TWI899653B - Brake mechanism, brake system and child carrier - Google Patents

Abstract

A brake mechanism, a brake system and a child carrier are disclosed. The brake mechanism is configured to lock a first wheel, includes: a first pedal having a first pop-up position and a first retracted position, one of the first pop-up position and the first retracted position corresponding to a locked state of the brake mechanism, the other of the first pop-up position and the first retracted position corresponding to an unlocked state of the brake mechanism; and a second pedal operatively connected to the first pedal and having a second pop-up position and a second retracted position. When the first pedal is in the first retracted position, the second pedal is in the second pop-up position; and when the second pedal is in the second retracted position, the first pedal is in the first pop-up position.

Description

Braking mechanisms, braking systems and child carriers

The present invention relates to the field of brake technology, and in particular to a brake mechanism, a brake system, and a child carrier.

Strollers are typically equipped with a brake mechanism that locks the wheels to prevent unwanted movement. This mechanism typically includes a brake pedal. To brake the stroller, the user presses the brake pedal, which pivots downward, locking the wheels. Conversely, to push the stroller, the user pushes the brake pedal with their toes, pivoting it upward and unlocking the wheels.

The present invention aims to provide a brake mechanism, brake system, and child carrier that facilitate braking and releasing.

To achieve the above and other objectives, the present invention provides a brake mechanism for locking a first wheel, comprising: a first pedal having a first pop-up position and a first retracted position, one of the first pop-up position and the first retracted position corresponding to a locked state of the brake mechanism, and the other corresponding to an unlocked state of the brake mechanism; and a second pedal having a second pop-up position and a second retracted position. The first pedal and the second pedal are operably connected, wherein when the first pedal is in the first retracted position, the second pedal is in the second pop-up position; and when the second pedal is in the second retracted position, the first pedal is in the first pop-up position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal moves in a linear direction; the second pedal is mounted on a first pivot and rotates around the first pivot.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal includes a first pressing portion, and the second pedal includes a second pressing portion. When the first pedal moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pressing portion abuts against the second pressing portion, driving the second pedal from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the brake mechanism further includes a limiter structure configured to lock the first pedal in the first retracted position; when the second pedal moves toward the second retracted position, the second pedal drives the first pedal to release from the lock of the limiter structure.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the brake mechanism further includes a first elastic member configured to drive the first pedal to move from the first retracted position to the first ejected position; and/or a second elastic member configured to drive the second pedal to rotate from the second ejected position to the second retracted position.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the movement direction of the first pedal is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pivot.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal further includes a first treading portion and a main body connected to the first treading portion. The first pressing portion includes an elastic arm extending from the main body, and the elastic arm extends obliquely relative to the movement direction of the first pedal.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the second pedal includes a second treading portion and a pivot portion connected to the second treading portion. The pivot portion is sleeved on the first pivot. The second pressure portion includes a bearing plate extending from the pivot portion. The plane on which the bearing plate lies intersects with the plane on which the second treading portion lies.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm has a protrusion, which is suitable for pushing the load-bearing plate to rotate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the brake mechanism further includes a stop step. When the first pedal reaches the first retracted position, the stop step engages with the elastic arm, locking the first pedal in the first retracted position and maintaining the second pedal in the second extended position. When the second pedal moves toward the second retracted position, the second pressing portion drives the elastic arm to elastically deform, disengaging the elastic arm from the stop step.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the elastic arm includes an inclined wall and an end wall. The inclined wall has a protrusion. As the first pedal moves toward the first retracted position, the inclined wall abuts against the stop step while allowing the protrusion to abut against the second abutting portion. When the first pedal reaches the first retracted position, the end wall engages with the stop step.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the brake mechanism further includes a first rotating disc mounted on the second pivot; an end wall of the first rotating disc includes a first inclined surface extending in a circumferential direction, the first inclined surface having a first protruding end and a first relief end; a first locking pin is parallel to the second pivot and abuts the first inclined surface; when the first locking pin abuts the first protruding end, the first locking pin is in an extended position; when the first locking pin abuts the first relief end, the first locking pin is in a retracted position; when the first pedal moves between the first extended position and the first retracted position, the first rotating disc rotates accordingly, causing the first protruding end and the first relief end to selectively abut the first locking pin.

In one embodiment of the present invention, when the first pedal moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pedal drives the first rotating disk to rotate in a first direction. The brake mechanism further includes a third elastic member. When the first pedal moves from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position, the third elastic member drives the first rotating disk to rotate in a second direction, which is opposite to the first direction.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal moves radially along the second pivot axis. One of the first pedal and the first turntable has a transmission portion, and the other is provided with a transmission surface. The transmission surface is inclined relative to the movement direction of the first pedal, and the transmission portion abuts against the transmission surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal further includes a first treading portion and a main body connected to the first treading portion, the transmission portion protruding outward from the main body; the first turntable includes a disc-shaped body and a push rod coaxially arranged with the disc-shaped body, the disc-shaped body having a stop portion, the push rod being clamped between the transmission portion and the stop portion, and the transmission surface being formed on the push rod.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first pedal and the second pedal both move in a linear direction. The first pedal and the second pedal are connected by a connecting rod, and the middle portion of the connecting rod is pivoted on a pivot seat.

In addition, the present invention provides a brake system comprising an auxiliary brake mechanism, a traction member, and the above-mentioned brake mechanism, wherein the first rotary plate is operably connected to the auxiliary brake mechanism via the traction member, and the auxiliary brake mechanism is used to lock the second wheel.

In one embodiment of the present invention, a connector is provided at the first end of the traction member, and the second end is connected to the auxiliary brake mechanism. The brake mechanism is equipped with a chute that slidably engages with the connector, and the chute has a radially outer end and a radially inner end. The connector is movably connected to the first rotating disk, and when the first rotating disk rotates, the connector moves between the radially outer and radially inner ends of the chute.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the first turntable has a recess for accommodating the connector, and the recess has an abutment wall that slidably engages with the connector.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the auxiliary brake mechanism includes: a second rotary plate, which is sleeved on the third pivot, and the end wall of the second rotary plate has a second inclined surface extending in the circumferential direction, and the second inclined surface has a second convex end and a second avoidance end; a second locking pin, which is parallel to the third pivot and abuts against the second inclined surface; when the second locking pin abuts against the second convex end, the second locking pin is in an extended position. The second wheel is locked; when the second locking pin abuts the second avoidance end, the second locking pin is retracted to unlock the second wheel; the second end of the traction member is connected to the second turntable, and when the connecting head moves between the radially outer end and the radially inner end of the chute, the second turntable rotates accordingly, so that the second protruding end and the second avoidance end selectively abut against the second locking pin.

The present invention also provides a children's vehicle comprising a movable frame and the aforementioned brake mechanism or brake system, wherein the brake mechanism or brake system is mounted on the movable frame.

The brake mechanism provided by this invention locks and unlocks the first wheel by simply depressing the first or second pedal, eliminating the need to press the toes against the first or second pedal, thus preventing damage to the user's shoe or instep. This downward-stepping method better aligns with user foot usage habits, facilitating force application and providing a better user experience.

100: Brake mechanism

1000: Braking system

200: Auxiliary brake mechanism

1: First pedal

11: First pressing part

111: Elastic Arm

1111: Sloping Wall

1112:End wall

1113: Bump

12: First pedaling part

13: Main body

1301: First guide hole

1302: Second guide hole

131: Transmission

2: Second pedal

21: Second pressure part

211: Bearing plate

22: Second pedal section

23: Pivot

3: Shell

301: First Axis

302: Second Axis

31: First end cap

310: Chute

3101: Radially outward

3102: Radially inward

316: Limited Stairs

32: Second end cap

320: Hole

33: Middle shell

330: Opening

3302: Guide rod

401: First inclined surface

4011: First convex end

4012: First avoidance end

402: Second inclined surface

4021: Second protruding end

4022: Second avoidance end

41: First Turntable

410: Center hole

411: Discoid

4110: Blocking section

412: Putting

4120: Hole

4121: Transmission surface

417: concave part

4171: Against the wall

42: Second turntable

420: Center hole

51: First elastic member

52: Second elastic member

53: Third elastic member

61: First locking pin

611: Stairs

62: Second locking pin

7: Traction element

71: Connector

72: Second End

91: First Wheel

910: Locking part

911: Center Axis

92: Second wheel

93: Rear leg stand

P1: First pressure

P2: Second pressure

T1: First Direction

T2: Second Direction

The accompanying drawings, which constitute part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments of the invention and their descriptions are used to explain the invention and do not constitute undue limitations on the invention.

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism and a first wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first pedal is in a first extended position, and the second pedal is in a second retracted position.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of the brake mechanism and the first wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, the first pedal is in the first retracted position and the second pedal is in the second extended position.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the brake mechanism separated from the first wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of illustration, the first end cap is omitted in the figure. In the figure, the first pedal is in the first retracted position, and the second pedal is in the second extended position.

Figure 4 is an exploded view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the brake mechanism and the first wheel according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of illustration, the first end cap is omitted. In the figure, the first pedal is in the first extended position, and the second pedal is in the second retracted position.

Figure 6 is a perspective view of the first pedal and first rotary disc of the brake mechanism provided according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the first pedal is in a first extended position and the second pedal is in a second retracted position.

Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the first pedal is moved to a first retracted position.

Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, in which the first pedal is in a first retracted position and the second pedal is in a second extended position.

Figure 10 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of illustration, the intermediate housing and second end cap are omitted. In the figure, the first pedal is in the first ejected position, and the first locking pin is in the retracted position.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of a brake mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. For ease of illustration, the intermediate housing and second end cap are omitted. In the figure, the first pedal is in the first retracted position, and the first locking pin is in the extended position.

Figure 12 is a perspective view of the auxiliary brake mechanism, the second wheel, and the movable frame of the brake system provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second locking pin in the retracted position.

Figure 13 is a perspective view of the auxiliary brake mechanism, the second wheel, and the movable frame in the brake system provided according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the second locking pin in the extended position.

To fully understand the purpose, features, and effects of the present invention, the present invention is described in detail with reference to the following specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. To facilitate understanding of the present invention, the present invention will be described more fully below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention. However, the present invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and comprehensive understanding of the present invention.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meanings as commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present invention. The term "and/or" used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Please refer to Figures 1 to 4 , which illustrate a brake mechanism 100 provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. This brake mechanism 100 is used to lock a first wheel 91, which may be, for example, the right rear wheel of a stroller. It should be understood that while this embodiment illustrates the brake mechanism 100 as being used in a stroller, its application is not limited to strollers. It can also be applied to other children's vehicles with a movable frame, such as supermarket carts.

Continuing with Figures 1 to 4 , the brake mechanism 100 includes a first pedal 1, a second pedal 2, and a housing 3. The first and second pedals 1 and 2 can be mounted on the housing 3, which can be mounted on a rear leg 93 of a movable frame. Figures 12 and 13 illustrate the rear leg 93 and a second wheel 92 mounted thereon. The second wheel 92 is, for example, the left rear wheel. The rear leg 93 is substantially symmetrical in structure. In some embodiments, the housing 3 includes, for example, a first end cap 31, a middle housing 33, and a second end cap 32. The middle housing 33 is connected to the rear leg 93. The first end cap 31 is mounted on one end of the middle housing 33, and the second end cap 32 is mounted on the other end of the middle housing 33. Of course, the structure of the housing 3 is not limited to the above examples. The structure of the housing 3 can be implemented in various ways as needed.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2 , the first pedal 1 has a first pop-up position and a first retracted position. When the first pedal 1 moves between the first pop-up position and the first retracted position, the first locking pin 61 (see Figure 3 ) of the brake mechanism 100 moves between an extended position and a retracted position, correspondingly switching the brake mechanism 100 between a locked state and an unlocked state. Referring to Figure 3 , in some embodiments, the first locking pin 61 is retractably disposed in a hole (not shown) in the second end cap 32. When the first pedal 1 is pressed to the first retracted position under the first pressure P1, the first locking pin 61 is driven to the extended position. The first locking pin 61 now extends relative to the second end cap 32 and engages with the locking portion 910 (which may be a hole or groove) on the first wheel 91, locking the first wheel 91. Conversely, when the first pedal 1 returns to the first extended position, the first locking pin 61 returns to the retracted position. The first locking pin 61 now retracts relative to the second end cap 32 and disengages from the locking portion 910 on the first wheel 91, unlocking the first wheel 91.

In some alternative embodiments, when the first pedal 1 is in the first pop-up position, the first locking pin 61 is in the extended position and engages with the locking portion of the first wheel 91, and the brake mechanism 100 is in the locked state. Furthermore, when the first pedal 1 is in the first retracted position, the first locking pin 61 is in the retracted position and disengaged from the locking portion of the first wheel 91, and the brake mechanism 100 is in the unlocked state.

Continuing with Figures 1 and 2, the second pedal 2 has a second pop-up position and a second retracted position, and the second pedal 2 is operably connected to the first pedal 1. When the first pedal 1 is moved from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, for example, by a first pressure P1, the movement of the first pedal 1 causes the second pedal 2 to move from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position. When the first pedal 1 is in the first retracted position, the second pedal 2 is in the second pop-up position. Conversely, when the second pedal 2 is stepped on by the second pressure P2, the second pedal 2 moves from the second pop-up position to the second retracted position, and the movement of the second pedal 2 will cause the first pedal 1 to move from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position. When the second pedal 2 is in the second retracted position, the first pedal 1 is in the first pop-up position. It should be noted that the term "operably connected" in the embodiments of the present invention includes but is not limited to direct connection, indirect connection, fixed connection, pivotal connection, and pressure contact. When two components are operably connected together, it means that the movement of one component can cause the movement of the other component.

The brake mechanism 100 provided in this embodiment of the present invention locks and unlocks the first wheel 91 by simply depressing the first pedal 1 or the second pedal 2, respectively, without the need to press the toes against the first pedal 1 or the second pedal 2. This prevents damage to the user's shoe or instep. This downward pedaling method better aligns with the user's foot movement habits, facilitating force application and providing a better user experience.

In some embodiments, the first and second pedals 1 and 2 can be operably connected via any suitable intermediate structure, such that a change in the position of one pedal causes an opposite change in the position of the other. For example, in some unillustrated embodiments, the first and second pedals 1 and 2 both move in a linear direction, with their directions of movement parallel to each other. The first and second pedals 1 and 2 are connected by a connecting rod, the central portion of which pivots on a pivot, which can be fixed within the housing 3. Thus, when the first pedal 1 is retracted by a pedaling force, the connecting rod pivots, simultaneously driving the second pedal 2 upward and ejecting. Similarly, when the second pedal 2 is retracted by a pedaling force, the connecting rod pivots, simultaneously driving the first pedal 1 upward and ejecting. In other words, when the first pedal 1 moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pedal 1 drives the second pedal 2 to move from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position.

Referring to Figures 1, 2, and 4, in some embodiments, the middle housing 33 of the housing 3 has an opening 330, and the first pedal 1 is inserted into the opening 330. The first pedal 1 moves in a straight line to a first pop-up position or a first retracted position. In some embodiments, the movement direction of the first pedal 1 is, for example, up and down. The first end cover 31 of the housing 3 is mounted with a first pivot 301, and the second pedal 2 is mounted on the first pivot 301. The second pedal 2 rotates around the first pivot 301 to a second pop-up position or a second retracted position. In some embodiments, the first pivot 301 is arranged horizontally, for example, and the movement direction of the first pedal 1 is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pivot 301. The linearly moving first pedal 1 and the pivotally moving second pedal 2 can be driven by directly abutting against each other, which is beneficial to the overall layout and structural compactness of the brake mechanism.

Referring to Figure 5 , in some embodiments, the first pedal 1 may include a first pressing portion 11, and the second pedal 2 may include a second pressing portion 21. When the first pedal 1 is subjected to a first pressure P1 and moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pressing portion 11 can abut against the second pressing portion 21, thereby driving the second pedal 2 from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position. Conversely, when the second pedal 2 is subjected to a second pressure P2 and moves from the second pop-up position to the second retracted position, the second pressing portion 21 can act on the first pressing portion 11, assisting the first pedal 1 in moving from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position.

Figure 6 illustrates an exemplary structure of the first pressure-receiving portion 11. The first pedal 1 further includes a first treading portion 12 and a main portion 13 connected to the first treading portion 12. The first treading portion 12 is located outside the housing 3 and is configured to receive the first pressure force P1. The main portion 13 extends into the interior of the housing 3 through an opening 330. The first pressure-receiving portion 11 includes an elastic arm 111 extending from the main portion 13. The elastic arm 111 extends obliquely relative to the direction of movement of the first pedal 1. In some embodiments, the number of elastic arms 111 can be adjusted as needed. In some embodiments, the lower ends of the elastic arms 111 are joined to the main portion 13, while the upper ends of the elastic arms 111 are separated from the main portion 13. When the first pedal 1 in the first pop-up position is subjected to the first pressure P1, the upper end of the elastic arm 111 can abut against the second pressing portion 21 of the second pedal 2, thereby pushing the second pedal 2 to rotate about the first pivot 301, moving the second pedal 2 from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position.

Figure 5 shows an exemplary structure of the second pressure portion 21. The second pedal 2 also includes a second treading portion 22 and a pivot portion 23 connected to the second treading portion 22. The second treading portion 22 is used to bear the second pressure P2, and the pivot portion 23 is sleeved on the first pivot 301. The second pressure portion 21 includes a load-bearing plate 211 extending from the pivot 23, and the plane where the load-bearing plate 211 is located intersects with the plane where the second treading portion 22 is located. In some embodiments, the plane where the load-bearing plate 211 is located is perpendicular or nearly perpendicular to the plane where the second treading portion 22 is located. When the elastic arm 111 moves downward, the elastic arm 111 can directly push the load-bearing plate 211 to rotate around the first pivot 301, so that the second pedal 2 moves to the second pop-up position. In some embodiments, the upper end of the elastic arm 111 may be provided with a protrusion 1113. When the elastic arm 111 moves downward along with the first pedal 1, the protrusion 1113 can hook onto the bearing plate 211, thereby easily pushing the bearing plate 211 to rotate.

Referring to Figure 9 , when the second pedal 2 is in the second extended position, the second tread portion 22 of the second pedal 2 is approximately parallel to the ground. This facilitates applying a second pressure P2 from top to bottom to the second pedal 2, causing it to pivot downward about the first pivot 301 to the second retracted position. In some embodiments, when the second pedal 2 is in the second extended position, the second tread portion 22 may be tilted relative to the ground. Referring to Figure 1 , in some embodiments, the second pedal 2 in the second retracted position may rest against the first end cap 31.

In some embodiments, the brake mechanism 100 may further include a stopper structure (e.g., stopper step 316 hereinafter). When the first pedal 1 is moved from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position under a first pressure P1, the first pedal 1 is locked in the first retracted position by the stopper structure. At this time, the first abutting portion 11 abuts against the second abutting portion 21, retaining the second pedal 2 in the second pop-up position. When the second pedal 2 is moved from the second pop-up position to the second retracted position under a second pressure P2, the second pedal 2 drives the first pedal 1 free from the stopper structure, allowing the first pedal 1 to move to the first pop-up position.

Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , in some embodiments, the brake mechanism 100 may further include a first elastic member 51. This first elastic member 51 may, for example, be mounted between the housing 3 and the first pedal 1 to drive the first pedal 1 from the first retracted position to the first ejected position. In this way, once the first pedal 1 is released from the locking mechanism of the stopper structure, it can automatically move to the first ejected position. In some embodiments, the brake mechanism 100 may further include a second elastic member 52 to drive the second pedal 2 from the second ejected position to the second retracted position. The second elastic member 52 may be, for example, a torsion spring, mounted on the first pivot 301 and connected to the first end cap 31 and the second pedal 2, respectively. When the second pedal 2 in the second extended position rotates downward under the second pressure P2, even after the first pedal 1 is released from the locking mechanism, the second pedal 2 can automatically move to the second retracted position under the action of the second elastic member 52, even after the second pressure P2 is released. The second pedal 2 is retained in the second retracted position without any undue movement.

The stopper structure can be implemented in a variety of ways, as long as it achieves the aforementioned function of locking or unlocking the first pedal 1. Referring to Figures 7 to 9 , in some embodiments, the stopper structure includes, for example, a stopper step 316, which can be disposed on the inner wall of the first end cover 31. When the first pedal 1 reaches the first retracted position, the stopper step 316 engages with the elastic arm 111, locking the first pedal 1 in the first retracted position and correspondingly maintaining the second pedal 2 in the second extended position. When the second pedal 2 moves toward the second retracted position, the bearing plate 211 of the second pressure portion 21 drives the elastic arm 111 to elastically deform, causing the elastic arm 111 to disengage from the stop step 316, thereby releasing the stop step 316 from locking the elastic arm 111.

Referring to Figure 6 , in some embodiments, the elastic arm 111 includes a slanted wall 1111 and an end wall 1112. A portion of the slanted wall 1111 includes the aforementioned protrusion 1113. Referring to Figure 8 , as the first pedal 1 moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the slanted wall 1111 abuts the stop step 316 while allowing the protrusion 1113 to abut against the bearing plate 211 of the second pressing portion 21, thereby driving the second pedal 2 toward the second pop-up position. Referring to Figure 9 , when the first pedal 1 reaches the first retracted position, the slanted wall 1111 clears the stop step 316, causing the elastic arm 111 to rebound and the end wall 1112 to engage the stop step 316, locking the first pedal 1 in the first retracted position. At this point, the protrusion 1113 abuts the bearing plate 211 of the second pressing portion 21, maintaining the second pedal 2 in the second extended position. When the second pedal 2 moves from the second extended position to the second retracted position, the second pressing portion 21 pushes the protrusion 1113, causing the elastic arm 111 to deform toward the main body 13. This allows the end wall 1112 to easily disengage from the stop step 316, allowing the first pedal 1, for example, under the action of the first elastic member 51, to automatically move to the first extended position.

Figures 10 and 11 illustrate an exemplary structure for the first pedal 1 to drive the first locking pin 61. The brake mechanism 100 further includes a first rotating disc 41. The center hole 410 of the first rotating disc 41 is sleeved onto the second pivot shaft 302 (see Figure 4). The second pivot shaft 302 is, for example, a hollow shaft formed within the intermediate housing 33. The center shaft 911 of the first wheel 91 (see Figure 3) is sleeved within the hole 320 (see Figures 7 to 9) of the second end cap 32 and the second pivot shaft 302. The end wall of the first rotating disc 41 has a first inclined portion 401 extending circumferentially. The first inclined portion 401 has a first protruding end 4011 and a first relief end 4012. The first protruding end 4011 and the first relief end 4012 have different heights in the axial direction. The first locking pin 61 is parallel to the second pivot 302 and abuts the first inclined surface 401. When the first pedal 1 moves between the first extended position and the first retracted position, it causes the first rotating disc 41 to rotate, causing the first protruding end 4011 and the first relief end 4012 to selectively abut one end of the first locking pin 61. When the first locking pin 61 abuts the first protruding end 4011, it is pushed to the extended position, locking the first wheel 91. Conversely, when the first locking pin 61 abuts the first relief end 4012, it is retracted, unlocking the first wheel 91.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , in some embodiments, when the first pedal 1 is in the first extended position, the first avoidance end 4012 abuts against the first locking pin 61, which unlocks the first wheel 91. When the first pedal 1 is in the first retracted position, the first protruding end 4011 abuts against the first locking pin 61, which locks the first wheel 91.

It should be noted that in some embodiments (not shown), the orientation of the first inclined surface 401 can be changed so that the positions of the first protruding end 4011 and the first relief end 4012 of the first inclined surface 401 are interchanged, thereby changing the relationship between the position change of the first pedal 1 and the state change of the brake mechanism 100. For example, when the first pedal 1 is in the first extended position, the first protruding end 4011 abuts the first locking pin 61, which locks the first wheel 91 and the brake mechanism 100 is in the locked state. When the first pedal 1 is in the first retracted position, the first relief end 4012 abuts the first locking pin 61, which unlocks the first wheel 91 and the brake mechanism 100 is in the unlocked state.

In some embodiments, a first elastic return member (not shown) may be disposed between the first locking pin 61 and the housing 3. The first elastic return member applies an elastic force to the first locking pin 61, causing it to rest against the first inclined surface 401 of the first rotating disk 41. For example, the first elastic return member is a spring mounted between the step 611 (see FIG. 10 ) of the first locking pin 61 and the second end cap 32.

Referring to Figures 6, 10, and 11, in some embodiments, when the first pedal 1 moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pedal 1 drives the first rotary disk 41 to rotate in a first direction T1. The brake mechanism 100 may further include a third elastic member 53. When the first pedal 1 moves from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position, the third elastic member 53 drives the first rotary disk 41 to rotate in a second direction T2. The first direction T1 and the second direction T2 are opposite. The third elastic member 53 is, for example, a torsion spring that can be mounted on the second pivot 302. The two spring arms of the torsion spring are, for example, respectively connected to the first rotary disk 41 and the second end cap 32. As can be seen above, the rotation of the first rotating disc 41 causes the first protruding end 4011 and the first avoiding end 4012 to selectively abut against the first locking pin 61, thereby locking or unlocking the first wheel 91.

FIG6 shows an exemplary structure in which the first pedal 1 drives the first turntable 41 to rotate. The first pedal 1 moves radially along the second pivot 302, and the main body 13 of the first pedal 1 may be provided with a transmission portion 131 protruding outward. A transmission surface 4121 is provided on the first turntable 41, and the transmission surface 4121 is inclined relative to the moving direction of the first pedal 1. The transmission portion 131 is maintained in contact with the transmission surface 4121 under the action of, for example, a third elastic member 53 (see FIG10 and FIG11). When the first pedal 1 is subjected to the first pressure P1 and moves toward the first retracted position, the transmission portion 131 pushes the transmission surface 4121, causing the first turntable 41 to rotate in the first direction T1. Conversely, when the first pressure P1 is released and the first pedal 1 is released from the locking element structure, the third elastic member 53 drives the first rotary plate 41 to rotate in the second direction T2. The transmission surface 4121 then drives the first pedal 1 toward the first extended position via the transmission portion 131. It will be appreciated that when the third elastic member 53 is used to drive the first pedal 1 from the first retracted position to the first extended position, the brake mechanism 100 can be configured without the aforementioned first elastic member 51.

In some embodiments not shown, the positions of the transmission portion 131 and the transmission surface 4121 on the first pedal 1 and the first rotating disk 41 can be interchanged, as long as the movement of one of the first pedal 1 and the first rotating disk 41 can drive the other to move accordingly.

Figures 4 and 6 illustrate an exemplary structure of the first rotating disk 41. In some embodiments, the first rotating disk 41 includes a disk-shaped body 411 and a push rod 412 coaxially arranged with the disk-shaped body 411. The center hole of the disk-shaped body 411 is sleeved onto the second pivot 302, and one end of the push rod 412 is sleeved onto the second pivot 302 through a hole 4120. The first inclined surface 401 is, for example, located on the first end wall of the disk-shaped body 411. The second end wall of the disk-shaped body 411 has a stopper 4110. The push rod 412 is clamped between the stopper 4110 and the driving portion 131 of the first pedal 1, and a driving surface 4121 is formed on the push rod 412. By separating the first turntable 41 into the disc-shaped body 411 and the push rod 412, both the disc-shaped body 411 and the push rod 412 can be easily machined, thereby reducing the manufacturing difficulty of the first turntable 41. Of course, in some alternative embodiments, the push rod 412 may not be provided, and the driving surface 4121 may be formed directly on the disc-shaped body 411.

Referring to Figures 4 and 6 , in some embodiments, the main body 13 has a first guide hole 1301, with the second pivot 302 slidingly engaged with the first guide hole 1301 to limit the travel of the first pedal 1. Furthermore, the main body 13 may also have a second guide hole 1302, with a guide rod 3302 disposed in the opening 330, which slides into the second guide hole 1302. The engagement between the second pivot 302 and the first guide hole 1301, and between the guide rod 3302 and the second guide hole 1302, can guide the linear movement of the first pedal 1. In alternative embodiments, the opening 330 slides into the main body 13, and the main body 13 may not have the second guide hole 1302. Referring to Figures 4 and 5 , the aforementioned first elastic member 51 can be disposed between the guide rod 3302 and the first treading portion 12 . Providing linear motion to the first pedal 1 can also be achieved through other methods, not limited to those described herein.

The following briefly describes the working principle of the brake mechanism 100 provided in the above embodiment.

1. When the brake mechanism 100 is in the unlocked state, the first pedal 1 is in the first extended position, the second pedal 2 is in the second retracted position, the first clearance end 4012 of the first rotary plate 41 abuts against the first locking pin 61, and the first locking pin 61 disengages from the locking portion 910 of the first wheel 91.

2. To switch the brake mechanism 100 from the unlocked state to the locked state, the first pedal 1 is stepped on downward. Under the action of the first pressure P1, the first pedal 1 moves downward. The transmission portion 131 of the first pedal 1 pushes the transmission surface 4121 of the push rod 412. The push rod 412 rotates under the force, simultaneously driving the disc 411 to rotate in the first direction T1. The first inclined portion 401 on the disc 411 pushes the first locking pin 61 toward the locking portion 910. As the first pedal 1 moves downward, the protrusion 1113 of the elastic arm 111 pushes the upper surface of the load-bearing plate 211 of the second pedal 2, causing the second pedal 2 to rotate upward about the first pivot 301. When the first pedal 1 moves downward into position, the end wall 1112 of the elastic arm 111 engages with the stop step 316. The first pressure P1 is released, and the first pedal 1 remains in the first retracted position. The protrusion 1113 remains against the bearing plate 211, keeping the second pedal 2 in the second extended position. The first outer protrusion 4011 of the first inclined portion 401 abuts against the first locking pin 61, which engages with the locking portion 910 of the first wheel 91.

3. To switch the brake mechanism 100 from the locked state to the unlocked state, the second pedal 2 is stepped downward. Under the action of the second pressure P2, the second pedal 2 rotates downward about the first pivot 301. The bearing plate 211 of the second pedal 2 pushes the protrusion 1113 of the elastic arm 111, causing the elastic arm 111 to elastically deform, disengaging the end wall 1112 from the stop step 316. Even if the second pressure P2 is released, the second pedal 2 can move to the second retracted position under the action of the second elastic member 52, and the first pedal 1 can move to the first extended position under the action of the first elastic member 51. Correspondingly, the disc-shaped body 411 rotates in the second direction T2 under the action of the third elastic member 53, and the first locking pin 61 is retracted from the locking portion 910 under the action of the first elastic return member. The rotation of the disc-shaped body 411 drives the push rod 412 to rotate. The driving surface 4121 of the push rod 412 drives the driving portion 131 of the first pedal 1, applying a force to the first pedal 1 toward the first ejected position. When the first pedal 1 moves upward to the first ejected position, the first relief end 4012 of the first inclined surface 401 abuts the first locking pin 61, disengaging the first locking pin 61 from the locking portion 910 of the first wheel 91.

This embodiment of the present invention provides a simple dual-pedal brake mechanism. Both locking and unlocking operations of the brake mechanism 100 require only depressing the corresponding pedals, improving the user experience.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13 , embodiments of the present invention further provide a brake system 1000 comprising an auxiliary brake mechanism 200 and the aforementioned brake mechanism 100. The first rotary plate 41 is operably connected to the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 via a traction member 7. In some embodiments, when the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 locks the first wheel 91, the first rotary plate 41 acts on the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 via the traction member 7, causing the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 to lock the second wheel 92, thus achieving a dual-brake function.

Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , in some embodiments, the first end of the traction member 7 is provided with a connector 71, and the second end 72 is connected to the auxiliary brake mechanism 200. A chute 310 is provided within the interior of the housing 3, for example, on the first end cap 31. The chute 310 slidably engages with the connector 71 and has a radially outer end 3101 and a radially inner end 3102. The connector 71 is movably connected to the first rotary disc 41. When the first rotary disc 41 rotates, the connector 71 moves between the radially outer end 3101 and the radially inner end 3102 of the chute 310, driving the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 to lock or unlock the second wheel 92.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13 , in some embodiments, the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 includes a second rotating disc 42 and a second locking pin 62. The center hole 420 of the second rotating disc 42 is sleeved onto a third pivot (not shown), which is mounted, for example, on the rear leg 93 of the movable frame. The third pivot is coaxially disposed with the second wheel 92. The end wall of the second rotating disc 42 includes a second inclined surface 402 extending circumferentially. The second inclined surface 402 has a second protruding end 4021 and a second avoidance end 4022. The second locking pin 62 is parallel to the third pivot and abuts the second inclined surface 402. When the second locking pin 62 abuts the second protruding end 4021, the second locking pin 62 is in an extended position, locking the second wheel 92. When the second locking pin 62 abuts the second avoidance end 4022, the second locking pin 62 is in the retracted position to unlock the second wheel 92.

The second end 72 of the pull member 7 is connected to the second turntable 42. When the connector 71 moves between the radially outer end 3101 and the radially inner end 3102 of the slide slot 310, the second turntable 42 rotates accordingly, causing the second protruding end 4021 and the second avoidance end 4022 to selectively abut against the second locking pin 62.

In some embodiments, referring to Figures 10 and 12 , when the first pedal 1 is in the first pop-up position, the first locking pin 61 unlocks the first wheel 91. At this point, the connector 71 is at the radially outer end 3101 of the slideway 310, and the second escape end 4022 of the second rotary plate 42 abuts against the second locking pin 62. The second locking pin 62 disengages from the locking portion (not shown) of the second wheel 92, and the auxiliary brake mechanism 200 is unlocked.

Referring to Figures 11 and 13 , when the first pedal 1 moves to the first retracted position, the first rotary disc 41 drives the first locking pin 61 to lock the first wheel 91. Simultaneously, the first rotary disc 41 drives the connecting head 71 toward the radially inner end 3102 of the slide groove 310. At this point, the traction member 7 rotates the second rotary disc 42, causing the second outer protruding end 4021 of the second inclined surface 402 to abut against the second locking pin 62. The second locking pin 62 is then pushed out and engages with the locking portion of the second wheel 92, locking the auxiliary brake mechanism 200.

The auxiliary brake mechanism 200 may also be equipped with a fourth elastic member (not shown), such as a torsion spring connected to the second rotary disc 42. When the first pedal 1 moves toward the first spring-out position, the fourth elastic member drives the second rotary disc 42 to rotate, causing the second avoidance end 4022 of the second inclined surface 402 to abut against the second locking pin 62, thereby unlocking the second wheel 92 and simultaneously driving the connector 71 from the radially inner end 3102 of the slide groove 310 to the radially outer end 3101.

In some embodiments, the first turntable 41 has a recess 417 for accommodating the connector 71. The recess 417 has a non-radial abutment wall 4171 that slidably engages with the connector 71. The abutment wall 4171 is a non-radial surface. As the first turntable 41 rotates, the connector 71 remains in contact with the abutment wall 4171 and slides between the radially inner end 3102 and the radially outer end 3101 of the chute 310.

In some alternative embodiments, the orientation of the second inclined surface 402 can be changed so that the positions of the second protruding end 4021 and the second relief end 4022 of the second inclined surface 402 are swapped. In this way, when the connector 71 is at the radially outer end 3101 of the chute 310, the second protruding end 4021 of the second inclined surface 402 abuts the second locking pin 62; when the connector 71 is at the radially inner end 3102 of the chute 310, the second relief end 4022 of the second rotary disc 42 abuts the second locking pin 62.

In addition, the second locking pin 62 may also be equipped with a second elastic reset member (not shown). The second elastic reset member applies an elastic force to the second locking pin 62, causing the second locking pin 62 to rest against the second inclined surface 402 of the second rotating disk 42.

An embodiment of the present invention also provides a children's carrier, which includes a movable frame and the braking mechanism 100 or the braking system 1000 described in the above embodiment, wherein the braking mechanism 100 or the braking system 1000 is disposed on the movable frame. As mentioned above, the child carrier may be, but is not limited to, a stroller.

The technical features of the above-described embodiments can be combined in any manner. To simplify the description, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-described embodiments are described. However, as long as there are no contradictions in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

The embodiments described above merely illustrate several implementations of the present invention. While these descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent. It should be noted that a person skilled in the art could make variations and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and these modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the patent for this invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

100: Braking mechanism 11: First pressure member 12: First pedal member 13: Main body 1301: First guide hole 1302: Second guide hole 131: Transmission member 21: Second pressure member 211: Load plate 22: Second pedal member 23: Pivot member 301: First pivot 302: Second pivot 31: First end cap 32: Second end cap 33: Intermediate housing 330: Opening 3302: Guide rod 401: First inclined portion 41: First rotating disc 411: Disc-shaped member 4110: Stopper 412: Push rod 4120: Hole 4121: Drive surface 51: First elastic member 52: Second elastic member 53: Third elastic member 61: First locking pin 611: Step 7: Pull member 71: Connector

Claims (20)

A brake mechanism for locking a first wheel comprises: a first pedal having a first pop-up position and a first retracted position, one of the first pop-up position and the first retracted position corresponding to a locked state of the brake mechanism, and the other corresponding to an unlocked state of the brake mechanism; and a second pedal having a second pop-up position and a second retracted position; the first pedal is operably connected to the second pedal, wherein when the first pedal is in the first retracted position, the second pedal is in the second pop-up position; and when the second pedal is in the second retracted position, the first pedal is in the first pop-up position. The first pedal includes a first pressing portion, and the second pedal includes a second pressing portion. When the first pedal moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pressing portion abuts against the second pressing portion, driving the second pedal from the second retracted position to the second pop-up position. A brake mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first pedal moves in a straight line direction; the second pedal is mounted on a first pivot and rotates around the first pivot. The brake mechanism as described in claim 1 further includes a limit element structure, which is used to lock the first pedal in the first retracted position; when the second pedal moves to the second retracted position, the second pedal drives the first pedal to disengage from the lock of the limit element structure. The brake mechanism as described in claim 3 further includes a first elastic member, which is used to drive the first pedal to move from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position; and/or a second elastic member, which is used to drive the second pedal to rotate from the second pop-up position to the second retracted position. A brake mechanism as described in claim 2, wherein the movement direction of the first pedal is perpendicular to the axial direction of the first pivot. A brake mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first pedal further includes a first treading portion and a main body portion connected to the first treading portion, the first pressure portion includes an elastic arm extending from the main body portion, and the elastic arm extends obliquely relative to the movement direction of the first pedal. A brake mechanism as described in claim 6, wherein the second pedal includes a second treading portion and a pivot portion connected to the second treading portion, the pivot portion is sleeved on the first pivot, and the second pressure portion includes a load-bearing plate extending from the pivot portion, and the plane where the load-bearing plate is located intersects with the plane where the second treading portion is located. A brake mechanism as described in claim 7, wherein the elastic arm has a protrusion, and the protrusion is suitable for pushing the bearing plate to rotate. The brake mechanism as described in claim 6 further includes a limit step. When the first pedal reaches the first retracted position, the limit step engages with the elastic arm, so that the first pedal is locked in the first retracted position and the second pedal remains in the second pop-up position; when the second pedal moves toward the second retracted position, the second pressing portion drives the elastic arm to undergo elastic deformation, so that the elastic arm disengages from the limit step. A brake mechanism as described in claim 9, wherein the elastic arm includes an inclined wall and an end wall, the inclined wall having a protrusion; when the first pedal moves toward the first retracted position, the inclined wall abuts against the limit step while allowing the protrusion to abut against the second supporting portion; when the first pedal reaches the first retracted position, the end wall engages with the limit step. The brake mechanism as described in claim 1 further comprises: a first turntable, which is sleeved on the second pivot; the end wall of the first turntable has a first inclined portion extending in the circumferential direction, the first inclined portion having a first protruding end and a first avoidance end; a first lock pin, which is parallel to the second pivot and abuts against the first inclined portion; when the first lock pin abuts against the first protruding end, the first lock pin is in an extended position; when the first lock pin abuts against the first avoidance end, the first lock pin is in a retracted position; when the first pedal moves between the first pop-up position and the first retracted position, the first turntable rotates accordingly, so that the first protruding end and the first avoidance end selectively abut against the first lock pin. A brake mechanism as described in claim 11, wherein when the first pedal moves from the first pop-up position to the first retracted position, the first pedal drives the first turntable to rotate in a first direction; the brake mechanism also includes a third elastic member, when the first pedal moves from the first retracted position to the first pop-up position, the third elastic member drives the first turntable to rotate in a second direction, and the second direction is opposite to the first direction. A brake mechanism as described in claim 11, wherein the first pedal moves radially along the second pivot; one of the first pedal and the first turntable has a transmission portion, and the other is provided with a transmission surface, which is inclined relative to the moving direction of the first pedal, and the transmission portion abuts against the transmission surface. A brake mechanism as described in claim 13, wherein the first pedal further includes a first treading portion and a main body portion connected to the first treading portion, and the transmission portion protrudes outward from the main body portion; the first turntable includes a disc-shaped body and a push rod coaxially arranged with the disc-shaped body, the disc-shaped body has a blocking portion, the push rod is clamped between the transmission portion and the blocking portion, and the transmission surface is formed on the push rod. A brake mechanism as described in claim 1, wherein the first pedal and the second pedal both move in a straight line direction, the first pedal and the second pedal are connected by a connecting rod, and the middle part of the connecting rod is pivoted on the pivot seat. A brake system comprises an auxiliary brake mechanism, a traction member, and the brake mechanism described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the first rotary plate is operably connected to the auxiliary brake mechanism via the traction member, and the auxiliary brake mechanism is used to lock the second wheel. A braking system as described in claim 16, wherein the first end of the traction member is provided with a connecting head, and the second end is connected to the auxiliary braking mechanism; the brake mechanism is configured with a slide groove that slides with the connecting head, and the slide groove has a radial outer end and a radial inner end; the connecting head is movably connected to the first turntable, and when the first turntable rotates, the connecting head moves between the radial outer end and the radial inner end of the slide groove. A brake system as described in claim 17, wherein the first turntable has a recess for accommodating the connecting head, and the recess has an abutment wall that slides with the connecting head. The brake system as claimed in claim 17, wherein the auxiliary brake mechanism comprises: a second rotary plate, which is sleeved on the third pivot, the end wall of the second rotary plate having a second inclined portion extending in the circumferential direction, the second inclined portion having a second convex end and a second avoidance end; a second locking pin, which is parallel to the third pivot and abuts against the second inclined portion; when the second locking pin abuts against the second convex end, the second locking pin is in The second locking pin is in an extended position to lock the second wheel; when the second locking pin abuts against the second avoidance end, the second locking pin is in a retracted position to unlock the second wheel; the second end of the traction member is connected to the second turntable, and when the connecting head moves between the radially outer end and the radially inner end of the slide groove, the second turntable rotates accordingly to make the second protruding end and the second avoidance end selectively abut against the second locking pin. A children's carrier comprises a movable frame and the brake mechanism described in any one of claims 1 to 15 or the brake system described in any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein the brake mechanism or the brake system is arranged on the movable frame.