Pedal arm and switch
AssigneeTeleflex Incorporated
InventorSteven J. Engelgau
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A pedal arm and switch assembly (40) for use in a vehicle (10) wherein a switch housing (62) is integral with the plastic pedal arm (50) and supports the switch (60). The switch (60) is normally spaced apart from an adjacent surface (66) when the pedal (50) is in a normally biased position (P). The surface (66) may either be a pedal assembly bracket portion (47) or a firewall (14). The switch (60) has a pin (64) that extends from the housing (62) and is actuated when the pin (64) contacts the surface (66). The switch (60) produces an electronic signal upon actuation in response to the pedal arm (50) reaching one of a first (P1) and second (P2) predetermined positions. The electronic signal may control a cruise control system (34), brake lights (42), or a transmission gear shifter (20).
Claims11
A vehicle (10) having a pedal arm and switch assembly (40) comprising:
- a plurality of control devices (20,33,34,42);
- a pedal arm (50) having a pivotal connection (52) to said vehicle for moving, through an arcuate path (D) about said pivotal connection (52), said arcuate path (D) having first (P1) and second (P2) predetermined positions, said pedal arm (50) controlling a first (33) of said plurality of devices;
- at least one switch (60) for producing an electronic signal upon actuation in response to said pedal arm (50) reaching one of said first (P1) and second (P2) predetermined positions, said electronic signal controlling a second (20,34,42) of said plurality of control devices;
- a switch housing (62) mounted on said pedal arm (50) and supporting said switch (60) for movement with said pedal arm (50) in said arcuate path;
- and
- characterized by a surface (66) supported in a stationary position on said vehicle (10) and in spaced relation to said pedal arm (50) so that when said switch (60) moves in said arcuate path in an open space relative to said surface (66) to reach said predetermined position (P1,P2), said switch is actuated in response to engagement of said switch with engage said surface (66).
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.