阅读说明：本技术 可收回动力踏板远程驱动器 (Retractable power pedal remote driver ) 是由 布雷德利·E·沃森 于 2020-04-09 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明包括一种用于车辆的可折叠踏板组件。踏板组件包括用于连接至车辆并且将踏板组件从展开位置铰接至收起位置的连杆机构装置。驱动机构相对于踏板组件远程地定位并且与连杆机构装置操作性地连接,以用于将所述踏板组件铰接在展开位置至收起位置之间。(The present invention includes a foldable step assembly for a vehicle. The step assembly includes a linkage arrangement for connecting to the vehicle and hinging the step assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. A drive mechanism is remotely located relative to the pedal assembly and is operatively connected with the linkage arrangement for articulating the pedal assembly between the deployed position to the stowed position.)

1. A foldable step assembly for a vehicle, the foldable step assembly comprising:

a base connectable to a vehicle;

a linkage connected to the base, the linkage further connected to a pedal that is moved between a deployed position to a stowed position by the linkage;

a motor having an output shaft positioned at a spatial distance from the base of the linkage mechanism; and

a drive mechanism connected between the motor and the linkage mechanism for transmitting a force from the output shaft to the linkage mechanism over the spatial distance for articulating the linkage mechanism and the pedal between an extended position and a retracted position.

2. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a transmission connected to and driven by the motor, the transmission having an output shaft with an axis;

a bell crank assembly having a first arm connected to an output shaft of the transmission, a second arm pivotally connected to the first arm and extending over a portion of the spatial distance, a drive arm pivotally connected to the second arm and extending over a portion of the spatial distance, the drive arm connected to a drive shaft of the linkage mechanism.

3. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 2 wherein the output shaft of the transmission has an axis and the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism has an axis parallel to the axis of the output shaft of the transmission.

4. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 3 wherein the spatial distance is equal to a distance between an axis of the output shaft and an axis of the drive shaft.

5. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a transmission connected to the base, the transmission including a worm gear drivingly engaged to the linkage, wherein the drive mechanism includes a torque transfer shaft connected to an output shaft of the motor and the worm gear such that rotation of the torque transfer shaft rotates the worm gear.

6. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 5 further comprising a drive shaft of the linkage mechanism connected to a gear located within the transmission, wherein the gear is engaged with the worm gear and rotation of the worm gear rotates the gear and the drive shaft.

7. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 5 wherein the spatial distance is equal to a length of the drive shaft.

8. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 5 further comprising:

a first male connector on the torque transfer shaft received by a first female connector on an output shaft of the motor; and

a second male connector connected to the worm gear, the second male connector being received by a second female connector formed on a second end of the torque transfer shaft.

9. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a transmission connected to the base, the transmission including a worm gear drivingly engaged to the linkage, wherein the drive mechanism includes a cable sleeve having a flex shaft core slidable therein, wherein the cable sleeve is connected to both the output shaft of the motor and the worm gear, and rotation of the flex shaft core rotates the worm gear.

10. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 9 further comprising a drive shaft of the linkage mechanism connected to a gear located within the transmission, wherein the gear is engaged with the worm gear and rotation of the worm gear rotates the gear and the drive shaft.

11. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 9 wherein the spatial distance is equal to a length of the cable core.

12. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 9 further comprising:

a first square end on the first end of the cable core and a second square end on the second end of the cable core;

a first female connector connected to an output shaft of the motor, wherein the first square end of the cable core is received by the first female connector; and

a second female connector connected to the worm gear of the transmission, wherein the second square end of the cable core is received by the second female connector.

13. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising:

a transmission connected to the base;

a driver housing connected to the motor and having a gear with teeth connected to and rotatably driven by the motor;

a cable sleeve connected between the transmission and the drive housing;

a cable core slidably positioned in the cable sleeve, wherein the cable core has a feature on a surface engageable with the gear in the drive housing such that rotation of the gear in the drive housing causes the cable core in the cable sleeve to move slidably, wherein one end of the cable core is located in the transmission and slides in the transmission in response to rotation of the gear in the drive housing;

a drive link connected to the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism, the drive link being located in the transmission and operatively connected to an end of the cable core such that when the cable core slides in the transmission, the drive link rotates the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism.

14. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 13 wherein the cable core includes an inner core, the helical wire being wound on the inner core to form the feature on the cable core.

15. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 13 wherein the spatial distance is equal to a length of the cable sleeve.

16. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 13 further comprising:

a lug formed on an end of the cable core located in the transmission;

a trunnion connected to the lug;

a link connected to the trunnion and the drive link, wherein the lug, the trunnion, and the link are slidable in a bore of the transmission and move the drive link to rotate the drive shaft.

17. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 1 further comprising a pedal connected to the linkage.

18. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 15 further comprising a follower link connected to the pedal.

19. A foldable step assembly for a vehicle, the foldable step assembly comprising:

a base connectable to a vehicle;

a linkage connected to the base, the linkage further connected to a pedal that is moved between a deployed position to a stowed position by the linkage;

a motor having an output shaft positioned at a spatial distance from the base of the linkage mechanism;

a drive mechanism connected between the motor and the linkage mechanism to transmit a force from the output shaft to the linkage mechanism over the spatial distance for articulating the linkage mechanism and the pedal between an extended position and a retracted position;

a transmission connected to the base, the transmission including a worm gear drivingly engaged to the linkage, wherein the drive mechanism includes a cable sleeve having a flex shaft core slidable therein, wherein the cable sleeve is connected to both the output shaft of the motor and the worm gear, and rotation of the flex shaft core rotates the worm gear, wherein the spatial distance is equal to a length of the cable sleeve; and

a drive shaft of the linkage mechanism connected to a gear located within the transmission, wherein the gear is engaged with the worm gear and rotation of the worm gear rotates the gear and the drive shaft.

20. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 19 further comprising:

a first square end on the first end of the cable core and a second square end on the second end of the cable core;

a first female connector connected to an output shaft of the motor, wherein the first square end of the cable core is received by the first female connector; and

a second female connector connected to the worm gear of the transmission, wherein the second square end of the cable core is received by the second female connector.

21. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 19 further comprising:

a driver housing connected to the motor and having a gear with teeth connected to and rotatably driven by the motor;

wherein the cable sleeve is connected between the transmission and the drive housing;

wherein the cable core is slidably positioned in the cable sleeve, wherein the cable core has a feature on a surface that is engageable with the gear in the drive housing such that rotation of the gear in the drive housing causes the cable core in the cable sleeve to move slidably, wherein one end of the cable core is located in the transmission and slides in the transmission in response to rotation of the gear in the drive housing;

a drive link connected to the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism, the drive link being located in the transmission and operatively connected to an end of the cable core such that when the cable core slides in the transmission, the drive link rotates the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism.

22. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 21 wherein the cable core includes an inner core, the helical wire being wound on the inner core to form the feature on the cable core.

23. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 21 further comprising:

a lug formed on an end of the cable core located in the transmission;

a trunnion connected to the lug;

a link connected to the trunnion and the drive link, wherein the lug, the trunnion, and the link are slidable in a bore of the transmission and move the drive link to rotate the drive shaft.

24. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 19 further comprising a pedal connected to the linkage.

25. The foldable pedal assembly of claim 24 further comprising a follower link connected to the pedal.

Technical Field

The invention relates to a retractable power pedal remote actuator.

Background

Due to the limited space of the vehicle in typical locations and in particular the limited space for rear mounted bumper type retractable pedal arrangements, packaging issues exist which include the arrangement of motor drives for the power pedals. The main object is to provide an assembly that allows to remotely package in place the drive system for mechanically driving the mechanism for the retractable pedal.

This improvement can be used with existing power retractable pedals with the motor mounted directly to the hinge linkage. The advantage of this product is that the drive system is overall simple and low cost. A disadvantage of this arrangement is that the package size limit is limited due to the position and orientation of the motor. This may occur in the longitudinal, lateral and vertical directions of the vehicle due to the orientation of the motor.

Disclosure of Invention

The present invention includes a foldable step assembly for a vehicle. The step assembly includes a linkage arrangement for connecting to the vehicle and hinging the step assembly from a deployed position to a stowed position. A drive mechanism is remotely located relative to the pedal assembly and is operatively connected with the linkage arrangement for articulating the pedal assembly between the deployed position to the stowed position.

The present invention provides a remote drive system that allows the motor to be located in a more suitable location in the overall mounting area of the pedal device to take advantage of the available space and attachment devices in the vehicle.

Further areas of applicability of the present invention will become apparent from the detailed description provided hereinafter. It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating the preferred embodiment of the invention, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

Drawings

The present invention will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings, wherein:

fig. 1 is a front perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment shown in fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 4 is a detailed exploded view of the drive mechanism of the embodiment of fig. 3.

Fig. 5 is a detailed perspective view of the worm drive mechanism of the embodiment of fig. 3.

Fig. 6 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 6.

Fig. 8 is a detailed perspective view of the drive mechanism of the embodiment of fig. 6.

Fig. 9 is a detailed perspective view of the drive mechanism of the embodiment of fig. 6.

Fig. 10 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 11 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of fig. 10.

Fig. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the drive mechanism of the embodiment of fig. 10.

Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the drive mechanism of fig. 12.

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of the assembled drive mechanism of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is an alternative embodiment of the drive mechanism of the present invention.

Fig. 16 is an exploded view of the drive mechanism of fig. 15.

Fig. 17 is a perspective view of the drive cable assembly of fig. 16.

Fig. 18 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 3, which is employed on a side step for attachment to a rocker panel of a vehicle.

Fig. 19 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 6, which is employed on a side step for attachment to a rocker panel of a vehicle.

Fig. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 10, which is employed on a side step for attachment to a rocker panel of a vehicle.

Fig. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of the invention shown in fig. 1, which is employed on a side step for attachment to a rocker panel of a vehicle.

Detailed Description

The following description of the preferred embodiment(s) is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.

The present invention includes four different methods for remotely positioning the drive motor relative to the drive shaft of the linkage mechanism shown in the figures. Referring now to all of the drawings, there are shown collapsible pedal assemblies 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, each implementing one of four different types of drive mechanisms, referred to herein as drive mechanisms 100, 200, 300, 400; each of the foldable step assemblies corresponds to four different embodiments of the present invention for moving the moving steps 12, 12' between the retracted and deployed positions to access portions of the vehicle. Each foldable pedal assembly 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 includes a common linkage connected between the pedal 12, 12' and the drive mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400. Fig. 1-17 show details of each drive mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400 used in conjunction with a step 12 on a foldable step assembly 1, 2, 3, 4, while fig. 18-21 show drive mechanisms 100, 200, 300, 400 used on a step 12' on a foldable step assembly 5, 6, 7, 8. The foldable pedal assemblies 5, 6, 7, 8 differ from the foldable pedal assemblies 1, 2, 3, 4 in that the pedal 12' is larger and includes a driven link 14 that is shown to be non-motorized, however, it is within the scope of the present invention for the driven link 14 to be driven by a motor, either using a separate motor or by utilizing a connection to the drive mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400.

The linkage 11 has some common components extending between the pedals 12, 12' and the drive mechanisms 100, 200, 300, 400. The linkage is a four bar linkage that includes a drive arm 16 connected to the pedal 12, 12 'at a pivot connection 22 and a follower arm 18 connected to the pedal 12, 12' at a pivot connection 24. The drive arm 16 and the driven arm 18 are pivotally connected to the base 20, with the driven arm 18 being pivotally connected at a pivot 26 and the drive arm 16 being pivotally connected at a drive shaft 28. The base 20 may be connected to a vehicle. The drive shaft 28 receives rotational force from the selected drive mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400.

One limitation of providing a motorized pedal assembly on a vehicle is that the vehicle packaging limits the ability to directly connect the motor to the drive shaft 28. The present invention solves this problem because each drive mechanism 100, 200, 300, 400 employs a different mechanism to transmit rotational force from the motor to the drive shaft 28 while allowing the motor to be mounted at a location remote from the drive shaft 28. Details of the various drive mechanisms 100, 200, 300, 400 that allow the motor to be mounted remotely from the drive shaft 28 will now be described.

Referring now to fig. 1, 2 and 21, a foldable pedal assembly 1, 5 having a linkage 100 will now be described. Drive mechanism 100 is referred to as a "bell crank assembly". The drive mechanism 100 has a motor 102, the motor 102 having an output shaft 104 connected to the motor 102 through a transmission 106, the transmission 106 including a gear train in a housing driven by the motor 102. The output shaft is connected at a spatial distance d from the drive shaft 28. It is within the scope of the present invention for the motor 102 to directly drive the output shaft 104 depending on the size of the motor and the requirements of a particular application.

The motor 102 may be any suitable motor capable of providing rotational motion. In the present embodiment of the present invention, the motor 102 is a dc motor capable of bidirectional rotation. The output shaft 104 has an axis AA generally parallel to the axis B-B of the drive shaft 28, which allows the motor 102 to be positioned away from the drive shaft 28, thereby freeing space near the drive shaft 28 that would restrict the possible locations where the pedal assemblies 1, 5 can be installed. The distance between axis a-a and axis B-B is the spatial distance d.

The drive mechanism 1, 5 comprises a first arm 108 connected to the output shaft 28 by means of a clamp 110. The first arm 108 is connected to the second arm 112 at a pivot 114. The second arm 112 has a pivot 116 at a second end connected to a driven arm 118. The driven arm 118 has a clamp 110' connected to the drive shaft 28, thereby allowing rotational force from the motor 102 to be transmitted from the output shaft 104 through the first arm 108, the second arm 112 and the driven arm 118 to rotate the drive shaft 28, which in turn causes the link 11 to move between the extended or retracted positions depending on the direction in which the motor 102 turns the transmission 106 and the output shaft 104. As with the foldable pedal assembly 5 shown in fig. 21, the drive mechanism 100 can also be used with a pedal 12' that is a full length power pedal. It is also within the scope of the invention for the actuator 100 to be used with a side box step or with a rear bumper step similar to the collapsible step assembly 1 shown in fig. 1 and 2.

Referring now to fig. 3-5 and 18, the foldable pedal assembly 2, 6 with the linkage mechanism 200 will now be described. The drive mechanism 200 is also referred to as a "remote motor torque transmitting shaft type". The drive mechanism 200 includes a motor 202, the motor 202 being connected to a torque transfer shaft 204, the torque transfer shaft 204 being connected to a transmission 206, the transmission 206 being connected to the base 20, the base 20 being ultimately connected to the drive shaft 28 of the linkage 11. The transmission 206 has a worm gear 208 in the transmission 206 and rotatably positioned on bearings 207, 207'. The worm gear 208 meshes with a gear 210 rotatably connected to the drive shaft 28 of the link mechanism 11. The torque transfer shaft 204 of the drive mechanism 200 comprises a ball and socket type universal joint design having a first male connector 212 that is received by a first female connector 214 that is part of or connected to the output shaft of the motor 202. At the opposite end of the torque transfer shaft 204 is a second male connector 216 connected to the worm 208, the second male connector 216 being received by a second female connector 218 formed on the second end of the torque transfer shaft 204. The second male connector 218 extends through the housing of the transmission 206 and has a seal 209, the seal 209 circumscribing the second male connector 216 at a location extending outside the housing of the transmission 206.

When the motor 202 rotates, the first female connector 214 is driven by the motor 202, and the first female connector 214 in turn rotates the torque transmission shaft 204 through the connection of the first female connector 213 with the first male connector 212. Rotation of the torque transmitting shaft 204 rotates the second female connector 218, the second female connector 218 being connected to the second male connector 216, thereby rotating the worm gear 208. Since the threads of worm gear 208 are engaged with the teeth of gear 210, rotation of worm gear 208 causes gear 210 to rotate. Gear 210 is fixed to drive shaft 28, thereby causing drive shaft 28 to rotate with gear 210. When the drive shaft 28 rotates, the linkage 11 and the pedals 12, 12' will move between the retracted position or the extended position depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 202.

While the first female connector 214 is shown as the output of the motor 202 and the first male connector 212 is depicted on the end of the torque transmitting shaft 204, connections that are the reverse of these connections are also within the scope of the present invention. Likewise, a second male connector 216 is shown connected to the worm gear 208 and a second female connector 218 is shown formed on the end of the torque transmitting shaft 204, although connections opposite these are also within the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that other types of universal joint designs, such as pin or CV, may be used to achieve this drive with the worm axis angled with respect to the axes of the torque transfer shaft and the motor shaft. The remote drive may be used with other pedal types as shown in fig. 18. The present embodiment of the invention allows the motor 202 to be linearly positioned at a spatial distance d' from the base 20, which is determined by the length of the torque transfer shaft 204.

Referring now to fig. 6-9 and 19, the foldable pedal assembly 3, 7 with the linkage 300 will now be described. The drive mechanism 300 is also referred to as a "remote motor flex shaft type". The drive mechanism 300 includes a motor 302, the motor 302 being connected to a flex shaft core 304 within a cable sleeve 305, the cable sleeve 305 being connected to a transmission 306. More specifically, the flexure axis core 304 is connected to a worm gear 308 within the transmission 306, the worm gear 308 having threads that engage with teeth of a gear 310 rotatably connected to the drive shaft 28 of the linkage 11. The flex axis core 304 is a spiral wound core with multiple layers wired in alternating spiral directions on top of each other. The ends of the flexure axis core 304 have generally square shaped ends 312, 314. The square shaped ends 312, 314 engage with one of a first female connector 316 rotatably connected to the motor 302 or a second female connector 318 connected to the worm gear 308 or formed on the worm gear 308. The first female connector 316 and the second female connector 318 are each square shaped to form a mating fit with one of the square ends 312, 314 of the flexure axis core 304. The flex shaft core 304 is limited in its torque transmission capability by its length and bend radius, but still provides a remote location for the motor 302.

As the motor 302 rotates, the first female connector 316 is driven by the motor 302, and the first female connector 316 in turn rotates the flexure axis core 304 through the connection of the first female connector 316 and the square end 312. Rotation of the flex shaft core 304 rotates the square end 314, and rotation of the square end 314 rotates the second female connector 318 and the worm gear 308. Rotation of worm gear 308 causes gear 310 to rotate due to the meshing of the threads of worm gear 308 with the teeth of gear 310. Gear 310 is fixed to drive shaft 28, thereby causing drive shaft 28 to rotate with gear 310. When the drive shaft 28 rotates, the linkage 11 and pedals 12, 12' will move between retracted or extended positions depending on the direction of rotation of the motor 302. The use of the flex shaft core 304 allows the motor 302 to be positioned at a greater distance and non-linear position relative to the base 20. The present embodiment of the invention allows the motor 302 to be linearly positioned at a spatial distance d "from the base 20, which is determined by the length of the flexure axis core 304.

Referring now to fig. 10-17 and 20, the foldable pedal assembly 4, 8 with linkage 400 will now be described. The drive mechanism 400 is also referred to as a "remote motor push/pull cable type". The motor 402 is attached to a driver housing 403, the driver housing 403 being connected to a cable sleeve 405, the cable sleeve 405 being connected between the driver housing 403 and a transmission 406 attached to the base 20. The cable sleeve 405 is connected to a sleeve connector 407 on the driver housing 403. Disposed within the drive housing 403 is a gear 408 having teeth 410, the gear 408 engaging a cable core 412 that is slidable within a cable sleeve 405. The cable core 412 has a helically wound wire 414 wound around an inner core 416. The helically wound wire 414 has a pitch length equal to the circular pitch of the teeth 410 of the gear 408.

The end of the cable sleeve 405 opposite the driver housing 403 is provided with a sleeve connector 418, which sleeve connector 418 is connected to a sleeve block 420 formed on the housing of the transmission 406. The cable core 412 terminates at a housing of the transmission 406 at a lug 422 secured to an end of the cable core 412. Lugs 422 are held in place by trunnions 424, which trunnions 424 are connected to links 426 that are slidably positioned in bores 429 of the housing of transmission 406. The link 426 is pivotally connected to a drive link 430 having a clamp 432, the drive link 430 being locked to the drive shaft 28 of the linkage mechanism 11 and rotating the drive shaft 28 of the linkage mechanism 11.

During operation, the motor 402 rotates the gear 408 in one of two different directions, thereby pushing or pulling the cable core 412 through the cable sleeve 405. When the cable core 412 is pulled through the cable sleeve 405 away from the actuator 406, the lugs 422 pull the trunnions 424 and the links move in the holes 428 toward the sleeve block 420. This causes the link 426 to rotate the drive link 430 and output shaft 28 counterclockwise, thereby moving the link 11 and pedals 12, 12' in the extending direction. When the motor 402 rotates the gear 408 in a second of the two different directions, the cable core 412 is pushed through the cable sleeve 405. As the cable core 412 is pushed through the cable sleeve 405 toward the transmission, the lugs 422 push the trunnions 424 and the links 426 move away from the sleeve block 420 in the holes 428. This causes the link 426 to rotate the drive link 430 and output shaft 28 clockwise, thereby moving the link 11 and pedals 12, 12' to the retracted position.

Referring now to FIG. 13, the details of the transmission 406 are shown in an exploded view. Trunnion 424 has a tab with an aperture 434, which aperture 434 rotatably receives a post 436 of link 426. Drive link 430 also has an aperture 438 that rotatably receives a cylindrical member 440 of link 426. The clamp 432 of the drive link 430 is connected to the drive shaft 28 of the drive arm 16, which rotates with the driven arm 18 in response to the rotational force from the motor 402. This embodiment of the present invention allows the motor 402 to be linearly positioned at a spatial distance d' "from the base 20, which is determined by the length of the cable core 412.

All of the drive types described herein provide a method of mechanically driving a retractable step from a stowed position to a deployed position, wherein the motor itself is located at a more housed remote location from the drive linkage of the step assembly. The various methods offer variations in cost, complexity, and packaging capabilities best suited to the application.

The description of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and, thus, variations that do not depart from the gist of the invention are intended to be within the scope of the invention. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit and scope of the invention.