U.S. patent number RE38,874 [Application Number 09/915,569] was granted by the patent office on 2005-11-15 for disc brake for vehicles having insertable actuator.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer Nutzfahrzeug GmbH. Invention is credited to Hans Baumgartner, Dieter Bieker.
United States Patent |
RE38,874 |
Bieker , et al. |
November 15, 2005 |
Disc brake for vehicles having insertable actuator
Abstract
A brake disk for road vehicles has a brake caliper engaging
about a brake disk of a vehicle wheel to be braked. A clamping unit
upon which an actuation cylinder can act is provided on one side of
the brake disk and which itself acts against at least one pressure
member. In order to withstand the braking forces in a manner free
from sealing problems, the caliper is constructed in one part such
that the clamping unit is mounted in a section of the caliper which
is substantially closed on all sides. When the caliper is moved
away from the brake disk, the clamping unit can be introduced, in
the form of a preassembled unit into the caliper through the
opening therein facing the brake disk. When the clamping unit has
been introduced, the opening in the brake caliper facing the brake
disk is closed by a closure plate penetrated by the pressure member
of the clamping unit.
Inventors: |
Bieker; Dieter (Oberaudorf,
DE), Baumgartner; Hans (Moosburg, DE) |
Assignee: |
Knorr-Bremse Systeme fuer
Nutzfahrzeug GmbH (Munich, DE)
|
Family
ID: |
7760247 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/915,569 |
Filed: |
July 27, 2001 |
PCT
Filed: |
February 01, 1996 |
PCT No.: |
PCT/DE96/00193 |
371(c)(1),(2),(4) Date: |
October 27, 1997 |
PCT
Pub. No.: |
WO96/34216 |
PCT
Pub. Date: |
October 31, 1996 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
Issue Date |
|
Reissue of: |
945457 |
Oct 27, 1997 |
05927445 |
Jul 27, 1999 |
|
|
Foreign Application Priority Data
|
|
|
|
|
Apr 27, 1995 [DE] |
|
|
19 515 063 |
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
188/72.9;
188/71.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F16D
55/226 (20130101); F16D 65/18 (20130101); F16D
65/183 (20130101); F16D 65/568 (20130101); F16D
55/224 (20130101); F16D 2055/0016 (20130101); F16D
2055/007 (20130101); F16D 2121/14 (20130101); F16D
2125/26 (20130101); F16D 2125/32 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F16D 055/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;188/71.1,71.9,72.7,72.8,72.9,73.31,73.47 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Foreign Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2400470 |
|
Jul 1974 |
|
DE |
|
2614321 |
|
Oct 1976 |
|
DE |
|
2649666 |
|
May 1977 |
|
DE |
|
2603109 |
|
Aug 1977 |
|
DE |
|
3213356 |
|
Nov 1982 |
|
DE |
|
3423875 |
|
Jan 1985 |
|
DE |
|
3610569 |
|
Oct 1987 |
|
DE |
|
3716202 |
|
Nov 1988 |
|
DE |
|
3348359 |
|
May 1991 |
|
DE |
|
4032885 |
|
Apr 1992 |
|
DE |
|
4032886 |
|
Apr 1992 |
|
DE |
|
4131631 |
|
Mar 1993 |
|
DE |
|
4307019 |
|
Sep 1994 |
|
DE |
|
0145535 |
|
Jun 1985 |
|
EP |
|
0182336 |
|
Jun 1988 |
|
EP |
|
0271864 |
|
Jun 1988 |
|
EP |
|
0478917 |
|
Apr 1992 |
|
EP |
|
0495311 |
|
Jul 1992 |
|
EP |
|
0436906 |
|
Mar 1994 |
|
EP |
|
2306372 |
|
Oct 1976 |
|
FR |
|
2090355 |
|
Jul 1982 |
|
GB |
|
2102088 |
|
Jan 1983 |
|
GB |
|
646423 |
|
Jun 1989 |
|
JP |
|
32022 |
|
Jan 1991 |
|
JP |
|
414670 |
|
Jan 1992 |
|
JP |
|
429141 |
|
Jan 1992 |
|
JP |
|
1657070 |
|
Jun 1991 |
|
SU |
|
WO96/12900 |
|
May 1996 |
|
WO |
|
Other References
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit's Order
dated Sep. 29, 2003. .
Plaintiff Knorr-Bremse's Supplemental Brief dated Oct. 27, 2003.
.
Defendants, Dana and Haldex's Supplemental Brief dated Oct. 27,
2003. .
Perrot, Mechanische Gleitsattelbremsen, Typ 1000 V-G/1600 V-G/2000
V-G. .
Man Nutzfahrzeuge Aktiengesellschaft, Lucas Scheibenbremse D3,
Reparaturanleitlung p. 102, 1992. .
Man Perrot Scheibenbremse 1000 V-G, Reparaturanleitung, p. 103,
1994. .
Montage Im Maschinenbau, VEB Verlag Technik Berlin, 1974, 1978.
.
Plaintiff Knorr-Bremse's Opposition to Defendant Haldex Brake
Products Corporation's Motion For Partial Markman Determination and
Summary Judgment of Non-Infringement. (Filed with the Court on Sep.
29, 2000) (Docket No. 62). .
Plaintiff Knorr-Bremse's Motion for Claim Construction. (Filed with
the Court on Oct. 18, 2000) (Docket No. 83). .
Knorr Bremse's Supplemental Opposition and Cross-Motion for Partial
Summary Judgement of Literal Infringement of Mark III. (Filed with
the Court on Oct. 23, 2000) (Docket No. 98). .
Plaintiff Knorr-Bremse's Trial Brief. (Filed with the Court on Jan.
10, 2001) (Docket No. 195). .
Knorr-Bremse's Sur Reply to Haldex's Supplemental Reply To Its
Motion For Summary Judgment Of Non-Infringement And Opposition To
KB's Motion For Summary Judgment Of Literal Infringement Of The
Mark III. (Filed with the Court on Nov. 6, 2000) (Docket No. 128).
.
Nov. 27-28, 2000 Markman Hearing transcript. .
Excerpts of Deposition Transcript of Hans Baumgartner. (Deposition
taken on Aug. 16-17, 2000). .
Trial Transcript, Monday, Jan. 8, 2001. See pp. 28-34, 100-101,
103-104, 108, 135-136. .
Submission of Supplemental Expert Report of Dr. James A. Kirk.
(Served on Oct. 26, 2000). .
Docket sheet for Knorr-Bremse v. Dana Corp. et al., Civil Case No.
1:00cv803. (E.D.Va.). .
Knorr-Bremse's Federal Circuit Appeal Brief, pp. 18-22 and 45-48
(dated Aug. 27, 2001). .
Photographs (4) of Knorr-Bremse SB7 air disk brakes (attached as
Exhibit A to the Preliminary Amendment filed on May 17, 2002).
.
Photographs (2) of a Dana-Haldex Mark II air disk brake (attached
as Exhibit B to the Preliminary Amendment filed on May 17, 2002).
.
Photographs (2) of a Dana-Haldex Mark III air disk brake (attached
as Exhibit C to the Preliminary Amendment filed on May 17, 2002).
.
Photograph of a Knorr-Bremse SN7 air disk brake (attached as
Exhibit D to the Preliminary Amendment filed on May 17, 2002).
.
Photographs (2) of a Haldex Mark I air disk brake (attached as
Exhibit E to the Preliminary Amendment filed on May 17, 2002).
.
Haldex Opposition to validity of Knorr-Bremse's EP 824 639 (dated
Apr. 26, 2000). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of EP 824 639 (dated
Nov. 21, 2000). .
Haldex submission opposing validity of EP 824 639 (dated Mar. 26,
2001). .
Preliminary EPO Opinion regarding validity of EP 824 639 (dated
Aug. 13, 2001). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of EP 824 639 (dated
Sep. 6, 2001). .
Haldex submission opposing validity of EP 824 639 (dated Oct. 4,
2001). .
Official EPO notes of opposition hearing (dated Dec. 17, 2001).
.
EPO Decision upholding validity of EP 824 639 (dated Dec. 17,
2001). .
Lucas Opposition to validity of Knorr-Bremse's DE 195 15 063 (dated
May 6, 1997). .
Perrot Opposition to validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated May 6, 1997).
.
Knorr-Bremse's submission supporting validity of DE 195 15 063
(dated Dec. 10, 1997). .
Perrot submission opposing validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Apr.
30, 1998). .
Haldex statement joining opposition to DE 195 15 063 (dated May 19,
1998). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated
Nov. 2, 1998). .
Lucas submission opposing validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Nov. 17,
1998). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated
Feb. 12, 1999). .
Perrot submission opposing validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Apr.
15, 1999). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated
Aug. 13, 1999). .
Haldex submission opposing validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Dec. 8,
1999). .
Knorr-Bremse submission supporting validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated
Mar. 3, 2000). .
GPO Decision upholding validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Mar. 3,
2000), and English translation thereof. .
Haldex appeal of GPO Decision upholding validity of DE 195 15 063
(dated Aug. 11, 2000). .
Decision affirming GPO on validity of DE 195 15 063 (dated Jan. 25,
2001). .
Haldex submission contesting infringement of DE 195 15 063 and EP
824 639 (dated Aug. 14, 2000). .
Dusseldorf Court Decision finding infringement of Haldex product
(dated Oct. 5, 2000). .
Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH v. Dana Corp. et al.,
Civil Action No. 00-803-A, Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law,
133 F. Supp.2d 843 (E.D. Va Feb. 20, 2001). .
Knorr-Bremse Systeme Fuer Nutzfahrzeuge GmbH v. Dana Corp. et al.,
Civil Action No. 00-803-A, Memorandum Opinion, 133 F. Supp.2d 833
(E.D. Va Feb. 20, 2001). .
Defendants' Answer to the Second Amended Complaint, Oct. 30, 2000.
.
Haldex Brake Corporations's Answer to Interrogatory No. 6 in
Response to Plaintiff, Knorr-Bremse's First Set of Interrogatories,
pp. 1, 6-7 and 21, Sep. 21, 2000. .
Dana Corporation's Answer to Interrogatory No. 5 in Response to
Plaintiff, Knorr-Bremse's First Set of Interrogatories, pp. 1, 3-4
and 12, Jul. 3, 2000. .
Defendant Haldex Corporation's Opposition to Plaintiff's Motion for
Partial Summary Judgment of Literal Infringement By Haldex's Mark
II, pp. 1, 10 and 29, Oct. 30, 2000. .
Plaintiff Knorr-Bremse's Reply to Haldex's Opposition to
Knorr-Bremse's Motion for Partial Summary Judgment of Patent
Infringement, pp. 1, 15, and 17, Nov. 2, 2000. .
Defendants' Trial Brief, pp. 15-19. .
Trial Transcript, "Declaration of Donald Johannesen", pp. 201-203,
Jan. 10, 2001. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from Markman Hearing, pp. 1, 2, 11
and 179, Nov. 27 and 28, 2000. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from the second day of trial, pp.
1, 2, 53-64, and 80-83, Jan. 9, 2001. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from the second day of trial, pp.
93-94, 123-141, Jan. 9, 2001. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from the third day of trial, pp.
1-2, 37-50, 152-153, and 160, Jan. 10, 2001. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from the third day of trial, pp.
103-104, 170-190, 200-203, 207-208, 210-212, 215-220, Jan. 10,
2001. .
Reporter's Transcript, Excerpts from the last day of trial, pp.
1-2, 6-11, 59-60, 77-82, Jan. 11, 2001. .
U.S. District Court for Eastern District of Virginia, Docket Sheet,
as of May 24, 2001. .
Defendants/Appellants' Dana Corp. et al., Excerpts of Appeal Brief,
pp. 8-914-15, 21, 23, 37-47-, and 51, Jul. 16, 2001. .
Perrot, "Mechanisch Gleitsatteelbremsem Typ 100 V-G/1600
V-G/200-G". .
Man Lucas, "Scheibenbremse D3 mit automatischer Nachstellung",
1992. .
Man Perrot, "Scheibenbremse 100 V- G mit automatischer
Nachstellung", 1994. .
Richter, Schilling, Weise, "Montage im Maschinenbau", pp. 59-60.
.
Knorr-Bremse, "Pneumatic Disc Brakes for Trucks, Trailers and
Buses", pp. 1-7. .
Knorr-Bremse, "Service Manual Pneumatic Disc Brake Bendix ADB
3700/ADB 4300 (for IVECO Commercial Vehicles)", pp. 1-31. .
Jerry Standley, "A Comparative Overview of Air Disc Brake Designs",
pp. 13-22. .
Sigmar Micke, Richard E. Thompson and Bernd-Holger Roechling, "SAE
Technical Paper Series", 1990, pp. 1-8. .
Proceedings of the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, "Disc
Brakes for Commercial Vehicles", pp. 63-70. .
Colette Bremsenbauarter, Drawing. .
The Bendix Advantage, single sheet brochure. .
"Die Knorr-Scheibenbremse-Feststellbremse", Drawing. .
Engineering Drawing of Allied Signal/Bendix, Jul. 9, 1992. .
Engineering Drawing of Allied Signal/Bendix, Dec. 9, 1992..
|
Primary Examiner: Schwartz; Christopher P.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Crowell & Moring LLP
Claims
We claim:
1. Disk brake for road vehicles having a caliper which comprises a
brake disk and on one side of which a brake application unit is
arranged which has a rotary lever swivellable by an operating
cylinder, the rotary lever being capable of acting by means of an
eccentric onto a bridge which can be displaced against a spring
force in the direction of the brake disk and has at least one
adjusting spindle provided with a pressure piece, characterized in
that a) the caliper is constructed in one piece such that the
section of the caliper receiving the application unit is largely
closed in a rearward area facing away from the brake disk, with the
exception of an opening for the access of the operating cylinder,
and b) the application unit is insertable as a preassembled unit
into the caliper through the opening facing the brake disk when the
caliper is removed from the brake disk.
2. Disk brake according to claim 1, characterized in that the
opening of the caliper facing the brake disk, when the application
unit is inserted, is closed off by a closing plate which is
penetrated by at least one pressure piece.
3. Disk brake according to claim 2, wherein the bridge which can be
operated by the eccentric of the rotary lever carrying two
adjusting spindles which are screwed to it and have pressure
pieces, and wherein the pressure pieces are in each case sealed off
by means of bellows with respect to the closing plate penetrated by
them.
4. Disk brake according to claim 1, characterized in that the
application unit is joined together as a preassembled unit by means
of a bow element.
5. Disk brake according to claim 4, wherein the bridge which can be
operated by the eccentric of the rotary lever carrying two
adjusting spindles which are screwed to it and have pressure
pieces, and wherein the pressure pieces are in each case sealed off
by means of bellows with respect to the closing plate penetrated by
them.
6. Disk brake according to claim 4, characterized in that the bow
element consists of a bow spring which, by means of one end,
extends through the bridge of the application unit and, by means of
the opposite end, in the form of a U-shaped bow, reaches around the
rotary lever and its support bearing.
7. Disk brake according to claim 6, wherein the bridge which can be
operated by the eccentric of the rotary lever carrying two
adjusting spindles which are screwed to it and have pressure
pieces, and wherein the pressure pieces are in each case sealed off
by means of bellows with respect to the closing plate penetrated by
them.
8. Disk brake according to claim 1, characterized in that the
closing plate can be screwed to the caliper 1 by means of
studs.
9. Disk brake assembly for vehicles, comprising a brake disk, a
caliper, and a brake application unit with a rotary lever actuable
by an eccentric onto a displaceable bridge with at least one
adjustable spindle provided with at least one pressure piece which
in use acts to press brake shoes against the brake disk, wherein
the caliper is formed in one piece with a section receiving the
brake application unit being substantially closed in an end area
facing away from the brake disk, with an exception of an opening
for access of an operation member engagable with the rotary lever,
and wherein the brake application unit is insertable as a
preassembled unit into the caliper through a caliper opening facing
the brake disk when in an installed in use position.
10. Disk brake assembly according to claim 9, wherein said caliper
opening is closed off by a closing plate when in an installed in
use position, said closing plate being penetrated by the at least
one pressure piece.
11. A method of making a disk brake assembly for vehicles of the
type including a brake disk, a caliper, and a brake application
unit with a rotary lever actuable by an eccentric to selectively
push at least one brake shoe against the brake disk, said method
comprising: forming a one piece caliper with a section for
accommodating the brake application unit which is substantially
closed in an end area which in use faces away from the brake disk,
said end area including an opening for an actuating member to
engage the rotary lever, forming the brake application unit as a
preassembled unit, inserting the preassembled brake application
unit in the caliper through an insertion opening which in use faces
the brake disk, and closing off the insertion opening with a cover
plate which is penetrated by a pressure piece actuable against the
at least one brake shoe. .Iadd.
12. A caliper for use in a pneumatic air disk brake for road
vehicles having a rotary lever actuated application device operable
by an operating cylinder, the caliper comprising: a housing section
having an interior space sized to accommodate the rotary lever
actuated application device, the housing section including at least
one opening on a rearward end through which the operating cylinder
is engageable with the rotary lever; and a brake disk section
extending from the housing section and engageable about a brake
disk, said brake disk section and housing section being formed in
one-piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
13. The caliper according to claim 12, wherein the housing section
of the caliper includes an opening facing the brake disk when in
use through which the rotary lever actuated application device is
capable of being received. .Iaddend..Iadd.
14. The caliper according to claim 12, wherein the rearward end of
the caliper includes at least one additional opening through which
the caliper is machined. .Iaddend..Iadd.
15. The caliper according to claim 14, wherein the additional
opening is in a lateral wall of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
16. The caliper according to claim 13, wherein the rearward end of
the caliper includes at least one additional opening through which
the caliper is machined. .Iaddend..Iadd.
17. The caliper according to claim 16, wherein the additional
opening is in a lateral wall of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
18. The caliper according to claim 12, wherein a rearward wall of
the rearward end of the housing section receives brake responses
forces introduced in a rearward manner when in use, whereby
no-force transmission takes place within the caliper by way of
screwed connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
19. The caliper according to claim 13, wherein a rearward wall of
the rearward end of the housing section receives brake responses
forces introduced in a rearward manner when in use, whereby
no-force transmission takes place within the caliper by way of
screwed connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
20. The caliper according to claim 14, wherein a rearward wall of
the rearward end of the housing section receives brake responses
forces introduced in a rearward manner when in use, whereby
no-force transmission takes place within the caliper by way of
screwed connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
21. The caliper according to claim 12, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
22. The caliper according to claim 13, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
23. The caliper according to claim 14, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
24. The caliper according to claim 18, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
25. The caliper according to claim 13, further comprising a plate
covering the opening in the housing section facing the brake disk,
the plate having at least one opening penetratable by the rotary
lever actuated application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
26. The caliper according to claim 16, further comprising a plate
covering the opening in the housing section facing the brake disk,
the plate having at least one opening penetratable by the rotary
lever actuated application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
27. The caliper according to claim 19, further comprising a plate
covering the opening in the housing section facing the brake disk,
the plate having at least one opening penetratable by the rotary
lever actuated application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
28. The caliper according to claim 22, further comprising a plate
covering the opening in the housing section facing the brake disk,
the plate having at least one opening penetratable by the rotary
lever actuated application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
29. A pneumatic brake for road vehicles operable with a brake disk
and actuated by an operating cylinder, the brake comprising: a
rotary lever adapted to be swivellable by the operating cylinder; a
bridge displaceable by swivelling action of the rotary lever; at
least one spindle arranged in the bridge and being displaceable
with the bridge, the rotary lever, the bridge and the spindle being
components of a brake application device for the pneumatic brake; a
caliper having a housing section sized to accommodate said
components of the brake application device and a brake disk section
extending from the housing section and configured to engage about
the brake disk when installed; wherein the housing section includes
an opening on a rearward end through which the operating cylinder
is engageable with the rotary lever, and an opening facing the
brake disk when installed that is sized to receive said components
of the brake application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
30. The brake according to claim 29, further comprising: a bow
element joining together the rotary lever, bridge and spindle into
a preassembled unit, the preassembled unit being insertable through
the opening in the housing section of the caliper facing the brake
disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
31. The brake according to claim 29, wherein the housing section
and the brake disk section of the caliper are constructed in one
piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
32. The brake according to claim 30, wherein the housing section
and the brake disk section of the caliper are constructed in one
piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
33. The brake according to claim 29, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
34. The brake according to claim 30, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
35. The brake according to claim 31, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
36. The brake according to claim 32, wherein the rearward end of
the housing section is largely closed. .Iaddend..Iadd.
37. The brake according to claim 29, wherein the opening through
which the operating cylinder is engageable with the rotary lever is
in a wall section of the rearward end, the wall section facing away
from the brake disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
38. The brake according to claim 30, wherein the opening through
which the operating cylinder is engageable with the rotary lever is
in a wall section of the rearward end, the wall section facing away
from the brake disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
39. The brake according to claim 31, wherein the opening through
which the operating cylinder is engageable with the rotary lever is
in a wall section of the rearward end, the wall section facing away
from the brake disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
40. The brake according to claim 33, wherein the opening through
which the operating cylinder is engageable with the rotary lever is
in a wall section of the rearward end, the wall section facing away
from the brake disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
41. The brake according to claim 29, further comprising at least
one additional opening on the rearward end through which the
caliper is machinable or the brake is seviceable.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
42. The brake according to claim 30, further comprising at least
one additional opening on the rearward end through which the
caliper is machinable or the brake is seviceable.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
43. The brake according to claim 31, further comprising at least
one additional opening on the rearward end through which the
caliper is machinable or the brake is seviceable.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
44. The brake according to claim 37, further comprising at least
one additional opening on the rearward end through which the
caliper is machinable or the brake is seviceable.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
45. The brake according to claim 41, wherein the additional opening
is in a lateral wall section of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
46. The brake according to claim 42, wherein the additional opening
is in a lateral wall section of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
47. The brake according to claim 43, wherein the additional opening
is in a lateral wall section of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
48. The brake according to claim 44, wherein the additional opening
is in a lateral wall section of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
49. The brake according to claim 41, wherein the additional opening
is in a wall section of the rearward end facing away from the brake
disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
50. The brake according to claim 42, wherein the additional opening
is in a wall section of the rearward end facing away from the brake
disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
51. The brake according to claim 43, wherein the additional opening
is in a wall section of the rearward end facing away from the brake
disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
52. The brake according to claim 44, wherein the additional opening
is in a wall section of the rearward end facing away from the brake
disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
53. The brake according to claim 41, wherein at least two
additional openings are provided, a first being in a wall section
of the rearward end facing away from the brake disk, and a second
being in a lateral wall section of the rearward end of the housing
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
54. The brake according to claim 29, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, whereby no-force
transmission takes place within the caliper by way of screwed
connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
55. The brake according to claim 30, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, whereby no-force
transmission takes place within the caliper by way of screwed
connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
56. The brake according to claim 31, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, whereby no-force
transmission takes place within the caliper by way of screwed
connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
57. The brake according to claim 33, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, whereby no-force
transmission takes place within the caliper by way of screwed
connectors placed in tension. .Iaddend..Iadd.
58. The brake according to claim 29, further comprising: a pressure
piece coupled with the spindle, the pressure piece being pressable
against the brake disk when in use. .Iaddend..Iadd.
59. The brake according to claim 58, further comprising a bow
element joining together the rotary lever, bridge, pressure piece
and spindle into a preassembled unit, the preassembled unit being
insertable through the opening in the housing section of the
caliper facing the brake disk. .Iaddend..Iadd.
60. The brake according to claim 29, further comprising a plate
covering the opening facing the brake disk when installed, the
plate having at least one opening penetratable by the spindle.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
61. The brake according to claim 60, further comprising: a pressure
piece coupled with the spindle, the pressure piece being pressable
against the brake disk when in use. .Iaddend..Iadd.
62. The brake according to claim 61, further comprising a bellows
arranged to seal off the pressure piece with respect to the
penetratable opening in the closing plate. .Iaddend..Iadd.
63. The brake according to claim 29, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, and wherein the housing
section is formed such that no force transmission of the brake
response forces takes place through screwed connections that are
subject to leakage problems into an interior of the caliper.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
64. The brake according to claim 63, wherein the housing section
and the brake disk section of the caliper are constructed in one
piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
65. The brake according to claim 30, wherein an interior side of a
rearward wall section of the rearward end receives brake response
forces introduced in a rearward manner, and wherein the housing
section is formed such that no force transmission of the brake
response forces takes place through screwed connections that are
subject to leakage problems into an interior of the caliper.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
66. The brake according to claim 65, wherein the housing section
and the brake disk section of the caliper are constructed in one
piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
67. A pneumatic disk brake, comprising: a brake application device
comprised of at least a rotary lever and one spindle; a caliper
having a first section that accommodates the brake application
device, said first section having a first opening which, in use,
faces a brake disk; and wherein the rotary lever and the one
spindle are received in the first section through the first
opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
68. The brake according to claim 67, wherein the brake application
device further comprises a bridge carrying the one spindle.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
69. The brake according to claim 68, further comprising a bow
element used to join the rotary lever, the bridge and the one
spindle into a preassembled brake application unit.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
70. The brake according to claim 69, wherein the preassembled brake
application unit is inserted into the first section through the
first opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
71. The brake according to claim 67, wherein the caliper further
comprises a brake disk section extending from the first section
that accommodates the brake application device, the brake disk
section engaging over the brake disk when in use.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
72. The brake according to claim 71, wherein the first section that
accommodates the brake application device and the brake disk
section are formed in one-piece. .Iaddend..Iadd.
73. The brake according to claim 67, wherein the first section that
accommodates the brake application device is formed such that no
force transmission of braking forces takes place through screwed
connections that are subject to leakage problems.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
74. The brake according to claim 67, further comprising a plate
arranged to sealingly close the first opening, the plate being
penetratable by a pressure piece arranged on an end of the one
spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
75. The brake according to claim 70, further comprising a plate
arranged to sealingly close the first opening, the plate being
penetrable by a pressure piece arranged on an end of the one
spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
76. The brake according to claim 67, wherein the first section of
the caliper that accommodates the brake application device includes
a second opening on a rearward end, the rotary lever being arranged
inside the first section projecting in a direction of the second
opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
77. The brake according to claim 70, wherein the first section of
the caliper that accommodates the brake application device includes
a second opening on a rearward end, the rotary lever being arranged
inside the first section projecting in a direction of the second
opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
78. A method of making a pneumatic disk brake, the method
comprising the acts of: forming a caliper section adapted to
receive a rotary lever, a bridge and at least one spindle of a
brake application device, said caliper section being formed with a
first opening which, in use, faces a brake disk; and inserting the
rotary lever, the bridge and the at least one spindle into the
caliper section through the first opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
79. The method according to claim 78, further comprising the acts
of: preassembling at least the rotary lever, the bridge and the at
least one spindle of the brake application device into a
preassembled brake application unit; and inserting the preassembled
brake application unit into the caliper section through the first
opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
80. The method according to claim 79, further comprising the act of
arranging the rotary lever inside the caliper section such that one
end projects in a direction of a second opening situated on a
rearward end of the caliper section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
81. The method according to claim 78, further comprising the act of
arranging the rotary lever inside the caliper section such that one
end projects in a direction of a second opening situated on a
rearward end of the caliper section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
82. The method according to claim 78, further comprising the act
of: sealingly closing the first opening with a plate, which is
penetrable by a pressure piece arranged on an end of the at least
one spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
83. The method according to claim 79, further comprising the act
of: sealingly closing the first opening with a plate, which is
penetrable by a pressure piece arranged on an end of the at least
one spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
84. A method of making a pneumatic disk brake having a brake
application device with a rotary lever, the method comprising the
acts of: forming an opening in a front side of a caliper section
that accommodates the brake application device, which front side,
in use, faces a brake disk; and inserting the rotary lever of the
brake application device through the opening into the caliper
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
85. The method according to claim 84, further comprising the act
of: arranging one end of the rotary lever near an opening formed in
a rear side of the caliper section, the one end being adapted to be
operated upon by an operating cylinder. .Iaddend..Iadd.
86. The method according to claim 85, wherein the act of inserting
further comprises the acts of: preassembling the rotary lever with
other components of the brake application device to form a
preassembled brake application unit; and inserting the preassembled
brake application unit through the opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
87. The method according to claim 84, wherein the act of inserting
further comprises the acts of: preassembling the rotary lever with
other components of the brake application device to form a
preassembled brake application unit; and inserting the preassembled
brake application unit through the opening. .Iaddend..Iadd.
88. The method according to claim 84, further comprising the act
of: closing the opening in the front side with a plate, the plate
being penetrable by a pressure piece coupled to the brake
application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
89. The method according to claim 87, further comprising the act
of: closing the opening in the front side with a plate, the plate
being penetrable by a pressure piece coupled to the brake
application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
90. A method of making a pneumatic disk brake, the method
comprising the acts of: inserting components of a brake application
device, including a rotary lever, into a section of a caliper that
houses the brake application device through an opening in a front
side of the section which, in use, faces and is exposed to a brake
disk; and positioning one end of the rotary lever, engageable by an
operating cylinder, near an opening on a rearward end of the
section. .Iaddend..Iadd.
91. The method according to claim 90, wherein the components of the
brake application device comprise the rotary lever and at least one
spindle. .Iaddend..Iadd.
92. The method according to claim 91, wherein the components of the
brake application device further comprise a bridge which carries
the at least one spindle, said bridge being displaceable by
rotation of the rotary lever. .Iaddend..Iadd.
93. The method according to claim 92, wherein the bridge carries
two spindles. .Iaddend..Iadd.
94. The method according to claim 90, wherein the act of inserting
the components comprises the acts of: preassembling the rotary
lever with the components of the brake application device into a
preassembled rotary lever actuated brake application unit; and
inserting the preassembled rotary lever actuated brake application
unit into the section of the caliper through the opening.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
95. The method according to claim 92, wherein the act of inserting
the components comprises the acts of: preassembling the rotary
lever with the components of the brake application device into a
preassembled rotary lever actuated brake application unit; and
inserting the preassembled rotary lever actuated brake application
unit into the section of the caliper through the opening.
.Iaddend..Iadd.
96. The method according to claim 94, further comprising the act
of: closing the opening in a sealing manner with a plate, the plate
being penetrable by a pressure piece that is acted upon by the
brake application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
97. The method according to claim 95, further comprising the act
of: closing the opening in a sealing manner with a plate, the plate
being penetrable by a pressure piece that is acted upon by the
brake application device. .Iaddend..Iadd.
98. A method of making a disk brake assembly for vehicles of the
type including a brake disk, a caliper, and a brake application
device with a rotary lever that acts via an eccentric to
selectively push at least one brake shoe against the brake disk,
said method comprising the acts of: forming a caliper section for
accommodating the brake application unit having an end area which,
in use, faces away from the brake disk, said end area including an
opening for an actuating member to engage the rotary lever; forming
the brake application device as a preassembled unit; and inserting
the preassembled brake application unit in the caliper section
through an insertion opening which, in use, faces the brake disk,
and closing off the insertion opening with a cover plate which is
penetrable by a pressure piece capable of acting against the at
least one brake shoe. .Iaddend.
Description
The invention relates to a disk brake for road vehicles, having a
caliper and which comprises a brake disk with a brake application
unit arranged on one side, the application unit having a rotary
lever swivellable by an operating cylinder, the rotary lever being
capable of acting by means of an eccentric onto a bridge which can
be displaced against a spring force in the direction of the brake
disk has at least one adjusting spindle provided with a pressure
scheme.
In the case of disk brakes of the above-mentioned type (German
Patent Document DE-OS 40 32 886), a brake application device, which
is equipped with a rotary lever which can be acted upon by an
operating cylinder, isprovided inside the rearward part of a
caliper comprising a brake disk, which application device has a
bridge which carries two adjusting spindles having pressure pieces
and is slidably supported on the caliper. The end of the rotary
lever which eccentrically acts upon the portion of the bridge
facing away from the brake disk is supported on the rearward end of
the caliper by means of slide bearing or roller bearing elements.
The rearward section of the caliper is constructed as a separate
housing which can be screwed together with the caliper along a
separating line. During the operation of the brake, the brake
response forces are introducedin a rearward manner into the
screwed-on housing section which can cause problems concerning the
screwed connection, the stability and the sealing, particularly
during the service lives required in the case of disk brakes of the
concerned type. Problems of the above-mentioned type may also occur
in the case of disk brakes which are constructed with only one
adjusting or pressure spindle.
Based on the above, it is the object of the invention to further
develop a disk brake of the above-mentioned type such that the
brake response forces can be introduced into the brake caliper
without any problems. In particular, sealing areas existing at the
caliper must be completely unaffected by the braking or brake
response forces in order to ensure the required operational
reliability during long service lives of the brake system.
This object is achieved according to preferred embodiments of the
present by providing a disk brake of the above mentioned type,
wherein
a) the caliper is constructed in one piece such that the section of
the caliper receiving the application unit is largely closed in a
rearward area facing away from the brake disk, with the exception
of an opening for the access of the operating cylinder, and
b) the application unit can be inserted as a preassembled unit into
the caliper through the opening facing the brake disk when the
caliper is removed from the brake disk.
Because of the one-piece design of the caliper, which in a
cost-saving manner may be constructed as a cast part, a direct
transmission of the braking forces into the caliper is permitted
since the rearward area, which faces away from the brake disk, of
the caliper receiving the application unit is essentially closed
with the exception of the through-grip opening for the operating
cylinder. The application unit, including all its components, can
be introduced as a preassembled unit when the caliper is removed
from the brake disk through the opening facing the brake disk.
After the introduction of the application unit, this opening of the
caliper can preferably be closed by a closing plate which, in the
case of a two-spindle brake disk construction, is penetrated in a
sealing manner by the pressure pieces on the forward ends of the
adjusting spindles. The application unit can be constructed as a
preassembled unit by means of simple holding or clamping elements.
Its position inside the section of the caliper acting as the
housing is determined by the supporting roller which is supported
on the interior side on the rearward wall section of the caliper
and, facing the brake disk, is determined by the pressure spring
which tensions the application unit in a rearward manner and is
supported on the closing plate.
Other objects, advantages and novel features of the present
invention will become apparent from the following detailed
description of the invention when considered in conjunction with
the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view of a disk brake
illustrating the one-piece caliper with the application unit which
is inserted in the caliper in a preassembled manner;
FIG. 2 and is an individual sectional view of the preassembled
application unit;
FIG. 3 is a partially sectional bottom view of the preassembled
application unit according to FIG. 2; and
FIG. 4 is a view which corresponds to the representation according
to FIG. 3 of the application unit in the installed position inside
the caliper with an operating cylinder attached to the rearward end
of the caliper for acting upon the rotary lever.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 of the drawing is a sectional view of a disk brake with a
caliper 1 which comprises a brake disk 3 assigned to a vehicle
wheel to be braked. On both sides of the brake disk, brake shoes 5
and 7 are supported on the caliper. On a support (not shown), the
caliper is displaceably guided transversely with respect to the
brake disk 3 such that, when the brake is operated, by means of the
brake cylinder 8 which is outlined in FIG. 4, the brake linings 9
and 11 of the above-mentioned brake shoes come to rest against the
brake disk.
According to the invention, the caliper 1 is constructed in one
piece; that is, the section which is situated on the rightin the
drawing of FIG. 1 and receives an application unit 13 and the
section comprising the brake disk 3 are constructed in one piece as
a cast part or forged part. The application unit 13 has a rotary
lever 15 which, in the view according to FIG. 1, projects from the
application unit in the direction of an opening 17 situated on the
rearward end of the caliper 1 and can be swiveled about an axis of
a supporting roller 19 situated perpendicularly to the axis of the
brake disk. The supporting roller is rotatably guided on support
bearings 21 and 23 which are constructed on the interior side on
the rearward section of the one-piece caliper 1. The end of the
rotary lever which is on the bottom in the figure rests by means of
two semicylindrical steps 25 and 27 against a bridge 29 in which,
in an axially symmetrical manner with a thread mesh two adjusting
spindles 31 and 33 are guided by means of pressure pieces 35 and 37
constructed on these adjusting spindles and facing the brake disk.
The center of rotation of the two semicylindrical steps 25 and 27
on the lower end of the rotary lever 15 is offset with respect to
the axis of the support roller 19 such that, when the rotation of
the rotary lever 15 extends counterclockwise according to FIG. 1,
an eccentric operation takes place with respect to the bridge 29
and therefore the adjusting spindles 31 and 33 screwed to the
bridge can be shifted in the direction of the brake disk. The
arrangement described so far consisting of the rotary lever, the
eccentric bearing, the bridge and the adjusting spindles
corresponds to a construction of a pneumatically applied disk brake
which is known per se. The bearing of the rotary lever 15 and the
transfer of the eccentricity into the longitudinal displacement of
the bridge can also correspond to another construction in the case
of which, in a reversal of the arrangement, the supporting roller
faces the bridge and acts upon it as an eccentric while the lever
section which is on the bottom according to FIG. 1 is swivellably
supported on the rear side of the caliper, for example, by means of
slide bearings or roller bearings.
For the lateral support of the bridge 29, sliding elements 39 are
provided which, when the brake is operated, absorb circumferential
forces arriving by way of the pressure pieces and divert them to
the caliper. The sliding elements 39 may consist of steel and have
the shape of cylindrical bodies. However, sliding elements of a
different configuration may also be used.
According to FIG. 1, the section of the one-piece caliper which
receives the application unit 13 is closed off on the front side,
that is, in the position facing the brake disk, by means of a
closing plate 41. By means of studs 43, the closing plate 41 is
screwed to the caliper in the manner illustrated in FIG. 1, sealing
elements being placed in the sealing surfaces between the closing
plate and the caliper. Each of the pressure pieces 35, 37 is
surrounded by bellows 45 which, on their circumference, are clamped
to the closing plate such that the passages of the pressure pieces
are securely sealed off with respect to the interior of the
caliper. In the center part of the bridge, a pressure spring 47 is
supported which loads the bridge in the distance direction of the
brake disk 3.
In the interior of the adjusting spindle 33 illustrated on the left
side in FIGS. 3 and 4, a resetting device (not shown) is situated
which operates in a manner known per se and which is capable of
triggering a relative screwed connection of the adjusting spindle
in the direction of the brake disk, a synchronizing device being
provided which can transmit the resetting motion to the adjusting
spindle 31 illustrated on the right in FIGS. 3 and 4. In a manner
not explained in detail, bevel wheels 49 are disposed on the
rearward ends of the two adjusting spindles 31 and 33 and mesh with
bevel wheels 51 situated on the front-side ends of the supporting
roller 19. The bevel wheels 51 are either directly connected with
the supporting roller ends or they are situated at the ends of a
shaft (not shown) which is rotatably guided in the interior of the
supporting roller. At the end of the step 25 of the rotary lever
which is on the left side in FIGS. 3 and 4, a gear wheel section 53
is constructed which meshes with a gear wheel 59 rotatably
connected with the bevel wheel 49 by means of a sleeve 57. Rotating
movements of the gear wheel section 53 triggered when the rotary
lever 15 is operated result in a rotating movement of the gear
wheel 59 and therefore in a rotating movement of the bevel wheel
49. By way of the bevel wheel connection, a transmission of the
rotating movement takes place to the bevel wheel 49 assigned to the
adjusting spindle 31 such that rotating and resetting movements,
which are not explained in detail, are transmitted by means of the
synchronizing device of the above-explained type to both adjusting
spindles and a uniform contact pressure of the pressure pieces is
ensured with respect to the brake disk.
The operating device described above is illustrated in FIG. 2 of
the drawing in a mounted position in which it is held together by
means of a bow spring 61. In the embodiment, which is shown only as
an example, the bow spring 61 reaches in the center through the
bridge 29 and is suspended in a bent manner at the area of the
bridge which is on top in FIG. 2, while the section of the bow
spring 61 which is on the bottom according to FIG. 2 is guided in a
rearward manner and under spring tension is suspended in the center
on the supporting roller 19. FIG. 4 of the drawing shows that a
recess 63 is provided in the rearward area of the caliper, through
which recess 63 the bow spring 61 extends in an upwardly directed
manner partially reaching around the supporting roller (FIG.
2).
The bow spring 61 is only an embodiment of a device by means of
which the individual components of the application device,
including the closing plate 41 and the pressure pieces 35, 37 are
held together as a unit in a manner illustrated in FIG. 2. When the
caliper is removed from the brake disk, the preassembled unit
illustrated in FIG. 2 is inserted in the opening of the caliper
facing the brake disk until, starting from the position according
to FIG. 2, the end of the rotary lever 15 has taken up the swivel
position according to FIG. 1 inside the caliper. After the
introduction into the caliper, the studs 43 with the fitted-on
closing plate 41 are screwed with respect to the caliper, whereby
the end facing the brake disk is sealed off in the manner described
above. The rearward end of the preassembled unit, that is, the end
which is on the right according to FIG. 1, is supported by means of
the supporting roller 19 and with the tensioning by means of the
pressure spring 47 on the rearward caliper section which is in one
piece with the caliper; that is, FIG. 1 illustrates the
operationally ready position of the application device inside the
one-piece caliper. Then, the operating unit (which is not shown),
preferably in the form of a pneumatically operable membrane
cylinder, is fastened on the rearward opening 17 of the caliper
such that the piston rod of the membrane cylinder acts upon the
bearing shell or pan situated at the upper end of the rotary
lever.
After the rearward end of the caliper has largely been closed,
laterally accessible devices are provided which permit an access to
the synchronizing device. According to FIG.4 of the drawing, a
closing device 65 is provided on the side of the caliper which is
on the right in the drawing, which closing device, after the
demounting, opens up a work opening into the interior of the
caliper. When the application device is demounted, a machining of
the support bearing for the supporting roller 23 can be carried out
through the work opening. This can take place in the same manner on
the left side on the caliper; that is, when the restoring unit 67
illustrated in FIG. 4 of the drawing is removed, whereby, in a
manner comparable to the closing device 65, an opening into the
interior of the caliper is exposed. After a covering 69 snapped
onto it is removed, the restoring unit 67 permits an access, that
is, an operation of the bevel wheel 49 shown on the left side in
the drawing of FIG. 4. This means that, for the purpose of changing
the lining, an operation of the resetting unit can take place by
means of the restoring unit 67 while using the synchronizing device
for both adjusting spindles.
The invention is not limited to the illustrated application device
with the use of two adjusting spindles and also not to the special
shaping of the bow spring 61 which holds together the preassembled
unit. Instead of the two-spindle construction of the pneumatically
applicable disk brake shown as an example, a single-spindle disk
brake construction can be provided which is therefore equipped with
only one adjusting spindle and one pressure piece. This means that
the principle of the use of a one-piece caliper and of the
application device which can be introduced as a preassembled unit
into such a caliper can also be used in the case of constructions
of those types known per se in which a central adjusting and
pressure spindle can act upon a brake lining by means of a single
pressure piece. Therefore, independently of the type of the
application device, within the scope of the idea of the invention,
the advantage can be achieved that the braking forces are
transmitted by way of the supporting roller directly into the
caliper; that is, in the case of tension and bending stress, no
force transmission takes place by way of screwed-on housing parts
which are subjected to leakage problems.
Although the invention has been described and illustrated in
detail, it is to be clearly understood that same is by way of
illustration and example, and is not to be taken by way of
limitation. The spirit and scope of the present invention are to be
limited only by the terms of the appended claims.
* * * * *