Disc brake for a commercial vehicle and brake pad set

Abstract

A resetting device by which a brake caliper can be reset after a braking-induced displacement and release of a brake. The resetting device has a spreading device which has resilient spreading elements. The spreading device is arranged in a central opening of the brake caliper. The spreading elements engage, outside the friction pads, directly or indirectly on one side at at least two abutment regions arranged spaced apart from one another relative to the center, of the brake pads, where the abutment regions have one abutment surface and one bearing surface on which the spreading elements are movably arranged. The spreading device has spring arms, of which in each case two lie against an associated pad carrier plate, where the spring arms are connected to one another in the central region of the opening. The spring arms are connected to a retaining bow which is attached to a brake carrier.

Claims

1. A resetting device for a disc brake of a commercial vehicle, comprising: a spreading device which is engageable on opposite brake pads of the disc brake and which has resilient spreading elements which are engageable on respective pad carrier plates of the disc brake; wherein the spreading device is arrangeable in a central opening of a brake caliper of the brake disc; wherein the spreading device has spring arms; wherein the spring arms are connected to a retaining bow which is attachable to a brake carrier of the disc brake; and wherein each spring arm is formed, at an end, with a fork-shaped spring end such that a support limb and a thrust-imparting limb are formed.

2. The resetting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining bow is attachable to two mutually oppositely situated stirrups which are connected to the brake carrier.

3. The resetting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retaining bow is of C-shaped form with two mutually oppositely situated end limbs and with a center limb.

4. The resetting device as claimed in claim 3, wherein the end limbs have in each case one lug into which pegs of the brake carrier horns are insertable.

5. The resetting device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the spring arms and/or the retaining bow are/is supportable in a radial direction on the brake carrier.

6. A resetting device for a disc brake of a commercial vehicle, comprising: a spreading device which is engageable on opposite brake pads of the disc brake and which has resilient spreading elements which are engageable on respective pad carrier plates of the disc brake; wherein the spreading device is arrangeable in a central opening of a brake caliper of the brake disc; wherein the spreading device has spring arms; wherein the spring arms are connected to a retaining bow which is attachable to a brake carrier of the disc brake; and wherein each spring arm is formed, at an end, with a spring end with a fastening section which, in its longitudinal direction, is formed with an elongated hole which is a guide section for the spring end of the spreading device.

7. The resetting device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining bow is attachable to two mutually oppositely situated stirrups which are connected to the brake carrier.

8. The resetting device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the retaining bow is of C-shaped form with two mutually oppositely situated end limbs and with a center limb.

9. The resetting device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the end limbs have in each case one lug into which pegs of the brake carrier horns are insertable.

10. The resetting device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spring arms and/or the retaining bow are/is supportable in a radial direction on the brake carrier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIGS. 1 and 2 show in each case a detail of a disc brake according to the invention in a perspective plan view;

(2) FIG. 1A shows an enlarged schematic partially sectional illustration of the disc brake as per FIG. 1;

(3) FIGS. 3-7 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention on the basis of a detail of the disc brake, in each case likewise in a diagrammatic illustration;

(4) FIGS. 8-28 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention, in each case as a detail of the disc brake in a perspective view;

(5) FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of the disc brake;

(6) FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a yet further exemplary embodiment of the disc brake;

(7) FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the spreading device of the exemplary embodiment of the disc brake as per FIG. 30;

(8) FIGS. 32-33 shows enlarged detail illustrations of the spreading device as per FIG. 31;

(9) FIGS. 34-41 show further exemplary embodiments of the invention, in each case as a detail of the disc brake; and

(10) FIGS. 42-44 show views of a yet further exemplary embodiment of the disc brake having a spreading device with additional resetting elements.

(11) The expressions “top”, “bottom”, “left”, “right” relate to the respective arrangements in the figures.

(12) A “top side” and a “bottom side” of a brake pad 3 or of a pad carrier plate 4 always relate to the installation situation of the brake pad 3. Here, the bottom side of the brake pad 3 is situated closer in a radial direction to a brake disc axis of rotation 2a than the top side of said brake pad 3, as can be clearly seen for example from FIG. 3.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(13) FIG. 1 shows a part of a disc brake 100 for a commercial vehicle, having a brake caliper 1 which engages over a brake disc 2. The brake disc 2 has a brake disc axis of rotation 2a (see FIG. 29). The brake caliper 1 is attached, displaceably relative to the brake disc 2 axially in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, to a brake carrier 6, for which purpose the brake caliper 1 is mounted on guide beams (not illustrated) which are connected to the brake carrier 6 which is held in positionally static fashion on the vehicle.

(14) The brake caliper 1 comprises an application section 1a, a caliper rear section 1b and two tension struts 1c. The application section 1a runs with one side parallel to the plane of the brake disc 2 on one side of the brake disc 2. The caliper rear section 1b is arranged on the other side of the brake disc 2, likewise so as to run parallel to the brake disc 2. The caliper rear section 1b is connected to the application section 1a at in each case one end by way of in each case one tension strut 1c. Here, the tension struts 1c run substantially at right angles to the application section 1a and to the caliper rear section 1b.

(15) The application section 1a has an interior space in which an application device (not shown) of the disc brake 100 is arranged. An opening of the interior space points toward the brake disc 2 and is closed off by means of a plate, which is referred to as base plate 1e (see FIG. 29).

(16) In this arrangement, the application section 1a, the caliper rear section 1b and the tension struts 1c define, between them, a central opening 41 which extends over the brake disc 2. The opening 41 has an imaginary longitudinal central line which lies in the plane of the brake disc 2 and which connects the imaginary centers of the tension struts 1c. Furthermore, the opening 41 has a further imaginary transverse central line which connects an imaginary center of the application section 1a to an imaginary center of the caliper rear section 1b. The longitudinal central line and the transverse central line intersect at an imaginary center point, which in this case is referred to as the virtual center of the opening 41.

(17) In the brake carrier 6 there are arranged brake pads 3 which, during a braking operation, can be pressed against the brake disc 2 at both sides. Here, each brake pad 3 has a pad carrier plate 4 and a friction pad 5 fastened to said pad carrier plate on the side facing toward the brake disc 2, which friction pad is, during the functional operation thereof, that is to say during a braking operation, pressed against the brake disc 2.

(18) The brake pads 3 are accessible, for an exchange and for maintenance, through the central opening 41. Said brake pads can, through said central opening 41, be inserted into their associated pad slots and removed from said pad slots again. The pad slots are defined in each case laterally by brake carrier horns 25 (see FIG. 8).

(19) Braking is performed by way of the application device arranged in a receiving space in the application section 1a of the brake caliper 1, which application device has a brake lever which is positioned in a dome 23 of the brake caliper 1. The associated brake pad 3, referred to as action-side or application-side brake pad, is the first to make contact with the brake disc 2 during a braking operation. During the further course of the braking operation, reaction forces that occur cause the brake caliper 1 to be displaced in the opposite direction, driving the reaction-side brake pad 3 along until the latter likewise comes into frictional contact with the brake disc 2.

(20) After a release of the brake, the two mutually oppositely situated brake pads 3 are, by way of a resetting device, released from the brake disc 2 to such an extent that said brake disc runs freely relative to the brake pads 3.

(21) The resetting device is composed of at least one spreading device 8, which engages on the mutually oppositely situated brake pads 4, correspondingly to the invention, so as to act equally counter to the application direction.

(22) In the example shown in FIG. 1, the spreading device 8 is composed of two flat springs 9 which are of mirror-symmetrical form but otherwise identical and which are retained on a pad retaining spring 7 of the respective pad carrier plate 4, for which purpose, on each flat spring 9, there is integrally formed a lug 11 which engages in positively locking fashion into a slot 10 of the pad retaining spring 7.

(23) For this purpose, FIG. 1a illustrates an enlarged schematic partially sectional illustration of the disc brake 100 as per FIG. 1. The section runs through a plane which is vertical in relation to FIG. 1 and which runs through the brake disc axis of rotation 2a.

(24) That part of the flat spring 9 which is in contact with the pad carrier plate 4 is situated in a central section of the flat spring 9, and in this case is referred to as thrust section 11a. The thrust section 11a is extended upward by the lug 11. In this example, the thrust section 11a lies against a clip element 7a which is attached, for the retention of the pad spring 7, to the pad carrier plate 4 in the central upper region thereof. A section of the clip element 7a extends through the slot 10 of the pad retaining spring 7. Said slot 10 is thus already provided and can be used for the positively locking engagement of the lug 11 of the flat spring 9.

(25) That section of the clip element 7a whose outer side is in contact with the thrust section 11a of the flat spring 9 lies with its inner side against the pad carrier plate 4. In this way, the thrust force of the thrust section 11a of the flat spring 9 is transmitted to the pad carrier plate 4. These explanations self-evidently also apply to the other flat spring 9.

(26) Furthermore, FIG. 1a shows a pad retaining stirrup 28 (see also FIG. 8) which is arranged, over the brake pads 3, between the application section 1a and the caliper rear section 1b in the transverse direction of the opening 41 or in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 1a and which is fastened to said application section and caliper rear section. Here, the pad retaining stirrup 28 presses, by way of sections of its bottom side, against the clip elements 7a and thus against the pad retaining springs 7, whereby the brake pads 3 are held in their pad slots.

(27) At the ends, the respective flat spring 9 is held in axially secured fashion on a stirrup 12 which is fastened to the brake carrier 6, wherein the two flat springs 9 are arranged spaced apart from one another. For an axial securing action, securing means 13 are provided on the stirrup 12 so as to clamp the respective end of the flat spring 9 between them.

(28) During an application movement of the brake pads 3, the flat springs 9 are correspondingly deformed, with a spring stress being built up, such that, after a release of the braking action, the brake pads 3 are pushed uniformly out of their braking position by the spring force that is provided.

(29) FIG. 2 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, in which the spreading device 8 is formed in each case from a spring stirrup 14, composed preferably of spring wire. Here, a spring stirrup 14 of said type is pivotably fixedly held on each end region of the pad carrier plate 4 on the side facing toward the pad retaining springs 7, for which purpose there is arranged on the pad carrier plate 4 a bracket 15 in which the ends of the spring stirrup 14 are, as viewed radially with respect to the brake disc 2, held rotatably so as to be offset relative to one another.

(30) In FIG. 2, the bracket 15 comprises, for each end of the spring stirrup 14, a rectangular mount section 151, 152, which mount sections are connected by way of a connection 150 such that the mount section 151 protrudes upward from the connection 150 and the mount section 152 protrudes downward.

(31) The bracket 15 may for example be formed in one piece with the pad carrier plate 4, for example by mechanical machining. It is also possible for the bracket 15 to be fastened to the pad carrier plate 4.

(32) The bracket 15 may also be, for example, a rectangular plate such as will be described in more detail further below (FIG. 24).

(33) A spring stirrup 14 lies against in each case one associated brake carrier horn of the brake carrier 6, specifically on the side situated opposite the brake disc 2, such that, during an application movement of the brake pads 3, the spring stirrups 14 deform under stress. In the event of a release of the brake, the brake pads 3 are pushed back counter to their application direction by the spring force of the spring stirrups 14, similarly to the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 1.

(34) FIG. 3 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment of the spreading device 8, wherein here, the brake caliper has not been shown.

(35) Said spreading device 8 is composed of two leaf springs 17 which are attached in each case stirrups 12 fastened to opposite sides of the brake carrier 6, each of which leaf springs carries, on the free ends thereof facing toward one another, two scissor elements 16, of which one is pivotably fastened to the action-side brake pad 3 and the other is pivotably fastened to the reaction-side brake pad 3.

(36) The spring force to be imparted for the spreading action is, in this design variant, realized by way of the leaf springs 17, which arch radially outward during the application movement of the brake pads 3, and which straighten, during the release of the brake, correspondingly to the spring action, with the attached scissor elements 16 simultaneously being straightened and the brake pads 3 simultaneously being spread apart.

(37) FIG. 4 illustrates a further variant of the spreading device 8, which has two criss-crossing spring limbs 18 which are fastened articulately to a retaining bow 21. Said retaining bow is, similarly to the fastening of the leaf springs 17 to the brake carrier 6, likewise retained on stirrups 12 which are connected thereto, which extends centrally over the brake disc 2, in relation to the thickness thereof, over a part of the circumference. The retaining bow is not the pad retaining stirrup 28.

(38) The curved ends of the criss-crossing spring limbs 18 lie in each case against an abutment 19 of the pad carrier plate 4, such that said scissor-like construction spread in the event of an application movement of the brake, that is to say in the event of a movement of the brake pads 3 axially toward one another. Here, the spring limbs 18 are fastened to the retaining bow 21, such that the spring limbs 18 are preloaded during the application movement of the brake pads 3, and the brake pads 3 are spread apart from one another by said preload after a release of the brake.

(39) FIG. 5 illustrates a spreading device 8 which is composed of two identical spring arms 20 which are connected to one another in the central region in the longitudinal direction of the opening 41 and likewise to a retaining bow 21 which is fastened to the brake carrier 6 by way of stirrups 12.

(40) Here, the spring arms 20 lie against two mutually oppositely situated end regions of the pad carrier plate 4, specifically in an edge region that protrudes at the top side. The ends of the spring arms 20 are likewise curved, such that sliding on the pad carrier plate surface during the application and release of the brake is possible without problems. In this case, too, spreading of the brake pads 3 after a release of the brake is possible by way of the preload that is generated during the application movement.

(41) In FIG. 6, each spreading device 8 is composed of an abutment limb 22 which is connected rotatably to the stirrup 12 and which is formed in loop-shaped form from a spring wire and which likewise, like the spring arms 20 as per FIG. 5, lies against the edge region of the respectively associated pad carrier plate 4, wherein the two resilient abutment limbs 22 of each side lie against those sides of the pad carrier plates 4 which face toward one another.

(42) Finally, FIG. 7 illustrates a further variant of the invention, which is substantially similar to the embodiment as per FIG. 1. In this case, too, the flat spring 9 assigned to in each case one brake pad 3 engages centrally on the pad carrier plate 4, preferably on an abutment 19, wherein, for this purpose, the flat spring 9 is equipped with a turned-out abutment stirrup 24.

(43) For the central adjustment of both flat springs 9 in relation to the brake disc 2, the flat springs 9 are fastened in axially displaceable fashion to the two mutually oppositely situated stirrups 12.

(44) In the example shown in FIG. 8, the retaining bow 21 is of C-shaped form, having a center limb 26 which is arranged centrally in relation to the thickness of the brake disc 2 and which extends in the circumferential direction of said brake disc and which is adjoined at both sides by in each case one angled end limb 27.

(45) In FIG. 9, which shows a detail of a complete disc brake 100, whereas FIG. 8 shows merely the brake carrier 6 with the inserted brake pads 3, it can be clearly seen, as in FIG. 10, that the end limbs 27 are equipped, on the sides facing toward one another, with lugs 29, on which there are held pegs 30 which engage into bores 25a (see FIG. 26) of the brake carrier horns 25.

(46) Here, the retaining bow 21 thus forms a centering device for the brake caliper 1, as the brake carrier 6, to which the retaining bow 21 is fastened, forms a positionally static part which is mounted so as to be displaceable relative to the brake caliper 1, such that, after a release of the brake and a spreading movement of the spreading device 8, that is to say after the brake pads 3 have been pushed apart, the brake caliper 1 is guided into a centered position.

(47) FIG. 10 furthermore shows the brake pads 3 with the spreading device 8 and the retaining bow 21 on their own.

(48) In FIGS. 8 and 9, it can also be seen that a pad retaining stirrup 28 that is held on the brake caliper 1 is supported on the pad retaining springs 7 of the brake pads 3, and holds down and braces the retaining bow 21.

(49) As can be seen from FIG. 10, the spring arms 20 of the spreading device 8 are fixedly connected to one another in the central region, correspondingly to FIG. 5.

(50) It can also be seen in FIGS. 9 and 10 that the spring arms 20 have, in each case at their free end, support limbs 31 which are supported on those edges of the pad carrier plates 4 which are assigned to the pad retaining springs 7, by means of which support limbs the spring arms 20 are prevented from departing from their position of abutment against the respective pad carrier plate 4 in the event of vibration movements during driving operation. Here, the support limbs 31 are braced between the pad retaining springs 7 and the associated pad carrier plate 4, wherein the pad carrier plate 4 has a cutout (not illustrated) through which the respective support limb 31 is guided. Tilting of the spring arms 20 is thus prevented.

(51) This can be seen in an enlarged illustration in FIG. 11, which furthermore shows a thrust-imparting limb 32, integrally formed in curved fashion on the spring arm 20, of a spring end 300, which thrust-imparting limb lies against that edge surface of the pad carrier plate 4 which faces toward the friction pad 5, and which thrust-imparting limb, as stated above, forms a tilting prevention means. Moreover, the friction pad 5 is prevented from striking the spring arm 20. Here, the support limb 31, which lies on a narrow side, facing away from the brake carrier 6, of the pad carrier plate 4, and the thrust-imparting limb 32 form the prongs of a fork with a slot 301 as which the spring end 300 of the spring arm 20 is formed. As already mentioned, the spring end 300 of the spring arm 20 in the abutment region with the pad carrier plate 4, that is to say the thrust-imparting limb 32, is convexly curved in the direction of the pad carrier plate 4, in order to thereby ensure obstruction-free sliding on the pad carrier plate 4.

(52) The support limb 31 of the spring end 300 lies by way of a bearing section 31a of its bottom side, facing toward the slot 301, on a bearing surface 305 of the top side of the pad carrier plate 4. The thrust-imparting limb 32 is in contact by way of an abutment section 32a, which points toward the pad carrier plate 4, with an abutment surface 303 of the pad carrier plate 4. The abutment surface 303 is situated on that side of the pad carrier plate 4 to which the friction pad 5 is applied. Here, the abutment surface 303 is arranged above the friction pad 5 in an end region of the pad carrier plate 4.

(53) The bearing surface 305 on the top side of the pad carrier plate 4 may be arranged at an angle 306 with respect to an imaginary horizontal, said angle having a magnitude in a range of for example 5 to 15°.

(54) The bearing surface 305 forms a guide for the support limb 31 of the spring end 300 of the spring arm 20 during the movements thereof in movement directions 302 (for example owing to wear compensation) and an abutment for said support limb in a direction toward the top side of the pad carrier plate 4.

(55) Furthermore, the contact between the abutment surface 305 of the pad carrier plate 4 and the support limb 31 of the spring end 300 of the spring arm 20 forms a spring-loading means for the brake pad 3 in a radial direction. Furthermore, the pad carrier plate 4 and thus the brake pad 3 are pushed downward into their pad slot, and spring-loaded, as a result of said points of contact with the support limbs 31 of the spring ends 300. If the spreading device 8 is fixed for example as shown in FIG. 1a by the pad retaining stirrup 28, it is also possible under some circumstances for the brake pads 3 to be formed without pad retaining springs 7.

(56) The abutment surface 303 forms a guide for the thrust-imparting limb 32 of the spring end 300 of the spring arm 20 during the movements thereof in movement directions 302 (for example in the event of wear compensation) and an abutment for said thrust-imparting limb in a direction toward the pad carrier plate 4 parallel to a brake disc axis of rotation 2a.

(57) In an embodiment which is not shown, the abutment surface 303 may protrude from the pad carrier plate 4 or may be formed into the pad carrier plate 4, for example as a groove.

(58) The abutment surface 303 and the bearing surface 305 may, as guide surfaces, be provided with a particular surface treatment, for example by grinding, such that they have a low friction resistance.

(59) It is also possible for a projection 304 to be provided which protrudes from the pad carrier plate 4 toward the spring end 300 into the slot 301. In this way, the projection forms an additional guide for the spring end 300.

(60) FIG. 12 shows an enlarged detail of the retaining bow 21 in the region of attachment to the brake carrier horn 25, wherein the lug 29 lies on a planar face side of the brake carrier horn 25. The peg 30 may be in the form of a rivet and plugged into a bore 25a (see FIG. 26) of the brake carrier horn 25. It is also possible for the peg 30 to be integrally formed on the brake carrier horn 25, or to have already been fixedly inserted as a separate component.

(61) FIG. 13 shows the spreading device 8 as per FIGS. 8-13 as a detail. Here, at the free ends of the spring arms 20, respective spring ends 300 are formed as bent thrust-imparting limbs 32. The thrust-imparting limbs 32 each have the abutment section 32a already indicated above in FIG. 11. Furthermore, the thrust-imparting limbs 32 are in this case equipped, on their bottom sides, with a respective bearing section 32b which, for bearing contact as will be discussed in more detail below, is provided with a suitable surface condition with a low coefficient of friction.

(62) FIG. 13a shows, in this regard, an enlarged detail view of the end region of a pad carrier plate 4 of a brake pad 3 together with a thrust-imparting limb 32 of said type. The brake pad 3 has been inserted in its pad slot between two brake carrier horns 25, of which only one is illustrated here. As described above in conjunction with FIG. 12, an end limb 27 of the retaining bow 21 has been attached to said brake carrier horn 25.

(63) The end region of the pad carrier plate 4 is in this case equipped with a support section 44 which is formed into the pad carrier plate 4, for example by mechanical machining. The support section 44 has an abutment surface 45 and a bearing surface 46. The tolerance situation can also be considerably improved by means of this mechanical machining. Accordingly, the spacings of the center of the brake disc 2 or center limb and engagement surface on the pad carrier plate 4/brake caliper 1 at the application side or thrust piece side can be kept very constant.

(64) The abutment surface 45 runs parallel to, and so as to be offset with respect to, that side surface of the pad carrier plate 4 which is equipped with the friction pad 5, wherein the abutment surface 45 is spaced apart from said side surface in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, that is to say axially, by an axial depth of the abutment surface 46.

(65) The thrust-imparting limb 32 is arranged in the support section 44 and is in contact, by way of its abutment section 32a, with the abutment surface 45. At the same time, the thrust-imparting limb 32 lies by way of its bearing section 32b on the bearing surface 46. The thrust-imparting limb 32 is thus, during its movement, guided by the support section 44 as a result of its contact therewith. The abutment surface 45 and the bearing surface 46 may, by way of machining, be provided with particular friction characteristics for said movement.

(66) Furthermore, the pad carrier plate 4 and thus the brake pad 3 are pushed downward into their pad slot, and spring-loaded, as a result of said points of contact with the thrust-imparting limbs 32 of the spring ends 300. If the spreading device 8 is fixed for example as shown in FIG. 1a by the pad retaining stirrup 28, it is also possible under some circumstances for the brake pads 3 to be formed without pad retaining springs 7.

(67) Whereas FIG. 14 shows a detail of the attachment region of the retaining bow 21 on the brake carrier horn 25 in an enlarged view. Here, as a tilting prevention means, a retaining plate 40 is provided which is fastened to the center limb 26 and against which the pad retaining stirrup 28 lies.

(68) By contrast to the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 13, the lug 29 is not angled relative to the end limb 27 but rather is formed by said end limb so as to have the same profile, by way of corresponding shaping of the retaining bow 21.

(69) A similar design variant to this is illustrated in FIG. 15, in which, however, the securing of the end limb 27 or of the lug 29 is realized by way of a nut 33 which is screwed onto a threaded peg of the brake carrier horn 25 and which holds the lug 29 on the brake carrier horn 25.

(70) In FIG. 16, a support lug 34 is angled oppositely to the end limb 27 of the retaining bow 21, which support lug lies on the face side of the associated brake carrier horn 25 and, similarly to the support limb 31 as per FIG. 11, forms a radial securing means for the retaining bow 21 and thus for the spreading device 8.

(71) A further variant of the fastening of the retaining bow 21 to the brake carrier horn 25 can be seen in FIG. 17, which illustrates an enlarged detail of the corresponding region of the brake carrier 6.

(72) Here, in this case, the end limb 27 is, at the end side, angled so as to be approximately parallel to the center limb 36 and is plugged onto the peg 30 that is fastened in the brake carrier horn 25.

(73) FIG. 18 illustrates a design variant of the spreading device 8 in which the spring arms 20, of which the end section of a spring arm 20 is illustrated, performs both the function of the retaining bow 21 and the spreading function.

(74) For this purpose, the spring arm 20 is, in its end region, split in the longitudinal direction, with a spring web 38 and an attachment web 37 being formed. Here, the spring web 38, which is equipped with an angled lug 39 integrally formed on the end side, performs the spreading function, that is to say is, during the braking-induced displacement of the brake pad 3, braced counter to the spring force, and, after the release of the brake, forces the brake pad 3 into its end position, wherein the angled lug lies against the pad carrier plate 4 both in the bracing direction and in the radial direction, that is to say lies against the upper edge of the pad carrier plate 4.

(75) Similarly to the embodiment as per FIG. 11, the angled lug 39 is divided into two different limbs and has a support limb 39a and a thrust-imparting limb 39b lying at right angles to said support limb. In this example, the support limb 39a and the thrust-imparting limb 39b are however formed not separately but rather so as to be connected together in the form of the angled lug 39. The support limb 39a is in contact, in a radial direction with respect to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, with the bearing surface 46, wherein the thrust-imparting limb 39b is in contact, in an axial direction parallel to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, with the abutment surface 45.

(76) By contrast, the attachment web 37 is equipped, on the end, with a lug 29 which has a peg 30, wherein the peg 30 is plugged into a bore 25a (see FIG. 26) of the brake carrier horn 25 in order, as described, to permit centering of the brake caliper 1 after a braking process.

(77) FIG. 19 shows the central region of a further exemplary embodiment of the spreading device 8, in which the spring arms 20 are formed from two criss-crossing individual springs which are fixedly connected to one another in the central region. Here, a spring arm 20 of one individual spring lies against one pad carrier plate 4 and the other spring arm of said individual spring lies against the other, opposite pad carrier plate 4, with a similar situation applying to the spring arms 20 of the other individual spring.

(78) A fastening of the stirrup 12 similar to FIG. 5 is illustrated in FIG. 20. Here, however, the securing means 13 for the retention of the retaining bow 21 has been dispensed with. Instead, the retaining bow 21 is held in axially secured fashion on the stirrup 12 in particular by way of frictional engagement, though conceivably also by way of a positively locking action. Furthermore, the stirrup 12 is plugged into bores 25a of the mutually oppositely situated brake carrier horns 25.

(79) A construction that differs from this can be seen in FIG. 21, which shows an enlarged detail of a fastening of the retaining bow 21.

(80) Here, the stirrup 12 is in the form of a straightened bar and is fastened at the end to the retaining bow 21, the end limb 27 of which adjoins the center limb 26 in an aligned manner, wherein the end limb 27 has a fork-shaped end which engages over a pin 35 which is recessed into the brake carrier horn 25.

(81) In FIG. 22, likewise an enlarged detail in the region of a brake carrier horn 25, it can be seen that a spring arm 20 of the spreading device 8 is adjoined by a support lug 34 which lies against a support surface 36 of the brake carrier horn 25 and which is supported both in a radial direction with respect to the brake disc 2 and in an axial direction with respect thereto.

(82) Similarly to the embodiment as per FIG. 2, FIGS. 23 and 24 each illustrate a design variant of the spreading device 8 which is composed of a spring stirrup 14 and an abutment limb 22, which are both inserted, at the end by way of in each case one fastening end 14a, 22a, into the bracket 15, wherein the latter is fastened to the pad carrier plate 4.

(83) Here, the spring stirrup 14 and the abutment limb 22 are fastened, offset with respect to one another and on opposite sides, to the bracket 15 and are supported at the other side on the brake carrier 6, specifically below the pad carrier plate 4 in the example shown in FIG. 23 and on the brake carrier horn 25 in the example shown in FIG. 24.

(84) The bracket 15 is in the form of an elongate rectangular plate with two longitudinal sides 15a, 15b. Here, two diagonally opposite ends are rounded. The fastening end 14a of the spring stirrup 14 is connected to the bracket 15 eccentrically to the right at the top narrow longitudinal side 15a shown in FIG. 24, whereas the fastening end 22a of the abutment limb 22 is connected to the bracket 15 eccentrically to the left at the bottom, other narrow longitudinal side 15b.

(85) The other ends of the spring stirrup 14 and of the abutment limb 22 run obliquely toward one another and are fixedly connected by a connecting bend 220.

(86) The plate of the bracket 15 is in this case equipped with two fastening holes 15c for fastening purposes, for example by way of screws or rivets.

(87) FIG. 25 shows a further exemplary embodiment which is of similar construction to that described in FIGS. 8 to 11, but with some differences.

(88) The retaining bow 21 and the spring arms 20 are in this case formed in one piece, for example as a punched and bent part, and are fixedly connected in a central region by a common base section 42. The base section 42 lies in the virtual center of the opening 41 and in a plane which runs tangentially with respect to the brake disc 2.

(89) From said base section 42, the center limbs 26 of the retaining bow 21 extend to both sides in a downwardly bent manner over the brake disc 2, as shown in the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 4, as flat strip sections almost as far as the tension struts 1c which laterally delimit the opening 41. At these points, the two center limbs 26 are bent toward the application section 1a of the brake caliper 1 and transition in each case into an end limb 27.

(90) Each end limb 27 has the lug 29 with the peg 30, similarly to the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 8, but with the difference that the lug 29 is not of widened form. Each end limb 27 runs with its lug 29 in a plane such that the lug 29 lies on the associated brake carrier horn 25. Here, the peg 30 is received in a bore 25a (similarly to the situation shown in FIG. 26) and is fastened to the brake carrier horn 25. This self-evidently applies to both sides and to both brake carrier horns 25.

(91) Furthermore, the base section 42 has, on its two longitudinal sides, in each case one connecting section 43 bent downward through approximately 90° toward the brake disc 2. Each connecting section 43 connects, on each longitudinal side of the base section 42, in each case two spring arms 20 to the base section 42 parallel to the imaginary longitudinal central line of the opening 41, such that an arrangement similar to that in FIG. 8 is obtained. Here, each connecting section 43 lies in a respective plane which is arranged at approximately 90° with respect to the plane of the base section 42 and which runs substantially parallel to the plane of the brake disc 2.

(92) The spring ends 300 of the spring arms 20 are designed as illustrated and described in the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 8 and in FIG. 11.

(93) FIG. 26 illustrates a further exemplary embodiment, in which the retaining bow 21 is of wire-like form and has, for example, a circular cross section.

(94) The retaining bow 21 comprises a central section 26a in a central region of the opening 41. The central section 26a is adjoined, on each side, by a center section 26 which runs in each case in an arc in the direction of the application section 1a through an end limb 27 to the respective brake carrier horn 25. Each end limb 27 is then bent downward through approximately 90° into in each case one fastening section 27a. Each fastening section 27a is fastened in a bore 25a of each brake carrier horn 25 of the pad slot of the action-side brake pad 3 and thus realizes the retention of the retaining bow 21 with the spreading device 8 in the brake carrier 6.

(95) Here, the spring arms 20 are connected in each case in pairwise fashion by a connecting section 200 not in the longitudinal direction of the opening 41 but in the transverse direction of the opening 41. Each connecting section 200 is widened in a downward radial direction toward the brake disc axis of rotation 2a and has a recess 201. Each recess 201 communicates with the outer contour of the retaining bow 21 and, here, has a semi-circular cross section which is upwardly open for the purposes of receiving the retaining bow 21. The connecting section 200 of the spring arms 20 thus arranged in pairwise fashion are arranged with a spacing 203 on the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21, wherein the center of the central section 26a is assigned to the virtual center of the opening 41 and forms the center of the spacing 203. A dimension of the spacing 203 corresponds in this case to approximately one quarter of the longitudinal extent of the opening 41. The dimension of the spacing 203 may for example lie in a range of 30 to 50% of the longitudinal extent of the opening 41 either symmetrically with respect to the virtual center of the opening 41 or without a relationship to the virtual center of the opening 41. The spring arms 20 may be connected to the retaining bow 21 for example by welding, pressing or both.

(96) The spring arms 20 and the connecting sections 200 thereof are for example formed in one piece as punched and bent parts composed of spring steel strip.

(97) In the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 27, the retaining bow 21 is designed as in the embodiment as per FIG. 26. Here, however, the spring arms 20 arranged in pairwise fashion in the transverse direction of the opening 41, including their connecting sections 200, are of wire-like form. The connecting sections 200 are bent so as to form receptacles for the retaining bow 21. The spring arms 20 are in each case fixed upwardly by the retaining bow 21, which is in turn pushed downward by the pad retaining stirrup 28. With increasing pad wear, the connecting sections 200 move toward one another in the direction of the center.

(98) The ends of the spring arms 20 are in each case in the form of a downwardly bent fastening section 20a. Each fastening section 20a is received, from the top side, in a receiving hole 4a on each end region of a pad carrier plate 4. In this way, the spreading device 8 transmits its spreading forces between each fastening section 20a in the associated receiving hole 4a to the respective pad carrier plates 4.

(99) FIG. 28 shows an exemplary embodiment in which the retaining bow 21 is, as in the embodiments as per FIGS. 26 and 27, of C-shaped form. The spring arms 20 have spring ends 300 as per FIG. 11. Furthermore, the spring arms 20 are arranged in pairwise fashion in the transverse direction of the opening 41. Each pair of spring arms 20 is connected, at the other ends thereof, by way of a respective hood-type connector 202.

(100) Each hood-type connector 202 has a receiving opening, pointing downwardly toward the brake disc 2, in the longitudinal direction of the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21, which receiving opening communicates with the outer contour of the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21.

(101) The spring arms 20 which are connected in pairwise fashion to in each case one hood-type connector 202 are arranged with their respective hood-type connector 202 on the central section 26a. To fix the two spring arms 20 or spreading elements on the retaining bow 21, in each case two clamps are introduced, which are composed of half-shells and which, offset with respect to one another, clamp the spreading elements to the retaining bow 21. To ensure the spacing 203, weld points are additionally also formed between the components. Furthermore, clamps serve as spacers between the retaining bow 21 and spring arms 20. This is necessary in the embodiment as per FIG. 28 because the hardened spring arm 21 cannot be placed with such a small radius on the retaining bow 21.

(102) FIG. 29 shows a disc brake 100 in a perspective illustration with the brake disc 2 and the brake disc axis of rotation 2a.

(103) A rotation arrow about the brake disc axis of rotation 2a indicates a main direction of rotation for forward travel of a vehicle to which the disc brake 100 is assigned. A run-in side ES and, opposite, a run-out side AS, of the disc brake 100 are defined in relation to the main direction of rotation of the brake disc 2. Accordingly, the brake carrier horns 25 on the run-in side ES are referred to as run-in-side brake carrier horns 25, and those on the run-out side AS are referred to as run-out-side brake carrier horns 25.

(104) In this exemplary embodiment, the spreading device 8 is constructed in substantially the same way as the spreading device 8 of the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 28. A difference in relation to the exemplary embodiment as per FIG. 28 however consists in the fact that, in FIG. 29, the hood-type connectors 202 on both sides of the retaining bow 21 are connected by way of in each case one longitudinal connector 202a. Furthermore, the embodiment has no additional clamps. By contrast a FIG. 28, the spreading device 8 is composed of one part with four spring arms 20.

(105) In preferred embodiments, a length of the spring arms 20, taken together, in the longitudinal direction of the opening 41 corresponds to approximately 60 to 95% of a pad slot length, particularly preferably 70 to 80% of a pad slot length. The pad slot length is to be understood to mean the spacing of the associated brake carrier horns 25.

(106) The spreading device 8 is composed of two spreading elements, which are connected to one another in a longitudinal direction. The two spreading elements are connected to one another centrally (in relation to the brake carrier horns 25). It is thus possible to ensure a spring force which is identical—in a small tolerance range—both on the run-in side and on the run-out side. Different spring forces between run-out side AS and run-in side ES, which can lead to oblique wear, are minimized by way of the unilateral engagement of in each case one spring arm 20 per brake pad. The central web between the two spreading elements may be connected to the retaining bow 21 by means of a weld seam.

(107) A uniform application of force by the spring arms 20 on the action side and on the reaction side, or on the side of the application section 1a (thrust-piece side) and on the side of the caliper rear section 1b (caliper side), can be realized by way of a flexible adjustment of the center web, that is to say of the retaining bow 21. Furthermore, it is possible for slight incorrect geometrical positioning of brake disc 2, friction pad 5 and pad carrier plate 4 to be compensated by way of the flexible center web.

(108) By way of the center web, it is possible for the spreading device 8 as an active resetting device (ACR) to be easily positioned and held down by the pad retaining stirrup 28. It is advantageously possible, during a pad change, for the spreading device 8 to be easily removed and also exchanged.

(109) Through the utilization of the entire pad slot length between the brake carrier horns 25, it is possible for use to be made of spreading elements or spring arms 20 with a relatively low spring rate in order to impart substantially constant forces in the event of pad wear. Owing to the long spring travels, the spring arms 20 can be tolerant with regard to spring forces. The spring travels lead to a constant spring rate with low tolerances.

(110) In one design variant, use may be made of only two springs.

(111) The spreading elements, that is to say the spring arms 20, may be formed from inexpensive and geometrically flexible metal sheets.

(112) As a result of the offset with different centers of rotation, it is possible to replicate a relatively low spring rate (see FIGS. 2, 23 and 24). It is advantageously the case that only a small number of windings is required.

(113) FIG. 30 shows a perspective view of a yet further exemplary embodiment of the disc brake 100. FIG. 31 shows a perspective view of the spreading device 8 of the exemplary embodiment of the disc brake 100 as per FIG. 30. FIGS. 32 and 33 illustrate enlarged detail illustrations of the spreading device 8 as per FIG. 31.

(114) This further exemplary embodiment is of similar construction to the exemplary embodiment of the disc brake 100 as per FIGS. 28 and 29. It is therefore sought to discuss only the differences.

(115) The spreading device 8 is in this case equipped with elongate fastening sections 20a on the spring ends 300 of the spring arms 20. Said fastening sections 20a are formed, in their respective longitudinal direction, with an elongated hole 48 which serves as a guide section for the spring ends 300 of the spreading device 8.

(116) In the assembled state of the disc brake 100, the fastening sections 20a interact, by way of their elongated holes 48, in each case with a pin 47, as can be clearly seen for example in FIG. 32. Here, the outer surface of the pin 47 has an abutment surface of the pad carrier plate 4. A pin 47 is fixedly connected to the pad carrier plate 4, for example inserted into a bore, at each end of a pad carrier plate 4. Here, an end, protruding from the pad carrier plate 4, of the pin 47 extends through the associated elongated hole 48 of the respective spring end 300 of the spreading device 8. Central axes of the pins 47 run parallel to one another and perpendicular to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a. The elongated holes 48 permit relative movements between the spring arms 20 of the spreading device 8 and the brake pads 3, which move in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a. The spring forces of the spring arms 20 make it possible for the brake pads 3 to be released from the brake disc 2 and reset after a braking operation, as already described above. The bore for the pin 47 is in turn arranged very exactly relative to the center of the brake disc 2. The above remarks regarding tolerances in conjunction with FIG. 13a also apply in this regard.

(117) Here, the fastening sections 20a lie in each case on a bearing surface 4c of the respective pad carrier plate 4. The bearing surfaces 4c run tangentially with respect to the brake disc 2 and, in the case of each brake pad 3, lie in a plane.

(118) The design of the spreading device 8 is illustrated in FIG. 31.

(119) The spreading device 8 comprises two spreading elements with in each case two spring arms 20, a clamp and the retaining bow 21.

(120) The hood-type connectors 202 are connected on both sides in each case to a connecting section 20b which forms in each case an extension of the spring arms 20, and said hood-type connectors are bent into a sleeve-shaped form around the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21. In this way, each hood-type connector 202 together with the two associated spring arms 20 is mounted rotatably on the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21, wherein the spring arms 20 are connected to one another by means of the hood-type connector 202.

(121) The clamp has a central web, which is referred to here as longitudinal connector 202a, four bent-over lugs as securing elements 26c, and four hold-down means as widened portions 26b, which are intended to push the spring arms 20 onto the pad carrier plates 4.

(122) The widened portions 26b lie, in each case at both sides at the transition of the central section 26a to the center limb 26 of the retaining bow 21, on the connecting sections 20b of the spring arms 20. In this way, the widened portions 26b prevent a lift-off of the hood-type connectors 202 from the central section 26a. At the same time, the widened portions 26b form an axial stop for the hood-type connectors 202, with the spring arms 20 fastened thereto, in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the central section 26a outward, that is to say in each case outward from the center of the opening 41 toward the tension struts 1c (see FIGS. 30 and 33).

(123) The respective two connecting sections 20b of the spring arms 20 point with their free ends toward the center of the opening 41 and are in each case connected in their end regions to the securing element 26c. The securing element 26c is composed of in each case two bent-over lugs which are fixed in each case with one end in a groove 26d in each case one end region of the connecting sections 20b. In this way, the securing elements 26c serve to further secure the hood-type connector 202 against release from the central section 26a.

(124) By contrast to the embodiment as per FIG. 30, only one clamp is required here instead of four clamps. The bracing of the spreading elements is ensured by means of the bent-over lugs as securing elements 26c of the clamp, which are bent over during the installation process and engage into the groove 26d. The spreading element is thus secured such that it does not slip in the direction of the center and tilt toward the pad carrier plate 4.

(125) By virtue of the fact that the center web (longitudinal connector 202a) of the clamp is furthermore of continuous form, the clamp can also no longer slip axially on the retaining bow 21. It is thus possible to dispense with weld seams or further fixing means. The clamp additionally also serves again as a spacer (see FIG. 28).

(126) FIG. 34 shows a perspective view of a further spreading device 8. FIG. 35 shows an associated pad carrier plate 4 in a view of its pad side 4b. FIG. 36 illustrates an enlarged view of a thrust-imparting limb 32 with a contour 50.

(127) The embodiment of the further spreading device 8 is similar to the embodiment as per FIG. 5 and FIG. 13. By contrast thereto, the spring ends 300 of the spring arms 20 in this case have in each case one thrust-imparting limb 32 with a guide opening 32c. The guide openings 32c respectively interact with a contour 50 which, in this case, is formed as a cylindrical projection in the form of a peg 51.

(128) The contour 50 is also referred to as interference contour and is for example molded as a peg 51 onto the pad side 4b of the pad carrier plate 4. Required casting radii 51a may in this case run so as to be offset into the pad carrier plate 4. The peg 51 protrudes from the pad side 4b in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a. In each case one peg 51 is provided at each corner, that is to say between a projection 49 for the retention of the pad retaining spring 7 and a side edge. The abutment surface 45 is arranged around each peg 51.

(129) The thrust-imparting limbs 32 are, during the installation process, mounted with their guide sections 32c over the respective interference contour 50. Here, each peg 51 extends through the associated guide section 32c of the thrust-imparting limb 32. The thrust-imparting limbs 32 are in contact, by way of their abutment sections 32a, with the respective abutment surface 45 of the pad carrier plate 4.

(130) In this way, during actuation of the disc brake 100, each guide section 32c can, with the thrust-imparting section 32, move laterally with respect to the peg 51, wherein the guide sections 32c thus guide each spring arm 20 in a radial direction. However, in a radial direction, slipping of the spring arms 20 is prevented by means of positive locking in both radial directions. Thus, vibrations and other disruptive influences cannot impair the function of the system.

(131) The guide sections 32c are formed as elongated holes, wherein the elongated holes are preferably of involute form.

(132) The contour 50 may also be of a form other than an interference contour. FIG. 37 thus shows a perspective view of a variant of the spreading device 8 as per FIG. 34. FIG. 38 shows an enlarged view of the thrust-imparting limb 32 with the contour 50, which in this variant is formed as a prismatic projection 52 with a rectangular outline.

(133) In FIGS. 34 to 38, the contour 50 is formed in an axial direction, that is to say the contour 50 protrudes from the pad carrier plate 4 in a direction parallel to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a. It is also possible for the contour 50 to be provided as an interference contour in a radial and/or tangential direction relative to the brake disc 2 or relative to its brake disc axis of rotation 2a.

(134) FIG. 39 shows contours 50 as interference contours formed in a radial direction. Here, projections 53 are formed on each upper corner of the pad carrier plate 4, on in each case one oblique bearing surface 4c of the top side of the pad carrier plate 4.

(135) FIG. 40 illustrates contours 50 in a tangential direction. Here, projections 54 are likewise integrally formed on each upper corner, but in each case on a side surface 4d.

(136) A further variant is shown in FIG. 41. In this variant, a contour 50 is applied as a cuboidal guide projection 55 below an upper edge of a corner region of the pad carrier plate 4, on the pad side 4b thereof. A lower side of the guide projection 55, as guide surface 55a, is in contact with an upper surface of a second abutment section 32d of the thrust-imparting limb 32. The guide surface 55a runs approximately at right angles to the abutment surface 45 of the pad carrier plate 4. Here, the thrust-imparting limb 32 has no guide opening 32c but is in contact, by way of its first abutment section 32a (see also FIG. 13), with the abutment surface 45. This is contact in an axial direction, whereas the abutment section 32d is fixed in a radial direction by the guide projection 55. The first abutment section 32a lies at right angles to the second abutment section 32d, which is formed in a simple manner by the upper side surface of the thrust-imparting limb 32. The abutment section 32d can thus move in a lateral direction relative to the guide section.

(137) Furthermore, the contour 50 may be designed in any form, and may also be of recessed or raised form. In the case of a recessed contour 50, it is accordingly the case that the thrust-imparting limb 32 of the spring arm 50 is designed with a suitable guide contour of the guide section 32c. The number of provided contours 50 may vary depending on the embodiment.

(138) The contour 50 may also form a pad coding. For example, the application-side brake pad 3 may have the pegs 51 as contour 50, wherein the rear-side brake pad 3 has the prismatic projections 52.

(139) FIGS. 42-44 show views of a yet further exemplary embodiment of the disc brake 300 having a spreading device with additional resetting elements.

(140) FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a thrust side 4f of the pad carrier plate 4 of the application-side or inner brake pad 3 with a resetting element 57. FIG. 43 shows a sectional view, in a plane running through the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, of the disc brake with the rear-side or outer brake pad 3 with a further resetting element 62. FIG. 44 illustrates a variant of the spreading device 8 with attached resetting elements 66, 67 in a sectional view in a plane, running through the brake disc axis of rotation 2a, of the disc brake with the brake pads 3.

(141) The thrust side 4f of the pad carrier plate 4 is that side of the pad carrier plate 4 which does not bear a friction pad 5, and which is in contact either with the application device or with the caliper rear section 1b.

(142) The resetting elements 57, 62; 66, 67 each provide assistance of the resetting of the brake pads 3 from the brake disc 2 after a braking process. Here, the resetting elements 57, 62; 66, 67 engage with a section in a lower region on the respective pad carrier plate 4 in addition to the engagement point(s) at the top side of the spring arms 20, wherein said resetting elements are connected with a different section to a section positionally static relative thereto, for example brake caliper 1 and/or brake carrier.

(143) For this purpose, the resetting element 57 in the embodiment as per FIG. 42 is fastened, with a section in a lower region of the pad carrier plate 4 on the thrust side 4f thereof, to a retaining section 56, which in this case is formed as a pin or peg-like projection. Furthermore, the resetting element 57 is attached with a further section in a lower region of the base plate 1e (see FIG. 29) of the application section 1a of the brake caliper 1.

(144) Here, the resetting element 57 is a spring element with a central section 58, two spring arms 59 and two fastening sections 60 with in each case one U-shaped lug 61. The central section 58 is connected centrally to the retaining section 56 by means of a clamping/claw-type connection. At each side, the central section 58 transitions symmetrically into the respective spring arm 59. Each spring arm 59 extends to the left and to the right from the central section 58 in a lower region along the pad carrier plate 4, and is shaped correspondingly to the contour thereof. The ends of each spring arm 59 are connected in each case to the fastening section 60. Each fastening section 60 is shaped such that the bends of the U shapes are aligned with one another and lie in a tangential direction with respect to the brake disc axis of rotation 2a. That limb of the fastening sections 60 which points in each case toward the base plate 1e runs outward as a lug 61 and widens so as to have in each case one fastening bore for the fixing, by means of existing screws of the base plate 1e, to said base plate.

(145) The rear-side brake pad 3 is equipped with the further resetting element 62, as shown in FIG. 43.

(146) The further resetting element 62 is formed as a type of leaf spring with a spring body 63 with in each case one spring end 64, 65. One spring end 64 is articulated, in a lower region of the outer pad carrier plate 4 on the thrust side 4b thereof, on a retaining section 56a, for example an eyelet. The other spring end 65, with a suitable design, digs into a fastening section 1d of the caliper rear section 1b of the brake caliper 1.

(147) In this way, the resetting elements 57, 62 each exert a pulling force in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a pointing away from the brake disc 2, whereby, after every braking process, the brake pads 3 are acted on with a force for a resetting action in the lower region by the resetting elements 57, 62 as well as by the spring arms 20 of the spreading device 8.

(148) In the embodiment as per FIG. 44, two mutually oppositely situated resetting elements 66, 67 in spring form, for example leaf and/or wire springs, are fastened in each case with one end to the central section 26a of the retaining bow 21 of the spreading device 8. From said fastening point, each resetting element 66, 67 extends downwardly in an arc in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a as far as into the region of a lower region of each brake pad 3. Each resetting element 66, 67 has a free end with in each case one thrust-imparting limb 66a, 67a, and is arranged in each case in an elongate intermediate space between friction pad 3 and the pad side 4b of the pad carrier plate 4, wherein the thrust-imparting limbs 66a, 67a are each case in contact with the respective pad carrier plate 4. In this embodiment, the resetting elements 66, 67 each exert a thrust force in the direction of the brake disc axis of rotation 2a pointing away from the brake disc 2, whereby, after every braking process, the brake pads 3 are acted on with a force for a resetting action in the lower region by the resetting elements 66, 67 as well as by the spring arms 20 of the spreading device 8.

(149) It is also possible for the resetting elements 57, 62; 66, 67 to be attached for example to the pad retaining stirrup 28 and/or to the attachment sections thereof.

(150) The invention is not restricted by the exemplary embodiments described above. It may be modified within the scope of the appended claims.

(151) It is for example conceivable that, in a further variant, which is not illustrated but which is easily imaginable, of the spreading device 8 as per FIGS. 30, 31, 32 or FIGS. 34, 37, the spring ends 300 are mounted with the thrust-imparting limbs 32 over the projections 49 over the pad retaining springs 7. In other words, the projections 49 extend through the guide openings 32c, which are adapted correspondingly to the projections 49, of the respective thrust-imparting limbs 32 of the spring arms 20, wherein the spring arms 20 are shaped correspondingly for this purpose.

LIST OF REFERENCE DESIGNATIONS

(152) 1 Brake caliper 1a Application section 1b Caliper rear section 1c Tension strut 1d Fastening section 1e Base plate 2 Brake disc 2a Brake disc axis of rotation 3 Brake pad 4 Pad carrier plate 4a Receiving hole 4b Pad side 4c Contact surface 4d, 4e Side surface 4f Thrust side 5 Friction pad 6 Brake carrier 7 Pad retaining spring 7a Clip element 8 Spreading device 9 Flat spring 10 Slot 11 Lug 11a Thrust section 12 Stirrup 13 Securing means 14 Spring stirrup 14a Fastening end 15 Bracket 15a, 15b Longitudinal side 15c Fastening hole 16 Scissor element 17 Leaf spring 18 Spring limb 19 Abutment 20 Spring arm 20a Fastening section 20b Connecting section 21 Retaining bow 22 Abutment limb 22a Fastening end 23 Dome 24 Abutment stirrup 25 Brake carrier horn 25a Bore 26 Center limb 26a Central section 26b Widened portion 26c Securing element 26d Groove 27 End limb 27a Fastening section 28 Pad retaining stirrup 29 Lug 30 Peg 31 Support limb 31a Bearing section 32 Thrust-imparting limb 32a Abutment section 32b Bearing section 32c Guide opening 32d Abutment section 33 Nut 34 Support lug 35 Pin 36 Support surface 37 Attachment web 38 Spring web 39 Angled lug 39a Support leg 39b Thrust-imparting limb 40 Retaining plate 41 Opening 42 Base section 43 Connecting section 44 Support section 45 Abutment surface 46 Bearing surface 47 Pin 48 Elongated hole 49 Projection 50 Contour 51 Peg 51a Casting radii 52, 53, 54 Projection 55 Guide projection 55a Guide surface 56, 56a Retaining section 57 Resetting element 58 Central section 59 Spring arm 60 Fastening section 61 Lug 62 Resetting element 63 Spring body 64, 65 Spring end 66, 67 Resetting element 66a, 67a Spring end 100 Disc brake 150 Connection 151, 152 Mount 200 Connecting section 201 Recess 202 Hood-type connector 202a Longitudinal connector 203 Spacing 220 Connecting bend 300 Spring end 301 Slot 302 Movement direction 303 Abutment surface 304 Projection 305 Bearing surface 306 Angle

(153) The foregoing disclosure has been set forth merely to illustrate the invention and is not intended to be limiting. Since modifications of the disclosed embodiments incorporating the spirit and substance of the invention may occur to persons skilled in the art, the invention should be construed to include everything within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereof.