brake pad 21: Friction material of second brake pad 22: Support plate for second brake pad 23: Back plate of second brake pad 25: Load cell 26,26': Contact ridge 27,27': Contact stretch 28: Load cell through hole 29: Swivel ring body 30: Telescopic device 31: Guide shaft wall 32: Slider 33, 33', 33': sealing member 34: Axial guide facing wall 35: Sealed chamber of detection device 36: Slider contact surface 37: Injection device 38: Abutting annular body 40: Vehicle or motorcycle 41: Electric motor 42: Brake caliper bracket 43: Fixing means 44: Thrust device piston 45: Seal 46: Adjustment device 47: Conical spring washer 48: Adjustment screw stem 49: Abutment body 50: Adjustment screw head 51: Fork 52: Connector 53: Color 55: Cantilevered axial extension 56: Wheel AA: Disk rotation axis XX: Axial direction RR: Radial direction TT:Tangential direction

Claims

1. A brake caliper (1) for a disc brake system, comprising: An axial direction (X-X) that coincides with or is parallel to a rotation axis (A-A) of a brake disc (3) of the disc brake, a radial direction (R-R) perpendicular to the axial direction (X-X), and a tangential direction (T-T) perpendicular to the axial direction (X-X) and the radial direction (R-R) are defined; The brake caliper (1) includes a caliper body (4) configured to straddle the brake disc (3); The caliper body (4) a first elongated portion (5) configured to face a first braking surface (6) of said brake disc (3); a second elongated portion (7) opposite the first elongated portion (5) and configured to face a second braking surface (8) of the brake disc (3) opposite the first braking surface (6); at least one bridge (9) for connecting the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) to each other across the brake disc (3); The brake caliper (1) further includes at least a pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) including a first brake pad (10) and a second brake pad (20); Each of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) comprises: A friction material (11, 21); A support plate (12, 22) that supports the friction material (11, 21), the support plate (12, 22) of each brake pad (10, 20) comprises a plate back (13, 23) facing the first elongated portion (5) and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4); The brake caliper (1) further comprises: at least one thrust device (14) including an actuator (16) configured to apply a thrust action to the plate back (13) to abut the first brake pad (10) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) against the first braking surface (6) of the first and second braking surfaces (6) of the brake disc (3); and at least one detection device (15) configured to detect a bias force directed in the axial direction (X-X), the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is interposed between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the at least one pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4); The detection device (15) includes at least one load cell (25); The load cell (25) has an annular body extending around a through opening (28); said load cell (25) comprises at least one contact ridge (26, 26') configured to define an axial contact stretch (27, 27') for a body abutting said load cell (25) in said axial direction (X-X); The contact stretch (27, 27') is circumferential, of the brake caliper (1).

2. the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is interposed between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4), avoiding the provision of an actuator (16) interposed between the detection device (15) and the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20), or the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is directly inserted between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the pair of opposing brake pads (10, 20) and the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4); 2. The brake caliper (1) of claim 1, wherein the detection device (15) of the brake caliper (1) is in direct contact with the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) of the pair of brake pads (10, 20) and with the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4).

3. The at least one contact ridge (26, 26') has at least two contact ridges (26, 26'), 3. A brake caliper (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are arranged at different diametric positions on the annular body of the load cell (25) so as to form two concentric and coaxial contact circumferences (27, 27').

4. 4. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 3, wherein a strain gauge is applied between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') and configured to detect an elongation due to bending of the annular body of the load cell (25) between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26').

5. 5. A brake caliper (1) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are opposed to each other in the axial direction (X-X) and to the annular body of the load cell (26) in the axial direction (X-X).

6. The detection device (15) comprises at least one slewing ring body (29) interposed in the axial direction (X-X) between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) and the load cell (25); 6. The brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the at least one swivel ring body (29) is configured to abut in the axial direction (X-X) against the at least one contact ridge (26) of the load cell (25).

7. The detection device (15) further comprises at least one resilient device (30); 7. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 6, wherein the resilient device (30) is configured to apply a preload directly in the axial direction (X-X) between the at least one contact ridge (26) of the load cell (25) and the at least one slewing ring body (29).

8. the second elongated portion (7) of the caliper body (4) includes at least one axial guide wall (31) extending between the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20) and the load cell (25); said detection device (15) further comprises at least one slider (32) sealingly associated with said at least one axial guide wall (31) by means of an intervening O-ring (33); said at least one slider (32) cooperates with said at least one axial guide wall (31) to slide in said axial direction (X-X) when pressed by said second brake pad (20) during braking; the at least one slider (32) comprises at least one axial guide counter wall (34) which is in contact with the at least one axial guide wall (32) of the caliper body (4) over a given axial extension (X3); 2. The brake caliper (1) according to claim 1, wherein the at least one slider (32) comprises an abutment surface (36) configured for axial abutment against the plate back (23) of the second brake pad (20).

9. the detection device (15) preferably comprises a plurality of sealing elements (33, 33', 33'''), at least one of which forms a sealed chamber (35) for receiving at least the load cell (25); 9. A brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pneumatic device (37) is provided for the purpose of evacuating and / or assembling at least one component from the sealed chamber (35) defined by the detection device (15).

10. the actuator (16) of the thrust device (14) is associated with an electric motor (41); The brake caliper (1) further comprises a bracket (42) provided with fixing means (43) for fixing the brake caliper (1) to a vehicle (40); A brake caliper (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the caliper body (4) is configured to slide in the axial direction (X-X) relative to the bracket (42) to apply a braking action or the caliper body (4) is made in one piece.

11. A disc brake system (2) comprising a brake caliper (1) according to any one of the preceding claims and at least one disc (3).

12. A motor vehicle (40) comprising a brake disc system (2) according to claim 11.

13. A detection device (15) including at least one load cell (25) configured to detect a bias force directed in an axial direction (X-X), The load cell (25) has an annular body extending around the through hole (28), said load cell (25) is configured to define a stretch of at least one axial contact portion (27, 27') relative to a body abutting said load cell (25) in said axial direction (XX), The at least one axial contact portion (27, 27') is circumferential.

14. The at least one contact ridge (26, 26') comprises at least two contact ridges (26, 26'); the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are arranged at different diametric positions on the annular body of the load cell (25) so as to form two concentric and coaxial contact circumferences (27, 27'); The detection device (15) according to claim 13, wherein a strain gauge is applied between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') and configured to detect elongation due to bending of the annular body of the load cell (25) between the at least two contact ridges (26, 26').

15. 15. The detection device (15) according to claim 14, wherein the at least two contact ridges (26, 26') are axially opposed to each other and to the annular body of the load cell (26).

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