Manual operating device for motor vehicle parking brake, guide for a motor vehicle parking brake, armrest with a guide and motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a hand-operated device (1) for a motor vehicle parking brake, comprising: an elongated handbrake lever (2) having a handle (6) at its first end (7) and a pivot axis (S) at its second end (8) about which the handbrake lever (2) is rotatably mounted, wherein the pivot axis (S) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the handbrake lever (2) and defines a pivot plane in which the handbrake lever (2) is pivotably movable, wherein the hand-operated device (1) has a guide (12) configured to guide the handbrake lever (2) parallel to the pivot plane when pivoted between the handle (6) and the pivot axis (S), and wherein the guide (12) is provided between the pivot axis (S) and the handle (6). The invention further relates to a guide (12), an armrest (17), and a motor vehicle with a hand-operated device (1).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a hand-operated device according to the preamble of claim 1, a guide for a hand-operated device according to the preamble of claim 11, an armrest with integrated guide according to claim 15, and a motor vehicle according to the preamble of claim 16. State of the art

[0002] Mechanical parking brakes for motor vehicles offer several advantages over electric parking brakes. For example, mechanical parking brakes are simpler in design and not susceptible to electronic faults. Furthermore, they function independently of the vehicle's electronics and are therefore operational even with a dead battery.

[0003] For the production of a cost-effective vehicle, mechanical parking brakes are superior to electric ones, as they cost significantly less to manufacture and repair.

[0004] With a focus on the vehicle's manufacturing costs, there are further gradations in mechanical parking brakes with regard to the materials used and workmanship.

[0005] Due to the very high mechanical stresses to which a mechanical parking brake, including the handbrake lever, is subjected, the materials must be robust enough to withstand these stresses and the wear and tear over time. Therefore, high-strength materials such as steel are used for handbrake levers.

[0006] To reduce costs, weight, and installation space, handbrake levers can also be made hollow instead of solid. However, the structural integrity of the hollow brake lever can only be essentially maintained if the brake lever is only actuated in its intended direction of movement, namely upwards in the pivot plane of the lever, while rotating around a pivotable bearing or axis.

[0007] However, a problem arises if the brake lever is not operated by the vehicle user primarily vertically upwards, but also simultaneously in a direction perpendicular to this, i.e., laterally towards the user. Over time, this can lead to undesirable deformation of the brake lever and consequently impair its proper function. Task

[0008] Therefore, the present invention is based on the objective of providing a hand-operated device for a mechanical motor vehicle parking brake, a guide for a hand-operated device, an armrest with integrated guide and a motor vehicle with such a parking brake, which can be manufactured cost-effectively and in a material- and space-saving manner, but still ensure a permanent, flawless function of the parking brake.

[0009] This problem is solved according to the invention by a hand-operated device for a mechanical motor vehicle parking brake with the features of claim 1, a guide for a motor vehicle parking brake with the features of claim 11, an armrest with integrated guide with the features of claim 15, and a motor vehicle with such a hand-operated device for a mechanical parking brake with the features of claim 16. Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] According to the invention, a hand-operated device for a motor vehicle parking brake is provided, comprising: an elongated handbrake lever which has a handle at its first end and a pivot axis at its second end, around which the handbrake lever is rotatably mounted, wherein the pivot axis is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the handbrake lever and defines a pivot plane in which the handbrake lever is pivotably movable, wherein the hand-operated device has a guide which is designed to guide the handbrake lever parallel to the pivot plane when pivoting between the handle and the pivot axis, and wherein the guide is provided between the pivot axis and the handle.

[0011] Due to the industry-standard design of handbrake levers, the support point and pivot axis are located in the rear region of the lever. The lever arm for supporting the forces is therefore relatively long. According to the invention, by guiding the handbrake lever near the pivot axis, i.e., the main point of force application, this support point is shifted to reduce the effective lever arm for forces acting outside the pivot plane. This reduces the lateral forces acting on the handbrake lever and achieves durable, reliable functionality without the need for complex manufacturing methods, increased material usage, or larger installation space. The configuration according to the invention thus provides a cost-effective and durable handbrake for a motor vehicle, which proves particularly effective in the harsh everyday use of a commercial vehicle.

[0012] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide is immovable, in particular rigid, and designed as a separate component.

[0013] According to yet another embodiment, the guide is arranged on both sides of the handbrake lever, in particular symmetrically around the longitudinal axis of the handbrake lever. Thus, lateral forces caused by actuation of the parking brake can be absorbed or compensated not only towards the driver's side but also towards the passenger's side, e.g., if the passenger acts on the parking brake.

[0014] Preferably, the guide contacts the handbrake lever laterally on both sides, at least partially, thereby achieving particularly precise guidance in the pivot plane of the handbrake lever.

[0015] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the guide has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0016] Preferably, the guide also has edge protection, particularly in the contact area with the handbrake lever, which prevents wear caused by the actuation of the handbrake lever both in the area of ​​the guide and on the side of the handbrake lever.

[0017] It is particularly preferred if the guide is integrated into an armrest, which on the one hand conceals the guide visually and on the other hand provides the driver or passenger with a practical support for the arm or a storage surface for items, for example if a storage compartment is also integrated into the armrest.

[0018] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the guide is arranged such that it can contact the handbrake lever essentially centrally between the pivot axis and the handle.

[0019] Alternatively, the guide can be arranged so that it can contact the handbrake lever in an area that is closer to the handle than to the pivot axis.

[0020] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the guide is mounted on a base plate designed for installation on the vehicle. This facilitates easy installation of the guide or a simple retrofit option for parking brakes.

[0021] The guide and the base plate can be integrally formed together or as separate components that are subsequently joined together using a suitable method.

[0022] According to the invention, a guide is also provided for a hand-operated device of a motor vehicle parking brake, wherein the guide is designed to guide the hand brake lever parallel to the pivot plane when pivoting between the handle and the pivot axis, and wherein the guide can be arranged between the pivot axis and the handle of the hand-operated device.

[0023] Preferably, the guide has a substantially U-shaped cross-section and is designed as a substantially U-shaped stiffening bracket with a first bracket arm and a second bracket arm, which are connected at an upper end of the guide.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment, the guide is connected to a base plate at a lower end or is integrally formed therewith.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous if the first and second bracket arms diverge in a V-shape at the lower end of the guide. This configuration achieves very good stability and also facilitates the installation or retrofitting of the guide in a vehicle.

[0026] Furthermore, according to the invention, an armrest for a motor vehicle is provided with a guide integrated into the armrest, which brings with it the advantages already described above.

[0027] According to the invention, a motor vehicle, in particular a flatbed truck or pickup truck, is also provided which has a hand-operated device as described above.

[0028] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in detail below with reference to the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a perspective view of a cabin arrangement of driver and passenger seats in the interior of a motor vehicle according to the state of the art; Fig. 2 a perspective view of a hand-operated device for a motor vehicle parking brake according to the prior art; Fig. 3 a perspective view of a hand-operated device for a motor vehicle parking brake according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a guide according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 a hand rest with integrated guide according to an embodiment of the invention; and Fig. 6 a perspective view of a cabin arrangement of driver and passenger seats in the interior of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a cabin arrangement of driver and passenger seats 3, 4 in the interior of a motor vehicle according to the prior art. A handbrake or parking brake 5 is arranged centrally between the two seats 3, 4, which can be operated for application and release via a handle 6. The handle 6 is located at a first end 7 of an elongated handbrake lever 2; at a second end 8 of the handbrake lever 2, it is pivotably mounted in a pivot bearing about a pivot axis S. The pivot axis S is arranged perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the handbrake lever 2 and defines the pivot plane, which is spanned in the Z and X directions, in which the handbrake lever is rotated (see Figure 1). Fig. 2).

[0030] As a rule, the driver, who is located in the driver's seat 3, operates the handgrip 6 of the parking brake 5 by pulling the handbrake lever 2 vertically upwards using the handgrip 6 (in the figure in the Z direction), whereby the handbrake lever 2 rotates about the pivot axis S in the pivot plane.

[0031] Since the driver operating the parking brake 5 is positioned to the side of the parking brake 5 on the driver's seat 3, it sometimes happens that the driver does not pull the handle 6 strictly vertically upwards, i.e., in the Z-direction, but also slightly sideways towards them, thus exerting a lateral force component (in the Y-direction in the figure) on the handbrake lever 6 and the pivot bearing. Because the support point of the handbrake lever 2 is located in the rear area of ​​the handbrake lever 2, the lever arm for supporting the acting forces is therefore relatively long. Furthermore, if the handbrake lever is not sufficiently robust and rigid, the lateral force component when operating the handle 6 or handbrake lever 2 can cause deformation and thus impair the functionality of the parking brake.

[0032] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a hand-operated device 1 for a motor vehicle parking brake according to the prior art.

[0033] This is a cost-effectively manufactured parking brake whose handbrake lever 2 was produced using a stamping and bending process and is therefore hollow. The handbrake lever 2 has a first end 7, to which the handle 6 is located, and a second end 8, to which the pivot axis S is located, around which the handbrake lever 2 is rotatably mounted. The handbrake lever 2 can be fixed to a support structure 9, which can be attached to the floor of the vehicle, by means of screws 10.

[0034] Due to the material and process cost-saving design of the handbrake lever 2, when actuated, if this also includes force components not only in the Z-direction but also perpendicular to it, i.e. in the Y-direction, it yields in the Y-direction and can deform undesirably or overload the bearing of the pivot axis.

[0035] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a hand-operated device 1 for a manually or mechanically operated motor vehicle parking brake according to an embodiment of the invention. The hand-operated device 1 partially corresponds to the one shown in Figure 3. Fig. The design is as described in Figure 2, with the difference that the handbrake lever 2 is guided near the main point of force application at the first end 7, where the handle 6 is located, and thus the support point 11 (indicated by the dashed line in the figure) is displaced to reduce the effective lever arm. According to the embodiment, the guide 12 is designed as a substantially U-shaped stiffening bracket, which is provided at its lower end on a base plate 13. The base plate 13 has through holes for receiving screws 10 to connect it to the motor vehicle or, in this embodiment, to a support structure 9 that can be attached to the underside of the motor vehicle. The guide 12 can be formed integrally with the base plate 13.Alternatively, the guide 12 and the base plate 13 can be made in two parts, being firmly connected to each other by means of a suitable joining or connecting method, depending on the material.

[0036] In this embodiment, the guide 12 contacts the handbrake lever 2 on both lateral sides of the handbrake lever 2 and is thus, as mentioned above, designed to guide the handbrake lever 2 parallel to the pivot plane when pivoted between the handle 6 and the pivot axis S. Furthermore, it can be seen here that the guide 12 is arranged between the pivot axis S and the handle 6. According to one embodiment, the guide 12 can be arranged centrally between the pivot axis S and the handle 6.

[0037] Furthermore, the guide 12 is designed to be immobile, in particular rigid, in order to prevent any lateral movement of the handbrake lever 2.

[0038] It is further advantageous, particularly with regard to the wear of the contacting surfaces of the handbrake lever 2 and the guide 12, that the latter is provided with an edge protector 14. The edge protector can be made of, among other materials, the following: PVC, PU, ​​EPDM and composite plastics.

[0039] Fig. Figure 4 shows a perspective detail view of a guide 12 according to an embodiment of the invention. As already mentioned in connection with Fig. As described in Figure 3, the guide 12 is designed as an essentially U-shaped stiffening bracket with a first bracket arm 16 and a second bracket arm 16', which are connected at an upper end of the guide 12. As can be seen here, the stiffening bracket diverges in a V-shape at its lower end 15, which adjoins the base plate 13. This provides additional stability for supporting and guiding the handbrake lever 2 and simultaneously facilitates subsequent installation of the guide 12.

[0040] The guide and / or the base plate can be made from the following materials: steel, aluminum, plastic and fiber composites.

[0041] Fig. Figure 5 shows an armrest 17 with an integrated guide 12 according to a further embodiment of the invention. Depending on the manufacturing process and material, the armrest 17 can be integrally formed with the guide 12. Alternatively, it is possible to manufacture the two elements separately, optionally from different materials, and join them together using suitable methods. The armrest 17 can also be provided with an integrated compartment for storing objects.

[0042] Fig. Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a cabin arrangement of driver and passenger seats 3, 4 in the interior of a motor vehicle according to an embodiment of the invention. The configuration of the cabin arrangement differs from that shown in Fig. The cabin arrangement described in section 1 is implemented in accordance with the state of the art by providing the parking brake or handbrake lever with the guide 12 described above. The guide 12 shown here is integrated into an armrest 17. Alternatively, only the guide shown in Fig. 3. Guide 12 shown without armrest 17 is provided. Reference sign 1 manual operating device 2 handbrake levers 3 Driver's seat 4 Passenger seat 5 Parking brake 6 handle 7 first end of the handbrake lever 8 second end of the handbrake lever 9 Support structure 10 screws 11 support point 12 Leadership 13 Base plate 14 edge protectors 15 bottom of the lead 16, 16' first and second guide arm 17 Armrest S swivel axis

Claims

[1] Hand-operated device (1) for motor vehicle parking brake, comprising: an elongated handbrake lever (2) having a handle (6) at its first end (7) and a pivot axis (S) at its second end (8) about which the handbrake lever (2) is rotatably mounted, wherein the pivot axis (S) is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the handbrake lever (2) and defines a pivot plane in which the handbrake lever (2) is pivotably movable, characterized by , that the hand-operated device (1) has a guide (12) which is designed to guide the hand brake lever (2) parallel to the pivot plane when pivoting between the handle (6) and the pivot axis (S), and the guide (12) is provided between the pivot axis (S) and the handle (6). [2] Manual actuating device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the guide (12) is designed to be immovable, in particular rigid, as a separate component. [3] Manual actuating device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the guide (12) is arranged on both sides of the handbrake lever (2). [4] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the guide (12) makes at least partial contact with the handbrake lever (2) laterally. [5] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide (12) has an essentially U-shaped cross-section. [6] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide (12) has edge protection (14), especially in the contact area with the handbrake lever (2). [7] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide (12) is integrated into an armrest (17). [8] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide (12) is arranged so that it can contact the handbrake lever (2) substantially centrally between the pivot axis (S) and the handle (6). [9] Manual actuating device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the guide (12) is provided on a base plate (13), wherein the base plate (13) is designed for mounting on the motor vehicle. [10] Manual actuating device (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the guide (12) and the base plate (13) are integrally formed together. [11] Guide (12) for a hand-operated device (1) of a motor vehicle parking brake, wherein the guide (12) is designed to guide the hand brake lever (2) parallel to the pivot plane when pivoting between the handle (6) and the pivot axis (S), characterized by, that the guide (12) can be arranged between the pivot axis (S) and the handle (6) of the hand-operated device (1). [12] Guide (12) according to claim 11, characterized by , that it has an essentially U-shaped cross-section and is designed as an essentially U-shaped stiffening bracket with a first bracket arm (16) and a second bracket arm (16') which are connected at an upper end of the guide (12). [13] Guide (12) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized by that the guide (12) is connected to a base plate (13) at a lower end (15) or is integrally formed with it. [14] Guide (12) according to claim 13, characterized by , that the first and second bracket arms (16, 16') diverge in a V-shape at the lower end (15) of the guide (12). [15] Armrest for a motor vehicle with a guide (12) integrated into the armrest according to one of claims 11 to 14. [16] Motor vehicle, in particular flatbed truck or pickup truck, characterized by , that the motor vehicle has a hand-operated device (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10.

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