Control device of a motor vehicle for the manual operation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal

Abstract

Control device of a motor vehicle for the manual operation of an accelerator pedal (17) and a brake pedal (18) with a base part (1) that can be attached in the area of ​​a seat mounting of the motor vehicle, with a circuit board (3) which is pivotable about a first pivot axis (2) and whose lower area is mounted on the base part (1), with a control unit (5) mounted on the upper area of ​​the circuit board (3) which is pivotable about a second pivot axis (4), with a first lever (6) attached to the control unit (5), with a double lever (9) mounted on the base part (1) so as to be pivotable about the first pivot axis (2) and comprising a first leg (7) and a second leg (8), wherein the second arm (8) of the double lever (9) is articulated to a first actuating rod (11) which can be connected to the accelerator pedal (17), wherein the circuit board (3) is articulated at its central area to a second actuating rod (12), which can be connected to the brake pedal (18), characterized in that a pull rod (10) pivotally connects the first lever (6) and the first leg (7) of the double lever (9), that the circuit board (3) is angled in a plane arranged perpendicular to the pivot axes (2, 4) with its upper region (19), and that the pull rod (10) is angled.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device of a motor vehicle for the manual operation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal.

[0002] It is known from the prior art to retrofit motor vehicles so that they can be operated exclusively manually. For this purpose, control devices are used that are mounted in the area of ​​the vehicle's center console and connected to an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. The control device has a multifunctional control unit that can be manually pivoted. Pulling it towards the driver's body depresses the accelerator pedal and thus accelerates the vehicle, while moving the control unit away from the user's body activates the brake pedal.

[0003] The current state of the art exhibits a wide variety of designs. These are based on the described push-pull principle. Such a control device is installed in a wide range of motor vehicle models. The installation situation must be chosen so that the operator can move the control element sufficiently far for both braking and accelerating. However, limitations already arise here, as the operator's seating position, the driver's seat position, and / or the installation location of the control device are not optimal. Another disadvantage of previously known designs is that they require a very large installation space, which impairs the adjustability of the driver's seat. A further significant aspect is the force required by the operator, particularly during braking.This requires that the operator can swivel the control unit sufficiently far with their hand or arm. Various limitations arise here as well, depending also on the interior design of the vehicle.

[0004] DE 1 096 766 A describes an operating device for a motor vehicle for the manual operation of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, comprising a base part that can be attached in the area of ​​a seat mounting of the motor vehicle, a circuit board that is pivotable about a first pivot axis and mounted at its lower area on the base part, an operating element that is pivotable about a second pivot axis and mounted at the upper area of ​​the circuit board, a first lever attached to the operating element, and a double lever that is pivotable about the first pivot axis and comprises a first leg and a second leg, wherein the second leg of the double lever is pivotally coupled to a first actuating rod that can be connected to the accelerator pedal, and wherein the circuit board is pivotally coupled at its middle area to a second actuating rod that can be connected to the brake pedal.

[0005] Another device for manually operating the accelerator and brake of a motor vehicle is disclosed in DE 10 2014 204 163 A1. The document shows a device with an actuating device that works in combination with the accelerator and brake pedals and is designed such that the actuating device is associated with a further actuating unit, preferably in the form of a control console, which serves to actuate secondary functions of the motor vehicle, for example a parking brake.

[0006] DE 10 2005 046 318 B4 discloses a hand-held control device for operating the brake and accelerator pedals of a vehicle, comprising a brake linkage associated with the brake pedal, an accelerator linkage associated with the accelerator pedal, a handlebar rotatably mounted on a base about an axis of rotation, a connecting element for linking the brake linkage to the handlebar, a connecting element for linking the accelerator linkage to the base, and a handlebar attached to the handlebar, wherein at least one connecting element is a lever mechanism consisting of a lever articulated to the handlebar and a lever articulated to the base, wherein the levers of the lever mechanism are detachably connected to each other and by releasing the connection of the levers, the hand-held control device can be pivoted from the working position to a rest position.

[0007] DE 101 40 187 A1 discloses a hand-held operating device for operating at least one foot pedal of motor vehicles, in particular the brake and / or accelerator pedal, with a brake linkage associated with the brake pedal, and / or with an accelerator linkage associated with the accelerator pedal, with a handlebar to which the brake and accelerator linkages are articulated, with a handle tube arranged on the handlebar, with a handle arranged on the handle tube and with an accelerator shaft leading to the handle, wherein the handle is not rigidly connected to the accelerator shaft.

[0008] The invention is based on the objective of creating an operating device of the type mentioned above which, with a simple design and reliable handling, enables universal use in different motor vehicles and ensures sufficient power transmission from the operator's hand to the pedals of the motor vehicle.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved by the combination of features of claim 1, the dependent claims show further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0010] The operating device according to the invention initially comprises a base part which can be attached to the motor vehicle. This base part is preferably designed such that it can be screwed into the area of ​​a seat mounting of the motor vehicle. Thus, it is not necessary to provide additional mounting holes or the like in the motor vehicle. Rather, the mounting points of the seat mounting, for example the seat rails, can be used.

[0011] According to the invention, a circuit board is mounted on the base and is pivotable about a first pivot axis that is horizontal when installed. The circuit board is mounted on the base at its lower end. A control element is pivotally mounted on the upper end of the pivotable circuit board about a second pivot axis, which is also horizontal when installed. The control element is thus pivoted relative to the circuit board, and it is also possible to pivot the control element together with the circuit board relative to the base.

[0012] According to the invention, the control unit is connected to a first lever, which, together with the control unit, can be pivoted relative to the circuit board. The pivoting occurs about the second pivot axis, about which the control unit can also be pivoted relative to the circuit board.

[0013] A double lever is pivotally mounted at the bottom of the circuit board, pivoting around the first, lower pivot axis. This first pivot axis, as mentioned, allows the circuit board to pivot relative to the socket. The double lever has a first arm and a second arm.

[0014] To couple the double lever to the first lever, and thus to the control unit, when the control unit is pivoted relative to the circuit board through which the accelerator is applied, a pull rod is provided according to the invention. This pull rod pivotally connects the first lever to the first arm of the double lever. When the operator moves the control unit towards them and pivots it relative to the circuit board, a tensile force is applied by the first lever, which is connected to the control unit, and the double lever, whose first arm is coupled to the pull rod. This force is then transmitted via the double lever to a push force applied to an actuating rod, which couples the second arm of the double lever to the accelerator pedal.

[0015] The use of a pull rod according to the invention allows it to be relatively small, as there is no risk of buckling or bending. Prior art always uses push rods, which require additional bearings and a sufficiently large dimension. In contrast, the pull rod according to the invention can be small and therefore requires very little installation space. This allows the operating device according to the invention to be designed in a space-saving manner. To actuate a brake pedal, the central area of ​​the circuit board is pivotally connected to a second actuating rod, which in turn is pivotally coupled to the brake pedal. By applying pressure to the operating element, which pushes the operating element away from the user's body, the brake pedal is thus depressed.The connection of the second actuating rod, which connects the circuit board to the brake pedal, is made in the central area of ​​the circuit board. According to the invention, this makes it possible to angle the upper area of ​​the circuit board so that it extends towards the operator. Overall, the circuit board can thus be designed so that its upper area extends above the vehicle seat. This significantly increases the adjustment range of the vehicle seat while simultaneously allowing the control element to be positioned closer to the operator's body. In this way, according to the invention, it is possible to ensure safe operation of the vehicle even with short arm lengths and / or slightly limited arm and hand mobility.In conjunction with the angled design of the circuit board, it is also possible according to the invention to design the pull rod at an angle. This would not be possible if a push rod were used, as it could not be adapted to the angled shape of the circuit board and would therefore prevent adjustment of the vehicle seat and thus also of the position of the control unit.

[0016] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the pull rod is further provided for to run essentially along the convex side of the angled circuit board. Since the circuit board, in its installed state, is arranged with its lower region essentially vertically, and since the upper region of the circuit board faces the operator and / or the operator's seat, the pull rod can, according to the invention, be provided on the side of the operating device facing away from the operator. This also makes it possible to design the operating device according to the invention in a space-saving manner.

[0017] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the second arm of the double lever is arranged pointing towards the base and the first arm of the double lever is positioned essentially horizontally towards the accelerator pedal. This results in favorable pivot points for the pull rod without significantly increasing the size of the operating device and / or impairing the adjustability of a vehicle seat.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the base can be mounted so that it pivots around a vertical axis when the control unit is installed. This allows for angular optimization of the pivoting range of the circuit board and the control unit. It is also possible to ensure the proper positioning of the two actuating rods, which are connected to the accelerator and brake pedals when installed.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous to have an adjustable stop element in the central area of ​​the circuit board, against which the pull rod can be positioned. This adjustable stop element serves to limit the swivel range of the control unit and thus set the maximum possible accelerator pedal position. This ensures that the accelerator pedal can be depressed far enough, for example, to enable the kick-down function of the vehicle.

[0020] According to the invention, in a favorable embodiment, the pull rod can be connected to a spring element which is coupled to the circuit board for resetting the control unit. The spring element thus additionally assists the return of the vehicle's accelerator pedal, combined with a return of the control unit relative to the circuit board.

[0021] In vehicles with an automatic transmission, it is often necessary to depress the brake pedal to adjust the automatic transmission selector, for example, from a park position to a drive position. According to the invention, a ratchet section is provided on the base part for this purpose. This ratchet element engages with a ratchet mechanism pivotally mounted on the circuit board. Releasing the ratchet mechanism releases the pressure on the brake pedal. The control unit preferably includes an additional function button for this purpose. This button is connected to the ratchet mechanism, for example, via a Bowden cable.

[0022] In the design according to the invention, the pull rod and the circuit board are preferably arranged parallel to each other. The design and dimensioning of the pull rod makes it possible to achieve a very narrow width for the entire operating device when installed. This also contributes to the universal applicability of the operating device according to the invention in a wide variety of motor vehicles.

[0023] The invention is described below with reference to an exemplary embodiment in conjunction with the drawing, which shows: Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a side view analogous Fig. 1, the back of the operating device, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 front views of the operating device according to the invention. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, Fig. 5 a side view in the installed state, and Fig. 6 a side view, analogous Fig. 5, in a braking position.

[0024] The operating device according to the invention comprises a base part 1 which can be attached to a motor vehicle, for example a seat adjustment rail, by means of a mounting bracket 20.

[0025] The base part 1 has a first pivot axis 2, which runs essentially horizontally when installed. A circuit board 3 is pivotally mounted on the first pivot axis 2. Furthermore, the first pivot axis 2 supports a double lever 9, which comprises a first leg 7 and a second leg 8.

[0026] The circuit board 3, for example, is designed in the form of a flat sheet metal part and has an upper area 19 which is angled relative to a lower area 21 and forms an obtuse angle with it. As can be seen from the installation situation of the Fig. 5 and Fig. As shown in section 6, the upper section 19 extends towards the vehicle seat or an operator. This allows the entire operating device, in particular its lower section 21, to be installed at a sufficient distance in front of the vehicle seat. This results in the greatest possible adjustment range for the vehicle seat.

[0027] A second pivot axis 4 is provided at the upper section 19 of the circuit board 3, which also extends horizontally when installed. A control element 5 is pivotally mounted on this second pivot axis 4. This is shown schematically in the figures only. It is understood that an ergonomically dimensioned handle or button is attached to the control element 5.

[0028] The control unit 5 is integrally connected to a first lever 6, which is thus pivoted about the second pivot axis 4 when the control unit 5 and this second pivot axis 4 are pivoted relative to the circuit board 3.

[0029] According to the invention, the first lever 6 is connected to the first leg 7 of the double lever 9 by means of a pull rod 10, soft, as in particular in Fig. Figure 1 shows an angled design. By using a pull rod, it is possible to make it relatively small and to position it on the side of the circuit board facing away from the vehicle seat.

[0030] The central area of ​​the circuit board is provided with several mounting recesses 22, which allow for the pivotable attachment of a second actuating rod 12, which is coupled to the brake pedal 18 of the vehicle. A first actuating rod 11, which is coupled to mounting recesses 23 of the second arm 8 of the double lever 9, serves to couple to an accelerator pedal.

[0031] The operating device according to the invention has an adjustable stop element 13 on the circuit board 3, which limits a pivoting of the operating part 5 by a contact of the pull rod 10 against the stop element 13.

[0032] Furthermore, the pull rod 10 is coupled to the circuit board 3 via a spring element 14. The spring element 14 provides a restoring force to depress the accelerator pedal 17 (see figure) when the control unit 5 is not actuated. Fig. 5 and Fig. 6) to move back to its starting position.

[0033] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 2 shows a ratchet section 15 formed on the base part 1, into which a ratchet element 16 engages, which is pivotably mounted on the circuit board 3. The ratchet element 16 is in the Fig. 1 to 4 are connected, in a manner not shown, to an actuating button or similar device located on the control unit 5. This allows the operator to actuate the brake pedal 18 and maintain this braked state, for example, to operate a pre-selector lever of an automatic transmission. Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a Bowden cable 25 for connecting the ratchet element 16 to the control unit 5.

[0034] The Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 shows a built-in state, where in Fig. 5 shows an idle position, while the Fig. 6 shows a full brake position. To accelerate, an operator pulls the control unit 5 towards them. This causes the control unit 5 to pivot about the second pivot axis 4 relative to the circuit board 3. By means of the first lever 6, a tensile force is applied to the pull rod 10, which in turn pivots the double lever 9. This results in an actuating force 8 being applied to the first actuating rod 11, with which the accelerator pedal 17 is actuated. In this case, the circuit board 3 is in a maximum clockwise position (relative to the Fig. 5) the position pivoted about the pivot axis 2. If the operator wishes to brake the vehicle, they press the control unit 5 and pivot it forward relative to the vehicle's direction of travel. The control unit 5 rests against a stop 24 formed on the circuit board 3, so that when the control unit 5 is pressed, the entire circuit board 3 pivots forward about the first pivot axis 2. This applies pressure to the second actuating rod 12, which is coupled to the brake pedal.

[0035] According to the invention, the operating device thus requires very little space, making it possible to build it very narrow. The angled shape of the circuit board 3 provides ample clearance into which the vehicle seat can be retracted. This is particularly evident from the illustration of the Fig.5. The use of a pull rod to couple the control unit to the accelerator pedal makes it possible to design the control device to be even smaller. Reference symbol list 1 base part 2 first pivot axis 3 circuit boards 4 second pivot axis 5 Control unit 6 first lever 7 first thigh 8 second thigh 9 double levers 10 pull rod 11 first actuating rod 12 second actuating rod 13 Stop element 14 spring element 15 ratchet range 16 ratchet elements 17 Accelerator pedal 18 Brake pedal 19 upper area of ​​the circuit board 3 20 mounting brackets 21 lower area of ​​the circuit board 3 22 Mounting recess 23 Mounting recess 24 strikes 25 Bowden cable

Claims

[1] Control device of a motor vehicle for the manual operation of an accelerator pedal (17) and a brake pedal (18) with a base part (1) that can be attached in the area of ​​a seat mounting of the motor vehicle, with a circuit board (3) which is pivotable about a first pivot axis (2) and whose lower area is mounted on the base part (1), with a control unit (5) mounted on the upper area of ​​the circuit board (3) which is pivotable about a second pivot axis (4), with a first lever (6) attached to the control unit (5), with a double lever (9) mounted on the base part (1) so as to be pivotable about the first pivot axis (2) and comprising a first leg (7) and a second leg (8), wherein the second arm (8) of the double lever (9) is articulated to a first actuating rod (11) which can be connected to the accelerator pedal (17), wherein the circuit board (3) is articulated at its central area to a second actuating rod (12), which can be connected to the brake pedal (18), characterized by , that a pull rod (10) connects the first lever (6) and the first leg (7) of the double lever (9) in a pivotal manner, that the circuit board (3) is angled in a plane arranged perpendicular to the pivot axes (2, 4) with its upper region (19), and that the pull rod (10) is angled. [2] Operating device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the pull rod (10) is arranged essentially on the convex side of the circuit board (3). [3] Operating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the second leg (8) of the double lever (9) is arranged pointing towards the base part (1) and the first leg (7) of the double lever (9) is arranged pointing horizontally towards the accelerator pedal (17). [4] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the base part (1) can be mounted in a pivotable manner about a vertical axis. [5] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that an adjustable stop element (13) is arranged on the middle area of ​​the circuit board (3), which can be brought into contact with the pull rod (10). [6] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the pull rod (10) is connected to a spring element (14) which is coupled to the circuit board (3) for resetting the control unit (5). [7] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by , that a ratchet area (15) is formed on the base part (1), which can be detachably engaged with a ratchet element (16) which is pivotably mounted on the circuit board (3). [8] Operating device according to claim 7, characterized by, that the ratchet element (16) is connected to an actuating element of the control unit (5). [9] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by , that the pull rod (10) and the circuit board (3) are arranged parallel to each other. [10] Operating device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by , that the upper area (19) of the circuit board (3) forms an obtuse angle with the lower area (21) of the circuit board (3).

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