Disc brake caliper

Abstract

The present disclosure provides a disc brake caliper for a manpower vehicle. The disc brake caliper basically includes a hydraulic caliper body and a first hydraulic piston. The hydraulic caliper body includes a first cylinder and a first attachment portion configured to couple a mechanical caliper body configured to be operated by a cable. A first hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the first cylinder to move the first brake pad into contact with the rotor, the first hydraulic piston configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a disc brake caliper for a human-powered vehicle such as a bicycle. Background Art

[0002] Generally, there are various types of braking devices for human-powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles) available on the market currently. Examples of some common types of bicycle braking devices include rim brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes have become increasingly popular in human-powered vehicles such as bicycles. In particular, compared to rim brakes, disc brakes provide a relatively large braking force related to the magnitude of the braking force applied to a brake lever or pedal. Additionally, disc brake systems typically provide a high level of braking consistency under all types of weather conditions and riding conditions. Disc brakes can be cable-operated or can be hydraulically operated. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Generally, the present disclosure is directed to various features of a disc brake caliper for a human-powered vehicle. As used herein, the term "human-powered vehicle" refers to a vehicle that can be propelled by at least human driving force, but does not include vehicles that use only driving power other than human power. In particular, vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine as the driving power are not included in human-powered vehicles. It is generally assumed that human-powered vehicles are compact light vehicles that often do not require a license to travel on public roads. The number of wheels on a human-powered vehicle is not limited. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, unicycles and vehicles with three or more wheels. Human-powered vehicles include, for example, various types of bicycles, such as mountain bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, recumbent bikes, and electric-assisted bikes (E-bikes).

[0004] In view of the state of the known art and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a disc brake caliper for a human-powered vehicle. The disc brake caliper mainly includes a hydraulic caliper body and a first hydraulic piston. The hydraulic caliper body includes a first cylinder and a first attachment portion configured to couple a mechanical caliper body configured to be operated by a cable. The first hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the first cylinder to move a first brake pad into contact with a rotor, and the first hydraulic piston is configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid.

[0005] With the disc brake caliper according to the first aspect, the disc brake caliper can have a relatively compact configuration while providing both mechanical braking and hydraulic braking.

[0006] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the first aspect is configured such that the first attachment portion is configured to detachably couple the mechanical caliper body to the first attachment portion.

[0007] With the disc brake caliper according to the second aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be detached from the hydraulic caliper body, enabling maintenance to be carried out on the mechanical caliper body.

[0008] According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the second aspect further includes a first fixing member configured to detachably couple the mechanical caliper body to a first attachment portion of the hydraulic caliper body.

[0009] With the disc brake caliper according to the third aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be easily detached from the hydraulic caliper body.

[0010] According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the second aspect or the third aspect is configured such that: the hydraulic caliper body further includes a second attachment portion offset relative to the first attachment portion.

[0011] With the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect, the disc brake caliper can have a relatively compact configuration.

[0012] According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect is configured such that: the first attachment portion is provided on the outer side of the hydraulic caliper body, and the second attachment portion is provided on the inner side of the hydraulic caliper body.

[0013] With the disc brake caliper according to the fifth aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be firmly and reliably coupled to the hydraulic caliper body.

[0014] According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect or the fifth aspect further includes a second fixing member configured to detachably attach the second attachment portion to the mechanical caliper body.

[0015] With the disc brake caliper according to the sixth aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be easily detachably coupled to the hydraulic caliper body.

[0016] According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the sixth aspect is configured such that: the first fixing member has a first fixing axis and the second fixing member has a second fixing axis, and in a state where the first fixing member and the second fixing member are attached to the hydraulic caliper body, the second fixing axis is parallel to the first fixing axis.

[0017] With the disc brake caliper according to the seventh aspect, the disc brake caliper can have a relatively compact configuration.

[0018] According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first aspect to the seventh aspect further includes the mechanical caliper body coupled to the hydraulic caliper body.

[0019] With the disc brake caliper according to the eighth aspect, the braking force applied to the rotor can vary depending on which of the mechanical piston and the first hydraulic piston is used for braking. Further, the mechanical piston can be used as a parking brake, and the first hydraulic piston can be used during normal riding.

[0020] According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the eighth aspect is configured such that: the mechanical caliper body is positioned upstream of the hydraulic caliper body with respect to the rotational direction of the rotor.

[0021] With the disc brake caliper according to the ninth aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be easily accessed for repair.

[0022] According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the eighth or ninth aspect further includes a mechanical piston that is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body and is configured to move the brake pad into contact with the rotor.

[0023] With the disc brake caliper according to the tenth aspect, the braking force can be reliably applied to the rotor.

[0024] According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the tenth aspect further includes an intermediate member that is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body and has a cable attachment portion configured to be coupled to a cable. The intermediate member is configured to move the mechanical piston in response to movement of the cable during a braking operation.

[0025] With the disc brake caliper according to the eleventh aspect, a cable can be used to move the mechanical piston.

[0026] According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the eighth to eleventh aspects is configured such that: the mechanical caliper body includes a caliper housing that defines a rotor receiving groove.

[0027] With the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect, the rotor can be received in the rotor receiving groove such that the mechanical piston can reliably apply a braking force to the rotor.

[0028] According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that: the caliper housing has an internal space, and the intermediate member is disposed in the internal space.

[0029] With the disc brake caliper according to the thirteenth aspect, the intermediate member can be protected by the caliper housing.

[0030] According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect or the thirteenth aspect is configured such that: the mechanical caliper body includes a cover detachably coupled to the caliper housing.

[0031] With the disc brake caliper according to the fourteenth aspect, the mechanical caliper body can be repaired relatively easily.

[0032] According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect or the fourteenth aspect is configured such that: the caliper housing has a cable port provided on the inner side of the rotor receiving groove.

[0033] With the disc brake caliper according to the fifteenth aspect, the cable can be conveniently routed to the caliper housing for operating the mechanical caliper body.

[0034] According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect or the fifteenth aspect is configured such that: the caliper housing includes an outer portion and an inner portion, the outer portion having a first inner surface defining a first side of the rotor receiving groove, and the inner portion having a second inner surface defining a second side of the rotor receiving groove.

[0035] With the disc brake caliper according to the sixteenth aspect, the rotor receiving groove can be roughly positioned.

[0036] According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the sixteenth aspect is configured such that: the outer portion has a piston hole, and a mechanical piston is slidably disposed in the piston hole.

[0037] With the disc brake caliper according to the seventeenth aspect, the structure of the disc brake caliper can be further simplified.

[0038] According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the sixteenth aspect or the seventeenth aspect is configured such that: an intermediate member is pivotally supported to the outer portion by a first shaft, and the outer portion has a first shaft support recess for receiving the first shaft.

[0039] With the disc brake caliper according to the eighteenth aspect, the intermediate member can be pivotally supported to the caliper housing without interfering with the wheel.

[0040] According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the eighteenth aspect is configured such that: the intermediate member further includes an actuating arm that radially extends from the first shaft with respect to the pivot axis of the first shaft. The actuating arm includes a cable attachment portion at a position spaced apart from the pivot axis.

[0041] With the disc brake caliper according to the nineteenth aspect, the cable tension for braking operation can be reduced.

[0042] According to the twentieth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the twelfth aspect to the nineteenth aspect is configured such that: the caliper housing includes a second shaft support recess configured to receive the brake pad shaft.

[0043] With the disc brake caliper according to the twentieth aspect, the brake pads of the mechanical caliper body can be easily set to the caliper housing.

[0044] According to the twenty - first aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the eleventh aspect to the twentieth aspect is configured such that: the intermediate member further includes a cam portion configured to move the mechanical piston.

[0045] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - first aspect, the rotational movement of the intermediate member can be easily converted into the linear movement of the mechanical piston.

[0046] According to the twenty - second aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - first aspect is configured such that: the cable attachment portion and the cam portion are an integral member.

[0047] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - second aspect, the structure of the disc brake caliper can be simplified.

[0048] According to the twenty - third aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the eleventh aspect to the twenty - second aspect is configured such that: the intermediate member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis. The mechanical piston is configured to move along a mechanical piston axis. The pivot axis is different from the mechanical piston axis.

[0049] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - third aspect, the structure of the disc brake caliper can be simplified.

[0050] According to the twenty - fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - third aspect is configured such that: the pivot axis is not parallel to the mechanical piston axis.

[0051] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - fourth aspect, the disc brake caliper can have a relatively compact configuration.

[0052] According to the twenty - fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - fourth aspect is configured such that: the pivot axis is perpendicularly arranged with respect to the mechanical piston axis.

[0053] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty - fifth aspect, the rotational movement of the intermediate member can be easily converted into the linear movement of the mechanical piston.

[0054] According to the twenty - sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the eleventh aspect to the twenty - fifth aspect further includes a biasing element configured to bias the intermediate member to a non - actuated position.

[0055] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty-sixth aspect, the intermediate member can automatically return to the non-actuated position after the braking operation.

[0056] According to the twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-sixth aspect further includes a second hydraulic piston movably disposed in a second cylinder of the hydraulic caliper body to move the second brake pad into contact with the rotor.

[0057] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty-seventh aspect, a strong braking force can be applied to the rotor by using the first hydraulic piston and the second hydraulic piston.

[0058] According to the twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first aspect to the twenty-seventh aspect is configured such that: the hydraulic caliper body includes a coupling portion configured to couple the hydraulic caliper body to the vehicle body of the human-powered vehicle.

[0059] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty-eighth aspect, the disc brake caliper can be firmly and reliably fixed to the human-powered vehicle.

[0060] According to the twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twenty-eighth aspect is configured such that: the coupling portion includes a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole.

[0061] With the disc brake caliper according to the twenty-ninth aspect, the disc brake caliper can be easily fixed to the human-powered vehicle in a detachable manner.

[0062] Moreover, according to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the disc brake caliper disclosed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed disc brake caliper will become apparent to those skilled in the art. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0063] Now refer to the drawings forming a part of this original disclosure.

[0064] Figure 1 FIG. is a side view of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with a disc brake system including a disc brake caliper (e.g., a bicycle disc brake caliper) according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper having a hydraulic caliper and a mechanical caliper.

[0065] Figure 2 FIG. is a perspective view of a disc brake system including a disc brake caliper according to the first embodiment and a brake operation (actuation) device for operating the disc brake caliper, the disc brake caliper being coupled to a bicycle frame.

[0066] Figure 3 is Figure 2 A perspective view of a braking operation device of the disc brake system shown, in which a first brake lever of the braking operation device has been operated to apply a first braking force.

[0067] Figure 4 is Figure 2 and Figure 3 A perspective view of the braking operation device shown, in which a second brake lever of the braking operation device has been operated to apply a second braking force.

[0068] Figure 5 is Figures 2 to 4 A first cross-sectional view of the braking operation device shown taken along a cylinder axis that is perpendicular to the pivot axis of the second brake lever and that travels through a cylinder bore provided in a base member.

[0069] Figure 6 is Figures 2 to 5 A second cross-sectional view of the braking operation device shown taken along a cylinder axis that is parallel to the pivot axis of the second brake lever and that travels through a cylinder bore provided in a base member.

[0070] Figure 7 is Figure 2 An outer perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0071] Figure 8 is Figure 7 An inner perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0072] Figure 9 is Figure 7 and Figure 8 A front outer view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0073] Figure 10 is Figures 7 to 9 A front inner view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0074] Figure 11 is Figures 7 to 10 A top view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0075] Figure 12 is Figures 7 to 11 A bottom view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0076] Figure 13 is Figures 7 to 12 A bottom perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown as viewed in a direction parallel to the fastening axis of a frame fastener.

[0077] Figure 14 is Figures 7 to 13Rear perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown, viewed in a direction perpendicular to the fastening axis of the frame fastener.

[0078] Figure 15 is Figures 7 to 14 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, where the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and where the mechanical caliper is in the non-braking state.

[0079] Figure 16 is similar to Figure 15 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper, but where the mechanical caliper is in the braking state.

[0080] Figure 17 is Figures 7 to 16 Perspective view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0081] Figure 18 is Figures 7 to 16 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0082] Figure 19 is Figures 7 to 16 Perspective view of the inside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0083] Figure 20 is Figures 7 to 16 Front elevation view of the inside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0084] Figure 21 is Figures 7 to 16 Perspective view of the outside of the hydraulic caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, where the mechanical caliper has been removed.

[0085] Figure 22 is Figures 17 to 21 The hydraulic caliper shown, along Figure 18 Transverse cross-sectional view seen along the section line 22-22.

[0086] Figure 23 is Figures 17 to 20 The mechanical caliper shown, along Figure 18 Transverse cross-sectional view seen along the section line 23-23.

[0087] Figure 24 is Figures 17 to 20 Partially exploded perspective view of the mechanical caliper shown.

[0088] Figure 25 is Figures 17 to 20 Partially exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the mechanical caliper shown.

[0089] Figure 26 is Figures 17 to 20 a partially exploded perspective view of selected internal components of the mechanical caliper shown.

[0090] Figure 27 is Figures 17 to 20 a first perspective view of the mechanical caliper shown, in which the housing has been disassembled to show the internal components of the mechanical caliper.

[0091] Figure 28 is Figures 17 to 20 a second perspective view of the mechanical caliper shown, in which the housing has been disassembled to show the internal components of the mechanical caliper.

[0092] Figure 29 is Figure 27 and Figure 28 a schematic view of the internal components of the mechanical caliper shown in a stationary or non-braking position.

[0093] Figure 30 is Figure 27 and Figure 28 a schematic view of the internal components of the mechanical caliper shown in a braking position.

[0094] Figure 31 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to a second embodiment, in which the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and in which the mechanical caliper is in a non-braking state.

[0095] Figure 32 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to a second embodiment similar to Figure 31 but in which the mechanical caliper is in a braking state.

[0096] Figure 33 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to a third embodiment, in which the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and in which the mechanical caliper is in a non-braking state.

[0097] Figure 34 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to a third embodiment similar to Figure 33 but in which the mechanical caliper is in a braking state.

[0098] Figure 35 is a front external perspective view of a disc brake caliper according to a fourth embodiment.

[0099] Figure 36 is Figure 35 a rear internal perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0100] Figure 37 is Figure 35 and Figure 36Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0101] Figure 38 is Figures 35 to 37 Front elevation view of the inside of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0102] Figure 39 is Figures 35 to 38 Top view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0103] Figure 40 is Figures 35 to 39 Bottom view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0104] Figure 41 is Figures 35 to 40 Top oblique view of the disc brake caliper shown, viewed in a direction parallel to the fastening axis of the frame fastener.

[0105] Figure 42 is Figures 35 to 41 Rear oblique view of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0106] Figure 43 is Figures 35 to 42 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, where the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and where the mechanical caliper is in the non - braking state.

[0107] Figure 44 is Figures 35 to 42 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper is in the braking state.

[0108] Figure 45 is Figures 35 to 42 Outside perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0109] Figure 46 is Figures 35 to 42 Front elevation view of the outside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0110] Figure 47 is Figures 35 to 42 Inside perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0111] Figure 48 is Figures 35 to 42 Front elevation view of the inside of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper has been removed from the hydraulic caliper.

[0112] Figure 49 is Figures 35 to 42 Outside perspective view of the hydraulic caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, where the mechanical caliper has been removed.

[0113] Figure 50 is Figure 48 a transverse cross-sectional view of the hydraulic caliper shown along Figure 46 section line 50-50.

[0114] Figure 51 is Figures 35 to 42 an exploded perspective view of the mechanical caliper of the disc brake caliper shown.

[0115] Figure 52 is Figures 35 to 42 a top perspective view of the mechanical caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, where the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and where the mechanical caliper is in a non-braking state.

[0116] Figure 53 is Figures 35 to 42 a top perspective view of the mechanical caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, but where the mechanical caliper is in a braking state.

[0117] Figure 54 is Figures 35 to 42 a rear perspective view of the mechanical caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, where the housing of the mechanical caliper is shown in dashed lines to reveal the internal components in a non-braking state.

[0118] Figure 55 is Figures 35 to 42 a bottom perspective view of the mechanical caliper of the disc brake caliper shown, where the housing of the mechanical caliper is shown in dashed lines to reveal the internal components in a non-braking state.

[0119] Figure 56 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to the fifth embodiment, where the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and where the mechanical caliper is in a non-braking state.

[0120] Figure 57 is similar to Figure 56 a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to the fifth embodiment, but where the mechanical caliper is in a braking state.

[0121] Figure 58 is a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to the sixth embodiment, where the cover of the disc brake caliper has been removed from the caliper housing and where the mechanical caliper is in a non-braking state.

[0122] Figure 59 is similar to Figure 58 a front external view of a disc brake caliper according to the sixth embodiment, but where the mechanical caliper is in a braking state.

[0123] Figure 60 is an exploded perspective view of a mechanical caliper according to the seventh embodiment. Detailed implementation manners

[0124] Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art in the field of human-powered vehicles (e.g., the field of bicycles) that the following description of the embodiments is provided only for illustration and not for limiting the invention defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0125] First, refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a human-powered vehicle V (e.g., a bicycle) equipped with a braking system 10 (e.g., a bicycle braking system) according to a first embodiment is shown. Here, the human-powered vehicle V is shown as an electric-assisted bicycle. However, the braking system 10 can be applied to other types of human-powered vehicles, such as scooters, elliptical bicycles, tricycles, mountain bikes, off-road bikes, road bikes, city bikes, cargo bikes, and recumbent bikes.

[0126] As Figure 1 shown, the human-powered vehicle V includes a vehicle body VB (e.g., a frame, such as a bicycle frame) supported by a rear wheel RW and a front wheel FW. The vehicle body VB basically includes a front frame body FB and a rear frame body RB (swing arm). The vehicle body VB is also provided with a front fork FF and a handlebar H for steering the human-powered vehicle V. The human-powered vehicle V also includes a seat post SP coupled to the seat tube of the vehicle body VB for supporting a bicycle seat S at an upper end.

[0127] The bicycle B also includes a drive train DT. Here, for example, the drive train DT is a chain drive type drive train, which includes a crank C, at least one front sprocket FS, a plurality of rear sprockets RS, and a chain CN. The crank C includes a crankshaft CA1 and a pair of crank arms CA2. The crankshaft CA1 is rotatably supported by the front frame body FB. The crank arms CA2 are provided at opposite ends of the crankshaft CA1. A pair of pedals PD are rotatably coupled to the distal ends of each of the crank arms CA2. The front sprocket FS is provided on the crank C to rotate integrally with the crankshaft CA1. The rear sprocket RS is provided on the hub of the rear wheel RW. The chain CN runs around the front sprocket FS and the rear sprocket RS. A rider of the bicycle B applies a human driving force to the pedals PD, so that the driving force is transmitted to the rear wheel RW via the front sprocket FS, the chain CN, and the rear sprocket RS. Although the drive train DT is shown as a chain drive type drive train, the drive train DT can be selected from any type of drive train and can be a belt drive type drive train or a shaft drive type drive train. Here, the bicycle B also includes a drive unit DU configured to apply a propulsive force to the crankshaft CA1 of the human-powered vehicle V.

[0128] First, refer to Figure 2, shows a part of a disc brake system 10 of a human - powered vehicle V. Here, the disc brake system 10 includes a disc brake caliper 12 and a brake operation (actuation) device 14 according to a first embodiment. The disc brake caliper 12 is provided for the human - powered vehicle V. Basically, the disc brake caliper 12 includes a hydraulic caliper body 16. Here, the disc brake caliper 12 includes a mechanical caliper body 18. The hydraulic caliper body 16 is configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid. In particular, a hydraulic hose 20 is operatively coupled between the brake operation device 14 and the hydraulic caliper body 16. On the other hand, the mechanical caliper body 18 is configured to be operated by a cable 21. In particular, the cable 21 is operatively coupled between the brake operation device 14 and the mechanical caliper body 18. The disc brake caliper 12 is configured to selectively clamp a disc brake rotor 22 (to slow down and / or stop the rotation of the disc brake rotor), which is fixedly attached to the hub of a wheel RW (e.g., a bicycle wheel). As explained below, generally, the hydraulic caliper body 16 and the mechanical caliper body 18 are selectively used to clamp the disc brake rotor 22 (to slow down or stop the rotation of the disc brake rotor). The user can operate the hydraulic caliper body 16 and the mechanical caliper body 18 separately using the brake operation device 14. More specifically, the hydraulic caliper body 16 is typically used during riding to slow down or stop the rotation of the wheel RW, while the mechanical caliper body 18 is typically used when the human - powered vehicle V is parked to prevent the wheel RW from rotating. Thus, here, the mechanical caliper body 18 constitutes the parking brake of the human - powered vehicle V.

[0129] Here, as seen in Figure 2 the disc brake caliper 12 is mounted to the vehicle body VB (e.g., a frame such as a bicycle frame) of the human - powered vehicle V by a pair of fixing bolts 24 (i.e., frame fasteners) through a bracket. In particular, the hydraulic caliper body 16 includes a coupling portion 25. The coupling portion 25 is configured to couple the hydraulic caliper body 16 to the vehicle body VB of the human - powered vehicle V. Here, for example, the coupling portion 25 includes a first coupling hole 25A and a second coupling hole 25B. The first coupling hole 25A and the second coupling hole 25B are through - holes for receiving the fixing bolts 24 therethrough. The first coupling hole 25A and the second coupling hole 25B are preferably elongated holes to allow some adjustment of the hydraulic caliper body 16 relative to the vehicle body VB. The mechanical caliper body 18 is configured to be coupled to the vehicle body VB through the coupling portion 25 of the hydraulic caliper body 16. In other words, the mechanical caliper body 18 is not directly attached to the vehicle body VB. Instead, the mechanical caliper body 18 is supported to the vehicle body VB through the hydraulic caliper body 16. Here, the mechanical caliper body 18 is positioned on the upstream side of the hydraulic caliper body 16 with respect to the rotation direction R1 of the rotor 22.

[0130] As seen in Figures 2 to 4As seen in, basically, the braking operation device 14 is designed to actuate the disc brake caliper 12 in a conventional manner to apply a forced clamping action on the disc brake rotor 22, thereby causing the wheel RW to stop rotating. Here, in the first embodiment, the braking operation device 14 basically includes a base member 26 having a handlebar clamp 27, a first brake lever 28, and a second brake lever 30. The first brake lever 28 is pivotally mounted to the base member 26 between a rest or non-operating position ( Figure 2 ) and an actuated or operating position ( Figure 3 ). The first brake lever 28 is spring-biased by a first return spring towards the rest position corresponding to the non-braking or brake release position. Similarly, the second brake lever 30 is pivotally mounted to the base member 26 between a rest or non-operating position ( Figure 2 ) and an actuated or operating position ( Figure 4 ). The second brake lever 30 is also spring-biased by a second return spring towards the rest position corresponding to the non-braking or brake release position.

[0131] In the first embodiment, as seen in Figures 2 to 4 , the braking operation device 14 is mounted to the handlebar H (i.e., a part of the human-powered vehicle V, which is also a part of the bicycle body). However, the braking operation device 14 can be mounted to other parts of the human-powered vehicle V as needed and / or desired. Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the braking operation device 14 is coupled to the human-powered vehicle V by the handlebar clamp 27, which is an example of a fixed structure. Here, the handlebar clamp 27 is a hinged tube clamp. Since the hinged tube clamp is well-known, the handlebar clamp 27 (i.e., the fixed structure) will not be discussed and / or shown in detail. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, the handlebar clamp 27 (i.e., the fixed structure) can also be referred to as the handlebar mounting structure.

[0132] Here, the base member 26 includes a first base portion 26A and a second base portion 26B. Here, the second base portion 26B is fixedly mounted to the handlebar clamp 27, and the first base portion 26A is detachably mounted to the second base portion 26B. In this way, the first base portion 26A and the first brake lever 28 can be removed from the second base portion 26B. Alternatively, the first base portion 26A and the second base portion 26B can be mounted to separate fixed structures. In this way, the first brake lever 28 can be mounted to the handlebar H at a position spaced apart from the second base portion 26B, or at some other position on the vehicle body VB.

[0133] Here, the first brake lever 28 is a parking brake lever, while the second brake lever 30 is used during riding. In other words, the first brake lever 28 is configured to be operated by the user such that the first brake lever 28 can be locked in the operating position ( Figure 3), to hold the disc brake caliper 12 in the braking state. Here, the braking operation device 14 is provided with a locking device 31 to lock the first brake lever 28 in the operating position. On the other hand, the second brake lever 30 is configured to be operated by the user so as to temporarily hold the disc brake caliper 12 in the braking state when the user holds the second brake lever 30 in the operating state. Once the user releases the second brake lever 30, the second brake lever 30 automatically moves to the rest position (i.e., the non-braking position).

[0134] Referring to Figure 3 and Figure 4 , the locking device 31 includes a locking member 32 that is movable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When the locking member 32 is in the unlocked position as shown in Figure 2 , the first brake lever 28 is in the rest position (i.e., the non-operating position or the non-braking position). When the locking member 32 is in the locked position as shown in Figure 3 , the first brake lever 28 is in the operating position (i.e., the braking position). Preferably, the locking device 31 includes a biasing member 34 that biases the locking member 32 toward the unlocked position. Thus, when the first brake lever 28 moves from the rest position ( Figure 2 ) to the braking position ( Figure 3 ), the locking member 32 is moved by the user to the locked position to prevent the first brake lever 28 from moving backward toward the rest position. For example, the biasing member 34 is a helical compression spring that is positioned around the locking member 32 to bias the locking member 32 toward the unlocked position. In the locked position, the locking member 32 has an abutting portion that contacts the first brake lever 28 to prevent the first brake lever 28 from moving to the rest position. More specifically, the abutting portion of the locking member 32 is pressed between the first brake lever 28 and the base member 26 by the first return spring of the first brake lever 28. By operating the first brake lever 28 to release the pressure applied to the locking member 32, the biasing force of the biasing member 34 moves the locking member 32 to the unlocked position, thereby releasing the first brake lever 28 to move toward the rest position.

[0135] As mentioned above and as seen in Figure 2 , the first brake lever 28 is operatively coupled to the mechanical caliper body 18 by a cable 21. Basically, as seen in Figure 7 and Figure 8 , the cable 21 has an outer sheath 21a and an inner wire 21b. Optionally, a barrel adjuster can be provided between the mechanical caliper body 18 and the outer sheath 21a of the cable 21 for adjusting the cable tension. The outer sheath 21a extends between a part of the base member 26 and a part of the mechanical caliper body 18. As discussed below, the inner wire 21b is fixedly coupled to a part of the mechanical caliper body 18 and the first brake lever 28.

[0136] As seen in Figure 2 , the second brake lever 30 is operatively connected to the hydraulic caliper body 16 via a hydraulic hose 20. In particular, the hydraulic caliper body 16 includes a hydraulic hose connector 38. Here, the hydraulic hose connector 38 includes a banjo bolt. The hydraulic hose 20 includes a banjo hose end fitting 40 that is fluidly connected to the hydraulic caliper body 16 via the hydraulic hose connector 38. As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the other end of the hydraulic hose 20 is fluidly connected to the base member 26 via a hose fitting 42 that is screwed into a threaded hole of the base member 26.

[0137] As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6 , the second base portion 26B includes a master cylinder 46 and a hydraulic fluid reservoir 48. The brake operating device 14 also includes a piston 50 movably disposed in the master cylinder bore 46a of the master cylinder 46. The master cylinder 46 also has an outlet port 46b for supplying hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic caliper body 16 via the hydraulic hose 20. More specifically, as the second brake lever 30 pivots from a rest position ( Figure 2 ) to an operating position ( Figure 4 ) relative to the second base portion 26B, the piston 50 linearly moves within the master cylinder bore 46a. Thus, the second brake lever 30 is operatively connected to the piston 50 to pressurize the hydraulic fluid in the master cylinder bore 46a and force the hydraulic fluid through the outlet port 46b into the hydraulic hose 20 and toward the hydraulic caliper body 16. Here, the brake operating device 14 also includes a push rod or connecting rod 52 that operatively connects the second brake lever 30 to the piston 50. Thus, for example, the second brake lever 30 is connected to the piston 50 to move the piston 50 within the master cylinder bore 46a. The brake operating device 14 also includes a biasing element 54 (e.g., a helical compression spring) that biases the piston 50 to its initial (rest or non-operating) position and also biases the second brake lever 30 to its rest position (i.e., no external force is applied to the second brake lever 30), as seen in Figure 5 . Thus, the biasing element 54 serves as a return spring for the second brake lever 30.

[0138] The hydraulic fluid reservoir 48 is in fluid communication with the master cylinder bore 46a of the master cylinder 46. The hydraulic fluid reservoir 48 houses the hydraulic fluid (mineral oil) supplied to the master cylinder bore 46a of the master cylinder 46. Here, the brake operating device 14 also includes a diaphragm 56 disposed in the hydraulic fluid reservoir 48.

[0139] As seen in Figure 5 and Figure 6As seen in, the hydraulic hose 20 has a first end fluidly connected to the master cylinder bore 46a of the master cylinder 46 through a hose fitting 42, and the hose fitting is threadedly connected into a threaded hole 28a of the second base portion 26B. As in Figure 7 As seen in, the hydraulic hose 20 has a second end fluidly connected to the hydraulic caliper body 16 through a hydraulic hose connector 38. Thus, the braking operation device 14 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic caliper body 16.

[0140] Referring to Figures 17 to 20 , the hydraulic caliper body 16 includes a first attachment portion 61. Preferably, the hydraulic caliper body 16 further includes a second attachment portion 62. The first attachment portion 61 is provided on the outer side S1 of the hydraulic caliper body 16 and the second attachment portion 62 is provided on the inner side S2 of the hydraulic caliper body 16. The first attachment portion 61 is configured to couple the mechanical caliper body 18. Herein, the first attachment portion 61 is configured to attach to the mechanical caliper body 18. Specifically, the first attachment portion 61 is configured to detachably couple the mechanical caliper body 18 thereto. The second attachment portion 62 is configured to attach to the mechanical caliper body 18. The second attachment portion 62 is offset relative to the first attachment portion 61. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a first fixing member 63 configured to detachably couple the mechanical caliper body 18 to the first attachment portion 61 of the hydraulic caliper body 16. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a second fixing member 64 configured to detachably attach the second attachment portion 62 to the mechanical caliper body 18. The first fixing member 63 has a first fixing axis A1, and the second fixing member 64 has a second fixing axis A2. In a state where the first fixing member 63 and the second fixing member 64 are attached to the hydraulic caliper body 16, the second fixing axis A2 is parallel to the first fixing axis A1.

[0141] Referring to Figure 21 and Figure 22 , the disc brake caliper 12 further includes a first brake pad 65A and a second brake pad 65B. The first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B are movably coupled to the hydraulic caliper body 16 by a connecting pin 66. The hydraulic caliper body 16 has a rotor receiving groove 16a. The first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B are disposed within the rotor receiving groove 16a. In particular, the first brake pad 65A is located on one side of the rotor receiving groove 16a and the second brake pad 65B is located on the other side of the rotor receiving groove 16a. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a biasing element 67 operatively disposed between the first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B in a state where the second brake lever 30 is in a non-operating position to hold the rotor receiving groove 16a.

[0142] As in Figure 22As seen in, the disc brake caliper 12 further includes a first hydraulic piston 68. The first brake pad 65A can be coupled to the first hydraulic piston 68 as needed and / or desired. Alternatively, the first brake pad 65A is held in contact with the first hydraulic piston 68 by a biasing element 67. In any case, the biasing element 67 applies a biasing force to the first brake pad 65A and the first hydraulic piston 68 such that the first brake pad 65A and the first hydraulic piston 68 do not contact the rotor 22 when the second brake lever 30 is in the non-operating position. The first hydraulic piston 68 is configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid. The first hydraulic piston 68 is movably disposed in the hydraulic caliper body 16. In particular, the hydraulic caliper body 16 includes a first cylinder 69. The first hydraulic piston 68 is movably disposed in the first cylinder 69. The first cylinder 69 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic hose 20 via an internal passage formed in the hydraulic caliper body 16. The first hydraulic piston 68 moves the first brake pad 65A into contact with the rotor 22. In other words, when the second brake lever 30 is operated, the first hydraulic piston 68 moves the first brake pad 65A into contact with the rotor 22.

[0143] As seen in Figure 22 As seen in, the disc brake caliper 12 further includes a second hydraulic piston 70. The second hydraulic piston 70 is movably disposed in a second cylinder 71 of the hydraulic caliper body 16 to move the second brake pad 65B into contact with the rotor 22. The second brake pad 65B can be coupled to the second hydraulic piston 70 as needed and / or desired. Alternatively, the second brake pad 65B is held in contact with the second hydraulic piston 70 by a biasing element 67. In any case, the biasing element 67 applies a biasing force to the second brake pad 65B and the second hydraulic piston 70 such that the second brake pad 65B and the second hydraulic piston 70 do not contact the rotor 22 when the second brake lever 30 is in the non-operating position. The second cylinder 71 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic hose 20 via an internal passage formed in the hydraulic caliper body 16. Thus, when the second brake lever 30 is operated, the second hydraulic piston 70 moves the second brake pad 65B into contact with the rotor 22. Alternatively, the second hydraulic piston 70 and the second cylinder 71 can be omitted, and the second brake pad 65B can be a stationary brake pad coupled to the hydraulic caliper body 16.

[0144] Here, the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 are both hydraulically operated pistons. Accordingly, both the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 are movably mounted to the hydraulic caliper body 16 such that the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 move the first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B. In particular, the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 are configured to move relative to the hydraulic caliper body 16 in response to an operation of the second brake lever 30. Accordingly, the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 are configured to move the first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B into contact with the disc brake rotor 22 in response to the second brake lever 30 being operated from a rest position (i.e., a non-braking position) to an operating position (i.e., a braking position). In other words, when the user operates the second brake lever 30, the first hydraulic piston 68 and the second hydraulic piston 70 move relative to the hydraulic caliper body 16 such that the first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B are moved into contact with the disc brake rotor 22. Accordingly, the first brake pad 65A and the second brake pad 65B contact the disc brake rotor 22 in response to an operation of the second brake lever 30 to apply a braking force to the disc brake rotor 22.

[0145] Here, the hydraulic caliper body 16 is a one-piece member. The hydraulic caliper body 16 is preferably constructed of a hard rigid material such as a metallic material. Of course, other suitable materials may be utilized as needed and / or desired. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a cylinder plug 72 that is threadedly coupled to the hydraulic caliper body 16. The cylinder plug 72 closes one end of the first cylinder 69. The cylinder plug 72 is installed before the first hydraulic piston 68 is installed in the first cylinder 69.

[0146] Referring Figures 7 to 9 and Figure 24 , the mechanical caliper body 18 includes a caliper housing 73. The mechanical caliper body 18 further includes a cover 74 that is removably coupled to the caliper housing 73. Here, the cover 74 is removably coupled to the caliper housing 73 by at least one fastener 75 (e.g., a threaded fastener such as a bolt). The cover 74 is removably coupled to the caliper housing 73 by three fasteners. The caliper housing 73 has an internal space 76. The cover 74 is removed from the caliper housing 73 to access the internal space 76. The cover 74 is attached to the caliper housing 73 to prevent access to the internal space 76.

[0147] Referring Figure 23, the caliper housing 73 defines a rotor receiving groove 77. The caliper housing 73 includes an outer portion 73a and an inner portion 73b. The outer portion has a first inner surface 73a1 that defines a first side of the rotor receiving groove 77, and the inner portion has a second inner surface 73b1 that defines a second side of the rotor receiving groove 77. The caliper housing 73 has a cable port 73c provided on the outer portion 73a. The cable port 73c is configured to abut against the outer shell 21a of the cable 21 and allow the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 to pass therethrough. As needed and / or desired, the cable port 73c may be threaded to receive a cable adjuster.

[0148] Referring Figure 23 and Figures 25 to 28 , the disc brake caliper 12 includes a mechanical piston 78. The mechanical piston 78 is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body 18. Here, the outer portion 73a has a piston hole 80. The mechanical piston 78 is slidably disposed in the piston hole 80. The mechanical piston 78 is configured to move along a mechanical piston axis A3. Basically, the mechanical piston 78 is configured to move the brake pads into contact with the rotor 22. In particular, the mechanical piston 78 is configured to move the auxiliary brake pad 79 into contact with the rotor 22. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a mechanical piston biasing element 82 that is configured to bias the mechanical piston 78 toward a non-actuated position.

[0149] Referring Figures 23 to 28 , the disc brake caliper 12 includes an intermediate member 81. The mechanical caliper body 18 completely covers the intermediate member 81 and covers most of the mechanical piston 78. In particular, the intermediate member 81 is disposed in the inner space 76. The intermediate member 81 is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body 18. Here, the intermediate member 81 has a cable attachment portion 81a configured to be coupled to the cable 21. The intermediate member 81 is configured to move the mechanical piston in response to the movement of the cable 21 during a braking operation. In particular, the intermediate member 81 further includes a cam portion 81b configured to move the mechanical piston 78.

[0150] The intermediate member 81 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis A4. Specifically, the intermediate member 81 is pivotally disposed in the mechanical caliper body 18 about the pivot axis A4. More specifically, the intermediate member 81 is pivotally supported to the outer portion 73a by a first shaft 83. The outer portion 73a has a first shaft support recess 84 that receives the first shaft 83. Here, the first shaft 83 is formed by a bolt screwed into the first shaft support recess 84. Thus, the intermediate member 81 is pivotally supported to the outer portion 73a by the first shaft 83. The pivot axis A4 is different from the mechanical piston axis A3. The pivot axis A4 is offset relative to the mechanical piston axis A3. Here, in the first embodiment, the pivot axis A4 is parallel to the mechanical piston axis A3.

[0151] The cable attachment portion 81a is radially outwardly spaced from the pivot axis A4. Here, the intermediate member 81 further includes an actuating arm 81c that radially extends from the first shaft 83 relative to the pivot axis A4 of the first shaft 83. The actuating arm 81c includes the cable attachment portion 81a at a position spaced from the pivot axis A4. The cable attachment portion 81a and the cam portion 81b are one-piece members. Preferably, the cable attachment portion 81a, the cam portion 81b, and the actuating arm 81c are one-piece members. Thus, the cable attachment portion 81a, the cam portion 81b, and the actuating arm 81c are integrally formed as part of the intermediate member 81. The cable attachment portion 81a includes a groove configured to capture the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 and a receiving portion configured to hold the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21.

[0152] Returning to Figures 19 to 20 , the caliper housing 73 includes a second shaft support recess 86. The second shaft support recess 86 is configured to receive the brake pad shaft 87. The brake pad shaft 87 movably supports the auxiliary brake pad 79 relative to the caliper housing 73. Here, the brake pad shaft 87 supports the mechanical piston biasing element 82 to the caliper housing 73.

[0153] Returning to Figure 15 , Figure 16 and Figure 26 , the disc brake caliper 12 further includes a biasing element 88. The biasing element 88 is configured to bias the intermediate member 81 to the non-actuated position. Here, the biasing element 88 is disposed between the caliper housing 73 and the intermediate member 81. In particular, the intermediate member 81 includes a contact portion 81d for contacting one end of the biasing element 88. The other end of the biasing element 88 abuts against the inner surface of the caliper housing 73. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the biasing element 88 is a helical compression spring that is compressed during a braking operation. Thus, the biasing element 88 acts as a return spring to return the intermediate member 81 to the non-actuated position.

[0154] Referring to Figures 27 to 30, the cam portion 81b of the intermediate member 81 includes a cam surface 89. The cam surface 89 is configured to contact the mechanical piston 78 and move the mechanical piston 78 along the mechanical piston axis A3 as the intermediate member 81 pivots about the pivot axis A4 in response to the movement of the cable 21 during braking. Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the intermediate member 81 is configured to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 78 relative to the cable 21 as the intermediate member 81 moves relative to the mechanical caliper body 18. Alternatively, the intermediate member 81 may be configured to produce a constant travel rate of the mechanical piston 78 relative to the cable 21 as the intermediate member 81 moves relative to the mechanical caliper body 18. In the first embodiment, the cam surface 89 is configured to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 78 relative to the cable 21 as the intermediate member 81 moves relative to the mechanical caliper body 18.

[0155] The cam surface 89 of the intermediate member 81 has a first cam surface 89a configured to move the mechanical piston 78. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a first rolling element 90. The first rolling element 90 is disposed between the mechanical piston 78 and the first cam surface 89a. In the first embodiment, the first cam surface 89a is a curved or arcuate groove, and the first rolling element 90 is a ball.

[0156] Preferably, as in the first embodiment, the cam surface 89 of the intermediate member 81 has a second cam surface 89b. The second cam surface 89b is configured to move the mechanical piston 78. The disc brake caliper 12 further includes a second rolling element 91. The second rolling element 91 is disposed between the mechanical caliper body 18 and the second cam surface 89b. In the first embodiment, the second cam surface 89b is a curved or arcuate groove, and the second rolling element 91 is a ball.

[0157] In the case where the intermediate member 81 has both the first cam surface 89a and the second cam surface 89b as in the first embodiment, the first cam surface 89a is configured to move the mechanical piston 78 at a first piston actuation rate, while the second cam surface 89b is configured to move the mechanical piston 78 at a second piston actuation rate. The first piston actuation rate is greater than the second piston actuation rate. Here, in the first embodiment, the first cam surface 89a and the second cam surface 89b are continuous and curved or arcuate grooves that bend around the mechanical piston axis A3. The first cam surface 89a and the second cam surface 89b are inclined with respect to the mechanical piston movement direction D1. Therefore, the first cam surface 89a and the second cam surface 89b are ramp-shaped. The first cam surface 89a has a first inclination angle θ1, and the second cam surface 89b has a second inclination angle θ2. The first inclination angle θ1 is different from the second inclination angle θ2.

[0158] With this configuration of the first embodiment, asFigure 29 and Figure 30 Schematically shown, the mechanical piston 78 is configured to move along a first movement range X1 during a braking operation from a rest position RP to a first position P1 with the intermediate member 81 towards the rotor 22 via a first cam surface 89a. Thus, during the first movement range X1 of the braking operation, the mechanical piston 78 moves at a first piston actuation rate. The mechanical piston 78 is configured to move along a second movement range X2 during a braking operation from a second position P2 to a third position P3 with the intermediate member 81 further towards the rotor 22 via a second cam surface 89b. The second movement range X2 is located after the first movement range X1. Thus, during the second movement range X2 of the braking operation, the mechanical piston 78 moves at a second piston actuation rate. Since the first piston actuation rate is greater than the second piston actuation rate, the mechanical piston 78 moves quickly during the first movement range X1 of the braking operation to engage with the rotor 22. Then, even though the first brake lever 28 moves at the same speed, the mechanical piston 78 moves slower during the second movement range X2 of the braking operation as the braking force is applied to the rotor 22.

[0159] Basically, during a braking operation of the mechanical caliper body 18, a user operates the first brake lever 28 to pull an inner wire 21b of the cable 21 relative to the mechanical caliper body 18. The pulling of the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 causes the intermediate member 81 to rotate about a pivot axis A4. The rotation of the intermediate member 81 causes a cam portion 81b to linearly move the mechanical piston 78 along a mechanical piston axis A3. The linear movement of the mechanical piston 78 causes an auxiliary brake pad 79 to engage with the rotor 22 to apply a braking force to the rotor 22.

[0160] Now referring to Figure 31 and Figure 32 , a disc brake caliper 112 according to a second embodiment is shown. The disc brake caliper 112 includes a hydraulic caliper body 16 of the first embodiment and an improved mechanical caliper body 118. In view of the similarity between the disc brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment and the disc brake caliper 112 of the second embodiment, components of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the second embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0161] Here, the disc brake caliper 112 is the same as the disc brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment, except that the intermediate member 81 of the disc brake caliper 12 has been replaced with the intermediate member 181 in the disc brake caliper 112 of the second embodiment. Specifically, the disc brake caliper 112 further includes a cable attachment portion 193 configured to be attached to a cable 21. The intermediate member 181 includes a portion 194 coupled to the cable attachment portion 193 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 78. Basically, the cable attachment portion 193 is configured to move at least partially relative to the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 181 pivots about the pivot axis A4. The portion 194 includes a contact surface 194a. The contact surface 194a is configured to slidably contact the cable attachment portion 193 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 78. More specifically, in the second embodiment, the cable attachment portion 193 includes a cable holder configured to hold a barrel joint 21c of the cable 21, and the contact surface 194a is formed by a slot that slidably receives the cable holder (i.e., the cable attachment portion 193). The cable holder has a cylindrical shape. The cable holder includes a receiving space configured to hold the barrel joint 21c and an attachment through-hole configured to allow an inner wire 21b of the cable 21 to pass therethrough. The cable attachment portion 193 may include the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21, and the contact surface 194a may be formed by a slot that slidably receives the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21. The contact surface 194a (e.g., the slot) is oriented relative to the pivot axis A4 of the intermediate member 181 such that as the intermediate member 181 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 moves away from the pivot axis A4. Thus, the cable attachment portion 193 is configured to move at least partially away from the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 181 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation. As a result, as the intermediate member 181 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the mechanical piston 78 moves at a variable travel rate relative to the cable 21. With this embodiment, the cam surface of the intermediate member 181 can have a constant inclination.

[0162] Now referring to Figure 33 and Figure 34 , a disc brake caliper 212 according to a third embodiment is shown. The disc brake caliper 212 includes the hydraulic caliper body 16 of the first embodiment and an improved mechanical caliper body 218. In view of the similarity between the disc brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment and the disc brake caliper 212 of the third embodiment, components of the third embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the first embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the third embodiment that are the same as those of the first embodiment may be omitted.

[0163] Here, the disc brake caliper 212 is the same as the disc brake caliper 12 of the first embodiment, except that the intermediate member 81 of the disc brake caliper 12 has been replaced with the intermediate member 281 in the disc brake caliper 212 of the third embodiment. Specifically, the disc brake caliper 212 further includes a cable attachment portion 293 configured to be attached to the cable 21. The intermediate member 281 includes a portion 294 coupled to the cable attachment portion 293 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 78. Basically, the cable attachment portion 293 is configured to move at least partially relative to the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 281 pivots about the pivot axis A4.

[0164] Here, the cable attachment portion 293 is pivotally coupled to the intermediate member 281. For example, as in the third embodiment, the cable attachment portion 293 is a cable retainer, and the portion 294 is a pivot pin for pivotally attaching the cable attachment portion 293 (e.g., the cable retainer) to the intermediate member 281. More specifically, in the third embodiment, the cable attachment portion 293 is configured to hold the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 to the intermediate member 281 via the portion 294. During a braking operation, the cable attachment portion 293 pivots relative to the intermediate member 281 such that the angular rotation amount of the intermediate member 281 varies for a predetermined amount that the cable 21 is pulled relative to the caliper housing 73. More specifically, as the intermediate member 281 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during the braking operation, the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 moves away from the pivot axis A4. In other words, the cable attachment portion 293 is configured to move at least partially away from the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 281 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during the braking operation. As a result, as the intermediate member 281 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during the braking operation, the mechanical piston 78 moves at a travel rate that is variable relative to the travel of the cable 21. With this embodiment, the cam surface of the intermediate member 281 can have a constant inclination.

[0165] Now refer to Figures 35 to 55, shows a disc brake caliper 312 according to the fourth embodiment. The disc brake caliper 312 is mounted to the human-powered vehicle V in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Basically, the disc brake caliper 312 includes a hydraulic caliper body 316. Here, the disc brake caliper 312 includes a mechanical caliper body 318. The hydraulic caliper body 316 is configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid via a hydraulic hose 20, and the mechanical caliper body 318 is configured to be operated by a cable 21. In particular, the hydraulic caliper body 316 is operated by the brake operating device 14 in the same manner as in the first embodiment. Thus, the disc brake caliper 312 is operatively coupled to the brake operating device 14 via the hydraulic hose 20 and the cable 21 in the same manner as in the first embodiment to selectively clamp (such that the disc brake rotor 22 slows down and / or stops rotating) the disc brake rotor 22, which is fixedly attached to the hub of the wheel RW.

[0166] Now referring to Figures 35 to 42 , the hydraulic caliper body 316 includes a coupling portion 325. The coupling portion 325 is configured to couple the hydraulic caliper body 316 to the vehicle body VB of the human-powered vehicle V. Here, for example, the coupling portion 325 includes a first coupling hole 325A and a second coupling hole 325B. The first coupling hole 325A and the second coupling hole 325B are through holes for receiving fixing bolts therethrough. The first coupling hole 325A and the second coupling hole 325B are preferably elongated holes to allow some adjustment of the hydraulic caliper body 316 relative to the vehicle body VB. The mechanical caliper body 318 is configured to be coupled to the vehicle body VB through the coupling portion 325 of the hydraulic caliper body 316. In other words, the mechanical caliper body 318 is not directly attached to the vehicle body VB. Instead, the mechanical caliper body 318 is supported to the vehicle body VB by the hydraulic caliper body 316. Here, as Figure 37 shown, the mechanical caliper body 318 is positioned on the upstream side of the hydraulic caliper body 316 with respect to the rotational direction R1 of the disc brake rotor 22.

[0167] As in Figures 45 to 48As seen in, the hydraulic caliper body 316 includes a first attachment portion 361. Preferably, the hydraulic caliper body 316 further includes a second attachment portion 362. The first attachment portion 361 is disposed on the outer side S1 of the hydraulic caliper body 316, and the second attachment portion 362 is disposed on the inner side S2 of the hydraulic caliper body 316. The first attachment portion 361 is configured to couple to the mechanical caliper body 318. Herein, the first attachment portion 361 is configured to attach to the mechanical caliper body 318. Specifically, the first attachment portion 361 is configured to removably couple the mechanical caliper body 318 thereto. The second attachment portion 362 is configured to attach to the mechanical caliper body 318. The second attachment portion 362 is offset relative to the first attachment portion 361. The disc brake caliper 312 further includes a first fixing member 363 configured to removably couple the mechanical caliper body 318 to the first attachment portion 361 of the hydraulic caliper body 316. The disc brake caliper 312 further includes a second fixing member 364 configured to removably attach the second attachment portion 362 to the mechanical caliper body 318. The first fixing member 363 has a first fixing axis A1, and the second fixing member 364 has a second fixing axis A2. In a state where the first fixing member 363 and the second fixing member 364 are attached to the hydraulic caliper body 316, the second fixing axis A2 is parallel to the first fixing axis A1.

[0168] As seen in Figures 40 to 41 As seen in, the disc brake caliper 312 further includes a first brake pad 365A and a second brake pad 365B. The first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B are movably coupled to the hydraulic caliper body 316 by a connecting pin 366. The hydraulic caliper body 316 has a rotor receiving groove 316a. The first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B are disposed in the rotor receiving groove 316a. In particular, the first brake pad 365A is located on one side of the rotor receiving groove 316a, and the second brake pad 365B is located on the other side of the rotor receiving groove 316a. The disc brake caliper 312 further includes a biasing element 367 operatively disposed between the first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B to hold the rotor receiving groove 316a in a state where the second brake lever 30 is in a non-operating position.

[0169] Referring to Figure 50, the disc brake caliper 312 further includes a first hydraulic piston 368. The first brake pad 365A can be coupled to the first hydraulic piston 368 as needed and / or desired. Alternatively, the first brake pad 365A is held in contact with the first hydraulic piston 368 by a biasing element 367. In any case, the biasing element 367 applies a biasing force to the first brake pad 365A and the first hydraulic piston 368 such that the first brake pad 365A and the first hydraulic piston 368 do not contact the rotor 22 when the second brake lever 30 is in the non-operating position. The first hydraulic piston 368 is configured to be operated by hydraulic fluid. The first hydraulic piston 368 is movably disposed in the hydraulic caliper body 316. In particular, the hydraulic caliper body 316 includes a first cylinder 369. The first hydraulic piston 368 is movably disposed in the first cylinder 369. The first cylinder 369 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic hose 20 via an internal passage formed in the hydraulic caliper body 316. The first hydraulic piston 368 moves the first brake pad 365A into contact with the rotor 322. In other words, when the second brake lever 30 is operated, the first hydraulic piston 368 moves the first brake pad 365A into contact with the rotor 22.

[0170] Still referring back to Figure 50 , the disc brake caliper 312 further includes a second hydraulic piston 370. The second hydraulic piston 370 is movably disposed in a second cylinder 371 of the hydraulic caliper body 316 to move the second brake pad 365B into contact with the rotor 22. The second brake pad 365B can be coupled to the second hydraulic piston 370 as needed and / or desired. Alternatively, the second brake pad 365B is held in contact with the second hydraulic piston 370 by a biasing element 367. In any case, the biasing element 367 applies a biasing force to the second brake pad 365B and the second hydraulic piston 370 such that the second brake pad 365B and the second hydraulic piston 370 do not contact the rotor 22 when the second brake lever 30 is in the non-operating position. The second cylinder 371 is fluidly connected to the hydraulic hose 20 via an internal passage formed in the hydraulic caliper body 316. Thus, when the second brake lever 30 is operated, the second hydraulic piston 370 moves the second brake pad 365B into contact with the rotor 22. Alternatively, the second hydraulic piston 370 and the second cylinder 371 can be omitted, and the second brake pad 365B can be a stationary brake pad coupled to the hydraulic caliper body 316.

[0171] Here, the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 are hydraulically operated pistons. Thus, the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 are movably mounted to the hydraulic caliper body 316 such that the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 move the first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B. In particular, the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 are configured to move relative to the hydraulic caliper body 316 in response to the operation of the second brake lever 30. Thus, the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 are configured to move the first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B to contact the disc brake rotor 22 in response to the second brake lever 30 being operated from a rest position (i.e., non-braking position) to an operating position (i.e., braking position). In other words, when the user operates the second brake lever 30, the first hydraulic piston 368 and the second hydraulic piston 370 move relative to the hydraulic caliper body 316 to move the first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B into contact with the disc brake rotor 22. Thus, the first brake pad 365A and the second brake pad 365B contact the disc brake rotor 22 in response to the operation of the second brake lever 30 to apply a braking force to the disc brake rotor 22.

[0172] Here, the hydraulic caliper body 316 is mainly composed of two components bolted and / or joined together. The hydraulic caliper body 316 is preferably made of a hard rigid material (such as a metallic material).

[0173] Referring to Figures 42 to 48 and Figure 51 , the mechanical caliper body 318 includes a caliper housing 373. The mechanical caliper body 318 also includes a cover 374 detachably coupled to the caliper housing 373. Here, the cover 374 is detachably coupled to the caliper housing 373 by at least one fastener 375 (e.g., a threaded fastener such as a bolt). The cover 374 is detachably coupled to the caliper housing 373 by three fasteners. The caliper housing 373 has an internal space 376. The cover 374 is removed from the caliper housing 373 to access the internal space 376. The cover 374 is attached to the caliper housing 373 to prevent access to the internal space 376.

[0174] Referring to Figure 51, the caliper housing 373 defines a rotor receiving groove 377. The caliper housing 373 includes an outer portion 373a and an inner portion 373b. The outer portion has a first inner surface 373a1 that defines a first side of the rotor receiving groove 377, and the inner portion has a second inner surface 373b1 that defines a second side of the rotor receiving groove 377. The caliper housing 373 has a cable port 373c disposed on the inner side of the rotor receiving groove 377. The cable port 373c is configured to abut against the outer shell 21a of the cable 21 and allow the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 to pass therethrough. As needed and / or desired, the cable port 373c may be threaded to receive a cable adjuster.

[0175] Returning to Figure 43 and Figure 44 , the disc brake caliper 312 includes a mechanical piston 378. The mechanical piston 378 is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body 318. Here, the outer portion 373a has a piston hole 380. The mechanical piston 378 is slidably disposed in the piston hole 380. The mechanical piston 378 is configured to move along the mechanical piston axis A3. Basically, the mechanical piston 378 is configured to move the brake pads into contact with the rotor 22. In particular, the mechanical piston 378 is configured to move the auxiliary brake pad 379 into contact with the rotor 22. The disc brake caliper 312 further includes a mechanical piston biasing element 382 that is configured to bias the mechanical piston 378 toward a non-actuated position. More specifically, the mechanical piston biasing element 382 biases the auxiliary brake pad 379 toward the non-actuated position, which in turn biases the mechanical piston 378 toward the non-actuated position.

[0176] Returning to Figure 51 , the disc brake caliper 312 includes an intermediate member 381. The mechanical caliper body 318 completely covers the intermediate member 381 and covers most of the mechanical piston 378. In particular, the intermediate member 381 is disposed in the internal space 376. The intermediate member 381 is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body 318. Here, the intermediate member 381 has a cable attachment portion 381a configured to be coupled to the cable 321. The intermediate member 381 is configured to move the mechanical piston 378 in response to the movement of the cable 21 during a braking operation. In particular, the intermediate member 381 further includes a cam portion 381b configured to move the mechanical piston 378.

[0177] The intermediate member 381 is configured to pivot about a pivot axis A4. Specifically, the intermediate member 381 is pivotally disposed in the mechanical caliper body 318 about the pivot axis A4. More specifically, the intermediate member 381 includes a first shaft 381c, which is pivotally mounted to the mechanical caliper body 318 and defines the pivot axis A4. In the fourth embodiment, a cam portion 381b is provided on the first shaft 381c. Here, the cable attachment portion 381a, the cam portion 381b, and the first shaft 381c are integrally formed as a one-piece member. Alternatively, the cable attachment portion 381a, the cam portion 381b, and the first shaft 381c may be separate members joined together. The lower end of the first shaft 383c is pivotally supported in the caliper housing 373, while the upper end of the first shaft 381c is pivotally supported in the cover 374. Thus, the intermediate member 381 is pivotally supported by the first shaft 381c to the mechanical caliper body 318. The pivot axis A4 is different from the mechanical piston axis A3. Here, in the fourth embodiment, the pivot axis A4 is not parallel to the mechanical piston axis A3. Preferably, the pivot axis A4 is perpendicularly arranged with respect to the mechanical piston axis A3.

[0178] The intermediate member 381 further includes an actuating arm 381d that radially extends from the first shaft 381c with respect to the pivot axis A4 of the first shaft 381c. The actuating arm 381d includes the cable attachment portion 381a at a position spaced apart from the pivot axis A4. The cable attachment portion 381a, the cam portion 381b, the first shaft 381c, and the actuating arm 381d are an integral member. Accordingly, the cable attachment portion 381a, the cam portion 381b, the first shaft 381c, and the actuating arm 381d are integrally formed as part of the intermediate member 81.

[0179] The caliper housing 373 includes a second shaft support recess 386. The second shaft support recess 386 is configured to receive the brake pad shaft 387. The brake pad shaft 387 movably supports the auxiliary brake pad 379 with respect to the caliper housing 373. Here, the brake pad shaft 387 supports the mechanical piston biasing element 382 to the caliper housing 373.

[0180] The disc brake caliper 312 further includes a biasing element 388. The biasing element 388 is configured to bias the intermediate member 381 to the non-actuated position. Here, the biasing element 388 is disposed between the caliper housing 373 and the intermediate member 381. In particular, the intermediate member 381 includes a contact portion 381e for abutting against one end of the biasing element 388. The other end of the biasing element 388 abuts against the inner surface of the caliper housing 373. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the biasing element 388 is a helical compression spring that is compressed during a braking operation. Thus, the biasing element 388 acts as a return spring to return the intermediate member 381 to the non-actuated position. Moreover, in the illustrated embodiment, the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 travels through the coils of the biasing element 388. Here, holes 381f are provided in the cable attachment portion 381a and the contact portion 381e of the intermediate member 381 for receiving the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 therethrough.

[0181] Basically, during a braking operation of the mechanical caliper body 318, the user operates the first brake lever 28 to pull the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 relative to the mechanical caliper body 318. The pulling of the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 causes the intermediate member 381 to rotate about the pivot axis A4. The rotation of the intermediate member 381 causes the cam portion 381b to linearly move the mechanical piston 378 along the mechanical piston axis A3. The linear movement of the mechanical piston 378 causes the auxiliary brake pad 379 to engage the rotor 22 to apply a braking force to the rotor 22.

[0182] Now referring to Figure 56 and Figure 57 , a disc brake caliper 412 according to a fifth embodiment is shown. The disc brake caliper 412 includes the hydraulic caliper body 316 of the fourth embodiment (see Figures 45 to 50 ) and an improved mechanical caliper body 418. In view of the similarity between the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment and the disc brake caliper 412 of the fifth embodiment, the components of the fifth embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the fourth embodiment. Additionally, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the fifth embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment may be omitted.

[0183] Here, the disc brake caliper 412 is the same as the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment, except that the caliper housing 373 and the intermediate member 381 of the disc brake caliper 312 have been replaced with the caliper housing 473 and the intermediate member 481 in the disc brake caliper 412 of the fifth embodiment. Specifically, the caliper housing 473 includes an outer portion 473a, an inner portion 473b, and a cable port 473c. The caliper housing 473 is the same as the caliper housing 373, except that the caliper housing 473 has been modified to accommodate the change in the position of the cable port 473c. The intermediate member 481 is the same as the intermediate member 381, except that the cable attachment portion 381a has been omitted, such that the end of the cable 21 is attached to the intermediate member 481 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 378. Specifically, the disc brake caliper 412 further includes a cable attachment portion 493 configured to attach to the cable 21. The intermediate member 481 includes a portion 494 coupled to the cable attachment portion 493 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 378. Basically, the cable attachment portion 493 is configured to move at least partially relative to the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 481 pivots about the pivot axis A4. The portion 494 includes a contact surface 494a. The contact surface 494a is configured to slidably contact the cable attachment portion 493 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 378. More specifically, in the fifth embodiment, the cable attachment portion 493 includes a cable holder configured to hold the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21, and the contact surface 494a is formed by a slot that slidably receives the cable holder (i.e., the cable attachment portion 493). The cable holder has a cylindrical shape. The cable holder includes a receiving space configured to hold the barrel joint 21c and an attachment through-hole configured to allow the inner wire 21b of the cable 21 to pass therethrough. The cable attachment portion 493 may include the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21, and the contact surface 494a may be formed by a slot that slidably receives the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21. The contact surface 494a (e.g., the slot) is oriented relative to the pivot axis A4 of the intermediate member 481 such that as the intermediate member 481 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 moves away from the pivot axis A4. Thus, the cable attachment portion 493 is configured to move at least partially away from the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 48 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation. As a result, as the intermediate member 481 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the mechanical piston 378 moves at a travel rate that varies relative to the travel of the cable 21.

[0184] Now referring to Figure 58 and Figure 59 , there is shown a disc brake caliper 512 according to a sixth embodiment. The disc brake caliper 512 includes the hydraulic caliper body 316 of the fourth embodiment (see Figures 45 to 50) and an improved mechanical caliper body 518. Given the similarity between the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment and the disc brake caliper 512 of the sixth embodiment, the components of the sixth embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the fourth embodiment. Additionally, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the sixth embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment may be omitted.

[0185] Here, the disc brake caliper 512 is the same as the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment, except that the caliper housing 373 and the intermediate member 381 of the disc brake caliper 312 are replaced with the caliper housing 573 and the intermediate member 581 in the disc brake caliper 512 of the sixth embodiment. Specifically, the caliper housing 573 includes an outer portion 573a, an inner portion 573b, and a cable port 573c. The caliper housing 573 is the same as the caliper housing 373, except that the caliper housing 573 has been modified to accommodate the change in the position of the cable port 573c. The intermediate member 581 is the same as the intermediate member 581, except that the cable attachment portion 581a has been omitted, such that the end of the cable 21 is attached to the intermediate member 581 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 378. Specifically, the disc brake caliper 512 further includes a cable attachment portion 593 configured to be attached to the cable 21. The intermediate member 581 includes a portion 594 coupled to the cable attachment portion 593 to produce a variable travel rate of the mechanical piston 378. Basically, the cable attachment portion 593 is configured to move at least partially relative to the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 581 pivots about the pivot axis A4.

[0186] Here, the cable attachment portion 593 is pivotally coupled to the intermediate member 581. For example, as in the sixth embodiment, the cable attachment portion 593 is a cable retainer, and the portion 594 is a pivot pin for pivotally attaching the cable attachment portion 593 (e.g., the cable retainer) to the intermediate member 581. More specifically, in the sixth embodiment, the cable attachment portion 593 is configured to hold the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 to the intermediate member 581 via the portion 594. During a braking operation, the cable attachment portion 593 pivots relative to the intermediate member 581 such that the angular rotation amount of the intermediate member 581 varies for a predetermined amount that the cable 21 is pulled relative to the caliper housing 373. More specifically, as the intermediate member 581 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the barrel joint 21c of the cable 21 moves away from the pivot axis A4. In other words, the cable attachment portion 593 is configured to move at least partially away from the pivot axis A4 as the intermediate member 581 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation. As a result, as the intermediate member 581 pivots about the pivot axis A4 during a braking operation, the mechanical piston 378 moves at a travel rate that is variable relative to the travel of the cable 21.

[0187] Now referring to Figure 60 , a disc brake caliper 612 according to a seventh embodiment is shown. The disc brake caliper 612 includes a hydraulic caliper body 316 of the fourth embodiment (see Figures 45 to 50 ) and an improved mechanical caliper body 618. In view of the similarity between the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment and the disc brake caliper 612 of the seventh embodiment, components of the seventh embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment will be given the same reference numerals as the components of the fourth embodiment. In addition, for the sake of brevity, the description of the components of the seventh embodiment that are the same as those of the fourth embodiment may be omitted.

[0188] Here, the disc brake caliper 612 is the same as the disc brake caliper 312 of the fourth embodiment, except that the mechanical piston 378 and the intermediate member 381 of the disc brake caliper 312 have been replaced with a mechanical piston 678 and an intermediate member 681 in the disc brake caliper 612 of the seventh embodiment. Specifically, here, the mechanical piston 678 is connected to the intermediate member 681. More specifically, the mechanical piston 678 is pivotally coupled to the intermediate member 681. Accordingly, the mechanical piston biasing element may be omitted here. Instead, a biasing element 388 applies a biasing force to bias both the mechanical piston 678 and the intermediate member 681 toward the non-operated (non-braking) position.

[0189] In understanding the scope of the present invention, as used herein, the term "comprising" and its derivatives are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps, but do not preclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and / or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings, such as the terms "including", "having", and their derivatives. Moreover, unless otherwise specified, the terms "component", "section", "part", "member", or "element" may also have a dual meaning of a single component or multiple components when used in the singular.

[0190] As used herein, the following directional terms "towards the frame side", "away from the frame side", "forward", "backward", "front", "rear", "up", "down", "above", "below", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "perpendicular", and "lateral", and any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position and equipped with a disc brake caliper. Accordingly, these directional terms used to describe the disc brake caliper should be interpreted relative to a human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) in an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with a disc brake caliper. The terms "left" and "right" are used to denote "right" when referring from the right side when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle), and to denote "left" when referring from the left side when viewed from the rear of the human-powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle).

[0191] As used in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one" means "one or more" in a desired selection. For an example, the phrase "at least one of..." used in this disclosure means, if the number of its selections is two, "only a single selection" or "both of the two selections". For another example, the phrase "at least one of..." used in this disclosure means, if the number of its selections is equal to or greater than three, "only a single selection" or "any combination of equal to or greater than two selections". Moreover, as used in this disclosure, the term "and / or" means "one or both of...". For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" encompasses (1) A alone; (2) B alone; and (3) both A and B. The phrase "at least one of A, B, and C" encompasses (1) A alone; (2) B alone; (3) C alone; (4) both A and B; (5) both B and C; (6) both A and C; and (7) all of A, B, and C. In other words, in this disclosure, the phrase "at least one of A and B" does not mean "at least one of A and at least one of B".

[0192] Moreover, it should be understood that although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one component from another. Thus, for example, without departing from the teachings of the present invention, the first component discussed above may be referred to as the second component, and vice versa.

[0193] As used herein, the terms "attached" or "attachment" encompass the following configurations: a configuration in which an element is directly secured to another element by directly attaching the element to the other element; a configuration in which an element is indirectly fastened to another element by attaching the element to one or more intermediate elements and then attaching the one or more intermediate elements to the other element; and a configuration in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is essentially a part of the other element. This definition also applies to words having similar meanings, such as "coupled", "connected", "joined", "mounted", "associated", "fixed", and their derivatives. Finally, as used herein, degree terms such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" refer to the amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

[0194] Although only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. For example, unless otherwise specifically stated, the size, shape, position, or orientation of various components can be changed as needed and / or desired, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, intermediate structures can be provided between components shown as being directly connected or in contact with each other, provided that such changes do not substantially affect their intended functions. Unless otherwise specifically stated, the function of one element can be performed by two elements, and vice versa. The structure and function of one embodiment can be adopted in another embodiment. Not all advantages need to be present in a particular embodiment simultaneously. Each feature that is unique relative to the prior art, either alone or in combination with other features, should also be considered a separate description by the applicant of a further invention, including the structural and / or functional concepts embodied by one or more such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of embodiments according to the present invention is provided for purposes of illustration only and not for purposes of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A disc brake caliper, the disc brake caliper being used for a human-powered vehicle, the disc brake caliper comprising: a hydraulic caliper body including a first cylinder and a first attachment portion configured to couple to a mechanical caliper body configured to be operated by a cable; and A first hydraulic piston is movably disposed in the first cylinder to move the first brake pad into contact with the rotor, the first hydraulic piston being configured to be operated by a hydraulic fluid.

2. The disc brake caliper according to claim 1, wherein: The first attachment portion is configured to removably couple the mechanical caliper body to the first attachment portion.

3. The disc brake caliper according to claim 2, further comprising: A first fixing member is configured to detachably couple the mechanical caliper body to the first attachment portion of the hydraulic caliper body.

4. The disc brake caliper according to claim 2, wherein: The hydraulic caliper body also includes a second attachment portion that is offset relative to the first attachment portion.

5. The disc brake caliper according to claim 4, wherein: The first attachment portion is provided on an outer side of the hydraulic caliper body, and the second attachment portion is provided on an inner side of the hydraulic caliper body.

6. The disc brake caliper according to claim 4, further comprising: A second fixing member is configured to detachably attach the second attachment portion to the mechanical caliper body.

7. The disc brake caliper according to claim 6, wherein: The first fixing member has a first fixing axis, and the second fixing member has a second fixing axis which is parallel to the first fixing axis in a state where the first fixing member and the second fixing member are attached to the hydraulic caliper body.

8. The disc brake caliper according to claim 1, further comprising: The mechanical caliper body is coupled to the hydraulic caliper body.

9. The disc brake caliper according to claim 8, wherein: The mechanical caliper body is positioned on an upstream side of the hydraulic caliper body with respect to a rotation direction of the rotor.

10. The disc brake caliper according to claim 8, further comprising: A mechanical piston is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body and is configured to move a brake pad into contact with the rotor.

11. The disc brake caliper according to claim 10, further comprising: An intermediate member is movably disposed in the mechanical caliper body and has a cable attachment portion configured to be coupled to a cable, the intermediate member being configured to move the mechanical piston in response to movement of the cable during a braking operation.

12. The disc brake caliper according to claim 11, wherein: The mechanical caliper body includes a caliper housing defining a rotor receiving slot.

13. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein: The caliper housing has an internal space, and the intermediate member is disposed in the internal space.

14. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein: The mechanical caliper body includes a cover removably coupled to the caliper housing.

15. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein: The caliper housing has a cable port disposed on an inner side of the rotor receiving slot.

16. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein: The caliper housing includes an outer portion having a first inner surface defining a first side of the rotor receiving slot and an inner portion having a second inner surface defining a second side of the rotor receiving slot.

17. The disc brake caliper according to claim 16, wherein: The outer portion has a piston bore, and the mechanical piston is slidably disposed in the piston bore.

18. The disc brake caliper according to claim 16, wherein: The intermediate member is pivotally supported to the outer portion by a first shaft, and The outer portion has a first shaft supporting recess receiving the first shaft.

19. The disc brake caliper according to claim 18, wherein: The intermediate member also includes an actuation arm extending radially from the first shaft relative to a pivot axis of the first shaft, the actuation arm including a cable attachment portion at a location spaced apart from the pivot axis.

20. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein: The caliper housing includes a second shaft supporting recess configured to receive a brake pad shaft.

21. The disc brake caliper according to claim 11, wherein: The intermediate member also includes a cam portion configured to move the mechanical piston.

22. The disc brake caliper according to claim 21, wherein: The cable attachment portion and the cam portion are a one-piece member.

23. The disc brake caliper according to claim 11, wherein: The intermediate member is configured to pivot about a pivot axis, The mechanical piston is configured to move along a mechanical piston axis, and The pivot axis is different from the mechanical piston axis.

24. The disc brake caliper according to claim 23, wherein: The pivot axis is non-parallel to the mechanical piston axis.

25. The disc brake caliper according to claim 24, wherein: The pivot axis is arranged perpendicularly relative to the mechanical piston axis.

26. The disc brake caliper of claim 11, further comprising: A biasing element is configured to bias the intermediate member to a non-actuated position.

27. The disc brake caliper of claim 1, further comprising: A second hydraulic piston is movably disposed in a second cylinder of the hydraulic caliper body to move a second brake pad into contact with the rotor.

28. The disc brake caliper according to claim 1, wherein: The hydraulic caliper body includes a coupling portion configured to couple the hydraulic caliper body to a body of the human-powered vehicle.

29. The disc brake caliper according to claim 28, wherein: The coupling portion includes a first coupling hole and a second coupling hole.

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