US 4,856,622 A · Auxiliary actuation mechanism for a brake assembly

Abstract

In the braking systems of many vehicles, a parking brake is utilized that is spring applied and fluid pressure released. In the event of a mechanical breakdown, a mechanical device or other specialized tools must be used to bring about the disengagement of the parking brake so that the vehicle may be towed. The present invention overcomes this problem by providing an auxiliary actuating mechanism for a spring applied, fluid pressure released parking brake that includes an auxiliary accumulator that will maintain a preselected amount of pressure upon the loss of the primary source of pressure. An auxiliary actuating valve is positioned between the accumulator and the parking brake to selectively communicate fluid therebetween. The auxiliary actuating mechanism is provided with two remotely located actuators that may be utilized to selectively position the valve to permit the communication of the pressurized fluid within the accumulator with the parking brake assembly to achieve the disengagement thereof.

Claims13

Dependent claims

In a vehicle having a brake system that includes a brake assembly of the type that is spring applied and fluid pressure released, and a primary means for actuating said brake assembly under normal operating conditions, including a fluid reservoir, a source of pressurized fluid, and a valve means that selectively directs the pressurized fluid between the brake assembly and the fluid reservoir, an auxiliary actuation mechanism adapted to be mounted to said vehicle, comprising:

an accumulator;
a valve means having a first position wherein fluid is communicated between the accumulator and the brake assembly to cause the disengagement thereof and a second position wherein fluid is communicated between the brake assembly and the fluid reservoir to allow engagement of the brake assembly;
an actuating lever pivotally mounted to the vehicle and being positioned adjacent the valve means and connected thereto;
a pair of bellcranks pivotally mounted to the vehicle on opposite sides of the actuating lever, each bellcrank having a first arm connected with a distal end portion of the actuating lever and a second arm;
and
means for actuating said valve means connected to the second arms of the respective bellcranks, said actuating means being separate from the primary actuating means having at least two remote locations from which said valve means may be actuated between said first and second positions.

3 more elements

In a brake assembly of the type that is spring applied and fluid pressure released and having a primary means for actuating said brake under normal conditions, an auxiliary actuation mechanism comprising:

a base member;
a fluid reservoir;
an accumulator mounted to the base member;
a valve means mounted to the base member and being movable between a first position wherein fluid is communicated between the accumulator and the brake assembly and a second position wherein fluid is communicated between the brake assembly and the fluid reservoir;
an actuating lever operatively associated with said valve means and being pivotally mounted to the base member adjacent thereto;
a first bellcrank mounted to the base member on one side of the actuating lever, said bellcrank having a first arm connected to the actuating lever and a second arm;
a second bellcrank mounted to the base member on a side of the actuating lever opposite that of the first bellcrank, said second bellcrank having a first arm connected to the actuating lever and a second arm;
a first auxiliary means for actuating the valve means between the first and second positions, said first auxiliary means being operatively connected to the second arm of the first bellcrank;
and
a second auxiliary means for actuating the valve means between said first and second positions, said actuating means being operatively connected to the second arm of the second bellcrank.

7 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Auxiliary actuation mechanism for a brake assembly

Life of this patent

Auxiliary actuation mechanism for a brake assembly

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13