Pedal arm and switch

Details Pedal arm and switch Pedal arm and switch

1999-01-13

2001-01-30

Mar, Michael (Department: 3619)

Motor vehicles

With means responsive to speed of vehicle for maintaining...

C200S061890, C074S560000

Reexamination Certificate

active

06179081

ABSTRACT:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to vehicle brake and clutch pedal assemblies.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Vehicle brake pedal assemblies function not only to apply the brakes and decelerate the vehicle, but also to act as an input to other control devices which rely on the position of the brake pedal assembly. To provide this input for other control devices, some brake pedal assemblies have incorporated electronic switches that are connected at one end to the brake pedal assembly and at the other end to a portion of the vehicle's interior, as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,766,342. The problem with that type of switch configuration is that one end of the switch must be attached to the vehicle in addition to attaching the brake assembly to the vehicle when the brake assembly is installed in the vehicle. This increases assembly time and may increase the number of components.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION AND ADVANTAGES
The present invention provides a vehicle having a pedal arm and switch assembly comprises a plurality of control devices and a pedal arm having a pivotal connection for moving through a defined path about the pivotal connection. The path has first and second predetermined positions. The pedal arm controls a first of the plurality of devices. At least one switch produces an electronic signal upon actuation in response to the pedal arm reaching one of the first and second predetermined positions. The electronic signal controls a second of the plurality of control devices. A switch housing supports the switch. The vehicle is characterized by a surface adjacent the switch and in spaced relation therefrom when the pedal arm reaches the predetermined position and the switch engages the surface.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a brake pedal assembly which is capable of supporting a switch so that the switch does not need to be attached to another component during installation of the brake assembly into the vehicle.


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