Adjustable pedal assembly

Abstract

An adjustable pedal assembly includes a mounting arrangement ( 1 ) for attachment to a vehicle structure ( 37 ), an accelerator pedal ( 6 ), a brake pedal ( 7 ), and a clutch pedal ( 8 ). The pedals ( 6, 7, 8 ) are pivotally supported with respect to the mounting arrangement ( 1 ) and define a first pivot axis ( 9 ). An adjustment element ( 5 ) is pivotally supported with respect to the mounting structure ( 1 ) and defines a second pivot axis ( 4 ). The adjustment element ( 5 ) selectively moves the pedals ( 6, 7, 8 ) between a plurality of operable positions. The adjustable pedal assembly is characterized by the pedals ( 6, 7, 8 ) being pivotally supported with respect to the adjustment element ( 5 ) wherein the second pivot axis ( 4 ) is generally parallel to the first pivot axis ( 9 ). A driving mechanism with an electric motor ( 11 ) and gear assembly ( 12 ) is used to rotate the adjustment element ( 5 ) about the second pivot axis ( 4 ). The pedals ( 6, 7, 8 ) are pivotally mounted within the adjustment element ( 5 ) to pivot about the first pivot axis ( 9 ), thus the first pivot axis ( 9 ) moves with respect to the second pivot axis ( 4 ) when the adjustment element ( 5 ) is rotated.

26 . An adjustable pedal assembly comprising: 
 a mounting arrangement ( 1 ,  2 ,  3 ) for attachment to a vehicle structure ( 37 );    at least one pedal ( 6 ,  7 , or  8 ) having first and second ends;    an adjustment element ( 5 ) pivotally supported on said mounting arrangement ( 1 ,  2 ,  3 ) for pivotal movement about a first pivot axis ( 4 ) with respect to said mounting arrangement ( 1 ,  2 ,  3 );    a second pivot axis ( 9 ) supporting said pedal ( 6 ,  7 ,  8 ) for pivotal movement relative to said adjustment element ( 5 );    said first pivot axis ( 4 ) being generally parallel to said second pivot axis ( 9 ),    a drive mechanism operably connected to said adjustment element ( 5 ) for selectively rotating said adjustment element ( 5 ) and said pedal mechanism including said first pivot axis ( 9 ) about said first pivot axis ( 4 ) between said various adjusted positions for selectively moving said pedal lever ( 6 ,  7 , or  8 ) between a plurality of operable positions; an electric signal generator responsive to pivotal movement of said pedal lever for electrically controlling a vehicle system in response to pivotal movement of said pedal lever about said second axis in any one of said adjusted positions of said adjustment element ( 5 ) about said first axis.    
   
   
       27 . An assembly as set forth with claim  29  including a second pedal lever pivotally supported by said adjustment member ( 5 ) whereby said adjustment element ( 5 ) simultaneously adjusts the operational positions of both of said pedal levers.