EP0923017B1 - Foot-controlled device for a system such as a braking assistance system of a vehicle - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a foot control device, by a seated user, of an actuator of a system such a brake assist system of a motor vehicle, said device comprising a pedal arranged opposite a seat for the user and articulated around a first axis approximately horizontal, perpendicular to a direction joining the pedal to the seat, on an adjustable support mounted on a load-bearing structure also the system and the seat, so as to allow the adjustment of the position of the first axis away from the seat, and a linkage between the pedal and the actuating member, articulated around axes parallel to the first axis, so as to translate a tilting of the pedal around the first axis, relative to the support, by a correlated movement of the actuator relative to the system and by actuation of it.

Although it can relate to any type of foot control, on any type of machine, by a seated user, it finds everything particularly its application in the control of assisted braking of a motor vehicle.

We know, in fact, that the search for optimal ergonomics in the driving position of a motor vehicle, for the sake of comfort and security, has led to the possibility of adapting the dimensional characteristics of the driving position as a function of the conductor morphology.

This adaptation is most often limited to a position adjustment of the seat, in relation to the vehicle floor, lengthwise of it, possibly adjusting the seat in the direction of height, and to an adjustment of the steering wheel position in one and / or the other of these two directions, in addition to the shape of the seat itself.

However, it has recently been proposed to supplement these possibilities. adaptation by adjusting the pedal position, and particular of the brake pedal, in the direction of the length of the vehicle (cf. for example FR-A-2 715 485).

To this end, a device of the type indicated in the preamble has been proposed, in which the support on which the pedal is articulated is itself articulated on a supporting structure, in practice an element of the body or chassis of the vehicle, so that the adjustment is made by tilting the support.

This solution has the double disadvantage of varying the level and orientation of the pedal relative to the vehicle floor concomitantly with the adjustment in the direction of the length thereof, and only offer a very limited adjustment stroke if you want the aforementioned drawback does not manifest itself in a too pronounced manner, that is to say too embarrassing.

The object of the present invention is to provide a device overcoming these disadvantages, it being understood that even if this device has was designed more specifically for controlling an organ of a vehicle brake assist system automotive, it can find its application in any foot control, by a seated user, a system actuator any.

• un premier levier articulé sur la structure porteuse autour d'un deuxième axe situé dans ledit plan, entre la position limite la plus proche du siège et celui-ci, parallèlement au premier axe, et présentant une extrémité libre,
• un deuxième levier articulé sur la structure porteuse autour d'un troisième axe situé dans ledit plan, plus loin du siège que la position limite la plus éloignée de celui-ci, parallèlement au premier axe, et présentant une extrémité libre,
• une tige rectiligne articulée sur les extrémités libres des premier et deuxième leviers, respectivement en un quatrième axe et en un cinquième axe, les quatrième et cinquième axes étant parallèles au premier axe, mutuellement espacés d'une distance identique à celle qui sépare mutuellement les deuxième et troisième axes et la distance séparant mutuellement les quatrième et deuxième axes étant identique à la distance séparant mutuellement les cinquième et troisième axes de telle sorte que la tige et les premier et deuxième leviers définissent un parallélogramme déformable avec la structure porteuse,
• un manchon monté coulissant le long de la tige et articulé sur la pédale autour d'un sixième axe parallèle au premier axe et espacé de celui-ci d'une distance égale à la distance séparant mutuellement les quatrième et deuxième axes ou les cinquième et troisième axes,
• une bielle de liaison entre l'un des premier et deuxième leviers et l'organe d'actionnement, articulée sur ledit levier autour d'un septième axe parallèle au premier axe et décalé respectivement par rapport au deuxième ou troisième axe.

To this end, the present invention provides a device of the type indicated in the preamble, characterized in that the support is mounted on the support structure so as to be adjustable in translation in said direction, so that the first axis can be placed in several positions , in a determined plane, between two limit positions respectively the closest and the furthest from the seat, while remaining perpendicular to said direction, and in that said linkage comprises:

• a first lever articulated on the supporting structure around a second axis located in said plane, between the closest limit position of the seat and the latter, parallel to the first axis, and having a free end,
• a second lever articulated on the supporting structure around a third axis located in said plane, further from the seat than the limit position most distant from the latter, parallel to the first axis, and having a free end,
• a straight rod articulated on the free ends of the first and second levers, respectively in a fourth axis and in a fifth axis, the fourth and fifth axes being parallel to the first axis, mutually spaced apart by a distance identical to that which mutually separates the second and third axes and the distance separating the fourth and second axes from each other being identical to the distance mutually separating the fifth and third axes so that the rod and the first and second levers define a deformable parallelogram with the supporting structure,
• a sleeve mounted sliding along the rod and articulated on the pedal around a sixth axis parallel to the first axis and spaced from the latter by a distance equal to the distance mutually separating the fourth and second axes or the fifth and third axes,
• a connecting rod between one of the first and second levers and the actuating member, articulated on said lever around a seventh axis parallel to the first axis and offset respectively with respect to the second or third axis.

We can easily understand that, if we consider for example the application of the device to the assisted braking control of a vehicle automobile and as soon as one directs the plan of the first one judiciously, second and third axes relative to the vehicle floor, a device according to the invention offers any adjustment stroke, in the length of the vehicle, without varying the level and the orientation of the pedal relative to this floor, it being understood that this advantage is found whatever the application envisaged. The race of adjustment is in fact limited only by the space available for the device, and can reach several tens of centimeters, which allows meet all needs.

Naturally, we can predict that the seventh axis merges with the fourth or fifth axis, but we can also predict that either offset from these two axes, angularly and / or distance from the second or third axis respectively, this which allows to introduce a bevel gear effect and / or an effect multiplier or multiplier between the tilting movement of the pedal and the movement transmitted to the actuating member.

These two possibilities are compatible with an articulation of the connecting rod, around the seventh axis, on the free end of the first or second lever.

One can however also also provide that the first and second levers are double and have a first branch respective articulated on the one hand on the supporting structure, respectively around the second or third axis, and on the other hand on the rod, respectively around the fourth or fifth axis, and a second respective branch secured to the first branch respectively at level of the second or third axis and having a free end defining respectively an eighth or ninth axis, the eighth and ninth axis being parallel to the first axis, mutually spaced by a distance identical to that which separates the second and third axes and the distance between each other the eighth and second axes being identical to the distance separating each other ninth and third axes, only on the free ends of the second branches is articulated, around the eighth and ninth axes, a connecting rod coupling between the two levers, defining a parallelogram deformable with the second branches of the latter and with the supporting structure, and that the connecting rod is articulated around the seventh axis on the free end of the second branch of one of the first and second levers.

Even if you want to set up a bevel effect and / or an effect multiplier or demultiplier between the pivoting movement of the pedal and the effect applied to the actuator, we can then provide that the seventh axis is confused with the eighth or ninth axis, respectively, insofar as it is possible to predict that the eighth and ninth axes are respectively offset from the fourth and fifth axes.

It will indeed be observed that this shift can be as well a offset in distance respectively from the second or third axis that an angular shift around this second or third axis, which can facilitate the installation of the entire device in depending on the space available.

The device according to the invention thus offers wide possibilities of implantation and wide possibilities of use.

It also has the advantage of being compatible with the two traditional mounting methods of articulated pedals, namely mounting says "on the floor" and the assembly says "suspended". If we want to adopt the first of these montages, it is expected that the fourth, fifth and sixth axes are arranged above said plane and the pedal has an area of stress by the user's foot above the sixth axis and, if we wish to adopt the second of these arrangements, we plan that the fourth, fifth and sixth axes are arranged below said plane and that the pedal has a zone of stress by the foot of the user below the sixth axis.

When the system controlled by means of a device according to the invention is a brake assist system for a vehicle, advantageously provides that the support also carries, so articulated around tenth and eleventh axes parallel to the first axis or confused with it, an accelerator pedal and, if necessary, a clutch pedal.

It will be observed that the accelerator pedal and any pedal clutch are traditionally connected to the bodies they control by funicular transmission, usually by cable BOWDEN, which does not cause the same difficulties, in case of adjustment of the pedals lengthwise of the vehicle, that the connection by articulated linkage that is used to transmit the movement of the brake pedal to the actuator of the assistance system braking.

Naturally, a person skilled in the art will easily design means for adjusting the support in translation relative to the structure carrier, these means being advantageously produced in the form of remote control means made available to the user who, in this way, can make the adjustment in a natural position of use, seated in his seat.

• La figure 1 illustre, en une vue schématique, en perspective, un exemple de montage d'un dispositif selon l'invention associé à une pédale de freinage articulée sous le plancher du véhicule.
• La figure 2 illustre, en une vue en élévation latérale à une échelle plus grande qu'à la figure 1, le détail de la coopération de la pédale avec la tige reliant les deux leviers.
• La figure 3 montre le même détail qu'à la figure 2, en coupe par un plan perpendiculaire à la tige, passant par le sixième axe et repéré en III-III à la figure 2.
• Les figures 4 et 5 montrent une vue en élévation latérale de l'ensemble illustré à la figure 1, respectivement en l'absence d'actionnement de la pédale de frein lorsqu'elle est actionnée.
• La figure 6 illustre, en une vue analogue à celle de la figure 1, un exemple de montage d'un dispositif selon l'invention associé à une pédale de frein suspendue sous la colonne de direction (non illustrée).

Other characteristics and advantages of a device according to the invention will emerge from the description below, relating to two nonlimiting examples, as well as from the appended drawings which form an integral part of this description. It will be observed that these two examples relate to the control of the actuating member of a braking assistance system of a motor vehicle, but a person skilled in the art will readily understand that the arrangements described and illustrated are directly transposable to any other type of application.

• Figure 1 illustrates, in a schematic perspective view, an example of mounting a device according to the invention associated with a brake pedal articulated under the floor of the vehicle.
• Figure 2 illustrates, in a side elevational view on a larger scale than in Figure 1, the detail of the cooperation of the pedal with the rod connecting the two levers.
• FIG. 3 shows the same detail as in FIG. 2, in section through a plane perpendicular to the rod, passing through the sixth axis and identified in III-III in FIG. 2.
• Figures 4 and 5 show a side elevational view of the assembly illustrated in Figure 1, respectively in the absence of actuation of the brake pedal when it is actuated.
• Figure 6 illustrates, in a view similar to that of Figure 1, an example of mounting a device according to the invention associated with a brake pedal suspended under the steering column (not shown).

We will first refer to the example of implementation of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, where 1 has designated a foot pedal braking, standing above the floor 2 of the vehicle, in front of the seat 3 of the driver if we refer to a determined direction 4 of forward vehicle, so that it can be requested by a foot 5 of the driver in the direction of tilting forward to control a sliding, towards the rear, of a rod 6 constituting the member of actuation of a servo-brake 7 disposed behind the pedal 1. The rod 6 is mounted for rectilinear sliding in the following servo-brake 7 an axis 80 parallel to direction 4 and has a free end actuation 78 cantilevered, forward, out of the brake servo 7, so that a stress applied to this end, towards the rear, is translates by a movement of penetration of the rod 6 in the servo-brake 7 and by a start or an increase in braking, and that a solicitation then applied forward at this end results in a movement of rod 6 out of servo brake 7 and by reduction or canceling braking. The concepts of front and back get along here, as below, with reference to direction 4 of the forward vehicle.

To this end, in this example, the pedal 1 is articulated, under the floor 2 which it crosses through a slot 8, around an axis 9 perpendicular to an average longitudinal plane, not referenced, of the vehicle, i.e. perpendicular to direction 4 and horizontal when the vehicle rests on horizontal ground. This axis 9 is fixed relative to the floor 2 of the vehicle while in use, but its position in direction 4 and in opposite direction can be adjusted with respect to this floor 2, while retaining the same positioning possibilities predetermined from the rod 6 to sliding in the servo-brake 7 for a given inclination of the pedal 1 around the axis 9 relative to the floor 2.

For this purpose, an assembly is used for the pedal 1 which will be described now.

Under the floor 2 is mounted integrally, or defined by components of the vehicle other than the floor 2 but integral with it, for example body or chassis elements, a cradle rigid 10, for example parallelepiped, thus forming an integral whole with the supporting structure of the vehicle, also carrying the servo-brake 7, in an integral manner, and the seat 3, generally in an adjustable manner in the direction 4 and in the opposite direction.

The cradle 10 includes in particular, in the example illustrated, a upper flat wall 11, notched to the point of being limited to a frame, running along floor 2 from below it, parallel to it, and a bottom wall 12 which is full but also flat, parallel to the wall 11 and to the floor 2. It will be observed that, the floor 2 being slightly ascending forwards in the example illustrated, it is the same for the walls 11 and 12 of the cradle 10 but this inclination is low enough that we can keep sense 4 as forward direction reference for description of cradle 10 and components that it carries for the implementation of this invention.

Although directly along the floor 2, the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 respects with respect to this floor 2 a flat interval 13 just enough to accommodate, between the wall 11 and the floor 2, two slides 14, 15 respectively disposed on either side of the pedal 1, mutually parallel and more precisely oriented according to a direction 16 parallel to the floor 2 and to the walls 11 and 12 of the cradle 10 and parallel like direction 4 to the median longitudinal plane no illustrated of the vehicle, that is to say perpendicular to the axis 9. We will observe that the slot 8 in the floor 2 for the passage of the pedal 1 is fitted in this direction 16, which joins the pedal 1 to the seat 3 and constitutes the direction in which the device according to the invention adjusts the position of the axis 9 relative to the floor 2, in distance from seat 3.

The two slides 14, 15 carry, in sliding according to the direction 16 on the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10, relative to this upper wall 11, a rigid plate 17 thus housed between the wall upper 11 of the cradle 10 and the floor 2, which it runs parallel to, which plate 17 bears integrally, inside the cradle 10, to through the notch 18 of the top wall 11 thereof and above of the upper wall 12, a console 19 forming a bearing 20 with an axis 9. By this landing, the console 19 carries, with the possibility of relative rotation around axis 9, a lower end zone 21 of pedal 1, which passes through bottom up first the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10, by the notch 18 of this upper wall 11, then the plate 17, by a slot 22 arranged in the latter in the direction 16, immediately below slot 8, then floor 2 through slot 8, so that the pedal 1 has a zone above the floor 2 upper end 22 in the form of a pallet turned towards the rear, which constitutes the stressing area of the pedal 1 by the foot 5 of the driver. When not in use, pedal 1 occupies a limit orientation illustrated in Figure 4, in which it stands above of floor 2 and its upper end zone 22 occupies a rear limit position, approximately perpendicular to axis 9; this pedal limit orientation let this rear limit position of its zone upper end 22, corresponding to the absence of stress on the pedal 1 by foot 5, also corresponding to the absence of braking, the rod 6 being then extended as far as possible from the servo-brake 7. By applying a forward bias from foot 5 to upper end region 22 of pedal 1, you can toggle it forward, with an effect of increasingly greater braking by progressive depression of the rod 6 to inside the brake servo 7, until bringing pedal 1 to another limit orientation in which it is illustrated in FIG. 5 and which corresponds to maximum penetration of rod 6 inside the brake servo 7, that is to say maximum braking; in this limiting orientation, the pedal 1 is lying forward on the floor 2, and its end zone upper 22 occupies a front limit position. Naturally, the dimension of the slot 22 and, taking into account the possibility of adjusting the position of axis 9 offered by the present invention, the dimension of the slot 8 along direction 16 are compatible with this passage of the pedal 1 from one to the other of its limit orientations whatever the position of axis 9 within the limits authorized by the device according to the invention.

These limit orientations of pedal 1 are defined by means not shown but well known in themselves, for example associated with the console 19, and the pedal 1 is recalled from its limit orientation illustrated in Figure 5 towards its limit orientation illustrated in Figure 4 by elastic return means acting for example between it and the console 19, in a manner not illustrated but well known in itself, such so that the relaxation of the applied stress, forward, by the foot 5 at the upper end zone 22 of the pedal 1 is accompanied by a automatic return of the latter to its limit position illustrated in FIG. 4 and a reduction then a disappearance of the braking effect.

It will be readily understood that the position of the axis 9 according to the direction 16, inside the cradle 10, is directly linked to the position of the plate 17 along the slides 14 and 15.

Therefore, to allow adjustment of the position of axis 9 along the direction 16 are provided means for adjusting the position of the plate 17 along the slides 14 and 15, and immobilizing the plate 17 relative to these slides in any desired adjusted position, between two limits corresponding for axis 9 to two limit positions, respectively before illustrated in Figure 1 as well as in solid lines Figures 4 and 5, and rear illustrated in phantom in Figures 4 and 5. These two limit positions, as well as the distance d between them parallel to direction 16, can be freely chosen when implements the present invention, within the limits of space available for the device according to the invention, of which they condition congestion in direction 16. In particular, the distance d, or maximum axis adjustment stroke 9, can reach several tens of centimeters but a value of the order of 15 to 25 cm, for example 18 cm, is generally sufficient in this application given the possibility of adjusting the position of the seat 3 in the direction 4 and also opposite ; of course, these figures are only shown by way of nonlimiting example.

Various means can be provided for adjusting the position of the plate 17 along the slides 14 and 15 but, depending on the mode of implementation preferred work which has been illustrated in FIG. 1, these means are electrical, powered by the vehicle battery, and can be remotely controlled from the vehicle dashboard, for example using a button push button not shown, of the type used to control the window regulators electric, to allow movement of the plate 17 at will forward or backward relative to runners 14 and 15 and the stop of this displacement.

To this end, the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 carries in solidarity, in an extreme rear zone, at least partially in protruding inside the gap 13, an electric motor 23 having in the interval 13 two outputs of the same axis 24 parallel to the axis 9, each of these outputs being connected by a reducer 25, 26, forming 90 ° angle gear, to a respective screw 27, 28 with axis 29, 30 parallel to the direction 16 and fixed relative to the cradle 10, each of these screws 27, 28 being immobilized against a movement parallel to the direction 16 or perpendicular to it with respect to the cradle 10 but swiveling in a respective bearing 31, 32 integral with the wall upper 11 of cradle 10, inside the gap 13, and along one, respectively, of the slides 14 and 15 between the latter. Each of screw 27, 28 thus extends to a free end 33, 34 overhanging, inside the gap 13, above the upper wall 11 of the cradle 1, passing over the plate 17. Coaxially to each screws 27, 28, this plate 17 bears integrally, inside the interval 13, a respective nut 35, 36 engaged with the screw in question, so that the power supply to the electric motor 23 so as to make selectively turning its outputs in one direction or the other causes, by rotation of the screws 27 and 28 respectively in one direction or the other, a joint translation of the nuts 35 and 36 of the plate 17 either towards front or back. The design of the power supply from motor 23, reducers 25 and 26, screws 27 and 28 and nuts 35 and 36 to this effect falls within the normal competence of a person skilled in the art. Of even, it is normal skills of the latter to choose the step of screws 27 and 28 and / or the reduction ratio of the reducers 25 and 26 of so that the motion transmission between the motor 23 and the nuts 35, 36 is irreversible under normal conditions of use, that is to say that the appropriate supply of electricity to the motor 23 can cause the desired translation of the nuts 35 and 36 by screws 27 and 28, but only push or pull applied to plate 17, forwards or backwards, depending on the direction 16, and in particular the effect resulting from the thrust applied towards the front, by the foot 5, at the area of the upper end 22 of the pedal 1 cannot result in a translation of the plate 17 when the motor 23.

It will be observed that, in addition to the brake pedal 1, the plate 17 can articulated, around respective axes (not shown) which can be confused with axis 9 or be offset from it while being parallel thereto, an accelerator pedal 37 and, where appropriate, a clutch pedal 38 which can thus be adjusted in unison with the brake pedal 1 away from the seat 3; each of these pedals 37 and 38 can be mounted on the plate 17 so conventional, therefore not shown, crossing the floor 2 by a respective slot parallel to the slot 8, and be connected so also conventional, not illustrated, for example by a funicular transmission, respectively to a control unit gas and a clutch control member.

On the other hand, means specific to the present invention are provided to ensure the connection of pedal 1 to rod 6 actuation of the servo-brake 7 and these means will now be described.

Inside the cradle 10, the bottom wall .12 thereof carries jointly and severally behind the rear limit position of axis 9 and in front of the limit position before it, a bearing respective 39, 40 defining a respective axis 41, 42 parallel to the axis 9 and located in the same plane 43 as this one, this plane 43 being parallel to the direction 16, perpendicular to the non-illustrated median longitudinal plane of the vehicle, and located between the upper 11 and lower 12 walls of the cradle 10, closer to the lower wall 12 than to the upper wall 11. In all the positions that axis 9 can occupy from one to the other of its limit positions, axes 41 and 42 are located respectively behind and in front of axis 9.

The two bearings 39 and 40 are located on the same side of the pedal 1, at know opposite the console 19, with reference to a direction not referenced defined by axis 9, and each of them carries and guides, to the rotation about the respective axis 41, 42 relative to the cradle 10, a respective double lever 44, 45.

On the side of bearings 39 and 40 facing pedal 1, between the bearing respective and this one, each lever 44, 45 has a first branch straight 46, 47, having a first end 48, 49 of articulation around the axis 41, 42 relative to the associated bearing 39, 40 and a second free end 50, 51, articulated on a free end respective 52, 53 of a straight rod 54, around a respective axis 55, 56 parallel to axes 9, 41, 42. Under normal conditions of use, the rod 54 is disposed above the plane 43, between the latter and the wall upper 11 of cradle 10, and it is juxtaposed with pedal 1 of the same side of it that the bearings 39 and 40, that is to say opposite the console 19. It is oriented in direction 16 and, for this purpose, it presents between axes 55 and 56 a length equal to the distance separating along the direction 16 the axes 41 and 42, and the distance separating the axis 55 from the axis 41 is identical to the distance separating the axis 56 from the axis 42. It will be observed that, from the axis 41, 42, respectively, at its free end 50, 51, each branch 46, 47 has a dimension less than the distance separating the plane 43 from the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10, so that, like the rod 54, the branches 46 and 47 of the levers 44 and 45 are permanently located under the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10.

On the same side as the rod 54, the pedal 1 carries, between its zone lower end 21 and the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 in any orientation of pedal 1, from one of its orientations to the other aforementioned limits, a sleeve 57 which is articulated on the rod 1 around a axis 58 parallel to axis 9 and located at a distance from it which is identical to the distance separating axis 55 from axis 41 or axis 56 from axis 42. The sleeve 57, free to pivot around the axis 58 relative to the pedal 1 without any other possibility of relative displacement, is drilled right through, along an axis 59 perpendicular to the axis 58 and offset on the same side as the rod 54 relative to pedal 1, with a cylindrical bore 60 of revolution around the axis 59 and internally carrying, in solidarity, a sliding bearing 61 engaged coaxially on the rod 54, such so that axis 59 then common to it intersects axes 55 and 56 and that, by means of the bearing 61, the sleeve 57 can slide on the rod 54, in direction 16, when adjusting the position of axis 9 following this direction.

It will be observed that the rod 54, articulated around the axes 55 and 56 on the branches 46 and 47 of the levers 44 and 45, these branches 46 and 47, articulated around axes 41 and 42 on bearings 39 and 40, and plane 43 passing through axes 41 and 42 fixed relative to the cradle 10 constitute a deformable parallelogram, articulated around axes 41, 42, 55, 56, and that the pedal 1, articulated on the console 19 around the axis 9 located in the same plane 43 as the axes 41 and 42 and on the rod 54 along the axis 58 located in a non-referenced plane common to axes 55 and 56, defined with rod 54, the plane 43 and respectively one or other of the branches 46, 47 of leverage a another deformable parallelogram, it being understood that care is taken, editing, to orient parallel to defined unreferenced plans respectively by axes 41 and 55 and by axes 42 and 56 a plane also not referenced defined by axes 9 and 58, each of these planes not referenced being in practice inclined so as to be ascending towards the front markedly when pedal 1 occupies in orientation limit illustrated in Figure 4, and less pronounced when it is occupies its limit orientation illustrated in FIG. 5.

Thus, whatever the position of axis 9 between axes 41 and 42, of the makes the adjustment of the pedal 1 away from the seat 3, a pedal 1 rotation by an angle determined from the orientation limit illustrated in FIG. 4, by pivoting around axis 9 relative to the console 19, results in a rotation of the same angle, and in the same direction, branches 46 and 47 of the levers 44 and 45, that is to say of these levers 44 and 45 in their whole. For geometric reasons easily understandable by a person skilled in the art, the sleeve 57 cannot slide on the rod 54 during such a pivoting, but it does not meet against no difficulty in sliding on the rod 54 when adjusting the position of the axis 9 away from the seat 3 and this sliding in no way affects the deformable parallelogram structure previously described and does not result in a change in orientation of the pedal 1 around its axis 9, nor a change in level of the end 22 pedal 1 relative to the floor 2 of the vehicle.

To ensure transmission of its pivoting movement to the rod 6, each lever 44, 45 has a second straight branch 60, 61 located opposite the respective bearing 39, 40 with respect to the branch 46, 47. Each of the branches 60, 61 has an end 62, 63 articulation on the bearing 39, 40 around the corresponding axis 41, 42, the end 62 being integral with the end 48 of the branch 46 while the end 63 is integral with the end 49 of the branch 67, respectively through the bearing 39 and through the bearing 40. Each branch 60, 61 also has a free end 64, 65 defining a respective axis 66, 67 of articulation on a free end respective 68, 69 of a straight rod forming a coupling rod 70, parallel to the rod 54 and, like the latter, located between the plane 43 and the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 under normal conditions use of the device. The distance between axes 66 and 67 is identical to the distance between axes 41 and 42 mutually, or again axes 55 or 56, and the distance separating axis 66 from axis 41 is identical to the distance separating the axis 67 from the axis 42 so that the connecting rod 70, the branches 60 and 61 of the levers 44, 45 and the plane 43 considered as linked to cradle 10 also define a parallelogram deformable. The length of the branches 60, 61 of the levers 44, 45 from the respective axis 41, 42 is less than the distance separating each of these axes of the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 so that the connecting rod 70 as the free ends 64, 65 of the branches 60, 61 are located in permanently below the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 in normal conditions of use of the device.

The orientation of the branches 60, 61 of the levers 44, 45, defined by example by the orientation of an unreferenced plane passing through the axes 41 and 66 and an unreferenced plane passing through axes 42 and 67, can be different from that of branches 46 and 47, or be identical to it. In the example illustrated, if we refer to the limit orientation of pedal 1 illustrated in Figure 4, the branches 60 and 61 are ascending rearward with reference to direction 4 whereas, in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 5, they are ascending forward with reference to this sense, but this example is by no means limiting,

It will be observed that the distance separating the axes 66 and 41 or the axes 67 and 42 can be identical to the distance between axes 55 and 41 or the axes 56 and 42 or be different, as is the case in the illustrated example where this distance is greater so that axes 66 and 67 complete a greater circumferential stroke than the axes 55 and 56, with reference to axis 41 or 42 respectively, for pivoting of pedal 1 at an angle determined from its limit orientation illustrated in figure 4.

We can thus apply a multiplier effect of movement, even that one could apply a multiplier effect or an effect neutral, between pedal 1 and the free ends 64 and 65 of arms 60 and 61 of levers 44 and 45, depending in particular on the conditions of installation of the servo-brake 7, and of a necessary adequacy between the admissible limit stroke for the servo-brake control rod 6 and the pivoting stroke available between the two limit orientations of the pedal 1.

To this end, depending on the location of the servo brake 7 in the vehicle, on the free end 65 of the branch 61 of the lever 45, around axis 67, not shown, or on the free end 64 of branch 60 of the lever 44, around the axis 66, as illustrated, is articulated a free front end 71 of a rectilinear connecting rod 72 located approximately in the extension of the coupling rod 70 between the two levers 44 and 45. The connecting rod 72, thus oriented towards rear from axis 66 in the example illustrated, also shown a free rear end 73 by which it is articulated, around a axis 74 parallel to axis 66, on a free lower end 75 of a return lever 76 also having a free upper end 77 in engagement with a free end 78 of the rod 6 of the servo-brake 7. Between these two free ends 75, 77, the lever 76 is articulated around an axis 79 parallel to axis 74 on a component not shown, integral with the supporting structure of the vehicle and for example constituted by a piece of bodywork thereof. While all the pivoting movements above are carried out around fixed axes relative to the components articulated around them, the mode of cooperation between the free end 77 of the lever 76 and the free end 78 of the rod 6 is an articulation around a axis 81 parallel to axes 74 and 79, coplanar with the latter, fixed by relative to the rod 6 but movable relative to the lever 76 in the direction of a approximation or distance from axes 74 and 79 while remaining coplanar with them, according to a montage known to a Man of loom, so that a pivoting of the lever 76 around the axis 79 by relative to the supporting structure of the vehicle, at an angle determined by the pivot angle of the pedal 1 from its orientation illustrated in Figure 4, causes a rectilinear translation of the rod 6, along the axis 80, towards the inside of the servo-brake 7, without possibility of relative play according this axis 80 but with a possibility of relative play in a direction not referenced perpendicular to axes 74 and 79, easily understandable by a person skilled in the art, to take account of what the movement of the lever 76 is a rotational movement and that of the rod 6 a translational movement. Thus, the stroke of the rod 6 along the axis 80, in the direction of penetration into the servo brake 7 and braking when the pedal 1 is tilted from its orientation illustrated in FIG. 4 towards its orientation illustrated in FIG. 5, or towards the outside of the brake servo 7, with release of the braking effect, when the pedal is left return to its orientation illustrated in FIG. 4, is carried out according to a amplitude linked in a one-to-one way to the pivot amplitude of the pedal 1, the position of the rod 6 along the axis 80 relative to the servo-brake 7 being at each instant representative of the angular position of the pedal 1 around the axis 9. Naturally, we would not go beyond the framework of the present invention by providing on each lever 44, 45 only one branch 46, 47, that is to say by removing the second branches 60, 61 and the connecting rod 70 for coupling therebetween, and by directly articulating the connecting rod 72, around an axis parallel to axes 41 and 42, or directly around axis 55 on branch 46 or axis 56 on branch 47, either around an axis offset angularly and / or in distance, with reference to axis 41 or 42 respectively, on the branch 46 or branch 47, according to an arrangement that a skilled person can easily deduce from the example of implementation of the invention that one will now describe, with reference to FIG. 6.

This second example corresponds to a so-called "suspended" mounting of the crankset of a motor vehicle, that is to say that the pedals hang down under the steering column not shown, instead of standing up from from the floor.

There are however great analogies between this example of setting and that which has been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, as well that we will use the same reference numbers to designate identical or similar elements.

In this example we find the brake servo 7, its rod actuator 6 movable in translation relative to it along an axis straight 80, and cradle 10 which, however, is then limited to one wall similar to the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 described with reference in Figures 1 to 5, and therefore also assigned the reference 11. This wall 11 is fixed integrally to the support structure of the vehicle, or is an integral part of this supporting structure, and it is arranged under the steering column, not shown, perpendicular to also a non-illustrated median longitudinal plane of the vehicle and more precisely parallel to the not shown floor area thereof which is placed directly in front of the driver's seat 3, reference to a normal forward direction 4 of the vehicle.

As the upper wall 11 of the cradle 10 described with reference to Figures 1 to 5, the wall 11 constituting the cradle 10 in this example has a wide notch 18 and bears integrally, respectively on either side of this notch 18, two slides 14, 15 identical to those which have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and presenting a common direction 16 parallel, both to the vehicle floor and to the median longitudinal plane thereof.

Similarly, the two slides 14 and 15 are used for guiding the translation in direction 16, relative to wall 11, for a plate 17 resting on this wall 11, and the position of plate 17 at sliding along the slides 14, 15, that is to say in the direction 16, can be controlled by means 23 to 36 at all points identical to those which have been described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and arranged, as the latter, at least essentially above the wall 11. These means use in particular an electric motor 23 supplied with electricity from the vehicle's on-board battery and remotely controlled from dashboard of it, to cause rotation in one direction or in the other, or the stop, of two worms 27, 28 along respectively the slide 14 and the slide 15, between the latter, to cooperate with nuts 35, 36 carried integrally by the plate 17, above the latter.

From below, the plate 17 carries integrally, inside the notch 18, a yoke 82 defining, under the wall 11, an axis 83, perpendicular to the aforementioned median longitudinal plane of the vehicle, that is to say perpendicular to direction 4 and direction 16 and horizontal when the vehicle rests on a horizontal surface. Clevis 82 carries, at the rotation about the axis 83 relative to the plate 17, an end zone upper 84 of a brake pedal 85 placed opposite seat 3 of the conductor in direction 16 and having, moreover, at a level lower than that of its upper end zone 84, an area lower end 86 constituting its area of stress by the foot, not shown, of the driver. We will observe that, like plate 17 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, plate 17 of this example of realization can also carry, articulated around axes coincident with or parallel to axis 83, and suspended from through the notch 18 of the wall 11, an accelerator pedal 87 and, optionally, a clutch pedal 88, mounted on the plate 17 and connected respectively to an acceleration control and to a clutch control by conventional means, known from a Tradesman and not shown.

Naturally, the dimension of the notch 18 in the direction 16 is suitable for allowing the adjustment of the position of the axis 83, according to the direction 16, with respect to the cradle 10 and to the entire structure carrier of the vehicle, between two predetermined limit positions, namely a front limit position in which the pedal 85 is illustrated in lines full in Figure 6, which is the furthest position from seat 3 of the driver, and a rear limit position, illustrated in dashed line with the Figure 6, which is the position closest to the driver's seat 3.

Between its two extreme zones 84 and 86, the pedal 85 carries, at the rotation about an axis 89 parallel to axis 83 and located at a level below the level thereof, a sleeve 90 disposed next to the pedal 85 and having a construction in every respect similar to that of the sleeve 57. In particular, this sleeve 90 is drilled right through unreferenced bore of axis 91 perpendicular to axis 89 and fitted with a pad not shown in which it receives, with possibility of relative sliding along axis 91 without other possibility of displacement relative, a straight rod 92 disposed under the wall 11, at all points analogous to rod 54 and guided, like this one, so as to allow a tilting of the pedal 85 forwards, around the axis 83, from a limit orientation illustrated in solid lines in FIG. 6, corresponding to the absence of solicitation by the driver's foot and the absence of braking, and at a rear limit position of the lower end zone 86, up to a limit orientation not illustrated which corresponds to a maximum braking and in which the lower end region 86 of the pedal 85 occupies a front limit position under the effect of a stress applied by the driver's foot, with elastic return of the orientation maximum braking limit at orientation no braking limit by elastic return means mounted in a manner known to a man of the trade, while maintaining a parallelism of the axis 91, common to the rod 92 and to the sleeve 90, with respect to the direction 16.

For this purpose, the rod 92 has a rear free end 93 and a front free end 94 articulated about a respective axis 95, 96 parallel to the axis 89 located in the same plane not referenced as these axes 95 and 96, on a free lower end 97, 98 of a respective lever 99, 100 otherwise articulated, by an upper end 101, 102, around a respective axis 103, 104, parallel to axis 83 with which axes 103 and 104 are coplanar as well as axes 41 and 42 are with axis 9, under a respective yoke 105, 106 fixedly attached under the wall 11, respectively behind the notch 18 and in front thereof, that is to say respectively behind the rear limit position of the axis 83 and in front of the front limit position of the axis 83, within the limits of the sliding of the plate 17 in the direction 16 on the wall 11. The distance between axes 95 and 96 is identical to the distance between axes 103 and 104, as well as the distance separating axes 103 and 93 is identical to the distance between axes 104 and 94 as well as to the distance separating the axes 83 and 89, so that the levers 99 and 100 constitute with the rod 92 and the wall 11, or more precisely the plane 113 of the axes 103 and 104 fixed relative to it, a deformable, articulated parallelogram around axes 93, 96, 103, 104, and that pedal 85, suitably oriented during assembly so that a plane passing through axes 89 and 83 either parallel to the planes passing respectively through axes 95 and 103 and by axes 96 and 104, itself forms a deformable parallelogram with the rod 92, the wall 11 of which the plate 17 is integral once all the adjustment carried out, or more precisely plan 113 containing not only the axes 103 and 104 but also axis 85, and respectively each of the levers 99 and 100.

To ensure the kinematic connection between the pedal 86 and the rod 6 of the servo brake 7, lever 99, not shown, or lever 100, so illustrated, revolves around an axis 107 parallel to axis 106 and which can be confused with axis 96, not shown, or offset from this, away from the axis 104 and / or angularly, as illustrated, on a free rear end 108 of a connecting rod straight link 109 extending forward from this end free 108, to a second free end or front end 110 articulated around an axis 111 parallel to the axis 108 in a yoke 112 integral with the rod 6 of the servo-brake 7.

It will be easily understood that a tilting of the pedal 85 from of its limited orientation of absence of solicitation and absence of braking directly results in an applied thrust, by via lever 100, if necessary with a multiplier effect or reduction gear, from the connecting rod 109 and the yoke 112, to the rod 6 in the direction of an inward translation of the servo-brake 7, placed in front of this rod 6, with a translational travel of the rod 6 representative of the pivoting stroke communicated to the pedal 85, the sleeve 90 behaving as a whole integral with rod 92 during of a tilting of the pedal 85. Similarly, the recall of the latter towards its position of absence of stress results in an exit from the rod 6, again, out of the servo-brake 7 and the mounting is such that at each instant, the position of the rod 6 is representative of that of the pedal 86 in orientation around the axis 83 relative to the plate 17 and to the wall 11, and this regardless of the position of the axis 83 from one to the other of the positions front and rear limits obtained by adjusting the position of the plate 17 in the direction 16 relative to the wall 11. On the other hand, the sleeve 90, able to slide along the rod 92, is not opposed to this adjustment of axis position 83.

In this regard, reference is made to the indications given with regard to Figures 1 to 5, directly transposable to this embodiment.

Naturally, the two examples which have just been described do not are in no way limiting, and many variants can be provided without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, we can adopt in the case of the suspended pedal a double lever mounting, similar to that described with reference in Figures 1 to 5, each of the levers 99 and 100 being replaced by a lever double analogous to levers 44 and 45, one branch of which would be connected to the rod 92 and the other branch of which would be connected to a connecting rod coupling forming with the respective branches of the levers and the plate 11 a deformable parallelogram, the connecting rod 109 then being articulated on that of the branches of one of the levers which is connected to this coupling rod.

In addition, depending on the installation conditions of the brake servo 7, a direct connection could be used between the connecting rod 72 and the rod this, with reference to the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, in the manner of the example described with reference to figure 6, just as one could provide an indirect link, similar to that described in reference to FIGS. 1 to 5, in an assembly similarly analogous to that which has been described with reference to Figure 6.

Similarly, the device according to the invention could be the subject adaptations to fields of application other than that of brake control of a motor vehicle without going out for as much within the scope of the invention.

Claims (10)

1. Device for the foot-control, by a seated user, of a member- (6) for actuating a system (7), such as a brake-boosting system of a motor vehicle, the said device comprising a pedal (1, 85) arranged facing a seat (3) for the user and articulated about an approximately horizontal first axis (9, 83) perpendicular (16) to a direction joining the pedal (5, 85) to the seat (3), on a support (17) mounted adjustably on a bearing structure (10) also bearing the system (7) and the seat (3) so as to allow the position of the first axis (9, 83) to be adjusted away from the seat (3), and a linkage (44, 45, 54, 70, 72, 76, 92, 97, 100, 109) providing a link between the pedal (1, 85) and the actuating member (6) and articulated about axes (41, 42, 55, 56, 66, 67, 74, 79, 81, 95, 96, 103, 104, 107, 111) parallel to the first axis (9, 83) so as to convert a pivoting of the pedal (1, 85) about the first axis (9, 83) with respect to the support (17) by a correlated movement of the actuating member (6) with respect to the system (7) and by actuation thereof,
   characterized in that the support (17) is mounted on the bearing structure (10) such that it can be adjusted in translation in the said direction (16) so that the first axis (9, 83) can be placed in several positions, in a determined plane (43, 113), between two limit positions that are respectively closest to and furthest from the seat (3), while at the same time remaining perpendicular to the said direction (16), and in that the said linkage (44, 45, 54, 70, 72, 76, 92, 99, 100, 109) comprises:

   a first lever (44, 99) articulated on the bearing structure (10) about a second axis (41, 103) situated in the said plane (43) between the limit position closest to the seat (3) and the latter, parallel to the first axis (9, 83) and having a free end (50, 97),

   a second lever (45, 100) articulated on the bearing structure (10) about a third axis (42, 104) situated in the said plane (43) further from the seat (3) than the limit position furthest from the latter, parallel to the first axis (9, 23) and having a free end (51, 98),

   a straight rod (54, 92) articulated to the free ends (50, 97, 51, 98) of the first and second levers (44, 45, 99, 100) respectively at a fourth axis (55, 95) and a fifth axis (56, 96), the fourth and fifth axes (55, 56, 95, 96) being parallel to the first axis (9, 83) and spaced apart by a distance identical to the distance separating the second and third axes (41, 42, 103, 104) from each other and the distance separating the fourth and second axes (41, 55, 95, 103) from each other being identical to the distance separating the fifth and third axes (42, 56, 96, 104) from each other so that the rod (54, 92) and the first and second levers (44, 45, 99, 100) define a deformable parallelogram with the bearing structure (17),

   a sleeve (57, 90) mounted to slide along the rod (54, 92) and articulated to the pedal (1, 85) about a sixth axis (58, 89) parallel to the first axis (9, 83) and spaced from the latter by a distance equal to the distance separating the fourth and second axes (41, 55, 95, 103) from each other or the fifth and third axes (42, 56, 96, 104) from each other,

   a connecting rod (72, 109) connecting one of the first and second levers (44, 45, 99, 100) to the actuating member (6), articulated to the said lever (44, 100) about a seventh axis (66, 107), parallel to the first axis (9, 83) and offset respectively with respect to the second or third axis (41, 42, 103, 104).
2. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the seventh axis (66, 107) is offset from the fourth and fifth axes (55, 56, 95, 96).
3. Device according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the connecting rod (72) is articulated about the seventh axis (107) on the free end (97, 98) of the first or second lever (99, 100).
4. Device according to either one of Claims 1 and 2, characterized in that the first and second levers (44, 45) are double levers and have a first respective branch (46, 47) articulated, on the one hand, to the bearing structure (17) about the second or third axis (41, 42) respectively, and, on the other hand, to the rod (54) about the fourth or fifth axis (55, 56) respectively, and a second respective branch (60, 61) secured to the respective first branch (46, 47) at the second or third axis (41, 42) and having a free end (64, 65) respectively defining an eighth or ninth axis (66, 67), the eighth and ninth axes (66, 67) being parallel to the first axis (66, 67), spaced apart by a distance identical to that separating the second and third axes (41, 42) from each other and the distance separating the eighth and second axes (41, 66) from each other being the same as the distance separating the ninth and third axes (42, 67) from each other, in that articulated to the free ends (64, 65) of the second branches (60, 61) about the eight and ninth axes (66, 67) is a coupling rod (70) coupling the two levers (44, 45), defining a deformable parallelogram with the second branches (60, 61) of the latter and with the bearing structure (10), and in that the connecting rod (72) is articulated about the seventh axis (66) on the free end (64) of the second branch (60) of one of the first and second levers (44, 45).
5. Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the seventh axis (66) is coincident with the eighth or ninth axis (66, 67) respectively.
6. Device according to either one of Claims 4 and 5, characterized in that the eighth and ninth axes (66, 67) are respectively offset from the fourth and fifth axes (55, 56).
7. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fourth, fifth and sixth axes (55, 56, 58) are arranged above the said plane (43) and in that the pedal (1) has a region (22) on which the user's foot can act, above the sixth axis (58).
8. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the fourth, fifth and sixth axes (89, 95, 96) are arranged under the said plane (113) and in that the pedal (85) has a region (86) on which the user's foot can act, under the sixth axis (89).
9. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the system (7) is a brake boosting system and in that the support (17) also bears, articulated about tenth and eleventh axes parallel to the first axis (9, 83) or coincident therewith, an accelerator pedal (37, 87) and, as appropriate, a clutch pedal (38, 88).
10. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it comprises means (23-36) for remotely adjusting the support (17) in terms of translation with respect to the bearing structure (10).

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