U.S. patent application number 13/402028 was filed with the patent office on 2014-09-11 for brake pedal assembly having non-contacting sensor.
This patent application is currently assigned to FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Adil Khan, Mark Warren Muddiman, Jessica L. Sagan, Jarek Soltys, Peter Francis Worrel. Invention is credited to Adil Khan, Mark Warren Muddiman, Jessica L. Sagan, Jarek Soltys, Peter Francis Worrel.
Application Number | 20140251064 13/402028 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 47752124 |
Filed Date | 2014-09-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140251064 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Soltys; Jarek ; et
al. |
September 11, 2014 |
BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY HAVING NON-CONTACTING SENSOR
Abstract
A pedal assembly using a non-contacting position sensor
utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the
feel of a conventional brake pedal is provided. The pedal assembly
includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface
and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A spring-biased
roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal
arm or on both sides of the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes
a fixed leg extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a
movable leg which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A biasing
member extends over the support between the fixed leg and movable
leg to generate a biasing force against the roller. When the pedal
is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam surface of the
support bracket thereby creating the `feel` of a traditional pedal
assembly.
Inventors: |
Soltys; Jarek; (Calgary,
CA) ; Khan; Adil; (Windsor, CA) ; Sagan;
Jessica L.; (Dearborn, MI) ; Worrel; Peter
Francis; (Troy, MI) ; Muddiman; Mark Warren;
(Belleville, MI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Soltys; Jarek
Khan; Adil
Sagan; Jessica L.
Worrel; Peter Francis
Muddiman; Mark Warren |
Calgary
Windsor
Dearborn
Troy
Belleville |
MI
MI
MI |
CA
CA
US
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES,
LLC
Dearborn
MI
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130055847 A1 |
March 7, 2013 |
|
|
Family ID: |
47752124 |
Appl. No.: |
13/402028 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12858766 |
Aug 18, 2010 |
|
|
|
13402028 |
|
|
|
|
13021288 |
Feb 4, 2011 |
8474348 |
|
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12858766 |
|
|
|
|
61337500 |
Feb 4, 2010 |
|
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
74/512 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05G 1/38 20130101; B60T
7/042 20130101; Y10T 74/20528 20150115; G05G 5/03 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
74/512 |
International
Class: |
G05G 1/46 20080401
G05G001/46 |
Claims
1.-27. (canceled)
28. A pedal assembly comprising: a bracket; a pedal arm having a
first end connected to the bracket to pivot about a first axis and
an opposed free end supporting a pedal; an elongate follower having
a first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to
one of the bracket and pedal arm at a location spaced from the
first axis to pivot about a second axis; a cam surface on the other
one of the bracket and pedal arm for cooperating with the second
end of the follower; and a compressible spring member having a
first end and a second end, the first end pivotally attached to the
same one of the bracket and pedal arm that the first end of the
follower attaches to, and the second end pivotally connected to the
follower at a location spaced apart from the second axis, wherein
the spring member biases the second end of the follower against the
cam surface, whereby pivoting the pedal arm in a pedal apply
direction relative to the bracket causes the second end of the
follower to traverse the cam surface rotating the follower about
the second axis, thereby compressing the spring member to resist
further rotation of the pedal arm.
29. The pedal assembly of claim 28, further comprising a roller
disposed at the second end of the follower and contacting the cam
surface to reduce friction.
30. The pedal assembly of claim 28, wherein the spring member is a
coil spring.
31. The pedal assembly of claim 28, wherein the spring member is an
elastomeric spring.
32. The pedal assembly of claim 28, further comprising an elongate
upstop extending from the bracket through the pedal arm, wherein
the upstop limits a maximum rotation angle between the pedal arm
and the bracket in a pedal release direction.
33. The pedal assembly of claim 32, wherein the upstop is provided
with an coupling nut in order to vary the maximum rotation angle of
the pedal arm in the pedal release direction thereby setting a
released pedal arm position.
34. The pedal assembly of claim 33, further comprising a damper
cooperating with the upstop to dampen movement of the pedal arm
when returning to the released pedal arm position.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of Ser. No.
12/858,766, filed on Aug. 18, 2010, entitled BRAKE PEDAL ASSEMBLY
HAVING NON-CONTACTING SENSOR. Applicants claim priority under 35
U.S.C. .sctn.120 to the parent application.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to brake pedals and,
more particularly, to a brake pedal assembly having a
non-contacting sensor.
BACKGROUND
[0003] It is known to use position sensors on pedal assemblies for
"by wire" vehicle controls such as brake pedals and gas pedals. The
position sensor generates an electrical signal indicative of the
amount of depression of the pedal. A controller uses this signal to
control the operation of a throttle or braking assembly. However,
it is desirable to provide these pedal assemblies with a resistance
to depression or "feel" which is similar to that of a conventional
pedal assembly. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide a pedal
assembly for a vehicle using a position sensor which simulates the
feel of a conventional brake pedal which is light weight and
inexpensive to produce.
SUMMARY
[0004] A pedal assembly is provided using a non-contacting position
sensor utilizing a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to
simulate the feel of a conventional brake pedal. The pedal assembly
includes an elongated brake support bracket having a cam surface
and a pedal arm having a spring-biased roller. A pair of arms
extends from one end of the bracket. The arms are spaced apart to
accept a top portion of the pedal arm. A pivot rod extends through
the arms and pedal arm to support the pedal arm for pivotal motion.
A non-contacting rotational position sensor is mounted on one of
the arms.
[0005] The pedal arm is an elongated member supported at one end by
the pivot rod and having a pedal pad at the opposite end. A
spring-biased roller assembly is mounted to an inward side or
beside the pedal arm. The roller assembly includes a fixed leg
extending on from an inner side of the pedal arm and a movable leg
which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm. A roller support has a
pair of spaced apart flanges for supporting a roller, one end is
attached to the free end of the movable leg and the other end of
the roller support is pivotally attached to the fixed leg.
[0006] A biasing member extends over the support between the fixed
leg and movable leg to generate a biasing force against the roller.
When the pedal is depressed, the roller is moved along the cam
surface of the support bracket. The radius of curvature of the cam
is coordinated with the force of the spring to produce a load which
simulates the feel of a conventional brake pedal assembly.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the pedal assembly where the
pedal arm is not depressed;
[0008] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the pedal assembly having a
non-contacting position sensor wherein the pedal arm is fully
depressed;
[0009] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of
the pedal assembly having a non-contacting position sensor; and
[0010] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of the
pedal assembly having a non-contacting position sensor.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0011] Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed
herein. However, the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of
the invention that may be embodied in various and alternative
forms. The figures are not necessarily to scale; some features may
be exaggerated or minimized to show details of particular
components. Therefore, specific structural and functional details
disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely
as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
employ the present invention.
[0012] As pedal assembly 10 using a non-contacting position sensor
utilizes a spring-biased roller on a cam surface to simulate the
feel of a traditional brake pedal. The pedal assembly 10 is
particularly suited for hybrid vehicles. As the pedal is depressed,
the amount of load required to further depress the pedal
increases.
[0013] The pedal assembly 10 includes a brake support bracket 11
and a support 26 having a cam surface 12. The pedal assembly 10
further includes a pedal arm 14 having a spring-biased roller 28 as
shown in FIG. 1. The support 26 is an elongate member having the
base bracket 11. The pedal assembly 10 having apertures 18 for
mounting to the vehicle. A pair of arms 20 extends from one the
pedal assembly 10. The arms 20 are spaced apart to accept a top
portion of the pedal arm 14.
[0014] A pivot rod 22 extends through the arms 20 and pedal arm 14
to support the pedal arm 14 for pivotal motion. The interaction
between the pivot rod 22, the arms 20 and the pedal arm 14 form a
pivot point at pivot rod 22 where the pedal arm 14 can easily pivot
about. Push nut 19 retains the pivot rod 22.
[0015] A non-contacting rotational position sensor 23 is mounted on
one of the arms 20 as shown in FIG. 2. Many different types of
non-contacting position sensors can be used, such as eddy current
and Hall Effect sensors, however in the preferred embodiment the
position sensor of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,221,154;
7,276,897 and 7,345,473.
[0016] A mounting area 24 for a switch for controlling the
deactivation of a cruise control is also provided. Extending from a
middle portion of the base portion is a mounting area 24 for
support of the cruise deactivation switch.
[0017] Also extending upwardly from the base is the support 26
having the cam surface 12. The cam surface supports the roller 28
attached on the pedal arm as discussed more fully below. The
support 26 and cam surface 12 is made of a plastic, polymer or
metal material. The cam surface 12 may have different finishes,
such as smoother or rougher surfaces, to further manipulate the
feel of the pedal assembly 10 when in operation by the driver to
simulate the feel of a traditional brake pedal. The support 26 is
preferably molded of a suitable plastic and the cam surface 12 may
be formed of a plastic molded over a metal substrate.
[0018] Opposite the apertures 18 along the length of the pedal
assembly 10 is a pin 30 which extends outwardly to act as a stop to
the pedal arm. The pin 30 is made of a plastic, polymer or soft
material as to not damage the pedal arm 14. The pin 30 may also be
made of a metal.
[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the pedal arm 14 is an elongated member
supported at one end by the pivot rod 22 and having a pedal pad 32
at the opposite end. The pedal pad 32 includes a plastic or polymer
material to facilitate gripping of the driver's shoe to the pedal
arm. A spring-biased roller 28, roller support 40 and spring 42 are
mounted to an inward side or beside the pedal arm 14. A fixed leg
36 extending from an inner side of the pedal arm 14 and a movable
leg 38 which is pivotally mounted to the pedal arm 14. A roller
support 40 has a pair of spaced apart flanges for supporting a
roller, one end is attached to the free end of the movable leg and
the other end of the roller support 40 is pivotally attached to the
fixed leg 36. The roller support 40 varies in configuration as
shown by the accompanying figures.
[0020] A spring 42 extends between spring support 43 (pivotally
linked to movable leg 38) and the roller support 40 generating a
biasing force against roller 28. The roller 28 may be provided with
bearings and a smooth surface so that the roller moves evenly along
the cam surface. When the pedal arm 14 is depressed, the roller 28
is moved along the cam surface 12 of the support bracket 11.
[0021] The curvature of the cam surface 12 is such that the roller
is forced inwardly towards the fixed leg 36 to compress the spring
and increase the load or resistance to depression. The radius of
curvature of the cam surface 12 is coordinated with the force of
the spring to produce a load which simulates the feel of a
conventional brake pedal assembly. Higher and lower radiuses of
curvature of the cam surface produce different impacts of force
felt by the driver. The varying degrees of force produced by the
roller 28, spring 42 and the cam surface 12 are modified according
to the requirements of the driver.
[0022] As shown in FIG. 2, the pedal arm 14 is in a depressed
position. The compressed pedal arm 14 depicts the position of the
pedal arm when a vehicle driver is braking to the fullest capacity
in conventional braking mode. The pedal aim 14 having the pedal pad
32 pivots about the pivot point at pivot rod 22. Located atop or
near the pivot point at pivot rod 22 and on one of the arms 20 is
the sensor 23. The pedal assembly 10 further includes apertures 18
to mount the pedal assembly 10 to a motor vehicle. The arms 20 of
the pedal assembly 10 extent towards the vehicle driver. In the
present embodiment, the pedal assembly 10 includes two arms 20
having a rounded end portion 21.
[0023] In an alternative embodiment as shown in FIG. 3, a pedal
assembly 80 is provided having a biasing member or spring 42 used
in connection with a fixed leg 61 and a movable leg 63. A spring 42
extends between spring support 43 and the pivoting roller support
40 generating a biasing force against roller 28. A cam surface 72
is provided including an up stop bolt 62. The support 60 includes
an upper portion 58 wherein the bolt 62 connects to the support 60
by means of the opening or acceptor 64. The bolt 62 extends up from
the cam 58 and protrudes through the pedal arm 14 to set the home
position for the sensor 23. Coupling nut 66 secures the bolt 62 to
the cam setting the proper home position of the pedal arm 14.
[0024] The spring 42 is connected to a roller support 40. The
roller support 40 is connected to a roller 28 operable to roll on
the cam surface 72 of the support 60. The rolling of the roller 28
on the cam surface 72, the bolt 62, and the depression of the
spring 42 all work together to simulate the feel of a traditional
brake pedal.
[0025] The spring 42 is made of rubber, an elastomer or wire or
alike. In the present embodiment, the spring 42 is a natural rubber
compression spring. The natural rubber compression spring 42 adds
hysteresis to further simulate the feel of a conventional brake
system. The elastomer could be combined with plastic or steel rings
84, 86. As shown in FIG. 3, cylindrical rings 84, 86 may be
provided in the spring 42. The cylindrical rings 84, 86 prevent the
spring from collapsing. Radial cuts or protrusions in the spring 42
are added to retain the cylindrical rings 84, 86 thereby preventing
the spring 42 from collapsing.
[0026] Furthermore, the cross section of the spring 42 may vary
throughout its length to provide varying load during compression.
Grooves, chamfers and radii reduce the initial spring force, but
allow for any compression set effect which the spring may undergo
throughout the life of the spring 42.
[0027] A brake rod may be attached to the pedal arm at the aperture
44. The brake rod is toggled so that in aggressive braking
situations the brake rod may be used to actuate the brakes of the
vehicle.
[0028] FIG. 4 illustrates a third embodiment, shown as pedal
assembly 110. A cam support 126 is disposed on the underside of the
pedal arm 114. A telescoping support member 143 is pivotally
mounted to support bracket 111. A biasing spring 142 surrounds the
support member 143. A roller 128 is attached to the distal end of
the support member 143. The spring 142 biases the roller 128
against the curved cam surface 112. A movable leg 138 is pivotally
mounted to the support bracket 111, and is additionally attached to
the distal end of the support member 143. Similar to the previous
embodiments, depression of the brake pedal 132 causes compression
of the spring 142 and support member 143, and further causes the
roller 128 to travel along the curved cam surface 112. The roller
128 enables reduced friction and wear related to traveling along
the curved cam surface 112. The vehicle driver feels a force when
depressing the pedal 132 due to the compression of the spring 142.
A desired response force may be achieved by determining the
stiffness of the spring 142, the curvature of the cam surface 112,
and the orientation of the support member 143 and movable leg
138.
[0029] While exemplary embodiments are described above, it is not
intended that these embodiments describe all possible forms of the
invention. Rather, the words used in the specification are words of
description rather than limitation, and it is understood that
various changes may be made without departing from the spirit and
scope of the invention. Additionally, the features of various
embodiments may be combined to form further embodiments of the
invention.
* * * * *