[go: up one dir, main page]

WO1996005547A1 - Systeme de pedale automobile reglable - Google Patents

Systeme de pedale automobile reglable Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO1996005547A1
WO1996005547A1 PCT/US1995/009820 US9509820W WO9605547A1 WO 1996005547 A1 WO1996005547 A1 WO 1996005547A1 US 9509820 W US9509820 W US 9509820W WO 9605547 A1 WO9605547 A1 WO 9605547A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
axis
rotation
camming
cam
drive
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1995/009820
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Edmond Burton Cicotte
Original Assignee
Edmond Burton Cicotte
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Edmond Burton Cicotte filed Critical Edmond Burton Cicotte
Priority to DE69521514T priority Critical patent/DE69521514T2/de
Priority to AT95928282T priority patent/ATE202642T1/de
Priority to CA002197760A priority patent/CA2197760C/fr
Priority to PL95319789A priority patent/PL179804B1/pl
Priority to KR1019970701044A priority patent/KR970705783A/ko
Priority to UA97031162A priority patent/UA28072C2/uk
Priority to AU32109/95A priority patent/AU685315B2/en
Priority to EP95928282A priority patent/EP0776497B1/fr
Priority to BR9508605A priority patent/BR9508605A/pt
Priority to JP8507403A priority patent/JPH10506730A/ja
Publication of WO1996005547A1 publication Critical patent/WO1996005547A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • G05G1/40—Controlling members actuated by foot adjustable
    • G05G1/405—Controlling members actuated by foot adjustable infinitely adjustable
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/04—Controlling members for hand actuation by pivoting movement, e.g. levers

Definitions

  • the present invention generally relates to automobile control pedals, such as brake, clutch and accelerator pedals. More specifically, this invention relates to an adjustable automobile control pedal system whose pedals can be selectively adjusted to allow optimal positioning of the pedals relative to the driver of the automobile.
  • control pedals such as an accelerator, brake and clutch pedal, which are used to control the motion and speed of the automobile.
  • these control pedals are permanently fixed to the vehicle chassis and rotate away from the driver when foot pressure is applied, and are not adjustable relative to the driver or their respective attachment points. Consequently, the control pedals must generally be attached so as to be positioned relative to the floor of the passenger compartment to afford operation which is adequately comfortable for the "average" driver. However, some adjustment of the driver relative to the control pedals is clearly desirable.
  • the driver's seat is usually mounted so as to be slidable in a fore and aft direction to accommodate drivers of different physiques, such an arrangement is only partially effective in positioning the driver relative to the control pedals.
  • Seat adjustment allows the driver to position himself or herself relative to the automobile's steering wheel and the control pedals, to some degree improving the driver's comfort and facilitating the driver's ability to operate the vehicle's primary controls.
  • proportional differences between the lengths of a driver's arms, legs and feet in relation to the driver's overall physique cannot be readily accommodated by merely adjusting the seat fore and aft with respect to the control pedals. Accordingly, it has been recognized that some form of control pedal adjustment is desirable to provide optimal comfort to the driver while also ensuring that the driver can fully operate the control pedals at all times.
  • Lever mechanisms of course, are known in the prior art.
  • the adjustment of one lever with respect to another concentrically mounted lever can also be found in wear or slack adjuster mechanisms.
  • Tack, U.S. Patent 2,550,731 and Tack et al, U.S. Patent 2,550,732 teach a manually operated screw mechanism threaded into one lever and operatively connected to associated hangers for adjusting the slack conditions in the brake rigging by adjusting with respect to the hangers and simultaneously modifying the position of the brake lever where it is connected to the associated brake rigging.
  • One approach is to provide some form of ratchet device which allows the entire control pedal assembly to rotate about a primary pivot point. This approach rotates a frame to which the control pedals are each rotatably attached, thus providing rotation of the control pedals in unison relative to the driver. Examples of this approach are illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,282,125 to Dully; 3,400,607 to Smith; and 3,563,111 to Zeigler.
  • a similar approach is to mount one or more control pedals to a frame which is slidable fore and aft as a unit relative to the driver, as illustrated in U.S. Patent Nos.
  • the screw-actuated device can be used to either rotate the entire frame about a pivot point, as shown in U.S. Patent Nos. 3,151,499 to Roe, or the screw-actuated device can displace the frame fore and aft, as illustrated by U.S. Patent Nos. 3,301,088 to White; 3,643,525 to Gibas; 3,765,264 to Bruhn, Jr.; 4,870,871 to Ivan; 4,875,385 to Sitrin; and 4,989,474 as well as 5,078,024 to Cicotte et al.
  • the screw-actuated device is disclosed to be driven by an eccentric motor which allows the control pedals to be selectively adjusted by the driver from an appropriate control switch mounted on the dashboard of the vehicle within the driver's reach.
  • the above examples all require substantial hardware and space beneath the automobile's instrument panel to accommodate the device providing the adjustment feature.
  • Much of the necessary additional hardware can be attributed to the need to avoid effecting the operation of the brake and/or clutch pedals, during adjust, with their respective hydraulic cylinders.
  • the approach chosen must avoid causing the pushrods which actuate the respective cylinder pistons to be displaced relative to their cylinders so as to ensure non-engagement of the brakes and/or the clutch.
  • the approach chosen have no affect on the mechanical advantage of the control pedal as determined by the control pedal's orientation relative to the pushrod.
  • the mechanical advantage of a control pedal can be described as the relative effort required to apply the control pedal as compared to the actual force required to actuate the device controlled by the control pedal.
  • mechanical advantage can be improved by moving the contact point between the control pedal and the cylinder's pushrod toward the pivot point of the control pedal.
  • the adjustable control pedal assemblies of the prior art generally teach a device in which the control pedals are independently adjusted so as to produce no adverse effect with respect to repositioning of the pedal pivot point relative to the pushrods of the respective operating cylinders, as can be seen with the teachings of Cicotte et al.
  • the adjustment device must be provided with a mechanism which simultaneously adjusts the length of the pushrod to accommodate the displacement of the control pedal assembly, as seen with the teachings of Bruhn, Jr.
  • a cost-efficient adjustment device for adjusting one or more automobile control and/or accelerator pedals, the adjustment device being capable of spatially adjusting the control pedals without repositioning the pivot attachment of the conventional control pedal arrangement to adapt to the physiological demands of a driver, while simultaneously requiring minimal structural reinforcements and modifications to achieve the desired results.
  • an adjustment device for one or more automobile control and/or accelerator pedals.
  • the adjustment device is capable of causing pivotable adjustment, utilizing the conventional pivot point position of the control pedal to adjust one or more control pedals independently or in unison relative to a predetermined datum point.
  • the datum point is preferably defined by a reaction member upon which the control pedal operates, such as the pivot eyelet of a master cylinder pushrod for a clutch or brake pedal, due to the need to leave the operation of the clutch and brake master cylinders unaltered during adjustment of the respective control pedals.
  • the reaction member is typically a flexible cable by which the fuel system is operated.
  • each control pedal includes an arm which is pivotably attached to a frame member beneath the automobile' ⁇ instrument panel by means of a pivot pin and bushing or the like.
  • the adjustment device of the present invention is mounted alongside the conventional control pedal arm and pivotally attached at the eyelet of the cylinder pushrod, without the need of any additional support hardware other than a device for maintaining a predetermined distance between the pushrod eyelet and the pivot attachment of the control pedal arm. Consequently, the adjustment device can be readily adapted to fit conventional control pedal assemblies without significant modification.
  • the adjustment device includes a camming device, such as a disc-shaped cam having a predetermined camming contour.
  • the automobile pedal arm slidably abuts the camming device such that rotation of the camming device about its axis of rotation causes pivotable movement of the automobile pedal arm relative to the pushrod eyelet.
  • the control pedal is the brake pedal
  • the brake pedal arm is displaced relative to the brake master cylinder's pushrod eyelet by the camming device.
  • the camming device preferably has its axis of rotation substantially parallel to the control pedal arm's axis of rotation about its corresponding pivot. Furthermore, its axis of rotation may be coincident with or spaced from the axis of the pushrod eyelet.
  • the axis of rotation of the camming device is maintained a predetermined distance from the pivot of the control pedal arm by a spacing device, such as a link. By maintaining this predetermined distance, the axes of the camming device and the pushrod eyelet are properly maintained relative to the control pedal arm to maintain a preferred constant mechanical advantage for the control pedal arm.
  • the adjuster device also includes a cam driving device for rotating the camming device about its axis of rotation.
  • the driving device causes the camming device to rotate
  • the camming contour of the camming device produces a corresponding displacement of the control pedal arm relative to the pushrod eyelet.
  • the control pedal arm is rotated about its pivot point, and thereby can be selectively adjusted relative to the driver of the automobile.
  • the link prevents any change in the spatial positioning of the pushrod eyelet to the pivot point of the control pedal arm, preventing any change in the mechanical advantage of the control pedal. Further, there is no change in the position of the pushrod relative to the pushrod's corresponding cylinder to produce a partial application of the device which the control pedal operates.
  • one end of the link is mounted directly to the eyelet of the pushrod, while the opposite end of the link is mounted to the control pedal arm's pivot point so as to be alongside the control pedal arm.
  • the cam driving device and the camming device are mounted directly to the link or the control pedal arm.
  • the adjustment device of the present invention provides control pedal adjustment with respect to the cylinder pushrod and does not require any relocation or cause any movement of the cylinder pushrod itself.
  • the cylinder pushrod provides a stationary datum point throughout the adjustment of the control pedal, with mechanical contact between the camming device and the control pedal arm being maintained such that the control pedal is displaced with respect to the cylinder pushrod. Accordingly, the operation of the pushrod with its cylinder is not affected by the adjustment device of the present invention. Moreover, no change in the mechanical advantage of the control pedal arm results.
  • the operation of the accelerator cable is not affected by the adjustment device of the present invention, in that, the invention as disclosed displaces the pedal arm of the accelerator with respect to the attachment point of the accelerator cable.
  • the cam driving device can be electrically driven by a suitable motor to allow control pedal positioning with one or more controls made accessible on the automobiles instrument panel. With suitable control circuitry, several positions can be placed into a memory device such that a driver can preset an optimal control pedal position for his or her particular frame, allowing automatic recall of the memorized position.
  • the functions of the cam rotation device may be obtained by a power screw which can be rotated by a manual adjuster mechanism or electrical driven actuator in order to displace the control pedal arm with respect to the cylinder pushrod without any movement of the cylinder pushrod itself. Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an adjustment device for one or more automobile control pedals which is capable of optimally positioning the control pedals and/or accelerator pedal relative to the driver.
  • the adjustment device provide pivotable adjustment of the automobile control or accelerator pedal relative to a predetermined fixed datum, such as the pushrod eyelet of the hydraulic cylinder operated by the control pedal or an accelerator cable operated by an accelerator pedal. It is still a further object of the invention that an embodiment of the adjustment device include a camming device which pivotably rotates the control pedal relative to the predetermined datum to achieve the desired adjustment.
  • the-camming device be positionally maintained relative to the control pedal arm during adjustment so as to maintain a preferred mechanical advantage.
  • the camming device be electrically driven so as to allow the control pedal to be adjusted from a control device which is readily accessible to the driver. It is also another object of the invention to utilize a power screw which may be rotated by a manual or electrically driven adjuster mechanism in order to displace the control pedal arm or accelerator pedal arm with respect to the cylinder pushrod or accelerator cable without any movement of either the cylinder pushrod and/or the accelerator cable.
  • Figures 2A and 2B are side and frontal views, respectively, of an automobile control pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention
  • Figures 3A and 3B are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an automobile control pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention
  • Figures 4A and 4B are side and frontal views, respectively, of an automobile control pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a fourth embodiment of this invention
  • Figures 5A and 5B are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an automobile accelerator pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a fifth embodiment of this invention
  • Figures 6A and 6B are side and cross-sectional views, respectively, of an automobile accelerator pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a sixth embodiment of this invention
  • Figures 7 and 8 are detailed cross-sectional views of the automobile control pedal units of Figures 1 and 4 and Figures 2 and 3, respectively, in accordance with this invention.
  • Figures 9A and 9B are side and frontal views, respectively, of an automobile control pedal unit provided with an adjustment device in accordance with a seventh preferred embodiment of this invention.
  • FIG. 1A and IB there is shown an automobile control pedal assembly 10 in accordance with a first embodiment of this invention.
  • the automobile control pedal assembly 10 represents a brake or clutch control pedal for actuating a master cylinder (not shown) located within the engine compartment of an automobile.
  • the following descriptions pertaining to Figures 1A through 4B will each refer to the use of the present invention within the environment of a brake or clutch control pedal.
  • Figures 5A through 6B illustrate the teachings of the present invention as adapted for use with an automobile's accelerator control pedal 60.
  • control pedal assembly 10 illustrated in Figures 1A and IB is suspended just above the compartment floor on the driver's side of the automobile.
  • the control pedal assembly 10 is initially spaced a nominal distance from the driver's seat so as to be operable by a driver having an "average" physique.
  • a driver's seat is adjustable fore and aft so as to bring the driver closer to the control pedal assembly 10, or to displace the driver further from the control pedal assembly 10, respectively, depending upon the driver's particular physique and preference.
  • an adjustment unit according to the present invention is secured to the control pedal assembly 10.
  • the control pedal assembly 10 generally includes a pedal arm 20 and a pedal foot pad 22.
  • the pedal arm 20 is typically attached to a frame member 14 located beneath the instrument panel (not shown) of the automobile such that the pedal arm 20 is rotatable in a direction away from the driver.
  • the pedal arm 20 is secured to the frame member 14 by a pivot pin 24 which is shown as being retained by a cotter key 26 to prevent the pivot pin 24 from becoming loosened from the frame member 14. It may also be preferable to provide a pivot bushing (not shown) in conjunction with the pivot pin 24 to reduce friction between the pedal arm 20 and the frame member 14.
  • the pedal arm 20 is typically maintained in a forward position by the biasing effect of a master cylinder pushrod 34 which is conventionally biased toward the automobile's passenger compartment by a spring (not shown) within the master cylinder.
  • the pedal arm 20 may also be biased toward the master cylinder pushrod 34 by a suitable helical spring (not shown) so as to maintain positive engagement between the pedal arm 20 and the master cylinder pushrod 34.
  • the master cylinder pushrod 34 reciprocates in its axial direction to actuate a piston (not shown) within the master cylinder for purposes of selectively engaging or disengaging the automobile's brakes or clutch, respectively.
  • the master cylinder pushrod 34 would be rotatably attached directly to the pedal arm 20 with a pivot pin which passes through both the pedal arm 20 and an eyelet 36 located on the end of the master cylinder pushrod 34.
  • the pedal arm 20 of the present invention is indirectly actuated by the master cylinder pushrod 34 through a cam 28.
  • the cam 28 is pivotably attached to a pivot link 40 which rotatably interconnects the eyelet 36 of the master cylinder pushrod 34 with the pivot pin 24 of the pedal arm 20.
  • the cam 28 is preferably disc-shaped with a cam contour 30 disposed on an outer surface spaced radially outward from the cam's axis of rotation.
  • the cam contour 30 may constitute essentially the entire perimeter of the cam 28, such that the cam 28 can be rotated as much as 360 degrees while still operating within the range of the cam contour 30.
  • the cam contour 30 is slidably disposed against a camming surface 38 provided on the forward surface of the pedal arm 20.
  • rotation of the cam 28 causes fore or aft pivoting of the pedal arm 20, depending upon the cam's direction of rotation.
  • the rate of rotation of the pedal arm 20 is determined in part by the cam contour 30.
  • the cam contour 30 can be radially spaced from the cam's axis of rotation so as to cause a constant rate of rotation of the pedal arm 20 given a constant rate of rotation of the cam 28.
  • the cam contour 30 can be shaped to provide a rate of rotation which varies as the pedal arm 20 rotates, providing finer adjustment of the pedal arm 20 where the pedal arm's rate of rotation is lowest.
  • the pivot link 40 is pivotably attached at its upper end to the frame member 14 with the pivot pin 24 so as to extend alongside the pedal arm 20.
  • the lower end of the pivot link 40 is secured to the eyelet 36 of the master cylinder pushrod 34 with a pin 42.
  • the pivot link 40 ensures that the cam 28 will remain positioned to cam against the camming surface 38 of the pedal arm 20.
  • the biasing effect of the master cylinder pushrod 34 positive contact can be maintained at all times between the cam surface 30 of the cam 28 and the camming surface 38 of the pedal arm 20 to ensure positive mechanical action therebetween.
  • a helical spring (not shown) can also be provided to either act upon the pedal arm 20 to bias the pedal arm 20 against the cam 28, or act through the pivot link 40 to bias the cam 28 against the pedal arm 20.
  • the pivot link 40 prevents the rotation of the cam 28 from altering the position of the pushrod eyelet 36, and thereby the master cylinder pushrod 34, relative to the master cylinder. Accordingly, any articulation of the pushrod 34 is avoided during the adjustment made to the pedal arm 20 by the cam 28.
  • the rotation of the cam 28 is preferably achieved with a drive motor 44 which rotates the cam 28 through a gear box 48 and shaft 46 assembly.
  • a drive motor 44 which rotates the cam 28 through a gear box 48 and shaft 46 assembly.
  • a suitable output speed for the drive motor 44 through the gear box 48 is on the order of about 10 to 12 rpms, though it is foreseeable that different motors could be matched with different gear boxes to produce higher or lower output speeds.
  • the drive motor 44 and gear box 48 are attached directly to the pivot link 40 by a pair of threaded fasteners 50.
  • the shaft 46 extends from the gear box 48 through an aperture 32 in the pivot link 40 to the cam 28.
  • FIG 7 A detailed view of this arrangement is illustrated in Figure 7, which more clearly illustrates the manner in which the cam 28 is pivotably mounted to the link 40, and secured with a clip 54. Consequently, when the shaft 46 is rotated by the drive motor 44, the cam 28 is also rotated about its axis of rotation, causing a corresponding movement of the pedal arm 20 relative to the cam's axis of rotation and the pushrod eyelet 36.
  • Figures 1A and 2B illustrate a control pedal assembly 110 in accordance with a second embodiment of this invention, with the same reference numerals representing identical or similar components of Figures 1A and IB, but interconnected in a different manner.
  • the embodiment of Figures 2A and 2B differs from that of Figures 1A and IB, in that the axis of rotation of the cam 28 coincides with the eyelet 36 of the master cylinder pushrod 34, and the drive motor 44 rotates the cam 28 through a gear 58 mounted to the shaft 46 and in mesh with a gear tooth form 56 provided on the cam 28.
  • a detailed view of this arrangement is illustrated in Figure 8. Otherwise, the basic characteristics of the control pedal assembly 10 of Figures 1A and IB still apply, with rotation of the cam 28 causing the pedal arm 20 to be rotated toward or away from the eyelet 36 of the master cylinder pushrod 34.
  • Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a control pedal assembly 210 in accordance with a third embodiment of this invention, again with the same reference numerals representing the identical or similar components of Figures 1A through 2B, but interconnected in a different manner.
  • the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B differs from that of Figures 1A and IB, in that both the cam 28 and the drive motor 44 are mounted to the pedal arm 20, instead of the pivot link 40, with the cam 28 being supported on a pivot pin 52.
  • the drive motor 44 rotates the cam 28 through the gear 58 mounted to the shaft 46, as represented by Figure 8.
  • FIGS 4A and 4B representing a control pedal assembly 310 in accordance with a fourth embodiment of this invention.
  • This embodiment differs from that of Figures 1A and IB by the shape of the pivot link 40, and the position of the drive motor 44 and the cam 28 on the pivot link 40. Shifting the position of the drive motor 44 toward the center of the pivot link 40 allows the pivot link 40 to be aligned substantially parallel with the pedal arm 20, as can be seen in Figure 4A, such that the control pedal assembly 310 is more compact.
  • the cam 28 is secured to the shaft 46 as shown in Figure 7.
  • an automobile accelerator pedal assembly 60 in accordance with fifth and sixth embodiments of this invention.
  • the accelerator pedal assembly 60 is conventional to the extent that it serves to actuate a cable 84 connected to the fuel metering system of an automobile. Similar to the pedal systems of Figures 1A through 4B, the accelerator pedal assembly 60 is suspended just above the compartment floor on the driver's side of the automobile. However, an adjustment unit according to the present invention is secured to the accelerator pedal assembly 60 to supplement the adjustable feature of the driver's seat.
  • the accelerator pedal assembly 60 generally includes a pedal arm 70 and a foot pad 72.
  • the pedal arm 70 is pivotably attached with a pin 74 to the upper end of a link 62, to which the accelerator cable 84 is directly attached.
  • the link 62 has a U-shaped cross section, as shown in Figure 5B, such that the pedal arm 70 can nest within the link 62.
  • the pedal arm 70 also has a U-shaped cross section for added stiffness and strength.
  • the lower end of the link 62 is pivotably attached with a pin 66 to a frame member 68 located beneath the instrument panel of the automobile, such that the link 62 can be pivoted about the pin 66 in order to pull the accelerator cable 84 in a direction toward the driver.
  • the pedal arm 70 is maintained in forward position with a cam 78 pivotably mounted within the link 62 on the pin 66.
  • Bushings 76 allow the pin 66 to rotate relative to the link 62.
  • the pin 66 is press fit onto the cam 78, such that the cam 78 can be rotated by a drive motor, such as that illustrated in Figures 1A through 4B, through a coupling 86. Consequently, the accelerator pedal system 60 can be operated off a drive motor which is simultaneously used to adjust the brake and/or clutch pedals.
  • the cam 78 is preferably disc-shaped with a cam contour 80 disposed on an outer surface spaced radially outward from the cam's axis of rotation.
  • the cam contour 80 may constitute essentially the entire perimeter of the cam 78, such that the cam 78 can be rotated as much as 360 degrees while still operating within the range of the cam contour 80.
  • the cam contour 80 is slidably disposed against a camming surface 88 provided on the forward surface of the pedal arm 70, which is biased against the camming contour 80 by any suitable spring or the like (not shown) .
  • rotation of the cam 78 causes fore or aft rotation of the pedal arm 70 about the pin 74, depending upon the cam's direction of rotation.
  • the cam 78 also serves as a fulcrum, such that the act of the driver depressing the pedal arm 70 causes the pedal arm 70 and the link 62 to rotate together about the pin 66.
  • rotation of the link 62 serves to pull the accelerator cable 84 for the purpose of actuating the automobile's fuel metering system.
  • FIG. 6A and 6B A final version of the accelerator pedal assembly 60 of this invention is illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B.
  • the same reference numerals are used to represent identical or similar components which are interconnected in a different manner.
  • This embodiment differs from that of Figures 5A and 5B by the shape of the link 62 and the position of the cam 78 on the link 62.
  • a second pin 82 is used to rotatably secure the lower end of the link 62 to the frame member 68.
  • the link 62 is modified to more fully enclose the cam 78.
  • FIGS 9A and 9B represent a control pedal assembly 410 in accordance with a further preferred embodiment of this invention, again with the same reference numerals representing the identical or similar components of Figures 1A through 4B.
  • the function of the cams 28 and shafts 46 of Figures 1A through 4B are performed by a power screw 90.
  • the power screw 90 is threadably received in an internally threaded boss 92 formed on or secured to the pivot link 40.
  • One end 94 of the power screw abuts the camming surface 38 provided on the forward surface of the pedal arm 20.
  • rotation of the power screw 90 causes fore or aft pivoting of the pedal arm 20, depending upon the power screw's direction of rotation.
  • the power screw 90 can be driven in any suitable manner, such as a drive motor (not shown) connected to the end of the power screw 90 through a coupling (not shown) or a manually actuated cable.
  • a gear driver reduction insert is also contemplated.
  • an advantage of the embodiment shown in Figures 9A and 9B is the simplification of the mechanism which pivots the pedal arm 20.
  • a significant advantage of the adjustment devices of this invention is that by selectively energizing a drive motor, a cam can be used to select an optimal fore or aft position of one or more automobile control pedal arms relative to the needs of the driver. Consequently, not only can the driver adjust the driver's seat to position himself or heirself relative to the automobile's control pedals, but the driver can also adjust the position of the control pedals such that they are positioned to provide optimal comfort to the driver.
  • each control pedal can be adjusted individually or collectively so as to provide optimal positioning of the control pedals for the particular physique of the driver.
  • the control pedals can be independently adjusted with individual drive motors, or a single drive motor can be coupled with each pedal, such that all of the pedals are simultaneously adjusted according to a single command initiated by the driver.
  • the controls for the drive motor, and thus the adjustment of each control pedal assembly can be located to be accessible to the driver, such as on the automobile's instrument panel.

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Mechanical Control Devices (AREA)
  • Braking Elements And Transmission Devices (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Drives, Propulsion Controls, And Safety Devices (AREA)
  • Arrangement And Mounting Of Devices That Control Transmission Of Motive Force (AREA)
  • Control Of Throttle Valves Provided In The Intake System Or In The Exhaust System (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositif (10) de réglage d'une pédale (20) de commande d'automobile qui permet de régler par pivotement la pédale (20) de commande par rapport à un point de référence, tel que l'oeil (36) d'une tige de poussoir (34). Ledit dispositif (10) de réglage permet de placer la pédale (20) de commande de manière optimale pour s'adapter aux besoins d'un conducteur donné. Ladite pédale (20) de commande peut être attachée pivotante à un châssis (14) selon tout moyen classique, tel qu'un pivot (24). Le dispositif (10) de réglage est monté le long de la pédale (20) de commande et sur l'oeil (36) de la tige de poussoir et ne nécessite pas de matériel de support supplémentaire autre qu'un dispositif destiné à maintenir une distance prédéterminée entre l'oeil (36) de tige de poussoir et le pivot (24) de la pédale (20) de commande. Par conséquent, ledit dispositif de réglage peut être facilement adapté pour pouvoir s'appliquer sur des ensembles pédale de commande classiques sans modification importante. Ce dispositif (10) comporte un mécanisme (38) à fonction de came destiné à provoquer le mouvement du bras (20) de pédale par rapport au point de référence (36).
PCT/US1995/009820 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Systeme de pedale automobile reglable WO1996005547A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (10)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE69521514T DE69521514T2 (de) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Einstellbare fahrzeugpedalanordnung
AT95928282T ATE202642T1 (de) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Einstellbare fahrzeugpedalanordnung
CA002197760A CA2197760C (fr) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Systeme de pedale d'automobile reglable
PL95319789A PL179804B1 (pl) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Urzadzenie nastawcze do nastawiania ramienia pedalu samochodu oraz sposób nastawiania ramienia pedalu samochodu PL PL PL PL PL PL
KR1019970701044A KR970705783A (ko) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 조절 가능한 자동차 페달 장치(adjustable automobile pedal system)
UA97031162A UA28072C2 (uk) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Регулювальний пристрій для регулювання важеля педалі
AU32109/95A AU685315B2 (en) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Adjustable automobile pedal system
EP95928282A EP0776497B1 (fr) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Systeme de pedale automobile reglable
BR9508605A BR9508605A (pt) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Dispositivo de ajuste de um abraço do pedal adaptado para atuar um elemento de reação dispositivo de ajuste de um braço do pedal adaptado para girar em torno de um eixo de rotação e processo de ajuste de um braço do pedal de automóvel adaptado para girar um eixo de rotação de braço
JP8507403A JPH10506730A (ja) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 調整可能な自動車のペダル装置

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US26693794A 1994-08-16 1994-08-16
US08/266,937 1994-08-16

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1996005547A1 true WO1996005547A1 (fr) 1996-02-22

Family

ID=23016605

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US1995/009820 WO1996005547A1 (fr) 1994-08-16 1995-08-02 Systeme de pedale automobile reglable

Country Status (14)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0776497B1 (fr)
JP (1) JPH10506730A (fr)
KR (1) KR970705783A (fr)
AT (1) ATE202642T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU685315B2 (fr)
BR (1) BR9508605A (fr)
CA (1) CA2197760C (fr)
CZ (1) CZ289669B6 (fr)
DE (1) DE69521514T2 (fr)
GE (1) GEP20002286B (fr)
HU (1) HUT77426A (fr)
PL (1) PL179804B1 (fr)
UA (1) UA28072C2 (fr)
WO (1) WO1996005547A1 (fr)

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU698563B2 (en) * 1995-06-08 1998-10-29 Peter John Hay Pedal assembly
GB2308877B (en) * 1996-01-03 2000-06-21 Chrysler Corp Manually adjustable control pedal system
EP1028364A3 (fr) * 1999-02-14 2002-03-27 CICOTTE, Edmond Burton Système de pédale réglable pour automobile
EP1343065A1 (fr) * 2002-03-05 2003-09-10 S.I.V. S.p.A. Dispositif de réglage de postion de pédales d'un véhicule automobile

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10202855C1 (de) * 2002-01-24 2003-09-25 Ziegler Gmbh Cockpit zur Ausbildung eines Fahrsimulators

Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2550731A (en) 1946-06-22 1951-05-01 American Steel Foundries Brake adjusting means
US2550732A (en) 1946-08-23 1951-05-01 American Steel Foundries Brake arrangement and slack adjuster therefor
US2860720A (en) 1956-01-18 1958-11-18 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable toeboard for an automobile
GB952831A (en) 1960-01-15 1964-03-18 Westland Aircraft Ltd Improvements in or relating to adjustable pedal control means for vehicles
US3151499A (en) 1962-11-13 1964-10-06 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable pedal for vehicle
US3282125A (en) 1963-12-23 1966-11-01 Gen Motors Corp Vehicle control pedals
US3301088A (en) 1964-03-02 1967-01-31 Gen Motors Corp Vehicle adjustable control pedal assemblies
US3400607A (en) 1965-12-20 1968-09-10 Ford Motor Co Vehicle control assembly
US3563111A (en) 1968-07-24 1971-02-16 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable control pedals
US3643525A (en) 1970-05-26 1972-02-22 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable control pedals for vehicles
US3765264A (en) 1971-11-19 1973-10-16 Grand Stamped Prod Co Adjustable linkage
US3798995A (en) 1972-11-09 1974-03-26 H Schroter Brake operating lever system
US4683977A (en) 1985-05-15 1987-08-04 Thomas Murphy Adjustable pedal assembly
US4870871A (en) 1987-05-22 1989-10-03 Wickes Manufacturing Company Adjustable accelerator and brake pedal mechanism
US4875385A (en) 1986-08-18 1989-10-24 Sitrin Gabriel M Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle
US4989474A (en) 1986-08-18 1991-02-05 Brecom Corporation Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle
US5010782A (en) 1988-07-28 1991-04-30 Fuji Kiko Company, Ltd. Position adjustable pedal assembly
US5078024A (en) 1986-08-18 1992-01-07 Comfort Pedals Inc. Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5351573A (en) * 1991-10-07 1994-10-04 Cicotte Edmond B Adjustable automobile pedal system

Patent Citations (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2550731A (en) 1946-06-22 1951-05-01 American Steel Foundries Brake adjusting means
US2550732A (en) 1946-08-23 1951-05-01 American Steel Foundries Brake arrangement and slack adjuster therefor
US2860720A (en) 1956-01-18 1958-11-18 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable toeboard for an automobile
GB952831A (en) 1960-01-15 1964-03-18 Westland Aircraft Ltd Improvements in or relating to adjustable pedal control means for vehicles
US3151499A (en) 1962-11-13 1964-10-06 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable pedal for vehicle
US3282125A (en) 1963-12-23 1966-11-01 Gen Motors Corp Vehicle control pedals
US3301088A (en) 1964-03-02 1967-01-31 Gen Motors Corp Vehicle adjustable control pedal assemblies
US3400607A (en) 1965-12-20 1968-09-10 Ford Motor Co Vehicle control assembly
US3563111A (en) 1968-07-24 1971-02-16 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable control pedals
US3643525A (en) 1970-05-26 1972-02-22 Gen Motors Corp Adjustable control pedals for vehicles
US3765264A (en) 1971-11-19 1973-10-16 Grand Stamped Prod Co Adjustable linkage
US3798995A (en) 1972-11-09 1974-03-26 H Schroter Brake operating lever system
US4683977A (en) 1985-05-15 1987-08-04 Thomas Murphy Adjustable pedal assembly
US4875385A (en) 1986-08-18 1989-10-24 Sitrin Gabriel M Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle
US4989474A (en) 1986-08-18 1991-02-05 Brecom Corporation Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle
US5078024A (en) 1986-08-18 1992-01-07 Comfort Pedals Inc. Control pedal apparatus for a motor vehicle
US4870871A (en) 1987-05-22 1989-10-03 Wickes Manufacturing Company Adjustable accelerator and brake pedal mechanism
US5010782A (en) 1988-07-28 1991-04-30 Fuji Kiko Company, Ltd. Position adjustable pedal assembly

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
AU698563B2 (en) * 1995-06-08 1998-10-29 Peter John Hay Pedal assembly
GB2308877B (en) * 1996-01-03 2000-06-21 Chrysler Corp Manually adjustable control pedal system
EP1028364A3 (fr) * 1999-02-14 2002-03-27 CICOTTE, Edmond Burton Système de pédale réglable pour automobile
EP1343065A1 (fr) * 2002-03-05 2003-09-10 S.I.V. S.p.A. Dispositif de réglage de postion de pédales d'un véhicule automobile

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE69521514D1 (de) 2001-08-02
EP0776497A4 (fr) 1999-02-10
AU685315B2 (en) 1998-01-15
AU3210995A (en) 1996-03-07
CZ289669B6 (cs) 2002-03-13
UA28072C2 (uk) 2000-10-16
KR970705783A (ko) 1997-10-09
GEP20002286B (en) 2000-10-25
DE69521514T2 (de) 2002-04-25
HUT77426A (hu) 1998-04-28
CA2197760A1 (fr) 1996-02-22
JPH10506730A (ja) 1998-06-30
EP0776497A1 (fr) 1997-06-04
EP0776497B1 (fr) 2001-06-27
PL179804B1 (pl) 2000-10-31
PL319789A1 (en) 1997-09-01
ATE202642T1 (de) 2001-07-15
CZ46497A3 (cs) 1998-01-14
BR9508605A (pt) 1997-11-25
CA2197760C (fr) 2003-10-28

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US5771752A (en) Adjustable automobile pedal system
US5823064A (en) Adjustable automobile pedal system
US6324939B1 (en) Adjustable automobile pedal system
US6305239B1 (en) Adjustable pedal assembly
US20010015111A1 (en) Electronic adjustable pedal assembly
US6189409B1 (en) Adjustable pedal system
CA2297336C (fr) Systeme de pedales reglables d'automobile
AU685315B2 (en) Adjustable automobile pedal system
US6431022B1 (en) Compact adjustable pedal system
EP1486847B1 (fr) Ensemble de pédales réglables en position avec mécanisme d'actionnement à barres
US20020023516A1 (en) Adjustable foot-operated control mechanism
CZ2000440A3 (cs) Nastavitelný systém automobilových pedálů
MXPA00001531A (en) Adjustable automobile pedal system

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
AK Designated states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AU BR CA CZ GE HU JP KR PL RU UA

AL Designated countries for regional patents

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE DK ES FR GB GR IE IT LU MC NL PT SE

121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application
DFPE Request for preliminary examination filed prior to expiration of 19th month from priority date (pct application filed before 20040101)
WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: PV1997-464

Country of ref document: CZ

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1019970701044

Country of ref document: KR

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 2197760

Country of ref document: CA

WWE Wipo information: entry into national phase

Ref document number: 1995928282

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1995928282

Country of ref document: EP

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: 1019970701044

Country of ref document: KR

WWP Wipo information: published in national office

Ref document number: PV1997-464

Country of ref document: CZ

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: 1995928282

Country of ref document: EP

WWG Wipo information: grant in national office

Ref document number: PV1997-464

Country of ref document: CZ

WWR Wipo information: refused in national office

Ref document number: 1019970701044

Country of ref document: KR