Selectively deployable footstool for vehicle
By designing a selectively deployable footrest and utilizing a pivot axis, connector, and linear actuator to achieve deployment and folding of the footrest, the problem of passenger discomfort during long rides is solved, the comfort of vehicle occupants is improved, and the frequency of parking is reduced.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202410546758.9
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-03-06
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-06
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-09
AI Technical Summary
Sitting in a vehicle seat for a long time will increase occupant discomfort, and existing vehicles lack selectively deployable leg support facilities, resulting in an increased need for frequent stops to adjust body posture.
A selectively deployable footrest is designed, comprising a base member and a connected footrest assembly. The footrest is deployed and retracted through a pivot axis, a connector member, and a linear actuator. The position of the footrest is controlled by a torsion spring and a motor to adapt to the comfort requirements of the passenger.
It provides flexible leg support, reducing the need for passengers to adjust their body position during long rides, improving passenger comfort and reducing the number of unnecessary stops.
Smart Images
Figure CN120606741A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vehicles, and more particularly, to a selectively deployable footrest for a vehicle. Background Art
[0002] Modern vehicles include amenities that past luxury car designers would never have imagined, let alone design for widely used passenger vehicles. Many modern cars include movie screens, video players, surround sound systems, reclining seats, and more. Vehicle manufacturers strive to improve occupant comfort in all vehicles, especially autonomous and semi-autonomous ones. With the advancement of autonomous and semi-autonomous vehicles, the need to develop new features to further enhance occupant comfort is also increasing.
[0003] It has been shown that prolonged sitting in vehicle seats increases occupant discomfort. Frequent stops are often integrated into longer journeys. Stops provide passengers with opportunities to exit the vehicle, stretch, and adjust their body position. Improving occupant comfort, particularly leg comfort, can improve ergonomics, thereby reducing the need to stop and adjust body position. Therefore, improving leg comfort will reduce unnecessary stops. Therefore, it is desirable to provide a selectively deployable leg support in the vehicle passenger compartment. Summary of the Invention
[0004] According to a non-limiting example, a selectively deployable footrest for a vehicle includes a base member having an adjustment axis and a footrest assembly connected to the base member. The footrest assembly includes a first member including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is connected to the base member. A second member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the first member. A third member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second member. A connector member operably connects the first end of the first member to the base member. The connector member is displaceable along the adjustment axis of the base member to selectively deploy the footrest assembly.
[0005] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are disposed at the second end of the third member.
[0006] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis comprise shafts extending through the third member.
[0007] In addition to one or more features described herein, a torsion spring is disposed about one of the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.
[0008] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first deployment member is operably connected between the second end of the first member and the second end of the third member.
[0009] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second deployment member is operably connected between the first end of the first member and the second end of the second member.
[0010] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first deployment member includes a first linear actuator comprising a first housing and a first piston selectively extendable from the first housing, and the second deployment member includes a second linear actuator comprising a second housing and a second piston selectively extendable from the second housing.
[0011] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the third member, the first piston is pivotally connected to the second end of the first member, and the second housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the second member and the first end of the first member.
[0012] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first and second guide members are secured to the base member and the connector member is operably connected to the first and second guide members.
[0013] In addition to one or more features described herein, a base member is mounted to a floor surface of the vehicle, the base member being selectively displaceable relative to the floor surface along an adjustment axis.
[0014] According to a non-limiting example, a vehicle includes a vehicle body including a passenger compartment having a floor surface and a selectively deployable footrest disposed in the passenger compartment. The selectively deployable footrest includes a base member connected to the floor surface, the base member including an adjustment axis and a footrest assembly connected to the base member. The footrest assembly includes a first member including a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is connected to the base member. The second member has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the first member. The third member includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end is pivotally connected to the second end of the second member. A connector member operably connects the first end of the first member to the base member. The connector member is displaceable along the adjustment axis of the base member to selectively deploy the footrest assembly.
[0015] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis are disposed at the second end of the third member.
[0016] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis comprise shafts extending through the third member.
[0017] In addition to one or more features described herein, a torsion spring is disposed about one of the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.
[0018] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first deployment member is operably connected between the second end of the first member and the second end of the third member.
[0019] In addition to one or more features described herein, the second deployment member is operably connected between the first end of the first member and the second end of the second member.
[0020] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first deployment member includes a first linear actuator comprising a first housing and a first piston selectively extendable from the first housing, and the second deployment member includes a second linear actuator comprising a second housing and a second piston selectively extendable from the second housing.
[0021] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the third member, the first piston is pivotally connected to the second end of the first member, and the second housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the second member and the first end of the first member.
[0022] In addition to one or more features described herein, the first and second guide members are secured to the base member and the connector member is operably connected to the first and second guide members.
[0023] In addition to one or more features described herein, the base member is selectively displaceable relative to the floor surface along an adjustment axis.
[0024] The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] Additional features, advantages, and details appear, by way of example only, in the following detailed description, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0026] Figure 1 is a left side view of a vehicle with a door removed to depict a selectively deployable footrest in a stowed configuration according to a non-limiting example;
[0027] Figure 2 is a left side view of a vehicle with a door removed to depict a selectively deployable footrest in a calf support configuration according to a non-limiting example;
[0028] Figure 3 is a left side view of a vehicle with a door removed to depict a selectively deployable footrest in a footrest configuration according to a non-limiting example;
[0029] Figure 4is a plan view of a selectively deployable footrest in a stowed configuration according to a non-limiting example;
[0030] Figure 5 is a side view of a selectively deployable footrest in a deployed configuration according to a non-limiting example;
[0031] Figure 6 is a detailed view of first and second torsion springs on a selectively deployable footrest according to a non-limiting example; and
[0032] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a control system for a selectively deployable footrest, according to a non-limiting example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, its application or use. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate identical or corresponding parts and features. As used herein, the term module refers to a processing circuit, which may include an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group) and memory that executes one or more software or firmware programs, combinational logic circuits, and / or other suitable components that provide the functionality described.
[0034] According to a non-limiting example, the vehicle Figure 1 1. Vehicle 10 includes a body 12 supported on a plurality of wheels 16. Body 12 partially defines a passenger compartment 20 having seats 23 located behind an instrument panel 26. Passenger compartment 20 is accessed through a door (not shown for clarity). Steering controller 30 is disposed between seat 23 and instrument panel 26. Steering controller 30 is operated to control the orientation of selected wheels of the plurality of wheels 16.
[0035] The vehicle 10 includes an electric motor, shown in the form of an electric drive unit 34, which provides power to one or more of the plurality of wheels 16. The electric drive unit 34 is operably connected to a rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) or battery assembly 38. Although shown as an electric vehicle, it should be understood that the vehicle 10 can be a hybrid vehicle or a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine (ICE). In addition, the vehicle 10 can be an autonomous vehicle such that the driver does not need to operate the controls (i.e., steering, acceleration, braking, etc.). If and when the vehicle 10 is in a fully autonomous driving mode, such controls, including steering, acceleration, braking, etc., can also be folded and hidden. It should be understood that the vehicle 10 can also take the form of a human-operated vehicle.
[0036] In a non-limiting example, the passenger compartment 20 includes a passenger compartment floor 40 having a floor surface 42. The floor surface 42 supports a selectively deployable footrest 50. The selectively deployable footrest 50 may be configured as follows: Figure 1 The first or stowed configuration shown is converted to Figure 2 The second or calf support configuration shown and transitions to the Figure 3 At this point, it should be understood that, although shown in relation to the driver's position in the passenger compartment 20, the selectively deployable footrest 50 may be arranged in other locations. The specific location of the selectively deployable footrest 50 may vary and may depend on the vehicle configuration (autonomous, semi-autonomous, human-controlled).
[0037] exist Figure 4 In the non-limiting example shown, the selectively deployable footrest 50 includes a base member 60 that is slidably connected to the floor surface 42. The base member 60 is mounted to the floor surface 42 via rails 62, which may include a motor 64. As will be described more fully herein, the motor 64 is selectively controlled to displace the base member 60 relative to the floor surface 42 along an adjustment axis "A." In the non-limiting example, the adjustment axis "A" extends along the longitudinal axis, or fore-aft direction, within the passenger compartment 20. The base member 60 includes a support surface 69 that supports the selectively deployable footrest 50.
[0038] Now refer to Figure 4 and Figure 5 , and continue to refer to Figure 3 1 and 2 will now be described a selectively deployable footrest 50 according to a non-limiting example. The selectively deployable footrest 50 includes a footrest assembly 80 comprising a first member 82, a second member 84 operatively and pivotally connected to the first member 82, and a third member 86 operatively and pivotally connected to the second member 84. The first member 82 is displaceably coupled to the support surface 69 via a connector member 90. In a non-limiting example, the connector member 90 is displaced on the support surface 69 via a first guide member 92 and a second guide member 94. The first and second guide members 92 and 94 can be embedded in the base member 60.
[0039] In a non-limiting example, first member 82 includes a first end 100 and a second end 102 opposite first end 100. First end 100 is separated from second end 102 by a first support surface 104. Second member 84 includes a first end 108 and a second end 110 opposite first end 108. First end 108 is separated from second end 110 by a second support or calf support surface 112. Third member 86 includes a first end 120 and a second end 122 opposite first end 120. First end 120 is separated from second end 122 by a footrest surface 124.
[0040] refer to Figure 5 And continue to refer to Figure 4 , the first end 100 of the first member 82 is coupled to the connector member 90 via a first hinge 130 that defines a first pivot axis 132. The first hinge 130 may include a single hinge that extends along the width of the first member 82, or may include multiple hinge elements. The first end 108 of the second member 84 is coupled to the second end 102 of the first member 82 via a second hinge 136 that defines a second pivot axis 138. In a manner similar to that described with respect to the first hinge 130, the second hinge 136 may include a single hinge that extends along the width of the second member 84, or may include multiple hinge elements.
[0041] The first end 120 of the third member 86 is coupled to the second end 110 of the second member 84 via a third hinge 142 defining a third pivot axis 144. In a manner similar to that described with respect to the first hinge 130 and the second hinge 136, the third hinge may include a single hinge extending along the width of the third member 86 or may include multiple hinge elements. A fourth hinge 148 defining a fourth pivot axis 160 is disposed at the second end 122 of the third member 86. The fourth hinge 148 may be formed by one or more hinge elements.
[0042] exist Figure 6 The example shown and continue to refer to Figure 5 , the second end portion 122 includes a first pivot 162 and a second pivot 164. The first pivot 162 and the second pivot 164 can be embodied in a shaft 168 that defines the fourth pivot axis 160. The shaft 168 can define a continuous member extending across the width of the third member 86, or can define discrete shafts that respectively embody the first pivot 162 and the second pivot 164. The shaft 168 can support one or more torsion springs 170 that control deployment of the selectively deployable footrest 50, as will be described in greater detail herein.
[0043] In a non-limiting example, the selectively deployable footrest 50 includes a first deployment member 180 and a second deployment member 182. The first deployment member 180 and the second deployment member 182 are selectively activated to deploy the footrest assembly 80 in the stowed configuration ( Figure 1 ) and expanded configuration ( Figure 2 and Figure 3 ). The first deployment member 180 can take the form of a first linear actuator 190, and the second deployment member 182 can take the form of a second linear actuator 192. In this regard, it should be understood that the first deployment member 180 and the second deployment member 182 can take a variety of forms, including systems that rely on nonlinear actuation, such as rotation, or hybrid systems that rely on both linear and nonlinear actuation.
[0044] The first linear actuator 190 includes a first housing 200 and a first piston 202. The second linear actuator 192 includes a second piston 204 and a second housing 206. The first piston 202 includes a first piston end 208 connected to the second end 102 of the first member 82 and a second piston end (not shown) extending into the first housing 200. The second piston 204 includes a first piston end 211 connected to the second end 110 of the second member 84 and a second piston end (not shown) extending into the second housing 206. The first housing 200 includes a first housing end 216 connected to the second end 122 of the third member 86 and a second housing end 218 that receives the second piston end of the first piston 202. Similarly, the second housing 206 includes a first housing end 222 connected to the first end 100 of the first member 82 and a second housing end 224 that receives the second piston end 110.
[0045] From the stowed configuration, the first piston 202 retracts into the first housing 200 and the second piston 204 retracts into the second housing 206 causing the footrest assembly 80 to rise relative to the base member 60. As the footrest assembly 80 rises, the third member 86 rotates about the first pivot 162 and the second pivot 164. The connector member 90 translates along the adjustment axis "A" in the first guide member 92 and the second guide member 94 on the support surface 69. As the third member 86 rotates, the torsion spring 170 is loaded to control the speed of movement and to facilitate rotation in the selected direction. At this point, the motor 64 can be activated to shift the base member 60 along the floor surface so as to position the footrest assembly 80 in the second or calf support configuration (e.g., Figure 2 as shown) or footrest configuration (as Figure 3 Of course, it should be understood that the base member 60 can be displaced before the footrest assembly 80 is moved, or that the base member 60 and footrest assembly 80 can be moved together.
[0046] exist Figure 7 In the non-limiting example shown, the vehicle 10 includes an ottoman control system 236 that is operably connected to the motor 64 associated with the movement of the base member 60 and the first and second deployment members 180 and 182. The ottoman control system 236 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 240, a non-volatile memory 246, and an ottoman controller 248. The ottoman control system 236 may also include a sensor that records the position of the ottoman. The ottoman position may also be simply temporarily stored in the non-volatile memory 246. The vehicle 10 may include a toggle 250 that selectively controls the deployment of the ottoman assembly 80. The ottoman assembly 80 may be deployed to increase passenger comfort on long rides, thereby reducing the need for or frequency of unplanned stops.
[0047] The terms "a" and "an" do not indicate a limitation of quantity, but rather indicate the presence of at least one of the referenced item. The term "or" means "and / or" unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. References to "an aspect" throughout this specification mean that a particular element (e.g., feature, structure, step, or characteristic) described in conjunction with that aspect is included in at least one aspect described herein and may or may not be present in other aspects. Furthermore, it should be understood that the described elements may be combined in any suitable manner in various aspects.
[0048] When an element such as a layer, film, region, or substrate is referred to as being "on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or intervening elements may also be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" another element, there are no intervening elements present.
[0049] Unless otherwise indicated herein, all test standards are the most recent standards in effect as of the filing date of this application or, if priority is claimed, the filing date of the earliest priority application in which the test standards appear.
[0050] Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs.
[0051] Although the above disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope thereof. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the present disclosure without departing from the essential scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, it is intended that the present disclosure is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but is intended to include all embodiments falling within its scope.
Claims
1. A selectively deployable footrest for a vehicle, the selectively deployable footrest comprising: a base member including an adjustment axis; and A footrest assembly connected to the base member, the footrest assembly comprising: a first member including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end being connected to the base member; a second member having a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end pivotally connected to the second end of the first member; a third member including a first end and a second end opposite the first end, the first end pivotally connected to the second end of the second member; and A connector member operably connects the first end of the first member to the base member, the connector member being displaceable along an adjustment axis of the base member to selectively deploy the footrest assembly. 2 . The selectively deployable footrest of claim 1 , further comprising a first pivot axis and a second pivot axis disposed at the second end of the third member.
3. The selectively deployable footrest according to claim 2, wherein: The first and second pivot axes comprise shafts extending through the third member.
4. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 3, further comprising a torsion spring disposed about one of the first pivot axis and the second pivot axis.
5. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 1, further comprising a first deployment member operably connected between the second end of the first member and the second end of the third member.
6. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 5, further comprising a second deployment member operably connected between the first end of the first member and the second end of the second member.
7. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 6, wherein: The first deployment member includes a first linear actuator including a first housing and a first piston selectively extendable from the first housing, and the second deployment member includes a second linear actuator including a second housing and a second piston selectively extendable from the second housing.
8. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 7, wherein: The first housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the third member, the first piston is pivotally connected to the second end of the first member, and the second housing is pivotally connected to the second end of the second member and the first end of the first member.
9. The selectively deployable footrest of claim 8, further comprising first and second guide members secured to the base member, the connector member being operatively connected to the first and second guide members.
10. A vehicle comprising: a vehicle body including a passenger compartment having a floor surface; as well as The selectively deployable footrest of claim 1, disposed in a passenger compartment.