MXPA99009684A - Assembly for a regula pedal - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedal assembly comprising: a support adapted to be mounted on a vehicle structure, a pedal arm extending downwardly from said support towards a distal end to support a pedal bearing, and a mechanism of support interconnecting said pedal arm and said support to allow the rotary movement of said pedal arm in a relative operating plane with said support during normal operation and to guide said pedal arm out of said operating plane in response to a predetermined force between said pedal arm and said support, characterized in that said support mechanism includes a fastener for rotatably connecting said pedal arm to said support on a pivot axis, wherein said fastener has a fixed first end to said support and a second end moving with respect to said support between a first position where said pedal arm is located in said operating plane, and a second position where said pedal arm moves out of said operating plane, said second end of said fastener moves from said first position to said second position in response to said predetermined force between said arm of said pedal. pedal and said stupor

Description

ASSEMBLY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ADJUSTABLE PEDAL TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a support mechanism used in a vehicle pedal assembly. Specifically, the support mechanism is capable of withstanding the normal load of the vehicle under normal operating conditions of the vehicle, but is designed to include a built-in initial failure mode to control the movement of the pedal assembly components when the vehicle enters the vehicle. in collision. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Pedal assemblies are used in vehicles to control the movement of the vehicle. For example, the driver of a vehicle applies force to the brake pedal to move the pedal from a rest position to a position of use. In the position of use, the brake pedal operates a vehicle braking system, which slows down or stops the vehicle. Said pedal assemblies frequently include a regulating device that allows to move the position of a pedal arm and / or a pedal shoe with respect to the driver. This allows to accommodate the pedal assembly to the different height of the conductors. Thus, the regulation apparatus allows the pedal assembly to be approximated to the driver when the driver is low and allows to alloy the driver's pedal assembly when the driver is high. The pedal assembly must be able to withstand the normal pedal forces that occur during normal operation of the vehicle. The pedal assembly is connected to the vehicle by means of a support mechanism. The pedal arm is usually pivotally mounted on said support mechanism to allow pivotal movement of the pedal arm between the rest and use positions. When the driver presses the pedal shoe hard, as when the driver tries to avoid collision with another vehicle or some other object, the great force exerted on the pedal shoe is transferred to the support mechanism. In known pedal assemblies, when the vehicle collides, the driver typically treads the pedal foot in an attempt to stop the vehicle and avoid collision. But if the vehicle actually collides with another object, great force is exerted against the driver by the pedal assembly. In other words, the driver is exerting a force on the pedal from one direction while a collision force is being exerted on the pedal assembly from an opposite direction. Ordinarily, the collision force is greater than the force exerted by the driver on the pedal shoe. This can result in the pedal assembly being pushed up towards the driver causing the various pedal components to contact and possibly injure the driver. This is especially important with pedal assemblies that include a regulating device because there are more pedal components that can potentially injure the driver. Thus, it is desirable to have a pedal assembly with a support mechanism that allows the pedal to pivot between the rest and use positions during normal operation of the vehicle, but which is designed to move the pedal assembly away from the driver of the vehicle when the vehicle collides. COMPENDIUM OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES A pedal assembly includes a support, a pedal arm and a support mechanism. The support is adapted to be mounted on the structure of a vehicle. The pedal arm extends downwardly from the holder to a distal end to support a pedal support. The support mechanism interconnects the pedal arm and the support to allow pivotal movement of the pedal arm in a plane operative relative to the support during normal operation and to guide the pedal arm out of the operating plane in response to a predetermined force between the pedal arm and the support. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Other advantages of the present invention will be readily appreciated as it is better understood by reference to the following detailed description considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings., wherein: Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle including the pedal assembly of the invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pedal assembly pivoting in a normal operating plane. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the pedal assembly exiting the operative plane. Figure 4 is an exploded partial view of the pedal assembly shown in Figure 2.

Figure 5 is a side view, partly broken away, of the pedal assembly in a normal operative position.

And Figure 6 is a side view, partially broken away, of the pedal assembly exiting from the normal operative position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT With reference to the figures, where analogous numbers indicate analogous or corresponding parts in all the different views, a vehicle is represented in general in 10 in Figure 1. The vehicle 10 includes a pedal assembly 12 which is moved between a rest position and a position of use by the driver 14 of the vehicle. In the position of use, the pedal assembly 12 drives a vehicle system (not shown), such as a braking system, for example, which controls the movement of the vehicle 10. The pedal assembly 12 includes a bracket 16. adapted to be mounted on a vehicle structure such as a fire wall or an instrument panel assembly. The pedal assembly 12 is shown in more detail in FIG. 2. A pedal arm 20 extends downwardly from the holder 16 to the distal end 22 to support a pedal shoe 24. The conductor 14 exerts a force against the footing of the pedal. pedal 24 for moving the pedal shoe 24 from the rest position to the position of use. A support mechanism, generally represented at 26, interconnects the pedal arm 20 and the support 16 to allow the pivoting movement, indicated by the arrow A in FIG. 1, of the pedal arm 20 in an operating plane 28 with relation to the support 16 during normal operation and to guide the pedal arm 20 out of the operating plane 28 in response to a predetermined force between the pedal arm 20 and the support 16. The operating plane 28 is indicated by dashed lines shown in FIG. Figure 2. The predetermined force between the pedal arm 20 and the support 16 is based on the collision forces resulting from the collision of the vehicle 10 with another vehicle or some other object while the driver 14 has placed one foot on the pedal shoe 24. Thus, pedal assembly 12 is designed to pivot between the rest and use positions during normal operations when driver 14 is applying normal forces against the pedal shoe. 24, that is, the force applied to the pedal shoe 24 is less than the predetermined force. Once the driver 14 exerts a large force against the pedal shoe 24, as when the vehicle 10 collides, and the predetermined force is reached, the support mechanism 26 is designed to release and guide the pedal assembly 12 away from it of the conductor 14 and outside the operating plane 28, as shown in FIG. 3. The support mechanism 26 preferably includes a fastener 30, shown in detail in FIG. 4, for pivotally connecting the pedal arm 20 to the support 16 in a pivot shaft 32. The fastener 30 is preferably a bolt; however, other fasteners known in the art can also be used. The fastener 30 has a first end 34 fixed to the support 16 and a second end 36 movable with respect to the support 16 between a first position where the pedal arm 20 is in the operating plane 28 and a second position where the arm pedal 20 has left the operating plane 28. The second end 36 of the fastener 30 is moved from the first position to the second position in response to the pre-determined force between the pedal arm 20 and the support 16. Thus, when the vehicle 10 collides and the predetermined force is reached, the second end 36 of the fastener 30 moves while the first end 34 remains fixed, causing the pedal assembly 12 to curve out of the path of the driver 14. As shown in FIG. shown in Figures 5 and 6, the support 16 preferably includes a slot 38 for receiving the second end 36 of the fastener 30. The slot 38 includes a first end 40 and a second end 42 with a semic portion. Ircular having a center 44 aligned with the pivot axis 32. The first 40 and second ends 42 are preferably interconnected by an elongated slot portion 46. The elongated slot portion 46 preferably extends from the first end 40 to the second. end 42 at an angle relative to the pivot axis 32. In the preferred embodiment, the slot 38 includes at least one extension 48 next to the second end 42 of the slot and that partially enters the slot 38. The extension 48 retains the fastener 30 in the first position in such a manner that the pedal arm 20 can pivot about of the pivot shaft 32 during normal operation. The fastener 30 includes a body portion 50 for engaging the extension 48 when the force applied to the pedal shoe 24 by the conductor 14 is equal to or greater than the predetermined force such that the body portion 50 deforms and slides at along the slot 38 causing the pedal arm 20 to curve out of the operative plane 28. Thus, when the predetermined force is reached, the body portion 50 of the fastener 30 is pressed against the extension 48 resulting in the deformation of the fastener 3Q and extension 48 to allow the second end 36 of the fastener 30 to move along the slot 38 while the first end 34 remains fixed. Preferably, the slot 38 has at least two extensions 48 adjacent the second end 42 of the slot 38 and extending partially opposite each other to the slot 38. The extensions 48 retain the fastener 30 in the first position in such a way that the pedal arm 20 can pivot about the pivot axis 32 during normal operation. When the force applied to the pedal shoe 24 reaches the predetermined force, the body portion 50 of the fastener 30 engages the extensions by deforming or cutting the fastener 30 and the extensions 48 so that the pedal assembly 12 can be bent out of the operating plane. and moving away from the conductor 14. The support 16 includes a first support portion 52 defining a hole 54 for receiving the first end 34 of the fastener 30 and a second support portion 56 including the slot 38 for receiving the second end 36 of the fastener 30. As explained above, the slot 38 has an end 42 which defines a center 44 which is aligned with the hole 54 of the first support portion 52 along the pivot axis 32. The first support portion 52 can be a separate part of the second support portion 56, or the first support portions 52 and second 56 may be formed integrally as shown in Figure 2. It is preferred e have a single support 16, the first support portions 52 and second 56 being an integral part thereof, because this reduces the overall number of parts of the pedal assembly 12. When the pedal assembly 12 is in the normal operating position, the fastener is inserted through the hole 54 and the slot 38 in such a manner that it extends between the first support portions 52 and second 56 along the pivot axis 32. When the pedal assembly 12 leaves the operating plane 28, the second end 36 of the fastener, ie the end 36 of the fastener 30 in the slot 38, comes out of alignment with the pivot axis 32 at the same time that the first end 34 of the fastener 30 remains positioned on the pivot shaft 32. The attachment of the first end 34 of the fastener 30 allows the pedal assembly 12 to curve away from the conductor 14, instead of separating only from the conductor 14 in a linear fashion. The pedal arm 20 is pivotally mounted in the holder 30 adjacent the slot 38. Said positioning of the pedal arm 20 in the holder 30 causes the force applied to the pedal shoe 24 to be transferred to the holder 30 near the second end 36. Thus, the predetermined force required to cause the second end 36 of the fastener 30 to move along the slot 38 is determined in part by the placement of the pivot bearing point of the pedal assembly 12 in the fastener 30 with with respect to the support 16. The support mechanism 26 is preferably used in a pedal assembly 12 which includes a regulation apparatus, generally represented at 58, which extends outwardly from the support 16. The adjustment apparatus 58 moves the selectively see the pedal arm 20 in the forward and backward directions, as indicated by the arrow B, with respect to the support 16 between a plurality of operative positions. The adjustment apparatus 58 preferably includes a guide rod 60 extending outwardly to support the pedal arm 20 for linear movement relative thereto. Said regulating apparatus 58 is of the type represented in U.S. Patent No. 5,632,183 which has been granted to the assignee of the invention object of this application. The adjustment apparatus 58 includes a cylindrical tubular portion 62 from which the pedal arm 20 extends. The tubular portion 62 moves back and forth along the guide rod 60 when electrically operated, the conductor 14 controls selectively the position of the pedal assembly 12 by actuating an electrical control mechanism (not shown). Although the preferred regulating apparatus 58 includes the configuration of guide rod 60 and cylindrical tube 62, any type of regulating apparatus including other regulating apparatus 58 known in the art could also be used. As mentioned above, the support mechanism 26 includes a fastener 30 for pivotally connecting the pedal assembly 12 to the support 16 on the pivot shaft 32. The adjustment assembly 58 includes an arm 64 that is pivotally mounted to the fastener 30. and it extends down from it. The arm 64 is connected to the guide rod 60 which extends outwardly from the arm 64 towards the conductor 14. The pedal assembly 12 is supported on the guide rod 60 for linear movement with respect to the guide rod 60 and for pivoting movement with respect to the support 16 about the pivot axis 32. The first end 34 of the fastener is fixed to the support 16 and the second end 36 can move with respect to the support 16 in such a way that the adjustment apparatus 58 exit the operating plane 58 together with the pedal assembly 12 in response to the predetermined force between the pedal arm 20 and the support 16. Thus, the support mechanism 26 interconnecting the adjustment apparatus 58 and the support 16 moves the pedal arm 20 and the adjustment apparatus 58 laterally relative to the support 16 when the force applied to the pedal shoe 24 exceeds the predetermined force. During normal operation, the pedal arm 20 will pivot about the pivot shaft 32 when the driver 14 applies force to the pedal shoe 24 to move the pedal arm from the rest position to the position of use, activating therefore the corresponding control system of the vehicle. When the vehicle 10 collides and the driver 14 has applied a large force against the pedal shoe 24 in one direction and a collision force opposes it in an opposite direction, the support mechanism 26 controls the movement of the pedal assembly 12 and the adjustment apparatus 58 with respect to the support 16. Thus, when the vehicle 10 hits another object and the pedal assembly 12 and other pedal components begin to approach the conductor 14, the support mechanism 26 guides the arm pedal 20, the pedal shoe 24, and the adjustment apparatus 58 in a lateral direction with respect to the support 16 and away from the conductor 14. Said supporting mechanism 26 controls the movement of these components so that the conductor 14 is not injury coming into contact with the pedal assembly 12 and / or the adjustment apparatus 58 during a collision. The invention has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is to be understood that the terminology used is intended to be understood according to the nature of the descriptive terms rather than as a limitation.

Obviously, many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in the light of the foregoing ideas. Therefore, it is to be understood that, within the scope of the appended claims, where the reference numbers are for convenience only and are not in any way limiting, the invention may be practiced in a manner other than that described. specifically.

Claims (21)

1. CLAIMS 1. A pedal assembly comprising: a support (16) adapted to be mounted on a vehicle structure (18); a pedal arm (20) extending downwardly from said support (16) to a distal end (22) for supporting a pedal shoe (24), and characterized by a support mechanism (26) interconnecting said pedal arm ( 20) and said support (16) to allow the pivoting movement of said pedal arm (20) in an operating plane (28) relative to said support (16) during normal operation and to guide said pedal arm (20) outside said operating plane (28) in response to a predetermined force between said pedal arm (20) and said support (16).
2. 2. A set as stated in the claim 1, wherein said support mechanism (26) includes a fastener (30) for pivotally connecting said pedal arm 1 20) to said support (16) on a pivot shaft (32):
3. 3. A set as set forth in claim 2, wherein said fastener (30) has a first end (34) fixed to said support (16) and a second end (36) movable with respect to said support (16) between a first position where said pedal arm (20) is in said operating plane (28) and a second position where said pedal arm (20) leaves said operating plane (28), said second end (36) of said fastener (30) of said first position a said second position in response to said predetermined force between said pedal arm (20) and said support (16).
4. 4. An assembly as set forth in claim 3, wherein said support (16) includes a slot (38) for receiving said second end (36) of said fastener (30).
5. 5. A set as stated in the claim 4, wherein said slot (38) includes a first end (40) and a second end (42) with a semicircular portion having a center (44) aligned with said pivot axis (32), said ends being interconnected first (40). ) and second (42) by an elongated slot portion (46).
6. 6. A set as stated in the claim 5, wherein said elongated slot portion (46) extends from said second end (42) to said first end (10) at an angle relative to said pivot axis (32).
7. 7. A set as stated in claim l 5, including an extension (48) adjacent said second end (42) of said groove (38) and extending partially to said groove (38), said extension (48) being for retaining said fastener (30) in said first position of such that said pedal arm (20) can pivot about said pivot axis (32) during normal operation.
8. An assembly as set forth in claim 7, wherein said fastener (30) includes a body portion (50) for engaging said extension (48) when a force applied to said pedal shoe (24) exceeds said predetermined force. in such a way that said body portion (50) deforms and slides along said groove (38) causing said pedal arm (20) to curve away from said operative plane (28).
9. 9. A set as stated in the claim 6, including at least two extensions (48) adjacent said second end (42) of said slot (38) and partially extending one facing the other to said slot (38), said extensions (48) being for retaining said fastener (30). ) in said first position in such a way that said pedal arm (20) can pivot about said pivot axis (32) during normal operation.
10. 10. An assembly as set forth in claim 2, wherein said support (16) includes a first support portion (52) defining a hole (54) for receiving a first end (34) of said fastener (30) and a second support portion (56) including a slot (38) for receiving a second end (36) of said fastener (30), said slot (38) having an end (42) defining a center (44) that is aligned with said hole (54) along said pivot axis (32).
11. 11. A set as set forth in claim 10, wherein said pedal arm (20) is pivotally mounted in said fastener (30) adjacent said groove (38).
12. 12. An assembly as set forth in claim 1, including a regulation apparatus (58) extending outwardly from said support (16) for selectively moving said pedal arm (20) in forward and backward directions with respect to to said support (16) between a plurality of operative positions.
13. 13. A set as stated in the claim 12, wherein said regulating apparatus (58) includes a guide rod (60) extending outwardly to support said pedal arm (20) for linear movement relative thereto.
14. 14. An assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein said support mechanism (26) includes a fastener (JO) for pivotally connecting said adjustment apparatus (58) to said support (16) on a pivot shaft. (32)
15. 15. An assembly as set forth in claim 14, wherein said fastener (30) includes a first end (34) fixed to said support (16) and a second end (36) movable with respect to said support (16). ) in such a way that said regulating apparatus (58) leaves said operating plane (28) in response to the predetermined force between said pedal arm (20) and said support (16).
16. 16. A pedal assembly comprising: a support (16) adapted to be mounted on a vehicle structure (18); a pedal arm (20) extending downwardly from said support (16) to a distal end (22) for supporting a pedal shoe (24), and characterized by a support mechanism (26) interconnecting said arm of pedal (20) and said support (16) for moving said pedal arm (20) laterally relative to said support (16) when a force applied to said pedal shoe (24) exceeds a predetermined force.
17. 17. A set as stated in the claim 16, wherein said support mechanism (26) includes a first end and a second end, said first end being fixed with respect to said support (16) and said second end being movable with respect to said first end for said pedal arm (20) can pivot in an operating plane (28) relative to said support (16) during normal operation and move said pedal arm (20) transversely to said operating plane (28) when the force applied to said pedal shoe (24) exceeds di-cha predetermined force.
18. 18. An assembly as set forth in claim 16, including a regulating apparatus (58) for selectively moving said pedal arm (20) in the forward and backward directions with respect to said support (16) between a plurality of operational positions.
19. 19. An assembly as set forth in claim 13, wherein said regulating apparatus (58) includes a guide vane (60) extending outwardly to support said pedal arm (20) for linear movement relative to the same, said guide rod (60) moving transversely to said directions back and forth when the force applied to said pedal shoe (24) exceeds said predetermined force.
20. 20. An assembly as set forth in claim 16, wherein said support mechanism (26) includes a fastener (30) for pivotally connecting said pedal arm (20) to said support (16), said fastener having (30) a first end (34) fixed to said support (16) that prevents movement relative to it and a second end that can move with respect to said support (16).
21. 21. An assembly as set forth in claim 20, wherein said pedal arm (20) is supported on said fastener (30) adjacent said second end (36) such that when the force applied to said pedal shoe (24) exceeds said predetermined force, said second end (36) of said fastener (30) moves with respect to said support (16) causing said pedal arm (20) to bend with respect to said support (16).