Braking device for a wheeled rollator

Abstract

The application provides a kind of brake device of wheeled walker, including: an operating unit, a brake line and a brake, operating unit is configured to the frame of walker, operating unit is used to control brake and parking function by brake line linkage brake;Wherein the structure of operating unit includes: a brake handle, a parking lever and a elastic component;Wherein the operating direction of parking lever and brake handle is same, when user half holds handle, it can start parking function by simultaneously pulling brake handle of parking lever through fist action, in the state of parking function effect, user only needs to pull brake handle with fist action (and the same as the operating direction of starting brake function) alone, can push parking lever back to unlock position by elastic component, remove the parking function of parking lever, and normally use brake handle to operate brake function, with the advantages of convenient and handy operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the construction of a walking aid, and in particular to a braking device for a wheeled walking aid. Background Technology

[0002] Rollers and walkers provide essential support for people with mobility impairments, including the elderly and those undergoing post-operative rehabilitation, increasing stability and balance while walking and reducing the risk of falls. The difference between rollers and walkers lies in whether they have wheels. Rollers, in particular, have four wheels and must be equipped with brakes. Some rollers also include seats, making them more suitable for seniors who need to move long distances or rest, providing greater mobility. For safety, roller brakes not only provide braking but also parking functionality, allowing the roller to remain stably stationary when necessary, providing stable support.

[0003] A Taiwanese utility model patent (publication number 408605) has been approved and published, proposing a "bicycle handbrake structure". Located inside the handlebar of the frame, it has a ring-shaped base and a brake handle. A brake cable is connected to the brake handle, passing through the brake mechanism to the roller. The upper and lower ends of the brake handle each have an oval hole, through which a bolt passes from the top surface of the base, and is secured by a screw inserted from the bottom surface of the base. A through hole is located on the opposite side of the base opening for the brake to pass through. The line is connected to the brake lever, causing the brake lever to move towards the grip. The bolt at the outer end of the elliptical hole near the grip is the center of rotation, and the bolt in the elliptical hole away from the grip moves from the outer end to the inner end to achieve temporary braking. If the brake lever is moved away from the grip, the bolt in the elliptical hole near the grip moves from the outer end to the inner end, with an inner protrusion at the inner end of the elliptical hole near the grip, allowing the bolt to squeeze through and lock the bolt, thus achieving permanent braking.

[0004] A Taiwanese utility model patent (publication number 468472) has been approved and published, proposing an "improved brake handlebar structure for a walking aid." A control handle is attached to the handlebar arm on the vehicle body. This control handle has a main body with a horizontal through-hole at the upper section, through which the handlebar arm passes and is fixed. A brake cable hole is provided on the side of the main body for inserting a brake cable, and a bolt is inserted into a fixed groove in a rotating handle. The main body also includes a pair of vertically aligned... The recessed cavity allows the upper and lower irregular corners of the inner end of the handle to be inserted. Above the cable hole of the main body is a pressure rod cavity, into which the outer end of a pressure rod is inserted. The inner end of the pressure rod is pivotally connected to a handle sleeve. A protrusion is provided on the side near the outer end of the pressure rod. Between the protrusion and the outer end of the pressure rod is a notched part, which is a fixed part that protrudes inward relative to the main body. When the handle rotates at a large angle, the outer end of the pressure rod moves out of the pressure rod cavity and is stuck at the fixed part, which is a permanent brake. When the handle rotates in the opposite direction, it is a temporary brake.

[0005] The aforementioned two known technologies for assistive vehicle braking involve operating the braking and parking functions by pushing the brake lever or grip in opposite directions. Furthermore, the construction of the braking and parking functions is relatively complex and does not reduce costs. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this application is to provide a braking device for a wheeled walking vehicle, which has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation and ease of use.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a preferred embodiment of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid of this application includes: an operating unit, a brake cable, and a brake. The operating unit is disposed on a frame of the mobility aid, and the two ends of the brake cable are connected to the operating unit and the brake. The operating unit is used to control the braking and parking functions by connecting the brake to the brake via the brake cable. The improvement of this application is that the structure of the operating unit includes: a brake lever, a parking lever, and an elastic component.

[0008] The brake lever has: a first fulcrum, a first force-applying part, a first resistance point P1, a first engaging part, and a second engaging part. The first fulcrum is located at a fixed position relative to the frame. The first resistance point is located between the first fulcrum and a free end of the brake lever. The first force-applying part is distributed between the free end of the brake lever and the first resistance point. One end of the brake cable is connected to the first resistance point. The first engaging part is located between the first fulcrum and the first resistance point. The second engaging part is located between the first resistance point and the free end. The brake lever can swing to a braking position and a release position with the first fulcrum as the rotation center. In the braking position, the brake lever drives the brake cable and thus activates the brake.

[0009] The parking lever has a second fulcrum, a second force-applying part, and a second resistance point. The parking lever can swing to an unlocked position and a locked position with the second fulcrum as the rotation center. The relative positions of the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are fixed. The parking lever is constructed to include an operating arm and a rocker arm that are integrally formed. The operating arm and the rocker arm swing together with the second fulcrum as the rotation center. The operating arm serves as the second force-applying part, and the second resistance point is located on the rocker arm. The operating arm has a third engaging part and a fourth engaging part. The third engaging part is located between the second fulcrum and one end of the operating arm, and the fourth engaging part is located between the third engaging part and the end of the operating arm.

[0010] One end of the elastic component abuts against a fixed point, and the other end of the elastic component abuts against a second resistance point. The elastic component normally provides a thrust to push the parking lever back to the unlocked position.

[0011] The first engaging part of the brake lever in the braking position engages with the third engaging part of the parking lever in the locking position, while the second engaging part of the brake lever in the braking position engages with the fourth engaging part of the parking lever in the locking position. This forms a three-bar linkage between the brake lever in the braking position and the parking lever in the locking position, thereby fixing the brake lever in the braking position and generating a parking function.

[0012] Preferably, the first engaging portion and the second engaging portion are located on one side edge of the brake lever adjacent to the parking lever.

[0013] Preferably, the first force-applying part is a ring structure.

[0014] Preferably, the operating arm extends in a first direction from the second fulcrum, and when the parking function is activated, the operating arm can be close to the first force-applying part of the brake lever, and the rocker arm extends in a second direction from the second fulcrum, wherein there is an angle between the first direction and the second direction.

[0015] Preferably, the fixing point is located at a fixed position relative to the vehicle frame.

[0016] Preferably, the first and second engaging portions are shaped as grooves, and the third and fourth engaging portions are shaped as protrusions. The third engaging portion can engage with the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion.

[0017] Preferably, the first engaging portion has a first force-bearing surface, and the third engaging portion has a third force-bearing surface. When the parking function is activated, the first force-bearing surface and the third force-bearing surface are in contact. The first force-bearing surface applies a first force to the third force-bearing surface, and the third force-bearing surface generates a first reaction force. The first force and the first reaction force are on the same first force line and in opposite directions. The second engaging portion has a second force-bearing surface, and the fourth engaging portion has a fourth force-bearing surface. When the parking function is activated, the second force-bearing surface and the fourth force-bearing surface are in contact. The second force-bearing surface applies a second force to the fourth force-bearing surface, and the fourth force-bearing surface generates a second reaction force. The second force and the second reaction force are on the same second force line and in opposite directions.

[0018] Preferably, the direction of the first force line is perpendicular to the first and third force surfaces, and the direction of the second force line is perpendicular to the second and fourth force surfaces.

[0019] As another preferred embodiment of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid of this application, the operating unit includes a fixed seat, which is fixedly configured on the frame. The fixed seat is for mounting the brake lever, the parking lever and the elastic component. The first fulcrum of the brake lever and the second fulcrum of the parking lever are both located on the fixed seat. The relative positions of the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are fixed. One end of the elastic component abuts against a fixed point of the fixed seat.

[0020] The advantages and benefits of this application are that the parking lever and the brake lever operate in the same direction. The user can activate the parking function by simultaneously pulling the operating arm of the parking lever and the first force application part of the brake lever with a fist. To release the parking function while it is in operation, the user only needs to pull the brake lever separately with a fist (in the same direction as activating the brake function) to release the parking function of the parking lever and then operate the brake function normally with the brake lever. It has the advantages of simple structure, convenient operation and ease of use.

[0021] The other effects and embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments recorded in this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present application, which is a structural schematic diagram of a braking device configured on a wheeled mobility aid.

[0024] Figure 2A , Figure 2B This is a structural diagram of the operating unit of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid of this application and a schematic diagram of its braking function activation.

[0025] Figure 3A , Figure 3B This is a structural diagram of the operating unit of the braking device of the wheeled walking vehicle of this application and a schematic diagram of its operation for activating the parking function.

[0026] Figure 4A , Figure 4B This is a schematic diagram of the structure and cross-sectional structure of the fixed base.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a partial structural schematic diagram of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid of this application, and a structural schematic diagram of the brake lever, parking lever, elastic component and fixing seat mounted on the frame.

[0028] Symbol Explanation

[0029] 10: Brake lever 11: First pivot point 12: First point of force application 13: First point of resistance 14: First card combination part 15: Second card combination part 16: Free end 20: Parking lever 21: Second fulcrum 22: Second force application point 23: Second resistance point 24: Manipulator arm 241: End end 25: Rocker arm 26: Third Card Combination Part 27: Fourth Card Combination Part 30: Elastic component; 40: Fixing base 41: Screw A1: First force A2: Second action force; A3: First reaction force A4: Second reaction force; B: Brakes C: Brake cable F: Chassis F1: First force-bearing surface; F2: Second force-bearing surface F3: Third force-bearing surface; F4: Fourth force-bearing surface H: Handle L1: First line of force L2: Second line of force R: Operating unit W: Wheel X: Fixed point Detailed Implementation

[0030] In the embodiments described below, the positional relationships include: up, down, left, and right. Unless otherwise specified, they are all based on the direction shown by the components in the diagram.

[0031] Please see Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present application, illustrating the construction of a braking device configured in a wheeled mobility scooter. A preferred embodiment of the braking device for the wheeled mobility scooter includes: an operating unit R, a brake cable C, and a brake B; wherein the operating unit R is mounted on the frame F, generally near the handlebar H of the frame F, for manual operation by the user to activate the brake B and generate a braking effect; the brake cable C is generally a steel wire, with both ends connecting the operating unit R and the brake B, so that when the user manually operates the aforementioned operating unit R, the brake B is activated to generate a braking function; the brake B is a component installed near the wheel W on the frame F, responsible for limiting the rotation of the wheel W, and its form is not limited. This application specifically proposes an improved structure for the operating unit R, as described below.

[0032] Please see Figure 2A , Figure 2B This is a structural diagram of the operating unit R of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid of this application and a schematic diagram of its braking function. A preferred embodiment of the operating unit R includes: a brake lever 10, a parking lever 20, and an elastic component 30.

[0033] Please see Figure 2A and Figure 2B The brake lever has: a first fulcrum 11, a first force-applying part 12, a first resistance point 13 (one end of the brake cable C is connected here), a first engaging part 14, and a second engaging part 15. The brake lever 10 can swing to a braking position with the first fulcrum 11 as the center of rotation (see... Figure 2B ) and a release position (see Figure 2A When the brake lever 10 is in the braking position, it drives the brake cable C, which in turn drives the brake B to produce a braking effect. In a preferred embodiment, the brake lever 10 is a second type of lever, wherein the first resistance point 13 is located between the first fulcrum 11 and the first force-applying part 12. The first fulcrum 11 is located at a fixed position relative to the frame F of the mobility scooter (generally near the handlebar H of the frame F), that is, the first fulcrum 11 can be directly or indirectly set on the frame F.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, the first resistance point 13 is located between the first fulcrum 11 and a free end 16 of the brake lever 10, and the first force-applying part 12 is distributed between the free end 16 of the brake lever 10 and the first resistance point 13. When the user half-grips the handle H, the braking function can be activated by pulling the first force-applying part 12 of the brake lever 10 with a fist-clenching action. In a preferred embodiment, the first force-applying part 12 has a ring-shaped structure for easier application of force and operation. The first engaging part 14 is located between the first fulcrum 11 and the first resistance point 13; the second engaging part 15 is located between the first resistance point 13 and the free end 16. In a preferred embodiment, the first engaging part 14 and the second engaging part 15 are located on the edge of the brake lever 10 near the parking lever 20.

[0035] The parking lever 20 has a second fulcrum 21, a second force-applying portion 22, and a second resistance point 23. The relative positions of the first fulcrum 11 and the second fulcrum 21 are fixed. In a preferred embodiment, the parking lever 20 is a second type of lever, wherein the position of the second resistance point 23 is between the second fulcrum 21 and the second force-applying portion 22, and the parking lever 20 can swing to an unlocked position with the second fulcrum 21 as the rotation center (see...). Figure 3B ) and a locking position (see Figure 3A ).

[0036] The parking lever 20 comprises an integral operating arm 24 and a rocker arm 25. The operating arm 24 and rocker arm 25 jointly swing around a second fulcrum 21 as their rotation center. The operating arm 24 serves as the second force-applying part 22, and the second resistance point 23 is located on the rocker arm 25. The operating arm 24 extends in a first direction from the second fulcrum 21. In a preferred embodiment, the operating arm 24 extends in the same direction along the side of the brake lever 10, and when the parking function is activated, the operating arm 24 can approach the first force-applying part 12 of the brake lever 10 (see...). Figure 3BThe operating arm 24 has a third engaging portion 26 and a fourth engaging portion 27. The third engaging portion 26 is located between the second fulcrum 21 and the end 241 of the operating arm 24, and the fourth engaging portion 27 is located between the third engaging portion 26 and the end 241 of the operating arm 24. In another preferred embodiment, the fourth engaging portion 27 may also be located at the end 241 of the operating arm 24. The rocker arm 25 extends from the second fulcrum 21 toward a second direction, and there is an angle between the first direction and the second direction. In a preferred embodiment, the first direction and the second direction are perpendicular to each other.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the elastic component 30 is a spring, one end of the elastic component 30 abuts against a fixed point X, which is a fixed position relative to the frame F of the mobility scooter, and the other end of the elastic component 30 abuts against a second resistance point 23. The elastic component 30 normally provides a thrust to push the parking lever 20 back to the unlocked position.

[0038] Please see Figure 3A and Figure 3B This is a structural diagram of the operating unit of the braking device of the wheeled mobility aid vehicle of this application and a schematic diagram of its operation for activating the parking function. Figure 3A As shown, when the parking function is activated, the brake lever 10 swings to the locked position. The first engaging part 14 of the brake lever 10 in the brake position engages with the third engaging part 26 of the parking lever 20 in the locked position. At the same time, the second engaging part 15 of the brake lever 10 in the brake position engages with the fourth engaging part 27 of the parking lever 20 in the locked position. This causes the brake lever 10 in the brake position and the parking lever 20 in the locked position to form a three-bar linkage, thereby fixing the brake lever 10 in the brake position and generating the parking function.

[0039] The parking lever 20 and brake lever 10 operate in the same direction. The user can activate the parking function by simultaneously pulling the operating arm 24 of the parking lever 20 (as the second force application part 22) and the first force application part 12 of the brake lever 10 with a fist clenching motion (see...). Figure 3A To release the parking function while it is engaged, the user simply needs to pull the brake lever 10 with a fist (in the same direction as activating the brake function) to disengage the first engagement part 14 from the third engagement part 26. Figure 3B (See enlarged view of part), and by disengaging the second engaging part 15 from the fourth engaging part 27, and simultaneously pushing the parking lever 20 back to the unlocked position by the thrust of the elastic component 30, the parking function of the parking lever 20 can be released (see enlarged view of part 15). Figure 3B Furthermore, the brake lever 10 can be used normally to operate the brake function, which has the advantages of being easy and convenient to operate.

[0040] Please see Figure 3A and Figure 3BIn a preferred embodiment, the first engaging portion 14 has a first force-bearing surface F1, and the third engaging portion 26 has a third force-bearing surface F3; when the parking function is activated (see... Figure 3A When the first contacting surface F1 of the first engaging part 14 and the third contacting surface F3 of the third engaging part 26 come into contact, the first contacting surface F1 applies a first force A1 to the third contacting surface F3 due to the force of the brake B and the brake cable C pulling the brake lever 10. The third contacting surface F3 generates a first reaction force A3. The first force A1 and the first reaction force A3 are on the same first force line L1 and in opposite directions, forming a three-bar linkage, thereby maintaining the brake lever 10 in the braking position. In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the first force line L1 is perpendicular to the first contacting surface F1 and the third contacting surface F3.

[0041] Please see Figure 3A and Figure 3B In a preferred embodiment, the second engaging portion 15 has a second force-bearing surface F2, and the fourth engaging portion 27 has a fourth force-bearing surface F4; when the parking function is activated (see...), Figure 3A The second force-bearing surface F2 of the second engaging portion 15 and the fourth force-bearing surface F4 of the fourth engaging portion 27 come into contact, and the second force-bearing surface F2 applies a second force A2 to the fourth force-bearing surface F4, while the fourth force-bearing surface F4 generates a second reaction force A4. The second force A2 and the second reaction force A4 are on the same second force line L2 and in opposite directions, preventing relative sliding between the brake lever 10 and the parking lever 20. In conjunction with the aforementioned chain, the brake lever 10 can be further maintained in the braking position. In a preferred embodiment, the direction of the second force line L2 is perpendicular to the second force-bearing surface F2 and the fourth force-bearing surface F4.

[0042] In a preferred embodiment, the first engaging portion 14 and the second engaging portion 15 are shaped as a groove, and the third engaging portion 26 and the fourth engaging portion 27 are shaped as a protrusion. The third engaging portion 26 can engage with the first engaging portion 14, and the fourth engaging portion 27 can engage with the second engaging portion 15.

[0043] Please refer to a preferred embodiment of this application. Figure 4A , Figure 4B and Figure 5The operating unit R further includes a mounting base 40. The mounting base 40 is fixedly mounted on the frame F of the mobility aid. The mounting base 40 is used to mount the brake lever 10, parking lever 20, and elastic component 30. The first fulcrum 11 of the brake lever 10 and the second fulcrum 21 of the parking lever 20 are both located on the mounting base 40, and the relative positions of the first fulcrum 11 and the second fulcrum 21 are fixed. One end of the elastic component 30 abuts against the fixing point X of the mounting base 40. In a preferred embodiment, the mounting base 40 is located near the handlebar H of the frame F, and the mounting base 40 is fixedly mounted to the frame F using screws 41. In another preferred embodiment, the frame F has a mounting hole, the mounting base is inserted into the mounting hole, and then fixedly mounted to the frame F using screws 41, which has the advantages of being concealed and aesthetically pleasing.

[0044] The embodiments and / or implementation methods described above are merely preferred embodiments and / or implementation methods for implementing the technology of this application, and are not intended to limit the implementation methods of the technology of this application in any way. Any person skilled in the art may make some modifications or alterations to other equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the technical means disclosed in this application, but these should still be regarded as the technology or embodiments that are substantially the same as those of this application.

Claims

1. A braking device for a wheeled mobility aid, comprising: An operating unit, a brake cable, and a brake are provided. The operating unit is disposed on a frame of a mobility aid. The two ends of the brake cable connect the operating unit and the brake. The operating unit is used to control the braking and parking functions by actuating the brake via the brake cable. The operating unit is characterized in that it comprises a brake lever, a parking lever, and a spring component. The brake lever has: a first fulcrum, a first force-applying part, a first resistance point, a first engaging part, and a second engaging part. The first fulcrum is located at a fixed position relative to the frame. The first resistance point is located between the first fulcrum and a free end of the brake lever. The first force-applying part is distributed between the free end of the brake lever and the first resistance point. One end of the brake cable is connected to the first resistance point. The first engaging part is located between the first fulcrum and the first resistance point. The second engaging part is located between the first resistance point and the free end. The brake lever can swing to a braking position and a release position with the first fulcrum as the rotation center. In the braking position, the brake lever drives the brake cable and thus activates the brake. The parking lever has a second fulcrum, a second force-applying part, and a second resistance point. The parking lever can swing to an unlocked position and a locked position around the second fulcrum as the rotation center. The relative positions of the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are fixed. The parking lever's structure includes an operating arm and a rocker arm that are integrally formed. The operating arm and the rocker arm swing together around the second fulcrum as the rotation center. The operating arm serves as the second force-applying part, and the second resistance point is located on the rocker arm. The operating arm has a third engaging part and a fourth engaging part. The third engaging part is located between the second fulcrum and an end of the operating arm, and the fourth engaging part is located between the third engaging part and the end of the operating arm. One end of the elastic component abuts against a fixed point, and the other end of the elastic component abuts against the second resistance point. The elastic component normally provides a thrust to push the parking lever back to the unlocked position. The first engaging portion of the brake lever in the braking position engages with the third engaging portion of the parking lever in the locking position. Simultaneously, the second engaging portion of the brake lever in the braking position engages with the fourth engaging portion of the parking lever in the locking position, thereby forming a three-bar linkage between the brake lever in the braking position and the parking lever in the locking position, thus fixing the brake lever in the braking position to generate a parking function.

2. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first engagement part and the second engagement part are located on one side edge of the brake lever near the parking lever.

3. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first force-applying part is a ring structure.

4. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating arm extends from the second fulcrum in a first direction, and when the parking function is activated, the operating arm can be close to the first force-applying part of the brake lever. The rocker arm extends from the second fulcrum in a second direction, and there is an angle between the first direction and the second direction.

5. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing point is located at a fixed position relative to the frame.

6. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first and second engaging portions are shaped like grooves, while the third and fourth engaging portions are shaped like protrusions. The third engaging portion can engage with the first engaging portion, and the fourth engaging portion can engage with the second engaging portion.

7. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1 or 6, characterized in that, The first engaging portion has a first force-bearing surface, and the third engaging portion has a third force-bearing surface. When the parking function is activated, the first force-bearing surface and the third force-bearing surface are in contact. The first force-bearing surface applies a first force to the third force-bearing surface, and the third force-bearing surface generates a first reaction force. The first force and the first reaction force are on the same first force line and in opposite directions. The second engaging portion has a second force-bearing surface, and the fourth engaging portion has a fourth force-bearing surface. When the parking function is activated, the second force-bearing surface and the fourth force-bearing surface are in contact. The second force-bearing surface applies a second force to the fourth force-bearing surface, and the fourth force-bearing surface generates a second reaction force. The second force and the second reaction force are on the same second force line and in opposite directions.

8. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 7, characterized in that, The direction of the first force line is perpendicular to the first force-bearing surface and the third force-bearing surface, and the direction of the second force line is perpendicular to the second force-bearing surface and the fourth force-bearing surface.

9. The braking device of the wheeled mobility aid according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating unit includes a fixed base, which is fixedly mounted on the vehicle frame. The fixed base is for mounting the brake lever, the parking lever, and the elastic component. The first fulcrum of the brake lever and the second fulcrum of the parking lever are both located on the fixed base, and the relative positions of the first fulcrum and the second fulcrum are fixed. One end of the elastic component abuts against a fixed point of the fixed base.

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