U.S. patent application number 10/669739 was filed with the patent office on 2004-05-27 for adjustable pedal assembly.
Invention is credited to Fornell, Gunnar, Johansson, Mattias.
Application Number | 20040099084 10/669739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 20409079 |
Filed Date | 2004-05-27 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040099084 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Johansson, Mattias ; et
al. |
May 27, 2004 |
Adjustable pedal assembly
Abstract
An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement (1)
for attachment to a vehicle structure (37), an accelerator pedal
(6), a brake pedal (7), and a clutch pedal (8). The pedals (6, 7,
8) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement
(1) and define a first pivot axis (9). An adjustment element (5) is
pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure (1) and
defines a second pivot axis (4). The adjustment element (5)
selectively moves the pedals (6, 7, 8) between a plurality of
operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized
by the pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally supported with respect to
the adjustment element (5) wherein the second pivot axis (4) is
generally parallel to the first pivot axis (9). A driving mechanism
with an electric motor (11) and gear assembly (12) is used to
rotate the adjustment element (5) about the second pivot axis (4).
The pedals (6, 7, 8) are pivotally mounted within the adjustment
element (5) to pivot about the first pivot axis (9), thus the first
pivot axis (9) moves with respect to the second pivot axis (4) when
the adjustment element (5) is rotated.
Inventors: |
Johansson, Mattias;
(Nittorp, SE) ; Fornell, Gunnar; (Dalstorp,
SE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HOWARD & HOWARD ATTORNEYS, P.C.
THE PINEHURST OFFICE CENTER, SUITE #101
39400 WOODWARD AVENUE
BLOOMFIELD HILLS
MI
48304-5151
US
|
Family ID: |
20409079 |
Appl. No.: |
10/669739 |
Filed: |
September 24, 2003 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10669739 |
Sep 24, 2003 |
|
|
|
10091889 |
Mar 5, 2002 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
74/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 74/20528 20150115;
G05G 1/323 20130101; Y10T 74/2054 20150115; G05G 1/36 20130101;
G05G 1/405 20130101; G05G 1/44 20130101; G05G 1/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
074/512 |
International
Class: |
G05G 001/14 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 24, 1997 |
SE |
9704288-1 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An adjustable pedal assembly for a vehicle comprising: a
mounting arrangement (1) for attachment to a vehicle structure
(37); a plurality of pedals (6, 7, 8) pivotally supported relative
to said mounting arrangement and defining a first pivot axis (9);
and characterized by said pedals (6, 7, 8) being pivotally
supported in an adjustment element (5) that is secured to said
mounting arrangement (1) and which is pivotal about a second pivot
axis (4), said second pivot axis (4) being spaced apart from and
generally parallel to said first pivot axis (9).
2. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein said second pivot
axis (4) is located in an aft direction from said first pivot axis
(9) and said second pivot axis (4) is located vertically above said
first pivot axis (9).
3. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 including a drive mechanism
(11, 12) supported by said mounting arrangement (1) for pivoting
said adjustment element (5) about said second pivot axis (4).
4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3 wherein said drive mechanism
includes a gear assembly with a rotor element (12) that is driven
by an electric motor (11).
5. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein each of the pedals
(6, 7, 8) is connected to an actuator that is supported on the
adjustment element (5), said actuators having movable connections
to the vehicle structure (37) that move said respective pedals (6,
7,8) in a generally forward direction, away from a vehicle driver,
when a predetermined load limit is achieved.
6. An assembly as set forth in claim 1 wherein an angle formed
between a connection line (35) extending between said first (9) and
second (4) pivot axes and a vertical line (34) extending
perpendicular to said second pivot axis (4) is in the range of
30.degree. to 40.degree..
7. An adjustable pedal assembly comprising: a mounting arrangement
(1) for attachment to a vehicle structure (37); at least one pedal
(6, 7, or 8) pivotally supported with respect to said mounting
arrangement (1) and defining a first pivot axis (9); and an
adjustment element (5) pivotally supported with respect to said
mounting arrangement (1) and defining a second pivot axis (4), said
adjustment element (5) for selectively moving said pedal (6, 7, or
8) between a plurality of operable positions; said assembly
characterized by said pedal (6, 7, or 8) being pivotally supported
with respect to said adjustment element (5) wherein said second
pivot axis (4) is generally parallel to said first pivot axis
(9).
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 including a drive mechanism
operably connected to said adjustment element (5) for selectively
rotating said adjustment element (5) about said second pivot axis
(4).
9. An assembly as set forth in claim 8 wherein said drive mechanism
includes a gear assembly with a rotor element (12) that is driven
by an electric motor (11).
10. An assembly as set forth in claim 9 wherein said pedal (6, 7,
or 8) is connected to an actuator for activating a vehicle system,
said actuator having a deformable connection to the vehicle
structure (37) that deforms and prevents said pedal (6, 7, or 8)
from moving toward a vehicle driver when a predetermined load is
achieved.
11. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein at least one pedal
(6, 7, 8) is a plurality of pedals (6, 7, 8) that are pivotally
supported with respect to said mounting arrangement (1), with each
pedal (6, 7, 8) having a respective pedal pivot axis.
12. An assembly as set forth in claim 11 wherein said pedal pivot
axes are generally parallel to said second pivot axis (4).
13. An assembly as set forth in claim 12 wherein said pedal pivot
axes are non-collinear with respect to said second pivot axis
(4).
14. An assembly as set forth in claim 13 wherein said pedal pivot
axes are collinear forming said first pivot axis (9).
15. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said adjustment
element (5) includes a connector (15) extending between a first ear
(13) and a second ear (14), said first (13) and second (14) ears
having pivotal connections with respect to said mounting
arrangement (1) such that said connector (15) can pivot about said
second pivot axis (4).
16. An assembly as set forth in claim 15 wherein said pivotal
connection for said first ear (13) is a connection to a drive
mechanism and said pivotal connection for said second ear (14) is
an articulated connection to a fixed mounting element (3).
17. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein at least one pedal
is an accelerator pedal (6) extending downwardly from said
adjustment element (5) and terminating at an accelerator pedal pad
(30), said accelerator pedal (6) being pivotal about said first
pivot axis (9).
18. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 including a potentiometer
(36) mounted adjacent to said accelerator pedal (6) and which emits
an electric signal that varies with the position of said
accelerator pedal (6) around said first pivot axis (9).
19. An assembly as set forth in claim 17 including a brake pedal
(7) extending downwardly from said adjustment element (5) and
terminating at a brake pedal pad (31), said brake pedal (7) being
pivotal about said first pivot axis (9).
20. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 including a clutch pedal
(8) extending downwardly from said adjustment element (5) and
terminating at a clutch pedal pad (32), said clutch pedal (8) being
pivotal about said first pivot axis (9).
21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20 wherein said clutch (8)
and brake (7) pedals are pivotally mounted to said adjustment
element (5) on a pivot pin (16).
22. An assembly as set forth in claim 19 wherein said adjustment
element (5) simultaneously adjusts longitudinal positions of said
accelerator (6) pedal and said brake pedal (7) when selectively
activated by a driving mechanism.
23. An assembly as set forth in claim 22 wherein said adjustment
element (5) simultaneously adjusts angular positions of said
accelerator pedal pad (3) and said brake pedal pad (31) when
selectively activated by said driving mechanism.
24. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first (9) and
second (4) pivot axes are non-collinear.
25. An assembly as set forth in claim 7 wherein said first pivot
axis (9) moves with respect to said second pivot axis (4) as said
adjustment element (4) rotates about said second pivot axis (4).
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention concerns an adjustable pedal assembly
for a vehicle including a mounting arrangement for attaching the
pedal assembly to a vehicle structure where a plurality of pedals
are arranged pivotally relative to the mounting arrangement and are
arranged pivotally relative to an adjustment element, with the
pedals pivoting about one axis and the adjustment element pivoting
about another axis.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Conventional automotive technology has provided an
adjustable driver's seat to accommodate drivers of various heights.
Typically, seat adjusters can move the seat in various directions
including up and down, fore and aft, and/or tilting the seat
relative to the vehicle. This allows the driver to move closer to
or farther away from vehicle control pedals. Another option used in
the automotive industry to accommodate drivers having different
heights, is to provide the vehicle with an adjustable steering
wheel. The steering wheel is typically adjustable in a longitudinal
direction in relation to the vehicle and can usually be adjusted
vertically.
[0003] Despite the great adjustment possibilities that exist with
these two different options, it is not always possible to find an
optimal driving position if the mounting of the vehicle control
pedals is fixed within the vehicle. A third option is to have
vehicle control pedals that are selectively adjustable to
accommodate drivers having different heights. One such adjustable
pedal assembly is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,871. The
adjustable pedal assembly in this patent involves fastening the
pedals along threaded shafts, whereby the pedals can be shifted
horizontally toward or away from the vehicle driver through
rotation of the shafts. This construction is complicated and
expensive. Additionally, if the vehicle collides with another
object, some of the pedal components in this design may come into
contact with the driver, which is undesirable.
[0004] For an adjustable pedal assembly to operate well in
practice, it is not sufficient that the pedals merely be shiftable
toward and away from the driver. In positions where the pedals are
far away, i.e., at a long distance from the driver, it is necessary
that pedal pads be orientated in a more vertical position than is
the case when the are closer to the driver. A shorter driver, who
moves the driver's seat closer to the steering wheel and higher up,
will maneuver the pedals more from above than is the case with a
tall driver who lowers the driver's seat and moves it away from the
steering wheel.
[0005] Thus, it would be desirable to provide an adjustable pedal
assembly that includes horizontal adjustment, i.e., adjustment in
fore and aft directions with respect to the vehicle, and which
includes angular adjustment of the pedal pads so that the pads can
be angled upwardly when the pedals are closer to the driver. It is
important that this pedal assembly include a drive arrangement for
selectively adjusting pedal position that can be easily integrated
in the vehicle. It is also desirable for the adjustable pedal
assembly to to be designed such that if the vehicle is in a
collision, the pedal components will not come into contact with the
driver. Finally, the adjustable pedal assembly should be simpler in
design and less expensive than prior art pedal assemblies.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
[0006] An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement
for attachment to a vehicle structure and at least one pedal
pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure. The
pedal pivots about a first pivot axis. An adjustment element is
pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure and
defines a second pivot axis. The adjustment element selectively
moves the pedal between a plurality of operable positions. The
assembly is characterized by the pedal being pivotally supported
with respect to the adjustment element wherein the second pivot
axis is generally parallel to the first pivot axis.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] Other advantages of the present invention will be readily
appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to
the following detailed description when considered in connection
with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the subject adjustable pedal
assembly;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable pedal assembly
shown in FIG. 1; and
[0010] FIG. 3 is a side view of the adjustable pedal assembly shown
in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0011] Referring to the Figures, wherein like numerals indicate
like or corresponding parts throughout the several views, an
adjustable pedal assembly is shown in FIG. 1. The invention will be
described below using directional and positional indications. These
indications concern the conditions that prevail when the object of
the invention is mounted in a vehicle. Thus, indications such as
"left," "right," "forward (fore direction)," "rearward (aft
direction)," etc. in the application concern corresponding
indications as normally used in connection with a vehicle and
should not be considered limiting.
[0012] In FIG. 1, reference number 1 generally concerns a mounting
arrangement by which the adjustable pedal assembly is mounted to a
vehicle structure 37. The mounting arrangement 1 is designed and
situated to provide a securing of the pedal assembly in a special
supporting bar that is separate from a vehicle cowl so that the
pedal assembly is not affected by such movements that the cowl
might make during a collision. The mounting arrangement 1 which
thus will be designated as stationary relative to the vehicle, is
comprised of a first fastening element 2 and a second fastening
element 3 with fastening points 23 and 24 as well as 25 and 26,
respectively. The two (2) fastening elements 2 and 3 have supports
that define a pivot axis 4. Any type of fasteners known in the art
can be used to fasten the fastening elements 2, 3 to the vehicle
structure 37 at fastening points 23, 24, 25, 26.
[0013] The object of the invention also includes an adjustment
element that is generally designated by 5. The adjustment element 5
is connected to the mounting arrangement 1 and is pivotal relative
to the mounting arrangement about the pivot axis 4.
[0014] The adjustment element 5 serves to fasten and support a
plurality of pedals 6, 7, 8 which are supported by the mounting
arrangement 1. Each of the pedals 6, 7, 8 is connected to an
actuator that is used to control a vehicle system. This will be
discussed in greater detail below.
[0015] Preferably, pedal 8 is a clutch pedal used to activate a
clutch mechanism for shifting gears within a vehicle. Pedal 7 is
preferably a brake pedal used to activate a vehicle braking system
and pedal 6 is preferably an accelerator pedal used to activate an
engine throttle. While three (3) pedals 6, 7, 8 are shown, it
should be understood that the adjustable pedal assembly could
include more or less pedals. Each of the pedals 6, 7, 8 extends
downwardly from the adjustment element 5 and terminates at a pedal
pad 30, 31, 32, respectively. The pedal pads 30, 31, 32 are
attached to free ends of the pedals 6, 7, 8 and are adapted to
receive the driver's foot.
[0016] The pedals 6, 7, 8 are pivotally supported in the adjustment
element 5 and are pivotal around a common pivot axis 9, which is
shown in FIG. 1. The two (2) pivot axes 4 and 9 are essentially
parallel to each other, and are approximately horizontal and
crosswise relative to the longitudinal direction of the
vehicle.
[0017] As an alternative to the common pivot axis 9 for the three
(3) pedals 6, 7, 8, it is possible that each of the pedals 6, 7, 8
could be suspended around two or possibly three pivot axes
separated from each other. In this embodiment also, the pivot axes
are approximately parallel to each other, and are generally
horizontal and orientated crosswise relative to the longitudinal
direction of the vehicle.
[0018] It is evident from the view in FIG. 3, which shows the
adjustable pedal assembly from the side, that the pivot axis 9 for
the pedals 6, 7, 8 is located beneath and in front of the pivot
axis 4 for the adjustment element 5. Because the pedals 6, 7, 8 in
the unactuated state are spring-tensioned to stop positions in the
clockwise direction around the pivot axis 9, it is evident that
with the pivoting of the adjustment element 5 around the pivot axis
4, the adjustment element 5 and the pedals 6, 7, 8 suspended on the
adjustment element 5 will move as a rigid unit.
[0019] FIG. 3 shows the pedals 6, 7, 8 with solid lines in the
unactuated state and in an initial position before such a pivoting
and with dashed lines in the unactuated stated after such a
pivoting. In other words, the solid lines show the position of the
pedals 6, 7, 8 at their furthest position from the driver before
they are pivoted as a unit about pivot axis 4 and the dashed lines
show the position of the pedals 6, 7, 8 after they have been
pivoted as a unit about pivot axis 4 and where the pedals 6, 7, 8
are in their closest position to the driver. It is evident from
FIG. 3 that as the pedals 6, 7, 8 were pivoted about pivot axis 4,
the pedal pads 30, 31, 32 were shifted rearwardly in the
longitudinal direction of the vehicle to a considerable extent.
Additionally, as the pedals 6, 7, 8 were pivoted about pivot axis
4, the pedal pads 30, 31, 32 were angled upwardly at an angle that
is as great as the angle of rotation for the adjustment element 5
around the pivot axis 4. The pedal pads 30, 31, 32 are also lifted
to a higher level.
[0020] In the example shown, the longitudinal shift of the pedal
pads can be up to 100 mm with a pivot angle of about 18.degree.
around the pivot axis 4 at the same time as the pedal pads 30, 31,
32 are lifted about 20 mm. A corresponding angling up of the pedal
pads 30, 31, 32 is also effected. The position of the pivot axis 9
of the pedals 6, 7, 8 in the example illustrated means that in the
initial position according to the drawing, an angle is formed
between a vertical line 34 through the pivot axis 4 and a
connecting line 35 between the pivot axis 4 and the pivot axis 9 of
approximately 35.degree.. It should be understood that the
numerical quantities for the horizontal, vertical, and angular
adjustments discussed above, are exemplary in nature and are not
limiting.
[0021] A driving mechanism is used to selectively move the
adjustment element 5 about the pivot axis 4. In the fastening
element 2 of the mounting arrangement 1, shown in FIG. 2, a stator
element 10 is attached to an angular gear assembly that can be
selectively driven under the effect of an electric drive motor 11.
The angular gear assembly has a rotor element 12 that rotates with
respect to the stator 10, seen in FIG. 1, and which is supported on
the fastening element 2 to drive the adjustment element 5. Thus,
with the rotation of the rotor element 12, the adjustment element 5
will follow the movement and hence pivot about the pivot axis
4.
[0022] The angular gear assembly is designed as a planetary gear
that is self-braking and designed to handle very large rotational
torques on the order of 1000 Nm (Newton-meters) or more. Thus, no
locking element is required for locking the adjustment element 5 in
the selected adjustment position. The gear assembly is also
extremely compact in its outer dimensions which improves
packaging.
[0023] As an alternative to the angular gear, a linear adjusting
device can be coupled to a connecting element 15 that extends
between fastening element 2 and fastening element 3, and which is
located at a distance from the pivot axis 4. Optionally the linear
adjusting device can be connected to an element that is
non-rotationally connected to the connecting element 15.
[0024] To summarize, the the pedals 6, 7, 8 in the adjustable pedal
assembly are pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment
element 5 wherein the second pivot axis 4 is generally parallel to
the first pivot axis 9. The driving mechanism with the electric
motor 11 and gear assembly 12 is used to selectively rotate the
adjustment element 5 about the second pivot axis 4. The pedals 6,
7, 8 are pivotally mounted within the adjustment element 5 to pivot
about the first pivot axis 9, thus the position of the first pivot
axis 9 moves with respect to the second pivot axis 4 when the
adjustment element 5 is rotated.
[0025] The adjustment element 5 has two (2) opposite fastening ears
13 and 14, one on each side of the connecting element 15. One
fastening ear 13 is connected to the rotor element 12 of the
angular gear assembly. The other fastening ear 14 has an
articulated connection with fastening element 3 so that the
adjustment element 5 becomes pivotal around the above pivot axis 4.
The connecting element 15 extends horizontally between the two (2)
fastening ears 13, 14.
[0026] Fastening ear 13 on the adjustment element 5 extends
forwardly from the rotor element 12 and serves to support a pivot
pin 16, shown in FIG. 2. The pivot pin 16 rotatably supports the
clutch 8 and brake 7 pedals and extends longitudinally along pivot
axis 9 such that the pedals 7, 8 rotate about pivot axis 9.
[0027] The clutch pedal 8 is connected to an actuator that controls
the vehicle clutch. The actuator includes a forward-directed arm 17
that is attached to the adjustment element 5, and which serves to
fasten a maneuvering device 18 in the form of a piston/cylinder
unit that is to be actuated by the clutch pedal 8. The maneuvering
device 18 is connected to a freewheel clutch of the vehicle via a
tube that is designated by 19. The tube 19 is readily bendable and
deformable such that it cannot transfer any movements to the pedal
assembly or components of the pedal assembly in the case of a
vehicle collision. Thus, when the tube 19 experiences a load level
that exceeds a predetermined limit, such as when the vehicle
collides with another object, the tube 19 will bend and will
prevent the clutch pedal 8 from contacting the driver.
[0028] The accelerator pedal 6 is connected to an actuator that
controls the vehicle engine throttle. The accelerator pedal 6 is
preferably connected to an electric control potentiometer 36, shown
schematically in FIG. 2. The potentiometer 36 is fastened in the
adjustment element 5 and which emits an electric signal that is
dependent on the position of the accelerator pedal 6 around the
pivot axis 9. The potentiometer 36 is connected to the engine of
the vehicle via electric lines. While an electronic throttle
control configuration is preferred, the subject adjustable pedal
assembly could be used in standard push-pull cable operated
configurations.
[0029] The brake pedal 7 is connected to an actuator that controls
the vehicle braking system. The brake pedal 7 has an arm 20
directed upwardly, which can be seen as an extension of the pedal
arm 7 past the pivot axis 9. The upwardly directed arm 20 has a
recess 21 in which a drag link 22 is fastened. The opposite (front)
end of the drag link 22 is connected to a brake servo located in
the vehicle. By application of the upwardly directed arm 20 the
brake pedal 7 will be swung forward (away from the driver) if the
drag link 22 should be shifted rearwardly (toward the driver)
during a vehicle collision. This will prevent the brake pedal 7
from coming into contact with the driver during a vehicle
collision.
[0030] To make the brake function independent of the pivoting of
the adjustment element 5 around the pivot axis 4, the drag link 22
is located in the forward end position of the pedals 6, 7, 8 over a
connection line between the pivot axis 4 and the forward fastening
of the drag link 22 in the brake servo. With a counter-clockwise
pivoting of the adjustment element, as seen in FIG. 3, such that
the pedals 6, 7, 8 are shifted rearwardly in the vehicle, the drag
link will pass down on the underside of the connection line.
Suitably, the drag link 22 is located symmetrically around the
connection lin in the two extreme positions of the pedals 6, 7,
8.
[0031] The maneuvering device designed as a piston/cylinder unit 18
for the clutch pedal 8 can be omitted and replaced with an
arrangement of the type described above in connection with the
brake pedal 7. It is also conceivable to use a hydraulic transfer
with the brake pedal 7 of the type describe in connection with the
clutch pedal 8. With regard to the accelerator pedal 6, a
mechanical connection such as a wire or cable, can be used as an
alternative to the electrical transfer described above.
[0032] The invention has been described in an illustrative manner,
and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used
is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than
of limitation.
[0033] Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present
invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is,
therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended
claims, wherein reference numerals are merely for convenience and
are not to be in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced
otherwise than as specifically described.
* * * * *