Central control brake pedal assembly and central control brake system

Abstract

The application provides a central control brake pedal assembly and a central control brake system, and belongs to the technical field of medical instruments. The assembly comprises: a plastic pedal and a metal pedal, both of which are arranged on a caster brake lever; the metal pedal is adapted to rotate synchronously with the caster brake lever to realize brake locking and unlocking; a torsional spring is arranged on the caster brake lever, a first end of the torsional spring abuts against a frame, and the other end of the torsional spring abuts against a treading portion of the metal pedal, and the torsional spring is adapted to provide an elastic force tending to counterclockwise rotation to the metal pedal; and a tension spring is arranged on the frame, and a telescopic end of the tension spring is connected to the plastic pedal, and the tension spring is adapted to provide an elastic force tending to counterclockwise rotation to the plastic pedal. Through the linkage and reset spring design of the plastic pedal and the metal pedal, the locking or unlocking operation can be completed by treading with one foot, and no matter in what state, the appearance of the pedal remains consistent, and the operation convenience, braking reliability and overall aesthetics are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application belongs to the field of medical device technology, specifically relating to a central control brake pedal assembly and a central control brake system. Background Technology

[0002] In medical settings, mobile medical devices (such as treatment carts, monitor carts, and IV stands) are generally equipped with casters to enable flexible movement, and a reliable braking system is required to ensure the stability and safety of the equipment during use.

[0003] Common braking methods in existing technologies include single-foot pedal and dual-foot pedal central control braking systems. With a single-foot pedal, unlocking typically requires the user to hook the pedal upwards with their foot, which is laborious and inconvenient. While a dual-foot pedal allows for separate locking and unlocking, the two pedals are always at opposite heights, which can easily lead to misjudgments and negatively impact the user experience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address at least one of the technical problems existing in the background art, this application provides a central control brake pedal assembly. Through the linkage between the plastic pedal and the metal pedal and the design of the return spring, the locking or unlocking operation can be completed with a single step. Moreover, the appearance of the pedal remains consistent regardless of the state, thereby improving the ease of operation, braking reliability and overall aesthetics.

[0005] A second aspect of this application provides a centrally controlled braking system.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this application is as follows: The first aspect of this application provides a centrally controlled brake pedal assembly, including: A plastic foot pedal and a metal foot pedal are provided, both of which are mounted on the caster brake lever. The metal foot pedal is adapted to rotate synchronously with the caster brake lever to achieve brake locking and unlocking. A torsion spring is provided on the caster brake lever. The first end of the torsion spring abuts against the frame, and the other end of the torsion spring abuts against the foot pedal of the metal pedal, and is adapted to provide the metal pedal with an elastic force that tends to rotate counterclockwise. A tension spring, mounted on the frame, has its extension end connected to the plastic pedal, and is adapted to provide the plastic pedal with an elastic force that tends to rotate counterclockwise. When the plastic foot pedal is pressed for the first time, the plastic foot pedal, the metal foot pedal, and the caster brake lever rotate clockwise simultaneously. In the locked state, the metal foot pedal is locked in the current position, and the plastic foot pedal returns to the initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring. When the foot pedal is pressed down again, the plastic foot pedal rotates to the current locked position of the metal foot pedal. Then, the plastic foot pedal, the metal foot pedal, and the caster brake lever rotate clockwise simultaneously. The metal foot pedal returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the plastic foot pedal returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring, and the caster brake lever returns to its initial position, thus unlocking the pedal.

[0007] According to the central control brake pedal assembly provided in the first aspect of this application, in the initial state, the plastic pedal and the metal pedal are held in a high initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring and the torsion spring, respectively. When the user first steps on the plastic pedal, it drives the metal pedal and the caster brake lever to rotate clockwise synchronously. Through the transmission mechanism, all central control casters are driven into a locked state. After reaching the end of the locking stroke, the metal pedal is locked in the current position by a mechanical structure (such as a shaped locking block and a locking pin). The plastic pedal, since it is not rigidly connected to the metal pedal, automatically rebounds to the initial position under the tension of the tension springs on both sides, restoring a neat and uniform appearance. When unlocking is required, the user steps on the plastic pedal again. At this time, the plastic pedal moves down to the locked position of the metal pedal and contacts it. Continuing to apply the pedaling force will push the metal pedal to overcome the locking structure and rotate clockwise together. Once the self-locking point is passed, the torsion spring drives the metal pedal and the caster brake lever to reset counterclockwise. At the same time, the tension spring pulls the plastic pedal back to the initial position, thereby completing the overall unlocking. This structure achieves a single-pedal dual-state operation logic of "press once to lock, press again to unlock," avoiding the laborious action of lifting up to unlock the traditional single-pedal and eliminating the problem of confusion in the state of the dual-pedal structure. At the same time, regardless of whether the device is in the locked or unlocked state, the externally visible plastic foot pedal is always in the same initial position, significantly improving the consistency of the product appearance and the human-machine interaction experience. Through the combination of spring preload and mechanical self-locking, it ensures rapid braking response, reliable locking, and simple structure, effectively solving the defects of existing technologies such as complex transmission, incomplete locking, and inconvenient operation.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, it also includes a connecting rod and a shaped locking block; One end of the connecting rod is rotatably connected to the metal foot pedal, and the other end is connected to the irregular locking block, which is suitable for converting the rotation of the metal foot pedal into the linear motion of the irregular locking block.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the irregular locking block is provided with a sliding channel, the sliding channel having multiple steps of different heights to form a predetermined trajectory for the locking pin to slide, the locking pin moving in the steps and achieving one-way self-locking.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the sliding channel includes: an ascending section, a transition arc section, and a limiting groove section; When the irregularly shaped locking block moves forward, the locking pin climbs along the rising section. After the metal foot pedal rotates to the locking position, the locking pin passes through the transition arc section and enters the limiting groove section. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring, the metal foot pedal applies a backward pulling force to the irregularly shaped locking block through the connecting rod, thereby achieving mechanical self-locking.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, the locking pin is provided with a compression spring, one end of which abuts against the head of the locking pin and the other end abuts against the mounting base, continuously applying a pre-pressure toward the bottom of the sliding channel to the locking pin to ensure that the locking pin always moves in contact with the bottom surface of the sliding channel.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, the irregularly shaped locking block is externally slidably fitted with a guide limiting member, which is fixed on the vehicle frame and is suitable for providing guiding constraints on the linear movement of the irregularly shaped locking block.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the torsion spring is a single spring that is sleeved on the caster brake lever.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, there are two tension springs, symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plastic foot pedal. One end of each tension spring is connected to a fixing hook on the frame, and the other end is connected to a connecting lug of the plastic foot pedal.

[0015] A second aspect of this application provides a centrally controlled braking system, comprising: The central control brake pedal assembly in any embodiment of the first aspect as described above; Central control casters are respectively mounted on the wheel frame of the equipment base, and each central control caster includes a locking mechanism; The transmission rod assembly connects the caster brake lever to the locking mechanism of each central control caster, and is adapted to synchronously drive all central control casters into the brake locking or unlocking state when the caster brake lever rotates; Specifically, pressing the plastic foot pedal of the central control brake foot pedal assembly once locks all the central control casters, and pressing it again unlocks them all, thus completing the overall braking and release of the equipment.

[0016] According to one embodiment of this application, the transmission rod assembly includes a linkage rod and a steering joint, wherein the linkage rod is sequentially connected to the caster brake lever and the locking fork of each central control caster. Attached Figure Description

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of this application and form part of this application, illustrate exemplary embodiments and are used to explain this application, but do not constitute an undue limitation of this application. In the drawings: Figure 1Schematic diagram of the central control brake pedal assembly provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 1 ; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the central control brake pedal assembly provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 2 ; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the central control brake pedal assembly provided in the embodiments of this application Figure 3 ; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the irregularly shaped locking block provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0018] in, 11. Plastic foot pedal; 12. Metal foot pedal; 13. Caster wheel brake lever; 14. Torsion spring; 15. Tension spring; 16. Connecting rod; 17. Irregularly shaped locking block; 18. Sliding channel; 181. Rising section; 182. Transition arc section; 183. Limiting groove section; 19. Locking pin; 20. Compression spring; 21. Guide limiting component; 22. Central control caster; 23. Transmission rod assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the overall concept of this application, a detailed explanation is provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0020] Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application may also be implemented in other ways different from those described herein. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below. It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments of this application and the features thereof can be combined with each other.

[0021] Furthermore, it should be understood in the description of this application that the terms "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0022] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the "above" or "below" of the second feature can mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or that the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "an embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described can be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0024] like Figures 1 to 4 As shown, a first aspect of this application provides a centrally controlled brake pedal assembly, comprising: Plastic foot pedal 11 and metal foot pedal 12 are both mounted on caster brake lever 13. The metal foot pedal 12 is adapted to rotate synchronously with caster brake lever 13 to achieve brake locking and unlocking. A torsion spring 14 is mounted on the caster brake lever 13. The first end of the torsion spring 14 abuts against the frame, and the other end of the torsion spring 14 abuts against the foot pedal of the metal pedal 12. It is adapted to provide an elastic force to the metal pedal 12 that tends to rotate counterclockwise. A tension spring 15 is mounted on the frame, and the telescopic end of the tension spring 15 is connected to the plastic pedal 11, which is adapted to provide an elastic force to the plastic pedal 11 that tends to rotate counterclockwise. When the plastic foot pedal 11 is pressed down for the first time, the plastic foot pedal 11, the metal foot pedal 12 and the caster brake lever 13 rotate clockwise at the same time. In the locked state, the metal foot pedal 12 is locked in the current position, and the plastic foot pedal 11 returns to the initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring 15. When the pedal is pressed down again, the plastic pedal 11 rotates to the current locked position of the metal pedal 12. Then, the plastic pedal 11, the metal pedal 12, and the caster brake lever 13 rotate clockwise simultaneously. The metal pedal 12 returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the torsion spring 14, and the plastic pedal 11 returns to its initial position again under the elastic force of the tension spring 15. The caster brake lever 13 returns to its initial position, thus unlocking the pedal.

[0025] The plastic foot pedal 11, serving as the user's direct operating interface, is typically made of engineering plastics, offering advantages such as lightweight, wear resistance, low cost, and aesthetic appeal. It is hinged to the caster brake lever 13 but not rigidly connected to the metal foot pedal 12. During operation, the plastic foot pedal 11 only transmits foot force during the depressing phase; in the released or locked state, it automatically returns to its initial high position via a tension spring 15, thus ensuring a consistent appearance regardless of whether it is locked or unlocked.

[0026] The metal foot pedal 12 is typically made of a high-strength metal material (such as steel plate) and is directly connected to or rotates synchronously with the caster brake lever 13. It is the core transmission component for achieving the braking function. The metal foot pedal 12 is responsible for converting the pedaling action into the rotational motion of the brake lever, and driving the locking or releasing of the central control caster 22 through mechanisms such as the connecting rod 16. In the locked position, it can achieve mechanical self-locking through structures such as the locking pin 19 and the irregular locking block 17, ensuring stable parking of the equipment.

[0027] The caster brake lever 13 is the main rotating shaft of the entire braking system, with the metal foot pedal 12 fixed on it and rotating synchronously with it. The rotation angle of the brake lever directly controls the action of the transmission rod assembly 23, thereby linking all the central control casters 22 to achieve unified locking or unlocking. It is a key intermediate component connecting the operating end (foot pedal) and the execution end (caster).

[0028] A torsion spring 14 is fitted onto the caster brake lever 13, with one end abutting against the frame and the other end abutting against the footrest of the metal pedal 12. Its main function is to provide a counter-clockwise elastic restoring force during the unlocking phase, allowing the metal pedal 12 and brake lever to automatically return to their initial positions after being released, thus completing the reset. Simultaneously, during the locking process, the preload of the torsion spring 14 helps the locking pin 19 fall into the limiting groove, enhancing the self-locking reliability.

[0029] Tension springs 15 are installed between the frame and the plastic pedals 11 (usually two are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides) to apply counterclockwise tension to the plastic pedals 11. Their core function is to quickly pull the plastic pedals 11 back to their initial high position after each pedaling action (whether locking or unlocking), ensuring a consistent external operating interface and improving the overall aesthetics and user recognition of the product.

[0030] According to the central control brake pedal assembly provided in the first aspect of this application, in the initial state, the plastic pedal 11 and the metal pedal 12 are held in a high initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring 15 and the torsion spring 14, respectively. When the user first presses the plastic pedal 11, it drives the metal pedal 12 and the caster brake lever 13 to rotate clockwise synchronously, driving all the central control casters 22 into a locked state through the transmission mechanism. After reaching the end of the locking stroke, the metal pedal 12 is locked in the current position by a mechanical structure (such as the irregular locking block 17 cooperating with the locking pin 19), while the plastic pedal 11 is locked in the current position due to... There is no rigid connection with the metal foot pedal 12. Under the tension of the tension springs 15 on both sides, it automatically rebounds to the initial position, restoring a neat and uniform appearance. When unlocking is required, the user steps on the plastic foot pedal 11 again. At this time, the plastic foot pedal 11 moves down to the locking position of the metal foot pedal 12 and makes contact with it. Continuing to apply the stepping force will push the metal foot pedal 12 to overcome the locking structure and rotate clockwise together. Once it passes the self-locking point, the torsion spring 14 will drive the metal foot pedal 12 and the caster brake lever 13 to reset counterclockwise. At the same time, the tension spring 15 will pull the plastic foot pedal 11 back to the initial position, thus completing the overall unlocking. This structure achieves a single-pedal dual-state operation logic of "press once to lock, press again to unlock," avoiding the laborious action of lifting up to unlock the traditional single-pedal and eliminating the problem of confusion in the state of the dual-pedal structure. At the same time, regardless of whether the device is in the locked or unlocked state, the externally visible plastic foot pedal 11 is always in the same initial position, significantly improving the consistency of the product appearance and the human-machine interaction experience. Through the combination of spring preload and mechanical self-locking, it ensures rapid braking response, reliable locking, and simple structure, effectively solving the defects of existing technologies such as complex transmission, incomplete locking, and inconvenient operation.

[0031] In some embodiments of this application, a connecting rod 16 and a non-circular locking block 17 are also included; One end of the connecting rod 16 is rotatably connected to the metal foot pedal 12, and the other end is connected to the irregular locking block 17, which is suitable for converting the rotation of the metal foot pedal 12 into the linear motion of the irregular locking block 17.

[0032] Link 16 is a rigid transmission component, with one end movably connected to the metal pedal 12 via a hinge structure, and the other end connected to the irregularly shaped locking block 17. Its function is to convert the angular displacement generated when the metal pedal 12 drives the caster brake lever 13 to rotate into linear motion of the irregularly shaped locking block 17 in a specific direction. This rotation-translational conversion mechanism achieves a mechanical self-locking function, ensuring that the pedaling action precisely drives the locking mechanism.

[0033] In some embodiments of this application, the irregular locking block 17 is provided with a sliding channel 18, which has multiple steps of different heights to form a predetermined trajectory for the locking pin 19 to slide. The locking pin 19 moves in the steps and achieves one-way self-locking.

[0034] The sliding channel 18 is a continuous groove or guide rail provided on the irregularly shaped locking block 17, used to guide the locking pin 19 to slide along a specific path inside it. This channel is not a straight line, but is designed as a complex trajectory with a multi-step profile according to functional requirements.

[0035] During the movement of the irregular locking block 17, the locking pin 19 slides passively along the channel trajectory and achieves unidirectional movement and position locking by relying on the geometric constraints of the step structure.

[0036] In some embodiments of this application, the sliding channel 18 includes: an ascending section 181, a transition arc section 182, and a limiting groove section 183; When the irregular locking block 17 moves forward, the locking pin 19 climbs along the rising section 181. After the metal foot pedal 12 rotates to the locking position, the locking pin 19 crosses the transition arc section 182 and falls into the limiting groove section 183. Under the elastic force of the torsion spring 14, the metal foot pedal 12 applies a backward pulling force to the irregular locking block 17 through the connecting rod 16, thereby achieving mechanical self-locking.

[0037] The rising section 181 is the starting part of the sliding channel 18, extending upwards in a sloping manner. When the user first presses the foot pedal and the irregular locking block 17 is pushed forward by the connecting rod 16, the locking pin 19 is forced to "climb the slope" in this section to overcome the height difference and prepare for falling into the locking position later.

[0038] The transition arc segment 182 is a smooth curved surface structure connecting the rising segment 181 and the limiting groove segment 183. Its function is to guide the locking pin 19 to smoothly transition when passing the highest point, avoiding jamming or impact, and ensuring smooth and reliable operation.

[0039] The limiting groove 183 is located in a recessed area at the end of the sliding channel 18 (usually lower than the transition section), forming a potential energy "trough". Once the locking pin 19 passes the apex of the arc, it will quickly fall into the groove under the action of gravity and the preload of the compression spring 20. The side wall of the groove has a reverse blocking surface to prevent the locking pin 19 from disengaging on its own without external force.

[0040] After the metal foot pedal 12 reaches the locked position, the torsion spring 14 attempts to pull it back counterclockwise, applying a backward pulling force to the irregular locking block 17 via the connecting rod 16. This force "presses" the locking pin 19 against the rear wall of the limiting groove, thereby forming a stable mechanical self-locking state, and the system remains locked even when the foot force is removed.

[0041] Relying on the geometric constraints of the limiting groove and the continuous tension of the torsion spring 14, a self-locking mechanism that tightens as it is pulled is formed, effectively preventing accidental unlocking due to equipment vibration, tilting, or slight collisions, significantly improving safety. The rising section 181 and the arc section reduce pedaling resistance, while the locking pin 19 produces a clear "click" sensation and sound when it falls into the limiting groove, allowing users to intuitively determine whether the locking is in place. Locking and unlocking control is achieved entirely through structural shape and spring force, eliminating complex or easily damaged components such as solenoid valves, buckles, and pins, resulting in a simpler structure, lower cost, and less maintenance.

[0042] In some embodiments of this application, a compression spring 20 is provided on the locking pin 19. One end of the compression spring 20 abuts against the head of the locking pin 19 and the other end abuts against the mounting base, continuously applying a pre-pressure toward the bottom of the sliding channel 18 to the locking pin 19 to ensure that the locking pin 19 always moves in contact with the bottom surface of the sliding channel 18.

[0043] During system operation, regardless of how the irregularly shaped locking block 17 moves back and forth, the compression spring 20 always pushes the locking pin 19 to tightly conform to the bottom contour of the sliding channel 18. Specifically, In the ascending section 181: the locking pin 19 is pressed against the slope surface to prevent jumping or lag due to gaps; In the transition arc segment 182: ensure that the locking pin 19 smoothly passes the apex and does not derail due to inertia; In the limiting groove section 183: the locking pin 19 quickly falls into the bottom of the groove and, under the tension of the torsion spring 14, presses against the rear side wall of the groove, enhancing the self-locking stability; During the unlocking and reset process: the compression spring 20 helps the locking pin 19 to quickly return to the initial position of the channel, improving the response speed.

[0044] Pre-pressure effectively eliminates the effects of assembly gaps or manufacturing tolerances between the locking pin 19 and the sliding channel 18, ensuring precise transmission of each action and avoiding "free-stepping" or delayed response. In the locked state, the compression spring 20 and the torsion spring 14 work together to make the locking pin 19 more firmly embedded in the limiting groove, significantly improving impact resistance and preventing mis-locking.

[0045] In some embodiments of this application, a guide limiting member 21 is slidably sleeved on the outside of the irregular locking block 17. The guide limiting member 21 is fixed on the frame and is suitable for providing guiding constraints on the linear movement of the irregular locking block 17.

[0046] The guide limiting member 21 can be a guide groove, a sliding sleeve, a U-shaped bracket, or a housing with an inner cavity, forming a sliding space inside that matches the shape of the irregular locking block 17. The irregular locking block 17 is "slidably fitted" inside the guide limiting member 21, that is, it is wrapped or clamped by it, allowing movement only in the designed direction (linear), while restricting its up-down, left-right swaying or rotation.

[0047] In some embodiments of this application, a single torsion spring 14 is sleeved on the caster brake lever 13. The inner ring of the torsion spring 14 is circumferentially fixed to the caster brake lever 13 by an interference fit or a locating pin, ensuring that it rotates synchronously with the brake lever; its two ends abut against the frame (providing a fixed fulcrum) and the pedal part or connecting arm (providing a force arm) of the metal pedal 12, respectively, so that after the metal pedal 12 is pressed down, a counterclockwise restoring force can be applied to it.

[0048] A single torsion spring 14 can simultaneously achieve the reset and self-locking auxiliary functions of the metal foot pedal 12, avoiding multiple springs in parallel or complex lever mechanisms. This reduces the number of parts, assembly steps, and potential failure points, which is beneficial for mass production and maintenance. The torsion spring 14 is directly sleeved on the rotating spindle (caster brake lever 13), with a short lever arm and a simple transmission path, eliminating intermediate conversion losses. This allows the metal foot pedal 12 to quickly and forcefully rebound to its initial position upon unlocking, improving operational smoothness.

[0049] In some embodiments of this application, two tension springs 15 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plastic pedal 11. One end of each tension spring 15 is connected to a fixing hook on the frame, and the other end is connected to a connecting lug on the plastic pedal 11. In this structure, two tension springs 15 are provided, located on the left and right sides of the plastic pedal 11 respectively, in a symmetrical arrangement. The two tension springs 15 are symmetrically installed in space about the center line of the plastic pedal 11 to ensure that the restoring force applied to the pedal is evenly distributed, avoiding skewing, jamming, or wear caused by unilateral force.

[0050] A second aspect of this application provides a centrally controlled braking system, comprising: The central control brake pedal assembly in any embodiment of the first aspect described above; Central control casters 22 are respectively mounted on the wheel frame of the equipment base, and each central control caster 22 includes a locking mechanism; The transmission rod assembly 23 connects the caster brake lever 13 with the locking mechanism of each central control caster 22, and is suitable for synchronously driving all central control casters 22 into the brake locking or unlocking state when the caster brake lever 13 rotates; Specifically, pressing the plastic foot pedal 11 of the central control brake foot pedal assembly locks all the central control casters 22 at once, and pressing it again unlocks them all, thus completing the overall braking and release of the equipment.

[0051] According to the central control braking system provided in the second aspect of this application, the central control brake pedal assembly serves as the user's operating terminal, integrating components such as a plastic pedal 11, a metal pedal 12, a torsion spring 14, and a tension spring 15 to achieve a single-pedal dual-state control logic of "locking with one press and unlocking with another." The central control casters 22 are respectively mounted on the wheel frames of the equipment base, and each caster has an internal locking mechanism for simultaneously locking the wheel's rolling and steering freedom. The transmission rod assembly 23 serves as a power transmission bridge, with one end connected to the caster brake lever 13 and the other end sequentially linking to the locking mechanisms of each central control caster 22, ensuring that all casters can synchronously and consistently enter the locking or unlocking state when the caster brake lever 13 rotates. Through this system, the user only needs to press down on the plastic pedal 11 once to drive all casters of the machine to brake uniformly, bringing the equipment to a stable stop; pressing the same pedal again automatically releases all casters, restoring the equipment's mobility. The entire process requires no bending over, hooking, or distinguishing between multiple pedals, making it labor-saving, intuitive, and safe.

[0052] In some embodiments of this application, the transmission rod assembly 23 includes a linkage rod and a steering joint, wherein the linkage rod is sequentially connected to the caster brake rod 13 and the locking fork of each central control caster 22.

[0053] The linkage rod is one or more rigid rods (usually made of metal) with good tensile and compressive strength and dimensional stability. It is arranged laterally or longitudinally along the equipment base, sequentially connecting the caster brake lever 13 to the locking forks of each central control caster 22, forming a continuous force transmission chain. When the caster brake lever 13 rotates, it pulls or pushes the subsequent rods through the first linkage rod, transmitting displacement and force step by step.

[0054] Steering joints are located at the connection points of linkages (such as between linkages, or between linkages and shift forks), and typically employ ball joints, universal joints, or hinged couplings. Their core function is to compensate for installation errors, absorb motion deflection, and allow a certain angle of relative rotation, ensuring that the transmission system can still smoothly transmit motion without jamming or stress concentration during equipment movement or caster steering.

[0055] The locking fork is the input actuator of the locking mechanism of the central control caster 22. It is usually a U-shaped or fork-shaped structure and is hinged to the end of the linkage rod. When the linkage rod is pulled or pushed, the locking fork swings around its own axis, thereby triggering the brake cam, wedge, or locking tongue inside the caster to complete the dual locking or releasing of the wheel's rolling and steering.

[0056] When the user steps on the plastic foot pedal 11 → the caster brake lever 13 rotates clockwise → the first linkage lever is pulled → the force is transmitted to the next lever without loss through the steering joint → the locking fork of each central control caster 22 is driven in sequence → all casters enter the locking state simultaneously. When the foot pedal is pressed again to unlock, the brake lever continues to rotate → the linkage lever pushes / pulls in the opposite direction → the locking fork resets → all casters are simultaneously released from braking.

[0057] For any parts not mentioned in this application, existing technologies may be used or referenced.

[0058] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments.

[0059] The above description is merely an embodiment of this application and is not intended to limit this application. Various modifications and variations can be made to this application by those skilled in the art. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A centrally controlled brake pedal assembly, characterized in that, include: Plastic foot pedal (11) and metal foot pedal (12) are both mounted on the caster brake lever (13). The metal foot pedal (12) is adapted to rotate synchronously with the caster brake lever (13) to achieve brake locking and unlocking. A torsion spring (14) is provided on the caster brake lever (13). The first end of the torsion spring (14) abuts against the frame, and the other end of the torsion spring (14) abuts against the foot pedal (12). It is adapted to provide the metal foot pedal (12) with an elastic force that tends to rotate counterclockwise. A tension spring (15) is provided on the frame, the extension end of the tension spring (15) is connected to the plastic pedal (11), and is adapted to provide the plastic pedal (11) with an elastic force that tends to rotate counterclockwise; When the plastic foot pedal (11) is stepped on for the first time, the plastic foot pedal (11), the metal foot pedal (12) and the caster brake lever (13) rotate clockwise at the same time. In the locked state, the metal foot pedal (12) is locked in the current position, and the plastic foot pedal (11) returns to the initial position under the elastic force of the tension spring (15). When the foot pedal is pressed down again, the plastic foot pedal (11) rotates to the current locked position of the metal foot pedal (12). Then, the plastic foot pedal (11), the metal foot pedal (12), and the caster brake lever (13) rotate clockwise simultaneously. The metal foot pedal (12) returns to its initial position under the elastic force of the torsion spring (14), the plastic foot pedal (11) returns to its initial position again under the elastic force of the tension spring (15), and the caster brake lever (13) returns to its initial position, thus unlocking the pedal.

2. The centrally controlled brake pedal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a connecting rod (16) and a special-shaped locking block (17). One end of the connecting rod (16) is rotatably connected to the metal foot pedal (12), and the other end is connected to the irregular locking block (17), which is suitable for converting the rotation of the metal foot pedal (12) into the linear motion of the irregular locking block (17).

3. The centrally controlled brake pedal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that, The irregular locking block (17) is provided with a sliding channel (18), which has multiple steps of different heights to form a predetermined trajectory for the locking pin (19) to slide. The locking pin (19) moves in the steps and achieves one-way self-locking.

4. The centrally controlled brake pedal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The sliding channel (18) includes: an ascending section (181), a transition arc section (182), and a limiting groove section (183). When the irregular locking block (17) moves forward, the locking pin (19) climbs along the rising section (181). After the metal foot pedal (12) rotates to the locking position, the locking pin (19) passes over the transition arc section (182) and falls into the limiting groove section (183). Under the elastic force of the torsion spring (14), the metal foot pedal (12) applies a backward pulling force to the irregular locking block (17) through the connecting rod (16) to achieve mechanical self-locking.

5. The centrally controlled brake pedal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking pin (19) is provided with a compression spring (20). One end of the compression spring (20) abuts against the head of the locking pin (19) and the other end abuts against the mounting base. It continuously applies a pre-pressure toward the bottom of the sliding channel (18) to the locking pin (19) to ensure that the locking pin (19) always moves in contact with the bottom surface of the sliding channel (18).

6. The central control brake pedal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The irregular locking block (17) is externally slidably fitted with a guide limiting member (21), which is fixed on the frame and is suitable for providing guiding constraints for the linear movement of the irregular locking block (17).

7. The central control brake pedal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The torsion spring (14) is a single spring, which is fitted onto the caster brake lever (13).

8. The central control brake pedal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, There are two tension springs (15), which are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the plastic pedal (11). One end of each tension spring (15) is connected to a fixed hook on the frame, and the other end is connected to a connecting lug of the plastic pedal (11).

9. A centrally controlled braking system, characterized in that, include: Central control brake pedal assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 8; Central control casters (22) are respectively mounted on the wheel frame of the equipment base, and each central control caster (22) includes a locking mechanism; The transmission rod assembly (23) is a locking mechanism connecting the caster brake lever (13) and each central control caster (22), and is adapted to synchronously drive all central control casters (22) into the brake locking or unlocking state when the caster brake lever (13) rotates; In this way, by stepping on the plastic foot pedal (11) of the central control brake foot pedal assembly, all central control casters (22) are locked at once, and stepping on it again unlocks them all, thus completing the overall braking and release of the equipment.

10. The centrally controlled braking system according to claim 9, characterized in that, The transmission rod assembly (23) includes a linkage rod and a steering joint. The linkage rod is connected in sequence to the caster brake rod (13) and the locking fork of each central control caster (22).

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