阅读说明：本技术 铁路车辆制动系统 (Railway vehicle braking system ) 是由 C·贡卡尔夫 L·梅拉德 F·罗任特 G·克罗尼耶 于 2018-06-15 设计创作，主要内容包括：根据本发明涉及一种用于铁路车辆的制动系统,其具有制动片(16,17),每个制动片具有至少一个定位件和支承表面,定位件能使制动片在系统上相对于车辆制动盘(8)机械固定在预定位置,支承表面用于在系统致动器的作用下夹紧制动盘,系统还具有至少一个复位件(50),用于当制动片从致动器的作用解脱时使制动片与制动盘分开以便松开制动盘；每个制动片具有布置在边面上的至少一个固定件,复位件具有相对的两个端爪,所述两个端爪由弹性部分彼此相连接并且每个端爪与一固定件机械固定在一起,系统配置成使得固定件和端爪定位成与所述至少一个定位件间隔开。(The invention relates to a braking system for railway vehicles, comprising brake pads (16, 17), each brake pad having at least one positioning element which enables the brake pad to be mechanically fixed on the system in a predetermined position with respect to a vehicle brake disc (8), and a support surface for clamping the brake disc under the action of a system actuator, and at least one return element (50) for separating the brake pad from the brake disc when the brake pad is released from the action of the actuator in order to release the brake disc; each catch has at least one detent disposed on the edge face, the reset element has two opposing end jaws connected to each other by a resilient portion and each end jaw is mechanically secured with a detent, and the system is configured such that the detent and end jaws are positioned spaced apart from the at least one positioning element.)

1. A railway vehicle brake system for a railway vehicle, the railway vehicle brake system comprising a brake pad having at least one brake disc (8) and brake pads (16, 17), the railway vehicle brake system having at least one set of brake pads (16, 17), each brake pad (16, 17) having at least one locating member (69) configured to enable each brake pad to be mechanically fixed in a predetermined position relative to the brake disc (8) on the railway vehicle brake system (10) and a primary bearing surface (65) configured to contact the brake disc (8) to grip the brake disc under direct or indirect action of an actuator (29) of the railway vehicle brake system (10), the railway vehicle brake system further having at least one reset member (50) configured to, when a brake pad is disengaged from direct or indirect action of the actuator (29), separating the brake pads (16, 17) from the brake disc (8) in order to release the brake disc;

the railway vehicle braking system (10) is characterized in that each brake pad (16, 17) has an edge face (67) and at least one anchor (70, 71) arranged on the edge face (67), the at least one return element (50) has two opposite end jaws (53, 56) connected to each other by a resilient portion (52) and configured such that each end jaw is mechanically fixed with the anchor (70, 71) of the respective brake pad (16, 17), the railway vehicle braking system (10) being configured such that the anchor (70, 71) and the end jaws (53, 56) are positioned spaced apart from the at least one positioning element (69).

2. A railway vehicle braking system according to claim 1, characterized in that each fixing piece (70, 71) extends in section at a bearing area (68) defined by the main bearing surface (65) of the respective brake pad (16, 17).

3. A railway vehicle braking system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that each spacer (69) is arranged outside the bearing area (68) of the respective brake pad.

4. A railway vehicle brake system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each brake pad (16, 17) has a plurality of side faces (61-64) defining an edge face (67) thereof, the respective at least one fixing member (70, 71) being arranged substantially in the centre of one of the plurality of side faces (61-64).

5. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one fixing is formed by a hole (70, 71) arranged in the edge face (67) or by a claw projecting from the edge face.

6. Railway vehicle brake system according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each brake pad (16, 17) has a base body (59) and a friction material layer (60) attached to the base body, the at least one fixing (70, 71) being arranged in the base body or in the friction material layer.

7. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the resilient portion (52) of the at least one return element (50) has two branches (54, 57), each connected to a respective end claw (53, 56), and an engagement zone (55) connecting the two branches (54, 57), the railway vehicle braking system being configured such that the branches (54, 57) extend from the end claws (53, 56) away from the brake pads (16, 17), the engagement zone (55) being arranged opposite the brake disc (8).

8. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said at least one return element is formed by a torsion spring (50) or by a leaf spring.

9. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the end claws of said at least one return element (50) are formed by bent end portions (53, 56) of said elastic portion (52) or by attachment members.

10. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the end jaws (53, 56) of said at least one return element (50) are mechanically fixed to the respective fixing elements (70, 71) by means of crimping, or welding, or riveting, or gluing.

11. Railway vehicle braking system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said at least one return element (50) is made of a metallic material or a plastic material, configured to exert a force on the brake pads (16, 17) of about 30 newtons to about 100 newtons.

12. Railway vehicle brake system according to one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the railway vehicle brake system has two resetting elements (50) and four fixing elements (70, 71) which are arranged, preferably symmetrically, on both sides of the two brake pads (16, 17).

13. Railway vehicle brake system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the railway vehicle brake system has a parking brake (12) comprising a body (18) provided with a cylinder (19) having a chamber (20), brake pad supports (21) mechanically fixed to the cylinder (19), configured to carry brake pads (16, 17) and to at least partially receive the brake disc (8), and an actuator (29) having a brake piston (31) at least partially housed in the chamber (20), movable with respect to the body (18) and configured to act on at least one brake pad (16) through the brake pad supports (21).

14. A railway vehicle braking system according to claim 13, wherein the brake pad support (21) has two cheeks (42, 43) separated by a space (24) for at least partially receiving the brake disc (8) and at least one brake pad bearing shaft (51) configured to engage with a locating feature (69) of a brake pad (16, 17) and lock the brake pad in the predetermined position, the at least one brake pad bearing shaft (51) being positioned spaced apart from the brake disc (8) when the brake disc is received in the space (24) between the two cheeks (42, 43).

15. Railway vehicle braking system according to claim 14, characterized in that a first cheek (42) of the two cheeks is mounted on the cylinder (19) and a second cheek (43) of the two cheeks is mounted on the first cheek (42) with at least one bolt (44) extending from the first cheek (42), the brake piston (31) acting directly on a brake pad (16) mounted on the first cheek (42), the other brake pad (17) mounted on the second cheek (43) being acted upon indirectly by the body (18) through the at least one bolt (44) and through the movement of the second cheek (43).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to the field of railway vehicle braking, in particular to a railway vehicle braking system for railway vehicles, equipped with a parking brake configured to act on a vehicle braking element, such as a brake disc, by means of a brake pad, in particular when the railway vehicle is parked.

Background

Railway vehicles are generally equipped with a service and/or parking brake caliper having a service and/or parking brake cylinder.

The brake cylinder has a brake piston which is movable under the influence of one or more springs on the one hand and of a pressure fluid on the other hand.

More precisely, such a brake wheel cylinder has a cylinder body, wherein a brake piston is movable relative to the cylinder body to act on the brake by means of a push rod.

The brake wheel cylinder also has a chamber, which is arranged in the cylinder for receiving the spring, and a pressure chamber, which is formed at least partially in the chamber, in particular delimited by the brake piston and the cylinder, which is connected by a conduit to a pressure medium source.

The brake pads are mounted on the brake caliper and supported by the brake wheel cylinder by means of brake pad bearing shafts which pass through the brake pads avoiding the brake disks and are mechanically fixed to the wheel cylinder.

The movement of the brake piston under the action of the spring generates a braking action, such as the clamping of a brake disc between two brake pads, which are moved under the action of the brake piston.

Conversely, the movement of the brake piston under the action of the pressure fluid produces an action opposite to the braking, i.e. releases the brake disc, thus allowing the brake to retract.

Typically, the brake pads are moved away from the brake disk under the influence of a compression spring housed between the two brake pads and coiled around a brake pad bearing shaft.

More precisely, the spring is arranged to act on the brake piston to bring it into the braking position when the pressure chamber is not supplied by the pressure medium source; when the pressure chamber is supplied by a pressure medium source, the brake piston returns against the action of the spring to a rest position in which the brake is in a ready but not in use condition and the spring is under compression.

In other words, to prepare the brake, the pressure chambers are supplied with pressure medium, also called pressure fluid, by a respective pressure medium source, in order to move the brake piston in the cylinder and to compress the spring; to put the brake into application, the pressure chamber is vented so that the spring pushes the brake piston.

It will be noted that the braking action, or in other words the brake pads, abutting against the brake disc, generally results in wear of the brake pads, which periodically require replacement.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention relates to a braking system for railway vehicles which is improved in terms of safety and use, in particular, while being simple, convenient and economical.

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to a railway car brake system for a railway car, the railway car brake system including a brake pad with a brake pad and at least one brake disc, the railway car brake system having at least one set of brake pads, each brake pad having at least one spacer and a primary bearing surface, the positioning member is configured to mechanically secure each brake pad in a predetermined position relative to the brake rotor on the railway car brake system, said main bearing surface being configured to contact said brake disc to clamp the brake disc under direct or indirect action of an actuator of said railway vehicle brake system, the railway vehicle brake system further having at least one reset member, the reset member is configured to separate the brake pad from the brake disc to release the brake disc when the brake pad is disengaged from direct or indirect action of the actuator;

the railway vehicle braking system is characterized in that each brake pad has an edge surface and at least one anchor disposed on the edge surface, the at least one reset element has two opposing end jaws connected to each other by a resilient portion and configured such that each end jaw is mechanically secured with the anchor of the corresponding brake pad, the railway vehicle braking system configured such that the anchor and end jaws are positioned spaced apart from the at least one positioning element.

The braking system according to the invention allows better simultaneous control of the return force exerted on the braking shoes and of the area in which this force is exerted on these braking shoes, on the one hand by distinguishing the braking shoe return element from the spacer element and, on the other hand, by positioning the spacer element for the end pawl of the return element at a distance from the spacer element.

Furthermore, in the system according to the invention, the fact of having one or more reset elements distinct from the locating elements, and therefore from the brake pad bearing shafts arranged to be inserted in the locating elements, and not fixed together, allows for easy mounting/dismounting of the brake pads when replacing them.

In particular, for mounting, the return element can be assembled on the brake pad, the assembly can be mounted in the braking system, in particular in a predetermined position on both sides of the brake disc, and the brake pad can then be locked in this predetermined position by inserting the brake bearing shaft into the positioning element, without having to act on the return element. For disassembly, the brake pad can be unlocked from its position by removing the brake pad bearing shaft from the retainer, without having to act on the reset member; the reset member may then be removed from the brake system along with the brake pads.

It is also noted that the reset element is mounted in the system only by its end claws fixed to the catch, so that the rest of the reset element is free in the system. In other words, the reset member is not mounted to the system body, nor even to the brake pad retainer.

The braking system according to the invention therefore performs particularly well, in particular in terms of safety and use, while being simple, convenient and economical.

According to preferred, simple, convenient and economical features of the system according to the invention:

-each fixing extends in section at a support area defined by the main support surface of the respective brake pad;

-each positioning element is arranged outside the bearing area of the respective brake pad;

-each brake pad has a plurality of side faces defining its edge face, the respective at least one retaining piece being arranged substantially in the centre of one of said side faces;

-at least one fixing is formed by a hole arranged in the edge face or by a claw (pontet) protruding from the edge face;

-each brake pad has a base and a friction material layer attached to the base, at least one holder being arranged in the base or the friction material layer;

-the resilient part of the at least one reset element has two limbs each connected to a respective end claw and an engagement section connecting the two limbs, the railway vehicle brake system being configured such that the limbs extend away from the brake pad from the end claws, the engagement section being arranged opposite the brake disc;

said at least one return element is formed by a torsion spring or by a leaf spring;

the end jaws of said at least one return element are formed by bent ends of said elastic portion or by attachment members;

the end jaws of the at least one return element are mechanically fixed to the respective fixing element by means of crimping, welding, riveting or gluing;

-said at least one return element is made of a metallic material or a plastic material configured to exert a force of about 30 newtons to about 100 newtons on the brake pad;

-the railway vehicle braking system has two resetting elements and four fixing elements, which are arranged, preferably symmetrically, on both sides of the two brake pads;

-a railway vehicle braking system having a parking brake comprising a body provided with a cylinder having a chamber, brake pad supports mechanically fixed to the cylinder, configured to carry a brake pad and to at least partially receive the brake disc, and an actuator having a brake piston at least partially housed in the chamber, movable with respect to the body and configured to act on at least one brake pad through the brake pad supports;

-the brake pad support having two cheeks separated by a space for at least partially receiving the brake disc and at least one brake pad bearing shaft configured to engage with a locating feature of a brake pad and lock the brake pad in the predetermined position, the at least one brake pad bearing shaft positioned spaced apart from the brake disc when the brake disc is received in the space between the two cheeks; and/or

-a first of the two cheeks is mounted on the cylinder and a second of the two cheeks is mounted on the first cheek with at least one bolt extending therefrom, the brake piston acting directly on a brake pad mounted on the first cheek and indirectly on another brake pad mounted on the second cheek by the body through the at least one bolt and through movement of the second cheek.

It is to be noted that when the railway vehicle is parked, the parking brake is normally put into application so as to keep the vehicle stationary, allowing its user, in particular its driver, to leave the vehicle. The parking brake is not dimensioned to stop the running railway vehicle, but merely to keep it in a parked state. However, the system according to the invention can also be used in the context of a service brake for braking a vehicle when the vehicle is allowed to travel.

Drawings

The invention will now be further described by way of the following description of embodiments given as illustrative, non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates, in part and in schematic form, a railway vehicle equipped with a parking brake disc, i.e., an active disc, having a railway vehicle brake system mounted thereon in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates the railway vehicle braking system of FIG. 1;

figures 3 to 6 show, in perspective views from different perspectives, a railway vehicle braking system according to the invention in combination with an active disc;

FIGS. 7 and 8 are separate perspective views from two different perspectives showing a railway vehicle braking system in accordance with the present invention, but without the active disc;

FIGS. 9 through 14 illustrate the reset member of the railway vehicle brake system shown from different perspectives in accordance with the present invention;

FIGS. 15 through 18 illustrate brake pads shown from different perspectives of a railway vehicle braking system in accordance with the present invention; and

figures 19 to 23 are partial views of a railway vehicle brake system in combination with an active disc shown in different states to illustrate the mounting of brake pads on the active disc by means of reset members.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows, partially and schematically, a railway vehicle 1, for example of the subway type, equipped with an electric traction drive system 2, in particular a rotary electric machine operating here in drive mode, and with an axle 3, said axle 3 carrying wheels (not shown), connected to the drive system 2 by a connection system 4 to cause the wheels to rotate.

Here, the connection system 4 has a connection plate 5 and a bushing mechanism 7, the connection plate 5 being mechanically fixed to a driving flange 6 of the drive system 2, the bushing mechanism 7 being connected at one end to the connection plate 5 and at the opposite end to the axle 3.

The railway vehicle 1 is also provided with a brake disc 8, here called the driving disc, arranged between the connecting disc 5 and the bushing mechanism 7.

It is to be noted that, in fig. 1, the assembly formed by the drive system 2 and the connecting system 4 extends generally in a substantially longitudinal direction, whereas the axle 3 and the driving disk 8 each extend generally in a substantially transverse direction.

The railway vehicle 1 is also provided with a railway vehicle brake system 10, here mechanically fixed to the active flange 6, configured to engage on the active disc 8 in order to lock the active disc when the railway vehicle 1 is parked and/or to keep the disc free when the railway vehicle 1 is running.

Figure 2 shows schematically and partially a railway vehicle brake system 10 engaged on the driving disk 8.

The railway vehicle brake system 10 is equipped with a parking brake 12, here formed by a floating movable caliper, which can be seen in the figure in a configuration such that: the parking brake 12 does not rest against the driving disk 8.

The railway vehicle brake system 10 also has a supply network 13, here a pneumatic pressure medium, which is equipped in particular with a pressure medium source 11, which is connected to the parking brake 12 via a distribution line 14.

The railway vehicle brake system 10 also has a brake element, where the brake element is provided with said active disc 8 and a set of two brake pads 16 and 17, which are configured to sandwich the active disc 8.

The parking brake 12 has a main body 18, the main body 18 being provided with a first part 19 and a second part 21, the first part 19 having a chamber 20 arranged therein, the second part 21 being mechanically fixed to the first part 19.

The first portion 19 is referred to as the brake cylinder and the second portion 21 is referred to as the brake pad support.

The body 18 is additionally provided with an inner wall 23 defining a chamber 20 arranged in the cylinder 19, a barrier being formed between this chamber 20 and a clamping space 24 defined by the brake pad support 21.

The inner wall 23 has a first section 25 extending from the inner surface 26 of the cylinder 19 and a second section 27, the second section 27 being connected to the first section 25 by a shoulder 28.

The parking brake 12 also has an actuator 29 provided with a spring member (also referred to as spring member) 30 and a brake piston 31, said spring member 30 being received in the chamber 20 of the cylinder 19, said brake piston 31 being movable relative to the main body 18 and defining with the main body 18 a parking brake pressure chamber 32.

The pressure chamber 32 is arranged in the chamber 20, delimited by the brake piston 31, the inner surface 26 of the cylinder 19 and the inner wall 23 of the body 18.

The brake piston 31 here has a head 35, which is accommodated in the chamber 20, and a push rod 36, which extends from the head 35, the push rod 36 projecting into the clamping space 24 through an opening 37 arranged in the inner wall 23 of the body 18.

The head 35 is movable in the chamber 20 in a first axial direction relative to the body 18, and the pusher 36 is also movable in the chamber 20 and the clamping space 24 in the first axial direction relative to the body 18.

The parking brake 12 is further provided with a first seal 33 interposed between the head 35 of the brake piston 31 and the inner surface 26 of the cylinder 19, and a second seal 34 interposed between the free edge 38 of the inner wall 23 at the opening 37 and the push rod 36 of the brake piston 31, 34.

The pressure chamber 32 is connected to the distribution conduit 14 by a guide 39 arranged in the main body 18, said guide 39 opening out of the main body 18 on the one hand at a first end by a first hole 40 to which said conduit 14 is connected and on the other hand at a second end opposite the first end by a second hole 41 to the pressure chamber 32.

Here, the brake pad support 21 of the parking brake 12 is provided with a first cheek plate 42 and a second cheek plate 43, the first cheek plate 42 being mounted on the cylinder 19, the second cheek plate 43 being mounted on the first cheek plate 42 with bolts 44, the bolts 44 extending from the first cheek plate 42 in an opposite upward direction of the cylinder 19.

Here, the brake pads 16 are mounted on the first cheek plate 42 on one side of the drive disk 8, while the brake pads 17 are mounted on the second cheek plate 43 here on the other side of the drive disk 8.

Here, the parking brake 12 is configured such that the brake piston 31 is adapted to act directly on the brake pads 16 via the first cheeks 42, while the brake pads 16 are in contact with the active disc 8.

As mentioned above, the parking brake 12 is here arranged like a floating brake caliper such that: firstly the action of moving the brake piston 31 and the brake pads 16 in a first axial direction towards the brake disc 8, the brake pads 16 will then exert a force on one side of the brake disc 8, when this force reaches a predetermined threshold, it is the body 18 that is moved in its entirety by means of the action of the bolts 44 in a second axial direction, opposite to the first axial direction, so as to bring the brake pads 17 close and through the brake pads 17 also exert a force on the opposite side of the brake disc 8.

Fig. 3 to 6, and then fig. 7 and 8, show in perspective view, first the railway vehicle brake system 10 engaged with the active disc 8 and then the railway vehicle brake system alone, i.e. without the active disc 8, from different perspectives.

In particular, the brake disc 8 has here an annular shape, with a central hole 9 and a profile 46 connecting two opposite surfaces 47 and 48.

When the railway vehicle brake system 10 is fixed on the drive flange 6, here by means of a screw-nut system 45 mounted on the free ends of the bolts 44, the brake disk 8 is partially inserted by its edge face 46 into the space 24 arranged between the cheeks 42 and 43 of the brake pad support 21. In this position, the brake disc 8 is accommodated between the brake pads 16 and 17.

Here, the railway vehicle brake system 10 is provided with two brake pad bearing shafts 51 arranged to generally laterally retain the brake pads in predetermined positions in the space 24.

In particular, the two brake bearing shafts 51 are configured to be inserted through brake pads 16 and 17 in apertures 77 and 78 disposed within cheeks 42 and 43, respectively.

In other words, the brake pad bearing shaft 51 carries the brake pads 16 and 17 such that the brake pads 16 and 17 face the surfaces 48 and 47 of the brake disk 8, respectively.

Railway vehicle brake system 10 also has two reset elements 50, each mechanically secured to both brake pads 16 and 17, configured to separate brake pads from brake disc 8 to release the brake disc when brake pads 16 and 17 are disengaged from the direct or indirect action of actuator 29.

Here, the railway vehicle brake system 10 is also provided with an assembly mechanism, such as a pin-clip or screw-nut type assembly mechanism, to ensure that the brake pad support 21 is mounted on the cylinder 19.

The railway vehicle brake system 10 also has a manual unlocking mechanism for manually unlocking the actuator 29, which is mounted on the cylinder 21, for returning the brake piston 31 from a generally longitudinally advanced position, in which the brake piston acts on the brake pads 16, to a generally longitudinally retracted position, in which the brake piston does not act on the brake pads 16.

The railway vehicle brake system 10 also has an indicator support 22, which is mounted on the cylinder 21, having a plurality of system components, for example for carrying out different measurements in the cylinder 21 and/or for transmitting and/or processing data obtained from these measurements.

Fig. 9 to 14 show one of the restoring elements 50. Here, the two reset pieces are identical.

Here, each restoring member 50 is formed of a torsion spring, for example, made of a metal material.

The springs 50 are each configured to apply a force of between about 30 newtons and about 100 newtons, preferably between 45 newtons and 90 newtons, to the respective brake pads 16 and 17.

Each spring 50 has two opposite end jaws 53 and 56, which are connected to each other by an elastic portion 52.

The elastic portion 52 has two branches 54 and 57 and an engaging portion 55, the two branches 54 and 57 are connected to the end claws 53 and 56, respectively, and the engaging portion 55 connects the two branches 54 and 57.

Here, the end claws 53 and 56 are formed by bent ends of the elastic portion 52, in particular by the branches 54 and 57, respectively.

Here, the engaging portion 55 is formed of a coil from an end of the branch portion 54 opposite to the upward direction of the end claw 53 to a bent area portion 58 connected to an end of the branch portion 57 opposite to the upward direction of the end claw 56.

Here, the curved section 58 is generally L-shaped, having a first arm which lengthens a helical turn of the engagement portion 55 and a second arm connected to the first arm, extending generally transversely to the engagement portion 55 up to the engagement branch 57.

Thus, the spring 50 is configured such that the branch portions 54 and 57 extend substantially in the same plane P, with substantially similar forces being provided by the respective end claws 53 and 56.

It is to be noted that in fig. 12 the spring 50 is shown in a so-called free or mounted configuration in the absence of external stress, i.e. with its branches 54 and 57 having a default maximum spacing.

Spring 50 is shown in fig. 13 in a so-called riding configuration: when the spring 50 is engaged with the pads 16 and 17, the branches 54 and 57 of which have the maximum spacing in use, the pads 16 and 17 do not abut against the disc 8, in the new condition.

Spring 50 is shown in fig. 14 in a so-called detent configuration: when the spring 50 is engaged with the brake pads 16 and 17, the branches 54 and 57 of which have a clearly minimum spacing, said brake pads 16 and 17 are in a state of wear, bearing against the brake disc 8.

It is noted that in a braking configuration with worn brake pads, the spring is sized so that it does not contact the brake disc.

Fig. 15 to 18 show here the same brake pads 16 and 17.

These brake pads 16, 17 each have a first side 61, a second side 62, a third side 63, and a fourth side 64.

The first side 61 and the third side 63 are here opposite, and the second side 62 and the fourth side 64 are here opposite and each join the first side 61 and the third side 63.

These brake pads 16, 17 each have a base 59 and a layer of friction material 60 attached to the base 59.

Each brake pad 16, 17 has a primary bearing surface 65, which primary bearing surface 65 is formed by a portion of base 59 and friction material layer 60, and a rear surface 66, which rear surface 66 is opposite to bearing surface 65, here formed only by base 59.

It is to be noted that the portions of the support surfaces 65 of the brake pads 16, 17 intended to contact the respective surfaces 47, 48 of the brake disc 8 form support areas 68, the support areas 68 being formed only by at least a portion of the friction material layer 60 of the respective brake pad 16, 17.

Each brake pad 16, 17 has an edge surface 67, the edge surface 67 being defined by first, second, third and fourth side surfaces 61-64.

Each brake pad 16, 17 here has two positioning elements 69, which, as mentioned above, are configured to allow mechanical fixing of these brake pads in a predetermined position on the system 10 with respect to said brake disc 8.

In particular, these positioning elements are formed here by recesses 69 which are arranged in the edge surface 67 on the first and third side surfaces 61 and 63, respectively, of each brake plate 16, 17.

These grooves 69 are configured to be traversed by the brake bearing shaft 51.

These recesses 69 are arranged in the base body 59 outside the bearing region 68.

Each catch 16, 17 also has two holding pieces 70, 71 arranged on the edge surface 67.

These fixing elements are here formed by holes 70, 71, the holes 70, 71 being arranged on the first and third lateral faces 61 and 63, respectively, of each brake plate 16, 17.

These holes 70, 71 are arranged here in the base body 59 approximately in the bearing region 68 and spaced apart from the recess 69.

In addition, these holes 70, 71 open at one end 74 substantially to the center of the respective first and third sides 61 and 63, and do not open at the opposite end 75.

Holes 70, 71 of catch pieces 16, 17 are here configured to receive end claws 56 and 53, respectively, of spring 50. The arrangement of return springs 50 for brake pads 16, 17 within cheeks 42 and 43 is such that when the springs are arranged on brake pads 16, 17, these springs 50 do not accidentally come out of holes 70, 71. In fact, in this configuration, the spacing still left between the spring and the cheeks is small enough to prevent the end jaws from coming out of the holes.

In a variant, the holes of the catch can be configured to receive the end jaws of the spring respectively, for example by means of a press-fit, or welding, or riveting and also gluing.

In particular, holes 70 and 71 of catch 16 are arranged to receive end jaw 56 of first spring 50 and end jaw 53 of second spring 50, respectively; while the holes 70 and 71 of the catch 17 are arranged to receive the end jaw 56 of the second spring 50 and the end jaw 53 of the first spring 50, respectively.

Each brake pad 16, 17 is also provided here with a chamfer 72, which chamfer 72 is arranged in the base body 59 on the second side surface 62 at the edge surface 67 and the opposite surface 66.

Each brake pad 16, 17 also has a transition fillet 76 here, the transition fillet 76 being arranged in the respective second side 62, concave towards the fourth side 64 opposite the second side 62.

Each catch 16, 17 is here also provided with a recess 73, which recess 73 is arranged in the respective fourth side face 64.

Fig. 19 to 23 show schematically and partially the mounting of the brake pads 16 and 17 in the space 24 by means of springs 50 and brake pad bearing shafts 51.

The assembly of the springs 50 with the brake pads 16 and 17 is shown in fig. 19, only one of which is visible.

In particular, end claws 53 and 56 are inserted into holes 71 and 70, respectively, of brake pads 16 and 17. The spring 50 is now in a so-called free or mounted configuration (also visible in fig. 12).

The brake pads 16 and 17 are partially inserted close to the space 24 of the brake disk 8 through the lower insertion openings. It is to be noted that the brake disc 8 is then inserted in this space 24 by an upper insertion opening, opposite to the lower insertion opening, from which it exits.

In fig. 19, the brake pads 16 and 17 are slightly inserted into the space 24, here approximately up to the holes 77 and 78 for receiving the brake bearing shafts 51. The presence of chamfers 72 provided on the brake pads 16 and 17 may facilitate insertion of the brake pads 16 and 17.

It is noted that during this installation step, both brake pads 16 and 17 are inclined such that a larger inverted V shape is formed, the point of the V being defined by second side surfaces 62 of brake pads 16 and 17.

In other words, this means that the spring 50 is here fixed to the brake pads 16 and 17, while allowing the brake pads to move slightly relative to the spring. This movement is here a pivoting, which can be caused by the application of force when the brake pads 16 and 17 are inserted. Thus, this pivoting is not free.

In fig. 20, the brake pads 16 and 17 are inserted deeper into the space 24 towards the brake disc 8 until they substantially contact the edge surfaces of the brake disc.

The catch 16 and 17 tend to be closer by its fourth side 64, less inclined than in fig. 19, so that a relatively narrow inverted V-shape is formed.

The branches of the spring 50 are tightened, after which the spring tends to force the brake pads 16 and 17 apart.

In fig. 21, brake pads 16 and 17 are pivoted slightly about end jaws 53 and 56 of spring 50, such as by applying pressure to opposing surfaces 66 of the brake pads generally at respective fourth sides 64.

Thus, brake pads 16 and 17 are adjacent to each other at respective fourth side 64 and separated from each other at respective second side 62; thereby forming a distance sufficient to insert the brake disc 8 between the brake pads 16 and 17.

In fig. 21, the brake pads 16 and 17 are no longer V-shaped, but more or less vertical.

In fig. 22, the brake pads 16 and 17 are substantially vertical, with the respective opposite surfaces 66 partially abutting against the first and second cheeks 42 and 43, respectively.

The limbs of the spring 50 are further tightened and the spring forces the brake pads 16 and 17 apart.

The spring 50 is now in the riding configuration (also visible in fig. 13).

In fig. 23, the brake pads 16 and 17 are inserted further into the space 24 until the respective bearing areas 68 of the brake pads 16 and 17 face the surfaces 48 and 47 of the brake disc 8, respectively, and until the grooves 69 of the brake pads 16 and 17 face the eyelets 77 and 78 of the respective cheeks 42 and 43, respectively.

With the catch plates 16 and 17 in their predetermined positions, each catch bearing shaft 51 is passed by means of a gripping handle 79 through an aperture 77 of the cheek plate 42 open at each end, then through the respective recess 69 of the catch plates 16 and 17 and then mounted in an aperture 78 of the cheek plate 43; so that the brake pads 16 and 17 are held in this predetermined position.

This means that the brake pads 16 and 17 can no longer be moved in the generally transverse direction of the railway vehicle brake system 10, but are movable in the generally longitudinal direction of the system 10 to clamp and release the brake disc 8.

In fig. 23 of the railway vehicle brake system 10 ready for use, it is noted that the apertures 70, 71 and the end pawls 53, 56 are positioned spaced from the recess 69.

It is also noted that the branches 54 and 57 of the spring 50 extend away from the pads 16, 17, the engagement portion 55 being opposite the disc 8; these branches 54 and 57 extend at least partially along and in close proximity to the cheeks 42 and 43 so that the end claws 53 and 56 of the spring 50 do not come out of the respective holes 70, 71 as long as the brake pads 16, 17 are in their predetermined position.

The branch portions 54 and 57 and the engaging portion 55 of the spring 50 extend facing the first side 61 and the third side 63 of the brake shoes 16 and 17, respectively, on which first side 61 and third side 63 the end claws 53 and 56 are inserted in the holes 70 and 71 of the brake shoes 16 and 17. Thus, the spring 50 is installed in the brake system 10 only through the end pawls 53 and 56. Therefore, the branch portions 54 and 57 and the engaging portion 55 are substantially in a free state in the brake system 10.

It is also noted that the brake bearing shaft 51 is spaced from the brake disc 8.

The braking system 10 provides good control of both the return force applied to the pads and the area of application of that force to the pads by distinguishing the return springs 50 of the pads 16, 17 from the grooves 69 and the pad bearing shaft 51, on the one hand, and by spacing the holes 70, 71 and end claws 53, 56 from the grooves 69, on the other hand.

This control of the force exerted by the spring and of the force exerted on the brake pads allows the brake pads to be separated from the brake disc without losing their balance, in other words, returning them in a particularly stable manner in a direction generally longitudinal. If the brake pads are placed vertically against the brake disk, they are reset and at the same time maintain a vertical or almost vertical orientation.

It is to be noted that the force exerted by each spring is carried out at the bearing areas of the brake pads on the brake disc, and not outside these bearing areas.

The removal of the brake pads from the brake system (not shown) may be done by: the brake shoe bearing shaft 51 is withdrawn and then the assembly formed by the brake shoes 16, 17 and the spring 50 is taken out from the lower insertion opening side.

The above-described mounting/dismounting steps can be easily performed by a user who first mounts the brake system on the vehicle, or by a user who performs vehicle maintenance, particularly brake pad replacement.

These users do not have to use special tools, since these mounting/dismounting steps can be carried out simply by a manual gripping movement and/or a pressing spring movement, for example at the engagement portion formed here by the helical coil, and/or on the brake pad bearing shaft.

In the above described embodiments, the brake elements, in particular formed by the brake pads, the springs and the brake bearing shafts, are arranged substantially symmetrically around the brake disc.

In a variant not shown, the braking system may have only a single return spring, and/or each brake pad may have only a single hole and/or only a single groove.

In other variants not shown:

the return element is not formed by a torsion spring, but by a leaf spring;

the return element is not made of metal material but of plastic material or even of an elastomer material;

the end claws of the spring are not forced to be centered on one of the side faces at the edge faces of the brake pad, but can be slightly offset with respect to the center, maintaining stability when reset by the spring, as long as the brake pad is not out of balance;

the end-claws may be fixed to the friction-material layer instead of to the base body, and/or the brake pad may have no base body;

the end jaws are not formed by bent ends, but by attachment members attached to the ends of the elastic portion;

the fixing element is not formed by a hole, but by a claw projecting from the edge face from the side of the support surface or, conversely, from the side of the surface opposite the support surface;

the positioning element is not formed by a groove, but by a hole or by a claw projecting from the catch;

the pressure medium is a hydraulic pressure medium instead of a pneumatic pressure medium;

not pressure medium but power supply to the brake piston, if necessary, the system may not be equipped with a spring member;

the compression of the spring can be produced by electromechanical means, instead of by pneumatic or hydraulic pressure medium; and/or

The railway vehicle brake system forms a pivoting caliper of the type in which the piston acts directly on one of the brake pads, but the caliper may also be a caliper of the type in which the brake pads act indirectly, for example by means of wedges and/or adjusters.

More generally, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described and shown.