Floating-type brake caliper

Abstract

A floating caliper (1) comprising a caliper body (2) arranged astride a brake disc (6), said brake disc (6) rotating about a rotation axis (X-X). Said caliper body (2) is movably supported in the axial direction (A-A) on at least one guide pin (7). Said guide pin (7) comprises a pin sliding portion with a predetermined axial extension. Said caliper body (2) comprises a pin seat (13), which slidingly accommodates a portion of said pin sliding portion. The floating caliper (1) further comprises a sealing device interposed between said pin seat (13) and said guide pin (7). Said sealing device comprises a tubular-shaped sealing body made in one piece, which extends through a part of the pin seat (13). Said sealing device comprises an outer sealing surface in contact with the pin seat (13) and an inner sealing surface fitted onto the pin sliding portion.

Description

" Floating type brake caliper"DESCRIPTION

[0001] . Field of the invention

[0002] . The present invention relates to braking systems for vehicles, in particular disc brakes with floating caliper.

[0003] . Prior art

[0004] . Brake caliper bodies for disc brakes are generally adapted to straddle an associable 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, allowing an even distribution of pressure on both sides of the brake disc while having actuators only on the action side, usually thevehicle side.

[0006] . One of the main requirements in this type of devices includes ensuring the precise centering 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 production tolerances. Moreover, modern floating calipers must be equipped with devices compatible both with traditional hydraulic braking systems and with the new electromechanical braking systems (EMB). The performance of the caliper must remain constant and reliable regardless of the deformations or forces applied during braking.

[0007] . Achieving these objectives involves overcoming various challenges. Ensuring the precise centering of the caliper body is difficult due to the various forces and deformations experienced during braking. These forces can cause misalignments, leading to uneven pad wear and a reduction in braking efficiency. Moreover, the caliper must move smoothly and accurately to ensure proper 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 production tolerances is also fundamental to maintaining consistent braking performance over time.

[0008] . Document EP2831452B1 describes a disc braking system including a brake caliper designed as a sliding caliper, which is floatingly fixed to a fixed adapter by means of guide bars. The systemincludes a reset device with a return element which returns the brake caliper 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 the reset element, which might not provide the desired level of precision and reliability under all operating conditions of the brake.

[0009] . Document EP2831448B1 describes a similar disc braking system with a reset 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 reliance on a compression spring included in the device and the specific design of the reset device might limit its effectiveness in some applications.

[0010] . Document US2015008078A1 discloses a disc brake with a reset device including a compression spring for returning 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 WO2016009375A1 describes an assembly for a disc brake caliper including a pad retraction device for moving 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 desired retraction. Although this design addresses certain issues, it may still face difficulties in ensuring precise centering and smoothmovement of the caliper.

[0012] . Document WO2013143997A1 discloses a disc brake with a reset device including a return element to return the brake caliper to its initial position after braking. The system aims to prevent undesired contact of the pads and to compensate for pad wear. However, the reliance 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 respects, it may not fully address the challenges of precise centering 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. Also known in the art are documents EP3269993B1 and DE3029472A1.

[0015] . There is therefore a need for a more effective solution that ensures the precise centering of the floating caliper body, smooth and accurate movement of the caliper, prevention of undesired contact of the pads with the disc, compensation for pad wear and production tolerances, and compatibility with both hydraulic andelectromechanical braking systems. This solution should provide constant and reliable performance regardless of caliper deformations and applied forces.

[0016] . Solution

[0017] . An object 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 using said caliper body, as defined in the appended claims.

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

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

[0020] . Thanks to the proposed caliper, it is possible to ensure the precise centering and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system. These advantages are achieved, among other things, by means of:

[0021] . - the fixing of a compensation pin on the floating caliper body, allowing controlled movement and alignment;

[0022] . - the sliding of the compensation pin in a seat of the bracket, ensuring correct positioning and stability;

[0023] . - an 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;

[0024] . - the provision of a dust-proof sealing mechanism to prevent contamination, ensuring long-term reliability;

[0025] . - the use of differential elastic forces to retract the brake pads, preventing undesired contact with the rotor and maintaining constant performance even on the reaction side of the caliper;

[0026] . - 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 the braking action and has the desired clearance from the brake disc when the braking action is released and thus restoring the axial clearance when the brake is released, maintaining the original position of the caliper;

[0027] . - ensuring that the operation of the caliper is independent of deformation and sensitivity to forces, providing reliable performance under various conditions;

[0028] . - integrating the device both in electromechanical braking systems (EMB) and in traditional hydraulic piston systems, improving versatility.

[0029] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the inclusion of two reset devices, the ability of the system to maintain precise centering and constant performance is improved by providing additional stability and control over the movement of the caliper.

[0030] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of two sliding guides and two reset devices, arranged side by side or coaxially, even greater stability and precision in the movement ofthe caliper are ensured, further improving the reliability and performance of the system.

[0031] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of an annular pin seat, a more secure and stable connection is provided between the compensation pin and the bracket, improving the overall stability and precision of the caliper movement.

[0032] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the inclusion of shoulders in the pin seat, additional support and stability for the compensation pin are provided, and a precise return stroke of the floating caliper body position is ensured, providing constant performance and reducing the risk of misalignment or movement during braking.

[0033] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of a spring as an elastic biasing 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.

[0034] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of a tension spring that works 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.

[0035] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of a single spring coupled to the bracket, with a greater elastic action on the reaction side than on the action side, constant andreliable retraction of the brake pads is ensured, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance also on the reaction side of the caliper.

[0036] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, thanks to the use of a pad biasing element on the action side that exerts a lower elastic force than on the reaction side, constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads on both sides of the disc is ensured, preventing undesired contact and maintaining constant performance.

[0037] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, a floating caliper braking system provides that the caliper body is slidingly connected to a bracket by means of 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 first portion of elastic element, acts on the action side brake pad, while the second elastic element, or second portion of elastic element, acts on the reaction side brake pad, with the second element exerting a greater elastic force than the first.

[0038] . This arrangement ensures that the reaction side brake pad is retracted more effectively than the action 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 brake release, 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.

[0039] . Moreover, the use of two distinct or one-piece portions of elastic elements allows precise control of the retraction forces, ensuring that the brake pads are constantly 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 ability of the system to maintain constant performance regardless of caliper deformation and external forces makes it suitable for both traditional hydraulic braking systems and modern electromechanical braking systems (EMB), providing versatility and adaptability in various automotive applications.

[0040] . Further, in accordance with one embodiment, a method is provided for ensuring the precise centering and constant performance of a floating caliper braking system. The method includes 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 bracket seat to define an axial clearance and a specific sliding force. The method also includes the provision of a reset 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.

[0041] . By fixing the compensation pin to the floating caliper body and allowing it to slide within a seat of the bracket, the methodensures 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 consistent braking performance. The inclusion of a friction element between the compensation pin and the seat of the bracket provides a controlled resistance to movement, which helps stabilize the caliper and prevent undesired displacements upon release of the braking action.

[0042] . The reset device, which returns the caliper 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 elastic deformations of the caliper body, which can occur due to the 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.

[0043] . The use of a biasing element (elastic element) to push the caliper into its original position after braking ensures that the system can reset quickly and reliably, maintaining constant performance. This element also helps 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.

[0044] . Overall, the described method provides a robust solutionfor maintaining the 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.

[0045] . Advantageously, the innovation described in the present invention offers a significant benefit by eliminating the use of elastic means integrated in the reset device, such as compression springs, which are commonly used in known floating caliper braking systems. This approach presents several key benefits that improve the structural simplicity and operational reliability of the braking system.

[0046] . 1. Structural Simplicity:

[0047] . Reduction of Components: By eliminating compression springs and other elastic means integrated in the reset 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 error.

[0048] . Ease of Assembly: With fewer components to assemble, the assembly process becomes faster and less complex. This not only reduces production times but also lowers the risk of errors during assembly, improving the quality of the final product.

[0049] . Simplified Maintenance: A simpler design with fewer moving parts means there are fewer parts subj ect to wear or failure. This makes maintenance of the braking system easier and less costly, as there are fewer components to inspect, replace or repair.

[0050] . 2. Greater Operational Reliability:

[0051] . Reduced Risk of Failure: Compression springs and other elastic means can be subj ect to fatigue and breakage over time, especially under repeated loads and harsh operating conditions, particularly when they are of the small dimensions typically used in the reset devices of the known art. By eliminating these components, the risk of mechanical failure is significantly reduced, improving the overall reliability of the braking system.

[0052] . Constant Performance: Without reliance 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.

[0053] . Independence from Deformations: The proposed design ensures that the operation of the caliper is independent from deformations of the caliper body and from the sensitivity to forces applied during braking. This ensures that the braking system functions properly even in the presence of mechanical deformations, maintaining braking effectiveness.

[0054] . 3. Economic Efficiency:

[0055] . Reduced Production Costs: A simpler design with fewer components reduces production costs, as it requires less material and less assembly time. This makes the braking system more economical to produce without compromising on quality or performance.

[0056] . Lower Maintenance Costs: The increased reliability and reduced number of wear-prone components result in lower maintenancecosts in the long term. This is advantageous for both manufacturers and end users, as it reduces the overall operating costs of the vehicle.

[0057] . In summary, the elimination of elastic means integrated in the reset device offers numerous advantages, including greater structural simplicity, greater 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.

[0058] . Figures

[0059] . Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of its preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0060] . - Figure 1 shows an isometric wheel-side view of a floating type brake caliper; this brake caliper comprises a floating caliper body that slides on a pair of caliper sliding guides, one on the disc inlet side and one on the disc outlet side, and having two reset devices, one alongside the guide on the disc inlet side and one alongside the guide on the disc outlet side, and wherein an action brake pad is biased by two action pad biasing elements placed at the ends of the pad on the disc inlet and outlet sides between the pad itself and the bracket, as well as a reaction brake pad being biased by two reaction pad biasing elements placed at the ends of the pad on the disc inlet and outlet sides between the pad itself and the bracket;

[0061] . - Figure 2 illustrates an isometric vehicle-side view of the brake caliper of figure 1;

[0062] . - Figure 3 shows a section along the axis A-A which passes through the reset device on the disc inlet side;

[0063] . - Figure 4 illustrates an enlargement of figure 3 focused on the reset device;

[0064] . - Figure 5 shows an enlargement of figure 2 where the portion of the floating caliper body and bracket in which the reset device is arranged is partially sectioned;

[0065] . - Figure 6 illustrates an enlargement of figure 5 in plan section;

[0066] . - Figure 7 shows 4 operating states of the reset 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 depicted, schematically shows a portion of bracket in which a caliper sliding guide and a compensation pin slide, wherein the detail of coupling of the compensation pin and its friction element in the bracket seat is enlarged, showing the friction element resting on the shoulder of the pin seat which corresponds 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 significant elastic deformation of the pads and of the floating caliper body, in this situation the compensation pin could come upagainst the friction element, and upon release of the braking action the system returns to state 7.1; a third state, 7.3, the braking action is very strong and the pads wear and / or the pads and / or the floating caliper body elastically deform, in this state the compensation pin comes into abutment against the friction element and, overcoming its friction action against the bracket walls of the bracket seat, it also moves to a new rest position after the wear and deformations of the pads and floating caliper body cease, at the end of the braking action the new equilibrium is depicted in state 7.4; and

[0067] . - Figure 8 illustrates, in an exploded isometric view, a variant embodiment in which at least one caliper sliding guide is coaxial with the compensation pin of the reset device; in this view, the components are depicted according to an assembly logic.

[0068] . Description of some preferred embodiments

[0069] . The term "reset device" refers to a mechanical component used in braking systems, in particular 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 consistent braking performance. The reset device compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring reliable and precise operation of the braking system. The reset device includes an adjustment device to compensate for the variation in clearance due to wear and deformation of the pads and ofthe caliper body. For example, a locking ring constituting an adjustment device to compensate for the variation in clearance. The reset 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.

[0070] . The term "reaction pad biasing element" refers to a component in a floating caliper braking system which applies a constant elastic force to the brake pad on the reaction side, pushing it away from the brake disc. 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 consistent braking performance. This element constitutes the only elastic thrust element which acts directly or indirectly on the reset device, avoiding the use of other elastic thrust elements, thus ensuring correct operation of the braking system and preventing undesired contact between the pad and the brake disc.

[0071] . With reference to the figures, and according to a general embodiment, the floating type brake caliper 1 comprises a floating caliper body 2 and a bracket 3. The caliper includes at least one action brake pad 4 and at least one reaction brake pad 5, both adapted to abut against a brake disc 6 to apply a braking action to a vehicle. The floating caliper body 2 is slidingly connected to the bracket 3 by means of at least one caliper sliding guide 7, allowing controlledand precise movement of the floating caliper body with respect to the brake disc 6.

[0072] . The brake caliper 1 comprises at least one reset device 8, which returns the floating caliper body 2 to an initial position after displacement and release of the brake following a braking command. This reset device 8 includes at least one compensation pin 9, which is integral with and projects from the floating caliper body 2 in a direction parallel to the sliding direction of the floating caliper body 2.

[0073] . 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.

[0074] . The reset 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, applying a predetermined friction 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.

[0075] . According to one embodiment, said friction element 12 is a cylindrical sleeve with a cylindrical friction element seat 16 fitted with clearance onto said compensation pin inside said pin seat 13.

[0076] . According to one embodiment, said friction element 12comprises at least one of the following materials: rubber, plastic, metal.

[0077] . Between the floating caliper body 2 and the reaction brake pad 5 there is a pad biasing element 14 which constantly elastically biases the reaction brake pad 5 away from the brake disc 6. This pad biasing element 14 constitutes the only elastic thrust element which acts directly or indirectly on the reset device 8, avoiding other elastic thrust elements. This ensures that the operation of the caliper is independent from the deformation of the caliper body and from the sensitivity to the forces applied during braking, providing reliable performance in various operating conditions.

[0078] . According to a further embodiment, the reset device 8 comprises two reset devices 8. This improves the system's ability to maintain precise centering and consistent performance by providing additional stability and control over the caliper movement.

[0079] . According to a further embodiment, the caliper sliding guide 7 comprises two caliper sliding guides 7 and the two reset devices 8 are arranged side by side or coaxially to the 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 the system.

[0080] . 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 the overall stability and precision of the caliper movement.

[0081] . 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 consistent performance and reducing the risk of misalignment or movement during braking.

[0082] . According to a further embodiment, the pad biasing element 14 is a spring. This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact with the rotor and maintaining consistent performance.

[0083] . According to a further embodiment, the pad biasing element 14 is a tension spring, and the pad biasing element 14 works between the brake pad 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 consistent performance.

[0084] . According to a further embodiment, the pad biasing element 14 is a single spring coupled to the bracket 3 with a greater elastic action on the reaction side than on the action side. This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact and maintaining consistent performance.

[0085] . According to a further embodiment, the action pad biasing element 15 applies an elastic return action to the pad lower than that applied by the reaction pad biasing element 14. This ensures constant and reliable retraction of the brake pads, preventing undesired contact and maintaining consistent performance.

[0086] . The present invention also relates to a method for ensuring the precise centering and consistent performance of a floating caliperbraking system 1. The method comprises fixing at least one compensation pin 9 to a floating caliper body 2 by means of a screw. This allows controlled movement and alignment of the floating caliper body with respect to the brake disc 6.

[0087] . 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.

[0088] . 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 defined sliding force FRR. This compensates for pad wear and production tolerances, ensuring consistent performance over time.

[0089] . According to a possible embodiment, a dust-proof sealing mechanism is provided to prevent contamination of the system by dirt. This ensures long-term reliability of the braking system.

[0090] . The method uses hooked springs to apply an elastic force to 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 consistent performance.

[0091] . During braking, the compensation pin 9 slides within 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 reaction-side brake pad is correctly positioned during the braking action.

[0092] . When the brake is released, the axial clearance A is restored as the hooked 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.

[0093] . The method ensures that the operation of the caliper 1 is independent from deformation of the caliper body 2 and from the sensitivity to the forces applied during braking. This provides reliable performance under various operating conditions.

[0094] . The method is integrated both in electromechanical braking systems (EMB) and in traditional hydraulic piston systems, improving the versatility of the braking system.

[0095] . According to one embodiment, the floating caliper braking system includes a compensation pin fixed to the floating caliper body, which slides within 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, which 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 is also optionally provided to prevent contamination, ensuring longterm reliability of the device.

[0096] . According to another embodiment, the system incorporates two compensation pins and two sliding guides, arranged parallel or coaxial, 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 multiple interconnected elements.

[0097] . 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 differential retraction forces between the action side and the reaction side.

[0098] . Furthermore, this design allows integration in both traditional hydraulic braking systems and modern electromechanical braking systems (EMB), maintaining consistent performance regardless of caliper deformation or external forces.

[0099] . According to one embodiment, each pad 4 or 5 comprises a back plate supporting a friction material. This back plate is elastically influenced by two opposing pad biasing elements. In the case of the action pad 4, the two action pad biasing elements 15 act in a predominantly axial direction A-A symmetrically on the ends of the back plate in the circumferential direction, moving it away from the brake disc 6. Similarly, in the case of the reaction pad 5, the two reaction pad biasing elements 14 exert a symmetrical elastic force on the ends of the back plate in a predominantly axial direction A-A, moving it away from the brake disc 6. These opposing biasing elements are fixed to the bracket 3, ensuring that the pads 4 or 5 areconstantly elastically biased away from the brake disc 6, and when the brake is not actuated, they contribute to preventing undesired contact with the brake disc 6.

[0100] . In an alternative embodiment, the at least one reset device 8 comprises two reset devices 8, arranged side by side or coaxially to two caliper sliding guides 7. This configuration improves the stability and precision of the movement of the caliper and of the pads, ensuring consistent and reliable performance. The compensation pin 9 comprises 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 ( for example, cylindrical in shape with a smaller diameter than the rest of the shaft of the compensation pin) which forms a first pin seat shoulder 17. The second and opposite pin seat shoulder 17 is formed by an end element (shaped as a pin seat cap) screwed onto the end of the compensation pin 9.

[0101] . The compensation pin 9 is housed with the opposite end in a seat provided in the floating caliper body 2 and protrudes with a threaded shaft for its secure fixing to the floating caliper body 2 by means of a bolt. This configuration ensures stable and secure fixing of the compensation pin to the floating caliper body 2, improving the reliability of the system. Moreover, the compensation pin 9, at least in its exposed section, is covered by a dust boot, similar to the dust boot which covers the exposed parts of the caliper sliding guides 7. The dust boot prevents contamination of the system by dirt and debris, ensuring long-term reliability of the resetdevice.REFERENCE NUMBERS1 brake caliper2 floating caliper body3 bracket4 action brake pad5 reaction brake pad6 brake disc7 caliper sliding guide8 reset device9 compensation pin10 bracket seat11 bracket walls12 friction element13 pin seat14 reaction pad biasing element15 action pad biasing 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 extension in axial direction A-A of pin seatLa extension in axial direction A-A of friction elementA predetermined clearance between pin seat and friction element Freaction elastic action exerted by reaction pad biasing element Faction elastic action exerted by action pad biasing element

Claims

CLAIMS1. A brake caliper ( 1 ) of the floating type comprising a floating caliper body ( 2 ) and a bracket ( 3 ), as well as at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) and at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) adapted to abut against a brake disc ( 6 ) to apply a braking action to a vehicle; whereinsaid floating caliper body ( 2 ) is slidingly connected by means of at least one caliper sliding guide ( 7 ) to said bracket ( 3 );said brake caliper ( 1 ) comprises at least one reset device ( 8 ), by means of which the floating caliper body ( 2 ) is taken to an initial position after the displacement and release of the brake fol lowing a braking command;said at least one reset 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 reset device ( 8 ) compri ses a friction element ( 12 ), also referred to as stop element, which i s 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 movement direction of the floating caliper body ( 2 ) of a predetermined amount and greater by a predetermined clearance (A) than the size or length or extension (La ) in this direction of the portion o f the friction element ( 12 ) accommodated in the pin seat ( 13 );and whereinbetween said floating caliper body ( 2 ) and said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) a pad biasing element ( 14 ) is provided, which constantly elastically biases said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 );and wherein said pad biasing element ( 14 ) is the only elastic thrust element which acts either directly or indirectly on said reset device ( 8 ), avoiding other elastic thrust elements.

2. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein said reset device ( 8 ) consists of two reset devices ( 8 ).

3. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 2, wherein said cal iper sliding guide ( 7 are two caliper sl iding guides ( 7 ) and the two reset devices ( 8 ) are side by side and arranged parallel or coaxial to said two caliper sliding guides ( 7 ).

4. 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 indrical friction element seat ( 16 ) fitted onto said compensation pin inside said pin seat ( 13 );or whereinthe pin seat ( 13 ) is an annular pin seat; and whereinsaid bracket seat ( 10 ) is a cylindrical bracket seat;and wherein said friction element ( 12 ) is an open ring having an open annular friction element seat ( 16 ) fitted onto said compensation pin inside said pin seat ( 13 );and / or whereinthe friction element ( 12 ) i s 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;and / or whereinsaid pad biasing element ( 14, 15 ) is the only elastic thrust element which acts either directly or indirectly on said reset device ( 8 ),avoiding other elastic thrust elements which directly actuate said compensation pin ( 9 ) or said friction element ( 12 ).

5. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 4, wherein the pin seat ( 13 ) comprises 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 f loating caliper body ( 2 ) by said pad biasing element ( 14 or 15 ).

6. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15 ) is a springor 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 boot adapted to apply a roll-back action of an action device, for example a piston, to bias said action brake pad ( 4 ) to abut against said brake di sc;or whereinsaid action brake pad ( 4 ) and said reaction brake pad ( 5) are elastically biased away from the brake disc ( 6) by means of a spring which avoids connecting to or acting on said floating caliper body (2 ) or said bracket ( 3 ).

7. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to claim 6, wherein the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is a tension spring, and the pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) works between the pad and the bracket ( 3) pulling the pad away from the disc ( 6);or whereinthe pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is a tension spring, wherein said tension spring is a pad retaining spring and pad return spring assembly for a brake caliper, whereinsaid pad retaining spring is configured to be arranged between at least one guide ear of a brake pad ( 4, 5) so as to bias said brake pad ( 4, 5 ) in the radial direction and in the circumferential direction, andsaid pad return spring is configured to bias said brake pad in the axial direction away from said brake disc ( 6),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 predominantly extension in the radial and circumferential directions and comprises at least:one C-shaped section comprising a central portion which extends at least in the radial direction, from which an upper portion and a lower portion radially extend from the 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 bias said coupling portion elastically at least along said axial direction towards said retracted rest position;or whereinthe pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is a tension spring, wherein saidtension 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 main extension in the radial and circumferential directions and comprises at least:a C-shaped section comprising a central portion which extends at least in the radial direction, from which an upper portion and a lower portion radially extend from its opposite ends, 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 andmovable 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 arm end portion connected to said coupling portion,wherein said arm end 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, which is 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.

8. 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 bias to both the action and reaction brake pads; and wherein the bias 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 );or whereinsaid pad biasing element ( 14 or 15) is at least one spring shaped to be arranged straddling the brake disc ( 6) or to be arranged so as 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 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 said floating caliper body (2) moving away from the brake disc (6); wherein said spring is connected to said pads (4, 5) as well as to said bracket (3).

9. A brake caliper ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the action pad biasing element ( 15 ) applies an elastic return action to the pad less than that applied by the reaction pad biasing element (14).

10. A method for ensuring precise centering and consistent performance of a braking system with floating caliper ( 1 ), compri sing:fixing at least one compensation pin ( 9 ) on a floating caliper body ( 2 );assembling a friction element ( 12 ) on the compensation pin ( 9 ) in a pin seat ( 13 ) provided in the compensation pin ( 9 ), wherein the friction element ( 12 ) and the compensation pin ( 9 ) define an axial clearance (A);accommodating the compensation pin ( 9 ) in a bracket seat ( 10 ) provided in a bracket ( 3 ) by coupling the friction element ( 12 ) to the bracketseat (10) so as to have a defined sliding force or friction force (FRR) defined between the friction element (12) and the bracket seat (10);providing a reset device (8) by means of which the floating caliper body (2) is taken to an initial position after the displacement and release of the brake following a braking command;compensating for the wear of the pads, the production tolerances, and the elastic deformations of the caliper by allowing the compensation pin (9) to slide inside the bracket seat (10) during a braking action, thus 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);re-establishing the axial clearance (A) when the brake is released, by virtue of a reaction pad biasing element interposed between the reaction brake pads ( 5 ) and the bracket ( 3 ), pushing the associated floating caliper body (2) until the compensation pin (9) comes into contact with the friction element (12).

11. A brake caliper ( 1 ) of the floating type according to claim 1, whereinsaid floating caliper body ( 2 ) is slidingly connected by means of at least one caliper sliding guide ( 7 ) to said bracket ( 3 );a first action pad biasing element ( 15 ), which constantly elastically biases said at least one action brake pad ( 4 ) to move said at leastone action brake pad (4) away from said brake disc (6), is provided between said floating caliper body (2) and said at least one action brake pad (4);and whereina second reaction pad biasing element ( 14 ), which constantly elastically biases said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) to move said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 ) away from said brake disc ( 6 ), is provided between said floating caliper body ( 2 ) and said at least one reaction brake pad ( 5 );whereinsaid second reaction pad biasing element (14) applies an elastic bias (Freaction) greater than an elastic bias (Faction) applied by said first biasing element (15).

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