Vehicle pedal assembly

Details Vehicle pedal assembly Vehicle pedal assembly

2000-02-23

2003-12-02

Kim, Chong H. (Department: 3682)

Machine element or mechanism

Control lever and linkage systems

Foot operated

C074S581000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06655230

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally relates to vehicle pedal assemblies and, more particularly, to a pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal assembly, that is releasable from a normal operative condition upon imposition of a frontal load to an automotive vehicle.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is generally known in the automotive vehicle design arts that it is desirable to configure components arranged within the passenger compartment of the vehicle to reduce adverse effects on the vehicle occupants when subjected to high forces that are experienced in a collision. While many vehicle interior components facing the vehicle occupants are designed to minimize the forces during a collision impact, foot pedal assemblies, such as the brake pedal assembly which is generally positioned below the instrument panel of the vehicle in the driver's compartment, may transfer collision caused impact forces to the driver's leg. Likewise, the reaction of the occupant in the collision can force the occupant's legs into the foot pedal controls.
Conventional foot pedal assemblies, such as the brake pedal, clutch pedal, and acceleration pedal assemblies, are commonly assembled together in a pedal box assembly which typically is rigidly connected to the vehicle dash. Foot pedal assemblies employed with hydraulic fluid actuated systems, such as the brake pedal assembly, generally have a foot pedal pad connected to a pedal lever which in turn is assembled to a booster push rod. Axial actuation of the piston push rod, with assist from the vacuum booster, compresses a master cylinder which in turn generates hydraulic fluid pressure. During a crash, vehicle impact forces may be instantly transmitted through the brake actuation system to the occupant.
One approach to minimizing such forces during a severe frontal collision includes structurally connecting the pedal box assembly to a cowl structure which remains relatively stable relative to the dash panel. With the pedal box assembly structurally connected to the cowl structure, relative movement can be made to cause a failure in the structure supporting the pivots of the pedal box assembly, thus allowing the pedals to move freely with little constraint following a severe frontal collision. Other approaches have included the use of mechanical connections, such as a cable, between the cowl or some other relatively stable structure, and the pedal box. With these approaches, the deflection of the pedal assembly relative to the stable structure during a severe frontal collision is used to actively depress the pedal through the action of the aforementioned mechanical connection. However, the aforementioned approaches significantly increase the cost and complexity of the pedal box assembly and may render the pedal assemblies inoperative following a vehicle collision.
Another approach to reducing collision caused forces is disclosed in German Patent Reference DE 19634257 A1 which provides a brake system employing a telescopic brake pressure rod engaged between a brake booster and a foot pedal assembly. The telescopic brake pressure rod includes first and second pressure rod elements telescopically fit one in the other and movable relative to each other in an energy-consuming manner when the foot lever is loaded with an impact force above a predetermined threshold force. While the aforementioned approach may lessen the force transferred to the foot of a vehicle occupant, it is also conceivable that the brake pressure rod may be collapsed by applying excessive force to the foot pedal without the occurrence of a vehicle collision.
Accordingly, there exists a need, heretofore unfulfilled, for a cost efficient pedal assembly for use in a vehicle, that reduces the intrusion forces imparted to an occupant of the vehicle, and which reduces the forces imparted upon the occupant as the occupant reacts against the pedal assembly during a collision event. More particularly, there is a need to provide for a brake pressure rod that reduces force transferred to the vehicle occupant in a manner that is controlled to occur only in the event of a detected vehicle collision.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal system, for a vehicle is provided which reduces collision caused impact forces applied to the pedal assembly during a vehicle collision. The pedal assembly includes a pedal operatively engageable by a vehicle operator and a collapsible actuating push rod. Preferably, the brake pressure rod is operatively engaged with an actuator assembly for generating an amount of pressurized fluid. The push rod includes first and second rod members, preferably fit telescopically one inside the other, and are collapsible when impacted with a force above a predetermined threshold force. The pedal assembly further includes a control mechanism that is positioned in one state to prevent collapse of the push rod during normal operating conditions and is movable to another state upon detecting vehicle deceleration indicative of a collision vent to thereby allow the brake pressure rod to deform upon experiencing the predetermined threshold force. Accordingly, the pedal assembly of the present invention advantageously reduces forces transferred to the pedal during a collision.


REFERENCES:
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patent: 4901426 (1990-02-01), Laue
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patent: 6109164 (2000-08-01), Okuhara et al.
patent: 19634257 (1997-03-01), None
patent: 0719697 (1996-07-01), None
patent: WO99/60457 (1999-11-01), None

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