Brake linkage self-adjustment mechanism
AssigneeGeneral Motors Corporation
InventorJoseph A. Clemens
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A self-adjustment mechanism for a brake system includes a first sprag clutch seated in a support. An eccentric serves as an inner race for the first sprag clutch and as an outer race for a second sprag clutch. A timing assembly serves as an inner race for the second sprag clutch and includes first and second spaced-apart pins projecting from a surface. An arm is pivotally connected to the timing assembly and positioned between the pins. A brake apply cam engages a first end of the arm so that it pivots with respect to the timing assembly. As the arm pivots, a brake apply piston is engaged. A pivot center of the arm is selectively rotated by the eccentric to maintain the phase relationhip of the cam and the brakepack as the plates wear.
Claims11
A self-adjustment mechanism for use between a brake apply cam and an apply piston in a brake system, comprising:
- (a) a first sprag clutch seated in a support;
- (b) an eccentric functioning as an inner race for the first sprag clutch and as an outer race for a second sprag clutch oriented to permit rotation opposite the first sprag clutch;
- (c) a timing assembly functioning as an inner race for the second sprag clutch, the timing assembly including a post seated in the second sprag clutch and a plate affixed to the post, and first and second spaced-apart pins projecting from a surface of the plate;
- (d) an arm pivotally connected to the timing assembly and positioned between the pins;
- (e) means for pivoting the arm with respect to the timing assembly;
- and
- (f) means for rotating the apply piston as the timing assembly is pivoted.
A self-adjusting assembly for a brake system of a cross-drive transmission, comprising:
- (a) a rotatable rake apply cam;
- (b) a pivoting arm mounted on a timer assembly;
- (c) an eccentric, mounted in the transmission by a first sprag clutch, having a second sprag clutch receiving the timer assembly, wherein the timer assembly is selectively rotated opposite the eccentric and includes a post seated in the second sprag clutch and a plate fixed to the post;
- (d) means for pivoting the arm as the brake apply cam is rotated;
- (e) means for selectively rotating the timer assembly as the arm is pivoted in a first direction;
- and
- (f) means for rotating a brake apply piston as the arm is pivoted in a second direction.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.