A connecting rod structure, a pedal device, and an automobile

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and discloses a linkage structure, a pedal device, and an automobile. The linkage structure discloses that the first end of a first linkage is pivotally connected to a second seat via a first pivot, and the second end of the first linkage is hinged to the first end of a second linkage; the first end of a spring is pivotally connected to the second seat via a second pivot, and the second end of the spring is pivotally connected to either the first or second linkage via a third pivot; the first, second, and third pivots are arranged in parallel; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the third pivot is a first distance; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the second pivot is a second distance; the sum of the first distance and the natural elongation of the spring is greater than the second distance. This embodiment solves the problems of high cost, short stroke, and low versatility of electric four-bar linkage mechanisms. Furthermore, this application is simpler, more versatile, and has a larger adjustable stroke than a typical four-bar linkage structure, with lower requirements for the operating environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of automotive parts technology, and in particular to a linkage structure, a pedal device, and an automobile. Background Technology

[0002] Car pedals (stepping devices) are devices installed under the car chassis to facilitate getting in and out of the vehicle. Currently, there are two main types of pedals: fixed pedals (where the pedal's position on the car is fixed after installation and cannot be extended or retracted) and electric lifting pedals (where the pedal extends when a signal is received and retracts under the car chassis when not in use). Most electric pedals use a motor to drive a four-bar linkage to achieve the pedal's extension and retraction. The electric four-bar linkage has two significant problems: first, under the same space conditions, the four-bar linkage has a short stroke and low versatility; second, the motor is expensive, and in harsh environments, it is prone to damage, resulting in high maintenance costs and stringent environmental requirements. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a linkage structure, pedal device, and automobile that are highly adaptable, have low requirements for the operating environment, and can be easily retracted.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a linkage structure comprising: a mounting plate, a spring, a first linkage, a first seat disposed on the mounting plate, a rotating sleeve pivotally connected to the first seat and having a sliding channel, a second linkage slidably disposed in the sliding channel, and a second seat disposed on the mounting plate;

[0005] The first end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to the second base via a first pivot, and the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod; the first end of the spring is pivotally connected to the second base via a second pivot, and the second end of the spring is pivotally connected to either the first or second connecting rod via a third pivot; the first pivot, the second pivot, and the third pivot are respectively arranged in parallel; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the third pivot is a first distance; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the second pivot is a second distance; the sum of the first distance and the natural elongation of the spring is greater than the second distance.

[0006] Optionally, the mounting plate is a flat plate; both the first base and the second base are connected to the bottom wall of the mounting plate; the first connecting rod is connected to the second base.

[0007] Optionally, the second seat includes: a first plate disposed on the mounting plate and a second plate disposed on the mounting plate; the first plate and the second plate are respectively disposed perpendicular to the first pivot; one end of the first pivot is disposed on the first plate and the other end of the first pivot is disposed on the second plate; a first rod is connected to the first pivot between the first plate and the second plate.

[0008] Optionally, the number of springs is two.

[0009] Optionally, it further includes: a first stop block and a second stop block; the axis of the first pivot is located between the first stop block and the second stop block; both the first stop block and the second stop block are located on the rotation path of the first rod; the first stop block has a first stop surface; the first stop surface can abut against the first connecting rod; the second stop block has a second stop surface; the second stop surface can abut against the second connecting rod.

[0010] Optionally, the spring is in a compressed state when the first stop surface abuts against the first connecting rod.

[0011] Optionally, the spring is in a compressed state when the second stop surface abuts against the second connecting rod.

[0012] Optionally, the spring is a compressed gas spring.

[0013] A pedal device includes: a pedal and a linkage structure as described above; the pedal is fixedly connected to a second end of the second linkage.

[0014] An automobile includes: an automobile body and the aforementioned pedal device; the mounting plate is disposed on the chassis of the automobile body; the first link, the first seat, and the second seat are located below the chassis.

[0015] The advantages of the linkage structure, pedal device, and automobile of this invention compared to existing technologies are as follows:

[0016] This invention addresses the problems of high cost, short stroke, and low versatility of electric four-bar linkage mechanisms. Furthermore, this application is simpler, more versatile, and offers a larger adjustable stroke compared to a standard four-bar linkage structure. It also has lower environmental requirements, reduces product cost, decreases the number of parts, and improves production efficiency. When the pedal device of this application is installed on a car chassis, the pedal can be easily extended or retracted by the user vertically pushing the second end of the second linkage upwards or downwards. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the recycling state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the recycling state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the equilibrium state and the unfolded state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the equilibrium state and the recycling state in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure in the unfolded state and the retracted state in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] In the diagram, 1. Mounting plate; 2. First connecting rod; 3. First seat; 4. Rotating sleeve; 5. Second connecting rod; 6. Second seat; 61. First plate; 62. Second plate; 7. Spring; 71. First compressed gas spring; 72. Second compressed gas spring; 10. Pedal; 11. First stop block; 111. First stop surface; 12. Second stop block; 121. Second stop surface; 13. First pivot; 14. Second pivot; 15. Third pivot. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

[0024] First, it should be noted that the directions such as top, bottom, upward, and downward mentioned in this article are defined relative to the directions in the various accompanying figures. They are relative concepts and therefore can change depending on their different positions and practical applications. Therefore, these or other directions should not be interpreted as restrictive terms.

[0025] It should be noted that the term "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and "a" or "an" does not exclude the plural.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that any single technical feature described or implied in the embodiments herein, or any single technical feature shown or implied in the accompanying drawings, can still be combined among these technical features (or their equivalents) to obtain other embodiments of this application not directly mentioned herein.

[0027] It should also be understood that while the terms "first," "second," etc., are used in this document to describe various types of information, this information should not be limited to these terms, which are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, "first" information may also be referred to as "second" information, and similarly, "second" information may also be referred to as "first" information.

[0028] It should be noted that in different figures, the same reference numerals denote the same or substantially the same components.

[0029] in, Figure 3 A schematic diagram showing the equilibrium and unfolded states of the first link 2, the second link 5, and the spring 7 in the linkage structure of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the equilibrium and retraction states of the first link 2, the second link 5, and the spring 7 in the linkage structure of this application. Figure 4 A schematic diagram showing the deployed and retracted states of the first link 2, the second link 5, and the spring 7 in the linkage structure of this application.

[0030] like Figure 1 - Figure 5 As shown, a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a linkage structure comprising: a mounting plate 1, a spring 7, a first connecting rod 2, a first seat 3 disposed on the mounting plate 1, a rotating sleeve 4 pivotally connected to the first seat 3 and having a sliding channel, a second connecting rod 5 slidably disposed within the sliding channel, and a second seat 6 disposed on the mounting plate 1.

[0031] The first end of the first connecting rod 2 is pivotally connected to the second seat 6 via a first pivot 13, and the second end of the first connecting rod 2 is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod 5; the first end of the spring 7 is pivotally connected to the second seat 6 via a second pivot 14, and the second end of the spring 7 is pivotally connected to either the first connecting rod 2 or the second connecting rod 5 via a third pivot 15. That is, the solution of this application can be achieved by pivoting the second end of the spring 7 to both the first connecting rod 2 and the second connecting rod 5; the first pivot 13, the second pivot 14, and the third pivot 15 are respectively arranged in parallel; the distance between the axis of the first pivot 13 and the axis of the third pivot is the first distance; the distance between the axis of the first pivot 13 and the axis of the second pivot 14 is the second distance; the sum of the first distance and the natural elongation of the spring 7 is greater than the second distance.

[0032] The following example illustrates the situation where the second end of spring 7 is pivotally connected to the first connecting rod 2 via the third pivot 15. (See [reference needed]). Figure 5This application has an extended state and a retracted state, which respectively enable the second end of the second link 5 to extend or retract. The natural elongation length of the spring 7 in this application is the length of the spring 7 in its natural state, and the minimum extension length is the length of the spring 7 when compressed to its minimum. In the retracted state, the second end of the first link 2 is located on the side of the second seat 6 away from the first seat 3, and the spring 7 is in a compressed state when the sum of the extension length of the spring 7 and the first distance is equal to the second distance. Therefore, when the second end of the first link 2 needs to cross the connecting line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7, an external force is required. Without the application of an external force, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the first link 2, and this supporting force is directed away from the first seat 3, so that the second end of the first link 2 is always located on the side of the second seat 6 away from the first seat 3, that is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first seat 3 is the shortest. At this time, this application is in the retracted state.

[0033] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 When this application needs to switch from the retracted state to the unfolded state, the second link 5 is pulled by an external force to move the second link 5 away from the second mounting base (or the second end of the second link 5 is pressed vertically downward by an external force). This external force requires the second end of the first link 2 to cross the connecting line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7. After crossing the connecting line, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the first link 2 (this supporting force comes from the compression energy stored in the spring 7), and this supporting force is directed towards the first base 3. This supporting force drives the second end of the first link 2 to move towards the first base 3, thereby driving the second link 5 to rotate around the rotating sleeve 4 and extend out of the rotating sleeve 4 away from the first base 3. That is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first base 3 is extended. At this time, this application is in the unfolded state.

[0034] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 When this application needs to switch from the deployed state to the retracted state, the second link 5 is pulled by an external force to move the second link 5 toward the direction of the second mounting base (or the second end of the second link 5 is pushed vertically upward by an external force). This external force requires the second end of the first link 2 to cross the connection line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7. After crossing the connection line, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the first link 2 (this supporting force comes from the compression energy stored in the spring 7), and this supporting force is directed away from the first base 3, so that the second end of the first link 2 is always located on the side of the second base 6 away from the first base 3. That is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first base 3 is shortened. At this time, this application is in the retracted state.

[0035] In another design, see Figure 5 This application has an extended state and a retracted state, which respectively enable the second end of the second link 5 to extend or retract. The natural elongation length of the spring 7 in this application is the length of the spring 7 in its natural state, and the minimum extension length is the length of the spring 7 when compressed to its minimum. In the retracted state, the second end of the first link 2 is located on the side of the second seat 6 away from the first seat 3, and the spring 7 is in a compressed state when the sum of the extension length of the spring 7 and the first distance is equal to the second distance. Therefore, when the second end of the first link 2 needs to cross the connecting line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7, an external force is required. Without the application of an external force, when the second end of the spring 7 is pivotally connected to the second link 5 through the third pivot 15, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the second link 5, and this supporting force is directed away from the first seat 3, so that the second end of the second link 5 is always located on the side of the second seat 6 away from the first seat 3, that is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first seat 3 is the shortest. At this time, this application is in the retracted state.

[0036] When the second end of the spring 7 is pivotally connected to the second link 5 via the third pivot 15, when this application needs to switch from the retracted state to the deployed state, the second link 5 is pulled by an external force to move away from the second mounting base (or the second end of the second link 5 is pressed vertically downward by an external force). This external force requires the second end of the first link 2 to cross the connecting line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7. After crossing the connecting line, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the second link 5 (this supporting force comes from the compression energy stored in the spring 7), and this supporting force is directed towards the first base 3. This supporting force drives the first end of the second link 5 to move towards the first base 3, thereby driving the second link 5 to rotate around the rotating sleeve 4 and extend out of the rotating sleeve 4 away from the first base 3. That is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first base 3 is extended. At this time, this application is in the deployed state.

[0037] See Figure 3 and Figure 4When this application needs to switch from the deployed state to the retracted state, the second link 5 is pulled by an external force to move the second link 5 toward the direction of the second mounting base (or the second end of the second link 5 is pushed vertically upward by an external force). This external force needs to make the second end of the first link 2 cross the connection line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7. After crossing the connection line, the compression elastic structure applies a supporting force to the second link 5 (this supporting force comes from the compression energy stored in the spring 7). This supporting force is directed away from the first base 3, so that the second end of the first link 2 is always located on the side of the second base 6 away from the first base 3. That is, the distance between the second end of the second link 5 and the first base 3 is shortened. At this time, this application is in the retracted state.

[0038] This application utilizes the energy stored in the compression of spring 7 to support the first link 2 or the second link 5, thereby allowing the second link 5 to extend or retract into the limiting sleeve. This solves the problems of high cost, short stroke, and low versatility of previous electric mechanisms, making this application more versatile, with a larger adjustable stroke, and lower requirements for the operating environment. It also reduces product costs, the number of parts, and improves production efficiency.

[0039] In one embodiment, see Figure 1 The spring 7 is a compressed air spring 7, which can store energy when compressed, so that when the second end of the first link 2 passes the connecting line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7, it can automatically drive the first link 2 through compression and energy storage.

[0040] It is understandable that the extended end or cylinder end of the compressed air spring 7 can be pivotally connected to the first connecting rod 2 or to the second seat 6.

[0041] It is understandable that the sliding channel and the sliding sleeve are set perpendicular to each other in the pivot direction.

[0042] In one embodiment, the mounting plate 1 is a flat plate, the first seat 3 and the second seat 6 are both connected to the bottom wall of the mounting plate 1, the first connecting rod 2 is hinged to the second seat 6, and the second seat 6, the first seat 3, and the second end of the second connecting rod 5 are arranged sequentially.

[0043] Specifically, see Figure 5 The second base 6 includes: a first plate 61 disposed on the mounting plate 1 and a second plate 62 disposed on the mounting plate 1; the first plate 61 and the second plate 62 are respectively disposed perpendicular to the first pivot 13; one end of the first pivot 13 is disposed on the first plate 61 and the other end of the first pivot 13 is disposed on the second plate 62; a first rod is connected to the first pivot 13 between the first plate 61 and the second plate 62.

[0044] Furthermore, there are two springs 7, namely a first compression air spring 71 and a second compression air spring 72. The arrangement of the first compression air spring 71 and the second compression air spring 72 enables the compression energy storage of this application to be larger and more stable, and the response to the support of the first connecting rod 2 is more rapid. Moreover, the first compression air spring 71 and the second compression air spring 72 are located on opposite sides of the first connecting rod 2, which can effectively prevent the deformation of the first connecting rod 2 due to uneven force.

[0045] Optionally, the first base 3 includes a third plate and a fourth plate. Both the third and fourth plates are perpendicular to the mounting plate 1, and the first plate 61, second plate 62, third plate, and fourth plate are arranged parallel to each other. A rotating sleeve 4 is located between the third and fourth plates, and the opposite sides of the rotating sleeve 4 are pivotally connected to the inner walls of the third and fourth plates via rotating shafts.

[0046] In the description of this application, the spring 7 is always kept in a compressed state, so that the first link 2 can be pressed against the bottom wall of the mounting plate 1 whether the application is in the deployed state or the retracted state, so as to ensure that the entire structure is not easy to shake when no external force is applied.

[0047] Optionally, when the first link 2, the first compression air spring 71, and the second compression air spring 72 are in a straight line, this application is in a balanced state (without external force, the first link 2, the first compression air spring 71, and the second compression air spring 72 are always in a straight line), that is, when the connection line between the first end of the first link 2 and the first end of the spring 7 is shortened to the minimum distance, that is, the compression energy storage of the first compression air spring 71 and the second compression air spring 72 is maximized, thereby providing better support for the first link 2.

[0048] In one embodiment, see Figure 2 This application also includes: a first stop block 11 and a second stop block 12; the axis of the first pivot 13 is located between the first stop block 11 and the second stop block 12; both the first stop block 11 and the second stop block 12 are located on the rotation path of the first rod body; the first stop block 11 has a first stop surface 111; the first stop surface 111 can abut against the first connecting rod 2; the second stop block 12 has a second stop surface 121; the second stop surface 121 can abut against the second connecting rod 5, that is, when this application is in the retracted state, the spring 7 abuts the side wall of the first connecting rod 2 against the first stop surface 111, and the spring 7 abuts the side wall of the first connecting rod 2 against the second stop surface 121, so as to ensure that the entire structure is not easy to shake when there is no external force.

[0049] At the same time, when the spring 7 abuts the side wall of the first connecting rod 2 against the first stop surface 111, the side wall of the first connecting rod 2 is adapted to the first stop surface 111, that is, the first stop surface 111 is a groove adapted to the side wall of the first connecting rod 2, so that the abutment between the first connecting rod 2 and the first stop surface 111 is more stable.

[0050] Optionally, when the first stop surface 111 abuts against the first connecting rod 2, the spring 7 is in a compressed state, thereby pressing the first connecting rod 2 against the first stop surface 111.

[0051] At the same time, when the spring 7 abuts the side wall of the second connecting rod 5 against the second stop surface 121, the side wall of the first connecting rod 2 is adapted to the second stop surface 121, that is, the second stop surface 121 is a groove adapted to the side wall of the first connecting rod 2, so that the abutment between the first connecting rod 2 and the second stop surface 121 is more stable.

[0052] Optionally, when the second stop surface 121 abuts against the first connecting rod 2, the spring 7 is in a compressed state, thereby pressing the first connecting rod 2 against the second stop surface 121.

[0053] This application also provides a pedal 10 device, see [link]. Figure 1 - Figure 5 It includes: a pedal 10 and the aforementioned linkage structure. The pedal 10 is fixedly connected to the second end of the second linkage 5, and the extension or retraction of the pedal 10 is controlled by driving the extension or retraction of the second end of the second linkage 5.

[0054] This application embodiment also provides a vehicle, which includes: a vehicle body and a pedal 10 device as described above. The mounting plate 1 is disposed on the chassis of the vehicle body. The first connecting rod 2, the first seat 3, and the second seat 6 are located below the chassis. The user can switch the connecting rod structure between an extended state and a retracted state by pressing down vertically with their foot or pushing vertically upwards at the second end of the second connecting rod 5. When the connecting rod structure is in the retracted state, the pedal 10 is located directly below the chassis; when the connecting rod structure is in the extended state, the pedal 10 extends directly below the chassis for user use.

[0055] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide a linkage structure, a pedal 10 device, and an automobile, which solve the problems of high cost, short stroke, and low versatility of electric four-bar linkage mechanisms. Furthermore, the present application is simpler, more versatile, and has a larger adjustable stroke than the four-bar linkage structure, with lower requirements for the operating environment. It also reduces product cost, the number of parts, and improves production efficiency. When the pedal 10 device of the present application is installed on the automobile chassis, the pedal 10 can be easily extended or retracted by the user vertically pushing the second end of the second linkage 5 upwards or downwards.

[0056] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and substitutions can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and substitutions should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A linkage structure, characterized in that, include: Mounting plate, spring, first connecting rod, first seat body disposed on the mounting plate, rotating sleeve pivotally connected to the first seat body and having a sliding channel, second connecting rod slidably disposed in the sliding channel, and second seat body disposed on the mounting plate; The first end of the first connecting rod is pivotally connected to the second base via a first pivot, and the second end of the first connecting rod is hinged to the first end of the second connecting rod; the first end of the spring is pivotally connected to the second base via a second pivot, and the second end of the spring is pivotally connected to either the first or second connecting rod via a third pivot; the first pivot, the second pivot, and the third pivot are respectively arranged in parallel; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the third pivot is a first distance; the distance between the axis of the first pivot and the axis of the second pivot is a second distance; the sum of the first distance and the natural elongation of the spring is greater than the second distance.

2. The linkage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting plate is a flat plate; both the first base and the second base are connected to the bottom wall of the mounting plate; the first connecting rod is hinged to the second base.

3. The linkage structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The second base includes: a first plate and a second plate disposed on the mounting plate; the first plate and the second plate are respectively disposed perpendicular to the first pivot; one end of the first pivot is disposed on the first plate, and the other end of the first pivot is disposed on the second plate; a first rod is connected to the first pivot between the first plate and the second plate.

4. The linkage structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The number of springs is two.

5. The linkage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first stop block and a second stop block; the axis of the first pivot is located between the first stop block and the second stop block; both the first stop block and the second stop block are located on the rotation path of the first rod body; the first stop block has a first stop surface; the first stop surface can abut against the first connecting rod; the second stop block has a second stop surface; the second stop surface can abut against the second connecting rod.

6. The linkage structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the first stop surface abuts against the first connecting rod, the spring is in a compressed state.

7. The linkage structure according to claim 5, characterized in that, When the second stop surface abuts against the second connecting rod, the spring is in a compressed state.

8. The linkage structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The spring is a compressed gas spring.

9. A pedal device, characterized in that, include: The pedal and the linkage structure as described in any one of claims 1-8; The pedal is fixedly connected to the second end of the second connecting rod.

10. A car, characterized in that, include: The vehicle body and the pedal device as described in claim 9; the mounting plate is disposed on the chassis of the vehicle body; the first connecting rod, the first seat, and the second seat are located below the chassis.

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