BICYCLE BRAKE CALIPER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

A bicycle brake caliper assembly includes a brake caliper and a base structure. The brake caliper is configured to apply a braking force to a brake rotor configured to rotate about a rotation axis. The brake caliper has a mounting surface. The base structure has a first base surface. The base structure is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface of the brake caliper and to be attached to a bicycle frame such that the brake caliper is disposed at a first position or a second position farther from the rotation axis than the first position. The base structure is configured such that a relative angle defined between the mounting surface of the brake caliper and the first base surface of the base structure differs between the first position and the second position.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bicycle brake caliper assembly.

[0002] Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation and a means of transportation. Furthermore, cycling has become a very popular competitive sport for both amateurs and professionals. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation, or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving the various components of the bicycle. One component that has undergone a significant overhaul is the bicycle braking system. More specifically, in recent years, bicycles have been equipped with disc brakes.

[0003] Bicycle disc brake devices are known from the documents EP 2 444 309 A1, DE 20 2004 003 799 U1 and DE 10 2008 014 890 A1.

[0004] Based on the prior art, the invention is based on the object of reducing the wear of the brake pads and the brake disc.

[0005] The object is achieved according to the invention with a basic construction for a bicycle brake caliper having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous further developments of the basic construction are disclosed in the subclaims.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a base structure for a brake caliper is proposed. The brake caliper is configured to exert a braking force on a brake disc that is configured to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The brake caliper has a mounting surface. The base structure has a first base surface. The base structure is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface of the brake caliper and to be attached to a bicycle frame such that the brake caliper is arranged at a first position or a second position that is farther from the rotation axis than the first position. The base structure is configured such that a relative angle defined between the mounting surface of the brake caliper and the first base surface of the base structure differs between the first position and the second position.

[0007] The base structure further comprises a base member configured to be attached to the bicycle frame with a first orientation intended to position the brake caliper in the first position or a second orientation intended to position the brake caliper in the second position.

[0008] The base component has the first base surface and a second base surface configured to face the mounting surface on the brake caliper. The second base surface is inclined relative to the first base surface. The base structure is configured to be attached to the bicycle frame via the first base surface.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, the base structure according to the first aspect is configured such that the second base surface is inclined with respect to the first base surface at an inclination angle between 1 degree and 3 degrees.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, the base structure according to the second aspect is configured such that the inclination angle is 2 degrees.

[0011] The invention and many of the attendant advantages will be more fully appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 is a left side view of the front portion of a bicycle with a bicycle brake caliper assembly according to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic structural representation of a brake caliper of the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly; Fig. 3 a perspective exploded view of the brake calliper of the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly; Fig. 4 a perspective exploded view of the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly (first position); Fig. 5 a perspective exploded view of the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly (first position); Fig. 6 is a front view of a basic component used in the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake calliper assembly; Fig. 7 a cross-sectional view of the basic component along the line VII-VII of Fig. 6 is; Fig. 8 a perspective exploded view of the Fig. 1 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly (second position); Fig. 9 a side view of the Fig. 5 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly (first position); Fig. 10 a side view of the Fig. 8 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly (second position); Fig. 11 is a side view of a bicycle brake caliper assembly according to a comparative example (first position); Fig. 12 is a side view of the bicycle brake caliper assembly according to the comparative example (second position); Fig. 13 is a side view of a bicycle brake caliper assembly according to a second embodiment (first position); Fig. 14 is a side view of the bicycle brake caliper assembly according to a second embodiment (second position); Fig. 15 a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 13 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly; Fig. 16 a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 14 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly; Fig. 17 is a side view of a bicycle brake caliper assembly according to a third embodiment (first position); Fig. 18 is a side view of the bicycle brake caliper assembly according to the third embodiment (second position) and Fig. 19 a partially enlarged view of the Fig. 17 illustrated bicycle brake caliper assembly.

[0012] The embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or identical elements in the various drawings.

[0013] Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 according to a first embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 is applied to a front disc brake system. However, in an embodiment not shown, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 can also be applied to a rear disc brake system.

[0014] In the present application, the following directional expressions "front," "rear," "forward," "backward," "left," "right," "across," "up," and "down," as well as other similar directional expressions, refer to those directions determined relative to a user (e.g., a cyclist) sitting on the saddle (not shown) of a bicycle and facing a handlebar (not shown). Consequently, when used to describe the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10, these expressions should be interpreted relative to a bicycle equipped with the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 being used in an upright sitting position on a horizontal surface.

[0015] As in Fig. 1, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 includes a brake caliper 12 and a base structure 14. The brake caliper 12 is configured to apply a braking force to a brake disc 2 configured to rotate about a rotation axis A1. In the illustrated embodiment, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 is attached to a bicycle frame 4. More specifically, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 is attached to a front fork 6 of the bicycle frame 4. In a case where the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 is applied to a rear disc brake system, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 is attached, for example, by a chainstay (not shown) of the bicycle frame 4.

[0016] The brake caliper 12 is fluidly connected to a hydraulic bicycle operating device (not shown) via a ring hose nipple 7 and a hydraulic hose 8. The brake caliper 12 and the hydraulic hose 8 can be connected in any suitable manner if necessary and / or desired. Since the hydraulic bicycle operating device is well known in the bicycle field, it will not be described and / or illustrated in detail here for the sake of brevity.

[0017] As in Fig. 2, the brake caliper 12 includes a housing 15, two pistons 16, and two brake pads 18. The pistons 16 are arranged to press the brake pads 18 toward the brake disc 2. The housing 15 includes cylinders 15a and a caliper fluid passage 15b. The pistons 16 are arranged within the cylinders 15a to be movable in an axial direction D1 of the brake disc 2. The fluid chambers 20 are defined by the pistons 16 and the cylinders 15a. The fluid chambers 20 are in fluid communication with the caliper fluid passage 15b. The caliper fluid passage 15b is in fluid communication with a master cylinder (not shown) of the hydraulic bicycle operating device via a hydraulic hose 8.

[0018] As in Fig. 3, the brake calliper 12 comprises a brake pad spring 23 which is configured to bias the brake pads 18 towards the pistons 16 ( Fig. 2). The brake pads 18 and the brake pad spring 23 are movably mounted on the housing 15 using a brake pad spindle 24 and a retaining ring 26. The housing 15 includes a through-hole 15c in which the brake pads 18 are movably disposed. Each of the brake pads 18 includes a plate body 28 and a friction part 30. The friction part 30 is secured to the plate body 28. Each of the friction parts 30 slidingly contacts the brake disc 2 when the brake pads 18 are pressed against the brake disc 2 by the pistons 16 ( Fig. 2).

[0019] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the basic structure 14 includes a base member 32, a first coupling member 34, and a second coupling member 36. The base member 32 extends in the longitudinal direction D2. The base member 32 is configured to be coupled to the brake caliper 12 via the first coupling member 34 and the second coupling member 36. More specifically, the brake caliper 12 has a mounting surface 22. The base member 32 is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface 22 of the brake caliper 12 via the first coupling member 34 and the second coupling member 36.

[0020] The base member 32 includes a main body 38, a first end portion 40, and a second end portion 42. In the first embodiment, the main body 38, the first end portion 40, and the second end portion 42 are integrally provided as a single unitary component. The main body 38 is plate-shaped and extends in the longitudinal direction D2. The first end portion 40 is opposite to the second end portion 42 with respect to the main body 38. The first end portion 40 is located at one end of the main body 38. The second end portion 42 is located at the other end of the main body 38. The base member 32 includes a first fastening through-hole 44 and a second fastening through-hole 46. The first fastening through-hole 44 is provided at the first end portion 40. The second fastening through-hole 46 is provided at the second end portion 42.

[0021] The base component 32 includes a coupling portion 48 to which the brake caliper 12 is coupled. The coupling portion 48 includes a first through-hole 50 and a second through-hole 52. The first through-hole 50 and the second through-hole 52 are provided on the main body 38. The second through-hole 52 is spaced apart from the first through-hole 50 in the longitudinal direction D2. The second through-hole 52 is spaced apart from the first through-hole 50 in the radial direction D3 of the brake disc 2 ( Fig. 1), when the base component 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 ( Fig. 1).

[0022] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the first coupling member 34 is configured to couple the brake caliper 12 to the base member 32. The second coupling member 36 is configured to couple the brake caliper 12 to the base member 32. The first coupling member 34 passes through the first through-hole 50, and the second coupling member 36 passes through the second through-hole 52 when the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 by the first coupling member 34 and the second coupling member 36.

[0023] The first coupling component 34 is a countersunk head screw and includes a first external thread 34a and a first countersunk head 34b. The second coupling component 36 is a countersunk head screw and includes a second external thread 36a and a second countersunk head 36b. In the illustrated embodiment, the second coupling component 36 is shorter than the first coupling component 34, while the second coupling component 36 has substantially the same shape as the first coupling component 34.

[0024] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 4, the brake caliper 12 includes a first threaded bore 54 and a second threaded bore 56. The first threaded bore 54 and the second threaded bore 56 are provided on the mounting surface 22. The first coupling component 34 is screwed into the first threaded bore 54, and the second coupling component 36 is screwed into the second threaded bore 56 when the base component 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12.

[0025] The base structure 14 has a first base surface 58. More specifically, the base member 32 has the first base surface 58. The first base surface 58 faces away from the brake caliper 12 when the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12. The first through-hole 50 includes a first tapered surface 50a provided on the first base surface 58. The second through-hole 52 includes a second tapered surface 52a provided on the first base surface 58.

[0026] When the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 via the first coupling member 34, the first countersunk head 34b of the first coupling member 34 contacts the first tapered surface 50a of the first through-hole 50 and is disposed in a space defined by the first tapered surface 50a. Consequently, the first countersunk head 34b is prevented from protruding beyond the first base surface 58 toward the front fork 6. When the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 via the second coupling member 36, the second countersunk head 36b of the second coupling member 36 contacts the second tapered surface 52a of the second through-hole 52 and is disposed in a space defined by the second tapered surface 52a. Consequently, the second countersunk head 36b is prevented from projecting beyond the first base surface 58 in the direction of the front wheel fork 6.

[0027] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the base member 32 has a second base surface 59 configured to face the mounting surface 22 on the brake caliper 12. The second base surface 59 contacts the mounting surface 22 when the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12.

[0028] The base member 32 is configured to be attached to the bicycle frame 4 by a first attachment member 60 and a second attachment member 62. When the base member 32 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 by the first coupling member 34 and the second coupling member 36, the base member 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 by the first attachment member 60 and the second attachment member 62. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 32 is attached to a mounting portion 64 of the front fork 6 by the first attachment member 60 and the second attachment member 62.

[0029] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 5, the mounting portion 64 of the front fork 6 is recessed and includes a support surface 64a and threaded holes 64b and 64c. The support surface 64a is configured to face the base member 32. The threaded holes 64b and 64c are provided on the support surface 64a. The base member 32 is disposed within the mounting portion 64 when the base member 32 is attached to the front fork 6 with the first attachment member 60 and the second attachment member 62.

[0030] The first fastening component 60 is a hexagon socket screw and includes a first external thread 60a and a first hexagon socket head 60b. Fig. 5, the first external thread 60a is screwed into the threaded hole 64b through the first fastening through hole 44, and the first end portion 40 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 with the first fastening member 60.

[0031] The second fastening component 62 is a hexagon socket screw and includes a second external thread 62a and a second hexagon socket head 62b. Fig. 5, the second external thread 62a is screwed into the threaded hole 64c through the second fastening through hole 46, and the second end portion 42 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 with the second fastening member 62.

[0032] As in Fig. 6, the first fastening through-hole 44 and the second fastening through-hole 46 extend in a transverse direction D4 of the base component 32. The transverse direction D4 is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction D2 of the base component 32 and is defined along the first base surface 58 ( Fig. 4).

[0033] The distance L11 between the center C11 of the first fastening through-hole 44 and the center C12 of the first through-hole 50 is different from the distance L12 between the center C14 of the second fastening through-hole 46 and the center C13 of the second through-hole 52. More specifically, the distance L11 between the center C11 of the first fastening through-hole 44 and the center C12 of the first through-hole 50 is longer than the distance L12 between the center C14 of the second fastening through-hole 46 and the center C13 of the second through-hole 52. The distances L11 and L12 are shorter than the distance L13 between the center C12 of the first through-hole 50 and the center C13 of the second through-hole 52. That is, the base member 32 has an asymmetric shape in the longitudinal direction D2. Since the distance L11 is different from the distance L12, turning the base member 32 can change the position of the coupling portion 48 in the longitudinal direction D2.

[0034] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the second base surface 59 is inclined with respect to the first base surface 58. For example, the second base surface 59 is inclined with respect to the first base surface 58 at an inclination angle IA of between approximately 1 degree and approximately 3 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the base member 32 is configured to set the inclination angle to 2 degrees. In other words, the base member 32 is configured such that the inclination angle IA is equal to 2 degrees.

[0035] The first through-hole 50 is longer than the second through-hole 52. The first through-hole 50 has a first central axis CA1. The second through-hole 52 has a second central axis CA2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first central axis CA1 and the second central axis CA2 are perpendicular to the second base surface 59.

[0036] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 7, the thickness T1 of the first end portion 40 is substantially the same as the thickness T2 of the second end portion 42. The main body 38 has a maximum thickness T3 and a minimum thickness T4. The maximum thickness T3 of the main body 38 is greater than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first end portion 40 and the second end portion 42. The minimum thickness T4 of the main body 38 is greater than the thicknesses T1 and T2 of the first end portion 40 and the second end portion 42. The maximum thickness T3 is greater than the minimum thickness T4.

[0037] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 8, the base component 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 with a first orientation or a second orientation. Fig. 5 illustrates the base component 32 arranged to be attached to the front wheel fork 6 in the first orientation. Fig. 8 illustrates the base component 32 arranged to be attached to the front wheel fork 6 in the second orientation.

[0038] As in Fig. 5, the first end portion 40 is arranged at an upper position and the second end portion 42 is arranged at a lower position when the base member 32 is attached to the front wheel fork 6 with the first orientation. As shown in Fig. 8, the second end portion 42 is arranged at an upper position and the first end portion 40 is arranged at a lower position when the base member 32 is fixed to the front wheel fork 6 with the second orientation. That is, the base member 32 arranged with the second orientation is in the radial direction D3 of the brake disc 2 ( Fig. 1) with respect to the base member 32 arranged with the first orientation, reversed.

[0039] As in Fig. 5, the first external thread 34a of the first coupling member 34 is screwed into the first threaded bore 54 through the first through hole 50, and the second external thread 36a of the second coupling member 36 is screwed into the second threaded bore 56 through the second through hole 52 when the base member 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 with the first orientation.

[0040] In this state, the first fastening member 60 passes through the first fastening through-hole 44, so that the base member 32 is fastened to the bicycle frame 4. The second fastening member 62 passes through the second fastening through-hole 46, so that the base member 32 is fastened to the bicycle frame 4. The first end portion 40 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 using the first fastening member 60 and the threaded hole 64b. The second end portion 42 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 using the second fastening member 62 and the threaded hole 64c.

[0041] As in Fig. 8, the first external thread 34a is screwed into the second threaded bore 56 through the first through hole 50, and the second external thread 36a is screwed into the first threaded bore 54 through the second through hole 52 when the base member 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 with the second orientation.

[0042] In this state, the first fastening member 60 passes through the second fastening through-hole 46, so that the base member 32 is fastened to the bicycle frame 4. The second fastening member 62 passes through the first fastening through-hole 44, so that the base member 32 is fastened to the bicycle frame 4. The second end portion 42 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 with the first fastening member 60 and the threaded hole 64b. The first end portion 40 of the base member 32 is screwed to the fastening portion 64 of the front fork 6 with the second fastening member 62 and the threaded hole 64c.

[0043] Fig. 9 is a side view of the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 when the base member 32 is attached to the front fork 6 with the first orientation. Fig. 10 is a side view of the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 when the base member 32 is attached to the front fork 6 with the second orientation. Fig. 9 corresponds to Fig. 5, and Fig. 10 corresponds to Fig. 8. In the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 shows the basic component 32 in cross section.

[0044] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the base structure 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface 22 of the brake calliper 12 and to be fixed to the bicycle frame 4 by the first base surface 58, so that the brake calliper 12 can be positioned at a first position P1 ( Fig. 9) or a second position P2 ( Fig. 10) which is further away from the rotation axis A1 than the first position P1. The base component 32 is configured to be arranged with the first orientation ( Fig. 9), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the first position P1, or the second orientation ( Fig. 10), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the second position P2, can be attached to the bicycle frame 4.

[0045] As in Fig. 9, when the brake caliper 12 is arranged at the first position P1, the friction parts 30 of the brake pads 18 are adapted to the brake disc 2, which has an outer radius R1. More specifically, the brake disc 2 includes an annular friction part 2a. The radially outer edge 30a of the friction part 30 is substantially aligned with the radially outer edge 2b of the annular friction part 2a. The radially inner edge 30b of the friction part 30 is substantially aligned with the radially inner edge 2c of the annular friction part 2a. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second positions P1 and P2 are defined, for example, based on the second center axis CA2 of the second threaded bore 56.

[0046] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, when the brake caliper 12 is arranged at the second position P2, the friction parts 30 of the brake pads 18 are adapted to a brake disc 3 having a larger outer radius R2 than the outer radius R1 of the brake disc 2. More specifically, the brake disc 3 comprises an annular friction part 3a. The radial outer edge 30a of the friction part 30 is substantially aligned with the radial outer edge 3b of the annular friction part 3a. The radial inner edge 30b of the friction part 30 is substantially aligned with the radial inner edge 3c of the annular friction part 3a.

[0047] As in Fig. 9, a first distance L21 is defined between the rotational axis A1 of the brake disc 2 and the second center axis CA2 of the second threaded hole 56 in the radial direction D3 when the base member 32 is attached to the front wheel fork 6 with the first orientation. As shown in Fig. 10, a second distance L22 is defined between the rotational axis A1 of the brake disc 3 and the second center axis CA2 of the second threaded hole 56 in the radial direction D3 when the base member 32 is attached to the front wheel fork 6 with the second orientation. As shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 10, the second distance L22, which corresponds to the second orientation, is greater than the first distance L21, which corresponds to the first orientation.

[0048] As described above, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 can be in two different states, corresponding to the brake discs 2 and 3, respectively. The base member 32 is configured to be coupled to the brake caliper 12 and fixed to the bicycle frame 4 (the front fork 6), so that the relative position between the rotation axis A1 of the brake discs 2 and 3 and the brake caliper 12 is adjustable in the radial direction D3 of the brake discs 2 and 3.

[0049] More specifically, the base member 32 is configured such that the first position P1 of the coupling portion 48, when the base member 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 with the first orientation, differs from a second position P2 of the coupling portion 48, when the base member 32 is attached to the bicycle frame 4 with the second orientation, in the radial direction D3. Accordingly, changing the orientation of the base member 32 with respect to the front fork 6 and the brake caliper 12 allows the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 to be adjusted to each of the brake discs 2 and 3 having different outer radii R1 and R2.

[0050] With the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10, it is possible to adjust an inclination and / or offset of the brake pad 18 with respect to the brake disc 2 or 3. The adjustment of the inclination and / or offset of the brake pad 18 will be discussed below using a comparative example.

[0051] The Fig. 11 and Fig. 12 illustrate a bicycle brake caliper assembly 110 as the comparative example of the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10. In the bicycle brake caliper assembly 110, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered the same here and will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again here for the sake of brevity.

[0052] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 110 includes a base structure 114 having a base member 132. The base member 132 includes a first base surface 158 and a second base surface 159 parallel to the first base surface 158.

[0053] As in the Fig. 11 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 12, in the bicycle brake caliper assembly 110 according to the comparative example, changing the orientation of the base member 132 relative to the front fork 6 and the brake caliper 12 allows the bicycle brake caliper assembly 110 to be adjusted to each of the brake discs 2 and 3 with different radii R1 and R2. When the second base surface 159 is parallel to the first base surface 158, the relative angle between the mounting surface 22 and the first base surface 158 is not changed between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0054] As in Fig. However, as can be seen in FIG. 12, changing the orientation of the base member 132 relative to the front fork 6 and the brake caliper 12 causes the brake pads 18 (more specifically, the friction pieces 30) to be tilted and / or offset relative to the brake disc 3. For example, when the base member 132 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 with the second orientation, the radially outer edge 30a and the radially inner edge 30b of the friction piece 30 are tilted relative to the brake disc 3. In such a state, a part of the friction piece 30 cannot slide with the brake disc 3. This causes partial wear of the brake pads 18 (the friction pieces 30) and / or the brake disc 3, which shortens the service life of the brake pads 18 and / or the brake disc 3.

[0055] In the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 according to the first embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10, the base structure 14 is configured such that the relative angle defined between the mounting surface 22 of the brake caliper 12 and the first base surface 58 of the base structure 14 differs between the first position P1 and the second position P2. This allows the inclination and / or offset of the brake pads 18 relative to the brake disc 3 to be reduced, thereby maintaining the service life of the brake pads 18 and / or the brake disc 3 regardless of the first and second positions P1 and P2.

[0056] A bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 according to a second embodiment will be described below with reference to the Fig. 13 to 16. The bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 has the same configuration as the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10, except for the basic structure 14. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as those in the first embodiment are numbered alike and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again herein.

[0057] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the basic structure 14 of the bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 includes a base member 232 and at least one spacer. The base member 232 is configured to be coupled to the brake caliper 12. The base member 232 has the first base surface 258 and a second base surface 259 configured to face the mounting surface 22 on the brake caliper 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base surface 259 is parallel to the first base surface 258.

[0058] The at least one spacer is configured to be disposed in at least one of a first space between the brake caliper 12 and the base member 232 and a second space between the base member 232 and the bicycle frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the base structure 14 includes a spacer 233 configured to be disposed in a first space S1 between the brake caliper 12 and the base member 232. More specifically, the first space S1 is defined between the second base surface 259 and the mounting surface 22.

[0059] Fig. 15 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 13. As in Fig. 15, the spacer 233 includes a first member 235 and a second member 237. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 235 and the second member 237 are annular. The first member 235 has a first spherically curved surface 235a. The second member 237 has a second spherically curved surface 237a contactable with the first spherically curved surface 235a. The first member 235 includes a first surface 235b configured to face the base member 232. The second member 237 includes a second surface 237b configured to face the brake caliper 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 235b is configured to contact the second base surface 259 of the base member 232. The second surface 237b is configured to contact the mounting surface 22 of the brake caliper 12.

[0060] The first spherically curved surface 235a and the second spherically curved surface 237a enable rotation of the first element 235 and the second element 237 along the first spherically curved surface 235a and the second spherically curved surface 237a, thereby enabling adjustment of the orientation of the second surface 237b relative to the first surface 235b according to a relative angle between the second base surface 259 and the mounting surface 22.

[0061] The first element 235 and the second element 237 may, if necessary and / or desired, be provided integrally with each other as a single unitary component. In such an embodiment, the second surface 237b is inclined relative to the first surface 235b at a specific angle, which is substantially equal to, for example, the relative angle between the second base surface 259 and the mounting surface 22.

[0062] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 14, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 includes a first washer 239 and a second washer 241. For example, the first washer 239 and the second washer 241 are spring washers that are elastically deformable along their central axis. Possible examples of the first washer 239 and the second washer 241 include a wave spring washer and a Belleville spring. The first washer 239 is disposed between the first countersunk head 34b and the base member 232. The second washer 241 is disposed between the second countersunk head 36b and the base member 232. The first washer 239 is elastically deformable between the first countersunk head 34b and the base member 232. The second washer 241 is elastically deformable arranged between the second countersunk head 36b and the base component 232.

[0063] As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 15, the first through-hole 50 includes a larger diameter hole 250b. The first washer 239 is provided in the larger diameter hole 250b. The first through-hole 50 includes a first bottom surface 250c. The first washer 239 is provided between the first countersunk head 34b and the first bottom surface 250c. Misalignment between the first coupling component 34 and the first through-hole 50 can be accommodated by the first washer 239.

[0064] Fig. 16 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 14. As in Fig. As can be seen in Figure 16, the second through-hole 52 includes a larger diameter hole 252b. The second washer 241 is provided in the larger diameter hole 252b. The second through-hole 52 includes a second lower surface 252c. The second washer 241 is provided between the second countersunk head 36b and the second lower surface 252c. Misalignment between the second coupling component 36 and the second through-hole 52 can be accommodated by the second washer 241.

[0065] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the base structure 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface 22 of the brake calliper 12 and to the bicycle frame 4 by means of the first base surface 258 such that the brake calliper 12 is positioned at a first position P1 ( Fig. 13) or a second position P2 ( Fig. 14) which is further away from the rotation axis A1 than the first position P1. The base member 232 is configured to be in the first orientation ( Fig. 13), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the first position P1, or the second orientation ( Fig. 14), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the second position P2, can be attached to the bicycle frame 4.

[0066] As in Fig. 13, the first coupling component 34 extends through the spacer 233 when the base component 232 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 with the first orientation. As shown in Fig. 14, the second coupling component 36 extends through the spacer 233 when the base component 232 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 with the second orientation.

[0067] As in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14, the base structure 14 is configured such that a relative angle defined between the mounting surface 22 of the brake caliper 12 and the first base surface 258 of the base structure 14 differs between the first position P1 and the second position P2. This allows the inclination and / or offset of the brake pads 18 relative to the brake disc 3 to be reduced, thereby maintaining the service life of the brake pads 18 and / or the brake disc 3 regardless of the first and second positions P1 and P2.

[0068] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 233 is configured to be disposed between the brake caliper 12 and the base member 232 in both the first orientation and the second orientation. However, the spacer 233 may be omitted from the bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 in the first orientation or the second orientation if necessary and / or desired. Furthermore, at least one spacer 233 may be applied to the bicycle brake caliper assembly 210 if necessary and / or desired. More specifically, another spacer may be disposed in addition to the spacer 233 in the first space S1. The spacer 233 may be integrally provided as a single unitary component.

[0069] A bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 according to a third embodiment will be described below with reference to the Fig. 17 to 19. The bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 has the same configuration as the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10, except for the basic structure 14. Accordingly, elements having substantially the same function as those in the above embodiments are numbered alike and, for the sake of brevity, will not be described and / or illustrated in detail again herein.

[0070] As in the Fig. 17 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 18, the basic structure 14 of the bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 includes a base member 332 and at least one spacer. The base member 332 is configured to be coupled to the brake caliper 12. The base member 332 has a first base surface 358 and a second base surface 359 configured to face the mounting surface 22 on the brake caliper 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the second base surface 359 is parallel to the first base surface 358.

[0071] The at least one spacer is configured to be disposed in at least one of a first space between the brake caliper 12 and the base member 332 and a second space between the base member 332 and the bicycle frame 4. In the illustrated embodiment, the base structure 14 includes a spacer 333 configured to be disposed in a second space S2 between the base member 332 and the bicycle frame 4. More specifically, the second space S2 is defined between the first base surface 358 and the support surface 64a of the bicycle frame 4.

[0072] Fig. 19 is a partially enlarged view of Fig. 17. As in Fig. 19, the spacer 333 includes a first member 335 and a second member 337. In the illustrated embodiment, the first member 335 and the second member 337 are annular. The first member 335 has a first spherically curved surface 335a. The second member 337 has a second spherically curved surface 337a that can be brought into contact with the first spherically curved surface 335a. The first member 335 includes a first surface 335b configured to face the bicycle frame 4. The second member 337 includes a second surface 337b configured to face the base member 332. In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 335b is configured to contact the bearing surface 64a of the bicycle frame 4. The second surface 337b is configured to contact the first base surface 358 of the base member 332.

[0073] The first spherically curved surface 335a and the second spherically curved surface 337a enable the first element 335 and the second element 337 to rotate along the first spherically curved surface 335a and the second spherically curved surface 337a, thereby enabling adjustment of the orientation of the second surface 337b relative to the first surface 335b according to a relative angle between the support surface 64a and the first base surface 358.

[0074] The first element 335 and the second element 337 may, if necessary and / or desired, be provided integrally with each other as a single unitary component. In such an embodiment, the second surface 337b is inclined relative to the first surface 335b at a specific angle, which is substantially equal to, for example, the relative angle between the support surface 64a and the first base surface 358.

[0075] As in the Fig. 17 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 18, the bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 includes a first washer 339 and a second washer 341. For example, the first washer 339 and the second washer 341 are spring washers that are elastically deformable along their central axis. Possible examples of the first washer 339 and the second washer 341 include a wave spring washer and a Belleville spring. The first washer 339 is disposed between the first hexagon socket head 60b and the base member 332. The second washer 341 is disposed between the second hexagon socket head 62b and the base member 332. The first washer 339 is elastically deformable between the first hexagon socket head 60b and the base member 332. The second washer 341 is elastically deformable arranged between the second hexagon socket head 62b and the base component 332.

[0076] As in the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, the base structure 14 is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface 22 of the brake calliper 12 and to be secured to the bicycle frame 4 with the first base surface 358 such that the brake calliper 12 is positioned at the first position P1 ( Fig. 17) or the second position P2 ( Fig. 18) which is further away from the rotation axis A1 than the first position P1. The base component 332 is configured to be arranged with the first orientation ( Fig. 17), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the first position P1, or the second orientation ( Fig. 18), which is intended to arrange the brake calliper 12 at the second position P2, can be attached to the bicycle frame 4.

[0077] As in Fig. 17, the first fastening component 60 extends through the spacer 333 when the base component 332 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 with the first orientation. As shown in Fig. 18, the second fastening component 62 extends through the spacer 333 when the base component 332 is coupled to the brake caliper 12 with the second orientation.

[0078] As in the Fig. 17 and Fig. 18, the base structure 14 is configured such that a relative angle defined between the mounting surface 22 of the brake caliper 12 and the first base surface 358 of the base structure 14 differs between the first position P1 and the second position P2. This allows the inclination and / or offset of the brake pads 18 relative to the brake disc 3 to be reduced, thereby maintaining the service life of the brake pads 18 and / or the brake disc 3 regardless of the first and second positions P1 and P2.

[0079] In the illustrated embodiment, the spacer 333 is configured to be disposed between the base member 332 and the bicycle frame 4 in both the first orientation and the second orientation. However, the spacer 333 may be omitted from the bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 in the first orientation or the second orientation if necessary and / or desired. Furthermore, the at least one spacer 333 may be applied to the bicycle brake caliper assembly 310 if necessary and / or desired. More specifically, another spacer may be disposed in the second space S2 in addition to the spacer 333. The spacer 333 may be integrally provided as a single unitary component.

[0080] The structures according to the above embodiments can be at least partially combined if necessary and / or desired. For example, at least one of the spacer 233 and the spacer 333 can be applied to the bicycle brake caliper assembly 10 according to the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the spacer 333 according to the third embodiment can be arranged between the bicycle frame 4 and the base member 232 if necessary and / or desired.

[0081] In the present application, the term "attached" or "attach," as used herein, encompasses configurations in which one element is directly attached to another element by fixing the element directly to the other element; configurations in which the element is indirectly attached to the other element via the intermediate component(s); and configurations in which one element is integral with another element, i.e., one element is an essential part of the other element. This concept also applies to words with similar meaning, for example, "joined," "connected," "coupled," "attached," "bound," "fixed," and their derivatives.

[0082] The term "comprising" and its derivatives, as used herein, are intended to be open-ended terms that specify the presence of the recited 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. This concept also applies to words of similar meaning, such as the terms "comprising," "containing," and their derivatives.

[0083] The terms “component”, “area”, “section”, “part” or “element” can, when used in the singular, have the dual meaning of one or more parts.

[0084] The atomic numbers cited in this application, such as "first" and "second," are merely designations and have no other meaning, such as a particular order, etc. Furthermore, for example, the term "first element" itself does not imply the existence of a "second element," and the term "second element" itself does not imply the existence of a "first element."

[0085] The term "two" or "pair of" as used herein may include a configuration in which two elements have different shapes or constructions, in addition to a configuration in which the two elements have the same shape or construction.

[0086] Finally, as used herein, terms of degree such as “substantially,” “about,” and “approximately” are intended to mean a reasonable degree of departure from the modified expression so that the end result is not significantly changed. REFERENCE SYMBOL 2 brake discs 2a Friction part 2b Outer edge 2c inner edge 3 brake disc 3a Friction part 3b outer edge 3c inner edge 4 bicycle frames 6 front fork 7 ring hose nipples 8 hydraulic hose 10, 110, 210, 310 bicycle brake caliper assembly 12 brake caliper 14, 114 Basic construction 15 housings 15a cylinder 15b Brake caliper fluid channel 15c passage opening 16 pistons 18 brake pads 20 fluid chambers 22 Mounting surface 23 Brake pad spring 24 brake block axle 26 Retaining ring 28 plate bodies 30 friction part 30a outer edge 30b inner edge 32, 132, 232, 332 basic component 233, 333 spacers 34 First coupling component 34a First external thread 34b First countersunk head 235, 335 First Element 235a, 335a First spherically curved surface 235b, 335b First area 36 Second coupling component 36a Second external thread 36b Second countersunk head 237, 337 Second Element 237a, 337a Second spherically curved surface 237b, 337b Second area 38 main bodies 239, 339 First washer 40 First final section 241, 341 Second washer 42 Second final section 44 First mounting hole 46 Second mounting through hole 48 Coupling section 50 First through hole 50a First tapered area 250b hole with larger diameter 250c First lower surface 52 Second through hole 52a Second tapered area 252b Larger diameter hole 252c Second lower surface 54 First threaded hole 56 Second threaded hole 58, 158, 258, 358 First base area 59, 159, 259, 359 Second floor area 60 First fastening component 60a First external thread 60b First hexagon socket head 62 Second fastening component 62a Second external thread 62b Second hexagon socket head 64 fastening section 64a support surface 64b, 64c threaded holes A1 axis of rotation C11 Center of the first mounting through hole C12 Center of the first through hole C13 Center of the second through hole C14 Center of the second mounting hole CA1 First center axis CA2 Second center axis D1 Axis direction D2 Longitudinal direction D3 Radial direction D4 transverse direction L11 distance L12 distance L13 distance L21 First distance L22 Second distance IA inclination angle P1 First Position P2 Second Position R1 outer radius R2 outer radius S1 First Room S2 Second Room T1 thickness T2 thickness T3 maximum thickness T4 minimum thickness

Claims

[1] Basic construction (14) for a brake calliper (12) configured to exert a braking force on a brake disc (2) configured to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (A1), the brake calliper (12) having a mounting surface (22), wherein the base structure (14) comprises a first base surface (58, 258), wherein the base structure (14) is configured to be coupled to the mounting surface (22) of the brake calliper (12) and to be attached to a bicycle frame (4) such that the brake calliper (12) is arranged at a first position (P1) or a second position (P2) which is further away from the axis of rotation (A1) than the first position (P1), and the base structure (14) is configured such that a relative angle defined between the mounting surface (22) of the brake caliper (12) and the first base surface (58, 258) of the base structure (14) differs between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2); and further comprising a base member (32) configured to be mounted on the bicycle frame (4) with a first orientation intended to position the brake caliper (12) at the first position (P1), or a second orientation intended to arrange the brake caliper (12) at the second position (P2); wherein the base member (32) has the first base surface (58) and a second base surface (59) configured to face the mounting surface (22) on the brake caliper (12), and the second base surface (59) is inclined with respect to the first base surface (58); wherein the base structure (14) is configured such that it can be attached to the bicycle frame (4) with the first base surface (58). [2] The base structure (14) of claim 1, wherein the second base surface (59) is inclined with respect to the first base surface (58) at an angle of inclination between 1 degree and 3 degrees. [3] Base structure (14) according to claim 2, wherein the angle of inclination is equal to 2 degrees.

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