Claims:We claim:

1. An accelerator pedal assembly (100) for a vehicle, the assembly (100) comprising:
a pedal lever (101), wherein one end of the pedal lever (101) is configured to accommodate a pedal pad (104) and an other end, opposite to the one end is defined with a plurality of protrusions (105), extending from two opposing sides of the pedal lever (101); and
a mounting bracket (102), comprising:
a body (106) defined with:
a first provision (112) configured to receive a rotation counter (113) of an accelerator pedal bracket (103), such that the mounting bracket (102) is rotateably connectable to the rotation counter (113); and
a plurality of second provisions (108), each configured to removably receive at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (105), such that the pedal lever (101) is removably connected to the mounting bracket (102).

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first provision (112) is defined at a substantially central portion of the body (106) and the plurality of second provisions (108) are defined at either sides of a lower end of the body (106).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (105) is defined with a deformable region, which is structured to flex for coupling and decoupling the accelerator pedal lever (101) with the mounting bracket (102).

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accelerator pedal lever (101) and the mounting bracket (102) are coupled to each other by a snap fit connection.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the vehicle is an automatic transmission or automatic manual transmission vehicle.

6. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the accelerator pedal assembly (100) is positioned adjacent to and at either sides of a brake pedal (111).

7. A method for assembling an accelerator pedal in a vehicle, the method comprising:
rotateably coupling, a mounting bracket (102) to a rotation counter (113) of an accelerator pedal bracket (103), through a first provision (112) defined in the mounting bracket (102); and
removably coupling the pedal to the mounting bracket (102), by positioning at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (105) defined in the pedal, in each of a plurality of second provisions (108) defined in the mounting bracket (102).

8. The method as claimed in claim 7, wherein the accelerator pedal lever (101) and the mounting bracket (102) are coupled to each other by a snap fit connection.

9. A vehicle comprising an accelerator pedal assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1.

Dated this 27th day of March 2021

GOPINATH ARENUR SHANKARARAJ
Of K&S Partners
IN/PA 1852
AGENT FOR THE APPLICANT
, Description:FORM 2
THE PATENTS ACT 1970
[39 OF 1970]
&
THE PATENTS RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION
[See section 10; rule 13]

TITLE: “AN ACCELERATOR PEDAL ASSEMBLY FOR A VEHICLE”

Name and Address of the Applicant: TATA MOTORS LIMITED; Bombay House, 24 Homi Mody Street, Hutatma Chowk, Mumbai 400 001 Maharashtra, India.

Nationality: IN

The following specification particularly describes the nature of the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed.

[001] TECHNICAL FIELD

[002] Present disclosure generally relates to a field of automobiles. Particularly, but not exclusively, the present disclosure relates to a pedal mounting assembly for a vehicle. Further, embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle.

[003] BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[004] Generally, in vehicles which are equipped with manual transmission include three pedals, which will be actuated for operating (i.e., driving) the vehicle. The three pedals include a brake pedal adapted for braking (i.e., slowing/stopping) the vehicle, an accelerator pedal disposed at right side of the brake pedal and adapted for maneuvering the vehicle, and a clutch pedal disposed at left side of the brake pedal and adapted to facilitate up-shifting and down-shifting of gears. Usually, these pedals are actuated by legs of the operator, typically right leg for actuating the accelerator pedal and brake pedal, while left leg for actuating the clutch pedal. Thus, both the right leg and left leg of the operator are used for actuating the pedals, during operation of the vehicle. Therefore, this configuration (i.e., actuation of three pedals for operating the vehicle) mitigates from disabled operators (i.e., operators with one of the disabled leg) from operating the vehicle.

[005] With advancements in the field of automobiles, vehicles equipped with automatic transmission (AT) or Automatic manual transmission (AMT), have been evolved. Generally, automatic transmission vehicles include two pedals i.e., the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal disposed at right side of the brake pedal. Usually, these pedals are operated by only right leg of the operator, during driving of the vehicle. Hence, this configuration aids a left leg disabled people to operate the vehicle. However, it hinders operators with right leg disability, with chronic mobility problem of their right leg and the like, from operating the vehicle, which is undesired.

[006] The present disclosure is directed to overcome one or more limitations stated above or other such limitations associated with the prior art.

[007] SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[008] One or more shortcomings of conventional systems are overcome, and additional advantages are provided through an assembly and method 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 as a part of the claimed disclosure.

[009] In one non-limiting embodiment of the disclosure, an accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a pedal lever, where one end of the pedal lever is configured to accommodate a pedal pad and an other end, opposite to the one end is defined with a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions extends from two opposing sides of the pedal lever. Further, the pedal assembly include a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a body, which is defined with a first provision. The first provision is configured to receive a rotation counter in an accelerator pedal bracket, such that the mounting bracket is rotateably connectable to the rotation counter. Further, the body of the mounting bracket is defined with a plurality of second provisions. Each of the plurality of second provisions is configured to removably receive at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions, such that the pedal lever is removably coupled to the mounting bracket.

[010] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the first provision is defined at a substantially central portion of the body and the plurality of second provisions are defined at either sides of a lower end of the body.

[011] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the at least one protrusion is defined with a deformable region, which is structured to flex for coupling and decoupling the accelerator pedal lever with the mounting bracket.

[012] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the accelerator pedal lever and the mounting bracket are coupled to each other by a snap fit connection.

[013] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the vehicle is an automatic transmission or an automatic manual transmission vehicle.

[014] In an embodiment of the disclosure, the accelerator pedal assembly is positioned adjacent to and at either sides of a brake pedal.

[015] In another non-limiting embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for assembling an accelerator pedal in a vehicle is disclosed. The method includes rotateably coupling a mounting bracket to a rotation counter in an accelerator pedal bracket, through a first provision defined in the mounting bracket. Further, the method includes removably coupling the accelerator pedal lever to the mounting bracket, by positioning at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions defined in the pedal lever, in each of a plurality of second provisions defined in the mounting bracket.

[016] 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.

[017] 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.

[018] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

[019] The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The disclosure itself, however, as well as a mode of use, further objectives, and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an embodiments 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:

[020] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an accelerator pedal assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[021] Figure. 2 illustrates a schematic view of a pedal lever of the accelerator pedal assembly of Figure. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[022] Figure. 3 illustrates a schematic view of a mounting bracket of the accelerator pedal assembly of Figure. 1, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[023] Figure. 4 illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to a firewall structure, with accelerator pedal levers positioned on either sides of a brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[024] Figure. 5 illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to the firewall structure, with the accelerator pedal lever position at the left side of the brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

[025] Figure. 6 illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to the firewall structure, with the accelerator pedal lever position at right side of the brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[026] Figure. 7 illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assembly connected to the firewall structure, with the accelerator pedal lever position at right side of the brake pedal and a mounting provision positioned at left side of the brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[027] Figure. 8 illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assembly connected to the firewall structure, with the accelerator pedal lever position at left side of the brake pedal and a mounting provision positioned at right side of the brake pedal, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[028] 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.

[029] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[030] While the embodiments in the disclosure are subject to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have 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 forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the disclosure.

[031] It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art would be motivated from the present disclosure and modify various features of the assembly and method, without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Therefore, such modifications are considered to be part 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 skilled in the art having benefit of the description herein. Also, the assembly and method of the present disclosure may be employed in variety of vehicles having different specification.

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

[033] Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose an accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle. Generally, automatic transmission or automatic manual transmission vehicles include two pedals i.e., the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal disposed at right side of the brake pedal. Usually, these pedals are operated by right leg of the operator, during driving of the vehicle. Hence, the configuration aids a left leg disabled people to operate the vehicle. However, it hinders operators with right leg disability, with chronic mobility problem of their right leg and the like, from operating the vehicle, which is undesired.

[034] Accordingly, the present disclosure discloses an accelerator pedal assembly for a vehicle. The accelerator pedal assembly aids in easy positioning of an accelerator pedal lever in desired location i.e., either to right side of a brake pedal, left side of the brake pedal and simultaneously at both right and left side of the brake pedal, depending on requirement of an operator. The accelerator pedal assembly includes a pedal lever, where one end of the pedal lever is configured to accommodate a pedal pad and an other end, opposite to the one end is defined with a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions extend from two opposing sides of the pedal lever. Further, the pedal assembly include a mounting bracket. The mounting bracket includes a body, which is defined with a first provision. The first provision is configured to receive a rotation counter in an accelerator pedal bracket, such that the mounting bracket is rotateably connectable to the rotation counter. Further, the body of the mounting bracket is defined with a plurality of second provisions. Each of the plurality of second provisions is configured to removably receive at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions, such that the pedal lever is removably coupled to the mounting bracket.

[035] As an example, when the operator with right leg disabled intend to operate the vehicle, the operator may decouple the accelerator pedal lever from the accelerator pedal assembly disposed at right side to the brake pedal and may couple a different accelerator pedal lever with the accelerator pedal assembly disposed at left side of the brake pedal and similarly, when the operator with left leg disabled intend to operate the vehicle, the operator may decouple the accelerator pedal lever from the accelerator pedal assembly disposed at left side to the brake pedal and may couple the accelerator pedal lever with the accelerator pedal assembly disposed at right side of the brake pedal. Thus, the configuration aids the operators with disability in on a leg to conveniently operate the vehicle and provide hassle free switching of the pedal levers, based on requirement.

[036] The following paragraphs describe the present disclosure with reference to Figures. 1 to 8. In the figures, the same element or elements which have similar functions are indicated by the same reference signs.

[037] Figure. 1 illustrates a schematic view of an accelerator pedal assembly (100) [hereinafter interchangeably referred as pedal assembly] for a vehicle, which may be an automatic transmission or automatic manual transmission vehicle. The pedal assembly (100) provides flexibility in positioning an accelerator pedal lever (101) at desired locations i.e., at either sides of the brake pedal (111), only at right side of the brake pedal (111) and only at left side of the brake pedal (111), depending on requirement of an operator. As seen in Figure. 1, the pedal assembly (100) may broadly include a pedal lever (101) and a mounting bracket (102). The mounting bracket (102) may be configured to removably couple the accelerator pedal lever (101) with an accelerator pedal bracket (103), which may be accommodated in a firewall structure (110) of the vehicle.

[038] Now referring to Figure. 2, which illustrates a schematic view of a pedal lever (101) [thus, the accelerator pedal lever (101)]. The pedal lever (101) may be configured to accommodate a pedal pad (104) at one end. The pedal pad (104) may be contacted by the operator, for actuating the pedal lever (101), during operation of the vehicle. Further, the pedal lever (101) may include a plurality of protrusions (105), which may be defined at an other end (i.e., end opposite to the one end). The plurality of protrusions (105) may be configured to extend from two opposing sides of the pedal lever (101). That is, the plurality of protrusions (105) may extend in a direction opposite to each other from the two opposing sides of the other end of the pedal lever (101). In an embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions (105) may be defined with a deformable region, which may be structured to flex for removably coupling and decoupling the pedal lever (101) from the accelerator pedal bracket (103). In an exemplary embodiment, each of the plurality of protrusions (105) are clips, where the clips may be temporarily deformed and retracted back to the original condition to removably couple the pedal lever (101) with the mounting bracket (102).

[039] In an embodiment, the plurality of projections may extend integrally from the other end of the pedal lever (101) or may be joined externally on the two opposing sides of the other end of the pedal lever (101).

[040] Turning now to Figure. 3, which illustrates a schematic view of the mounting bracket (102). The mounting bracket (102) may include a body (106), which may include any geometrical configuration, but not limiting to square, rectangular and the like. As apparent from Figure. 3, the body (106) may be defined with a first provision (112), at a substantially central portion of the body (106). The first provision (112) may extend along a width of the body (106) i.e., the first provision (112) may extend from one side of the body (106) to other side of the body (106). The first provision (112) may be configured to receive and accommodate a rotation counter (113), which is disposed in the acceleration pedal bracket (103). In an embodiment, the first provision (112) accommodates the rotation counter (113) such that, the mounting bracket (102) may be rotateably connected to the rotation counter (113). As an example, the mounting bracket (102) may be rotateably connected to the rotation counter (113) by, but not limiting to fasteners. Further, the body (106) may be defined with a plurality of second provisions (108), at either sides of a lower end of the body (106). Each of the plurality of second provisions (108) may be defined with a cut-outs (109), which may be configured to receive at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (105), for positioning the at least one protrusion in corresponding second provision, for removably coupling the pedal lever (101) to the mounting bracket (102). That is, at least one protrusion of the plurality of protrusions (105) may be flexed inwardly and positioned within the corresponding second provision. Upon positioning the at least one protrusion in the corresponding second provision, the at least one protrusion may flex outwardly to its original condition and may lock with the corresponding second provision, which results in removably coupling the pedal lever (101) to the mounting bracket (102).

[041] In an embodiment, the pedal lever (101) (thus, the plurality of protrusions (105) of the pedal lever (101)) may be removably coupled to the mounting bracket (102) (thus, the plurality of second provisions (108)) by but not limiting to a snap fit connection.

[042] In an embodiment, the mounting bracket (102) may be manufactured by one a metal and a plastic.

[043] Now referring to Figure. 4, which illustrates a schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to the firewall structure (110) of the vehicle, with the accelerator pedal lever (101) positioned adjacent to and at either sides of a brake pedal (111). This arrangement facilitates a normal operator and operator with one of a left leg or a right leg disabled, to actuate the accelerator pedal lever (101), as per the convenience. The term “normal operator” may be construed as the operator with both legs in good condition. In an embodiment, the accelerator pedal assemblies disposed on either sides of the brake pedal (111) may be communicatively coupled to each other by a controller switch (107). The controller switch (107) may be operated to activate one of the accelerator pedal assembly (100) from the acceleration pedal assemblies disposed at right and left side of the brake pedal (111). As an example, the operator with right leg disabled may operate the controller switch (107) such that, the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the left side of the brake pedal (111) is activated and the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the right side of the brake pedal (111) is inactivated. Likewise, the operator with left leg disabled may operate the controller switch (107) such that, the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the right side of the brake pedal (111) is activated and the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the left side of the brake pedal (111) is inactivated.

[044] Referring to Figure. 5, illustrates schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to the firewall structure (110), with accelerator pedal lever (101) coupled at a left side of the brake pedal (111), and the accelerator pedal lever (101) decoupled at the right side of the brake pedal (111). In an embodiment, when the operator with right leg disabled, intend to operate (thus, drive) the vehicle, the operator may decouple the pedal lever (101) from the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the right side of the brake pedal (111). That is, the operator may flex inwardly the at least one protrusion in the corresponding second provision and may decouple the pedal lever (101) from the mounting bracket (102) of the accelerator pedal assembly (100) disposed at right side of the brake pedal (111). Further, the operator may connect the pedal lever (101) with the accelerator pedal assembly (100) [thus, the mounting bracket (102)] disposed at the left side of the brake pedal (111).

[045] In an embodiment, the pedal lever (101) coupled to the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at left side of the brake pedal (111) may be of mirror configuration to that of the pedal lever (101) connected to the accelerator pedal assembly (100) disposed at right side of the brake pedal (111). In another embodiment, the left pedal lever (101) may be provided as an accessory in the vehicle.

[046] Similarly, referring to Figure. 6, illustrates schematic view of the accelerator pedal assemblies connected to the firewall structure (110), with accelerator pedal lever (101) coupled at a right side of the brake pedal (111), and the accelerator pedal lever (101) decoupled at the left side of the brake pedal (111). In other words, when the operator with left leg disabled or the normal operator, intend to operate (thus, drive) the vehicle, the operator may decouple the pedal lever (101) from the accelerator pedal assembly (100) at the left side of the brake pedal (111). That is, the operator may flex inwardly the at least one protrusion in the corresponding second provision and may decouple the pedal lever (101) from the mounting bracket (102) of the accelerator pedal assembly (100) disposed at left side of the brake pedal (111). Further, the operator may couple the pedal lever (101) to the accelerator pedal assembly (100) [thus, the mounting bracket (102)] disposed at the right side of the brake pedal (111), which may be actuated by the operator for operating the vehicle.

[047] Referring to Figure. 7, illustrates schematic view of the accelerator pedal assembly (100) connected to the firewall structure (110). In an embodiment, the firewall structure (110) may be provided with mounting provision (114) to connect the accelerator pedal assembly (100), when the operator with left leg disabled or the normal operator, intend to operate (thus, drive) the vehicle.

[048] Referring to Figure. 8, illustrates schematic view of the accelerator pedal assembly (100) connected to the firewall structure (110). In an embodiment, the firewall structure (110) may be provided with mounting provision (114) to connect the accelerator pedal assembly (100), when the operator with right leg disabled, intend to operate (thus, drive) the vehicle.

[049] In an embodiment, the accelerator pedal assembly (100) of the present disclosure includes fewer number of components, making the pedal assembly (100) compact.

[050] In an embodiment, the accelerator pedal assembly (100) facilitates in easy coupling and decoupling of the pedal lever (101), based on requirement.

[051] In an embodiment, the accelerator pedal assembly (100) facilitates operator with one of the disabled leg to operate (thus, drive) the vehicle.

[052] Equivalents:

[053] 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.

[054] 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.

[055] Referral Numerals:

Particulars Referral numeral
Accelerator pedal assembly 100
Pedal lever 101
Mounting bracket 102
Accelerator Pedal bracket 103
Pedal pad 104
Protrusions 105
Body 106
Controller switch 107
Second provisions 108
Cut-outs 109
Firewall Structure/peripheral structure 110
Brake pedal 111
First provision 112
Rotation counter 113
Mounting provision 114