Floating disc brake system

Abstract

To achieve a floating type disc brake device capable of achieving both reduction of the weight and securement of the rigidity of a split type caliper body.SOLUTION: A floating type disc brake device 1 comprises an inner pad, an outer pad, a support 2, and a caliper body 3. The caliper body 3 is constructed by axially connecting an inner body part 15 and an outer body part 16, and a radial cover portion 24 constituting the outer body part 16 has an opening window portion 29 that opens in each of peripheral surfaces on both radial sides and an axially inner end face. Concave portions 32a, 32b recessed in the circumferential direction are provided on radial intermediate portions of circumferential side surfaces 30a, 30b constituting the inner surface of the opening window portion 29.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This invention relates to a floating disc brake device. [Background technology]

[0002] Disc brakes are widely used to brake automobiles and motorcycles. When braking with a disc brake, a pair of pads, positioned on both axial sides of a rotor that rotates with the wheel, are pressed against the axial sides of the rotor by a piston. Various structures of such disc brakes have been known for a long time, but floating-type disc brakes have been widely used for a long time because they are advantageous in terms of weight reduction and cost reduction.

[0003] A floating disc brake system comprises a support fixed to the vehicle body, a caliper body supported to be axially movable relative to the support, and an inner pad and an outer pad supported to be axially movable relative to the support. Unless otherwise specified, "axial" refers to the axial direction of the rotor.

[0004] The caliper body comprises an inner body portion having a cylinder and positioned axially inward of the rotor, and an outer body portion that presses the outer pad axially. A piston is fitted inside the cylinder in the inner body portion to press the inner pad axially during braking.

[0005] During braking, pressurized oil is supplied from the master cylinder to the cylinder, and the piston presses the inner pad against the axial side of the rotor. As a reaction to this pressing force, the caliper body moves axially inward relative to the support. This causes the outer body to press the outer pad against the axial side of the rotor. As a result, the rotor is strongly clamped from both axial sides by the inner and outer pads, and braking is performed.

[0006] Furthermore, in the case of floating-type disc brake devices, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-180905 (Patent Document 1), it has been conventional practice to provide an opening window in the portion of the caliper body that covers the inner pad and outer pad from the radially outer side, thereby allowing external confirmation of the wear status of the inner pad and outer pad. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2012-180905 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-77633 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] The split structure of a caliper body, which divides it into an inner body and an outer body, has been known for some time, as described in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 5-77633 (Patent Document 2), among others. Split caliper bodies have advantages such as allowing the inner body and outer body to be made of different materials.

[0009] However, compared to a one-piece caliper body where the inner and outer body sections are integrally formed, split caliper bodies are not only more difficult to ensure rigidity, but also tend to be heavier because they require connecting members to link the inner and outer body sections.

[0010] On the other hand, floating disc brake systems are installed on the road surface side of the vehicle, closer to the suspension springs, and thus become part of the unsprung weight. For this reason, weight reduction is required to improve the vehicle's fuel efficiency and driving performance.

[0011] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a floating disc brake device including a split caliper body capable of achieving both weight reduction and ensuring rigidity.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0012] A floating disc brake device according to an aspect of the present invention includes an inner pad, an outer pad, a support, and a caliper body. The inner pad is disposed on the inner side in the axial direction of the rotor. The outer pad is disposed on the outer side in the axial direction of the rotor. The support is fixed to the vehicle body and supports each of the inner pad and the outer pad so as to be axially movable. The caliper body is supported so as to be axially movable with respect to the support. The caliper body has a cylinder and is configured by axially connecting an inner body portion disposed on the inner side in the axial direction of the rotor and an outer body portion that presses the outer pad during braking. The outer body portion is disposed on the outer side in the radial direction of the rotor and has a radially covering portion whose inner end face in the axial direction abuts against the inner body portion. The radially covering portion has an opening window portion that opens on each of the circumferential surfaces on both sides in the radial direction and the inner end face in the axial direction, and functions as a viewing window for externally checking the wear conditions of the inner pad and the outer pad. A recess recessed in the circumferential direction is provided at the radial intermediate portion of the circumferential side surface constituting the inner surface of the opening window portion.

[0013] In the floating disc brake device according to an aspect of the present invention, only one opening window portion can be provided at the circumferential intermediate portion of the radially covering portion. Alternatively, a plurality of opening window portions can be provided in the radially covering portion.

[0014] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recess can be provided on each of the circumferential side surfaces on both sides in the circumferential direction that constitute the inner surface of the opening window. Alternatively, the recess may be provided only on one of the circumferential side surfaces that constitute the inner surface of the opening window portion.

[0015] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the axially outer end of the opening window can be positioned axially outward from the rotor.

[0016] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recess can be provided along the entire axial length of the circumferential side surface of the opening window portion. Alternatively, the recess may be provided only on a portion of the axial direction of the circumferential side surface of the opening window portion.

[0017] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the circumferential opening width of the radially outer opening and / or the radially inner opening of the opening window can be made wider in the axial direction toward the inward direction in at least a part of the axial direction of the opening window. In this case, the degree to which the circumferential opening width of the radially outer opening and / or the radially inner opening of the opening window portion expands can also be changed according to the axial position of the opening window portion.

[0018] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the radial cover portion may have an outer peripheral side wall portion on the radially outer side of the recess and an inner peripheral side wall portion on the radially inner side of the recess.

[0019] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, when the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side wall and the radial thickness of the inner peripheral side wall are compared at the same circumferential position, the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side wall can be made to be greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the inner peripheral side wall.

[0020] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, when comparing the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral side wall and the circumferential overhang of the inner peripheral side wall at the same axial position, the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral side wall can be made larger than the circumferential overhang of the inner peripheral side wall.

[0021] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recess may have a region in which the radial width does not change over the circumferential direction, at least in a part of the circumferential direction.

[0022] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the recess may have a region in which the radial width decreases as it moves toward the back of the recess with respect to the circumferential direction, at least in a part of the circumferential direction.

[0023] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, a drainage portion can be provided in the inner circumferential side wall portion, which communicates radially with the recess.

[0024] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, a communication portion can be provided in the inner body portion that is axially opposite to the axially inner end of the opening window portion, and that communicates with the opening window portion in the axial direction.

[0025] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the axial side surface constituting the inner surface of the opening window can be made to have a cross shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0026] In a floating disc brake device according to one aspect of the present invention, the opening window can be a cast hole. Alternatively, the opening window portion can be a cut hole. [Effects of the Invention]

[0027] According to the floating disc brake device of the present invention, it is possible to achieve both weight reduction and rigidity with respect to the split caliper body. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0028] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a front view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the axial side. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a rear view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the axial inner side. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a partial cross-sectional plan view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the radially outer side. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a bottom view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the radially inward direction. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a side view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the right side of Figure 1. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the axial and radially outward directions. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a perspective view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the axially inward and radially outward direction. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the axially outer and radially inner directions. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a perspective view of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from both the axial and radially inward directions. [Figure 10] Figure 10 is a view of the outer body portion of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the axial inner side. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 10. [Figure 12]Figure 12 is a view of the outer body portion of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the radially outer side. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a magnified view of a portion of Figure 12. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a view of the outer body portion of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, as seen from the radially inner side. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a perspective view of the outer body portion of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the axially inward and radially outward. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a perspective view of the outer body portion of a disc brake device according to the first embodiment, viewed from the axially and radially inward. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 11, showing a second example of the embodiment. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, showing a second example of the embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 11, showing a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, showing a third example of the embodiment. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 11, showing a fourth example of the embodiment. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 12, showing a fourth example of the embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 14, showing a fourth example of the embodiment. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 16, showing a fourth example of the embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 11, showing a fifth example of the embodiment. [Figure 26] Figure 26 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 14, showing a fifth example of the embodiment. [Figure 27] Figure 27 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 15, showing a fifth example of the embodiment. [Figure 28] Figure 28 is a diagram corresponding to Figure 2, showing a sixth example of the embodiment. [Figure 29] Figure 29 is a perspective view of the inner body portion of a disc brake device according to the sixth embodiment, viewed from the axially inward and radially outward. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0029] [First example of an embodiment] A first example of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 16.

[0030] Throughout this specification and the claims, "axial," "radial," and "circumferential" refer to the axial, radial, and circumferential directions of a disc-shaped rotor that rotates with the wheel, unless otherwise specified. Furthermore, with the disc brake device mounted on the vehicle body, the outer side in the width direction of the vehicle body is referred to as the axial outer side, and the center side in the width direction of the vehicle body is referred to as the axial inner side. Furthermore, the center side in the circumferential direction of the disc brake device is referred to as the circumferential inner side, and both sides in the circumferential direction of the disc brake device are referred to as the circumferential outer side. In addition, the entry side refers to the side of the circumferential outer side from which the rotor enters the caliper body when the vehicle is moving forward, and the exit side refers to the side of the circumferential outer side from which the rotor exits the caliper body when the vehicle is moving forward.

[0031] [Explanation of the structure of the disc brake system] The disc brake device 1 in this example is a floating-type disc brake device and comprises a support 2, a caliper body 3, an inner pad 4, and an outer pad 5.

[0032] <support> Support 2 is a casting made of an iron-based alloy such as cast iron and is fixed to the vehicle body. Support 2 supports the caliper body 3 so that it can move in the axial direction, and also supports the inner pad 4 and the outer pad 5 so that they can move in the axial direction.

[0033] Support 2 has a pair of guide portions 7 located at both outer ends in the circumferential direction, an inner circumferential connecting portion 8 located axially inward from the rotor 6 (see Figure 3) and extending in the circumferential direction, and an outer circumferential connecting portion 9 located axially outward from the rotor 6 and extending in the circumferential direction. Support 2 is fixed to the suspension system that constitutes the vehicle body using a pair of fixing holes 10 provided at both outer ends in the circumferential direction of the inner circumferential connecting portion 8. Note that when implementing the present invention, the outer circumferential connecting portion 9 can be omitted from Support 2.

[0034] Each of the pair of guide sections 7 has an inverted U-shape when viewed from the circumferential direction and is positioned to straddle the rotor 6 from the radially outer side. Each of the pair of guide sections 7 includes an inner guide section 11 for supporting the inner pad 4 so as to be movable in the axial direction, an outer guide section 12 for supporting the outer pad 5 so as to be movable in the axial direction, and a caliper guide section 13 that connects the radially outer ends of the inner guide section 11 and the outer guide section 12 in the axial direction.

[0035] The inner guide portion 11 is positioned axially inward from the rotor 6 and extends radially. The radially inward end of the inner guide portion 11 is connected to the circumferentially outward end of the inner circumferential connecting portion 8.

[0036] The outer guide portion 12 is positioned axially outward from the rotor 6 and extends radially. The radially inner end of the outer guide portion 12 is connected to the circumferential outer end of the outer-side circumferential connecting portion 9.

[0037] The caliper guide portion 13 is positioned radially outward from the rotor 6 and extends axially. Inside the caliper guide portion 13 is a support hole 44 that extends axially. The tip of the slide pin 14, which will be described later, is slidably inserted into the support hole 44.

[0038] <Caliper Body> The caliper body 3 is supported so as to be axially movable relative to the support 2 using a pair of slide pins 14.

[0039] The caliper body 3 in this example is not a single-piece structure, but rather a segmented structure. Specifically, the caliper body 3 is constructed by axially connecting an inner body portion 15 and an outer body portion 16, which are composed of separate parts, with multiple connecting members 17a and 17b (a total of four in the illustrated example).

[0040] Multiple connecting members 17a and 17b are arranged spaced apart in the circumferential direction. Of the multiple connecting members 17a and 17b, one pair of connecting members 17a, which are located on both outer sides in the circumferential direction, connect the outer ends of the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 in the axial direction, while the remaining connecting members 17b connect the inner (closer to the center) portions of the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 in the axial direction. The number of connecting members is not particularly limited when implementing the present invention.

[0041] The inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 can be made of different materials or the same material. In this example, both the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 are made of an aluminum alloy, but they can also be made of an iron alloy or other material. Furthermore, one of the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 can be made of an aluminum alloy, and the other of the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 can be made of an iron alloy or other material.

[0042] 《Inner Body Section》 The inner body portion 15 is positioned axially inward from the rotor 6. The inner body portion 15 has two cylinders 18, a pair of circumferential arms 19a and 19b, a pair of radial extensions 20a and 20b, and a connecting portion 21. When implementing the present invention, the number of cylinders provided in the inner body portion is not particularly limited; there may be only one, or there may be three or more.

[0043] The two cylinders 18 are located in the circumferential inner portion (intermediate portion) of the inner body portion 15. The two cylinders 18 are arranged side by side in the circumferential direction, with their respective central axes parallel to the central axis of the rotor 6. The cylinders 18 have a substantially cylindrical shape and open only outward in the axial direction. A piston (not shown) is fitted inside the cylinders 18 so as to be movable in the axial direction.

[0044] A pair of circumferential arms 19a and 19b are provided on the outer sides of the inner body portion 15 in the circumferential direction, flanking the two cylinders 18 in the circumferential direction. The circumferential arm 19a, located on the inlet side, extends toward the inlet side from the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 18 located on the inlet side, and the circumferential arm 19b, located on the outlet side, extends toward the outlet side from the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 18 located on the outlet side.

[0045] The pair of radially extending portions 20a and 20b are spaced apart from each other in the circumferential direction and are located on the circumferentially inner side of the inner body portion 15. Each of the radially extending portions 20a and 20b is located radially outward from the axially outer portion of the cylinder 18.

[0046] Each of the radially protruding portions 20a and 20b is constructed in a flat plate shape and protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface of the cylinder 18. The axially outer surfaces of the radially protruding portions 20a and 20b are flat surfaces.

[0047] The radially protruding portions 20a and 20b are connected in the circumferential direction by a connecting plate portion 22. The connecting plate portion 22 is positioned in the area between the radially protruding portions 20a and 20b in the circumferential direction. Specifically, the connecting plate portion 22 is positioned in the area between the radially protruding portions 20a and 20b, extending from the radially inner portion to the radially middle portion.

[0048] The communication portion 21 is provided on the radially outer portion of the area between the radially protruding portions 20a and 20b with respect to the circumferential direction. In other words, the communication portion 21 is located radially outward of the connecting plate portion 22. The communication portion 21 opens on both the axial sides and radially outward of the inner body portion 15. The communication portion 21 is provided on the outer body portion 16 in a portion facing the axially inner end of the opening window portion 29, which will be described later, and communicates with the opening window portion 29 in the axial direction. The circumferential width of the communication portion 21 is approximately the same as the circumferential width of the axially inner end of the opening window portion 29.

[0049] Outer Body Section The outer body portion 16 has a substantially bow-shaped axial cover portion 23 positioned axially outward from the outer pad 5, and a partially cylindrical radial cover portion 24 positioned radially outward from the rotor 6. The outer body portion 16 has a substantially L-shaped cross-section with respect to a virtual plane containing the central axis of the rotor 6. The axial cover portion 23 and the radial cover portion 24 are integrally constructed.

[0050] The axial cover portion 23 is configured as a roughly curved flat plate and directly presses the outer pad 5 in the axial direction during braking.

[0051] The circumferential outer portions of the axial cover portion 23 protrude circumferentially outward from the pair of guide portions 7. As a result, the axial cover portion 23 covers the pair of guide portions 7 from the axial outside. In this example, by making the circumferential dimension of the axial cover portion 23 larger than the circumferential dimension of the support 2, a large design surface formed by the axial outer surface of the axial cover portion 23 is secured.

[0052] The axial cover portion 23 has a protruding portion 25 on the circumferential inner portion of its axial inner surface. The axial inner surface (tip surface) of the protruding portion 25 is provided with a contact projection 26 that rises inward in the axial direction. In the illustrated example, the contact projection 26 has a substantially grid shape. The contact projection 26 contacts the axial outer surface (back surface) of the back plate 40b that constitutes the outer pad 5 via a shim plate 43 during braking.

[0053] The axial cover portion 23 has a pair of relief recesses 27 on both circumferential outer portions of the protruding portion 25 on its axial inner surface. The relief recesses 27 are provided on the axial inner surface of the axial cover portion 23 in the portion facing the pair of outer guide portions 12 and their vicinity that constitute the support 2 in the axial direction.

[0054] As the inner pad 4 and outer pad 5 wear down and the caliper body 3 moves axially inward relative to the support 2, the axially outer portion of the outer guide portion 12 enters the inside of the relief recess 27. This configuration prevents interference between the outer guide portion 12 and the outer body portion 16.

[0055] The radial cover portion 24 has a partially cylindrical shape and extends axially inward from the outer peripheral edge of the axial cover portion 23. The radial cover portion 24 covers the pair of guide portions 7 that constitute the support 2, a portion of the rotor 6 in the circumferential direction, and both the inner and outer pads 4 and 5 from the radial outside. The circumferential dimensions of the radial cover portion 24 are the same as the circumferential dimensions of the inner body portion 15.

[0056] The radial cover portion 24 has mounting holes (screw holes) 28 at multiple locations in the circumferential direction (four locations in the illustrated example) for fixing the ends of the connecting members 17a and 17b. The mounting holes 28 open to the axially inner end face of the radial cover portion 24.

[0057] (Open window section) The radial cover portion 24 has an opening window portion 29 that functions as a viewing window, allowing the wear status of the inner pad 4 and the outer pad 5 to be checked from the outside.

[0058] The opening window portion 29 is provided in the area extending from the axially inward end to the axially intermediate portion of the radial cover portion 24, and opens on both radially circumferential surfaces and the axially inward end face of the radial cover portion 24. The opening window portion 29 is an axially extended notch.

[0059] There is only one opening window portion 29 located in the circumferential center of the radial covering portion 24.

[0060] In this example, the radially outer opening of the window portion 29 and the radially inner opening of the window portion 29 have the same opening shape.

[0061] The openings on both radial sides of the opening window portion 29 have a roughly funnel shape when viewed radially, and have a roughly Y-shaped (roughly V-shaped) contour.

[0062] The circumferential opening width (W) of the openings on both radial sides of the opening window section 29 29 The circumferential width of the opening window 29 is the entire length in the axial direction, and it widens as it moves inward in the axial direction. However, the way the circumferential width of the opening widens is not constant along the axial direction, but changes depending on the axial position of the opening window 29. Specifically, the opening angle, which corresponds to the way the circumferential width of the opening widens, is larger in the axial inner half of the opening window 29 than in the axial outer half of the opening window 29. In the illustrated example, the opening angle of the axial outer half of the opening window 29 is approximately 5 degrees, while the opening angle of the axial inner half of the opening window 29 is approximately 35 degrees.

[0063] In this example, each of the radially oriented openings of the opening window 29 has a symmetrical shape with respect to the circumferential direction.

[0064] The axially outer end of the opening window 29, which is the closed end, is located axially outward from the rotor 6. Specifically, the axially outer end of the opening window 29 is located a few millimeters axially outward from the axially outer surface of the rotor 6. Therefore, it is possible to check not only the wear condition of the inner pad 4 but also the wear condition of the outer pad 5 through the opening window 29.

[0065] The inner surface of the opening window portion 29 is composed of a pair of circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b arranged opposite each other in the circumferential direction, and a single axial side surface 31 facing inward in the axial direction.

[0066] Each of the circumferential sides 30a and 30b includes the central axis of the rotor 6 and is inclined with respect to a virtual plane P that passes through the circumferential center of the radial cover portion 24. Specifically, the circumferential side 30a located on the inlet side is inclined with respect to the virtual plane P in a direction that moves inward axially as it moves inward. Similarly, the circumferential side 30b located on the outlet side is inclined with respect to the virtual plane P in a direction that moves inward axially as it moves inward. As a result, the circumferential opening width of the opening window portion 29 widens as it moves inward axially.

[0067] The radial intermediate portions of the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b are provided with recesses 32a and 32b that are recessed in the circumferential direction. In other words, the radial intermediate portion of the circumferential side surface 30a located on the inlet side is provided with a recess 32a that is recessed toward the inlet side, and the radial intermediate portion of the circumferential side surface 30b located on the outlet side is provided with a recess 32b that is recessed toward the outlet side.

[0068] The recesses 32a and 32b are provided along the entire axial length of the respective circumferential sides 30a and 30b. The circumferential depth (D) of the recesses 32a and 32b 32 ) is constant along the axial direction.

[0069] The cross-sectional shapes of the recesses 32a and 32b with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rotor 6 are substantially constant along the axial direction. The cross-sectional shapes of recess 32a and recess 32b are identical to each other, except that their orientations with respect to the circumferential direction are opposite. In this example, each of the recesses 32a and 32b has a roughly semi-elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0070] The inner surfaces of the recesses 32a and 32b each constitute the radial intermediate portion of the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b. The cross-sectional shape of the inner surfaces of the recesses 32a and 32b with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rotor 6 is approximately C-shaped or approximately U-shaped.

[0071] In this example, the inner surfaces of recesses 32a and 32b each consist of an outer flat surface portion 33 facing radially inward, an inner flat surface portion 34 facing radially outward, a flat bottom surface portion 35 facing circumferentially inward, and two concave curved corner portions 36a and 36b.

[0072] In this example, the outer flat surface portion 33 and the inner flat surface portion 34 are arranged substantially parallel to each other. Therefore, the recesses 32a and 32 have a radial width (R) in the opening portion of the recesses 32a and 32b. 32 ) has a region where it does not change over the circumferential direction.

[0073] The radially outer corner portion 36a curves radially inward as it extends circumferentially outward, smoothly connecting the outer flat surface portion 33 and the bottom surface portion 35. In contrast, the radially inner corner portion 36b curves radially outward as it extends circumferentially outward, smoothly connecting the inner flat surface portion 34 and the bottom surface portion 35. Therefore, the recesses 32a and 32b have a radial width (R) in the inner portion of the recesses 32a and 32b. 32 ) has a region that becomes smaller in the circumferential direction as it moves towards the back of the recesses 32a and 32b. Furthermore, when implementing the present invention, the entire inner surface of the recesses 32a and 32b can also be constructed from a concave curved surface.

[0074] In this example, recesses 32a and 32b are formed on the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b that constitute the inner surface of the opening window portion 29. Therefore, the portions of the radial covering portion 24 that exist on both sides of the opening window portion 29 in the circumferential direction have a roughly C-shaped (roughly U-shaped) cross-sectional shape with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rotor 6.

[0075] The radial covering portion 24 has an outer peripheral side wall portion 37a on the radially outer side of the recess 32a, and an inner peripheral side wall portion 38a on the radially inner side of the recess 32a.

[0076] The outer peripheral wall portion 37a covers the recess 32a from the radially outer side and protrudes circumferentially toward the exit side. The inner peripheral wall portion 38a covers the recess 32a from the radially inner side and protrudes circumferentially toward the exit side.

[0077] The circumferentially inner end face (the end face on the protruding side) of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37a constitutes the radially outer portion of the circumferential side surface 30a. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37a constitutes the outer flat surface portion 33 and the radially outer corner portion 36a of the inner surface of the recess 32a. In contrast, the circumferentially inner end face (the end face on the protruding side) of the inner peripheral side wall portion 38a constitutes the radially inner portion of the circumferential side surface 30a. The outer peripheral surface of the inner peripheral side wall portion 38a constitutes the inner flat surface portion 34 and the radially inner corner portion 36b of the inner surface of the recess 32a.

[0078] Furthermore, the radial covering portion 24 has an outer peripheral side wall portion 37b on the radially outer side of the recess 32b, and an inner peripheral side wall portion 38b on the radially inner side of the recess 32b.

[0079] The outer peripheral wall portion 37b covers the recess 32b from the radially outer side and protrudes circumferentially toward the insertion side. The inner peripheral wall portion 38b covers the recess 32b from the radially inner side and protrudes circumferentially toward the insertion side.

[0080] Therefore, the pair of outer peripheral side walls 37a and 37b protrude toward each other in the circumferential direction, forming the radially outer opening of the opening window 29. In addition, the pair of inner peripheral side walls 38a and 38b protrude toward each other in the circumferential direction, forming the radially inner opening of the opening window 29.

[0081] The end face on the circumferential direction inner side (the entry side end face) of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37b constitutes the radially outer portion of the circumferential side face 30b. Further, the inner circumferential surface of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37b constitutes the outer flat surface portion 33 and the radially outer corner portion 36a of the inner surface of the recess 32b. On the other hand, the end face on the circumferential direction inner side (the entry side end face) of the inner peripheral side wall portion 38b constitutes the radially inner portion of the circumferential side face 30b. Further, the outer circumferential surface of the inner peripheral side wall portion 38b constitutes the inner flat surface portion 34 and the radially inner corner portion 36b of the inner surface of the recess 32b.

[0082] In this example, since the cross-sectional shapes of the recesses 32a and 32b are the same as each other, the outer peripheral side wall portion 37a disposed on the entry side and the outer peripheral side wall portion 37b disposed on the exit side have a symmetrical shape in the circumferential direction. Also, the inner peripheral side wall portion 38a disposed on the entry side and the inner peripheral side wall portion 38b disposed on the exit side have a symmetrical shape in the circumferential direction.

[0083] In this example, since the openings on the radially outer side of the opening window portion 29 and the openings on the radially inner side of the opening window portion 29 have the same opening shape as each other, the circumferential overhang amounts (L 37a , L, 38a ) at the same axial position of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37a and the inner peripheral side wall portion 38a are the same as each other (L, 37a = L, 38a ). Similarly, the circumferential overhang amounts (L, 37b , L, 38b ) at the same axial position of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37b and the inner peripheral side wall portion 38b are the same as each other (L, 37b = L, 38b ).

[0084] The radial thicknesses (T, 37a , T, 38a ) at the same circumferential position of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37a and the inner peripheral side wall portion 38a are the same as each other (T, 37a = T, 38a ). Similarly, the radial thicknesses (T, 37b , T, 38b ) at the same circumferential position of the outer peripheral side wall portion 37b and the inner peripheral side wall portion 38b are the same as each other (T, 37b = T, 38bHowever, when implementing the present invention, the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side wall portion may be made greater than the radial thickness of the inner peripheral side wall portion.

[0085] The axial side surface 31 that constitutes the inner surface of the opening window portion 29 connects the axially outer ends of the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b to each other. The axial side surface 31 has a circumferential width in the radially intermediate portion that is larger than the circumferential widths of the radially outer and radially inner portions by the amount of the recesses 32a and 32b, and has a roughly cross shape when viewed in the axial direction.

[0086] In this example, the outer body portion 16 is manufactured by casting, and the opening window portion 29 is formed during this process. Specifically, a core having an outer surface shape that matches the inner surface shape of the opening window portion 29 is placed in the portion of the mold cavity where the opening window portion 29 is to be formed, and the opening window portion 29 is formed by pulling the core inward in the axial direction. Therefore, the opening window portion 29 in this example is a cast-out hole.

[0087] The outer body portion 16, consisting of an axial cover portion 23 and a radial cover portion 24, is fixed to the axially outer side of the inner body portion 15 using connecting members 17a and 17b, which are bolts. Specifically, the tip of the connecting member 17a, which is inserted axially through the circumferential arm portions 19a and 19b of the inner body portion 15, is screwed into a mounting hole 28 provided on the circumferential outer side of the radial cover portion 24 of the outer body portion 16. Similarly, the tip of the connecting member 17b, which is inserted axially through the radial protrusions 20a and 20b of the inner body portion 15, is screwed into a mounting hole 28 provided on the circumferential inner side of the radial cover portion 24 of the outer body portion 16. In this way, the outer body portion 16 is connected to the axially outer side of the inner body portion 15 using the connecting members 17a and 17b.

[0088] With the inner body portion 15 and the outer body portion 16 connected, the communication portion 21 provided on the inner body portion 15 and the radially outer portion of the opening window portion 29 provided on the outer body portion 16 communicate in the axial direction. Most of the axially inner opening of the opening window portion 29 (the radially intermediate portion to the radially inner portion) is closed by the connecting plate portion 22.

[0089] The caliper body 3 is supported by the support 2 so as to be able to move in the axial direction. For this purpose, the base end of a slide pin 14 is fixed to the circumferential middle portion of each of the circumferential arm portions 19a and 19b that constitute the inner body portion 15, and the tip of the slide pin 14 is inserted into a support hole 44 formed in the caliper guide portion 13 that constitutes the support 2 so as to be able to move (slide) in the axial direction relative to it.

[0090] <Inner pads and outer pads> The inner pad 4 comprises a lining 39a, a backing plate 40a, and a shim plate 43. In the illustrated example, two shim plates 43 are stacked on the back side of the backing plate 40a.

[0091] The inner pad 4 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction between a pair of inner guide portions 11 by engaging the ears provided at both outer ends in the circumferential direction of the backing plate 40a with the inner-side guide grooves provided on the circumferential inner surface of the inner guide portion 11.

[0092] The outer pad 5 comprises a lining 39b, a backing plate 40b, and a shim plate 43. In the illustrated example, two shim plates 43 are stacked on the back side of the back plate 40b.

[0093] The outer pad 5 is supported so as to be movable in the axial direction between a pair of outer guide portions 12 by engaging the ears provided on both outer ends in the circumferential direction of the back plate 40b with the outer-side guide grooves provided on the circumferential inner surface of the outer guide portion 12.

[0094] A pad clip 41a is sandwiched between the circumferential outer surfaces of the backing plate 40a constituting the inner pad 4 and the circumferential inner surfaces of the pair of inner guide portions 11. Similarly, a pad clip 41b is sandwiched between the circumferential outer surfaces of the backing plate 40b constituting the outer pad 5 and the circumferential inner surfaces of the pair of outer guide portions 12. This allows for smooth axial movement of the inner pad 4 and the outer pad 5.

[0095] [Explanation of disc brake system operation] To perform braking with the disc brake device 1 in this example, pressurized oil is supplied from the master cylinder to the cylinder 18 of the caliper body 3. This pushes a piston (not shown) outward in the axial direction. The piston then presses the inner pad 4 against the axially inner surface of the rotor 6, moving the caliper body 3 axially inward relative to the support 2. This causes the contact projection 26 of the protruding portion 25 provided on the axial cover portion 23 of the caliper body 3 to press against the back surface of the backing plate 40b of the outer pad 5 via the shim plate 43. This presses the outer pad 5 against the axially outer surface of the rotor 6. As a result, the rotor 6 is strongly clamped from both axial sides by the inner pad 4 and the outer pad 5, and braking is performed.

[0096] When braking is released, pressurized oil is discharged from the cylinder 18 of the caliper body 3. This causes the piston to be pulled back (rolled back) towards the rear (axially inward) side of the cylinder 18 by the elastic restoring force of the piston seal (not shown) fitted onto the piston, securing clearance between the inner pad 4 and the axially inward surface of the rotor 6. As a result, the caliper body 3 moves slightly axially outward relative to the support 2, and clearance is also secured between the outer pad 5 and the axially outward surface of the rotor 6.

[0097] According to the disc brake device 1 of this example, it is possible to achieve both weight reduction and rigidity with respect to the split caliper body 3.

[0098] In other words, in this example, recesses 32a and 32b are provided on the circumferential sides 30a and 30b of the opening window 29 formed in the outer body portion 16 in order to check the wear status of the inner pad 4 and outer pad 5 from the outside. As a result, the weight of the outer body portion 16 can be reduced by the amount by which the recesses 32a and 32b are provided.

[0099] Furthermore, in this example, recesses 32a and 32b are formed in areas that contribute less to ensuring the rigidity of the radial cover portion 24, such as the radially intermediate portions of the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b of the opening window portion 29. Moreover, by forming the recesses 32a and 32b in the radially intermediate portions of the circumferential side surfaces 30a and 30b of the opening window portion 29, the cross-sectional shape of the parts of the radial cover portion 24 that exist on both sides of the opening window portion 29 in the circumferential direction is made approximately C-shaped, having a section modulus equivalent to that of the H-shaped cross-sectional shape widely used in building materials. As a result, sufficient rigidity of the radial cover portion 24 can be ensured. Specifically, during braking, compressive stress acts on the radially outer portion of the radial cover portion 24, and tensile stress acts on the radially inner portion of the radial cover portion 24. However, the compressive stress can be supported by the outer peripheral side walls 37a and 37b, thus ensuring sufficient rigidity of the radial cover portion 24.

[0100] As a result, with the disc brake device 1 of this example, it is possible to achieve both weight reduction and rigidity with respect to the split caliper body 3.

[0101] Furthermore, in this example, a communication portion 21 is provided in the inner body portion 15 at the portion facing the axially inward end of the opening window portion 29 in the axial direction. Therefore, moisture that enters the inside of the opening window portion 29 can be discharged axially inward through the communication portion 21.

[0102] Furthermore, in this example, since the opening window portion 29 is a cast hole, the manufacturing cost of the disc brake device 1 can be reduced compared to the case where the opening window portion 29 is formed by machining or other processes.

[0103] In addition, in this example, the circumferential opening width (W) of the openings on both radial sides of the opening window portion 29 29 The ) is made wider towards the axial inward direction. This effectively reduces the weight of the caliper body 3 while sufficiently suppressing a decrease in the rigidity of the caliper body 3. In addition, when manufacturing the outer body portion 16 by casting, it is possible to easily pull out the core in the axial direction. This reduces the number of processing steps required for the outer body portion 16.

[0104] Furthermore, by providing recesses 32a and 32b on the circumferential sides 30a and 30b of the opening window portion 29, the surface area of ​​the caliper body 3 can be increased compared to when the recesses 32a and 32b are not provided. This also improves the cooling performance of the caliper body 3.

[0105] [Second example of an embodiment] A second example of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 17 and 18.

[0106] In this example, the circumferential depth of the recesses 32c and 32d formed on the circumferential sides 30a and 30b of the opening window portion 29 is made larger than that of the structure in the first example of the embodiment. Specifically, the circumferential depth of the recesses 32c and 32d is made approximately twice the circumferential depth of the recesses 32a and 32b in the first example of the embodiment.

[0107] For this reason, in this example, the circumferential width of the outer flat surface portion 33a and the inner flat surface portion 34a that constitute the inner surfaces of the recesses 32c and 32d are set to approximately twice the circumferential width of the outer flat surface portion 33 and the inner flat surface portion 34 in the first example of the embodiment. In addition, the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral sidewall portions 37c and 37d and the inner peripheral sidewall portions 38c and 38d are set to approximately twice the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral sidewall portions 37a and 37b and the inner peripheral sidewall portions 38a and 38b in the first example of the embodiment.

[0108] In this example, which has the above configuration, the volumes of the recesses 32c and 32d can be increased, thus further reducing the weight of the caliper body 3. The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first example of the embodiment.

[0109] [Third example of an embodiment] A third example of the embodiment will be described using Figures 19 and 20.

[0110] In this example, the cross-sectional shapes of the recesses 32e and 32f formed on the circumferential sides 30a and 30b of the opening window portion 29 have been changed from the structure of the first example of the embodiment. Specifically, in this example, the cross-sectional shapes of the recesses 32e and 32f with respect to a virtual plane perpendicular to the central axis of the rotor 6 (see Figure 3) are set to approximately isosceles triangles.

[0111] For this reason, in this example, the outer flat surface portion 33b that constitutes the inner surface of the recesses 32e and 32f is a tapered surface that is inclined radially inward as it moves circumferentially outward, and the inner flat surface portion 34b that constitutes the inner surface of the recesses 32e and 32f is a tapered surface that is inclined radially outward as it moves circumferentially outward.

[0112] Therefore, the radial width of the recesses 32e and 32f decreases circumferentially as you move towards the back of the recesses 32e and 32f along their entire circumferential length. Also, the radial thickness of the outer circumferential sidewalls 37e and 37f and the inner circumferential sidewalls 38e and 38f increases circumferentially as you move from the front end to the back end.

[0113] In this example, which has the above configuration, it is possible to achieve a high level of balance between reducing the weight of the caliper body 3 and ensuring rigidity. Specifically, in the radial cover portion 24, during braking, compressive stress tends to increase as it moves away from the opening window portion 29 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, in this example, the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side walls 37e and 37f can be changed according to the magnitude of the compressive stress being supported. Thus, it is possible to achieve a high level of balance between reducing the weight of the caliper body 3 and ensuring rigidity. The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first example of the embodiment.

[0114] [Fourth example of an embodiment] A fourth example of the embodiment will be described using Figures 21 to 24.

[0115] In this example, the opening shape of the radially outer opening of the window portion 29 and the opening shape of the radially inner opening of the window portion 29 are made different from each other. Specifically, the opening shape of the radially outer opening of the window portion 29 is approximately funnel-shaped in radial view, similar to the structure of the first example of the embodiment, while the opening shape of the radially inner opening of the window portion 29 is rectangular.

[0116] For this reason, in this example, the circumferential overhang (L) of the inner circumferential side wall portions 38g and 38h is 38g , L 38h The amount of overhang (L) is reduced compared to the structure of the first example of the embodiment. As a result, when comparing the amount of overhang in the circumferential direction of the outer peripheral side walls 37a and 37b with the amount of overhang in the circumferential direction of the inner peripheral side walls 38g and 38h at the same axial position, the amount of overhang (L) of the outer peripheral side walls 37a and 37b is reduced. 37a , L 37b ) has a protrusion amount of 38g and 38h of the inner circumferential side wall (L 38g , L 38h ) is made to be larger than (L 37a ,>L 38g , L 37b >L 38h ).

[0117] In this example with the above configuration, during braking, the protrusion of the outer peripheral sidewalls 37a and 37b, which contribute greatly to supporting the compressive stress acting on the caliper body 3 and ensuring the rigidity of the radial cover portion 24, can be secured, while the protrusion of the inner peripheral sidewalls 38g and 38h, which contribute less to ensuring the rigidity of the radial cover portion 24, can be reduced. Therefore, a high level of balance between weight reduction and ensuring rigidity of the caliper body 3 can be achieved. The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first example of the embodiment.

[0118] [Fifth example of the embodiment] A fifth example of the embodiment will be described using Figures 25 to 27.

[0119] In this example, a drainage section 42 is formed at the axially inward end of each of the inner circumferential side wall portions 38a and 38b, extending radially through them. The drainage section 42 communicates radially with the recesses 32a and 32b and the space located radially inside the inner circumferential side wall portions 38a and 38b. When implementing the present invention, the formation position and shape of the drainage section can be appropriately changed.

[0120] Since disc brake devices are often mounted on vehicles with their longitudinal (circumferential) direction oriented vertically, water tends to accumulate in the recess 32a (or recess 32b) located at the bottom. However, in this example with the above configuration, moisture that has entered the inside of the recesses 32a and 32b can be discharged radially inward through the drainage section 42 to the inner circumferential side walls 38a and 38b. The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first example of the embodiment.

[0121] [Sixth example of the embodiment] A sixth example of the embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 28 and 29.

[0122] In this example, only one flat radial projection 20c is provided on the circumferentially inner side of the inner body portion 15a. The radial projection 20c is positioned to straddle the two cylinders 18 in the circumferential direction.

[0123] The radially protruding portion 20c has a communication portion 21a on its circumferentially inner side, which is a through hole that penetrates only in the axial direction. The communication portion 21a is provided in the portion facing the axially inner end of the opening window portion 29 and communicates with the opening window portion 29 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the circumferential width of the communication portion 21a is approximately the same as the circumferential width of the axially inner end of the opening window portion 29.

[0124] In this example having the above configuration, the circumferential rigidity of the inner body portion 15a can be improved compared to the structure of the first example of the embodiment. The other configurations and effects are the same as in the first example of the embodiment.

[0125] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the technical spirit of the invention. Furthermore, the structures of each example of the embodiments can be combined as appropriate, as long as no contradictions arise.

[0126] When implementing the present invention, the opening shape of the opening window portion is not limited to the structure of each example of the embodiment and can be changed as appropriate. Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape and circumferential depth of the recess formed on the circumferential inner surface of the opening window portion are not limited to the structure of each example of the embodiment and can be changed as appropriate.

[0127] In the structures of each embodiment, a structure having two cylinders in the inner body is shown, but when implementing the present invention, the number of cylinders may be one or three or more. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0128] 1. Disc brake system 2 Support 3 Caliper Body 4 Inner pads 5 Outer pads 6 rotors 7 Guide section 8. Inner side circumferential connecting section 9. Outer side circumferential connecting section 10 fixing hole 11 Inner guide section 12 Outer Guide Section 13 Caliper guide section 14 slide pins 15, 15a Inner body section 16 Outer Body Section 17a, 17b Connecting members 18 cylinders 19a, 19b Circumferential arm section 20a, 20b, 20c radial overhang 21, 21a Communication part 22 Connecting plate part 23 Axial covering 24 Radial covering portion 25 Overhang 26 Contact protrusion 27 Relief recess 28 mounting holes 29 Opening window section 30a, 30b Circumferential side 31 Axial side 32a~32f recess 33, 33a, 33b Outer flat surface part 34, 34a, 34b Inner flat surface part 35 Bottom part 36a, 36b Corner section 37a~37f Outer side wall 38a~38h Inner circumferential side wall 39a, 39b lining 40a, 40b back plate 41a, 41b Pad clips 42 Drainage section 43 Shim plate 44 Support hole

Claims

1. The inner pad is positioned axially inward of the rotor, An outer pad positioned axially outward from the rotor, A support fixed to the vehicle body, which supports the inner pad and the outer pad so that they can move in the axial direction, A caliper body is supported axially movably with respect to the aforementioned support, The caliper body comprises an inner body portion having a cylinder and positioned axially inward from the rotor, and an outer body portion that presses against the outer pad during braking, connected in the axial direction. The outer body portion is positioned radially outward of the rotor and has a radial covering portion whose axially inward end face abuts against the inner body portion. The radial covering portion has opening windows on both radially circumferential surfaces and on each of the axially inward end faces, The radially intermediate portion of the circumferential side surface constituting the inner surface of the opening window is provided with a recess that is indented in the circumferential direction. Floating disc brake system.

2. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the opening window portion is provided only once in the circumferential intermediate portion of the radial covering portion.

3. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is provided on each of the circumferential side surfaces on both sides in the circumferential direction that constitute the inner surface of the opening window portion.

4. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the axially outer end of the opening window portion is located axially outward from the rotor.

5. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the recess is provided along the entire axial length of the circumferential side surface of the opening window portion.

6. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the circumferential opening width of the radially outer opening of the opening window portion and / or the radially inner opening of the opening window portion widens inward in the axial direction in at least a part of the axial direction of the opening window portion.

7. The floating disc brake device according to claim 6, wherein the way in which the circumferential opening width of the radially outer opening and / or the radially inner opening of the opening window expands changes according to the axial position of the opening window.

8. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the radial covering portion has an outer peripheral side wall portion on the radially outer side of the recess and an inner peripheral side wall portion on the radially inner side of the recess.

9. The floating disc brake device according to claim 8, wherein when the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side wall and the radial thickness of the inner peripheral side wall are compared at the same circumferential position, the radial thickness of the outer peripheral side wall is greater than or equal to the radial thickness of the inner peripheral side wall.

10. The floating disc brake device according to claim 8, wherein when the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral side wall and the circumferential overhang of the inner peripheral side wall are compared at the same axial position, the circumferential overhang of the outer peripheral side wall is greater than the circumferential overhang of the inner peripheral side wall.

11. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the recess has at least a portion in the circumferential direction in a region where the radial width does not change over the circumferential direction.

12. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the recess has at least a portion in the circumferential direction in a region where the radial width decreases as it moves toward the back of the recess with respect to the circumferential direction.

13. The floating disc brake device according to claim 8, wherein the inner circumferential side wall portion has a drainage portion that communicates radially with the recess.

14. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the inner body portion has a communication portion that communicates with the opening window portion in the axial direction at a portion facing the axially inner end of the opening window portion.

15. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the axial side surface constituting the inner surface of the opening window portion has a cross shape when viewed in the axial direction.

16. The floating disc brake device according to claim 1, wherein the aforementioned opening window is a cast hole.

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