Foot-operated control device for parking brake

摘要

A foot-operated device for controlling a parking brake wherein a parking brake pedal is locked in its operated position through engagement of a pawl member with ratchet teeth. The pawl member is connected to a bracket pivotally supporting the pedal, and the ratchet teeth are formed on the pedal. The parking brake is released only when a pedal pad pivotally connected to the pedal is pivoted on the pedal and the pedal is depressed. Near the pawl member is disposed a lever pivotally connected to the bracket. The pedal, pedal pad, pawl member and lever are pivoted about respective axes which are parallel to one another. The pedal pad and the lever are connected by a connecting device which transmit a pivotal movement of the pedal pad to the lever such that a movement of said pedal pad incident to a pivotal movement of the pedal is not transferred to the lever. The parking brake control device further comprises a spring device for biasing the pawl member in a first direction that causes the pawl member to engage the ratchet teeth while the pedal pad is in its original position, and biasing the pawl member in a second direction that causes the pawl member to disengage from the ratchet teeth while the pedal pad is in its operated position. The force with which the pawl member is biased in the second direction is selected to be smaller than an engagement force existing between the pawl member and the ratchet teeth in engagement with the pawl member.