Insert for a pedal of a motor vehicle, pedal and car

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to an insert for a pedal of a motor vehicle, a pedal and a car. An insert for a pedal of a motor vehicle, comprising an upper wall consisting of or comprising a transparent portion, and one or more lateral walls, which walls define an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to house a decorative element visible from above through the transparent portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to inserts for pedals in motor vehicles. This disclosure also relates to pedals and motor vehicles equipped with such inserts. Background Technology

[0002] Automotive pedals are automotive components typically made of durable metals or alloys (such as aluminum, steel, or stainless steel) and designed to be fitted onto the chassis below the doors on the driver's and passenger's sides of the vehicle. The pedals are visible on the chassis when the doors are open.

[0003] Pedals with 2D visual displays (such as LED lighting displays and laser-cut perforations in thin trim panels) are known. Examples are described in WO2011 / 154667, EP2765570, and US2011 / 0052839. The design of these pedals is inevitably limited by the lack of space beneath them in conventional automobiles. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this disclosure is to provide a further option for improving automobiles.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, an insert for a pedal in a motor vehicle is provided, comprising an upper wall consisting of or including a transparent portion, and one or more side walls defining an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is configured to receive a decorative element that is visible from above through the transparent portion.

[0006] Therefore, this disclosure allows for the utilization of the space beneath the pedal (between the pedal and the door seal) in certain car models where the pedal can be raised. Consequently, this disclosure can leverage depth (i.e., previously unused areas within the car) to create improved (3D) visual displays, thereby providing greater customization and design freedom.

[0007] The insert may also include an illumination unit such as an LED light assembly, or a housing into which the illumination unit, such as an LED light assembly, can be removably positioned. Suitablely, the LED light assembly is a narrow strip (e.g., a standard LED strip) that can be inserted into the housing in the bottom or sidewall of the insert. The illumination unit may also include wires for connecting the illumination unit to a power source in the vehicle (e.g., via a standard 12-volt connection). The illumination unit typically illuminates the trim element from the rear and / or sides, so the trim element may be backlit and / or sidelit. The trim element is preferably backlit; however, in some cases, the trim element is sidelit to create greater depth within the cavity (i.e., more space for the trim element). Alternatively, the trim element may be both sidelit and backlit simultaneously.

[0008] Additionally or alternatively, the insert may include a total or partial reflector that can completely or partially reflect light from the cavity, thereby creating an enhanced visual effect, such as the illusion of a larger space. One effect achievable in this way is the "infinity mirror" effect—details of which are described below. The insert may also include more than one reflector, such as two reflectors located on opposite sidewalls. Reflectors are typically located on the inner surface of one or more sidewalls. However, when the reflector is a partial reflector, it may also be located on the upper wall; for example, the transparent portion may consist of, or include, a partial / one-way reflector, such that some light from the lighting unit passes through the upper wall and some light is reflected, but the decorative element is still visible from above through the upper wall.

[0009] The pedal insert includes one or more sidewalls that define an inner cavity. An upper wall forms a top portion, and the one or more sidewalls are generally substantially flat or planar, defining a triangular or box-shaped inner cavity below the top portion. The one or more sidewalls may be curved and form a single, substantially continuous surface below the top portion, thereby forming an inner cavity in the form of a hemispherical or elongated hemisphere.

[0010] The interior cavity of the insert typically accommodates one or more decorative elements. Suitable decorative elements include, but are not limited to, 3D models, 2D prints, templates, reflectors, and combinations thereof. Decorative elements can be made of any suitable modeling material, such as wood (e.g., veneer or plywood), fabric, plastic, cardboard, metal, resin, clay, polystyrene, etc. Preferably, decorative elements are made of veneer and / or fabric. Decorative elements can be static or animated, although they are typically static. Decorative elements may also include perforations through which light from the lighting unit passes. The perforations in the lighting unit can be arranged in a pattern or sequence to produce different lighting effects or displays. For example, a decorative element can be a backlit veneer sheet with a series of perforations cut out to form a pattern or image.

[0011] The insert typically includes a base, first and second sidewalls, a first and second endwall, and a transparent top or a top including a transparent portion. Suitably, the base includes an illumination unit or a housing into which the illumination unit can be removably positioned. In this arrangement, the decorative element within the cavity can be backlit. Alternatively or additionally, the first and / or second sidewalls include an illumination unit or a housing into which the illumination unit can be removably positioned. In this arrangement, the decorative element can be sidelit.

[0012] As described above, the insert may include more than one reflector. In certain cases where the insert includes two or more reflectors, an infinity effect can be achieved, creating the illusion that the insert is deeper and / or wider and / or longer than it actually is. Both or all of the reflectors can be total reflection mirrors. For example, a total reflection mirror can be disposed on the inner surface of the first sidewall, and another total reflection mirror can be disposed on the inner surface of the second sidewall (e.g., ...). Figure 7(a) , 7(b) (As shown in 7(c) and described in more detail in the examples below). Alternatively, two or more reflectors may comprise a combination of total and partial reflectors. For example, the insert may comprise a total reflector located on the upper surface of the base and a partial / one-way reflector located on the lower surface of the upper wall or top. In this arrangement, the infinity effect appropriately makes the space beneath the pedal into which the insert is inserted appear deeper than it actually is.

[0013] The transparent portion (or transparent top) of the upper wall can be completely transparent (i.e., allowing all light to pass through). The fully transparent portion is preferably made of acrylic (e.g., It can be made of any suitable transparent material, such as glass, PVC, polycarbonate, or other plastics. Alternatively, the transparent portion (or transparent top) of the upper wall can be partially transparent (i.e., allowing some light to pass through or partially reflecting). For example, the partially transparent portion can include a one-way mirror or a partial mirror, as described above. Partial or one-way mirrors are typically made of glass coated with a thin layer of metal or dielectric material, but can also be suitably made of other coated transparent materials. The thickness and / or material of the coating can be varied to achieve the desired light reflection and transmittance.

[0014] The depth of the cavity or insert is typically at least 30mm, 35mm, 40mm, or 45mm, and no greater than 70mm, 65mm, 60mm, or 55mm. For example, the depth of the cavity is suitably between 40mm and 65mm (e.g., 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, or 55mm). Depths can be up to 100mm, and inserts with deeper cavities can be fitted by removing the sound-absorbing foam layer under the pedal to create more space. Typically, when the decorative element is not backlit, the depth of the cavity is between 50mm and 65mm, for example, approximately 55mm or 60mm. However, when the base of the insert includes a lighting unit or a housing in which the lighting unit can be removably positioned, the cavity may be slightly shallower in depth due to the space occupied by the backlight. For example, the depth of the cavity can be less than 50mm, for example, up to 40mm or 45mm.

[0015] According to a second aspect of this disclosure, a pedal including an insert as described herein is provided.

[0016] According to a third aspect of this disclosure, a car is provided that includes an insert as described herein or a car that includes a pedal as described herein. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To aid in understanding this disclosure, specific embodiments of the disclosure will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0018] Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the insert according to this disclosure is shown;

[0019] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the insert;

[0020] Figure 3 A perspective view of the pedal according to this disclosure is shown;

[0021] Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 Exploded view of the pedals;

[0022] Figure 5(a) shows a cross-sectional view of an insert according to the present disclosure, which accommodates a first example of a decorative element;

[0023] Figure 5(b) shows a perspective view of the insert in Figure 5(a);

[0024] Figure 6(a) shows a cross-sectional view of an insert according to the present disclosure, which accommodates a second example of a decorative element;

[0025] Figure 6(b) shows a perspective view of the insert in Figure 6(a);

[0026] Figure 7(a) shows a cross-sectional view of an insert according to the present disclosure, a third example of an insert accommodating a decorative element;

[0027] Figure 7(b) shows a bird's-eye view of a third example of the decorative element; and

[0028] Figure 7(c) shows a perspective view of the insert in Figure 7(a). Detailed Implementation

[0029] See Figure 1 and Figure 2 In a first embodiment of the present invention, a pedal insert (1) is provided, the pedal insert having a transparent upper wall (2) made of acrylic, first and second side walls (4(a), 4(b)), first and second end walls (12(a), 12(b)) and a base (5). The space within the transparent upper wall, the first and second side walls, the first and second end walls and the base defines an inner cavity (3) adapted to accommodate one or more decorative elements.

[0030] The insert also includes a housing (10) for the LED light assembly (6, 7) having wires (11) for connection to a standard 12-volt power supply in the vehicle.

[0031] See Figure 3 and Figure 4 In the second embodiment of this utility model, a pedal (20) is provided, including the aforementioned pedal insert. For example... Figure 4 As shown, the LED light assembly (6) is inserted into the housing of the base of the pedal insert (1), and the pedal insert is located below the pedal (20). The pedal includes a hole (30) in its upper surface through which the pedal insert can be seen. When the pedal insert is in the proper position, the acrylic or transparent upper wall of the insert (2) is flush with the upper surface of the pedal.

[0032] See Figure 5(a) and 5(b) In one specific embodiment, the inner cavity of the insert includes a V-shaped decorative panel (40) as a first example of a decorative element. The decorative panel has a series of perforations (41) through which light emitted from an LED light assembly (6) housed in the base of the insert passes. Figure 5(a) and 5(b) The example shown utilizes a combination of lighting and a reflector to achieve an advanced visual effect. In this example, the LED light assembly is housed in the base of the insert, as described above, and a reflector (not shown) is located on the first and second sidewalls. Therefore, when the insert is viewed through the footplate, the reflector is concealed by the trim panel. The purpose of concealing the reflector is to reflect light throughout the entire cavity, ensuring that light is evenly distributed through all perforations, thereby reducing the risk of darkening at the corners / edges of the cavity.

[0033] Other optional decorative elements that can be added to the examples shown in Figures 5(a) and 5(b) include 3D models and 2D cutouts, which can be suspended above the V-shaped trim panel, for example, via a hidden rod (not shown). For example, a 2D trim panel cutout of a logo or initials can be suspended in the center of the cavity to create a more complex, multi-level, or even personalized display.

[0034] Referring to Figures 6(a) and 6(b), in another specific embodiment, the insert's cavity includes two 3D model cars (50) serving as decorative elements. In this embodiment, the LED light assembly is housed in housings (51(a), 51(b)) on the first and second sidewalls and is connected to a 12-volt power supply in the vehicle via wires (52). In this embodiment, the insert's cavity is slightly deeper than that shown in the embodiments of Figures 5(a) and 5(b) due to the additional space gained from moving the LED light assembly. The decorative elements are also side-lit rather than backlit.

[0035] Referring to Figures 7(a), 7(b), and 7(c), in another specific embodiment, the cavity of the insert includes a printed fabric cutout (60) flush with the base of the insert, with the printed side facing upwards. The first and second sidewalls are covered with reflectors 70, as shown in Figure 7(c), for reflecting the image printed on the fabric cutout. As shown in Figure 7(b), the fabric cutout in this example is printed with a repeating half-butterfly pattern. The half-butterfly is reflected by the reflectors on the first and second sidewalls, so that when viewed through an acrylic or transparent upper wall, it appears as a whole butterfly. The reflectors on either sidewall, facing opposite directions, create a lateral infinity effect, creating the illusion that the insert is much wider than it actually is. This effect is shown in Figure 7(a), where the central portion shows the fabric cutout (60), the thick lines on either side of the central portion show the reflectors, and the low-contrast portions on either side of the thick lines represent reflections formed by either reflector (61(a), 61(b)). The printed fabric cutout also includes perforations (not shown) through which light emitted from an LED light assembly housed in the base of the insert passes to illuminate the display.

[0036] This disclosure is not intended to be limited to the details of the embodiments described above. For example, the decorative element is intended to be adaptable and can even be personalized. This disclosure also provides the user with the option to remove the insert from the pedal and replace the decorative element as needed.

Claims

1. An insert for a pedal in a motor vehicle, characterized in that, include A top wall consisting of or including a transparent portion, and one or more side walls defining an inner cavity. The inner cavity is configured to accommodate decorative elements, which are visible from above through the transparent portion.

2. The insert according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insert also includes an illumination unit, such as an LED light group, or includes a housing in which the illumination unit, such as the LED light group, can be removably positioned, and wherein the illumination unit illuminates the decorative element.

3. The insert according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The insert also includes a total reflection mirror or a partial reflection mirror, which is located on the inner surface of the one or more sidewalls.

4. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The decorative element is a 3D model, a 2D print, a template, or a reflector.

5. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The decorative elements are animated.

6. The insert according to claim 2, characterized in that, The decorative element includes perforations through which light from the lighting unit passes.

7. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, It includes a base, a first sidewall and a second sidewall, a first endwall and a second endwall, and a transparent top or a top including a transparent portion.

8. The insert according to claim 7, characterized in that, The base includes an illumination unit or a housing in which the illumination unit can be removably positioned, such that the decorative element is backlit.

9. The insert according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first sidewall and / or the second sidewall includes an illumination unit or a housing in which the illumination unit can be removably positioned, such that the decorative element is side-lit.

10. The insert according to claim 7, characterized in that, It includes a total reflection mirror located on the inner surface of the base and a partial reflection mirror located on the inner surface of the top, thereby producing an infinity effect.

11. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The transparent portion of the upper wall (or the transparent top, if present) is made of acrylic.

12. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The transparent portion of the upper wall (or the transparent top, if present) is a one-way mirror.

13. The insert according to any one of claims 1 to 2, characterized in that, The depth of the insert is between 40 mm and 65 mm.

14. A pedal, characterized in that, Includes the insert according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. A car, characterized in that, Includes the insert according to any one of claims 1 to 13 or the pedal according to claim 14.

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