PEDAL WITH ADJUSTABLE ROTARY BRAKE

Description

[0001] The innovative concept described herein relates to a pedal, particularly for bicycles. According to the invention, the pedal has an adjustable rotation brake, which allows the force required to rotate the pedal to be adjusted. This allows the pedal to be adjusted as desired so that it rotates either with resistance or with ease.

[0002] Pedals are typically used on vehicles powered by a crankset, meaning the driving force is transferred via the crankset to the driven wheel(s) by means of a chain drive, belt drive, or similar mechanism. The pedals enable the rider to transfer power to the crankset while providing a stable footing.

[0003] This type of drive is used particularly in two-wheeled vehicles. This includes unmotorized bicycles as well as bicycles with motor assistance, such as so-called pedelecs or e-bikes. However, multi-track vehicles, such as tricycles or quadricycles, are also sometimes equipped with a crank drive.

[0004] The pedals are screwed into the crank. For this purpose, the pedals have an axle with a threaded connection on the vehicle side, allowing the pedal to be screwed into a corresponding threaded connection in the crank. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on this axle, ensuring that the pedal remains horizontal when the crank is turned, providing the rider with a horizontal contact surface and thus enabling continuous pedaling.

[0005] On the other hand, this also means that the pedal can rotate freely at any time when attached to the crank. This can be undesirable in some applications. For example, in BMX or mountain biking, pedal rotation is undesirable in certain situations, such as during jumps. In slopestyle, a discipline where the athlete performs high jumps over ramps, it can easily happen that the athlete's shoe lifts off the pedal's contact surface. This is especially true when tricks are incorporated during the airtime. If contact between the shoe and pedal is lost, the pedal can rotate freely. This makes it difficult for the rider to precisely land on the rotating pedal and avoid a fall.

[0006] To prevent unwanted pedal rotation, pedals are available that feature an O-ring and a plain bearing, which exerts high friction on the pedal axle, making the pedal harder to turn. However, these plastic plain bearings are subject to significant wear, especially from pedaling during normal riding. Furthermore, a pedal that creates significant resistance while pedaling, particularly uphill, is highly undesirable, as the high friction forces require additional effort from the rider.

[0007] WO 89 / 04791 A1 describes a bicycle pedal assembly with a brake. The pedal assembly comprises a pedal spindle, a pedal body rotatably mounted on the pedal spindle, and a brake assembly. The brake assembly includes a brake arm with a brake tongue for engaging the pedal axle. The brake arm is selectively positioned between a first position, in which the brake tongue engages the pedal axle to limit the rotation of the pedal body, and a second position, in which the brake tongue is disengaged from the pedal axle. The brake arm is spring-loaded into the first position. A foot pad for user operation may be provided on the brake arm, and a pedal spindle insert may be positioned above the pedal spindle to engage with the brake arm.In an alternative embodiment, the brake assembly comprises a resistance ring located on the pedal spindle, a spring that prevents the resistance ring from rotating on the pedal spindle, and a pawl located on the pedal body to engage with the resistance ring and limit the relative backward rotation of the pedal body on the pedal spindle.

[0008] It would therefore be desirable to improve existing pedals in such a way that they largely prevent unwanted rotation of the pedal (e.g. during jumps), while at the same time allowing desired rotation of the pedal (e.g. when riding uphill), and simultaneously exhibit high durability.

[0009] Therefore, a pedal with the features according to claim 1 is proposed. Further embodiments and advantageous aspects of this pedal are mentioned in the respective dependent claims.

[0010] The pedal according to the invention comprises a pedal body and a pedal axle that extends at least partially through the pedal body. The pedal body is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle. According to the invention, the pedal has an adjustable rotation brake that exerts an adjustable braking force on the pedal axle during rotation of the pedal body in order to slow the rotation of the pedal body compared to an unbraked rotation. This makes it possible to adjust the braking force acting on the pedal axle as needed. For example, a slopestyle rider, i.e., an athlete who performs jumps and tricks with their bicycle, can increase the braking force before a descent so that the pedals are difficult or impossible to turn.A cross-country or marathon rider, on the other hand, can reduce the braking force before an uphill climb so that the pedals can be turned very easily and with almost no resistance, in order to have as little friction loss as possible when pedaling.

[0011] According to the invention, the rotary brake is integrated into the pedal body, i.e., installed within the pedal body. This protects the rotary brake from dust and dirt. Alternatively or additionally, the rotary brake can be actuated from the outside by means of an actuating device arranged in the pedal body, in order to adjust the braking force of the rotary brake. This allows for easy operation and accessibility of the rotary brake integrated into the pedal from the outside, so that the rotary brake can be actuated without having to remove it from the pedal.

[0012] According to the invention, the actuating element is designed in the form of a threaded pin that is screwed into a thread provided in the pedal body. An axial end of the threaded pin projecting into the pedal body can be in contact with the rotary brake and thereby exert a force on the rotary brake. This is a simple way of acting the rotary brake externally, particularly when it is integrated into the pedal. The screw can be a setscrew that is screwed into the pedal body from above. As the screw is tightened, it penetrates deeper into the pedal body and exerts increasing pressure on the rotary brake, which thus exerts an increasingly greater braking force on the pedal axle. The opposite occurs when the screw is loosened.

[0013] According to another conceivable embodiment, the rotary brake can have a friction element that is in contact with a part of the pedal axle in order to exert the braking force on the pedal axle in the form of a frictional force. The friction element can preferably be made of a material that achieves a high frictional force against the material of the pedal axle; that is, the friction element pairing between the pedal axle and the friction element should have the highest possible coefficient of friction µ. Pedal axles are generally made of aluminum or titanium. The rotary brake according to the invention can be made of plastic. The rotary brake can, for example, be made of a material that is also used for the manufacture of plain bearing bushings.

[0014] According to another conceivable embodiment, the rotary brake can be designed in the form of a shaft sleeve arranged around the pedal axle. Alternatively or additionally, the shaft sleeve can have a slot extending transversely to the circumferential direction, defining a gap of variable width around the circumference of the shaft sleeve. The shaft sleeve can thus be slotted, meaning it can have a transverse slot and is therefore open or split in the area of ​​the slot. This slot thus separates the shaft sleeve, so that it is not completely closed. The slot, in effect, defines a gap, and the width of the slot accordingly defines the gap width. For example, the shaft sleeve can have a ring shape, with the ring having a slot at one point, and being open or split at this point.The ring is split open, so that it is not completely closed. At this opening or slit, the annular shaft sleeve can be pulled apart, increasing the gap width and consequently the inner radius of the shaft sleeve. Conversely, the shaft sleeve can be compressed at this opening or slit, reducing the gap width and consequently the inner radius of the shaft sleeve.

[0015] According to another conceivable embodiment, the shaft sleeve can exert a clamping force on the pedal axle, the magnitude of which can be varied by adjusting the gap width. As mentioned earlier, the gap width can be varied by widening or compressing the shaft sleeve. This is similar to the operating principle of a pre-tensioned clamp or clamp. The slotted shaft sleeve essentially clamps the pedal axle between itself, exerting a clamping force on the axle. If, as described above, the gap width is reduced (e.g., by compressing the shaft sleeve), the clamping force increases accordingly. An increase in the clamping force also increases the frictional force exerted on the pedal axle, and consequently, the braking force increases, causing the pedal to rotate more slowly or with greater difficulty.If, however, the gap width increases as described above (e.g., due to the shaft sleeve being pulled apart or loosened), then the clamping force is reduced accordingly. A reduction in clamping force also decreases the frictional force exerted on the pedal axle, and consequently, the braking force is reduced, causing the pedal to turn faster or more easily.

[0016] This design of the shaft sleeve has another important advantage: the bearing play of the pedal axle can also be adjusted by varying the gap width. Due to wear, the pedal axle can develop increasingly large radial play, meaning the axle begins to wobble within the pedal body. This radial play can be compensated for by adjusting the rotation brake, i.e., by increasing the clamping force. The rotation brake thus also serves as an adjustable bearing. Accordingly, the rotation brake can be designed to adjust or compensate for radial play by varying the clamping force.

[0017] According to another conceivable embodiment, the rotary brake can have a projection extending radially outwards from the circumference of the shaft sleeve, wherein the projection and the actuating means are aligned with each other such that a force can be exerted on the projection by means of the actuating means in order to vary the gap width in the shaft sleeve and thereby adjust the braking force acting on the pedal axle. Preferably, the shaft sleeve can have such a projection in the area of ​​the slot, i.e., where the slot divides the shaft sleeve and forms two (opposite) open ends of the shaft sleeve, this projection can be provided at one open end of the shaft sleeve. This projection forms a kind of tab by means of which the slot in the shaft sleeve can be compressed to reduce the gap width. Likewise, a [missing information] can be provided on this projection.The slot in the shaft sleeve can be pulled apart at this tab to increase the gap width.

[0018] According to another conceivable embodiment, the projection can have a recess into which the actuating element engages. This creates a positive-locking connection between the actuating element and the projection, so that the actuating element is positively locked and thus securely connected to the projection. This prevents the actuating element from slipping off the projection.

[0019] According to another conceivable embodiment, a recess can be provided in the pedal body into which the projection of the shaft sleeve can be inserted. The recess in the pedal body can have a contour that is complementary to the contour of the projection on the shaft sleeve. This ensures that the shaft sleeve, including the projection, can be fitted into the pedal body. Furthermore, a positive-locking connection can be established between the pedal body and the shaft sleeve. Alternatively or additionally, the recess in the pedal body can be slightly larger than the projection, allowing the projection to move freely within the recess. That is, the contour of the recess in the pedal body can be somewhat larger than the contour of the projection on the shaft sleeve. This ensures that the projection can move within the pedal body (e.g., up and down), thus allowing the gap width to be varied.

[0020] According to another conceivable embodiment, the rotary brake can be arranged in the area of ​​the pedal body where the pedal axle exits. This allows easy access to the rotary brake, for example, for maintenance purposes. The pedal axle is removed from the pedal body at the point where it protrudes. Therefore, if the rotary brake is located at the very beginning of the pedal axle, it is immediately accessible when the axle is loosened. This means that the pedal axle only needs to be pulled out a short distance from the pedal body to access the rotary brake.

[0021] According to another conceivable embodiment, the braking force can be continuously adjustable. Furthermore, the braking force can be freely adjustable between 0% and 100%. This means the rotary brake can be fully engaged (braking force = 100%), for example, by almost closing the gap. In this case, the rotary brake exerts its maximum braking force. However, the rotary brake can also be fully disengaged, for example, by only loosely resting on the pedal axle, so that no perceptible braking force acts on the pedal axle.

[0022] Some exemplary embodiments are shown in the drawing and are explained below. They show: Fig. 1 a schematic perspective view of a pedal according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 a semi-transparent view of the pedal in a perspective view according to an embodiment, Fig. 3 an enlarged section of the pedal to visualize the rotary brake according to the invention according to an embodiment, Fig. 4 a schematic sectional view of the rotary brake according to the invention in a frontal view, and Fig. 5 a schematic longitudinal section through the pedal axis.

[0023] The following are examples of embodiments described in more detail with reference to the figures, whereby elements with the same or similar function are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0024] The pedal according to the invention is described using the example of a bicycle pedal, in particular a so-called platform pedal, also known as a flat pedal. However, all descriptions given herein also apply to other pedal types, such as clipless pedals. Furthermore, the description contained in this document applies to pedals regardless of the type of vehicle on which they are mounted. For example, the present invention relates to pedals mounted on unmotorized bicycles as well as pedals mounted on motorized bicycles, such as e-bikes, pedelecs, and the like.

[0025] Figure 1Figure 100 shows a perspective view of a pedal. This is a bicycle pedal, specifically a platform pedal, also known as a flat pedal. The pedal 100 has a pedal body 110 with a first platform 111 and an opposing second platform 112. The rider stands with their shoe on one of these platforms 111 or 112 while pedaling.

[0026] The pedal body 110 has an actuating means 180 which, according to the invention, is provided or integrated into one of the contact surfaces 111, 112. The actuating means 180 serves to actuate a rotary brake according to the invention, as described in more detail below with reference to the following figures. The rotary brake is integrated into the pedal body 110, which is why it is located in the Figure 1 is not visible in the displayed view.

[0027] The pedal 100 also has a pedal axle 120 that extends at least partially through the pedal body 110. This is shown in the semi-transparent view in Figure 2 more clearly recognizable. The pedal axle 120 can be inserted into the pedal body 110 through an insertion opening 130 provided in the pedal body 110. In the embodiment shown here, the pedal axle 120 extends to approximately the middle of the pedal body 110, or up to 2 / 3 of its length. In other embodiments (not explicitly shown here), the pedal axle 120 can extend almost completely through the pedal body 110, i.e., to just below the side 140 of the pedal body 110 opposite the insertion opening 130.

[0028] The pedal body 110 is rotatably mounted on the pedal axle 120. This can be achieved, for example, by means of suitable bearings 150, 160. These are primarily radial bearings that limit the radial play of the pedal axle 120.

[0029] For example, a first radial bearing 160, for instance in the form of a plain bearing, can be provided in a rear axle section, i.e. in the area near the insertion opening 130. This can be a sliding bushing arranged around the pedal axle 120.

[0030] In a front axle section, i.e., in a section of the pedal axle 120 located away from the insertion opening 130, a second radial bearing 150 can be provided. This can, for example, be a ball bearing 151, preferably a deep groove ball bearing, arranged on the pedal axle 120. As shown in Figure 2While the illustration is purely illustrative, a second ball bearing 152 can also be arranged on the pedal axle 120. Instead of the first and / or second ball bearing 151, 152, a plain bearing, for example in the form of a sliding bushing, can also be provided here.

[0031] According to the invention, the pedal 100 also has an adjustable rotary brake 170. The rotary brake 170 is shown in the enlarged illustration according to Figure 3 more clearly recognizable.

[0032] The rotary brake 170 is designed to exert an adjustable braking force on the pedal axle 120 during rotation of the pedal body 110, thus slowing down the rotation of the pedal body 110 compared to an unbraked rotation. In other words, the rotary brake 170 slows the rotation of the pedal 100. The braking force exerted by the rotary brake 170 on the pedal axle 120 is adjustable. This means that the rotation of the pedal 100 can be adjusted using the rotary brake 170 according to the invention. For example, a rider can adjust whether the pedal 100 rotates quickly and easily, or with difficulty and slowly.

[0033] Preferably, the braking force of the rotary brake 170 can be continuously adjusted between 0% and 100%. This means that the rotary brake 170 can be set so that it exerts virtually no perceptible braking force (braking force = 0%) on the pedal axle 120. As a result, the pedal body 110 can rotate freely on the pedal axle 120 with almost no further braking forces caused by the rotary brake 170, except for the frictional forces of the previously mentioned bearings 150 and 160. Conversely, the rotary brake 170 can also be set so that it exerts maximum braking force (braking force = 100%) on the pedal axle 120. In this case, the pedal 100 can be braked so strongly by the rotary brake 170 that the pedal body 110 can hardly rotate freely on the pedal axle 120. The braking force can preferably be continuously adjustable.

[0034] As it is in the Figure 2 and 3As can be seen, the rotary brake 170 is integrated into the pedal body 110 according to the invention. That is, the rotary brake 170 is installed inside the pedal body 110. According to the invention, the rotary brake 170 integrated into the pedal body 110 is actuated externally by means of an externally accessible actuating means 180. The actuating means 180 can be arranged on or in the pedal body 110.

[0035] The actuating device 180 in question is, according to the invention, a threaded pin, such as that found in Figure 3The actuating element 180 can, for example, be in the form of a setscrew that can be screwed into a corresponding bore in the pedal body 110. According to the invention, an axial end section 181 of the actuating element 180 or the threaded pin (e.g., setscrew) projecting into the pedal body comes into contact with the rotary brake 170 in order to exert a force on the rotary brake 170. This actuating force exerted on the rotary brake 170, e.g., in the form of a pressure force, causes the braking force that the rotary brake 170 exerts on the pedal axle 120. In other words, the rotary brake 170 converts the actuating force acting on it (by means of the actuating element 180) into the desired braking force to decelerate the pedal axle 120.

[0036] The actuation force and the braking force are correlated here; that is, the greater the actuation force exerted on the rotary brake 170, the greater the braking force that can be exerted on the pedal axle. Conversely, the lower the actuation force acting on the rotary brake 170, the lower the braking force acting on the pedal axle 120.

[0037] The rotary brake 170 can transmit the braking force to the pedal axle 120, for example, by means of a friction element, whereby the braking force is exerted on the pedal axle 120 in the form of a frictional force. For this purpose, the friction element can, for example, be in contact with a part of the pedal axle 120. The friction element and the pedal axle 120 thus form a friction element pairing. The friction element pairing should preferably have a high coefficient of friction µ in order to exert the greatest possible frictional force, and thus the greatest possible braking force, on the pedal axle 120 with moderate actuation forces. According to conceivable embodiments, the friction element can be made of a material that is also used for plain bearings or sliding bushings. For example, the friction element and the sliding bushing 160 can be made of the same material.

[0038] As in the Figure 3 and 4The most obvious example is that the rotary brake 170 can be designed, for instance, as a shaft sleeve arranged around the pedal axle 120. In this example, the shaft sleeve 170 forms the friction element mentioned earlier, which is in contact with the pedal axle 120.

[0039] The shaft sleeve 170 can have a slot 171 extending transversely to its circumferential direction, meaning that the shaft sleeve 170 is not completely closed. The slot 171 defines a gap with a variable gap width around the circumference of the shaft sleeve 170. Because of the slot 171, the shaft sleeve 170 becomes elastically deformable. For example, the radius or circumference of the shaft sleeve 170 can be reduced by the amount of the gap width of the slot 171 by compressing the shaft sleeve 170. Provided that the deformation of the shaft sleeve 170 is elastic, or remains elastic, the shaft sleeve 170 can also return to its original shape with its original radius.

[0040] As particularly in Figure 4As can be seen, the shaft sleeve 170 can exert a clamping force on the pedal axle 120. The magnitude of this clamping force can be varied by adjusting the gap width as described previously. For example, compressing the shaft sleeve 170 reduces its radius, thereby decreasing the gap width of the slot 171. Consequently, the clamping force exerted on the pedal axle 170 can be increased. When the compressed shaft sleeve 170 is released, its radius increases again, thus also increasing the gap width of the slot 171. Accordingly, the clamping force exerted on the pedal axle 120 decreases.

[0041] To generate the clamping force, the aforementioned actuating means 180 exerts an actuating force on the rotary brake 170. Advantageously, the rotary brake 170 can have a projection 172 that extends radially outwards from the circumference of the rotary brake 170. This projection 172 can be designed in the form of a tab projecting radially from the rotary brake 170.

[0042] The actuating means 180 can exert the actuating force on this projection 172. That is, the projection 172 and the actuating means 180 can be aligned with each other in such a way that the actuating force can be exerted on the projection 172 by means of the actuating means 180 in order to vary the gap width in the shaft sleeve 170 and thereby adjust the braking force acting on the pedal axle 120.

[0043] For example, the actuating element 180 can be guided inwards, i.e., into the pedal body 110, to exert an actuating force on the rotary brake 170. If, according to the invention, the actuating element 180 is a threaded pin (e.g., a setscrew), the actuating force on the projection 172 can be increased by screwing the threaded pin 180 inwards. This increases the clamping force with which the rotary brake 170 clamps the pedal axle 120. The coefficient of friction µ of the friction element pairing between the rotary brake 170 and the pedal axle 120 clamped therein partly determines the braking force that can be exerted on the pedal axle 120 via this friction element.

[0044] This means that the further the actuating element 180 is turned into the pedal body 110, the stronger the pressure it exerts on the projection 172. This causes the slotted shaft sleeve 170 to be compressed further, reducing the gap width and thereby increasing the clamping force on the pedal axle 120. This also increases the braking force acting on the pedal axle 120.

[0045] Conversely, if the actuating element 180 is turned out of the pedal body 110 in the opposite direction, it exerts less pressure on the projection 172. This pushes the slotted shaft sleeve 170 back into its original shape, increasing the gap width and thus reducing the clamping force on the pedal axle 120. This also reduces the braking force acting on the pedal axle 120.

[0046] As in Figure 3As can be seen, an indicator may be provided in the pedal body 110 to show an increase or decrease in braking force. This could, for example, be an indicator embossed or stamped into the pedal body 110. For instance, a "+" and a "-" could be embossed or stamped around the actuating element 180 to show the user in which direction to turn it to increase or decrease the braking force.

[0047] As in turn, in Figure 4As can be seen, the previously described projection 172 can have a recess 173 into which the actuating means 180 can engage. For this purpose, the recess 173 is preferably formed in a section of the projection 172 that is arranged opposite the actuating means 180. The recess 173 formed in the projection 172 and the actuating means 180 can each have a complementary geometric contour, so that the actuating means 180 can engage positively in the recess 173. This ensures that the actuating means 180 engages securely with the projection 172. Slippage of the actuating means 180 from the projection 172 is thus prevented. Furthermore, this ensures that the rotary brake 170 is secured against axial slippage along the pedal axis 120.

[0048] The pedal body 110 may have a recess into which the projection 172 of the rotary brake 170 can be inserted. This recess in the pedal body 110 is in Figure 4 This is illustrated by the contour line marked with reference numeral 190. The recess 190 has an excess compared to the projection 172, i.e., the recess 190 is larger than the projection 172 located within it. This creates a cavity in the recess 190 in which the projection 172 can move. Specifically, the projection 172 can thus perform a movement necessary to reduce or increase the gap width. Figure 3 This cavity can be seen in 191.

[0049] The Figure 3 and 5Figure 1 further shows optional components of the pedal 100 according to the invention. For example, a wave washer 200 can be arranged between the plain bearing 160 and the rotary brake 170. The wave washer 200 can, for example, be made of felt. The wave washer 200 can provide a sealing effect, for example, to keep abrasion from the plain bearing 160 away from the rotary brake 170 and / or to prevent the ingress of dirt, dust, and moisture. The wave washer 200 can therefore also be referred to as a dust seal.

[0050] In the area of ​​the insertion opening 130 of the pedal axle 120 into the pedal body 110, a further wave washer 210 can be provided to prevent dirt, dust, and moisture from reaching the rotary brake 170. This further wave washer 210 can, for example, be made of felt. The rotary brake 170 can be arranged between the two wave washer 200, 210. This not only protects the rotary brake 170 from dust, dirt, and moisture, but also secures it against axial slippage along the pedal axle 120.

[0051] Advantageously, the rotary brake 170 can be located in the area of ​​the pedal body 110 where the pedal axle 120 exits the pedal body 110. That is, the rotary brake 170 can be located in the area of ​​the insertion opening 130, or at an end of the pedal body 110 that, when installed, faces the vehicle, e.g., the crank arm of a bicycle. When the pedal axle 120 is removed from the pedal body 110, it only needs to be pulled out a short distance to provide direct access to the rotary brake 170. Therefore, the pedal axle 120 does not need to be completely removed to access the rotary brake 170, for example, for cleaning or maintenance purposes.

[0052] As in the Figure 3 and 5 As can be seen, the pedal axle 120 can have a circumferential collar 230. A cover 220 ( Figure 3The cover 220 can be positioned on the pedal axle 120, allowing the insertion opening 130 to be closed. The cover 220 provides additional protection against the ingress of dirt, dust, and moisture. The cover 220 can, for example, be screwed onto the pedal body 110. In this position, the cover 220 can be axially supported by the circumferential collar 230 of the pedal axle 120. This means that the cover 220 rests against the circumferential collar 230 and thereby secures the pedal axle 120 against axial slippage along its length. For example, the cover 220 can thus prevent the pedal axle 120 from slipping out of the pedal body 110.

[0053] Alternatively or additionally, the pedal axle 120 can have a circumferential collar 240 formed in the area of ​​the rotation brake 170. This circumferential collar 140 can have a geometric contour that engages with a complementary geometric contour in the rotation brake 170. More precisely, the rotation brake 170 can have such a complementary geometric contour on its inner circumferential side, i.e., on the side facing the pedal axle 120, which engages with the circumferential collar 240 of the pedal axle 120. Figure 5The figure shown is purely illustrative: a wedge-shaped contour, i.e., the circumferential collar 240 has a wedge shape, and the rotation brake 170 has a complementary wedge-shaped recess. However, it is equally conceivable that the two complementary geometric structures have a rectangular, triangular, round, or other geometric contour. These two complementary structures (collar 240 on the pedal axle 120 and recess in the rotation brake 170) can prevent axial slippage of the rotation brake 170 along the pedal axle 120.

[0054] Alternatively or in addition to the features described above, it is also conceivable that the pedal body 110 has at least one inclined base 111, 112. In this regard, reference should be made again to... Figure 1Reference is made to [reference to relevant section]. Some embodiments provide that the pedal body 110 has one (or two) outwardly sloping contact surfaces 111, 112. That is, the contact surfaces 111, 112 could have a wedge shape, with the contact surfaces 111, 112 sloping obliquely downwards (i.e., towards the respective opposite contact surface) from the exit side of the pedal axle 120 to the opposite end of the pedal body 110. In a state where the pedal 100 is mounted on the bicycle, the contact surfaces 111, 112 would thus slope outwards in a wedge shape. The wedge-shaped pedal 100 could have an outward sloping angle of 0.5° to 5°.

[0055] The embodiments described above merely illustrate the principles of the innovative concept described herein. It is understood that modifications and variations of the arrangements and details described herein will be obvious to other people skilled in the art. Therefore, it is intended that the concept described herein be limited only by the scope of protection set forth in the following patent claims and not by the specific details presented herein by way of description and explanation of the embodiments.

Claims

1. A pedal (100) comprising: a pedal body (110), a pedal axis (120) which extends at least partly through the pedal body (110), wherein the pedal body (110) is supported to be rotatable on the pedal axis (120), and an adjustable rotation brake (170) which, during rotation of the pedal body (110), exerts an adjustable braking force on the pedal axis (120) in order to brake the rotation of the pedal body (110) when compared to an unbraked rotation, wherein the rotation brake (170) is integrated in the pedal body (110), and wherein the rotation brake (170) is actuatable in a manner accessible from outside by means of actuating means (180) arranged in the pedal body (110) in order to thereby adjust the braking force of the rotation brake (170), characterized in that the actuating means (180) is configured in the form of a threaded pin which is screwed into a thread provided in the pedal body (110), and wherein an axial end (181) of the threaded pin (180) projecting into the pedal body (110) is in contact with the rotation brake (170) and exerts a force on the rotation brake (170).

2. The pedal (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation brake (170) has a friction body which is in contact with a part of the pedal axis (120) in order to exert the braking force on the pedal axis (120) in the form of a frictional force.

3. The pedal (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation brake (170) is configured in the form of a shaft sleeve which is arranged around the pedal axis (120), and wherein the shaft sleeve (170) has a slot (171) which is transverse with respect to the circumferential direction and which defines a gap with a variable gap width on the circumference of the shaft sleeve (170).

4. The pedal (100) according to claim 3, wherein the shaft sleeve (170) exerts a clamping force on the pedal axis (120), and wherein the amount of the clamping force is variable by a variation of the gap width.

5. The pedal (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the rotation brake (170) has a projection (172) which extends radially outwards from the circumference of the rotation brake (170), and wherein the projection (172) and the actuating means (180) are oriented with respect to each other such that a force can be exerted on the projection (172) by means of the actuating means (180) in order to thereby vary the gap width in the rotation brake (170) and thereby adjust the braking force acting on the pedal axis (120).

6. The pedal (100) according to claim 5, wherein the projection (172) has a recess (173) into which the actuating means (180) engages.

7. The pedal (100) according to any of claims 5 or 6, wherein a recess (190) is provided in the pedal body (110), into which the projection (172) of the rotation brake (170) can be inserted, and wherein the recess (190) has an oversize when compared to the projection (172) so that the projection (172) is arranged to be movable in the recess (190).

8. The pedal (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the rotation brake (170) is arranged on a side of the pedal body (110) on which the pedal axis (120) emerges from the pedal body (110).

9. The pedal (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the braking force is adjustable freely between 0% and 100%.

10. The pedal (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the braking force is adjustable continuously.