IT201800005504A1 - Disc brake pad and spring assembly, brake caliper and assembly method - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION of the industrial invention entitled:

"Pad and Spring Assembly for Disc Brake, Brake Caliper and Assembly Method"

DESCRIPTION

[0001]. Field of the invention

[0002]. The subject of the present invention is a disc brake assembly.

[0003]. In particular, the present invention refers to an assembly comprising a brake pad and at least one elastic element.

[0004]. The present invention also refers to an assembly method of said assembly.

[0005]. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a brake caliper for disc brake.

[0006]. State of the art

[0007]. In a disc brake, the brake caliper is generally arranged astride the outer peripheral edge of a brake disc, adapted to rotate around an axis of rotation defining an axial direction (X-X). In a disc brake, a radial direction (R-R) is also defined, substantially orthogonal to said axial direction (X-X), and a tangential (T-T) or circumferential (T-T) direction, orthogonal both to said axial direction (X-X), and to called radial direction (R-R).

[0008]. Brake pads generally comprise a plate on which a friction material is fixed, suitable for pressing against a facing braking surface of the braking surface of the brake disc. The plate may include wear indicators, sometimes embedded in the friction material, which have the function of signaling when the friction material has thinned axially due to prolonged use. The axial (X-X), radial (R-R) and tangential (T-T) or circumferential (T-T) directions are understood to be defined on a brake pad, even when it is considered alone separately from the brake caliper in which it is housed and especially without the brake disc. to which the brake caliper positioned astride the disc is associated.

[0009]. In particular, the brake calipers are constrained to a support structure which remains stationary with respect to the vehicle wheel, such as for example a spindle of a vehicle suspension or a hub of a vehicle wheel or a fork or swingarm of a vehicle. motorcycle. The brake caliper usually comprises a caliper body having two elongated portions arranged so as to face opposite braking surfaces of a brake disc, and at least one bridge which connects said two elongated portions to each other.

[0010]. Floating caliper bodies associated with fixed discs are known, in which a sliding or floating portion of the caliper body has a cylinder or cylinders suitable for accommodating pistons capable of exerting a thrust action on the friction pads facing it, abutting it against the surface of braking of the disc, while it slides on the bracket, or fixed portion of the caliper, and acts on the second clutch pad abutting it against the brake disc to exert the braking action on the vehicle.

[0011]. Typically in a motor vehicle, the cylinder or cylinders are provided only on the side of the floating caliper facing the vehicle, while the opposite side of the floating caliper, the one facing the vehicle wheel, is devoid of cylinders. In a motor vehicle, on the other hand, the side of the floating calliper which mounts the cylinder or cylinders faces opposite the wheel of the motor vehicle.

[0012]. Each cylinder is intended to house a piston, typically hydraulically actuated in response to an actuation command, to exert the thrust action on the back of the support plate of the pad facing it. As regards the sector of electromechanically operated brake calipers, such as for example BBW (brake-by-wire) type braking systems, it is known to provide an electric drive, a reduction system, and a system for transforming the motion from rotary. translatory (in particular a ball screw) housed integrally in the caliper body.

[0013]. On the other hand, fixed caliper bodies associated with fixed discs are known, in which both opposite sides of the caliper body house one or more cylinders suitable for accommodating hydraulic pistons capable of exerting a thrust action on the friction pads facing it, abutting it against the braking surface of the disc, without the need to axially move the brake disc, abutting both opposite brake pads against the opposite braking surfaces of the brake disc to exert the braking action on the vehicle.

[0014]. Fixed caliper bodies associated with sliding or floating discs are also known, where only one of the elongated portions of the caliper body has a cylinder or cylinders suitable for accommodating hydraulic pistons capable of exerting a thrust action on the friction pads facing it, abutting it against the braking surface of the disc, which in turn slides axially on its support and abuts against the second clutch pad to exert the braking action on the vehicle.

[0015]. A known type of pad is the so-called pad of the type suspended on pins, which provides eyelets made in the plate of the pad and suitable for receiving pins specifically provided in the body of the caliper intended to support the pad hanging, in which, thanks to these pins, the action braking effect is transmitted by the material of the plate surrounding said eyelets to the caliper body.

[0016]. A different type of pads is the so-called type pad resting on the caliper body, which is typically housed in a special pocket obtained in an elongated portion of the caliper body, in which the braking action is transmitted by one side of the plate of the caliper. pad to the caliper body when said side of the plate abuts against a facing abutment surface of the pocket of the caliper body, at the beginning of the braking action of the vehicle. The pins associated with this type of pads act as axial sliding guides, to guide the movement of the pads approaching the disc and moving the pads away from the disc.

[0017]. When the braking command ceases, the brake pads may remain in contact with the facing braking surface of the brake disc. This approach of the pads to the brake disc is undesirable since it determines a contact, even if slight, between the pad and the disc, which causes a continuous slight friction and therefore a braking action, known as residual braking torque, which also develops when it ceases. of the braking command by the driver the vehicle or motor vehicle.

[0018]. This residual braking torque is often considered undesirable, as it generates noise, albeit slight, caused by the friction action between the pads and the disc braking surfaces, an unwanted and typically uneven wear of the pads and the brake disc, which leads to more frequent maintenance for their replacement, and a minimum fuel consumption to feed the drive unit even the minimum energy necessary to overcome this residual torque.

[0019]. The thrust action in the circumferential or tangential direction exerted by the springs on the pads counteracts the acceleration that the pad pressed on the disc braking band has with respect to the caliper body to avoid the onset of a settling and abutment stroke between the edges of the eyelets of the pad plate and the pins of the caliper body, at the beginning of the braking action of the vehicle.

[0020]. For these reasons it is known to equip the brake calipers with roll-back devices suitable for determining the retraction of the thrust means typically hydraulically actuated or electro-actuated at the end of the braking command.

[0021]. However, for example in the case of floating calipers, the simultaneous absence of thrust devices and therefore roll-back devices on the side opposite the vehicle and the provision of an elongated element less resistant, precisely because it lacks the structure that surrounds and houses the pad thrust means, absent here, and which with their structure increase the local stiffness of the caliper body which therefore less deforms more when subjected to the braking action.

[0022]. For this reason, it is known to equip the calipers with springs that exert an axial thrust action on the pads away from the brake disc. Obviously, during the braking phase, this pushing away action is overcome by the pushing action exerted by the pistons but, in the release phase, said springs exert a thrust in an axial direction sufficient to move the pads away from the braking surfaces of the brake disc, avoiding the contact between the pads and the brake disc when no braking action is required.

[0023]. In some known solutions, these springs also exert a thrust action on the pads in a circumferential or tangential direction, in order to abut the pad, in particular the pad plate, against a support provided in the caliper body. This support is guaranteed on the working side of the pad in forward motion of the vehicle, in order to bring the pad into position to unload the braking action exerted on the brake disc on the caliper body.

[0024]. Known types of springs suitable for exerting an axial thrust on the pads to move them away from the disc when the braking action ceases, usually extend between the elongated portions of the caliper body, substantially straddling the disc to necessarily form a screen. This arrangement necessarily generates an increase in the overall dimensions of the caliper and a simultaneous reduction in the cooling properties of the disc, as well as making it necessary to obtain firm fastening sites for the spring in the body of the caliper, making maintenance and replacement complicated.

[0025]. A solution is known from document US-2002-0043436 which shows a floating caliper equipped with a single helical spring fixed behind a portion of the caliper body and adapted to act in the center of the back of the brake pad support plate. The back of the plate is equipped with a fixing bracket in which one end of an arm of the helical spring is radially inserted when the pad is in the position received in the caliper, so as to exert an elastic action aimed at moving the pad away from the disc at the stop the braking action.

[0026]. This solution is complex to manufacture and, above all, to assemble, and requires the creation of an eyelet in the plate on the back of the brake pad, and a seat in the body of the caliper or of the bracket precisely where usually in the known art the bracket has lightening openings or outlets, thus forcing the provision of stirrup material which weighs down this solution. This portion of the bracket is equipped with a seat, while the plate on its rear side is equipped with an eyelet to house the end of the helical spring. Furthermore, the only helical spring provided by this known solution is initially secured to the caliper body by inserting the first end in the appropriate seat and is subsequently connected to the pad, which imposes a difficult coupling of the second end of the spring in the eyelet of the plate. placed on the back of the brake pad in an area that is difficult to access by the operator.

[0027]. Furthermore, the spring described above necessarily acts by forming a lever arm in a radial direction, imposing an elastic, even radial, as well as axial stress on the pad when the braking command ceases. In particular, this unwanted radial action is highly unwelcome in many applications as it could result in a different positioning of the pad in its seat during use, associating it with the braking surface of the disc in an undesirable way.

[0028]. Furthermore, this known spring does not provide any tangential action to influence the pad against the caliper body or the body of the bracket.

[0029]. For example, document US-2013-0001024 shows a leaf spring mounted on each of the opposite sides of a pad housing pocket formed in the body of a floating caliper. Each leaf spring provides a snap coupling seat for a respective side ear of a brake pad which can be associated with the caliper, and is provided with an insertion and coupling chute formed by a substantially leaf spring portion of each spring.

[0030]. Such a solution is suitable for providing the pad with an elastic return action in the axial direction while avoiding being positioned as a rider of the disc, but it requires a complex assembly which first requires to secure the opposite springs to the opposite sides of the pad housing pocket. Therefore, solutions of this type do not solve the problem and require laborious maintenance as they require, after having extracted the pad, to remove the springs from the caliper body which are usually fixed to portions of the caliper body which are not easily accessible. A further example of leaf springs of this type is disclosed in document KR-2013-0003932.

[0031]. Otherwise, US-4364455 shows a helical spring having radially oriented coils intended to affect the pad axially away from the disc. This spring has a rear arm adapted to abut against a wall of the elongated portion of the body of the caliper which receives the pad to provide the desired axial return action. The opposite spring arm, on the other hand, is firmly fixed to the pad support plate. The coils of the radially oriented springs provide elasticity to the arms.

[0032]. This solution, although partially advantageous in reducing the complexity of maintenance and replacement of the preassembled pad and springs, is unsuitable for keeping the pad in position even circumferentially as the caliper body lacks a seat for hooking the rear arm of each spring. . Furthermore, a solution of this type requires considerable axial dimensions of the caliper body, since the coils of the springs which provide elasticity to the working arms of the springs are positioned axially behind the body of the caliper, i.e. outside and behind the elongated portion which receives the tablet.

[0033]. Furthermore, this solution shows a rollback device made on the wall of the caliper body next to the pad and favorably placed on the tangential stop for the pad when in advance conditions, so that when the pad abuts on this roll back device , elastically deforms one of its walls which returns a slight additional return action to the pad.

[0034]. The need is therefore felt to provide a brake pad solution that, although compact, is suitable for ensuring simplified assembly and maintenance operations, and at the same time avoids the generation of unwanted residual braking torque when the braking command ceases.

[0035]. The need is also felt to provide a compact brake pad solution suitable for providing simplified assembly, disassembly and maintenance, without generating an unwanted residual braking torque.

[0036]. Solution

[0037]. An object of the present invention is to obviate the drawbacks of the known art and provide a solution to the needs complained of with reference to the state of the art.

[0038]. These and other objects are achieved with an assembly according to claim 1 or 14, as well as with a brake caliper according to claim 11, as well as with a method according to claim 12.

[0039]. Some advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0040]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is possible to provide an easy-to-assemble brake pad.

[0041]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is further possible to have easier maintenance.

[0042]. Furthermore, thanks to the proposed solutions, it is possible to reduce the number of components of the brake caliper, to the advantage of the reduction of constructive complexity and a better operating reliability.

[0043]. Thanks to the proposed solutions, it is possible to influence the brake pad elastically away from the brake disc when the braking command ceases.

[0044]. If necessary, the proposed solutions allow you to influence the brake pad also in the tangential direction.

[0045]. Figures

[0046]. Further features and advantages of the assembly, the brake caliper and the method will appear from the description below of his preferred examples of construction, given as a non-limiting example, with reference to the attached figures in which:

[0047]. Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a disc brake comprising a brake caliper, according to an embodiment, from the radially external side of the brake caliper;

[0048]. - figures 2 and 3 are axonometric views of the brake caliper shown in figure 1 from the radially internal side of the brake caliper;

[0049]. Figure 4 is a vertical elevation view of the brake caliper of Figure 1, according to the point of view indicated by the arrow IV of Figure 1;

[0050]. Figure 5 is a plan view of a radially external portion of a brake caliper, according to an embodiment, in which some parts are sectioned for clarity, according to a tangential and axial cut plane;

[0051]. Figure 5bis is an enlargement of a detail of figure 5;

[0052]. - figures 6 and 6bis are vertical elevation views of the brake caliper shown in figure 5 according to tangentially opposite points of view, in which some parts are sectioned for clarity, according to a radial and axial cutting plane;

[0053]. Figure 7 is an axonometric view of a bracket of a brake caliper, according to an embodiment, to which two opposite brake pad assemblies are associated;

[0054]. Figure 8 is an axonometric view of a pad and spring assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0055]. - Figures 9, 10 and 11 are orthogonal projections of the pad and spring assembly shown in Figure 8, according to the points of view indicated with the arrows IX, X and XI of Figure 8, respectively;

[0056]. Figure 12 is a split view for clarity of a pad and spring assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0057]. Figure 13 is a split view for clarity of a pad and spring assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0058]. Figure 14 is a plan view of a pad and spring assembly, according to an embodiment;

[0059]. - Figure 15 shows the footprint of the brake pad, according to an embodiment;

[0060]. - Figure 16 shows the imprint of the at least one elastic element on the brake pad, according to an embodiment.

[0061]. Description of some preferred embodiments [0062]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a pad and spring assembly 1 is provided for a brake caliper 2 for disc brake 40.

[0063]. Said disc brake 40 defines an axial direction X-X parallel or coincident to the rotation axis of a brake disc 35 of said disc brake 40, a radial direction R-R, orthogonal to the axial direction X-X, and a tangential direction T-T or circumferential T-T orthogonal both in the axial direction X-X and in the radial direction R-R.

[0064]. Said pad and spring assembly 1 comprises at least one brake pad 3, and at least one elastic element 11, associated with said brake pad 3.

[0065]. Said at least one elastic element 11 is suitable for influencing the brake pad 3 at least in the axial direction X-X. Preferably, said at least one elastic element 11 is suitable for elastically influencing the brake pad 3 at least in the axial direction X-X.

[0066]. Said brake pad 3 comprises a support plate 4, and a friction material 5 supported by said support plate 4 and suitable to abut against an accessible braking surface 36 of said brake disc 35.

[0067]. Said support plate 4 comprises at least one back surface of the plate 6, facing opposite with respect to said friction material 5. Preferably, said plate back surface 6 extends substantially orthogonal to the axial direction X-X.

[0068]. In accordance with an embodiment, said brake pad 3 comprises a support plate 4 which defines, at least when in operating conditions, a side facing the disc 16, suitable for facing a disc brake disc which can be associated with said assembly of pad 1, and a side opposite to the disc 17, opposite to said side facing disc 16 of the support plate 4, in which said friction material 5 is associated with said side facing disc 16 of the support plate 4, and in which said back surface of the plate 6 is associated with said side opposite the disk 17 of the support plate 4.

[0069]. Said at least one elastic element 11 comprises at least a spiral portion 12 wound in a spiral around a winding axis A-A parallel to the axial direction X-X. In other words, said winding axis A-A is parallel to the rotation axis of the disc brake disc.

[0070]. Said elastic element 11 is associated with said brake pad 3 so as to exert, with said at least one spiral portion 12, an elastic influence action directed in the axial direction X-X on the back surface of the plate 6.

[0071]. In this way, the direction of the action of elastic influence exerted by said at least one elastic element 11 is substantially parallel to the winding axis of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11.

[0072]. The provision of said elastic influence action allows the brake pads 3 to be moved away from the respective facing braking surfaces 36 of the brake disc 35, when in operating conditions when the braking command ceases, avoiding the onset of an undesired residual braking torque . Thanks to the provision of said at least one elastic device, it is possible to exercise a "roll-back" action.

[0073]. In accordance with an embodiment, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is arranged entirely within the footprint of the brake pad 3.

[0074]. Preferably, the term "footprint" indicates an area 19, 19 'having a predefined perimeter 18, 18' in the tangential direction T-T and in the radial direction R-R, said area 18 being the projection in the axial direction X-X of the overall dimensions of the brake pad 3.

[0075]. According to an embodiment, said imprint of the brake pad is defined as the projection in the axial direction X-X of the edge of the brake pad 3, and preferably of the edge of the support plate 4.

[0076]. According to an embodiment, said imprint of the brake pad is defined as the shape of the brake pad 3, and preferably of the edge of the support plate 4, projected in the axial direction X-X.

[0077]. In accordance with an embodiment, said elastic element 11 comprises a first portion for attachment to the pad 13, suitable for forming a connection with the brake pad 3, and a second portion for attachment to the caliper 14, suitable for forming a connection with the brake pad 3. brake caliper 2.

[0078]. Preferably, said first portion of attachment to the pad 13 extends from said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 in the axial direction X-X. Preferably, said spiral portion and said first portion for hooking to the tablet 13 are made in a single piece. For example, said first portion for attachment to the tablet 13 is formed by a turn 30 of the spiral portion 12.

[0079]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said spiral portion 12 is suitable for directly touching said first portion for attachment to the pad 13 with said surface of the back plate 6, said first portion for coupling to the pad 13 being of a spiral shape, or spire potion 30.

[0080]. In accordance with an embodiment, said first portion of attachment to the pad 13 of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is coupled integrally to the brake pad 3.

[0081]. Preferably, said first portion of attachment to the pad 13 of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is coupled integrally to the brake pad 3 within the imprint of the spiral portion 12 on the brake pad 3.

[0082]. Preferably, with the terminology "the imprint of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 on the brake pad 3" and the like, it is intended to indicate an area 18 'having a predefined perimeter 19' in the tangential direction T-T and in the radial direction R-R, said area 18 'being the projection in axial direction X-X on the plate back surface 6 of the overall dimensions of the spiral portion 12 of the at least one elastic element 11.

[0083]. In accordance with an embodiment, said first portion of attachment to the pad 13 of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is coupled integrally to the brake pad 3, and is aligned with the winding axis A-A of the spiral portion 12.

[0084]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said elastic element 11 comprises a second portion for attachment to the gripper 14 or attachment arm 14, which extends laterally with respect to the spiral portion 12. Preferably, said attachment arm 14 is suitable for forming the coupling with the brake caliper 2 to exert the elastic influence action in the axial direction X-X with said spiral portion 12 on the back surface of the plate 6.

[0085]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said hooking arm 14 extends out of the footprint of the brake pad 3. In other words, said hooking arm 14 extends out of area 18. In other words, said hooking arm 14 extends externally with respect to perimeter 19.

[0086]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 comprises at least one wire spring. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is formed by a wire spring.

[0087]. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 comprises at least one helical spring. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is formed by a helical spring.

[0088]. According to an embodiment, said pad and spring assembly 1 comprises two elastic elements 11 respectively associated with tangentially opposite portions of the support plate 4. In other words, said pad and spring assembly 1 comprises two elastic elements 11 associated with portions of the support plate 4 opposite each other in the tangential direction T-T. In this way, two disjoint impressions of the spiral portions 12 of the respective elastic elements 11 are defined on the back surface of the plate 6.

[0089]. In accordance with an embodiment, said back surface of plate 6 of the support plate 4 comprises a radially internal margin portion 20 and a radially external margin portion 21 which delimit the space in the radial direction R-R of the support plate 4 Preferably, the space occupied in the radial direction R-R of the support plate 4 coincides with the space occupied in the radial direction R-R of the brake pad 3.

[0090]. According to an embodiment, said back surface of plate 6 of the support plate 4 comprises a first side margin portion 22 and a second side margin portion 23, tangentially opposite to said first side margin portion 22 , so that said first flank margin portion 22 and said second flank margin portion 23 delimit the encumbrance in tangential direction T-T of the support plate 4. Preferably, the encumbrance in tangential direction T-T of the support plate 4 coincides with the encumbrance in tangential direction T-T of the brake pad 3.

[0091]. According to an embodiment, said pad and spring assembly 1 comprises two elastic elements 11 respectively associated with said opposite side margin portions 22, 23 of the back of the plate 6 of the support plate 4.

[0092]. In accordance with an embodiment, said support plate 4 comprises a first side of plate 24 and a second side of plate 25, opposite to said first side of plate 24 in tangential direction T-T, said opposite sides of plate 24, 25 facing each a side surface in tangential direction T-T, said plate sides 24, 25 being opposite in tangential direction T-T with respect to the plate back surface 6. Preferably, each of said plate sides 24, 25 extends in axial direction X-X substantially equal to the extension in axial direction X-X of the support plate 4.

[0093]. In accordance with an embodiment, said support plate 4 comprises a first flank ear 26 which extends in a tangential direction T-T from said first flank of plate 24 forming a first tangential difference in height with said first flank of plate 24, and a second flank lug 27 extending in a tangential direction T-T from said second flank of plate 25 forming a second tangential difference in height with said second flank of plate 25. Preferably, said back surface of plate 6 also extends over said flank ears 26, 27, preferably forming said two opposite side margin portions 22, 23 of the plate back surface 6.

[0094]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said pad and spring assembly 1 comprises two elastic elements 11 respectively associated with said opposite side ears 26, 27 of the support plate 4, and preferably respectively associated with the back surface of the plate 6 of the opposite side ears 26, 27 of the support plate 4. In this way, said two elastic elements 11 are associated respectively with said two opposite side margin portions 22, 23 of the back surface of the plate 6.

[0095]. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is fixed to the support plate 4, for example it is fixed to the back surface of the plate 6.

[0096]. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is welded to the support plate 4, for example it is welded to the back surface of the plate 6.

[0097]. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is hooked to the support plate 4.

[0098]. According to an embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is hooked to the support plate 4. Preferably, said at least one elastic element 11 is hooked to a portion of the disk-facing side 16 of the support plate 4, for example by crossing the body of the support plate 4 by providing a through hole axially in the support plate 4, for example said through hole opening into a side margin portion 22 or 23 of the back surface of the plate 6 and into a portion axially thereto opposite and located on the side facing the disc 16, for example tangentially next to the friction material 5. For example, said first portion for coupling to the pad 3 comprises an axial coupling abutment portion 44 which forms an axial abutment abutment for the plate support 4 when approaching the facing braking surface 36 of an associable brake disc 35.

[0099]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said support plate 4 comprises at least one protuberance 7 or pin 7, preferably a stubby pin 7, which extends from said back surface of plate 6 at least in the axial direction X-X forming a free end of protuberance 8 and a root for attachment to the back of the plate 9. Preferably, said at least one elastic element 11 is associated with said at least one protuberance 7 of the support plate 4.

[00100]. According to an embodiment, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 comprises a first cylindrical portion with coils 29 or cylindrical portion with coils 29, comprising a plurality of coils wound around said winding axis A-A substantially all placed at the same distance from the winding axis A-A, forming a substantially cylindrical coil body. Preferably, the coils of said first cylindrical portion with coils 29 of the elastic element 11 substantially all have the same radius of curvature and the same diameter of a single coil.

[00101]. Preferably, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 defines a radial spiral direction r-r, orthogonal to the winding axis A-A and incident thereto, and a circumferential spiral direction c-c, orthogonal both to the winding axis A-A and to the radial direction of spiral r-r.

[00102]. According to an embodiment, the coils of the first cylindrical portion 29 are all superimposed and aligned in the axial direction X-X when said pad and spring assembly 1 is in rest conditions.

[00103]. In this way, the imprint of the first cylindrical spiral portion 29 on the brake pad 3, for example on the back surface of the plate 6, describes an annular band area 19 ', in which the transverse extension of the annular band of the impression substantially coincides with the transversal dimension of the wire of the wire spring which forms the first cylindrical portion with coils 29.

[00104]. In accordance with an embodiment, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 further comprises a second frustoconical portion with coils 28 or truncated conical portion with coils 28, comprising a plurality of coils wound around said winding axis A-A at an increasing distance from the winding axis A-A along the axial direction X-X. Preferably, the coils of the second truncated conical coiled portion 28 of the elastic element 11 are wound at an increasing distance from the winding axis A-A along the winding axis away from the back surface of the plate 6.

[00105]. In accordance with an embodiment, the second truncated conical coiled portion 28 tapers externally as it approaches the plate back surface 6.

[00106]. In accordance with an embodiment, the second truncated conical portion with coils 28 and the first cylindrical portion with coils 29 are coaxial with each other and both wound around the winding axis A-A.

[00107]. In accordance with an embodiment, the second truncated conical portion with coils 28 and the first cylindrical portion with coils 29 are adjacent to each other in the axial direction X-X.

[00108]. In accordance with an embodiment, the second truncated conical portion with coils 28 and the first cylindrical portion with coils 29 are made in a single piece. For example, they are both made by means of the same wire of a wire spring wound around said winding axis A-A.

[00109]. In accordance with an embodiment, said first portion for attachment to the pad 13 of the elastic element 11 is formed by at least one turn 30 of the truncated conical coil portion 28. In other words, the truncated conical coil portion 28 comprises said first portion of coils coupling to the pad 13.

[00110]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one protuberance 7 or pin 7 and said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 are coupled by force coupling from the German: "Reibschluss". In accordance with an embodiment, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is fitted onto the protuberance 7.

[00111]. Preferably, the force coupling with the protuberance 7 is formed by the truncated conical coiled portion 28. According to an embodiment, said truncated conical coiled portion 28 is fitted onto the protuberance 7. According to an embodiment, when said truncated conical coiled portion 28 is fitted onto the protuberance 7, said truncated conical coiled portion 28 exerts an elastic action of influence on the protuberance 7 directed along the radial spiral direction r-r, which generates the force coupling with the protuberance 7.

[00112]. In accordance with an embodiment, when said spiral portion 12 is fitted onto the protuberance 7, said first portion of attachment to the pad 13 exerts an elastic action of influence on the protuberance 7 directed along the radial direction of the spiral r-r, which generates the force coupling with the protuberance 7. Preferably, said portion for attachment to the pad 13 comprises at least one turn 30 fitted with interference on the protuberance 7.

[00113]. Preferably, when in operating conditions, during the braking action, the at least one brake pad 3 presses on the braking surface 36 of the brake disc 35, causing the axial elongation of the spiral portion 12 of the at least one elastic element 11. In this way, when the braking command ceases, the brake pad 3 is influenced away from the facing braking surface 36 of the brake disc 35 thanks to the return action of the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11.

[00114]. In accordance with an embodiment, said portion for coupling to the pad 13 is designed to go into axial abutment against the back surface of the plate 6, when the brake pad 3 is elastically influenced away from the brake disc 35.

[00115]. Thanks to the provision of said force coupling, it is avoided to provide fastening devices in a separate piece between the elastic element 11 and the brake pad 3. In this way, it is possible to achieve a firm coupling without this entailing an increased number of parts of the pad and spring assembly 1, necessarily reducing the need to provide such fastening devices with high manufacturing tolerances.

[00116]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one protuberance 7 or pin 7 and said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 are coupled by friction coupling from the English: "friction coupling".

[00117]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one protuberance 7 or pin 7 and said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 are coupled by shape coupling.

[00118]. In accordance with an embodiment, as shown for example in Figure 13, said shape coupling is made between the truncated conical coiled portion 28, and preferably by the first portion for coupling to the pad 13 located on said truncated conical coiled portion 28, and the walls of at least one groove 31 made on said protuberance 7. In accordance with one embodiment, said groove 31 is an annular groove that forms a hooking wall 32, facing the plate back surface 6, and an opposite groove wall 33 opposite said hooking wall 32 facing the plate back surface 6. According to an embodiment, said groove 31 also forms a portion of stem 34 with a reduced radius or diameter with respect to the body of the protuberance 7, for example with a radius or reduced diameter with respect to said free protuberance end 8. In this way, said first portion for attachment to the pad 13 engages in an undercut with said hooking wall 32, facing the back surface of the plate 6, of the protuberance 7.

[00119]. According to an embodiment, said protuberance 7 or pin 7 has a substantially cylindrical shape, preferably with a circular base. In accordance with an embodiment, the radius of said protuberance 7 is smaller than the radius of the spiral portion 12, and preferably of the truncated conical portion 28, of the elastic element 11, so as to generate an elastic influence action of direct gripping along the radial spiral direction r-r towards the body of the protuberance 7. In this way, when in operating conditions, the at least one elastic element 11 exerts said elastic influence action in the axial direction X-X on the brake pad 3 applied on the body of the protuberance 7 by means of the first portion of attachment to the pad 13.

[00120]. In accordance with an embodiment, said protuberance 7 comprises a hole, preferably a through hole, directed transversely with respect to the winding axis A-A, said hole forming a wall or hooking portion 32 for the first hooking portion 13 of the element elastic 11.

[00121]. In accordance with an embodiment, said second portion for attachment to the gripper 14 or attachment arm 14 of the at least one elastic element 11 forms an axial engagement abutment for said elastic element 11, so that the spiral portion 12 exercises the elastic influence action in axial direction X-X on the brake pad 3.

[00122]. Preferably, during the braking action, when the at least one brake pad 3 presses on the facing braking surface 36 of the brake disc 35, causing the axial elongation of the spiral portion 12 of the at least one elastic element 11, said second portion coupling to the caliper 14 of the elastic element 11 is in axial abutment against a portion of the brake caliper 2, forming a constraint for said elastic element 11, so as to allow the spiral portion 12 to exert the action of elastic influence on the brake pad 3 to move it away from the braking surface 36 of the brake disc 35.

[00123]. In this way, when the braking command ceases, the brake pad 3 is influenced away from the facing braking surface 36 of the brake disc 35 and towards the hooking arm 14 of the elastic element 11 thanks to the return action exerted. from the spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11.

[00124]. In accordance with an embodiment, said hooking arm 14 extends in a substantially tangential direction T-T, protruding from the tangential dimension of the brake pad 3. Preferably, said hooking arm 14 extends in a tangential direction T-T beyond the flank margin portions 22, 23 of the support plate 4 of the brake pad 3. In this way, the hooking arm 14 protrudes from the imprint of the brake pad 3, in other words from the area 19 defined by the perimeter 18.

[00125]. Preferably, said hooking arm 14 is made in a single piece with said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11. In accordance with an embodiment, said hooking arm 14 substantially protrudes from a coil 30 of the spiral portion 12, and preferably extends from a turn 30 of the frusto-conical portion 28 of the elastic element 11 in a direction substantially parallel to the radial direction of the spiral r-r.

[00126]. In accordance with an embodiment, said hooking arm 14 is formed by a flush portion of said elastic element 11, said same flush portion also forming said spiral portion 12 of elastic element 11.

[00127]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 is suitable for influencing the brake pad 3 also in the tangential direction T-T. In other words, said elastic element 11 is suitable for influencing the brake pad 3 both in the axial direction X-X and in the tangential direction T-T.

[00128]. Thanks to the provision of said elastic influence action directed in a substantially tangential direction T-T, said pad and spring assembly 1 is allowed to form a tangential preload suitable for minimizing, or preferably eliminating, the onset of a knocking noise due to impact in tangential direction T-T, or tangential abutment, of a side 24 or 25 of the support plate 4 against a portion of the body of the brake caliper 2.

[00129]. For example, when in operating conditions, during the braking action, the at least one brake pad 3 undergoes a dragging action in the tangential direction T-T given by the rotating brake disc 35 pressed by the at least one brake pad 3, which carries a side 24 or 25 of the plate 4, and preferably the side of the support plate 4 facing the side of the brake caliper 2 which sees the inlet of the brake disc 35 when in forward running conditions, or the disc input side, abuts against a tangential abutment portion 37 or 38 provided in the body of the brake caliper 2.

[00130]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the pad and spring assembly 1 comprises at least one pair of elastic elements 11, in which each elastic element 11 is suitable for influencing the brake pad 3 both in the axial direction X-X and in the tangential direction T-T . Preferably, the influence in tangential direction T-T given by said pair of elastic elements 11, for example placed on opposite edge portions 22, 23 of the support plate 4, forms a preload in tangential direction T-T suitable for minimizing, or preferably eliminate the onset of knocking noise due to the impact in tangential direction T-T, or tangential impact, of both opposite sides 24 or 25 of the support plate 4 against the respective opposite portions of the brake caliper body 2. Preferably , said pair of elastic elements 11 are suitable for providing elastic influencing actions to said brake pad 3 in tangential direction T-T along opposite directions.

[00131]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one elastic element 11 comprises a portion of tangential coupling to the caliper 15 suitable for coupling against a portion of the brake caliper 2 to allow said elastic element 11 to exert an action of tangential influence on said brake pad 3.

[00132]. Preferably, said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 is adapted to deform elastically, for example along the radial spiral direction r-r locally reducing the radius or diameter of a coil 30, and preferably of the coil 30 in direct contact with said coil arm coupling 14, so as to exert an elastic return action in tangential direction T-T aimed at avoiding the impact of the brake pad 3 against the body of the brake caliper 2, or at least greatly reducing its extent, when the braking command ceases.

[00133]. In accordance with an embodiment, said second portion for attachment to the gripper 14 and said portion for tangential attachment to the gripper 15 are made in a single piece.

[00134]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said tangential coupling portion 15 extends in a substantially axial direction X-X forming a spring arm suitable for engaging against a projection or tangential recess 41, 42 of the brake caliper body 2. Preferably, said tangential coupling portion 15 extends in a substantially axial direction X-X from said second coupling portion to the gripper 14, or coupling arm 14, of the elastic element 11. According to an embodiment, said second portion of coupling to the gripper 14 and said portion of tangential coupling to the gripper 15 are made in a single piece and form a right angle to each other, in other words said elastic element 11 comprises a connecting portion 44 to connect together said second portion of coupling to the gripper 14 and said tangential hooking portion to the gripper 15. Preferably, said connecting portion 44 forms a curved section c he sweeps an angular distance substantially equal to 90 degrees, and preferably in the plane defined by the axial X-X and tangential T-T directions. In this way, they are suitable for providing said elastic influencing actions to the brake pad 3 directed in axial X-X and tangential T-T directions respectively.

[00135]. According to an embodiment, said portion of tangential coupling to the gripper 15 extends parallel to the winding direction A-A. In this way, said portion of tangential coupling to the gripper 15 is aligned with the spiral portion 12.

[00136]. According to an embodiment, said portion of tangential coupling to the caliper 15 forms a free end of an elastic element 43, adapted to cooperate with a portion of the body of the brake caliper 2 to provide said elastic influencing action to the brake pad 3 in the direction T-T ring road.

[00137]. According to an embodiment, said free end of elastic element 43 is axially flush with the plate back surface 6 of the brake pad 3. According to one embodiment, said free end of elastic element 43 is axially flush with the face of the support plate 4 facing the side facing the disc 16 which is associated with the friction material 5.

[00138]. In accordance with an embodiment, the bulk of said at least one elastic element 11 avoids projecting axially towards the friction material 5 beyond the disc side 16 of the support plate 4. In this way, the bulk of said at least one elastic element 11 avoids reaching the axial level of the friction material 5.

[00139]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a brake caliper 2 is provided.

[00140]. Said brake caliper 2 comprises a caliper body 46 suitable for straddling a brake disc 35 which can be associated with the brake caliper 2 and at least one pad and spring assembly 1 according to any of the previously described embodiments.

[00141]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 46 comprises a first elongated portion 47, suitable for facing, directly or indirectly by means of at least one brake pad 3, a first braking surface of the brake disc 35, and a second elongated portion 48 , opposed to said first elongated portion 47 and adapted to face, directly or indirectly by means of at least one brake pad 3, a second braking surface of the brake disc 35, opposite to said first braking surface.

[00142]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 2 comprises at least one caliper bridge 45 to connect the opposing elongated portions to each other by straddling the brake disc 35.

[00143]. Preferably, said caliper body 46, and preferably each of the opposite elongated portions 47, 48 of the caliper body 46, comprises a first tangential abutment portion 37, suitable for forming an abutment abutment in tangential direction T-T for said brake pad 3 during the braking action, and a second opposite tangential abutment portion 38, opposed to said first tangential abutment portion 37 and suitable for forming a second abutment abutment in tangential direction T-T for said brake pad 3. Preferably, said first and second portion of tangential abutment 37, 38 are both intended to form abutment abutment for one of the opposite sides of the brake pad 3.

[00144]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said gripper body 46, and preferably each of the opposing elongated portions 47, 48 of the gripper body 46, comprises at least one axial abutment portion 50, preferably facing axially, which forms an abutment intended for hooking of said second hooking portion to the gripper 14 or hooking arm 14 of the at least one elastic element 11.

[00145]. When in operating conditions, during the braking action, the at least one brake pad 3, suitably actuated, approaches the accessible braking surface 36, in which with said hooking arm 14 it is coupled to said axial abutment portion 50 of the caliper body 46 thus charging the spiral portion 12 with elastic energy, which undergoes an axial elongation, so as to elastically influence said brake pad 3 away from the brake disc 35 when the braking command ceases.

[00146]. In accordance with an embodiment, said caliper body 46 delimits at least one lightening opening 52, preferably placed axially facing the plate back surface 6 of at least one brake pad 3.

[00147]. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, said at least one axial abutment portion 50 of the caliper body 46 is located tangentially next to said brake pad 3. According to one embodiment, said caliper body 46 comprises two opposite axial abutment portions 50, which are located on portions of the caliper body 46 which extend side by side in the tangential direction T-T of the respective side margin portions 22, 23 of the support plate 4 of the brake pad 3.

[00148]. In accordance with an embodiment, said gripper body 46, and preferably each of the opposing elongated portions 47, 48 of the gripper body 46, comprises at least a projection or tangential recess 41, 42 for the engagement of said tangential coupling portion 15 of the elastic element 11. For example, said at least one projection portion or tangential recess 41, 42 comprises a blind hole which houses at least the free end 43 of the tangential coupling portion 15 of the elastic element 11.

[00149]. In accordance with an embodiment, said at least one projection portion or tangential recess 41, 42 of the body of the brake caliper 2 is located tangentially next to said at least one axial abutment portion 50. In accordance with one embodiment, said body caliper 46, and preferably each of the opposite elongated portions 47, 48 of the caliper body 46, comprises two projection or tangential recess portions 41, 42 placed on opposite sides of the pad and spring assembly 1 in the tangential direction T-T. According to an embodiment, said gripper body 46, and preferably each of the opposite elongated portions 47, 48 of the gripper body 46, comprises two projection or tangential recess portions 41, 42 placed on opposite sides in tangential direction T-T of the axial abutment 50. In this way, said caliper body 46 comprises on each tangential side of the pad and spring assembly 1 an axial abutment portion 50 and a projection or tangential recess portion 41 or 42, in which said axial abutment portion 50 is interposed in tangential direction T-T between said tangential projection or recess portion 41 or 42 and said tangential abutment portion 37 or 38.

[00150]. The provision of said at least one portion of projection or tangential recess 41, 42 allows to form a hooking site for said at least one elastic element 11 to the body of the brake caliper 2, allowing said at least one elastic element 11 to exert said influencing action in the axial direction X-X.

[00151]. Furthermore, the provision of said at least one portion of projection or tangential recess 41, 42 allows to form a site of attachment for said at least one elastic element 11 to the body of the brake caliper 2, allowing said at least one elastic element 11 to also exercise said influence action in tangential direction T-T.

[00152]. According to an embodiment, said gripper body 46 is formed of at least two gripper body portions. For example, said gripper body 46 comprises a fixed portion 39 or bracket 39 and a floating portion 49 sliding axially with respect to the bracket 39. Preferably, said first and second elongated portions 47, 48 are both formed at least partially by said bracket 39.

[00153]. Preferably, said caliper body 46 comprises a thrust device 51, suitable for providing a thrust action to at least one brake pad 3 associated with said caliper body 46. Preferably, said thrust device 51 is an electrically operated device. For example, said thrust device 51 comprises an electrically operated gearmotor assembly, for example comprising a ball screw-nut assembly.

[00154]. According to an embodiment, said thrust device 51 comprises a hydraulically operated cylinder-piston assembly.

[00155]. In accordance with a general embodiment, an assembly of pad, spring and bracket 10 is provided.

[00156]. Said pad, spring and bracket assembly 10 comprises at least one pad and spring assembly 1, according to any one of the previously described embodiments, and a floating caliper bracket 39 or bracket 39.

[00157]. Said pad and spring assembly 1 is associated with said floating caliper bracket 39.

[00158]. Preferably, said floating gripper bracket 39 comprises said axial abutment portion 50 of the caliper body 46. In this way, said axial abutment portion of the bracket 39 cooperates with said hooking arm 14 of the elastic element 11. In this way, the deformation of the at least one elastic element 11 in the axial direction X-X takes place between the bracket 39 and the support plate 4 of the brake pad 3.

[00159]. Preferably, said bracket 39 comprises two opposite tangential seats which receive the flank ears 26, 27 of the support plate 4 of the brake pad 3. According to an embodiment, at least one sheet is interposed between each flank ear 26 or 27 of the brake pad 3 and the respective tangential seat.

[00160]. In accordance with an embodiment, as shown for example in Figure 7, said pad, spring and bracket assembly 10 comprises a floating caliper bracket 39 associated with two opposite pad and spring assemblies 1, wherein each pad assembly is spring 1 comprises a pair of elastic elements 11 associated with opposite side margin portions 22, 23 of the support plate 4 of the brake pad 3.

[00161]. In accordance with an embodiment, said floating gripper bracket 39 comprises at least a portion of each of said opposing elongated portions 47, 48 of the gripper body 46, and comprises at least one gripper bridge 45 which connects said elongated portions 47 together, 48.

[00162]. In accordance with an embodiment, said floating gripper bracket 39 includes said projection portions or tangential recess 41, 42 for the attachment of said tangential coupling portion 15 of the elastic element 11.

[00163]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a brake caliper 2 of the floating type is provided.

[00164]. Said brake caliper 2 comprises a floating calliper body 49 suitable for straddling a brake disc 35 which can be associated with the brake caliper 2 and at least one pad, spring and bracket assembly 39 according to any of the previously described embodiments.

[00165]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a disc brake 40 is provided comprising at least one brake caliper 2 according to any of the previously described embodiments and at least one brake disc 35, suitable for rotating around an axis of rotation which defines said axial direction X-X, in which the brake caliper 2 straddles the brake disc 35.

[00166]. A method of assembling a pad and spring assembly 1 will be described below.

[00167]. According to a general embodiment, a method of assembling a pad and spring assembly 1 comprises the following steps:

[00168]. - providing a brake pad 3, comprising a support plate 4;

[00169]. - integrally connecting at least one elastic element 11 comprising a spiral portion 12 wound around a winding axis A-A, to the plate back surface 6 of said support plate 4, so that said spiral portion 12 is suitable for exerting a action of elastic influence on the brake pad 3 directed in a direction parallel to the winding axis A-A.

[00170]. In this way, said at least one elastic element 11 is suitable for elastically influencing said brake pad 3 in the axial direction X-X.

[00171]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the method involves the step of arranging the spiral portion 12 of the at least one elastic element 11 inside the axial imprint of the brake pad 3.

[00172]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the method provides for the step of hooking the elastic element 11 to the support plate 4. Preferably, this step is performed by forming a force coupling between a portion for hooking to the pad 13 of said portion a spiral 12 of the elastic element 11 with a protuberance 7 of the support plate 4.

[00173]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the method provides for the step of arranging the spiral portion 12 of the at least one elastic element 11 inside the axial imprint of the brake pad 3, preventing the spiral portion 12 from coming out tangentially or radially from the footprint of the brake pad 3.

[00174]. Thanks to such a method, it is possible to have a pad and spring assembly 1 that is compact and suitable for providing an action of axial elastic influence to the brake pad 3.

[00175]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the step of integrally connecting comprises the subphase of forming with said spiral portion 12 of the elastic element 11 a tangential abutment portion for said protuberance 7. In this way, said at least one elastic element 11 to exert an elastic influence action in tangential direction T-T on the brake pad 3.

[00176]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, said method comprises the step of firmly connecting two elastic elements 11 to said plate back surface 6 of the same support plate 4 of a brake pad 3. Preferably this step involves firmly connecting two elements elastic bands 11 with opposite side margin portions 22, 23 of the support plate 4.

[00177]. In accordance with a possible way of operating, the method comprises the further step of exerting with said spiral portion an action of elastic influence on said brake pad 3 directed in the tangential direction T-T.

[00178]. A method of assembling a pad and spring assembly 1 to the body of a brake caliper 2 will be described below.

[00179]. According to a general embodiment, a method of assembling a pad and spring assembly 1 to the body of a brake caliper 2 comprises the following steps:

[00180]. - providing a pad and spring assembly 1 according to any one of the previously described embodiments;

[00181]. - associating said at least one elastic element 11 to a portion of the caliper body 46 of a brake caliper 2.

[00182]. Preferably, the step of associating said at least one elastic element 11 to a portion of the caliper body 46 of a brake caliper 2 is performed when the elastic element 11 has already been fixed to, or pre-assembled on, the brake pad 3. In other words, the method first involves the step of pre-assembling a pad and spring assembly 1 and then the step of associating the elastic element 11 of the pad and spring assembly 1 to the caliper body 46.

[00183]. In accordance with a preferred way of operating, the step of associating said at least one elastic element 11 to a portion of the caliper body 46 is carried out by gripping the second portion of attachment to the caliper 14 of the elastic element 11 of the pad and spring assembly 1 , and hooking it, deforming the spiral portion 12, to a projection or recess portion 41, 42 of the gripper body 46.

[00184]. A method of assembling a pad, spring and bracket assembly 10 will be described below.

[00185]. In accordance with a general embodiment, a method of assembling a pad, spring and bracket assembly 10 comprises the following steps:

[00186]. - providing a pad and spring assembly 1 according to any one of the previously described embodiments;

[00187]. - associating said at least one elastic element 11 to a portion of a floating gripper bracket 39.

[00188]. To the embodiments described above, a person skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent and specific needs, may make numerous changes, adaptations and replacement of elements with other functionally equivalent ones, without however departing from the scope of the following claims.

LIST OF REFERENCES

1- Pad and spring assembly

2- Brake caliper

3- Brake pad

4- Support plate

5- Friction material

6- Surface of back plate or surface of back of plate

7- Protuberance or pin

8- Free end of protuberance

9- Root of attachment of the protuberance

10- Pad, spring and bracket assembly

11- Elastic element

12- Spiral portion of the elastic element

13- First portion of attachment to the pad of the elastic element

14- Second portion of attachment to the gripper of the elastic element

15- Portion of tangential coupling to the gripper of the elastic element

16- Side facing the disc

17- Disc opposite side

18- Imprint area

19- Perimeter of the footprint

20- Portion of radially internal margin

21- Portion of radially external margin

22- First portion of the side margin

23- Second portion of the side margin

24- First side of plate or first side

25- Second side of plate or second side

26- First ear on the side

27- Second ear on the side

28- First cylindrical spiral portion, or cylindrical spiral portion

29- Second spiral truncated cone portion, or spiral truncated cone portion

30- Spira

31- Throat

32- First throat wall

33- Second throat wall

34- Stem

35- Brake disc

36- Disc braking surface

37- First tangential stop portion of the caliper

38- Second tangential stop portion of the caliper

39- Bracket, or floating caliper bracket

40- Disc brake

41- First portion of prominence or tangential recess 42- Second portion of prominence or tangential recess 43- Free end of elastic element

44- Connection portion of the elastic element 45- Caliper bridge

46- Caliper body

47- First elongated portion of the caliper body

48- Second elongated portion of the caliper body

49- Floating portion of the caliper body

50- Axial contact portion of the caliper

51- Pliers pushing device

52- Lightening opening

X-X- Axial direction

A-A- Winding axis of the spiral portion R-R- Radial direction

r-r- Radial direction of spiral

T-T- Tangential or circumferential direction

c-c- Circumferential direction of spiral

Claims (14)

CLAIMS 1.Assembly of pad and spring (1) for a brake caliper (2) for disc brake, said disc brake defining an axial direction (X-X) parallel or coincident to the axis of rotation of a brake disc (35) of said disc brake, a radial direction (R-R), orthogonal to the axial direction (X-X), and a tangential direction (T-T), orthogonal both to the axial direction (X-X) and to the radial direction (R-R); said pad and spring assembly (1) comprises: - at least one brake pad (3); - at least one elastic element (11), associated with said brake pad (3) and suitable for influencing the brake pad (3) at least in the axial direction (X-X); wherein said brake pad (3) comprises: - a support plate (4), - and a friction material (5) supported by said support plate (4) and suitable to abut against an accessible braking surface (36) of said brake disc (35); - said support plate (4) comprising a back surface of plate (6), facing opposite to said friction material (5); and in which: - said at least one elastic element (11) comprises at least a spiral portion (12) wound in a spiral around a winding axis (A-A) parallel to the axial direction (X-X); - said elastic element (11) is associated with said brake pad (3) so as to exert, with said at least one spiral portion (12), an elastic influence action on the back surface of plate (6) directed in the direction axial (X-X). 2. Pad and spring assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) is arranged entirely inside the footprint of the brake pad (3), in which said footprint is delimited by an area having a predefined perimeter in the tangential direction (T-T) and in the radial direction (R-R). 3. Pad and spring assembly (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said spiral portion (12) is adapted to directly touch with a first portion of its attachment to the tablet (13) having a spiral shape, or potion of a coil (30), on the back surface of the plate (6); and / or in which - said first portion of coupling to the pad (13) of the spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) is coupled integrally to the brake pad (3); and / or in which inside the imprint of the spiral portion (12) on the brake pad (3). 4. Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one elastic element (11) is made in a single piece; and / or in which - said at least one elastic element (11) is formed by a wire spring. 5. Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said elastic element (11) comprises a second portion for attachment to the caliper (14) or attachment arm (14), which extends laterally with respect to the spiral portion (12); and / or in which - said coupling arm (14) is suitable for forming the coupling with the brake caliper (2) to exert the elastic influence action in the axial direction (X-X) with said spiral portion (12) on the back surface of the plate (6); and / or in which - said hooking arm (14) extends out from the imprint of the brake pad (3). Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one elastic element (11) is suitable for influencing the brake pad (3) also in a tangential direction (T-T); and / or in which - said at least one elastic element (11) comprises a portion for tangential hooking to the caliper (15) suitable for hooking against a portion of the brake caliper (2) to allow said elastic element (11) to exert an action of tangential influence on said brake pad (3); and / or in which - said tangential coupling portion (15) extends in a substantially axial direction (X-X) forming a spring arm suitable for engaging against a respective projection portion or tangential recess (41, 42) of the body of the brake caliper (2); and / or in which - said portion of tangential coupling (15) extends in a substantially axial direction (X-X) from said second portion of coupling to the gripper (14) of the elastic element (11); and / or in which - said elastic element (11) comprises a connecting portion (44) to connect together said second portion for attachment to the gripper (14) and said portion for tangential coupling to the gripper (15); and / or in which - said connecting portion (44) forms a curved portion which sweeps an angular distance substantially equal to 90 degrees; and / or in which - said portion of tangential coupling to the caliper (15) forms a free end of an elastic element (43), adapted to cooperate with a portion of the body of the brake caliper (2) to provide said elastic influencing action to the pad brake (3) in tangential direction (T-T). Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said support plate (4) comprises at least one protuberance (7) or pin (7) extending from said plate back surface (6 ) at least in the axial direction (X-X) forming a free protuberance end (8) and a root for attachment to the back of the plate (9); and / or in which - said at least one elastic element (11) is associated with said at least one protuberance (7) of the support plate (4); and / or in which - said at least one protuberance (7) and said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) are coupled by force coupling; and / or in which - said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) is fitted onto the protuberance (7). Assembly of pad and spring (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) comprises a first cylindrical portion with coils (29) comprising a plurality of coils wound around to said winding axis (A-A) substantially all placed at the same distance from the winding axis (A-A), forming a substantially cylindrical coil body; and / or in which - the coils of said first cylindrical portion with coils (29) of the elastic element (11) substantially all have the same radius of curvature and the same diameter of a single coil (30); and / or in which - said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) defines a radial spiral direction (r-r), orthogonal to the winding axis (A-A) and incident thereto, and a circumferential spiral direction (c-c), orthogonal both to the winding axis (A-A) and to the radial spiral direction (r-r); and / or in which - the coils of the first cylindrical portion with coils (29) are all superimposed and aligned in the axial direction (X-X) when said assembly of pad and spring (1) is in rest conditions; and / or in which -said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) further comprises a second frusto-conical portion with coils (28) comprising a plurality of coils wound around said winding axis (A-A) at an increasing distance from the winding axis ( A-A) traveling along the winding axis away from the plate back surface (6); and / or in which - said second truncated conical coiled portion (28) tapers externally in approaching the plate back surface (6); and / or in which - said second truncated conical spiral portion (28) and said first cylindrical spiral portion (29) are coaxial with each other and both wound around the winding axis (A-A); and / or in which - the force coupling with the protuberance (7) is formed by the truncated conical portion with coils (28); and / or in which - when said spiral portion (12) is fitted onto the protuberance (7), said first portion for attachment to the pad (13) exerts an elastic action of influence on the protuberance (7) directed along the radial direction of the spiral (r-r), which generates the force coupling with the protuberance (7); and / or in which - said portion for hooking to the pad (13) comprises at least one turn (30) fitted with interference on the protuberance (7). Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one elastic element (11) is welded to the plate back surface (6); and / or in which - said at least one elastic element (11) is hooked to the support plate (4); and / or in which - said protuberance (7) comprises a hole, preferably a through hole, directed transversely with respect to the winding axis (A-A), said hole forming a wall or hooking portion (32) for the first hooking portion (13) of the elastic element (11); and / or in which - said at least one protuberance (7) and said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) are coupled by friction coupling; and / or in which - said at least one protuberance (7) and said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) are coupled by shape coupling. Pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising two elastic elements (11) respectively associated with tangentially opposite portions of the support plate (4); and / or in which said plate back surface (6) of the support plate (4) comprises a first flank margin portion (22) and a second flank margin portion (23), tangentially opposite said first flank margin portion (22), so that said first flank margin portion (22) and said second flank margin portion (23) delimit the encumbrance in tangential direction (T-T) of the support plate (4); and / or in which - the encumbrance in the tangential direction (T-T) of the support plate (4) coincides with the encumbrance in the tangential direction (T-T) of the brake pad (3); and / or in which - said pad and spring assembly (1) comprises two elastic elements (11) respectively associated with said opposite side margin portions (22, 23) of the back surface of plate (6) of the support plate (4); and / or in which said support plate (4) comprises a first flank lug (26) which extends in a tangential direction (T-T) from said first plate flank (24) forming a first tangential height difference with said first flank of plate (24), and a second side ear (27) which extends in tangential direction (T-T) from said second plate side (25) forming a second tangential level difference with said second plate side (25); and / or in which -a pair of elastic elements (11) is associated with said flank ears (26, 27) of the support plate (4). 11. Brake caliper (2) comprising a caliper body (46) suitable to straddle a brake disc (35) which can be associated with the brake caliper (2) and at least one pad and spring assembly (1) according to any one of the preceding claims ; and / or in which - said caliper body (46) defines at least one lightening opening (52), preferably placed axially facing the plate back surface (6) of at least one brake pad (3). 12. One method of assembling a pad and spring assembly (1) includes the following steps: - providing a brake pad (3), comprising a support plate (4); - integrally connecting at least one elastic element (11) comprising a spiral portion (12) wound around a winding axis (A-A) to the plate back surface (6) of said support plate (4), so that said portion spiral (12) is suitable for exerting an elastic influence action on the brake pad (3) directed in a direction parallel to the winding axis (A-A). 13. Method according to claim 12, comprising the further step of: - exert with said spiral portion an action of elastic influence on said brake pad (3) directed in the tangential direction (T-T); and / or in which - arrange the spiral portion (12) of the at least one elastic element (11) inside the axial imprint of the brake pad (3), avoiding that the spiral portion (12) protrudes tangentially or radially from the overall dimensions of the pad brake (3); and / or - hook the elastic element (11) to the support plate (4); and / or - forming a force coupling between a portion of hooking to the pad (13) of said spiral portion (12) of the elastic element (11) with a protuberance (7) of the support plate (4); and / or - associate said at least one elastic element (11) to a portion of the caliper body (46) of a brake caliper 2 when the elastic element (11) has already been fixed to, or pre-assembled on, the brake pad (3); and / or - pre-assemble a pad and spring assembly (1) and then associate the elastic element (11) of the pad and spring assembly (1) to the caliper body (46). Pad, spring and bracket assembly (10) comprising at least one pad and spring assembly (1), according to any one of claims 1 to 10, and a floating caliper bracket (39), wherein said pad assembly and spring (1) is associated with said floating caliper bracket (39); and / or in which - said floating caliper bracket (39) comprises an axial abutment portion (50) of the caliper body (46), so that said axial abutment portion (50) of the bracket (39) cooperates with said second portion for attachment to the caliper (14) of the elastic element (11), so that the deformation of the at least one elastic element (11) in the axial direction (X-X) takes place between the floating gripper bracket (39) and the support plate (4) of the brake pad (3); and / or in which said floating calliper bracket (39) comprises two opposite tangential seats which receive the side ears (26, 27) of the support plate (4) of the brake pad (3); and / or in which - said floating clamp bracket (39) includes said projection portions or tangential recess (41, 42) for the attachment of said tangential coupling portion (15) of the elastic element (11).