Floating-type brake caliper

Abstract

A floating brake caliper (1) comprises a floating caliper body (2) and a bracket (3), with at least one actuation brake pad (4) and one reaction caliper action brake pad (5) that abut opposite surfaces of a brake disc (6). The floating caliper body (2) is slidably connected to the bracket (3) via at least one sliding guide (7). A first urging element (15) moves the actuation brake pad (4) away from the brake disc (6), while a second urging element (14) moves the reaction brake pad (5) away from the brake disc (6) with a greater elastic force. A method of use includes applying and releasing braking action, ensuring that the reaction brake pad (5) moves away from the brake disc (6) more effectively than the actuation brake pad (4), preventing undesired contact and maintaining consistent performance.

Description

"Floating-type brake caliper"DESCRIPTION

[0001] . Field of the invention

[0002] . The subj ect matter of the present invention concerns braking systems for vehicles, in particular disc brakes with floating calipers .

[0003] . Prior art

[0004] . Brake caliper bodies for disc brakes are generally adapted to straddle an associated brake disc having a first braking surface, or vehicle-side braking surface, and a second braking surface, or wheelside braking surface, opposite said first braking surface . Said caliper bodies generally comprise a first elongated portion, or vehicle-side elongated portion, at least partially adapted to face said first braking surface, and a second elongated portion, or wheelside elongated portion, opposite said first elongated portion and at least partially adapted to face said second braking surface . Known caliper bodies comprise at least one bridge, adapted to connect said first elongated portion with said second elongated portion, so as to straddle the brake disc, when said caliper body is assembled to the brake disc .

[0005] . Braking systems , in particular disc brakes with floating calipers, are designed to provide effective and reliable braking performance . Floating calipers are designed to move laterally, thatis, in the axial direction, allowing uniform pressure distribution on both sides of the brake disc while having actuators only on the actuation side, usually the vehicle side .

[0006] . One of the main requirements in this type of devices includes ensuring the precise centring of the floating caliper body with respect to the brake disc, maintaining a smooth and accurate movement of the caliper, preventing undesired contact between the brake pads and the disc when the brake is not actuated, and compensating for pad wear and manufacturing tolerances . Moreover, modern floating calipers must have devices compatible both with traditional hydraulic braking systems and with new electromechanical braking systems (EMB) . The performance of the caliper must remain constant and reliable, regardless of the deformations or the forces applied during braking .

[0007] . Achieving these obj ectives involves overcoming several challenges . Ensuring the precise centring of the caliper body is difficult due to the various forces and deformations experienced during braking . These forces can cause misalignments, leading to uneven wear of the pads and a reduction in braking efficiency. Moreover, the caliper must move smoothly and accurately to ensure correct braking action, and any undesired contact between the pads and the disc must be avoided to prevent friction, overheating, and noise . Compensating for pad wear and manufacturing tolerances is also essential to maintain consistent braking performance over time .

[0008] . Document EP2831452B1 describes a disc braking system thatincludes a brake caliper designed as a sliding caliper, which is floatingly fixed to a fixed adapter by means of guide bars . The system includes a return device with a return element that brings the brake caliper back to an initial position after braking . However, this system, in addition to having elastic means for moving the pads away from the brake disc, relies on a compression spring as a restoring element, which may not provide the desired level of precision and reliability under all brake operating conditions .

[0009] . Document EP2831448B1 describes a similar disc braking system with a return device that includes a compression spring supported by a pressure plate and a pressure piece . The system aims to compensate for pad wear and maintain consistent braking performance . However, the dependence on a compression spring included in the device and the specific design of the return device may limit its effectiveness in some applications .

[0010] . Document US2015008078A1 discloses a disc brake with a restoring device that includes a compression spring to return the brake caliper to its initial position after braking . This system also aims to prevent undesired contact of the pads with the disc and to compensate for pad wear . However, the design may still face challenges in maintaining consistent performance under variable conditions .

[0011] . Document W02016009375A1 describes an assembly for a disc brake caliper that includes a pad retraction device to move the brake pad away from the disc after braking . This system uses a guide pin and a carriage with an elastic device to achieve the desiredretraction. Although this design addresses some issues, it may still encounter difficulties in ensuring the precise centring and smooth movement of the caliper .

[0012] . Document WO2013143997A1 discloses a disc brake with a restoring device that includes a return element to bring the brake caliper back to its initial position after braking . The system aims to prevent undesired contact of the pads and to compensate for pad wear . However, dependence on specific mechanical components may limit its adaptability to different braking systems .

[0013] . Document US3618714A describes an automatic adjustment device for a disc brake caliper that maintains a constant distance between the friction pads and the brake disc . This system uses a spring steel clip to adjust for pad wear . Although effective in some aspects, it may not fully address the challenges of precise centring and smooth movement of the caliper.

[0014] . Document EP3169910B1 describes an assembly with a device for moving a pad away from a brake disc . The system includes a guide pin and a carriage with an elastic device to achieve the desired retraction. This design aims to prevent undesired contact of the pads and to compensate for pad wear, but it may still face challenges in ensuring consistent performance under variable conditions .

[0015] . There is therefore a need for a more effective solution that ensures the precise centring of the floating caliper body, the smooth and accurate movement of the caliper, despite the reaction side of the floating caliper body undergoing greater influences such asfriction with respect to the retraction of the actuation means at the end of the braking action, risking leaving the pad on the reaction side in contact or close to contact with the brake disc . Therefore, there is a need for a more effective solution that ensures the prevention of undesired contact of the pads with the disc, the compensation for pad wear and manufacturing tolerances, and compatibility with both hydraulic and electromechanical braking systems . This solution should provide constant and reliable performance, regardless of the deformations of the caliper and the applied forces .

[0016] . Solution

[0017] . One obj ect of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks of the known art and to provide a solution to the need to provide a caliper body, as well as a method of use of said caliper body, as defined in the accompanying claims .

[0018] . This and other obj ects are achieved with a caliper body according to claim 1 and a method of operation of a caliper according to claim 10.

[0019] . Some advantageous embodiments are the subj ect of the dependent claims .

[0020] . Thanks to the proposed caliper, it is possible to ensure the precise centring and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system.

[0021] . According to a general embodiment, a floating-type brake caliper comprises a floating caliper body and a bracket . The caliperincludes at least one actuation brake pad and at least one reaction brake pad, both adapted to abut against opposite friction surfaces of a brake disc to exert a braking action on a vehicle . The floating caliper body is slidably connected to the bracket by means of at least one sliding guide, allowing controlled and precise movement of the floating caliper body relative to the brake disc . This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body during the braking action .

[0022] . Between the floating caliper body and the actuation brake pad, a first actuation pad urging element is provided that constantly urges elastically the actuation brake pad to move the actuation brake pad away from the brake disc . This element ensures that the actuation brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0023] . Between the floating caliper body and the reaction brake pad, a second reaction pad urging element is provided that constantly urges elastically the reaction brake pad to move the reaction brake pad away from the brake disc . This element ensures that the reaction brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0024] . The second reaction pad urging element exerts an elastic force greater than that exerted by the first urging element . This ensures that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake discmore effectively than the actuation brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and maintaining constant performance .

[0025] . A method for using a floating-type brake caliper on a vehicle comprises the following steps : providing a floating-type brake caliper comprising a floating caliper body and a bracket, as well as at least one actuation brake pad and at least one reaction brake pad adapted to abut against opposite friction surfaces of a brake disc to exert a braking action on a vehicle, wherein the floating caliper body is slidably connected to the bracket by means of at least one sliding guide . This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body during the braking action.

[0026] . Providing between the floating caliper body and the actuation brake pad a first actuation pad urging element that constantly urges elastically the actuation brake pad to move the actuation brake pad away from the brake disc . This element ensures that the actuation brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0027] . Providing between the floating caliper body and the reaction brake pad a second reaction pad urging element that constantly urges elastically the reaction brake pad to move the reaction brake pad away from the brake disc . This element ensures that the reaction brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0028] . Exerting, by means of the second reaction pad urging element, an elastic force greater than that exerted by the first urging element . This ensures that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake disc more effectively than the actuation brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and maintaining constant performance .

[0029] . Actuating the brake caliper to exert a braking action on the vehicle . This allows effective braking force to be applied to the brake disc, slowing down or stopping the vehicle .

[0030] . Releasing the braking action, allowing the second reaction pad urging element to exert an elastic force greater than that of the first actuation pad urging element, ensuring that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake disc more effectively than the actuation brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and maintaining constant performance .

[0031] . The advantages of this brake caliper and the method of use include correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body during the braking action, prevention of undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintenance of constant braking performance . Moreover, the greater effectiveness of the second reaction pad urging element ensures that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake disc more effectively, preventing undesired contact and improving the overall efficiency of the braking system.

[0032] . Further advantages are also obtained, according to additional embodiments, through :

[0033] . the fastening of a compensation pin on the floating caliper body, allowing controlled movement and alignment;

[0034] . the sliding of the compensation pin in a seat of the bracket, ensuring correct positioning and stability;

[0035] . the assembly of a friction element on the compensation pin, defining an axial clearance and a specific sliding force (FRR) , which compensates for pad wear and production tolerances and the elastic deformation of the caliper body;

[0036] . the provision of a dust-sealing mechanism to prevent contamination, ensuring long-term reliability;

[0037] . the use of differential elastic forces to retract the brake pads, preventing undesired contact with the rotor and maintaining constant performance also on the reaction side of the caliper;

[0038] . allowing the compensation pin to slide during braking, recovering the clearance and ensuring that the brake pad on the reaction side is in contact with the disc during braking action and has the desired clearance from the brake disc when the braking action is released, thus restoring the axial clearance when the brake is released, maintaining the original position of the caliper;

[0039] . ensuring that the caliper operation is independent of deformation and force sensitivity, providing reliable performance under various conditions;

[0040] . integrating the device both into electromechanical brake (EMB) systems and traditional hydraulic piston systems, improving versatility.

[0041] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the inclusion of two restoring devices, the system' s ability to maintain precise centring and constant performance is improved, providing additional stability and control over the movement of the caliper .

[0042] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the use of two sliding guides and two restoring devices, arranged side-by-side or coaxially, even greater stability and precision in the movement of the caliper is ensured, further improving the reliability and performance of the system.

[0043] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the use of an annular pin seat, a more secure and stable connection between the compensation pin and the bracket is provided, improving the overall stability and precision of the caliper movement .

[0044] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the inclusion of shoulders in the pin seat, additional support and stability for the compensation pin is provided, and a precise restoring stroke of the position of the floating caliper body is ensured, guaranteeing constant performance and reducing the risk of misalignment or movement during braking .

[0045] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the use of a spring as elastic urging element for moving the pad away from the disc, constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads is ensured, preventing undesired contact with the rotor and maintaining constant performance .

[0046] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, thanks to the useof a tension spring working between the pad and the bracket to retract the pad away from the disc, constant and reliable retraction is ensured, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance .

[0047] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment , thanks to the use of a single spring attached to the bracket, with a greater elastic action on the reaction side than on the actuation side, a constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads is ensured, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance also on the reaction side of the caliper .

[0048] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment , thanks to the use of a pad urging element on the actuation side that exerts a lower elastic force than on the reaction side, a constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads on both sides of the disc is ensured, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance .

[0049] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment, a floating caliper braking system provides that the caliper body is slidably connected to a bracket via at least one sliding guide and includes at least two separate or one-piece elastic elements that exert forces to retract the brake pads from the brake disc . The first elastic element, or the first portion of the elastic element, acts on the actuationside brake pad, while the second elastic element, or the second portion of the elastic element, acts on the reaction-side brake pad, wherein the second element exerts a greater elastic force than the first .

[0050] . This arrangement ensures that the reaction-side brake padis retracted more effectively than the actuation-side brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and reducing residual torque . Having a stronger retraction force on the reaction side, the system compensates for the typical deformations and friction forces experienced by the floating caliper during the release of braking, which often leave the reaction-side pad in contact with the disc . This design maintains a constant air gap ( luft ) on both sides of the brake disc, improving braking efficiency and reducing uneven pad wear .

[0051] . Moreover, the use of two distinct or one-piece portions of elastic elements allows for precise control of the retraction forces, ensuring that the brake pads are consistently returned to their original positions after braking. This improves the overall reliability and performance of the braking system, as it minimises the risk of brake drag and associated issues such as overheating and noise . The system' s ability to maintain constant performance regardless of caliper deformation and external forces makes it suitable for use with both traditional hydraulic braking systems and modern electromechanical braking systems (EMB) , providing versatility and adaptability in various automotive applications .

[0052] . Furthermore, according to one embodiment , a method is provided to ensure precise centring and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system. The method involves several steps, including fixing a compensation pin to the floating caliper body, assembling a friction element on the compensation pin, and housing the pin in a seat of the bracket to define an axial clearance and aspecific sliding force . The method also includes providing a restoring device to return the caliper to its initial position after braking, to compensate for pad wear, production tolerances and elastic deformations , and to restore the axial clearance when the brake is released.

[0053] . By fixing the compensation pin to the floating caliper body and allowing it to slide inside a seat of the bracket, the method ensures that the caliper can move accurately and maintain its alignment with the brake disc . This arrangement compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring that the brake pads maintain the correct distance from the disc, which is essential for constant braking performance . The inclusion of a friction element between the compensation pin and the seat of the bracket provides controlled resistance to movement, which helps stabilise the caliper and prevent undesired shifts upon release of the braking action.

[0054] . The restoring device, which brings the caliper back to its initial position after braking, ensures that the caliper is always correctly positioned for the next braking action . This reduces the risk of uneven pad wear and maintains the efficiency of the braking system. Moreover, the method compensates for the elastic deformations of the caliper body, which may occur due to forces experienced during braking . By allowing the compensation pin to slide and recover the axial clearance, the method ensures that the brake pads are always correctly positioned with respect to the disc, even when the caliper deforms .

[0055] . The use of an urging element (elastic element) to push the caliper into its original position after braking ensures that the system can restore itself quickly and reliably, maintaining constant performance . This element also helps to prevent the brake pads from remaining in contact with the disc when the brake is not actuated, reducing the risk of undesired friction, overheating, and noise .

[0056] . Overall, the described method provides a robust solution for maintaining precise alignment and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system, addressing issues such as pad wear, production tolerances , and caliper deformation. This ensures reliable and efficient braking performance under a variety of conditions .

[0057] . Advantageously, the innovation described in the present invention offers a significant advantage by eliminating the use of elastic means integrated in the restoring device, such as compression springs, which are commonly used in floating caliper braking systems of the prior art . This approach presents several key benefits that improve the constructional simplicity and operational reliability of the braking system.

[0058] . 1 . Constructional Simplicity

[0059] . Reduction of Components : By eliminating compression springs and other elastic means integrated in the restoring device, the number of components required for the braking system is reduced . This simplifies the overall design of the floating caliper, making the assembly process simpler and less prone to errors .

[0060] . Ease of Assembly: With fewer components to assemble, theassembly process becomes faster and less complex . This not only reduces production time but also decreases the risk of errors during assembly, improving the quality of the final product .

[0061] . Simplified Maintenance : A simpler design with fewer moving parts means there are fewer components subj ect to wear or failure . This makes maintenance of the braking system easier and less expensive, as there are fewer components to inspect, replace, or repair .

[0062] . 2 . Greater Operational Reliability

[0063] . Reduction of Failure Risk: Compression springs and other elastic means can be subj ect to fatigue and failure over time, especially under repeated loads and severe operating conditions, particularly if of small size as in the restoring devices of the prior art . By eliminating these components , the risk of mechanical failures is significantly reduced, improving the overall reliability of the braking system.

[0064] . Constant Performance : Without dependence on elastic components that may degrade over time, the braking system maintains constant and reliable performance . This is particularly important to ensure safe and effective braking under all operating conditions .

[0065] , Independence from Deformations : The proposed design ensures that the operation of the caliper is independent from deformations of the caliper body and from sensitivity to forces applied during braking . This ensures that the braking system functions correctly even in the presence of mechanical deformations, maintaining brakingeffectiveness .

[0066] . 3. Economic Efficiency

[0067] . Reduction of Production Costs : A simpler design with fewer components reduces production costs, as it requires fewer materials and less assembly time . This makes the braking system more economical to produce without compromising quality or performance .

[0068] . Lower Maintenance Costs : The greater reliability and reduction of components subj ect to wear translate into lower longterm maintenance costs . This is advantageous for both manufacturers and end users, as it reduces the overall operational costs of the vehicle .

[0069] . In summary, the elimination of elastic means integrated into the restoring device offers numerous advantages, including greater constructional simplicity, increased operational reliability, and economic efficiency. These benefits contribute to improving the overall performance of the floating caliper braking system, ensuring safe, effective, and reliable braking under all operating conditions .

[0070] . Figures

[0071] . Further features and advantages of the invention will appear from the following description of its preferred embodiments, provided by way of illustration and not limitation, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which :

[0072] . - Figure 1 shows an axonometric wheel-side view of a f loating-type brake caliper; this brake caliper comprises a floating caliper body that slides on a pair of caliper sliding guides, one onthe disc-entry side and one on the disc-exit side, and having two restoring devices, one adj acent to the guide on the disc-entry side and one adj acent to the guide on the disc-exit side, and wherein an actuation brake pad is urged by two actuation pad urging elements positioned at the ends of the pad on the disc-entry and disc-exit sides between the pad itself and the bracket, and a reaction brake pad is urged by two reaction pad urging elements positioned at the ends of the pad on the disc-entry and disc-exit sides between the pad itself and the bracket;

[0073] . - Figure 2 shows an axonometric vehicle-side view of the brake caliper of figure 1 ;

[0074] . - Figure 3 shows a section along axis A-A which passes through the restoring device on the disc-entry side;

[0075] . - Figure 4 shows an enlargement of figure 3 focused on the restoring device;

[0076] . - Figure 5 shows an enlargement of figure 2 where the portion of the floating caliper body and bracket in which the restoring device is arranged is partially sectioned;

[0077] . - Figure 6 shows an enlargement of figure 5 in a flat section;

[0078] , - Figure 7 shows 4 operating states of the restoring device : 7 . 1, 7.2, 7 .3, 7.4 ; from left to right, a first state 7 .1, in which the position of the components with the caliper not actuated is shown, schematically illustrates a portion of bracket in which a caliper sliding guide and a compensation pin slide, wherein the couplingdetail between the compensation pin and its friction element in the bracket seat is enlarged, showing the friction element resting against the pin seat shoulder corresponding to the equilibrium position with the floating caliper body retracted, creating the desired clearance, or luft, between the reaction brake pad and the brake disc; a second state, 7.2, in which the caliper is actuated with a braking action that does not cause significant wear of the brake pads nor relevant elastic deformation of the pads and the floating caliper body, in this situation the compensation pin may reach the friction element, and upon release of the braking action the system returns to state 7. 1 ; a third state, 7. 3, braking is very intense and causes wear of the pads and / or elastic deformation of the pads and / or of the floating caliper body, in this state the compensation pin reaches abutment against the friction element and, overcoming its friction against the bracket seat walls, it too moves to a new rest position upon the cessation of pad and caliper body wear and deformation, and the new equilibrium upon cessation of the braking action is shown in state 7.4 ;

[0079] . - Figure 8 shows in exploded axonometric view, a variant embodiment in which at least one caliper sliding guide is coaxial with the compensation pin of the restoring device, in this view the components are shown according to an assembly logic .

[0080] . Description of some preferred embodiments

[0081] . The term "reaction pad urging element" means a component in a floating caliper braking system that applies a constant elastic force to the brake pad on the reaction side, pushing it away from the brakedisc . This element ensures that the brake pad does not remain in contact with the disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance . This element constitutes the sole elastic urging element acting directly or indirectly on the restoring device, avoiding the use of other elastic urging elements, thereby ensuring proper operation of the braking system and preventing undesired contact between the pad and the brake disc .

[0082] . The term "restoring device" means a mechanical component used in braking systems, particularly in floating brake calipers, to return the caliper body to its initial position after brake release . This device plays a crucial role in ensuring that the brake pads maintain the correct distance from the brake disc, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant braking performance . The restoring device compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring reliable and precise operation of the braking system. The restoring device includes an adjustment device to compensate for clearance variation due to pad and caliper body wear and deformation. For example, a locking ring which constitutes an adjustment device to compensate for clearance variation . The restoring device includes a mechanical stop or a friction element, as described in the present invention, which defines an axial clearance and a specific sliding force ( FRR) . This mechanical stop compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring that the caliper maintains the correct position after each braking action.

[0083] . With reference to the figures, and according to a general embodiment, a floating-type brake caliper comprises a floating caliper body 2 and a bracket 3. The caliper includes at least one actuation brake pad 4 and at least one reaction brake pad 5, both adapted to abut against opposite friction surfaces of a brake disc 6 to exert a braking action on a vehicle . The floating caliper body 2 is slidably connected to the bracket 3 by means of at least one caliper sliding guide 7 , allowing controlled and precise movement of the floating caliper body with respect to the brake disc 6. This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body during the braking action .

[0084] . Between the floating caliper body 2 and the actuation brake pad 4 , a first actuation pad urging element 15 is provided which constantly urges elastically to move the actuation brake pad 4 away from the brake disc 6. This actuation pad urging element 15 ensures that the actuation brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0085] . Between the floating caliper body 2 and the reaction brake pad 5, a second reaction pad urging element 14 is provided which constantly urges elastically the reaction brake pad 5 to move the reaction brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 6. This reaction pad urging element 14 ensures that the reaction brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintainingconstant braking performance .

[0086] . The second reaction pad urging element 14 exerts an elastic reaction action (Freaction) greater than an elastic actuation action (Faction) exerted by the first urging element 15. This ensures that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake disc more effectively than the actuation brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and maintaining constant performance .

[0087] . According to a further aspect of a general embodiment, a method for using a f loating-type brake caliper on a vehicle comprises the following steps : providing a floating-type brake caliper comprising a floating caliper body 2 and a bracket 3 , as well as at least one actuation brake pad 4 and at least one reaction brake pad 5 adapted to abut against opposite friction surfaces of a brake disc 6 to exert a braking action on a vehicle, wherein said floating caliper body 2 is slidably connected by means of at least one caliper sliding guide 7 to said bracket 3. This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body during the braking action.

[0088] . Providing between the floating caliper body 2 and the actuation brake pad 4 a first actuation pad urging element 15 which constantly elastically urges the actuation brake pad 4 to move the actuation brake pad 4 away from the brake disc 6. This actuation pad urging element 15 ensures that the actuation brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0089] . Providing between the floating caliper body 2 and the reaction brake pad 5 a second reaction pad urging element 14 which constantly urges elastically the reaction brake pad 5 to move the reaction brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 6. This reaction pad urging element 14 ensures that the reaction brake pad does not remain in contact with the brake disc when the brake is not actuated, preventing undesired friction, overheating, and noise, and maintaining constant braking performance .

[0090] . Exerting, by means of the second reaction pad urging element 14 , an elastic reaction action ( Freaction) greater than an elastic actuation action (Faction) exerted by the first urging element 15. This ensures that the reaction brake pad moves away from the brake disc more effectively than the actuation brake pad, preventing undesired contact with the brake disc and maintaining constant performance .

[0091] . Actuating the brake caliper 1 to exert a braking action on the vehicle . This allows an effective braking force to be applied to the brake disc, slowing down or stopping the vehicle .

[0092] . Releasing the braking action, allowing the second reaction pad urging element 14 to exert a greater elastic force than the first actuation pad urging element 15, ensuring that the reaction brake pad 5 moves away from the brake disc 6 more effectively than the actuation brake pad 4 , preventing undesired contact with the brake disc 6 and maintaining constant performance .

[0093] . According to one embodiment, a f loating-type brake caliper1 comprises a floating caliper body 2 and a bracket 3. The caliper includes at least one actuation brake pad 4 and at least one reaction brake pad 5, both adapted to abut against a brake disc 6 to exert a braking action on a vehicle . The floating caliper body 2 is slidably connected to the bracket 3 by means of at least one caliper sliding guide 7 , allowing controlled and precise movement of the floating caliper body relative to the brake disc 6.

[0094] . The brake caliper 1 comprises at least one restoring device 8 , which returns the floating caliper body 2 to an initial position after movement and brake release following a braking command. This restoring device 8 includes at least one compensation pin 9, which is fixed to and protrudes from the floating caliper body 2 in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the floating caliper body 2.

[0095] . The compensation pin 9 is arranged between the floating caliper body 2 and the bracket 3 and is partially housed in a bracket seat 10 having bracket walls 11 . This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body 2 during the braking action .

[0096] . The restoring device 8 comprises a friction element 12, also referred to as a stop element, which is arranged between the compensation pin 9 and the bracket seat 10, exerting a predetermined frictional action against the bracket walls 11. This friction element 12 is partially housed in a pin seat 13 in the compensation pin 9, defining an axial clearance A and a specific sliding force (FRR) . This compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring consistent performance over time .

[0097] . According to one embodiment, said friction element 12 is a cylindrical sleeve with a cylindrical friction element seat 16 fitted with a clearance on said compensation pin within said pin seat 13.

[0098] . According to one embodiment, said friction element 12 comprises at least one of the following materials : rubber, plastic, metal .

[0099] . Between the floating caliper body 2 and the reaction brake pad 5, a pad urging element 14 is provided that constantly urges elastically the reaction brake pad 5 to move the reaction brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 6. This pad urging element 14 constitutes the sole elastic urging element that acts directly or indirectly on the restoring device 8 , avoiding the use of other elastic urging elements . This ensures that the caliper operates independently from the deformation of the caliper body and the sensitivity to the forces applied during braking, providing reliable performance under various operating conditions .

[0100] . According to a further embodiment, the restoring device 8 comprises two restoring devices 8. This improves the system' s ability to maintain precise centring and constant performance by providing additional stability and control over the caliper movement .

[0101] . According to a further embodiment, the caliper sliding guide 7 comprises two caliper sliding guides 7 , and the two restoring devices 8 are adj acent to or coaxial with two caliper sliding guides 7 . This ensures even greater stability and precision in the movement of the caliper, further improving the reliability and performance of thesystem.

[0102] . According to a further embodiment, the pin seat 13 is an annular pin seat . This provides a more secure and stable connection between the compensation pin 9 and the bracket 3, improving overall stability and precision of the caliper movement .

[0103] . According to a further embodiment, the pin seat 13 comprises pin seat shoulders . This provides additional support and stability for the compensation pin 9, ensuring constant performance and reducing the risk of misalignment or movement during braking.

[0104] . According to a further embodiment, the pad urging element 14 is a spring. This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact with the rotor and maintaining constant performance .

[0105] . According to a further embodiment, the pad urging element 14 is a tension spring, and the pad urging element 14 acts between the pad braking plate and the bracket 3, pulling the pad back away from the disc 6. This ensures constant and reliable retraction, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance .

[0106] . According to a further embodiment, the pad urging element 14 is a single spring attached to the bracket 3 with a greater elastic action on the reaction side than on the actuation side . This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance .

[0107] . According to a further embodiment, the actuation pad urging element 15 exerts an elastic restoring action on the pad which islower than that exerted by the reaction pad urging element 14 . This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance .

[0108] . The present invention also relates to a method that ensures precise centring and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system 1 . The method comprises fixing at least one compensation pin 9 on a floating caliper body 2 by means of a screw. This allows for controlled movement and alignment of the floating caliper body relative to the brake disc 6.

[0109] . The compensation pin 9 slides in a seat provided in a bracket 3. This ensures correct positioning and stability of the floating caliper body 2 during the braking action.

[0110] . A friction element 12 is assembled on the compensation pin 9 in a dedicated seat 13 provided in the body of the pin. The friction element 12 and the compensation pin 9 define an axial clearance A and a sliding force defined as FRR. This compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring consistent performance over time .

[0111] . According to one possible embodiment, a dust-sealing mechanism is provided to prevent contamination of the system by dirt . This ensures the long-term reliability of the braking system.

[0112] . The method uses hook springs to exert an elastic force on the brake pads . The elastic force exerted by the spring acting on the outer pad 4 is greater than the elastic force exerted by the inner spring 5. This prevents undesired contact with the rotor and maintains constant performance .

[0113] . During braking, the compensation pin 9 slides inside the seat in the bracket 10, recovering the clearance A and pushing the friction element 12 until the reaction-side brake pad 5 is in contact with the brake disc 6. This ensures that the brake pad on the reaction side is correctly positioned during the braking action .

[0114] . When the brake is released, the axial clearance A is restored as the hook springs push the caliper 1 until the compensation pin 9 comes into contact with the friction element 12. This maintains the original position of the caliper .

[0115] . The method ensures that the operation of the caliper 1 is independent of the deformation of the caliper body 2 and the sensitivity to the forces applied during braking . This provides reliable performance under various operating conditions .

[0116] . The method is integrated both into electromechanical brake systems (EMB) and traditional hydraulic piston systems, enhancing the versatility of the braking system.

[0117] . According to one embodiment, the floating caliper braking system includes a compensation pin fixed to the floating caliper body, which slides inside a dedicated seat in the bracket . This configuration ensures precise alignment and controlled movement of the caliper body. The compensation pin is equipped with a mechanical stop, or friction element, that defines an axial clearance and a specific sliding force ( ERR) to compensate for pad wear, production tolerances, and elastic deformation of the caliper body. A dust boot may optionally be provided to prevent contamination, ensuring thelong-term reliability of the device .

[0118] . According to another embodiment, the system incorporates two compensation pins and two sliding guides, arranged in parallel or coaxially, to improve stability and precision . The mechanical stop may be made of various materials such as rubber, plastic, or metal, depending on the specific application requirements . Moreover, the compensation pin may be a single element or composed of several interconnected elements .

[0119] . According to a further embodiment, the compensation pin is fixed to the brake pad instead of to the reaction portion of the floating caliper body, offering an alternative method to ensure proper retraction and alignment of the pads . The system may also provide a single spring or multiple springs with different elastic properties to provide the necessary differentiated retraction forces between the actuation side and the reaction side .

[0120] . Furthermore, this design allows integration into both traditional hydraulic braking systems and modern electromechanical braking systems (EMB) , maintaining constant performance regardless of caliper deformation or external forces .

[0121] . According to one embodiment, each pad 4 or 5 has a backing plate that supports friction material . This backing plate is elastically influenced by two opposing pad urging elements . In the case of the actuation pad 4, the two actuation pad urging elements 15 act in a predominantly axial A-A direction symmetrically on the ends of the backing plate in the circumferential direction, moving it awayfrom the brake disc 6. Similarly, in the case of the reaction pad 5, the two reaction pad urging elements 14 exert a symmetrical elastic force on the ends of the backing plate in a predominantly axial A-A direction, moving it away from the brake disc 6. These opposing urging elements are fixed to the bracket 3, ensuring that the pads 4 or 5 are constantly elastically urged away from the brake disc 6, and when the brake is not actuated, they help prevent undesired contact with the brake disc 6.

[0122] . In an alternative embodiment, the at least one restoring device 8 comprises two restoring devices 8 , arranged adj acent or coaxial to two caliper sliding guides 7 . This configuration improves the stability and precision of the movement of the caliper and the pads, ensuring constant and reliable performance . The compensation pin 9 has a pin seat 13 made as an annular seat in the body of the compensation pin 9. Alternatively, the compensation pin 9 may have an end with a reduced transverse dimension ( e . g . , cylindrical shape with a diameter smaller than the rest of the main shaft of the compensation pin) , forming a first pin seat shoulder 17. The second and opposite pin seat shoulder 17 is formed with an end element ( shaped as a pin seat cap) screwed onto the end of the compensation pin 9.

[0123] . The compensation pin 9 is received with its opposite end in a seat provided in the floating caliper body 2 and protrudes with a threaded stem for its secure fastening to the floating caliper body 2 by means of a bolt . This configuration ensures a stable and secure fastening of the compensation pin to the floating caliper body 2,improving the reliability of the system. Furthermore, the compensation pin 9, at least in its exposed section, is enclosed in a dust boot, similar to the dust boot enclosing the exposed parts of the caliper sliding guides 7 . The dust boot prevents contamination of the system by dirt and debris, ensuring the long-term reliability of the restoring device .LIST OF REFERENCES1 brake caliper2 floating caliper body3 bracket4 actuation brake pad5 reaction brake pad6 brake disc7 caliper sliding guide8 restoring device9 compensation pin10 bracket seat11 bracket walls12 friction element13 pin seat14 reaction pad urging element15 actuation pad urging element16 friction element seat17 pin seat shouldersSYMBOLSX-X sliding direction of the floating caliper body parallel to the axis of rotation of the brake discA-A axial direction and parallel to direction X-XR-R radial directionT-T tangential directionC-C circumferential directionFRR predetermined friction force between friction element and bracket seatLs axial A-A direction extension of pin seatLa axial A-A direction extension of friction elementA predefined clearance between pin seat and friction element Freaction elastic reaction action exerted by the reaction pad urging elementFaction elastic actuation action exerted by the actuation pad urging element

Claims

1. CLAIMS1 . A floating- type brake caliper ( 1 ) comprising a floating cal iper body ( 2 ) and a bracket ( 3 ) , as well as at least one actuation brake pad ( 4 ) and at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) adapted to abut against oppos ite friction surfaces of a brake di sc ( 6) to exert a braking action on a vehicle ; wherein said floating caliper body ( 2 ) is slidably connected to said bracket ( 3 ) by means of at least one caliper sliding guide ( 7 ) ; between said floating caliper body ( 2 ) and said at least one actuation brake pad ( 4 ) a f irst actuation pad urging element ( 15 ) i s provided that constantly urges elastically said at least one actuation brake pad ( 4 ) to move said at least one actuation brake pad ( 4 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ) ;and whereinbetween said floating caliper body ( 2 ) and said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) a second reaction pad urging element ( 14 ) is provided that constantly urges elastically said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) to move said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ) ;and whereinsaid second reaction pad urging element ( 14 ) exerts an elastic reaction action ( Freaction) greater than an elastic actuation action ( Faction ) exerted by said first urging element ( 15 ) .2 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15 ) is a spring .or whereinsaid first action pad biasing element ( 15 ) , which constantly elastically biases said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) to move said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ) , comprises a roll-back device of an action device , for example a piston, to bias said action brake pad ( 4 ) to abut against said brake di sc ; or whereinsaid first action pad biasing element ( 15 ) , which constantly elastically biases said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) to move said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ) , comprises an elastic dust-proof boot adapted to apply a rol l-back action o f an action device, for example a piston, to bias said action brake pad ( 4 ) to abut against said brake disc ;or whereinsaid action brake pad ( 4 ) and said reaction brake pad ( 5 ) are elastically biased away from the brake di sc ( 6 ) by means o f a spring which avoids connecting to or acting on said f loating caliper body ( 2 ) or said bracket ( 3 ) .3 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the pad bias ing element ( 14 or 15 ) is a tension spring, and the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15 ) operates between the pad and the bracket ( 3 ) pul lingthe pad away from the disc ( 6) .4 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pad urging element ( 14 or 15) is a tension spring, wherein said tension spring is an assembly of a pad retention spring and a pad return spring for a brake caliper, whereinsaid pad retention spring is configured to be arranged between at least one guide ear of a brake pad ( 4 , 5) so as to urge said brake pad (4, 5) in a radial direction and in a circumferential direction, said pad return spring is configured to urge said brake pad in an axial direction away from said brake disc ( 6) ,wherein said pad retention spring and said pad return spring are manufactured as separate pieces and are operatively connected.

5. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 4, whereinsaid pad retaining spring has a predominant extension in the radial and circumferential directions and comprises at least :a C-shaped section comprising a central portion extending at least in the radial direction, from which an upper portion and a lower portion radially extend from opposite ends thereof, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion extend at least partially in the circumferential direction away from said central portion, wherein said C-shaped section is adapted to be inserted into a recess of said bracket ( 3 ) and is adapted to accommodate said guide ear;wherein said pad return spring comprises :an anchoring portion operatively connected to said C-shaped section, a coupling portion configured to couple said brake pad, anda connection arm operatively connected to said anchoring portion and said coupling portion, wherein said coupling portion is elastic and movable with respect to said anchoring portion in the axial direction between a retracted rest position and at least one advanced position, towards said disc, and vice versa;wherein said pad return spring is made from at least one wire; wherein said pad return spring comprises at least one enveloping portion which connects said connection arm to said anchoring portion, wherein said at least one enveloping portion comprises said at least one wire helically wound about a winding axis so as to constantly elastically bias said coupling portion at least along said axial direction towards said retracted rest position .

6. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is a tension spring, wherein said tension spring is a pad retaining spring and pad return spring assembly, said assembly comprising:at least one pad retaining spring configured to be arranged between at least one guide ear of a brake pad and said caliper body so as to bias said brake pad in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction, anda pad return spring configured to bias said brake pad in the axial direction away from a brake disc,wherein said pad retaining spring and said pad return spring are made as separate pieces and are operatively connected;wherein said pad retaining spring has a predominant extension in the radial and circumferential directions and comprises at least :a C-shaped section comprising a central portion extending at least in the radial direction, from which an upper portion and a lower portion radially extend from opposite ends thereof, wherein said upper portion and said lower portion extend at least partially in the circumferential direction away from said central portion, wherein said C-shaped section is adapted to be inserted into a recess of said caliper body and is adapted to accommodate said guide ear; wherein said pad return spring comprises :an anchoring portion operatively connected to said C-shaped section, a coupling portion configured to couple said brake pad, anda connection arm operatively connected to said anchoring portion and said coupling portion, wherein said coupling portion is elastic and movable with respect to said anchoring portion in the axial direction between a retracted rest position and at least one advanced position, towards said disc, and vice versa;wherein said pad return spring is made from at least one wire; wherein said connection arm comprises an end arm portion connected to said coupling portion;wherein said end arm portion is arranged at a first distance along said circumferential direction with respect to said central portion or a radial extension thereof ;wherein said coupling portion comprises a first segment arranged at a second distance along said circumferential direction with respect to said central portion, wherein said second distance is shorter than said first distance .7 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is a single spring coupled to the bracket (3 ) which applies an elastic action to both the action and reaction brake pads ; and wherein the elastic action applied by said single spring coupled to the bracket ( 3 ) is greater on the reaction brake pad ( 5) than on the action brake pad ( 4 ) .8 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pad biasing element ( 14 or 15 ) is at least one spring shaped to be arranged straddling the brake disc ( 6) or to extend from two opposite sides with respect to the brake disc ( 6) , wherein said spring applies an elastic bias to said action and reaction brake pads (4 , 5) so as to elastically bias said pads (4 , 5) away from the brake disc ( 6) and so as to affect, by means of said second reaction brake pad ( 5) , a sliding of the floating caliper body ( 2 ) in the axial direction (A-A) in the direction of the reaction portion of saidfloating cal iper body ( 2 ) moving away from the brake di sc ( 6 ) ; wherein said spring is connected to said pads ( 4 , 5 ) as well as to said bracket ( 3 ) .9 . A f loating-type brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 1 , wherein said brake caliper ( 1 ) comprises at least one restoring device ( 8 ) , by means of which the floating cal iper body ( 2 ) is brought into an initial position after displacement and release o f the brake following a braking command;said at least one restoring device ( 8 ) comprises at least one compensation pin ( 9 ) ;said compensation pin ( 9 ) is integral with and proj ects from said floating cal iper body ( 2 ) according to a direction (A-A) parallel to the sliding direction (X-X) of the floating caliper body ( 2 ) ; said compensation pin ( 9 ) is arranged between said floating caliper body ( 2 ) and said bracket ( 3 ) and is partially accommodated in a bracket seat ( 10 ) having bracket walls ( 11 ) ;said at least one restoring device ( 8 ) compri ses a friction element ( 12 ) , also referred to as a stop element , which is arranged between said compensation pin ( 9 ) and said bracket seat ( 10 ) applying a predetermined friction action ( FRR) against said bracket walls ( 11 ) ; said compensation pin ( 9 ) comprises a pin seat ( 13 ) in which said friction element ( 12 ) is partially housed;said pin seat ( 13 ) has an extens ion ( Ls ) in the direction of movementof the floating caliper body ( 2 ) of a prede fined amount and which is greater than the s ize, length or extension ( La) by a predefined clearance (A) in said direction of the portion o f the friction element ( 12 ) accommodated in the pin seat ( 13 ) ;and wherein said pad biasing element ( 14 , 15 ) constitutes the only elastic thrust element which acts directly or indirectly on said restoring device ( 8 ) , avoiding other elastic thrust elements that directly actuate said compensation pin ( 9 ) or said friction element ( 12 ) .10 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 9, wherein said restoring device ( 8 ) consists of two reset devices ( 8 ) .11 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 2 , wherein said caliper sliding guide ( 7 ) consists of two caliper s liding guides ( 7 ) and the two reset devices ( 8 ) are arranged side by side and disposed parallel or coaxial to said two caliper sl iding guides ( 7 ) .12 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the pin seat ( 13 ) is an annular pin seat ;and whereinsaid bracket seat ( 10 ) is a cylindrical bracket seat ;and whereinsaid friction element ( 12 ) is a cylindrical sleeve with a cyl indricalfriction element seat ( 16 ) fitted onto said compensation pin inside said pin seat ( 13 ) ;and / or whereinsaid friction element ( 12 ) is a cylindrical sleeve with a cyl indrical friction element seat ( 16 ) f itted with clearance onto said compensation pin inside said pin seat ( 13 ) ;and / or whereinsaid friction element ( 12 ) comprises at least one o f the following materials : rubber, plastic, metal .13 . A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 4 , wherein the pin seat ( 13 ) compri ses pin seat shoulders on which at least one portion of said friction element ( 12 ) settles during the braking action or the return action of the floating caliper body ( 2 ) by said pad biasing element ( 14 ) .14 . A method for using a f loating-type brake caliper ( 1 ) on a vehicle, comprising the fol lowing steps :• providing a f loating-type brake cal iper ( 1 ) comprising a floating caliper body ( 2 ) and a bracket ( 3 ) , as well as at least one actuation brake pad ( 4 ) and at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) adapted to abut against opposite friction surfaces of a brake di sc ( 6 ) to exert a braking action on a vehicle, wherein said floating caliper body ( 2 ) is s lidably connected by means of atleast one caliper sl iding guide ( 7 ) to said bracket ( 3 ) ;• providing, between said f loating cal iper body ( 2 ) and said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) , a first action pad biasing element ( 15 ) which constantly elastical ly biases said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) to move said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ) ;• providing, between said f loating cal iper body ( 2 ) and said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) , a second reaction pad biasing element ( 14 ) which constantly elastical ly biases said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) to move said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) away from said brake di sc ( 6 ) ;• applying, by means o f said second reaction pad biasing element ( 14 ) , an elastic reaction action ( Freaction ) greater than an elastic actuation action ( Faction ) applied by said first biasing element ( 15 ) ;• actuating the brake caliper ( 1 ) to apply a braking action to the vehicle ;• releasing the braking action, al lowing said second reaction pad biasing element ( 14 ) to apply a greater elastic force than said first action pad bias ing element ( 15 ) , ensuring that the reaction brake pad ( 5 ) moves away from the brake disc ( 6 ) more effectively than the action brake pad ( 4 ) , preventing undesired contact with the brake disc ( 6 ) and maintaining constant performance .

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