Hand brake valve

Abstract

A hand brake valve for a parking brake system of a vehicle is disclosed, the hand brake valve comprising: a handle assembly configured to move between a drive position and a park position; and an indicator coupled to the handle assembly and configured to switch between an indicating state and a non-indicating state. During movement of the handle assembly from the drive position towards the park position, the indicator switches from the indicating state to the non-indicating state, and when the handle assembly moves into the park position, the indicator switches from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application generally relates to the field of vehicle engineering, and more specifically, to a handbrake valve used in the parking brake system of a vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] Handbrake valves are widely used in commercial vehicles, primarily for controlling the vehicle's pneumatic parking brake system. The handbrake valve typically moves between a driving position and a parking position. When parking is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the parking position. This releases compressed air from the spring brake chamber to the atmosphere, causing the spring to drive the brake and engage the parking brake. When normal driving is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the driving position. This releases compressed air into the spring brake chamber, compressing the spring and releasing the parking brake. Furthermore, for vehicles with trailers (such as tractor-trailers), in addition to the driving and parking positions, the handbrake valve can also have an inspection position. When an inspection is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the inspection position. This releases compressed air from the tractor's spring brake chamber to the atmosphere, causing the spring to drive the brake and engage the parking brake. Simultaneously, it releases compressed air from the trailer's air chamber to the atmosphere, releasing the trailer brake.

[0003] When the handbrake valve is in the parking position, the locking device inside the handbrake valve drops down into the locking groove, locking the handbrake valve in the parking position and maintaining the parking state. The locking device is driven by a compression spring and automatically drops into the locking groove, requiring no additional operation from the driver.

[0004] When a vehicle needs to apply the parking brake, the handbrake valve is typically required to be precisely in and locked in the parking position to ensure that the parking brake is engaged. However, existing handbrake valves may not be able to determine whether the handbrake valve has been correctly moved to the parking position. Utility Model Content

[0005] One of the purposes of this application is to provide a handbrake valve that can overcome at least one defect in the prior art.

[0006] One object of this application is to provide a handbrake valve that can indicate the locking reliability of the handbrake valve in the parking position, thereby improving the detection capability of non-locking.

[0007] According to a first aspect of this application, a handbrake valve is provided for use in a vehicle's parking brake system, characterized in that the handbrake valve comprises:

[0008] A handle assembly configured to move between a driving position and a parking position; and

[0009] An indicator, which is coupled to the handle assembly and configured to switch between an indicating state and a non-indicating state,

[0010] During the movement of the handle assembly from the driving position to the parking position, the indicator switches from the indicating state to the non-indicating state, and when the handle assembly moves to the parking position, the indicator switches from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

[0011] By switching between an indicating and non-indicating state as the handle assembly moves, the indicator can provide the operator with information on whether the handle assembly has reached the parking position, indicate the locking reliability of the handbrake valve in the parking position, and improve the detection capability of non-locking.

[0012] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, when the handle assembly moves from the driving position to near the parking position, the indicator switches from the indicating state to the non-indicating state.

[0013] By fully switching to non-indicator mode only when approaching the parking position, the indicator can clearly switch from non-indicator mode to indicator mode when subsequently entering the parking position, providing the operator with a more obvious and clear indication of the change in information and improving the accuracy of judging whether the vehicle is in a parking position.

[0014] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, when the indicator is in the indicating state, the indicator extends from the handle assembly, and when the indicator is in the non-indicating state, the indicator retracts to be at least partially obscured by the handle assembly. This configuration of the indicator can provide indication information to the operator through changes in, for example, tactile or visual sensory perception.

[0015] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the indicator is provided with an marking portion, wherein when the indicator is in the indicating state, the indicator extends from the handle assembly to expose the marking portion, and when the indicator is in the non-indicating state, the marking portion is obscured by the handle assembly.

[0016] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the handle assembly includes a handle and a center rod, the indicator is coupled to the center rod, and the handle is configured to slide along the center rod to expose and cover the indicator.

[0017] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the handle forms a through guide channel, and the center rod is configured to slide relative to the handle in the guide channel, such that the indicator switches between an indicated state and a non-indicating state, in which the indicator extends out of the guide channel and in the non-indicating state, the indicator retracts into the guide channel.

[0018] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, a stop shoulder is provided in the guide channel, and a stop flange is formed on the indicator, the stop flange cooperating with the stop shoulder to restrict the indicator from leaving the guide channel.

[0019] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, an adjusting elastic element is provided between the stop shoulder and the stop flange, the adjusting elastic element being configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle relative to the center rod.

[0020] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the indicator is coupled to the center rod via a biasing elastic element configured to bias the indicator away from the center rod, and / or an adjusting elastic element is provided between the handle and the indicator, the adjusting elastic element being configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle relative to the center rod.

[0021] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the indicator includes a head section and a side wall section, wherein the side wall section is at least partially exposed in the indicated state and is covered by the handle in the non-indicated state.

[0022] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, an indicator is provided on the side wall section. In the indicated state, the indicator is exposed, and in the non-indicated state, the indicator is covered by the handle.

[0023] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, the head section and the sidewall section form a receiving chamber with one open end, in which a biasing elastic element is received, the biasing elastic element abutting between the head section and the center rod. The size and shape of the receiving chamber can be designed to receive the biasing elastic element, while also providing some constraint to the biasing elastic element to prevent it from deflecting.

[0024] In some embodiments of the handbrake valve, a guide portion is provided at the end of the center rod, and the biasing elastic element is sleeved on the guide portion to guide and constrain the biasing elastic element.

[0025] The handbrake valve according to this application is equipped with an indicator. When the handbrake valve moves between different operating positions, the indicator displays different operating states accordingly, making it easier for the operator to determine whether the handbrake valve is accurately in the corresponding operating position. Especially for the parking position, it indicates the reliability of the handbrake valve's locking, improving the detection capability for non-locking. Attached Figure Description

[0026] A better understanding of various aspects of this application will be achieved by reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0027] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0030] Figure 4 This is an exploded perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0032] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0033] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0034] Figure 8 This is a perspective view of an indicator for a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of an indicator for a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0036] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of the center rod of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0037] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0038] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 13This is a schematic diagram of the operation of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 14 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a handbrake valve according to other embodiments of this application; and

[0041] Figure 15 This is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of a handbrake valve according to other embodiments of this application.

[0042] List of reference numerals

[0043] Valve body 1; Cam component 12; Cam surface 122; Locking groove 124; First end 1222; Second end 1224; Pivot R;

[0044] Handle assembly 2; Handle 22; Center rod 24; Bias mechanism 26; Grip part 222; Handle part 224; Guide channel 226; Stop shoulder 227; Sleeve 228; Locking block 229; First limiting groove 242; Second limiting groove 244; Guide part 246; Bias spring 262; First limiting member 264; Second limiting member 266; Longitudinal direction L;

[0045] Indicator 3; Marking part 32; Head section 34; Side wall section 36; Stop flange 38;

[0046] Biased elastic element 42; Adjustable elastic element 44. Detailed Implementation

[0047] The present application will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate several embodiments of the present application. However, it should be understood that the present application can be presented in many different ways and is not limited to the embodiments described below; in fact, the embodiments described below are intended to make the disclosure of the present application more complete and to fully illustrate the scope of protection of the present application to those skilled in the art. It should also be understood that the embodiments disclosed herein can be combined in various ways to provide more additional embodiments.

[0048] It should be understood that the same reference numerals denote the same elements in all the accompanying drawings. For clarity, the dimensions of certain features may be modified in the drawings.

[0049] It should be understood that the terminology used in this specification is for describing specific embodiments only and is not intended to limit this application. All terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art, unless otherwise defined. For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail.

[0050] Unless otherwise specified, the singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this specification include the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “containing” used in this specification indicate the presence of the claimed feature but do not exclude the presence of one or more other features. The term “and / or” used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the related listed items. The terms “between X and Y” and “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification should be interpreted as including both X and Y. The term “between approximately X and Y” used in this specification means “between approximately X and approximately Y,” and the term “from approximately X to Y” used in this specification means “from approximately X to approximately Y.”

[0051] In the specification, when an element is described as being "on," "attached," "connected," "coupled," or "in contact" with another element, the element can be directly located on, attached to, connected to, coupled to, or in contact with the other element, or there may be intermediate elements present. Conversely, when an element is described as being "directly" located on, directly attached to, directly connected to, directly coupled to, or directly in contact with another element, no intermediate elements are present. In the specification, the description of a feature being arranged "adjacent" to another feature can mean that a feature has a portion overlapping with the adjacent feature or a portion located above or below the adjacent feature.

[0052] In the specification, spatial relation terms such as "up," "down," "left," "right," "front," "back," "high," and "low" describe the relationship between one feature and another in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that spatial relation terms include not only the orientation shown in the drawings but also the different orientations of the device during use or operation. For example, when the device in the drawings is inverted, a feature previously described as "below" other features can now be described as "above" other features. The device can also be oriented in other ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), in which case the relative spatial relationships will be explained accordingly.

[0053] Handbrake valves are widely used in commercial vehicles, primarily for controlling the vehicle's pneumatic parking brake system. The handbrake valve typically moves between a driving position and a parking position. When parking is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the parking position. This releases compressed air from the spring brake chamber to the atmosphere, causing the spring to drive the brake and engage the parking brake. When normal driving is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the driving position. This releases compressed air into the spring brake chamber, compressing the spring and releasing the parking brake. Furthermore, for vehicles with trailers (such as tractor-trailers), in addition to the driving and parking positions, the handbrake valve can also have an inspection position. When an inspection is required, the driver operates the handbrake valve to the inspection position. This releases compressed air from the tractor's spring brake chamber to the atmosphere, causing the spring to drive the brake and engage the parking brake. Simultaneously, it releases compressed air from the trailer's air chamber to the atmosphere, releasing the trailer brake.

[0054] When a vehicle needs to apply the parking brake, the handbrake valve is typically required to be precisely in and locked in the parking position to ensure that the parking brake is engaged. However, existing handbrake valves may not be able to determine whether the handbrake valve has been correctly moved to the parking position.

[0055] According to embodiments of this application, the handbrake valve is provided with an indicator that indicates whether the handbrake valve has reached or locked in the corresponding operating position by presenting different states at different operating positions of the handbrake valve. This allows for indication of the reliability of the handbrake valve's locking in the parking position, improving the detection capability for non-locking. Hereinafter, a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0056] like Figure 1 The diagram shows a perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application. The handbrake valve includes a valve body 1 and a handle assembly 2, which is pivotally connected to the valve body 1. An indicator 3 is provided at the end of the handle assembly 2 opposite to the valve body 1. Pivoting of the handle assembly 2 relative to the valve body 1 allows the handbrake valve to be in different operating positions. The connections between the valve body 1 and other structures of the parking brake system are well known in the art and are not a significant aspect of this application; therefore, they will not be described in detail here.

[0057] like Figure 2 The diagram illustrates the operating position of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application. The handle assembly 2 is pivotally coupled to the valve body 1 at a pivot R (shown schematically in the figure) so as to pivot relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R. Figure 2The diagram shows three operating positions of the handbrake valve, from left to right: driving position, parking position, and inspection position (the three positions shown do not represent three handle assemblies, but rather three positions of a single handle assembly). Handle assembly 2 switches between the driving, parking, and inspection positions by pivoting about pivot R. In this document, when handle assembly 2 is in the driving, parking, or inspection position, it indicates that the handbrake valve is in the driving, parking, or inspection position. The following description focuses primarily on the driving and parking positions.

[0058] like Figures 3 to 5 As shown, Figure 3 A perspective view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application is shown, wherein the handle assembly 2 is shown in cross-section for clarity. Figure 4 An exploded view of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application is shown. Figure 5 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the handle assembly 2 of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application is shown. The handle assembly 2 may include a handle 22 and a center rod 24. For ease of description, the handle assembly 2 defines a longitudinal direction L, as shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the handle assembly 2 extends generally along the longitudinal direction L. Both the handle 22 and the center rod 24 extend approximately along the longitudinal direction L.

[0059] The handle 22 may include a grip portion 222 and a handle portion 224. The grip portion 222 is gripped by the operator to operate the handbrake valve and switch between various operating positions. The grip portion 222 may be generally spherical or any other suitable shape commonly used in the art. The handle 22 may be formed with a longitudinally extending, through-passage guide channel 226 that extends through the grip portion 222 and the handle portion 224.

[0060] The center rod 24 may be generally elongated, with one end pivotally connected to the valve body 1 at a pivot R, so that the center rod 24 can pivot relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R. The center rod 24 may be disposed or received in the guide channel 226 of the handle 22 such that when the center rod 24 pivots relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R, the handle 22 pivots together with the center rod 24 relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R. According to an embodiment of this application, the handle 22 is configured to slide relative to the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L, such that when the handle 22 and the center rod 24 pivot together relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R, the handle 22 can also slide along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L of the handle assembly 2 itself.

[0061] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, Figure 6 The diagram shows the handbrake valve in the driving position and near-parking position according to some embodiments of this application. Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a handbrake valve according to some embodiments of this application in a driving position and a parking position is shown. The valve body 1 is provided with a cam member 12, which is fixedly connected to a pivot R. The cam member 12 has a cam surface 122 and a locking groove 124 on the side facing the handle assembly 2. During the movement of the handle assembly 2 from the driving position to the parking position, the handle assembly 2 pivots about the pivot R and moves along the cam surface 122 into the locking groove 124. The cam surface 122 extends from a first end 1222 away from the locking groove 124 to a second end 1224 adjacent to the locking groove 124. The first end 1222 of the cam surface 122 corresponds to the driving position of the handle assembly 2, the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122 corresponds to the approaching parking position of the handle assembly 2 (about to enter the parking position, but not yet in the parking position), and the locking groove 124 corresponds to the parking position of the handle assembly 2. Thus, during the movement from the driving position to the parking position, the handle assembly 2 moves along the cam surface 122 from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224, and then moves into the locking groove 124.

[0062] The radius of the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122 is smaller than the radius of the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122, and the radius gradually increases from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122. The radius of the locking groove 124 can be approximately equal to the radius of the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122. Thus, a steep dimensional change is formed between the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122 and the locking groove 124.

[0063] In some embodiments, as shown, a sleeve 228 is fixedly connected to one end of the handle 22 (specifically, the handle portion 224) near the valve body 1. A locking block 229 is formed on the sleeve 228 and is configured to slide on the cam member 12. Specifically, the locking block 229 slides on the cam surface 122 and can slide into and out of the locking groove 124. The sleeve 228 can be disposed around the central rod 24 and can slide along the central rod 24 together with the grip portion 222 and the handle portion 224. Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, the sleeve 228 can be integrally formed with, for example, the handle portion 224, or the sleeve 228 can be omitted, and the locking block 229 can be formed directly on the handle portion 224.

[0064] When the handle assembly 2 is in the driving position, such as Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown in the left-handle assembly 2, the locking block 229 abuts against the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122. When the handle assembly 2 pivots about the pivot R and moves from the driving position to the parking position, the locking block 229 moves along the cam surface 122 from the first end 1222 towards the second end 1224. Since the radius gradually increases from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122, the locking block 229 is pushed by the cam surface 122 and moves along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L away from the valve body 1, thereby causing the handle 22 to move along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L away from the valve body 1. When the handle assembly 2 reaches a position close to the parking position, as... Figure 6 As shown in the right-hand handle assembly 2, the locking block 229 moves to the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122. Since the radius of the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122 is the largest, the handle 22 is at its furthest point from the valve body 1 along the longitudinal direction L. When the handle assembly 2 continues to move forward and reaches the parking position, as... Figure 7 As shown in the handle assembly 2 on the right, the locking block 229 slides from the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122 into the locking groove 124. Since the radius of the locking groove 124 is approximately equal to the radius of the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122 but smaller than the radius of the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122, the handle 22 moves toward the valve body 1 along the longitudinal direction L of the center rod 24. Finally, the locking block 229 abuts against the locking groove 124, and the handle assembly 2 is locked in the parking position.

[0065] In the above process, in order to keep the locking block 229 abutting against the cam surface 122 or the locking groove 124, a biasing mechanism 26 may be provided. In some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 26 may include a biasing spring, one end of which is connected to the handle 22 and the other end of which is connected to the center rod 24, such that the biasing spring is configured to bias the handle 22 toward the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0066] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in some embodiments, the biasing mechanism 26 may include a biasing spring 262 and a first limiting member 264 and a second limiting member 266. The biasing spring 262 may be in the form of a helical spring, arranged around the central rod 24, and positioned between the first limiting member 264 and the second limiting member 266. The first limiting member 264 and the second limiting member 266 may be in the form of a sleeve or a collar, arranged around the central rod 24. A first limiting groove 242 and a second limiting groove 244 may be provided on the central rod 24, such as... Figure 10The diagram shows a schematic of the center rod 24. A first limiting member 264 engages in a first limiting groove 242, allowing the first limiting member 264 to move only within the range defined by the first limiting groove 242 along the center rod 24. A second limiting member 266 engages in a second limiting groove 244, allowing the second limiting member 266 to move only within the range defined by the second limiting groove 244 along the center rod 24. The second limiting member 266 can contact and abut against the handle 224 or sleeve 228 of the handle 22. When the handle 22 moves away from the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L along the center rod 24, the handle 224 or sleeve 228 pushes the second limiting member 266 away from the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L along the center rod 24, thereby compressing the bias spring 262. The bias spring 262 is configured to bias the handle 22 towards the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L. Therefore, when the handle 22 moves toward the valve body 1 along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L, the bias spring 262 causes the handle 224 or sleeve 228 of the handle 22 to face toward the valve body 1, so that the locking block 229 always remains against the cam surface 122 or the locking groove 124.

[0067] According to some embodiments of this application, a handbrake valve is provided for a vehicle's parking brake system. The handbrake valve may include: a handle assembly 2 configured to move between a driving position and a parking position; and an indicator 3 connectable to the handle assembly 2 and configured to switch between an indicating state and a non-indicating state. During the movement of the handle assembly 2 from the driving position towards the parking position, the indicator 3 can switch from the indicating state to the non-indicating state, and when the handle assembly 2 moves into the parking position, the indicator 3 can switch from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

[0068] According to embodiments of this application, in addition to the valve body 1 and the handle assembly 2, the handbrake valve may also include an indicator 3. The indicator 3 is used to indicate whether the handle assembly 2, or the handbrake valve, has reached a specific operating position. In some embodiments, the indicator 3 may be coupled to the handle assembly 2, allowing the indicator 3 to pivot about a pivot R with the handle assembly 2, thereby indicating the operating position of the handle assembly 2 accordingly. The indicator 3 may have an indicating state and a non-indicating state, switching between these states as the indicator 3 moves with the handle assembly 2 between a driving position and a parking position. When the indicator 3 is in the indicating state, indication information can be provided to the operator, for example, through touch or vision. For instance, the operator can touch the structure representing the indication information on the indicator 3 or see the indication information on the indicator 3. When the indicator 3 is in the non-indicating state, the indication information on the indicator 3 may be shielded, blocked, or otherwise prevented from being perceived by the operator.

[0069] Specifically, when the handle assembly 2 is in the driving position, for example, in the driving position... Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the left, the indicator 3 can be in the indicating state; as the handle assembly 2 pivots around pivot R and moves from the driving position to the parking position, the indicator 3 can gradually change from the indicating state to the non-indicating state, and will switch to the non-indicating state before reaching the parking position; when the handle assembly 2 continues to pivot around pivot R and finally moves to the parking position, for example, it is in the indicating state. Figure 7 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the right, the indicator 3 switches from a non-indicating state to an indicating state. That is, during the movement from the driving position to the parking position, the indicator 3 is initially in the indicating state, switches to a non-indicating state midway through the movement, and then switches back to the indicating state upon reaching the parking position. This switching process of the indicator 3 provides the operator with a clear and unambiguous indication. If the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state during the movement of the handle assembly 2, it can be determined that the handle assembly 2 has not yet reached the parking position; only when the indicator 3 switches from a non-indicating state to an indicating state can it be determined that the handle assembly 2 has reached the parking position.

[0070] In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle assembly 2 is in the driving position, for example, in the... Figure 6 and Figure 7 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the left, the locking block 229 abuts against the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122. As the handle assembly 2 pivots about the pivot R and moves from the driving position to the parking position, the locking block 229 moves along the cam surface 122 from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224. During this process, the indicator 3 can gradually change from an indicating state to a non-indicating state. Before the locking block 229 reaches the second end 1224 but has entered the locking groove 124, the indicator 3 switches to the non-indicating state. After the locking block 229 enters the locking groove 124, for example, in the position shown on the left... Figure 7 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the right, the indicator 3 switches from a non-indicator state to an indicator state.

[0071] By switching between an indicating state and a non-indicating state as the handle assembly 2 moves, the indicator 3 can provide the operator with information indicating whether the handle assembly 2 has reached the parking position, and can indicate the locking reliability of the handbrake valve in the parking position, thereby improving the detection capability of non-locking.

[0072] According to some embodiments of this application, when the handle assembly 2 moves from the driving position to the near parking position, the indicator 3 can switch from an indicating state to a non-indicating state.

[0073] In some embodiments, as the handle assembly 2 pivots about pivot R and moves from the driving position towards the parking position, the indicator 3 can gradually transition from an indicating state to a non-indicating state, and can switch to the non-indicating state only when the handle assembly 2 moves close to the parking position. Here, "close to the parking position" means that the handle assembly 2 has pivoted about pivot R to a position close to the parking position but has not yet entered the parking position, for example... Figure 6 The position of handle assembly 2 shown on the right.

[0074] In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle assembly 2 is in a near-parking position, for example, in the position shown... Figure 6 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the right, the locking block 229 can be at the second end 1224 of the cam surface 122, but has not yet crossed the second end 1224 and entered the locking groove 124. At this time, the indicator 3 is completely switched to the non-indicating state.

[0075] By fully switching to the non-indicator state only when approaching the parking position, the indicator 3 can clearly switch from the non-indicator state to the indicator state when subsequently entering the parking position, providing the operator with a more obvious and clear indication of the change in information and improving the accuracy of the judgment on whether the vehicle is in the parking position.

[0076] According to some embodiments of this application, when the indicator 3 is in the indicating state, the indicator 3 can extend from the handle assembly 2, and when the indicator 3 is in the non-indicating state, the indicator 3 can retract to be at least partially covered by the handle assembly 2.

[0077] In some embodiments, the indicator 3 is configured to switch between an indicating state and a non-indicating state by extending and retracting relative to the handle assembly 2. This configuration of the indicator 3 can provide indication information to the operator through changes in, for example, tactile or visual senses.

[0078] According to some embodiments of this application, the indicator 3 may be provided with an marking portion 32, wherein when the indicator 3 is in an indicating state, the indicator 3 can extend from the handle assembly 2 to expose the marking portion 32, and when the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state, the marking portion 32 can be covered by the handle assembly 2.

[0079] In some embodiments, an indicator portion 32 is provided on the indicator 3, and visual identification is provided by exposing and hiding the indicator portion 32 to indicate that the indicator 3 is in an indicating state and a non-indicating state, respectively. When the indicator portion 32 can be seen, it can be determined that the indicator 3 is in an indicating state, and when the indicator portion 32 is not visible, it can be determined that the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state. The indicator portion 32 can be a color or a pattern, or any other suitable element for providing visual information. For example, the indicator portion 32 can be a specific pattern, symbol, mark formed on the indicator 3, or a color that is significantly different from the handle assembly 2.

[0080] According to some embodiments of this application, the handle assembly 2 may include a handle 22 and a center rod 24, the indicator 3 may be coupled to the center rod 24, and the handle 22 is configured to slide along the center rod 24 to expose and cover the indicator 3.

[0081] As described above, the handle assembly 2 may include a handle 22 and a center rod 24, which pivot together about a pivot R and move between a driving position and a parking position. In some embodiments, an indicator 3 may be coupled to the center rod 24, such that the indicator 3, together with the handle 22 and the center rod 24, pivots about the pivot R and moves between a driving position and a parking position. In this case, the state of the indicator 3 may be associated with the operating position of the handle assembly 2; that is, when the handle assembly 2 is in different operating positions, the indicator 3 may be in a corresponding indicating state or a non-indicating state.

[0082] As described above, during the movement of the handle 22 and the center rod 24 together around the pivot R between the driving position and the parking position, the handle 22 can also slide along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L. That is, during the movement of the handle assembly 2, the relative position of the handle 22 and the center rod 24 changes. When the indicator 3 is connected to the center rod 24, the relative position of the handle 22 and the indicator 3 also changes accordingly. Thus, the handle 22 and the indicator 3 can be configured to switch between the indicating state and the non-indicating state of the indicator 3 through this change in relative position.

[0083] In the illustrated embodiment, when the handle assembly 2 is in the driving position, for example, in the... Figure 6 and Figure 7When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the left, the locking block 229 abuts against the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122. At this time, the handle 22 is close to the valve body 1, exposing the indicator 3 and putting the indicator 3 in the indicating state. As the handle assembly 2 pivots about the pivot R and moves from the driving position to the parking position, the locking block 229 moves along the cam surface 122 from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224. During this process, the handle 22 moves away from the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L along the center rod 24, thereby gradually obscuring the indicator 3, allowing the indicator 3 to gradually transition from the indicating state to the non-indicating state. Before the locking block 229 reaches the second end 1224 but enters the locking groove 124, the handle 22 obscures the indicator 3, and the indicator 3 switches to the non-indicating state. After the locking block 229 enters the locking groove 124, for example, when it is in the indicating state... Figure 7 When the handle assembly 2 is in the position shown on the right, the handle 22 moves along the center rod 24 toward the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L, exposing the indicator 3, so that the indicator 3 switches from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

[0084] According to some embodiments of this application, the handle 22 may have a through guide channel 226, and the center rod 24 is configured to slide relative to the handle 22 in the guide channel 226, such that the indicator 3 switches between an indicating state and a non-indicating state. In the indicating state, the indicator 3 can extend from the guide channel 226, and in the non-indicating state, the indicator 3 can retract into the guide channel 226.

[0085] like Figures 11 to 13 As shown, Figure 11 The handle assembly 2 is shown in the driving position, and the indicator 3 is in the indicating state. Figure 12 The indicator shows that the handle assembly 2 is approaching but not yet in the parking position, and the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state. Figure 13 The handle assembly 2 is shown in the parking position, and the indicator 3 is in the indicating state. As described above, the handle 22 may have a longitudinally extending, through-passage guide channel 226 that extends through the grip portion 222 and the handle portion 224. The center rod 24 may be generally elongated and is disposed or received in the guide channel 226 of the handle 22, such that when the center rod 24 pivots relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R, the handle 22 and the center rod 24 pivot together relative to the valve body 1 about the pivot R. At the same time, the handle 22 can also slide along the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L of the handle assembly 2 itself, which is equivalent to the center rod 24 sliding relative to the handle 22 within the guide channel 226. The indicator 3 is attached to the end of the center rod 24 and extends out of and retracts into the guide channel 226 as the center rod 24 slides relative to the handle 22 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0086] like Figure 11As shown, when the handle assembly 2 is in the driving position, the locking block 229 abuts against the first end 1222 of the cam surface 122. At this time, the handle 22 is in a position close to the valve body 1, and the indicator 3 extends out from the guide channel 226, so that the indicator 3 is in the indicating state.

[0087] like Figure 12 As shown, as the handle assembly 2 pivots around the pivot R and moves from the driving position to the parking position, the locking block 229 moves along the cam surface 122 from the first end 1222 to the second end 1224. During this process, the handle 22 moves away from the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L along the center rod 24. When the handle assembly 2 is in a position close to but not yet in the parking position, the handle 22 is in a position away from the valve body 1, and the indicator 3 retracts into the guide channel 226, thereby switching to the non-indicator state.

[0088] like Figure 13 As shown, after the locking block 229 enters the locking groove 124, the handle 22 moves along the center rod 24 toward the valve body 1 in the longitudinal direction L, and the handle assembly 2 is in the parking position. At this time, the indicator 3 extends out from the guide channel 226 again, so that the indicator 3 switches from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

[0089] According to some embodiments of this application, a stop shoulder 227 may be provided in the guide channel 226, and a stop flange 38 may be formed on the indicator 3. The stop flange 38 cooperates with the stop shoulder 227 to restrict the indicator 3 from leaving the guide channel 226.

[0090] like Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13 As shown, a stop shoulder 227 can be formed at approximately the position of the indicator 3 in the guide channel 226 by changing the structural dimensions. Correspondingly, a stop flange 38 can be formed at the end of the indicator 3 near the center rod 24. When the center rod 24 moves in the guide channel 226 relative to the handle 22 in the longitudinal direction L, there is also relative movement between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. At this time, the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38 cooperate to prevent the indicator 3 from disengaging from the guide channel 226, that is, the indicator 3 cannot be disengaged from the grip portion 222 of the handle 22 in the longitudinal direction L.

[0091] According to some embodiments of this application, an adjusting elastic element 44 may be provided between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. The adjusting elastic element 44 may be configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle 22 relative to the center rod 24.

[0092] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13As shown, an adjusting elastic element 44 can be provided between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. This adjusting elastic element 44 can be, for example, a coil spring, or other types of elastic elements such as a disc spring or leaf spring. The two ends of the adjusting elastic element 44 can be fixed to the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38 respectively, or they can simply contact or abut against each other without being fixed to the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. When the center rod 24 moves relative to the handle 22 in the longitudinal direction L within the guide channel 226, there is also relative movement between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. Correspondingly, the adjusting elastic element 44 undergoes elastic deformation between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38, thereby adjusting the force required to slide the handle 22 relative to the center rod 24.

[0093] According to some embodiments of this application, the indicator 3 may be connected to the center rod 24 via a biasing elastic element 42 configured to bias the indicator 3 away from the center rod 24, and / or an adjusting elastic element 44 may be provided between the handle 22 and the indicator 3, the adjusting elastic element 44 being configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle 22 relative to the center rod 24.

[0094] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13 As shown, a biasing elastic element 42 can be provided between the indicator 3 and the center rod 24. This biasing elastic element 42 can be, for example, a coil spring, or other types of elastic elements such as a disc spring or leaf spring. The indicator 3 is connected to the center rod 24 via the biasing elastic element 42 and can move relative to the center rod 24 in the longitudinal direction L. The biasing elastic element 42 is configured to bias the indicator 3 in the longitudinal direction L away from the center rod 24. Through the biasing action of the biasing elastic element 42, the indicator 3 can be biased to maintain the indicating state. For example, as... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, when indicator 3 is in the indicating state, the biasing elastic element 42 biases indicator 3 to remain extended from the guide channel 226. Simultaneously, in certain specific situations, even in the indicating state, the operator can manually press indicator 3 to overcome the elastic force of the biasing elastic element 42, causing indicator 3 to move towards the center rod 24, i.e., pressing indicator 3 back into the guide channel 226, to meet the needs of certain specific applications. The elastic force of the biasing elastic element 42 can be selected according to the actual application requirements to reduce the impact on the operator's hand and reduce or eliminate the impact on the operator's operation.

[0095] In some embodiments, such as Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13As shown, an adjusting elastic element 44 can be provided between the handle 22 and the indicator 3. As described above, the adjusting elastic element 44 can be provided between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. When the center rod 24 moves relative to the handle 22 in the longitudinal direction L in the guide channel 226, there is also relative movement between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38. Accordingly, the adjusting elastic element 44 undergoes elastic deformation between the stop shoulder 227 and the stop flange 38, thereby adjusting the force required to slide the handle 22 relative to the center rod 24. When a biasing elastic element 42 is provided between the indicator 3 and the center rod 24, both the adjusting elastic element 44 and the biasing elastic element 42 act on the indicator 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the adjusting elastic element 44 and the biasing elastic element 42 can apply elastic forces to the indicator 3 in opposite directions, so that when the handle 22 slides relative to the center rod 24, the adjusting elastic element 44 and the biasing elastic element 42 can cooperate with each other to control the movement of the indicator 3 relative to the center rod 24.

[0096] exist Figure 5 and Figures 11 to 13 In the illustrated embodiment, both a biasing elastic element 42 and an adjusting elastic element 44 are provided. Those skilled in the art will understand that in other embodiments, only one of the biasing elastic element 42 and the adjusting elastic element 44 may be provided, or neither the biasing elastic element 42 nor the adjusting elastic element 44 may be provided. Figure 14 As shown, it illustrates an example with only the adjusting elastic element 44, where the indicator 3 can be directly coupled to the center rod 24, for example, fixed to the end of the center rod 24. Figure 15 As shown, it illustrates an example with only a biased elastic element 42.

[0097] According to some embodiments of this application, the indicator 3 may include a head section 34 and a side wall section 36. In the indicating state, the side wall section 36 may be at least partially exposed, and in the non-indicating state, the side wall section 36 may be covered by the handle 22.

[0098] Indicator 3 can be, for example, in the form of an indicator cap. Figure 8 and Figure 9 The diagram shows a perspective view of indicator 3. In some embodiments, indicator 3 may include a head segment 34 and a sidewall segment 36, which together form a shape similar to a top hat. The head segment 34 may have a circular shape, and correspondingly, the sidewall segment 36 may have a cylindrical shape. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that indicator 3 may also have other shapes; for example, the head segment 34 may have a polygonal shape, and correspondingly, the sidewall segment 36 may have a prism shape.

[0099] Reference Figures 11 to 13In the operating state of indicator 3, the head segment 34 can always be exposed. The head segment 34 of indicator 3 is visible in both the indicating and non-indicating states; therefore, the head segment 34 is not used as a criterion for judging the operating state of indicator 3. In contrast, the side wall segment 36 has different structures in different operating states of indicator 3. When indicator 3 is in the indicating state, such as... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the indicator 3 extends from the guide channel 226, and at least a portion of the side wall section 36 is exposed outside the handle assembly 2, at which point the side wall section 36 can be seen or touched from the outside of the handle assembly 2. When the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state, as... Figure 12 As shown, the indicator 3 retracts into the guide channel 226, and the side wall section 36 is covered by the handle 22. The side wall section 36 cannot be seen or touched from the outside of the handle assembly 2.

[0100] According to some embodiments of this application, a marking part 32 may be provided on the side wall section 36. In the indicating state, the marking part 32 is exposed, and in the non-indicating state, the marking part 32 is covered by the handle 22.

[0101] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, when the side wall section 36 can be used to determine the operating state of the indicator 3, a marking section 32 can be provided on the side wall section 36 to more clearly determine the operating state of the indicator 3. The marking section 32 can be provided on the entire side wall section 36, or on a portion of the side wall section 36, for example, on the portion of the side wall section 36 near the head section 34. When the indicator 3 is in the indicating state, as... Figure 11 and Figure 13 As shown, the indicator 3 extends from the guide channel 226, and the marking part 32 is exposed outside the handle assembly 2, so the marking part 32 can be seen from the outside of the handle assembly 2. When the indicator 3 is in a non-indicating state, as... Figure 12 As shown, the indicator 3 retracts into the guide channel 226, and the marking part 32 is covered by the handle 22, so the marking part 32 cannot be seen from the outside of the handle assembly 2.

[0102] The marking portion 32 can be a color or pattern, or any other suitable element for providing visual information. For example, the marking portion 32 can be a specific pattern, symbol, or mark formed on the indicator 3, or a color that is significantly different from the handle assembly 2. In some embodiments, the sidewall section 36 can be made of a transparent or translucent material, and a colored coating, such as green, red, yellow, or other colored coating, can be applied to the inner wall of the sidewall section 36 so that when the indicator 3 extends from and retracts into the guide channel 226, the operator can determine whether the indicator 3 is in an indicating or non-indicating state simply by observing the appearance and disappearance of the color. In this case, to avoid interference, the head section 34 can be made of an opaque material or coated with an opaque coating.

[0103] According to some embodiments of this application, the head section 34 and the side wall section 36 can form a receiving chamber 35 with one end open, in which a biasing elastic element 42 can be received, and the biasing elastic element 42 can abut against the head section 34 and the center rod 24.

[0104] like Figure 8 and Figure 9 As shown, the end of the sidewall section 36 opposite to the head section 34 is open. Therefore, the head section 34 and the sidewall section 36 together form a receiving chamber 35 with an open end. The size and shape of the receiving chamber 35 can be designed to receive the biasing elastic element 42, while also providing a certain constraint on the biasing elastic element 42 to prevent it from deflecting. One end of the biasing elastic element 42 can abut against or be fixed to the head section 34, and the other end can abut against or be fixed to the end of the center rod 24.

[0105] According to some embodiments of this application, a guide portion 246 may be provided at the end of the center rod 24, and the biasing elastic element 42 may be sleeved on the guide portion 246.

[0106] like Figure 10 As shown, a guide portion 246 may be provided at the end of the center rod 24, extending longitudinally in the direction L from the end of the center rod 24. A biasing elastic element 42 may be fitted onto the guide portion 246 to guide and constrain the biasing elastic element 42. In some embodiments, the guide portion 246 may extend into the receiving chamber 35 of the indicator 3, such that the biasing elastic element 42 surrounds the guide portion 246 and is arranged between the sidewall section 36 and the guide portion 246.

[0107] The handbrake valve according to this application is equipped with an indicator. When the handbrake valve moves between different operating positions, the indicator displays different operating states accordingly, making it easier for the operator to determine whether the handbrake valve is accurately in the corresponding operating position. Especially for the parking position, it indicates the reliability of the handbrake valve's locking, improving the detection capability for non-locking.

[0108] While exemplary embodiments of this application have been described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes and modifications can be made to the exemplary embodiments of this application without departing from the spirit and scope thereof. Therefore, all changes and modifications are included within the scope of protection of this application as defined by the claims. This application is defined by the appended claims, and equivalents of those claims are also included.

Claims

1. A hand brake valve for use in a parking brake system of a vehicle, characterized in that, The handbrake valve includes: Handle assembly (2), the handle assembly (2) being configured to move between a driving position and a parking position; and Indicator (3), which is coupled to the handle assembly (2) and configured to switch between an indicating state and a non-indicating state, During the movement of the handle assembly (2) from the driving position to the parking position, the indicator (3) switches from the indicating state to the non-indicating state, and when the handle assembly (2) moves to the parking position, the indicator (3) switches from the non-indicating state to the indicating state.

2. The manual brake valve according to claim 1, characterized in that When the handle assembly (2) moves from the driving position to near the parking position, the indicator (3) switches from the indicating state to the non-indicating state.

3. The manual brake valve according to claim 1, characterized in that When the indicator (3) is in the indicating state, the indicator (3) extends from the handle assembly (2), and when the indicator (3) is in the non-indicating state, the indicator (3) retracts to be at least partially obscured by the handle assembly (2).

4. The manual brake valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The indicator (3) is provided with a marking part (32), wherein when the indicator (3) is in the indicating state, the indicator (3) extends from the handle assembly (2) to expose the marking part (32), and when the indicator (3) is in the non-indicating state, the marking part (32) is covered by the handle assembly (2).

5. The manual brake valve according to claim 1, characterized in that The handle assembly (2) includes a handle (22) and a center rod (24), the indicator (3) is coupled to the center rod (24), and the handle (22) is configured to slide along the center rod (24) to expose and cover the indicator (3).

6. The manual brake valve according to claim 5, characterized in that The handle (22) has a through guide channel (226), and the center rod (24) is configured to slide relative to the handle (22) in the guide channel (226) such that the indicator (3) switches between an indicating state and a non-indicating state, in which the indicator (3) extends out of the guide channel (226) and in the non-indicating state, the indicator (3) retracts into the guide channel (226).

7. The manual brake valve according to claim 6, characterized in that The guide channel (226) is provided with a stop shoulder (227), and the indicator (3) is formed with a stop flange (38). The stop flange (38) cooperates with the stop shoulder (227) to restrict the indicator (3) from leaving the guide channel (226).

8. The handbrake valve according to claim 7, characterized in that, An adjusting elastic element (44) is provided between the stop shoulder (227) and the stop flange (38), the adjusting elastic element (44) being configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle (22) relative to the center rod (24).

9. The manual brake valve according to claim 5, characterized in that The indicator (3) is connected to the center rod (24) via a biasing elastic element (42) configured to bias the indicator (3) away from the center rod (24), and / or an adjusting elastic element (44) is provided between the handle (22) and the indicator (3), the adjusting elastic element (44) being configured to adjust the force required to slide the handle (22) relative to the center rod (24).

10. Hand brake valve according to any of claims 5 to 8, characterized in that The indicator (3) includes a head section (34) and a side wall section (36), wherein the side wall section (36) is at least partially exposed in the indicated state and is covered by the handle (22) in the non-indicated state.

11. The manual brake valve according to claim 10, characterized in that A marking part (32) is provided on the side wall section (36). In the indicated state, the marking part (32) is exposed, and in the non-indicated state, the marking part (32) is covered by the handle (22).

12. The handbrake valve according to claim 10, characterized in that, The head section (34) and the side wall section (36) form a receiving chamber (35) with one end open, in which a biasing elastic element (42) is received, the biasing elastic element (42) abutting between the head section (34) and the center rod (24).

13. The manual brake valve according to claim 12, characterized in that A guide portion (246) is provided at the end of the central rod (24), and the biasing elastic element (42) is sleeved on the guide portion (246).

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