Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad

Details Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad

1998-11-16

2001-02-27

Mar, Michael (Department: 3613)

Brakes

With condition indicator

Wear

Reexamination Certificate

active

06193020

ABSTRACT:

TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to an abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad, the probe having a metal terminal inside a synthetic resin base member.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Conventional abrasion detecting probes of this kind include the one described in the JP 6-300064. This type of abrasion detecting probe
1
, shown in
FIG. 11
hereof, comprises a pair of electric wires D crimped to a metal terminal
2
, this terminal
2
being insert-moulded inside a synthetic resin base member
3
. The abrasion detecting probe
1
is fixed through a supporting backplate of a brake pad, and when the brake pad attains its abrasion limit as a result of sliding contact with a brake disc, a tip
4
of the probe
1
is worn away together with the brake pad, and the circuit between the two electric wires D is broken.
However, because the abrasion detecting probe
1
described above is produced by insert-moulding, position setting of the terminal
2
inside the mould is a troublesome and time-consuming operation which does not allow costs to be reduced. Accurate positioning is essential to ensure that the abrasion limit is set precisely.
The present invention has been developed after taking the above problem into consideration, and aims to present an abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad in which insert-moulding is not required and in which production costs can accordingly be reduced.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to the invention there is provided a wear detecting probe for a vehicle brake lining having a backplate and a friction lining thereon, said probe comprising an electrically conducting member adapted for connection to an electrical circuit by input and output connections, said conducting member being housed inside an insulating body and having a bridging portion adjacent one end of said body such that, in use, a braking surface can wear away said bridging portion to separate said conducting member into two, and thereby break an electrical circuit, wherein said body comprises two or more mutually attachable components defining a cavity to house said conducting member.
Such a construction avoids the need for insert moulding, and thus lower manufacturing costs can be achieved.
The components are typically produced as precision plastic mouldings with a shape suitable for positioning and holding the conducting member with accuracy.
Preferably latch means are provided to hold the body components together to avoid rattling, and to avoid separation during transport. The latch means are preferably adapted to pass through the conducting member as an aid to correct location.
In a preferred embodiment the probe is surrounded by a protruding sleeve of noise generating material. Such a sleeve gives an audible warning of the approach of the pad abrasion limit. This arrangement permits the friction lining to be replaced before the conducting member is broken, and the probe itself to be inserted into the new friction lining; thus the electrical connections need not be disturbed.


REFERENCES:
patent: 4016533 (1977-04-01), Ishikawa et al.
patent: 4391350 (1983-07-01), Moriya
patent: 5347858 (1994-09-01), Ito et al.
patent: 5454450 (1995-10-01), Tanigawa
patent: 5833033 (1998-11-01), Takanashi
patent: 5839545 (1998-11-01), Preston et al.
patent: 658 699 (1995-06-01), None
patent: 781 936 (1997-07-01), None
patent: 80 27765 (1982-07-01), None
patent: 6-300064 (1994-10-01), None

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Abrasion detecting probe for a brake pad will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2614020