Brake calipers, wear indicator devices, and vehicle brakes

Abstract

A brake caliper, a corresponding wear indicator, and a vehicle brake are provided. The brake caliper (10) is used in a vehicle brake (1) and includes: a brake pad (100) having a friction pad (120) and a brake pad support (140), wherein the friction pad has a contact surface (121) facing away from the brake pad support, configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake during braking, wherein the brake pad support has a support plane (142) and a rear plane (144); and a wear indicator (200) having a fixing device (210) and a signal line (220), the fixing device having a front portion (214) engaging the support plane, a back portion (216) engaging the rear plane, and a bridge (217) connecting the front portion and the back portion, wherein an annular portion is disposed outside the front portion (214) of the wear indicator (200) and protrudes from there toward the contact surface (121). A hook (226) is attached to the back portion of the fixing device and engages with the annular portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a brake caliper for a vehicle brake, particularly a disc brake for a commercial vehicle, the caliper comprising: a brake pad having a friction pad and a brake pad support configured to support the friction pad near the brake disc of the vehicle brake, wherein the friction pad has a contact surface opposite to the brake pad support configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake during braking, wherein the brake pad support has a support plane facing the friction pad and a rear plane opposite to the support plane; and a wear indicator having a fixing device and a signal line including an annular portion, wherein the fixing device has a front portion engaging the support plane, a back portion engaging the rear plane, and a bridge connecting the front and back portions, wherein the annular portion of the signal line is at least partially disposed outside the front portion of the wear indicator and protrudes from there toward the contact surface. Background Technology

[0002] Brake calipers of the aforementioned type are well known in the art and are commonly used in trucks or buses. The friction linings of such calipers are configured to abut against the brake disc during braking, which in turn causes the friction linings to wear over time. To monitor the thickness of the friction linings, and particularly to determine whether the thickness of the friction linings is below a predetermined wear limit, it is known in the art to arrange wear indicator devices near the friction linings.

[0003] As the friction lining wears (i.e., is consumed) due to the rotation of the brake disc during braking, at some point, the distal portion of the wear indicator will also begin to wear (i.e., be consumed). Therefore, the distal portion of the wear indicator facing the friction lining and / or brake disc is formed of a material that will not damage the brake disc but can withstand the high temperatures that occur during braking.

[0004] The signal wire is typically integrated into the worn distal portion of the wear indicator. Once the signal wire breaks during braking due to the rotation of the brake disc, the voltage change is recorded based on this break, indicating that the wear limit has been reached. Only a certain amount of friction pads remain, allowing the vehicle to be safely transported to a service station for brake pad replacement.

[0005] US 3675197 discloses a wear indicator device of the aforementioned type that provides proper wear indication and is mounted to a brake pad bracket. The wear indicator device includes a fixing device for securing a signal cable. The securing of the signal cable to the clip or brake pad relies primarily on friction between the signal cable and the clip. Due to this friction-based fixing, it has been found that under certain conditions, the signal cable, particularly the looped portion of the signal cable, may detach from the fixing device. When this occurs, the signal cable may break prematurely (i.e., earlier than expected) due to the rotation of the brake disc during braking. In this case, erroneous or inaccurate indications are produced even before the actual wear limit is reached. This is highly undesirable. Furthermore, it has been observed that, with known fixing devices, the signal cable is incorrectly assembled, for example, too tight or too loose. When this occurs, the overall accuracy of the wear limit indication is reduced. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Therefore, the objective of this invention is to provide a brake caliper that overcomes the aforementioned problems as much as possible. In particular, the objective of this invention is to provide a brake caliper having a wear indicator device that allows for reliable and accurate monitoring and indication of the wear of the friction pads. Furthermore, the objective of this invention is to simplify the installation of the wear indicator device onto the brake pad support.

[0007] According to the invention, a hook is provided, wherein the hook is attached to the back of a fixing device, and wherein the hook is configured to engage with the annular portion.

[0008] The present invention advantageously recognizes that by providing a hook attached to the back of the fixing device, the signal wire can be conveniently and securely installed, while the annular portion is properly tightened. In this way, the positions of the annular portion and the signal wire are precisely determined, and the annular portion is reliably held in the defined position. Therefore, the possibility of erroneous (i.e., premature) wear limit indication is reduced. Furthermore, the entire assembly process of the wear indication device is more repeatable and error-proof.

[0009] According to a preferred embodiment, the hook includes a first portion extending from the back, wherein the first portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with the bridge. Preferably, the hook includes a second portion extending from the first portion, wherein the second portion is substantially parallel to and aligned with the back, and extends toward the bridge. In this way, the loop portion of the signal cable is securely held in a predetermined position, and the geometry of the hook supports convenient assembly of the signal cable using a securing device. The second portion securely holds the loop portion in place, even under conditions of significant vibration that may occur during vehicle operation.

[0010] According to another preferred embodiment, the fixing device includes a cutout adjacent to the hook, specifically, the geometry of the cutout corresponds to the geometry of the hook. This cutout reduces the overall weight of the fixing device, and additionally increases the available mounting space for the annular portion near the hook.

[0011] According to another preferred embodiment, the hook and the fixing device are integrally formed. In other words, the hook and the fixing device are preferably manufactured as a single piece, and particularly made of the same material. In this way, the number of parts is reduced and the manufacturing complexity is lowered.

[0012] According to another preferred embodiment, the annular portion includes a protective sleeve disposed thereon, wherein the protective sleeve is configured to protect the signal line at the point where it contacts the hook. The protective sleeve ensures that the contact portion of the signal line is protected from excessive wear even when minor relative movement occurs between the hook and the annular portion. Preferably, the signal line includes a main protective sleeve configured to abut or press against the hook to fix the position of the annular portion, and wherein the main protective sleeve overlaps the protective sleeve.

[0013] According to another preferred embodiment, the fixing device includes a rod extending from the front parallel to the plane of the bracket, wherein the rod is configured to engage a signal wire near the plane of the bracket. Thus, the signal wire can be repeatedly fixed at a position near the plane of the bracket and the contact surface such that the signal wire faces and contacts the brake disc, and breaks at the brake disc when a predetermined wear limit is reached. Preferably, the rod extends a distance parallel to the plane of the bracket. The rod is preferably straight, but may also be partially or completely curved.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the brake pad bracket has a recess, specifically a through-hole, wherein the recess extends from the bracket plane to the rear plane, and a signal wire is guided through the recess. This achieves safe and reliable guidance of the signal wire through the brake pad bracket. Preferably, the annular portion of the signal wire at least partially surrounds the rod, extends through the recess, and wraps around the hook. In this manner, the signal wire is securely and repeatedly secured to the fixing device.

[0015] According to another preferred embodiment, the mounting device has a recess configured to guide a signal line, wherein the recess at least partially overlaps with a recess in the brake pad bracket, and the back end portion of the signal line is guided through both recesses. Thus, the signal line, and particularly its back end, can be guided from the rear plane to a connector that can be used to connect a wear indicator device to a vehicle control unit.

[0016] A further preferred embodiment includes a positioning device configured to engage the circumferential surface of the through-hole, thereby positioning the fixing device relative to the through-hole at a predetermined location. Thus, the fixing device is secured by the positioning device parallel to the support plane, and additionally by clamping forces acting orthogonally to the support plane acting on the support plane and rear plane, respectively. This positioning device securely positions the fixing device relative to the through-hole and simultaneously provides repeatable positioning of the signal line, ensuring safe detection of wear limits.

[0017] Preferably, the bridge is configured to rest against the upper surface of the brake pad support. Therefore, the fixing device can be coupled to the brake pad support by pushing it from the upper surface of the brake pad support along the support plane and the rear plane to its final position. Thus, the final position of the fixing device relative to the support plane is advantageously secured by the bridge resting against the upper surface of the brake pad support.

[0018] In a second aspect, the invention also relates to a wear indicator device for a brake caliper, particularly a brake caliper according to any of the foregoing embodiments, wherein the brake caliper comprises: a brake pad having a friction pad and a brake pad support, the brake pad support being configured to support the friction pad near the brake disc of a vehicle brake, and wherein the friction pad has a contact surface facing away from the brake pad support, the contact surface being configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake during braking; and a wear indicator device having a fixing device and a signal line including an annular portion, wherein the fixing device has a front portion engaging a support plane, a back portion engaging a rear plane, and a bridge connecting the front portion and the back portion, wherein the annular portion of the signal line is at least partially disposed outside the front portion of the wear indicator device and protrudes from the front portion toward the contact surface.

[0019] According to the second aspect, the present invention achieves the initially mentioned objective by providing a hook that is attached to the back of the fixing device, wherein the hook is configured to engage with the annular portion.

[0020] The embodiments and benefits of the brake caliper according to the first aspect are also the preferred embodiments and benefits of the wear indication device according to the second aspect, and vice versa. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the description above.

[0021] In a third aspect, the invention also relates to a vehicle brake, particularly a disc brake for commercial vehicles, the vehicle brake including a brake disc and a brake caliper, particularly a brake caliper according to any of the foregoing embodiments, the brake caliper forming a receiving space for the brake disc, the brake caliper including: a brake pad having a friction pad and a brake pad support, the brake pad support being configured to carry the friction pad near the brake disc of the vehicle brake, wherein the friction pad has a contact surface facing away from the brake pad support, the contact surface being configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake during braking; and a wear indicator having a fixing device and a signal line including an annular portion, wherein the fixing device has a front portion engaging a support plane, a back portion engaging a rear plane, and a bridge connecting the front portion and the back portion, wherein the annular portion of the signal line is at least partially disposed outside the front portion of the wear indicator and protrudes from there toward the contact surface.

[0022] According to a third aspect, the present invention achieves the initially mentioned objective by providing a hook attached to the back of a fixing device, wherein the hook is configured to engage with the annular portion.

[0023] The embodiments and benefits of the brake caliper according to the first aspect are also the preferred embodiments and benefits of the vehicle brake according to the third aspect, and vice versa. To avoid unnecessary repetition, refer to the description above.

[0024] To gain a more complete understanding of the invention, it will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The detailed description will illustrate and describe what is considered to be the preferred embodiment of the invention. It should be understood, of course, that various modifications and changes in form or detail can be readily made without departing from the spirit of the invention. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the precise forms and details shown and described herein, nor to the entire invention disclosed herein and claimed below. Furthermore, the features described in the specification, drawings, and claims may be necessary for the invention to be considered individually or in combination. Expressly, any reference numerals in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps. The word "a" does not exclude a plurality. Attached Figure Description

[0025] These and other aspects, features, and / or technical effects will become apparent from and are illustrated with reference to the accompanying drawings described below, in which:

[0026] Figure 1 A disc brake according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0027] Figure 2 An embodiment of a wear indication device according to the invention, assembled to a brake pad bracket, is shown;

[0028] Figure 3 , Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 Examples of wear indication devices under different installation conditions;

[0029] Figure 5 , Figure 6 Embodiments of the fixing device from different perspectives are shown; and

[0030] Figure 7 A cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the signal line according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0031] Figure 1 A disc brake 1 is shown, which includes a brake caliper 10 that forms a receiving space, particularly for brake pads 100. Each brake pad 100 includes a brake pad support 140 and has a friction lining 120 that contacts the brake disc (not shown) during braking to apply braking force.

[0032] The brake pad brackets 140 extend entirely on the inner surface of the brake caliper 10 and protrude beyond the upper periphery of the brake caliper 10. Each of the brake pad brackets 140 has a bracket plane 142 configured to support one of the friction pads 120. The friction pad 120 has a contact surface 121 opposite to the brake pad brackets 140, which is configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake 1 during braking. The brake pad brackets 140 further have a rear plane 144 opposite to the bracket plane 142.

[0033] Furthermore, the brake pad support 140 has a wear indicator 200 configured to assess the degree of wear of the friction pads 120. The wear indicator 200 is coupled to the brake pad support 140 and is at least partially received in a recess (not shown) of the friction pads 120. Each of the friction pads 120 has a cutout 122 surrounding the recess (not shown) such that the recess is arranged within the area of ​​the cutout 122. Thus, the wear indicator 200 is surrounded by the friction pads 120, wherein the cutout 122 allows easy access to the wear indicator 200 without requiring removal of the brake pads 100.

[0034] Two brake pad supports 140, each carrying one of the friction pads 120, are held in place by spring hangers 300. The spring hangers 300 are preferably connected to the brake caliper 10 via a spring hanger seat 340 on one side and a spring hanger retainer 320 on the other side. The spring hangers 300 can be removed after releasing the spring hanger retainer 320 and guiding the spring hangers 300 from their spring hanger seats 340. When the spring hangers 300 are removed, the brake pads 100 can also be removed and replaced. The wear indicator device 200 has a retainer 210 and a signal line 220, which includes a connector 221 at its distal end.

[0035] Figure 2 The wear indicator device 200 is described in detail. Figure 2 In the diagram, the wear indicator device 200 is shown in an assembled state. Figure 3 and Figure 4 The different assembly steps are illustrated. Then, refer to... Figures 2 to 4 Explain the different parts of the wear indicator device 200.

[0036] The wear indicator device 200 includes a retaining device 210 and a signal line 220. The signal line 220 includes an annular portion 222. The retaining device 210 has a front portion 214 that engages a rear plane 142. The retaining device 210 also includes a back portion 216 that engages the rear plane 144. The retaining device 210 also includes a bridge 217 connecting the front portion 214 to the back portion 216. The annular portion 222 of the signal line 220 is at least partially disposed outside the front portion 214 of the wear indicator device 200. The annular portion 222 protrudes from this portion toward a contact surface 121.

[0037] The fixing device 210 includes a hook 226. The hook 226 is attached to the back 216 of the fixing device 210. The hook 226 is configured to engage with the annular portion 222. The hook 226 includes a first portion 228. The first portion extends from the back 216 and is aligned substantially parallel to the bridge 217. The hook 226 further includes a second portion 230 extending from the first portion 228. The second portion 230 is aligned substantially parallel to the back 216 and extends toward the bridge 217.

[0038] The fixing device 210 includes a cutout 240. The cutout 240 is adjacent to the hook 226. The geometry of the cutout 240 corresponds to the geometry of the hook 226.

[0039] Hook 226 is integrally formed with fixing device 210. Signal line 220 includes main protective sleeve 232. Main protective sleeve 232 is arranged adjacent to annular portion 222. Main protective sleeve 232 is configured to press against or abut hook 226 to fix the position of annular portion 222. Annular portion 222 includes ring protective sleeve 236 for protecting signal line 220 at contact portion 234 where signal line 220 contacts hook 226.

[0040] The fixing device 210 includes a rod 212. The rod 212 extends from a front portion 214 parallel to the support plane 142. The rod 212 is configured to engage a signal line 220 near the support plane 142. The brake pad support 140 has a recess 146 configured as a through-hole. The recess 146 extends from the support plane 142 to a rear plane 144. The signal line 220, particularly an annular portion 222, is guided through the recess 146. The annular portion 222 of the signal line 220 at least partially surrounds the rod 212. The annular portion 222 extends through the recess 146 and, in the assembled state, surrounds a hook 226, which is shown in... Figure 2 middle.

[0041] The fixing device 210 has a recess 218. The recess 218 is configured to guide a signal line 220, wherein the recess 218 at least partially overlaps with a recess 146 of the brake pad support 140. The back end portion 224 of the signal line 220 is guided through both recesses 146 and 218. The fixing device 210 further has a positioning device 219 configured to engage the circumferential surface of the through hole 146. Therefore, the fixing device 210 is positioned relative to the through hole 146. The bridge 217 is configured to rest against the upper surface 148 of the brake pad support 140.

[0042] exist Figure 2 In the diagram, the wear indicator device 220 is shown in an assembled state, in which the fixing device 210 engages the brake pad bracket 140, and wherein the annular portion 222 of the signal line 220 surrounds the rod 212, extends through the recess 146, and also surrounds the hook 226 to fix the position of the signal line 220 relative to the brake pad bracket 140.

[0043] Figure 3 The initial assembly step is shown, in which the annular portion 222 is guided through the recess 146 of the brake pad bracket 140 such that the annular portion 222 extends through the recess 146. Thereafter, the retaining device 210 descends toward the brake pad bracket 140 such that the rod 212 engages the annular portion 222. Figure 4 As shown, the back end 224 of the annular portion 222 is also guided through the recess 218 of the wear indicator device 200. As Figure 4As indicated by the arrow, in the final step, the back end 224 of the annular portion 222 is fitted onto the hook 236 to securely hold the signal line 220 in place. Figure 2 As shown.

[0044] Figure 5 and Figure 6 A perspective view of an embodiment of the fixing device 210 is shown. For a more detailed description, refer to... Figures 2 to 4 The corresponding description.

[0045] Figure 7 An embodiment of signal line 220 is shown. The signal line includes an annular portion 222, at which a ring-shaped protective sleeve 236 surrounds the lead 238 of the signal line 220. The signal line 220 also includes a main protective sleeve 232 arranged adjacent to the annular portion 222. The ring-shaped protective sleeve 236 is configured to contact the contact portion 234 of the signal line 220 contact hook 226 (see previous figure) (see...). Figure 2 The protection signal line 220 is located at point 220. The main protection sleeve 232 overlaps with the ring protection sleeve 236.

[0046] List of reference numerals

[0047] 1. Disc brake

[0048] 10 Brake calipers

[0049] 100 brake pads

[0050] 120 friction lining

[0051] 121 contact surface

[0052] 122 incision

[0053] 140 brake pad bracket

[0054] 142 support plane

[0055] 144 Back Plane

[0056] 146 Brake Pad Support Recess

[0057] 200 Wear Indicator

[0058] 210 Fixture

[0059] 212 strokes

[0060] 214 front

[0061] 216 Back

[0062] Bridge 217

[0063] 218 Recess of wear indicator device

[0064] 219 Positioning Device

[0065] 220 signal line

[0066] 221 connector

[0067] 222 Ring Section

[0068] 224 back end

[0069] 226 hooks

[0070] 228 First hook section

[0071] 230 Second Hook Part

[0072] 232 main protective sleeve

[0073] Contact part of 234 signal line

[0074] 236 ring protective sleeve

[0075] 238 lead

[0076] 240 incision

[0077] 300 Spring Hanger

[0078] 320 hanger connection device

[0079] 340 hanger base

Claims

1. A brake caliper (10) for a vehicle brake (1), the brake caliper (10) comprising: - Brake pad (100), the brake pad having a friction pad (120) and a brake pad bracket (140), the brake pad bracket being configured to support the friction pad (120) near the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1), The friction pad (120) has a contact surface (121) facing away from the brake pad support (140), the contact surface being configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1) during braking. The brake pad bracket (140) has a bracket plane (142) facing the friction pad (120) and a rear plane (144) opposite to the bracket plane (142); and - Wear indicator device (200), the wear indicator device having a fixing device (210) and a signal line (220) including an annular portion (222). The fixing device (210) has a front portion (214) that engages the support plane (142), a back portion (216) that engages the rear plane (144), and a bridge (217) that connects the front portion (214) and the back portion (216). The annular portion (222) of the signal line (220) is at least partially disposed outside the front portion (214) of the wear indicator device (200), and protrudes from the front portion (214) toward the contact surface (121) from the outside of the front portion (214). Characteristically, a hook (226) is attached to the back (216) of the fixing device (210), the hook (226) being configured to engage with the annular portion (222), and The fixing device (210) is integrally formed.

2. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 1. The hook (226) includes a first portion (228) extending from the back (216), and The first portion (228) is aligned substantially parallel to the bridge (217).

3. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 2. The hook (226) includes a second portion (230) extending from the first portion (228), and The second portion (230) is aligned substantially parallel to the back (216) and extends toward the bridge (217).

4. The brake caliper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3. The fixing device (210) includes a cut (240) positioned adjacent to the hook (226).

5. The brake caliper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3. The hook (226) is integrally formed with the fixing device (210).

6. The brake caliper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3. The signal line (220) includes a ring-protected sleeve (236) disposed at the annular portion (222). The ring protective sleeve (236) is configured to protect the signal line (220) at the contact portion (234) where the signal line (220) contacts the hook (226).

7. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 6. The signal line (220) includes a main protective sleeve (232). The main protective sleeve (232) is configured to abut against the hook (226), and The main protective sleeve (232) overlaps with the annular protective sleeve (236).

8. The brake caliper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3. The fixing device (210) includes a rod (212) extending from the front portion (214) parallel to the plane of the support (142), and The rod (212) is configured to engage the signal line (220) near the plane (142) of the bracket.

9. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 8. The brake pad bracket (140) has a recess (146). The recess (146) extends from the support plane (142) to the rear plane (144), and The signal line (220) is guided through the recess.

10. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 9. The annular portion (222) of the signal line (220) at least partially surrounds the rod (212), extends through the recess (146), and surrounds the hook (226).

11. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 7. The fixing device (210) has a recess (218) configured to guide the signal line (220). The recess (218) at least partially overlaps with the recess (146) of the brake pad bracket (140), and The back end portion (224) of the signal line (220) is guided through the recess (146) of the brake pad bracket (140) and the recess (218) of the fixing device (210).

12. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 9. in, The recess (146) is a through hole. The fixing device (210) has a positioning device (219) configured to engage the circumferential surface of the through hole, thereby positioning the fixing device (210) at a predetermined position relative to the through hole.

13. The brake caliper (10) according to any one of claims 1-3. The bridge (217) is configured to rest against the upper surface (148) of the brake pad support (140).

14. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 1. The vehicle brake (1) mentioned therein is a disc brake for commercial vehicles.

15. The brake caliper (10) according to claim 4. The geometry of the cut (240) corresponds to the geometry of the hook (226).

16. A wear indicator device (200) for a brake caliper (10) according to any one of the preceding claims. The brake caliper includes a brake pad (100) having a friction pad (120) and a brake pad support (140) configured to support the friction pad (120) near the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1), and The friction pad (120) has a contact surface (121) facing away from the brake pad support (140), the contact surface being configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1) during braking; The wear indicator device (200) has a fixing device (210) and a signal line (220) including an annular portion (222). The fixing device (210) has a front portion (214) that engages the support plane (142), a back portion (216) that engages the rear plane (144), and a bridge (217) that connects the front portion (214) and the back portion (216). The annular portion (222) of the signal line (220) is at least partially disposed outside the front portion (214) of the wear indicator (200) and protrudes from the front portion (214) toward the contact surface (121). Its features are, A hook (226) is attached to the back (216) of the fixing device (210), and the hook (226) is configured to engage with the annular portion (222).

17. A vehicle brake (1), the vehicle brake (1) comprising: - Brake disc, and - The brake caliper according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the brake caliper forms a receiving space for the brake disc. The brake caliper includes: - Brake pad (100), the brake pad having a friction pad (120) and a brake pad bracket (140), the brake pad bracket being configured to support the friction pad (120) near the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1), The friction pad (120) has a contact surface (121) facing away from the brake pad support (140), the contact surface being configured to abut against the brake disc of the vehicle brake (1) during braking; and - Wear indicator device (200), the wear indicator device having a fixing device (210) and a signal line (220) including an annular portion (222). The fixing device (210) has a front portion (214) that engages the support plane (142), a back portion (216) that engages the rear plane (144), and a bridge (217) that connects the front portion (214) and the back portion (216). The annular portion (222) of the signal line (220) is at least partially disposed outside the front portion (214) of the wear indicator (200) and protrudes from the front portion (214) toward the contact surface (121). The hook (226) is attached to the back (216) of the fixing device (210), and the hook (226) is configured to engage with the annular portion (222).

Images