FR3071601A1 - DEVICE FOR MEASURING THE THICKNESS OF A BRAKE DISC - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device 1 comprising a digital display (2), a first part (3) having a first support (31) and a second part (4) having a second support (41) forming a jaw (5) with said first support (31). The first part (3) forms a hollow arm in which the second part (4) slides. The digital display (2) is secured to the first portion (3) on a proximal portion thereof, said proximal portion being opposed to a distal portion of the first portion (3) comprising the first support (31). The first support (31) comprises a first protrusion (32) facing a second protuberance (42) of the second support (41). The first and second supports (31, 41) may comprise a protection element (50) on at least one sharp edge.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to maintenance and upkeep in the field of transport. The invention relates more particularly to a device for measuring the thickness of a brake disc.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

In the area of car maintenance, the braking system of a vehicle is an essential element to check.

In particular, wearing parts such as brake pads or brake discs should be checked regularly and carefully.

The braking system typically includes the brake disc and a caliper configured to pinch the disc through two brake pads on either side of the disc.

When braking, the two opposite surfaces of the brake disc are in contact with the two brake pads, which ensures effective braking. The two opposite surfaces of the disc are therefore subjected to frictional forces generating wear of the disc and the pads.

For the brake disc, this wear results in a reduction in the thickness of the disc.

Consequently, a check of the wear of the brake discs is generally carried out by measuring the thickness of the disc.

Such a check can be done in the workshop or in an automobile maintenance center, for example.

In order to access the brake disc to measure its thickness, it is often necessary to remove the wheel.

A standard check of the wear of a brake disc therefore involves putting the vehicle on chocks, then removing the wheel, before measuring the thickness of the disc. This thickness measurement is conventionally done with a palmer or a caliper. At the end of the operation, replace the wheel and remove the chocks to free the vehicle.

These steps auxiliary to the thickness measurement step require time. One problem with a workshop or an automobile maintenance center is to reduce the time necessary for a vehicle maintenance or servicing operation.

An object of the present invention is to provide a device facilitating the taking of thickness measurement on a brake disc.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the invention relates to a caliper type measuring device for measuring the thickness of a brake disc, comprising a digital display, a first part having a first support and a second part having a second support. forming a jaw with said first support, said first and second parts cooperating by sliding along a longitudinal axis (y).

Advantageously, the digital display is secured to the first part on a proximal portion thereof, said proximal portion being opposite to a distal portion of the first part comprising the first support.

The device can thus be slid through an adjournment of a rim in order to reach a wear area of the brake disc.

The thickness measurement of the brake disc can be easily done in the same way as a thickness measurement made by a standard caliper.

Advantageously, the display remains outside the wheel when the device is in a measurement position, so that the thickness measurement can be read instantly by a user of the device.

The display is preferably located at a distance of> 200 mm from a reference support, said reference support being one of the first and second supports closest to the display.

The device is therefore particularly simple to use.

It also allows the thickness of the brake disc to be measured without the need to disassemble the wheel.

According to one possibility, the first and second supports respectively comprise a first protuberance and a second protuberance facing each other.

According to one possibility, the first and second protrusions can be aligned on the longitudinal axis (y).

Alternatively, the first and second protrusions can be aligned on an axis (y ’) parallel to the longitudinal axis (y), and distant therefrom by a grip distance between 15 mm and 50 mm.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method for measuring the thickness of a brake disc, comprising the use of a device of the invention.

Preferably, the thickness reading takes place while the display is kept outside the wheel.

BRIEF INTRODUCTION OF FIGURES

Other characteristics, objects and advantages of the present invention will appear on reading the detailed description which follows, and with reference to the appended drawings given by way of nonlimiting examples and in which:

- Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a brake disc thickness measuring device according to the invention;

- Figure 2 shows a second embodiment of a brake disc thickness measuring device according to the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The invention according to its first aspect comprises in particular the following optional characteristics which can be used in combination or alternatively:

- The first part forms a hollow arm in which the second part slides.

- the display is located at a distance from a reference support chosen as the most proximal of the supports from the first and second supports such as d> 200 mm.

- the proximal portion is located in an area of the first part extending over a length of less than 50% of the length of the first part from a proximal end of the first part.

- The first support comprises a first protrusion opposite a second protrusion projecting from the second support.

- the first and second protrusions facing each other are aligned on the longitudinal axis (y).

- the first and second protrusions facing each other are aligned on an axis (y ’) parallel to the longitudinal axis (y).

- the axis (y ’) is spaced from the axis (y) by a grip distance between 15 mm and 50 mm, the jaw comprises at least one protective element on a periphery thereof.

- the periphery comprises at least one external surface of the jaw among a sharp edge, an angular shape, a projecting portion.

- the protective element is made of a material taken from rubber, an elastomer (polybutadiene for example), a thermoplastic polymer (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene, polyethylene, polypropylene for example) or crosslinked thermoplastic, a thermostable or technical polymer (polyimide , polytetrafluoroethylene, silicones for example).

The present invention relates to a device for measuring the thickness of a brake disc. In particular, this measurement is preferably made without removing the wheel and / or the braking system, by means of a caliper comprising a remote display. The measurement is thus facilitated. The jaws of such a caliper advantageously comprise two protuberances facing each other, configured to make a point thickness measurement in a wear area of the brake disc. This arrangement guarantees an accurate and reliable measurement of the thickness of the disc in the wear area. In addition, a protection of the jaws makes it possible to limit the damage caused during the placement of the caliper through an adjournment of the rim of the wheel.

In the following description, by:

Wear area: a portion of the surface of the disc being in contact with the brake pads during braking.

Distal portion: a portion of the device intended to cooperate with the wear area.

Proximal portion: a portion of the device opposite the distal portion, intended to remain preferably outside of a wheel during a thickness measurement. Preferably, the proximal portion is over an area of the first part extending over less than 50% (and preferably less than 33%) of the length of the first part from its proximal end.

Reference support: either of the first and second supports, closest to the proximal part. A support corresponds to the place of contact with an element to be measured (such as a brake disc).

Longitudinal axis, longitudinally: along the axis (y) illustrated, in a direction substantially normal to a surface of a brake disc.

With reference to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention comprises a digital display 2, a first part 3 and a second part 4.

The first and second parts 3, 4 are configured to slide relative to one another along a longitudinal axis.

In particular, the first part 3 preferably comprises a longitudinal groove in which the second part 4 is housed, so as to guide said second part 4 in a longitudinal translational movement.

The first part 3 comprises at a distal end a first support 31 having a U-shape so as to offer a clearance with respect to the axis (y).

This clearance may preferably have a clearance depth taken in a direction orthogonal to the axis (y), said depth preferably being between 15 mm and 50 mm.

The depth of clearance allows in particular to reach a wear area of the brake disc without being hindered by the circumference of the disc.

The clearance may also have a length of spacing taken along the axis (y) preferably between 60 mm and 90 mm.

The first support 31 also preferably comprises a first protuberance 32 directed towards a proximal portion of the first part 3.

This protuberance 32 is preferably aligned on the axis (y).

The protrusion 32 can have a dimension along (y) between 2 mm and 8 mm.

A protective element 50 may advantageously cover a periphery of the first support 31, preferably so as to protect at least one sharp edge of said first support 31. The periphery corresponds to a surface situated towards the outside of the device, in particular at the level of the distal end of the complete device. It can form a shell around the jaw 5. It can be removable or glued. The periphery concerned can be located at least at the level of one and / or the other of the sides of the first and second parts carrying the protrusions, at the level of a face of the sides opposite to that carrying the protrusions.

For example, the element 50 can be a strip of rubber or flexible plastic (including elastomer) covering an external side of the U-shape.

This protective element is in particular intended to absorb shocks during the placement of the device 1.

The second part 4 can be a strip or a bar sliding in the groove of the first part 3.

The second part 4 comprises at a distal end a second support 41 configured to form a jaw 5 with the first support 31.

The first and second supports 31, 41 can be moved towards or apart from one another by sliding the second part 4 relative to the first part 3 for example.

The second support 41 may include a second protuberance 42 directed towards the first protuberance 32.

This protuberance 42 is preferably aligned on the axis (y).

The protuberance 42 may have a dimension along (y) between 2 mm and 8 mm.

The first and second protrusions 32, 42 are advantageously opposite one another so that a brake disc can be clamped at the wear area of the brake disc.

One and / or the other of the protrusions 32, 42 may have a conical profile, or at least a pointed end so as to offer a point or almost point support on the element to be measured. Preferably, each protuberance has a point and these points are in contact when the two parts are completely close together.

A measurement amplitude corresponding to the distance between the two protrusions 32, 42 can be between 0 mm and 85 mm.

The second part 4 may include a stop 43 at its distal end, so as to stop the translational movement when the first and second supports are moved apart 31,41.

The translational movement of the second part 4 with respect to the first part 3 can therefore have a stroke limited in one direction by the first protuberance 32 and in an opposite direction by the stop 43.

The stop 43 allows the second part 4 to be retained in the form of a strip, in order to avoid separating the assembly of the two parts 3, 4 and involuntarily losing said strip.

The display 2 is preferably digital and integral with the first part 3.

In particular, the display 2 is advantageously located on the proximal portion of the first part 3, so as to offset the display of the measurement.

The measurement can therefore be visible to a user when the device 1 is in position to take the measurement.

In particular, the device 1 can be introduced through an adjournment of a wheel and positioned so that the jaw 5 pinches the wear area of the brake disc, while the display 2 remains outside of wheel.

This configuration can in particular allow instant reading of the measurement.

The display 2 is therefore preferably distant from a distance d from the second support 41 such that d> 200 mm.

The measurement can be performed using a display wheel 2, like a standard caliper measurement. The wheel can in particular cooperate with the second part 4 so that a translational movement of the strip causes the wheel to rotate. A sensor can measure the number of turns of the dial for example in order to determine the distance traveled in translation by the second part 4.

The display 2 preferably includes at least one button so as to switch the display on or off, reset the measurement or record the measurement for example.

Other embodiments of the device 1 according to the invention can be envisaged. Only the distinct features of the first embodiment are described below, the other features not described being deemed to be identical to those of the first embodiment.

Referring to Figure 2, a second embodiment of a device 1 according to the invention comprises a digital display 2, a first part 3 and a second part 4 configured to slide relative to each other according to the 'longitudinal axis (y).

The first part 3 preferably comprises a first support 31 extending orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (y).

This first support 31 is preferably advantageously offset relative to the axis (y) so as to provide clearance.

This clearance may preferably have a clearance depth taken in a direction orthogonal to the axis (y), said depth preferably being between 15 mm and 50 mm.

This first support 31 forms a first part of the jaw 5.

A second part of the jaw 5 can be formed by a second support 41 of the second part 4.

This second support 41 preferably extends orthogonally to the longitudinal axis (y), to a depth of between 15 mm and 50 mm, parallel to the first support 31, so as to cooperate with said first support 31 to form the jaw 5 .

The first support 31 also preferably comprises a first protuberance 32.

The second support 41 also preferably comprises a second protuberance 42.

These first and second protrusions 32, 42 are preferably directed opposite one another.

The first and second protrusions 32, 42 are preferably aligned on an axis (y ’) parallel to the axis (y).

The axis (y ’) is preferably distant from the axis (y) by a grip distance between 15 mm and 50 mm.

The first and second supports 31, 41 may include a protective element 50 on at least one sharp edge and / or on at least one external part potentially exposed to shocks.

The display 2 is preferably integral with the first part 3 and distant by a distance d from the first support 31 such that d> 200 mm.

To measure the thickness in the wear area of the brake disc, the device 1 is preferably introduced through an adjournment of a wheel and positioned so that the first and second supports 31, 41 are placed on either side of the brake disc according to a thickness dimension of the disc.

The display 2 preferably remains on the outside of the wheel.

The first and second supports 31, 41 are then brought together so as to pinch the disc. The thickness measurement can then be advantageously read on the remote display 2.

The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but extends to all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims.

Claims (10)

1. Caliper type measuring device (1) for measuring the thickness of a brake disc, comprising a digital display (2), a first part (3) having a first support (31) and a second part (4) having a second support (41) forming a jaw (5) with said first support (31), said first and second parts (3, 4) cooperating by sliding along a longitudinal axis (y), said device (1 ) being characterized in that the digital display (2) is integral with the first part (3) on a proximal portion thereof, said proximal portion being opposite to a distal portion of the first part (3) comprising the first support (31). 2. Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the display (2) is located at a distance d from a reference support chosen as the most proximal of the supports from the first and second supports (31,41) such that d> 200 mm. 3. Device according to one of the two preceding claims, in which the proximal portion is located in an area of the first part (3) extending over a length of less than 50% of the length of the first part from one end. proximal of the first part (3). 4. Measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first support (31) comprises a first protuberance (32) opposite a second protuberance (42) projecting from the second support (41). 5. Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the first and second protrusions (32, 42) facing one another are aligned on the longitudinal axis (y). 6. Measuring device (1) according to claim 4 wherein the first and second protrusions (32, 42) facing each other are aligned on an axis (y ') parallel to the longitudinal axis (y ). 7. Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the axis (y ’) is distant from the axis (y) by a grip distance between 15 mm and 50 mm. 8. Measuring device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the jaw (5) comprises at least one element (50) for protection around a periphery thereof. 9. Measuring device (1) according to the preceding claim wherein the periphery comprises at least one external surface of the jaw (5) among a sharp edge, an angular shape, a projecting portion. 10. Measuring device (1) according to one of the two preceding claims wherein the protective element (50) is made of a material selected from rubber, an elastomer, a thermoplastic or crosslinked thermoplastic polymer, a thermostable polymer.