Brake mechanism and cart

Abstract

A braking mechanism for a stroller includes: a drive member having a guide groove, the guide groove including a stop groove, wherein the drive member is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position corresponding to a state in which the braking mechanism locks the wheels of the stroller, and the unlocked position corresponding to a state in which the braking mechanism unlocks the wheels of the stroller; a brake member having a stop end configured to move in the guide groove, wherein the movement of the drive member to the locked position causes the stop end to move in the guide groove along a first direction to the stop groove and remain in the stop groove; and a damage prevention device including a buffer member disposed in the stop groove, the buffer member being capable of elastically preventing the stop end from moving away from the stop groove along the first direction. Even if the user mistakenly operates the braking mechanism during the unlocking process of the wheels, the drive member can still return to the unlocked position to unlock the wheels.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a trolley, and more specifically, to a braking mechanism for the trolley and a drive component for the braking mechanism. Furthermore, this invention also relates to a pedal structure, particularly a pedal structure to prevent accidental operation, and a wheel structure including the pedal structure. Prior Technology

[0002] Strollers typically have a braking mechanism to lock or release the wheels. For example, vehicles like baby strollers are common mobility devices, and their wheels usually have parking brakes. To facilitate user operation of the braking mechanism, it has a pedal for the user to step on. When the user presses the pedal, the braking mechanism engages the wheels. Generally, there are two ways to release the wheels of commercially available strollers: the first is for the user to press the pedal again, and the second is for the user to lift the pedal, which releases the wheels. However, in actual use of the first design, users sometimes accidentally lift the pedal with their foot, potentially damaging the internal structure of the braking mechanism.

[0003] In addition, to facilitate user operation and avoid contamination or wear on the user's feet, the parking device can be set as a pedal, in which locking and unlocking the parking device are both done by pressing down the pedal.

[0004] In such parking devices, a potential problem is that users mistakenly believe that the operation to unlock the parking device is to lift the pedal, and therefore they will forcibly unlock it by lifting the pedal, causing wear and tear on the parking device, or even causing the parking device to malfunction.

[0005] Therefore, there is a need to provide a pedal structure, braking mechanism, driving component of the braking mechanism, or wheel structure that can lock or unlock the parking device when the pedal is pressed down, but will not forcibly unlock the parking device when the pedal is lifted, and will make the user aware that lifting the pedal is a misoperation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a braking mechanism suitable for a stroller, comprising: a driving member having a guide groove, the guide groove including a stop groove, wherein the driving member is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position corresponding to a state in which the braking mechanism locks the wheels of the stroller, and the unlocked position corresponding to a state in which the braking mechanism unlocks the wheels of the stroller; a braking member having a stop end, the stop end being configured to move in the guide groove, wherein the movement of the driving member to the locked position causes the stop end to move in the guide groove along a first direction and remain in the stop groove; and a damage prevention device including a buffer member disposed in the stop groove, the buffer member being capable of elastically preventing the stop end from moving away from the stop groove along the first direction.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the buffer can generate resistance when the stop end applies a force to prevent the stop end from passing through the buffer, and can elastically deform to allow the stop end to move past the buffer if the force applied by the stop end is sufficient to overcome the resistance.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the buffer has a contact section configured to protrude from the inner wall of the stop groove, the contact section being movable toward the inner wall of the stop groove when the force applied to the stop end is sufficient to overcome the resistance, thereby allowing the stop end to move past the contact section.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the buffer has a fixed section and a movable section, the fixed section is fixed to the drive member, the movable section is movably disposed in the inner sidewall, and the contact section is connected between the fixed section and the movable section.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the movement of the drive member toward the locking position in a displacement direction causes the stop end to move into the stop groove in the guide groove, and the buffer member has a contact section adjacent to the stop groove, the buffer member being able to generate elastic resistance to prevent the stop end from crossing the contact section.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the elastic resistance of the buffer is adapted to block the movement of the stop end caused by the movement of the drive member in the displacement direction.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the contact segment is configured to protrude from the inner wall of the stop groove, and the contact segment can move toward the inner wall of the stop groove when the force applied to the stop end is sufficient to overcome the elastic resistance, thereby allowing the stop end to move past the contact segment.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the braking mechanism further includes a fixed base, the driving member is rotatably disposed on the fixed base, and the braking member is connected to the fixed base at a location away from the rotation axis of the driving member.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the drive member is connected to an axle pin adapted to lock a wheel. The drive member is rotatable to the locked position to insert the axle pin into the wheel, and rotatable to the unlocked position to remove the axle pin from the wheel.

[0015] Another aspect of the present invention provides a trolley, comprising: a frame; wheels mounted on the frame; and a braking mechanism adapted to lock or release the wheels.

[0016] The beneficial effect of the present invention is that the braking mechanism or pedal structure can lock or unlock the parking device when it is pressed down, but can avoid damage to its internal structure when it is lifted up. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0017] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a trolley with a braking mechanism installed in its wheels.

[0018] Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of a braking mechanism provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the braking mechanism.

[0020] Figure 4 shows a schematic diagram of the braking mechanism from another angle.

[0021] Figure 5 shows a schematic diagram of the driving component of the braking mechanism.

[0022] Figure 6 shows a schematic diagram of the assembly of the braking mechanism.

[0023] Figure 7 shows a schematic diagram of the guide side of the driving component of the braking mechanism and its cooperation with the braking component.

[0024] Figure 8 illustrates a schematic diagram of the guide side of the drive component in an embodiment of the present invention, in which a buffer component is installed and a brake component cooperate.

[0025] Figure 9 shows an exploded view of the guide side and buffer component of Figure 8.

[0026] Figure 10 shows a schematic diagram of the stop end of the braking mechanism in the stop groove when the drive member is in the locked position.

[0027] Figure 11 shows a schematic diagram of the brake mechanism with the stop end in the release groove when the drive member is in the release position.

[0028] Figure 12 illustrates the force exerted by the stop end on the buffer during the release process caused by misoperation.

[0029] Figure 13 illustrates a schematic diagram of the stop end passing over the buffer during the release process due to misoperation.

[0030] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of a prior art wheel structure.

[0031] Figure 15 illustrates a side view of a prior art wheel structure, in which the mounting bracket has been partially removed to reveal the interior of the wheel structure, and the wheel structure is in a locked position.

[0032] Figure 16 shows a partial enlarged view of the boxed portion of Figure 15.

[0033] Figure 17 shows a partial enlarged view of a section similar to Figure 16, in which the drive element of the wheel structure is pressed down from the locked position.

[0034] Figure 18 shows a partial enlarged view of a section similar to Figure 16, in which the wheel structure is in the unlocked position.

[0035] Figure 19 shows a partial enlarged view of a section similar to Figure 16, in which the drive element is forcibly lifted from the locked position.

[0036] Figure 20 shows a perspective view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] Figure 21 shows a perspective view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention from another angle.

[0038] Figure 22 illustrates a side view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the mounting bracket has been partially removed to show the interior of the wheel structure, and the wheel structure is in a locked position.

[0039] Figure 23 illustrates a side view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the operating member is lifted from the locked position.

[0040] Figure 24 illustrates a side view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the operating element is shown in cross-section.

[0041] Figure 25 illustrates a side view of a wheel structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the operating member is raised. Implementation

[0042] An exemplary embodiment of the braking mechanism of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[0043] It should be understood that in the following description of the embodiments, directional terms such as "up", "down", "upward", and "downward" are merely illustrative descriptions with reference to the drawings and are not intended to limit the orientation and positional relationships of the relevant objects or elements.

[0044] As shown in Figure 1, the trolley is braked by a braking mechanism 10 installed on the inner side of the wheel 1. It should be understood that the braking mechanism 10 of the present invention can also be installed on the outer side of the wheel 1 of the trolley, or on other parts such as the trolley frame 2 (see Figure 1).

[0045] As shown in Figure 2, the braking mechanism 10 includes a drive member 100. The drive member 100 is configured in the braking mechanism 10 to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, so that the braking mechanism 10 locks or unlocks the wheels 1 of the cart.

[0046] It should be understood that the movement of the drive member 100 between the locked position and the unlocked position can take various forms, such as rotation or translation. For ease of description, the following explanation will use the rotation of the drive member 100 between the locked position and the unlocked position as an example.

[0047] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, when the drive member 100 rotates to the locking position in the locking direction D1, the braking mechanism 10 locks the wheels 1 of the trolley. When the drive member 100 rotates to the unlocking position in the unlocking direction D2, the braking mechanism 10 releases the wheels 1 of the trolley.

[0048] To facilitate user operation, the drive unit 100 is provided with an operating element 140 for rotating it. In the embodiment shown in the figure, the operating element 140 is a pedal for the user to step down on. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The operating element 140 can also be a lever or other components, as long as it can drive the drive unit 100 to rotate.

[0049] According to one embodiment, the braking mechanism 10 may include a fixed base 300, which is disposed at the wheel 1 of the trolley (see Figure 1) or the frame 2 as needed, for supporting the drive member 100. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the braking mechanism 10 may not include the fixed base 300, and the drive member 100 may be directly disposed on the hub of the wheel 1.

[0050] Figures 2 and 4 illustrate one embodiment of the drive member 100 disposed on the fixed base 300. The wheel 1 has an axle 20 at its center, which passes successively through a first axle hole 301 in the fixed base 300 and a second axle hole 101 in the drive member 100. The drive member 100 is rotatably disposed on the fixed base 300 around the axle 20. However, the invention is not limited to this; the drive member 100 can be rotatably disposed on the fixed base 300 in other ways. For example, a rotating shaft (not shown) can be provided in the fixed base 300, which can pass through the second axle hole 101 in the drive member 100, thereby enabling the drive member 100 to be rotatably disposed on the fixed base 300. Alternatively, a rotating shaft (not shown) can be provided in the drive member 100, and a corresponding axle hole can be provided in the fixed base 300. By allowing the rotating shaft on the drive member 100 to pass through the corresponding axle hole in the fixed base 300, the drive member 100 can be rotatably disposed on the fixed base 300.

[0051] The following describes one embodiment of the braking mechanism 10 of the present invention for locking and unlocking the wheel 1, with reference to Figures 2 to 5. In this embodiment, the user locks and unlocks the wheel 1 by operating the operating member 140 on the drive member 100 twice in different directions.

[0052] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the braking mechanism 10 may include an axially movable pin 400. For clarity, in the following text, with reference to the wheel 1, the direction in which the pin 400 moves toward the wheel 1 is defined as the insertion direction S2, and the direction in which the pin 400 moves away from the wheel 1 is defined as the withdrawal direction S1 (see Figure 4).

[0053] When the drive member 100 rotates, it can drive the axle pin 400 to move axially in the insertion direction S2 and insert it into the wheel 1, thereby locking the wheel 1. Specifically, as shown in FIG4, the axle pin 400 has a contact end 401 and an insertion end 402. The drive member 100 has a drive ramp 150 (see FIG5) that contacts the contact end 401 of the axle pin 400. By rotating the drive member 100, the drive ramp 150 of the drive member 100 can push the axle pin 400 to move axially in the insertion direction S2 (see FIG4) so ​​that its insertion end 402 is inserted into the wheel 1, thereby locking the wheel 1.

[0054] Additionally, the braking mechanism 10 includes an elastic element 500, which is configured to drive the axle pin 400 axially toward the withdrawal direction S1, causing its insertion end 402 to exit the wheel 1. The elastic element 500 may be a compression spring, tension spring, torsion spring, elastic band, pneumatic / hydraulic mechanism, or other component with elastic restoring force. In other embodiments, the braking mechanism 10 may not include the elastic element 500, but instead has a driving member (not shown) exposed outside the braking mechanism 10, through which the user drives the axle pin 400 axially toward the withdrawal direction S1, causing its insertion end 402 to exit the wheel 1.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the driving ramp 150 is configured to extend circumferentially along the driving member 100 and has a locking end 151 and a releasing end 152 opposite to the locking end 151, wherein the locking end 151 protrudes toward the insertion direction S2 and the releasing end 152 is recessed toward the withdrawal direction S1.

[0056] When a user wants to lock wheel 1, they can operate the operating member 140 on the drive member 100 to rotate the drive member 100 in the locking direction D1. As a result, the drive ramp 150 on the drive member 100 moves circumferentially relative to the axle pin 400 in the locking direction D1. When it moves to the point where the locking end 151 contacts the axle pin 400, since the locking end 151 protrudes in the insertion direction S2, the locking end 151 pushes the axle pin 400 to move axially in the insertion direction S2, so that its insertion end 402 is inserted into wheel 1.

[0057] When the user wants to release wheel 1, they can operate the operating member 140 on the drive member 100 to rotate the drive member 100 in the release direction D2. As a result, the drive ramp 150 on the drive member 100 moves circumferentially relative to the pin 400 in the release direction D2. When it moves to the point where the release end 152 contacts the pin 400, since the release end 152 is recessed in the withdrawal direction S1, it allows the pin 400 to move axially in the withdrawal direction S1. Thus, the elastic member 500 can drive the pin 400 to move axially in the withdrawal direction S1, causing its insertion end 402 to exit the wheel.

[0058] Figure 4 shows one arrangement of the shaft pin 400. As shown in Figure 4, the fixing base 300 has a shaft pin hole 302 for the shaft pin 400 to be movably inserted therein. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the shaft pin 400 can be movably disposed in the fixing base 300 in other ways. For example, the fixing base 300 can be provided with a moving groove (not shown) for the shaft pin 400 to be movably inserted therein.

[0059] Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the braking mechanism 10 can adopt other embodiments to lock the wheel 1. For example, the drive member 100 can be connected to the axle pin 400 via a traction member (not shown), so that when the drive member 100 rotates, it drives the axle pin 400 to move axially via the traction member. As another example, the braking mechanism 10 can adopt a braking member other than the axle pin 400, and the drive member 100 can be connected to the braking member via a traction member (not shown), so that when the drive member 100 rotates, it drives the braking member to move via the traction member to lock the wheel 1. As yet another example, the drive member 100 is provided with a brake lever (not shown) extending parallel to the wheel axle 20, and the wheel 1 hub is provided with a plurality of brake grooves (not shown) arranged circumferentially. When the drive member 100 rotates to the unlocking position in the unlocking direction, the brake lever rotates with the drive member 100 and engages in the brake groove of the wheel 1, thereby locking the wheel 1.

[0060] To enable a user to lock and unlock wheel 1 by operating the operating element 140 on the drive member 100 twice in the same direction, a guide side 110 may be provided on the drive member 100. It should be understood that although in the embodiments shown in Figures 6 and 7, the guide side 110 is provided on the side of the drive member 100 opposite to the drive ramp 150, the invention is not limited thereto, and the guide side 110 may be provided on the same side of the drive member 100 as the drive ramp 150.

[0061] As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the guide side 110 of the drive member 100 is provided with a guide groove 120. The guide groove 120 includes a stop groove 123. According to one embodiment, the guide groove 120 may further include a first guide groove 121, a second guide groove 122, and a release groove 124. The first guide groove 121 and the second guide groove 122 are connected at one end through the stop groove 123 and at the other end through the release groove 124, thereby making the guide groove 120 annular (see Figure 7).

[0062] In addition, the braking mechanism 10 is also provided with a braking element 200. The braking element 200 can be a rod-shaped retaining ring as shown in FIG. 4, or it can be a component of other shapes. The braking element 200 has a stop end 210 and a fixed end 220, wherein the stop end 210 is configured to be movable in the guide groove 120, and the fixed end 220 can be fixed to the fixing hole 303 of the fixing seat 300. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixed end 220 can be fixed to the fixing seat 300 or to the wheel hub of the wheel 1 in other suitable ways.

[0063] When the drive member 100 is in the locked position, the stop end 210 is located in the stop groove 123. When the drive member 100 is in the unlocked position, the stop end 210 is located in the unlock groove 124. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this. The guide groove 120 may not have an unlock groove 124, and the ends of the first guide groove 121 and the second guide groove 122 that are away from the stop groove 123 may be directly connected together.

[0064] The working principle of the drive unit 100 will be described in detail below. For ease of description, please refer to Figure 7. In this paper, the direction in which the stop end 210 of the brake unit 200 moves in the guide groove through the release groove 124, the second guide groove 122, the stop groove 123 and the first guide groove 121 is defined as the first direction, and the direction opposite to the first direction is defined as the second direction.

[0065] When locking wheel 1, the user performs the first operation on the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, applying a downward force, such as pressing the pedal with their foot, so that the drive member 100 rotates to the locking position in the locking direction D1. Then, the stop end 210 of the brake member 200 moves from the release groove 124 along the first direction through the second guide groove 122 to the stop groove 123, and abuts against the end wall at the connection between the second guide groove 122 and the stop groove 123, so that the drive member 100 cannot continue to rotate in the locking direction D1.

[0066] When the user stops applying downward force to the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, the drive member 100 rotates in the release direction D2 under the elastic force of the return spring 600 (see FIG. 4). The stop end 210 then leaves the end wall at the connection between the second guide groove 122 and the stop groove 123 and immediately hooks onto the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123 (e.g., hooking onto the recess 123c on the inner wall 123b shown in FIG. 7), preventing the drive member 100 from continuing to rotate in the release direction D2. Thus, as shown in FIG. 6, the stop end 210 finally remains in the stop groove 123, and the drive member 100 remains in the locked position. At this time, the wheel 1 is locked. Because the stroke of the drive member 100 in the release direction D2 is very short during this process, the braking mechanism 10 can maintain the locked wheel 1.

[0067] To release wheel 1, the user performs a second operation on the operating member 140 of the drive member 100 in the same direction, applying a downward force again, such as by pressing the pedal again. This causes the drive member 100 to rotate again in the locking direction D1, and the stop end 210 moves away from the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123 and reaches the outer wall 123a. As the drive member 100 continues to rotate in the locking direction D1, the stop end 210 moves along the first direction in the stop groove 123 towards the first guide groove 121 until it reaches the first guide groove 121 and abuts against the end wall at the connection between the first guide groove 121 and the stop groove 123, preventing the drive member 100 from continuing to rotate in the locking direction D1. During this process, the stroke of the drive member 100 in the locking direction D1 is also very short, so the braking mechanism 10 still maintains the locking of wheel 1.

[0068] When the user stops applying downward force to the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, the drive member 140 rotates in the release direction D2 under the elastic force of the return spring 600. The stop end 210 then moves from the first guide groove 121 to the release groove 124 along the first direction, and the drive member 100 returns to the release position, as shown in Figure 7. Thus, by operating the operating member 140 of the drive member 100 a second time in the same direction, the user releases the wheel 1.

[0069] However, in actual use, when a user wants to release wheel 1, sometimes misoperation occurs, and an upward force is accidentally applied to the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, such as using the instep to lift the pedal. This causes the drive member 100 to tend to rotate in the release direction D2, causing the stop end 210 to tend to move along the first direction. However, because the stop end 210 is hooked on the recess 123c on the inner sidewall 123b (see Figure 7), it cannot move smoothly from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 along the first direction. This makes it impossible for the operating member (e.g., pedal) 140 to move upward. As a result, the user may operate with more force so that the stop end 210 can overcome the blocking force of the recess 123c and move further along the first direction to the first guide groove 121. This may cause damage to the internal structure of the braking mechanism, such as deformation of the brake member 200 or breakage of the operating member (e.g., pedal) 140.

[0070] To avoid this situation, the present invention provides an anti-damage device in the drive member 100. The anti-damage device is configured to elastically block or prevent the stop end 210 from moving away from the stop groove 123 in the first direction when the user tends to move the drive member 100 in an incorrect direction. Two embodiments of the anti-damage device will be described below.

[0071] First embodiment of the anti-damage device

[0072] The first embodiment of the anti-damage device is a buffer 130 provided in the drive member 100, which is described in detail below.

[0073] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the buffer 130 is configured to elastically block the stop end 210 from moving away from the stop groove 123 along the first direction.

[0074] In this document, "elastic blocking" means that when the force applied by the stop end 210 to the buffer member 130 is insufficient to deform the buffer member 130 to allow the stop end 210 to pass through, the buffer member 130 will block the stop end 210 from moving from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 in the first direction; when the force applied by the stop end 210 to the buffer member 130 causes the buffer member 130 to deform to allow the stop end 210 to pass through, the buffer member 130 will allow the stop end 210 to move from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 in the first direction. Specifically, when the stop end 210 does not apply force to the buffer member 130, the buffer member 130 is in its initial state, that is, in an undeformed state. When the drive member 100 rotates toward the release direction D2, causing the stop end 210 to move along the first direction and contact the buffer member 130 and apply a small force to the buffer member 130, the buffer member 130 enters an intermediate state, that is, in a state of beginning elastic deformation. At this time, the deformation of the buffer member 130 is small and can block the stop end 210 from moving along the first direction. When the stop end 210 moves further along the first direction and applies a larger force to the buffer member 130, causing the buffer member 130 to elastically deform to the extent that the stop end 210 can move along the first direction, the buffer member 130 enters an extended state, that is, in a state of final elastic deformation. At this time, the buffer member 130 allows the stop end 210 to move along the first direction.

[0075] In one embodiment shown in Figure 9, the buffer 130 takes the form of a spring sheet disposed on the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the buffer 130 may take other forms of elastic members, as long as they can achieve the effect of elastically blocking the stop end 210.

[0076] As shown in Figure 9, the buffer 130 is configured to have a fixed section 131, a movable section 132, and a contact section 133 located between the fixed section 131 and the movable section 132. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, the contact section 133 is configured to be spaced apart from the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123 by a space T of an initial size and protrude toward the outer sidewall 123a, thereby elastically preventing the stop end 210 from moving from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 along the first direction.

[0077] Correspondingly, as shown in Figure 9, the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123 is formed with a fixed groove 123b1 in which the fixed section 131 of the buffer member 130 is fixed and a movable groove 123b2 in which the movable section 132 of the buffer member 130 is movably disposed.

[0078] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the fixing segment 131 is hook-shaped, and the shape of the fixing groove 123b1 corresponds to the shape of the fixing segment 131. Of course, the present invention is not limited to this, and the fixing segment 131 and the fixing groove 123b1 can adopt other shapes such as L-shaped or wavy, as long as the fixing segment 131 can be fixed in the fixing groove 123b1.

[0079] The movable groove 123b2 on the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123 is configured such that, during the process of the buffer 130 deforming into the intermediate state and the extended state, the space within the movable groove 123b2 is sufficient to allow the movable segment 132 of the buffer 130 to move within the movable groove 123b2. For example, the space of the movable groove 123b2 can be configured to be deeper and / or wider to avoid restricting the movement of the movable segment 132 of the buffer 130 within it, thereby ensuring that the buffer 130 can deform.

[0080] Of course, the buffer 130 of the present invention is not limited to this, and the buffer 130 can also adopt other configurations. For example, the buffer 130 can be in the form of a straight plate-shaped spring, with one end fixed in the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123, and the other end exposed outside the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123 and can be bent and deformed to elastically prevent the stop end 210 from moving from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 along the first direction.

[0081] According to one embodiment, as shown in Figures 8, 9, and 10, a protrusion 123b3 may be provided on the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123. The protrusion 123b3 and the contact section 133 together form a recess, thereby better positioning the stop end 210 therein.

[0082] The working principle of the drive unit 100 with buffer 130 is roughly the same as that of the drive unit without buffer 130. The following mainly describes in detail the two unlocking processes of the drive unit 100 with buffer 130.

[0083] Figure 10 shows that when the drive member 100 is in the locked position (i.e., the wheel 1 is in the locked state), the stop end 210 abuts against the contact section 133 and the inner wall 123b of the buffer member 130. At this time, the force exerted by the stop end 210 on the buffer member 130 is zero or small, the buffer member 130 is in the initial or intermediate state, and the buffer member 130 has not yet deformed to the extent that the stop end 210 can pass through. Therefore, the contact section 133 of the buffer member 130 and the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123 are still separated by a certain space T. The buffer member 130 prevents the stop end 210 from moving from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 along the first direction.

[0084] In the normal unlocking process (first unlocking process), the user operates the actuator 140 of the drive member 100 a second time in the same direction, applying a downward force again, such as pressing the pedal again, causing the drive member 100 to rotate again in the locking direction D1. Referring to Figure 10, the stop end 210 leaves the contact section 133 and inner wall 123b of the buffer member 130 and reaches the outer wall 123a. As the drive member 100 continues to rotate in the locking direction D1, the stop end 210 moves in the stop groove 123 along the first direction towards the first guide groove 121 until the stop end 210 moves to the first guide groove 121 and abuts against the end wall at the connection between the first guide groove 121 and the stop groove 123, preventing the drive member 100 from continuing to rotate in the locking direction D1. During this process, the stroke of the drive member 100 in the locking direction D1 is also very short, so the braking mechanism 10 still keeps the wheel 1 locked.

[0085] When the user stops applying downward force to the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, the drive member 140 rotates in the release direction D2 under the elastic force of the return spring 600. As a result, the stop end 210 moves from the first guide groove 121 to the release groove 124 along the first direction, as shown in Figure 11, and the drive member 100 returns to the release position. Thus, the wheel 1 is released.

[0086] On the other hand, in the accidental unlocking process (the second unlocking process), the user accidentally applies an upward force to the operating member 140 of the drive member 100, for example, by using the instep to lift the pedal, causing the drive member 100 to rotate in the unlocking direction D2. As a result, the stop end 210 moves from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 along the first direction, and thus the stop end 210 applies a large force to the buffer member 130.

[0087] When the large force causes the buffer 130 to deform to the extent that the stop end 210 can pass through, the buffer 130 enters the extended state. The movable segment 132 of the buffer 130 extends further into the movable groove 123b2 of the inner wall 123b, and the angle between the movable segment 132 and the fixed segment 131 of the buffer 130 increases. As a result, the contact segment 133 of the buffer 130 moves toward the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123, making the space T between them smaller (see Figure 12), or even the space T no longer exists (i.e., the contact segment 133 of the buffer 130 fits together with the inner wall 123b of the stop groove 123). As a result, the contact segment 133 of the buffer 130 no longer blocks the stop end 210, so the stop end 210 can move from the stop groove 123 to the first guide groove 121 in the first direction, as shown in Figure 13.

[0088] When the stop end 210 passes the contact section 133 of the buffer member 130, the buffer member 130 will elastically return to its initial state, causing the movable section 132 of the buffer member 130 to partially exit from the movable groove 123b2 of the inner sidewall 123b, the included angle between the movable section 132 and the fixed section 131 of the buffer member 130 becomes smaller, and the space T between the contact section 133 of the buffer member 130 and the inner sidewall 123b of the stop groove 123 returns to its initial size.

[0089] Subsequently, the drive member 100 can rotate toward the release direction D2 under the same (upward) force applied by the user to the operating member 140 or under the elastic force of the return spring 600. The stop end 210 then moves from the first guide groove 121 to the release groove 124 along the first direction, as shown in FIG11, and the drive member 100 returns to the release position. Thus, the wheel 1 is released.

[0090] Thanks to the buffer 130 provided on the drive unit 100, even if the user accidentally misoperates during the release process (e.g., lifts the pedal with the instep), the drive unit 100 can return to the release position, thus releasing the wheel 1. This not only increases the flexibility of the braking mechanism, allowing the user to either press the pedal again to release the wheel 1 or lift the pedal with the instep to release the wheel 1, but also prevents damage to the internal structure of the braking mechanism due to misoperation, increasing the stability and service life of the braking mechanism.

[0091] Second embodiment of the anti-damage device

[0092] A second embodiment of the anti-damage device is an operating element pivotally connected to the drive element, as described below.

[0093] Referring to Figure 14, a prior art wheel structure A1 is shown in its entirety. The wheel structure A1 includes: a mounting base (or "wheel seat") A300, a wheel A200, and an operating element (or "pedal") A120.

[0094] The mounting bracket A300 engages under the frame (not shown) of a vehicle such as a stroller (e.g., a children's vehicle). Wheels A200 are rotatably mounted on the mounting bracket A300 to provide mobility for the vehicle. An operating element A120 is located outside the wheels A200 to allow the user to unlock or lock the parking mechanism (not shown) of the wheels A200.

[0095] Referring to Figure 15, a drive element (or "moving component") A110 is shown, which is rotatably and at least partially disposed in a fixed base A300. In the prior art, the drive element A110 and the operating element A120 are integrally disposed. Therefore, pressing down and lifting the operating element A120 will directly drive the corresponding rotation of the drive element A110.

[0096] The specific structure and operation of the prior art wheel structure A1 are described with reference to Figures 16 to 19.

[0097] As shown in Figure 16, the driving component A110 includes: a boss A114, a guide groove (or "groove") A116, and an actuating part A115.

[0098] The boss A114 rises transversely to the direction of movement of the drive member A110, that is, it rises outward from the paper in Figures 16 to 19. A stop portion A114a is recessed at one end of the boss A114. A guide groove A116 surrounds the boss A114 and includes a first track A116a and a second track A116b connected to each other to form a unidirectional loop, wherein the end of the first track A116a is located at the stop portion A114a. An actuating portion A115 is located on both sides of the guide groove A116 opposite to the stop portion A114a and extends toward the stop portion A114a. The actuating portion A115 guides the sliding of the stop end (or "locking end") A312 along the second track A116b.

[0099] The fixed base A300 includes a braking element (or "locking element") A310, which includes a fixed end (or "engaging end") A311 connected to the fixed base A300 and a stop end A312 inserted into the guide groove A116. More specifically, the stop end A312 may be configured as a hook inserted into the guide groove A116.

[0100] When the driving member A110 moves relative to the fixed base A300, the stop end A312 of the braking member A310 slides around the boss A114, but cannot cross the boss A114; that is, the stop end A312 slides along the guide groove A116. When the driving member A110 moves from the locked position to the unlocked position, the stop end A312 slides along the second trajectory A116b; when the driving member A110 moves from the unlocked position to the locked position, the stop end A312 slides along the first trajectory A116a.

[0101] In this embodiment, the movement of the drive member A110 relative to the fixed base A300 is a rotational motion. However, it should be understood that the drive member A110 can also move linearly relative to the fixed base A300, with the same locking and unlocking principle.

[0102] Referring to Figure 16, wheel structure A1 is in the locked position. The drive member A110 prevents wheel A200 from rotating, for example, by causing a parking component (not shown) to lock the rotation of wheel A200 relative to the fixed seat A300. The parking component can be a pin (e.g., the aforementioned axle pin 400) that moves along the axial direction of wheel A200, which can be pushed by the cam surface of the drive member A110 (e.g., the aforementioned drive ramp 150) and inserted into wheel A200 to lock the rotation of wheel A200. The parking component can also be other suitable forms, as long as it can be driven by the drive member A110 to lock wheel A200.

[0103] Starting from Figure 16, when the user needs to unlock wheel A200, the normal operation is to press down the operating member A120, as shown in Figure 17. At this time, the operating member A120 rotates along the pressing direction AD1, causing the driving member A110 to rotate clockwise in Figure 17, so that the stop end A312 is actuated by the actuating part A115 and disengages from the stop part A114a and moves along the second trajectory A116b. When the user releases the operating member A120, the operating member A120 (and the driving member A110) springs up under the action of a reset device such as a spring (e.g., the aforementioned reset spring 600), and the stop end A312 continues to move along the second trajectory A116b, thus allowing the driving member A110 to reach the unlocked position shown in Figure 18. At this time, the driving member A110 no longer pushes the parking device, so the parking device unlocks the rotation of wheel A200.

[0104] Starting from Figure 18, when the user needs to lock wheel A200, the operation is still to press down the operating member A120. Therefore, the stop end A312 moves along the first trajectory A116a of the guide groove A116 and stops at the stop part A114a, so that the drive member A110 stops at the position shown in Figure 16.

[0105] Therefore, the operation of driving the drive component A110 from the locked position to the unlocked position or from the unlocked position to the locked position is the operation of pressing down the operation component A120.

[0106] Returning to Figure 16, let's describe a user's erroneous operation. Starting from Figure 16, when a user needs to unlock wheel structure A1, they might forcibly lift the operating component A120, causing wheel structure A1 to reach the state shown in Figure 19. At this time, operating component A120 rotates along the lifting direction AD2, forcing driving component A110 to rotate counterclockwise in Figure 19, causing stop end A312 to forcibly pass over stop part A114a. It is easy to understand that this operation will damage stop part A114a, or even cause stop part A114a to lose its function, thus making wheel structure A1 unable to be locked, which will pose a safety hazard.

[0107] The wheel structure A1 of the present invention is described in its entirety with reference to Figures 20 and 21.

[0108] In the wheel structure A1, the components that realize the locking function of the wheel A200 are similar to the prior art. That is to say, the boss A114, the guide groove A116, and the brake A310 can be the same as the prior art, but they can also be other similar forms. As long as the operation of driving the drive component A110 to move from the locked position to the unlocked position or from the unlocked position to the locked position is the pressing operation component A120.

[0109] The operating element A120, the drive element A110, and the pivot shaft A130 are collectively referred to as components of the pedal structure A100. The operating element A120 and the drive element A110 are not formed as a single unit, but are pivotally connected to the drive element A110 at the pivot end A121 of the operating element A120 via the pivot shaft A130. When the operating element A120 is pressed down, it drives the drive element A110 to move, and when it is lifted up, it does not drive the drive element A110 to move.

[0110] The pedal structure A100 is described in detail with reference to Figures 22 to 25.

[0111] The driving member A110 includes a first abutment A111 and a second abutment A112. The first abutment A111 rests against the lower part of the operating member A120. When the operating member A120 is stepped on, the operating member A120 presses down on the first abutment A111, thereby driving the driving member A110 to move. The second abutment A112 is located above the operating member A120. When the operating member A120 is lifted, it prevents the operating member A120 from moving excessively relative to the driving member A110.

[0112] In this embodiment, the first abutment A111 is plate-shaped and its width is smaller than that of the operating member A120. A pivot A130 passes through the operating member A120 and the first abutment A111 to pivotally mount the operating member A120 to the drive member A110. The length of the first abutment A111 is approximately one-third the length of the operating member A120. The first abutment A111 extends from the mounting base A300, and the pivot A130 is located at the end of the first abutment A111 near the mounting base A300. The second abutment A112 is located above the first abutment A111 and is closer to the mounting base A300 than the first abutment A111.

[0113] The second abutment A112 extends from the fixed base A300 toward the operating member A120 and has an arc-shaped lower surface A112a in the side view (as shown in Figures 24 and 25). The tread surface A122 of the operating member A120 has a generally straight cross-section and an arc-shaped upper edge A122a at one end near the fixed base A300. Thus, when the operating member A120 is lifted, the arc-shaped upper edge A122a of the tread surface A122 slides along the lower surface A112a of the second abutment A112 until the straight portion of the tread surface A122 abuts against the lower surface A112a of the second abutment A112. Between the state where the operating member A120 is against the first abutment A111 (Figures 22 and 24) and the state where the operating member A120 is against the second abutment A112 (Figures 23 and 25), the operating member A120 can rotate relative to the driving member A110 by, for example, 45 degrees (but not limited to this angle). This angle can be designed such that when the operating member A120 rotates to the position against the second abutment A112, the position of the operating member A120 makes it difficult for the user to continue to lift the operating member A120, because the position of the operating member A120 is already higher than the height easily reached by the toes. In this way, the lifted operating member A120 avoids forcibly rotating the driving member A110. On the other hand, the user will notice that the operating member A120 is lifted but the driving member A110 does not move, and therefore will realize that lifting the operating member A120 was a mistake.

[0114] In other embodiments, the first abutment A111 can also be formed in any suitable form, as long as it can abut against the operating member A120 and cause the downward movement of the operating member A120 to drive the driving member A110 to move.

[0115] The operating component A120 includes a pivot end A121, a tread surface A122, and a side wall A123.

[0116] Pivoting end A121 is pivotally connected to drive member A110. Tread surface A122 is pivotable about pivot end A121. Sidewalls A123 extend from both sides of tread surface A122. More specifically, tread surface A122 and sidewalls A123 cover a receiving space in which first abutment A111 is received when operating member A120 is not raised. Thus, operating member A120 can cover and shield the portion of drive member A110 located outside the fixed base A300. The upper surface of operating member A120 can be shaped to fit the user's foot and has a surface that increases friction to improve comfort.

[0117] In summary, this invention provides a pedal structure that can prevent damage to the wheel structure caused by accidental operation in the opposite direction by the user. It should be understood that the pedal structure of this invention can also be applied to other structures or devices besides the wheel structure.

[0118] It should be understood that the drive component of the present invention can be provided with one or both of the first and second embodiments of the anti-damage device. The first embodiment of the anti-damage device can be applied when the drive component has a guide groove, and the second embodiment of the anti-damage device can be applied not only when the drive component has a guide groove, but also when the drive component does not have a guide groove. When the drive component does not have a guide groove, the second embodiment of the anti-damage device can prevent the user from moving the drive component in an incorrect direction.

[0119] In addition, the damage prevention device of the present invention can adopt other structures besides the two embodiments described above.

[0120] For example, the anti-damage device could be an operating element fixedly mounted on a drive member. The first surface (e.g., the upper surface) of this operating element is designed as a flat surface, making it easy to apply force, while the second surface (e.g., the lower surface), opposite to the first surface, is designed as a smooth slope, making it difficult to apply force. In this way, when the user applies force to the first surface of the operating element, it is easy to move the drive member in the correct direction, while when the user applies force to the second surface of the operating element, it is difficult to move the drive member in an incorrect direction.

[0121] Alternatively, the anti-damage device can be a button alarm device installed on the second surface of the operating component. When the user applies force to the first surface of the operating component, it can cause the driving component to move in the correct direction. When the user applies force to the second surface of the operating component, it will touch the button alarm device, causing the button alarm device to sound an alarm, thereby reminding the user to avoid accidental operation.

[0122] Since the present invention can be embodied in many forms without departing from the spirit and essence of the invention, it should be understood that the above embodiments are not limited to any of the foregoing details, but should be interpreted in the broadest sense within the scope defined by the claims. Therefore, all variations falling within the scope of the claims or their equivalents should be covered by the claims.

[0123] 1: Wheel 10: Braking mechanism 100: Drive components 101: Second shaft hole 110: Guiding the side 120: Guide slot 121: First guide groove 122: Second guide groove 123: Stop groove 123a: Lateral wall 123b: Inner wall 123b1: Fixing groove 123b2: Movable groove 123b3: Protrusion 123c: concave area 124: Release slot 130: Buffer 131: Fixed Section 132: Activity Segment 133: Contact segment 140: Operating component 150: Driving Inclined Surface 2: Chassis 20: Wheel and Axle 200: Braking components 210: Stop end 220: Fixed end 300: Fixture 301: First shaft hole 302: Shaft pin hole 303: Fixing hole 400: Shaft pin 401: Contact Terminal 402: Insertion end 500: Elastic component 600: Return spring D1: Lock Direction D2: Release direction S1: Exit Direction S2: Insertion direction T: Space A1: Wheel Structure A100: Pedal Structure A110: Drive unit A111: First contact with the top A112: Second to top A112a: Lower surface A114: convex surface A114a: Stop section A115: Motivation Section A116: Guide groove A116a: First trajectory A116b: Second trajectory A120: Operating components A121: Pivot End A122: Footprint A122a: Top edge A123: Side wall A130: Pivot axis A200: Wheels A300: Mounting base (first item) A310: Braking components A311: Fixed end A312: Stop end AD1: Downward direction AD2: Lifting direction

Claims

1. A braking mechanism suitable for a trolley, comprising: A drive member, having a guide groove including a stop groove, wherein the drive member is configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position, the locked position corresponding to the state in which the braking mechanism locks the wheels of the trolley, and the unlocked position corresponding to the state in which the braking mechanism unlocks the wheels of the trolley; a brake member, having a stop end configured to move in the guide groove, wherein the movement of the drive member to the locked position causes the stop end to move in the guide groove along a first direction and remain in the stop groove; and a damage prevention device, including a buffer member disposed in the stop groove, the buffer member being capable of elastically preventing the stop end from moving away from the stop groove along the first direction.

2. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the buffer can generate resistance to prevent the stop end from passing over the buffer when the force applied by the stop end is sufficient to overcome the resistance, and can elastically deform to allow the stop end to move over the buffer.

3. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 2, wherein the buffer has a contact section configured to protrude from the inner wall of the stop groove, the contact section being movable toward the inner wall of the stop groove when the force applied to the stop end is sufficient to overcome the resistance, thereby allowing the stop end to move past the contact section.

4. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 3, wherein the buffer has a fixed section and a movable section, the fixed section being fixed to the drive member, the movable section being movably disposed in the inner sidewall, and the contact section being connected between the fixed section and the movable section.

5. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 1, wherein the movement of the drive member toward the locked position in a displacement direction causes the stop end to move in the stop groove within the guide groove, and the buffer member has a contact section adjacent to the stop groove, the buffer member being capable of generating elastic resistance to prevent the stop end from crossing the contact section.

6. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the elastic resistance of the buffer is adapted to resist the movement of the stop end caused by the movement of the drive member in the displacement direction.

7. The braking mechanism as claimed in claim 5, wherein the contact segment is configured to protrude from the inner wall of the stop groove, and the contact segment is movable toward the inner wall of the stop groove when the force applied to the stop end is sufficient to overcome the elastic resistance, thereby allowing the stop end to move past the contact segment.

8. The braking mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a fixed base, wherein the driving member is rotatably disposed on the fixed base, and the braking member is connected to the fixed base at a location remote from the axis of rotation of the driving member.

9. The braking mechanism of claim 8, wherein the drive member is connected to a pin adapted to lock a wheel, the drive member being rotatable to the locked position to insert the pin into the wheel, and rotatable to the unlocked position to disengage the pin from the wheel.

10. A trolley, comprising: Frame; Wheels, mounted on the vehicle frame; And a braking mechanism as described in any one of claims 1 to 9, adapted to lock or unlock the wheel.

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