Abstract:
A disc brake is disclosed for use on an automotive vehicle. A disc brake includes a rotor having a pair of opposed friction faces, a fixed support member mounted adjacent one face of the rotor, a member slidably mounted on the fixed support member and straddling the rotor, and a pair of friction elements which are engaged by the straddling member to urge the friction elements into braking engagement with the friction faces of the rotor when a brake actuation is effected. A releasable clip is secured to the straddling member and extends through the friction elements to retain the latter on the straddling member. One of the friction elements is located in a recess on the support member, and a lost motion connection is provided between this friction element and the releasable clip to permit relative movement between this friction element and the clip along the face of the rotor so that this friction element may be placed in the recess of the support member before the straddling member is fastened to the support member.
Abstract:
A disc brake is disclosed which has a spring actuator in addition to the usual hydraulic actuator. When the brake is functioning normally, fluid pressure opposes the spring actuator to permit normal hydraulic operation of the brake. However, when a malfunction in the vehicle''s hydraulic system prevents operation of the hydraulic actuator, the spring actuator automatically applies the brake to immobilize the vehicle. A mechanical release mechanism for the spring actuator is provided so that the vehicle may be moved if the spring actuator applies the brake in an inconvenient location. The spring actuator may also be used as a parking brake.
Abstract:
A disc brake is disclosed which has a spring actuator in addition to the usual hydraulic actuation. When the brake is functioning normally, fluid pressure opposes the spring actuator to permit normal hydraulic operation of the brake. However, when fluid pressure is not available to the brake, because of a malfunction or because the vehicle operator has closed a valve to isolate the brakes from the vehicle''s hydraulic system, the spring actuator maintains the frictional elements engaged with the rotor. The spring actuator, therefore, functions as both a parking brake and a fail-safe brake that immobilizes the vehicle when a malfunction in the vehicle''s hydraulic system occurs. Mechanical release means are provided to release the spring actuator to permit the vehicle to be moved if the spring actuator has applied the brake while the vehicle is standing in an inconvenient location.
Abstract:
A caliper disc brake assembly includes an adjuster mechanism for maintaining the proper clearance between the brake shoes and the disc. The adjuster is actuated by relative movement between it and the piston and is mounted on a member that reciprocates with the piston during high pressure brake applications thus precluding adjustment, but is held stationary during low pressure applications to permit operation of the adjuster. Over-adjustment due to ''''panic stops'''' is thereby prevented. Such an adjuster is particularly useful when mechanical actuation is provided in addition to the usual hydraulic actuation.