Claims:We claim
1. A bracket (100) for controlling movement of a pedal (202) of a vehicle, the bracket (100) comprising:
a body (107) defining a hole (104) for receiving a shaft (205) accommodating the pedal (202), such that, the bracket (100) is movable with the pedal (202), the body (107) is characterized into:
a first portion (101) extending linearly away from an axis (A-A) of the hole (104), wherein the first portion (101) is adapted to limit pivotal forward movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels forward by a first predetermined distance; and
a second portion (102) extending downwardly from an end (101a) of the first portion (101), wherein the second portion (102) is adapted to limit pivotal return movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels backward by a second predetermined distance.

2. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion (101) is defined with a flat surface, and the first portion (101) abuts a stopper (204) provisioned on a mounting bracket (201) for limiting the pivotal forward movement of the pedal (202).

3. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (102) is defined by an outwardly projecting curved portion (102a) adjoining the end (101a) of the first portion (101) followed by an inwardly projecting flat portion (102b).

4. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second portion (102) abuts a portion of a mounting bracket (201) after the pedal (202) travels backward by the second predetermined distance.

5. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (107) is further characterized into a third portion (103) extending curvilinearly from an end of the second portion (102) and adjoining another end of the first portion (101).

6. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third portion (103) is defined by an inwardly projecting curved portion (103a) adjoining an end of an inwardly projecting flat portion (102b) of the second portion (102), followed by an outwardly extending flat portion (103b).

7. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 5, wherein the third portion (103) is configured as a cam surface, and is adapted to be in contact with a switch (206) associated with a pedal (202) up to 40% to 60% forward travel of the pedal (202).

8. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the third portion (103) is adapted to be free from contact with the switch (206) during further forward travel of the pedal (202).

9. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the body (107) is defined with a provision (105) for accommodating a leg of a torsion spring (203) associated with the pedal (202).

10. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 9, wherein another leg of the torsion spring (203) is accommodated in a mounting bracket (201).

11. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first predetermined distance corresponds to forward travel of the pedal (202) from home position of the pedal (202) to fully pressed condition of the pedal (202)

12. The bracket (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second predetermined distance corresponds to return travel of the pedal (202) from fully pressed condition of the pedal (202) to home position of the pedal (202).

13. A clutch pedal assembly (200) for a vehicle, comprising:
a pedal (202) pivotally mounted on a shaft (205), the shaft (205) is connectable to a mounting bracket (201), the pedal (202) is operable between a home position and a fully pressed position;
a bracket (100) for controlling movement of a pedal (202), the bracket (100) comprising:
a body (107) defining a hole (104) for receiving the shaft (205) such that the bracket (100) is movable with the pedal (202), the body (107) is characterized into:
a first portion (101) extending linearly away from an axis (A-A) of the hole (104), wherein, the first portion (101) is adapted to abut a stopper (204) provisioned on the mounting bracket (201) to limit pivotal forward movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels forward by a first predetermined distance; and
a second portion (102) extending downwardly from an end (101a) of the first portion (101), wherein the second portion (102) is adapted to abut a portion of the mounting bracket (201) to limit pivotal return movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels backward by a second predetermined distance.

14. The clutch pedal assembly (200) as claimed in claim 11, the body (107) is further characterized into:
a third portion (103) extending curvilinearly from an end of the second portion (102) and adjoining another end (101b) of the first portion (101), the third portion (103) is configured as a cam surface and is adapted to be in contact with a switch (206) associated with the pedal (202) up to 40% to 60% forward travel of the pedal (202); and
a provision (105) defined on the body (107) for accommodating a leg of a torsion spring (203) associated with the pedal (202).

15. A vehicle comprising a clutch pedal assembly (200) as claimed in claim 13. , Description:TECHNICAL FIELD
Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobile engineering. Particularly but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a pedal assembly of a vehicle. Further embodiments of the disclosure disclose a bracket for controlling movement of a pedal in the pedal assembly of the vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Generally, automobiles are provided with transmission assembly for transmitting power generated by a prime mover i.e. engine or an electric motor to the wheels for manoeuvring the vehicle. The transmission assembly may generally comprise of a gear box, clutch system, propeller shaft, differential assembly and wheel axles. Among other components which assists transmission, the clutch system plays a vital role in the vehicles which are employed with manual transmission assemblies. Vehicles such as light duty vehicles including passenger cars, and heavy transport vehicles such as pick-up trucks, semi-trucks and tipper trucks which are used to carry heavier loads are generally equipped with manual transmission assemblies. In the manual transmission assemblies, transmission of power i.e. torque from the prime movers to wheels, may be achieved by shifting gears to required gear ratios. Shifting of gears involves actuation of the clutch system, operating a gear lever, which in turn actuates the shifter fork to slide the gears into or out of engagement with other gears in order to change from one gear ratio to the other. Actuation of clutch system may be initiated by operating a foot pedal provided in the cabin of the vehicle. Additionally, pedals are also provided to regulate throttling level of the engine and also to actuate braking system.

The foot pedals, simply referred to as pedals are levers which may be actuated by the operator or driver to control the vehicle's operations. Pedals are usually connected to a mounting bracket, and may hang from the mounting bracket in smaller vehicles, while typically stand on the floor in heavy-duty vehicles. Since, the pedals play a crucial role in actuating various systems like bracket system, the clutch system, and the like, regulating the pivotal movement of the pedals may be important to achieve smooth and efficient transmission. Thus, the movement of pedal should be limited to an optimal range in order to accomplish greater accuracy.

In the conventional clutch pedal assemblies, forward and backward pivotal movement of the clutch pedal may be regulated by two individual stoppers held by brackets fixed to the mounting bracket or vehicle frame. Further, a bracket defined with a cam profile is adhered to the shaft of the pedal assembly, which pivotally moves along the movement of the pedal to actuate the clutch switch. Additionally, another bracket is fixed to the mounting frame, which is configured to receive an end of the torsion spring, which assists in return movement of the pedal upon releasing the force on the pedal. Use of independent bracket to accommodate the stoppers, an end of the torsion spring and to actuate the clutch switch leads to complexity in the pedal assembly and involves more number of mechanical components. Further, with the increase in number of components, it becomes tedious to assemble the clutch assembly, and related components in the vehicle. Additionally, the components may be subjected to impact stresses/forces upon actuation of the pedal, which results in wear of the brackets, which may not be desirable. The wear of the brackets may lead to damage, which may lead to irregular movement of the pedal during operation, which affects the accuracy of the pedal movement and hence, affects the efficiency of the transmission system.

The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above and any other limitations associated with the prior arts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

One or more shortcomings of conventional assemblies are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through the provision of assembly as claimed in the present disclosure. Additional features and advantages are realized through the techniques of the present disclosure. Other embodiments and aspects of the disclosure are described in detail herein and are considered a part of the claimed disclosure.

In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, a bracket for controlling movement of a pedal of a vehicle is disclosed. The bracket comprises a body defining a hole for receiving a shaft, accommodating the pedal such that the bracket is movable with the pedal. The body of the bracket is characterized into a first portion and a second portion. The first portion extends linearly away from an axis of the hole, wherein the first portion is adapted to limit pivotal forward movement of the pedal after the pedal travels forward by a first predetermined distance. The second portion extending downwardly from an end of the first portion, wherein the second portion is adapted to limit pivotal return movement of the pedal after the pedal travels backward by a second predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the first portion is defined with a flat surface, and the first portion abuts a stopper provisioned on a mounting bracket for limiting pivotal forward movement of the pedal.

In an embodiment, the second portion is defined by an outwardly projecting curved portion adjoining the end of the first portion followed by an inwardly projecting flat portion and the second portion abuts a portion of a mounting bracket after the pedal travels backward by the second predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the body is further characterized into a third portion extending curvilinearly from an end of the second portion and adjoining another end of the first portion. The third portion is defined by an inwardly projecting curved portion adjoining an end of an inwardly projecting flat portion of the second portion, followed by an outwardly extending flat portion.

In an embodiment, wherein the third portion is configured as a cam surface, the third portion is adapted to be in contact with a switch associated with a pedal up to 40% to 60% forward travel of the pedal and further, the third portion is adapted to be free from contact with the switch during further forward travel of the pedal.

In an embodiment, the body is defined with a provision for accommodating a leg of a torsion spring associated with the pedal and another leg of the torsion spring is accommodated in the mounting bracket.

In an embodiment, the first predetermined forward travel of the pedal corresponds to forward travel of the pedal from home position of the pedal to fully pressed condition of the pedal and the second predetermined distance corresponds to return travel of the pedal from fully pressed condition of the pedal to home position of the pedal.

In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a clutch pedal assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The assembly comprises a pedal pivotally mounted on a shaft and the shaft is connectable to a mounting bracket. The pedal is operable between a home position and a fully pressed position. Further, the assembly comprises a bracket for controlling movement of a pedal. The bracket comprises a body defining a hole for receiving the shaft such that the bracket is movable with the pedal, the body is characterized into a first portion and second portion. The first portion extends linearly away from an axis of the hole, wherein the first portion is adapted to abut a stopper provisioned on the mounting bracket to limit pivotal forward movement of the pedal after the pedal travels forward by a first predetermined distance. The second portion extending downwardly from an end of the first portion, wherein the second portion is adapted to abut a portion of the mounting bracket to limit pivotal return movement of the pedal after the pedal travels backward by a second predetermined distance.

In an embodiment, the body of the bracket is further characterized into a third portion extending curvilinearly from an end of the second portion and adjoining an end of the first portion, the third portion is configured as a cam surface and is adapted to be in contact with a switch associated with the pedal up to 40% to 60% forward travel of the pedal and a provision defined on the body for accommodating a leg of a torsion spring associated with the pedal.

It is to be understood that the aspects and embodiments of the disclosure described above may be used in any combination with each other. Several of the aspects and embodiments may be combined together to form a further embodiment of the disclosure.

The foregoing summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features will become apparent by reference to the drawings and the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

FIGURE. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a bracket for controlling a movement of the pedal of a vehicle, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGURE. 2 illustrates a front view of the bracket of the FIGURE. 1.

FIGURE. 3 illustrates an exploded view of a clutch pedal assembly of a vehicle employed with the bracket of FIGURE.1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIGURE. 4 illustrates an assembled perspective view of the clutch pedal assembly of FIGURE.3

FIGURE. 5 illustrates a magnified view of portion A of FIGURE. 4 showing the bracket and a spring arrangement in the clutch pedal assembly.

FIGURE. 6a illustrates clutch pedal assembly of FIGURE. 4 showing position of the bracket, when the pedal is in fully pressed condition.

FIGURE. 6b illustrates clutch pedal assembly of FIGURE. 4 showing position of the bracket, when the pedal is in home position.

FIGURE. 6c illustrates clutch pedal assembly of FIGURE. 4 showing position of a bracket, during contact with a switch.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described below. It should be understood, however, that it is not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling within the scope of the disclosure.

It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various constructions of the bracket used in the clutch pedal assembly and which may vary from vehicle to vehicle. However, such modifications should be construed within the scope of the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings show only those specific details that are pertinent to understand the embodiments of the present disclosure, so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, or any other variations thereof used in the disclosure, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that assembly that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly. In other words, one or more elements in the assembly proceeded by “comprises… a” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly.

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a bracket for a pedal assembly of a vehicle. In order to actuate a component, say clutch involved in transmission system, the pedal associated for actuation of the said component may be operated. Since, pedals are involved in actuation of some components in the transmission system, regulating the movement of the pedal plays a crucial role for smooth and efficient operation. Hence, travel of the pedal from home position to fully pressed position should be within the optimum range. As an example, the optimum range may be between 100mm to 140mm. Conventionally, movement of the pedals were regulated by several components pre-installed at particular regions in the pedal assembly. The forward and return movement of the pedal may be limited by a pair of stoppers, which are held by brackets provisioned at pre-defined locations in the assembly. Further, in the assembly, a bracket is provisioned for receiving an end of the torsion spring, which assists in return travel of the pedal when the applied force is retracted. Additionally, a bracket may be configured with cam surface for actuating the switch corresponding to the movement of the pedal. Hence, use of independent components to carry out various functions makes the assembly cumbersome/complex, and thus inhibits easy retro fitment and involves tedious mechanical processes. Since, eliminating independent components to perform various tasks, results in easy fitment, retro fitment, reduction in number of mechanical processes and cost, the present disclosure, aims in using an individual bracket which performs all the desired functions, for efficient and accurate functioning of the pedal assembly.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose, a bracket for controlling movement of the pedal assembly such as but not limiting to clutch pedal and brake pedal of a vehicle. The bracket is defined with a hole for receiving a shaft, which extends from a mounting bracket. Further, the hole defines an axis of pivotal movement of the pedal during operation. The bracket is configured to move along the movement of the pedal. The bracket is further configured to limit forward and return travel of the pedal during operation. The bracket may be also configured with a cam surface to actuate the clutch switch during forward travel of the pedal. Additionally, the bracket includes a provision for accommodating one leg of the torsion spring which facilitates return travel of the pedal to home position under released condition of the pedal. Thus, the configuration of the bracket enables controlling of all the operations of the pedal, therefore, reduces the complexity of assembly and associated costs.

The present disclosure also provides a clutch pedal assembly for a vehicle. The clutch pedal assembly comprises a shaft for accommodating a pedal, a bracket, mounting bracket, a torsion spring and other subsidiary components. The bracket is provisioned with a recess to receive an end of the torsion spring, which facilitates in firm holding of the bracket to the mounting bracket. The bracket is configured to move along the pedal and limit the pivotal forward and return travel of the pedal within an optimum range for efficient functioning of the pedal assembly. Further, the bracket is defined with a cam surface to actuate the clutch switch. Hence, the bracket individually performs all the desired operations and results in efficient functioning of the pedal assembly and eliminates a need for more components.

The clutch pedal assembly and the bracket of the disclosure may be used in various types of vehicles including small or large cars, Sport utility vehicles, multi utility vehicles, luggage or goods carrying vehicles, trucks, trailers, commercial vehicles, and the like.

In the following description, the words such as one end, another end, downwardly are referred with respect to orientation of the assembly as illustrated in drawings of the present disclosure. The words are used to explain the aspects of the present disclosure and for better understanding. However, one should not construe such terms as limitation to the present disclosure, since the terms may interchange based on the orientation of the mechanism.

The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 6c. In the Figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs. In the figures, vehicle is not illustrated for the purpose of simplicity.

Figures. 1 and 2, are exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure illustrating a perspective view and front view of a bracket (100) for controlling movement of a pedal (202) in a clutch pedal assembly (200) of a vehicle respectively. The bracket (100) comprises a body (107) defined with a cavity of predetermined thickness. The body (107) having a cavity includes a solid portion (107a), and a wall (107b) along a periphery of the solid portion (107a). A width of the wall (107b) extending from the solid portion (107a) defines a dimension of the bracket (100). The configuration of the body (107) with the solid portion (107a), and the wall (107b) along the periphery of the solid portion (107a) makes the bracket light in weight. In an embodiment, the body (107) of the bracket (100) may be formed as a solid piece without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure. The body (107) is defined with a hole (104) for receiving a shaft (205) accommodating the pedal (202). The shaft (205) defines an axis (A-A) for pivotal movement of the pedal (202) and the bracket (100), thus facilitating pivotal forward and return movement [herein after referred as forward and return movement]. The wall (107b) of the body (107) is characterised into multiple regions or portions, each configured to perform a specific operation during movement of the pedal.
As shown in Figure. 1, the wall (107b) of the body (107) is defined with a first portion (101), a second portion (102) and a third portion (103), wherein these portions are adjoined together to form a closed structure. The first portion (101) is defined with a flat surface, which extends linearly away from an axis (A-A) of the hole (104), and is configured to limit pivotal forward movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels forward by a first predetermined distance. The second portion (102) of the body (107) extends downwardly from an end (101a) of the first portion (101). The second portion (102) is defined by an outwardly projecting curved portion (102a) adjoining the end (101a) of the first portion (101) followed by an inwardly projecting flat portion (102b) [best seen in figure.2], and is configured to limit pivotal return movement of the pedal (202) after the pedal (202) travels backward by a second predetermined distance. Further, the third portion (103) of the body (107) extends curvilinearly from an end of the second portion (102) and adjoins another end (101b) of the first portion (101). The third portion (103) is defined by an inwardly projecting curved portion (103a) adjoining an end of an inwardly projecting flat portion (102b) of the second portion (102), followed by an outwardly extending flat portion (103b), which adjoins another end (101b) of the first portion (101), thus forming a closed structure. This configuration of the third portion (103) resembles a shape of a cam surface and adapted to be in contact with a switch (206) for example clutch switch up to certain distance of the forward travel of the pedal (202). Additionally, the body (107) of the bracket (100) is defined with a provision (105) for accommodating a leg of a torsion spring (203) associated with the pedal (202). The bracket (100) is connected to a pedal (202), and is configured to move along with the pedal (202) during forward and return movement of the pedal (100), thus limits forward and return movement of the pedal (100). In an embodiment, butting faces of the bracket (100) may be provided with a damper such as rubber or polymeric material to avoid metal to metal contact between the bracket (100) and the mounting frame (201) during operation. Further, the damper [not shown] may also provide necessary grip between the bracket (100) and the abutting surfaces and hence, nullifies creaking noise and wear losses.
Now referring to figures.3 and 4, which are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating exploded view and assembled view of a clutch pedal assembly (200) (hereinafter referred as pedal assembly), employed in a vehicle for actuating a clutch system [not shown in figure]. The pedal assembly (200) comprises a rigid mounting bracket (201), which firmly holds the entire pedal (202) assembly. The pedal assembly (200) comprises a shaft (205), which extends linearly away from the mounting bracket (201). A pedal (202) and the bracket (100) is accommodated on the shaft (205) such that the shaft (205) defines an axis of rotation (A-A), and thus facilitates pivotal movement for the pedal (202) and bracket (100). Further, a foot pad (208) may be provisioned at an end of the pedal (202), which provides flexibility for the user to ergonomically apply the force to operate the pedal (202). The bracket (100) is connected to the pedal (202) and configured to move along the pedal (202) during forward and return travel in vicinity of the mounting bracket (201). Further, the pedal assembly (200) comprises a torsion spring (203), which facilitates in return travel of both pedal (202) and the bracket (100) to home position upon removal of force on the foot pad (208). A stopper (204) is positioned at a specified location on the mounting bracket (201) proximal to the bracket (100), which limits forward movement of the pedal (202). The assembly (200) also comprises a switch (206) positioned at the bottom portion of the mounting bracket (201), which may be actuated during operation of the pedal (202). Further a pair of bushes (209) are used to seal the ends of the shaft (205) to hinder the movement or displacement of the shaft (205) with respect to the pedal (202) movement during operation.

Referring to Figure. 5, which is an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, illustrating a magnified view of portion (A) of figure. 4 showing spring arrangement in the pedal assembly (200). The torsion spring (203) comprises a pair of legs, wherein one of the leg resides in a provision (105) defined in the bracket (100) and another leg resides in a provision (106) defined in the mounting bracket (201). Since the legs of the torsion spring (203) reside inside provisions (105) in the body (107) and a provision (106) in the mounting frame (201), the torsion spring (203) facilitates in firm mounting of the bracket (100) with the mounting bracket (201). Further, a plurality of turns of the torsion spring (203) swivel around the shaft (205). The torsion spring (203) being a resilient member, the turns of the torsion spring (203) gets compressed during forward movement of the pedal (202) and retract upon removal of force and thus, facilitates assistance for return travel of the pedal (202).

Figures. 6a to 6c are exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure, illustrating different positions of the bracket (100) in a pedal (202) assembly during actuation of the pedal (202). Each position of the bracket (100) during actuation of the pedal (202) corresponds to at least one operational or functional position of the pedal (202). Accordingly, the Figures. 6a-6c illustrate operational or functional positions of the bracket (100) at various locations in vicinity of the mounting bracket (201), performing desired operations.

The pedal assembly (200) for actuating the clutch system includes a pedal (202) pivotally fixed to the shaft (205). Additionally, a bracket (100) is pivotally fixed to the shaft (205) and is configured to move along with the pedal (202). A foot pad (208) is provisioned at the end of the pedal (202), which provides flexibility for the user to apply force, which in turn actuates the pedal (202). The pedal (202) will be initially at a home position pivotally travels up to a pre-defined distance to fully pressed condition, thus actuates the clutch system, which in turn allows to vary the torque transmission from engine to the wheels. Further, upon release of the force on the foot pad (208), the pedal (202) returns to its home position.

Figure. 6a depict the position of the bracket (100), under fully pressed condition of the pedal (202). When the need arises to change or alter the torque transmission from engine to wheels, force may be applied on to the foot pad (208) to initiate forward pivotal travel of the pedal (202) from its home or zero position, in order to actuate the clutch system, which assists in carrying out necessary operations to change the torque range. Further, forward travel of the pedal (202) initiates forward travel of the bracket (100) as they are interconnected to each other. After a forward travel by a first predetermined distance, the first portion (101) of the bracket (100) abuts the stopper (204) provisioned at a predefined location on the mounting frame (201), thus limits further forward travel of the pedal (202) even if the force applied on the foot pad (208) continues. Hence, the bracket (100) limits or restricts the pivotal forward travel of the pedal (202), after the pedal (202) travels by a first predetermined distance. The first predetermined distance corresponds to forward travel of the pedal (202) from home position to the fully pressed position. In an embodiment, a damper may be provided in first portion (101) to prevent a metal to metal contact between the stopper (204) and the bracket (100). In another configuration, the damper [not shown] may be provided on the stopper (204). Now referring to Figure. 6b which depict the position of the bracket (100) under released condition of the pedal (202). Once the fully pressed condition of the pedal (202) is achieved (as seen in figure. 6a), and when the force on the foot pad (208) of the pedal (202) is retracted, the tension force generated due to contraction/compression of the turns in the torsion spring (203) initiates return travel of the bracket (100), which in turn initiates return travel of the pedal (202). During pivotal return travel, the second portion (102) of the bracket (100) abuts a portion of the mounting bracket (201), thus limits or restrict further pivotal return movement of the pedal (202). Hence, the bracket (100) limits or restricts the pivotal return travel of the pedal (202), after the pedal (202) travels by a second predetermined distance. The second predetermined distance corresponds to return travel of the pedal (202) from fully pressed position to home position. In an embodiment, a damper may be provided in second portion (102) to prevent a metal to metal contact between the mounting bracket (201) and the bracket (100). In another configuration, the damper [not shown] may be provided on the mounting bracket (201). Similarly, figure. 6c depict one of the position of bracket (100) during actuation of the switch (206). During pivotal forward travel of the bracket (100), the third portion (103) of the bracket (100) which is configured as a cam surface, will be in contact with the switch (206) up to a pre-defined forward travel i.e. 40% to 60% of the forward travel of the pedal (202), and loses a contact during further forward travel of the pedal (202). The loose of contact may close or break the circuit to indicate the actuation of clutch.

It is to be noted that use of the bracket for controlling operations of the clutch pedal is an exemplary embodiment, and the same may be used in brake pedal assembly for limiting the pivotal forward movement, return movement and provision securing a leg of a torsion spring without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket used for limiting the movement of the pedal and for carrying out necessary operations in a pedal assembly of a vehicle is simple in construction and may be retro-fitted.

In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the bracket used for limiting the movement of the pedal and for carrying out necessary operations in a pedal assembly of a vehicle eliminates requirement of multiple components for controlling the operations, and thereby saves assembly time and associated costs.

Equivalents:

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.
It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances, where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:
Referral numeral Description
100 Bracket
101 First portion
101a An end of the first portion
101b Another end of the first portion
102 Second portion
102a Outwardly projecting curved portion
102b Inwardly projecting flat portion
103 Third portion
103a Inwardly projecting curved portion
103b Outwardly projecting flat portion
104 Hole
105 Provision in bracket
106 Provision in mounting bracket
107 Body
107a Solid portion
107b Wall
200 Clutch pedal assembly
201 Mounting bracket
202 Pedal
203 Torsion spring
204 Stopper
205 Shaft
206 Switch
208 Foot pad
209 Bushes
A-A Axis of hole