초록 ▼

This invention relates to a pad spring for use in a disc brake assembly. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the disc brake assembly comprises an anchor bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle component; a brake caliper adapted to be secured to the anchor bracket; an inboard fri

This invention relates to a pad spring for use in a disc brake assembly. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the disc brake assembly comprises an anchor bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle component; a brake caliper adapted to be secured to the anchor bracket; an inboard friction pad and an outboard friction pad carried by the disc brake assembly and adapted to be disposed on opposite axial sides of an associated brake rotor; actuation means for selectively moving the inboard and outboard friction pads into frictional engagement with the rotor; and a pad spring carried by at least one end of one of the friction pads for moving the friction pads from engagement with the rotor when the actuation means is released; wherein the pad spring includes a first portion for applying a first retraction force and a second portion for applying a second retraction force which is different from the first retraction force.

대표청구항 ▼

What is claimed is: 1. A disc brake assembly comprising: an anchor bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle component; a brake caliper adapted to be secured to said anchor bracket; an inboard friction pad and an outboard friction pad carried by said disc brake assembly and adapted to be disposed

What is claimed is: 1. A disc brake assembly comprising: an anchor bracket adapted to be secured to a vehicle component; a brake caliper adapted to be secured to said anchor bracket; an inboard friction pad and an outboard friction pad carried by said disc brake assembly and adapted to be disposed on opposite axial sides of an associated brake rotor; actuation means for selectively moving said inboard and outboard friction pads into frictional engagement with the rotor; and a pad spring carried by at least one end of one of said friction pads for moving said friction pads from engagement with the rotor when said actuation means is released; wherein said pad spring includes a generally U shaped portion having a first tab and a second tab, said first tab having a first remote end defining a first remote end width for applying a first retraction force and said second tab having a second remote end defining a second remote end width which is different from said first remote end width for applying a second retraction force which is different from said first retraction force thereby providing an asymmetrical friction pad retraction feature. 2. The disc brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pad spring is formed from a flat strip of metal material. 3. The disc brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pad spring permanently yields as the lining of the friction pad wears. 4. The disc brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pad spring permanently yields and applies a corresponding decreasing rate of retraction force as the lining of the friction pad wears. 5. The disc brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pad spring is carried by said friction pad in a symmetrical manner. 6. The disc brake assembly according to claim 1, wherein said pad spring is carried by said friction pad with a portion of said spring spaced apart at an angle from contact an adjacent surface of said friction pad in a normal position when the brake is not actuated. 7. A brake shoe assembly adapted for use in a disc brake assembly comprising: a backing plate having a pair of opposed ends; a friction pad secured to said backing plate; and a pad spring carried by at least one end of said backing plate for moving said friction pad from engagement with a brake rotor of the disc brake assembly when the brake is released; wherein said pad spring includes a generally U shaped portion having a first tab and a second tab, said first tab having a first remote end defining a first remote end width for applying a first retraction force and said second tab having a second remote end defining a second remote end width which is different from said first remote end width for applying a second retraction force which is different from said first retraction force thereby providing an asymmetrical friction pad retraction feature. 8. The brake shoe assembly according to claim 7, wherein said pad spring is formed from a flat strip of metal material. 9. The brake shoe assembly according to claim 7, wherein said pad spring permanently yields as the lining of the friction pad wears. 10. The brake shoe assembly according to claim 7, wherein said pad spring permanently yields and applies a corresponding decreasing rate of retraction force as the lining of the friction pad wears. 11. The brake shoe assembly according to claim 7, wherein said pad spring is carried by said friction pad in a symmetrical manner. 12. The brake shoe assembly according to claim 7, wherein said pad spring is carried by said friction pad with a portion of said spring spaced apart at an angle from contact an adjacent surface of said friction pad in a normal position when the brake is not actuated.