Claims:We Claim:
1. A caliper for a disc brake including a disc, the caliper comprising:
a body;
a first pair of levers pivotally coupled to the body and configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, the first pair of levers facilitates an application of brake in the first position, and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the second position; and
a second pair of levers pivotally coupled to the first pair of levers and configured to pivot between an engaged position and a free position, the second pair of levers facilitates the application of brake in the engaged position, and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the free position,
wherein the first pair of levers pivots relative to the body in response to the pivoting of the second pair of levers.

2. The caliper as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first pair of levers includes a first lever pivotally attached to the body, and a second lever disposed spaced apart from the first lever and pivotally attached to the body.

3. The caliper as claimed in claim 2, wherein the second pair of levers includes a third lever pivotally attached to the first lever and a fourth lever disposed spaced apart from the third lever and pivotally coupled to the second lever.

4. The caliper as claimed in claim 1 including a plurality of pad holders coupled to the first pair of levers and the second pair of levers.

5. The caliper as claimed in claim 1 including a plurality of brake pads coupled to the plurality of pad holders.

6. The caliper as claimed in claim 1 including an actuator engaged with the second pair of levers and adapted to move the second pair of levers between the engaged position and the free position.

7. A disc brake for a vehicle, comprising:
a disc adapted to couple to a wheel of the vehicle;

a body;
a first pair of levers pivotally coupled to the body and configured to pivot between a first position and a second position, the first pair of levers facilitates an application of brake in the first position, and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the second position; and
a second pair of levers pivotally coupled to the first pair of levers and configured to pivot between an engaged position and a free position, the second pair of levers facilitates an application of brake in the engaged position, and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the free position,
wherein the first pair of levers pivots relative to the body in response to the pivoting of the second pair of levers.

8. The disc brake as claimed in claim 7 including an actuator engaged with the second pair of levers and adapted to pivot the second pair of levers between the engaged position and the free position.
9. The disc brake as claimed in claim 7, wherein the first pair of levers includes a first lever pivotally attached to the body, and a second lever disposed spaced apart from the first lever and pivotally attached to the body.

10. The disc brake as claimed in claim 9, wherein the second pair of levers includes a third lever pivotally attached to the first lever and a fourth lever disposed spaced apart from the third lever and pivotally coupled to the second lever.

Dated this the 23th day of December, 2019

[VIVEK SINGH- IN/PA 2786]
OF SAGACIOUS RESEARCH
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT

To
The Controller of Patents
The Patent Office
Chennai
, Description:A CALIPER FOR A DISC BRAKE
Technical Field
[0001] The present disclosure pertains to a disc brake for a rail vehicle. More particularly, the present disclosure pertains to a caliper for disc brake having a plurality of levers to provide increased braking force.
Background
[0002] Vehicles, such as rail vehicles, include a disc brake having a caliper for applying brakes to the vehicle. The caliper, generally, include a pair of levers for moving brake pads in engagement to a disc of the disc brake for applying brakes. Also, a braking force applied by the caliper on the disc is limited to the leverage produced by the pair of levers. Therefore, for increasing the braking force, the leverage produced by the levers may be enhanced by increasing various dimensions, such as length, of each of the pair of the levers. This leads to an increase in a size of the caliper, and hence the disc brake. However, increasing the size of the caliper and/or the disc brake is generally undesirable due to the space constraints for mounting the disc brake on the vehicle.
Summary
[0003] According to an aspect of the disclosure a caliper for a disc brake including a disc is disclosed. The caliper includes a body, a first pair of levers pivotally coupled to the body, and a second pair of levers pivotally coupled to the first pair of levers. The first pair of levers is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. The first pair of levers facilitates an application of brake in the first position and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the second position. The second pair of levers is configured to pivot between an engaged position and a free position. The second pair of levers facilitates the application of brake in the engaged position and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the free position. Further, the first pair of levers pivots relative to the body in response to the pivoting of the second pair of levers.
[0004] In an embodiment, the first pair of levers includes a first lever pivotally attached to the body and a second lever disposed spaced apart from the first lever and pivotally attached to the body.
[0005] According to yet another embodiment, the second pair of levers includes a third lever pivotally attached to the first lever, and a fourth lever disposed spaced apart from the third lever and pivotally coupled to the second lever.
[0006] In an embodiment, the caliper includes a plurality of pad holders coupled to the first pair of levers and the second pair of levers.
[0007] In an embodiment, the caliper includes a plurality of brake pads coupled to the plurality of pad holders.
[0008] In another embodiment, the caliper includes an actuator engaged with the second pair of levers and adapted to move the second pair of levers between the engaged position and the free position.
[0009] According to another aspect, a disc brake for a vehicle is disclosed. The disc brake includes a disc adapted to couple to a wheel of the vehicle, a body, a first pair of levers and a second pair of levers. The first pair of levers is pivotally coupled to the body and is configured to pivot between a first position and a second position. The first pair of levers facilitates an application of brake in the first position and is disposed at a distance from the disc in the second position. Further, the second pair of levers is pivotally coupled to the first pair of levers and is configured to pivot between an engaged position and a free position. In the engaged position, the second pair of levers facilitates an application of brake, while in the free position, the second pair of levers is disposed at a distance from the disc. Further, the first pair of levers pivots relative to the body in response to the pivoting of the second pair of levers.
[0010] In an embodiment, the disc brake includes an actuator engaged with the second pair of levers and adapted to pivot the second pair of levers between the engaged position and the free position.
[0011] In another embodiment, the first pair of levers includes a first lever pivotally attached to the body, and a second lever disposed spaced apart from the first lever and pivotally attached to the body.
[0012] In yet another embodiment, the second pair of levers includes a third lever pivotally attached to the first lever and a fourth lever disposed spaced apart from the third lever and pivotally coupled to the second lever.
[0013] For a more complete understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. In the drawing, like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views in which.
Brief Description of the Drawings
[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a disc brake having a caliper, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0015] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the caliper, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure; and
[0016] FIG. 3 illustrates an exploded view of the caliper, in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure.
Detailed Description
[0017] Referring to FIG. 1 a disc brake 100 suitable for attachment to a wheel of a vehicle for applying brakes to the vehicle is shown. In an embodiment, the vehicle may be a rail vehicle having one or more locomotives and one or more rail wagons attached to the one or more locomotives. Although the rail vehicle (train) is contemplated as the vehicle, it may be appreciated that any other type of vehicle, such as, but not limited to, an agricultural vehicle, an earth moving vehicle, or any other type of vehicle may also be utilized. The disc brake 100 includes a disc 102 adapted for mounting to the wheel or an axle such that the disc 102 rotates in response to a rotation of the wheel or the axle, and a caliper 104 adapted to engage with the disc 102 to apply brakes to the vehicle and disengage from the disc 102 to release the application of brake.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, the caliper 104 includes a body 108 adapted for connection with an undercarriage of the vehicle, a first pair of levers pivotally coupled to the body 108, and a second pair of levers pivotally coupled to the first pair of levers. The first pair of levers includes a first lever 110 and a second lever 112 disposed spaced apart from the first lever 110 and are adapted to move between a first position and a second position. In an embodiment, in the first position, the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 facilitate a braking of the vehicle, while in the second position, the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 remain relatively away from the disc 102, thereby maintaining the brakes in a release condition. Further, the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 are disposed and connected to opposite sides 114, 116 of the body 108. Accordingly, the body 108 is disposed between the first lever 110 and the second lever 112, and may include a first elongated hole 120 disposed on the first side 114 and a second elongated hole 122 disposed on the second side 116. The first elongated hole 120 is adapted to receive a first pin 124 to facilitate the pivotal attachment of the first lever 110 with the body 108, while the second elongated hole 122 is adapted to receive a second pin 126 to facilitate the pivotal attachment of the second lever 112 with the body 108. In an embodiment, the first lever 110 pivots about a first pivot axis (not shown) that is aligned with a central axis 132 of the first elongated hole 120, while the second lever 112 pivots about a second pivot axis (not shown) that is aligned with a central axis 136 of the second elongated hole 122.
[0019] Similarly, the second pair of levers includes a third lever 140 and a fourth lever 142 disposed spaced apart from the third lever 140 and are adapted to move between an engaged position and a free position. In an embodiment, in the engaged position, the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 facilitate a braking of the vehicle, while in the free position, the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 are disposed relatively at a distance from the disc 102, thereby maintaining the brake in a release condition. Further, the third lever 140 and the second lever 112 are disposed on the opposite sides 114, 116 of the body 108 and are, respectively, pivotally coupled to the first lever 110 and the second lever 112. Further, it may be appreciated that the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 are similar in construction, function, and assembly, and for the sake of clarity and brevity, the structure, function, and assembly of only the first lever 110 will be explained. Similarly, the fourth lever 142 is similar in construction, function, and assembly to that of the third lever 140, and for the sake of clarity and brevity, the structure, function, and assembly of only the third lever 140 will be explained.
[0020] As shown, the first lever 110 may include a first elongated member 144, a second elongated member 146 disposed spaced apart from the first elongated member 144, and a cross member 150 connecting a medial portion 152 of the first elongated member 144 with a medial portion 154 of the second elongated member 146. The first elongated member 144 includes a first longitudinal end 156, a second longitudinal end 158, a first end portion 160 extending from the first longitudinal end 156 to the medial portion 152, and a second end portion 162 extending from the second longitudinal end 158 to the medial portion 152. The first elongated member 144 further includes a connecting hole 164 (hereinafter referred to as first connecting hole 164) extending through a thickness of the first elongated member 144 and located at an interface of the medial portion 152 with the second end portion 162. The first connecting hole 164 facilitates a connection of the first elongated member 144 (i.e. the first lever 110) with the body 108. For so doing, the first pin 124 is received inside the first connecting hole 164. In an embodiment, a central axis 166 of the first connecting hole 164 is substantially perpendicular to a length of the first elongated member 144 and may be substantially parallel to the cross member 150.
[0021] Also, the second end portion 162 may be disposed at an angle relative to the medial portion 152. In an embodiment, the second end portion 162 may extend at the angle relative to the medial portion 152 such that the second longitudinal end 158 is disposed distally from the body 108 relative to the interface of the medial portion 152 with the second end portion 162. Therefore, the second longitudinal end 158 is disposed proximate to the third lever 140 relative to the medial portion 152. As shown, the second longitudinal end 158 is connected to the third lever 140. To facilitate the connection or attachment of the first elongated member 144 with the third lever 140, the first elongated member 144 may define a first hole 170 disposed proximate to the second longitudinal end 158 and extending through the thickness of the first elongated member 144. In an embodiment, the first hole 170 facilitates an attachment of the first elongated member 144 with the third lever 140. The first elongated member 144 is attached to the third lever 140 via a third pin 172 that extends through the first hole 170.
[0022] Similar to the first elongated member 144, the second elongated member 146 may include a first longitudinal end 174 disposed proximate to the disc 102, a second longitudinal end 176 disposed distally from the disc 102, a first end portion 178 extending from the first longitudinal end 174 to the medial portion 154, and a second end portion 180 extending from the second longitudinal end 176 to the medial portion 154. As with the second end portion 162 of the first elongated member 144, the second end portion 180 of the second elongated member 146 may extend at an angle relative to the medial portion 154 such that a distance between the body 108 and the second elongated member 146 increases in a direction away from the medial portion 154 and towards the second longitudinal end 176. Further, the second elongated member 146 includes a connecting hole 182 (hereinafter referred to as second connecting hole 182) disposed at an interface of the medial portion 154 and the second end portion 180 and extending through an entire thickness of the second elongated member 146. Accordingly, the second connecting hole 182 is a through hole that facilitates an attachment of the second elongated member 146 with the body 108 via the first pin 124. Accordingly, in an assembly of the first lever 110 with the body 108, the first pin 124 extends through the first elongated hole 120, the first connecting hole 164, and the second connecting hole 182. Further, in the assembly of the first lever 110 with the body 108, the body 108 is sandwiched or disposed between the first elongated member 144 and the second elongated member 146.
[0023] Further, the second elongated member 146 defines a second hole 184 disposed proximate to the second longitudinal end 176 to facilitate an attachment of the second elongated member 146, and hence the first lever 110 to the third lever 140. The second hole 184 may be a through hole extending through the entire thickness of the second elongated member 146, and may be aligned with the first hole 170. In an implementation, the third pin 172 connecting the first elongated member 144 to the third lever 140 also connects the second elongated member 146 to the third lever 140. For so doing, the third pin 172 passes through both the first hole 170 and the second hole 184 and respective holes of the third lever 140.
[0024] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the third lever 140 may include the first longitudinal member 190 and a second longitudinal member 192, and a cross member 194 connecting the first longitudinal member 190 and the second longitudinal member 192. The first longitudinal member 190 includes a first end 196 disposed proximate to the disc 102 and a second end 198 disposed distally to the disc 102. The second end 198 is connected to an actuator 200 that applies force on the third lever 140 to facilitate the pivoting of the third lever 140 about an axis 202 from the first position to the second position and from the second position to the first position. In an embodiment, the first longitudinal member 190 includes a through opening 204 (hereinafter referred to as first through opening 204) extending through an entire thickness of the first longitudinal member 190 and disposed between the cross member 194 and the second end 198. In an embodiment, the first through opening 204 is disposed proximate and adjacent of the cross member 194. The first through opening 204 may facilitate a pivotal coupling of the third lever 140 with the first lever 110 by receiving a portion of the third pin 172. In an assembly, the first through opening 204 is aligned with the first hole 170 and the second hole 184 such that the first elongated member 144 and the second elongated member 146 are disposed between the first longitudinal member 190 and the second longitudinal member 192. In this manner, a central axis of the first through opening 204 is aligned with the axis 202. Further, the first longitudinal member 190 includes a pair of through holes, for example, a third hole 210 and a fourth hole 212 defined at the first end 196 and the second end 198 respectively. The fourth hole 212 facilitates the connection of the third lever 140 with the actuator 200.
[0025] Similar to the first longitudinal member 190, the second longitudinal member 192 may include a first end 214 disposed proximate to the disc 102 and a second end 216 disposed distally from the disc 102. The second end 216 is connected to the actuator 200 that applies force on the third lever 140 to facilitate the pivoting of the third lever 140 about the axis 202. In an embodiment, the second longitudinal member 192 includes a second through opening 220 extending through an entire thickness of the second longitudinal member 192 and disposed between the cross member 194 and the second end 216. In an embodiment, the second through opening 220 is disposed proximate and adjacent of the cross member 194. The second through opening 220 may facilitate a pivotal coupling of the third lever 140 with the first lever 110. To couple the third lever 140 to the first lever 110, the third pin 172 passes through the second through opening 220. In an assembly, the second through opening 220 is aligned with the first hole 170 and the second hole 184 such that the first elongated member 144 and the second elongated member 146 are disposed between the first longitudinal member 190 and the second longitudinal member 192. Further, the second longitudinal member 192 includes a pair of through holes, for example, a fifth hole 222 and a sixth hole 224 defined at the first end 214 and the second end 216 respectively. The sixth hole 224 facilitates the connection of the third lever 140 with the actuator 200. The actuator 200 applies the force on the third lever 140 such that the third lever 140 pivots about the axis 202 that is aligned with central axes of the first through opening 204 and the second through opening 220.
[0026] As shown in FIG. 1, the actuator 200 may be disposed between the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 and adapted to apply force on the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 to move the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 to the first position and the second position. In an embodiment, the actuator 200 may be a liner actuator well known in the art.
[0027] Further, referring again to FIGS. 1 to 3, the caliper 104 includes a plurality of pad holders, for example, a first pad holder 230, a second pad holder 232, a third pad holder 234, a fourth pad holder 236, a fifth pad holder 238, and a sixth pad holder 240. The first pad holder 230 is connected to the first lever 110, while the second pad holder 232 and the third pad holder 234 are connected to the third lever 140. As shown, the first pad holder 230 is disposed at the first longitudinal end 156 of the first elongated member 144 and the second elongated member 146. Further, the first pad holder 230 may be connected to both the first elongated member 144 and the second elongated member 146 by using a fastener, such as, a pin. Similarly, the fourth pad holder 236 is connected to the second lever 112.
[0028] Further, the second pad holder 232 may be disposed at the first end 196 of the first longitudinal member 190, while the third pad holder 234 may be disposed at the first end 214 of the second longitudinal member 192. Similar to the first pad holder 230, the second pad holder 232 and the third pad holder 234 may be connected, respectively, to the first longitudinal member 190 and the second longitudinal member 192 using one or more fasteners, such as, pins. In this manner, the second pad holder 232 and the third pad holder 234 are coupled/engaged/attached to the third lever 140. Similarly, the fifth pad holder 238 and the sixth pad holder 240 may be connected to the fourth lever 142. Further, caliper 104 includes a plurality of brake pads (not shown) attached with the plurality of pad holders 230, 232, 234, 236, 238, and 240. The plurality of pads engages/abuts with the disc 102 when the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 are in the first position and the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 are in the engaged position, thereby facilitating application of brakes to reduce the speed of the wheel.
[0029] An operation of the disc brake 100 is now explained. During normal running operation of the vehicle, the disc 102 rotates along with the wheel, and the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 are disposed in the second position, while the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 are located in the free position. For stopping or reducing the speed of the vehicle, an operator may operate a handle or paddle or air supply to apply brake to the wheel. In response to the movement of the handle or paddle for applying the brakes, the actuator 200 applies a force on the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 to cause the pivoting of the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 relative to first lever 110 and the second lever 112 respectively. Due to the pivoting of the third lever 140 about the axis 202, the third lever 140 moves from the free position to the engaged position, resulting into an engagement or abutment of associated brake pads with the disc 102. Similarly, the fourth lever 142 also moves to the engaged position that results into an engagement or abutment of associated brake pads with disc 102. Further, due to the pivotal motion of the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142, the third lever 140 and the fourth lever 142 apply force on the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 respectively, resulting into the pivoting of the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 relative to the body 108. Due to the pivoting of the first lever 110 and the second lever 112, the first lever 110 and the second lever 112 move to the first position from the second position, resulting into engagement of associated brake pads with the disc 102. Due to the engagement of the brake pads with the disc 102, a friction force is applied on the disc 102, causing a reduction in the rotational speed of the wheel. As the caliper 104 provides for four levers 110, 112, 140, 142, additional braking force is transmitted or applied to the disc 102 resulting into an easy and effecting braking of the vehicle.
[0030] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present disclosure have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The exemplary embodiment was chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present disclosure and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present disclosure and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated.
LIST OF ELEMENTS
100 brake disc
102 disc
104 caliper
108 body
110 first lever
112 second lever
114 first side
116 second side
120 first elongated hole
122 second elongated hole
124 first pin
126 second pin
132 central axis
136 central axis
140 third lever
142 fourth lever
144 first elongated member
146 second elongated member
150 cross member
152 medial portion
154 medial portion
156 first longitudinal end
158 second longitudinal end
160 first end portion
162 second end portion
164 connecting hole
166 central axis
170 first hole
172 third pin
174 first longitudinal end
176 second longitudinal end
178 first end portion
180 second end portion
182 second connecting hole
184 second hole
190 first longitudinal member
192 second longitudinal member
194 cross member
196 first end
198 second end
200 actuator
202 axis
204 first through opening
210 third hole
212 fourth hole
214 first end
216 second end
220 second through opening
222 fifth hole
224 sixth hole
230 first pad holder
232 second pad holder
234 third pad holder
236 fourth pad holder
238 fifth pad holder
240 sixth pad holder