Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Elements
Patent
1993-05-13
1997-03-11
Luong, Vinh T.
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Elements
74538, 74523, 74524, G05G 506
Patent
active
056090668
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to actuating mechanisms for parking brakes of vehicles.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
A known type of hand-operated vehicle parking brake uses a lever to tighten a brake cable, which is held taut by a locking pawl engaged with a ratchet. A typical lever ratio is 7 to 1 so a long lever is necessary. As the lever is integral with the mechanism, one cannot construct this lever from a flammable or meltable material such as certain plastics otherwise the brake could be released during a vehicle fire. During the lifetime of the vehicle adjustment of the hand brake is necessary, in order to take up sag in the cable. Hand brakes are noisy as the ratchet and pawl mechanism clicks as the brake is applied. Similar problems arise with foot-operated parking brakes. The object of this invention is to overcome some or all of these disadvantages.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention provides an actuating mechanism for a vehicle parking brake, comprising an actuating member which is movable relative to a mechanism mounting means between a first and a second position, an output member which moves in a brake-applying direction when the actuating member moves from its first to its second position, a drive means which releasably-couples the actuating member to the output member during movement of the actuating member from its first to its second position and which uncouples the said member as the actuating member is moved in the opposite direction, and a releasable holding means which restrains the output member against reverse movement during movement of the actuating member in the said opposite direction, and a release means for the holding means.
The actuating member is preferably pivotably mounted on the mounting means.
When such a mechanism is mounted in a vehicle, the actuating member will be positioned for hand or foot operation by the driver.
Preferably the actuating member is operated by manual means. The actuating member can comprise a lever, or a pistol grip which when pulled operates the actuating member. Alternatively the actuating member comprises a foot operated pedal.
Conveniently the release means is operated remotely from the actuating member. The release means may comprise either mechanical or hydraulic means. Preferably the release means comprises a hand operable portion of a lever actuating means adjacent a portion of the lever which is shaped for gripping by hand. The release means can be connected to the holding means by a link rod extending longitudinally within the lever.
The output member is connected to a rod, cable or other element linking it to the parking brake of the vehicle. Alternatively the output member may be the brake cable itself, which would be sheathed in a suitable protective material.
The output member which is preferably slidably mounted on the mounting means, can be elongate. The output member can be constructed with any suitable transverse cross section, which need not be uniform along its length.
The drive means or the holding means, or both, advantageously comprises an element which has an aperture through which the output member extends and through which the output member is free to move in the released position of the drive means or holding means, the drive or holding element being tiltable to engage the output member frictionally in their respective apertures.
The drive element is preferably resiliently biassed into a position which allows the output member to pass through its aperture. The holding element is preferably resiliently biassed into a position which prevents the output member from passing through its aperture.
Advantageously, the tiltable drive element abuts a cam surface of the actuating member, whereby the drive element is moved to its tilted position during movement of the actuating member from its first to its second position.
The cam surface of the actuating member may be formed by a captive roller rotatably mounted on a portion of the actuating member.
Preferably the mechanism includes means to compensate fo
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Bunker Gavin
Bunker Timothy
Luong Vinh T.
Simplistik Design Limited
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