JP2024528826A - Adjustable Pedal Assembly - Google Patents

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 is pivotable about the pivot axis. The shell is movable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position. The pedal further includes a linkage adapted to secure the shell in the first position or the second position relative to the carrier. (FIG. 1)

Description

The present disclosure generally relates to pedal assemblies and systems including same for valve assemblies and other applications. The pedal assembly includes a carrier and a shell.

In automotive applications, it is important for operator comfort and safe operation of the vehicle to be able to adjust the position of the operator's feet relative to the vehicle's control pedals. Current foot-actuated brake pedal designs are based on pedals with a fixed surface with a predetermined pedal angle from the manufacturer. This fixed surface pedal design, combined with an adjustable seat, can result in poor ergonomic posture for the equipment operator.

Currently known adjustable pedals rely on a sliding track system for the suspended pedals found in most automotive applications. These style adjustable pedal assemblies use either an electronic pedal or a cable system for the pedal function. This sliding track system does not accommodate the valve assemblies and floor mounted step-on pedals found on most heavy off-road equipment. Other current solutions require the use of a tool to remove a snap ring over a pin that is moved from one hole to another to adjust the pedal angle.

Furthermore, such commonly known pedals are designed to be installed in a given vehicle to meet the packaging requirements of that particular vehicle. As a result, a separate and distinct pedal assembly is designed for each vehicle, and the pedal assembly cannot be installed in other vehicles.

It is therefore desirable to provide an improved pedal assembly and a system including the same. Additionally, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the following summary and detailed description, as well as the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the foregoing technical field and background.

In one embodiment, 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 is pivotable about the pivot axis. The shell is movable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position. The pedal further includes a linkage adapted to secure the shell in the first position or the second position relative to the carrier.

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 be activated or deactivated in response to the fluid force. The system further includes a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly is operably coupled to the valve assembly and adapted to activate the valve assembly.

In these and other embodiments, the pedal assembly uses two pedal parts (e.g., a carrier and a shell) that share a common pivot point and are rotationally locked together by two pins in a recess in the carrier. The shell can be adjusted by the equipment operator without the need for tools. As an example, the operator can reach around the shell with one hand and then adjust the shell relative to the carrier to actuate a lever to disengage the pawl from the carrier. As another example, the operator can reach around the shell with one hand and then adjust the shell relative to the carrier to depress two spring-loaded push pins to disengage the pins from the recess in the carrier. The pedal assembly can be utilized with hydraulic valve assemblies, pneumatic valve assemblies, brake-by-wire systems, and floor-mounted step-on pedals found on most heavy off-road equipment.

This configuration can provide several important functions in that neither the pawl nor the pin are completely removed from the pedal assembly, thereby avoiding loss of the pawl or pin. The use of nested pedal parts (e.g., carrier and shell) allows the shell to actuate the valve assembly while changing the angle of the shell as needed, without changing the calibration of the pedal assembly. Because both the carrier and shell share the same pivot point, if there is a failure in the linkage (e.g., pawl or pin), the shell can directly drive the carrier and apply full braking.

Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: Other advantages of the disclosed subject matter will therefore be readily appreciated.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of a pedal assembly including a carrier and a shell for a vehicle. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the shell of FIG. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG. FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another non-limiting embodiment of a pedal assembly. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional perspective view of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly of FIG.

Except in the examples, or unless expressly indicated otherwise, all numerical values herein indicating amounts of materials, or conditions of reaction and/or use, should be understood to be modified by the word "about" in describing the broadest scope of the invention. In general, practice within the stated numerical limits is preferred. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, percent, "parts," and ratio values are by weight. The description of a group or class of materials as suitable or preferred for a given purpose related to the present invention implies that mixtures of any two or more members of that group or class are similarly suitable or preferred. The description of components in chemical terms refers to the components upon addition to any combination specified herein and does not necessarily exclude chemical interactions between the components of the mixture once mixed. The first definition of an acronym or other abbreviation applies to all subsequent uses of the same abbreviation herein, and also applies mutatis mutandis to normal grammatical variations of the abbreviation originally defined. Also, unless expressly stated to the contrary, measurements of properties are determined by the same techniques as those previously or subsequently referenced for the same property.

Also, please note that as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to a singular element is intended to include the plural elements.

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.

FIG. 1 shows 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 step-on 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 is pivotable about the pivot axis A. In some embodiments, both the carrier 16 and the shell 18 are pivotable about the pivot axis A such that the pedal 14 is pivotable about the pivot axis A. In other embodiments, the carrier 16 is pivotable about the pivot axis A and the shell 18 is pivotable about another pivot axis (not shown). The pedal 14 is movable 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 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 16. In various embodiments, movement of the pedal 14 between the first and second positions provides adjustability for the angle of the pedal 14, thereby improving the ergonomic positioning of the pedal relative to the physical attributes of the user or the seat position utilized by the user.

2 and 3 show perspective views of a cross section of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The carrier 16 can have a first carrier end 22 and a second carrier end 24 spaced apart from the first carrier end 22. The carrier 16 can have a carrier length extending between the first carrier end 22 and the second carrier end 24. The carrier 16 can have a first carrier side 26 and a second carrier side 28 (see FIG. 4) spaced apart from the first carrier side 26. The carrier 16 can have a carrier width extending between the first carrier side 26 and the second carrier side 28.

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 (see FIG. 1) opposite the first carrier plate portion 32 relative to the carrier base portion 30. The first and second plate portions 32, 34 may extend laterally from the carrier base portion 30 along the first and second carrier sides 26, 28, respectively.

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 to increase the rigidity of the carrier 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the carrier 16 can include three support pins 41 (see also Figures 4 and 5).

2 and 3, the shell 18 can have a first shell end 42 and a second shell end 44 spaced apart from the first shell end 42. The shell 18 can have a shell length extending between the first shell end 42 and the second shell end 44. The shell 18 can have a first shell side 46 and a second shell side 48 spaced apart from the first shell side 46. The shell 18 can have a shell width extending between the first shell side 46 and the second shell side 48.

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 opposing the first shell plate portion 52 relative to the shell base portion 50. The first and second shell plate portions 52, 54 may each extend laterally from the shell base portion 50 along the shell side.

4 and 5 show other perspective views of a non-limiting embodiment 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 shell side 46 and the second shell side 48 of the shell 18. Referring again to FIGS. 1 and 2, the pedal assembly 10 can further include a pivot pin 86 extending through the shell 18, the carrier 16, and the base 12 along the pivot axis A. In certain embodiments, the base 12 includes a pair of mounting arms 88, 90. The mounting arms 88, 90 extend from the base 12 and are adapted to receive the pivot pin 86 for pivotally coupling the pedal 14 to the base 12.

2, the carrier 16 can define a first plane 110 and the shell 18 can define a second plane 112. The first plane 110 and the second plane 112 define a first angle therebetween when the shell 18 is in a first position. The first plane 110 and the second plane 112 define a second angle therebetween when the shell 18 is in a second position. In various embodiments, the first angle is different from the second angle.

FIG. 6 illustrates another perspective view of the non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly 10 of FIG. 1. The shell 18 may further include a tread 62 disposed on the base portion 50 away from the first and second shell plate portions 52, 54. The tread 62 is adapted to be occluded by a user of the pedal assembly 10.

2, in various embodiments, the carrier 16 can further include a number of teeth 94 extending laterally from the carrier base portion 30 along the first carrier end 22. The teeth 94 can be oriented away from the second carrier end 24. Two adjacent teeth 94 can define a valley 96. In some embodiments, the carrier 16 includes five teeth 94 and four valleys 96. However, it should be understood that the carrier 16 can include any number of teeth 94 and can define any number of valleys 96.

With particular reference to Figures 1, 2, and 4, and again with reference to the linkage 20 described above, the linkage 20 can cooperate with the plurality of teeth 94 to secure the shell 18 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 16. In a particular embodiment, the linkage 20 includes a pawl 98 adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth 94 to secure the shell 18 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 16. The pawl 98 can further include a pawl pivot pin 100. The pawl 98 is 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 can further include a contact portion 102 adapted to be received by one of the valleys 96 between two adjacent teeth 94 to secure the shell 18 in a desired position, such as the first or second position, relative to the carrier 16.

The pawl 98 may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the contact portion 102 is received by the valley portion 96 and a disengaged position when the contact portion 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 to bias the pawl 98 toward the engaged position. The pawl 98 may further include a lever 106. The lever 106 is spaced from the contact portion 102 and adapted to be engaged by a user to move the pawl 98 from the engaged position to the disengaged position to move 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 a user applies pressure to the lever 106 toward the shell base portion 50.

With particular reference to FIG. 2, the pedal 14 may further include a spacer 108 disposed between the carrier 16 and the shell 18 to provide 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 spacer 108 includes a biasing member, such as a spring.

3 and 5, in various embodiments, the carrier 16 defines a carrier slot 36. The carrier slot 36 can 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) defined along the second carrier plate portion 34. The first and second carrier slots 38 can be substantially in-line with one another. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as used herein with respect 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 second carrier slot, not shown. The carrier slot 36 can have a length that extends substantially parallel to the carrier length. The carrier slot 36 can have a width perpendicular to the length of the carrier slot 36.

In various embodiments, the shell 18 defines a shell slot 56. The shell slot 56 can 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 defined along the first plate portion 52 and a second shell slot (not shown) defined along the second plate portion 54. The first shell slot 58 and the second shell slot (not shown) can be substantially in-line with one another. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as used herein with respect to the first shell slot 58 and the second shell slot (not shown) means that an imaginary line parallel to the base 12 extends through both the first and second shell slots 58.

In some embodiments, the shell slots 56 and the carrier slots 36 exhibit different pitches such that only a portion of the carrier slots 36 are substantially in-line with the shell slots 56 when the carrier 16 is disposed between the first shell side 46 and the second shell side 48. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as used herein with respect to the shell slots 56 and the carrier slots 36 means that an imaginary line parallel to the base 12 extends through both the shell slots 56 and the carrier slots 36.

In certain embodiments, the carrier slot 36 defines a plurality of recesses (e.g., a first recess 64 and a second recess 66). When the shell 18 is in the first position, the first recess 64 is substantially in-line with the shell slot 56, and when the shell 18 is in the second position, the second recess 66 is substantially in-line with the shell slot 56. In certain embodiments, the phrase "substantially in-line" as used herein with respect 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 through both the shell slot 56 and the carrier slot 36. In various embodiments, the carrier slot 36 defines six recesses. However, it should be understood that the carrier slot 36 can define any number of recesses in addition to the first recess 64 and the second recess 66.

In various embodiments, the second recess 66 of the carrier slot 36 is at least partially blocked from 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 blocked from the shell slot 56 when the pedal 14 is in the second position.

3 and 5, and referring again to the linkage 20 described above, the linkage 20 can cooperate with the carrier slots 36 and the shell slots 56 to secure the shell 18 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 16. In various embodiments, the linkage 20 includes a retractable spring plunger, a spring pin, a screw jack, or an electromechanical actuator. However, it should be understood that any form of linkage that can secure the shell 18 relative to the carrier 16 can be utilized.

In some embodiments, the linkage 20 includes a housing 68 that defines a bore 70 extending between the first housing end 72 and the second housing end 74. The housing 68 can be disposed between the first carrier plate portion 32 and the second carrier plate portion 34. The linkage 20 can further include a plug 76 or 78. The plug 76 or 78 is at least partially disposed within the bore 70 and extends through the first recess 64 or the second recess 66. In some embodiments, the linkage 20 further includes a first plug 76. The first plug 76 is at least partially disposed within the bore 70 of the first housing end 72 and extends through the first recess 64 of the first shell side 46. Similarly, in these and other embodiments, the linkage 20 further includes a second plug 78. The second plug 78 is at least partially disposed within the bore 70 of the second housing end 74 and extends 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 recess 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 a diameter adapted to be received by the recess but larger than the width of the carrier slot 36 such that the first and second plugs 76, 78 cannot engage the carrier slot 36.

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. Similarly, 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 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.

The linkage 20 may further include a spring 84. The spring 84 is disposed in 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 recesses to secure the shell 18 to the carrier 16 in a desired position, such as the first position or the second position. When an adjustment to the pedal 14 is desired (e.g., when the shell 18 is in the first position), the user may apply pressure to the pins 80, 82 against the biasing force of the spring 84 to disengage the first and second plugs 76, 78 from the recesses (e.g., the first recess 64) and allow the linkage 20 to move along the carrier slot 36 and the shell slot 56 to the desired recess (e.g., the second recess 66). The user can then release the first and second plugs 76, 78 when they are aligned with the desired recess (e.g., the second recess 66) so that the first and second plugs 76, 78 engage with the desired recess (e.g., the second recess 66) to secure the shell 18 in the desired position (e.g., the second position).

2 and 3, as well as other embodiments not shown, the base 12 is adapted to couple to a vehicle. The base 12 can 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 the wheel brakes of the vehicle. The carrier 16 can be adapted to operably couple to the valve assembly 92. However, it should be understood that the vehicle can include a brake-by-wire wheel brake having the carrier 16 adapted to operably couple to the brake-by-wire wheel brakes, for example, by a sensor.

Also provided herein is a system for controlling a working unit (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a brake-by-wire system, or a wheel brake) of a vehicle. The system may include a fluid source (e.g., a hydraulic unit, a hydraulic pump, a pneumatic unit, or a pneumatic pump) configured to provide a fluid force. The system may further include a valve assembly 92 in fluid communication with the fluid source. The system may further include a working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly 92 and adapted to be activated or deactivated in response to the fluid force. The system may be included in a pedal assembly 10. The pedal assembly 10 is operably coupled to the valve assembly 92 and adapted to activate the valve assembly 92.

7 shows 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 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 is pivotable about the pivot axis B. In some embodiments, the carrier 216 and the shell 218 are both pivotable about the pivot axis B, such that the pedal 214 is pivotable about the pivot axis B. In other embodiments, the carrier 216 is pivotable about the pivot axis A, and the shell 218 is pivotable about another pivot axis (not shown). The pedal 214 is movable 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 in the first or second position relative to the carrier 216. As described above, in various embodiments, the movement of the pedal 214 between the first and second positions provides adjustability for the angle of the pedal 214, thereby improving the ergonomic positioning of the pedal 214 relative to the physical attributes of the user or the seat position utilized by the user.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a cross section of a non-limiting embodiment of the pedal assembly 210 of FIG. 7. The carrier 216 can have a first carrier end 222 and a second carrier end 224 spaced apart from the first carrier end 222. The carrier 216 can have a carrier length extending between the first carrier end 222 and the second carrier end 224. The carrier 216 can have a first carrier side (not shown) and a second carrier side 228 spaced apart from the first carrier side. The carrier 216 can have a carrier width extending between the first carrier side 228 and the second carrier side 228.

7 and 8, the shell 218 can have a first shell end 242 and a second shell end 244 spaced apart from the first shell end 242. The shell 218 can have a shell length extending between the first shell end 242 and the second shell end 244. The shell 218 can have a first shell side 246 and a second shell side 248 spaced apart from the first shell side 246. The shell 218 can have a shell width extending between the first shell side 246 and the second shell side 248.

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 opposite the first shell plate portion 252 relative to the shell base portion 250. The first and second shell plate portions 252, 254 may each extend laterally from the shell base portion 250 along the shell side.

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 shell side 246 and the second shell side 248 of the shell 218. The pedal assembly 210 can further include a pivot pin 286 extending through the shell 218, the carrier 216, and the base 212 along a pivot axis B. In certain embodiments, the base 212 includes a pair of mounting arms 288, 290 extending therefrom and adapted to receive the pivot pin 286 for pivotally coupling the pedal 214 to the base 212.

The carrier 216 can define a first plane 310. The shell 218 can 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 from the second angle.

The shell 218 may further include a tread 262 disposed on the base portion 250 away from the first and second shell plate portions 252, 254. The tread 262 is adapted to be occluded by a user of the pedal assembly 210.

In various embodiments, the carrier 216 can further include a number of teeth 294 extending laterally from the carrier base portion 230 along the first carrier end 222. The number of teeth 294 can be oriented away from the second carrier end 224. Two adjacent teeth 294 can define a valley 296. In some embodiments, the carrier 216 includes six teeth 294 and five valleys 296. However, it should be understood that the carrier 216 can include any number of teeth 294 and define any number of valleys 296.

Referring again to the linkage 220 described above, the linkage 220 can cooperate with the plurality of teeth 294 to secure the shell 218 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 216. In a particular embodiment, the linkage 220 includes a pawl 298 adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth 294 to secure the shell 218 in a first or second position relative to the carrier 216. The pawl 298 can further include a pawl pivot pin 300. The pawl 298 is 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 can further include a contact portion 302 adapted to be received by one of the valleys 296 between two adjacent teeth 294 to secure the shell 218 in a desired position, such as the first or second position, relative to the carrier 216.

The pawl 298 may be adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the contact portion 302 is received by the valley portion 296 and a disengaged position when the contact portion 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 to bias the pawl 298 toward the engaged position. The pawl 298 may further include a lever 306. The lever 306 is spaced from the contact portion 302 and adapted to be engaged by a user to move the pawl 298 from the engaged position to the disengaged position to move 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 a pressure is applied by a user to the lever 306 toward the shell base portion 250.

In various embodiments, the base 212 is adapted to couple to a 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 operably couple to the valve assembly 292. However, it should be understood that the vehicle may include a brake-by-wire wheel brake having the carrier 216 adapted to operably couple to the brake-by-wire wheel brake, for example, by a sensor.

A system for controlling a working unit (e.g., a hydraulic cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a brake-by-wire system, or a wheel brake) of a vehicle is also provided herein. The system may include a fluid source (e.g., a hydraulic unit, a hydraulic pump, a pneumatic unit, or a pneumatic pump) configured to provide a fluid force. The system may further include a valve assembly 292 in fluid communication with the fluid source. The system may further include a working unit in fluid communication with the valve assembly 292 and adapted to be activated or deactivated in response to the fluid force. The system may further include a pedal assembly 210. The pedal assembly 210 is operably coupled to the valve assembly 292 and adapted to activate the valve assembly 292.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the invention as claimed should not be unduly limited to these specific embodiments. At least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description of the present disclosure, but it should be understood that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be understood that the exemplary embodiment is merely an example, and is in no way intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present invention. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the exemplary embodiments of the present invention. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in the exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present disclosure as set forth in the appended claims.

Additionally, any ranges and subranges relied upon in describing various embodiments of the present invention are understood to be within the scope of the appended claims, both individually and collectively, and to describe and contemplate all ranges including whole and/or fractional values therein, even if such values are not expressly set forth herein. Those skilled in the art will readily recognize that the recited ranges and subranges fully describe and enable various embodiments of the present invention. Such ranges and subranges may be further delineated into related halves, thirds, quarters, fifths, and the like. As merely an example, the range "0.1 to 0.9" may be further delineated into a lower third range, i.e., 0.1 to 0.3, a middle third range, i.e., 0.4 to 0.6, and an upper third range, i.e., 0.7 to 0.9. These ranges, individually and collectively, are within the scope of the appended claims and may be relied upon individually and/or collectively to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Furthermore, with respect to language defining or modifying 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 upper or lower limits. As another example, the range "at least 10" essentially includes subranges of at least 10 to 35, at least 10 to 25, 25 to 35, and the like, each of which may be relied upon individually and/or collectively to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. Finally, individual numbers within the disclosed ranges may be relied upon to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims. For example, the range "1 to 9" includes various individual integers, such as 3, as well as individual numbers including decimal points (or fractions), such as 4.1, which may be relied upon to provide appropriate support for particular embodiments within the scope of the appended claims.

The present invention has been described herein in an illustrative manner. It is to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be in the nature of words of description rather than for purposes of limitation. Many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. The invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described within the scope of the appended claims. The subject matter of the independent claims and all combinations of dependent claims, both single dependent and multiple dependent, is expressly contemplated herein.

The present invention is not limited to any particular end use, use, or industry, however, vehicles often rely on pedal assemblies to actuate valve assemblies to provide fluid to working units such as wheel brakes. The pedal assemblies provide adjustability for the pedal angle to improve ergonomics.

Claims (20)

1. A pedal assembly for a vehicle, the pedal assembly comprising:
a base defining a pivot axis;
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 about the pivot axis, the shell movable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position;
The pedal assembly includes a linkage adapted to secure the shell in a first position or a second position relative to the carrier. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the carrier includes a plurality of teeth, and two of the plurality of teeth that are adjacent to each other define a valley therebetween. The pedal assembly of claim 2, wherein the linkage includes a pawl adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth to secure the shell in a first or second position relative to the carrier. The pedal assembly of claim 3, wherein the pawl includes a pawl pivot pin, and the pawl is connected to the shell by the pawl pivot pin. The pedal assembly of claim 4, wherein the pawl is adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the pawl is received by the valley and a disengaged position when the pawl is spaced from the plurality of teeth. The pedal assembly of claim 5, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed about the pawl pivot pin to bias the pawl toward the engaged position. The pedal assembly of claim 5, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed between the pawl and the shell to bias the pawl toward the engaged position. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the linkage comprises a retractable spring plunger, a spring pin, a screw jack, or an electromechanical actuator. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein both the carrier and the shell are pivotable about the pivot axis. The pedal assembly of claim 1, further comprising a pivot pin extending through the shell, the carrier, and the base along the pivot axis. 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 a first position, and the first plane and the second plane define a second angle therebetween when the pedal is in a second position, the first angle being different from the second angle. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is adapted to couple to the vehicle. The pedal assembly of claim 1, wherein the vehicle includes a valve assembly, and the carrier is adapted to operably couple to the valve assembly. 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 be actuated or deactuated in response to the fluid force;
a pedal assembly operably coupled to the valve assembly and adapted to actuate the valve assembly, the pedal assembly comprising:
a base defining a pivot axis;
a carrier connected to the base and rotatable about the pivot axis;
a pedal coupled to the carrier and movable relative to the carrier between a first position and a second position;
a linkage adapted to fix the pedal in a first position or a second position relative to the carrier. The system of claim 14, wherein the carrier comprises a plurality of teeth, and two of the plurality of teeth that are adjacent to each other define a valley therebetween. The system of claim 15, wherein the linkage includes a pawl adapted to cooperate with the plurality of teeth to secure the shell in a first or second position relative to the carrier. The system of claim 16, wherein the claw comprises a claw pivot pin, and the claw is coupled to the shell by the claw pivot pin. The system of claim 17, wherein the pawl is adapted to pivot between an engaged position when the pawl is received by the valley and a disengaged position when the pawl is spaced from the plurality of teeth. The system of claim 18, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed about the pawl pivot pin to bias the pawl toward the engaged position. The system of claim 18, wherein the pawl further comprises a pawl spring disposed between the pawl and the shell to bias the pawl toward the engaged position.

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