DESCRIPTION

[0001]. Field of the invention

[0002]. The present invention relates to a caliper body for a disc brake, e.g., for a motor vehicle, and to a disc brake caliper which comprises such a body.

[0003]. In accordance with an embodiment, the present invention relates to a fixed caliper body, i.e., with opposite thrust devices which act on opposite brake pads acting on opposite braking surfaces of a disc brake disc.

[0004]. Hereafter, the disc brake assembly will be described with reference to the rotation axis of the disc, indicated by reference A- A, which defines an axial direction X- X. Axial direction means any direction X-X directed parallel to the rotation axis A-A of the brake disc. Additionally, radial direction R-R means all directions orthogonal to the rotation axis A-A and incident therewith. Furthermore, circumferential direction C-C means that circumference orthogonal to the axial direction A-A and the radial directions R-R. [0005]. Otherwise, tangential direction T-T means a direction which is duly orthogonal to an axial direction X-X and a radial direction R-R and tangent to a circumferential direction C-C passing through such a point.

[0006]. Background art

[0007]. In a disc brake, the brake caliper is arranged straddling the outer peripheral margin of a brake disc. The brake caliper usually comprises a body having two elongated elements which are arranged so as to face opposite braking surfaces of a disc. Clutch pads are provided arranged between each elongated element of the caliper and the braking surfaces of the brake disc. At least one of the elongated elements of the caliper body has cylinders adapted to accommodate hydraulic pistons capable of applying a thrust action to the pads, abutting them against the braking surfaces of the disc to apply the braking action to the vehicle.

[0008]. Brake calipers are usually constrained to a supporting structure which remains stationary to the vehicle, such as a stub axle of a vehicle suspension, for example.

[0009]. In a typical arrangement, one of the two elongated elements has two or more attachment portions of the body of the caliper to the supporting structure, for example by providing slots or eyelets, e.g., arranged axially, or holes, e.g., arranged radially, adapted to receive screws for fixing the caliper, which are accommodated with the ends thereof in threaded holes provided on the caliper support.

[0010]. In a typical caliper body construction, the elongated elements arranged facing the braking surfaces of the disc are connected together by bridge-like elements arranged straddling the disc.

[0011]. A caliper body of this type is described in EP—A—2022999. Figure 1 of EP—A—2022999 shows a caliper body of the fixed caliper type. This caliper body is of the monolithic type comprising two elongated elements, the ends of which are mutually connected by bridges. Stiffening rods extend between the elongated elements and between the two bridges, thus forming a cross-shaped structure.

[0012]. The caliper comprises several different components mounted to the body, such as pistons, seals, bleed devices and brake fluid feeding pipes.

[0013]. Typically, the caliper body is made of metal, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy or cast iron. The body of the caliper can be obtained by casting, but also by mechanical stock removal machining, as well as forging.

[0014]. The caliper body can be made either in one piece or a single piece or to be monolithic, but also in the form of two semi calipers typically connected to each other along a plane which usually coincides with the median plane of the disc on which the caliper is arranged straddling.

[0015]. Desiring to stop or decelerate the vehicle, the driver applies a force to the brake pedal, in the case of a motor vehicle. Such a force on the brake pedal applies, through a brake master cylinder, a brake fluid pressure which, through a pipe, is applied to the brake fluid present in the hydraulic circuit placed inside the caliper body to reach the cylinders where the pressure is applied to the bottom surface of the pistons, thus forcing them to be closed against the pads, which in turn abut against the braking surfaces of the disc.

[0016]. The pressure action of the brake fluid is also applied to the bottom wall of the cylinder, thus causing a reaction in the caliper body which deforms it away from the disc surfaces. This deformation of the caliper body leads to an increase in the piston stroke, and thus to an increase in brake pedal stroke.

[0017]. The caliper body also deforms as a function of the torque applied by the action of the pistons which, by abutting the pads against the braking surfaces of the disc, apply a deformation moment in directions which form torque arms with respect to the fixing points of the cover body to the support thereof. These torques also deform the caliper body in a tangential and radial direction with respect to the disc, as well as in an axial direction.

[0018]. Therefore, the caliper body must have sufficient structural rigidity so as to ensure that this deformation of the caliper body caused by the braking action is maintained within acceptable values, which in addition to avoiding damage to the brake system do not create the feeling of a yielding braking system to the driver, thus resulting in an extra travel of the lever or pedal of the braking system and creating a system feeling that sports car drivers call "spongy". This need urges having highly rigid structures for the bodies of the calipers and thus increasing the size and weight thereof.

[0019]. On the other hand, since the caliper body is constrained to the vehicle suspension and arranged straddling the disc, it is one of the unsprung weights intended to be reduced as much as possible in order to increase vehicle performance.

[0020]. Obviously, these considerations are taken to the extreme when the vehicle is of the racing type and the user desires a braking system which is highly responsive to commands while being highly lightweight in order not to penalize the racing vehicle performance.

[0021]. The need is thus felt for a disc brake caliper body which has improved structural features, the weight of the caliper body being the same, or has equal structural features, the weight being lower than the solutions of the prior art.

[0022]. Solutions of caliper bodies especially designed to increase the structural rigidity features are known. For example, the aforementioned patent application EP—A—2022999, patent application EP-A-1534974, U.S. patent US-6708802, European patent application EP—A—1911989, international patent application W02005/07836641, Japanese patent application JP-A-09257063 and U.S. patent US 3183999, as well as DE102008029582 all suggest solutions of brake caliper bodies equipped with reinforcing elements, e.g., placed about the caliper bodies. In some of these well-known solutions, the caliper body is symmetrical according to planes passing through the disc axis or through the disc middle line. In other solutions, the caliper body has large, distributed windows, which may also be through-windows, which form elongated reinforcing elements arranged longitudinally to the caliper body.

[0023]. Although these known solutions are satisfactory from many points of view, they still do not allow to obtain structures which maximize the structural rigidity of the caliper body, thus reducing weight while being capable of minimizing the dimensions as much as possible to facilitate the assembly of the caliper body even inside rims and wheels to which brake discs of large diameter are mounted. [0024]. Furthermore, the need is strongly felt to create large openings in the caliper body which allow an exchange of hot air generated close to the braking surfaces due to the friction applied thereto by the brake pads. Obviously, this need is also at odds with that of having a caliper which is rigid and not very deformable upon the braking action.

[0025]. Solution

[0026]. These and other objects are achieved by a caliper body according to claim 1, as well as a brake caliper according to claim

23.

[0027]. Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0028]. The analysis of this solution showed that the suggested solution also allows to optimize the deformation of the caliper in use. In particular, by virtue of the suggested solution, it is possible to have a great braking action even with limited maximum brake disc diameters while having a lightweight caliper body and a rigid caliper body with limited deformations or distortions generated by the braking action, as well as greater ease in adjusting the braking action and greater braking action accuracy. [0029]. By virtue of the suggested solutions, it is possible to obtain a lighter caliper with greater rigidity but at the same time large ventilation windows which allow easier cooling of the braking system.

[0030]. Figures [0031]. Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred embodiments thereof, given by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0032]. - figure 1 shows a wheel-side axonometric view of a caliper body according to the invention;

[0033]. - figure 2 shows a vehicle-side axonometric view of the caliper body in figure 1;

[0034]. - figure 3 shows a front wheel-side axonometric view of the caliper body in figure 1;

[0035]. - figure 4 shows a rear or vehicle-side view of the caliper body in figure 1;

[0036]. - figure 5 and figure 6 are side views of the caliper in figure 1;

[0037]. - figure 7 shows a top or radially outer view of the caliper body in figure 1;

[0038]. - figure 8 shows a wheel-side axonometric view of a brake caliper according to a further embodiment;

[0039]. - figure 9 shows a vehicle-side axonometric view of the caliper body in figure 8;

[0040]. - figures 10 to 14 show the orthogonal views (front, back, right, left, top) of the caliper body in figure 8;

[0041]. -figure 15 shows a caliper according to an embodiment comprising a caliper body according to figure 8.

[0042]. Description of some preferred embodiments

[0043]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a caliper body 1 for brake caliper 2 of disc brake 3 is adapted to be arranged straddling the outer peripheral margin of a disc brake 4. Said disc brake 4 is adapted to rotate about a rotation axis A-A defining an axial direction X-X, a radial direction R-R, substantially orthogonal to said axial direction X-X, and a circumferential direction C-C, orthogonal to both said axial direction X-X and said radial direction R-R, a tangential direction T-T passing through an intersection point between said radial R-R, circumferential C-C, and axial X-X directions defining a tangent to said circumferential direction C-C, arranged orthogonally to both said axial direction X- X and said radial direction R-R.

[0044]. Said caliper body 1 comprises a first elongated vehicle- side element 5 adapted to face a first braking surface 6 of the brake disc 4.

[0045]. Said caliper body 1 comprises a second elongated wheel- side element 7 adapted to face a second braking surface 8 of the brake disc 4 opposite to said first braking surface 6.

[0046]. Said caliper body 1 comprises at least one central caliper bridge 10, 11 which connects said first elongated vehicle-side element 5 to said second elongated wheel-side element 7. Said at least one caliper bridge 10, 11 is arranged straddling said brake disc 4.

[0047]. Said at least one central caliper bridge 10, 11 comprises a first bridge end portion 14, a central bridge portion 13, and a second bridge end portion 15.

[0048]. Said central caliper bridge 13 extends between said elongated vehicle-side element 5 and said elongated wheel-side element 7.

[0049]. Said central bridge portion 13 mainly extends in the axial direction X-X.

[0050]. Said first bridge end portion 14 connects said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated vehicle-side element 5.

[0051]. Said second bridge end portion 15 connects said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated wheel-side element 7.

[0052]. Advantageously, said at least one central caliper bridge 10, 11 comprises at least one pair of bridge ribs 16, 17 which extend mutually side-by-side forming a trench 18 therebetween.

[0053]. Said pair of bridge ribs 16, 17 extends seamlessly running along said first bridge end portion 14, forming a pair of first end rib portions 19, said central bridge portion 13, forming a pair of central rib portions 20, said second bridge end portion 15, forming a pair of second end rib portions 21.

[0054]. Said pair of first end ribs 19 extend away from each other passing from said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated vehicle-side element 5.

[0055]. Said pair of first end ribs 19, passing from said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated vehicle-side element 5, extend inclined away from said axial direction X-X and approaching and connecting to said elongated vehicle-side element 5, forming a pair of first end elbows 22 where they connect to said central bridge portion 13.

[0056]. Said pair of second end ribs 21 extend away from each other passing from said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated wheel-side element 7.

[0057]. Said pair of second end ribs 21, passing from said central bridge portion 13 to said elongated vehicle-side element 7, extend inclined away from said axial direction X-X and approaching and connecting to said elongated wheel-side element 7, forming a pair of second end elbows 23 where they connect to said central bridge portion 13.

[0058]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one pair of bridge ribs 16, 17 which extend mutually side-by-side form a trench 18 which extends seamlessly therebetween.

[0059]. In accordance with an embodiment, said pair of central ribs 20 are central ribs which mainly extend in the axial direction X-X remaining parallel to each other.

[0060]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one central caliper bridge 10, 11 is a central caliper bridge made in one piece.

[0061]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one central caliper bridge 10, 11 further comprises at least one reinforcing element 24, 25, 26 connecting said bridge ribs 16, 17 of said at least one pair of bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0062]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one reinforcing element 24, 25, 26 is a central reinforcing element 24, a first elbow reinforcing element 25, and a second elbow reinforcing element 26.

[0063]. In accordance with an embodiment, said bridge ribs 16, 17 and said reinforcing elements 24, 25, 26 delimit bridge through- windows 27, 28, 29, 30.

[0064]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one reinforcing element 24, 25, 26 locally forms a bottom wall of said trench 18.

[0065]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one reinforcing element 24 is a central reinforcing element 24 and connects said pair of central ribs 20.

[0066]. In accordance with an embodiment, said central reinforcing element 24 extends in the tangential T-T or circumferential C-C direction.

[0067]. In accordance with an embodiment, central reinforcing element 24 extends inclined with respect to said tangential T-T and axial X-X directions.

[0068]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 further comprises at least one circumferential rib 31, 32.

[0069]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one circumferential rib 31, 32 is a circumferential vehicle-side rib 31 and a circumferential wheel-side rib 32.

[0070]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one circumferential rib 31, 32 connects said pair of first or second end elbows 22, 23 of said pair of bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0071]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one circumferential rib 31, 32 extends away from said pair of bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0072]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 comprises a central opening or brake pad housing pocket 33 adapted to house brake pads 34, 35.

[0073]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one circumferential rib 31, 32 delimits said central opening 33.

[0074]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one circumferential rib 31, 32 comprises at least one circumferential rib through-window 36.

[0075]. In accordance with an embodiment, said pair of first and second end ribs 19 and 21 connect to the elongated vehicle-side and wheel-side elements 5, 7 in portions thereof which delimit at least one thrust or cylinder means seat 37.

[0076]. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one radial through-window 38 is provided between said pair of first and second end ribs 19 and 21.

[0077]. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one of said bridge ribs 16, 17 has at least one lowered rib portion 39 which forms at least one recess which reduces the thickness of the body of said at least one of said bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0078]. In accordance with an embodiment, the lowered rib portion 39 is a lowered area entirely surrounded by a rib edge 40.

[0079]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 comprises end bridges 9, 12.

[0080]. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one of said end bridges 9, 12 comprises at least one lowered bridge portion 41 forming at least one recess which reduces the thickness of the body of said at least one of said end bridges 9, 12. [0081]. In accordance with an embodiment, the lowered bridge portion 41 is a lowered area entirely surrounded by a bridge edge 42.

[0082]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 is a monolithic caliper body.

[0083]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 is a caliper body made in one piece.

[0084]. In accordance with an embodiment, said first elongated vehicle-side element 5, said second elongated wheel-side element 7, and said at least one caliper bridge 9, 10, 11, 12 are made in one piece.

[0085]. In accordance with an embodiment, each of said elongated vehicle-side and wheel-side elements 5, 7 comprises at least one portion which delimits at least one thrust or cylinder means seat 37 to receive at least one thrust device 43 adapted to bias at least one brake pad 34, 35 against said braking surfaces 6, 8 to apply a braking action to a vehicle.

[0086]. In accordance with an embodiment, at least one portion which delimits at least one thrust or cylinder means seat 37 has a cylindrical shape protruding both above and below said elongated element 5 and/or 7 and cylinder ribs 44.

[0087]. In accordance with an embodiment, said cylinder ribs 44 are arc-shaped ribs.

[0088]. In accordance with an embodiment, said cylinder ribs 44 are a plurality of ribs arranged parallel to one another.

[0089]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 comprises a shield 45 connected to the bottom of said at least one thrust or cylinder means seat 37.

[0090]. In accordance with an embodiment, said shield 45 comprises three shield protrusions 46 projecting in radial direction R-R.

[0091]. In accordance with an embodiment, said shield 45 tapers away from said thrust or cylinder means seat 37.

[0092]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 comprises two end bridges 9, 12 and a central bridge 10 having a pair of bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0093]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 1 comprises two end bridges 9, 12 and two central bridges 10, 11 each having a pair of bridge ribs 16, 17.

[0094]. The present invention further relates to a brake caliper 2 comprising a caliper body 1 as described in any one of the preceding embodiments.

[0095]. In accordance with an embodiment, said brake caliper 2 comprises a fluid connection line 47 connected to said elongated elements 5, 7 and arranged between at least one central bridge 10 or 11 and an end bridge 9, 12.

[0096]. In order to meet contingent needs, those skilled in the art may make many changes and adaptations to the embodiments described above or may replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent, without however departing from the scope of the appended claims. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS caliper body brake caliper disc brake brake disc elongated vehicle-side element vehicle-side brake disc braking surface elongated wheel-side element wheel-side brake disc braking surface end caliper bridge or end bridge central bridge central bridge end bridge central bridge portion first bridge end portion second bridge end portion bridge rib or rib bridge rib or rib trench placed between the bridge ribs first end rib portion pair or first end rib pair central rib portion part or central rib pair second end rib portion pair or second end rib pair first end elbow pair second end elbow pair central reinforcing element 25 elbow reinforcing element

26 elbow reinforcing element

27 bridge through-window

28 bridge through-window

29 bridge through-window

30 bridge through-window

31 circumferential vehicle-side rib

32 circumferential wheel-side rib

33 central opening or brake pad housing pocket

34 brake pad

35 brake pad

36 circumferential rib through-window

37 portion which delimits at least one seat for thrust or cylinder means

38 radial through-window

39 lowered rib portion

40 rib edge

41 lowered bridge portion

42 bridge edge

43 thrust device

44 cylinder ribs

45 shield

46 shield protrusion

47 fluid connection line

A-A rotation axis of the brake disc x-x axial direction parallel to rotation axis

R-R radial direction orthogonal to rotation axis

C-C circumferential direction orthogonal to axial direction and radial directions

T-T tangential direction duly orthogonal to a radial direction and an axial direction