EP4377762A1

EP4377762A1 - Adjustable pedal assembly

Info

Publication number: EP4377762A1
Application number: EP22754533.2A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Peter Backes; Michael PRAHL
Original assignee: Zf Off Highway Solutions Minnesota Inc
Current assignee: Zf Off Highway Solutions Minnesota Inc
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2022-07-27
Publication date: 2024-06-05
Also published as: CN117280296A; JP2024528826A; WO2023007389A1

Abstract

A pedal assembly for a vehicle is provided. The pedal assembly includes a base defining a pivot axis. The pedal assembly further includes a pedal coupled to the base. The pedal includes a carrier and a shell coupled to the carrier. The carrier is coupled to the base and pivotable relative to the pivot axis. The shell is moveable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position. The pedal further includes a linkage adapted to secure the shell relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position.

Description

ADJUST ABLE PEDAL ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a pedal assembly including a carrier and a shell, and systems including the same, for valve assemblies and other applications. BACKGROUND [0002] In a motor vehicle, it is important for the comfort of the operator, and for safe operation of the vehicle, to be able to adjust the position of the operator's feet relative to the control pedals of the vehicle. Current treadle style brake pedal designs are based on a pedal with a fixed face that has a predetermined pedal angle from the manufacturer. This fixed face pedal design in conjunction with adjustable seating can lead to poor ergonomic position for the equipment operator. [0003] Current known adjustable pedals rely upon a sliding track system for a hanging style pedal found in most automotive applications. These style adjustable pedal assemblies use either electronic pedals or cable systems for functions of the pedals. This sliding track system does not accommodate hydraulic valve assemblies and treadle sty le pedals mounted to the floor found in most heavy off-road equipments. Other current solution requires the use of tools to remove snap rings on a pin that is moved from one hole to another to adjust pedal angle. [0004] Further, such commonly known pedals are designed for installation in a predetermined vehicle to satisfy the packaging requirements of that particular vehicle. Consequently, a separate and distinct pedal assembly is designed for each vehicle without the pedal assembly being mountable in any other vehicle. [0005] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an improved pedal assembly and a system including the same. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent summary and detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the foregoing technical field and background. BRIEF SUMMARY [0006] In one embodiment, a pedal assembly for a vehicle is provided. The pedal assembly includes a base derming a pivot axis. The pedal assembly further includes a pedal coupled to the base. The pedal includes a carrier and a shell coupled to the carrier. The carrier is coupled to the base and pivotable relative to the pivot axis. The shell is moveable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position. The pedal further includes a linkage adapted to secure the shell relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position. [0007] In another embodiment, a system for controlling a working unit of a vehicle is provided. The system includes a fluid source configured to provide a fluid force. The system further includes a valve assembly in fluid communication with the fluid source. The system further includes a working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly and adapted to activate or deactivate in response to the fluid force. The system further includes the pedal assembly operatively coupled to the valve assembly and adapted to actuate the valve assembly. [0008] In these and other embodiments, the pedal assembly uses two pedal portions (e.g. the carrier and the shell) sharing a common pivot point and locked together in respect to rotation by two pins in a recess of the carrier. The shell can be adjusted by the equipment operator without the need for tools. As one example, an operator can actuate a lever to disengage a pawl from the carrier by reaching around the shell with one hand and then adjusting the shell relative to the carrier. As another example, an operator can depress two spring loaded push pins to disengage the pin from a recess in the carrier by reaching around the shell with one hand and then adjusting the shell relative to the carrier. The pedal assembly may be utilized with hydraulic valve assemblies, pneumatic valve assemblies, brake-by-wire systems, and treadle style pedals mounted to the floor found in most heavy off road equipment. [0009] This arrangement can provide several key functions in that neither the pawl or the pin is fully removed from the pedal assembly thereby avoiding loss of the pawl or the pin. The use of nested pedal portions ( e.g. the carrier and the shell) allows the shell to actuate the valve assembly without changing calibration of the pedal assembly while the angle of the shell can be altered as needed. With both the carrier and shell sharing the same pivot point, if there is a failure of the linkage (e.g. the pawl or the pin), the shell will drive the carrier directly allowing full brake application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING(S) [0010] Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be readily appreciated, as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings wherein: [0011] FIG.1 illustrates a perspective view ofa non-limiting embodiment of a pedal assembly including a carrier and a shell for a vehicle; [0012] FIG.2 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG.1; [0013] FIG.3 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG.1; [0014] FIG.4 illustrates another perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the shell of FIG.1; [0015] FIG. 5 illustrates another perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG.1; [0016] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly ofFIG.1; [0017] FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly; and [0018] FIG. 8 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG. 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION [0019] Except in the examples, or where otherwise expressly indicated, all numerical quantities in this description indicating amounts of material or conditions ofreaction and/or use are to be understood as modified by the word "about" in describing the broadest scope of the invention. Practice within the numerical limits stated is generally preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary: percent, "parts of," and ratio values are by weight; the description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose in connection with the invention implies that mixtures of any two or more of the members of the group or class are equally suitable or preferred; description of constituents in chemical terms refers to the constituents at the time of addition to any combination specified in the description, and does not necessarily preclude chemical interactions among the constituents of a mixture once mixed; the first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses herein of the same abbreviation and applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammatical variations of the initially defined abbreviation; and, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurement of a property is determined by the same technique as previously or later referenced for the same property. [0020] It must also be noted that, as used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular form "a," "an," and ''the" comprise plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. For example, reference to a component in the singular is intended to comprise a plurality of components. [0021] The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the invention or the application and uses of the invention. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description. [0022] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a pedal assembly 10 for a vehicle. In various embodiments, the pedal assembly 10 is further defined as a treadle style pedal assembly. The pedal assembly 10 includes a base 12. The base 12 defines a pivot axis A. The pedal assembly 10 further includes a pedal 14 coupled to the base 12. The pedal 14 includes a carrier 16 and a shell 18 coupled to the carrier 16. The carrier 16 is coupled to the base 12 and pivotable relative to the pivot axis A. In some embodiments, the carrier 16 and the shell 18 are both pivotable relative to the pivot axis A such that the pedal 14 is pivotable relative to the pivot axis A. In other embodiments, the carrier 16 is pivotable relative to the pivot axis A and the shell 18 is pivotable relative to another pivot axis (not shown). The pedal 14 is moveable relative to the carrier 16 between a first position and a second position. The pedal 14 further includes a linkage 20 adapted to secure the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 in the first position or the second position. In various embodiments, the movement of the pedal 14 between the first position and the second position provides adjustability to the angle of the pedal 14 thereby improving ergonomic positioning of the pedal relative to a user's physical attributes or a position of a seat that is being utilized by the user. [0023] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrates cross-sectional perspective view of non-limiting embodiments of the pedal assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The carrier 16 may have a first carrier end 22 and a second carrier end 24 spaced from the first carrier end 22. The carrier 16 may have a carrier length extending between the first carrier end 22 and the second carrier end 24. The carrier 16 may have a first carrier side 26 and a second carrier side 28 ( cf. FIG. 4) spaced from the first carrier side 26. The carrier 16 may have a carrier width extending between the first carrier side 26 and the second carrier side 28. [0024] The carrier 16 may include a carrier base portion 30 extending between the first carrier end 22 and the second carrier end 24 and between the first carrier side 26 and the second carrier side 28. The carrier 16 may further include a first carrier plate portion 32 and a second carrier plate portion 34 (cf.FIG.1) opposed to the first carrier plate portion 32 relative to the base portion 30. The first and second plate portions 32, 34 may extend transversely from the carrier base portion 30 along the first and second carrier sides 26, 28, respectively. [0025] In some embodiments, the carrier 16 further includes at least one support pin 41 extending between the first carrier plate portion 32 and the second carrier plate portion 34 for increasing rigidity of the carrier 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 16 may include three support pins 41 (see also FIGS.4 and 5). [0026] With continuing reference to FIGS.2 and 3, the shell 18 may have a first shell end 42 and a second shell end 44 spaced from the first shell end 42. The shell 18 may have a shell length extending between the first shell end 42 and the second shell end 44. The shell 18 may have a first shell side 46 and a second shell side 48 spaced from the first shell side 46. The shell 18 may have a shell width extending between the first shell side 46 and the second shell side 48. [0027] The shell 18 may include a shell base portion 50 extending between the first shell end 42 and the second shell end 44 and between the first shell side 46 and the second shell side 48. The shell 18 may further include a first shell plate portion 52 and a second shell plate portion 54 opposed to the first shell plate portion 52 relative to the shell base portion 50. The first and second shell plate portions 52, 54 may extend transversely from the shell base portion 50 along the shell side portions, respectively. [0028] FIGS.4 and 5 illustrate other perspective views ofnon-limiting embodiments of the pedal assembly 10 of FIG.1. In various embodiments, the shell width is greater than the carrier width such that the carrier 16 can be received by the shell 18 between the first and second shell sides 46, 48 of the shell 18. With reference back to FIGS. 1 and 2, pedal assembly 10 may further include a pivot pin 86 extending along the pivot axis A through the shell 18, the carrier 16, and the base 12. In certain embodiments, the base 12 includes a pair of mounting arms 88, 90 extending from the base 12 and adapted to receive the pivot pin 86 for pivotably coupling the pedal 14 to the base 12. [0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the carrier 16 may define a first plane 110 and the shell 18 may define a second plane 112. The first plane 110 and the second plane 112 define a first angle there between when the shell 18 is in the first position. The first plane 110 and the second plane 112 define a second angle therebetween when the shell 18 is in the second position. In various embodiments, the first angle is different than the second angle. [0030] FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The shell 18 may further include a treaded surface 62 disposed on the base portion 50 facing away from the first and second shell plate portions 52, 54. The treaded surface 62 is adapted to be engaged by the user of the pedal assembly 10. [0031] With particular reference to FIG. 2, in various embodiments, the carrier 16 may further include a plurality of teeth 94 extending transversely from the carrier base portion 30 along the frrst carrier end 22. The plurality of teeth 94 may face away from the second carrier end 24. Two teeth 94 that are adjacent to each other may define a trough 96. In some embodiments, the carrier 16 includes five teeth 94 and four troughs 96. However, it is to be appreciated that the carrier 16 may include any number of teeth 94 and may define any number of troughs 96. [0032] With particular reference to FIGS.1, 2, and 4, referring back to the linkage 20 introduced above, the linkage 20 may cooperate with the plurality of teeth 94 for securing the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 in the first position or the second position. In certain embodiments, the linkage 20 includes a pawl 98 adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth 94 to secure the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16. The pawl 98 may further include a pawl pivot pin 100 with the pawl 98 coupled to the first and second shell plate portions 52, 54 adjacent the first shell end 42 by the pawl pivot pin 100. The pawl 98 may further include a contact 102 adapted to be received by one of the troughs 96 between two adjacent teeth 94 to secure the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 in the desired position, such as the first position or the second position. [0033] The pawl 98 may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the contact 102 is received by the trough 96 and a disengaged position when the contact 102 is spaced from the plurality of teeth 94. The pawl 98 may further include a pawl spring 104 disposed about the pawl pivot pin 100 for biasing the pawl 98 toward the engaged position. The pawl 98 may further include a lever 106 spaced from the contact 102 that is adapted to be engaged by a user to move the pawl 98 from the engaged position to the disengaged position for moving the carrier 16 between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the lever 106 is adapted to move toward the shell base portion 50 to move the pawl 98 toward the disengaged position when pressure is applied by a user to the lever 106 toward the shell base portion 50. [0034] With particular reference to FIG. 2, the pedal 14 may further include a spacer 108 disposed between the carrier 16 and the shell 18 for providing rigidity to the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16. The spacer 108 may be adjacent the second shell end 44. In some embodiments, the space 108 includes a biasing member, such as a spring. [0035] Moving on with particular reference to FIGS.3 and 5, in various embodiments, the carrier 16 defines a carrier slot 36. The carrier slot 36 may be defined along at least one of the first and second carrier plate portions 32, 34. In some embodiments, the carrier slot 36 includes a first carrier slot 38 defined along the first carrier plate portion 32 and a second carrier slot (not shown) defmed along the second carrier plate portion 34. The first and second carrier slots 38 may be substantially in-line with each other. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as utilized herein with regard to the first and second carrier slots 38 means that an imaginary line parallel to the carrier base portion 30 extends through both the first carrier slot 38 and the unshown second carrier slot. The carrier slot 36 may have a length extending substantially parallel to the carrier length. The carrier slot 36 may have a width perpendicular to the length of the carrier slot 36. [0036] In various embodiments, the shell 18 defmes a shell slot 56. The shell slot 56 may be defined along at least one of the first and second shell plate portions 52, 54. In some embodiments, the shell slot 56 includes a first shell slot 58 defmed along the first plate portion 52 and a second shell slot (not shown) defmed along the second plate portion 54. The first shell slot 58 and the unshown second shell slot may be substantially in-line with each other. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as utilized herein with regard to the first shell slot 58 and the unshown second shell slot means that an imaginary line parallel to the base 12 extends through both the first and second shell slots 58. [0037] In some embodiments, when the carrier 16 is disposed between the first and second shell sides 46, 48, the shell slot 56 and the carrier slot 36 exhibit different pitches such that only a portion of the carrier slot 36 is substantially in-line with the shell slot 56. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as utilized herein with regard to the shell slot 56 and the carrier slot 36 means that an imaginary line parallel to the base 12 extends through both the shell slot 56 and the carrier slot 36. [0038] In certain embodiments, the carrier slot 36 defines a plurality of recesses (e.g., a first recess 64 and a second recess 66). The first recess 64 is substantially in-line with the shell slot 56 when the shell 18 is in the first position and the second recess 66 is substantially in-line with the shell slot 56 when the shell 18 is in the second position. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as utilized herein with regard to the first recess 64, the second recess 66, and the shell slot 56 means that an imaginary line parallel to the base 12 extends through one of the first recess 64 and the second recess 66, and both the shell slot 56 and the carrier slot 36. In various embodiments, the carrier slot 36 defines six recesses. However, it is to be appreciated that the carrier slot 36 can define any number of recesses in addition to the first recess 64 and the second recess 66. [0039] In various embodiments, the second recess 66 of the carrier slot 36 is at least partially obstructed relative to the shell slot 56 when the pedal 14 is in the first position and the first recess 64 of the carrier slot 36 is at least partially obstructed relative to the shell slot 56 when the pedal 14 is in the second position. [0040] With continuing reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, referring back to the linkage 20 introduced above, the linkage 20 may cooperate with the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56 for securing the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 in the first position or the second position. In various embodiments, the linkage 20 includes a retractable spring plunger, a spring pin, a screw jack, an electro-mechanic actuator. However, it is to be appreciated that any form of linkage capable of securing the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 can be utilized. [0041] In some embodiments, the linkage 20 includes a housing 68 defining a bore 70 extending between a first housing end 72 and a second housing end 74. The housing 68 may be disposed between the first and second carrier plate portions 32, 34. The linkage 20 may further include a plug 76 or 78 at least partially disposed within the bore 70 and extending through the first recess 64 or the second recess 66. In some embodiments, the linkage 20 further includes a first plug 76 at least partially disposed within the bore 70 at the first housing end 72 and extending through the first recess 64 of the first shell side 46. Likewise, in these and other embodiments, the linkage 20 further includes a second plug 78 at least partially disposed within the bore 70 at the second housing end 74 and extending through the first recess 64 of the carrier slot 36 to the second shell side 48. In certain embodiments, the first and second plugs 76, 78 are adapted to be received by the recesses, but not move along the carrier slot 36 due to dimensional characteristics of the first and second plugs 76, 78. For example, the first and second plugs 76, 78 have diameters that are adapted to be received by the recesses, but are greater than the width of the carrier slot 36 such that the first and second plugs 76, 78 cannot engage the carrier slot 36. [0042] In certain embodiments, the linkage 20 further includes a first pin 80 coupled to the first plug 76 and extending through the first shell slot 56. Likewise, the linkage 20 further includes a second pin 82 coupled to the second plug 78 and extending through the second shell slot 56. In certain embodiments, the first and second pins 80, 82 are adapted to be received by both the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56. In some exemplary embodiments, the first and second pins 80, 82 have diameters that are adapted to be received by both the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56 such that the first and second pins 80, 82 can move along both the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56. [0043] The linkage 20 may further include a spring 84 disposed within the bore 70 between the first and second plugs 76, 78 to bias the first and second plugs 76, 78 against the first and second shell sides 46, 48, respectively, when the first and second plugs 76, 78 are received by the recess for securing the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 in the desired position, such as the first position or the second position. If an adjustment to the pedal 14 is desired ( e.g., when the shell 18 is in the first position), the user can apply pressure to the pins 80, 82 against the bias of the spring 84 to disengage the first and second plugs 76, 78 from the recess (e.g., the first recess 64) such that the linkage 20 can move along the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56 to the desired recess (e.g., the second recess 66). The user may then release the first and second plugs 76, 78 when the first and second plugs 76, 78 are aligned with the desired recess ( e.g., the second recess 66) such that the first and second plugs 76, 78 engage the desired recess (e.g., the second recess 66) to secure the shell 18 in the desired position (e.g., the second position). [0044] Referring back to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, and other embodiments not shown, the base 12 is adapted to couple to the vehicle. The base 12 may be coupled to the vehicle in any manner known in the art. In these and other embodiments, the vehicle includes a valve assembly 92 in fluid communication with a wheel brake of the vehicle. The carrier 16 may be adapted to operatively couple to the valve assembly 92. However, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle may include a brake-by-wire wheel brake with the carrier 16 adapted to be operatively coupled to the brake-by-wire wheel brake by, for example, a sensor. [0045] A system for controlling a working unit (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, brake-by-wire system, or wheel brake) of the vehicle is also provided herein. The system may include fluid source ( e.g., hydraulic pressure unit, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pressure unit, or pneumatic pump) configured to provide a fluid force. The system may further include the valve assembly 92 in fluid communication with the fluid source. The system may further include the working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly 92 and adapted to activate or deactivate in response to the fluid force. The system may further include the pedal assembly 10 operatively coupled to the valve assembly 92 and adapted to actuate the valve assembly 92. [0046] Moving on, FIG. 7 illustrates a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a pedal assembly 210 for a vehicle. In various embodiments, the pedal assembly 210 is further defined as a suspended style pedal assembly. The pedal assembly 210 includes a base 212. The base 212 defines a pivot axis B. The pedal assembly 210 further includes a pedal 214 coupled to the base 212. The pedal 214 includes a carrier 216 and a shell 218 coupled to the carrier 216. The carrier 216 is coupled to the base 212 and pivotable relative to the pivot axis B. In some embodiments, the carrier 216 and the shell 218 are both pivotable relative to the pivot axis B such that the pedal 214 is pivotable relative to the pivot axis B. In other embodiments, the carrier 216 is pivotable relative to the pivot axis A and the shell 218 is pivotable relative to another pivot axis (not shown). The pedal 214 is moveable relative to the carrier 216 between a first position and a second position. The pedal 214 further includes a linkage 220 adapted to secure the shell 218 relative to the carrier 216 in the first position or the second position. As described above, in various embodiments, the movement of the pedal 214 between the first position and the second position provides adjustability to the angle of the pedal 214 thereby improving ergonomic positioning of the pedal 214 relative to a user's physical attributes or a position of a seat that is being utilized by the user. [0047] FIG.8 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly 210 of FIG. 7. The carrier 216 may have a first carrier end 222 and a second carrier end 224 spaced from the first carrier end 222. The carrier 216 may have a carrier length extending between the first carrier end 222 and the second carrier end 224. The carrier 216 may have a first carrier side (not shown) and a second carrier side 228 spaced from the first carrier side. The carrier 216 may have a carrier width extending between the first carrier side and the second carrier side 228. [0048] With continuing reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, the shell 218 may have a first shell end 242 and a second shell end 244 spaced from the first shell end 242. The shell 218 may have a shell length extending between the first shell end 242 and the second shell end 244. The shell 218 may have a first shell side 246 and a second shell side 248 spaced from the first shell side 246. The shell 218 may have a shell width extending between the first shell side 246 and the second shell side 248. [0049] The shell 218 may include a shell base portion 250 extending between the first shell end 242 and the second shell end 244 and between the first shell side 246 and the second shell side 248. The shell 218 may further include a first shell plate portion 252 and a second shell plate portion 254 opposed to the first shell plate portion 252 relative to the shell base portion 250. The first and second shell plate portions 252,254 may extend transversely from the shell base portion 250 along the shell side portions, respectively. [0050] In various embodiments, the shell width is greater than the carrier width such that the carrier 216 can be received by the shell 218 between the first and second shell sides 246,248 of the shell 218. The pedal assembly 210 may further include a pivot pin 286 extending along the pivot axis B through the shell 218, the carrier 216, and the base 212. In certain embodiments, the base 212 includes a pair of mounting arms 288, 290 extending from the base 212 and adapted to receive the pivot pin 286 for pivotably coupling the pedal 214 to the base 212. [0051] The carrier 216 may define a first plane 310 and the shell 218 may define a second plane 312. The first plane 310 and the second plane 312 define a first angle therebetween when the shell 218 is in the first position. The first plane 310 and the second plane 312 define a second angle therebetween when the shell 218 is in the second position. In various embodiments, the first angle is different than the second angle. [0052] The shell 218 may further include a treaded surface 262 disposed on the base portion 250 facing away from the first and second shell plate portions 252, 254. The treaded surface 262 is adapted to be engaged by the user of the pedal assembly 210. [0053] In various embodiments, the carrier 216 may further include a plurality of teeth 294 extending transversely from the carrier base portion 230 along the first carrier end 222. The plurality of teeth 294 may face away from the second carrier end 224. Two teeth 294 that are adjacent to each other may define a trough 296. In some embodiments, the carrier 216 includes six teeth 294 and five troughs 296. However, it is to be appreciated that the carrier 216 may include any number of teeth 294 and may define any number of troughs 296. [0054] Referring back to the linkage 220 introduced above, the linkage 220 may cooperate with the plurality of teeth 294 for securing the shell 218 relative to the carrier 216 in the first position or the second position. In certain embodiments, the linkage 220 includes a pawl 298 adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth 294 to secure the shell 218 relative to the carrier 216. The pawl 298 may further include a pawl pivot pin 300 with the pawl 298 coupled to the first and second shell plate portions 252, 254 between the first shell end 242 and the second shell end 244 by the pawl pivot pin 300. The pawl 298 may further include a contact 302 adapted to be received by one of the troughs 296 between two adjacent teeth 294 to secure the shell 218 relative to the carrier 216 in the desired position, such as the first position or the second position. [0055] The pawl 298 may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the contact 302 is received by the trough 296 and a disengaged position when the contact 302 is spaced from the plurality of teeth 294. The pawl 298 may further include a pawl spring 304 disposed between the pawl 298 and the shell base portion 250 for biasing the pawl 298 toward the engaged position. The pawl 298 may further include a lever 306 spaced from the contact 302 that is adapted to be engaged by a user to move the pawl 298 from the engaged position to the disengaged position for moving the carrier 216 between the first position and the second position. In some embodiments, the lever 306 is adapted to move toward the shell base portion 250 to move the pawl 298 toward the disengaged position when pressure is applied by a user to the lever 306 toward the shell base portion 250. [0056] In various embodiments, the base 212 is adapted to couple to the vehicle. The base 212 may be coupled to the vehicle in any manner known in the art. In these and other embodiments, the vehicle includes a valve assembly 292 in fluid communication with a wheel brake of the vehicle. The carrier 216 may be adapted to operatively couple to the valve assembly 292. However, it is to be appreciated that the vehicle may include a brake-by-wire wheel brake with the carrier 216 adapted to be operatively coupled to the brake-by-wire wheel brake by, for example, a sensor. [0057] A system for controlling a working unit (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, pneumatic cylinder, brake-by-wire system, or wheel brake) of the vehicle is also provided herein. The system may include fluid source ( e.g., hydraulic pressure unit, hydraulic pump, pneumatic pressure unit, or pneumatic pump) configured to provide a fluid force. The system may further include the valve assembly 292 in fluid communication with the fluid source. The system may further include the working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly 292 and adapted to activate or deactivate in response to the fluid force. The system may further include the pedal assembly 210 operatively coupled to the valve assembly 292 and adapted to actuate the valve assembly 292. [0058] Although the invention has been described in connection with specific preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to these specific embodiments. While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the disclosure, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the invention in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment of the invention. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the appended claims. [0059] Further, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention independently and collectively fall within the scope of the appended claims, and are understood to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly written herein. One of skill in the art readily recognizes that the enumerated ranges and subranges sufficiently describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention, and such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into relevant halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and so on. As just one example, a range "of from 0.1 to 0.9" may be further delineated into a lower third, i.e., from 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third, i.e., from 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third, i.e., from 0.7 to 0.9, which individually and collectively are within the scope of the appended claims, and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. In addition, with respect to the language which defines or modifies a range, such as "at least," "greater than," "less than," "no more than," and the like, it is to be understood that such language includes subranges and/or an upper or lower limit. As another example, a range of "at least 10" inherently includes a subrange of from at least 10 to 35, a subrange of from at least 10 to 25, a subrange of from 25 to 35, and so on, and each subrange may be relied upon individually and/or collectively and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, an individual number within a disclosed range may be relied upon and provides adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, a range "of from 1 to 9" includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including a decimal point ( or fraction), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon and provide adequate support for specific embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. [0060] The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology which has been used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The present invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims The subject matter of all combinations of independent and dependent claims, both single and multiple dependent, is herein expressly contemplated. INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY [0061] While the present invention is not limited to a particular end application, use or industry, vehicles often rely on pedal assemblies for actuating valve assemblies to provide fluid to working units, such as wheel brakes. The pedal assembly provides adjustability to the angle of the pedal to improve ergonomics.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A pedal assembly for a vehicle, the pedal assembly comprising: a base defining a pivot axis; and a pedal coupled to the base, the pedal comprising; a carrier and a shell coupled to the carrier, the carrier coupled to the base and pivotable relative to the pivot axis, and the shell moveable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position; and a linkage adapted to secure the shell relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position.

2. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier comprises a plurality of teeth and wherein two of the plurality of teeth that are adjacent to each other define a trough there between.

3. The pedal assembly of claim 2, wherein the linkage comprises a pawl adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth for securing the shell relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position.

4. The pedal assembly of claim 3, wherein the pawl comprises a pawl pivot pin with the pawl coupled to the shell by the pawl pivot pin.

5. The pedal assembly of claim 4, wherein the pawl is adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the pawl is received by the trough and a disengaged position when the pawl is spaced from the plurality of teeth.

6. The pedal assembly of claim 5, wherein pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed about the pawl pivot pin for biasing the pawl toward the engaged position.

7. The pedal assembly of claim 5, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed between the pawl and the shell for biasing the pawl toward the engaged position.

8. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises a retractable spring plunger, a spring pin, a screw jack, or an electro-mechanic actuator.

9. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier and the shell are both pivotable relative to the pivot axis.

10. The pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pivot pin extending along the pivot axis through the shell, the carrier, and the base.

11. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier defines a first plane and the pedal defines a second plane, the first plane and the second plane define a first angle therebetween when the shell is in the first position, the first plane and the second plane define a second angle therebetween when the pedal is in the second position, and the first angle is different than the second angle.

12. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is adapted to couple to the vehicle.

13. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle comprises a valve assembly and wherein the carrier is adapted to operatively couple to the valve assembly.

14. A system for controlling a working unit of a vehicle, the system comprising: a fluid source configured to provide a fluid force; a valve assembly in fluid communication with the fluid source; a working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly and adapted to activate or deactivate in response to the fluid force; a pedal assembly operatively coupled to the valve assembly and adapted to actuate the valve assembly, the pedal assembly comprising; a base defining a pivot axis, a carrier coupled to the base and pivotable relative to the pivot axis, a pedal coupled to the carrier and moveable relative to the carrier between a frrst position and a second position, and a linkage adapted to secure the pedal relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the carrier comprises a plurality of teeth and wherein two of the plurality of teeth that are adjacent to each other define a trough therebetween.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the linkage comprises a pawl adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth for securing the shell relative to the carrier in the first position or the second position.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein the pawl comprises a pawl pivot pin with the pawl coupled to the shell by the pawl pivot pin.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the pawl is adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the pawl is received by the trough and a disengaged position when the pawl is spaced from the plurality of teeth.

19. The system of claim 18, wherein pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed about the pawl pivot pin for biasing the pawl toward the engaged position.

20. The system of claim 18, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed between the pawl and the shell for biasing the pawl toward the engaged position.