Information
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Patent Grant
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6782775
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Patent Number
6,782,775
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Date Filed
Tuesday, October 16, 200122 years ago
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Date Issued
Tuesday, August 31, 200420 years ago
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Inventors
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Original Assignees
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Examiners
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CPC
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US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 074 512
- 074 513
- 074 514
- 074 560
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International Classifications
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Abstract
Pedal device mounted on a bracket fixed to a vehicle body, and including a pedal arm having an operating portion, and a position adjusting device to adjust the non-operated position of the operating portion in vehicle longitudinal direction, the position adjusting device includes a first member having a pair of guides, a second member disposed movably relative to the first member in a substantially vertical plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and having a pair of guide pieces are movable in engagement with the respective, and a positioning device to establish a desired relative position between the first and second members, by moving the guides and the guide pieces relative to each other, wherein one of the first and second members has the operating portion and is movable relative to the other to move the operating position, and the guides are formed such that an attitude of the operating portion changes as the operating portion is moved in the vehicle longitudinal direction.
Description
This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2000-391310 filed Dec. 22, 2000, the contents of which are incorporated hereinto by reference.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates in general to a pedal device provided on an automotive vehicle, such as a brake pedal device and an accelerator pedal, and more particularly to an improved vehicle pedal device wherein the position of an operating portion of a pedal arm in its non-operated state is movable in the longitudinal or running direction of the vehicle.
2. Discussion of Related Art
There is widely known a pedal device for an automotive vehicle, such as a brake pedal device and an accelerator pedal device. Such a pedal device includes a pedal arm which is pivotally supported by a stationary bracket fixed on the vehicle and which has an operating portion in the form of a pedal pad, for instance, at its lower end, so that the pedal arm is operated at its operating portion. The pedal device is arranged to push or pull a desired power transmitting member, or to convert its operating stroke or force into an electric signal. One type of the pedal device which has been proposed is adapted such that the operating portion of the pedal arm in its non-operated state is movable in the longitudinal or running direction of the vehicle. Examples of the pedal of the type indicated above are disclosed in JP-B2-6-40292 (first prior art pedal device) and JP-B2-2-39807 (second prior art pedal device). These pedal devices are easily operable by an operator of the vehicle, irrespective of the specific physical characteristics of the operator, since the non-operated position of the operating portion of the pedal arm is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle relative to the vehicle operator.
In the first prior art pedal device indicated above, the pedal arm including the operating portion is movable through a pair of parallel straight elongate holes along a straight line, with its attitude kept constant. In the second prior art pedal device, the pedal arm including the operating portion is movable through an arcuate elongate hole along a circular arc.
However, the first prior art pedal device adapted to translate the pedal arm while keeping its attitude does not necessarily permit the vehicle operators with their legs having different lengths to manipulate the pedal arm with a sufficiently high degree of operational ease. Described in detail, when the pedal arm is placed at its non-operated position or the rearmost position nearest to the operator's seat in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the operator's foot generally approaches the operating portion of the pedal arm in an almost vertical direction, to press down the operating portion. If the attitude of the operating portion of the pedal arm is designed to have an operating surface which faces comparatively upwards when the pedal arm is placed at its non-operated position, the pedal arm cannot be necessarily manipulated by the foot with a sufficiently high degree of operational ease at its operating surface facing comparatively upwards, when the pedal arm has been considerably operated in the forward direction toward its fully operated position. Conversely, if the attitude of the operating portion of the pedal arm is designed to have an operating surface which faces comparatively rearwards when the pedal arm is placed at its fully operated position, the pedal arm cannot be depressed with ease when the pedal arm is placed at its non-operated position.
In the second prior art pedal device, the operating portion of the pedal arm is located at a comparatively low position when the pedal arm is placed at its non-operated position nearest to the vehicle operator's seat. Further, the operating surface of the operating portion faces comparatively upwards when the pedal arm is placed at its non-operated position. Accordingly, the pedal arm can be manipulated with a high degree of operational ease, irrespective of the adjusted position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in the non-operated state (at the non-operated position). However, the second prior art pedal device suffers from a relatively high cost of manufacture due to difficult formation of the arcuate elongate hole for guiding the pedal arm, and the use of an expensive arcuate rack for arcuate movement of the pedal arm.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a pedal device which is easy and economical to manufacture and which permits changes in the level and attitude of the operating portion of the pedal arm as desired, depending upon the adjusted position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in its non-operated state in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
The above object may be achieved according to any one of the following modes of this invention:
(1) A pedal device mounted on a bracket fixed to a body of an automotive vehicle, and including a pedal arm having an operating portion at a lower end thereof, and a position adjusting device operable to adjust a position of the operating portion in a longitudinal direction of the automotive vehicle when the pedal arm is placed in a non-operated state thereof, the position adjusting device comprising:
a first member having a pair of guides;
a second member disposed movably relative to the first member in a substantially vertical plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction, and having a pair of guide pieces which are movable in engagement with the pair of guides, respectively; and
a positioning device operable to establish a desired relative position between the first and second members, by moving the pair of guides and the pair of guide pieces relative to each other, the positioning device permitting the first and second members permitting the first and second members to maintain the desired relative position after the desired relative position is established,
wherein one of the first and second members has the operating portion and is movable relative to the other of the first and second members, to move the operating position in the longitudinal direction,
and wherein the pair of guides are formed such that an attitude of the operating portion changes as the operating portion is moved in the longitudinal direction.
In the pedal device constructed according to the above mode (1) of this invention, the first and second members are connected and movable relative to each other through engagement of the pair of guides and the pair of guide pieces, to move the operating portion of the pedal arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, while the pedal arm is placed in its non-operated state. Further the pair of guides are formed to change the attitude of the operating portion as the operating portion is moved in the longitudinal direction. For instance, the operating surface of the operating portion of the pedal arm is gradually inclined upwards as the non-operated position of the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the seat of the vehicle operator. This arrangement permits the pedal arm to be operated with a high degree of operational ease at the suitably inclined operating surface of the operating portion, irrespective of the non-operated position of the operating portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
Further, the present pedal device is arranged such that the attitude of the operating portion of the pedal arm is changed with a change in the longitudinal position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in the non-operated state, by a simple mechanism which has the pair of guides and the pair of guide pieces engaging. For example, the pair of guides are straight guides which intersect each other. Accordingly, the pedal device is simple in construction and economical to manufacture. In addition, the guides can be formed at desired positions, so as to reduce the size of the pedal device, while assuring a required degree of strength at the connection of the first and second members.
(2) A pedal device according to the above mode (1), wherein the pair of guides consist of a pair of straight guides which are positioned such that extension lines of said straight guides intersect each other such that the attitude of the operating portion changes as the operating portion is moved in the longitudinal direction as a result of a relative movement of the first and second members with the pair of guide pieces being moved in engagement with the pair of straight guides, respectively.
In the pedal device constructed according to the above mode (2) of the present invention, the first and second members are moved relative to each other through engagement of the pair of straight guides and the pair of guide pieces, to move the non-operated position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the arrangement of the straight guides such that the extension lines of these straight guides intersect each other permits a change of the attitude of the operating portion as the operating portion is moved in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. For example, the straight guides are positioned such that the operating surface of the operating portion is gradually inclined upwards as the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the seat of the vehicle operator, so that the pedal arm can be operated with a high degree of operational ease at the suitably inclined operating surface of the operating portion, irrespective of the non-operated position of the operating portion in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle.
Further, the attitude of the operating portion of the pedal arm can be changed with a change in the longitudinal position of the operating portion, by a simple mechanism including the pair of straight guides and the pair of guide pieces engaging the respective straight guides. The straight guides and the guide pieces can be easily formed or manufactured. Accordingly, the present pedal device according to the above mode (2) is simpler in construction and available at a lower cost of manufacture, than the known pedal device using an arcuate hole and an arcuate rack. In addition, the straight guides can be formed at desired positions, so as to reduce the size of the pedal device, while assuring a required degree of strength at the connection of the first and second members.
(3) A pedal device according to the above mode (2), wherein the pair of straight guides are positioned such that a vertical position of the operating portion is lowered while an operating surface of the operating portion is gradually inclined upwards as the operating portion is moved in a rearward direction of the vehicle toward a seat of an operator of the vehicle.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (3), the vertical position of the operating portion of the pedal arm is lowered and the operating surface of the operating portion is gradually inclined upwards as the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the seat of the vehicle operator, so that the pedal arm can be easily operated. There is a general tendency that the operating portion of the pedal arm in its non-operated state is positioned comparatively near the operator's seat where the operator has relatively short legs and feet, and comparatively distant from the operator's seat where the operator has relatively long legs and feet. In view of this tendency, the vertical position of the operating portion is lowered as the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction, so that the operating portion can be relatively easily operated by an operators who are either tall or short.
(4) A pedal device according to the above mode (2) or (3), wherein the second member has the operating portion and is movable relative to the first member, and the positioning device comprises a relative-movement device including a feedscrew disposed on the first member such that such that the feedscrew is parallel to one of the pair of straight guides and rotatable about an axis thereof, and an internally threaded member connected to one of the guide pieces which engages the above-indicated one of the pair of straight guides, the internally threaded member being held in engagement with the feedscrew and pivotable relative to the second member about an axis perpendicular to the above-indicated substantially vertical plane, and wherein the relative-movement device is operable to rotate the feedscrew to move the second member relative to the first member and maintain the desired relative position between the first and second members after a rotary motion of the feedscrew is terminated.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (4) wherein the guide pieces are disposed on the second member which has the operating portion and which is moved relative to the first member to move the operating portion in the longitudinal direction, the required size of the second member can be made smaller than in an arrangement wherein the first member having the straight guides is moved relative to the second member. Accordingly, the required space for installation of the pedal device on the vehicle can be reduced. In addition, the position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in its non-operated state can be easily and rapidly adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, owing to a unique arrangement of the relative-movement device which includes the feedscrew disposed on the fist member in parallel to one of the straight guides, and the internally threaded member connected to the guide piece engaging the above-indicated one straight guide, such that a rotary movement of the feedscrew causes a linear movement of the above-indicated guide piece and a consequent movement of the second member relative to the first member, and such that the termination of the rotary movement of the feedscrew results in the positioning of the second member relative to the first member, and the consequent adjustment of the position of the operating portion of the pedal arm. Furthermore, since the feedscrew is disposed on the first member such that the feedscrew is not axially movable relative to the first member, the relative-movement device can be made simple in construction and is available at a relatively low cost
(5) A pedal device according to any one of the above modes (1)-(4), wherein the pedal arm includes the first and second members, and the above-indicated other of the first and second members which does not have the operating portion is a pivotal arm which is disposed pivotally about a support shaft supported by the bracket, the pedal arm being pivoted about the support shaft when the pedal arm is operated at the operating portion.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (5), the pedal arm is pivoted about the support shaft supported on the bracket fixed to the vehicle body, when the pedal arm is operated at the operating portion. This arrangement assures a relatively high mechanical strength of the pedal device, permitting the pedal device to be suitably used as a brake pedal device or other pedal device which is subjected to a comparatively large operating force.
(6) A pedal device according to the above mode (5), wherein the pivotal arm is operatively connected to a power transmitting member such that an operating force acting on the operating portion of the pedal arm s transmitted to the power transmitting member, the pedal device further including a lever-ratio changing mechanism interconnected between the pivotal arm and the power transmitting member, the lever-ratio changing mechanism being operable to change a lever ratio of the pedal device with a change in an operating amount of said pedal arm.
The lever ratio indicated above is a ratio at which the operating force acting on the operating portion of the pedal arm is boosted into a force by which the power transmitting member is operated, or a ratio of the operating stroke or amount of the pedal arm to that of the power transmitting member.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (6), the lever-ratio changing mechanism is interconnected between the pivotal arm and the power transmitting member, for changing the lever ratio of the pedal device. By suitably designing the lever-ratio changing mechanism, the lever ratio corresponding to a given operating amount or stroke of the pedal can be determined as desired, and the lever ratio can be changed with the operating amount or stroke of the pedal arm in a desired pattern or relationship. Thus, the provision of the lever-ratio changing mechanism together with the position adjusting device further improves the maneuverability of the pedal arm or pedal device.
(7) A pedal device according to the above mode (6), wherein the bracket has a mounting shaft parallel to the support shaft, and the lever-ratio changing mechanism includes (a) a lever member disposed on the bracket pivotally about the mounting shaft and connected to the power transmitting member pivotally about a first connecting shaft parallel to the mounting shaft, and (b) a connecting link connected at one of opposite ends to the lever member pivotally about a second connecting shaft parallel to the mounting shaft, and at the other end to the pivotal arm pivotally about a third connecting shaft parallel to the second connecting shaft, and wherein the operating force is transmitted from the pedal arm to the power transmitting member through the pivotal arm, the connecting link and the lever member.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (7), the lever-ratio changing mechanism includes the connecting link and the lever member which are interposed between the pivotal arm and the power transmitting member, so that the operating force of the pedal arm is transmitted to the power transmitting member through the pivotal arm, the connecting link and the lever member. By suitably determining the configuration or attitude of the lever member and the positions of connection of the lever member to the connecting link and the power transmitting member, the pattern of change of the lever ratio with a change in the operating amount or stroke of the pedal arm (operating portion) can be suitably determined.
(8) A pedal device according to any one of the above modes (1)-(4), wherein the one of the first and second members which has the operating portion includes an adjusting plate operatively connected to the other of the first and second members through the positioning device, and the pedal arm which is connected to the adjusting plate pivotally about a support shaft supported on the adjusting plate, the pedal arm having the operating portion at a lower end portion thereof, and wherein the other of the first and second members consists of the bracket fixed to the body of the vehicle.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (8), the support shaft is provided on the adjusting plate which is moved when the position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in its non-operated state is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The pedal arm is connected to the adjusting plate pivotally about the support shaft, and has the operating portion at its lower end portion. In this pedal device, the pedal arm is pivoted about the support shaft when the pedal arm is operated at its operating portion. The present arrangement is suitably employed where the pedal device is used as an accelerator pedal device or other pedal device which is not required to be operated with a large operating force.
(9) A pedal device according to the above mode (8), wherein the pedal arm is an accelerator pedal arm, the pedal device further including a sensor operable to convert an operating amount of the accelerator pedal arm into an electric signal.
The pedal device according to the above mode (9) is used as an accelerator pedal device including an accelerator pedal arm the operating amount of which is converted by a suitable sensor into an electric signal. The present accelerator pedal device is simpler in construction than an accelerator pedal device wherein the accelerator pedal arm is mechanically connected to an accelerator cable (provided as a power transmitting member to control an actuator for a throttle valve, for instance).
The pedal device constructed according to the principle of this invention can serve as any pedal device provided on an automotive vehicle, such as a brake pedal device, an accelerator pedal device, a clutch pedal device and a parking brake pedal device. For instance, the pedal device is arranged to push a rod of a brake booster or pull an accelerator cable or a parking brake cable, when the pedal arm is operated. Thus, the operating force or stroke of the pedal arm is mechanically outputted through a rod, cable or any other suitable power transmitting member. Alternatively, the operating force or stroke of the pedal arm of the pedal device may be converted by a suitable sensor into an electric signal. The sensor may be arranged to detect an angle of a pivotal motion or a torque of the pivotal arm provided in the pedal device according to the mode (5) of the invention described above. Alternatively, the sensor may be arranged to detect a load or an amount of movement of the power transmitting member indicated above.
The pair of guides provided on the first member is preferably a pair of straight guides, as in the pedal device according to the above mode (2). However, the guides need not be formed straight. The straight guides are preferably straight elongate holes, but may be straight guide rails or rods. The guide pieces provided on the second member may be bearing members which engage straight guides such as straight elongate holes, guide rails and guide rods, with a suitable attitude relative to the straight guides, such that the bearing members are linearly movable relative to the first member. If necessary, the guide pieces are pivotally supported by the second member.
The straight guides are formed such that extension lines of these straight guides intersect each other. The straight guides need not be continuous with each other in the form of an L-shape, but may be separate from each other, provided the extension lines of the straight guides intersect each other. The straight guides need not line in the same plane.
The positioning device preferably comprises a relative-movement device operable to move the first and second members relative to each other and maintain a desired relative position between the first and second members, as in the pedal device according to the above mode (4). However, the positioning device may be removable fastening means such as bolts and nuts for fixing the first and second members together with a desired relative position therebetween after the first and second members are moved to establish the desired relative position through engagement of the straight guides and the guide pieces.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (3), the straight guides are positioned such that the vertical position of the operating portion of the pedal arm is lowered while the operating surface of the operating portion is gradually inclined upwards, as the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the vehicle operator's seat. In the pedal device according to the above mode (1) or (2), however, the guides may be positioned such that the vertical position of the operating portion of the pedal arm is held substantially constant irrespective of a change in the position of the operating portion of the pedal arm in the non-operated state in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, or such that the vertical position of the operating portion is raised as the position of the operating portion is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (4), the second member has the operating portion and is moved relative to the first member when the position of the operating portion is adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. However, the pedal device according to the other modes may be arranged such that the first member has the operating portion and is moved relative to the second member upon adjustment of the longitudinal position of the operating portion.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (4), the relative-movement device includes a feedscrew and an internally threaded member. In the pedal device according to the other modes of the invention, any other type of relative-movement device for a relative linear movement of the first and second members may be used. For instance, a linear-movement mechanism including a rack and a pinion may be used. Further, the relative-movement device may be arranged such that the feedscrew is disposed on the second member pivotally about an axis perpendicular to the above-indicated substantially vertical plane, while the internally threaded member is disposed on the second member pivotally about an axis perpendicular to the substantially vertical plane. The relative-movement device may be arranged such that the feedscrew is manually rotated to move the first and second members relative to each other, or such that the feedscrew is rotated by power-operated drive means such as an electric motor to move the first and second members relative to each other, by turning on a suitable switch provided to control the power-operated drive means.
In the pedal device according to the above mode (5), the pedal arm consists of the first and second members of the position adjusting device, for example. In this case, one of the first and second members is the pivotal arm while the other has the operating portion. The pivotal arm may be an upper member while the other member may be a lower member having the operating portion. In the arrangement according to the above mode (5), the pivotal arm constitutes a part of the pedal arm. In an alternative arrangement, neither the first member nor the second member of the position adjusting device constitutes a part of the pedal arm having the operating portion. In this alternative arrangement, the pedal arm is a pivotal arm pivotally connected to the position adjusting device. Thus, a pivotal arm may constitute a part of the pedal arm or the entirety of the pedal arm.
The lever-ratio changing mechanism provided in the pedal device according to the above mode (6) may include a lever member and a connecting link as provided in the pedal device according to the above mode (7). However, the lever-ratio changing mechanism may use any other arrangement shaft, and the lever-ratio changing mechanism includes (a) a lever member disposed on the bracket pivotally about a mounting shaft and connected to the power transmitting member pivotally about a connecting shaft parallel to the mounting shaft, and (b) an engaging mechanism connected between the lever member and the pivotal arm, for pivoting the lever member when the pivotal arm is pivoted. The engaging mechanism may use an elongate hole and a piece engaging the elongate hole, or a cam mechanism. While the lever member and the power transmitting member are connected to each other pivotally about the first connecting shaft in the pedal device according to the above mode (7), the lever member and the power transmitting member may be connected to each other through a connecting link as used for connecting the pivotal arm to the lever member.
Although the pedal device according to the above mode (9) is used as an accelerator pedal device, the pedal device according to the above mode (8) may be used as a brake pedal device, a clutch pedal device and any other pedal device, which preferably includes a sensor arranged to convert the operating amount of the pedal arm into an electric signal used for controlling a brake or a clutch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The above and other objects, features, advantages and technical and industrial significance of the present invention will be better understood by reading the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment of the invention, when considered in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1
is a partly cut-away front elevational view showing a pedal device according to one embodiment of this invention, in the form of a brake pedal device for an automotive vehicle, when a pedal operating portion of the brake pedal device in the non-operated state is located at the fully advanced position;
FIG. 2
is a view showing the brake pedal device of
FIG. 1
when the pedal operating portion in the non-operated state is located at the fully retracted position;
FIG. 3
is a view showing a brake pedal device according to a second embodiment of the invention, which is different from the embodiment of
FIG. 1
in that the second embodiment includes a lever-ratio changing mechanism;
FIG. 4
is a view showing the brake pedal device of
FIG. 3
when its pedal operating portion in the non-operated state is located at the fully retracted position;
FIG. 5
is a graph indicating an example of a pedal ratio characteristic of the brake pedal device of
FIG. 3
;
FIG. 6
is a front elevational view showing a pedal device according to a third embodiment of this invention, in the form of an accelerator pedal device for an automotive vehicle, when a pedal operating portion of the accelerator pedal device in its non-operated state is located at its fully advanced position; and
FIG. 7
is a view showing the accelerator pedal device when its pedal operating portion in the non-operated state is located at the fully retracted position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to first to the partly cut-away front elevational view of
FIG. 1
, there is shown a pedal device for an automotive vehicle, in the form of a brake pedal device
10
constructed according to one embodiment of this invention. The brake pedal device
10
as shown in
FIG. 1
is installed in place on the vehicle. In
FIG. 1
, the left portion of the view corresponds to the front side of the vehicle, while the right side portion corresponds to the rear side of the vehicle. Namely, a vehicle operator's seat is located on the right side of the elevational view of FIG.
1
. The brake pedal device
10
is mounted on a bracket
14
fixed on a body or frame
12
of the vehicle, and includes a pedal arm
16
having an operating portion in the form of a pedal pad
18
at its lower end. When the pedal arm
16
is depressed at its pedal pad
18
while the pedal arm
16
is placed at its non-operated or original position indicated by solid line in
FIG. 1
, the pedal arm
16
is pivoted about a support shaft
20
supported by the bracket
14
, so as to push a rod
24
of a brake booster (not shown), which is connected to the pedal arm
16
through a connecting shaft
22
and a clevis
23
. The connecting shaft
22
is parallel to the support shaft
20
. An advancing movement of the rod
24
of the brake booster by the pivotal movement of the pedal arm
16
causes an advancing movement of a piston rod of a hydraulically operated master cylinder so that the master cylinder delivers a pressurized fluid for operating a hydraulically operated brake for braking the automotive vehicle. It will be understood that the booster rod
24
functions as a motion or power transmitting member. It is noted that the support shaft
20
is attached to the bracket
14
such that the axis of the support shaft
20
extends substantially horizontally in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse or lateral direction of the vehicle.
The pedal arm
16
consists of an upper member in the form of a pivotal arm
26
supported by the support shaft
20
pivotally about this support shaft
20
, and a lower arm
28
having the integrally formed pedal pad
18
. The pivotal arm
26
is connected to the booster rod
24
, and the pivotal arm
26
and the lower arm
28
are pivoted about the support shaft
20
, normally as a unit. While the pedal arm
16
is at rest, it is held in its predetermined non-operated position indicated by solid lines in
FIGS. 1 and 2
, with the pivotal arm
26
being biased by the rod
24
in the counterclockwise direction about the support shaft
20
as viewed in
FIGS. 1 and 2
. When the pedal arm
16
is operated at its pad
18
, it is pivoted in the clockwise direction about the support shaft
20
from the non-operated position to an operated position indicated by two-dot chain lines in
FIGS. 1 and 2
. When the pedal arm
16
is placed in the non-operated position, the brake pedal device
10
is placed in its non-operated or original position. The non-operated position of the pedal arm
16
(the position of the pivotal arm
26
in the non-operated position of the pedal arm
16
) may be determined either by a distance of extension of the rod
24
from the brake booster, or by a suitable stop disposed on the bracket
14
.
The pivotal arm
26
and the lower arm
28
are substantially planar members in the form of suitably shaped plates having a relatively small thickness. These two arms
26
,
28
are held in surface contact with each other such that the two arms
26
,
28
are mutually slidably movable relative to each other in a plane substantially perpendicular to the axis of the support shaft
20
, in other words, in a substantially vertical plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal or running direction of the vehicle. The relative position between the pivotal arm
26
and the lower arm
28
when the pedal arm
16
is placed at its non-operated position can be changed by pivoting the lower arm
28
relative to the pivotal arm
26
, so that the position of the pad
18
can be moved or adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It will be understood that the pivotal arm
26
and the lower arm
28
cooperate with a relative-movement device
40
(which will be described) to constitute a major portion of a position adjusting device
30
for adjusting or moving the position of the pad
18
of the pedal arm
16
in the non-operated state, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, between a fully advanced position (remotest from the operator's seat) indicated by solid line in
FIG. 1 and a
fully retracted or rearmost position (nearest to the operator's seat) indicated by solid line in FIG.
2
. In
FIG. 1
, the pad
18
at the fully retracted position is indicated by one-dot chain line, for easy comparison of the position and attitude at the fully retracted position with those at the fully advanced position indicated by the solid line. As indicated above, the operated position of the pedal arm
16
(of the pad
18
) is indicated by two-dot chain lines in
FIGS. 1 and 2
.
The pivotal arm
26
has a pair of straight guides in the form of a pair of straight elongate holes
32
,
34
formed therethrough, while the lower arm
28
has a pair of guide pieces
36
,
38
fixedly provided thereon so as to be linearly movable in engagement with the respective elongate holes
32
,
34
. The position adjusting device
30
indicated above includes these elongate holes
32
,
34
and guide pieces
36
,
38
, as well as the relative-movement device
40
indicated above. The relative-movement device
40
is arranged to linearly move the guide piece
36
in the longitudinal direction of the elongate hole
32
, while being guided by the elongate hole
32
, so that at the same time the other guide piece
38
is linearly moved while being guided by the other elongate hole
34
, whereby the lower arm
28
is moved relative to the pivotal arm
26
, so as to move the pad
18
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two elongate holes
32
,
34
are positioned and oriented such that extension lines EXT
1
and EXT
2
of the elongate holes
32
,
34
in their longitudinal direction intersect each other, as shown in
FIG. 1
, and so that the position of the pad
18
is gradually lowered while an operating surface
18
f
of the pad
18
is gradually inclined upwards (rotated in the counterclockwise direction as seen in
FIG. 1
) as the pad
18
is moved toward the fully retracted or rearmost position (indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG.
1
). In
FIG. 1
, “S” represents a point of intersection of two straight lines which pass the midpoints of the lengths of the respective elongate holes
32
,
34
and which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate holes
32
,
34
. At the fully advanced and retracted positions, the pad
18
has two different attitudes which would be taken if the lower arm
28
were pivoted with the pad
18
, about the intersection point S. The position adjusting device
30
is adapted such that the fully retracted position of the pad
18
is substantially right under the intersection point S, as indicated in
FIG. 1
, and such that angles θ1 and θ2 of inclination of the operating surface
18
f
at the fully advanced and retracted positions with respect to the horizontal plane (substantially parallel to the vehicle floor) and an angle a formed by the intersection point S and two straight lines connecting the point S and the centers of the operating surface
18
f
at the fully advanced and retracted positions, satisfy an equation θ1+α=θ2. Thus, the operating surface
18
f
at the fully retracted position of the pedal arm
16
is inclined so as to face more upwards by the angle α, than that at the fully advanced position. It will be understood that the pivotal arm
26
and the lower arm
28
of the pedal arm
16
respectively serve as a first member and a second member of the position adjusting device
30
. It is noted that since the lower arm
28
is not actually pivoted about the intersection point S, the pad
18
at a position between the fully advanced and retracted positions does not have an attitude which would be taken if the lower arm
28
were pivoted about the intersection point S.
The relative-movement device
40
includes a feedscrew
42
, an internally threaded member
44
, and an electrically operated rotary drive device
46
. The feedscrew
42
is disposed on the pivotal arm
26
such that the feedscrew
42
extends in parallel with the elongate hole
32
and is ratable about its axis. The internally threaded member
44
is connected to the guide piece
36
engaging the elongate hole
32
, and is held in meshing engagement with the feedscrew
42
. The rotary drive device
46
includes an electric motor and gears operatively connected to the feedscrew
42
. The electric motor is operated to rotate the feedscrew
42
in a selected one of the opposite directions, upon operation of a suitable switch by the vehicle operator. The internally threaded member
44
is connected to the guide piece
46
such that the member
44
is pivotable about an axis of the guide piece
46
which is perpendicular to the plane in which the pivotal and lower arms
26
,
28
are mutually slidably movable relative to each other. This arrangement enables the internal thread of the internally threaded member
44
to be held in coaxial relationship with the feedscrew
42
even when the guide piece
36
is rotated about its axis as a result of movement of the lower arm
28
relative to the pivotal arm
26
in the above-indicated plane. A cylindrical portion of each guide piece
36
,
38
which engages the corresponding elongate hole
32
,
34
has a diameter substantially equal to the width dimension of the elongate hole
32
,
34
. This dimensional relationship permits smooth movements of the guide pieces
36
,
38
through the elongate holes
32
,
34
in the longitudinal direction of the latter while preventing movements of the guide pieces
36
,
38
relative to the pivotal arm
26
in the transverse direction of the elongate holes
32
,
34
, even while the lower arm
28
is moved relative to the pivotal arm
26
. Where the guide pieces
36
,
38
are disposed on the lower arm
28
such that the guide pieces
36
,
38
are rotatable relative to the lower arm
28
about respective axes perpendicular to the above-indicated plane, portions of the guide pieces
36
,
38
which engage the respective elongate holes
32
,
34
may have polygonal shapes in transverse cross section and a width substantially equal to the width dimension of the elongate holes
32
,
34
. In this case, the guide piece
36
may be formed integrally with the internally threaded member
44
. The thread pitch of the feedscrew
42
and the speed reduction ratio of the rotary drive device
46
are determined so as to prevent a rotary movement of the feedscrew
42
and a consequent movement of the lower arm
28
due to a load applied from the internally threaded member
44
to the feedscrew
42
when the pedal arm
16
is operated at the pedal pad
18
, or due to a vibration of the brake pedal device
10
during running of the vehicle. When the switch for operating the rotary drive device
46
is turned off, the rotary and axial movements of the feedscrew
42
are terminated, so that the lower arm
28
is positioned relative to the pivotal arm
26
. Thus, the relative-movement device
40
serves as a positioning device for positioning the pivotal and lower arms
26
,
28
relative to each other.
In the present brake pedal device
10
, the lower arm
28
is connected to the pivotal arm
26
through mutual engagement of the pair of straight elongate holes
32
,
34
and the pair of guide pieces
36
,
38
, such that the pivotal and lower arms
26
,
28
are movable relative to each other in the above-indicated plane by an operation of the relative-movement device
40
, so that the pedal pad
18
provided at the lower end of the lower am,
28
is movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the arrangement of the elongate holes
32
,
34
such that the extension lines EXT
1
and EXT
2
of these elongate holes
32
,
34
intersect each other permits a change of the attitude of the pedal pad
18
as the pedal pad
18
is moved in the longitudinal direction so that the pedal arm
16
can be operated with a high degree of operational ease, at the suitably inclined operating surface
18
f
of the pedal pad
18
, irrespective of the position of the pedal pad
18
in the longitudinal direction.
Described more specifically, the level or vertical position of the pedal pad
18
is lowered as the pedal pad
18
is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the operator's seat. That is, the position of the pedal pad
18
is adjusted depending upon the particular physical characteristics of the operator, so that the height or vertical position of the pedal pad
18
is adjusted to suit the particular length of the pedal operating leg of the operator, for facilitating the manipulation of the pedal arm
16
. There is a general tendency that the pedal pad
18
of the pedal arm
16
in its non-operated state is positioned comparatively near the operator's seat where the operator has relatively short legs and feet, and comparatively distant from the operator's seat where the operator has relatively long legs and feet. In view of this tendency, the vertical position of the pedal pad
18
is lowered as the pedal pad
18
is moved in the rearward direction, so that the pedal pad
18
can be relatively easily operated by any operators who are either tall or short.
Further, the present embodiment is adapted such that the operating surface
18
f
of the pedal pad
18
is gradually inclined upwards as the pad
18
is moved toward in the rearward direction toward the operator' seat, so that the pedal pad
18
can be easily operated, irrespective of the position of the pedal pad
18
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, which is adjusted depending upon the physical characteristics of the operator. Namely, the operator's foot generator approaches the pedal pad
18
in an almost vertical direction, to press down the pedal pad
18
on its operating surface
18
f
, when the pedal pad
18
is located relatively near the operator's seat. The ease of operation of the pedal arm
16
at the pedal pad
18
can be considerably improved by this arrangement of inclining the operating surface
18
f
upwards as the pedal pad
18
is moved in the rearward direction, together with the arrangement of lowering the level of the operating surface
18
f
as the pedal pad
18
is moved in the rearward direction, depending upon the particular physical characteristics of the operator.
It Is also noted that the attitude of the pedal pad
18
can be changed with a change in the longitudinal position of the pedal pad, by a simple mechanism which h,as the pair of straight elongate holes
32
,
34
whose extension lines EXT
1
and EXT
2
intersect each other, and the pair of guide pieces
36
,
38
engaging the elongate holes
32
,
34
. The straight elongate holes
32
,
34
and the guide pieces
36
,
38
can be easily formed or manufactured. Accordingly, the present brake pedal device
10
is simpler in construction and available at a lower cost of manufacture, than the known brake pedal device using an arcuate hole and an arcuate rack. In addition, the elongate holes
32
,
34
can be formed in the pivotal arm
26
at desired positions, so as to reduce the size of the brake pedal device
10
, while assuring a required degree of strength at the connection of the pivotal and lower arms
26
,
28
.
Further, the required size of the lower arm
28
which is moved relative to the pivotal arm
26
when the position of the pedal pad
18
is adjusted can be made smaller in the present arrangement wherein the guide pieces
36
,
38
are disposed on the lower arm
28
, than in an arrangement wherein the elongate holes
32
,
34
are formed in the lower arm
28
. Accordingly, the required space for installation of the brake pedal device
10
on the vehicle can be reduced.
In addition, the position of the pedal pad
18
of the pedal arm
16
in its non-operated state can be easily and rapidly adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, owing to a unique arrangement of the relative-movement device
40
which includes the feedscrew
42
disposed on the pivotal arm
26
in parallel to the elongate hole
32
, the internally threaded member
44
connected to the guide piece
36
engaging the elongate hole
32
, and the electrically operated rotary drive device
46
operatively connected to the feedscrew
42
such that a rotary movement of the feedscrew
42
causes a linear movement of the guide piece
36
and a consequent movement of the lower arm
28
relative to the pivotal arm
26
, and such that the termination of the rotary movement of the feedscrew
42
results in the positioning of the lower arm
28
relative to the pivotal arm
26
, and the consequent adjustment of the position of the pedal pad
18
. In particular, the electrically operated rotary drive device
46
can be easily turned on and off by the operator's controlled switch to initiate and terminate the rotary movement of the feedscrew
42
, so that the position of the pedal pad
18
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be adjusted with utmost ease.
Furthermore, the relative-movement device
40
wherein the feedscrew
42
is supported by the pivotal arm
26
such that the feedscrew
42
is not axially movable relative to the pivotal arm
26
is simple in construction and is available at a relatively low cost.
It is further noted that the support shaft
20
about which the pedal arm
16
is pivoted at the pivotal arm
26
is supported by the bracket
14
fixed to the vehicle body
12
. This structure to pivotally support the pedal arm
16
has a high mechanical strength, assuring a high degree of durability of the brake pedal device
10
even where this device
10
is subjected to a relatively large operating force at the pedal pad
18
.
Referring next to
FIGS. 3-5
, there will be described a second embodiment of this invention. In this embodiment, the same reference signs as used in the first embodiment will be used to identify the functionally corresponding elements, and redundant description of these elements will not be provided.
In
FIGS. 3 and 4
corresponding to
FIGS. 1 and 2
, respectively, there is shown a brake pedal device
50
for an automotive vehicle, which is different from the brake pedal device
10
of the first embodiment in that a lever-ratio changing mechanism
52
is provided between the pivotal arm
26
and the booster rod
24
in the present brake pedal device
50
. The lever-ratio changing mechanism
52
includes a lever member
56
which is connected to the bracket
14
through a mounting shaft
54
such that the lever member
56
is pivotable about an axis of the mounting shaft
54
that is parallel to the support shaft
20
. To this lever member
56
, there is connected the booster rod
24
through a connecting shaft
58
such that the booster rod
24
is pivotable relative to the lever member
56
about an axis of the connecting shaft
58
parallel to the mounting shaft
54
. To the lever member
56
, there is also connected one end of a connecting link
62
through a connecting shaft
60
such that the connecting link
62
is pivotable relative to the lever member
56
about an axis of the connecting shaft
60
that is also parallel to the mounting shaft
54
. The connecting shaft
60
is located nearer to the connecting shaft
58
than to the mounting shaft
54
. The connecting link
62
is connected at the other end to the pivotal arm
26
through a connecting shaft
64
such that the connecting link
62
is pivotable relative to the pivotal arm
26
about an axis of the connecting shaft
64
parallel to the connecting shaft
60
. The connecting shafts
58
,
60
,
64
serve as a first, a second and a third connecting shaft, respectively.
In the present brake pedal device
50
, which is also arranged to permit an adjustment of the position of the pedal pad
18
of the pedal arm
16
in the non-operated state in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, the connecting link
62
and the lever member
56
are interconnected between the pivotal arm
26
and the booster rod
24
, an operating force acting on the pedal pad
18
is transmitted to the rod
24
through the pivotal arm
26
, the connecting link
62
and the lever member
56
in this order of description. According to this arrangement, the lever ratio of the brake pedal device
50
can be easily changed with an increase in the operating stroke of the pedal arm
16
in a desired pattern. This pattern, namely, a relationship between the lever ratio and the operating stroke of the pedal arm
16
can be set or determined depending upon the attitude of the lever member
56
and the positions of connection of the lever member
56
to the rod
24
and the pivotal arm
26
, that is, depending upon the configuration of the lever member
56
and the positions of the mounting shaft
54
and the connecting shafts
58
,
60
. The present arrangement provides a relatively high degree of freedom in the setting of the above-indicated relationship between the brake operating stroke and the lever ratio. The lever-ratio changing mechanism
52
cooperates with the position adjusting device
30
(provided to adjust the position of the pedal pad
18
) to provide a significant improvement in the maneuverability of the brake pedal device
50
.
The lever ratio indicated above is a ratio at which the operating force acting on the pedal pad
18
is boosted into a force by which the booster rod
24
is pressed, or a ratio of the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
to that of the rod
24
. The graph of
FIG. 5
indicates an example of the pattern of change of the lever ratio with a change in the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
when the pedal arm
16
is pivoted about the support shaft
20
. In this example, the lever ratio is relatively low when the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
is relatively large, so that an amount of operation of the pedal pad
18
required to move the rod
24
by a given distance is relatively small when the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
is relatively large. It is noted that the distance between the support shaft
20
and the pedal pad
18
is changed as the position of the pedal pad
18
in the non-operated state in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is changed, so that the pattern of change of the lever ratio with the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
changes as the position of the pedal pad
18
is changed. Suppose the lever ratio is changed with the operating stroke of the pedal pad
18
as shown in the graph of
FIG. 5
where the pedal arm
16
in its non-operated state is placed at the fully advanced position indicated by solid line in
FIG. 3
, the lever ratio is increased over the entire range of the operating stroke, as compared with the lever ratio shown in
FIG. 5
, when the pedal arm
16
in its non-operated state is placed at the fully retracted or rearmost position indicated by one-dot chain line in FIG.
3
.
Referring to the front elevational views of
FIGS. 6 and 7
, there is shown a pedal device for an automotive vehicle, in the form of an accelerator pedal device
70
constructed according to a third embodiment of this invention. In
FIGS. 6 and 7
, the left portion of the views corresponds to the front side of the vehicle, while the right side portion corresponds to the rear side of the vehicle. Namely, the vehicle operator's seat is located on the right side of the views of
FIGS. 6 and 7
. The accelerator pedal device
70
is mounted on a bracket
74
fixed on a body or frame
72
of the vehicle, and includes a pedal arm
76
having an operating portion in the form of a pedal pad
78
at its lower end. When the pedal arm
76
is depressed at its pedal pad
78
while the pedal arm
76
is placed at its non-operated or original position indicated by solid line in
FIG. 6
, the pedal arm
76
is pivoted about a support shaft
82
supported by an adjusting plate
80
. An amount of pivotal movement of the pedal arm
76
or an amount of operation of the pedal pad
78
is electrically detected by a rotary position sensor
84
disposed on the adjusting plate
80
. The support shaft
82
is disposed on the adjusting plate
80
such that the axis of the support shaft
82
extends substantially horizontally, and is substantially parallel to the transverse or lateral direction of the vehicle. While the pedal arm
76
is in the non-operated state, the pedal arm
76
is biased by a return spring (not shown) in the counterclockwise direction about the support shaft
82
as seen in
FIG. 6
, so that the pedal arm
76
is held at the non-operated position, in abutting contact with a stop
86
provided on the adjusting plate
80
.
The bracket
74
and the adjusting plate
80
are substantially planar members in the form of suitably shaped plates having a relatively small thickness. These bracket
74
and adjusting plate
80
are held in surface contact with each other such that they are mutually slidably movable relative to each other in a substantially vertical plane substantially parallel to the longitudinal or running direction of the vehicle. The position of the adjusting plate
80
relative to the stationary bracket
74
when the pedal arm
76
is placed at its non-operated position can be changed, so that the position of the pad
78
can be moved or adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. It will be understood that the bracket
74
and the adjusting plate
80
cooperate with a relative-movement device
100
(which will be described) to constitute a major portion of a position adjusting device
90
for adjusting or moving the position of the pad
78
of the pedal arm
76
in the non-operated state, in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, between a fully advanced position (remotest from the operator's seat) indicated by solid line in
FIG. 6 and a
fully retracted or rearmost position (nearest to the operator's seat) indicated by solid line in FIG.
7
. In
FIG. 6
, the pad
78
at the fully retracted position is indicated by one-dot chain line, for easy comparison of the position and attitude at the fully retracted position with those at the fully advanced position indicated by the solid line. The operated position of the pedal arm
76
(of the pad
78
) is indicated by two-dot chain lines in
FIGS. 6 and 7
.
The bracket
74
has a pair of straight guides in the form of a pair of straight elongate holes
92
,
94
formed therethrough, while the adjusting plate
80
has a pair of guide pieces
96
,
98
fixedly provided thereon so as to be linearly movable in engagement with the respective elongate holes
92
,
94
. The position adjusting device
90
indicated above includes these elongate holes
92
,
94
and guide pieces
96
,
98
, as well as the relative-movement device
100
indicated above. The relative-movement device
100
is arranged to linearly move the guide piece
96
in the longitudinal direction of the elongate hole
92
, while being guided by the elongate hole
92
, so that at the same time the other guide piece
98
is linearly moved while being guided by the other elongate hole
94
, whereby the adjusting plate
80
is moved relative to the bracket
74
, so as to move the pedal pad
78
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. The two straight elongate holes
92
,
94
are positioned and oriented such that extension lines of the elongate holes
92
,
94
in their longitudinal direction intersect each other, and so that the position of the pad
78
is gradually lowered while an operating surface
78
f
of the pad
78
is gradually inclined upwards (rotated in the counterclockwise direction as seen in
FIG. 6
) as the pad
78
is moved toward the fully retracted or rearmost position (indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG.
6
). As in the first and second embodiments, each of the pedal arm
76
and the adjusting plate
80
has two different attitudes corresponding to the fully advanced and retracted positions, which two different attitudes would be taken if the pedal arm
76
were pivoted with the pad
78
, about a point of intersection of two straight lines which pass the midpoints of the lengths of the respective elongate holes
92
,
94
and which are perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the elongate holes
92
,
94
. It will be understood that the bracket
74
serves as a first member of the position adjusting device
90
, while the pedal arm
76
and the adjusting plate
80
serve as a second member of the position adjusting device
90
.
The relative-movement device
100
includes a feedscrew
102
, an internally threaded member
104
, and an electrically operated rotary drive device
106
. The feedscrew
102
is disposed on the bracket
74
such that the feedscrew
102
extends in parallel with the elongate hole
92
and is ratable about its axis. The internally threaded member
104
is connected to the guide piece
96
engaging the elongate hole
92
, and is held in meshing engagement with the feedscrew
102
. The rotary drive device
106
includes an electric motor and gears operatively connected to the feedscrew
102
. The electric motor is operated to rotate the feedscrew
102
in a selected one of the opposite directions, upon operation of a suitable switch by the vehicle operator. The internally threaded member
104
is connected to the guide piece
96
such that the member
104
is pivotable about an axis of the guide piece
96
which is perpendicular to the plane in which the bracket
74
and adjusting plate
80
are mutually slidably movable relative to each other. This arrangement enables the internal thread of the internally threaded member
104
to be held in coaxial relationship with the feedscrew
102
even when the guide piece
96
is rotated about its axis as a result of movement of the adjusting plate
80
relative to the bracket
74
in the above-indicated plane. A cylindrical portion of each guide piece
96
,
98
which engages the corresponding elongate hole
92
,
94
has a diameter substantially equal to the width dimension of the elongate hole
92
,
94
. This dimensional relationship permits smooth movements of the guide pieces
96
,
98
through the elongate holes
92
,
94
in the longitudinal direction of the latter while preventing movements of the guide pieces
96
,
98
relative to the bracket
74
in the transverse direction of the elongate holes
92
,
94
, even while the adjusting plate
80
is moved relative to the bracket
74
. Where the guide pieces
96
,
98
are disposed on the adjusting plate
80
such that the guide pieces
96
,
98
are rotatable relative to the adjusting plate
80
about respective axes perpendicular to the above-indicated plane, portions of the guide pieces
96
,
98
which engage the respective elongate holes
92
,
94
may have polygonal shapes in transverse cross section and a width substantially equal to the width dimension of the elongate holes
92
,
94
. In this case, the guide piece
96
may be formed integrally with the internally threaded member
104
. The thread pitch of the feedscrew
102
and the speed reduction ratio of the rotary drive device
106
are determined so as to prevent a rotary movement of the feedscrew
102
and a consequent movement of the adjusting plate
80
due to a load applied from the internally threaded member
104
to the feedscrew
102
when the pedal arm
76
is operated at the pedal pad
78
, or due to a vibration of the accelerator pedal device
70
during running of the vehicle. When the switch for operating the rotary drive device
106
is turned off, the rotary and axial movements of the feedscrew
102
are terminated, so that the adjusting plate
80
is positioned relative to the bracket
74
. Thus, the relative-movement device
100
serves as a positioning device for positioning the bracket
74
and adjusting plate
80
relative to each other.
In the present accelerator pedal device
70
, the adjusting plate
80
is connected to the bracket
74
through mutual engagement of the pair of straight elongate holes
92
,
94
and the pair of guide pieces
96
,
98
, such that the adjusting plate
80
and bracket
74
are movable relative to each other in the above-indicated plane by an operation of the relative-movement device
100
, so that the pedal pad
78
provided at the lower end of the pedal arm
76
is movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Further, the arrangement of the elongate holes
92
,
94
such that the extension lines of these elongate holes
92
,
94
intersect each other permits a change of the attitude of the pedal pad
78
as the pedal pad
78
is moved in the longitudinal direction so that the pedal arm
78
can be operated with a high degree of operational ease, at the suitably inclined operating surface
78
f
of the pedal pad
78
, irrespective of the position of the pedal pad
78
in the longitudinal direction.
As in the first and second embodiments, the level or vertical position of the pedal pad
18
is lowered and the operating surface
78
f
is gradually inclined upwards as the pedal pad
78
is moved in the rearward direction of the vehicle toward the operator's seat. That is, the vertical position of the pedal pad
78
and the inclination of the operating surface
78
f
are adjusted to suit the particular physical characteristics of the operator, for facilitating the manipulation of the pedal arm
78
.
It is also noted that the attitude of the pedal pad
78
can be changed with a change in the longitudinal position of the pedal pad, by a simple mechanism which has the pair of straight elongate holes
92
,
94
intersecting each other and the pair of guide pieces
96
,
98
engaging the elongate holes
92
,
94
. The straight elongate holes
92
,
94
and the guide pieces
96
,
98
can be easily formed or manufactured. Accordingly, the present accelerator pedal device
70
is simpler in construction and available at a lower cost of manufacture, than the known accelerator pedal device using an arcuate hole and an arcuate rack. In addition, the elongate holes
92
,
94
can be formed in the bracket at desired positions, so as to reduce the size of the accelerator pedal device
70
, while assuring a required degree of strength at the connection of the bracket
74
and adjusting plate
80
.
Further, the required size of the pedal arm
76
which is moved relative to the bracket
74
when the position of the pedal pad
78
is adjusted can be made smaller in the present arrangement wherein the guide pieces
96
,
98
are disposed on the pedal arm
76
, than in an arrangement wherein the elongate holes
92
,
94
are formed in the pedal arm
76
. Accordingly, the required space for installation of the accelerator pedal device
70
on the vehicle can be reduced.
In addition, the position of the pedal pad
78
of the pedal arm
76
in its non-operated state can be easily and rapidly adjusted in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle, owing to a unique arrangement of the relative-movement device
100
which includes the feedscrew
102
disposed on the bracket
74
in parallel to the elongate hole
92
, the internally threaded member
104
connected to the guide piece
96
engaging the elongate hole
92
, and the electrically operated rotary drive device
106
operatively connected to the feedscrew
102
such that a rotary movement of the feedscrew
102
causes a linear movement of the guide piece
96
and a consequent movement of the pedal arm
76
relative to the bracket
74
, and such that the termination of the rotary movement of the feedscrew
102
results in the positioning of the pedal arm
76
relative to the bracket
74
, and the consequent adjustment of the position of the pedal pad
78
. In particular, the electrically operated rotary drive device
106
can be easily turned on and off by the operator's controlled switch to initiate and terminate the rotary movement of the feedscrew
102
, so that the position of the pedal pad
78
in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle can be adjusted with utmost ease.
Furthermore, the relative-movement device
100
wherein the feedscrew
102
is supported by the bracket
74
such that the feedscrew
102
is not axially movable relative to the bracket
74
is simple in construction and is available at a relatively low cost.
It is further noted that the operating amount of the pedal arm
76
at the pedal pad
78
is converted into an electric signal by the sensor
84
, so that the accelerator pedal device
70
is made simpler in construction than an accelerator pedal device in which the pedal arm whose non-operated position is adjustable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle is mechanically connected to a motion transmitting member in the form of an accelerator cable.
While the presently preferred embodiments of this invention have been described in detail by reference to the drawings, for illustrative purpose only, it is to be understood that the present invention may be embodied with various other changes, modifications and improvements, which may occur to those skilled in the art, in the light of the technical teachings of the present invention which have been described.
Claims
- 1. A pedal device mounted on a bracket fixed to a body of an automotive vehicle, and including a pedal arm having an operating portion at a lower end thereof, and a position adjusting device operable to adjust a position of said operating portion in a longitudinal direction of the automotive vehicle where said pedal arm is placed in a non-operated state thereof, said position adjusting device comprising:a first member having a pair of guides; a second member disposed movably relative to said first member in an approximately vertical plane approximately parallel to said longitudinal direction, and having a pair of guide pieces which are movable in engagement with said pair of guides, respectively; and a positioning device operable to establish a desired relative position between said first and second members, by moving said pair of guides and said pair of guide pieces relative to each other, said positioning device permitting said first and second members to maintain said desired relative position after said desired relative position is established, wherein one of said first and second members has said operating portion and is movable relative to the other of said first and second members, to move said operating portion in said longitudinal direction, and wherein said pair of guides consist of a pair of straight guides which are formed and positioned such that perpendicular lines at midpoints of said straight guides intersect each other at an intersecting point, and a first horizontal distance between said intersecting point and a center of said operating portion at its fully retracted position is shorter than a second horizontal distance between said intersecting point and a center of said operating portion at its fully advanced position, whereby a vertical position of said operating portion is lowered as said operating portion is moved toward the rear of the vehicle, parallel to said longitudinal direction.
- 2. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein said pair of straight guides are positioned such that extension lines of said straight guides intersect each other such that an attitude of said operating portion changes and said vertical position of said operating portion is lowered as said operating portion is moved in said rearward direction in relation to the vehicle, parallel to said longitudinal direction as a result of a relative movement of said first and second members with said pair of guide pieces being moved in engagement with said pair of straight guides, respectively.
- 3. The pedal device according to claim 2, wherein said second member has said operating portion and is movable relative to said first member, and said positioning device comprises a relative-movement device including a feedscrew disposed on said first member such that said feedscrew is parallel to one of said pair of straight guides and rotatable about an axis thereof, and an internally threaded member connected to one of said guide pieces which engages said one of said pair of straight guides, said internally threaded member being held in engagement with said feedscrew and pivotable relative to said second member about an axis perpendicular to said approximately vertical plane, and wherein said relative-movement device is operable to rotate said feedscrew to move said second member relative to said first member and maintain said desired relative position between said first and second members after a rotary motion of said feedscrew is terminated.
- 4. A pedal device according to claim 1, wherein said pedal arm includes said first and second members, and said other of said first and second members which does not have said operating portion is a pivotal arm which is disposed pivotally about a support shaft supported by said bracket, said pedal arm being pivoted about said support shaft when said pedal arm is operated at said operating portion.
- 5. A pedal device according to claim 4, wherein said pivotal arm is operatively connected to a power transmitting member such that an operating force acting on said operating portion of said pedal arm is transmitted to said power transmitting member, said pedal device further including a lever-ratio changing mechanism interconnected between said pivotal arm and said power transmitting member, said lever-ratio changing mechanism being operable to change a lever ratio of said pedal device with a change in an operating amount of said pedal arm.
- 6. A pedal device according to claims 5, wherein said bracket has a mounting shaft parallel to said support shaft, and said lever-ratio changing mechanism includes (a) a lever member disposed on said bracket pivotally about said mounting shaft and connected to said power transmitting member pivotally about a first connecting shaft parallel to said mounting shaft, and (b) a connecting link connected at one of opposite ends to said lever member pivotally about a second connecting shaft parallel to said mounting shaft, and at the other end to said pivotal arm pivotally about a third connecting shaft parallel to said second connecting shaft, and wherein said operating force is transmitted from said pedal arm to said power transmitting member through said pivotal arm, said connecting link and said lever member.
- 7. A pedal device according to claim 1, wherein said one of said first and second members which has said operating portion includes an adjusting plate operatively connected to said other of said first and second members through said positioning device, and said pedal arm which is connected to said adjusting plate pivotally about a support shaft supported by said adjusting plate, said pedal arm having said operating portion at a lower end portion thereof, and wherein said other of said first and second members consists of said bracket fixed to said body of the vehicle.
- 8. A pedal device according to claim 7, wherein said pedal arm is an accelerator pedal arm, said pedal device further including a sensor operable to convert an operating amount of said accelerator pedal arm into an electric signal.
- 9. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein said pair of guides are formed and positioned such that an operating surface of said operating portion is gradually inclined while the vertical position of said operating portion is lowered as said operating portion is moved toward the rear of the vehicle, parallel to said longitudinal direction.
- 10. A pedal device mounted on a bracket fixed to a body of an automotive vehicle, and including a pedal arm having an operating portion at a lower end thereof, and a position adjusting device operable to adjust a position of said operating portion in a longitudinal direction of the automotive vehicle where said pedal arm is placed in a non-operated state thereof, said position adjusting device comprising:a first member having a pair of straight guides which are positioned such that extension lines of said straight guides intersect each other; a second member disposed movably relative to said first member in a vertical plane parallel to said longitudinal direction, and having a pair of guide pieces which are movable in engagement with said pair of guides, respectively; and a positioning device operable to establish a desired relative position between said first and second members, by moving said pair of guides and said pair of guide pieces relative to each other, said positioning device permitting said first and second members to maintain said desired relative position after said desired relative position is established, wherein one of said first and second members has said operating portion and is movable relative to the other of said first and second members, to move said operating portion in said longitudinal direction, and wherein said pair of straight guides are formed and positioned such that the perpendicular lines at midpoints of said straight guides intersect each other at an intersecting point, and a first horizontal distance between said intersecting point and a center of said operating portion at its fully retracted position is shorter than a second horizontal distance between said intersecting point and a center of said operating portion at its fully advanced position. whereby an operating surface of said operating portion is gradually inclined upwards while a vertical position of said operating portion is lowered as said operating portion is moved toward the rear of the vehicle, parallel to said longitudinal direction.
Priority Claims (1)
Number |
Date |
Country |
Kind |
2000-391310 |
Dec 2000 |
JP |
|
US Referenced Citations (15)
Foreign Referenced Citations (7)
Number |
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2739947 |
Apr 1997 |
FR |
63-3412 |
Jan 1988 |
JP |
63-4313 |
Jan 1988 |
JP |
2-39807 |
Sep 1990 |
JP |
5-37295 |
Sep 1993 |
JP |
6-40292 |
May 1994 |
JP |
WO 0219051 |
Mar 2002 |
WO |