Braking system

Abstract

The invention relates to a braking system (10) comprising a first brake pad (11) and a second brake pad (12), each of the pads (11, 12) comprising a brake lining (2) able to come into contact with a rotor (100), the brake linings (2) of the pads (11, 12) comprising, together, first and second collecting grooves (4) for collecting braking particles, each collecting groove (4) comprising an air inlet (43) and an air outlet (44), said braking system (10) comprising a connecting element (5) configured to fluidically connect the air outlet (44) of the first groove (41) to the air inlet (43) of the second groove (42), the air outlet (44) of the second groove (42) being fluidically connected to a vacuum source (9).

Description

Title: Braking system Technical field

[0001] The field of the present disclosure is that of non-polluting braking systems, intended to be used in machines comprising a rotating element whose rotation is to be braked, such as for example road or rail vehicles, or such as structures comprising rotating elements, for example wind turbines. In such braking systems, particles and dust are emitted by friction braking as a result of the abrasion of brake pads against the rotating element. This rotating element is for example the wheel of the vehicle, or a disc driven by the rotating element. It is known that these particles dispersed in the ambient environment are harmful to the health of individuals. In addition, the progress of electric motors for motor vehicles has reinforced the need to treat the particles and dust resulting from the abrasion of friction braking systems.There is therefore a need to capture these particles and dust before they are released into the ambient environment.

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

[0003] The present disclosure also relates to a brake pad. Prior art

[0004] Unpublished application FR2301604, illustrated in Figures 3a and 3b, describes a pair of pads 11, 12 each having a groove 4 which is blind.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

[0005] This solution is satisfactory in terms of particle capture efficiency. However, it does have drawbacks, particularly regarding the integration of suction lines, which are cumbersome for a very constrained system such as a braking system, which is also a cramped environment with moving parts.

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

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

[0008] The present disclosure therefore aims to at least partially overcome the drawbacks of the state of the art cited above.

[0009] In particular, an objective of the present disclosure is to propose a solution that allows, among other things, to minimize the adjustments required to the braking system, while maintaining a satisfactory particle collection performance. The proposed solution is also reliable and economical. The proposed solution is also adaptable to many sizes and shapes of brake pads, and also adaptable to many application cases, for example with regard to vehicles, to private vehicles as well as to heavy vehicles, for example of the truck type. Finally, the proposed solution aims to preserve the environment, by collecting braking particles while minimizing the energy consumed to do so. Summary

[0010] The above-mentioned objectives are achieved in particular by a braking system, according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, comprising a first brake pad and a second brake pad, each of the pads comprising a lining capable of coming into contact with a rotor, the linings of the pads each respectively comprising a first and a second braking particle collection groove, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said braking system comprising a connecting element configured to fluidly connect the air outlet of the first groove of the first pad to the air inlet of the second groove of the second pad, the air outlet of the second groove being fluidly connected to a vacuum source.

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

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

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

[0014] In other examples, the pads and their linings may be arranged differently, so as to be used in a drum brake system: the friction surface of the pads is cylindrical and comes into radial abutment on an internal face of the drum.

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

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

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

[0018] Each lining may be attached to a base, together forming a brake pad. The base may be generally plate-shaped, for example, metallic. The base may serve as an interface between the pad and other elements of the braking system, for example sensors, or attachment elements of a caliper or a translational drive mechanism. While the lining serves to contact the rotor to be braked, the base does not contact the rotor during the braking action. The lining may typically be attached to the base by a fixing surface opposite the friction surface.

[0019] According to one aspect, the linings comprise, together, a first and a second braking particle collection groove. The proposed solution is not limited to the number of two grooves, but it is understood that the linings, together, comprise at least two grooves. In other words, the sum of all the grooves of the first and second linings is at least equal to two. One of the pads may thus comprise two grooves, and the other pad may not have any. Furthermore, since the term "comprising" remains open, it is possible for the first and second pads, together, to comprise more than two grooves. For example, the first pad may comprise two grooves, and the second pad may comprise one groove.

[0020] According to one aspect, the grooves comprise an air inlet and an air outlet. The air inlets and outlets may comprise orifices opening outwards from the pad. It is possible for the grooves to comprise several air inlets. The air inlet may, for example, open out from the lining onto a surface other than the friction surface. For example, the air inlet may open out onto one of the lateral sides, or radially inside or outside of the lining. The air inlet may open out in the form of an open slot on the friction surface. The air inlet may open out in the form of a conduit having no opening on the friction surface, and opening out on a lateral or radial side of the lining through an orifice, for example circular. According to examples, the air inlet may open out straddling a lateral side of the sole and a lateral side of the lining.According to examples, the air inlet may open exclusively from a lateral side, or from a rear face, of the sole. The air inlet may open directly to the open air, or indirectly via a fluid communication element.

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

[0022] The grooves may include an opening separate from the air inlet and outlet. Said opening may be arranged over at least a portion of the length of the groove and may open onto the friction surface. The grooves may be arranged such that when contact is made with the rotor on the friction surface, the rotor blocks said opening of the grooves. An air flow is then created by the vacuum source between the air inlet and outlet of the groove, the opening remaining blocked by the rotor during the braking action. Said opening allows braking particles to enter the groove and be collected by the air flow.

[0023] The vacuum source may be a suction device, for example, comprising a fan or a turbine. The vacuum source may comprise a filtration device. Thanks to the connecting element, the air may be able to circulate from the inlet of the first groove to the vacuum source, connected to the outlet of the second groove. The outlet of the second groove may be connected to the vacuum source directly, for example by a sealed fluid connection, such as a pipe or a hose. The outlet of the second groove may be connected to the vacuum source indirectly, for example by an element other than a simple fluid connection, for example interposed between the outlet of the second groove and the vacuum source, such as a filter, or even by a third groove.

[0024] According to a second aspect, the present disclosure relates to a brake pad comprising a lining of friction material configured to come into contact with a rotor rotating about an axis, the lining comprising a first and a second groove for collecting braking particles, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said pad comprising a connecting element fluidly connecting the air outlet of said first groove to the air inlet of said second groove, the connecting element being at least partly arranged radially internal to the pad relative to the axis of rotation, or the connecting element extending into other areas around the pad.

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

[0026] In examples, the connecting element is at least partially disposed radially outwardly of the first and second pads. The term "radially outwardly" refers to the radially outward direction relative to the axis of rotation of the rotor. This makes it possible to access the connecting element even while the pads are assembled in the brake.

[0027] In examples, the first groove is formed in the lining of the first pad and the second groove is formed in the lining of the second pad. Thus, the connecting element constitutes a fluidic “bridge” between the first and second pads. The suction power is thus (apart from the pressure losses of the pipe and the groove) identical on either side of the disc.

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

[0029] The pads may be connected to the caliper so that at least one of them is movable in translation, preferably in the axial direction, relative to the caliper. Said pad is driven in translation by an actuator, for example at least one piston.

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

[0031] Said flexible portion may have the function of absorbing the axial movements of one or both pads relative to the caliper. Thus, fluid communication between the two pads is maintained throughout the braking operation, even when at least one of them moves in translation to reach the rotor.

[0032] The caliper may be a fixed caliper, immobile relative to the hub and comprising one or more pistons applying a force to each of the pads. In the examples illustrated here, the caliper is a floating caliper which moves axially relative to a fixed yoke, one or more pistons applying a force to only one of the pads.

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

[0034] In examples, the airflow duct may be obtained by casting using one or more lost wax cores. In examples, the airflow duct may be obtained by machining.

[0035] In examples, a flexible hose may be introduced into the air circulation duct of the caliper, maintaining fluid communication between the outlet of the first pad and the inlet of the second pad. This makes it possible, in particular, in the event of a blockage of the hose, to be able to restore said fluid communication by removing the blocked hose and / or replacing it, without the need to remove and clean the caliper, or to change it.

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

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

[0038] At least one of the pads may be movable in translation relative to the caliper, and an adapter plate may be attached to said at least one pad, the adapter plate comprising a barrel, preferably axial, crossed by an orifice, the barrel being slidably engaged, preferably axial, in the caliper in such a way that the orifice fluidly connects the air circulation duct of the caliper to the groove of said at least one pad for all translational positions of said at least one pad. Said at least one pad may be the second pad and the barrel may be fluidly connected to the air inlet of a groove of the second pad, the adapter plate further having a passage fluidly connected to the air outlet of the groove of the second pad, the passage being connected to the vacuum source via an at least partly flexible pipe.

[0039] In one aspect, the axial length of the barrel is sized to maintain fluid communication between the airflow conduit and the pad groove throughout the maximum relative travel of said pad relative to the caliper.

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

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

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

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

[0044] Indeed, according to examples, each inlet and outlet of each groove connected to the connecting element can be fluidically connected to an intermediate cannula. In particular, each intermediate cannula can be, at least in part, installed in the respective inlet or outlet orifice. Thus, each intermediate cannula projects from its orifice substantially radially. The cannula can have an orientation forming an angle of between 110° and 170° with the surface at right angles to which it projects. A person skilled in the art will adapt the position and orientation of the cannula depending in particular on the size of the stirrup.

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

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

[0047] The connecting element may comprise two rigid bent portions mechanically and fluidically connected to one and the other of the first and second pads, and a flexible portion fluidly and directly connecting said rigid bent portions to each other. The connecting element may thus be made accessible through an opening provided on the caliper, for example for a mounting, dismounting or maintenance operation. The rigid bent portions being, for example, intended to remain in place on the pads, the flexible portion of the connecting element being able, for example, to be easily removed for replacement, or for cleaning.

[0048] The connecting element of the plate according to a second aspect of the present disclosure may be at least partly arranged radially internal to the plate relative to the axis of rotation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0056] [Fig. 3b] shows a schematic representation of a known prior art caliper provided with brake pads comprising grooves according to one example, the grooves each being connected to a suction line. The two separate air flows are represented by dotted lines. Fig. 4a

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

[0058] [Fig. 4b] shows a schematic perspective representation of an exemplary braking system according to the present disclosure, the connecting element comprising a path passing in an area radially outside a portion of the caliper. Fig. 5a

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0065] The drawings and description below contain, for the most part, elements of a certain character. They may therefore not only serve to better understand this disclosure, but also contribute to its definition, if necessary.

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

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

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

[0069] Figure 2 shows two examples of brake pads 1, 11, 12 provided with a lining 2 fixed on a base 3. The pads 1, 11, 12 each comprise a lining 2, capable of coming into contact with a rotor 100. The linings 2 comprise in particular a friction surface 21, at least partially included in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation A of the rotor 100 when they are mounted on a braking system.

[0070] During braking, the friction surfaces 21 of the pads 11, 12 are pressed against the rotor 100. This contact causes friction forces between the pads and the rotor which cause the progressive wear of the linings. Particles originating from the friction material of the linings are thus generated, these particles generally being polluting and toxic. These particles are at least partly collected by collection grooves 4 arranged in the linings.

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

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

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

[0074] Figure 3b represents an example of a braking system according to the state of the art, comprising two pads 11, 12 received in a caliper 6, each of the pads comprising a groove fluidly connected by two separate suction lines 13.1 and 13.2 to a node 13.3, the node being fluidly linked to a vacuum source 9. The vacuum source 9 is configured to generate a double air flow, comprising two parallel branches shown in dotted lines, sucking air through each of the two air inlets to the vacuum source 9. The total flow rate provided by the vacuum source 9 is thus equal to at least the sum of the two minimum flow rates Xm necessary for the proper functioning of the two grooves of the two pads. The total flow rate is therefore, in this example, at least equal to 2Xm.

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

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

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

[0078] In the example presented in figure 4a, the braking system 10 comprises a connecting element 5 configured to fluidly connect the outlet of the groove of the first pad 11 with the inlet 43 of the groove of the second pad 12. The connecting element 5 here comprises a path bypassing the pads by a zone radially outside the pads 11, 12. In other examples, it is possible for the path of the connecting element 5 to pass through radially inside, and / or lateral and / or radially upper zones of the pads.

[0079] In the present application, the connecting element 5 is a separate element from each pad 11, 12 and is attached to them. The connecting element 5 may be tubular, extruded, of cylindrical section or not. The connecting element 5 may be chosen deliberately, independently of the pad (material, shape, use) considered. The connecting element is not formed in the friction material of the pad.

[0080] In this example, the outlet of the groove of the first plate 11 opens onto a rear face, opposite the fixing face of the lining 2, of the sole 3. The connecting element 5 comprises an interface element 32 intended to ensure the fluid connection between the connecting element 5 and the outlet 44 of the groove 4.

[0081] In this example, the connecting element 5 comprises a flexible portion 52 which can be extensible and two rigid portions 53 and 51. The flexible portion 52 is connected to the two rigid portions. Said portions rigid 53 and 51 are connected, respectively, one to the outlet 44 of the first plate 11 and the other to the inlet 43 of the plate 12.

[0082] In this example, the inlet 43 of the second plate 12 opens onto the radially outer side 22 of the second plate 12 and of the sole 3. In particular, the inlet 43 opens at the level of an edge delimiting the surface for fixing the lining 2 on the sole 3, by a mouth shared between the sole 3 and the lining 2.

[0083] In this example, the outlet 44 of the second plate 12 is connected to one or more vacuum sources 9 by a pipe 8. This pipe may directly connect the outlet 44 to the vacuum source 9, or indirectly via components such as a filter. Furthermore, in other examples, this pipe may be a second connecting element, for example connecting the outlet of the second groove to the inlet of a third groove.

[0084] Figure 4b illustrates an example in which the braking system 10 shown in Figure 4a is mounted on a caliper 6. The caliper 6 notably comprises a geometry allowing the passage of the connecting element 5 in a zone radially external to the caliper 6.

[0085] According to examples, the pads 11, 12 are movable in translation relative to the rotor 100. Depending on the type of caliper, one of the pads is therefore movable relative to the caliper, typically mounted on one or more piston(s) movable along the axial direction, so as to come into contact with the rotor 100, for example with an annular face of a brake disc, the caliper itself being movable to bring the other pad into contact with the other annular face of the brake disc. In such cases, the flexible portion 52 may have the function of accompanying, by its deformable and / or extensible nature, the translation of at least one of the pads 11, 12 along the axial direction, during the braking action.

[0086] In the example of Figure 5a, the connecting element 5 comprises an air circulation duct 61, arranged in the caliper 6. In the example shown, which shows a plan view of a longitudinal section of an example of a braking system 10, the air circulation duct 61 extends in a single plane parallel to a longitudinal direction. Indeed, the outlet 44 of the first pad 11 being in the same longitudinal plane as the inlet 43 of the second pad 12, the air circulation duct 61 can therefore extend in only two dimensions. According to other examples, the air circulation duct can extend in several planes, and for example in three dimensions.

[0087] In the example shown, the connecting element 5 is entirely made up of the air circulation duct 61. However, it is possible to provide, in other examples, that the connecting element 5 comprises one or more distinct portions of the stirrup 6 and / or one or more portions of the air circulation duct 61 arranged in the stirrup 6. It is for example possible to provide that the connecting element 5 comprises a distinct portion of the stirrup 6 connecting a first pad to an air circulation duct 61 arranged in the stirrup 6, and a second distinct portion of the stirrup 6 connecting the air circulation duct 61 to a second pad. It is also possible, in other examples, that the air circulation duct 61 arranged in the stirrup 6 fluidically connects two grooves of the same pad.

[0088] Reference is now made to Figure 5b. There is shown an example of a braking system 10 according to the present disclosure, in which the caliper 6 is according to the example shown in Figure 5a. The pads 11, 12 are visible here, the pad 11 being directly connected to the air circulation duct 61 which constitutes the connecting element 5, the other pad 12 being indirectly connected to the air circulation duct 61 by an adapter plate 7. Such an adapter plate 7 may in particular have the function of allowing different types of pads 11, 12 to be fluidically connected to a single design of caliper 6.

[0089] In the examples illustrated in Figure 5b and 5c, the plate 12 is movable in translation relative to the caliper 6, in the manner described above. The adapter plate 7 is attached to the movable plate 12 so as to maintain fluid communication throughout the translation of the plate 12. That is to say that for all the positions occupied by the plate 12, considering its maximum stroke amplitude, the fluid connection is always ensured. To this end, the adapter plate 7 comprises a barrel 72 extending in an axial direction, and being crossed by a through orifice 73. The barrel 72 may have an axial length of between 3 and 10 times the thickness of the adapter plate 7. The length of the barrel 72 may be greater than the lining thickness, for example by at least 20%.

[0090] In this example, the adapter plate 7 has a rear face, oriented towards the stirrup 6, and a front face oriented towards the plate 11, 12. Here, the orifice 73 is through in that it opens onto both the front face and the rear face of the adapter plate 7.

[0091] By its geometry having an axial elongation, the barrel 73 is configured to engage in a functional portion 62 of the stirrup 6, the functional portion 62 being fluidly connected to the air circulation duct 61. In the examples shown in FIG. 5a and 5b, the functional portion 62 has a larger cross-sectional area than the air circulation duct 61. The orifice 73 may also have a cross-sectional area identical to or smaller than that of the air circulation duct 61. The cross-section is obtained by plane section perpendicular to the neutral fiber of the air circulation duct 61 or of the functional portion 62 or of the orifice 73.

[0092] The barrel 72 is configured to engage in axial sliding in the stirrup 6. The barrel 72 and / or the functional portion 62 may comprise a sealing element making it possible to ensure a sealed fluid connection while allowing relative axial translation between the two parts, for example an O-ring, or a bellows.

[0093] In the examples shown in Figure 5b and 5c, the air inlet 43 of the groove 4 of the second plate 12 is fluidly connected to the air circulation duct by the barrel 72. In other examples, it is the first plate 11 which is fluidly connected to the adapter plate 7. In other examples, the plates are all provided with an adapter plate 7.

[0094] In the examples shown in Figures 5b and 5c, the adapter plate 7 further has a through passage 71, fluidically connected to the air outlet 44 of the groove 4 of the second wafer 12. The passage 71 is connected to the vacuum source 9 via a conduit 8 that is at least partly flexible. The flexible part of the conduit 8 comprises, for example, a bellows 81, configured to extend at least in one axial direction so as to accompany the translational movement of the wafer equipped with the plate adaptation 7. The pipe 8 may comprise a rigid cannula fluidically connected to the vacuum source 9.

[0095] Figure 5c shows the path of the single air flow permitted by an example of a braking system according to the present disclosure. The air flow is created by a vacuum source 9, which induces a suction force at a first end of the air flow path. The air is then sucked in through the other end, at the air inlet 43 of the first pad 11. This air inlet may open directly into the open air, for example from the lining 2 and / or the base 3 of the first pad 11. It may also open into the open air indirectly, for example through a channel provided in the caliper 6, or through a pipe. The air then flows into the groove 4 of the first pad 11, the opening of which onto the friction surface 21 is blocked by the contact between the lining and the rotor 100.The air has no other possible path than to flow towards the outlet 44 of the groove 4 of the first pad 11, thus collecting at least a portion of the braking particles generated by the braking action. The connecting element 5 makes it possible to guide the air from the outlet 44 of the first groove of the first pad 11 towards the inlet 43 of the second groove which, in this example, is arranged on the lining 2 of a second pad 12. The air is here brought from the connecting element 5 to the inlet of the second groove 43 by the barrel of an adapter plate 7. The air then travels through the groove 4 of the second pad 12, thus performing a second operation of collecting braking particles on the second pad 12, to progress towards the outlet 44 of the second groove. The air then passes through the passage 71 of the adapter plate 7 to be guided by the pipe 8 towards the vacuum source 9.

[0096] According to the present disclosure, a single air flow is thus obtained, making it possible to carry out an operation of collecting braking particles on at least two separate grooves.

[0097] In comparison with the state-of-the-art solution using at least two suction lines 13.1, 13.2 connected by a node 13.3, here we have a total flow rate provided by the vacuum source 9 which is at least equal to the greatest minimum flow rate Xm necessary for the proper functioning of each groove. The total flow rate is therefore, in this example, at least equal to Xm. This makes it possible to obtain a satisfactory braking particle collection operation with a vacuum source sized to deliver a flow rate theoretically half as high as for a state-of-the-art solution.

[0098] Reference is now made to Figures 6a and 6b.

[0099] In this example, the caliper has a through opening 63 on its upper part. The opening 63 of the caliper 6 is shaped to allow the installation and removal of the at least one pad. In other words, the dimensions of the opening can allow the at least one pad to be inserted or extracted from the assembly through the opening. More precisely, this passage of the at least one pad through the opening of the caliper can be possible with the pad positioned according to its final orientation in the assembly. It is therefore possible to replace the at least one pad with a new pad without needing to disassemble the caliper with respect to the rotor 100. The opening of the caliper can therefore have a dual use: opening for the installation / uninstallation of the at least one pad, and opening for mounting / disassembling the connecting element 5 on the pad(s) 11, 12.The manufacturing of the whole is therefore simpler and more economical because the same opening can ensure these two functions.

[0100] In the example shown, the connecting element 5 comprises two rigid bent portions 54 mechanically and fluidically connected to one and the other of the first and second plates 11, 12 and a flexible portion 55 fluidly and directly connecting said rigid bent portions 54 to each other. For example, the rigid portions 54 may be rotatably mounted relative to the inlet 43 and the outlet 44 of the first and second plates 11, 12 respectively. The flexible portion 55 may be generally U-shaped, so as to be able to deform without bending when the plates translate to approach the rotor 100. The rigid portions 54 are, in this example, fluidly connected to the grooves of the first and second plates by a radially upper side of the linings 2 of the plates 11, 12. The flexible portion 55 extends entirely in a zone radially external to the two plates.The flexible part is thus accessible through the opening 63 made in the stirrup.

[0101] Reference is now made to Figure 7. In this example, the connecting element 5 fluidly connects two collection grooves 41, 42 of the same wafer 1. It is known to provide a central groove 45 for the evacuation of water and to give the lining certain mechanical or vibrational properties. However, the central groove 45 prevents the two grooves 41, 42 for sucking particles through the lining from being connected. It is therefore necessary to use a connecting element 5. The connecting element 5 makes it possible to connect the outlet 44 of the first groove 41 to the inlet 43 of the second groove 42. It is possible, in examples, to connect the outlet of the second groove 44 of the wafer 1 according to this example, to a third groove of a second wafer by a second connecting element 5 for example of the type as illustrated in Figure 5a or 6b.Such an arrangement makes it possible in particular to integrate pads 1 provided with several grooves, for example pads of relatively large sizes, into a braking system 10 as presented above, while retaining the advantage of presenting a single air flow for all braking particle collection operations.

[0102] In the example shown in Figure 7, the connecting element 5 extends entirely in a zone radially inside the pad 1. Here, the outlet of the first groove and the inlet of the second groove open out via a radially inside side 25 of the lining 2. Such a configuration is made possible in particular because the connecting element 5 remains on only one side of the rotor. It is possible according to other examples for the connecting element 5 to fluidically connect two grooves of the same pad by extending into other zones around the pad 1. In examples, the outlet 44 of the first groove 41 and the inlet 43 of the second groove 42 do not open out on the same side of the lining 2 and / or the base 3.

[0103] It is understood that the different examples presented above can be combined within the same brake system. For example, the pad of figure 7 can replace the pad 11 drawn in figures 5 or 6.

[0104] The flexible pipes or parts of pipes discussed in the various examples above may be made of elastomer, for example silicone, or also of flexible metal tubes braided to resist the heat generated by the brake. The rigid pipes or parts of pipes may be metallic, made of cast iron or possibly stainless steel.

[0105] In a variant not shown, the plate comprises a sole on which two separate linings are arranged, the linings each comprising respectively a first and a second collection groove. The connecting element connects the respective grooves of the two linings.

[0106] More generally, the invention may also relate to the following aspects:

[0107] Aspect 1 - Braking system comprising a first brake pad and a second brake pad, each of the pads comprising a lining capable of coming into contact with a rotor, the linings of the pads comprising, together, a first and a second groove for collecting braking particles, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said braking system comprising a connecting element configured to fluidly connect the air outlet of the first groove to the air inlet of the second groove, the air outlet of the second groove being fluidly connected to a vacuum source.

[0108] Aspect 2 - Braking system according to aspect 1, wherein the connecting element is at least partly arranged radially external to the first and second pads.

[0109] Aspect 3 - A braking system according to any one of the preceding aspects, wherein the first groove is provided in the lining of the first pad and the second groove is provided in the lining of the second pad.

[0110] Aspect 4 - A braking system according to any one of the preceding aspects, comprising a caliper, the connecting element comprising a flexible portion connected to the first pad by a first rigid portion and to the second pad by a second rigid portion.

[0111] Aspect 5 - Braking system according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 3, in which the connecting element comprises an air circulation duct provided in the caliper, and preferably the air circulation duct is obtained by a recess in the caliper.

[0112] Aspect 6 - Braking system according to the preceding aspect, in which at least one of the pads is movable in translation relative to the caliper, and in which an adapter plate is attached to said at least one pad, the adapter plate comprising a barrel, preferably axial, crossed by an orifice, the barrel being slidably engaged, preferably axial, in the caliper in such a way that the orifice fluidly connects the air circulation duct of the caliper to the groove of said at least one pad for all translation positions of said at least one pad.

[0113] Aspect 7 - Braking system according to the preceding aspect, in which said at least one pad is the second pad and the barrel is fluidically connected to the air inlet of a groove of the second pad, the adapter plate further having a passage fluidically connected to the air outlet of the groove of the second pad, the passage being connected to the vacuum source via an at least partly flexible pipe.

[0114] Aspect 8 - A braking system according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 3, wherein the connecting element is fluidically connected to the grooves by means of two cannulas, each of the cannulas being respectively secured to the air outlet of the first groove and the air inlet of the second groove.

[0115] Aspect 9 - A braking system according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 3 in which the connecting element comprises two rigid bent portions mechanically and fluidically linked to one and the other of the first and second pads, and a flexible portion fluidly and directly connecting said rigid bent portions to each other.

[0116] Aspect 10 - Brake pad comprising a lining of friction material, the lining comprising first and second brake particle collection grooves, each collection groove comprising an air inlet and an air outlet, said pad comprising a connecting element fluidly connecting the air outlet of said first groove to the air inlet of said second groove.

[0117] Aspect 11 - Insert according to the preceding aspect, in which the connecting element is at least partly arranged radially internal to the insert relative to the axis of rotation.

Claims

Claims

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. Brake pad (1) comprising a lining (2) made of friction material configured to come into contact with a rotor (100) rotating about an axis A, the lining (2) comprising first and second collection grooves (41, 42) for braking particles, each collection groove (41, 42) comprising an air inlet (43) and an air outlet (44), said pad (1) comprising a connecting element (5) fluidically connecting the air outlet (44) of said first groove (41) to the air inlet (43) of said second groove (42), the connecting element (5) being at least partly arranged radially internally to the pad (11) relative to the axis of rotation A, or the connecting element (5) extending into other areas around the pad (1).

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