Pedal assembly for a vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal device (1, 1a) for a vehicle, wherein the pedal device (1, 1a) comprises the following: a pedal housing (3), a pedal arm (2) rotatably mounted at its first end about an axis of rotation (AX) in the pedal housing (3) and having a foot pedal (4) at its second end, such that the pedal arm (2) pivots about the axis of rotation (AX) in a forward direction in response to an actuation of the foot pedal (4) with a pedal force, and a detection unit (5) configured to detect the magnitude of the pedal force in the forward direction, wherein the detection unit (5) is configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the magnitude of the pedal force, wherein the pedal arm (2) is rotatably mounted in both a forward direction and in an opposite reversing direction, and wherein a sensor (6) is provided, wherein the sensor (6) is configured to detect a reversing pedal force in the reversing direction, wherein the sensor (6) is further configured to generate a reversing brake signal based on the detected reversing pedal force.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a pedal device for a vehicle, wherein the pedal device comprises: a pedal housing, a pedal arm rotatably mounted at its first end about an axis of rotation in the pedal housing and having a foot pedal at its second end, such that the pedal arm pivots about the axis of rotation in a forward direction in response to actuation of the foot pedal with a pedal force, and a detection unit configured to detect the magnitude of the pedal force in the forward direction, wherein the detection unit is configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the magnitude of the pedal force.

[0002] Foot-operated control pedals for vehicles are widely known. Most motor vehicles include an accelerator pedal for controlling vehicle speed / engine speed or torque / power, and a brake pedal for controlling braking.

[0003] Traditionally, a pedal device is attached to a vehicle and controls a driving state of the vehicle according to the force with which the driver presses the pedal with their foot.

[0004] There are many state-of-the-art writings relating to pedal devices in vehicles.

[0005] DE 112021004622 T5 discloses a pedal device attached to a vehicle, the pedal device comprising: a brake pedal which is actuated by being pressed down by an occupant's foot, wherein the degree of actuation of a pressing action is sent as an electrical signal; an accelerator pedal which is actuated by being pressed down by an occupant's foot, wherein the degree of actuation of a pressing action is sent as an electrical signal; a support member which is connected to both the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal and supports the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal in such a way that they pivot in response to a pressing action by an occupant's foot; and an adjusting device which adjusts a position or orientation of a pedal unit comprising the brake pedal, the accelerator pedal and the support member.

[0006] US10976766B2 discloses a pedal device for a vehicle comprising the following: a pedal arm that can be rotated around a pivot axis in a pedal housing; a pedal reaction force generator for generating a pedal reaction force in a direction opposite to a direction in which an actuating force of the pedal arm is applied via a pedal support formed on the pedal arm; a friction force generator, wherein the friction force generator has a contact arranged at one end of the pedal arm near the axis of rotation, and comprising a contact surface formed on an inner surface of the pedal housing and intended for contact with the contact of the pedal arm, wherein the friction force generator produces a frictional force between the contact and the contact surface when the pedal arm is rotated; and a position detection unit for detecting a position of the pedal arm, wherein the position detection unit comprises the following: a magnet, wherein the position of the magnet changes with rotation of the pedal arm; and a sensor unit for detecting the strength of a magnetic force based on the displacement of the magnet, wherein two or more poles in the magnet are arranged in a displacement direction and in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction, the pedal housing comprises the following: an insertion recess formed on one rear side to allow the end of the pedal arm to be inserted through it; and an opening formed on one of its front sides and intended for coupling with a support, and the ends of the pedal reaction force generator are supported by the pedal housing support and the pedal arm.

[0007] Thus, one object of the invention is to provide an improved pedal device, particularly for a vehicle, and a vehicle.

[0008] The problem according to the invention is solved by a pedal device having the features of claim 1 and a vehicle having the features of claim 12.

[0009] Advantageous embodiments of the pedal device according to the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0010] The problem is solved by a pedal device for a vehicle, wherein the pedal device comprises the following: a pedal housing a pedal arm rotatably mounted at its first end about a pivot axis in the pedal housing and having a foot pedal at its second end, such that the pedal arm pivots about the pivot axis in a forward direction in response to actuation of the foot pedal with a pedal force, and a detection unit configured to detect the magnitude of the pedal force in the forward direction, wherein the detection unit is configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the magnitude of the pedal force, and wherein the pedal arm is rotatably mounted in both a forward direction and in the opposite reversing direction, and wherein a sensor is provided, wherein the sensor is configured to detect a reversing pedal force in the reversing direction, and wherein the sensor is further configured to generate a reversing brake signal based on the detected reversing pedal force.

[0011] The forward direction here refers to the pushing / pushing direction when the driver presses down the foot pedal.

[0012] The reverse direction is the opposite (pulling) direction.

[0013] According to the invention, it has been found that the driver's foot can accidentally become stuck between the accelerator pedal and the foot pedal, or even underneath the foot pedal. In such situations, to apply the brakes, the driver must remove their leg, place it back on the foot pedal, and then apply the brakes. This results in a considerable delay in brake application.

[0014] This is now solved by the pedal device according to the invention.

[0015] The pedal device according to the invention has a pedal arm which is rotatably mounted in both a forward direction (sliding direction) and an opposite reversing direction.

[0016] This allows the pedal arm to be moved in both directions, both away from the rider (forward direction) and towards the rider (reverse direction).

[0017] The pedal mechanism functions as a normal brake in the forward direction. Therefore, the brake works as usual in the forward direction.

[0018] The foot activates the brake by pressing down on the foot pedal in the forward direction. The harder it is pressed, the stronger the braking effect.

[0019] According to the invention, it has been found that if, for example, the foot is stuck under the foot pedal, brake activation in the forward direction is no longer possible.

[0020] According to the invention, a reversing brake signal can now be generated by the pedal device when the pedal arm is moved in a (reversing) direction opposite to the forward direction, i.e. the ordinary braking direction.

[0021] According to the invention, the pedal arm can be moved in the opposite direction by the pedal device. This allows the pedal arm to be lifted with the foot clamped under the foot pedal, which, for example, causes a sensor to be pressed.

[0022] The lifting action is registered by the sensor according to the invention, and it then generates the reverse braking signal. The sensor can also generate braking with minimal energy.

[0023] According to the invention, the reverse braking mode is triggered under two conditions: a) the pedal is moved in the opposite direction; b) the sensor is activated / pressed.

[0024] When the pedal is moved in the reverse direction, the pedal arm contacts or activates the sensor. This sensor can be a separate physical sensor, any other sensor capable of calculating or determining a reversal movement.

[0025] In the reverse direction, the sensor according to the invention requires only minimal force for activation. When this sensor is activated, the brakes are applied. When the braking mode is triggered, a control unit (or the brake actuator itself) receives the reverse braking signal based on the detected reversing movement.

[0026] The control unit then recognizes from the pedal force that the brake is needed. The control unit then sends a control signal to an actuator to initiate the braking action.

[0027] The signal's function at the control unit and actuator is similar to or equivalent to that of a normal braking process (pedaling forward). Therefore, a special brake control unit or actuator model is not required.

[0028] This allows the driver to operate the brake even if their foot is stuck between the pedals or under the foot pedal / pedal arm.

[0029] According to the invention, the pedal device can be used in critical pedal situations.

[0030] In one embodiment, the sensor is attached to or integrated into the pedal arm. This allows for easy installation of the sensor. Furthermore, the sensor can be installed without requiring any installation space. In addition, the sensor can be easily replaced in the event of a malfunction.

[0031] In another embodiment, the sensor is attached to the pedal housing and the pedal arm. This allows, for example, the use of a strain gauge that is triggered when the foot pedal is pressed upwards.

[0032] Such a design is very cost-effective. Other easily attachable sensors can also be used.

[0033] In another embodiment, the sensor is mounted in the pedal housing, for example, a built-in sensor. This means that the pedal device is designed so that a reversal (backward) movement of the pedal arm is detected by the built-in sensor in the housing itself.

[0034] For example, the sensor could be a displacement sensor, a potentiometer sensor, a proximity sensor, or a physical button. The physical button could be designed as a simple click button similar to a standard mouse button. This would require minimal force.

[0035] In another embodiment, the sensor is arranged in the detection unit, or the detection unit is configured as a sensor for detecting the reverse pedal force. This allows the detection unit to detect both a forward direction and a reverse direction.

[0036] In another embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate the reverse braking signal only after passing an initial reversal point in the reverse direction. This prevents the brakes from being triggered if the pedal unintentionally makes a slight reversal movement, for example, when the vehicle is traveling off-road and individual components are being jostled. This prevents accidental braking, which significantly improves safety.

[0037] In another embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate a stronger reversing brake signal than the amount of reversing pedal force applied after passing the first reversing point. This means that strong braking can be triggered even in the case of a slight intentional reversing movement (backward movement).

[0038] This takes into account that the driver cannot apply as much force during a reversing movement.

[0039] In another embodiment, the sensor is configured to generate an emergency reversal braking signal when a second reversal point is passed. This second point is located in the reversal direction after the first point. This allows emergency braking to be initiated even if the foot is under the foot pedal / pedal arm.

[0040] This significantly contributes to road safety. The distance between the first and second turning points can be very short, making emergency braking easy. This takes into account that the driver cannot apply as much force when reversing.

[0041] In another embodiment, the pedal arm has a stop point in the reversal direction, up to which a reversal movement is possible. This stop point ensures that the pedal arm cannot be pushed upwards as far as desired. This prevents damage to the rotating mechanism in the pedal housing.

[0042] In another embodiment, the sensor is designed as a force sensor. In particular, the sensor is designed as or includes a strain gauge. This enables a cost-effective pedal device.

[0043] The task is further solved by a vehicle with a pedal device as described above.

[0044] Such a vehicle according to the invention with the pedal device contributes to improved road safety.

[0045] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the embodiment shown in the drawings.

[0046] The figures show: Fig. 1: a pedal device in accordance with the state of the art, Fig. 2: a pedal device for a vehicle according to the invention, Fig. 3: a further pedal device for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. Figure 1 shows a pedal device 100 according to the prior art. This device has a pedal housing 102 and a pedal arm 103, which is rotatably attached at its first end about a pivot axis AX in the pedal housing 102.

[0048] Furthermore, a foot pedal 101 is arranged at the second end of the pedal arm 103, so that the pedal arm 103 pivots in a forward direction about the axis of rotation AX in response to an actuation of the foot pedal 101 with a pedal force.

[0049] Furthermore, there is a detection unit 104. The detection unit 104 is configured to detect the magnitude of the pedal force in the forward direction, and the detection unit 104 is further configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the magnitude of the forward pedal force.

[0050] The driver's foot may accidentally become trapped between the accelerator pedal and the foot pedal 101 / pedal arm 103, or underneath the foot pedal / pedal arm. In such situations, to apply the brakes, the driver must remove their leg, place it back on the foot pedal 101, and then apply the brakes. This results in a considerable delay in brake application.

[0051] This delay can cause accidents or other dangerous traffic situations.

[0052] This is now solved by the pedal device according to the invention.

[0053] Fig. Figure 2 shows a pedal device 1 for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0054] This has a pedal housing 3 and a pedal arm 2, which is rotatably attached at its first end about a pivot axis AX in the pedal housing 3.

[0055] Furthermore, a foot pedal 4 is arranged at the second end of the pedal arm 2, so that the pedal arm 2 pivots in a forward direction about the axis of rotation AX in response to an actuation of the foot pedal 4 with a pedal force.

[0056] Furthermore, there is a detection unit 5. Detection unit 5 is configured to detect the level of pedal force in the forward direction.

[0057] The detection unit 5 is further configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the amount of pedal force in the forward direction.

[0058] Furthermore, the pedal arm 2 is rotatably mounted around the axis of rotation AX in both a forward direction and in the opposite reversal direction.

[0059] A sensor 6 is provided, wherein the sensor 6 is configured to detect a reversing pedal force in the reversing direction.

[0060] When pedal arm 2 is moved in the reverse direction, it contacts sensor 6. This means that the rider is pushing against pedal arm 2 from below, causing it to be pushed upwards. This activates sensor 6.

[0061] This sensor 6 can be a separate physical sensor or any sensor capable of calculating the reversal movement. Here, sensor 6 is attached to the pedal housing 3 and the pedal arm 2.

[0062] Furthermore, the sensor 6 can be mounted in the pedal housing 3, for example, as a built-in sensor. This means that the pedal device 1 is designed such that a reversal (backward) movement of the pedal arm 2 is determined by the built-in sensor in the pedal housing 3 in the same way as the forward direction is detected.

[0063] Here, sensor 6 can be designed, for example, as a displacement sensor, a potentiometer sensor, a proximity sensor, or a physical button. The physical button can be designed as a simple click button similar to a standard mouse button. This requires minimal force.

[0064] If a physical button is used, it should preferably be small, similar to a click button used on Aurino boards, etc. This allows minimal force to be required to activate the button.

[0065] This takes into account that less force can be applied in the reverse direction than in the forward direction.

[0066] Therefore, sensor 6 requires minimal force to activate.

[0067] If sensor 6 detects a reversing pedal force in the reverse direction, sensor 6 generates a reversing brake signal based on the detected reversing pedal force.

[0068] When the reverse braking mode is triggered, the control unit 5 receives the signal that the brake is needed, then the control unit 5 sends a control signal to an actuator to perform the braking.

[0069] The function of the signal at control unit 5 and the actuator is similar to or equivalent to that during a normal braking process (pedal forward pushing).

[0070] The reverse braking mode is triggered under two conditions: a) the pedal is moved in the opposite direction; b) The sensor is activated / pressed and generates the reverse braking signal based on the detected reverse pedal force.

[0071] Therefore, the reversing brake signal can now be generated by the pedal device 1 when the foot pedal 4 / pedal arm 2 is moved in a (reversing) direction opposite to the forward direction, i.e. the ordinary braking direction.

[0072] This way the driver can operate the brake even if the foot is stuck between the pedals or under the foot pedal 4 / pedal arm 2.

[0073] Preferably, the brake is an emergency brake.

[0074] Fig. Figure 3 shows a pedal device 1a for a vehicle according to the invention.

[0075] The pedal device 1a comprises the pedal housing 3 and the pedal arm 2, which is rotatably attached at its first end about the axis of rotation AX in the pedal housing 3.

[0076] Furthermore, the foot pedal 4 is arranged at the second end of the pedal arm 2, so that the pedal arm 2 pivots in a forward direction around the axis of rotation AX in response to an actuation of the foot pedal 4 with a forward pedal force.

[0077] Furthermore, there is the detection unit 5. The detection unit 5 is configured to detect the magnitude of the forward pedal force in the forward direction.

[0078] Furthermore, the pedal arm 2 is rotatably mounted around the axis of rotation AX in both a forward direction and in the opposite reversal direction.

[0079] Sensor 6 is provided, and sensor 6 is configured to detect a reverse pedal force in the reverse direction. When pedal arm 2 is moved in the reverse direction, pedal arm 2 collides with sensor 6.

[0080] Sensor 6 is configured to generate the reversing brake signal only after passing a first reversing point F1 in the reversing direction. This prevents braking from being triggered if pedal arm 2 unintentionally performs a slight reversing movement, for example, when the vehicle is traveling off-road and individual components are jolted back and forth.

[0081] Sensor 6 then generates a stronger reversing brake signal than the amount of reversing pedal force.

[0082] This means that strong braking can be triggered even in the case of a slight, intentional reversal (backward movement) (higher than at the first reversal point F1). This takes into account that the driver cannot apply as much force during a reversal.

[0083] Furthermore, sensor 6 generates an emergency reversal brake signal when a second reversal point F2 is passed. This allows emergency braking to be initiated even if the foot is under pedal arm 2.

[0084] There can only be a small distance between the first reversal point F1 and the second reversal point F2, so that an emergency stop can be easily triggered.

[0085] This contributes significantly to road safety.

[0086] Therefore, sensor 6 requires minimal force to activate.

[0087] When the braking mode is triggered, control unit 5 receives the signal or emergency reverse brake signal indicating that braking is required. Control unit 5 then sends the control signal to an actuator to perform the braking action.

[0088] The function of the signal at control unit 5 and the actuator is similar to or equivalent to that during a normal braking process (pedal forward pushing). REFERENCE MARK LIST 100 pedal device 101 Foot pedal 102 Pedal housings 103 Pedal arm 104 Detection unit 1, 1a Pedal device 2 pedal arm 3 pedal housings 4 foot pedal 5 detection unit 6 Sensor F1 first turning point F2 second turning point AX rotary axis 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] DE 112021004622 T5

[0005] US 10976766B2

[0006]

Claims

[1] Pedal device (1, 1a) for a vehicle, the pedal device (1, 1a) comprising: a pedal housing (3), a pedal arm (2) which is rotatably mounted at its first end about a rotation axis (AX) in the pedal housing (3) and has a foot pedal (4) at its second end, so that the pedal arm (2) pivots about the rotation axis (AX) in response to an actuation of the foot pedal (4) with a pedal force in a forward direction, and a detection unit (5) which is configured to detect the magnitude of the pedal force in the forward direction, wherein the detection unit (5) is configured to generate a forward braking signal corresponding to the magnitude of the pedal force, characterized by , that the pedal arm (2) is rotatably mounted in both a forward direction and an opposite reversing direction, and wherein a sensor (6) is provided, wherein the sensor (6) is configured to detect a reversing pedal force in the reversing direction, wherein the sensor (6) is further configured to generate a reversing brake signal based on the detected reversing pedal force. [2] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor (6) is attached to the pedal arm (2). [3] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor (6) is attached to the pedal housing (3) and the pedal arm (2). [4] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 1, characterized by that the sensor (6) is fixed in the pedal housing (3). [5] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 4, characterized by that the sensor (6) is arranged in the detection unit (5) or the detection unit (5) is configured as a sensor (6) for detecting the reversing pedal force. [6] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor (6) is configured to generate the reversing brake signal only after passing a first reversing point (F1) in the reversing direction. [7] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 6, characterized by that the sensor (6) is configured to generate a stronger reversing brake signal than the level of the reversing pedal force after passing the first reversing point (F1). [8] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by that the sensor (6) is configured to generate an emergency reversing brake signal when a second reversing point (F2) is passed. [9] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pedal arm (2) has a stop point in the reversing direction up to which a reversing movement is possible. [10] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sensor (6) is designed as a force sensor. [11] Pedal device (1, 1a) according to claim 10, characterized by that the sensor (6) is constructed as a strain gauge or comprises such a strain gauge. [12] Vehicle with a pedal device (1, 1a) according to one of the preceding claims.

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