Technique for adjusting vehicle pedal

Abstract

Techniques for adjusting a vehicle pedal are provided. The technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a cargo area, the cargo area comprising a floor; the pedal comprises a pedal plate; a guide assembly configured to guide movement of the footrest; a motor configured to move the guide assembly to adjust a position of the pedal; at least one sensor configured to obtain information indicative of a height of the pedal relative to a ground landscape of an adjacent motor vehicle; and a controller configured to interpret information from the at least one sensor to determine a height of the pedal relative to the ground landscape and the floor, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the motor to adjust a position of the pedal substantially intermediate between the ground landscape and the floor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a motor vehicle having a step, and in particular, to a technique for adjusting the position of the step. Background Art

[0002] Some motor vehicles, such as vans, include a cargo area. The cargo area is typically accessible via one or more doors near the rear of the vehicle. Such vans are known to include a step near the rear bumper to facilitate access to the cargo area and, in particular, to assist a user in loading and unloading items from the cargo area. Vans with such features are sometimes referred to as "walk-in" vans and are commonly used for a variety of purposes, including the transport of goods and other commercial or industrial applications. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle comprising: a cargo area comprising a floor; a footrest comprising a deck; a guide assembly configured to guide movement of the footrest; a motor configured to move the guide assembly to adjust a position of the footrest; at least one sensor configured to obtain information indicating a height of the deck relative to groundscape adjacent to the motor vehicle; and a controller configured to interpret the information from the at least one sensor to determine a height of the deck relative to the groundscape and the floor, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the motor to adjust the position of the deck to be substantially midway between the groundscape and the floor.

[0004] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a controller is configured such that the controller instructs a motor to adjust a position of a pedal only when the height between the groundscape and the floor exceeds a predefined threshold.

[0005] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the groundscape adjacent to the vehicle is the groundscape directly below the footrest.

[0006] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which groundscape adjacent to the vehicle is below and behind a footrest.

[0007] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a guide assembly is configured to vertically guide movement of a footrest without requiring the footrest to also move in a forward or rearward direction.

[0008] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a guide assembly is configured to guide movement of a footrest so that when the footrest is lowered, the footrest moves rearward as the footrest moves vertically, and so that when the footrest is raised, the footrest moves forward as the footrest moves vertically.

[0009] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one sensor includes a first sensor mounted to an underside of a footrest and a second sensor mounted to an underbody of the motor vehicle adjacent the footrest.

[0010] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which the first sensor and the second sensor are distance sensors.

[0011] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one sensor includes a depth perception sensor.

[0012] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle wherein at least one sensor includes at least one of a color camera, a time-of-flight sensor, a near infrared sensor, and a range sensor.

[0013] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which at least one sensor includes at least a color camera and a time-of-flight sensor.

[0014] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a color camera and a time-of-flight sensor are integrated into a single sensor assembly.

[0015] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a single sensor assembly is mounted adjacent to a roof of the motor vehicle and adjacent to an access point to a cargo area such that the single sensor assembly has a view of the floor, pedals, and ground within the field of view of the single sensor assembly.

[0016] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein the motor vehicle is a van.

[0017] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle, wherein a van includes a door adjacent a rear portion of the van, and wherein the door is configured to open to permit access to a cargo area.

[0018] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a step is adjacent to the rear of a van.

[0019] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a step provides a rear bumper of a van.

[0020] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a motor vehicle in which a van includes a rear bumper that is separate from the running boards.

[0021] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method that includes lowering a footrest of a motor vehicle so that a pedal of the footrest is substantially midway between a floor of a cargo area of ​​the motor vehicle and a groundscape adjacent to the motor vehicle.

[0022] In some aspects, the technology described herein relates to a method in which a footrest is lowered only when the height between the groundscape and the floor exceeds a predefined threshold. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1 is a rear perspective view of an example motor vehicle. Figure 1 , the footpegs are in the deployed position.

[0024] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A rear perspective view of a motor vehicle with the rear doors open.

[0025] Figure 3 is a diagram of an example arrangement of a motor and guide assembly relative to a pedal.

[0026] Figure 4 is a slightly schematic diagram showing a first technique for adjusting the pedals.

[0027] Figure 5 is a somewhat schematic diagram showing another example guide assembly and optional handle.

[0028] Figure 6 is the field of view of sensors positioned adjacent the roof of the motor vehicle and represents a second technique for adjusting the pedals.

[0029] Figure 7 is a slightly schematic illustration of an example technique for adjusting footrests when the ground landscape is substantially flat.

[0030] Figure 8 is a slightly schematic illustration of an example technique for adjusting a pedal when the landscape includes an object proximate to the pedal, such as a curb.

[0031] Figure 9 is a slightly schematic illustration of an example technique when the groundscape includes objects adjacent to foot traffic, such as a loading dock. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] The present disclosure relates to motor vehicles having a step, and in particular, to techniques for adjusting the position of the step. Among other benefits, the present disclosure sets the position of the step at a height that is convenient for the user, and in particular, sets the position of the step at a height that takes into account the relative position of the cargo area floor and adjacent ground features. Specifically, the present disclosure provides a well-proportioned step height between the ground features, the step, and the floor. Furthermore, the present disclosure automatically sets the step height, requiring little to no user intervention.

[0033] With reference to the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 1 is a rear perspective view of a motor vehicle 10 ("vehicle 10"). In this example, vehicle 10 is a van. Vehicle 10 includes two doors 12, 14 adjacent a rear portion 16 of vehicle 10 that are configured to open and close to selectively permit rear access and to respectively enclose a cargo area 18. Although depicted as a van, the present disclosure is also applicable to other types of vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and the like.

[0034] The vehicle 10 includes a footrest 20. The footrest 20 includes a pedal 22 that provides an upper surface on which a user can place their feet when entering or exiting the cargo area 18. The pedal 22 may include ridges, ribs, or other friction features to increase traction against the user's foot or shoe. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the footrest 20 is configured to be raised in a vertically upward direction V1 and lowered in a vertically downward direction V2 relative to the groundscape G adjacent to the vehicle 10.

[0035] In this disclosure, ground landscape G refers to naturally formed ground surfaces (such as stone, grass, soil, etc.) and constructed elements (including concrete, curbs, steps, loading docks, etc.) that are generally on or close to naturally formed ground surfaces.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In some embodiments, the foot step 20 is independent of the rear bumper 24 of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the foot step 20 is spaced apart from the rear bumper 24 such that vertical movement of the foot step 20 would interfere with the rear bumper 24. In other examples, the foot step 20 is integrated into the rear bumper of the vehicle 10 and provides the rear bumper. In those examples, the rear bumper can move vertically in conjunction with movement of the foot step 20.

[0037] The vehicle 10 includes a guide assembly 26 configured to guide the movement of the footrest 20 and a motor 28 configured to move the guide assembly 26 to adjust the position of the footrest 20. The vehicle 10 also includes at least one sensor. Each of the at least one sensor may be an assembly including a plurality of sensors. Figure 1, the vehicle 10 is shown with three sensors 30, 32, 34. The controller 36 is configured to interpret signals and information from at least one of the sensors to determine the height of the step 22 relative to the groundscape G and to determine the height of the step 22 relative to the floor 38 ( Figure 2 The floor 38 is the bottom surface of the cargo area 18 and, in particular, is the floor surface that a user first contacts when entering the cargo area 18 or last contacts when exiting the cargo area 18 .

[0038] In the present disclosure, the controller 36 is configured to instruct the motor 28 to adjust the position of the pedal 22 to be substantially midway between the groundscape G and the floor 38. Doing so provides the user with a well-proportioned footrest height between the groundscape G and the floor 38. Techniques for adjusting the position of the footrest 20, and in particular, the pedal 22, will be discussed below.

[0039] The controller 36 Figure 1 . It will be appreciated that controller 36 may be part of an overall vehicle control module, such as a vehicle system controller (VSC), or alternatively, may be a standalone controller separate from the VSC. Furthermore, controller 36 may be programmed with executable instructions for interacting with and operating various components of vehicle 10. For example, controller 36 may operate in response to signals from a key fob, a vehicle infotainment system, or a user's mobile device. Controller 36 further includes a processing unit and non-transitory memory for executing various control strategies and modes for the vehicle systems.

[0040] In one example, the motor 28 is an electric motor and responds to commands from the controller 36 to selectively adjust the position of the guide assembly 26 and, in turn, the footrest 20 and the pedal 22. While one motor 28 is shown, additional motors may be provided.

[0041] With respect to sensors 30, 32, 34, each sensor is shown in an exemplary position. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, sensor 30 is mounted to the underside 40 of step 20. Sensor 32 is mounted to the underbody of vehicle 10. Additionally, sensor 34 is mounted adjacent to the top of vehicle 10 and adjacent to the point of entry and exit of cargo area 18 (i.e., adjacent to the rear opening of vehicle 10). Sensor 34 may be incorporated into a center high mounted stop light (CHMSL) or a rear backup camera of vehicle 10. While three sensors 30, 32, 34 are shown, the present disclosure extends to vehicles having a different number of sensors.

[0042] In certain aspects of the present disclosure, sensors 30, 32 are ranging sensors. Specifically, sensors 30, 32 are light detection and ranging (LIDAR) sensors or radio detection and imaging (RADAR) sensors. In this example, sensor 34 is a depth perception sensor. Specifically, sensor 34 is a sensor assembly that includes at least a color camera and a time-of-flight sensor. In one embodiment, sensor 34 may include a color camera, a time-of-flight sensor, and a near-infrared (NIR) sensor in a single assembly. When the sensor includes a time-of-flight sensor, a color hue scale may be used, and each color may be associated with a unique code that may be alphanumeric and may be interpreted by controller 36 as corresponding to an altitude.

[0043] As an example, each of sensors 30, 32, and 34 may be provided by one or more color cameras, RADAR sensors, LIDAR sensors, ultrasonic sensors, or near-infrared (NIR) sensors. It should be understood that the present disclosure extends to vehicles having different sensor systems. For example, as discussed below, in one embodiment, vehicle 10 includes sensors 30 and 32, but not sensor 34. In another embodiment, vehicle 10 includes sensor 34, but not sensors 30 or 32.

[0044] refer to Figure 3 , illustrates an example configuration of the guide assembly 26 and motor 28 relative to the pedal 20. Specifically, the guide assembly 26 includes a spindle 44 and a support rail 46. Both the spindle 44 and the support rail 46 are coupled to the pedal 20 at their respective bottom ends. Rotation of the motor 28 causes the spindle to move vertically in directions V1 or V2. At the end opposite the pedal 20, the spindle 44 includes a pin 48 configured to slide within a track 50. The arrangement of the pin 48 and the track 50 provides stability to the spindle 44. The pedal 20 and the pin 48 are coupled to the spindle 44 so that they do not rotate with the spindle 44. Furthermore, opposite the pedal 20, the support rail 46 is configured to slide within a guide 52 to achieve stability. In this example, the motor 28 does not directly interface with the support rail 46. The support rail 46 is configured to stabilize and support the pedal 20. The support rail 46 may include a non-circular cross-section, such as a square cross-section, configured to substantially match the cross-section of the guide 52 to prevent rotation of the pedal 20 .

[0045] Figure 3 The configuration of the elements in is exemplary only. The present disclosure extends to other arrangements of the guide assembly 26 and the motor 28 relative to the pedal 20. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 , the guide assembly 26 and the motor 28 may be located within the interior of the vehicle 10 . In certain examples, only the main shaft 44 and the bottom portion of the support rail 46 protrude outside the vehicle 10 .

[0046] It should be understood that, in one example, the vehicle 10 can include another substantially identical arrangement of the guide assembly 26 and the motor 28 on the opposite side of the centerline of the vehicle 10. Specifically, the opposite side of the vehicle 10 can include the guide assembly 26 and the motor 28, for a total of two guide assemblies and motors on the vehicle 10 that are configured to selectively raise and lower the footrest 20. In that example, each motor 28 responds to commands from the controller 36.

[0047] In yet another example, there may be only one powered guide assembly configured to actively move the footrest 20. Specifically, the vehicle 10 may include Figure 3 The guide assembly 26 and motor 28 shown arranged adjacent one side of the pedal 20 and adjacent the other side of the pedal 20 may include an unpowered guide assembly that includes, for example, a support rail similar to the support rail 46 and is configured to guide the movement of the pedal 20 without being directly powered by a motor.

[0048] Now it will be relative to Figure 4 Example techniques for adjusting the position of footrest 20 are described. Figure 4 The vehicle 10 is schematically shown in a configuration in which the vehicle 10 includes sensors 30 and 32, but does not include sensor 34. Again, sensor 30 is mounted to the underside 40 of the footrest 20, and sensor 32 is mounted to the underbody 42 of the vehicle 10. In this embodiment, the sensors 30, 32 are range finding sensors.

[0049] During use of the vehicle 10 in which the vehicle 10 is moving, the footrest 20 remains in the stowed position, as shown. Figure 4 The stowed position is adjacent the rear bumper in this example and is the highest vertical position of the footrest 20 .

[0050] When the vehicle 10 is stationary and in Park, in this example, the controller 36 is configured to interpret signals from the sensors 30 and 32 to determine a height H1 of the floor panel 38 relative to the landscape G. If the height H1 exceeds a predefined threshold height, the controller 36 instructs the motor 28 to move the guide assembly 26 to lower the footrest 20 from the stowed position to a deployed position, in which the step 22 is at a height H2 above the landscape G. The height H2 is substantially half of the height H1. "Substantially half" in this disclosure means half within industry-accepted tolerances. The heights H1 and H2 are measured in a direction perpendicular to the landscape G. In this example, the sensors 30 and 32 are configured to sense the relative positions of the footrest 20 and the underbody 42, respectively, relative to the landscape G directly beneath the respective sensors 30 and 32.

[0051] In aspects of the present disclosure, the controller 36 is programmed with the vertical dimension or thickness between the underbody 42 and the floor 38 (which is Figure 4 The vertical dimension or thickness between the underside 40 and the tread 22 is labeled T1 ) and T2 . The controller 36 can take these thicknesses T1 , T2 into account when interpreting the signals from the sensors 30 , 32 as heights H1 , H2 .

[0052] In determining height H2, in one embodiment, controller 36 uses the uppermost surface of pedal 22. In another embodiment, controller 36 uses the uppermost substantially flat surface of pedal 22, omitting any friction features such as ridges or ribs.

[0053] Using signals from sensors 30, 32, controller 36 instructs motor 28 to move guide assembly 26 to lower footrest 20 until pedal 22 is at height H2. When footrest 20 is no longer needed, controller 36 instructs motor 28 to move guide assembly 26 to raise footrest 20 back to the stowed position.

[0054] In aspects of the present disclosure, the vehicle 10 is configured to automatically move the footrest 20 to the deployed position, requiring minimal or no user intervention. In one specific aspect of the present disclosure, the controller 36 can be programmed to automatically move the footrest 20 from the stowed position to the deployed position each time the vehicle 10 is stationary and in Park. This aspect of the present disclosure may be useful for deliveries where the user frequently parks and frequently needs to enter and exit the cargo area 18. Alternatively, the controller 36 can deploy the footrest 20 in response to another type of signal. This signal can be initiated by a user request, such as by the user pressing a button in the cargo area 18 or passenger compartment of the vehicle 10. Despite the user pressing the button, user intervention is minimal, and the process of deploying the footrest 20 is still considered automatic for purposes of this disclosure. Alternatively, the controller 36 can be configured to deploy the footrest 20 when a user is detected in the cargo area 18 or near the rear of the vehicle 10.

[0055] Although Figures 1 to 4 In the example, the footrest 20 is shown as moving substantially vertically without also moving forward or rearward, but the guide assembly 26 can be configured to permit such movement. Figure 5 In FIG, the guide assembly 26 is configured so that the pedals follow a non-perpendicular path P relative to the ground landscape G. Specifically, in Figure 5 In the embodiment, the guide assembly 26 is configured to guide the movement of the pedal 20 so that when the pedal is lowered, the pedal moves rearward as the pedal 20 moves in the direction V1 ( Figure 5 and so that when the pedal 20 is raised, the pedal moves forward as the pedal moves in direction V2 ( Figure 5 The “forward” direction is marked in the figure).

[0056] Figure 5 Also shown is an optional handle 54 that may project upwardly from the step 22 for use by a user when entering and exiting the vehicle 10. The handle 54 is not required in all examples. The footrest 20 may include multiple handles.

[0057] Now it will be relative to Figure 6 Another example technique for adjusting the pedals 20 is described. Figure 6 , vehicle 10 is in a configuration in which vehicle 10 includes sensor 34, but not sensors 30 or 32. Again, sensor 34 is mounted adjacent the top of vehicle 10 and adjacent the entry and exit point of cargo area 18. Sensor 34 is a depth perception sensor.

[0058] Figure 6 represents the field of view of sensor 34. As shown, sensor 34 is oriented so that floor 38, pedals 22, and ground feature G are all within the field of view of sensor 34. Sensor 34 is configured to generate a signal that can be interpreted by controller 36 to determine the relative heights of floor 38, pedals 22, and ground feature G. When vehicle 10 is stationary and in Park, controller 36 uses the signal from sensor 34 and instructs motor 28 to move guide assembly 26 to lower footrest 20 until pedals 22 are at height H2.

[0059] The sensors 30, 32, and / or 34 of the vehicle 10 are configured to generate signals indicative of heights H1, H2 relative to the landscape G immediately below the respective vehicle 10 and the footrest 20. In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the sensors 30, 32, and / or 34 are further configured to generate signals indicative of heights H1, H2 relative to the landscape G below and behind the footrest 20. Figure 7 In this example, for example, the sensor 32 is tilted so that the sensor 32 can determine the height H1 of the groundscape G at a position L1 behind the footrest 20. The sensors 30 and / or 34 may alternatively or additionally determine the height of the groundscape G at the position L1. In this example, the groundscape G is substantially flat, and therefore, the footrest 20 will be deployed to a height H2 that is midway between the groundscape G and the floor 38. In another embodiment, Figure 8 In the example, an object, such as a curb 60, is detected at position L2 behind the footrest 20. In this example, the groundscape G is raised at position L2 due to the curb 60. In this example, the vertical distance between the floor 38 and position L2 is used to set the height H1. Height H2 is half of H1 and provides the user with a well-proportioned footrest height between the curb 60 and the floor 38.

[0060] In aspects of the present disclosure, when the height H1 does not exceed a predefined threshold, the footrest 20 will not be deployed because, for example, the footrest 20 is not needed. Figure 9 In this example, an object, such as a loading dock 62, is detected at position L3 behind the step 20. In this example, the groundscape G is elevated at position L3 so that the loading dock 62 is at a substantially uniform height with the floor 38. In this example, there is no or minimal height difference between the floor 38 and the loading dock 62. Therefore, the predefined threshold is not exceeded, and the controller 36 will not deploy the step.

[0061] It should be understood that terms such as "about," "substantially," and "substantially" are not intended to be open-ended terms and should be interpreted consistently with how those terms would be interpreted by one skilled in the art. Additionally, directional terms such as "forward," "rearward," "upward," "downward," "vertical," "horizontal," and the like are used for purposes of explanation only and should not otherwise be construed as limiting.

[0062] Although the various examples have specific components shown in the figures, the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to those specific combinations. Some of the components or features from one of the examples may be used in combination with features or components from another example. In addition, the various drawings of the present disclosure are not necessarily drawn to scale, and some features may be exaggerated or minimized to illustrate certain details of a particular component or arrangement.

[0063] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the above-described embodiments are illustrative and not restrictive. That is, modifications of the present disclosure will fall within the scope of the claims. Therefore, the appended claims should be studied to determine their true scope and content.

[0064] According to an embodiment, the footrest is adjacent the rear of the van.

[0065] According to an embodiment, a step is provided on the rear bumper of the van.

[0066] According to an embodiment, the van includes a rear bumper that is independent of the running boards.

[0067] According to the present invention, a method includes lowering a footrest of a motor vehicle so that a pedal of the footrest is substantially midway between a floor of a cargo area of ​​the motor vehicle and a groundscape adjacent to the motor vehicle.

[0068] In one aspect of the invention, the method includes the step being lowered only when the height between the groundscape and the floor exceeds a predefined threshold.

Claims

1. A motor vehicle comprising: a cargo area, said cargo area including a floor; A footrest, comprising a pedal; a guide assembly configured to guide movement of the pedal; a motor configured to move the guide assembly to adjust the position of the footrest; at least one sensor configured to obtain information indicative of an elevation of the step relative to a landscape adjacent to the motor vehicle; and a controller configured to interpret the information from the at least one sensor to determine a height of the tread relative to the groundscape and the floor, and wherein the controller is configured to instruct the motor to adjust the position of the tread to be substantially midway between the groundscape and the floor.

2. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The controller is configured such that it instructs the motor to adjust the position of the pedal only when a height between the ground feature and the floor exceeds a predefined threshold.

3. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The groundscape adjacent to the vehicle is the groundscape directly below the footrest.

4. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The groundscape adjacent to the vehicle is below and behind the footrest.

5. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The guide assembly is configured to vertically guide movement of the pedal without also moving the pedal in a forward or rearward direction.

6. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The guide assembly is configured to guide movement of the footrest so that when the footrest is lowered, the footrest moves rearward as the footrest moves vertically, and so that when the footrest is raised, the footrest moves forward as the footrest moves vertically.

7. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The at least one sensor includes a first sensor mounted to an underside of the footrest and a second sensor mounted to an underbody of the motor vehicle adjacent the footrest.

8. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 7, wherein: The first sensor and the second sensor are distance sensors.

9. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The at least one sensor includes a depth perception sensor.

10. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 9, wherein: The at least one sensor includes at least one of a color camera, a time-of-flight sensor, a near-infrared sensor, and a distance sensor.

11. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein: The at least one sensor includes at least a color camera and a time-of-flight sensor.

12. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein: The color camera and the time-of-flight sensor are integrated into a single sensor assembly.

13. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 12, wherein: The single sensor assembly is mounted adjacent to a roof of the motor vehicle and adjacent to an access point to the cargo area such that the single sensor assembly has the floor, the running boards, and the groundscape within a field of view of the single sensor assembly.

14. The motor vehicle of claim 1, wherein: The motor vehicle is a van.

15. A motor vehicle as claimed in claim 14, wherein: The van includes a door adjacent a rear portion of the van, and wherein the door is configured to open to permit access to the cargo area.

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