초록 ▼

Brake actuators are provided with self-centering diaphragms. In one embodiment, the diaphragm is provided with a centering bead radially outwardly of a sealing bead. The centering bead ensures the diaphragm is properly centered prior to the brake actuator housings being secured together. In a second

Brake actuators are provided with self-centering diaphragms. In one embodiment, the diaphragm is provided with a centering bead radially outwardly of a sealing bead. The centering bead ensures the diaphragm is properly centered prior to the brake actuator housings being secured together. In a second embodiment, the self-centering structure includes structure fit into mating structure in one of the brake actuator housings to ensure the diaphragm is properly centered. The self-centering structure ensures the brake actuator diaphragms are properly centered before connection of the two brake actuator housings. This invention is particularly useful in the type of brake actuator housings having deformed housing portions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ We claim:] [1.] A brake actuator comprising:a first housing having a radially outer surface;a second housing also having a radially outer surface;a diaphragm having a radially outer sealing bead captured between said radially outer surfaces of said first and second housings, said diaphragm having

[ We claim:] [1.] A brake actuator comprising:a first housing having a radially outer surface;a second housing also having a radially outer surface;a diaphragm having a radially outer sealing bead captured between said radially outer surfaces of said first and second housings, said diaphragm having structure to ensure said diaphragm is centered about the entire periphery of said radially outer surfaces of said first and second housings; andsaid self-centering structure including a centering bead positioned radially outwardly of said sealing bead, said centering bead being formed of resilient material, said centering bead being of a smaller thickness than said sealing bead in an undeformed condition, said first housing being inelastically deformed to said second housing, said first housing including a cylindrical housing portion prior to being inelastically deformed, said centering bead being sized to have an outer diameter greater than an inner diameter of said centering housing portion, such that said centering bead serves to center said diaphragm within said cylindrical housing portion prior to inelastic deformation, and said sealing bead having an outer diameter which is less than said diameter of said cylindrical housing portion in said undeformed condition. [6.] A method of manufacturing a brake actuator comprising the steps of:(1) providing a first housing having a portion to be deformed and a radially outer surface;(2) providing a second housing and a second radially outer surface;(3) providing a diaphragm having a radially outer sealing bead to be received between said radially outer surfaces of said first and second housings, said diaphragm also being providing with a centering portion, said centering portion corresponding to structure within said second housing, said structure within said second housing including a portion of said housing extending from said radially outer surface in a direction away from said first housing, said centering portion including a permanently deformed section of said diaphragm to be received within said structure of said second housing and having an outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of said structure of said second housing such that said centering portion serves to center said diaphragm within said structure;(4) positioning said diaphragm within said second housing, said centering portion ensuring said diaphragm is centered within said one of said first and second housings; and(5) deforming said deformed portion to secure said first and second housings together, and capture said diaphragm between said first and second housings, said centering portion ensuring said diaphragm is properly centered during said deformation, said centering portion being inward of said radially outer surface and said deformed portion of said first housing.