TWI801576B - Disc brake caliper including wear indicator and biasing member for disc brake caliper including wear indicator - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a disc brake caliper 10 comprising a caliper housing 12 defining a slot 14 configured to receive a disc brake rotor 16 rotatable around a rotation axis A1. The disc brake caliper 10 further comprises at least one brake pad 20A disposed in the slot 14 and configured to be in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 in an operated state where the disc brake caliper 10 is operated. The disc brake caliper 10 comprises a first wear indication member 28A and a second wear indication member 28B. The first wear indication member 28A is moved relative to the second wear indication member 28B in the operated state, so that the first wear indication member 28A and the second wear indication member 28B overlap in a radial direction R2 of the disc brake rotor 16 depending on wearing of the at least one brake pad 20A.

Description

Disc brake caliper including wear indicator and biasing member for disc brake caliper including wear indicator

The present invention generally relates to a disc brake for a small vehicle including a bicycle and a biasing member for a disc brake. In particular, the focus of the invention relates to a disc brake caliper including a wear indicator and a biasing member for a disc brake caliper including a wear indicator.

Cycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation and mode 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 continually improving the various components of the bicycle. In terms of controlling a bicycle, one of the important components is the brakes.

With regard to a continuously reliable bicycle system, it seems necessary to check the condition of the brake pads mounted to the corresponding disc brake calipers. However, it is basically difficult to visually judge the exact condition or level of wear of a brake pad mounted on a corresponding disc brake caliper.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved braking system which allows an easy and accurate determination of the current degree of wear of the brake pads.

According to a first aspect of the invention, a disc brake caliper includes a caliper housing defining a slot. The slot is configured to receive a disc brake rotor rotatable about the axis of rotation. At least one brake pad is disposed in the slot and configured to contact the disc brake rotor in an operating state in which the disc brake caliper is operated. The disc brake caliper also includes a first wear indicating member and a second wear indicating member. The first wear-indicating member is moved relative to the second wear-indicating member in an operative state such that the first wear-indicating member and the second wear-indicating member move in a radial direction of the disc brake rotor depending on the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad Overlap.

With the disc brake caliper according to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member support visually judging the degree of wear. In the case where the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member do not overlap with respect to each other, there is a gap between the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member. As a result, potential users do not have any firm reference point from which to measure actual values. By overlapping in the radial direction, the user is not forced to inaccurately estimate the value of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In other words, depending on the condition of at least one brake pad, the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member intersect. The wear of at least one brake pad can thus be estimated in a more accurate manner.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the disc brake caliper according to the first aspect is constructed such that the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are moved along the axis of rotation in an operative state.

With the disc brake caliper according to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. Additionally, by said movement, the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member change their positions in the same direction as the reduced width of the brake pad due to wear. Therefore, the two wear indicating members can be accurately judged at any level of the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the first or second aspect is constructed such that the disc brake caliper further includes a biasing member. A biasing member biases the brake pads in a direction away from the disc brake rotor.

With the disc brake caliper according to the third aspect of the invention, it is possible to reliably avoid any contact between the at least one brake pad and the disc brake rotor in a rest state in which the disc brake caliper is not operated.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, a disc brake caliper includes a caliper housing defining a slot. The slot is configured to receive a disc brake rotor rotatable about the axis of rotation. At least one brake pad is disposed in the slot and configured to contact the disc brake rotor in an operating state in which the disc brake caliper is operated. Disc brake calipers contain a biasing member that biases the brake pads in a direction away from the disc brake rotor. The disc brake caliper also includes a first wear indicating member disposed on the biasing member, and a second wear indicating member. The first wear indicating member is moved relative to the second wear indicating member such that the position of the first wear indicating member relative to the position of the second wear indicating member is indicative of the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, the wear indicating member supports a visual judgment of the degree of wear. Since the first wear indicating member is arranged on the biasing member, the first wear indicating member automatically moves together with the biasing member. Thereby, the first wear indicating member is accurately moved according to the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect is constructed such that the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member depend on the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad on the disc brake in the operating state. The radial direction of the rotors overlaps.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as in the first aspect of the invention.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the fourth or fifth aspect is constructed such that the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are moved along the rotation axis in an operative state.

With the disc brake caliper according to the sixth aspect of the invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as in the second aspect of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the third to sixth aspects is constructed such that the biasing member includes a pair of feet facing in the axial direction of the disc brake rotor. each other. A first wear indicating member is disposed on one of the feet of the pair.

With the disc brake caliper according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. Advantageously, different feet can be individually reacted or adapted accordingly to possibly different degrees of wear of different brake pads. Thus, the first wear indicating member can be individually reacted or adapted to possibly different degrees of wear of different brake pads.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the seventh aspect is constructed such that the second wear indicating member is provided on the other of the pair of foot portions.

With the disc brake caliper according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, as in the case of the first wear-indicating member, the second wear-indicating member can individually react or adapt to possibly different degrees of wear of the different brake pads. In combination with the first wear indicating member, the accuracy of judgment is further improved.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is constructed such that the first wear indicating member includes a first portion extending in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis. Furthermore, the first wear indicating member includes a second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction.

With the disc brake caliper according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, judgment of the degree of wear is easy for the user with the naked eye. Depending on the different dimensions with respect to the directions, the advantageous effect described is further improved.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the ninth aspect is constructed such that the second wear indicating member includes a third portion extending in a third direction parallel to the first direction. Furthermore, the second wear indicating member includes a fourth portion extending in a fourth direction perpendicular to the third direction.

With the disc brake caliper according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the condition of at least one brake pad. In particular, judgment of the degree of wear is easy for the user with the naked eye. Depending on the different dimensions with respect to said direction, this advantageous effect can be further improved.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the tenth aspect is constructed such that the size of the third portion in the third direction is larger than the size of the first portion in the first direction.

With the disc brake caliper according to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In detail, by means of the different sizes of the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member, the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member overlap easily and smoothly without rubbing against each other.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the eleventh aspect is constructed such that the second portion and the fourth portion are at a diameter of the disc brake rotor when at least one brake pad is worn by 90% or more. at least partially overlap in the direction.

With the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, said parts overlap at least in the particularly relevant condition of at least one brake pad, ie when the degree of wear of at least one brake pad approaches 100%. Thereby, at least in this relevant case, highly accurate measurements or estimates are possible. Furthermore, the determination can be done more easily and more accurately for a viewpoint perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the actuator.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the third to twelfth aspects is constructed such that the biasing member and the first wear indicating member are formed as a one-piece unitary member.

With the disc brake caliper according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. The reason for this is that the first wear indicating member is an inherent part of the biasing member.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to the thirteenth aspect is constructed such that the biasing member and the second wear indicating member are formed as a one-piece unitary member.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. The reason for this is that the second wear indicating member is an inherent part of the biasing member.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present invention, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects is constructed such that the biasing member is made of stainless steel.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fifteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. In particular, the biasing member's stiffness is high, in addition to providing the required flexibility to generate the required resetting force with respect to the brake pads in the resting state.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a biasing member for a disc brake caliper configured to move at least one brake pad to brake a disc brake rotor includes a first wear indicating member. The first wear indicating member is moved relative to the second wear indicating member in an operating state in which the disc brake caliper is operated.

With the biasing member according to the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as the fourth aspect of the present invention.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention, the biasing member according to the sixteenth aspect is constructed such that the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are disc-like in operation depending on the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. The radial direction of the brake rotor overlaps.

With the biasing member according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as in the first aspect of the present invention.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present invention, the biasing member according to the sixteenth or seventeenth aspect is constructed such that the biasing member further includes a second wear indicating member.

With the biasing member according to the eighteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad. The second wear indicating member automatically moves with the biasing member. Thereby, the second wear indicating member is accurately moved according to the wear of the at least one brake pad.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention, the biasing member according to any one of the sixteenth to eighteenth aspects is constructed such that the biasing member further includes a pair of feet which are positioned in the axial direction of the disc brake rotor. direction facing each other. A first wear indicating member is disposed on one of the feet of the pair.

With the biasing member according to the nineteenth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as the seventh aspect of the present invention.

According to a twentieth aspect of the present invention, the biasing member according to the nineteenth aspect is constructed such that the second wear indicating member is provided on the other of the pair of feet.

With the biasing member according to the twentieth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further improve the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of at least one brake pad for the same reason as the eighth aspect of the present invention.

Selected embodiments of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate corresponding or equivalent elements throughout the several figures. First Embodiment of Disc Brake Rotor and Biasing Member

Referring first to FIG. 1 , a disc brake caliper 10 according to a first aspect of the present invention is shown in perspective. The disc brake caliper 10 includes a caliper housing 12 . In one example, the caliper housing 12 includes a first caliper housing part 12A and a second caliper housing part 12B. The caliper housing 12 is made of metal material. In one embodiment, the caliper housing 12 is made of aluminum alloy. However, any material other than metallic material is contemplated for the caliper housing 12 in view of protecting and holding the other components of the disc brake caliper 10 , for example, a material including carbon fiber.

The caliper housing 12 defines a slot 14 configured to receive a disc brake rotor 16 . Furthermore, the caliper housing 12 includes attachment portions 18A and 18B. Attachment portions 18A and 18B are used to mount caliper housing 12 on a portion of a bicycle frame. In one example, attachment portions 18A and 18B include through holes 18C and 18D for each of them to receive a bolt or screw for attaching caliper housing 12 to a bicycle frame. Of course, the caliper housing 12 can include other components known from the prior art. However, these components are not explicitly mentioned as they are not essential to the invention. The size of the disc brake rotor 16 is arbitrarily dependent on the desired braking force of the device being used, including the described disc brake caliper 10 . As in the case of known disc brake calipers, the disc brake rotor 16 is rotatable about the axis of rotation A1 .

As can be seen in FIGS. 2 to 4 , the disc brake caliper 10 comprises at least one brake pad which is arranged in the slot 14 and is constructed to contact the disc brake in the operating state in which the disc brake caliper 10 is operated. The rotor 16 is in contact. In this embodiment, the disc brake caliper 10 includes a first brake pad 20A and a second brake pad 20B disposed in the slot 14 . The first brake pad 20A includes a first plate 22A and a first friction member 24A. In particular, the first friction member 24A is mounted to the first plate 22A. The second brake pad 20B includes a second plate 22B and a second friction member 24B. The second friction member 24B is mounted to the second plate 22B. The first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B are configured to contact the disc brake rotor 16 in an operative state. In other words, the first friction member 24A and the second friction member 24B are constructed so that when the disc brake caliper applies force to the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B via a plurality of pistons (not shown), Both of them come into contact with the disc brake rotor 16 as they move along the axis of rotation A1 towards the disc brake rotor 16 . In the operating state, the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B are moved from the starting position to a contact position where the first friction member 24A and the second friction member 24B are in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 .

The disc brake caliper 10 also includes a biasing member 26 . The biasing member 26 biases the first brake pad 20A in a direction away from the disc brake rotor 16 (ie, the axial direction R1 of the rotation axis A1 of the disc brake rotor 16 ). Likewise, the biasing member 26 biases the second brake pad 20B in a direction away from the disc brake rotor 16 (ie, the axial direction R1 ). In the stationary state where the disc brake caliper 10 is not operated, the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B are arranged at the start position by the biasing force of the biasing member 26 . In the stationary state, the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B are not in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 . In particular, there is a gap G between each of the first brake pad 20A or the second brake pad 20B and the disc brake rotor 16 . As a result, braking is not applied.

As shown in FIG. 4 , the disc brake rotor 16 is disposed between the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B in the axial direction R1 . In the contact position, the first friction member 24A of the first brake pad 20A is in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 from the side facing the disc brake rotor 16 in the axial direction R1. The second friction member 24B of the second brake pad 20B is in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 from the other side facing the disc brake rotor 16 in the axial direction R1.

In the operating state, the disc brake caliper 10 applies a force to the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B in the axial direction R1 towards the disc brake rotor 16 . The reset force of the biasing member 26 is less than the force of the disc brake caliper 10 . By this, the first brake pad 20A moves in the axial direction R1 from the start position toward the disc brake rotor 16 and remains in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 at the contact position. Similarly, the second brake pad 20B moves in the axial direction R1 from the start position toward the disc brake rotor 16 and remains in contact with the disc brake rotor 16 at the contact position. By contacting the disc brake rotor 16, braking is applied. Accordingly, the disc brake caliper 10 is configured to move the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B to brake the disc brake rotor 16 .

Additionally, the disc brake caliper 10 includes a first wear indicating member 28A and a second wear indicating member 28B. According to the present embodiment, a first wear indicating member 28A is provided on the biasing member 26 . In one example, a second wear indicating member 28B is also disposed on the biasing member 26 .

As shown in FIGS. 5-8 , the biasing member 26 of the present invention includes a first wear indicating member 28A and a second wear indicating member 28B. In other words, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are disposed on the biasing member 26 . The biasing member 26 includes a pair of feet 30 . The pair of legs 30 includes a first leg 30A and a second leg 30B. The first leg portion 30A and the second leg portion 30B face each other in the axial direction R1. In particular, the first wear indicating member 28A is provided on one of the pair of feet 30 . In this embodiment, a first wear indicating member 28A is provided on the first foot 30A. The second wear indicating member 28B is provided on the other of the pair of feet 30 . As a result, the second wear indicating member 28B is provided on the second foot 30B.

The first wear indicating member 28A comprises a first portion 34A extending in a first direction D1 perpendicular to the axis of rotation A1 . Furthermore, the first wear indicating member 28A comprises a second portion 36A extending in a second direction D2 perpendicular to the first direction D1. The second wear indicating member 28B includes a third portion 34B extending in a third direction D3 parallel to the first direction D1. Furthermore, the second wear indicating member 28B comprises a fourth portion 36B extending in a fourth direction D4 perpendicular to the third direction D3.

The size of the third portion 34B in the third direction D3 is larger than the size of the first portion 34A in the first direction D1. The size of the second portion 36A in the second direction D2 is substantially the same as the size of the fourth portion 36B in the fourth direction D4. In another embodiment, the size of the second portion 36A in the second direction D2 is different from the size of the fourth portion 36B in the fourth direction D4.

The first leg portion 30A has a first through hole 32A. The second leg portion 30B has a second through hole 32B. The first through hole 32A and the second through hole 32B are used to attach the biasing member 26 to the disc brake caliper 10 . Accordingly, bolts or screws can be used to extend through the first through hole 32A and the second through hole 32B to mount the biasing member 26 to the disc brake caliper 10 . Any other mounting system can be considered without limiting the advantageous effects of the invention.

The biasing member 26 is made of stainless steel. However, the biasing member 26 can be made of any other suitable material to achieve the biasing force and rigidity of the biasing member 26 with respect to each of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B. For example, biasing member 26 can be made of any metal or metal alloy. Likewise, any material including carbon fiber, plastic or resin may be used.

The biasing member 26 and the first wear indicating member 28A are formed as a one-piece unitary member. Thereby, the first wear indicating member 28A cannot move out of position relative to the biasing member 26 . Furthermore, the biasing member 26 and the second wear indicating member 28B are formed as a one-piece unitary member with the same advantageous effect. In an alternative example, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are separate members from the biasing member 26 . Accordingly, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are disengaged from the biasing member. Furthermore, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B as a one-piece unitary member or as separate detachable members can be provided to other parts of the disc brake caliper 10 only with an overlapping arrangement described later. (eg, caliper housing 12, first brake pad 20A, second brake pad 20B, a pair of pistons (not shown), etc.). In more detail, for example, the second wear indicating member 28B as a one-piece unitary member or a separate detachable member can be provided on the disc brake caliper 10 or the second brake pad 20B.

The first leg portion 30A has a first elongated portion 38A and a second elongated portion 40A. The second leg portion has a third elongated portion 38B and a fourth elongated portion 40B. The first wear indicating member 28A is provided at the first elongated portion 38A. Accordingly, the second wear indicating member 28B is provided on the third elongate portion 38B. In one example, the first wear indicating member 28A is disposed on the second elongated portion 40A and the second wear indicating member 28B is disposed on the fourth elongated portion 40B. Alternatively, it is possible that all of the elongated portions 38A, 38B, 40A and 40B comprise the wear indicating member 28A or 28B, respectively. The first foot portion 30A contacts the first brake pad 20A, especially the first plate 22A, through the first elongated portion 38A and the second elongated portion 40A. The second foot portion 30B contacts the second brake pad 20B, especially the second plate 22B, through the third elongated portion 38B and the fourth elongated portion 40B. In one example, the first elongated portion 38A and the second elongated portion 40A are coupled to the first plate 22A, and the third elongated portion 38B and the fourth elongated portion 40B are coupled to the second plate 22B.

As can be seen from FIG. 4 , the first brake pad 20A has a width W1 in the axial direction R1 . Likewise, the second brake pad 20B has a width W2 in the axial direction R1. If the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B increases, the width W1 of the first brake pad 20A and the width W2 of the second brake pad 20B decrease. In particular, the widths of the first friction member 24A and the second friction member 24B are respectively reduced. Therefore, at the contact position, the distance in the axial direction R1 between the first plate 22A and the second plate 22B decreases according to the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B.

The first foot 30A and the second foot 30B of the biasing member 26 respectively follow the movement of the first plate 22A and the second plate 22B in the axial direction R1. Since the first wear indicating member 28A is disposed on the first foot 30A and the second wear indicating member 28B is disposed on the second foot 30B, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are in the operating state is moved along the axis of rotation A1. As a result, the first wear indicating member 28A is moved relative to the second wear indicating member 28B in the operative state such that the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B depend on the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B The degree of wear of at least one of them overlaps in the radial direction R2 of the disc brake rotor 16 . In particular, the second portion 36A of the first wear indicating member 28A and the fourth portion 36B of the second wear indicating member 28B overlap in the radial direction R2. Thereby, the position of the first wear indicating member 28A relative to the position of the second wear indicating member 28B is indicative of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B.

As can be seen from FIGS. 1 and 2 , the caliper housing 12 has an opening 12C. Opening 12C allows a user to see the interior of caliper housing 12 . In particular, the opening 12C enables the biasing member 26 and corresponding first and second wear indicating members 28A, 28B to be seen from above. The shape of the opening 12C is a rectangle. The opening 12C is sized to accommodate the biasing member 26, the first brake pad 20A, and the second brake pad 20B. However, any shape is possible. In one example, the opening 12C is sized to accommodate the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B. Of course, in the case where multiple wear indicating members are provided, a plurality of openings 12C are likewise conceivable. In one example, according to the view of FIG. 4 , the opening 12C is configured such that the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are visible from one side of the disc brake caliper 10 .

In FIGS. 9-12 , the biasing member 26 is in a plurality of contact positions depending on the exact amount of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B (not shown in FIGS. 9-12 ). The status is plotted. In FIG. 9, the biasing member 26, and the first and second wear indicating members 28A, 28B are depicted as viewed from above. In this state, new brake pads 20A and 20B are set. Therefore, the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is 0%. According to the invention, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B do not overlap in the radial direction R2.

In FIG. 10 , the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is 50% compared to a new brake pad. In this state, the width W1 and the width W2 are smaller than the respective widths in the state of FIG. 9 . Therefore, in the contact position, the distance between the first plates 22A and 22B is small. Therefore, the distance in the axial direction R1 between the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B becomes equally small.

Seeing this change in distance, the user can judge the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B. The user can use the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B as reference objects to judge the current degree of wear.

In this embodiment, the first elongated portion 38A moves relative to the second elongated portion 38B at an angle θ between each other. Accordingly, the first wear indicating member 28A likewise moves relative to the second wear indicating member 28B at an angle θ therebetween. The angle θ decreases according to the decreasing distance between the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B until they are both approximately parallel to each other. Thereby, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B would have overlapped at an earlier point in time due to the movement relative to each other. In particular, as shown in Fig. 11, intersection point I is guaranteed to occur. In one example, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B are continuously moving relative to each other by continuously maintaining a parallel orientation with each other. In any case, by the overlapping of the first wear-indicating member 28A and the second wear-indicating member 28B, at least one intersection line L ( FIG. 12 ), preferably an intersection point I, is created. Therefore, the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B can be continuously tracked by the user.

In Fig. 12, the wear degree of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is 100%, that is, no more first friction member 24A or at least very little first friction member 24A is present on the first brake pad , and no second friction member 24B, or at least very little second friction member 24B, is present on the second brake pad 20B. In other words, the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad are worn off. Therefore, the width W1 and the width W2 are smaller than the respective widths in the state of FIG. 10 . In the contact position, the distance between the first plates 22A and 22B is thus smaller. Therefore, the distance in the axial direction R1 between the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B becomes likewise smaller. In a state where the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is 100%, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B completely overlap in the radial direction R2. Based on the complete overlap, the user can recognize that the degree of wear is 100% or close to 100%. Thus, the user can avoid 100% wear by replacing the brake pads before a full overlap is found. For partially overlapping classes, it is thus possible to estimate the current degree of wear in an accurate manner.

Although a certain degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B matches a certain level of overlap of the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B in the states shown in FIGS. The invention is not limited to this configuration. Thus, partial overlap of both wear indicating members 28A and 28B can already occur in conditions where the wear of both brake pads 20A and 20B is between 5% and 95%. The shape and configuration of the first wear-indicating member 28A and the second wear-indicating member 28B can be adapted to the exact needs of a potential user and the device being used including the disc brake caliper 10 . In one example, when the wear degree of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is above 90%, the second portion 36A and the fourth portion 36B are at least partially overlapping. In other words, when the wear degree of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is above 90%, the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B start to overlap in the radial direction R2. Thereby, in the situation where the degree of wear gradually approaches 100%, the determination of the degree of wear in the relevant state is focused.

With the advantageous configuration according to the present embodiment, the judgment of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B can be easily done by the user. Furthermore, due to the provision of the well-identifiable wear indicating members 28A and 28B, it is possible to accurately gauge the present degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B. Finally, the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is improved. Second Embodiment of Biasing Member

In Fig. 13, a top view of a biasing member 126 according to a second implementation of the invention is shown. Basically, the biasing member 126 is equal to the biasing member 26 of the first embodiment. However, the biasing member 126 also includes a reference scale 42 for measuring the actual value of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B. Thereby, the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is improved.

In particular, at least one of the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B has a reference scale 42 . In the present embodiment, a reference scale 42 is provided on the top surface of the second portion 36A. The scale has markings which indicate the present level of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B at the contact position. Indicia are painted or engraved on the top surface of the second portion 36A. However, it is possible to quantify the desired value with any other suitable notation. The reference scale 42 is oriented in the radial direction of the disc brake rotor 16 . In one embodiment, the reference scale 42 is oriented along the axial direction R1. In yet another embodiment, the reference scale 42 includes additions to the described markings.

In another embodiment, the reference scale 42 is made of different colors. For example, the reference scale 42 can continuously change from green to red to indicate the level of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B.

In the case where the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B overlap, the point of intersection I occurs along the reference scale 42 when viewed from above. Therefore, it is possible to judge the actual level of the degree of wear instead of estimating an approximate value. Third Embodiment of Biasing Member

In Fig. 14, a side view of a biasing member 226 according to a third implementation of the invention is shown. Basically, the biasing member 226 is equal to the biasing member 26 of the first embodiment. However, the biasing member 226 also includes a sensor 44 for defining an actual value of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B. Thereby, the accuracy of judgment of the degree of wear of the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B is improved.

In particular, at least one of the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B has a sensor 44 . According to the invention, a sensor 44 is provided on the top surface of the second portion 36A. Furthermore, the passive part 46 of the sensor 44 is arranged on the bottom side of the fourth part 36B. The sensor 44 is an optical sensor. The passive part 46 of the sensor 44 is a reflector. The sensor 44 determines the level of overlap of the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B. However, any other suitable sensor could be provided for defining the level of overlap of the first wear indicating member 28A and the second wear indicating member 28B. For example, a magnetic sensor can be used as the sensor 44 and a magnet can be used as the passive component 46 .

The judged value can be provided to a connected calculator (not shown) by wire or wirelessly. The calculator judges the degree of wear according to the value received by the sensor 44 . The current value can be displayed via any connected device used by the potential user. In one example, a warning signal is generated if a severe level of wear is reached. modified example

The above description illustrates embodiments of a disc brake caliper and biasing member according to the present invention. However, the above description is not intended to be limiting. Embodiments of the disc brake caliper and biasing member can be further modified, for example as follows. Furthermore, two or more disclosed embodiments can be combined. In the following description, the same reference numerals are given to those elements of the modified embodiment that are the same as corresponding elements of the above embodiment. Such elements will not be described in detail.

The second brake pad 20B can be fixedly arranged on the caliper housing 12 . Thus, in the operating state, the disc brake caliper 10 exerts a force on the first brake pad 20A precisely in the axial direction R1 towards the disc brake rotor 16 . By this, the first brake pad 20A moves in the axial direction R1 from the start position toward the disc brake rotor 16 and maintains contact with the disc brake rotor 16 at the contact position. Nevertheless, upon reaching the contact position, the first brake pad 20A moves further in the axial direction R1 towards the disc brake rotor 16 for pushing the disc brake rotor 16 in the same direction. Thereby, the disc brake rotor 16 comes into contact with the fixedly arranged second brake pad 20B for producing a contact position with respect to the second brake pad 20B. Braking is applied by the first brake pad 20A and the second brake pad 20B contacting the disc brake rotor 16 .

In one embodiment, the second brake pad 20B can be omitted. As a result, in the operating state, the disc brake caliper 10 applies a force to the first brake pad 20A in the axial direction R1 toward the disc brake rotor 16 . Thereby, the first brake pad 20A moves in the axial direction R1 from the start position toward the disc brake rotor 16 while maintaining contact with the disc brake rotor 16 . Braking is applied by the first brake pad 20A contacting the disc brake rotor 16 .

10‧‧‧Disc brake calipers 12‧‧‧caliper housing 12A‧‧‧The first caliper housing part 12B‧‧‧Second caliper housing parts 12C‧‧‧opening 14‧‧‧Slot 16‧‧‧Disc brake rotor 18A‧‧‧attachment part 18B‧‧‧attachment 18C‧‧‧through hole 18D‧‧‧through hole 20A‧‧‧First brake pad 20B‧‧‧Second brake pad 22A‧‧‧first board 22B‧‧‧Second board 24A‧‧‧First friction member 24B‧‧‧Second friction member 26‧‧‧biasing member 28A‧‧‧First wear indicating member 28B‧‧‧Second wear indicating member 30‧‧‧feet 30A‧‧‧first leg 30B‧‧‧second leg 32A‧‧‧First through hole 32B‧‧‧Second through hole 34A‧‧‧Part 1 34B‧‧‧Part III 36A‧‧‧Part II 36B‧‧‧Part Four 38A‧‧‧The first long part 38B‧‧‧The third long part 40A‧‧‧The second elongated part 40B‧‧‧fourth elongated part 42‧‧‧Reference scale 44‧‧‧Sensor 46‧‧‧passive components 126‧‧‧biasing member 226‧‧‧biasing member A1‧‧‧rotation axis D1‧‧‧first direction D2‧‧‧The second direction D3‧‧‧Third direction D4‧‧‧the fourth direction G‧‧‧Gap I‧‧‧junction point L‧‧‧intersection line R1‧‧‧axial direction R2‧‧‧radial direction W1‧‧‧width W2‧‧‧width θ‧‧‧angle

A more complete appreciation of the invention and its many attendant advantages will become better understood by reference to the following detailed description of selected embodiments of the invention and by reference to the accompanying drawings. Many of its attendant advantages will be readily obtained, among which 1 is a perspective view of a disc brake caliper according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is a top view of the disc brake caliper of Fig. 1; Figure 3 is a top view of the disc brake caliper of Figure 2, with the disc brake caliper removed from the caliper housing; Figure 4 is a side view of the disc brake caliper of Figure 3, with the disc brake caliper in a starting position; 5 is a perspective view of a biasing member of the disc brake caliper of FIG. 1; Figure 6 is a top view of the biasing member of Figure 5; Figure 7 is a side view of the biasing member of Figure 5; Figure 8 is another side view of the biasing member of Figure 5; FIG. 9 is a schematic top view of the biasing member of the disc brake caliper of FIG. 1 , with the contact position at 0% wear; FIG. 10 is a schematic top view of the biasing member of the disc brake caliper of FIG. 1 with the contact position at 50% wear; 11 is a schematic top view of the biasing member of the disc brake caliper of FIG. 1 in a state where the contact position is at an intersection between the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member; FIG. 12 is a schematic top view of the biasing member of the disc brake caliper of FIG. 1 with the contact position at 100% wear; Figure 13 is a top view of a biasing member according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and 14 is a side view of a biasing member according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

10‧‧‧Disc brake calipers

16‧‧‧Disc brake rotor

20A‧‧‧First brake pad

20B‧‧‧Second brake pad

22A‧‧‧first board

22B‧‧‧Second board

24A‧‧‧First friction member

24B‧‧‧Second friction member

26‧‧‧biasing member

28A‧‧‧First wear indicating member

28B‧‧‧Second wear indicating member

A1‧‧‧rotation axis

G‧‧‧Gap

R1‧‧‧axial direction

R2‧‧‧radial direction

W1‧‧‧width

W2‧‧‧width

Claims (17)

A disc brake caliper comprising: a caliper housing defining a slot configured to receive a disc brake rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation; at least one brake pad disposed in the slot and configured to contact the disc brake rotor in an operational state in which the disc brake caliper is operated; a biasing member that biases the at least one brake pad in a direction away from the disc brake rotor; a first wear indication member; and a second wear indicating member; wherein the first wear indicating member is moved relative to the second wear indicating member in the operating state such that the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member depend on the at least A degree of wear of a brake pad overlaps in the radial direction of the disc brake rotor, wherein the biasing member includes a pair of feet facing each other in the axial direction of the disc brake rotor, and wherein the A first wear indicating member is disposed on one of the feet of the pair. The disc brake caliper as described in claim 1, wherein the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are moved along the rotation axis in the operating state. A disc brake caliper comprising: a caliper housing defining a slot configured to receive a disc brake rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation; at least one brake pad disposed in the slot and configured to contact the disc brake rotor in an operational state in which the disc brake caliper is operated; a biasing member that biases the at least one brake pad in a direction away from the disc brake rotor; a first wear indication a member disposed on the biasing member; and a second wear indicating member; wherein the first wear indicating member is moved relative to the second wear indicating member such that the position relative to the second wear indicating member The position of the first wear indicating member indicates the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad, wherein the biasing member comprises a pair of feet facing each other in the axial direction of the disc brake rotor, and wherein the first wear The indicating member is provided on one of the pair of feet. The disc brake caliper as described in claim 3, wherein the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member depend on the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad on the disc brake in the operating state The radial direction of the rotors overlaps. The disc brake caliper according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are moved along the rotation axis in the operating state. The disc brake caliper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the second wear indicating member is provided on the other of the pair of foot portions. The disc brake caliper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first wear indicating member includes a first portion extending in a first direction perpendicular to the rotation axis, and A second portion extending in a second direction perpendicular to one direction. The disc brake caliper as described in claim 7 of the patent claims, wherein the second wear indicating member includes a third portion extending in a third direction parallel to the first direction, and a third portion perpendicular to the third direction The fourth part extending in four directions. The disc brake caliper described in claim 8 of the patent application, wherein the size of the third portion in the third direction is larger than the size of the first portion in the first direction. The disc brake caliper according to claim 9, wherein the second part and the fourth part are in the radial direction of the disc brake rotor when the wear degree of the at least one brake pad is 90% or more overlap at least partially. A disc brake caliper as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biasing member and the first wear indicating member are formed as a one-piece unitary member. The disc brake caliper of claim 11, wherein the biasing member and the second wear indicating member are formed as a one-piece unitary member. The disc brake caliper according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the biasing member is made of stainless steel. A biasing member for a disc brake caliper configured to move at least one brake pad to brake a disc brake rotor, the biasing member biased in a direction away from the disc brake rotor pressing the at least one brake pad, wherein the biasing member comprises: a first wear indicating member; wherein the first wear indicating member is operated when the disc brake caliper The operating state is moved relative to the second wear indicating member, wherein the biasing member includes a pair of feet facing each other in the axial direction of the disc brake rotor, and wherein the first wear indicating member is moved by It is provided on one of the pair of feet. The biasing member for a disc brake caliper according to claim 14, wherein the first wear indicating member and the second wear indicating member are in the operating state depending on the degree of wear of the at least one brake pad The lower overlaps in the radial direction of the disc brake rotor. The biasing member for a disc brake caliper as described in claim 14 or 15 further includes: the second wear indicating member. The biasing member for a disc brake caliper as claimed in claim 14 or 15, wherein the second wear indicating member is provided on the other of the pair of feet.

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