Abstract: A retaining formation defined on a brake lever of an air disc brake includes a push fit/snap fit connection for releasably securing a push rod to a brake lever. The retaining formation can include a pinned connection and a ball and socket joint, and a main axis of the pinned connection is coincident with a center of rotation of the ball and socket joint. The retaining formation can include a concave formation on one of the push rod and the brake lever and a corresponding convex formation on the other of the push rod and the brake lever. The concave formation at least partially surrounds the convex formation to prevent axial separation of the push rod and the brake lever. A method of assembling a brake subassembly includes the steps of assembling a push rod and a brake lever including a retaining formation such that at least a portion of the retaining formation deforms during assembly and resiles when the push rod is assembled to the brake lever to provide a snap fit connection therebetween.

Abstract: A retaining formation defined on a brake lever of an air disc brake includes a push fit/snap fit connection for releasably securing a push rod to a brake lever. The retaining formation can include a pinned connection and a ball and socket joint, and a main axis of the pinned connection is coincident with a center of rotation of the ball and socket joint. The retaining formation can include a concave formation on one of the push rod and the brake lever and a corresponding convex formation on the other of the push rod and the brake lever. The concave formation at least partially surrounds the convex formation to prevent axial separation of the push rod and the brake lever. A method of assembling a brake subassembly includes the steps of assembling a push rod and a brake lever including a retaining formation such that at least a portion of the retaining formation deforms during assembly and resiles when the push rod is assembled to the brake lever to provide a snap fit connection therebetween.

Abstract: A brake system includes a brake disc having a first disc face and a second disc face on a first side and a second side, respectively, of the brake disc. The brake disc is mounted rotatably fast with but longitudinally slidable on a rotatable shaft. The brake disc is clampable between a first friction surface of a fixed brake pad positioned on the first side of the brake disc and a second friction surface of a moveable brake pad positioned on the second side of the brake disc. The system further includes a disc positioner operable to define a running clearance between the first disc face and the first friction surface. The disc positioner is adjustable to maintain the running clearance as the fixed brake pad wears. A biasing member located on the second side of the brake disc maintains contact between the disc positioner and first disc face of the brake disc.

Abstract: A brake actuating apparatus includes a force transmission element operable to transmit a brake actuating force and an abutment member moveable to abut the force transmission element. A piezo-electric device operable on expansion applies a force between the abutment member and the force transmission element to move the force transmission element in a direction of brake actuation. A support member moveable independently of the abutment member supports the force transmission element in the new position following expansion of the piezo-electric device.

Abstract: A vehicle brake assembly includes a first brake housing portion having an assembly opening formed through a lower face. The lower face is substantially perpendicular to a front face which faces a brake rotor. Bearing blocks, needle bearings, and a lever assembly are passed through the assembly opening. A brake actuation mechanism, closing plate, and a second housing portion are assembled to the first housing. The addition of the assembly opening perpendicular to the front face provides greater flexibility with regard to accommodating specific assembly line sequence requirements.

Abstract: A first threaded member is supported for rotation about a screw axis (C; C'; C") parallel to the axis (A) of a brake disc in a casing which is disposed axially next to the brake disc when in built-in position. A second threaded member is fixed against rotation and connected to the first threaded member by a readjustment thread pair so that the two threaded members together form a longitudinally adjustable tappet for exerting an actuating force on a brake pad. A rotary member is rotatable about an axis of rotation (B) of its own which extends at least approximately parallel to the brake disc, for axially displacing the tappet by means of an actuator member. A gear connection is provided between the rotary member and the first threaded member, comprising an angle drive and a coupling arrangement to transmit a limited torque for readjustment of the brake pad mentioned.

Abstract: At least one brake shoe (14) comprising a lining support member (16) and two lining sections (20) fastened one behind the other in circumferential direction to the support member (16) is arranged in a brake drum (10) which has a circular cylindrical internal braking surface (12). Each lining section (20) has an at least approximately circular cylindrical friction surface (22) the radius of curvature (R22) of which is smaller than the radius of curvature (R12) of the braking surface (12) and the center of curvature (M22) of which is located such that only a center portion of the friction surface (22) engages the braking surface (12) upon actuation of the brake.