Abstract:
An externally mounted bracket system for disc brakes, as especially associated with the drive trains of heavy duty vehicles, wherein a generally T-shaped bracket plate may be secured to the housing of either a transmission or a rear axle, and a fluid pressure brake cylinder and associated braking calipers are mounted to the bracket plate, whereby the bracket system is readily installed adjacent a rotor disc, and is easily accessible for adjustment or repair.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to brake assemblies for motor vehicles, especially of the very large type which are used in surface mines to haul heavy loads of coal or other material. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to brake assemblies for motor vehicles. In particular, it is especially adapted for heavy mine truck parking brakes. 
     As will be seen, the device is designed to bolt to a rear axle of a truck or the truck transmission. In so doing, a unique bracket system is secured to either the transmission housing or the axle housing, wherein the drive line extends through a bracket plate and also carries a brake disc. The bracket further includes mounting pads at the top for a fluid pressure brake unit including brake calipers for acting on the disc. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of the invention applied to a truck drive train. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing elements of the brake assembly in greater detail than in FIG. 1. 
     FIG. 3 is another view of the invention in side elevation with associated parts not shown for clarity. 
     FIG. 4 is a top view of the device of this invention. 
     FIG. 5 is a elevation of the device taken from the right end of FIG. 2. 
     FIG. 6 is a side elevational view of a truck rear axle with the device of this invention attached to it. 
     FIG. 7 is an view of certain elements shown in FIG. 1, enlarged for clarity. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a bracket of the prior art. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     FIG. 1 illustrates certain major components of the drive train of a truck. As indicated, this invention can be used not only with heavy trucks, but virtually any type of vehicle having the essentials of this drive train or one similar to it. 
     In FIG. 1, 16 is the transmission which, via means to be described, connects with the vehicle drive train 15. In the drawing, an Allison transmission is shown. 
     The bracket system of the invention includes a main bracket 1, as well shown in FIG. 2 and top bracket 2 and 3. The bracket is generally T-shaped, including a depending plate having an aperture through which the drive train extends, and short top mounting pads generally perpendicular thereto. 
     The brackets are attached to the housing of a transmission 16 or a rear axle 18. Bracket 1 may be adjusted via rotation to any position allowable by the pattern of bolt holes 10 (or the holes can be drilled for custom fitting) and clearance envelops so that bracket 1 can be bolted to transmission tall shaft housing 16a, as shown in FIG. 1, using bolts 10 a. 
     Note that bracket 1 mounting holes 10 permit it to be attached to a rear axle or transmission. Bracket 1 is independent of both the transmission or rear axle and functions to connect the disc brake assembly. (For this purpose, rotor 4 is not defined as part of the brake assembly.) 
     One key advantage is that the bracket 1 permits the use of disc brakes in vehicles, particularly heavy trucks, such as mine trucks. Such trucks historically have been equipped with drum brakes and my bracket 1 makes it possible to use a disc brake in lieu of drum brakes and to connect the disc brake to either the transmission or rear axle. 
     Another advantage is that rear axles traditionally have used drum brakes, so my bracket 1 makes it possible to use a disc brake in lieu of such older drum brakes. 
     Also, my bracket can be modified to accept disc brake assemblies having two sets of brake pads where that is desired. 
     There is shown disc brake rotor 4 which is attached to the truck drive shaft 15 and which rotates with it. Rotor 4 is bolted to drive line flange 16b using bolts 11a. 
     The device includes a brake caliper assembly 5, an actuator 6 (also known as a brake chamber) and an actuator bracket 12 which attaches to the caliper assembly 5. Actuator 6 has an air or oil connection 14. Caliper assembly includes a brake pad 17 on either side of rotor 4. 
     As is well known in the art, brake pads 17 move to clamp rotor 4 to stop the vehicle. Brake pad return springs 9 function to keep the pads away from the rotor when the brake is not in use. 
     Also shown is a slack adjuster 7. The later is manually operated and can be adjusted to compensate for brake pad wear. 
     As best shown in FIG. 5, the device includes slot-like mortises 13 in caliper 5 that slide on short bracket plates 2 and 3 respectively having edges that confront the mortise slots. Bracket plates 2 and 3 are maintained in place by fasteners 8 and are bolted to the top mounting pads of bracket 1. If desired, bracket 1 can have threaded holes for this purpose. 
     When the vehicle is to be parked, air or oil are evacuated from the actuating chamber 6, allowing a spring within the chamber to clamp the brake pads 17 against the rotor 4. This prevents the driveline 15 from rotating and hence the vehicle from moving. 
     It should be kept in mind that brackets 1, 2 and 3 can be made in virtually any desired shape in order to fit with different types of transmissions and/or axles. 
     When the vehicle is being driven, air or hydraulic pressure is constantly being applied within actuator 6, opposing the pressure of a large and powerful spring (not shown) which is also located within actuator 6. 
     A diaphragm (not shown) within actuator 6 separates a spring chamber and an air chamber (not shown) in actuator 6. The air or oil pressure pushes the rod 30 connecting the actuator 6 to the slack adjuster 7. The latter rotates on a camshaft 31 which is threaded inside the caliper assembly and can move in a direction for and aft and perpendicularly to bracket 1. This pressure and mechanical action keep the brake pads 17 away from rotor 4, which is rotating with the driveline when the vehicle is in motion. 
     When the vehicle is parked, the air or oil in the actuator 6 is exhausted and the spring (not shown) pressure revolves the slack adjuster 7 and camshaft in the opposite direction, applying the brake pads 17 to the now stationary rotor. This powerful clamping force prevents rotation of the rotor and driveline, preventing vehicle movement. 
     The caliper assembly 5 is free to move within the limitation of the brake pad springs 9 which are rotary springs mounted on brackets 2 and 3. Bolts go through the centers of springs 9 and into the threaded holes in brackets 2 and 3. 
     As mentioned, the caliper assembly 5 is equipped with mortises 13 in each side which allow it to move in a direction for and aft and perpendicularly to bracket 1. The brake pad springs 9 keep the caliper assembly centered on the rotor and keep the brake pads 17 away from the spinning rotor 4 when the vehicle is being driven. 
     FIG. 6 illustrates the invention applied to the axle 18 of a vehicle, such as a truck. Like parts have the same numerating as in the foregoing drawings. 
     FIG. 8 illustrates a bracket of the prior art.