MICRO-SHAFT HYSTERESIS UNIT

Abstract

A hysteresis system for a pedal is provided. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever front surface configured to receive an actuating force, wherein the shaft is subjected to opposing radial loads from the hysteresis lever friction surface and the pedal lever friction surface when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIM

[0001] The present application is based on the preliminary application 63 / 730,758 in the United States with a filing date of December 11, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference, and claims its priority. FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to a hysteresis unit for a pedal and in particular to a hysteresis unit with a micro-shaft. BACKGROUND

[0003] Pedals, such as brake or accelerator pedals, are used in automotive applications to control the acceleration and deceleration of vehicles like passenger cars, trucks, agricultural vehicles, etc. Pedals are typically operated with the driver's foot to steer the vehicle. SUMMARY

[0004] Aspects and advantages of embodiments of the present disclosure are partly set forth in the following description or can be derived from the description or from the practical application of the embodiments.

[0005] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface, a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface, a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end touches or is in contact with the pedal lever friction surface and the second end touches or is in contact with the hysteresis lever friction surface, and a pedal lever front surface configured to receive an actuating force, wherein the shaft is subjected to opposing radial loads from the hysteresis lever friction surface and the pedal lever friction surface when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force.

[0006] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface, a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface, and a shaft with a first socket and a second socket, wherein the first socket contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second socket contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface, the shaft comprising a first virtual axis near the first socket, the first virtual axis being configured to receive a concentric normal force from the hysteresis lever friction surface.

[0007] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface, a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface, and a shaft with a shaft body, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface, wherein the shaft body is located between the first end and the second end and has a shaft body width that is less than the width of either the first end or the second end.

[0008] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of various embodiments will be more readily understood with reference to the following description and the accompanying claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form part of this description, illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles involved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] A detailed discussion of the embodiments, which is directed to a person skilled in the art, is set out in the description, which refers to the accompanying figures, in which: Fig. 1 represents an exemplary single-lever hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 2 shows an example of a double-lever hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 shows an example of a micro-shaft according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 4 shows an example of a micro-shaft hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 5 shows an example of a pedal with a hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0010] Reference is now made in detail to embodiments, one or more examples of which are shown in the drawings. Each example serves to illustrate the embodiments and does not constitute a limitation of the present disclosure. Indeed, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the embodiments without departing from the scope or meaning of the present disclosure. For example, features shown or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. Therefore, it is intended that aspects of the present disclosure cover such modifications and variations. As used here, the use of the term "about" in conjunction with a numerical value is intended to refer to a range of 10% of the numerical value.

[0011] Pedal assemblies, such as accelerator or brake pedals used in vehicles, may include a mechanism for generating hysteresis (to provide tactile feedback to the driver). To create hysteresis, the pedal assembly may generate friction between a lever and a shaft. However, in a system with a single lever and a single shaft, a larger radius of friction is required to generate greater hysteresis, necessitating a larger shaft. Consequently, these assemblies often require more plastic material to support this larger shaft.

[0012] Therefore, these hysteresis systems often suffer from excessive mass and material consumption, resulting in heavy components (e.g., weighing between 400 and 1000 grams). Furthermore, these existing hysteresis systems can exhibit slow response times, with it taking approximately 0.5 seconds for the pedal to return to its resting position when an actuating force is removed from the front of the pedal lever. Therefore, a hysteresis system with a smaller shaft is desirable, as it weighs less, requires less material, and has a faster response time to return the pedal to its resting position.

[0013] Exemplary aspects of the present disclosure relate generally to a pedal arrangement with a hysteresis unit that miniaturizes the shaft while maintaining the desired friction properties. In one embodiment, the arrangement comprises a friction lever system including a shaft with one or more virtual axes, a pedal lever, a hysteresis lever, and a spring. The system can exert a clamping action on the shaft to generate friction. By using virtual axes, the present disclosure enables large radii for generating friction while simultaneously physically reducing the shaft dimensions (e.g., to a width of about 5 mm to about 6 mm), thereby effectively decoupling friction generation from the physical size of the shaft.

[0014] The pedal arrangement, as described in the exemplary aspects of this disclosure, can offer numerous technical advantages and benefits. For example, by reducing the physical size of the shaft and minimizing plastic consumption, the overall mass of the assembly can be reduced to approximately 250 grams. This offers a manufacturing advantage because less plastic material is required, the assembly process is simplified, and material costs can be reduced. Furthermore, the improved mechanism allows for a return to the neutral position in approximately 0.01 seconds, which improves performance and safety while maintaining a consistent and targeted hysteresis level of approximately 40%.

[0015] With reference to the FIGS, shows Fig. Figure 1 shows an example of a single-lever hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A single-lever hysteresis unit 100 can be part of a pedal that is used to impart hysteresis to the pedal within a certain range to provide tactile feedback to the rider. For example, a hysteresis unit may have a degree of hysteresis higher than a desired range (e.g., about 60 to 70% or higher) and may provide too much resistance. Alternatively, the hysteresis unit may have a degree of hysteresis lower than a desired range (e.g., about 20% or lower) and may not provide sufficient resistance. Therefore, a hysteresis unit with a hysteresis of about 30% to about 50%, for example, about 40%, may be desirable. In some embodiments, the single-lever hysteresis unit 100 may include a pedal lever 102 and a spring mounting section 104 for receiving a spring force 106.

[0016] The pedal lever 102 can, for example, be part of a pedal, such as an accelerator or deceleration pedal. The pedal lever 102 can, for example, comprise thermoplastics such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include transverse horizontal ribs or deeply indented channels in the surface, for example, a surface configured to accommodate a user's foot. In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include raised grid patterns, knurled diamond shapes, or circular rubberized studs that protrude through metal faceplates to grip the sole of the shoe.

[0017] In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be configured to receive an actuating force when a user presses on it, for example, with their foot. While the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the other components of the hysteresis unit, such as the single-lever hysteresis unit 100, can ensure that the pedal lever 102 maintains the appropriate hysteresis, while in some embodiments the size of the shaft is miniaturized. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be connected to the spring mounting section 104, which is configured to receive the spring force 106 that can push the pedal lever 102 back to a "return to idle" position, for example, a position in which no force is applied to the pedal lever 102.The spring mounting section 104 can be a projecting section of the pedal lever 102 configured to receive a spring force 106. The spring mounting section 104 can comprise the same material as the pedal lever 102 and can, for example, be part of the pedal lever 102.

[0018] When the pedal lever 102 receives an actuating force, for example by a user pressing down on the pedal, this force may have to overcome some force of the spring force 106, which presses against the spring mounting section 104 and tries to return the pedal lever 102 to the “return to idle” position against the actuating force.

[0019] In some embodiments, a single lever shaft 108 can be configured to rub against the pedal lever 102, thus generating friction against it, for example, when the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102. For example, the single lever shaft 108 can generate friction against the upper friction section 110 of the pedal lever 102 when the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102. In some embodiments, the single lever shaft 108 can be configured to generate friction against the pedal lever 102 when the actuating force is removed from the pedal lever 102, causing the spring force 106 to return the pedal lever 102 to a rest position. For example, the single lever shaft 108 can generate friction against the upper friction section 110 of the pedal lever 102 when the actuating force is removed from the pedal lever 102.

[0020] In this way, the spring force 106 on the spring mounting section 104 can, for example, interact with friction between a shaft (e.g., a single lever shaft 108) and one or more surfaces (e.g., an upper friction section 110) to provide a desired hysteresis to the pedal user (e.g., about 30% to about 50%, such as about 40%). In some embodiments, the extent of the generated friction is proportional to the size of the single-lever shaft 108, for example, the radius from a central virtual axis 112 to a point of friction. In other words, to increase the friction and thus the hysteresis of the single-lever hysteresis unit 100, the radius from the central virtual axis 112 to the point of friction must be increased, which may require a larger single-lever shaft 108.This larger single-lever shaft 108 may require more plastic and may also have a slower return to the neutral position, for example about 0.5 seconds.

[0021] Fig. Figure 2 shows an example of a double-lever hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A double-lever hysteresis unit 200 can be part of a pedal, which is used to impart hysteresis to the pedal in a certain range in order to give tactile feedback to the rider. In some embodiments, the double-lever hysteresis unit 200 can comprise a pedal lever 102 and a spring mounting section 104 for receiving a spring force 106.

[0022] The pedal lever 102 can, for example, be part of a pedal, such as an accelerator or deceleration pedal. The pedal lever 102 can, for example, comprise thermoplastics such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include transverse horizontal ribs or deeply indented channels in the surface, for example, a surface configured to accommodate a user's foot. In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include raised grid patterns, knurled diamond shapes, or circular rubberized studs that protrude through metal faceplates to grip the sole of the shoe.

[0023] In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be configured to receive an actuating force when a user presses on it, for example, with their foot. While the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the other components of the hysteresis unit, such as the double-lever hysteresis unit 200, can ensure that the pedal lever 102 maintains the appropriate hysteresis, while in some embodiments the size of the shaft is miniaturized. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be connected to the spring mounting section 104, which is configured to receive the spring force 106 that can push the pedal lever 102 back to a "return to idle" position, for example, a position in which no force is applied to the pedal lever 102.The spring mounting section 104 can be a projecting section of the pedal lever 102 configured to receive a spring force 106. The spring mounting section 104 can be made of the same material as the pedal lever 102 and can, for example, be part of the pedal lever 102.

[0024] When the pedal lever 102 receives an actuating force, for example by a user pressing down on the pedal, this force may have to overcome some force of the spring force 106, which presses against the spring mounting section 104 and tries to return the pedal lever 102 to the “return to idle” position against the actuating force.

[0025] In some embodiments, a double lever shaft 208 can be configured to rub against the pedal lever 102 and the hysteresis lever 218, thus generating friction, for example, when the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102. For example, the double lever shaft 208 can generate friction against the upper friction section 110 of the hysteresis lever 218 as well as against the lower friction section 214 of the pedal lever 102 when the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102. For example, when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the pedal lever 102 can move by overcoming the spring force 106, which is pressed against the hysteresis lever 214 by contact at an effective surface 216. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 and the hysteresis lever 214 do not move relative to each other when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102.

[0026] In some embodiments, the movement of the pedal lever 102 also causes the hysteresis lever 214 to move, thereby generating friction against the double lever shaft 208 at both the upper friction section 110 and the lower friction section 214. In this way, the spring force 106 on the spring mounting section 104, for example, in conjunction with friction between a shaft (e.g., the double lever shaft 208) and one or more surfaces (e.g., the upper friction section 110 and the lower friction surface 214), can act to provide a desired hysteresis to the pedal user (e.g., approximately 30% to approximately 50%, or approximately 40%).

[0027] Fig. Figure 3 shows an example of a micro-shaft according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300 can be part of a pedal, which is used to impart hysteresis to the pedal in a specific range in order to give tactile feedback to the rider. In some embodiments, the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300 can comprise a pedal lever 102 and a spring mounting section 104 for receiving a spring force 106.

[0028] The pedal lever 102 can, for example, be part of a pedal, such as an accelerator or deceleration pedal. The pedal lever 102 can, for example, comprise thermoplastics such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can have transverse, horizontal ribs or deeply incised channels in the surface, for example, a surface configured to accommodate a user's foot. In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can have raised grid patterns, knurled diamond shapes, or circular rubberized studs that protrude through metal faceplates to grip the sole of the shoe.

[0029] In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be configured to receive an actuating force when a user presses on it, for example, with their foot. While the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the other components of the hysteresis unit, such as the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300, can ensure that the pedal lever 102 maintains the appropriate hysteresis, while in some embodiments the size of the shaft is miniaturized. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be connected to the spring mounting section 104, which is configured to receive the spring force 106 that can push the pedal lever 102 back to a "return to idle" position, for example, a position in which no force is applied to the pedal lever 102.The spring mounting section 104 can be a projecting section of the pedal lever 102 configured to receive a spring force 106. The spring mounting section 104 can be made of the same material as the pedal lever 102 and can, for example, be part of the pedal lever 102.

[0030] When the pedal lever 102 receives an actuating force, for example by a user pressing down on the pedal, this force may have to overcome some force of the spring force 106, which presses against the spring mounting section 104 and tries to return the pedal lever 102 to the “return to idle” position against the actuating force.

[0031] In some embodiments, a micro-shaft 308 can be a miniaturized version of the shaft configured to rub against the pedal lever 102 and the hysteresis lever 218, thus generating friction. While some embodiments of the shaft comprise only a single axis (e.g., the central axis 112), the micro-shaft 308 can comprise a first virtual axis 314 and a second virtual axis 316, as described in relation to Fig. 4 is explained in more detail. In this way, the micro-shaft 308 can generate friction while simultaneously physically reducing the dimensions of the shaft, thus effectively decoupling friction generation from the physical size of the shaft.

[0032] For example, the micro-shaft 308 can comprise a first socket 308A, a second socket 308B, and a shaft body 308C between the first socket 308A and the second socket 308B. In some embodiments, a first dimension (e.g., a width) of the shaft body 308C can be about 5 mm to about 6 mm. In some embodiments, a second dimension (e.g., a length) of the micro-shaft 308, for example, from a first end at the first socket 308A to a second end at the second socket 308B, can be about 20 mm to about 30 mm, for example, about 25 mm. In some embodiments, a third dimension (e.g., a depth) of the micro-shaft 308 can be about 5 mm to about 30 mm, for example, about 10 mm to about 20 mm. In some embodiments, the depth of the micro-shaft can be approximately 9 mm.

[0033] In some embodiments, reducing the physical size of the shaft and minimizing plastic consumption can lower the overall assembly mass to approximately 250 grams. This offers a manufacturing advantage by requiring less plastic material, simplifying the assembly process, and reducing material costs. Furthermore, the improved mechanics enable a return to neutral in approximately 0.01 seconds, enhancing performance and safety while maintaining a consistent and targeted hysteresis level of approximately 40%.

[0034] Fig. Figure 4 shows an example of a micro-shaft hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. A micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300 can be part of a pedal, which is used to impart hysteresis to the pedal in a certain range in order to give tactile feedback to the rider. In some embodiments, the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300 can comprise a pedal lever 102 and a spring mounting section 104 for receiving a spring force 106 from a spring 105.

[0035] The pedal lever 102 can, for example, be part of a pedal, such as an accelerator or deceleration pedal. The pedal lever 102 can, for example, comprise thermoplastics such as polypropylene or acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include transverse horizontal ribs or deeply indented channels in the surface, such as a surface configured to accommodate a user's foot. In some embodiments, the surface structure of the pedal lever 102 can include raised grid patterns, knurled diamond shapes, or circular rubberized studs that protrude through metal faceplates to grip the sole of the shoe.

[0036] In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be configured to receive an actuating force when a user presses on it, for example, with their foot. While the actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102 (e.g., at a pedal lever front surface), the other components of the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300 can ensure that the appropriate hysteresis is provided to the pedal lever 102 while miniaturizing the shaft size. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 can be connected to the spring mounting section 104, which is configured to receive the spring force 106 from the spring 105, which can push the pedal lever 102 back to a "return to idle" position, for example, a position in which no force is applied to the pedal lever 102.The spring mounting section 104 can be a projecting section of the pedal lever 102 configured to receive a spring force 106. The spring mounting section 104 can be made of the same material as the pedal lever 102 and can, for example, be part of the pedal lever 102.

[0037] The spring 105 can comprise cold-drawn steel alloys, such as steel wire (e.g., ASTM A228), oil-hardened chromium-silicon (ASTM A401), or stainless steel (Type 302 or 17-7 PH). The spring 105 can generate resistance and tactile feedback, allowing a driver of a vehicle to precisely modulate acceleration by applying an actuating force to the pedal lever 102, rather than inadvertently actuating the pedal lever 102 with the weight of their foot. In some embodiments, the spring exerts a certain load on the spring mounting section 104 to produce a damping effect that stabilizes the pedal against road vibrations and prevents it from feeling "twitchy" over bumps. The spring 105 can alternatively be described as a return element, with the return element being configured to exert a return force on the hysteresis lever 318.

[0038] In some embodiments, when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102 (e.g., by a user of a pedal), it can move both the pedal lever 102 and the hysteresis lever 214 by overcoming the spring force 106. For example, the pedal lever 102, which is pressed against the hysteresis lever 318 by contact at an effective surface 216, can move the hysteresis lever 214 together with the pedal lever 102. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 exerts a transmission force on the hysteresis lever 318 at an effective surface 216 when the front surface of the pedal lever receives the actuating force. In some embodiments, the pedal lever 102 and the hysteresis lever 214 do not move relative to each other when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102.In this way, a hysteresis lever friction surface 310 and a pedal lever friction surface 312 can come into contact with the micro-shaft 308 and generate friction to provide adequate hysteresis (e.g., about 40% hysteresis) for the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300.

[0039] In some embodiments, the micro-shaft 308 can comprise a first virtual axis 314 and a second virtual axis 316. In some embodiments, the first virtual axis 314 can be located near the first end of the first bushing 308A, the first virtual axis 314 being configured to receive a concentric normal force from a hysteresis lever friction surface 310. For example, when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the pedal lever 102 can exert a force on the hysteresis lever 318 to generate friction between the micro-shaft 308 and the hysteresis lever friction surface 310, which exerts the concentric normal force on the first virtual axis 314. Due to the shape of the micro-shaft 308, the first virtual axis 314 is an off-center point opposite the friction surface 310 of the hysteresis lever and extends the radius for the concentric normal force.In this way, the micro-shaft 308 can be miniaturized while continuing to exert friction between the micro-shaft 308 and the friction surface 310 of the hysteresis lever, thereby achieving a hysteresis of about 30% to about 50%, for example about 40%.

[0040] In some embodiments, the second virtual axis 316 can be located near the second end of the second bushing 308B, with the second virtual axis 316 being configured to receive a second concentric normal force from the pedal lever friction surface 312. For example, when an actuating force is applied to the pedal lever 102, the pedal lever 102 can exert a force on the hysteresis lever 318 to generate friction between the micro-shaft 308 and the pedal lever friction surface 312, which exerts the concentric normal force on the second virtual axis 316. Due to the shape of the micro-shaft 308, the second virtual axis 316 is an off-center point opposite the pedal lever friction surface 312, thus extending the radius for the concentric normal force.In this way, the micro-shaft 308 can be miniaturized while friction continues to be exerted between the micro-shaft 308 and the pedal lever friction surface 312, which can achieve a hysteresis of about 30% to about 50%, for example, about 40%. In some embodiments, the micro-shaft 308 is subjected to these opposing radial loads by the hysteresis lever friction surface 310 and the pedal lever friction surface 312 when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force.

[0041] Fig.Figure 5 shows an example pedal with a hysteresis unit according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, an example pedal 500 may include a hysteresis unit 400. The hysteresis unit 400 may, for example, be the single-lever hysteresis unit 100, the double-lever hysteresis unit 200, or the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300. In some embodiments, for example, when the hysteresis unit 400 is the micro-shaft hysteresis unit 300, the response time of the hysteresis unit 400 (e.g., the return to rest) may be about 0.01 seconds, and the hysteresis unit 400 may have a hysteresis of about 30% to about 50%, for example, a hysteresis of about 40% when a user operates the pedal lever 102.In some embodiments, the pedal 500 may be one or more of the following: a suspended or hanging pedal, a pendulum-style pedal, a top-hinged pedal, a floor-mounted pedal, a standing pedal, an organ-style pedal, a bottom-hinged pedal, a cable-operated mechanical pedal, a linear-stroke pedal, a height-adjustable pedal assembly, an active accelerator pedal with force feedback, a racing pedal assembly, an extended heel-toe pedal, or any other suitable pedal that can be operated with a hysteresis unit, such as the hysteresis unit 400.

[0042] An exemplary aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever front surface configured to receive an actuating force, wherein the shaft is subjected to opposing radial loads from the hysteresis lever friction surface and the pedal lever friction surface when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force.

[0043] In some examples, the shaft includes a first virtual axis near the first end, the first virtual axis being configured to receive a concentric normal force from the friction surface of the hysteresis lever.

[0044] In some examples, the shaft includes a second virtual axis near the second end, with the second virtual axis configured to receive a second concentric normal force from the friction surface of the pedal lever.

[0045] In some examples, the pedal lever exerts a transmission force on the hysteresis lever at an effective surface when the front of the pedal lever receives the actuating force.

[0046] In some examples, the pedal lever and the hysteresis lever do not move relative to each other when the front of the pedal lever receives the actuating force.

[0047] In some examples, the pedal is a hanging pedal.

[0048] In some examples, the pedal is a floor pedal.

[0049] In some examples, the hysteresis system further includes a restoring element configured to exert a restoring force on the hysteresis lever.

[0050] In some examples, the shaft has a width of approximately 5 mm to approximately 6 mm.

[0051] In some examples, the shaft has a length of approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0052] In some examples, the shaft has a thickness of approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0053] In some examples, the shaft is made of plastic.

[0054] In some examples, the shaft weighs about 250 grams.

[0055] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a shaft with a first bushing and a second bushing, wherein the first bushing contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second bushing contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface, the shaft comprising a first virtual axis near the first bushing, the first virtual axis being configured to receive a concentric normal force from the hysteresis lever friction surface.

[0056] In some examples, the shaft includes a second virtual axis near the second bushing, with the second virtual axis configured to receive a second concentric normal force from the pedal lever friction surface.

[0057] In some examples, the hysteresis system further includes a restoring element configured to exert a restoring force on the hysteresis lever.

[0058] In some examples, the shaft has a width of approximately 5 mm to approximately 6 mm.

[0059] In some examples, the shaft has a length of approximately 20 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0060] In some examples, the shaft has a thickness of approximately 10 mm to approximately 30 mm.

[0061] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a hysteresis system for a pedal. The hysteresis system comprises a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system further comprises a shaft with a shaft body, a first end, and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface, the shaft body being located between the first end and the second end and having a shaft body width that is less than the width of either the first end or the second end.

[0062] Although the present subject matter has been described in detail with reference to specific, exemplary embodiments, it will be clear to the person skilled in the art, based on the foregoing, that he or she can readily produce modifications, variations, and equivalents to such embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present disclosure is exemplary rather than limiting, and the present disclosure does not exclude such modifications, variations, and / or additions to the present subject matter that would be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art in this field. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] WO 63 / 730,758

[0001]

Claims

A hysteresis system for a pedal, comprising: a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface; a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface; a shaft with a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface; and a pedal lever front surface configured to receive an actuating force, wherein the shaft is subjected to opposing radial loads from the hysteresis lever friction surface and the pedal lever friction surface when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the shaft has a first virtual axis near the first end, wherein the first virtual axis is configured to receive a concentric normal force from the friction surface of the hysteresis lever. The hysteresis system according to claim 2, wherein the shaft comprises a second virtual axis near the second end, wherein the second virtual axis is configured to receive a second concentric normal force from the pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the pedal lever exerts a transmission force on the hysteresis lever at an effective surface when the pedal lever front surface receives the actuating force. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the pedal lever and the hysteresis lever do not move relative to each other when the front of the pedal lever receives the actuating force. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the pedal is a suspended pedal. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the pedal is a floor pedal. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, further comprising a restoring element configured to exert a restoring force on the hysteresis lever. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the shaft has a width of about 5 mm to about 6 mm. The hysteresis system according to claim 9, wherein the shaft has a length of about 20 mm to about 30 mm. The hysteresis system according to claim 10, wherein the shaft has a thickness of about 10 mm to about 30 mm. The hysteresis system according to claim 1, wherein the shaft comprises or is made of plastic. The hysteresis system according to claim 12, wherein the shaft weighs approximately 250 grams. Hysteresis system for a pedal, comprising: a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface; a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface; and a shaft with a first bushing and a second bushing, wherein the first bushing contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second bushing contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface; wherein the shaft has a first virtual axis near the first bushing, the first virtual axis being configured to receive a concentric normal force from the hysteresis lever friction surface. The hysteresis system according to claim 14, wherein the shaft comprises a second virtual axis near the second bushing, wherein the second virtual axis is configured to receive a second concentric normal force from the pedal lever friction surface. The hysteresis system according to claim 14, further comprising a restoring element configured to exert a restoring force on the hysteresis lever. The hysteresis system according to claim 14, wherein the shaft has a width of about 5 mm to about 6 mm. The hysteresis system according to claim 17, wherein the shaft has a length of about 20 mm to about 30 mm. The hysteresis system according to claim 18, wherein the shaft has a thickness of about 10 mm to about 30 mm. Hysteresis system for a pedal, comprising: a hysteresis lever with a hysteresis lever friction surface; a pedal lever with a pedal lever friction surface; and a shaft with a shaft body, a first end and a second end, wherein the first end contacts the pedal lever friction surface and the second end contacts the hysteresis lever friction surface, the shaft body being located between the first end and the second end and having a shaft body width that is less than the width of either the first end or the second end.

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