Pedal device for protecting the driver

Abstract

A pedal device for protecting a driver includes: a pedal member to which a pedal arm is rotatably connected; a cowl bracket fixedly connected to the pedal member; and a collision rotating bracket connected to the cowl bracket. The collision rotating bracket is configured to rotate relative to the cowl bracket when the collision rotating bracket contacts a vehicle body fixing member due to the backward movement of the pedal member caused by a collision accident. The pedal arm is configured to be forcibly pushed in a forward direction by the collision rotating bracket during the rotation of the collision rotating bracket, so that the pedal arm is forced to rotate in the forward direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a pedal device for protecting a driver. Background Art

[0002] In a general vehicle, an accelerator pedal, a brake pedal, and a clutch pedal, which are operated by a driver's feet, are mounted on a dash panel provided below a driver's seat.

[0003] Meanwhile, when a collision or rear-end collision occurs, the engine compartment may collapse due to the impact force generated by the accident, and there is a possibility that the driver's legs may be injured by the pedal device.

[0004] In order to prevent such a problem, a technology has been developed to prevent rearward advancement (advancement toward the driver's seat) and rearward rotation (rotation toward the driver's seat) of the pedal by additionally applying a separate structure (pedal arm side stopper, cowl cross member side stopper, etc.).

[0005] However, most of the conventional techniques have disadvantages of increased number of components, increased weight, and increased cost since a separate structure is additionally applied in addition to the components constituting the pedal device.

[0006] In particular, in an oblique side front collision, the pedal is pushed forward from the front lower position to the rear upper position in an oblique direction in a state where the pedal is offset at a certain angle. When such an oblique side front collision occurs, the dash cross member side stopper in the conventional cantilever structure cannot effectively suppress the pedal arm from being pushed backward, and therefore, there may be a defect that the injury to the driver's legs caused by the pedal cannot be surely prevented.

[0007] The above contents disclosed in this section are only for deepening the understanding of the general background of the present invention, and should not be regarded as admitting or suggesting in any form that the contents constitute the prior art already known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention relates to a pedal device for protecting a driver. A specific embodiment relates to a pedal device for protecting a driver, which can prevent injuries to the driver's legs (calf shock, ankle dislocation, etc.) caused by the pedal device during a collision accident to the greatest extent.

[0009] Embodiments of the present invention may solve problems such as those described above.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides a pedal device for protecting a driver, which can use a collision rotating bracket connected to a front bracket to cause a pedal arm to forcibly rotate forward when a collision accident occurs, thereby preventing the pedal arm from being pushed backward and rotating backward, thereby minimizing the damage to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm.

[0011] For example, even in the case of an oblique side front collision, the pedal device according to the embodiment of the present invention can prevent the injury to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm to the greatest extent.

[0012] According to one aspect of the present invention, a pedal device for protecting a driver includes: a pedal member to which a pedal arm is rotatably connected; a cowl bracket fixedly connected to the pedal member; and a collision rotating bracket connected to the cowl bracket. When the collision rotating bracket contacts a vehicle body fixing member due to the backward movement of the pedal member caused by a collision accident, the collision rotating bracket rotates relative to the cowl bracket, and during the rotation of the collision rotating bracket, the pedal arm is forcibly pushed in a forward direction by the collision rotating bracket, so that the pedal arm is forced to rotate in the forward direction.

[0013] The cowl bracket and the collision rotating bracket may be connected by a double connection point structure provided by the rotating shaft and the brake light switch. When the collision rotating bracket contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to the backward movement of the pedal member caused by the collision accident, the brake light switch may be separated from the cowl bracket. When the brake light switch is separated from the cowl bracket, the collision rotating bracket may rotate about the rotating shaft. The pedal arm may be forced to rotate in the forward direction by the rotation force of the collision rotating bracket generated when the collision rotating bracket rotates about the rotating shaft.

[0014] The cowl bracket may be formed to have a greater cross-sectional thickness than the pedal member and the collision rotating bracket, so that the cowl bracket has greater strength and rigidity than the pedal member and the collision rotating bracket, thereby allowing the collision rotating bracket to rotate stably in the event of a collision accident.

[0015] The collision rotating bracket may include: a middle coupling section coupled to the cowl bracket via a rotating shaft and a brake light switch; an upper contact section extending upward from the middle coupling section, the upper contact section contacting a vehicle body fixing member when a collision accident occurs and the pedal member is pushed backward; and a lower rotating section extending downward from the middle coupling section, when the collision rotating bracket rotates due to its contact with the vehicle body fixing member, the lower rotating section forcibly pushes the pedal arm in a forward direction, thereby forcing the pedal arm to rotate in the forward direction.

[0016] Before a collision occurs, the collision rotating bracket is connected to the cowl bracket via the rotating shaft and the brake light switch, so the collision rotating bracket does not rotate relative to the cowl bracket. When the upper contact section contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to a collision accident, thereby separating the brake light switch from the cowl bracket, the collision rotating bracket can rotate around the rotating shaft.

[0017] The upper contact section may be formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending upward from the middle coupling section, and the upper contact section may be bent to protrude rearward.

[0018] The lower rotating section may be formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending downward from the middle coupling section, similar to the upper contact section, and may be bent to protrude forward so that the lower rotating section contacts one surface of the pedal arm.

[0019] The collision rotating bracket may have a structure in which a straight line distance from the center of the rotating shaft to the end of the lower rotating section is greater than a straight line distance from the center of the rotating shaft to the end of the upper contact section, thereby increasing the forward rotation amount of the pedal arm during rotation of the collision rotating bracket.

[0020] The pedal arm may be one of a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, and an accelerator pedal.

[0021] In the pedal device for protecting the driver according to the embodiment of the present invention, when a collision or rear-end collision accident occurs, the pedal arm is forced to rotate forward and thus away from the driver by rotating the collision rotating bracket when the accident occurs. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the injury to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm to the greatest extent. In particular, a structure in which the pedal arm is forced to rotate forward without a large number of additional components can be achieved, and therefore, compared with the conventional structure, the effect of reducing weight and reducing costs can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An exploded perspective view and an assembled perspective view respectively show a pedal device for protecting a driver according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0024] Figures 3 to 6 Respectively Figure 2 Corresponding right side view, left side view, front view and bottom view;

[0025] Figure 7 and Figure 8A front view and a side view of a collision rotating bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention are shown;

[0026] Figures 9 to 11b shows the pedal arrangement before and after the collision, Fig. 9 is a side view of a pedal device including a collision rotating bracket according to an embodiment of the present invention, Figures 10a to 11b For Fig. 9 The corresponding plan view and bottom view, Fig. 9 The left side of Fig.10a , Fig.11a shows the pedal arrangement before the collision, Fig. 9 on the right side, Fig.10b , Fig.11b The pedal arrangement is shown after a collision. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Hereinafter, a pedal device for protecting a driver according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0028] like Figures 1 to 11b As shown, the pedal device for protecting the driver according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a pedal member 10 and a pedal arm 30, the pedal member 10 is fixedly mounted on a front panel provided below the driver's seat; the pedal arm 30 is coupled to the pedal member 10 by a hinge bolt 21 and a nut 22, so that the pedal arm 30 can rotate in the forward and backward directions. The pedal device further includes a front panel bracket 40 and a collision rotation bracket 50, the front panel bracket 40 is fixedly coupled to the upper part of the pedal member 10 by welding; the collision rotation bracket 50 is coupled to the front panel bracket 40.

[0029] The pedal member 10 is coupled at its front to the dash panel 1. The left and right portions of the pedal member 10 extending rearward from the front of the pedal member 10 are formed in parallel. The pedal member 10 has a structure opened in the rearward direction and in the vertical direction.

[0030] The bolt holes 11 are formed to extend through the left and right portions of the pedal member 10, respectively. The hinge bolt 21 is coupled to the nut 22 after sequentially extending through one of the bolt holes 11, the hinge tube 31 of the pedal arm 30, and the other of the bolt holes 11 in this order. Thus, the pedal arm 30 is coupled to the pedal member 10 so that the pedal arm 30 can rotate about the hinge bolt 21 in the forward and backward directions relative to the pedal member 10.

[0031] A hinge pipe 31 is coupled to an upper end of the pedal arm 30. A pedal pad 32 operated by a driver's foot is coupled to a lower end of the pedal arm 30.

[0032] The cowl brace 40 is fixedly coupled to the pedal member 10 by welding so as to cover the opened upper and rear portions of the pedal member 10. The cowl panel is coupled to an upper extension portion extending upward from the cowl brace 40.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the collision swivel bracket 50 is coupled to the rearwardly directed surface of the cowl bracket 40 via a swivel shaft 60 and a brake light switch 70 through a double connection point structure.

[0034] The rotation shaft 60 connecting the cowl bracket 40 and the collision rotating bracket 50 is a coupling element such as a rivet or a bolt, or a coupling element formed by hemming. The rotation shaft 60 serves as a rotation center so that the collision rotating bracket 50 can rotate relative to the cowl bracket 40.

[0035] When the driver does not manipulate the pedal arm 30, or when the pedal arm 30 rotated forward is returned by its backward rotation by the elastic force of the pedal spring, the stop light switch 70 contacts the switch bracket 80 coupled to the pedal arm 30. When the stop light switch 70 contacts the switch bracket 80, the stop light switch 70 does not generate a manipulation signal of the pedal arm 30. When the switch bracket 80 is separated from the stop light switch 70 according to the manipulation of the pedal arm 30 by the driver, the stop light switch 70 generates a manipulation signal of the pedal arm 30.

[0036] In addition, the stop light switch 70 is a switch made of a plastic material. Therefore, when an external impact is applied to the stop light switch 70, the shape of the stop light switch 70 collapses, and thus it can be easily separated from the cowl bracket 40 or from the collision rotation bracket 50.

[0037] Therefore, when the pedal member 10 moves backward due to the impact force F1 generated when a collision accident occurs, the collision rotating bracket 50 connected to the cowl bracket 40 contacts the vehicle body fixing member 90. When the collision rotating bracket 50 contacts the vehicle body fixing member 90, the stop light switch 70 is easily separated from the cowl bracket 40. When the stop light switch 70 is separated from the cowl bracket 40, the collision rotating bracket 50 rotates around the rotation axis 60. According to the rotation of the collision rotating bracket 50 around the rotation axis 60, the rotation force of the collision rotating bracket 50 is transmitted to the pedal arm 30, so that the pedal arm 30 is forced to rotate in the forward direction. Therefore, the backward push and backward rotation of the pedal arm 30 can be prevented, so that the injury to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm 30 can be prevented to the greatest extent.

[0038] In order to stably rotate the collision rotating bracket 50 when a collision accident occurs, the cowl bracket 40 preferably has greater strength and rigidity than the pedal member 10 and the collision rotating bracket 50. To this end, the cowl bracket 40 is characterized in that its cross-sectional thickness is relatively greater than that of the pedal member 10 and the collision rotating bracket 50. Of course, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to such conditions.

[0039] According to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the collision rotating bracket 50 includes a middle coupling section 51 and an upper contact section 52, wherein the middle coupling section 51 is coupled to the cowl bracket 40 via the rotating shaft 60 and the brake light switch 70, and the upper contact section 52 extends upward from the middle coupling section 51, and is configured to contact the vehicle body fixing member 90 when the pedal member 10 is pushed backward in a collision accident. The collision rotating bracket 50 further includes a lower rotating section 53, which extends downward from the middle coupling section 51, and is configured to forcibly push the pedal arm 30 in the forward direction when the collision rotating bracket 50 rotates due to its contact with the vehicle body fixing member 90, thereby forcing the pedal arm 30 to rotate in the forward direction.

[0040] In the embodiment shown in the present invention, the rotating shaft 60 and the brake light switch 70 are in a connected state before the collision accident occurs, so the collision rotating bracket 50 remains in a normal state. In this normal state, when the collision rotating bracket 50 is in a condition where the collision rotating bracket 50 is connected to the front bracket 40 through the rotating shaft 60 and the brake light switch 70, the collision rotating bracket 50 does not rotate relative to the front bracket 40.

[0041] However, in the case where the stop lamp switch 70 is separated from the cowl bracket 40 due to the contact of the upper contact section 52 of the collision rotating bracket 50 with the vehicle body fixing member 90 in a collision accident, as described above, the collision rotating bracket 50 rotates about the rotation axis 60. In this case, the pedal arm 30 receives the rotation force of the collision rotating bracket 50, and is forced to rotate in the reverse direction in the forward direction.

[0042] The upper contact section 52 of the collision rotation bracket 50 is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm 30 while extending upward from the middle coupling section 51. The upper contact section 52 is also bent to protrude rearward toward the vehicle body mount 90.

[0043] The lower rotating section 53 of the collision rotating bracket 50 is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm 30 while extending downward from the middle coupling section 51, similar to the upper contact section 52. The lower rotating section 53 is also bent to protrude forward so that it contacts one surface of the pedal arm 30.

[0044] Furthermore, according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention, the collision rotating bracket 50 has a structure in which a straight-line distance L2 from the center of the rotating shaft 60 to the end of the lower rotating section 53 is greater than a straight-line distance L1 from the center of the rotating shaft 60 to the end of the upper contact section 52. Preferably, the collision rotating bracket 50 has a structure in which the straight-line distance L2 is approximately twice the straight-line distance L1.

[0045] Therefore, assuming that the upper contact section 52 moves about 5 mm when the collision rotation bracket 50 rotates about the rotation axis 60, the lower rotation section 53 moves about 10 mm, which corresponds to twice the moving distance of the upper contact section 52. Therefore, there is an advantage that the forward rotation amount of the pedal arm 30 contacting the lower rotation section 53 is greatly increased even in the case where the collision rotation bracket 50 rotates through a small rotation angle.

[0046] The pedal arm 30 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention may be a pedal arm employed in one of a brake pedal, a clutch pedal, and an accelerator pedal in a vehicle.

[0047] Hereinafter, the functions of the pedal device according to the illustrated embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0048] exist Figures 9 to 11b , the states of the pedal device before and after the collision are shown respectively. Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a side view of a pedal device including a collision rotating bracket according to an illustrated embodiment of the present invention. Figures 10a to 11b Respectively Fig. 9 Corresponding plan and bottom views.

[0049] An oblique side front collision is a situation where the vehicle collides with a barrier under the conditions of a research moving deformable barrier (RMDB) at a vehicle speed of 90 km / h, a collision angle of 15°, and an offset of 35%. Compared with a small overlap collision, an oblique side front collision is severe in terms of vehicle speed and barrier load.

[0050] Fig. 9 Left side, Fig.10a and Fig.11a 2 shows a normal state in which no collision accident occurs. When the driver presses the pedal, the pedal arm 30 rotates in the forward and backward directions about the hinge bolt 21. In this case, because the collision rotating bracket 50 is in a state of being coupled to the cowl bracket 40 through the rotating shaft 60 and the stop light switch 70, the collision rotating bracket 50 is maintained in a normal state in which the collision rotating bracket 50 does not rotate relative to the cowl bracket 40.

[0051] Fig. 9 Right side, Fig.10b and Fig.11b The diagram shows a situation in which a collision accident (particularly an oblique side front collision) occurs.

[0052] When a collision accident (particularly an oblique side front collision) occurs, collision energy is transmitted to the pedal arm 30 in an inclined direction from the front lower side to the rear upper side, so that the pedal arm 30 is inclined at a predetermined inclination angle and deflected at a predetermined angle (arrow F1).

[0053] That is, when the impact force F1 generated in a collision accident causes the pedal assembly 10 to move backward together with the front panel 1 (arrow M1), the upper contact section 52 of the collision rotating bracket 50 connected to the front bracket 40 contacts the vehicle body fixing part 90 arranged behind the pedal arm 30 above the pedal arm 30.

[0054] When the upper contact section 52 of the collision rotating bracket 50 contacts the vehicle body fixing member 90, the stop light switch 70 made of a plastic material is easily separated from the cowl bracket 40 due to the impact applied by the contact of the upper contact section 52. When the stop light switch 70 is separated from the cowl bracket 40, the collision rotating bracket 50 rotates about the rotation axis 60 (arrow R1).

[0055] When the collision rotating bracket 50 rotates around the rotating shaft 60, the lower rotating section 53 of the collision rotating bracket 50 pushes the pedal arm 30 to be forced to move in the forward direction. Therefore, the pedal arm 30 receives the rotation force of the collision rotating bracket 50 via the lower rotating section 53, and is thus forced to rotate around the hinge bolt 21 in the forward direction (arrow R2). Therefore, the backward push and backward rotation of the pedal arm 30 are prevented, so that the injury to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm 30 can be prevented to the greatest extent.

[0056] That is, since the pedal arm 30 is forced to rotate in the forward direction by the collision rotating bracket 50 rotating in the event of a collision accident, damage to the driver caused by the pedal (such as calf shock or ankle dislocation) can be prevented. Therefore, damage to the driver's legs caused by the pedal arm 30 can be prevented to the greatest extent.

[0057] Furthermore, in order to prevent the pedal arm 30 from being pushed backward (pushed toward the driver's seat) and rotated backward (rotated toward the driver's seat) in the event of a collision accident, the embodiment shown in the present invention does not adopt such a structure (i.e., in which a dash cross member side stopper, a pedal arm side stopper, etc. having a cantilever structure are used). Therefore, there is an advantage that the driver protection function can be achieved without a large increase in the number of components. In particular, there is an advantage of reducing weight and cost compared to a conventional structure using a dash cross member side stopper and a pedal arm side stopper.

[0058] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A pedal device for a vehicle, the pedal device include: a pedal member to which the pedal arm is rotatably coupled; a cowl bracket fixedly coupled to the pedal member; as well as a collision rotating bracket coupled to the cowl bracket, wherein the collision rotating bracket is configured to rotate relative to the cowl bracket when the collision rotating bracket contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to the rearward movement of the pedal member caused by a collision accident, and the pedal arm is configured to be forcibly pushed in the forward direction by the collision rotating bracket during the rotation of the collision rotating bracket, so that the pedal arm is forced to rotate in the forward direction, in: The cowl bracket and the collision rotating bracket are connected by a double connection point structure provided by a rotating shaft and a brake light switch; The stop light switch is configured to be separated from the cowl bracket when the collision rotating bracket contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to the rearward movement of the pedal member caused by a collision accident; The collision rotating bracket is configured to rotate about a rotating axis when the stop light switch is separated from the cowl bracket; The pedal arm is configured to be forced to rotate in a forward direction by a rotational force of the collision rotating bracket generated when the collision rotating bracket rotates about the rotation axis.

2. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, The cowl bracket has a greater cross-sectional thickness than the pedal member and the collision rotating bracket, so that the cowl bracket has greater strength and rigidity than the pedal member and the collision rotating bracket.

3. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 1, in, The pedal device is designed to enable the collision rotating bracket to rotate stably when a collision accident occurs.

4. A pedal device for a vehicle, the pedal device include: a pedal member to which the pedal arm is rotatably coupled; a cowl bracket fixedly coupled to the pedal member; as well as a collision rotating bracket coupled to the cowl bracket, wherein the collision rotating bracket is configured to rotate relative to the cowl bracket when the collision rotating bracket contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to the rearward movement of the pedal member caused by a collision accident, and the pedal arm is configured to be forcibly pushed in the forward direction by the collision rotating bracket during the rotation of the collision rotating bracket, so that the pedal arm is forced to rotate in the forward direction, Wherein, the collision rotating bracket comprises: an intermediate coupling section coupled to the cowl bracket via a rotating shaft and a brake light switch; an upper contact section extending upward from the intermediate coupling section, the upper contact section being configured to contact a vehicle body fixing member when the pedal member is pushed rearward in the event of a collision; and A lower rotating section extends downward from the intermediate coupling section, the lower rotating section being configured to forcibly push the pedal arm in a forward direction when the collision rotating bracket rotates due to its contact with the vehicle body fixing member, thereby forcing the pedal arm to rotate in the forward direction.

5. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 4, in, The pedal device is configured such that: When the collision rotating bracket is in a state of being connected to the cowl bracket through the rotating shaft and the brake light switch before a collision accident occurs, the collision rotating bracket does not rotate relative to the cowl bracket; When the upper contact section contacts the vehicle body fixing member due to a collision accident and the stop lamp switch is separated from the cowl bracket, the collision rotation bracket rotates around the rotation axis.

6. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 4, in, The upper contact section is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending upward from the middle coupling section.

7. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 6, in, The upper contact section is bent to protrude rearward.

8. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 4, in, The lower rotating section is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending downward from the middle coupling section.

9. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 8, in, The lower rotating section is bent to protrude forward so that the lower rotating section contacts one surface of the pedal arm.

10. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 4, in, The collision rotating bracket has a structure in which a straight-line distance from the center of the rotating shaft to the end of the lower rotating section is greater than a distance from the center of the rotating shaft to the end of the upper contact section.

11. The pedal device for a vehicle according to claim 4, in, The pedal arm is a brake pedal, a clutch pedal or an accelerator pedal.

12. A vehicle, include: Body fixings; a pedal member to which the pedal arm is rotatably coupled; a cowl bracket fixedly coupled to the pedal member; Axis of rotation; Brake light switch; A collision rotating bracket middle connecting section, which is connected to the front wall bracket through a rotating shaft and a brake light switch; an upper contact section of the collision rotating bracket extending upward from the middle coupling section of the collision rotating bracket, the upper contact section of the collision rotating bracket being configured to contact the vehicle body fixing member when the pedal member is pushed backward in the event of a collision; and A collision rotating bracket lower rotating section extends downward from the collision rotating bracket middle coupling section, and the collision rotating bracket lower rotating section is configured to forcibly push the pedal arm in a forward direction when the collision rotating bracket rotates due to its contact with the vehicle body fixing member, thereby forcing the pedal arm to rotate in the forward direction.

13. The vehicle according to claim 12, in, The collision rotating bracket middle connecting section, the collision rotating bracket upper contact section and the collision rotating bracket lower rotating section are part of the collision rotating bracket; wherein the collision rotating bracket is configured not to rotate relative to the cowl bracket when the collision rotating bracket is in a state of being coupled to the cowl bracket via a rotating shaft and a brake light switch before a collision accident occurs; The collision rotation bracket is configured to rotate about a rotation axis when the stop lamp switch is separated from the cowl bracket due to a collision accident when an upper contact section of the collision rotation bracket contacts a vehicle body fixing member.

14. The vehicle according to claim 12, in, The collision rotation bracket upper contact section is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending upward from the collision rotation bracket middle coupling section.

15. The vehicle according to claim 14, in, The collision rotation bracket upper contact section is bent to protrude rearward.

16. The vehicle according to claim 12, in, The collision rotation bracket lower rotation section is formed to be inclined toward one side of the pedal arm while extending downward from the collision rotation bracket middle coupling section.

17. The vehicle according to claim 16, in, A lower rotating section of the collision rotating bracket is bent to protrude forward so that the lower rotating section contacts one surface of the pedal arm.

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