A parking brake mechanism and method of operation thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of parking brake mechanism and its working method, including pedal assembly, pedal support, first elastic member, second elastic member, rotating shaft, frame support, pedal assembly is rotatably connected with pedal support, first elastic member connects pedal assembly and pedal support, and first pre-tightening force of first rotation direction is given to pedal assembly, pedal assembly includes first limiting piece, first limiting piece makes pedal assembly unable to rotate in first rotation direction in initial state, pedal support is rotatably connected with frame support by rotating shaft, second elastic member connects pedal support and frame support, and pre-tightening force of third rotation direction is given to brake pedal support, pedal assembly includes foot pedal and parking limiting plate located in the opposite side of foot pedal, recess is formed in parking limiting plate.The application is safe, convenient, user can complete brake or parking with one foot, and when brake operation is carried out, parking situation does not occur, special action is needed to carry out parking, and user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vehicle parking brake technology, and particularly relates to a parking brake mechanism and its working method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently available parking brake mechanisms require users to coordinate their hands and feet or both feet when parking, which is inconvenient. On the other hand, parking brake mechanisms that can be operated with one foot can cause the vehicle to stop accidentally when the user is not paying attention, which can lead to user inconvenience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention provides a safe and convenient braking mechanism and its working method.

[0004] The technical solution to achieve the above objectives is as follows:

[0005] A parking brake mechanism includes a pedal assembly movably connected to a frame bracket, the frame bracket being fixedly connected to a frame. The pedal assembly is connected to a stop assembly via a connector, the stop assembly restricting the movement of a power unit.

[0006] The pedal assembly can rotate along a first rotation axis and / or a second rotation axis;

[0007] When the pedal assembly rotates along the second rotation axis, it can control the opening and closing of the stop assembly and / or the degree of restriction on the power unit.

[0008] Furthermore, the pedal assembly can move between a first position and a second position along the second rotation axis. When the pedal is in the second position, the stop assembly can restrict the movement of the power unit. When the pedal assembly is in the second position, it can rotate to a limit position along the first rotation axis. When the pedal assembly is in the limit position, it cannot rotate along the second rotation axis from the second position toward the first position.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a pedal bracket, a first elastic element, and a second elastic element.

[0010] The pedal assembly is rotatably connected to the pedal bracket. The first elastic element connects the pedal assembly and the pedal bracket, and provides a preload force in a first rotational direction to the pedal assembly. The pedal assembly includes a first limiting element, which prevents the pedal assembly from rotating in the first rotational direction in its initial state.

[0011] The pedal bracket and the frame bracket are rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft. The second elastic element connects the pedal bracket and the frame bracket and provides a preload force in the third direction to the brake pedal bracket.

[0012] The pedal assembly includes a foot pedal and a parking limit plate located on the opposite side of the foot pedal. The parking limit plate has a groove. When the foot pedal is pressed, the pedal assembly and the pedal bracket assembly can rotate from the initial position in a fourth rotation direction, and a torque in a first rotation direction is applied to the pedal assembly. Under the action of the first limit member, the pedal assembly remains in the initial position. When the foot pedal is released, the pedal assembly and the pedal bracket assembly can return to the initial position under the action of the second elastic member. When the foot pedal is pressed again, a torque in a second rotation direction is applied to the pedal assembly. When this torque is greater than the sum of the force of the first elastic member and the torque of pressing the foot pedal, the pedal assembly can rotate relative to the pedal bracket in a second rotation direction. After the foot pedal is released, the pedal assembly and the pedal bracket assembly can rotate in a third rotation direction under the action of the second elastic member, so that the groove of the parking limit plate engages with the frame bracket. The first and second rotation directions are opposite, and the third and fourth rotation directions are opposite.

[0013] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft is located at the lower part of the pedal assembly, and the upper part of the pedal bracket includes a first pedal bracket hole, through which the first rotating shaft is disposed.

[0014] Furthermore, the first rotating shaft passes through the first elastic member, the first limiting member is located at the lower part of the first rotating shaft, and the end of the first limiting member abuts against one side surface of the pedal bracket.

[0015] Furthermore, a second pedal bracket hole is provided on the pedal bracket below the first pedal bracket hole, and a frame bracket hole is provided on the frame bracket. The second rotating shaft passes through the frame bracket hole and the second pedal bracket hole.

[0016] Furthermore, the frame support is provided with a second limiting member, which is used to limit the rotation angle of the pedal assembly and the pedal support assembly in the fourth rotation direction.

[0017] Furthermore, the second rotating shaft is limited by a pin to prevent it from coming out, and a plastic bushing is provided on the second rotating shaft.

[0018] Furthermore, the pedal assembly also includes a parking pedal located on the opposite side of the foot pedal and on the upper part of the parking limit plate.

[0019] According to the above-described working method of the parking brake mechanism, the method includes a braking mode and a parking mode.

[0020] In the initial state, the pedal assembly and pedal support assembly are in the initial position under the action of the second elastic member and have a tendency to move in the third direction. Under the action of the first elastic member and the first limiting member, the pedal assembly is in the initial position relative to the pedal support and has a tendency to move in the first direction.

[0021] The braking mode is as follows: When the user presses the pedal assembly foot pedal, the pedal assembly and pedal bracket assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction. The maximum rotation angle is limited by the second limiter. At this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly. Under the action of the first limiter, the pedal assembly still remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket.

[0022] When the user releases the pedal assembly, the pedal assembly and pedal support assembly return to their initial position under the action of the second elastic element.

[0023] The parking mode is as follows: when the user presses the pedal assembly foot pedal, the pedal assembly and pedal bracket assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction, and the maximum rotation angle is limited by the second limiter; at this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly, and the pedal assembly remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket under the action of the first limiter.

[0024] The user applies a force F to the pedal assembly, which is a torque in the second direction. When the torque in the second direction is greater than the sum of the force of the first elastic element and the torque of stepping on the pedal, the pedal assembly rotates relative to the pedal bracket in the second direction.

[0025] Then the user releases the pedal but keeps applying force F. The pedal assembly and pedal bracket assembly rotate in the third direction under the action of the second elastic element. The groove of the parking limit plate on the pedal assembly engages with the protrusion of the frame bracket.

[0026] When the user fully releases the pedal assembly, the pedal assembly cannot rotate in the first direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate. Similarly, the pedal assembly and pedal bracket assembly cannot rotate in the third direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate, thus achieving parking.

[0027] A lawnmower, the lawnmower including the aforementioned parking brake mechanism.

[0028] Furthermore, the lawnmower is a ride-on lawnmower.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention include:

[0030] This invention utilizes a specially designed parking brake mechanism that allows the pedal assembly, pedal bracket, first elastic element, second elastic element, rotating shaft, and frame bracket to work together. When the user presses the pedal assembly, braking mode is activated. Applying a force (e.g., with the foot) allows the pedal assembly to overcome a certain torque, thus parking the vehicle by engaging the parking limit plate with the frame bracket. The overall structure is simple, safe, and convenient to operate. Users can brake or park with one foot, and parking does not occur during braking, which would otherwise require a specific action, thus improving the user experience. Attached image description:

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of the parking brake mechanism and the frame.

[0032] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the brake holding mechanism.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a front view of the brake holding mechanism.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a side view of the parking brake mechanism.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the braking modes of the parking brake mechanism.

[0036] Figure 6 This is a 3D diagram of the braking mode of the parking brake mechanism.

[0037] Figure 7 A 3D diagram of the parking brake mechanism in parking mode.

[0038] Figure 8 A three-dimensional diagram of the parking mode, representing another implementation of the parking brake mechanism. Detailed implementation method:

[0039] Combination Figure 1-7 The parking brake mechanism 200 of the present invention is mainly composed of components such as pedal assembly 201, pedal bracket 202, first elastic element 203, second elastic element 204, rotating shaft 205 (i.e., second rotating shaft), and frame bracket 101.

[0040] The frame bracket 101 is fixedly connected to the frame 100 and can be regarded as part of the frame 100.

[0041] The pedal assembly is connected to the stop assembly via a connector. The stop assembly restricts the movement of the power unit. Specifically, the stop assembly can be a brake assembly for the wheels, such as a disc brake or drum brake. Alternatively, it can be a braking module for the power element, such as an electronic brake or a motor stop / lock module. The connector can be a cable, a lever, or a switch, wire, or electronic component used to trigger the electronic brake or motor stop / lock module. The aforementioned connector and stop assembly are not the primary focus of this application and are well-known technical means in the industry; therefore, they will not be described in detail here, and related components are omitted from the accompanying drawings.

[0042] The shaft 201a (i.e., the first rotation shaft) on the pedal assembly 201 is movably connected to the hole 202a on the pedal bracket 202; after assembly, the pedal assembly 201 can rotate in the hole 202a, and a limiting member is installed at the end of the shaft 201a to prevent the pedal 201 from coming off; the pedal assembly 201 is provided with a limiting member 201b to limit the pedal assembly 201 from rotating relative to the pedal bracket 202 in a first rotation direction.

[0043] The rotating shaft 205 passes through the hole 101a on the frame bracket 101 and the hole 202b on the pedal bracket 202, so that the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 can rotate around the rotating shaft 205 as a whole; the rotating shaft 205 can be limited by a pin to prevent it from coming off; a plastic bushing can also be added to the rotating shaft 205 to make the pedal bracket 202 rotate more smoothly and to prevent noise during rotation.

[0044] The frame support 101 is provided with a limiting member 101b to limit the rotation angle of the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal support 202 assembly.

[0045] The first elastic element 203 connects the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202, and provides a preload force in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly 201. Due to the restriction of the limiting element 201b, the pedal assembly 201 cannot rotate in the first rotation direction in the initial state.

[0046] The second elastic element 204 connects the pedal bracket 202 and the frame bracket 101, and provides a third-direction preload to the brake pedal bracket 202.

[0047] The working method of the parking brake mechanism of this invention includes a braking mode and a parking mode.

[0048] Braking mode:

[0049] In the initial state, the pedal assembly 201 and pedal bracket 202 are in the initial position under the action of the second elastic element 204, and have a tendency to rotate in the third direction.

[0050] Under the action of the first elastic member 203 and the limiting member 201b, the pedal assembly 201 is in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket 202 and has a tendency to rotate in the first direction.

[0051] Combination Figure 5-6 When the user presses the foot pedal 201c of the pedal assembly 201, the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction, and the maximum rotation angle is limited by the limiting member 101b. At this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly 201. Under the action of the limiting member 201b, the pedal assembly 201 still remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket 202.

[0052] When the user releases the pedal assembly 201, the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly return to their initial position under the action of the second elastic element 204.

[0053] Parking mode:

[0054] In the initial state, the pedal assembly 201 and pedal bracket 202 are in the initial position under the action of the second elastic element 204, and have a tendency to rotate in the third direction.

[0055] Under the action of the first elastic member 203 and the limiting member 201b, the pedal assembly 201 is in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket 202 and has a tendency to rotate in the first direction.

[0056] Combination Figure 7 When the user presses the foot pedal 201c of the pedal assembly 201, the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction, and the maximum rotation angle is limited by the limiting member 101b. At this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly 201. Under the action of the limiting member 201b, the pedal assembly 201 still remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket 202.

[0057] The user applies a force F to the pedal assembly 201, which is to apply a torque in the second direction to the pedal assembly 201. When the torque is greater than the sum of the force of the first elastic element 203 and the torque of stepping on the foot pedal 201c, the pedal assembly 201 rotates relative to the pedal bracket 202 in the second direction.

[0058] Then the user releases the foot pedal 201c, but maintains the applied force F. The pedal assembly 201 and pedal bracket 202 assembly rotates in the third direction under the action of the second elastic element 204. The groove of the parking limit plate 201d on the pedal assembly 201 engages with the protrusion of the bracket 101.

[0059] When the user fully releases the pedal assembly 201, the pedal assembly 201 cannot rotate in the first direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate 201d. Similarly, the combination of the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 cannot rotate in the third direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate 201d, thus achieving parking.

[0060] Another implementation method:

[0061] Combination Figure 8 A parking pedal 201e is provided on the other side of the pedal assembly 201.

[0062] When the user needs to park, he / she directly steps on the parking pedal 201e, and the combination of pedal assembly 201 and pedal bracket 202 rotates in the fourth direction.

[0063] At this time, the user applies a torque in the second direction to the pedal assembly 201, causing the pedal assembly 201 to overcome the force of the first elastic element 203 and rotate relative to the pedal bracket 202 in the second direction; however, when the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly start to rotate in the fourth direction, the outer edge of the parking limit plate 201d on the pedal assembly 201 contacts the bracket 101, restricting the rotation of the pedal assembly 201;

[0064] When the parking limit plate 201d on the pedal assembly 201 rotates past the limit of the bracket 101 in the fourth rotation direction, the pedal assembly 201 rotates relative to the pedal bracket 202 in the second rotation direction.

[0065] Then, the user slowly releases the parking pedal 201e. At this time, the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly rotate in the third direction under the action of the second elastic element 204. However, the torque exerted by the user pressing the parking pedal 201e on the pedal assembly 201 is still greater than the force exerted by the first elastic element 203, so that the pedal assembly 201 does not return to its original position. The parking limit plate 201d on the pedal assembly 201 is inserted into the protrusion of the bracket 101 until the parking is completed.

[0066] Release parking:

[0067] When the user releases the parking brake, he / she only needs to step on the foot pedal 201c of the pedal assembly 201 to rotate the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 assembly in the fourth rotation direction. The groove of the parking limit plate 201d on the pedal assembly 201 disengages from the protrusion of the bracket 101, and the limiting effect disappears.

[0068] At this time, under the torque of the first elastic element 203 and the user stepping on the foot pedal 201c, the pedal assembly 201 rotates relative to the pedal bracket 202 in the first direction to the initial position.

[0069] Then, the user releases the pedal assembly 201, and the combination of the pedal assembly 201 and the pedal bracket 202 returns to its initial position under the action of the second elastic element 204.

[0070] The foregoing has shown and described the basic principles, main features, and advantages of the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. Various changes and modifications can be made to the invention without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the present invention as claimed. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A parking brake mechanism, comprising a pedal assembly movably connected to a frame bracket, the frame bracket being fixedly connected to a frame, the pedal assembly being connected to a stop assembly via a connector, the stop assembly being capable of restricting the movement of a power unit, characterized in that: The pedal assembly can rotate along a first rotation axis (201a) and a second rotation axis (205); When the pedal assembly rotates along the second rotation axis (205), the opening and closing of the stop assembly and / or the degree of restriction on the power unit can be controlled; It also includes a pedal bracket (202), a first elastic element (203), and a second elastic element (204). The pedal assembly (201) is rotatably connected to the pedal bracket (202). The first elastic element (203) connects the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) and provides a preload force in a first rotational direction to the pedal assembly (201). The pedal assembly (201) includes a first limiting element (201b), which prevents the pedal assembly (201) from rotating in the first rotational direction in the initial state. The pedal bracket (202) and the frame bracket (101) are rotatably connected via the second rotating shaft (205). The second elastic element (204) connects the pedal bracket (202) and the frame bracket (101) and provides a preload force in a third direction to the brake pedal bracket (202). The pedal assembly (201) includes a foot pedal (201c) and a parking limit plate (201d) located on the opposite side of the foot pedal (201c). The parking limit plate (201d) has a groove. When the foot pedal (201c) is pressed, the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) assembly can rotate from the initial position in the fourth rotation direction, and at the same time, a torque in the first rotation direction is applied to the pedal assembly (201). Under the action of the first limit member (201b), the pedal assembly (201) remains in the initial position. When the foot pedal (201c) is released, the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) assembly can rotate under the action of the second elastic member (204). Returning to the initial position, when the pedal (201c) is pressed, a second rotational torque is applied to the pedal assembly (201). When this torque is greater than the sum of the force of the first elastic element (203) and the torque of pressing the pedal (201c), the pedal assembly (201) can rotate relative to the pedal bracket (202) in the second rotational direction. After releasing the pedal (201c), the combination of the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) can rotate in the third rotational direction under the action of the second elastic element (204), so that the groove of the parking limit plate (201d) is engaged in the frame bracket (101). The first and second rotational directions are opposite, and the third and fourth rotational directions are opposite.

2. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pedal assembly can move between a first position and a second position along the second rotation axis (205). When the pedal is in the second position, the stop assembly can restrict the movement of the power unit. When the pedal assembly is in the second position, it can rotate to a limit position along the first rotation axis (201a). When the pedal assembly is in the limit position, it cannot rotate along the second rotation axis (205) from the second position toward the first position.

3. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft (201a) is located at the lower part of the pedal assembly (201), and the upper part of the pedal bracket (202) includes a first pedal bracket hole (202a), through which the first rotating shaft (201a) passes.

4. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first rotating shaft (201a) passes through the first elastic member (203), and the first limiting member (201b) is located below the first rotating shaft (201a). The end of the first limiting member (201b) abuts against one side surface of the pedal bracket (202).

5. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pedal bracket (202) has a second pedal bracket hole (202b) located below the first pedal bracket hole (202a). The frame bracket (101) has a frame bracket hole (101a). The second rotating shaft (205) passes through the frame bracket hole (101a) and the second pedal bracket hole (202b).

6. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The frame support (101) is provided with a second limiting member (101b), which is used to limit the rotation angle of the fourth rotation direction of the pedal assembly (201) and pedal support (202) assembly.

7. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The second rotating shaft (205) is limited by a pin to prevent it from coming out, and a plastic bushing is provided on the second rotating shaft (205).

8. The parking brake mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pedal assembly (201) also includes a parking pedal (201e) located on the opposite side of the foot pedal (201c) and above the parking limit plate (201d).

9. A method for operating a parking brake mechanism according to any one of claims 1-7, the method comprising a braking mode and a parking mode, characterized in that, In the initial state, the pedal assembly (201) and pedal bracket (202) are in the initial position under the action of the second elastic member (204) and have a tendency to move in the third direction. Under the action of the first elastic member (203) and the first limiting member (201b), the pedal assembly (201) is in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket (202) and has a tendency to move in the first direction. The braking mode is as follows: when the user presses the foot pedal (201c) of the pedal assembly (201), the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction. The maximum rotation angle is limited by the second limiter (101b). At this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly (201). Under the action of the first limiter (201b), the pedal assembly (201) still remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket (202). When the user releases the pedal assembly (201), the pedal assembly (201) and pedal bracket (202) assembly return to their initial position under the action of the second elastic element (204); The parking mode is as follows: when the user presses the foot pedal (201c) of the pedal assembly (201), the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) assembly rotate in the fourth rotation direction, and the maximum rotation angle is limited by the second limiter (101b); at this time, the user applies a torque in the first rotation direction to the pedal assembly (201), and the pedal assembly (201) remains in the initial position relative to the pedal bracket (202) under the action of the first limiter (201b); The user applies a force F to the pedal assembly (201), that is, applies a second rotational torque to the pedal assembly (201). When the second rotational torque is greater than the sum of the force of the first elastic element (203) and the torque of stepping on the pedal (201c), the pedal assembly (201) rotates relative to the pedal bracket (202) in the second rotational direction. Then the user releases the pedal (201c), but maintains the applied force F. The pedal assembly (201) and pedal bracket (202) assembly rotate in the third direction under the action of the second elastic element (204). The groove of the parking limit plate (201d) on the pedal assembly (201) engages with the protrusion of the frame bracket (101). When the user fully releases the pedal assembly (201), the pedal assembly (201) cannot rotate in the first direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate (201d). Similarly, the combination of the pedal assembly (201) and the pedal bracket (202) cannot rotate in the third direction due to the limiting effect of the parking limit plate (201d), thus achieving parking.

10. A lawnmower, characterized in that, The lawnmower includes the parking brake mechanism as described in any one of claims 1-8.

11. The lawnmower according to claim 10, characterized in that, The lawnmower in question is a ride-on lawnmower.

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