Bicycle disc brake caliper with brake pad spacer

Abstract

Bicycle disc brake caliper (10), comprising: a caliper body (12) comprising a first caliper body part (12a), a second caliper body part (12b) and a brake disc slot (18) provided between the first caliper body part (12a) and the second caliper body part (12b), wherein the brake disc slot (18) is designed to at least partially accommodate a brake disc (8) removable therein; a first and a second brake pad (14a, 14b) which are movably arranged relative to each other in the brake disc slot (18) so that they can come into contact with the brake disc (8), which is arranged at least partially in a space (20) between the first and the second brake pad (14a, 14b), when the brake disc (8) is arranged in the brake disc slot (18); and an intermediate piece (16) which is movably attached to at least one of the caliper body (12), the first brake pad (14a) and the second brake pad (14b), wherein the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it can be arranged in a first position outside the space (20) when the brake disc (8) is arranged in the brake disc slot (18), and the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it moves from the first position to a second position in which the intermediate piece (16) is arranged in the space (20) when the brake disc (8) has been removed from the brake disc slot (18).

Description

[0001] A typical disc brake caliper for a bicycle wheel consists of a caliper housing, one or more pistons, and two brake pads. The brake pads are positioned on either side of a brake disc. When the brake is applied, the piston(s) are designed to cause the brake pads to contact the brake disc, exerting friction and causing the bicycle to slow down or stop. If there is no brake disc between the two brake pads, accidental application of the brake can cause the brake pads to stick together. In some applications, such as during a bicycle road race, participants frequently change bicycles.If a participant changes a wheel with an integrated brake disc and inadvertently operates the brake levers while removing the wheel and brake disc from the disc brake caliper, the brake pads cannot return to their original positions after the participant releases the levers. This complication can delay the participant's return to the road race during the wheel change. Further disc brake calipers for bicycle wheels are known from DE 196 10 612 C1, EP 1 714 863 B1 and DE 27 18 427 A1.

[0002] To solve the problems mentioned above, a bicycle disc brake caliper is provided. According to the present invention, the bicycle disc brake caliper has a caliper body comprising a first caliper body part, a second caliper body part, and a brake disc slot located between the first and second caliper body parts. The brake disc slot is designed to at least partially accommodate a brake disc that is removable. The first and second brake pads are movably arranged relative to each other within the brake disc slot so that they can come into contact with the brake disc, which is at least partially located in a space between the first and second brake pads, when the brake disc is positioned in the brake disc slot. An intermediate piece is movably arranged on at least one of the caliper bodies, the first brake pad, and the second brake pad.The intermediate piece is designed such that it can be positioned outside the space when the brake disc is in the brake disc slot, and it is designed such that it can move from this first position to a second position, in which it is in the space, when the brake disc is removed from the brake disc slot. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece ensures that the first and second brake pads do not stick together if a brake actuation device is accidentally operated while the brake disc is not in the brake disc slot.

[0003] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed so that it can be movably attached to the saddle body. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece can move between the first and second positions while remaining securely attached to the saddle body.

[0004] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed so that it can be pivotally mounted on the saddle body. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece can move smoothly and reliably between the first and second positions.

[0005] In another preferred aspect, the bicycle disc brake caliper can be designed to include a preloading element coupled to the intermediate piece in such a way that it preloads the intermediate piece towards the second position. A potential advantage of this design is that the preloading element forces the intermediate piece into the second position, which can be helpful when using the intermediate piece.

[0006] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed to automatically move from the first position to the second position when the brake disc is removed from the brake disc slot. A potential advantage of this design is that the user does not have to expend additional effort to ensure that the first and second brake pads are protected from sticking together if a brake actuation device is accidentally operated while the brake disc is not in the brake disc slot.

[0007] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed such that it is held in the first position by a magnetic force. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece and the brake disc can be held by the magnet so that they do not accidentally come into contact in the first position, thus preventing unintended wear of the intermediate piece and the brake disc that would result from friction if they were in direct contact while the brake disc rotates during bicycle use.

[0008] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed to move from the first position to the second position under the manual influence of a user. A potential advantage of this design is that the user can decide whether the intermediate piece is held in the first position, outside the brake disc slot, or moved into the second position, within the space between the first and second brake pads.

[0009] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed such that it is held in the first position by the engagement of a snap-lock mechanism. A potential advantage of this embodiment is that the snap-lock mechanism prevents the intermediate piece from contacting the brake disc while the brake disc is installed in the brake disc slot, thus preventing wear that would result from friction between the intermediate piece and the brake disc if they were in direct contact while the brake disc rotates during use.

[0010] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed such that it moves from the first position to the second position by a force exerted by the user that overcomes the resistance of the snap-lock mechanism. A potential advantage of this design is that the resistance that must be overcome to move the intermediate piece behind the snap-lock mechanism ensures that the intermediate piece does not inadvertently move between the first and second positions without the force exerted by the user.

[0011] In a further preferred aspect, the bicycle disc brake caliper can be designed to also include a first piston located on the first part of the caliper body for moving the first brake pad towards the second brake pad. A potential advantage of this design is that the first and second brake pads are pressed together when the first piston is actuated.

[0012] In a further preferred aspect, the bicycle disc brake caliper can be designed to also have a second piston located on the second part of the caliper body for moving the second brake pad towards the first brake pad. A potential advantage of this design is that the first and second brake pads are pressed together when the second piston is actuated.

[0013] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be designed to comprise a resin material. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece is lightweight yet durable.

[0014] In another preferred aspect, the brake disc can be designed so that it can be removed from the brake disc slot together with the wheel hub. A potential advantage of this design is that a wheel can be easily removed and / or replaced on the bicycle without having to remove the brake disc as well.

[0015] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece can be configured to have a base body that is movably mounted on the saddle body and a roller mounted on the base body, the roller being configured to rotate on the brake disc when the intermediate piece is in the first position. A potential advantage of this configuration is that the roller rotates on the brake disc while the brake disc is installed in the brake disc slot and does not rub against it, thus preventing wear that would result from friction between the intermediate piece and the brake disc if they were in direct contact without a roller while the brake disc rotates during bicycle use.

[0016] In another preferred aspect, the first and second brake pads are moved relative to each other by a hydraulic flow. A potential advantage of this design is that, compared to other conventional methods, a hydraulic flow ensures faster and more efficient transmission of a signal from a brake actuation device to the first and second brake pads.

[0017] In another preferred design, the first and second brake pads are moved relative to each other by a cable pull. A potential advantage of this design is that cable-operated braking systems are less expensive to manufacture and yet still provide sufficient responsiveness for most driving scenarios.

[0018] In another preferred aspect, the intermediate piece and the brake disc can be designed to have essentially the same thickness. A potential advantage of this design is that the intermediate piece and the brake disc can be interchangeably fitted into the space between the first and second brake pads.

[0019] This summary serves to present a selection of simplified concepts, which are further described in detail below. This summary is not intended to highlight key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor to limit the scope of the subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that eliminate one or all of the disadvantages specified in parts of this disclosure.

[0020] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and without limitation in the figures and accompanying drawings, in which the same reference numerals denote the same elements, wherein: Fig. 1 is a side view of the front half of a bicycle with a bicycle disc brake caliper; Fig. 2 an exploded view of a bicycle disc brake caliper according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which shows a caliper body comprising a first and a second caliper body part, a first and a second brake pad and an intermediate piece; Fig. 3A and Fig. 3B Assembly views of the first and second positions of the intermediate piece in the saddle body according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure are shown; Fig. 4 is an exploded view of the bicycle disc brake caliper according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure, which in addition to Fig. 2 shows several sealing components, a first and a second piston, a brake pad return spring, screw connections and a bolt; Fig. 5A and Fig. 5B two side views of the bicycle disc brake caliper mounted on the frame of a bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the brake disc is arranged in the brake disc slot of the bicycle disc brake caliper; Fig. 6A and Fig. 6B shows two side views of the bicycle disc brake caliper mounted on the frame of a bicycle according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, in which the brake disc together with the wheel hub is removed from the brake disc slot; Fig. Figure 7A shows an assembly view of the bicycle disc brake caliper according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 7B is a partial assembly view of the bicycle disc brake caliper according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure, showing only the first caliper body part, the first brake pad and the intermediate piece; Fig. Figure 7C shows a cross-sectional view of the bicycle disc brake caliper according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure; Fig. 8A and Fig. 8B Partial assembly views of the bicycle disc brake caliper according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure are showing the first caliper body part, the first brake pad and the intermediate piece, wherein Fig. 8A represents a state in which the brake disc is positioned in the brake disc slot, and Fig. 8B represents a condition in which the brake disc is removed from the brake disc slot; Fig. 9 an enlarged view A' of view A of the partially assembled bicycle disc brake caliper in Fig. 8B is the one that shows the preload component; Fig. 10A and Fig. 10B Partial assembly views of a bicycle disc brake caliper according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure, showing a first caliper body part, a first brake pad and an intermediate piece, wherein Fig. 10A represents a state in which the brake disc is positioned in the brake disc slot, and Fig. 10B represents a condition in which the brake disc is removed from the brake disc slot; and Fig. 11A and Fig. 11B Partial assembly views of a bicycle disc brake caliper according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure are showing a first caliper body part, a first brake pad and an intermediate piece, wherein Fig. 11A represents a state in which the brake disc is positioned in the brake disc slot, and Fig. 11B represents a condition in which the brake disc is removed from the brake disc slot.

[0021] Selected embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The person skilled in the art will understand from this disclosure that the following descriptions of the embodiments of the disclosure serve only for illustration and not to limit the disclosure as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0022] First, with reference to Fig. Figure 1 illustrates a bicycle 1 comprising a frame 2, a brake actuation device 4, an actuation transmitter 4a, a wheel 6 with a wheel hub 6a, a brake disc 8, and a bicycle disc brake caliper 10. The bicycle disc brake caliper 10 is mounted on the frame 2 of the bicycle 1, and the brake disc 8 is fixed to the wheel hub 6a. The brake actuation device 4 is operatively connected to the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 via the actuation transmitter 4a. The bicycle disc brake caliper 10 is designed such that, in response to the actuation of the brake actuation device 4, it engages the brake disc 8, thereby slowing the rotation of the wheel 6.

[0023] For the sake of brevity, the bicycle 1 and its various components are not discussed or illustrated in detail herein, except that these components relate to the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 according to the preferred embodiments of the present invention, as discussed below.

[0024] Even if in Fig. Although only the front section of bicycle 1 is shown in Figure 1, it is evident from the drawings in the description herein that bicycle 1 also has a rear wheel and a rear brake system with a brake actuation device, an actuation transmitter, and a bicycle disc brake caliper. Since the features are the same for both the front and rear brake systems, a description of the rear sections of bicycle 1 and the rear sections of the brake system is omitted for the sake of brevity.

[0025] Regarding Fig. Figure 2 illustrates a bicycle disc brake caliper 10 of a first embodiment. The bicycle disc brake caliper 10 comprises a caliper body 12, a first and a second brake pad 14, and an intermediate piece 16.

[0026] The caliper body 12 comprises a first caliper body part 12a, a second caliper body part 12b, and a brake disc slot 18 located between the first caliper body part 12a and the second caliper body part 12b. The first and second caliper body parts 12a and 12b are connected, for example, by screw connections T ( Fig. 4) or the like, but any other secure fixing method may also be used. The brake disc slot 18 is designed such that it at least partially receives the brake disc 8, which is removably arranged therein. The brake disc 8 is arranged at least partially in a space 20 between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b.

[0027] The intermediate piece 16 is movably attached to at least one of the caliper body 12, the first brake pad 14a and the second brake pad 14b. Alternatively, the intermediate piece 16 can be movably attached to a spacer bolt 17 ( Fig. 4) or be attached to another suitable structure. As described in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the intermediate piece 16 is movably attached to the caliper body 12 in this embodiment. The intermediate piece 16 is designed such that it can be arranged in a first position outside the space 20 when the brake disc 8 is positioned in the brake disc slot 18. Furthermore, the intermediate piece 16 is designed such that it moves from the first position to a second position, in which the intermediate piece 16 is positioned within the space 20, when the brake disc 8 is removed from the brake disc slot 18. To allow them to be fitted interchangeably into the space 20, the intermediate piece 16 and the brake disc 8 preferably have substantially the same thickness. The intermediate piece 16 preferably comprises a resin material, although any other rigid material can also be used for the intermediate piece 16 as required and / or desired.By inserting the intermediate piece 16 between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b, the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b are protected from sticking together when the brake disc 8 is removed from the brake disc slot 18, if the brake actuation device 4 is accidentally operated while the brake disc 8 is not in the brake disc slot 18.

[0028] In the embodiments of the present disclosure, the actuating transmitter 4a can be a hydraulic hose or a cable. The actuating transmitter 4a runs between the brake actuating device 4 and the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 and transmits an actuating force or a signal from the brake actuating device 4 to the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 in response to the operation of the brake actuating device 4. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, when the brake actuating device 4 is actuated, a hydraulic flow is transmitted from the brake actuating device 4 to the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b of the bicycle disc brake caliper 10. The first and second brake pads 14a and 14b are operated with hydraulic fluid.More precisely, actuation of the brake actuation device 4 causes the hydraulic fluid to be transferred through the actuation transmitter 4a to the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b. This hydraulic flow causes the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b to grip the brake disc 8, thereby slowing the rotation of the wheel 6. If the actuation transmitter 4a is a cable, an actuation force or signal is transmitted as a mechanical force from the brake actuation device 4 to the bicycle disc brake caliper 10. Thus, the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b can be operated by a cable pull, causing the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 to grip the brake disc 8.

[0029] Now with reference to Fig. The first and second saddle body parts 12a and 12b contain bolt holes 21a and 21b, which are designed to accommodate the spacer bolt 17. When the spacer bolt 17 is installed through the bolt holes 21a and 21b of the first and second saddle body parts 12a and 12b and the intermediate piece 16, the intermediate piece 16 is secured in the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 and pivotally mounted on the saddle body 12. The intermediate piece 16 pivots around the spacer bolt 17 and thus moves between the first and second positions. Mounting the intermediate piece 16 on the spacer bolt 17 allows it to move securely and smoothly between the first and second positions.

[0030] The bicycle disc brake caliper 10 can also have several pistons 22, several sealing components 24, and a brake pad return spring 26. A first piston 22a is provided on the first caliper body part 12a for pressing the first brake pad 14a when the brake actuation device 4 is actuated, and a second piston 22b is provided on the second caliper body part 12b for pressing the second brake pad 14b when the brake actuation device 4 is actuated.

[0031] The first and second caliper body parts 12a and 12b have piston receiving openings 28a and 28b. The piston receiving openings 28a and 28b are preferably annular openings, dimensioned and designed to accommodate the first and second pistons 22a and 22b, respectively. Furthermore, the piston receiving openings 28a and 28b preferably also have an annular groove for receiving one of the sealing components 24, which are intended to prevent fluid leakage. The bicycle disc brake caliper 10 is rigidly coupled to the frame 2 of the bicycle 1 via the caliper body 12. The caliper body 12 is preferably formed from a rigid metallic material such as cast aluminum, although any other suitable rigid material can also be used for the caliper body 12 as required and / or desired.

[0032] The first and second brake pads 14a and 14b are coupled to the caliper body 12, forming the brake disc slot 18 between them. A bolt 30 is provided for mounting the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b and the brake pad return spring 26 in the brake disc slot 18. At least one of the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b is movable relative to the caliper body 12, and preferably both brake pads 14a and 14b are movable relative to the caliper body 12. Therefore, the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b are movably mounted on the first and second caliper body parts 12a and 12b, respectively. The first and second brake pads 14a and 14b are arranged to be movable relative to each other in the brake disc slot 18 so that they can contact the brake disc 8, which is arranged at least partially in a space 20 between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b when the brake disc 8 is arranged in the brake disc slot 18.The brake pad return spring 26 is a metal component located between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b, biasing them away from each other. As an alternative to this embodiment, if required and / or desired, only one piston can be movably coupled to the caliper body 12, allowing one of the two brake pads to be moved.

[0033] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b generally have friction sections 32a and 32b with a friction material fixed thereto, and heat-insulating sections 34a and 34b designed to dissipate the heat transferred from the friction sections 32a and 32b to the pistons 22a and 22b. The friction sections 32a and 32b and the heat-insulating sections 34a and 34b have mounting holes in which the bolt 30 can be slidably received. However, bicycle disc brake calipers having brake pads without heat-insulating sections also fall within the scope of the present invention, provided the bicycle disc brake caliper has an intermediate piece as described above.

[0034] The first and second brake pads 14a and 14b can be actuated so that they are pressed together when the brake actuation device 4 is operated. Actuation causes the multiple pistons 22a and 22b to move towards each other and press the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b together so that they contact the brake disc 8 when the brake disc 8 is positioned in the brake disc slot 18. The engagement of the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b with the brake disc 8 stops the rotation of the brake disc 8, the wheel hub 6a, and the wheel 6.

[0035] As in the Fig. 5A and Fig. As shown in Figure 5B, when the brake disc 8 is installed on the frame of the bicycle 1, the brake disc 8 is arranged in the brake disc slot 18, and the intermediate piece 16 is designed such that in the first position it is located outside the brake disc slot 18.

[0036] As in the Fig. 6A and Fig. As shown in Figure 6B, the brake disc 8 is removed from the brake disc slot 18 when the wheel 6 is removed from the bicycle 1, since the brake disc 8 is integral with the wheel hub 6a. The intermediate piece 16 is designed such that it moves into the second position, at least partially, within the brake disc slot 18. With this design, the wheel 6 on a bicycle 1 can be easily removed and / or replaced without additional effort required to remove the brake disc 8.

[0037] Now, with reference to the Fig. 7A, Fig. 7B and Fig. Figure 7C shows the bicycle disc brake caliper 10 with the intermediate piece 16 in the second position. Fig. 7A and Fig. 7B shows the cutting plane A for the in Fig. 7C shows the cross-section of the bicycle disc brake caliper 10.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 7C, the intermediate piece 16 is designed such that it is partially located in the space 20 between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b when the brake disc 8 is not in the brake disc slot 18. Since the intermediate piece 16 is designed to have substantially the same thickness as the brake disc 8, the intermediate piece 16 and the brake disc 8 can be interchangeably fitted into the space 20. When the brake disc 8 is not in the brake disc slot 18, operation of the brake actuating device 4 causes the first and second pistons 22a and 22b to compress the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b, thereby bringing them into contact with the intermediate piece 16.Since the intermediate piece 16 and the brake disc 8 can be interchangeably fitted into the space 20, the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b contact the intermediate piece 16 in a manner similar to how they would contact the brake disc 8 when the brake disc 8 is positioned in the brake disc slot 18. The presence of the intermediate piece 16 in the space 20 prevents the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b from coming into direct contact with each other when the brake actuation device 4 is operated, when the brake disc 8 is not in the brake disc slot 18.

[0039] As in the Fig. 8A and Fig. As shown in Figure 8B, in the first embodiment, the intermediate piece 16 is designed such that it is held in the first position by the engagement of a snap-lock mechanism 36. The snap-lock mechanism 36 provides resistance that must be overcome for the intermediate piece 16 to move from the first position to the second position. Thus, the snap-lock mechanism 36 prevents the intermediate piece 16 from coming into direct contact with the brake disc 8 when the brake disc 8 is positioned in the brake disc slot 18. This prevents wear of the intermediate piece 16 and the brake disc 8 that would result from friction between them if they were in direct contact while the brake disc 8 rotates during use of the bicycle 1.

[0040] According to the first embodiment, when the brake disc 8 is removed from the brake disc slot 18, the intermediate piece 16 is designed to move from the first position to the second position under the manual influence M of a user. This allows the user to decide whether the intermediate piece 16 is held in the first position outside the brake disc slot 18 or whether it is moved into the second position in the space 20 between the first and second brake pads 14a and 14b. The intermediate piece 16 is designed to move from the first position to the second position by a force exerted by the user that overcomes the resistance of the snap-lock mechanism 36.Conversely, when the intermediate piece 16 is in the second position and the brake disc 8 is inserted into the brake disc slot 18, the resistance of the snap-lock mechanism 36 must be overcome by the force exerted by the user during insertion of the brake disc 8. During insertion, the brake disc 8 contacts the intermediate piece 16, and the force is transferred from the brake disc 8 to the intermediate piece 16, causing the intermediate piece 16 to move from the second position, behind the snap-lock mechanism 36, into the first position. The resistance that the user must overcome to move the intermediate piece 16 behind the snap-lock mechanism 36 ensures that the intermediate piece 16 does not inadvertently move between the first and second positions without the force exerted by the user.

[0041] As in the Fig. 8B and Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a preloading element 38 can be coupled to the intermediate piece 16 such that it preloads the intermediate piece 16 towards the second position. The preloading element 38 is preferably a torsion spring with a helical section 38a, a first end section 38b, and a second end section 38c. The helical section 38a is arranged around the spacer bolt 17, the first end section 38b engages with the caliper body 12, and the second end section 38c engages with the intermediate piece 16, thereby preloading the intermediate piece 16 towards the second position. The preloading element 38 provides a rotational force RF that preloads the intermediate piece 16, causing it to pivot around the spacer bolt 17 towards the second position in the brake disc slot 18. The intermediate piece 16 cannot move further into the second position without overcoming the resistance of the snap-lock construction 36.Furthermore, the intermediate piece 16 must overcome the rotational force RF of the preloading component 38 in order to rotate out of the second position. Thus, the preloading component stabilizes the intermediate piece 16 in both the first and second positions. In other words, the preloading component 38 serves to secure the intermediate piece 16 in the first position (see dotted line) or the second position (see solid line) when the intermediate piece 16 is in either of these two positions.

[0042] Regarding the Fig. 10A and Fig. Figure 10B describes a bicycle disc brake caliper 110 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the bicycle disc brake caliper 110 is generally similar to that of the first embodiment, except for the mechanism for pre-tensioning the intermediate piece 116 towards the first position when the brake disc 108 is arranged in the brake disc slot 118, its detailed description will be abbreviated for the sake of brevity. It should be noted that identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals in the detailed description and in the accompanying drawings.

[0043] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10A, the intermediate piece 116 and the brake disc 108 of the second embodiment are formed from magnetized materials and designed such that the magnetic poles of the intermediate piece 116 and the magnetic poles of the brake disc 108 are oppositely oriented. This opposite orientation results in a repulsive magnetic force, which causes the intermediate piece 116 and the brake disc 108 to repel each other when they are close together. Therefore, when the brake disc 108 is positioned in the brake disc slot 118, the intermediate piece 116 is held in the first position by a magnet, i.e., by the repulsive magnetic force generated by the oppositely oriented poles of the intermediate piece and the brake disc.The repulsive magnetic force between the spacer 116 and the brake disc 108 creates a force that must be overcome for the spacer to make contact with the brake disc 108. This prevents the spacer 116 from making direct contact with the brake disc 108 when the brake disc 108 is positioned in the brake disc slot 118. This prevents wear on the spacer 116 and the brake disc 108 that would result from friction between them if they were in direct contact while the brake disc 108 rotates during bicycle use.

[0044] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 10B, a preloading element 138 can be coupled to the intermediate piece 116 such that it preloads the intermediate piece 116 towards the second position. Specifically, the preloading element 138 provides a rotational force RF that preloads the intermediate piece 116, causing it to pivot about the spacer bolt 117 towards the second position in the brake disc slot 118. The preloading element 138 stabilizes the intermediate piece 116 in the first position when the brake disc 108 is positioned in the brake disc slot 118. The intermediate piece 116 must overcome the rotational force RF of the preloading element 138 in order to pivot in one direction out of the second position, and the intermediate piece 116 cannot move further into the second position without overcoming the repulsive magnetic force between the intermediate piece 116 and the brake disc 108.

[0045] The intermediate piece 116 is designed to move automatically from the first position to the second position when the brake disc 108 is removed from the brake disc slot 118. This automatic movement is the result of the rotational force RF, which biases the intermediate piece 116 towards the second position. Without a counterforce from the magnetic brake disc 108, the intermediate piece 116 can pivot freely towards the second position. This automatic movement of the intermediate piece 116 prevents the first and second brake pads 114a and 114b from sticking together if the brake actuation device is accidentally operated while the brake disc 108 is not in the brake disc slot 118, without requiring any additional effort from the user.

[0046] The preloading component 138 also stabilizes the intermediate piece 116 in the second position after the brake disc 108 has been removed from the brake disc slot 118, since the intermediate piece 116 must overcome the rotational force RF of the preloading component 138 in order to rotate out of the second position.

[0047] Regarding the Fig. 11A and Fig. Figure 11B describes a bicycle disc brake caliper 210 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure. Since the bicycle disc brake caliper 210 is generally similar to that of the first embodiment, except for the mechanism for pre-tensioning the intermediate piece 216 towards the first position when the brake disc 208 is arranged in the brake disc slot 218, its detailed description will be abbreviated for the sake of brevity. It should be noted that identical parts are designated with the same reference numerals in the detailed description and in the accompanying drawings.

[0048] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11A, the intermediate piece 216 of the third embodiment has a base body 216a which is movably provided on the saddle body (for example on the first saddle body part 212a) and a roller 240 which is provided on the base body 216a, wherein the roller 240 is designed such that it rotates on the brake disc 208 when the intermediate piece 216 is arranged in the first position.

[0049] A preloading element 238 is coupled to the intermediate piece 216 in such a way that it preloads the intermediate piece 216 towards the second position. Specifically, the preloading element 238 provides a rotational force RF that preloads the base body 216a of the intermediate piece 216, causing it to pivot about the spacer bolt 217 towards the second position in the brake disc slot 218. The preloading element 238 stabilizes the intermediate piece 216 in the first position when the brake disc 208 is positioned in the brake disc slot 218, since the intermediate piece 216 must overcome the rotational force RF of the preloading element 238 in order to pivot out of the second position. Therefore, when the brake disc 208 is arranged in the brake disc slot 218, the intermediate piece 216 is held in the first position by the rotational force RF of the preloading component 238 and the roller 240 is held on the brake disc 208.If the brake disc 208 is arranged in the brake disc slot 218, the roller 240 of the intermediate piece 216 is in contact with the brake disc 208. Since the roller 240 is designed to rotate smoothly, the design of the third embodiment can prevent wear of the intermediate piece 216 and the brake disc 208, which would result from friction between the intermediate piece 216 and the brake disc 208 if they were in direct contact while the brake disc 208 rotates during use of the bicycle.

[0050] The intermediate piece 216 is designed to automatically move from the first position to the second position when the brake disc 208 is removed from the brake disc slot 218. This automatic movement is the result of the rotational force RF, which biases the intermediate piece 216 towards the second position. When the brake disc 208 is not in the brake disc slot 218, the roller 240 is no longer in contact with the brake disc 208 and can pivot freely towards the second position. This automatic movement of the intermediate piece 216 prevents the first and second brake pads 214a and 214b from sticking together if the brake actuation device is accidentally operated when the brake disc 208 is not in the brake disc slot 218, without any additional effort from the user.

[0051] Furthermore, the preloading component 238 stabilizes the intermediate piece 216 in the second position after the brake disc 208 has been removed from the brake disc slot 218, since the intermediate piece 216 must overcome the rotational force RF of the preloading component 238 in order to rotate out of the second position. LIST OF REFERENCE MARKS 1 bicycle 2 frames 4 Brake actuation device 4a Actuation transmitter 6 tires 6a Wheel hub 8 brake disc 10 bicycle disc brake calipers 12 saddle bodies 12a first saddle body part 12b second saddle body part 14 brake pads 14a first brake pad 14b second brake pad 16 Intermediate piece 17 spacers 18 Brake disc slots 20 rooms 21a Bolt hole 21b bolt hole 22 pistons 22a first piston 22b second piston 24 sealing components 26 Brake pad return spring 28a Piston mounting opening 28b Piston mounting opening 32a Friction piston 32b Friction piston 34a Thermal insulation section 34b Thermal insulation section 36 Snap-lock construction 38 Preload component 38a winding section 38b first final section 38c second final section 108 brake disc 110 bicycle disc brake caliper 114a first brake pad 114b second brake pad 116 Intermediate piece 118 Brake disc slot 138 Preload component 208 brake disc 210 bicycle disc brake caliper 212a first saddle body part 214a first brake pad 214b second brake pad 216 Intermediate piece 216a Basic body 218 Brake disc slot 238 Preload component 240 roller A cutting plane Manual influence RF torque T-fittings

Claims

[1] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10), comprising: a caliper body (12) comprising a first caliper body part (12a), a second caliper body part (12b) and a brake disc slot (18) provided between the first caliper body part (12a) and the second caliper body part (12b), wherein the brake disc slot (18) is designed to at least partially accommodate a brake disc (8) removable therein; a first and a second brake pad (14a, 14b) which are movably arranged relative to each other in the brake disc slot (18) so that they can come into contact with the brake disc (8), which is arranged at least partially in a space (20) between the first and the second brake pad (14a, 14b), when the brake disc (8) is arranged in the brake disc slot (18); and an intermediate piece (16) which is movably attached to at least one of the caliper body (12), the first brake pad (14a) and the second brake pad (14b), wherein the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it can be arranged in a first position outside the space (20) when the brake disc (8) is arranged in the brake disc slot (18), and the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it moves from the first position to a second position in which the intermediate piece (16) is arranged in the space (20) when the brake disc (8) has been removed from the brake disc slot (18). [2] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to claim 1, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is movably attached to the caliper body (12). [3] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to claim 2, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is pivotably mounted on the caliper body (12). [4] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a preloading component (38) that is coupled to the intermediate piece (16) in such a way that it preloads the intermediate piece (16) in the direction of the second position. [5] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is designed to move automatically from the first position to the second position when the brake disc (8) is removed from the brake disc slot (18). [6] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is held in the first position by a magnetic force. [7] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it moves from the first position to the second position under a manual influence of a user. [8] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is held in the first position by the engagement of a snap-lock construction (36). [9] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to claim 8, wherein the intermediate piece (16) is designed such that it moves from the first position to the second position by a force exerted by a user which overcomes the resistance of the snap lock construction (36). [10] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which further comprises a first piston (22a) which is provided on the first caliper body part (12a) for moving the first brake pad (14a) towards the second brake pad (14b). [11] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to claim 10, which further comprises a second piston (22b) which is provided on the second caliper body part (12b) for moving the second brake pad (14b) in the direction of the first brake pad (14a). [12] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) comprises a resin material. [13] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the brake disc (8) is removed together with the wheel hub (6a) from the brake disc slot (18). [14] Bicycle disc brake caliper (210) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (216) has a base body (216a) which is movably provided on the caliper body and a roller (240) which is provided on the base body (216a), wherein the roller (240) is designed such that it rotates on the brake disc (208) when the intermediate piece (216) is in the first position. [15] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second brake pad (14a, 14b) are moved relative to each other by a hydraulic flow. [16] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and the second brake pad (14a, 14b) are moved relative to each other by a cable pull movement. [17] Bicycle disc brake caliper (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the intermediate piece (16) and the brake disc (8) have substantially the same thickness.

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