This invention relates generally to brake systems, and more specifically to devices for positioning discs within brake systems.
Most conventional disc brake systems have a fixed brake disc and a caliper configuration with a piston and a cylinder. The caliper includes a sliding bridge which slides on pins and a pair of brake pads. An outer brake pad is on an outboard end (wheel side) of the bridge, and an inner brake pad is on an inboard end (chassis side) of the bridge. The fixed brake disc is located between the outer brake pad and the inner brake pad and is fixed rotatably and axially fast with a shaft connected to a wheel.
When the brake is operated, the piston engages and slides the inner brake pad along the bridge into contact with an inside face of the fixed brake disc. A reaction force causes the slidable caliper to slide on the pins and force the outer brake pad into contact with an outer side of the fixed brake disc. Equal forces are applied to the brake disc from the outer pad and the inner pad. Frictional engagement of the brake disc with the brake pads causes deceleration of the clamped disc and therefore decelerates the connected wheel and consequently the vehicle. When the brake is released, the brake pads return to a position where there is a running clearance between the brake pads and the fixed brake disc.
Therefore, the present invention provides an improved braking system.