DESC:TECHNICAL FIELD
[001] The embodiments herein generally relate to pedal mounting structure in vehicles and more particularly, to a single pedal mounting structure with separate pivot axis for a brake pedal assembly and a clutch pedal assembly in a vehicle, wherein the mounting structure includes a clutch pedal pivot axis adapted to be provided below, and to the front of and away from a brake pedal pivot axis of the mounting structure, where the clutch pedal pivot axis is parallel to the brake pedal pivot axis, and the axes (clutch pedal pivot axis and brake pedal pivot axis) are spaced away from each other.
BACKGROUND
[002] Generally, control pedals such as clutch pedal and brake pedal in a vehicle are operated by a driver for controlling a clutch and a brake system of the vehicle respectively thereby controlling motion and speed of the vehicle. The packaging and arrangement of the clutch pedal and the brake pedal in the vehicle should be ideal for the driver such that pedal actuation position defines the comfort level of the driver in the vehicle. Usually, the clutch pedal and the brake pedal are provided in a suspended position underneath a dashboard of the vehicle and are pivotably connected to a pedal box that is fixed to the vehicle body. Conventional vehicles incorporating single pedal box provides same pivot axis for mounting the clutch pedal and the brake pedal. The aforementioned pedal box is subjected to undesirable pedal ratio and actuation point thereby resulting in increased pedal effort and discomfort to the driver. Other conventional vehicles incorporating separate pedal boxes provide separate pivot axis for mounting the clutch pedal and the brake pedal respectively, where one separate pedal box is used for pivotably mounting the clutch pedal and the another separate pedal box is used for pivotably mounting the brake pedal. Though the aforementioned separate pedal boxes provides better pedal ratio, actuation point, reduced pedal effort and comfort to driver, providing pivotable mounting for the clutch pedal to one pedal box and the brake pedal to the other pedal box incur high cost due to the provision of separate pedal boxes and assembly of various child parts. Further, the aforementioned separate pedal boxes increases an overall weight of the vehicle and increases packaging space thereby limiting the packaging space for other miscellaneous system under instrument panel like HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) system, steering, etc.
[003] Therefore, there exists a need for a single pedal mounting structure for mounting a brake pedal assembly, a clutch pedal assembly, a brake booster unit and a clutch master cylinder in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks. Further there exist a need to provide a single pedal mounting structure with separate pivot axis for a clutch pedal assembly and a brake pedal assembly in a vehicle, which obviates the aforementioned drawbacks.
OBJECTS
[004] The principal object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a single pedal mounting structure with separate pivot axis for a brake pedal assembly and a clutch pedal assembly in a vehicle, wherein the mounting structure includes a clutch pedal pivot axis adapted to be provided below, and to the front of and away from a brake pedal pivot axis of the mounting structure, where the clutch pedal pivot axis is parallel to the brake pedal pivot axis, and the axes (clutch pedal pivot axis and brake pedal pivot axis) are spaced away from each other.
[005] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a single pedal mounting structure for pivotably mounting a brake pedal assembly and a clutch pedal assembly in a vehicle, where the brake pedal assembly includes a brake booster actuating arm adapted to actuate a brake booster unit on engagement of a brake pedal pad of the brake pedal assembly.
[006] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake and clutch pedal mounting structure in a vehicle, which has better pedal ratio, actuation point, reduced pedal effort and comfort to driver.
[007] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a compact pedal mounting structure for mounting a brake pedal assembly, a clutch pedal assembly, a brake booster unit and a clutch master cylinder in a vehicle.
[008] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake and clutch pedal mounting structure in a vehicle, which facilitates assembly (mounting) of lesser number of parts/components thereof thereby reducing the manufacturing cost and reducing the overall weight of the vehicle.
[009] Another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake and clutch pedal mounting structure in a vehicle, which has an optimized design to minimize pedal deflection in vehicles.
[0010] Yet, another object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake and clutch pedal mounting structure in a vehicle, which is durable, and has better noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) characteristics.
[0011] A further object of an embodiment of this invention is to provide a brake and clutch pedal mounting structure in a vehicle, which has an optimized design to provide smooth and even load distribution on pedal assembly thereby improving structural durability of the pedal assembly.
[0012] These and other objects of the embodiments herein will be better appreciated and understood when considered in conjunction with the following description and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood, however, that the following descriptions, while indicating embodiments and numerous specific details thereof, are given by way of illustration and not of limitation. Many changes and modifications may be made within the scope of the embodiments herein without departing from the spirit thereof, and the embodiments herein include all such modifications.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0013] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, throughout which like reference letters indicate corresponding parts in the various figures. The embodiments herein will be better understood from the following description with reference to the drawings, in which:
[0014] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a mounting structure, a brake pedal assembly, a clutch pedal assembly, a brake booster unit and a clutch master cylinder, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0015] FIG. 2 depicts a side view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly, the clutch pedal assembly, the brake booster unit and the clutch master cylinder in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0016] FIG. 3 depicts a perspective view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly, the clutch pedal assembly, the brake booster unit and the clutch master cylinder in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0017] FIG. 4 depicts a bottom view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly, the clutch pedal assembly, the brake booster unit and the clutch master cylinder in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0018] FIG. 5 depicts another perspective view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly, the clutch pedal assembly, the brake booster unit and the clutch master cylinder in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0019] FIG. 6 depicts an exploded view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly and the clutch pedal assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0020] FIG. 7 depicts a perspective view of the mounting structure, the brake pedal assembly and the clutch pedal assembly in assembled condition, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0021] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0022] FIG. 9 depicts a perspective view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0023] FIG. 10 depicts another perspective view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0024] FIG. 11 depicts a side view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0025] FIG. 12 depicts a top view of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0026] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a first bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0027] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a second bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0028] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a third bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0029] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a fourth bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0030] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a fifth bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0031] FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a sixth bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0032] FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a brake switch mounting bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0033] FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a clutch pedal stopper bracket of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0034] FIG. 21 depicts an exploded view of the brake pedal assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0035] FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view of the clutch pedal assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein;
[0036] FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the brake pedal assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein; and
[0037] FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of the clutch pedal assembly, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0038] The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained more fully with reference to the non-limiting embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and detailed in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
[0039] The embodiments herein achieve a single pedal mounting structure with separate pivot axis for a brake pedal assembly and a clutch pedal assembly in a vehicle, wherein the mounting structure includes a clutch pedal pivot axis adapted to be provided below, and to the front of and away from a brake pedal pivot axis of the mounting structure, where the clutch pedal pivot axis is parallel to the brake pedal pivot axis, and the axes (clutch pedal pivot axis and brake pedal pivot axis) are spaced away from each other. Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. 1 through 24, where similar reference characters denote corresponding features consistently throughout the figures, there are shown embodiments.
[0040] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of a mounting structure, a brake pedal assembly, a clutch pedal assembly, a brake booster unit and a clutch master cylinder, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vehicle (not shown) includes a mounting structure 100 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 12), a brake pedal assembly 10 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 7, fig. 21 and fig. 23), a clutch pedal assembly 20 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 7, fig. 22 and fig.24), a brake booster unit 30 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 5, also called as brake master cylinder), a clutch master cylinder 40 (as shown in fig. 1 to fig. 5, a dash panel (not shown) and may include other standard components/systems as present in a standard vehicle.
[0041] FIG. 8 depicts an exploded view of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The mounting structure 100 is used for mounting the brake pedal assembly 10, the clutch pedal assembly 20, the brake booster unit 30, the clutch master cylinder 40 (as shown in fig. 4) and may include other standard components that are required for functioning of the brake pedal assembly 10 and the clutch pedal assembly 20. In an embodiment, the mounting structure 100 includes a first bracket 102, a second bracket 104, a third bracket 106, a fourth bracket 108, a fifth bracket 110, a sixth bracket 112, a brake switch mounting bracket 114, a clutch pedal stopper bracket 116, a spring mounting bracket 118 and a spacer 120.
[0042] FIG. 13 depicts a perspective view of a first bracket 102 of the mounting structure, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The first bracket 102 of the mounting structure 100 is used for mounting the brake booster unit 30 and the clutch master cylinder 40. The first bracket 102 serves/acts as a base for mounting the second bracket 104, the third bracket 106, the fourth bracket 108 and the clutch pedal stopper bracket 116. In an embodiment, the first bracket 102 includes a first portion 102f, a second portion 102s and a third portion 102t. The first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 is used to facilitate mounting of the brake booster unit 30. The first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 is removably connected to the dash panel (not shown) of the vehicle. The first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 defines a brake booster receiving portion 102b and a plurality of openings 102x provided at corresponding predetermined positions. The brake booster receiving portion 102b of the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 is used to receive a portion of the brake booster unit 30 thereby facilitating mounting of the brake booster unit 30 to the first portion 102f of first bracket 102, where the brake booster receiving portion 102b is at least an opening. The plurality of openings 102x of the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 is used to receive corresponding plurality of locking means (fasteners) therein to removably connect the brake booster unit 30 to the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 thereby facilitating mounting of the brake booster unit 30 to the mounting structure 100, where the plurality of openings 102x of the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 also facilitates mounting of the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel (not shown) of the vehicle. The second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 is used for mounting the clutch master cylinder 40. The second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 extends from the first portion 102f, and disposed to the front of and away from the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102, where the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 is removably connected to the dash panel of the vehicle. The second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 defines a clutch master cylinder receiving portion 102c and a plurality of openings 102y provided at corresponding predetermined positions. The clutch master cylinder receiving portion 102c of the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 is used to receive a portion of the clutch master cylinder 40 thereby facilitating mounting of the clutch master cylinder 40 to the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102, where the clutch master cylinder receiving portion 102c is at least an opening. The plurality of openings 102y of the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 is used to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners (not shown) therein to removably connect the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102 to the dash panel thereby mounting the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle. The third portion 102t of the first bracket 102 transversely extends from the second portion 102s of the first bracket 102. The third portion 102t of the first bracket 102 is used for mounting the fourth bracket 108.
[0043] FIG. 14 depicts a perspective view of a second bracket 104 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The second bracket 104 of the mounting structure 100 is adapted to facilitate pivotable mounting of a brake pedal 24 (as shown in fig. 3, also called as brake pedal shank or brake pedal arm) of the brake pedal assembly 10 at corresponding pivot axis (B, as shown in fig. 9). The second bracket 104 of the mounting structure 100 includes a first portion 104f (as shown in fig. 11) and a second portion 104s (as shown in fig. 9 to fig 11). The first portion 104f of the second bracket 104 is connected to the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 at a predetermined position by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 104f of the second bracket 104 with the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The first portion 104f of the second bracket 104 defines a plurality of openings 104x (as shown in fig. 11) adapted to receive corresponding plurality of locking means (fasteners) therein to facilitate mounting of the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle. The second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 is transversely extending from the first portion 104f of the first bracket 104. The plurality of openings 104x of the first portion 104f of the first bracket 104 is co-axial to corresponding plurality of openings 102x of the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102. The second portion 104s of the first bracket 104 defines a portion 104r (as shown in fig. 14) and a brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p (as shown in fig. 9, fig. 10 and fig. 14) adapted to be provided at corresponding predetermined positions. The portion 104p of the second portion 104s of second bracket 104 is adapted to receive a portion of the brake booster unit 30 thereby facilitating packaging of the brake booster unit 30 (as shown in fig. 4), where the portion 104b substantially define a C-shape configuration. The brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 is adapted to receive a brake pedal pivot pin P1 (as shown in fig. 6) therethrough to pivotably mount the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 and the brake pedal 14 of the brake pedal assembly 10 about a brake pedal pivot axis B (as shown in fig. 9), where the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104 of the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 is at least an opening.
[0044] FIG. 15 depicts a perspective view of a third bracket 106 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The third bracket 106 of the mounting structure 100 is adapted to facilitate pivotable mounting of the brake pedal 14 of the brake pedal assembly 10 and the clutch pedal 24 of clutch pedal assembly 20 at corresponding pivot axis (as shown in fig. 9). The third bracket 106 includes a first portion 106f and a second portion 106s. The first portion 106f of the third bracket 106 is connected to the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 at a predetermined position by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 106f of the third bracket 106 with the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The first portion 106f of the third bracket 106 defines a plurality of openings 106x adapted to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners (not shown) therein to facilitate mounting of the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle. The plurality of openings 106x of the first portion 106f of the third bracket 106 is co-axial to the corresponding plurality of openings 102x of the first portion 102f of the first bracket 102. The second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 is transversely extending from the first portion 106f and is parallel to the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104. The second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 is provided at a predetermined distance from the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104. The second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 defines a brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p (as shown in fig. 9, fig. 10 and fig. 15) adapted to be provided at a predetermined position and opposite to the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104. The brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of second bracket 104 and the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 defines a brake pedal pivot axis B (as shown in fig. 9). The brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of the brake pedal pivot pin P1 (as shown in fig. 6) therein to pivotably mount the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 and the brake pedal 14 of brake pedal assembly 10 about the brake pedal pivot axis B between the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of second bracket 104 and the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106, where the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 is at least an opening. The second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 defines a clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q adapted to be provided below, and to the front of and away from the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p, where the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q is at least an opening. The clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 is parallel and spaced away from the brake pedal pivot receiving portion 106p. The clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of a clutch pedal pivot pin P2 therein to pivotably mount the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 and the clutch pedal 24 of clutch pedal assembly 20 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C.
[0045] FIG. 16 depicts a perspective view of a fourth bracket 108 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The fourth bracket 108 of the mounting structure 100 is adapted to facilitate pivotable mounting of the of the clutch pedal 24 of clutch pedal assembly 20 at corresponding pivot axis (C, as shown in fig. 9). The fourth bracket 108 is adapted to be connected to the third portion 102t of the first bracket 102 by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the fourth bracket 108 with the third portion 102t of the first bracket 102 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The fourth bracket 108 is parallel to the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 and provided at a predetermined distance from the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106. The fourth bracket 108 defines a clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q (as shown in fig. 9, fig. 10 and fig. 16) adapted to be provided at a predetermined position and opposite to the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of the third bracket 104, where the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of the fourth bracket 108 is at least an opening. The clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 and the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of fourth bracket 108 defines a clutch pedal pivot axis C (as shown in fig. 9), where the clutch pedal pivot axis C is below, and to the front of and away from the brake pedal pivot axis B. The clutch pedal pivot axis C is parallel to the brake pedal pivot axis B, and the pivot axes (B and C) are spaced away from each other. The clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 is adapted to receive a portion of the clutch pedal pivot pin P2 (as shown in fig. 6) therethrough to pivotably mount the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 and the clutch pedal 24 of clutch pedal assembly 20 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C between the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 and the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of fourth bracket 108.
[0046] FIG. 17 depicts a perspective view of a fifth bracket 110 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The fifth bracket 110 is used for reinforcing (provide stiffness) the second bracket 104 and the third bracket 106. The fifth bracket 110 having a first portion 110f and a plurality of second portions 110s. The first portion 110f of the fifth bracket 110 is extending between the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106. The plurality of second portions 110s of the fifth bracket 110 is transversely extending from corresponding ends of the first portion 110, where each second portion 110s is adapted to be connected to corresponding second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of third bracket 106 by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect each second portion 110s of the fifth bracket 110 with corresponding second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means.
[0047] FIG. 18 depicts a perspective view of a sixth bracket 112 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The sixth bracket 112 is adapted to facilitate mounting of the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle. The sixth bracket 112 having a first portion 112f and a second portion 112s. The first portion 112f of the sixth bracket 112 is adapted to be connected to the first portion 110f of the fifth bracket 110 by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 112f of the sixth bracket 112 with the first portion 110f of the fifth bracket 110 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The second portion 112x of the sixth bracket 112 is transversely extending from the first portion 112f of the sixth bracket 112. The second portion 112s of the sixth bracket 112 defines a plurality of openings 112x adapted to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners (not shown) therein to removably connect the sixth bracket 112 to the dash panel (not shown) thereby facilitating mounting of the mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.
[0048] FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a brake switch mounting bracket 114 of the mounting structure 100, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The brake switch mounting bracket 114 is adapted to facilitate mounting of a brake switch S (as shown in fig. 1, fig. 5 and fig. 6). The brake switch mounting bracket 114 having a first portion 114f and a second portion 114s. The first portion 114f of the brake switch mounting bracket 114 is adapted to be connected to the second portion 104s of second bracket 104 at a predetermined position by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 114f of the brake switch mounting bracket 114 with second portion 104s of second bracket 104 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The second portion 114s of brake switch mounting bracket 114 is transversely extending from the first portion 114f. The second portion 114s of brake switch mounting bracket 114 is adapted to facilitate mounting of the brake switch S.
[0049] FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 of the mounting structure 110, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 includes a base 116b and a plurality of legs 116L. The base 116b of the clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 is used to restrict the excess pedal movement of the clutch pedal 24 of the clutch pedal assembly 20. The plurality of legs 116L clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 is adapted to be connected to the second portion 102s of first bracket 102 at a predetermined position by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the plurality of legs 116L clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 with the second portion 102s of first bracket 102 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means.
[0050] The spring mounting bracket 118 is adapted to facilitate mounting of a return spring R. The spring mounting bracket 118 having a first portion 118f (as shown in fig. 7) and a second portion 118s (as shown in fig. 7). The first portion 118f of the spring mounting bracket 118 is adapted to be connected to the fourth bracket 108 at a predetermined position by welding. It is also within the scope of the invention to connect the first portion 118f of the spring mounting bracket 118 with fourth bracket 108 by fastening, riveting, clinching, adhesive bonding, and interlocking joints or by using any other connecting means. The second portion 118s of the spring mounting bracket 118 is transversely extending from the first portion 118f of spring mounting bracket 118, where the second portion 118s defines an opening 118x adapted to receive corresponding end of the return spring R2 (as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, as also known as clutch pedal retaining spring). The return spring R2 is used to move (return) the clutch pedal 24 of the clutch pedal assembly 20 to its original position on dis-engagement of a clutch pedal pad 26 of the clutch pedal assembly 20. The return spring R1 as shown in fig. 1 and fig. 2, as also known as brake pedal retaining spring) is used to move (return) the brake pedal 14 of the brake pedal assembly 10 to its original position on dis-engagement of a brake pedal pad 16 of the brake pedal assembly 10.
[0051] FIG. 21 depicts an exploded view of the brake pedal assembly 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 23 depicts a perspective view of the brake pedal assembly 10, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The brake pedal assembly 10 includes a brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 (as called as brake pedal pivot tube), a brake pedal 14 (also called as brake pedal arm or brake pedal shank), a brake pedal pad 16 and a brake booster actuating arm 18 and a brake pedal stopper pad 19. The brake pedal assembly 10 is pivotably mounted at the brake pedal pivot axis B. The brake pedal 14 is connected (mounted) to the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 at a predetermined position. The brake pedal 14 of the brake pedal assembly 10 is adapted to be pivotably mounted between the second portion 104s of the second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 about the brake pedal pivot axis B thereby pivotably mounting the brake pedal assembly 10 at the brake pedal pivot axis B. The brake booster actuating arm 18 is parallel to the brake pedal 24 and provided at a predetermined distance from the brake pedal 24. The brake booster actuating arm 18 of the brake pedal assembly 10 is used to actuate the brake booster unit 30 on engagement of the brake pedal pad 16. The brake booster actuating arm 18 having a first portion 18f and a second portion 18s. The first portion 18f of the brake booster actuating arm 18 adapted to be connected to the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 at a predetermined position and provided at a predetermined distance from the brake pedal 14. The second portion 18s of the brake booster actuating arm 18 is adapted to be coupled the brake booster unit 30. In another embodiment, the brake pedal assembly 10 includes a clevis pin (not shown) for actuating the brake booster unit 30 on engagement of the brake pedal pad 16. The clevis pin having a head (not shown) adapted to be connected to the brake pedal 14 at a predetermined position, and a body (not shown) adapted to be coupled to the brake booster unit 30. The brake pedal pad 16 is connected to the brake pedal 12 at a predetermined position.
[0052] FIG. 22 depicts an exploded view of the clutch pedal assembly 20, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. FIG. 24 depicts a perspective view of the clutch pedal assembly 20, according to an embodiment of the invention as disclosed herein. The clutch pedal assembly 20 includes a clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 (as called as clutch pedal pivot tube), a clutch pedal 24 (also called as clutch pedal arm or clutch pedal shank), a clutch pedal pad 26, a spring mounting bracket 27, a clevis pin 28 and a clutch pedal stopper pad 29. The clutch pedal assembly 20 is pivotably mounted at the clutch pedal pivot axis C. The clutch pedal 24 is connected (mounted) to the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 at a predetermined position. The clutch pedal 24 of the clutch pedal assembly 20 is adapted to be pivotably mounted between the second portion 106s of the third bracket 106 and the fourth bracket 108 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C thereby pivotably mounting the clutch pedal assembly 20 at the clutch pedal pivot axis C. The clevis pin 28 of the clutch pedal assembly 20 is used to actuate the clutch master cylinder 40 on engagement of the clutch pedal pad 26, where the clevis pin 28 having a head 28h adapted to be connected to the clutch pedal 24 at a predetermined position, and a body 28b adapted to be coupled to said clutch master cylinder 40. In another embodiment, the clutch pedal assembly 20 includes an actuating arm (not shown) for actuating the clutch master cylinder 40. The clutch pedal pad 26 is connected to the clutch pedal 22 at a predetermined position.
[0053] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
,CLAIMS:STATEMENT OF CLAIMS
We claim,
1. A mounting structure 100 for mounting a brake pedal assembly 10 and a clutch pedal assembly 20 in a vehicle, said mounting structure 100 comprising:
a first bracket 102 having a first portion 102f adapted to be removably connected to a dash panel of the vehicle; a second portion 102s extending from the first portion 102f, and disposed to the front of and away from the first portion 102f, the second portion 102s is adapted to be removably connected to the dash panel of the vehicle; and a third portion 102t transversely extending from the second portion 102s;
a second bracket 104 having a first portion 104f adapted to be connected to the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 at a predetermined position; and a second portion 104s transversely extending from the first portion 104f, where the second portion 104s defines a brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p adapted to be provided at a predetermined position;
a third bracket 106 having a first portion 106f adapted to be connected to the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 at a predetermined position; and a second portion 106s transversely extending from the first portion 106f and is parallel to the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104, where the second portion 106s defines a brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p adapted to be provided at a predetermined position and opposite to the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104; and a clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q adapted to be provided below, and to the front of and away from the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p; and
a fourth bracket 108 adapted to be connected to the third portion 102t of said first bracket 102 and is parallel to the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106, where said fourth bracket 108 defines a clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q adapted to be provided at a predetermined position and opposite to the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 104,
wherein
the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 and the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 defines a brake pedal pivot axis B;
the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 and the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of said fourth bracket 108 defines a clutch pedal pivot axis C, where the clutch pedal pivot axis C is below, and to the front of and away from the brake pedal pivot axis B;
a brake pedal 14 of said brake pedal assembly 10 is adapted to be pivotably mounted between the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 about the brake pedal pivot axis B; and
a clutch pedal 24 of said clutch pedal assembly 20 is adapted to be pivotably mounted between the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 and said fourth bracket 108 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C.

2. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the clutch pedal pivot axis C is parallel to the brake pedal pivot axis B, and the pivot axes (clutch pedal pivot axis C and brake pedal pivot axis B) are spaced away from each other.

3. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 defines a brake booster receiving portion 102b adapted to receive a portion of a brake booster unit 30 thereby facilitating mounting of said brake booster unit 30 to the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102, where the brake booster receiving portion 102b is at least an opening.

4. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 3, wherein the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 defines a plurality of openings 102x adapted to receive corresponding plurality of locking means (fasteners) therein to removably connect said brake booster unit 30 to the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 thereby facilitating mounting of said brake booster unit 30 to said mounting structure 100, where the plurality of openings 102x of the first portion 102f of said first bracket 102 is adapted to facilitate mounting of said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.

5. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 4, wherein the second portion 102s of said first bracket 102 defines a clutch master cylinder receiving portion 102c adapted to receive a portion of a clutch master cylinder 40 thereby facilitating mounting of said clutch master cylinder 40 to the second portion 102s of said first bracket 102, where the clutch master cylinder receiving portion 102c is at least an opening.

6. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 5, wherein the second portion 102s of said first bracket 102 defines a plurality of openings 102y adapted to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners therein to removably connect the second portion 102s of said first bracket 102 to the dash panel thereby mounting said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.

7. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion 104f of said second bracket 104 defines a plurality of openings 104x adapted to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners therein to facilitate mounting of said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.

8. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 7, wherein the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 defines a portion 104r adapted to receive a portion of said brake booster unit 30 thereby facilitating packaging of said brake booster unit 30, where the portion 104r substantially defines a C-shape configuration.

9. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 8, wherein the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of a brake pedal pivot pin P1 therethrough to pivotably mount a brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 of said brake pedal assembly 10 between the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 and the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 therein to pivotably mount the brake pedal 14 of said brake pedal assembly 10 about the brake pedal pivot axis B thereby pivotably mounting the brake pedal assembly 10 at the brake pedal pivot axis B, where the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104 of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 is at least an opening.

10. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 9, wherein said brake pedal assembly 10 further comprising a brake pedal pad 16 adapted to be connected to the brake pedal 14 at a predetermined position.

11. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claimed 10, wherein said brake pedal assembly 10 further comprising a brake booster actuating arm 18 adapted to actuate said brake booster unit 30 on engagement of the brake pedal pad 16, wherein said brake booster actuating arm 18 having a first portion 18f adapted to be connected to the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12at a predetermined position and provided at a predetermined distance from the brake pedal 14, and a second portion 18s adapted to be coupled said brake booster unit 30.

12. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 11, wherein said brake pedal assembly 10 further comprising a clevis pin adapted to actuate said brake booster unit 30 on engagement of the brake pedal pad 16, wherein said clevis pin having a head adapted to be connected to the brake pedal 14 at a predetermined position and a body adapted to be coupled to said brake booster unit 30.

13. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first portion 106a of said third bracket 106 defines a plurality of openings 106x adapted to receive corresponding plurality of fasteners thereby facilitating mounting said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.

14. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 13, wherein the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of the brake pedal pivot pin P1 therethrough to pivotably mount the brake pedal pivot sleeve 12 of said brake pedal assembly 10 between the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 104p of the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 and the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 therein to pivotably mount the brake pedal 14 of said brake pedal assembly 10 about the brake pedal pivot axis B thereby pivotably mounting the brake pedal assembly 10 at the brake pedal pivot axis B, where the brake pedal pivot member receiving portion 106p of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 is at least an opening.

15. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 14, wherein the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of a clutch pedal pivot pin P2 therethrough to pivotably mount the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 of said clutch pedal assembly 20 between the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 and the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of said fourth bracket 108 therein to pivotably mount the clutch pedal 24 of said clutch pedal assembly 20 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C thereby pivotably mounting the clutch pedal assembly 20 at the clutch pedal pivot axis C, where the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 is at least an opening.

16. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 14, wherein the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of said fourth bracket 108 is adapted to receive corresponding portion of the clutch pedal pivot pin P2 therethrough to pivotably mount the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 of said clutch pedal assembly 20 between the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 106q of the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106 and the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of said fourth bracket 108 therein to pivotably mount the clutch pedal 24 of said clutch pedal assembly 20 about the clutch pedal pivot axis C thereby pivotably mounting the clutch pedal assembly 20 at the clutch pedal pivot axis C, where the clutch pedal pivot member receiving portion 108q of said third bracket 108 is at least an opening.

17. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 15, wherein said clutch pedal assembly 20 further comprising a clutch pedal pad 26 adapted to be connected to the clutch pedal 24 at a predetermined position.

18. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 17, wherein said clutch pedal assembly 20 further comprising a clevis pin 28 adapted to actuate said clutch master cylinder 40 on engagement of the clutch pedal pad 26, where said clevis pin 28 having a head 28h adapted to be connected to the clutch pedal 24 at a predetermined position, and a body 28b adapted to be coupled to said clutch master cylinder 40.

19. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 18, wherein said clutch pedal assembly 20 further comprising an actuating arm adapted to actuate said clutch master cylinder 40 on engagement of the clutch pedal pad 26, wherein a portion of the actuating arm is connected to the clutch pedal pivot sleeve 22 at a predetermined distance from the clutch pedal 24 and the another portion of the actuating arm is coupled to the clutch master cylinder 40.
20. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a fifth bracket 110 adapted to reinforce said second bracket 104 and said third bracket 106, wherein said fifth bracket 110 having a first portion 110f and a plurality of second portions 110s transversely extending from corresponding ends of the first portion 110, where each second portion 110s is adapted to be connected to corresponding second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 and the second portion 106s of said third bracket 106.

21. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a sixth bracket 112 adapted to facilitate mounting of said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle, wherein said sixth bracket 112 having a first portion 112f adapted to be connected to the first portion 110f of said fifth bracket 110 and a second portion 112s defining a plurality of openings 112x adapted to receive fasteners therein to removably connect said sixth bracket 112 to the dash panel thereby facilitating mounting of said mounting structure 100 to the dash panel of the vehicle.

22. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a brake switch mounting bracket 114 adapted to facilitate mounting of a brake switch, wherein said brake switch mounting bracket 114 having a first portion 114f adapted to be connected to the second portion 104s of said second bracket 104 at a predetermined position and a second portion 114s transversely extending from the first portion 114f, where the second portion 114s is adapted to facilitate mounting of the brake switch.

23. The mounting structure 100 as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a clutch pedal stopper bracket 116 adapted to be connected to the second portion 102s of said first bracket 102 at a predetermined position.

Dated: 1st August 2017 Signature:
Somashekar Ramakrishna