Pedal assembly for a motor vehicle

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal assembly (1) for a motor vehicle, in particular an accelerator or brake pedal, comprising a control element (2) and a base element (3) on which the control element (2) is movably held, wherein at least one sensor (4), in particular a pressure sensor or force sensor, is located between the control element (2) and the base element (3) to detect an actuating force (F) acting on the control element (2). B ) is arranged. It is provided that the base part (2) is held on a bracket (5) that can be attached to the motor vehicle, and that the bracket (5) has a device (6) for generating haptic feedback when a predefinable / predefined limit value is exceeded by the actuating force (F). B ) exhibits.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedal assembly for a motor vehicle, in particular an accelerator or brake pedal, comprising a control element and a base element on which the control element is movably held, wherein at least one sensor, in particular a pressure sensor or force sensor, is arranged between the control element and the base element for detecting an actuating force acting on the control element. State of the art

[0002] Pedal systems of the type mentioned above are already known from the prior art. Conventional accelerator or brake pedals in motor vehicles typically use a displacement-based detection method. This means that a specific pedal travel is assigned a corresponding driver request. The driver must overcome a certain resistance force to increase the pedal travel. More modern by-wire technology makes it possible to use other operating concepts for the motor vehicle. One possibility is force-based pedals, also called pads. These are characterized by their very small or even non-existent travel distance. This allows for particularly space-saving designs.

[0003] A pedal device of this type is known, for example, from DE 10 2014 103 167 A1, DE 10 2018 113 865 A1, DE 10 2019 004 525 A1 and DE 10 2022 205 088 A1. Disclosure of the invention

[0004] The pedal device according to the invention, with the features of claim 1, has the advantage that, when using a force-based pedal device, the driver receives haptic feedback despite the short or non-existent pedal travel, so that he intuitively perceives whether he has made a specific request by actuating the pedal device. For this purpose, the invention provides that the base part is held on a bracket that can be attached to the motor vehicle, and that the bracket has a device for generating haptic feedback from or at the control unit when a predefinable or predetermined limit value is exceeded by the actuating force.This device ensures that if the driver's operating force exceeds the limit, the pedal mechanism reacts mechanically, so that the driver intuitively perceives this reaction and recognizes that he has exceeded the limit and, for example, triggered a so-called kickdown.

[0005] Preferably, the device has a locking mechanism that holds the base part in a starting position and releases the locking mechanism when a limit value is exceeded. This means that the base part is normally held in the first position, the starting position. However, the locking mechanism that holds the base part in the starting position is releasable and is released when the limit value is exceeded.

[0006] Preferably, the locking device comprises at least one spring-loaded locking element that interacts with the base part. By overcoming the spring preload, the locking element can be removed from the movement path of the base part, so that when the actuating force overcomes the spring force, the locking device is released and the base part is moved towards the mounting, thus providing the driver with haptic feedback. Because the locking device advantageously interacts with the base part and not with the control unit, the applied actuating force can still be advantageously detected by the sensor associated with the control unit.

[0007] Preferably, the locking device comprises at least one detent ball and a tension spring that forces the detent ball into the path of movement of the base part. The ball detent advantageously holds the base part in the initial position, and it can be released from the detent by overcoming the spring force of the tension spring. The desired limit value can be achieved by adjusting the spring force of the tension spring.

[0008] Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the locking device has an interference fit between the holder and the base part. The interference fit also advantageously holds the base part in its initial position. Only when the driver increases the actuating force to such an extent that the interference fit, or rather the static friction of the interference fit, is overcome (which defines or sets the limit), does the friction-induced locking mechanism release and the base part move towards the holder, which the driver intuitively perceives as mechanical feedback.

[0009] Preferably, at least one return spring is arranged between the base part and the holder, which forces the base part into its initial position. This ensures that after the pedal assembly is actuated beyond its limit value, the pedal assembly automatically returns to its initial position, in which the base part is locked onto the holder in the initial position.

[0010] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the locking device preferably has a pressure chamber formed by the base part and the holder, into which the base part can be moved by the actuating force, and in which a pressure relief valve is associated with the pressure chamber, which opens as soon as a predetermined limit pressure is reached. The limit pressure is set according to the desired limit value. Because the base part can be moved into the pressure chamber, the pressure in the pressure chamber increases when the base part is moved towards the holder. This optionally ensures a short travel distance of the operating element with an actuating force below the limit value.If the resulting pressure in the pressure chamber exceeds the limit pressure, the pressure relief valve opens automatically and releases the pressure, causing a sudden reduction in pressure. This allows the base unit to move more quickly within its mount, providing the driver with mechanical feedback when the limit pressure is exceeded. Preferably, the limit pressure is adjusted to the desired threshold.

[0011] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device preferably comprises at least one controllable piezoelectric actuator, which is arranged between the base part and the holder and is configured to generate or reduce a counterforce opposing the actuating force, depending on the actuating force detected by the sensor. In this case, the haptic feedback is therefore not purely mechanical, but is provided by electrical control of the piezo actuator. Knowing the applied actuating force, which is detected by the sensor, the piezo actuator is advantageously controlled and can, for example, simulate the control element retracting, a tapping sound, or even a vibration at the control element.

[0012] Optionally, the device features a latch associated with the piezo actuator, which can be released by electrical control, thus preventing the piezo actuator from being continuously subjected to the actuation force. Specifically, the latch is only released when a limit value is exceeded. For example, the latch can be moved by actuating a linear actuator so that the force is suddenly transferred to the piezo actuator. Normally, however, the latch is firmly locked and transmits the forces directly to the mounting.

[0013] Optionally, the device features a controllable vibration motor positioned between the base unit and the control panel. This motor vibrates the control panel when a limit value is exceeded, providing haptic feedback to the driver, similar to the piezo actuator.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the device has a bistable spring element, in particular a disc spring, which is arranged between the base part and the holder and only reacts or is elastically deformable when the limit value is exceeded. The spring element thus only buckles when the limit value is exceeded and only then allows the base part to be moved towards the holder.

[0015] The spring element is designed such that as soon as the actuating force is released, the spring element moves the base part back to its starting position. Optionally, the return spring described above is also provided to facilitate the return to the starting position.

[0016] In addition to or as an alternative to the return spring, an electrically controlled actuator, in particular a motor, is preferably provided, by means of which the base part can be moved into its starting position.

[0017] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings. To this end, we show... Fig. 1 a first embodiment of an advantageous pedal device, Fig. 2 a second embodiment of the advantageous pedal device, Fig. 3 a third embodiment of the advantageous pedal device, Fig. 4 a fourth embodiment of the advantageous pedal device, Fig. 5 a fifth embodiment of the advantageous pedal device, Fig. 6 a sixth embodiment of the advantageous pedal arrangement, each in a simplified side view.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows a simplified side view of an advantageous pedal assembly 1 for a motor vehicle not shown in detail. The pedal assembly 1 has a control element 2, which can be operated by the driver of the motor vehicle with their foot and is held on a base part 3. The control element is preferably movable only slightly, i.e., 0 to a maximum of 5 mm, more particularly 0 to a maximum of 2 mm, and most preferably a maximum of 1 mm, relative to the base part 3. The control element 2 and the base part 3 are connected to each other by a sensor 4, in particular a pressure or force sensor. In particular, the force sensor is designed as a LIPS (Limited Induction Loop). When the driver operates the control element 2 by applying an actuating force F, the control element 2 is activated by a sensor 4. B , this is detected by sensor 4, depending on the strength of the actuating force F BA sensor signal is transmitted to a control unit 28, which can be part of the motor vehicle or part of the pedal assembly 1. The control unit 28 determines a driver request based on the detected sensor signal. If the pedal assembly 1 is used as an accelerator pedal or accelerator pedal, the control unit 28 determines a driving or acceleration request, respectively, depending on the amount of actuation force F. B If the pedal assembly 1 is used as a brake pedal, the control unit 28 determines the force applied to the actuation force F as a function of the force applied. B a braking or deceleration request from the driver. The pedal assembly 1 thus ensures force-dependent detection of a driver request with minimal movement of the control unit 2.

[0019] The base part 3 is arranged on a bracket 5, which has an advantageous device 6 for generating haptic feedback to the user of the pedal device 1. The device 6 is designed to, when a predefinable or predetermined limit value is exceeded by the actuating force F, B to trigger haptic feedback so that the user is informed that they have exceeded the limit. This is particularly intended to inform the user, via haptic feedback, of reaching or initiating a so-called kickdown, i.e., the maximum deceleration of the pedal assembly 1, comparable to the maximum deceleration of a conventional accelerator pedal.

[0020] According to the present embodiment of Fig. 1. The device 6 has a mechanical locking device 7. The locking device 7 preferably has at least one, preferably at least two or at least three spring-loaded locking elements 8 arranged evenly distributed around the circumference, of which in Fig. Only two are discernible, which lie in the path of movement of the base part 3 towards the holder 5. The base part 3 has a projection 9 that is inserted into a receiving opening 10 of the holder 5 and thus guides the base part 3 on the holder 5. A projection 9 can be inserted into the receiving opening 10 up to the detent elements 8. In this case, the detent elements 8 are detent balls 11, which are each forced into the path of movement of the projection 9 by a preload spring 12, so that the base part 3 cannot be inserted further into the receiving opening 10 until the preload force of the springs 12 and any frictional resistance of the detent balls 11 are overcome and the detent balls are moved against the force of the preload springs out of the path of movement of the projection 9 into designated receptacles 13 of the holder 5.The preload force of the preload springs 12 is selected such that the detent balls 11 only give way when the limit value is exceeded and allow the detent balls 11 to be pushed back.

[0021] If the user exceeds the operating force F B When the specified limit is exceeded, the locking mechanism of the locking device 7 releases, and the base part 3, together with the control unit 2, can be moved abruptly, for example, until the base part 3 rests on an end face of the bracket 5. This sudden reduction in the counterforce of the pedal assembly 1 thus automatically provides the driver or user with beneficial haptic feedback, informing them that they have exceeded the limit and, for example, requested a kickdown in the form of full braking or a full-throttle start.

[0022] Advantageously, a return spring 15 is also pre-tensioned between the base part 3, in particular the projection 9, and the holder 5, in particular a base 14 of the holder 5. This return spring forces the base part 3 back into the initial position defined by the locking device 7, in which the base part 3 is locked and held by the locking device 7, as soon as the user releases the actuating force from the control element 2. This ensures that after use or activation of the haptic feedback, the pedal assembly 1 is automatically returned to its initial position and can be actuated or activated again.

[0023] The following examples of implementation are explained below. Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5 to Fig. 6 differ in details from the embodiment of Fig. 1. From Fig. However, the previously mentioned elements are marked with the same reference symbols, so reference is made to the description above to avoid repetition. The following will focus primarily on the differences.

[0024] The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 2 differs from the preceding embodiments in that a pneumatically operated locking device 7 is provided instead of a purely mechanical locking device 7. Instead of the locking means 8, the holder 5 has a pressure relief valve 16. The pressure relief valve 16 is associated with a pressure chamber 17, which is formed between the base part 3 and the holder 5. The component 3 with the projection 9 can be inserted into the pressure chamber 17 in a gas-tight manner, so that when the base part 3 is moved into the receiving opening 10, pressure is generated in the pressure chamber 17. The pressure relief valve 16 is designed to maintain the pressure up to a predetermined limit and to open when the limit is exceeded, so that volume can escape from the pressure chamber 17 abruptly and the pressure in the pressure chamber 17 can thereby be reduced abruptly.The limiting pressure is adjusted to the desired limit value, so that when the actuating force F. B When the limit value is exceeded, the pressure relief valve 16 opens, allowing the base part 3 to shift abruptly towards the bottom 14 of the bracket 15. This also provides the driver or user with intuitively perceptible haptic feedback.

[0025] The exemplary embodiment of Fig. 3 differs from the preceding embodiments in that the locking device 7 is formed by an interference fit 18 between the base part 3 and the holder 5. The interference fit 18 secures the base part 3 to the holder, preventing it from slipping. For this purpose, the base part 3 has a projection that is pressed into the receiving opening 10, as shown, for example, in Fig. 2 shown in a similar manner, or the base part 3 has an annular projection which itself forms a receptacle into which the holder 5 is also pressed with an annular projection. A static friction then exists at the contact surfaces, which holds the base part 3 in its initial position until the actuating force F is applied. B The static friction is exceeded and sliding begins. To achieve a kickdown effect or the desired haptic feedback, the press fit is designed such that the static friction is preferably significantly greater than the sliding friction. Optionally, the press fit 18 has an additional friction element 21, which is attached to the base part 3 or to the holder 5 and is made, for example, of rubber or suede.

[0026] To return the base part 3 to its initial position after the locking mechanism between base part 3 and holder 5 has been triggered or released, the previously described return spring 15 is optionally provided. Alternatively, as described in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, a linear motor 22 is present, which is controlled, for example, by the control unit 28 to move the base part 3 back to its starting position.

[0027] Preferably, the press fit 18 is designed such that the sliding or friction surfaces interacting for the press fit only meet during the return movement when the base part 3 has already been moved a certain distance in the direction of travel, so that sufficient kinetic energy is already present to overcome the static friction of the press fit until the starting position is reached. Optionally, the contact surfaces of the press fit 18 have materials and / or surface structures that adhere in one direction of movement and slide in the opposite direction, or exhibit lower static friction (in particular, similar to a hook-and-loop fastener).

[0028] Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment which differs from the previous embodiments in that the locking device 7 is formed by an advantageous bistable spring element 23, in this case in the form of a disc spring. Fig. Figure 4 shows a section of the disc spring. The base part 3 is held in the starting position until the rigid spring element 23 is suddenly subjected to the actuating force F. B yields and thus clears the way, as it buckles or tips over. The spring element 23 is constructed in a manner similar to an overload spring. By releasing the actuating force F B The spring element 23 springs back into its original shape and thereby pushes the base part 3 back into its starting position.

[0029] Fig. Figure 5 shows a further embodiment that differs from the previous embodiments in that the haptic feedback is not generated purely mechanically. Instead, according to this embodiment, a piezoelectric actuator 24 is arranged between the base part 3 and the holder 5. The actuator 24 is also connected to the control unit 28 and sends an electrical signal to it depending on its load. If the control unit 28 detects that a predefined threshold has been exceeded, for example, because the user applies a maximum actuating force FB to the control unit 2, the control unit 28 controls the actuator 24 to retract quickly, thereby clearing the path for the control unit 2 and the base part 3, thus also simulating the achievement of kickdown.Alternatively, the control unit 28 controls the actuator 24 to suddenly and briefly increase the counterforce, so that a kind of knocking is exerted on the base part 3 and thus also on the control unit 2, which is recognizable to the driver as the achievement of the kickdown.

[0030] So that the actuator 24 is not permanently subjected to the actuating force F B For operation, a latch 25, which is also controllable and, in particular, displaceable by tension, is preferably provided, ensuring a mechanical locking mechanism. The latch 25 can, for example, be moved by actuating a linear actuator 27 so that the force transmission is suddenly transferred to the piezo actuator 24. In the nominal case, however, the latch 25 is fixed and transmits the forces directly to the holding device 5. Optionally, the piezo actuator 24 is arranged between the base part 3 and the operating part 2, in particular parallel to the sensor 4.

[0031] Fig. Figure 6 shows a further embodiment that differs from the preceding embodiments in that, instead of the piezoelectric actuator 24, a vibration motor 26 is arranged between the bracket 5 and the base part 3 or directly between the base part 3 and the control unit 2. The vibration motor 26, like the sensor 4, is advantageously connected to the control unit 28. In this case, the driver experiences the activation of the kickdown not through a sudden additional movement of the control unit 2, but through vibrations at the control unit. The vibration motor 26 is designed to vibrate the control unit 2 when activated, in order to generate the vibration. The control unit 28 activates the vibration motor 26 when the actuation force detected by the sensor exceeds the predefined limit.

[0032] Of course, the embodiments described above can also be combined with each other; for example, in addition to the spring element 23, a locking device 7 with the locking means 8 and / or an additional piezoelectric actuator 24 may also be present.

Claims

[1] Pedal assembly (1) for a motor vehicle comprising a control unit (2) and a base unit (3) on which the control unit (2) is movably held, wherein at least one sensor (4) for detecting an actuating force (F) acting on the control unit (2) is located between the control unit (2) and the base unit (3). B ) is arranged, characterized by , that the base part (3) is held on a bracket (5) that can be attached to the motor vehicle, and that the bracket (5) has a device (6) for generating haptic feedback when a predefinable / predetermined limit value is exceeded by the actuating force (F) B ) exhibits. [2] Pedal assembly according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (6) has a locking device (7) which holds the base part (3) locked in a starting position and releases the locking mechanism when the limit value is exceeded. [3] Pedal assembly according to claim 2, characterized bythat the locking device (7) has at least one spring-loaded locking element (8) that interacts with the base part (3). [4] Pedal assembly according to claim 3, characterized by , that the locking means (8) has at least one locking ball (11) and a tension spring (12) that pushes the locking ball (11) into the movement path of the base part (3). [5] Pedal assembly according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the locking device (7) has an interference fit (18) acting between the holder (5) and the base part (3). [6] Pedal assembly according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized by , that the locking device (7) has a pressure chamber (17) formed by the base part (3) and the holder (5), into which the base part (3) is inserted by the actuating force (F) B ) is movable into it, and that the pressure chamber (17) is assigned a pressure relief valve (16) that opens as soon as a predetermined limit pressure is reached. [7] Pedal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one return spring (15) is arranged between the base part (3) and the holder (5), which forces the base part (3) into the starting position. [8] Pedal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (6) has at least one controllable piezo actuator (24) which is arranged between the base part (3) and the holder (5) and is designed to actuate depending on the actuating force (F) detected by the sensor (4). B ) to generate or reduce a counterforce that opposes the actuating force. [9] Pedal device according to the preceding claim, characterized by , that the device (6) has a latch (25) associated with the piezo actuator (24) which can be released by electrical control. [10] Pedal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the device (6) has a controllable vibration motor (26) which is arranged between the base part (3) and the control unit (2) to vibrate the control unit (2) when the limit value is exceeded. [11] Pedal assembly according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the device (6) has a bistable spring element (23), in particular a disc spring, which is arranged between the base part (3) and the holder (5) and only reacts when the limit value is exceeded.

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