초록 ▼

A trailer brake system provides an improved disc brake assembly with a caliper unit having first and second housings which contain hydraulically operated opposed pistons for engaging brake pads and providing relative movement toward and away from a brake rotor. The caliper unit is pivotally mounted

A trailer brake system provides an improved disc brake assembly with a caliper unit having first and second housings which contain hydraulically operated opposed pistons for engaging brake pads and providing relative movement toward and away from a brake rotor. The caliper unit is pivotally mounted to the stationary mounting bracket to allow for movement for opening a relief valve and release of the hydraulic pressure and firm braking engagement of the brake pads during the backing, non-braking mode. The dual piston arrangement provides for self-centering/self adjustment of the brake pads without the need for in and out axial movement of the caliper unit. The first and second housings also include internal passageways passing therebetween for delivering a high pressure hydraulic fluid to the first and second cylinders, the fluid providing simultaneous actuation of the opposed pistons. An opening is provided in the top of the caliper unit for accessing the brake pads. The brake pads may be visually inspected, installed and removed through the opening, and heat is allowed to dissipate from the brake pads through the opening during operation. One end of the stationary mounting bracket is left open so that it may be placed over the axle of the trailer and installed without the need for removing the entire hub assembly. A leaf spring is provided for biasing the caliper unit to hold the relief valve closed wards a forward position during forward movement of the trailer in readiness for brake operation.

대표청구항 ▼

[ I claim:] [1.] A brake unit including a disc brake assembly having brake pads for mounting on an axle of a trailer or other towed vehicle for stopping during forward movement and to provide release of the brake pads from firm braking engagement with a rotor upon backing comprising:a stationary mou

[ I claim:] [1.] A brake unit including a disc brake assembly having brake pads for mounting on an axle of a trailer or other towed vehicle for stopping during forward movement and to provide release of the brake pads from firm braking engagement with a rotor upon backing comprising:a stationary mounting bracket for attachment to the vehicle for supporting the disc brake assembly;hydraulic means for moving the pads into and out of engagement with the rotor in response to the presence and release of hydraulic pressure for forward braking and backing non-braking modes of vehicle operation, respectively;a caliper unit including a housing assembly, said housing assembly having a first housing and a second housing with the brake pads mounted therebetween;said hydraulic means including opposed first and second pistons in operative engagement with the brake pads to provide said engagement with said rotor, said first piston positioned within a first brake cylinder in said first housing and said second piston positioned within a second brake cylinder in said second housing;pivot means for mounting said caliper unit on said bracket for only pivoting movement of said caliper unit in response to movement of said rotor upon backing; andmeans to release the firm braking engagement of the brake pads with said rotor in response to said pivoting movement for non-braking during backing,whereby said brake unit is effective to provide efficient braking during forward movement and automatic release upon backing.