Multifunctional pedal of vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a multifunction pedal (10) of a vehicle (1), comprising a pedal lever (12) which is mounted on a holding device (18) so as to be rotatable about a rotational axis (DA) and which has on the upper side two seating regions (14) for the driver's feet, a first seating region (14A) being assigned to a deceleration function and being arranged on a first end region of the pedal lever (12), and a second seating region (14B) being assigned to a second end region of the pedal lever (12). The first seating region (14A) is assigned to an acceleration function and is arranged on a first end region of the pedal lever (12), and the second seating region (14B) is assigned to an acceleration function and is arranged on a second end region of the pedal lever (12) opposite the first end region, the pedal lever (12) being pivotable from a neutral position in a first rotational direction (D1) and the deceleration function being activatable when the first seating region (14A) is actuated by the vehicle base, and the second seating region (14B) being arranged on a second end region of the pedal lever (12) opposite the first end region. When the second seating area (14B) is actuated by the vehicle base, the pedal lever (12) can be pivoted from the neutral position in a second direction of rotation (D2) opposite the first direction of rotation (D1), and the acceleration function can be activated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a multifunctional pedal for a vehicle. Background Art

[0002] In vehicles known from the prior art, the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal or gas pedal are mounted separately from one another, which can make installation difficult. In addition, in the so-called "two-foot driving behavior", a sporty driver can simultaneously operate the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal or gas pedal in order to keep the vehicle stationary and at the same time increase the engine speed. This should allow for faster acceleration of the vehicle and bridge the typical "turbo bore" of an internal combustion engine. This is no longer necessary in vehicles with an electric drive, since the maximum torque of the electric motor is already available at zero revolutions per minute, and the ability to quickly reach the maximum speed is significantly greater than in vehicles with an internal combustion engine. In addition, multifunctional pedals for vehicles that perform the functions of a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal or gas pedal are known.

[0003] DE 100 48 737 A1 discloses a multifunctional pedal for a vehicle, which has a device for realizing the function of a brake pedal and the function of an accelerator pedal in the multifunctional pedal. To this end, the multifunctional pedal has a device for generating a brake pedal signal and an accelerator pedal signal. Here, two functions of the multifunctional pedal are realized and / or two signals of the multifunctional pedal are generated based on at least two different movements of the multifunctional pedal. The at least two different movements of the multifunctional pedal are assigned to at least two different components of the multifunctional pedal. The first movement of the multifunctional pedal is a pivoting movement of a foot pedal, and the second movement of the multifunctional pedal is a lifting movement of an arm of the multifunctional pedal.

[0004] DE 101 48 281 A1 discloses a multifunctional pedal for a vehicle for realizing the functions of an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal. The multifunctional pedal has a sensor device for sensing the movement assigned to the accelerator pedal, which generates an electric accelerator pedal signal. In addition, the multifunctional pedal has a sensor device for sensing the movement assigned to the brake pedal and generating a brake pedal signal. The function of the brake pedal is basically realized by the lifting and lowering movement of the arm of the multifunctional pedal, and the function of the accelerator pedal is basically realized by the pivoting movement of the footrest of the multifunctional pedal. Summary of the invention

[0005] The multifunctional pedal for a vehicle having the features of independent claim 1 has the advantage that a true "drive-by-wire system" can be realized without mechanical intervention in the corresponding brake system or drive system. In addition, the multifunctional pedal combines the deceleration function and the acceleration function in a structural unit implemented in a "seesaw" manner. Embodiments of the invention can be realized more cheaply than the solutions known to date. Thus, more expensive vertical lever arms, such as are used for conventional brake pedals, are avoided.

[0006] An embodiment of the present invention provides a multifunctional pedal for a vehicle, which has a pedal lever, which is supported on a holding device so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis and has two placement areas for the driver's feet on the upper side. The first placement area is assigned to the deceleration function and is arranged on the first end area of ​​the pedal lever. The second placement area is assigned to the acceleration function and is arranged on the second end area of ​​the pedal lever opposite to the first end area. Here, when the first placement area is manipulated by the vehicle base, the pedal lever can be pivoted from the neutral position in a first rotation direction and the deceleration function can be activated. When the second placement area is manipulated by the vehicle base, the pedal lever can be pivoted from the neutral position in a second rotation direction opposite to the first rotation direction and the acceleration function can be activated.

[0007] The proposed multifunctional pedal can be easily mounted on the floor of the vehicle and has a mounting angle which allows the driver's foot to rest comfortably on the floor of the vehicle when accelerating or decelerating the vehicle, while the driver's front foot area activates the acceleration function or deceleration function using the same pedal lever. Avoiding the vertical lever arm of a conventional brake pedal allows a space-saving installation of the multifunctional pedal in the vehicle. In addition, a "two-foot driving behavior" can be prevented, which always represents a waste of energy and reduces the expected range of the vehicle.

[0008] Advantageous developments of the multifunction pedal for a vehicle specified in independent claim 1 are achieved by means of the measures and developments listed in the dependent claims.

[0009] Particularly advantageously, the holding device can be connected to the vehicle floor so that the longitudinal extension of the pedal lever is oriented parallel to the vehicle transverse direction. Here, the surface of the pedal lever can have an inclination in the range of 10° to 40° relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction in the neutral position.

[0010] In the advantageous design of the multifunctional pedal, at least one reset device can include at least one reset spring and can be implemented for resetting the pedal lever to the neutral position when not operated. Here, at least one reset spring can be implemented as a torsion spring or a spiral spring.

[0011] In another advantageous embodiment of the multifunctional pedal, a first return spring implemented as a coil spring can be connected with a first end to the underside of a first end region of the pedal lever, and a second return spring implemented as a coil spring can be connected with a first end to the underside of a second end region of the pedal lever. The second end of the return spring implemented as a coil spring, which is opposite to the first end, can be supported on a mounting base or a vehicle floor. This means that the underside of the pedal lever faces the vehicle floor and the upper side of the pedal lever faces away from the vehicle floor.

[0012] In a further advantageous embodiment of the multifunctional pedal, the pivoting movement of the pedal lever about the rotation axis in the first rotational direction or in the opposite second rotational direction can be limited by a stop in each case. By means of the at least one stop, the travel of the two end regions of the pedal lever from the neutral position in the direction of the vehicle floor can be in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment of the multifunctional pedal, the pedal lever can be connected to a shaft which is supported in two bearings of the holding device so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. This allows a particularly simple and inexpensive realization of the multifunctional pedal.

[0014] In a further advantageous embodiment of the multifunctional pedal, at least one sensor can be implemented for detecting the pivoting movement of the pedal lever and outputting information about the pivoting movement of the pedal lever. For example, at least one force sensor or at least one displacement sensor can be used at each of the two end regions of the pedal lever in order to detect the pivoting movement of the pedal lever in the first rotational direction or in the second rotational direction. In a particularly preferred embodiment, at least one sensor is implemented as a rotation angle sensor, which can detect the pivoting movement of the pedal lever directly in the region of the rotation axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and explained in more detail in the following description.In the drawings, the same reference numerals represent components or elements that implement the same or similar functions.

[0016] Figure 1 A schematic side view showing an embodiment of a multi-function pedal for a vehicle according to the present invention is shown,

[0017] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic perspective top view of a multifunctional pedal for a vehicle according to the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be seen, the illustrated embodiment of the multifunction pedal 10 for a vehicle 1 according to the invention comprises a pedal lever 12 which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation DA on a holder 18 and has two placement areas 14 for the driver's feet on the upper side. The first placement area 14A is assigned to the deceleration function and is arranged at the pedal lever 12. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The second receiving area 14B is associated with the acceleration function and is arranged on the pedal lever 12 opposite the first end area. Figure 1 and 2 On the second end region shown on the right. Here, when the first placement area 14A is actuated by the vehicle chassis, the pedal lever 12 can be pivoted starting from the neutral position in the first rotational direction D1 and the deceleration function can be activated. When the second placement area 14B is actuated by the vehicle chassis, the pedal lever 12 can be pivoted starting from the neutral position in the second rotational direction D2 opposite to the first rotational direction D1 and the acceleration function can be activated. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rotational direction D1 extends counterclockwise and the second rotational direction D2 extends clockwise.

[0019] Especially from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can also be seen in , the retaining device 18 is therefore connected to the vehicle floor 3 so that the longitudinal extension of the pedal lever 12 is oriented parallel to the vehicle transverse direction y. In the illustrated embodiment, the retaining device 18 is implemented as a pillar 18A, which is connected to the mounting plate 5. The mounting plate 5 is in turn connected to the vehicle floor 3. Here, when the first placement area 14A is manipulated, the first end region of the pedal lever 12 moves from a neutral position along a first rotational direction D1 in the direction of the vehicle floor 3 or the mounting plate 5, and the second end region of the pedal lever 12 moves from a neutral position along the first rotational direction D1 away from the vehicle floor 3 or away from the mounting plate 5. When the second placement area 14B is manipulated, the second end region of the pedal lever 12 moves from a neutral position along a second rotational direction D2 in the direction of the vehicle floor 3 or the mounting plate 5, and the first end region of the pedal lever 12 moves from a neutral position along the second rotational direction D2 away from the vehicle floor 3 or away from the mounting plate 5. As shown from Figure 1 and Figure 2 As can be seen further, the two receiving areas 14A, 14B of the pedal lever 12 are designed in a structured manner. In this case, in the exemplary embodiment shown, the structure of the first receiving area 14A is different from the structure of the second receiving area.

[0020] As from Figure 1 and Figure 2As can be further seen, the pedal lever 12 is connected to a shaft 16, which in the illustrated embodiment is supported in two bearings 20 of a holding device 18 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis DA in the center of the pedal lever 12. In addition, at least one sensor, not shown in detail, is implemented for detecting a pivoting movement of the pedal lever 12 and outputting information about the pivoting movement of the pedal lever 12. Preferably, a rotation angle sensor is arranged in the region of one of the two bearings 20 in order to detect the pivoting movement of the pedal lever. Alternatively, a force sensor or a displacement sensor can be arranged at the two end regions of the pedal lever 12 in order to detect a pivoting movement of a first end region of the pedal lever 12 in a first rotational direction D1 or a pivoting movement of a second end region of the pedal lever 12 in a second rotational direction D2.

[0021] In the embodiment shown, the surface of the pedal lever 12 extends in the neutral position parallel to the vehicle floor 3 or the mounting plate 5. For easier operation, the multifunction pedal 10 can be mounted in an alternative, not shown, embodiment so that the surface of the pedal lever 12 has an inclination in the range of 10° to 40° relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction x in the neutral position.

[0022] As from Figure 2 As can be further seen, in the illustrated embodiment, the reset device 22 includes two reset springs 22A, 22B, which are implemented to reset the pedal lever 12 to a neutral position when it is not operated. The reset spring 22A is implemented as a coil spring. Here, the first reset spring 22A implemented as a coil spring is connected to the lower side of the first end region of the pedal lever 12 with a first end. The second reset spring 22B implemented as a coil spring is connected to the lower side of the second end region of the pedal lever 12 with a first end. The second end of the reset springs 22A, 22B implemented as coil springs, which is opposite to the first end, is supported on the mounting base. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the second ends of the reset springs 22A, 22B implemented as coil springs are supported on the vehicle floor 3. In another alternative embodiment not shown, the two reset springs 22A, 22B can be implemented as torsion springs respectively.

[0023] Especially from Figure 1As can be seen further, the pivoting movement of the pedal lever 12 about the rotation axis DA in the first rotation direction D1 or the opposite second rotation direction D2 is limited by the stop 24. Here, the first stop 24A arranged in the first return spring 22A designed as a helical spring limits the travel of the first end region of the pedal lever 12 from the neutral position in the direction of the vehicle floor 3 to a range of 5 mm to 50 mm. The second stop 24B arranged in the second return spring 22B designed as a helical spring limits the travel of the second end region of the pedal lever 12 from the neutral position in the direction of the vehicle floor 3 to a range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

Claims

1. A multifunctional pedal (10) for a vehicle (1), comprising a pedal lever (12) which is supported on a holding device (18) so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (DA) and has two receiving areas (14) for the driver's feet on the upper side, wherein: A first placement area (14A) is assigned to a deceleration function and is arranged on a first end area of ​​the pedal lever (12), and a second placement area (14B) is assigned to an acceleration function and is arranged on a second end area of ​​the pedal lever (12) opposite to the first end area, wherein when the first placement area (14A) is operated by the vehicle base, the pedal lever (12) can be pivoted from a neutral position in a first rotational direction (D1) and can activate the deceleration function, and wherein when the second placement area (14B) is operated by the vehicle base, the pedal lever (12) can be pivoted from the neutral position in a second rotational direction (D2) opposite to the first rotational direction (D1) and can activate the acceleration function.

2. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The holding device (18) is connected to the vehicle floor (3) in such a way that the longitudinal extension of the pedal lever (12) is oriented parallel to the vehicle transverse direction (y).

3. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to claim 2, characterized in that: The surface of the pedal lever (12) has an inclination in the range of 10° to 40° relative to the vehicle longitudinal direction (x) in the neutral position.

4. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: At least one restoring device (22) comprises at least one restoring spring (22A, 22B) and is designed to return the pedal lever (12) to the neutral position when not actuated.

5. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The at least one return spring (22A) is embodied as a torsion spring or a helical spring.

6. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to claim 5, characterized in that: A first return spring (22A) implemented as a helical spring is connected with a first end to the underside of a first end region of the pedal lever (12), and a second return spring (22B) implemented as a helical spring is connected with a first end to the underside of a second end region of the pedal lever (12).

7. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The pivoting movement of the pedal lever (12) about the rotation axis (DA) in the first rotation direction (D1) or the second opposite rotation direction (D2) is limited by a stop (24).

8. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to claim 7, characterized in that: The travel of the two end regions of the pedal lever (12) from the neutral position in the direction of the vehicle floor (3) is in the range of 5 mm to 50 mm.

9. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that: The pedal lever (12) is connected to a shaft (16) which is mounted in two bearings (20) of the holding device (18) so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis (DA).

10. The multifunctional pedal (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that: At least one sensor is designed to detect a pivoting movement of the pedal lever (12) and to output information about the pivoting movement of the pedal lever (12).

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