Vehicle accessory pedal and method

The present invention relates to an accessory pedal, mounted with respect to the floor area of a vehicle interior, operative to control one of a plurality of vehicular functions upon selective depression of the accessory pedal.

A motor vehicle typically includes a multitude of components and systems that enhance the comfort and convenience of the driver and passengers. Such systems include, for example, audio systems having a radio, speakers, compact disc player, and cassette player; climate systems having heating, ventilation, and air conditioning components; navigational systems; etc.

Each of the systems typically includes an interface through which the driver of the vehicle can interact with the system. For example, control of a system requires that the driver of the vehicle input command information via the interface to which the system is responsive to vary a system characteristic. Each system may also supply information to the driver via the interface. For example, an audio system will indicate the radio station to which it is tuned, a climate control system will indicate the fan speed or the thermostat setting, and a navigational system will indicate location information.

A vehicle with a multifunction control system is provided for a plurality of vehicular systems or accessories, each of the systems having a plurality of variable characteristics. The control system includes an accessory pedal; a control unit operative to control a plurality of vehicular functions; and an input device. The accessory pedal is selectively depressible to send a first signal to the control unit. The first signal is operative to activate one of a plurality of vehicle functions. The input device is operable to send a second signal to the control unit; and the second signal assigns one of the plurality of vehicular functions to the first signal receivable from the accessory pedal.

In one aspect of the present invention, the input device includes a ring-shaped member or hand-operated programmer defining an annular space. The ring-shaped member is rotatable about an axis.

In another aspect of the present invention, the vehicle includes a display unit configured to receive a third signal from the control unit; the third signal indicates which of the plurality of vehicular functions the first signal of the accessory pedal is assigned.

More specifically, a vehicle with a vehicle body defining a vehicle interior having a floor area is provided. Also, an accessory pedal mounted with respect to the floor area of the vehicle interior and a control unit operable to control a plurality of vehicle functions is included. The accessory pedal is selectively depressible and upon depression of the accessory pedal a first signal is sent from the accessory pedal to the control unit. The first signal is operative to activate one of the plurality of vehicle functions. Further provided is an input device mounted with respect to the vehicle interior that is operative to send a second signal to the control unit. The second signal assigns one of the plurality of vehicle functions to the first signal received from the accessory pedal. The accessory pedal is accessible to an operator of the vehicle.

Additionally, a multi-function control system for a plurality of vehicle accessories is provided. The control system includes a foot-operated activator and a hand-operated programmer. A control unit is further provided, which is connectable to the plurality of accessories and preselectable by the hand-operated programmer for enabling the foot-operated activator to control the accessory preselected.

The above features and advantages and other features and advantages of the present invention are readily apparent from the following detailed description of the best modes for carrying out the invention when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic depiction of a vehicle with a control system, which includes an accessory pedal; an input device and a display unit; and

FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic depiction of the display unit.

Referring to FIG. 1 , a vehicle 10 is schematically depicted. The vehicle includes a vehicle body 12 , which defines a vehicle interior 14 . The vehicle interior 14 includes a floor area 16 and an instrument panel 18 . The instrument panel 18 includes several user or driver devices including a steering wheel 20 , display unit D and a glove box 22 . The floor area 16 of the vehicle interior includes a foot-operated gas pedal 24 , foot-operated brake pedal 26 , and a foot-operated accessory pedal 28 mounted thereto, all of which are accessible to a vehicle driver.

The accessory pedal 28 is pivotably secured to the vehicle floor area 16 so that it is depressible upon the application of pressure. Wired to the accessory pedal 28 is a control unit 30 , which controls or preselects a plurality of vehicle functions or accessories (or first and second components characterized by first and second variable characteristic respectively). The control unit has a first mode and a second mode of operation—sending and receiving electrical signals to control the plurality of vehicle functions. Such functions or accessories (or characteristics) include a wind-shield wiper 32 , radio 34 , seat heater 36 , climate control system (HVAC) 38 , head lights 40 , sun roof opening 42 , power windows 44 , any other alternative function 46 , etcetera. The control unit 30 is configured to receive a first signal from the accessory pedal 28 . When the accessory pedal 28 is depressed the first signal is sent to the control unit. The first electrical signal is operative to activate one of the plurality of vehicle accessories or functions. In the depicted embodiment, the accessory pedal 28 is vertically depressible. Alternatively, the accessory pedal 28 can also be laterally moveable to activate another function. A vertically depressible pedal and a laterally depressible switch may be adjacent one another on the floor area 16 of the vehicle interior 14 to enable a user to activate multiple programmed functions.

In the depicted embodiment, the control unit 30 is further wired to an input device 48 (or hand-operated programmer). The input device 48 is mountable with respect to the vehicle interior 14 . The input device 48 can be included on the column of the steering wheel 20 , on the instrument panel 22 , a console (not shown), or any other location reasonably accessible to the vehicle driver. The input device sends a second signal to the control unit 30 ; the second signal instructs the control unit 30 to assign one of the vehicle functions to the first signal received from the accessory pedal 28 . In one embodiment, the input device includes a ring-shaped member 50 defining an annular space 52 . The ring-shaped member 50 is rotatable about an axis, A. Upon rotation of the ring-shaped member 50 the second signal is sent to the control unit 30 to alter which of the plurality of vehicle accessories or functions the first signal is assigned.

In another embodiment the control unit 30 is further electrically wired to a display unit D, as highlighted in FIG. 2 . The display unit D is secured to the instrument panel, as shown in FIG. 1 . However, exemplary locations for the display unit D include the vehicle gage cluster, heads-up display, base of the windshield, A-pillar of the vehicle body, etcetera. The display unit D (of FIG. 2 ) is capable of displaying a number of icons indicating vehicle temperature at 54 , volume level of the radio at 56 , inter alia. Specific to the present invention, the display unit D contains a column of icons dedicated to visualizing the function to which the accessory pedal 28 is assigned. The column includes a windshield wiper icon 58 , radio icon 60 , seat heater icon 62 , climate control icon 64 , headlights icon 66 , sun roof icon 68 , and power windows icon 70 . The control unit 30 sends a third signal to the display unit D indicating which of the plurality of vehicle functions is assigned to the accessory pedal 28 . Each icon can be selectively surrounded by a border 72 ; the border 72 indicating which of the plurality of vehicle functions the accessory pedal 28 is assigned. For example, the seat heater icon 62 , which is bordered in FIG. 2 , is assigned to the accessory pedal 28 .

While the best modes for carrying out the invention have been described in detail, those familiar with the art to which this invention relates will recognize various alternative designs and embodiments for practicing the invention within the scope of the appended claims.