SYSTEM FOR MANUAL OPERATION OF A BRAKE PEDAL AND AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL OF A VEHICLE

Abstract

System (50) for manually operating a brake pedal (30) and an accelerator pedal (32) of a vehicle (10), wherein the system (50) comprises: a planetary gear (60) comprising a sun gear (62), a ring gear (64) and planet gears (66) which mesh with both the sun gear (62) and the ring gear (64), wherein the planet gears (66) are mounted on a carrier (68); a support flange (70) that interacts with the support (68) to rotate with the support (68); a sun gear flange (74) which interacts with the sun gear (62), wherein the rotation of the sun gear flange (74) sets the sun gear (62) into rotation; a lever (80) which is attached adjacent to the sun gear flange (74); an accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) which is connected to the lever (80) and designed to couple to the accelerator pedal (32); and a brake actuation assembly (110) which is connected to the support flange (70) and designed to couple to the brake pedal (30); where: by actuating the lever (80) in the direction of acceleration, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) is pressed against the accelerator pedal (32) in order to depress the accelerator pedal (32); and By actuating the lever (80) in the braking direction, the lever (80) is brought into contact with the sun gear flange (74) to rotate the sun gear flange (74) and the sun gear (62), thereby rotating the support flange (70) towards the brake pedal (30) to push the brake actuation assembly (110) against the brake pedal (30) and depress the brake pedal (30).

Description

INTRODUCTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a system for manually actuating a brake and accelerator pedal of a vehicle.

[0002] For people with certain disabilities, operating the brake and accelerator foot pedals can be difficult. Various control systems allow these people to operate the foot pedals manually.

[0003] The document JP 2005 - 297 584 A discloses a system for manually actuating a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle comprising a lever, an accelerator pedal actuation assembly connected to the lever and a brake actuation assembly connected to a support flange. SUMMARY

[0004] In various features, the present disclosure includes a system for manually actuating a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. The system includes a planetary gear train having a sun gear, a ring gear, and planet gears meshing with both the sun gear and the ring gear, the planet gears mounted on a carrier. A carrier flange cooperates with the carrier to rotate with the carrier. A sun gear flange cooperates with the sun gear. Rotation of the sun gear flange rotates the sun gear. A lever is mounted adjacent to the sun gear flange. An accelerator pedal actuation assembly is connected to the lever and configured to couple to the accelerator pedal. A brake actuation assembly is connected to the carrier flange and configured to couple to the brake pedal.Operating the lever in the acceleration direction pushes the accelerator pedal actuator assembly against the accelerator pedal to depress the accelerator pedal. Operating the lever in the braking direction brings the lever into contact with the sun gear flange to rotate the sun gear flange and sun gear, causing the carrier flange to rotate toward the brake pedal to press the brake actuator assembly against the brake pedal and depress the brake pedal.

[0005] In further features, the lever sits on a base of the sun gear flange and rotates independently of the sun gear flange.

[0006] In further features, a handle is connected to the lever, the handle being designed to be grasped by a driver.

[0007] In further features, the handle is pivotable relative to the lever to change a grip angle of the handle relative to the lever.

[0008] In other features, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly is directly connected to the lever.

[0009] In further features, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly is connected to a distal end of the lever that is opposite a proximal end of the lever to which a handle is connected.

[0010] In further features, a base includes a first side to which the planetary gear is mounted and a second side to which the sun gear flange and the lever are disposed.

[0011] In further features, the base is connected to an adapter plate which is designed to be mounted on the vehicle under a seat rail.

[0012] In further features, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly includes an accelerator pedal plate at a distal end of the accelerator pedal actuation assembly. The accelerator pedal plate includes a band and a receiver. The band is configured to wrap around the accelerator pedal and lock into the receiver to couple the accelerator pedal actuation assembly to the accelerator pedal.

[0013] In further features, the brake actuation assembly includes a brake plate at a distal end of the brake actuation assembly. A band and a receiver are attached to the brake plate. The band is configured to wrap around the brake pedal and lock into the receiver to couple the brake plate to the brake pedal. A flange is attached to the brake plate. The flange is adjustable to engage an outer edge of the brake pedal to limit lateral movement of the brake plate relative to the brake pedal.

[0014] In various features, the present disclosure includes a system for manually actuating a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. The system includes a base having a bracket configured to be mounted to a seat track of the vehicle. A planetary gear train is mounted to a first side of the base. The planetary gear train includes a sun gear, a ring gear, and planet gears meshing with both the sun gear and the ring gear. The planet gears are mounted to a carrier. A carrier flange cooperates with the carrier such that rotation of the carrier rotates the carrier flange. A sun gear flange is disposed on a second side of the base, opposite the first side. The sun gear flange cooperates with the sun gear such that rotation of the sun gear flange rotates the sun gear.A lever is attached to a base of the sun gear flange and is rotatable independently of the sun gear flange. An accelerator pedal actuation assembly is directly connected to the lever and configured for coupling to the accelerator pedal. A brake actuation assembly is connected to the carrier flange and configured for coupling to the brake pedal. Operating the lever in the acceleration direction presses the accelerator pedal actuation assembly against the accelerator pedal to depress the accelerator pedal. Operating the lever in the braking direction brings the lever into contact with the sun gear flange to rotate the sun gear flange and sun gear, thereby rotating the carrier flange toward the brake pedal to press the brake actuation assembly against the brake pedal and depress the brake pedal.

[0015] In further features, the carrier flange, the sun gear flange, the sun gear and the lever each rotate around a common axis of rotation.

[0016] In further features, the bracket is designed to be attached to a seat rail of the vehicle via an adapter plate.

[0017] In further features, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly includes an accelerator pedal plate at a distal end of the accelerator pedal actuation assembly. The accelerator pedal plate includes a band and a receiver. The band is configured to wrap around the accelerator pedal and lock into the receiver to couple the accelerator pedal actuation assembly to the accelerator pedal.

[0018] In further features, the brake actuation assembly includes a brake plate at a distal end of the brake actuation assembly. A band and a receiver are attached to the brake plate. The band is configured to wrap around the brake pedal and lock into the receiver to couple the brake actuation assembly to the brake pedal. A flange is attached to the brake plate. The flange is adjustable to bear against an outer edge of the brake pedal to limit lateral movement of the brake plate relative to the brake pedal.

[0019] In other features, a handle is connected to the lever. The handle is designed to be grasped by a rider.

[0020] In further features, the handle is pivotable relative to the lever to change a grip angle of the handle relative to the lever.

[0021] The present disclosure further includes, in various features, a system for manually actuating a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. The system includes a planetary gear train having a sun gear, a ring gear, and planet gears meshing with both the sun gear and the ring gear. The planet gears are mounted on a carrier. A carrier flange cooperates with the carrier to rotate with the carrier. A sun gear flange cooperates with the sun gear. Rotation of the sun gear flange rotates the sun gear. A lever is attached to a base of the sun gear flange, the lever being rotatable independently of the sun gear. An accelerator pedal actuation assembly is coupled to the lever and includes an accelerator plate, a band, and a coupling member configured to couple to the band.The band is configured to wrap around the accelerator pedal and lock to the coupling member to secure the accelerator pedal actuation assembly to the accelerator pedal. A brake actuation assembly is connected to the carrier flange and includes a brake plate and a brake band. The brake band is configured to wrap around the brake pedal to couple the brake actuation assembly to the brake pedal. The carrier flange, the sun gear flange, the sun gear, and the lever each rotate about a common axis. By rotating the lever in the acceleration direction, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly is pressed against the accelerator pedal to depress the accelerator pedal.

[0022] By rotating the lever in a braking direction opposite to the acceleration direction, the lever is brought into contact with the sun gear flange to rotate the sun gear flange and rotate the carrier flange toward the brake pedal to press the brake actuation assembly against the brake pedal and depress the brake pedal. The carrier flange, sun gear flange, sun gear, and lever each rotate about a common axis. By rotating the lever in the acceleration direction, the accelerator actuation assembly is pressed against the accelerator pedal to depress the accelerator pedal. By rotating the lever in a braking direction opposite to the acceleration direction, the lever is brought into contact with the sun gear flange to rotate the sun gear flange and rotate the carrier flange toward the brake pedal to press the brake actuation assembly against the brake pedal and depress the brake pedal.

[0023] In further features, the brake actuation assembly further comprises a flange attached to the brake plate, the flange being adjustable to engage an outer edge of the brake pedal to limit lateral movement of the brake plate relative to the brake pedal.

[0024] In further features, a base includes a first side to which the planetary gear is mounted and a second side to which the sun gear flange and the lever are disposed.

[0025] Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, claims, and drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are provided for illustrative purposes only. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle having a system according to the present disclosure for manually actuating a brake and accelerator foot pedal of a vehicle; Fig. 2 a perspective view of the system Fig. 1 is in an acceleration configuration; Fig. 3 a side view of the system Fig. 1 is in the acceleration configuration; Fig. 4 a side view of the system Fig. 1 is in a braking configuration; Fig. 5 a side view of an actuating assembly of the system Fig. 1 is; Fig. 6 a view of the actuation assembly from Fig. 5 from the opposite side; Fig. 7 is a perspective view of an accelerator pedal coupling assembly of the system of Fig. 1; and Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a brake pedal coupling assembly of the system of Fig. 1 is.

[0027] Reference numerals may be reused in the drawings to identify similar and / or identical elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] Fig. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle 10 having a system 50 according to the present disclosure for manually actuating a brake and an accelerator foot pedal of the vehicle 10. The vehicle 10 may be any suitable vehicle, such as a passenger vehicle, a commercial vehicle, a recreational vehicle, a commuter vehicle, a construction vehicle, a military vehicle, an aircraft, etc. The system 50 may also be configured for use in a suitable non-vehicular application. The system 50 is configured to enable drivers who are disabled or otherwise unable to operate an accelerator or brake pedal with their feet to manually actuate the pedals.

[0029] With further reference to Fig. 1 and additional reference to Fig. 2, the vehicle 10 generally includes a frame 12 having a floorboard 14. Seat rails 16 are located on the floorboard 14. A driver's seat 20 is attached to the seat rails 16. The vehicle 10 further includes a brake pedal 30 and an accelerator pedal 32. Actuation of the brake pedal 30 applies brakes of the vehicle 10. Actuation of the accelerator pedal 32 accelerates the vehicle 10.

[0030] With particular reference to Fig. 2-4, the system 50 further includes a base 52. The base 52 includes a first portion 54 and a second portion 56. The first portion 54 is generally a bracket connected to adapter plates 58. The adapter plates 58 are each mounted between one of the seat tracks 16 and the floorboard 14 by suitable fasteners. The first portion 54 of the base 52 is removably attached to the adapter plates 58 in any suitable manner so that the base 52 can be separated from the adapter plates 58 and reconnected to similar adapter plates in another vehicle. Thus, the system 50 can be easily removed from the vehicle 10 and installed in another vehicle.

[0031] The second portion 56 of the base 52 extends from the first portion 54 at an angle of approximately 90° relative to the length of the first portion 54. A planetary gear 60 is attached to the second portion 56. With particular reference to Fig. 5 and Fig. 6, the planetary gear set 60 includes a central sun gear 62 and an outer ring gear 64. A plurality of planet gears 66 are disposed between the sun gear 62 and the ring gear 64. The planet gears 66 are each meshed with the sun gear 62 and the ring gear 64. The ring gear 64 is mounted in a housing 72, which is secured to the second portion 56 of the base 52 by any suitable fasteners. Each of the planet gears 66 is attached to a carrier 68. A carrier flange 70 extends from the carrier 68.

[0032] A sun gear flange 74 extends from the sun gear 62. The sun gear flange 74 is located on the side of the second portion 56 of the base 52 opposite the housing 72. A base 76 of the sun gear flange 74 is coaxial with the sun gear 62. The flange 74 extends from the base 76 perpendicular to a rotational axis of the sun gear 62. A tab 78 is located at a distal end of the flange 74. By rotating the sun gear flange 74, the sun gear 62 is rotated.

[0033] A lever 80 is mounted on the base 76 of the sun gear flange 74 and rotates independently of the sun gear 62. The lever 80, the sun gear flange 74, and the sun gear 62 all rotate about a common axis of rotation. The lever 80 defines a plurality of openings 82. A handle 84 is attached to the lever 80 near the openings 82. The handle 84 is positioned to be grasped and operated by a driver of the vehicle 10. The handle 84 is rotatable relative to the lever 80 and can be locked at any suitable angle by a fastener 86 configured to cooperate with both the handle 84 and any of the openings 82 to lock the handle 84 at an angle suitable for the driver.

[0034] With further reference to Fig. 1-4, the system 50 further includes an accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90. The accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 includes a first portion 92 and a second portion 94. The second portion 94 is configured as a rod that can be moved into and out of the first portion 92 to change the length of the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90. The first portion 92 is coupled to a distal end 88 of the lever 80, and the second portion 94 is connected to the accelerator pedal 32, as further described herein and in Fig. 7 is illustrated.

[0035] The system 50 further includes a brake actuation assembly 110. The brake actuation assembly 110 includes a first portion 112 and a second portion 114 that can be moved into and out of the first portion 112 to adjust the length of the brake actuation assembly 110. The first portion 112 is connected to the support flange 70, and the second portion 114 is connected to the brake pedal 30, as described in detail herein.

[0036] With particular reference to Fig. 7, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 includes an accelerator pedal plate 96 to which the second portion 94 is connected. A band 98 extends from the accelerator pedal plate 96. The band 98 is configured to wrap around the accelerator pedal and secure in a receptacle 102 to couple the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 to the accelerator pedal 32.

[0037] With reference to Fig. 8, the brake actuation assembly 110 includes a brake plate 120 connected to the second portion 114. A band 122 extends from the brake plate 120 and is configured to be secured in a receptacle 124 connected to the brake plate 120. To secure the brake plate 120 to the brake pedal 30, the band 122 is wrapped around the brake pedal 30 and secured in the receptacle 124. The brake plate 120 further includes a flange 130 movable to bear against a side of the brake pedal 30 to limit lateral movement of the brake plate 120 relative to the brake pedal 30.

[0038] The following describes how the system 50 is used to depress the accelerator pedal 32 and accelerate the vehicle 10. As in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, for example, to depress the accelerator pedal 32, the handle 84 is pulled rearward toward the seat 20 by the driver. By pulling the handle 84 toward the seat 20, the lever 80 is moved in the views of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 is rotated clockwise around the sun gear flange 74. By rotating the lever 80 clockwise, the distal end 88 of the lever 80 is moved toward the accelerator pedal 32, thereby pressing the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 against the accelerator pedal 32 to depress the accelerator pedal 32. The further the handle 84 is pulled toward the seat 20, the further the accelerator pedal 32 is depressed.

[0039] If the handle 84 is pushed away from the seat 20, the lever 80 rotates counterclockwise, as for example in Fig. 4. This counterclockwise rotation of the lever 80 moves the distal end 88 away from the accelerator pedal 32 and pulls the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 to raise the accelerator pedal 32, thereby reducing the acceleration of the vehicle 10.

[0040] To actuate the brake pedal 30, the handle 84 is pushed further forward so that the lever 80 contacts the sun gear flange 74, in particular the tab 78, as in, for example, Fig. 4. When the lever 80 is moved relative to the Fig.4, the lever 80 rotates the sun gear flange 74 counterclockwise. Rotation of the sun gear flange 74 rotates the sun gear 62, which rotates the carrier flange 70 to urge the brake actuation assembly 110 against the brake pedal 30 to depress the brake pedal 30 and apply the brakes of the vehicle 10. To release the brakes of the vehicle 10, the handle 84 is pulled toward the seat 20 and away from the sun gear flange 74 so that the sun gear flange 74 is no longer prevented from rotating clockwise by the lever 80. This allows the brake pedal 30 to lift, which pushes the brake actuation assembly 110 back toward the seat 20, rotates the carrier flange 70 and sun gear 62 clockwise, and moves the sun gear flange 74 clockwise back toward the lever 80.

[0041] The system 50 can be easily removed from the vehicle 10 and installed in any other suitable vehicle. To remove the system 50 from the vehicle 10, for example, the base 52 is uncoupled from the adapter plates 58, the accelerator pedal plate 96 is uncoupled from the accelerator pedal 32 by releasing the strap 98, and the brake plate 120 is uncoupled from the brake pedal 30 by releasing the strap 122. To install the system 50 in another vehicle, the base 52 is connected to adapter plates of the other vehicle, which may be mounted beneath the seat rails of the other vehicle. The length of the accelerator pedal actuation assembly 90 is adjusted by moving the second portion 94 relative to the first portion 92 and locking the second portion 94 relative to the first portion 92.Similarly, the length of the brake actuation assembly 110 is adjusted by moving the second portion 114 relative to the first portion 112 and then locking the second portion 114 relative to the first portion 112. The accelerator pedal plate 96 is secured to the accelerator pedal 32 by wrapping the strap 98 around the accelerator pedal 32 and inserting it into the receptacle 102 to lock the strap 98 therein. The brake plate 120 is secured to the brake pedal of the other vehicle by wrapping the strap 122 around the brake pedal and securing the strap 122 in the receptacle 124. The flange 130 is also moved to bear against one side of the brake pedal of the other vehicle to limit the lateral movement of the brake plate 120 relative to the brake pad.

[0042] The carrier flange 70 rotates at a rate relative to the rotation of the sun gear flange 74 based on the size of the sun gear 62 and the planet gears 66. To achieve different actuation ratios between the sun gear flange 74 and the carrier flange 70, the sun gear 62 and the planet gears 66 can be configured in any suitable size. Because the sun gear 62 and the planet gears 66 are interchangeable with gears of other sizes, a wide variety of different gear ratios is possible. This allows for the range of motion of the handle 84 required to control the brake pedal 30 to be customized. This also helps the driver maintain their desired feel for the brake pedal 30, regardless of the vehicle in which the system 50 is installed.

[0043] The support flange 70 has a length that corresponds to or nearly corresponds to the full possible travel of the brake pedal 30, so that the brake pedal 30 can be fully depressed if necessary. Thus, the length of the support flange 70 can be adapted to the specific vehicle 10 in which the system 50 is installed. To adapt to vehicles with different possible travel distances, the support flange 70 can be replaced with a support flange with a length best suited for the vehicle 10.

[0044] Spatial and functional relationships between elements (e.g., between modules, circuit elements, semiconductor layers, etc.) are described using various terms, including "connected," "engaged," "coupled," "adjacent," "beside," "on," "over," "below," and "disposed." When a relationship between a first and a second element is not explicitly described as "direct" in the above disclosure, that relationship may be a direct relationship, with no other intervening elements present between the first and second elements, but may also be an indirect relationship, with one or more intervening elements (either spatial or functional) present between the first and second elements.As used herein, the phrase “A, B, and / or C” should be construed as logical (A ORed with B ORed with C) using a non-exclusive logical OR, rather than as “at least one of A, at least one of B, and at least one of C.”

[0045] In the figures, the direction of an arrow, as indicated by the arrowhead, generally indicates the flow of information (such as data or instructions) of interest for the illustration. For example, if element A and element B exchange a lot of information, but the information communicated from element A to element B is relevant for the illustration, the arrow may point from element A to element B. This unidirectional arrow does not imply that no other information is communicated from element B to element A. Further, when communicating information from element A to element B, element B may send requests or acknowledgments for the information to element A.

Claims

[1] System (50) for manually actuating a brake pedal (30) and an accelerator pedal (32) of a vehicle (10), the system (50) comprising: a planetary gear train (60) having a sun gear (62), a ring gear (64) and planet gears (66) meshing with both the sun gear (62) and the ring gear (64), the planet gears (66) being mounted on a carrier (68); a support flange (70) cooperating with the support (68) to rotate with the support (68); a sun gear flange (74) cooperating with the sun gear (62), wherein rotation of the sun gear flange (74) causes the sun gear (62) to rotate; a lever (80) mounted adjacent to the sun gear flange (74); an accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) connected to the lever (80) and configured to couple to the accelerator pedal (32); and a brake actuation assembly (110) connected to the support flange (70) and configured to couple to the brake pedal (30); where: by actuating the lever (80) in the acceleration direction, the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) is pressed against the accelerator pedal (32) to depress the accelerator pedal (32); and by operating the lever (80) in the braking direction, the lever (80) is brought into contact with the sun gear flange (74) to rotate the sun gear flange (74) and the sun gear (62), whereby the carrier flange (70) is rotated towards the brake pedal (30) to press the brake actuation assembly (110) against the brake pedal (30) and depress the brake pedal (30). [2] The system (50) of claim 1, wherein the lever (80) is mounted on a base (52) of the sun gear flange (74) and rotates independently of the sun gear flange (74). [3] The system (50) of claim 1, further comprising a handle (84) connected to the lever (80), the handle (84) being configured to be grasped by a driver. [4] The system (50) of claim 3, wherein the handle (84) is pivotable relative to the lever (80) to change a grip angle of the handle (84) relative to the lever (80). [5] The system (50) of claim 1, wherein the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) is directly connected to the lever (80). [6] The system (50) of claim 5, wherein the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) is connected to a distal end of the lever (80) opposite a proximal end of the lever (80) to which a handle (84) is connected. [7] The system (50) of claim 1, further comprising a base (52) having a first side to which the planetary gear (60) is mounted and a second side to which the sun gear flange (74) and the lever (80) are disposed. [8] The system (50) of claim 7, wherein the base (52) is connected to an adapter plate (58) configured to be mounted on the vehicle (10) under a seat rail. [9] The system (50) of claim 1, wherein the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) comprises an accelerator pedal plate (96) at a distal end of the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90), the accelerator pedal plate (96) comprises a band (98) and a receptacle (102), the band (98) is configured to be wrapped around the accelerator pedal (32) and locked in the receptacle (102) to connect the accelerator pedal actuation assembly (90) to the accelerator pedal (32). [10] The system (50) of claim 1, wherein the brake actuation assembly (110) comprises: a brake plate (120) at a distal end of the brake actuation assembly (110); a band (122) and a receptacle (124) attached to the brake plate (120), the band (122) being configured to be wrapped around the brake pedal (30) and locked in the receptacle (124) to couple the brake plate (120) to the brake pedal (30); and a flange (130) attached to the brake plate (120), the flange (130) being adjustable to bear against an outer edge of the brake pedal (30) to limit lateral movement of the brake plate (120) relative to the brake pedal (30).

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