CN112984011B

CN112984011B - disc brake caliper

Info

Publication number: CN112984011B
Application number: CN202011485463.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 田端孝裕; 山崎敦史; 青山高峰
Original assignee: Shimano Inc
Current assignee: Shimano Inc
Priority date: 2019-12-17
Filing date: 2020-12-16
Publication date: 2023-11-21
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-16
Also published as: DE102019219811A1; CN117307633A; TW202129168A; CN112984011A

Abstract

A disc brake caliper includes a caliper body, a piston, and a plug. The clamp body includes a fluid chamber, a plug bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber through a fluid passageway, a bleed bore fluidly connected to the plug bore, and a pair of mounting portions having mounting surfaces. The piston is movably provided to the caliper body. The plug is movable in the plug bore between a first position fluidly disconnecting the relief bore from the fluid passage and a second position fluidly connecting the relief bore to the fluid passage via the plug bore. In a mounted condition in which the disc brake caliper is mounted directly or indirectly on a vehicle frame, no portion of the caliper body between the mounting surfaces extends beyond the mounting surfaces in a direction towards the vehicle frame.

Description

Disc brake caliper

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to a disc brake caliper for a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle). More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a disc brake caliper as follows: having a bleed structure for bleeding fluid from the disc brake caliper.

Background

In general, there are several types of brake devices currently available on the market for use with human powered vehicles, such as bicycles. Examples of certain types of common bicycle brake devices include rim brakes and disc brakes. Disc brakes have become increasingly popular for human powered vehicles (e.g., bicycles). In particular, disc brakes provide a considerable braking power relative to the amount of braking force applied to a brake lever or pedal, as compared to rim brakes. Furthermore, disc brake systems generally provide a high level of braking consistency under all types of weather and riding conditions. The disc brake may be cable operated or hydraulically operated.

Disclosure of Invention

In general, the present disclosure is directed to various features of disc brake calipers. In one feature, the disc brake caliper is provided with a bleed structure for bleeding fluid from the disc brake caliper.

In view of the state of the known technology and according to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a disc brake caliper is provided, which basically comprises a caliper body, a piston and a plug. The clamp body includes a fluid chamber, a plug bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber through a fluid passage, a bleed bore fluidly connected to the plug bore, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface. The piston is movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis. The plug is movably disposed in the plug bore between a first position fluidly disconnecting the relief bore from the fluid passage and a second position fluidly connecting the relief bore to the fluid passage via the plug bore. In a mounted state in which the disc brake caliper is mounted directly or indirectly via a mounting adapter on a vehicle frame, no portion of the caliper body located between the first and second mounting surfaces extends beyond the first and second mounting surfaces in a direction towards the vehicle frame.

With the disc brake caliper according to the first aspect, the disc brake caliper can be easily released when the disc brake caliper is mounted on the vehicle frame directly or indirectly via the mounting adapter.

According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a disc brake caliper basically comprising a caliper body, a piston and a plug. The clamp body includes a fluid chamber, a plug bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber through a fluid passage, a bleed bore fluidly connected to the plug bore, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface with a first fastening opening defining a first mounting axis, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface with a second fastening opening defining a second mounting axis. The piston is movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis. The plug is movably disposed in the plug bore between a first position fluidly disconnecting the relief bore from the fluid passage and a second position fluidly connecting the relief bore to the fluid passage via the plug bore. The plug overlaps the piston when viewed in a direction parallel to the first and second mounting axes.

With the disc brake caliper according to the second aspect, when the disc brake caliper is mounted on the vehicle frame directly or indirectly via the mounting adapter, a tool can be easily applied to the plug for moving the plug to perform the bleeding operation.

According to a third aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the first or second aspect is configured such that the plug bore has an annular groove in which a seal ring is located. The plug contacts the seal ring in both the first and second positions of the plug.

With the disc brake caliper according to the third aspect, the plug bore can be sealed when the plug is in the first and second positions without reducing the strength of the plug.

According to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the third aspect is configured such that the plug bore has an opening and a threaded section. The threaded section is located between the opening and the annular groove.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fourth aspect, the plug can be easily moved between the first position and the second position.

According to a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to fourth aspects is configured such that the plug bore has a plug bore axis. The bleed bore has a bleed bore axis perpendicular to the plug bore axis.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fifth aspect, when the disc brake caliper is mounted on the vehicle frame directly or indirectly via the mounting adapter, the bleed bore can be easily accessed and the bleed hose attached for performing a bleed operation

According to a sixth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to fifth aspects is configured such that the caliper body further comprises a rotor receiving groove configured to receive a disc brake rotor and an attachment bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber. The attachment bore is configured to attach to a hydraulic fluid supply hose. The plug bore and bleed bore are located on a first side relative to the rotor receiving groove. The attachment bore is located on a second side relative to the rotor receiving slot. The first and second sides are on opposite sides with respect to the rotor receiving slot along the piston movement axis.

With the disc brake caliper according to the sixth aspect, the hydraulic fluid supply hose may be routed along the inner portion of the frame to clean the appearance of the human powered vehicle, while the plug bore and the bleed bore are located on the outer portion of the frame to easily enter the plug bore and the bleed bore during a bleed operation.

According to a seventh aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the sixth aspect is configured such that the first and second mounting portions are located on the first side with respect to the rotor receiving groove.

With the disc brake caliper according to the seventh aspect, the rotor receiving slot can be appropriately positioned with respect to the frame so as to receive the rotor.

According to an eighth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the sixth or seventh aspect further includes another piston movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along the piston movement axis such that the pistons are located on opposite sides of the rotor receiving groove.

With the disc brake caliper according to the eighth aspect, a braking force can be applied to each side of the rotor such that the rotor does not flex in the axial direction with respect to the rotational axis of the rotor.

According to a ninth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to eighth aspects further comprises a plug cap configured to at least partially close the plug bore.

With the disc brake caliper according to the ninth aspect, the plug cap protects the plug and the plug bore from dust and other debris.

According to a tenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the ninth aspect is configured such that the plug includes a tool engagement bore and external threads threadably engaging the plug bore, and the plug cap is configured to be attached to the tool engagement bore of the plug.

With the disc brake caliper according to the tenth aspect, the plug can be easily moved between the first and second positions using a conventional tool, and the plug cap can be easily and securely maintained on the caliper body.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present disclosure there is provided a disc brake caliper, which basically comprises a caliper body and a piston. The clamp body includes a fluid chamber, a relief bore selectively and fluidly connected to the fluid chamber, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface. The piston is movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis. The bleed bore has a central bleed bore axis parallel to the piston movement axis. In a mounted state in which the disc brake caliper is mounted directly or indirectly via a mounting adapter on a vehicle frame, no portion of the caliper body located between the first and second mounting surfaces extends beyond the first and second mounting surfaces in a direction towards the vehicle frame.

With the disc brake caliper according to the eleventh aspect, when the disc brake caliper is mounted on the vehicle frame directly or indirectly via the mounting adapter, the drain hose can be easily attached to the drain bore to perform the drain operation.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to eleventh aspects is configured such that the caliper body includes a cylinder bore defining the fluid chamber and an end wall at one end of the cylinder bore. The piston has a first end facing the end wall and a second end facing away from the end wall, one of the end wall of the clamp body and the first end of the piston including a protruding portion protruding into the fluid chamber and an annular recessed portion surrounding the protruding portion.

With the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect, the fluid flow path is formed in the fluid chamber that minimizes air trapped in the fluid chamber during the bleeding operation.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the twelfth aspect is configured such that the first end portion of the piston has the convex portion and the annular concave portion.

With the disc brake caliper according to the thirteenth aspect, a fluid flow path can be easily formed around the piston.

According to a fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to the thirteenth aspect is configured such that the other of the end wall of the caliper body and the first end of the piston includes an annular projecting portion projecting into the fluid chamber so as to face the annular recessed portion and a recessed portion surrounded by the annular projecting portion so as to face the projecting portion.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fourteenth aspect, air can be more effectively removed from the fluid chamber during the bleeding operation.

According to a fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the twelfth to fourteenth aspects is configured such that the convex portion has a first outer diameter, and the annular concave portion has a second outer diameter that is equal to or smaller than two process percentages of the first outer diameter.

With the disc brake caliper according to the fifteenth aspect, there may be an effective annular recessed portion for removing air from the fluid chamber during a bleeding operation.

According to a sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the twelfth to fifteenth aspects is configured such that the convex portion has a flat end surface.

With the disc brake caliper according to the sixteenth aspect, the protruding portion can be easily manufactured.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to sixteenth aspects is configured such that each of the first and second mounting portions includes a threaded hole extending along a mounting axis, and a fixing bolt is screwed into the threaded hole so as to mount the disc brake caliper on the frame or the mounting adapter.

With the disc brake caliper according to the seventeenth aspect, the disc brake caliper can be easily mounted on the frame or the mounting adapter by means of a pair of fixing bolts.

According to an eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to seventeenth aspects further comprises a bleed cap configured to at least partially close the bleed bore.

With the disc brake caliper according to the eighteenth aspect, the bleed cap protects the bleed bore from dust and other debris.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure, the disc brake caliper according to any one of the first to eighteenth aspects further comprises a drain hose adapter coupled to the drain bore such that a drain hose is coupled to the drain hose adapter. The drain cap is configured to be attached to at least one of the drain hose adapter and the drain bore.

With the disc brake caliper according to the nineteenth aspect, the drain hose can be easily attached to the drain bore.

Moreover, other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the disclosed disc brake caliper will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, which, taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferred embodiment of the disc brake caliper.

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 equipped with a pair of disc brake calipers in accordance with one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side elevational view of the front portion of the bicycle showing the disc brake caliper mounted to the front portion of the bicycle;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged side elevational view of the rear portion of the bicycle showing the disc brake caliper mounted to the rear portion of the bicycle;

FIG. 4 is an exterior perspective view of the disc brake caliper shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an exterior elevational view of the disc brake caliper illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4;

fig. 6 is an inside elevational view of the disc brake caliper illustrated in fig. 3-5;

fig. 7 is a bottom side view of the disc brake caliper shown in fig. 3-6;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the disc brake caliper illustrated in FIGS. 3-7 as seen along section line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an external perspective view of the disc brake caliper illustrated in FIGS. 3-8, with the disc brake caliper mounted to a frame of the bicycle;

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional view of the disc brake caliper illustrated in FIGS. 3-9 as seen along section line 10-10 of FIG. 5;

FIG. 11 is an external perspective view similar to FIG. 9 of a disc brake caliper mounted to a frame of a bicycle, but with the plug cap and bleeder cap exploded from the caliper body and the tool and bleeder hose positioned for use with the disc brake caliper;

FIG. 12 is an external perspective view similar to FIG. 11 of a disc brake caliper mounted to a frame of a bicycle, but with the tool engaged with the plug and the drain hose attached to the drain hose adapter;

FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 10 showing the disc brake caliper, but with the plug cap and bleeder cap removed and the tool engaged with the plug and the bleeder hose attached to the bleeder hose adapter;

FIG. 14 is an external perspective view similar to FIG. 12 of a disc brake caliper mounted to a frame of the bicycle, but with the plug moved to fluidly connect the bleed bore to the fluid chamber of the caliper body; and is also provided with

Fig. 15 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to fig. 13 showing the disc brake caliper, but with the plug moved to fluidly connect the bleed bore to the fluid chamber of the caliper body.

Detailed Description

Selected embodiments will now be explained with reference to the drawings. It will be apparent to those skilled in the bicycle art from this disclosure that the following description of the embodiments is provided for illustration only and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Referring first to fig. 1, a human powered vehicle a is shown having a body B equipped with a pair of disc brake calipers 10A and 10B according to one illustrated embodiment. A human powered vehicle refers to a vehicle that uses, at least in part, human power as the motive force for travel, and includes a vehicle that assists human power with electricity. A human powered vehicle does not include a vehicle that uses only motive power other than human power. In particular, human powered vehicles do not include vehicles that use only an internal combustion engine or only an electric motor as motive power. A human powered vehicle is a compact light vehicle that does not require a license to drive on a public road. Here, the human powered vehicle a is shown as a bicycle, and in particular a road bicycle. However, the human powered vehicle a is not limited to the road bike. For example, the human powered vehicle a may be a bicycle (mountain bike or city bike) or a three-wheeled human powered vehicle having a flat handlebar.

Basically, as seen in fig. 1, the vehicle body B has a frame BF (bicycle frame) and a front fork FF. The front fork FF is pivotally supported by the frame BF to pivot about the inclined vertical wheel axis in a front portion of the frame BF. The body B further includes a drop-down handlebar H coupled to the front fork FF, and a saddle or seat S coupled to the frame BF. The front fork FF rotatably supports the front wheels FW at a lower end of the front fork FF. The front wheel FW has a front disc brake rotor BR1, which front disc brake rotor BR1 is attached to the hub of the front wheel FW such that the front disc brake rotor BR1 rotates integrally with the front wheel FW. The frame BF rotatably supports a rear wheel RW rotatably supported on a rear portion of the frame BF. The rear wheel RW has a rear disc brake rotor BR2, and the rear disc brake rotor BR2 is attached to the hub of the rear wheel RW such that the rear disc brake rotor BR2 rotates integrally with the rear wheel RW.

As seen in fig. 1-3, disc brake caliper 10A is mounted to front fork FF, while disc brake caliper 10B is mounted to frame BF (i.e., chain stay). The disc brake caliper 10A is configured to engage the front disc brake rotor BR1 in a conventional manner. The disc brake caliper 10B is configured to engage the rear disc brake rotor BR2 in a conventional manner. Here, the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B are hydraulically operated, as explained below. The disc brake caliper 10A is fluidly connected to the brake operating device BD by a first hydraulic hose H1, while the disc brake caliper 10B is fluidly connected to the brake operating device (not shown) by a second hydraulic hose H2. Here, the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B are identical. Accordingly, the same reference numerals will be used for each of the components of the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B.

As seen in fig. 2 and 3, each of the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B includes a caliper body 12, a first mounting portion 14 having a first mounting surface 14a, and a second mounting portion 16 having a second mounting surface 16a. The first mounting surface 14a has a first fastening opening 14b defining a first mounting axis A1, and the second mounting surface 16a has a second fastening opening 16b defining a second mounting axis A2. Here, the first mounting surface 14a and the second mounting surface 16a define a single mounting plane PL1. However, the first mounting surface 14a and the second mounting surface 16a may be offset so as to define a pair of mounting planes.

Here, in the illustrated embodiment, the first mounting surface 14a and the second mounting surface 16a are two separate surfaces. However, the first mounting surface 14a and the second mounting surface 16a may be a single continuous surface as needed and/or desired. As seen in fig. 2 and 3, in the mounted state in which the caliper body 12 is mounted on the vehicle body B, the first mounting surface 14a and the second mounting surface 16a are configured to face the pipe portion of the vehicle body B. In the case of the disc brake caliper 10A, the first and second mounting surfaces 14a and 16a face the front fork FF (tube portion) of the vehicle body B. In the case of the disc brake caliper 10B, the first and second mounting surfaces 14a and 16a face the stay (pipe portion) of the frame BF of the vehicle body B.

The clamp body 12 is configured to be mounted to a human powered vehicle a (e.g., a bicycle). The clamp body 12 may be mounted to the body B either indirectly or directly. As seen in fig. 2, the caliper body 12 of the disc brake caliper 10A is indirectly mounted to the front fork FF of the vehicle body B via a base member or mounting adapter 18. As seen in fig. 3, the caliper body 12 of the disc brake caliper 10B is directly mounted to the frame BF of the vehicle body B. In the case of the disc brake caliper 10A, the first and second mounting portions 14 and 16 are mounted to the mounting adapter 18 by a pair of fixing bolts 20, and then the mounting adapter 18 is mounted to the vehicle frame BF by a pair of fixing bolts 22. On the other hand, in the case of the disc brake caliper 10B, the first and second mounting portions 14 and 16 are directly mounted to the vehicle frame BF by a pair of fixing bolts 24.

Thus, for each of the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B, the first mounting portion 14 includes a threaded bore 14c extending along the first mounting axis A1, and the fixing bolt 20 or 24 is threaded into the threaded bore 14c for mounting the disc brake caliper 10A or 10B on the vehicle frame BF or mounting adapter 18. Similarly, the second mounting portion 16 includes a threaded bore 16c extending along the second mounting axis A2, and the fixing bolt 20 or 24 is threadedly coupled into the threaded bore 16c to mount the disc brake caliper 10A or 10B to the frame BF or mounting adapter 18. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the clamp body 12 may be configured to be mounted to one of the body B and the mounting adapter 18 using only one of the set bolts 20 and 24.

The caliper body 12 and the first and second mounting portions 14 and 16 are configured to provide a flat mounted disc brake caliper. Thus, in the installed state in which the disc brake caliper 10B is directly or indirectly mounted to the vehicle frame BF via the mounting adapter 18, no portion of the caliper body 12 located between the first and second mounting surfaces 14a, 16a extends beyond the first and second mounting surfaces 14a, 16a in a direction toward the vehicle frame BF. In the case of the illustrated embodiment, in the installed state in which the disc brake caliper 10B is mounted directly or indirectly via the mounting adapter 18 on the caliper mounting portion of the frame BF, no portion of the caliper body 12 located between the first and second mounting surfaces 14a and 16a extends beyond the mounting plane PL1 defined by the first and second mounting surfaces 14a and 16a in a direction toward the caliper mounting portion of the frame BF.

As seen in fig. 7 and 8, the caliper body 12 further includes a rotor receiving slot 28 configured to receive a disc brake rotor (e.g., disc brake rotor BR1 or BR 2). The rotor receiving slot 28 divides the caliper body 12 into a first side S1 and a second side S2. The first and second mounting portions 14 and 16 are located on the first side S1 relative to the rotor receiving slot 28. In this way, the rotor receiving groove 28 is disposed inward of the vehicle body B. Moreover, the clamp body 12 further includes an attachment bore 30. The attachment bore 30 is configured to attach to a hydraulic fluid supply hose. In other words, the attachment bore 30 may be attached to the first hydraulic hose H1 or the second hydraulic hose H2 for receiving pressurized hydraulic fluid in response to operation of one of the brake operating devices BD. The attachment bore 30 is located on the second side S2 relative to the rotor receiving slot 28.

As seen in fig. 8, the center plane CP bisects the rotor-receiving slot 28, the rotor-receiving slot 28 dividing the caliper body 12 into a first body portion 31 and a second body portion 32. Here, the first body portion 31 and the second body portion 32 of the caliper body 12 are integrally formed as a one-piece member. In the illustrated embodiment, the clamp body 12 includes an end cap 33, the end cap 33 being a separate component from the second body portion 32.

Each of the first and second body portions 31 and 32 of the clamp body 12 includes a fluid chamber 34. In particular, each of the first and second body portions 31 and 32 of the clamp body 12 includes a cylinder bore 36 that partially defines the fluid chamber 34. Moreover, the first body portion 31 and the end cap 33 of the clamp body 12 include an end wall 38 at one end of the cylinder bore 36 that partially defines the fluid chamber 34. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the clamp body 12 may be provided with only one of the fluid chambers 34 as needed and/or desired. The attachment bore 30 is fluidly connected to a fluid chamber 34.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second body portions 31 and 32 and the end cap 33 are made of a metallic material (e.g., an aluminum alloy, a magnesium alloy, etc.). However, the materials of the clamp body 12 and the end cap 33 are not limited to the metal materials. Here, the first and second body portions 31 and 32 are preferably first cast as a one-piece member and then subsequently machined to their final shape, as seen in fig. 2-8. The end cap 33 is then attached to the second body portion 32. However, it will be apparent from this disclosure that the first and second body portions 31 and 32 of the clamp body 12 may be made of separate portions that are secured together as needed and desired. In this case, the second body portion 32 and the end cap 33 may be integrally formed as a single piece member, and attached to the first body portion 31.

As seen in fig. 8, each of the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B further includes a piston 40. The piston 36 is movably provided to the caliper body 12 so as to move along a piston movement axis A3. Preferably, the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B further include another piston 40, the other piston 40 being movably provided to the caliper body 12 so as to move along the piston movement axis A3 such that the piston 40 is located on opposite sides S1 and S2 of the rotor receiving slot 28. In particular, the piston 40 is movably disposed in the cylinder bore 36 along a piston movement axis A3. Thus, here, the piston 40 defines the fluid chamber 34 together with the end cap 33 and the cylinder bore 36. Although the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B have a two-piston arrangement, the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B may be configured to have only a single-piston arrangement. In other words, the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B may be configured with only one of the fluid chambers 34 as needed and/or desired.

As seen in fig. 8, each of the pistons 40 has a first end 42 facing the end wall 38 and a second end 44 facing away from the end wall 38. One of the end wall 38 of the clamp body 12 and the first end 42 of the piston 40 includes a protruding portion protruding into the fluid chamber 34 and an annular recessed portion surrounding the protruding portion. Preferably, the other of the end wall 38 of the clamp body 12 and the first end 42 of the piston 40 includes an annular projection projecting into the fluid chamber 34 so as to face the annular recess and a recess surrounded by the annular projection so as to face the projection. In the illustrated embodiment, the first end 42 of the piston 40 has a male portion 42a and an annular female portion 42b. The annular concave portion 42b surrounds the convex portion 42a. Preferably, the protruding portion 42a has a flat end surface. Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the end wall 38 of the clamp body 12 includes an annular projecting portion 38a projecting into the fluid chamber 34 so as to face the annular recessed portion 42b, and a recessed portion 38b surrounded by the annular projecting portion 38a so as to face the projecting portion 42a. In the illustrated embodiment, the protruding portion 42a has a first outer diameter D1, and the annular recessed portion 42b has a second outer diameter D2 that is equal to or less than two process percentages of the first outer diameter D1. The first outer diameter D1 is larger than the second outer diameter D2. Also, it is preferable that the convex portion 42a has substantially the same diameter as the concave portion 38b (±1.0 mm). Also, it is preferable that the concave portion 42b has substantially the same diameter as the annular convex portion 38a (±1.0 mm). Specifically, in the illustrated embodiment, the first outer diameter D1 of the protruding portion 42a is about 15.7 millimeters, the outer diameter of the recessed portion 38b is about 16.0 millimeters, the second outer diameter D2 of the annular recessed portion 42b is about 21.0 millimeters, and the outer diameter of the annular protruding portion 38a is about 21.0 millimeters.

Preferably, an annular sealing ring 46 is disposed between the cylinder bore 36 and the piston 40 to seal the interface therebetween. The annular seal ring 46 is preferably an O-ring made of an elastomeric material, such as a rubber material compatible with the hydraulic fluid used in the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B.

Each of the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B further includes a pair of brake pads 48. The brake pads 48 are movably coupled to the caliper body 12 in the brake rotor receiving slots 30. Brake pad 48 is movably attached to caliper body 12 by a backing pin 50 having a clip 52. The brake rotor BR1 or BR2 is disposed between the brake pads 48. When the disc brake calipers 10A and 10B are in the non-actuated position, the brake pads 48 are maintained spaced apart by the biasing element 54. The piston 40 moves against the brake pad 48 due to the increase in fluid pressure in the fluid chamber 34 to squeeze the brake rotor BR1 or BR2 from opposite sides of the rotor receiving groove 28.

Preferably, the caliper body 12 is provided with a fluid venting arrangement for venting the brake system to remove air and/or fluid from the brake system. Here, to remove air and/or fluid from the brake system, the caliper body 12 further includes a caliper body 12 (fig. 10) including a bleed bore 60. The relief bore 60 is selectively and fluidly connected to the fluid chamber 34. In particular, the clamp body 12 includes a plug bore 62 fluidly connected to the fluid chamber 34 by a fluid passageway 64. The disc brake caliper 10B further includes a plug 66. The relief bore 60 is fluidly connected to the plug bore 62. The plug 66 is movably disposed in the plug bore 62 between a first position (fig. 13) fluidly disconnecting the relief bore 60 from the fluid passage 64 and a second position (fig. 15) fluidly connecting the relief bore 60 to the fluid passage 64 via the plug bore 62. The plug bore 62 and the bleed bore 60 are located on the first side S1 relative to the rotor receiving groove 28. The first and second sides S1 and S2 are located on opposite sides along the piston movement axis A3 relative to the rotor receiving slot 28.

To facilitate the bleeder operation, the disc brake caliper 10B further includes a bleeder hose adapter 68, the bleeder hose adapter 68 being coupled to the bleeder bore 60 such that a bleeder hose 70 is coupled to the bleeder hose adapter 68. Here, the relief bore 60 is a stepped bore having a first section 60a and a second portion 60b having a smaller diameter than the first section 60 a. The first section 60a includes internal threads 60c for threadably receiving the external threads of the drain hose adapter 68. In this manner, the drain hose adapter 68 is removably coupled in the drain bore 60 by a threaded connection. Alternatively, the drain hose adapter 68 may be incorporated into the drain bore 60 as needed and/or desired. Preferably, the relief bore 60 has a central bore axis B1 parallel to the piston movement axis A3. In this way, the drain hose 70 can be easily connected and disconnected from the drain hose adapter 68 without interference from the vehicle body B. The plug bore 62 has a plug bore axis B2. The bleed bore axis B1 is perpendicular to the plug bore axis B2. In this way, the plug 66 may be positioned such that the tool T may be easily used to move the plug 66 between the first and second positions. Preferably, as seen in fig. 5, the plug 66 overlaps the piston 40 when viewed in a direction parallel to the first and second mounting axes A1 and A2.

As seen in fig. 10, 13 and 15, the plug bore 62 has an annular groove 72 with a sealing ring 74 located in the annular groove 68. The plug 66 contacts the seal ring 74 in both the first and second positions of the plug 66. The plug bore 62 has an opening 62a and a threaded section 62b. Threaded section 62b is located between opening 62a and annular groove 72.

As seen in fig. 9 and 10, the disc brake caliper 10B further includes a bleed cap 76 configured to at least partially enclose the bleed bore 60. The drain cap 76 is configured to be attached to at least one of the drain hose adapter 68 and the drain bore 60. Moreover, disc brake caliper 10B further includes a plug cap 78 configured to at least partially occlude bore 62. The plug 66 includes a tool engagement bore 66a and external threads 66b threadably engaging the plug bore 62, and the plug cap 78 is configured to be attached to the tool engagement bore 66a of the plug 66.

In understanding the scope of the present invention, the term "comprising" and its derivatives, are intended to be open ended terms that specify the presence of the stated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps, but do not exclude the presence of other unstated features, elements, components, groups, integers, and/or steps. The foregoing also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "including", "having" and their derivatives. Also, unless otherwise indicated, the terms "part," "section," "portion," "member" or "element" when used in the singular may have the dual meaning of a single part or a plurality of parts.

As used herein, the following directional terms "frame-facing side", "non-frame-facing side", "forward", "rearward", "front", "rear", "upper", "lower", "above …", "below …", "upward", "downward", "top", "bottom", "side", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical" and "transverse" as well as any other similar directional terms refer to those directions of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) that is in an upright riding position and equipped with a disc brake caliper. Accordingly, these directional terms, as used in connection with a disc brake caliper should be interpreted relative to a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle) having an upright riding position on a horizontal surface and equipped with the disc brake caliper. The terms "left" and "right" are used to indicate "right" when referenced from the right side when viewed from the rear of a human powered vehicle (e.g., a bicycle), and "left" when referenced from the left side when viewed from the rear of a bicycle.

The phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means one or more of the desired choices ". As one example, if the number of choices is 2, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single choice" or "both choices". As another example, if the number of choices thereof is equal to or greater than 3, the phrase "at least one of" as used in this disclosure means "only a single choice" or "any combination of two choices.

Moreover, it will be understood that, although the terms "first" and "second" may be used herein to describe various components, these components should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another element. Thus, for example, a first component discussed above could be termed a second component, and vice versa, without departing from the teachings of the present invention.

The term "attached" or "attaching" as used herein includes configurations in which an element is directly secured to another element by directly adhering the element to the other element; a construction in which the element is indirectly secured to the other element by adhering the element to an intermediate member which in turn is adhered to the other element; and configurations in which one element is integral with another element (i.e., one element is substantially part of another element). This definition also applies to words having similar meanings such as the terms, "joined", "connected", "coupled", "mounted", "joined", "fixed" and their derivatives. Finally, terms of degree (e.g., "substantially", "about" and "approximately") as used herein mean an amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed.

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. For example, unless specifically stated otherwise, the size, shape, position, or orientation of the various components may be changed as needed and/or desired, provided that such changes do not materially affect the intended function thereof. Unless specifically stated otherwise, intermediate structures may be disposed between elements shown directly connected or in contact with each other so long as the changes do not substantially affect the intended function thereof. The functions of one element may be performed by two, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified. The structures and functions of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment. It is not necessary for all advantages to be present in a particular embodiment at the same time. Each feature, alone or in combination with other features, that is unique to the prior art, should also be considered as an individual description of other inventions by the applicant, including the structural and/or functional concepts embodied by such features. Accordingly, the foregoing description of the embodiments according to the present invention is provided for illustration only, and not for the purpose of limiting the invention as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A disc brake caliper, comprising:

a clamp body including a fluid chamber, a plug bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber by a fluid passageway, a bleed bore fluidly connected to the plug bore, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface; a piston movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis; and

a plug movably disposed in the plug bore between a first position fluidly disconnecting the bleed bore from the fluid passage and a second position fluidly connecting the bleed bore to the fluid passage via the plug bore, wherein in a mounted state in which the disc brake caliper is mounted on a vehicle frame directly or indirectly via a mounting adapter, no portion of the caliper body between the first and second mounting surfaces extends beyond the first and second mounting surfaces in a direction toward the vehicle frame,

the bleed bore has a central bleed bore axis parallel to the piston movement axis.

2. A disc brake caliper, comprising:

a clamp body including a fluid chamber, a plug bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber through a fluid passage, a bleed bore fluidly connected to the plug bore, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface with a first fastening opening defining a first mounting axis, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface with a second fastening opening defining a second mounting axis;

a piston movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis; and

a plug movably disposed in the plug bore between a first position fluidly disconnecting the relief bore from the fluid passage and a second position fluidly connecting the relief bore to the fluid passage via the plug bore, the plug overlapping the piston when viewed in a direction parallel to the first and second mounting axes,

3. Disc brake caliper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The plug bore has an annular groove with a seal ring located therein, the plug contacting the seal ring in both the first and second positions of the plug.

4. A disc brake caliper according to claim 3, wherein

The plug bore has an opening and a threaded section located between the opening and the annular groove.

5. Disc brake caliper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The plug bore has a plug bore axis, and the bleed bore has a bleed bore axis perpendicular to the plug bore axis.

6. Disc brake caliper according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

The caliper body further includes a rotor receiving slot configured to receive a disc brake rotor and an attachment bore fluidly connected to the fluid chamber, the attachment bore configured to attach to a hydraulic fluid supply hose, and

the plug bore and the bleed bore are located on a first side relative to the rotor receiving groove and the attachment bore is located on a second side relative to the rotor receiving groove, the first and second sides being on opposite sides relative to the rotor receiving groove along the piston movement axis.

7. Disc brake caliper according to claim 6, wherein

The first and second mounting portions are located on the first side relative to the rotor receiving slot.

8. The disc brake caliper according to claim 6, further comprising

A further piston is movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along the piston movement axis such that the pistons are located on opposite sides of the rotor receiving slot.

9. The disc brake caliper according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising

A plug cap configured to at least partially enclose the plug bore.

10. Disc brake caliper according to claim 9, wherein

The plug includes a tool engagement bore and external threads threadably engaging the plug bore, and

the plug cap is configured to attach to the tool engagement bore of the plug.

11. A disc brake caliper, comprising:

a clamp body including a fluid chamber, a relief bore selectively and fluidly connected to the fluid chamber, a first mounting portion having a first mounting surface, and a second mounting portion having a second mounting surface; and

a piston movably provided to the caliper body so as to move along a piston movement axis; wherein the method comprises the steps of

The bleed bore has a central bleed bore axis parallel to the piston movement axis, and

in a mounted state in which the disc brake caliper is mounted directly or indirectly via a mounting adapter on a vehicle frame, no portion of the caliper body located between the first and second mounting surfaces extends beyond the first and second mounting surfaces in a direction towards the vehicle frame.

12. Disc brake caliper according to claim 11, wherein

The clamp body includes a cylinder bore defining the fluid chamber and an end wall at one end of the cylinder bore,

the piston has a first end facing the end wall and a second end facing away from the end wall,

one of the end wall of the clamp body and the first end of the piston includes a protruding portion protruding into the fluid chamber and an annular recessed portion surrounding the protruding portion.

13. Disc brake caliper according to claim 12, wherein

The first end of the piston has the protruding portion and the annular recessed portion.

14. Disc brake caliper according to claim 13, wherein

The other of the end wall of the caliper body and the first end of the piston includes an annular projecting portion projecting into the fluid chamber so as to face the annular recessed portion and a recessed portion surrounded by the annular projecting portion so as to face the projecting portion.

15. Disc brake caliper according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

The protruding portion has a first outer diameter and the annular recessed portion has a second outer diameter that is equal to or less than two process percentages of the first outer diameter.

16. Disc brake caliper according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

The projection has a flat end surface.

17. Disc brake caliper according to claim 12 or 13, wherein

Each of the first and second mounting portions includes a threaded bore extending along a mounting axis, and a fixing bolt is threadedly connected into the threaded bore for mounting the disc brake caliper to the frame or the mounting adapter.

18. The disc brake caliper according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising

A bleed cap configured to at least partially enclose the bleed bore.

19. The disc brake caliper according to claim 18, further comprising

A drain hose adapter coupled to the drain bore such that a drain hose is coupled to the drain hose adapter, wherein

The drain cap is configured to be attached to at least one of the drain hose adapter and the drain bore.