USRE42635E1 - Cable disc brake - Google Patents

Abstract

A bicycle cable disc brake is provided with a cam assembly that has improved efficiency during movement under high pressure. Basically, the cable disc brake has a cable housing, a pair of friction members and an actuated mechanism. The first friction member is movably coupled to the caliper housing between a release position and a braking position. The second caliper is also coupled to the caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to the first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween. The actuated mechanism is movably coupled to the caliper housing to move the first friction member from the release position towards the second friction member to the braking position. The actuated mechanism has a pair of cam members movably arranged between an axially retracted position and an axially extended position with a guide member interconnecting the cam members during movement between the axial retracted position and the axially extended position. In the preferred embodiment, the guide member is a guide pin that extends from one of the cam members and is received in a bore of the other cam member.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention generally relates to a cable operated disc brake for a bicycle. More specifically, the present invention relates to a cable operated disc brake with cam members for moving a friction member.

2. Background Information

Bicycling is becoming an increasingly popular form of recreation as well as a means of transportation. Moreover, bicycling has become a very popular competitive sport. Whether the bicycle is used for recreation, transportation or competition, the bicycle industry is constantly improving their components. One particular component of the bicycle, which has been extensively redesigned over the past years, is the braking systems of bicycles. In particular, the braking power of the braking systems is constantly being increased.

There are several types of bicycle brake devices, which are currently available on the market. Examples of some types of common bicycle brake devices include rim brakes, caliper brakes and disc brakes. If a rider wants a very high performance brake system, then the rider typically wants a disc brake system. Disc brake systems provide a substantial braking power in relationship to the amount of braking force applied to the brake lever. Moreover, disc brake systems typically provide a high level of consistency in all types of weather and riding conditions. Of course, riders constantly desire better performance from disc braking systems, i.e., disc brake systems that have more braking power.

Conventionally, a disc brake is composed of a pair of brake pads that are movably mounted to a caliper housing. The brake pads are pressed against a disc or rotor that is fixed to the wheel to halt the rotation of the disc and thus the wheel. The brake pads are moved toward the disc hydraulically or mechanically such as by a cam mechanism. The hydraulic disc brake systems are typically complicated in construction and expensive to manufacture. Moreover, hydraulic disc brake systems are often quite heavy in construction.

The mechanical disc brake system includes a caliper housing with one brake pad that is fixed to the caliper housing and one brake pad that is movably mounted to the caliper housing by a cam mechanism. A swinging arm is coupled to the cam mechanism to move the movable pad by a cam action. Typically, a conventional brake cable is coupled to a brake lever to move the swinging arm, and thus, operate the cam mechanism. While mechanical disc brake systems are typically less expensive and lighter than hydraulic disc brake systems, mechanical disc brake systems can still be complicated in construction and require many parts resulting in expensive manufacturing costs, as with a hydraulic disc brake system. Another drawback of many mechanical disc brake systems is that the cam mechanism often has a loss of efficiency during a movement of the cam mechanism under high pressure.

In view of the above, there exists a need for a disc brake, which overcomes the problems of prior art disc brakes. This invention addresses this need in the prior art as well as other needs, which will become apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One object of the present invention is to provide a cable disc brake that prevents loss of efficiency during a movement of the cam mechanism under high pressure.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable disc brake that is relatively compact and lightweight in relation to the amount of braking power.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a cable disc brake that is relatively inexpensive to manufacture.

The foregoing objects can be basically attained by providing a cable disc brake comprising a caliper housing, a first friction member, a second friction member and an actuated mechanism. The first friction member is movably coupled to the caliper housing between a release position and a braking position. The second friction member is coupled to the caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to the first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween. The actuated mechanism is movably coupled to the caliper housing to move the first friction member from the release position towards the second friction member to the braking position. The actuated mechanism has first and second cam members movably arranged between an axially retracted position and an axially extended position with a guide member interconnecting the first and second cam members during movement between the axially retracted position and the axially extended position.

These and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses preferred embodiments of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the attached drawings which form a part of this original disclosure:

FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a bicycle with a pair of cable disc brakes coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevational view of a front portion of a bicycle with a front cable disc brake coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of a rear portion of a bicycle with a rear cable disc brake coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, partial side elevational view of the front cable disc brake in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention illustrated inFIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the front cable disc brake, as viewed along section lines5-5 ofFIG. 4;

FIG. 6 is an exploded elevational view of the front cable disc brake illustrated inFIGS. 2,4 and5;

FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of a left caliper portion of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the left caliper portion of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 9 is a rear elevational view of the left caliper portion illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 10 is a left side elevational view of the left caliper portion illustrated inFIGS. 7-9 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 11 is a right side elevational view of the left caliper portion illustrated inFIGS. 7-10 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the front left caliper portion illustrated inFIGS. 7-11, as viewed along section lines12-12 ofFIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a side elevational view of the cable adjusting bolt for the adjusting unit of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-5;

FIG. 14 is an end elevational view of the cable adjusting bolt illustrated inFIG. 13 for the cable adjusting unit of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 15 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the cable adjusting bolt illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14 for the cable adjusting unit of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the cable adjusting nut for the cable adjusting unit of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-5;

FIG. 17 is an end elevational view of the cable adjusting nut for the cable adjusting unit of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 18 is an inside elevational view of the right caliper portion of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 19 is a side elevational view of the right caliper portion of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 20 is a bottom plan view of the right caliper portion illustrated inFIGS. 18 and 19 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of one of the brake pads for the front cable disc brake illustrated FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 22 is an edge elevational view of the brake pad illustrated inFIG. 21 for the front cable disc break illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the pad axle for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 24 is an end elevational view of the pad axle illustrated inFIG. 23 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 25 is an elevational view of the pad spring prior to bending for the front cable disc brake illustrated FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 26 is a side elevational view of the pad spring illustrated inFIG. 25 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 27 is a top plan view of the pad spring illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 26 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 28 is an end elevational view of the pad spring illustrated inFIGS. 25-27 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 29 is a side elevational view of the input cam for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 30 is an end elevational view of the input cam illustrated inFIG. 29 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 31 is an end elevational view of the input cam illustrated inFIGS. 29 and 30 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 32 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the input cam illustrated inFIGS. 29-31 as viewed along section lines32-32 ofFIG. 31;

FIG. 33 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the input cam illustrated inFIGS. 29-32 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 34 is a side elevational view of the output cam for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 35 is an end elevational view of the output cam illustrated inFIG. 34 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 36 is an end elevational view of the output cam illustrated inFIGS. 34 and 35 for the front disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 37 is a partial cross-sectional view of the output cam illustrated inFIGS. 34-36 as viewed along section lines37-37 ofFIG. 35;

FIG. 38 is a partial, longitudinal cross-sectional view of the output cam illustrated inFIGS. 34-37 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 39 is an end elevational view of the output cain rotation stopper for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 40 is a side edge elevational view of the output cam rotation stopper illustrated inFIG. 39 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 41 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the output cam rotation stopper illustrated inFIGS. 39 and 40 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6, as viewed along section lines41-41 ofFIG. 39;

FIG. 42 is an output cam return spring for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 43 is an end elevational view of the output cam return spring illustrated inFIG. 42 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 44 is an end elevational view of the actuating arm for the front cable disc brake illustrate FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 45 is a side edge elevational view of the actuating arm illustrated inFIG. 44 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 46 is a bottom plan view of the actuating arm for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the actuating arm illustrated inFIGS. 44-46 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6, as viewed along section line47-47 ofFIG. 44;

FIG. 48 is an inside end elevational view of the actuating arm illustrated inFIGS. 44-47 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 49 is an end elevational view of the return spring for the actuating assembly of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 50 is a side elevational view of the return spring illustrated inFIG. 49 for the actuating assembly of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 51 is an end elevational view of the return spring illustrated inFIGS. 49 and 50 for the actuating assembly of the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6;

FIG. 52 is an end elevational view of the cover of the actuating assembly for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6; and

FIG. 53 is a side elevational view of the front cover illustrated inFIG. 52 for the front cable disc brake illustrated in FIGS.2 and4-6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring initially toFIGS. 1-3, front and rear portions of a bicycle10 are illustrated with a pair ofcable disc brakes12a and12b coupled thereto in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Bicycles such as bicycle10 are well known in the art, and thus, bicycle10 and its various components will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that bicycle10 can be any type of bicycle, e.g., mountain bike, a hybrid bike or a road bike. Bicycle10 is a conventional bicycle, which basically includes abicycle frame13 with ahandlebar14 front andrear forks15a and15b, front andrear wheels16a and16b and a drive train17.

As seen inFIGS. 2 and 3, the front and rearcable disc brakes12a and12b are identical to each other, except for their connections to the bicycle10 and their respectivebrake operating mechanisms18a and18b. Specifically, the frontcable disc brake12a is mounted to thefront fork15a and operatively coupled to the frontbrake operating mechanism18a via afront brake cable19a. The rearcable disc brake12b, on the other hand, is coupled to therear fork15b and the rearbrake operating mechanism18b via arear brake cable19b. The front and rearbrake operating mechanisms18a and18b are well known in the art, and thus, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein.

Basically, the frontbrake operating mechanism18a is designed to actuate thefront disc brake12a to stop rotation offront wheel16a. More specifically, the frontbrake operating mechanism18a is operatively coupled to thefront disc brake12a byfront brake cable19a to apply a forcible gripping action on a frontdisc brake rotor20a that is fixedly coupled to thefront wheel16a. Likewise, the rearbrake operating mechanism18b is designed to actuate therear disc brake12b to stop rotation ofrear wheel16b. More specifically, the rearbrake operating mechanism18b operatively coupled to therear disc brake12b byrear brake cable19b to apply a forcible gripping action on a reardisc brake rotor20b that is fixedly coupled to therear wheel16b.

Preferably, thebrake operating mechanisms18a and18b are mounted onhandlebar14. In particular, as seen inFIG. 2, thebrake operating mechanism18a has abrake lever21a that includes a mountingportion22a and alever portion23a. Mountingportion22a is designed to be clamped ontohandlebar14 in a conventional manner.Lever portion23a is pivotally coupled to mountingportion22a for movement between a release position and a braking position. Normally, thelever portion23a is maintained in a release position in a conventional manner, e.g. by a return spring (not shown). Likewise, as seen inFIG. 3, the rearbrake operating mechanism18b has abrake lever21b that includes a mountingportion22b and alever portion23b. Mountingportion22b is designed to be clamped ontohandlebar14 in a conventional manner.Lever portion23b is pivotally coupled to mountingportion22b for movement between a release position and a braking position. Normally, thelever portion23b is maintained in a release position in a conventional manner, e.g. by a return spring (not shown).

The front andrear brake cables19a and19b are well known in the art, and thus, they will not be discussed or illustrated in detail herein. Basically, thefront brake cable19a has anouter casing24a and aninner wire25a. Theouter casing24a extends between the mountingportion22a of thebrake lever21a and anadjusting unit26a that is mounted on the frontcable disc brake12a. Theinner wire25a is fixedly coupled to thelever portion23a of thebrake lever21a and a portion of the frontcable disc brake12a as discussed below. Similarly, therear brake cable19b has anouter casing24b and aninner wire25b. Theouter casing24b extends between the mountingportion22b of thebrake lever21b and anadjusting unit26b that is mounted on the rearcable disc brake12b. Theinner wire25b is fixedly coupled to thelever portion23b of thebrake lever21b and a portion of the rearcable disc brake12b in the same manner as in the frontcable disc brake12a discussed below.

Still referring toFIGS. 2 and 3, the frontcable disc brake12a is coupled to thefront fork15a via a mountingbracket28a and fourbolts29a. Similarly, the rearcable disc brake12b is coupled to therear fork15b via a mountingbracket28b and fourbolts29b. Of course, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various other types of mounting mechanisms or assemblies can be utilized as needed and/or desired. Sincecable brake discs12a and12b are identical to each other, onlycable disc brake12a will be discussed and illustrated in detail herein.

Basically, as seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, thecable disc brake12a includes acaliper housing30, a pair of brake pads orfriction members32, acam assembly34 and anactuating assembly36. Thecam assembly34 and theactuating assembly36 together form a cable actuated mechanism that moves the brake pads between a release position and a braking position. Thecaliper housing30 is mounted to theframe13 of the bicycle10 via thebracket28a andbolts29a. Thebrake pads32 are movably coupled to thecaliper housing30 to move between the release position and the braking position via thecam assembly34 and the actuating assembly36 (cable actuated mechanism). In the release position, thepads32 are spaced from thedisc brake rotor20a to allow free rotation thereof. In the braking position, thebrake pads32 are pressed against the sides of thedisc brake rotor20a to stop rotation of thebicycle wheel16a and thedisc brake rotor20a.

Turning toFIGS. 4-6, thecaliper housing30 basically includes aleft caliper portion38 and aright caliper portion40 that are fixedly coupled together by a pair ofbolts41. When the left andright caliper housings38 and40 are coupled together, an internal cavity is formed for movably supporting thebrake pads32 and thecam assembly34, as discussed below. The left andright caliper housings38 and40 are preferably constructed of a hard, rigid material, such as a metallic material. Of course, other suitable materials can be utilized for the left andright caliper housings38 and40.

As seen inFIGS. 7-12, theleft caliper portion38 basically has a body portion42 a pair of mountingflanges43 and acable support flange44. Thebody portion42 has a pad support bore45 extending in a longitudinal direction and an axially extendinginternal bore46 that extends longitudinally between a firstopen end48 and a secondopen end50 of theleft caliper portion38. The pad support bore45 is utilized to support thebrake pads32 on thecaliper housing30 as discussed below.

Basically, theinternal bore46 can be divided into threesections51,52 and53 for supporting a part of thecam assembly34, as discussed below. Thefirst section51 of theinternal bore46 is a cylindrical bore with the smallest diameter. Thefirst section51 of theinternal bore46 is located at afirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38. Thefirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38 has the actuatingassembly36 coupled thereto, as discussed below. Preferably, end surface of thefirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38 has an annular step to form a pair of annular end surfaces54 and55 that lie in different planes. Theinner end surface55 adjacent thefirst section51 of theinternal bore46 is preferably provided with three throughbores56 that are adapted to receive a part of the actuatingassembly36, as discussed below. Preferably, the centers of thesebores56 are spaced approximately twenty degrees apart in a circumferential direction. These bores56 allow for adjustment of the actuatingassembly36, as discussed below. The middle one of thebores56 is preferably spaced approximately four degrees in a circumferential direction from the center plane P₁of thedisc brake device12a.

Thesecond section52 of theinternal bore46 is also a cylindrical bore that is located between thefirst section51 and thethird section53. Thesecond section52 of theinternal bore46 has a larger diameter than thefirst section51 of theinternal bore46. Thus, an internal abutment surface or endwall64 is formed radially between the first andsecond sections51 and52 of theinternal bore46.

Thethird section53 of theinternal bore46 is also cylindrical, but is a discontinuous cylinder. Specifically, thethird section53 of theinternal bore46 has a pair oflongitudinal slots65 and anannular groove66 formed therein. Theslots65 that are spaced 180° apart and divide theannular groove66 into two sections.

Thesecond end50 of theleft caliper portion38 is provided with a pair of threadedbores69 for receiving thebolts41 to secure the left andright caliper housings38 and40 together. Thesecond end50 of theleft caliper portion38 has a brakepad mounting recess67 that is substantially identical to the outer periphery of thebrake pads32. The bottom of the brakepad mounting recess67 is open and the sides of thesecond end50 of thecaliper housing38 has a pair ofcutouts68 for accommodating a portion of thedisc brake rotor20a therein.

The mountingflanges43 of theleft caliper portion38 preferably haveslots70 to allow axial adjustment to and from thedisc brake rotor20a. Theslots70 receive the mountingbolts29a therethrough to fasten theleft caliper portion38 to thefront bracket28a.

As seen inFIGS. 2,4,7 and8, the cable support member orflange44 extends outwardly from thebody portion42 in a direction that is substantially tangent to an imaginary circle with its center located at the center axis of theinternal bore46. The free end of thecable support flange44 has a threadedhole72 therein for receiving acable adjusting bolt73 of thecable adjusting unit26a as seen inFIGS. 2 and 4. Thecable adjusting unit26a adjusts the relative tension between theouter casing24a and theinner wire25a. Specifically, as seen inFIGS. 13-15, thecable adjusting bolt73 has ahead portion73a and a threadedshaft portion73b with an axially extending bore73c extending through both thehead portion73a and the threaded shaft portion73b.The bore73c is step-shaped for accommodatingouter casing24a andinner wire25a in a conventional manner. Thehead portion73a is a tubular member with a textured outer surface.

The threadedshaft portion73b has threads on its outer surface that threadedly engaged the internal threads of the threadedhole72. Accordingly, rotation of thecable adjusting bolt73 causes thecable adjusting bolt73 to move axially relative to thecable support flange44. As seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, thecable adjusting bolt73 has acable adjusting nut74 located on the threadedshaft portion73b. The cable adjusting bolt73 (FIGS. 13-15) and the cable adjusting nut74 (FIGS. 16 and 17) form thecable adjusting unit26a for controlling the tension within thebrake cable19a.

Turning now to FIGS.6 and18-20, theright caliper portion40 is fixedly coupled to thesecond end50 of theleft caliper portion38 by thebolts41. Theright caliper portion40 substantially closes off the open end of thesecond end50 of theleft caliper portion38, except for a slot for accommodating thedisc brake rotor20a. Accordingly, theright caliper portion40 has a pair of throughbores75 for receiving thebolts41 therein. Preferably, these throughbores75 are step-shaped so that the heads of thebolts75 are recessed from the outer surface of theright caliper portion40.

Also, theright caliper portion40 has a threadedbore76 for receiving thepad axle77 therein. Preferably, as seen inFIGS. 23 and 24, thepad axle77 is a threaded bolt having ahead portion77a and ashaft portion77b extending outwardly from thehead portion77a. The section of theshaft portion77b adjacent thehead portion77a is provided withthreads77c that threadedly engage the threaded bore76 of theright caliper portion40. The free end of theshaft portion77b is preferably provided with anannular recess77d for receiving a retainingclip78.

The inner surface of theright caliper portion40 has a brakepad mounting recess80 that has the shape of the periphery of thebrake pad32, such that theright brake pad32 is securely retained against the inner surface of theright caliper portion40. This brakepad mounting recess80 should be sized and shaped such that theright brake pad32 does not rotate or move. The side edges of theright caliper portion40 has a pair ofcutout portions82 for forming a half of the disc brake rotor slot.

As seen inFIGS. 5 and 6, the left andright brake pads32 are substantially identical to each other and can preferably be interchanged with each other. As seen inFIGS. 21 and 22, the right and leftbrake pads32 each include arigid support plate83 and an arcuate portion offriction material84 attached to thesupport plate83 for engaging thebrake rotor20a. Therigid support plate83 having a mountingtab85 with abore86 therein for receiving the pad axle77 (FIGS. 6,23 and24) therethrough. When thebrake pads32 are mounted on thepad axle77, thebrake pads32 can move axially on thepad axle77, but cannot rotate due to the structure of the brakepad mounting recesses67 and80 of the left andright caliper housings38 and40.

As seen in FIGS.6 and25-28, apad spring87 is provided between the left andright brake pads32 to bias them apart. Thepad spring87 is preferably constructed of a thin resilient material, such as a spring steel. Thepad spring87 has a central connecting portion87a and a pair of biasingportions87b extending outwardly from opposite ends of the connecting portion87a. The connecting portion87a is preferably an inverted U-shaped member with a pair of axially alignedholes87c that receive thepad axle77. The biasingportions87b are also inverted U-shaped members that diverge outwardly to their free ends relative to a center line bisecting the connecting portion87a.

Turning again toFIGS. 5 and 6, thecam assembly34 basically includes aninput cam90, anoutput cam91, a set of rollingmembers92, areturn spring93, an outputcam rotation stopper94, aretainer95 and abushing96. Basically, thecam assembly34 is located in theinternal bore46 of theleft caliper portion38 and is adapted to expand in an axial direction by movement of the actuatingassembly36 via thebrake operating mechanism18a. In particular, rotation of theinput cam90 by the actuatingassembly36 causes theoutput cam91 to move in an axial direction against the force of thereturn spring93 and thepad spring87 to compress the left andright brake pads32 together against thedisc brake rotor20a.

As seen inFIGS. 29-33, theinput cam90 has acam member90a with an operatingshaft90b extending from one end and aguide pin90c extending outwardly from the other end. Thecam member90a has an axially facingcamming surface90d with threecamming slots90e that receive the three roller members92 (balls). Thesecamming slots90e are preferably arcuate slots that curve about the center rotational axis of theinput cam90. Thesecamming slots90e are ramp-shaped and have an angled bottom surface that is preferably sloped approximately 17° relative to a plane passing perpendicularly through the axis of rotation of theinput cam90. Accordingly, when theinput cam90 is rotated, the rollingmembers92 will move in a circumferential direction within thecamming slots90e, such that all of the rollingmembers92 are located at the same position within thecamming slots90e to axially move theoutput cam91.

The operatingshaft90b is preferably a step-shaped shaft having a firstcylindrical section90f, a secondnon-cylindrical section90g and a thirdcylindrical section90h. The firstcylindrical section90f is sized to be received in thefirst section51 of theinternal bore46 of theleft caliper portion38. Preferably, thebushing96 is located around the firstcylindrical section90f as seen inFIG. 5. The secondnon-cylindrical section90g of the operatingshaft90b is adapted to non-rotatably support a portion of the actuatingassembly36, as discussed below. The thirdcylindrical section90h of the operatingshaft90b is preferably threaded for receiving anut97 to secure theactuating assembly36 thereto.

Theguide pin90c is preferably a short pin that is located on the longitudinal axis of theinput cam90 and engages theoutput cam91 to ensure smooth movement of theoutput cam91 relative to theinput cam90.

Referring now toFIGS. 34-38, theoutput cam91 basically includes acamming member91a and athrust shaft91b. Thecamming member91a is preferably a cylindrical member having acamming surface91c facing thecamming surface90d of theinput cam90. Thecamming surface91c is preferably provided with threecamming slots91d that are substantially identical to thecamming slots90e of theinput cam90 and are adapted to engage the rollingmembers92 to move theoutput cam91 axially in response to rotational movement of theinput cam90.

As seen inFIGS. 5,34 and38, thecamming surface91c of theoutput cam91 is also provided with a centrally locatedblind bore91e that is adapted to receive theguide pin90c therein. Preferably, the lengths of theguide pin90c and theblind bore91e are such that they do not disengage at any time during the axial movement of theoutput cam91 relative to theinput cam90. Thethrust shaft91b of theoutput cam91 is preferably a non-circular member that engages the outputcam rotation stopper94, which in turn engages theleft caliper portion38 so that theoutput cam91 cannot rotate relative to theleft caliper portion38.

In particular, therotation stopper94, as seen inFIGS. 39-41, has anannular center section94a with anon-circular hole94b that is adapted to receive thethrust shaft91b of theoutput cam91 therein such that there is no relative rotation therebetween. A pair oftabs94c are located 180° apart and extend radially outwardly from thecenter section94a of therotation stopper94. Thesetabs94c are received in theslots65 of theleft caliper portion38 such that therotation stopper94 cannot rotate relative to theleft caliper portion38. Thus, since therotation stopper94 cannot rotate, theoutput cam91 cannot rotate. Therotation stopper94 is secured on thethrust shaft91b of theoutput cam91 by theretainer95. Theretainer95 is preferably a C-shaped snap ring. This C-shaped snap ring orretainer95 is received in theannular groove66 formed in theinternal bore46 of theleft caliper portion38.

As seen inFIG. 5, thereturn spring93 for theoutput cam91 is located between theoutput cam91 and the outputcam rotation stopper94. Preferably, thereturn spring93 is a conically-shaped compression spring (as seen inFIGS. 42 and 43) that has an inner diameter at itssmall end93a that is substantially equal to the outer width of thethrust shaft91b of theoutput cam91, and an outer diameter at itslarge end93b that is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the inner diameter of thesecond section52 of theleft caliper portion38. When thecable disc brake12a is assembled, thereturn spring93 should not be compressed, or only under a slight amount of compression. However, this compression should not be such that it has a biasing force of thereturn spring93 that is greater than the biasing force of thepad spring87. In other words, the biasing force of the outputcam return spring93, relative to the biasing force of thepad spring87 in its normal rest position, should not compress thepad spring87.

The actuatingassembly36 basically includes anactuating arm98, areturn spring99 and acover100 that are secured on thefirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38 via thenut97. The actuatingassembly36 basically includes anactuating arm98 that is fixedly secured to thethird section90h of the operatingshaft90b of theinput cam90.

As seen inFIGS. 44-48, theactuating arm98 has a cylindricalmain portion98a with an outwardly extendingcable mounting portion98b. Thecentral mounting portion98a has a step-shapedbore98c extending therethrough with a firstcylindrical section98d and a secondnon-cylindrical section98e. Anabutment surface98f is formed between the firstcylindrical section98d and the secondnon-cylindrical section98e. Thisabutment surface98f has threebores102 for mounting thereturn spring99 thereto. Preferably, the centers of thebores56 are spaced approximately twenty-five degrees apart in a circumferential direction.

As seen inFIGS. 2 and 4, thecable mounting portion98b has a threadedbore98g at its free end for receiving aclamping bolt103 with aclamping plate104 to secure the end of theinner wire25a of thecable19a thereto. Preferably, thecable mounting portion98b also has arecess98h around the threadedbore98g for receiving theclamping plate104, and to prevent relative rotation of theclamping plate104. Aprojection98i is formed at the free end in the direction of theinner wire25a of thecable19a. Thisprojection98i has a curved surface for supporting theinner wire25a of thecable19a during rotation of theactuating arm98.

As seen inFIGS. 5,6 and49-51, thereturn spring99 is preferably a torsion spring having acoil portion99a with first and second ends99b and99c extending in opposite axial directions from thecoil portion99b. Thefirst end99c is received in one of thebores56 of theleft caliper portion38, while thesecond end99c of thereturn spring99 is received in one of thebores102 of theactuating arm98. The first and second ends99b and99c are preferably longitudinally aligned with each other in the rest position.

Thebores56 and102 form an adjustment mechanism for controlling the biasing force of thereturn spring99 on theactuating arm98. The biasing force between thecaliper housing30 and theactuating arm98 can be adjusted by selecting various combinations of thebores56 and102. If both the first and second ends99b and99c of thereturn spring99 are moved one hole in the same direction, then a 5° adjustment can be attained. For example, if the first and second ends99b and99c are located in the center bores56 and102, then either direction will result in a ±5° change in the biasing or urging force of thereturn spring99. Of course, the first and second ends99b and99c can be adjusted independently for greater adjustment.

Moreover, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that additional hole bores56 and102 can be provided for additional adjustment. Moreover, the angular spacing of thebores56 and102 can be changed as needed and/or desired. In any event, the angular spacing between thebores56 and the angular spacing betweenbores102 are preferably different from each other to provide for a small incremental adjustment of thereturn spring99. As seen inFIG. 4, only five of thebores56 and102 are illustrated since one of thebores56 is axially aligned with one of thebores102.

When thecable disc brake12a is in the assembled position, thereturn spring99 normally biases theinput cam90 and theactuating arm98 to a brake releasing position. When the rider squeezes thebrake lever21a, theinner wire25a of thecable19a moves relative to theouter casing24a of thecable19a to cause theactuating arm98 and theinput cam90 to rotate together. This rotation causes the rollingmembers92 to move from the deep ends of thecamming slots90e and91d to the shallow ends of thecamming slots90e and91d. As the rollingmembers92 move within thecamming slots90e and91d, theoutput cam91 is moved in an axial direction against the biasing force of the outputcam return spring93. This axial movement of theoutput cam91 causes theleft brake pad32 to move against the urging force of thepad spring87 to engage therotor20a, which is then pressed against theright brake pad32. This engagement of thebrake pads32 with thedisc brake rotor20a causes the braking action of thecable disc brake12a.

Referring now toFIGS. 5,52 and53, acover100 is located between theactuating arm98 and thefirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38. Preferably, thiscover100 fits on the outerannular end surface54 of thefirst end48 of theleft caliper portion38 so as to seal the space between theactuating arm98 and theleft caliper portion38.

While only selected embodiments have been chosen to illustrate the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art from this disclosure that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. Furthermore, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention are provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims (70)

1. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member in an axial direction from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism including

an input cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in a rotational direction about a longitudinal axis, but not in an axial direction, said input cam having a first camming surface with an axially extending guide member non-movably fixed thereto at said longitudinal axis, and

an output cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in the axial direction in response to rotation of said input cam, but not in the rotational direction, said output cam having a second camming surface with an axially extending bore, said guide member being at least partially disposed within said bore to ensure smooth relative movement between said input and output cams;

wherein said input cam and said output cam move axially relative to each other without such movement being caused by one of said input cam member or said output cam member screwing through the other one of said input cam member or said output cam member.

2. A cable disc brake according toclaim 1, wherein

said guide member is formed by a pin extending from said input cam into said bore of said output cam.

3. A cable disc brake according toclaim 2, wherein

said pin is integrally formed with said input cam.

4. A cable disc brake according toclaim 2, wherein

said first camming surface of said input cam has a set of first camming slots, said second camming surface of said output cam has a set of second camming slots with rolling members located between said first and second camming slots.

5. A cable disc brake according toclaim 4, wherein

said rolling members are balls and said first and second camming slots are circumferentially extending ramp-shaped slots.

6. A cable disc brake according toclaim 1, wherein

said actuated mechanism further includes an actuating arm operatively coupled to said input cam.

7. A cable disc brake according toclaim 6, wherein said actuating arm is biased to a release position by a biasing member.

8. A cable disc brake according toclaim 7, wherein

said biasing member is a torsion spring with a first end coupled to said caliper housing a second end coupled to said actuating arm.

9. A cable disc brake according toclaim 8, wherein

said actuated mechanism includes a return spring arranged to bias said first and second cam members together.

10. A cable disc brake according toclaim 9, wherein

said actuating arm has a cable attachment member thereon.

11. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism having first and second cam members movably arranged between an axially retracted position and an axially extended position with a guide member interconnecting said first and second cam members during movement between said axially retracted position and said axially extended position, said guide member being non-movable in the axial direction relative to said caliper housing,

said first cam member being rotatably mounted within said caliper housing, but non-movably mounted in the axial direction, and said second cam member being movably mounted in the axial direction but non-rotatably mounted;

wherein said input cam and said output cam move axially relative to each other without such movement being caused by one of said input cam member or said output cam member screwing through the other one of said input cam member or said output cam member.

12. A cable disc brake according toclaim 11, wherein

said guide member is formed by a pin extending from one of said first and second cam members into a bore of the other of said first and second cam members.

13. A cable disc brake according toclaim 12, wherein

said pin is located along an axis of rotation of said first and second cam members.

14. A cable disc brake according toclaim 13, wherein

said actuated mechanism further includes an actuating arm coupled to said first cam member.

15. A cable disc brake according toclaim 14, wherein

said actuating arm is biased to a release position by a biasing member.

16. A cable disc brake according toclaim 15, wherein

said biasing member is a torsion spring with a first end coupled to said caliper housing a second end coupled to said actuating arm.

17. A cable disc brake according toclaim 16, wherein

said actuated mechanism includes a return spring arranged to bias said first and second cam members together.

18. A cable disc brake according toclaim 17, wherein

said actuating arm has a cable attachment member thereon.

19. A cable disc brake according toclaim 11, wherein

said first cam member has a set of first camming surfaces, said second cam member has a set of second camming surfaces with rolling members located between said first and second camming surfaces.

20. A cable disc brake according toclaim 19, wherein

said rolling members are balls and said first and second camming surfaces include ramp-shaped slots.

21. A cable disc brake according toclaim 1, wherein

said input cam includes a first cam member disposed within an internal bore of said caliper housing.

22. A cable disc brake according toclaim 21, wherein

said input cam further includes an operating shaft that extends axially from said first cam member, and said operating shaft is operatively coupled to an actuating arm.

23. A cable disc brake according toclaim 22, wherein

said operating shaft at least partially extends outwardly from said caliper housing, and said actuating arm is disposed on an opposite side of said caliper housing from said internal bore of said caliper housing.

24. A cable disc brake according toclaim 22, wherein

said input cam further includes a bushing mounted on said operating shaft of said input cam.

25. A cable disc brake according toclaim 24, wherein

said bushing includes a cylindrical portion at least partially surrounding said operating shaft and a flange portion extending from said cylindrical portion, and said flange portion is located axially between a portion of said input cam and said caliper housing within said internal bore of said caliper housing.

26. A cable disc brake according toclaim 21, wherein

said output cam includes a second cam member with a non-circular thrust shaft extending axially therefrom, and said thrust shaft is received in a non-circular hole of a rotation stopper.

27. A cable disc brake according toclaim 26, wherein

said rotation stopper includes a radially extending tab that is received in an axial slot of said caliper housing to prevent rotation of said rotation stopper.

28. A cable disc brake according toclaim 27, wherein

said rotation stopper is secured on said thrust shaft of said output cam by a retainer.

29. A cable disc brake according toclaim 28, wherein

said retainer is a c-shaped snap ring that is received in an annular groove of said internal bore of said caliper housing.

30. A cable disc brake according toclaim 26, wherein

said actuated mechanism includes a return spring disposed between said rotation stopper and a portion of said output cam.

31. A cable disc brake according toclaim 16, wherein

said torsion spring is adjustably coupled to said caliper housing and said actuating arm to adjust the biasing force of said torsion spring.

32. A cable disc brake according toclaim 22, wherein

said actuated mechanism includes a cover disposed between said actuating arm and said caliper housing to seal said internal bore of said caliper housing.

33. A cable disc brake according toclaim 32, wherein

said actuating arm is biased to a release position by a biasing member arranged between said cover and said caliper housing.

34. A cable disc brake according toclaim 17, wherein

said return spring is a separate member from said biasing member.

35. A cable disc brake according toclaim 34, wherein

said return spring is located axially on an opposite side of said input and output cams from said biasing member.

36. A cable disc brake according toclaim 1, wherein

said axially extending bore of said output cam is a blind bore.

37. A cable disc brake according to claim 1 wherein a force between said input cam and said output cam that causes said output cam to move axially from operation of said first camming surface and said second camming surface is disposed radially outwardly from said bore.

38. A cable disc brake according to claim 11 wherein a force between said input cam and said output cam that causes said output cam to move axially from operation of said first camming surface and said second camming surface is disposed radially outwardly from said bore.

39. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle and with a cable support having an opening for guiding a cable therethrough;

a first friction member coupled to the caliper housing for movement between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to the caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to the first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to the caliper housing to move the first friction member in an axial direction from the release position towards the second friction member to the braking position;

wherein the actuated mechanism comprises an elongated actuating arm coupled to the caliper housing for rotation around a rotational axis to cause the actuated mechanism to move the first friction member from the release position towards the braking position;

wherein the actuating arm has a curved guide surface with a first portion coincident with a cable clamp and a second portion that extends from the first portion towards the cable support so that the cable, when coupled to the cable clamp, approaches the guide surface from the opening in the cable support essentially tangent to the guide surface and is supported by the guide surface when the first friction member is in the release position;

wherein the second portion of the guide surface is formed by a circumferentially elongated projection that points in a rotational direction of the actuating arm towards the cable support where the cable passes through the cable support such that the cable is supported on and by the projection;

wherein the projection includes:

a radially outer portion having a first surface that forms the second portion of the guide surface, wherein the first surface extends towards the cable support; and

a radially inner portion having a second surface that extends away from the cable support back towards a side surface of the actuating arm;

wherein a straight phantom line perpendicular to the first surface where the cable is supported on the first surface intersects the second surface.

40. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the projection is disposed in close proximity to a radially outermost portion of the actuating arm.

41. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 further comprising a cable adjusting bolt fitted within the opening in the cable support through which the cable passes.

42. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the caliper housing includes a mounting flange for mounting the caliper housing to the bicycle, and wherein the mounting flange includes a slot that allows adjustment of the caliper housing to and from the rotor such that the caliper housing is axially fixed relative to the rotor during operation of the actuating arm.

43. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the caliper housing includes a mounting flange for mounting the caliper housing to the bicycle, and wherein the mounting flange includes an opening for receiving a mounting bolt therethrough substantially perpendicular to the rotational axis.

44. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the caliper housing includes:

a first mounting flange with a first opening for mounting the caliper housing to the bicycle;

a second mounting flange with a second opening for mounting the caliper housing to the bicycle;

wherein the first opening is disposed above the rotational axis; and

wherein the second opening is disposed below the rotational axis.

45. A cable disc brake according to claim 44 wherein the caliper housing is structured such that, when the caliper housing is mounted to a front fork of the bicycle, the cable support is disposed above the rotational axis.

46. A cable disc brake according to claim 45 wherein the caliper housing is structured such that, when the caliper housing is mounted to the front fork of the bicycle, the guide surface is disposed rearwardly of the rotational axis.

47. A cable disc brake according to claim 46 wherein the caliper housing is structured such that, when the caliper housing is mounted to the front fork of the bicycle, the cable support extends rearwardly of the rotational axis.

48. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the cable, when coupled to the cable clamp, approaches the guide surface from the opening in the cable support essentially in a straight line.

49. A cable disk brake according to claim 39 further comprising a torsion spring that applies a torsion force to the actuating arm relative to the caliper housing to bias the actuating arm to a brake releasing position.

50. A cable disc brake according to claim 49 wherein the torsion spring has an end coupled to the actuating arm.

51. A cable disc brake according to claim 49 wherein the torsion spring is adjustably coupled to the caliper housing.

52. A cable disc brake according to claim 49 wherein the torsion spring has a first end adjustably coupled to the caliper housing and a second end fixed relative to the actuating arm.

53. A cable disc brake according to claim 52 wherein the second end of the torsion spring is directly connected to the actuating arm.

54. A cable disc brake according to claim 52 wherein the caliper housing has a plurality of openings so that the first end of the torsion spring is selectively inserted into one of the plurality of openings to adjust the first end relative to the caliper housing.

55. A cable disk brake according to claim 39 wherein the cable support is one piece with the surface of the caliper housing from which it extends.

56. A cable disk brake according to claim 55 wherein the cable support comprises an elongated member.

57. A cable disk brake according to claim 56 wherein the elongated member forms the opening such that the opening for guiding the cable is immovable relative to the surface of the caliper housing.

58. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein the cable support extends from a surface of the caliper housing and is not removable relative to the surface of the caliper housing.

59. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein a straight phantom line that originates from the rotational axis intersects the first surface and the second surface.

60. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 wherein a circumferential width of the actuating arm measured circumferentially from one circumferential side surface of the actuating arm to an opposite circumferential side surface of the actuating arm is less than a radial length of the actuating arm measured in a straight line from the rotational axis to the location where the cable leaves the guide surface.

61. A cable disc brake according to claim 39 further comprising a biasing mechanism that applies a biasing force between the caliper housing and the actuating arm.

62. A cable disc brake according to claim 61 further comprising an adjusting mechanism that adjusts the biasing force applied between the caliper housing and the actuating arm in addition to changes of biasing force caused by rotation of the actuating arm relative to the caliper housing.

63. A cable disc brake according to claim 61 wherein the biasing mechanism comprises a spring.

64. A cable disc brake according to claim 62 wherein the biasing mechanism comprising a spring having a first end and a second end, and wherein the adjusting mechanism adjusts the biasing force by moving one of the first end and the second end relative to the other one of the first end and the second end.

65. A cable disc brake according to claim 64 wherein the first end of the spring is coupled relative to the caliper housing at a first position, and wherein the adjusting mechanism adjusts the biasing force by coupling the first end of the spring relative to the caliper housing at a second position different from the first position.

66. A cable disc brake according to claim 64 wherein the second end of the spring is coupled relative to the actuating arm at a first position, and wherein the adjusting mechanism adjusts the biasing force by coupling the second end of the spring relative to the actuating arm at a second position different from the first position.

67. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween;

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member in an axial direction from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism including:

an input cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in a rotational direction about a longitudinal axis, but not in an axial direction, said input cam having a first camming surface with an axially extending guide member non-movably fixed thereto at said longitudinal axis, and

an output cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in the axial direction in response to rotation of said input cam, but not in the rotational direction, said output cam having a second camming surface with an axially extending bore, said guide member being at least partially disposed within said bore to ensure smooth relative movement between said input and output cams; and

a cable adjusting bolt coupled to said caliper housing and structured to terminate an outer casing of a brake cable and including an opening through which an inner wire of said brake cable passes.

68. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member in an axial direction from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism including:

an input cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in a rotational direction about a longitudinal axis, but not in an axial direction, said input cam having a first camming surface with an axially extending guide member non-movably fixed thereto at said longitudinal axis, and

an output cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in the axial direction in response to rotation of said input cam, but not in the rotational direction, said output cam having a second camming surface with an axially extending bore, said guide member being at least partially disposed within said bore to ensure smooth relative movement between said input and output cams;

wherein a space between said first camming surface and said second camming surface increases or decreases during operation of said actuated mechanism.

69. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member in an axial direction from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism including:

an input cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in a rotational direction about a longitudinal axis, but not in an axial direction, said input cam having a first camming surface with an axially extending guide member non-movably fixed thereto at said longitudinal axis,

an output cam movably mounted within said caliper housing to move in the axial direction in response to rotation of said input cam, but not in the rotational direction, said output cam having a second camming surface with an axially extending bore, said guide member being at least partially disposed within said bore to ensure smooth relative movement between said input and output cams; and

a cable adjusting bolt coupled to said caliper housing and structured to terminate an outer casing of a brake cable and including an opening through which an inner wire of said brake cable passes.

70. A cable disc brake for a bicycle comprising:

a caliper housing with a mounting bracket structured and dimensioned to be attached to a bicycle;

a first friction member movably coupled to said caliper housing between a release position and a braking position;

a second friction member coupled to said caliper housing and arranged substantially parallel to said first friction member to form a rotor receiving slot therebetween; and

an actuated mechanism movably coupled to said caliper housing to move said first friction member from said release position towards said second friction member to said braking position, said actuated mechanism having first and second cam members movably arranged between an axially retracted position and an axially extended position with a guide member interconnecting said first and second cam members during movement between said axially retracted position and said axially extended position, said guide member being non-movable in the axial direction relative to said caliper housing,

said first cam member being rotatably mounted within said caliper housing, but non-movably mounted in the axial direction, and said second cam member being movably mounted in the axial direction but non-rotatably mounted;

wherein said first cam member has a first camming surface, wherein said second cam member has a second camming surface, and wherein a space between said first camming surface and said second camming surface increases or decreases during operation of said actuated mechanism.

Images