Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
2000-04-11
2001-09-11
Green, Mary Ann (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06286388
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 piston 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 frontal load imposition, such as that experienced during a severe frontal collision, 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.
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.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a pedal assembly, such as a brake pedal assembly, 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 push rod. Preferably, the push rod is adapted to be assembled to an actuator assembly for generating an amount of pressurized fluid. The push rod includes a transverse slot having a tapered surface such that the slot decreases in distance from a first position toward a second position of the slot. The push rod is operatively coupled to the pedal via a connecting pin which is disposed in the transverse slot. The pin is disposed in the first position during normal vehicle operation. Upon experiencing a force above a predetermined threshold force, the pin is slidably movable within the transverse slot toward the second position in an energy consuming manner to collapse the push rod relative to the pin. Accordingly, the pedal assembly of the present invention advantageously reduces forces transferred to the pedal during a collision.
These and other features, advantages and objects of the present invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following specification, claims and appended drawings.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3388610 (1968-06-01), Pyle et al.
patent: 3945672 (1976-03-01), Wong
patent: 4964485 (1990-10-01), Miele
patent: 5249646 (1993-10-01), Thiel
patent: 5632184 (1997-05-01), Callicutt et al.
patent: 5778732 (1998-07-01), Patzelt et al.
patent: 5848558 (1998-12-01), Isono et al.
patent: 5848662 (1998-12-01), Sakaue
patent: 5896781 (1999-04-01), Müller
patent: 5916330 (1999-06-01), Jacobson
patent: 5921144 (1999-07-01), Williams, Jr. et al.
patent: 6112615 (2000-09-01), Nawata et al.
patent: 19634257 (1997-03-01), None
patent: 0229350 (1987-07-01), None
patent: 0719697 (1996-07-01), None
Brown Gregory
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Green Mary Ann
LandOfFree
Vehicle pedal assembly does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Vehicle pedal assembly, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Vehicle pedal assembly will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2440526