AUTOMATIC ADJUSTER FOR A SHOE DRUM BRAKE AND SHOE DRUM BRAKE INCORPORATING THE SAME

摘要

An adjuster for a shoe drum brake has a variable length strut for maintaining a predetermined maximum shoe to drum clearance. A thermally responsive body of shape memory effect material (SME material as defined in the Specification) is arranged to move the brake shoes outwardly by extending the strut to compensate for drum expansion during excessive temperature conditions. Alternative arrangements are described using a body of (SME) material to disable the adjuster during excessive temperature conditions.