Meritor Heavy Vehicle Systems Limited

Rockwell Heavy Vehicle Systems, Inc.

Roberto Forni

Giovanni Sacchi

Fabio Santinato

Roberto Conti

A gear driven adjusting system adjusts the position of adjusting pistons and a load plate in a disc brake. A gear toothed section is mounted to selectably rotate with the eccentric of the disc brake system. Clearance between the eccentric and the gear toothed sector allows some rotation of the eccentric without corresponding rotation of the gear toothed section. Thus, clearance is provided between the friction material and the brake drum in a non-braking position. The gear tooth connection provides a positive drive to the adjustment system and also predictability in the amount of adjustment. An over-torque clutch is positioned in the transmission between the gear toothed section and an adjustment gear. The over-torque connection insures there will not be too much adjustment of the adjusting piston.

Disc brake with gear driven adjusting piston

A brake incorporates a load plate directly connected to an adjusting piston. Preferably, a bolt connects the two. The direct connection ensures even pressure from the plate to a friction material, and uniform wear. In the prior art, the connections tended to allow movement between the load plate and the adjusting piston. With this known type of connection, there has sometimes been uneven wear of the friction material. The present invention which directly fixes the load plate to the adjusting piston provides for even wear on the friction material, and better operation of the brake system.

Growing community of inventors

Novara, Italy

Roberto Forni