Acceleration and deceleration mechanism kit for a vehicle

Abstract

An acceleration and deceleration mechanism set (10) comprising the following: a support bracket (112); a pivot lever (114) which is mounted on the support bracket (112) as a connection to either a vehicle accelerator pedal (16) or a vehicle brake pedal (18); an actuating element (120) which is connected to the pivot lever (114) for moving the pivot lever (114); a first support (22) designed to be mounted on a first vehicle (26); a second base support (24) designed to be mounted on a second vehicle that differs from the first vehicle (26); wherein the first base support (22) and the second base support (24) each include a mounting device (128), wherein the support bracket (112) includes a base plate (130) which can be coupled alternately with the mounting device (128) of the first base support (22) and the mounting device (228) of the second base support (24).

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Vehicles such as cars, military vehicles, aircraft, etc., can be autonomously controlled to accelerate, decelerate, and steer. For example, a car may be designed to be autonomous, allowing its acceleration and deceleration to be remotely controlled during endurance testing. Typically, during endurance testing, the vehicle is driven by a human test driver. An endurance test can include a variety of tests that are tiring and / or physically demanding for a human test driver. For example, an endurance test might include tests that require the vehicle to be driven over bumps and curbs, etc., which can be physically strenuous for a human test driver.

[0002] Document US 5 913 945 A discloses a pedal connection for the robotic control of a vehicle, comprising a support bracket, a pivot lever mounted on the support bracket as a connection to a drive or brake pedal, an actuating element for the pivot lever and a base support.

[0003] Document EP 1 892 514 A2 describes a driving robot that is described as a pedal actuation system for mounting on or, better yet, above the driver's seat, with an adapter plate fixed in the seat rail and universally adaptable to different vehicle types.

[0004] From EP 2 305 526 B1, an even simpler system is known with a bearing plate as the basic support, which is attached to the vehicle floor.

[0005] US Patent 6 736 003 B2 discloses a bracket for a pedal actuation system, in which both parts are connected by means of a quick-release fastener.

[0006] To reduce the physical strain on the human test driver, the vehicle can be operated autonomously during some endurance tests. During such autonomous operation, the vehicle's accelerator and brake pedals can be operated independently. For example, an autonomous control device can be connected to the accelerator and brake pedals for this purpose. However, such known autonomous control devices have several disadvantages.

[0007] The installation of conventional autonomous control devices can be too time-consuming to meet the time constraints associated with durability testing. Furthermore, in some cases, e.g., between tests, during selected tests, etc., it is desirable for a human driver to operate the vehicle manually by operating the accelerator and brake pedals with their feet. However, removing the known autonomous control device can be time-consuming and unduly delay the durability test. Additionally, installing the known autonomous control device may require modifications to the vehicle that could invalidate the durability test results. The known autonomous control device may also fail as a result of insufficient component responsiveness (the so-called "dead zone"), device failure, etc.exhibit a lack of satisfactory performance characteristics.

[0008] This leaves an opportunity to design a mechanism that is quick and easy to install / remove from the vehicle and has satisfactory performance characteristics for autonomous operation of the vehicle's accelerator and brake pedals. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. Figure 1 is a perspective view of an acceleration and deceleration mechanism set; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a section of the set mounted in a first vehicle; Fig. Figure 3 is an enlarged view of the section of the sentence from Fig. 2 and a section of a seat on which the set is mounted; Fig. Figure 4 is a partial exploded view of a section of the sentence; and Fig. Figure 5 is a perspective view of a section of a second embodiment of the set. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0009] Referring to the figures in which identical numbers within the different views denote identical components, it is stated in Fig. Figure 1 shows a general acceleration and deceleration mechanism set 10. The set 10 includes a support bracket 112 and a pivot lever 114 mounted on the support bracket 112 for connection to either a vehicle accelerator pedal 16 or a vehicle brake pedal 18. An actuating element 120 is connected to the pivot lever 114 to move the pivot lever 114. The set 10 includes a first base support 22, designed to be mounted on a first vehicle 26, and a second base support 24, designed to be mounted on a second vehicle (not shown) that differs from the first vehicle 26. The first base support 22 and the second base support 24 each include a mounting device 128. The support bracket 112 includes a mounting plate 130 which can be coupled alternately with the mounting device 128 of the first basic support 22 and the mounting device 128 of the second basic support 24.

[0010] Since the support bracket 112 can be coupled interchangeably with both the mounting device 128 of the first base support 22 and the mounting device 128 of the second base support 24, the support bracket 112, the swivel lever 114, and the adjusting element 120 are interchangeable between the first base support 22 and the second base support 24. Thus, the first base support 22 can be mounted on the first vehicle 26, and the second base support 24 can be mounted on the second vehicle, and the support bracket 112, the swivel lever 114, and the adjusting element 120 can be moved between the first base support 22 and the second base support 24, i.e., between the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle. The first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle can be of different types, models, etc.

[0011] While Fig. Figure 1 shows the set 10 including the first base support 22 and the second base support 24. The set 10 can include any suitable number of two or more base supports, each designed to be fitted to different types of vehicles. As such, the set 10 can be fitted to any type of vehicle for which a base support exists. For the sake of simplicity, only the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 are discussed herein, and no other base supports.

[0012] The set 10 can be used to autonomously control the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18 of the vehicle to which the set 10 is mounted. For example, the vehicle can be a motor vehicle such as the one in Fig. The first vehicle 26 shown in Figure 1 can be used, and the set 10 can be used to autonomously control the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18 of the motor vehicle during the motor vehicle's durability test. Alternatively, the set 10 can be used to autonomously control any type of vehicle, e.g., a motor vehicle, a military vehicle, an aircraft, etc., for any form of use, e.g., for testing, operation by a customer, etc.

[0013] The first support 22 and the second support 24 are in Fig. 1 shown. The first support 22 is in the Fig. 2-4 is shown and is in Fig. 2 as mounted on the first vehicle 26. The first base support 22 includes a first vehicle mounting device 32, which is designed to be mounted on the first vehicle 26. The engagement of the first vehicle mounting device 32 on the first vehicle 26 is shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. Figure 3 shows that the second base support 24 includes a second vehicle mounting device 34, which differs from the first vehicle mounting device 32 and is designed to be mounted on the second vehicle (not shown). In other words, the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle include different mounting devices, and the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 are each designed to be mounted on the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle, respectively.

[0014] Further referring to Fig. 1. The first vehicle assembly device 32 can include a leg 36 designed to be coupled to the first vehicle 26, and the second vehicle assembly device 34 can include a second leg 38 that differs from the leg 36 of the first vehicle assembly device 32 and is designed to be coupled to the second vehicle. In particular, the first vehicle assembly device 32 can include a pair of legs 36 spaced apart from each other, and the second vehicle assembly device 34 can include a pair of second legs 38 spaced apart from each other.

[0015] Each of the legs 36 and the second leg 38 can define holes 40, 42 for receiving fastening elements 44, e.g., threaded fastening elements, in order to connect the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 to the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle, respectively. The legs 36, 38 can be connected to a base 46 of a seat 48 of the vehicle as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. In particular, the base 46 of the seat 48 of the first vehicle can define 26 holes (not shown) for receiving the fastening elements 44, and a base (not shown) of a seat (not shown) of the second vehicle can define holes for receiving the fastening elements 44. The base 46 of the seat 48 of the first vehicle 26 has a different configuration than the base of the seat of the second vehicle, and thus the first base support 22 is designed to be mounted on the base 46 of the seat 48 of the first vehicle 26, and the second base support 24 is designed to be mounted on the base of the seat of the second vehicle.

[0016] The hole in the base of the seat of the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle can be the same hole used for a seat guide rail 50 with the fastening element 44 as in Fig. The first base support 22 and the second base support 24 are connected as shown in Figure 2. Accordingly, the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 can each be mounted on the first vehicle 26 and the second vehicle using existing seat base fixtures. This allows for quick and easy installation of the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 and avoids modifications during durability tests that could render the durability test ineffective. The differences between the first vehicle mounting fixture 32 and the second vehicle mounting fixture 34 may include the position of the legs 36 and second leg 38, the spacing of the legs 36 and second leg 38, and / or the position of the holes 40, 42.

[0017] As explained above, set 10 includes the support bracket 112 and the pivot lever 114 mounted on the support bracket 112 for connection with either the accelerator pedal 16 or the brake pedal 18. Referring to the Fig. 1-4, the set 10 can include a second support bracket 212 and a second pivot lever 214 mounted on the second support bracket 212 for connection with the other pivot lever 214, which is supported by the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the support bracket 112 is connected to the brake pedal 16, and the second support bracket 212 is connected to the accelerator pedal 18.

[0018] Further referring to Fig. As described above, the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 each enclose mounting devices 128, and the support bracket 112 encloses the base plate 130, which can be alternately coupled to the mounting devices 128. Similarly, the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 can each enclose a second mounting device 228, and the second support bracket 212 can enclose a base plate 230, which can be alternately coupled to the second mounting device 228 of the first base support 22 and the second mounting device 228 of the second base support 24. Both the first base support 22 and the second base support 24 enclose suspension pieces 54, which are designed to receive the support bracket 112 and the second support bracket 212, respectively.

[0019] The base plate 130 of the support bracket 112 includes holes 56. The mounting device 128 of the first base support 22 includes holes 58 that correspond to the holes 56 of the support bracket 112, and the mounting device 228 of the second base support 24 includes holes 58 that correspond to the holes 56 of the support bracket 112. The holes 56 of the support bracket 112 can be axially aligned with the holes 58 of the first base support 22 or the holes 58 of the second base support 24 to accommodate fasteners 60 for alternately coupling the base plate 130 to the first base support 22 and the second base support 24. The relative position of the holes 56 in the support bracket 112 corresponds to the relative position of the holes 58 in both the first basic support 22 and the second basic support 24, so that the support bracket 112 can be coupled alternately with the first basic support 22 and the second basic support 24.

[0020] Similarly, the base plate 230 of the second support bracket 212 includes holes 56. The mounting device 228 of the first base support 22 includes holes 58 corresponding to the holes 56 of the second support bracket 212, and the mounting device 228 of the second base support 24 includes holes 58 corresponding to the holes 56 of the second support bracket 212. The holes 56 of the second support bracket 212 can be axially aligned with the holes 58 of the first base support 22 or the holes 58 of the second base support 24 to accommodate fasteners 60 for alternately coupling the base plate 230 to the first base support 22 and the second base support 24.The relative position of the holes 56 in the second support bracket 212 corresponds to the relative position of the holes 58 in both the first base support 22 and the second base support 24, so that the second support bracket 212 can be coupled alternately to the first base support 22 and the second base support 24. The holes 58 of the base supports 22, 24 are enclosed in the suspension pieces 54. The base plates 130, 230 and the mounting devices 128, 228 can have any suitable number of holes 56, 58.

[0021] The support brackets 112, 212 can each enclose the base plate 130, 230 and a platform 64. The base plate 130, 230 is designed to be mounted on the base supports 22, 24. For example, the holes 56 in the base plate 130, 230 are defined. The platform 64 supports the pivot lever 114, 214, as shown below.

[0022] Referring to the Fig. In 1-4, the pivot levers 114, 214 are rotatably mounted on the support brackets 112, 212. A shaft 66 is supported on the support bracket 112, 212, with the pivot lever 114, 214 being mounted on the shaft 66. In particular, the shaft 66 can be fixed to the support bracket 112, 212, and the pivot lever 114, 214 can be rotatably mounted on the shaft 66.

[0023] Further referring to the Fig. 1-4 A torsion spring 68 can be arranged on the shaft 66 between the pivot lever 114, 214 and the support bracket 112, 212. The shaft 66 forces the pivot lever 114, 214 into a position such that, due to insufficient force from the actuating element 120, 220, the brake pedal 18 and the accelerator pedal 16 are not depressed by the assembly 10.

[0024] A push-pull device 170 is connected to the pivot lever 114, and a second push-pull device 270 is connected to the second pivot lever 214. The push-pull device 170 and the second push-pull device 270 can be of identical construction. The push-pull device 170 extends from the pivot lever 114 to the brake pedal 18. The second push-pull device 270 extends from the second pivot lever 214 to the accelerator pedal 16.

[0025] The push device 170 and the second push device 270 each comprise a cylinder 72 extending along an axis A and a rod 74 extending from the cylinder 72 along the axis A. The cylinder 72 may have a bore (unnumbered) that receives the rod 74. The rod 74 is adjustable relative to the cylinder 72 along the axis A. For example, the bore and the rod 74 may be threaded, allowing the rod 74 to be adjusted relative to the cylinder 72 by rotation.

[0026] The thrust devices 170, 270 can be mounted on the pivot levers 114, 214 with a universal joint 78, which allows rotation of the thrust devices 170, 270 in various degrees of freedom. Alternatively, the thrust devices 170, 270 can be mounted on the pivot levers 114, 214 in any suitable manner.

[0027] The sliding devices 170, 270 can be detachably connected to the pivot levers 114, 214. In particular, a plug pin 80 detachably connects the sliding devices 170, 270 to the pivot levers 114, 214. The universal joint 78 can surround a bearing 82 that receives the cylinder 72 of the sliding device 170, 270. The cylinder 72 of the sliding device 170, 270 and the bearing 82 can each surround a hole 84 that detachably receives the plug pin 80. When inserted into the holes 84, the plug pin 80 holds the sliding device 170, 270 to the universal joint 78. The cylinder 72 can be removed from the bearing 82 when the plug pin 80 is removed from the holes 84.

[0028] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the rod 74 of the push device 170, 270 encloses an end 86 that is spaced apart from the cylinder 72. The end 86 can directly contact the brake pedal 18 and the accelerator pedal 16 to depress them. Alternatively or additionally, an extension 88 can be mounted on either the brake pedal 18 or the accelerator pedal 16, and the end 86 can be fixed to the extension 88. The end 86 can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from the extension 88, for example, by means of a plug pin (unnumbered) that locks the end 86 and the extension 88 together. A push-in pin or other suitable connector can connect the plug pin to the extension 88. The extension 88 is, for example, attached to the brake pedal 18 in Figure 4. Fig. 2. Alternatively, a terminal 90 can be mounted either on the brake pedal 18 or on the accelerator pedal 16, and the end 86 can be fixed to the terminal 90. The end 86 can be quickly and easily connected to and removed from the terminal 90, e.g., by means of a plug pin (not shown) that locks the end 86 and the terminal 90 together. A push-in pin or other suitable connector can connect the plug pin to the terminal 90. The terminal 90 can, for example, be mounted on the accelerator pedal 16 in Fig. 2 must be mounted.

[0029] As described above, the actuating element 120 is connected to the pivot lever 114. A second actuating element 240 is connected to the second pivot lever 214 to move the second pivot lever 214. The actuating elements 120 and 220 can be mounted on the support brackets 112 and 212. For example, as shown in Fig. 4 shown, the support brackets 112, 212 define cutouts 92, and the adjusting elements 120, 220 can enclose plates 94 which interlock with the cutouts 92.

[0030] The actuators 120, 220 can be linear actuators, each comprising a cable 96 connected to the pivot levers 114, 214, and a mechanism 98 connected to the cable 96 for extending and retracting the cable 96. The mechanisms 98 are mounted on the support brackets 112, 212. The linear actuator can be of any type, for example, electromechanical, hydraulic, pneumatic, etc. The electromechanical linear actuator can, for example, be a lead nut (not shown) attached to a motor and a rod (not shown) that engages with the lead nut via a thread. The rod is connected to the cable 96, so that when the nut is rotated by the motor, the rod pulls the cable 96 into the actuator 120, 220 or retracts the cable 96 from the actuator 120, 220.

[0031] Sentence 10 can include a control system that communicates with the actuator 120, 220 in order to control the actuator 120, 220. The control system can remotely operate the actuator 120, 220, or at least a section of the control system can be connected to the actuator 120, 220 via a wired connection.

[0032] During operation, the set 10 can be interchangeably installed in a variety of vehicles. For example, the first base support 22 can be mounted on the first vehicle 26, the second base support 24 can be mounted on the second vehicle, and additional base supports can be mounted on additional vehicles. For instance, the first base support 22 can be mounted on the base 46 of the seat 48 of the first vehicle 26, and the second base support 24 can be mounted on the base of the seat of the second vehicle, as explained above. To operate the first vehicle 26 autonomously, the support bracket 112 and the second support bracket 212 can be mounted on the first base support 22, as explained above, and the push device 170 and the second push device 270 are coupled to the brake pedal 18 and the accelerator pedal 16 of the first vehicle 26.In such a configuration, the actuators 120, 220 can be triggered by the control system to autonomously control the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18 of the first vehicle 26.

[0033] If an operator of the first vehicle 26 wishes to operate the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18 manually, i.e., by foot, the plug pins 80 can be removed from the push rods 170, 270 to detach the push rods 170, 270 from the pivot levers 114, 214, and the plug pins at the ends 86 of the push rods 170, 270 can be released, respectively, by the brake pedal 18 and the accelerator pedal 16, to remove the push rods 170, 270. In such a configuration, the operator has access to the accelerator pedal 16 and the brake pedal 18 for foot operation.

[0034] To operate the second vehicle autonomously, the support bracket 112 and the second support bracket 212 can be removed from the first base support 22 and mounted on the second base support 24, as explained above, and the push device 170 and the second push device 270 are coupled to the brake pedal 18 and the accelerator pedal 16 of the second vehicle. In such a configuration, the actuators 120, 220 can be triggered by the control system to autonomously control the accelerator pedal 16 and brake pedal 18 of the second vehicle.

[0035] A second embodiment of sentence 10 is described in Fig. 5 is shown. The same digits are used to represent the same elements in the Fig. 1-4 and in Fig. 5 to mark, and the description of the above referring to the Fig. The elements described in 1-4 are linked to the elements with the same digits in Fig. 5 applicable. The pivot levers 114, 214 of the Fig. 1-4 are vertically aligned, and the pivot levers 114, 214 in Fig. 5 are horizontally aligned.

[0036] Referring to Fig. 5 Both pivot levers 114, 214 are mounted on a common support bracket 310. The set 10 includes at least one first basic support 312. In particular, the set 10 includes, as in Fig. Figure 5 shows a pair of spaced-apart first basic supports 312, between which the common support angle 310 extends and which are detachably coupled to the first basic supports 312.

[0037] The first basic supports 312 are designed to be mounted on a first vehicle (not shown). In Fig. Figure 5 shows only the pair of first base supports 312. However, it can be assumed that the set includes 10 second base supports (not shown) designed to be mounted on a second vehicle (not shown), and any number of further base supports for mounting on any number of different vehicle types. The common support bracket 310 is designed to be detachably connected to each base support 312, so that the common support bracket 310 can be interchangeable between different vehicles.

[0038] The pair of first support posts 312 can be connected to the base of the seat (in Fig. 5 (not shown) are connected. The common support bracket 310 can be fixed to the first basic supports 312 with a threaded fastening element 314, which locks the support bracket 31 and one of the first basic supports 312 together.

[0039] The revelation has been described in an illustrative manner, and it is understood that the terminology used serves a descriptive rather than a limiting purpose. Many modifications and variations of the present revelation are possible in light of the teachings above, and the revelation may be used in ways other than those specifically described.

Claims

[1] An acceleration and deceleration mechanism set (10) comprising the following: a support bracket (112); a pivot lever (114) which is mounted on the support bracket (112) as a connection to either a vehicle accelerator pedal (16) or a vehicle brake pedal (18); an actuating element (120) which is connected to the pivot lever (114) for moving the pivot lever (114); a first support (22) designed to be mounted on a first vehicle (26); a second base support (24) designed to be mounted on a second vehicle that differs from the first vehicle (26); wherein the first base support (22) and the second base support (24) each include a mounting device (128), wherein the support bracket (112) includes a base plate (130) which can be coupled alternately with the mounting device (128) of the first base support (22) and the mounting device (228) of the second base support (24). [2] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a push device (170, 270) connected to the pivot lever (114, 214) for placement between the pivot lever (114, 214) and either the accelerator pedal (16) or the brake pedal (18). [3] Set (10) according to claim 2, further comprising a plug pin (80) which detachably connects the push device (170, 270) to the pivot lever (114, 214). [4] Sentence (10) according to claim 2, wherein the push device (170, 270) includes a cylinder (72, 76) and a rod (74) which extends from the cylinder (72, 76) along the axis (A) and is adjustable along the axis (A) with respect to the cylinder (72, 76). [5] Set (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a torsion spring (68) between the pivot lever (114, 214) and the support bracket (112). [6] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first base support (22) includes a first vehicle mounting device (32) designed to be mounted on the first vehicle (26), and the second base support (24) includes a second vehicle mounting device (34) different from the first vehicle mounting device (32) and designed to be mounted on the second vehicle. [7] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first support (22) includes a leg (36) designed to interlock with the first vehicle (26), and the second support (24) comprises a second leg (38) differing from the leg (36) of the first support (22) and designed to interlock with the second vehicle. [8] Sentence (10) according to claim 7, wherein the legs (36) of the first support (22) and the second support (24) each enclose a hole (84) for receiving a fastening element (44, 60) for engaging with the vehicle. [9] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a control system in communication with an actuating element (120, 220) for controlling the actuating element (120, 220). [10] Set (10) according to claim 1, wherein the base plate (130) of the support bracket (112) includes holes (56) and the mounting devices (128) of the first support (22) and the second support (24) include corresponding holes (58) for receiving fastening elements (60) for engaging with the base plate (130) in order to alternately couple the support bracket (112) with the first support (22) and the second support (24). [11] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a shaft (66) which is mounted on the support bracket (112, 212) and wherein the pivot lever (114, 214) is mounted on the shaft (66). [12] Sentence (10) according to claim 1, wherein the actuating element (120, 220) is a linear actuating element comprising a cable (96) connected to the pivot lever (114, 214) and a mechanism (98) connected to the cable (96) to pull the cable (96) out and retract it. [13] Set (10) according to claim 12, wherein the mechanism (96) is mounted on the support bracket (112). [14] Set (10) according to claim 1, further comprising a second support bracket (212) and a second pivot lever (214) mounted on the second support bracket (212) for connection with the other of the accelerator pedal (16) and brake pedal (18) of the vehicle. [15] Sentence (10) according to claim 14, wherein the first base support (22) and the second base support (24) each include a second mounting device (228) and wherein the second support bracket (112) includes a base plate (130) which can be coupled alternately with the second mounting device (228) of the first base plate (230) and the second mounting device (228) of the second base plate (230). [16] Sentence (10) according to claim 15, further comprising a second actuating element (240) which is connected to the second pivot lever (214) for moving the second pivot lever (240).

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