WO2020169892A1

WO2020169892A1 - Device for identifying a degree of depression of a pedal

Info

Publication number: WO2020169892A1
Application number: PCT/FR2019/053253
Authority: WO
Inventors: Silvio SANTANA; Elder Guimaraes
Original assignee: Psa Automobiles Sa
Priority date: 2019-02-19
Filing date: 2019-12-20
Publication date: 2020-08-27
Also published as: FR3092928B1; BR112021014040A2; FR3092928A1

Abstract

The invention concerns a device for identifying a degree of depression of a pedal pivoting about an axis arranged at its connection portion connecting to a support, a pressure surface of the pedal extending the connection portion while terminating with a free end approaching a support when the pedal is depressed. The device comprises means (2) for receiving and retaining a portion of the pressure surface, the receiving and retaining means (2) being connected to a retaining rod (3) via a sliding sleeve (4), the rod (3) abutting at least against the support via a longitudinal end of the foot (3a) and extending away from the support, a position then prevailing for sliding the sleeve (4) with respect to the rod (3) identifying the degree of depression of the pedal.

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: DEGREE IDENTIFICATION DEVICE

PRESSING A PEDAL

Technical field of the invention

The present invention relates to a device for identifying a degree of depression of a pivoting pedal about an axis disposed at its connection portion with a support, this pedal possibly being a vehicle accelerator pedal, in particular of a motor vehicle, which is not limitative.

For this pedal, a pressure surface of the pedal extends the connecting portion by terminating with a free end approaching the support in depression of the pedal, the support being the apron resting on the base of the vehicle interior.

Prior art

It is known practice to maintain an accelerator pedal at a constant depression during performance tests under partial loads in a motor vehicle.

During these tests, an accelerator pedal is to be depressed and maintained with a predetermined degree of depression, for example 20, 40, 60, 80 or 100% for a period of a respective test in progress.

It can be used to do this with shims that prevent the pedal from sinking deeper. These cleats represent a simple but not universal means for all pedals. It is therefore necessary to provide a set of cleats for each type of pedal.

In addition, these cleats can move or even fall during the test, which disturbs the maintenance of the pedal with a degree of depression remaining constant throughout the test or each test.

It follows that the devices presently used for controlling the degree of depression of a pedal do not respond effectively to this control, due to the different shapes and configurations of existing pedal systems.

Consequently, the problem at the basis of the invention is to find a simple, precise and stable means in operation to identify a degree of depression of a pivoting pedal about an axis disposed at the connection portion of the pedal. with a pedal support.

Summary of the invention

To this end, the present invention relates to a device for identifying a degree of depression of a pivoting pedal about an axis arranged at its connection portion with a support, a pressure surface of the pedal

extending the connection portion by terminating with a free end approaching the support by depressing the pedal, characterized in that it comprises means for receiving and holding a portion of the pressure surface, the receiving means and retaining being connected to a retaining rod by a sliding sleeve, the rod being at least resting against the support by a longitudinal end of the foot and extending away from the support, a position then in force of sliding of the sleeve by relation to the rod identifying the degree of depression of the pedal.

The technical effect is to facilitate the identification of the degree of depression of a pedal. This is of particular interest when the pedal must be placed and held with a predetermined degree of depression, especially during partial load performance tests. Such a device is suitable for several types of pedal and for several degrees of depression. The device allows

identify with precision the desired percentage

depression of the pedal or degree of depression. The

device is compact and easy to use. This device is portable and can be easily set up in

environment of different pedals.

Its strong point is the repeatability of the values of the degree of depression identified by the device, which was not the case by using only shims each corresponding to a respective degree of depression but which could adjust the pedal with variations of degree of sag taking into account the random positioning of the cleat under the pedal.

Advantageously, removable locking means block the sleeve in a position identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal.

In a first optional embodiment, the removable locking means are carried by the sleeve in the

passing through and engaging the rod at a free end. It is then the sleeve which is directly fixed against the rod by a locking means passing through it.

Advantageously, the removable locking means are in the form of a screw, the sleeve having a funnel extending perpendicularly to the rod and comprising an internal thread for passage of the screw.

In a second optional embodiment, the removable locking means are in the form of at least one movable nut in rotation along an external thread carried by the rod, said at least one nut being brought into contact with one end. longitudinal sleeve in position

identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal. The locking means are then external to the sleeve. Screw-in adjustment of the nut increases the accuracy of identifying the degree of depression of the pedal.

Advantageously, the nut is movable in rotation along the external thread of the rod between a longitudinal end of the sleeve facing the longitudinal end of the root of the rod and the longitudinal end of the root of the rod.

Advantageously, the means for receiving and holding a portion of the pressure surface are in the form of a stirrup with two branches enclosing between its two branches the portion of the pressure surface, the free end of the pressure surface. pressure located on the other side of the caliper than the portion connecting the pedal to the support.

The stirrup provides a means of receiving and maintaining

adaptable to a large number of different types of pedal. The insertion of the support surface of the pedal into the caliper is made easy by the free ends of the branches. The installation of the device on the pedal is therefore

facilitated.

Advantageously, the caliper has a thumbwheel with an axis passing through one of the branches of the caliper by a threaded passage, a free longitudinal end of the axis entering into engagement with the portion of the pressure surface during screwing of the wheel and / or the free ends of the two branches are connected by a closure element removably closing the stirrup.

This represents two modes of retaining the portion of the bearing surface of the pedal in the caliper, these modes being able to be used as an alternative or in combination.

The first mode blocks the bearing surface in the caliper but can damage the bearing surface when the wheel is tightened too much. The second mode prevents an untimely exit of the bearing surface from the space delimited between the branches of the caliper. Firm retention of the bearing surface in the caliper is not guaranteed.

The use of the two modes is optimal as regards the maintenance of the bearing surface of the pedal relative to the caliper.

Advantageously, the rod is striated with at least one graduation representative of a desired state of depression of the pedal. This allows the operator to visually recognize the degree of depression of the pedal.

The invention relates to a method of performance tests under partial loads in a motor vehicle, during which an accelerator pedal is to be depressed and maintained with a predetermined degree of depression for a duration of a respective test in progress, characterized in that the degree of depression of the pedal is identified by such a device, the device holding the pedal in position throughout the test in progress.

This especially applies to an accelerator pedal but is not limiting.

In such a so-called take-off and restart cycle, tests are carried out at several set points for the degree of depression of the pedal to be maintained for a prescribed period.

By using shims according to the state of the art, time was wasted in repositioning a new shim when changing the setpoint of the degree of depression of the pedal. The position on the ground of the hold had to be identified and kept.

The use of the device according to the invention offers more flexibility in installation as well as more safety in maintaining the degree of depression. Brief description of the figures

Other characteristics, aims and advantages of the present invention will become apparent on reading the description.

detailed which will follow and with regard to the accompanying drawings given by way of non-limiting examples and in which:

[Fig. 1] - Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a device for identifying a degree of depression of a pedal according to an embodiment according to the present invention, the device comprising a bracket intended to receive inside it a pedal, the degree of depression of which is to be identified, the caliper being associated with a sleeve intended to slide on an adjustment rod, these three elements forming the essential elements of the device, [Fig. 2] - Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a caliper intended to receive therein a pedal whose degree of depression is to be identified, the caliper being associated with a sleeve intended to slide on an adjustment rod, the caliper and the sleeve forming part of a device for identifying a degree of depression of a pedal according to an embodiment according to the present invention.

It should be borne in mind that the figures are given by way of example and are not limiting of the invention. They constitute schematic representations of principle intended to facilitate understanding of the invention and are not necessarily on the scale of practical applications. In particular, the dimensions of the various elements illustrated are not representative of reality. Detailed description of the invention

In what follows, reference is made to all the figures taken in combination. When reference is made to one or more specific figures, these figures are to be taken in combination with the other figures for the recognition of the designated reference numerals.

Referring to all the figures, the present invention relates to a device 1 for identifying a degree of depression of a pivoting pedal about an axis arranged at its connection portion with a support.

A pedal is not shown in the figures which illustrate the identification device 1 taken in isolation.

Without this being limiting, the pedal may be a driving pedal present in a vehicle interior, for example a clutch, brake or accelerator pedal. The support is then the floor of the passenger compartment, advantageously covered by a floor apron.

For example, the pedal may have a rectangular shape that is slightly curved in its length, like an accelerator pedal or be in the shape of a pad with two opposite straight and parallel sides connected by two other curved sides of a convex shape. The pressure surface of the pedal may be provided with parallel grooves to prevent slippage of the operator's foot on the pressure surface.

Conventionally, a pressure surface of the pedal extends the connecting portion by ending with a free end approaching the support by depression of the pedal, under the action for example of the foot of an operator, advantageously the driver of the pedal. 'a vehicle.

According to the invention, the identification device 1 comprises means 2 for receiving and maintaining a portion of the pressure surface, advantageously by surrounding or surrounding a portion of the pressure surface over its entire periphery.

The receiving and holding means 2 are connected to a holding rod 3 by a sleeve 4 sliding along the rod 3. The rod 3 is at least resting against the support, advantageously the floor of the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle, this by a longitudinal end called the foot 3a. The rod 3 extends away from the support. The longitudinal end of the foot 3a can be covered with a protection 10.

A sliding position then in force of the sleeve 4 relative to the rod 3 identifies the degree of depression of the pedal. The sleeve 4 indeed follows the depression of the pedal by sliding on the rod 3.

This position in force can be identified by indices carried by the rod 3, as will be described in more detail later.

Thus, it can be recognized the degree of depression of the pedal according to the displacement of the sleeve 4 on the rod 3.

The removable locking means 5 lock the sleeve 4 in a position identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal.

In a first preferred embodiment of the identification device 1 not shown in the figures but which can be extrapolated from Figures 1 and 2 by comprising elements common with the embodiment of the identification device 1 illustrated in the figures, the locking means removable can be carried by the sleeve 4 passing through it and being engaged against the rod 3 by a free end.

In this first embodiment, the removable locking means may be in the form of a screw. The sleeve 4 may have a chimney extending perpendicularly to the rod 3 and comprising a threaded internal channel for passage of the screw. Indeed, the thickness of the sleeve 4 may not be sufficient to guarantee adequate retention of the screw in the sleeve 4. The screw, once tight, bears inside the sleeve 4 on the rod 3 by its free end and blocks the sleeve 4 with respect to the rod 3.

In a second preferred embodiment of the identification device 1 shown in Figures 1 and 2 and in particular in Figure 1, the removable locking means 5 may be in the form of at least one nut 5 movable in rotation along d 'an external thread 6 carried by the rod 3.

The nut (s) 5 can be brought into contact with a longitudinal end of the sleeve 4 in the position identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal. The position of the sleeve 4 relative to the rod 3 is then easily identifiable and stable in position. A second nut tightened against a first nut 5 can make it possible to further increase the resistance in the tightening position, but this is not compulsory.

The nut or nuts 5 may be movable in rotation along the external thread 6 of the rod 3 between a longitudinal end of the sleeve 4 facing the longitudinal end of the foot 3a of the rod 3 and the longitudinal end of the foot 3a of the rod 3. In a vertical position of the rod 3, the nut or nuts 5 can therefore be located below the sleeve 4.

In Figures 1 and 2, the receiving and holding means 2 of a portion of the pressure surface may be in the form of a bracket 2 or a fork with two branches 2a, 2b clamping between its two branches 2a , 2b the portion of the pressure surface of the pedal.

The pressure surface of the pedal passes completely through the caliper 2 right through, the free end of the pressure surface being on the other side of the caliper 2 than the portion of the pedal connecting with the support .

The branches 2a, 2b define between them a space the length of which is greater than the width of the pressure surface to be able to accommodate a portion of the pressure surface in this space.

The sleeve 4 and the means 2 for receiving and maintaining a portion of the pressure surface, in particular in the form of a stirrup 2, may be in one piece, for example by being of the same part or by having been welded to each other. Conversely, the sleeve 4 and the receiving and holding means 2 may be or in two parts removable from one another.

As particularly clearly visible in FIG. 1, the caliper 2 may have a wheel 7 with an axis 7a passing through one 2a of the branches 2a, 2b of the caliper 2 via a threaded passage 2c. A free longitudinal end of the pin 7a can engage with the portion of the pressure surface when screwing the wheel 7 causing a progression of the insertion of the pin in the space between the branches 2a, 2b.

In Figure 1, the pin does not protrude into the space between the branches 2a, 2b of the caliper 2, which is the case when the portion of the pressure surface of the pedal is introduced. in the caliper 2.

To prevent the portion of the pressure surface of the pedal from inadvertently exiting the space between the branches 2a, 2b of the caliper 2, the free ends of the two branches 2a, 2b can be connected by a closing element removably the caliper 2.

This closure element is not illustrated in the figures. The closure element may be in the form of a bar penetrating into each of the free ends of the two branches 2a, 2b transversely to the branches 2a, 2b of the stirrup 2, the bar projecting from the two outer sides of the branches 2a, 2b. by threaded parts on which can be screwed a respective bolt. The closure element can also be a plate, be mounted to pivot or not with respect to the free end of one of the branches 2a, 2b of the bracket 2 and be returned to the closed position of the space defined between the branches 2a, 2b of the bracket 2.

The rod 3 carrying the sleeve 4 may be striated with at least one graduation representative of a desired state of depression of the pedal. Several sagging zones can be defined. The denomination striated graduation is to be taken in its broad sense and may denote a groove, a deposit of a colored marking or any other means of identification.

Incidentally, the longitudinal end 3b of the adjustment rod 3 opposite the foot end 3a carries a cap 8 screwed onto this longitudinal end 3b, a nut 9 being screwed under the cap 8.

This longitudinal end 3b of the adjustment rod 3 opposite the foot end 3a can also be blocked against an element present in the passenger compartment in the environment of the pedal.

A particularly advantageous application of the identification device 1 described above takes place during a method of performance testing under partial loads in a motor vehicle.

During such tests, an accelerator pedal is to be depressed and maintained with a predetermined degree of depression for a period of a respective test in progress.

According to the invention, the degree of depression of the pedal is identified by a device 1 for identifying a degree of depression of a pedal as described above.

The device 1 maintains the pedal in position throughout the test in progress, advantageously after having carefully positioned it in a desired degree of depression. The invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described and illustrated which have been given only by way of examples.

Claims

1. Device (1) for identifying a degree of depression of a pivoting pedal around an axis arranged at its connection portion with a support, a pressure surface of the pedal extending the connection portion by ending with a free end approaching the support in depression of the pedal, characterized in that it comprises means for receiving and holding (2) a portion of the pressure surface, the means for receiving and holding ( 2) being connected to a holding rod (3) by a sliding sleeve (4), the rod (3) being at least resting against the support by a longitudinal end of the foot (3a) and extending away from the support , a position then in force of sliding of the sleeve (4) relative to the rod (3) identifying the degree of depression of the pedal.

2. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein removable locking means (5) block the sleeve (4) in a position identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the removable locking means (5) are carried by the sleeve (4) passing through it and being engaged against the rod (3) by a free end.

4. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the removable locking means (5) are in the form of a screw, the sleeve (4) having a chimney extending perpendicularly to the rod (3) and comprising an internal thread for a passage of the screw.

5. Device (1) according to claim 2, wherein the removable locking means (5) are in the form of at least one nut (5) movable in rotation along an external thread (6). carried by the rod (3), said at least one nut (5) being brought into contact with a longitudinal end of the sleeve (4) in the position identifying a desired degree of depression of the pedal.

6. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the nut (5) is rotatable along the external thread (6) of the rod (3) between a longitudinal end of the sleeve (4) facing -vis the longitudinal end of the foot (3a) of the rod (3) and the longitudinal end of the foot (3a) of the rod (3).

7. Device (1) according to any preceding claim, wherein the receiving and holding means (2) of a portion of the pressure surface are in the form of a bracket (2) with two branches. (2a, 2b) enclosing between its two branches (2a, 2b) the portion of the pressure surface, the free end of the pressure surface being on the other side of the caliper (2) than the portion of connection of the pedal to the support.

8. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the caliper (2) has a wheel (7) with an axis (7a) passing through one (2a) of the branches (2a, 2b) of the caliper (2) by a threaded passage, a free longitudinal end of the shaft (7a) engaging with the portion of the pressure surface when screwing the wheel (7) and / or the free ends of the two branches (2a, 2b) are connected by a closure element removably closing off the stirrup (2).

9. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the rod (3) is striated with at least one graduation representative of a desired depressing state of the pedal.

10. Method of performance testing under partial loads in a motor vehicle, during which an accelerator pedal is to be depressed and maintained with a degree. of predetermined depression during a period of a respective test in progress, characterized in that the degree of depression of the pedal is identified by a device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, the device (1) maintaining the pedal in position throughout the test in progress.