Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-01-11
2001-02-20
Footland, Lenard A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06189409
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to adjustable pedal systems, and particularly to pedal systems used in automotive vehicles for controlling such operations as braking, clutch engagement, and vehicle acceleration.
2. Description of the Prior Developments
In many automotive vehicles the foot pedals for controlling the brakes, accelerator and/or clutch have fixed locations. This makes it difficult for a range of differently sized drivers to comfortably reach the pedal. In any given pedal location a tall person may have an uncomfortable cramped sensation, whereas a shorter person may have some difficulty reaching the pedal.
To overcome this problem there have been developed certain adjustable pedal systems. With an adjustable pedal system the pedal is shiftable in a front-to-rear direction so as to be alternately located relatively close to the driver seat or relatively remote from the driver seat, so as to satisfy the ergomatic requirements of a range of differently sized persons. Usually the pedal is shifted toward or away from the driver seat by a servomotor located underneath the dashboard in operative connection with the pedal. The motor is controlled by a manual control on the dashboard.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an adjustable pedal system, wherein the relation between the pedal and the vehicle component operated by the pedal remains constant, whatever the adjusted position of the pedal. For example, when the pedal is being used to control the vehicle brakes, the pedal stroke used for applying the full brake force remains the same whatever the adjusted position of the pedal.
In one particular embodiment of the invention the foot pedal assembly is suspended from a parallel bar linkage that includes two swingable parallel links connected to an overhead support and two parallel screws extending between the two links below the overhead support. The parallel screws serve as attachment points for the pedal system.
When the driver applies foot pressure to the pedal, the parallel links swing in unison so as to apply an operating force to the component being controlled, e.g. the brakes, vehicle accelerator linkage, or clutch.
The pedal assembly can be adjusted to different locations, closer or further away from the driver seat, by applying rotational drive forces to the screws. Simultaneous rotation of the parallel screws causes the pedal assembly to be shifted bodily along the screws without disturbing the position or condition of the suspension linkage.
A major feature of the invention is that the pedal assembly can be shifted toward or away from the driver seat without changing, or adversely affecting, the pedal force required to operate the mechanism being controlled by the pedal.
Specific features of the invention will be apparent from the attached drawings and description of illustrative forms of the invention.
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Carbone Thomas R.
Husted Daniel W.
Johnson Victor
Meidanis Stylianos A.
Neag Dorinel
DaimlerChrysler Corporation
Footland Lenard A.
Hansen Colby
Shurupoff Lawrence J.
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