Pedal device

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal device comprising: a housing (2); a pedal (3); a spring means (4) which is connected to the housing (2) and to the pedal (3) and counter to the spring force of which the pedal (3) can be moved in an axial direction (x) relative to the housing (2); and a position-detection device (5) which can detect a current axial position of the pedal (3) and can provide at least one position signal (S) that characterises said position, the spring means (4) comprising one or more flat springs (9, 10) which are oriented transversely to the axial direction (x), are penetrated by the pedal (3), and resiliently support said pedal on the housing (2) in the axial direction (x).

Description

[0001] BOGE Elastmetall GmbH 1

[0002] Description

[0003] Pedal device

[0004] The invention relates to a pedal device comprising a housing, a pedal, a spring means connected to the housing and to the pedal, against the spring force of which the pedal is movable in an axial direction relative to the housing, and a position detection device by means of which a current axial position of the pedal, in particular relative to the housing, can be detected and at least one position signal characterizing this position can be provided.

[0005] DE 198 36 691 A1 discloses a pedal device for electrically actuated motor vehicle brakes, comprising a pedal body that is translationally movable in the actuation direction and is subject to the force of a spring acting as a return means that counteracts the actuation direction and preferably has a linear characteristic. The pedal body has a contact means that converts at least one linearly increasing actuation travel increment into progressively increasing spring travel increments and imprints them on the adjacent spring. A cam with a defined, non-linear cam contour is provided as the contact means. At the foot-side end, the pedal body comprises a thickened cap, to which a shaft is connected, the end of which is acted upon by a return spring.The disadvantage of this solution is the long actuation travel, which isn't functionally necessary in a brake-by-wire system but generally serves to simulate the actuation behavior of a hydraulic braking system. It also generates a relatively high level of friction.

[0006] Based on this, the invention is based in particular on the object of creating a low-friction pedal device with a short actuation path.

[0007] This object is achieved according to the invention with a pedal device according to claim 1. Preferred developments of the invention are given in the subclaims and in the following description.

[0008] A pedal device comprising a housing, a pedal, a spring means connected to the housing and to the pedal, against the spring force of which the pedal can be moved in an axial direction relative to the housing, and a position detection device, by means of which a current axial position of the pedal, in particular relative to the housing, can be detected and at least one position signal characterizing this position can be provided, is further developed according to the invention in particular in that the spring means comprises one or more, in particular flat, oriented transversely to the axial direction, penetrated by the pedal and resiliently connected to the

[0009] The housing is supported by flat springs. The spring means according to the invention enables a comparatively short pedal travel, so that the pedal device can also be constructed relatively short overall. In particular, the pedal travel is only a few millimeters. For example, the spring travel, in particular the maximum and / or free travel, of the spring means and / or the pedal travel is 3 mm, 5 mm, or 3 mm to 5 mm.

[0010] A preferably axial position of the pedal, which occurs when the pedal device is not actuated, is referred to in particular as the pedal rest position. In particular, the pedal is movable in the axial direction relative to the housing, counter to the spring force of the spring means, from the or a pedal rest position. Advantageously, the spring means is elastically deformable in the axial direction, in particular by axial actuation of the pedal.

[0011] Preferably, the current axial position of the pedal relative to the housing can be detected by means of the position detection device. The position signal characterizes, in particular, this position of the pedal and / or a current axial stroke of the pedal relative to the or a pedal rest position. The position signal is preferably an electrical signal.

[0012] The pedal device is preferably assigned a longitudinal axis extending in the axial direction. In particular, the longitudinal axis runs centrally through the pedal and / or centrally through the spring means and / or centrally through the housing. Preferably, an axial actuating force acting on the pedal along the longitudinal axis does not result in any torque acting on the pedal, particularly with respect to the housing. A direction extending transversely to the axial direction and / or transversely to the longitudinal axis is referred to in particular as a radial direction. Preferably, a direction extending around the longitudinal axis is referred to as a circumferential direction.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the pedal has an actuating section, preferably arranged outside the housing, in particular at the end, and a preferably rod-shaped guide section extending away from the housing, in particular in the axial direction. Each flat spring is preferably penetrated by the guide section. In particular, each flat spring is penetrated by the pedal in that it is penetrated by the guide section of the pedal. The guide section preferably runs in the axial direction, preferably straight. In particular, the longitudinal axis runs centrally through the guide section. The actuating section is made of, for example, plastic and / or metal. In particular, the actuating section forms a rigid body. The guide section is made of, for example, plastic and / or metal. In particular, the guide section forms a rigid body.For example, the guide section is cylindrical, in particular at least in some areas, and / or the guide section has, for example, a cylindrical outer circumferential surface. Advantageously, the actuating section is rigidly connected to the guide section. Preferably, the actuating section has, in particular at least in some areas, larger dimensions transverse to the axial direction than the guide section. Preferably, the actuating section is plate-shaped, in particular at least in some areas. For example, the actuating section is or comprises a pedal plate. Advantageously, the actuating section and / or the pedal plate is provided on a preferably free end of the pedal, in particular facing away from the housing. In particular, a pedal cap, which is preferably made of an elastomer, is seated on the actuating section and / or the pedal plate.The pedal cap advantageously covers a side or end face of the actuating section and / or the pedal plate facing away from the housing and / or the guide section. The pedal is made of plastic and / or metal, for example. In particular, the pedal forms a rigid body.

[0014] The housing preferably has an axial end region on the pedal side and / or the actuating section side, in which, in particular, a pedal through-hole is provided, through which the pedal and / or the guide section extends, preferably into the housing. In particular, the housing has, at its axial end region on the pedal side and / or the actuating section side, a housing cover that delimits the pedal through-hole. The pedal cap preferably engages below the actuating section and / or the pedal plate with a buffer region that is arranged, in particular in the axial direction, between the actuating section or the pedal plate and the axial end region on the pedal side or the actuating section side or the housing cover. Advantageously, the buffer region extends around the guide section, and / or the buffer region has, for example, a plurality of buffer region sections arranged around the guide section.The buffer area serves, in particular, as an end stop and / or to support the pedal when a torque acts on it, which can occur particularly with asymmetrical pedal actuation, so that, for example, tilting of the pedal can be prevented by the buffer area. Alternatively, a buffer serving as an end stop can also be provided, for example, at an axial end of the guide section facing away from the actuation section and / or at a housing base axially opposite this end.

[0015] The pedal cap preferably has a collar portion that protrudes toward the housing and surrounds and / or encircles the axial end region of the housing on the pedal side and / or the actuating section side. The collar portion also serves, for example, to support the pedal when a torque and / or a transverse force acts on it.

[0016] The spring means is preferably arranged in the housing. Preferably, the pedal and / or the guide section are guided by the spring means for movement in the axial direction, in particular on or in the housing. For example, the mobility of the pedal and / or the guide section, in particular by the spring means, is limited to only one dimension, preferably relative to the housing. This dimension is given or defined in particular by the axial direction and / or the longitudinal axis.

[0017] The number of flat springs is preferably two or at least two. In particular, each flat spring is flat. The flat springs are preferably of identical construction. Advantageously, each flat spring lies or runs, particularly in the non-tensioned state, in a flat spring plane that is preferably aligned or runs transversely to the axial direction. Each flat spring is preferably made of metal, in particular spring steel. Alternatively, each flat spring is made of plastic, for example. Each flat spring preferably has a central through-hole through which, in particular, the pedal and / or its guide section extends.

[0018] In particular, each flat spring is penetrated by the pedal, with the pedal and / or the guide section extending through its central through-hole. For example, each flat spring forms a spring washer.

[0019] Each flat spring preferably has at least one outer flat spring region, in particular facing away from the pedal and / or the guide section and / or facing the housing, which is in particular a radially outer flat spring region. Each flat spring is preferably fastened to or in the housing on its outer circumference and / or with its outer flat spring region. Each flat spring preferably has at least one inner flat spring region, in particular facing the pedal and / or the guide section and / or facing away from the housing, which is in particular a radially inner flat spring region. Each flat spring is preferably fastened to the pedal and / or the guide section on its inner circumference and / or with its inner flat spring region. For example, the inner flat spring region of each flat spring is penetrated by the pedal and / or the guide section.

[0020] The flat springs are preferably connected in parallel. Preferably, the pedal and / or the guide section are connected to the housing via the or a parallel connection of the flat springs, in particular resiliently. Advantageously, the pedal and / or the guide section are movable in the axial direction relative to the housing against the spring force of the or a parallel connection of the flat springs, in particular starting from the or a pedal rest position.

[0021] The flat springs are preferably arranged one behind the other in the axial direction and at a distance from one another. This allows, in particular, axial guidance of the pedal and / or the guide section to be achieved by the spring means.

[0022] Each flat spring preferably has a plurality of, in particular three or at least three, spring webs which are spaced apart and / or separate from one another preferably in the circumferential direction, in particular at least in regions, and which are arranged in particular around the pedal and / or the guide section, preferably evenly distributed. Advantageously, the spring webs of each flat spring extend or run, in particular transversely to the axial direction, between the pedal or guide section and the housing and / or from the pedal or guide section to the housing. The spring webs are also referred to, for example, as spring leaves. In particular, the spring webs of each flat spring extend or run in its or the respective flat spring plane.Preferably, the pedal and / or the guide section are resiliently supported on the housing by means of or with the interposition of the spring bars, preferably at a distance, in particular radial, from the pedal and / or the guide section, in particular in the axial direction. As a result, the pedal, for example, is resiliently supported on the housing, in particular by means of the flat springs, preferably in the axial direction.

[0023] Each spring bar preferably has an outer and / or free spring bar end, in particular facing away from the pedal and / or the guide section and / or facing the housing, which is in particular a radially outer spring bar end. In particular, the outer flat spring region of each flat spring comprises its outer and / or free spring bar ends. For example, each flat spring is fastened to or in the housing with its outer and / or free spring bar ends. Advantageously, each spring bar has an inner spring bar end, in particular facing away from the pedal and / or the guide section and / or facing away from the housing, which is in particular a radially inner spring bar end. In particular, the inner flat spring region of each flat spring comprises its inner spring bar ends. For example, each flat spring is fastened to the pedal and / or the guide section with its inner spring bar ends.

[0024] Preferably, several, for example three or at least three, axially through mounting holes are provided in each flat spring. Preferably, one of the mounting holes is provided in each outer and / or free spring web end of each flat spring. Advantageously, several, for example three or at least three, mounting elements are provided, which in particular pass through the mounting holes or engage in them. Preferably, the number of mounting elements corresponds to the number of mounting holes per flat spring. Preferably, the spring means is fastened to the housing by means of the mounting elements. In particular, the spring means is fastened to a housing wall of the housing by means of the mounting elements. Each mounting element is in particular pin-shaped and / or bolt-shaped and / or screw-shaped.

[0025] Preferably, one or more spacer elements are arranged between two adjacent flat springs, by means of which the flat springs are or will be held at an axial distance from each other. Preferably, one or more, in particular additional, spacer elements are arranged between the spring means and the housing or the or a housing wall of the housing, by means of which the spring means is held at an axial distance from the housing and / or the

[0026] Housing wall is or will be held. Each spacer element is designed in particular as a sleeve and is preferably pushed onto one of the mounting elements. In particular, each spacer element designed as a sleeve is referred to as a spacer sleeve. Preferably, the spacer sleeves, in particular each, have a larger diameter and / or larger dimensions transverse to the axial direction than the respective mounting hole(s). The housing wall is, for example, the housing top or a housing base or the housing bottom.

[0027] Each flat spring preferably has an outer frame, in particular one that is firmly connected to its spring bars and / or to its outer and / or free spring bar ends. For example, the outer flat spring region of each flat spring encompasses or forms its outer frame, or vice versa. The spring bars of each flat spring preferably extend from its outer frame towards the pedal and / or guide section. The outer frame of each flat spring is in particular annular or a ring and / or is also referred to, for example, as an outer ring. Each flat spring is preferably fastened to the housing, in particular at its outer circumference and / or with its outer frame.Advantageously, each flat spring engages, in particular at its outer circumference and / or on the outer circumference side and / or with its outer flat spring region and / or with its outer and / or free spring web ends and / or with its outer frame, in one or at least one groove provided on the inner circumference of the housing, which is preferably an annular groove. Each flat spring and / or the outer frame of each flat spring and / or the outer flat spring region of each flat spring preferably has a round and / or circular outer circumference contour.

[0028] Each flat spring preferably has an inner frame, in particular one that is firmly connected to its spring bars and / or to its inner spring bar ends. For example, the inner flat spring region of each flat spring encompasses or forms its inner frame, or vice versa. The inner frame of each flat spring delimits, in particular, its central through-hole. Advantageously, the inner frame surrounds or encircles the pedal and / or the guide section. In particular, the pedal and / or the guide section extends through the inner frame. For example, the inner frame of each flat spring is penetrated by the pedal and / or the guide section. Preferably, the spring bars of each flat spring extend from their inner frame towards the housing and / or towards the respective outer frame. Advantageously, the spring bars are arranged around the inner frame, preferably evenly distributed.The inner frame of each flat spring is in particular annular or a ring and / or is also referred to, for example, as an inner ring. Advantageously, each flat spring sits firmly with its inner frame on or on the pedal and / or guide section, in particular penetrating the latter. Preferably, each flat spring is fastened to the pedal and / or the guide section, in particular at its inner circumference and / or with its inner frame. Advantageously, each flat spring engages, in particular at its inner circumference and / or on the inner circumference side and / or with its inner flat spring region and / or with its inner spring web ends and / or with its inner frame, in one or at least one groove provided on the outer circumference of the pedal and / or the guide section, which groove is preferably an annular groove. Each flat spring and / or the inner frame of each flat spring and / or the inner flat spring region of each flat spring preferably has a round and / or circular inner circumferential contour.

[0029] Advantageously, each flat spring and / or the inner frame of each flat spring and / or the inner flat spring region of each flat spring is provided with one or more, preferably window-like, particularly axial, openings. Such openings can be used, for example, to influence the stiffness of the flat springs. Preferably, the outer and / or free spring bar end of each spring bar faces away from its inner frame and / or its inner flat spring region.

[0030] The outer frame of each flat spring preferably surrounds or encircles its inner frame, advantageously at a distance, in particular a radial distance. The spring bars of each flat spring preferably extend from its inner frame and / or its inner flat spring region and / or from the pedal and / or from the guide section to its outer frame and / or to the housing. For example, the spring bars of each flat spring extend from its inner frame and / or its inner flat spring region and / or from the pedal and / or from the guide section toward the housing.

[0031] Preferably, each spring bar or each spring bar of each flat spring is or runs, in particular within its flat spring plane, for example once or multiple times, angled and / or bent and / or curved. Preferably, each spring bar or each spring bar of each flat spring is or runs, in particular within its flat spring plane, bent back and forth and / or S-shaped. With spring bars shaped in this way, in particular a linear behavior and / or a linear characteristic curve can be achieved. Alternatively, for example, each spring bar or each spring bar of each flat spring runs straight, in particular within its flat spring plane, preferably transversely to the axial direction. With such straight spring bars, for example, a progressive behavior and / or a progressive characteristic curve can be achieved.

[0032] The housing is preferably cylindrical, in particular at least in some areas. For example, the housing is cup-shaped. The housing is made, for example, of plastic and / or metal. For example, the housing comprises a preferably cylindrical sleeve, which is in particular a metal sleeve. Each flat spring is preferably seated on or in the sleeve of the housing. Advantageously, each flat spring is fastened to or in the sleeve of the housing, in particular on the outer circumference and / or with one or at least one or its outer flat spring region and / or with its outer and / or free spring web ends. The sleeve of the housing ensures, in particular, that the flat springs are permanently and firmly seated. The pedal and / or the guide section is preferably arranged in the sleeve of the housing and / or immersed in the sleeve of the housing, in particular at least in some areas.Preferably, the housing sleeve surrounds the pedal and / or a portion of the pedal and / or the flat springs. The aforementioned portion is, in particular, the guide portion. The housing sleeve is made of steel or aluminum, for example.

[0033] Preferably, each flat spring is attached to the sleeve of the housing at its outer circumference and / or with its outer frame. In particular, each flat spring engages, advantageously at its outer circumference and / or on the outer circumference side and / or with one or at least one of its outer flat spring regions and / or with its outer and / or free spring web ends and / or with its outer frame, in one or at least one groove provided on the inner circumference of the sleeve of the housing, which is preferably an annular groove. The groove or grooves provided on the inner circumference of the sleeve of the housing are, in particular, the groove or grooves provided on the inner circumference of the housing. Advantageously, the housing comprises, in particular in addition to the sleeve or its sleeve, at least one, preferably another, housing region, which is made in particular of plastic, wherein this housing region is preferably firmly connected to the sleeve of the housing.Preferably, the housing region and / or the housing comprises a plurality of housing parts that are firmly connected to one another, for example, by fastening means. In particular, the housing forms a rigid body.

[0034] The position detection device, which is also referred to as a position sensor, preferably comprises at least one sensor, such as at least one Hall sensor and / or at least one inductive sensor. Preferably, the at least one sensor is provided on the housing and / or is fixed relative thereto. For example, the position detection device comprises at least one magnet attached to the pedal and / or the guide section and at least one Hall sensor attached to the housing.

[0035] According to a further development, a control device is provided, preferably connected to the position detection device, by means of which at least one, preferably actuatable and / or controllable, vehicle component can be controlled as a function of the position signal. The vehicle component is or comprises, for example, a vehicle brake. The pedal is, in particular, a brake pedal. The control device comprises, for example, an analog computer or a digital computer. The pedal device is preferably provided for a vehicle, which is, in particular, a motor vehicle.

[0036] The invention will now be described with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings: Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a pedal device according to a first embodiment,

[0037] Fig. 2 is a plan view of one of the flat springs shown in Fig. 1 or Fig. 3,

[0038] Fig. 3 is a schematic sectional view of a pedal device according to a second embodiment,

[0039] Fig. 4 is a schematic sectional view of a pedal device according to a third embodiment and

[0040] Fig. 5 is a plan view of one of the flat springs shown in Fig. 4.

[0041] Fig. 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a pedal device 1 according to a first embodiment, which comprises a housing 2, a pedal 3, a spring means 4 connected to the housing 2 and to the pedal 3, against the spring force of which the pedal 3 can be moved in an axial direction x relative to the housing 2, and a position detection device 5, by means of which a current axial position of the pedal 3 relative to the housing 2 can be detected and at least one position signal S characterizing this position can be provided. The pedal 3 has an actuating section 6, in particular a plate-shaped actuating section 6, arranged outside the housing 2, and a guide section 7, in particular a rod-shaped actuating section, extending away from the latter in the axial direction x. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 is assigned a longitudinal axis 8 extending in the axial direction x, in particular running centrally through the guide section 7.A direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as a radial direction. Furthermore, a direction extending around the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as the circumferential direction u.

[0042] The spring means 4 comprises several, in particular two, flat flat springs 9 and 10, which are oriented transversely to the axial direction x, penetrated by the pedal 3 and resiliently supported in the axial direction on the housing 2, which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction x and at a distance from one another. The flat springs 9 and 10 are preferably identically constructed and each extend in a flat spring plane, wherein the flat spring plane of the flat spring 9 is designated E1 and the flat spring plane of the flat spring 10 is designated E2. Each flat spring plane extends, in particular, transversely to the axial direction x.

[0043] A first of the flat springs 9 is shown in plan view in Fig. 2 and comprises an inner ring 11, an outer ring 12 surrounding the inner ring 11, and several, in particular three, spring bars 13 arranged around the inner ring 11, which extend from the inner ring 11 to the outer ring 12 and are firmly connected to both the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12. The spring bars 13 are evenly distributed around the inner ring 11 and are each particularly S-shaped. The flat spring 10 is preferably constructed accordingly.

[0044] Each flat spring is firmly seated on the guide section 7 with its inner ring 11, and preferably engages with its inner ring 11 into an annular groove 14 provided on the outer circumference of the guide section 7. Furthermore, each flat spring is fastened to the housing 2 with its outer ring 12, and preferably engages with its outer ring 12 into an annular groove 15 provided on the inner circumference of the housing 2.

[0045] Fig. 3 shows a schematic sectional view of a pedal device 1 according to a second embodiment, wherein features identical or similar to the first embodiment are designated by the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment. The pedal device 1 according to the second embodiment has a housing 2, a pedal 3, a spring means 4 connected to the housing 2 and to the pedal 3, against the spring force of which the pedal 3 can be moved in an axial direction x relative to the housing 2, and a position detection device 5, by means of which a current axial position of the pedal 3 relative to the housing 2 can be detected and at least one position signal S characterizing this position can be provided.The pedal 3 has an end-side actuating section 6, in particular a plate-shaped actuating section 6, arranged outside the housing 2, and a guide section 7, in particular a rod-shaped actuating section 7, extending away from the latter in the axial direction x. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 is assigned a longitudinal axis 8 extending in the axial direction x, in particular running centrally through the guide section 7. A direction running transversely to the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as a radial direction. Furthermore, a direction running around the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as a circumferential direction u.

[0046] The housing 2 comprises a first housing part 16 made of plastic, a second housing part 17 made of plastic and a metal sleeve 18 sitting in the first housing part 16. The two housing parts 16 and 17 are firmly connected to one another by fastening means 19, such as screws, and in doing so fix the metal sleeve 18 between them.

[0047] The spring means 4 comprises several, in particular two, flat flat springs 9 and 10, which are oriented transversely to the axial direction x, penetrated by the pedal 3 and resiliently supported in the axial direction on the housing 2, which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction x and at a distance from one another. The flat springs 9 and 10 are seated in the metal sleeve 18 of the housing 2. The flat springs 9 and 10 are preferably identically constructed and each extend in a flat spring plane, wherein the flat spring plane of the flat spring 9 is designated E1 and the flat spring plane of the flat spring 10 is designated E2. Each flat spring plane extends in particular transversely to the axial direction x.

[0048] The flat springs according to the second embodiment are designed correspondingly to the flat springs according to the first embodiment, so that for the description of the flat springs reference is made in particular to Fig. 2.

[0049] The flat spring 9 is shown in a plan view in Fig. 2 and comprises an inner ring 11, an outer ring 12 surrounding the inner ring 11, and several, in particular three, spring bars 13 arranged around the inner ring 11, which extend from the inner ring 11 to the outer ring 12 and are firmly connected to both the inner ring 11 and the outer ring 12. The spring bars 13 are evenly distributed around the inner ring 11 and are each particularly S-shaped. The flat spring 10 is preferably constructed accordingly.

[0050] Each flat spring sits firmly with its inner ring 11 on the guide section 7 and, for this purpose, engages with its inner ring 11 preferably in an annular groove 14 provided on the outer circumference of the guide section 7. Furthermore, each flat spring is fastened with its outer ring 12 to the metal sleeve 18 of the housing 2 and, for this purpose, engages with its outer ring 12 preferably in an annular groove 15 provided on the inner circumference of the metal sleeve 18. A pedal cap 20 is seated on the actuating section 6, covering a side of the actuating section 6 facing away from the housing 2 and preferably made of an elastomer. The pedal cap 20 preferably engages below the actuating section 6 with a buffer region 21, which is arranged in the axial direction x between the actuating section 6 and a housing cover 22, which is provided on a pedal-side axial end region 23 of the housing 2 and delimits a pedal through-hole 24 through which the guide section 7 extends.Advantageously, the pedal cap 20 further comprises a collar portion 25 projecting in the direction of the housing 2 and surrounding the pedal-side axial end region 23 of the housing 2.

[0051] Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of a pedal device 1 according to a third embodiment, wherein features identical or similar to the previous embodiments are designated by the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments.The pedal device 1 according to the third embodiment comprises a housing 2, a pedal 3, a spring means 4 connected to the housing 2 and to the pedal 3, against the spring force of which the pedal 3 can be moved in an axial direction x relative to the housing 2, and a position detection device 5, by means of which a current axial position of the pedal 3 relative to the housing 2 can be detected and at least one position signal S characterizing this position can be provided. The pedal 3 has an end-side actuating section 6, in particular a plate-shaped actuating section 6, arranged outside the housing 2, and a guide section 7, in particular a rod-shaped actuating section, extending away from the latter in the axial direction x. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 is assigned a longitudinal axis 8 extending in the axial direction x, in particular running centrally through the guide section 7.A direction extending transversely to the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as a radial direction. Furthermore, a direction extending around the longitudinal axis 8 is referred to in particular as the circumferential direction u.

[0052] The spring means 4 comprises several, in particular two, flat flat springs 9 and 10, which are oriented transversely to the axial direction x, penetrated by the pedal 3 and resiliently supported in the axial direction on the housing 2, which are arranged one behind the other in the axial direction x and at a distance from one another. The flat springs 9 and 10 are preferably identically constructed and each extend in a flat spring plane, wherein the flat spring plane of the flat spring 9 is designated E1 and the flat spring plane of the flat spring 10 is designated E2. Each flat spring plane extends, in particular, transversely to the axial direction x.

[0053] The flat spring 9 is shown in a plan view in Fig. 5 and has an inner ring 11 and several, in particular three, spring bars 13 arranged around the inner ring 11, which are firmly connected to the inner ring 11 and extend from there towards the housing 2. The spring bars 13 are arranged evenly distributed around the inner ring 11 and are each particularly S-shaped. Furthermore, each spring bar 13 has a free spring bar end 26 facing away from the inner ring 11, in which free spring bar end 26, in particular an axially through-passage mounting hole 27 is provided. Furthermore, the inner ring 11 is preferably provided with several axial openings 34. The flat spring 10 is preferably constructed accordingly.

[0054] Each flat spring sits firmly on the guide section 7 with its inner ring 11 and, for this purpose, preferably engages with its inner ring 11 in an annular groove 14 provided on the outer circumference of the guide section 7. Furthermore, a plurality of pin-shaped mounting elements 28 are provided which penetrate the mounting holes 27 and by means of which the spring means 4 is fastened to the housing 2. A spacer sleeve 29 is preferably pushed onto each mounting element 28, which is arranged between the two flat springs 9 and 10 and keeps them at a distance from one another. Advantageously, an additional spacer sleeve 30 is pushed onto each mounting element 28, which is arranged between a housing base 31 and the lower flat spring 10 and keeps this and thus the spring means 4 at a distance from the housing base 31.

[0055] Preferably, a buffer 32, preferably made of elastomer, is provided on the housing base 31. Said buffer 32 is axially opposite an axial end 33 of the guide section 7 facing away from the actuating section 6 and serves in particular as an axial end stop for the pedal 3. Alternatively, the buffer 32 can also be provided, for example, at the axial end 33 of the guide section 7.

[0056] List of reference symbols

[0057] 1 pedal device

[0058] 2 housings

[0059] 3 Pedal

[0060] 4 spring means

[0061] 5 Position detection device

[0062] 6 Operating section

[0063] 7 Guide section

[0064] 8 Longitudinal axis

[0065] 9 flat spring

[0066] 10 flat springs

[0067] 11 Inner ring

[0068] 12 Outer ring

[0069] 13 spring bar

[0070] 14 Ring groove

[0071] 15 ring groove

[0072] 16 first housing part

[0073] 17 second housing part

[0074] 18 metal sleeve

[0075] 19 Fasteners

[0076] 20 pedal cap

[0077] 21 Buffer area 22 Housing ceiling

[0078] 23 axial end area of ​​the housing

[0079] 24 pedal through hole

[0080] 25 collar section

[0081] 26 spring bar ends

[0082] 27 mounting hole

[0083] 28 Mounting element

[0084] 29 Spacer sleeve

[0085] 30 spacer sleeve

[0086] 31 Case back

[0087] 32 buffers

[0088] 33 axial end

[0089] 34 Breakthrough

[0090] E1 flat spring plane

[0091] E2 flat spring plane

[0092] S Position signal u Circumferential direction

[0093] X axial direction

Claims

Claims 1. Pedal device with a housing (2), a pedal (3), a spring means (4) connected to the housing (2) and to the pedal (3), against the spring force of which the pedal (3) can be moved in an axial direction (x) relative to the housing (2), and a position detection device (5) by means of which a current axial position of the pedal (3) can be detected and at least one position signal (S) characterizing this position can be provided, characterized in that the spring means (4) comprises one or more flat springs (9, 10) oriented transversely to the axial direction (x), penetrated by the pedal (3) and resiliently supporting the latter on the housing (2) in the axial direction (x).

2. Pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the pedal (3) has an actuating section (6) arranged outside the housing (2) and a guide section (6) extending away from the latter in the axial direction (x), each flat spring (9, 10) being penetrated by said guide section.

3. Pedal device according to claim 2, characterized in that a pedal cap (20) is seated on the actuating section (6), which covers a side of the actuating section (6) facing away from the housing (2) and engages underneath it with a buffer area (21) which extends in the axial direction (x) between the Actuating section (6) and a pedal-side axial end region (23) of the housing (2).

4. Pedal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pedal (3) is connected to the housing (2) via a parallel connection of the flat springs (9, 10).

5. Pedal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flat springs (9, 10) are arranged one behind the other and at a distance from one another in the axial direction (x).

6. Pedal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each flat spring (9, 10) has a plurality of spring webs (13) arranged around the pedal (3), by means of which the pedal (3) is resiliently supported on the housing (2) in the axial direction (x).

7. Pedal device according to claim 6, characterized in that each flat spring (9, 10) has an inner ring (11) which is firmly connected to its spring webs (13) and penetrated by the pedal (3), with which it is fastened to the pedal (3).

8. Pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that each flat spring (9, 10) has a spring element which is firmly connected to its spring bars (13) and Inner ring (11) surrounding outer ring (12) with which it is fastened to the housing (2).

9. Pedal device according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that each flat spring (9, 10) is fastened to the housing (2) by the outer ends of its spring webs (13).

10. Pedal device according to one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that each spring bar (13) is S-shaped.

11. Pedal device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing (2) comprises a metal sleeve (18) surrounding a portion (7) of the pedal (3), to which each flat spring (9, 10) is fastened with at least one outer flat spring region.

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