Pedal arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal arrangement (1) comprising a housing (2), a pedal element (3) that can be moved between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2), a return element (4) which forces the pedal element (3) into the first position (P1), in particular in the non-force-applied state, and a damping element (5), wherein a third position (P3) is provided in an end region (E) of an actuating path (B) of the pedal element (3), located between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2), wherein, as viewed along the actuation path (B), the pedal element (3) is coupled to the damping element (5) in the third position (P3), in particular resting against the damping element (5), wherein the damping element (5) has a spring element (6) that is elastically deformed when the pedal element (3) is moved from the third position (P3) in the direction of the second position (P2).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Field of the invention

[0004] The invention relates to a pedal arrangement.

[0005] State of the art

[0006] The present invention relates to a pedal assembly. The pedal assembly is particularly suitable for use in a vehicle, for example as an accelerator pedal and / or brake pedal and / or clutch pedal.

[0007] Brake pedals, in particular, are known from the prior art. These usually comprise a spring, usually a spiral spring or helical spring or the like. This spring is compressed when the brake pedal is depressed. The design of the spring can be used to adjust the pedal characteristics experienced by a vehicle driver when depressing the brake pedal. If a brake pedal device is to be used for different vehicle types, the spring must always be adapted to the corresponding vehicle-specific specifications.

[0008] In pedal assemblies that transmit the driver input mechanically (e.g. via a Bowden cable or a hydraulic assembly, etc.) to an associated actuator (e.g. clutch, brake, torque controller), the movement of a pedal element towards the end of its actuation travel can be dampened by increasing resistance of the mechanical coupling, resulting in a specific actuation characteristic known to the operator along the actuation travel, and a pedal element of the pedal assembly in its final position does not usually strike the housing of the pedal assembly. In addition to such mechanical pedal assemblies, so-called electric or electronic pedal assemblies are known, in which the position of a pedal element of the pedal assembly is detected, for example, by means of a sensor, and a sensor signal is transmitted to an evaluation unit. The actual actuator (e.g.a clutch, a brake or a torque controller) is then actuated depending on the sensor signal.

[0009] DE 20 2004 004 455 U1 discloses a pedal for a vehicle in which tension spring elements are arranged between a base plate element and a pedal element. These tension spring elements are connected to the base plate element by spring retaining elements and to the pedal element by additional spring retaining elements. The pedal position is determined by a sensor.

[0010] Disclosure of the invention

[0011] The invention is based on the finding that in pedal assemblies that no longer mechanically transmit or transmit the driver input to the associated actuator, but instead only transmit an electrical or electronic signal to a control unit, for example, depending on the angular position of the pedal, the damping factor known from mechanical pedal assemblies is missing. This can result in an unfamiliar actuation characteristic for a driver at the end of the actuation travel. Furthermore, a hard impact on a housing of the accelerator pedal assembly or a mount (e.g., a pedal bracket), etc., can occur, resulting in a loud noise.

[0012] There may therefore be a need to provide a pedal arrangement, in particular without a mechanical coupling to an actuator or with, for example, an electrical or electronic transmission of a pedal position, in which the actuation characteristics, in particular towards the end of the actuation travel or in an end region of the actuation travel, are similar to those of a pedal arrangement with a mechanical coupling (e.g., hydraulic or transmitted by means of cables or rods) to an actuator. In particular, there may be a need to prevent a hard stop on a housing or a receptacle of the pedal element at the end of the actuation travel.

[0013] Advantages of the Invention This need can be met by the subject matter of the present invention according to the independent claim. Advantageous embodiments of the present invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] According to a first aspect of the invention, a pedal arrangement is proposed.

[0015] The pedal arrangement comprises (or has) a housing, a pedal element displaceable between a first position and a second position, a return element which urges the pedal element into the first position, particularly when not subjected to force, and a damping element. A third position is provided in an end region of an actuation path of the pedal element, wherein the third position - viewed along the actuation path - is located between the first position and the second position. The pedal element, viewed along the actuation path, is coupled to the damping element in the third position. The damping element has a spring element which is elastically deformed upon a displacement of the pedal element from the third position towards the second position.

[0016] This advantageously ensures that the pedal element not only experiences mechanical resistance from the return element in the end region of the actuation travel, but that the damping element also imposes additional mechanical resistance on the pedal element from the third position onwards to the end position (the second position). This advantageously enables simple and low-resistance actuation of the pedal element at the beginning of the actuation travel (up to the third position) and at the same time creates an actuation characteristic in the end region of the actuation travel that is close to that of a mechanical pedal arrangement. Another advantage is that even with very forceful actuation of the pedal element, a hard stop at the end of the actuation travel (particularly when the second position is reached) is prevented or at least greatly reduced in its intensity.This prevents damage to the components of the pedal assembly and to a vehicle or device on which the pedal assembly is mounted. Furthermore, a loud impact noise (a bang) that could startle the operator is prevented. The fact that the damping element has a spring element makes it possible to provide a particularly small and compact damping element. In contrast to, for example, a design made from a solid material, e.g. from rubber (e.g. in the manner of a rubber buffer) or from another hyperelastic material (in particular from a plastic, e.g. from thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), thermoplastic styrene (TPS) or the like), the provision of a spring element can advantageously make the actuation characteristics particularly independent of temperature effects to a particularly large extent (e.g. in the temperature range between -40°C and +85°C or between -25°C and +50°C).Furthermore, the actuation characteristics can be essentially constant even over a long service life of several years or even more than a decade, and in particular the risk of embrittlement or softening of the materials can be advantageously reduced.

[0017] The deformation of the spring element when the pedal element is moved from the third position towards the second position (and up to the second position) can, for example, be elastically reversible.

[0018] The first position can, for example, represent a starting position. The second position can, for example, be an end position. The actuation path can, for example, run between the first position and the second position.

[0019] The end range of the actuation travel can, for example, lie between the third position and the second position. The end range can, for example, begin, starting from the second position, (i.e., the third position can lie) in a range of (at least) 3% and (at most) 35% of the actuation travel, preferably from 5% to 30% of the actuation travel, and particularly preferably from 8% to 20% of the actuation travel. For example, the third position can be at 25% of the actuation travel starting from the second position, the end range thus extending along the last 25% of the actuation travel. If the third position is at 20% of the actuation travel starting from the second position (or at 80% starting from the first position), then the end range is 20%. For example, the entire actuation travel (in angular degrees) from the first position to the second position can be 15°. The third position, in such an exemplary pedal arrangement, can, for example,starting from the first position, it can be reached after at least 11.5°, e.g. in a range from 11.5° to 13.5°. The end range therefore covers a range between 1.5° and 3.5°, e.g. it can be 1.5° or 2° or 2.5° or 3° or 3.5° (with a total actuation travel of 15° in this example). This advantageously provides a sufficiently long damping path to produce an actuation characteristic similar to a mechanical pedal arrangement and / or to prevent a hard stop (with a high impulse) of the pedal element at the end of the actuation travel (in the second position).

[0020] The spring element can be designed as a compression spring, for example.

[0021] For example, it can be provided that the pedal element rests against the damping element in the third position or comes into mechanical contact with the damping element.

[0022] Particularly advantageous is that the pedal element is not coupled to the damping element in the range from the first position to the third position. This advantageously enables particularly low-friction and low-force actuation of the pedal element. This enables, for example, quick and delay-free initiation of braking, etc.

[0023] The pedal element can be coupled to the return element, for example. It can be coupled to the return element along the entire actuation path, e.g., by being in mechanical contact. This advantageously enables particularly good control of the pedal element and / or provides reliable haptic feedback for the user.

[0024] For example, exactly one reset element can be provided. However, a plurality of reset elements can also be provided. The provision of multiple reset elements can improve the safety of the pedal arrangement (redundancy). A plurality of reset elements can, for example, be designed such that they act in parallel to one another.

[0025] The at least one return element can be designed, for example, as a spring element. It can be designed, for example, as a helical spring or spiral spring. If multiple return elements are provided, then, for example, multiple spring elements can be provided that act, for example, parallel to one another. If a plurality of spring elements are provided as return elements, then the spring elements can be arranged, for example, concentrically to one another or around one another, e.g., in the form of concentrically arranged helical springs.

[0026] It can be provided, for example, that the pedal element has a pedal element projection facing the damping element, which can couple with the damping element (e.g. can come into mechanical contact), in particular upon reaching the third position.

[0027] It can be provided, for example, that the spring element is deformed between the third position and the second position along a deformation length, wherein the deformation length is, for example, in the range from 1 mm to 7 mm, preferably in the range from 1.5 mm to 5 mm and particularly preferably in the range from 1.8 mm to 3.5 mm.

[0028] In this description, the terms exhibit and include are used synonymously unless otherwise indicated.

[0029] In a further development, it is provided that the spring element is selected from the group: a coil spring, a leaf spring, a disc spring, an evolute spring.

[0030] The coil spring design advantageously enables a particularly simple, cost-effective, and space-saving design of the damping element. A coil spring can, for example, be arranged concentrically with another coil spring of the return element.

[0031] The design as a leaf spring advantageously enables a particularly strong damping effect with or over a small distance.

[0032] The design as a disc spring advantageously enables a particularly long service life with a very constant spring action, so that the actuation characteristics change only slightly over the service life.

[0033] The design as an evolute spring advantageously enables a strong damping effect in a small space. Furthermore, the risk of the spring becoming jammed is reduced. For example, the spring element can be made of metal. The material of the spring element can comprise, for example, spring steel, preferably predominantly.

[0034] In a further development, the spring element has a linear characteristic. This advantageously results in a particularly predictable and pleasant actuation characteristic for the operator. Furthermore, the operating safety of the pedal arrangement is improved.

[0035] Alternatively, the spring element can be provided with a non-linear characteristic. This advantageously allows the operating characteristics to be particularly well adapted to those of a mechanical pedal arrangement.

[0036] For example, it can be designed so that the spring force increases disproportionately with increasing operating travel, starting from the third position to the second position. This effectively prevents a hard stop at the end of the operating travel. Another advantage is that the end of the operating travel is communicated to the operator in a particularly effective, tactile manner, similar to a mechanical accelerator pedal.

[0037] In a further development, the spring element is pre-tensioned.

[0038] This advantageously results in a particularly well-defined damping characteristic of the damping element, especially in the case of manufacturing tolerances of the damping element or spring element. Another advantage is that the damping effect can begin as soon as the pedal element reaches the third position (no need to first remove a "slack" from the system). Furthermore, differences in the actuation characteristics between different versions of the pedal assembly can be reduced or eliminated.

[0039] Another advantage is that this results in a defined discontinuity in the travel-force diagram of the pedal arrangement, which can provide a haptic signal to the operator that the end range of the actuation travel is beginning.

[0040] The term "preloaded" can be understood, for example, to mean that the spring element is not in its intrinsic rest position, but is already elastically (reversibly) deformed. The term "preloaded" refers in particular to a state in which the pedal element is not (yet) coupled to the damping element.

[0041] In a further development, it is provided that the damping element has a guide element, wherein the guide element has a stop element and a guide body, wherein the guide body has a first guide body end facing the stop element and a second guide body end facing away from the stop element, wherein the pedal element couples to the stop element in the third position, wherein the guide element is designed to bring about a linear movement of the damping element when the pedal element is displaced from the third position towards the second position.

[0042] This advantageously prevents tilting or lateral displacement of the damping element or spring element on the path of the pedal element from the third position to the second position, or reduces the risk of such tilting, particularly when the force acting on the damping element does not have a purely axial force component (acting perpendicularly to the damping element). This results in reproducible damping characteristics. Furthermore, this advantageously prevents jamming or mechanical contact between the damping element and the return element, or between the damping element and other parts of the pedal assembly, and also prevents the damping element from slipping off the pedal element or a pedal element projection.Furthermore, the actuation characteristic is thus independent of manufacturing tolerances regarding the point of impact of the pedal element on the damping element and of other mechanical and / or thermal influences (a tilting damping element can have a significantly different restoring force or deformation characteristic than a damping element deformed along a linear path). Finally, this advantageously prevents plastic deformation of the damping element, in particular of the spring element of the damping element (e.g., due to buckling of the spring element).

[0043] The guide body can be designed, for example, as a rod, a pin, or a pin. It can be designed, for example, as an elongated body (e.g., with an aspect ratio of at least 3:1 with respect to length and width). The stop element can be arranged, for example, at the first end of the guide body (at an end of the guide body facing the pedal element).

[0044] guide body).

[0045] The spring element can, for example, rotate around the guide body (e.g. as a spiral spring or helical spring or as an evolute spring).

[0046] The spring element can, for example, be supported at a first spring element end on the housing or on an element coupled to the housing. At its other, second spring element end, the spring element can, for example, be coupled to the stop element or be supported thereon.

[0047] The guide element can be mushroom-shaped, for example. It can also have a T-shaped cross-section, for example.

[0048] The guide body and the stop element can be formed as a single piece, for example. They can be manufactured in the same production process, e.g., as an injection-molded part or as a stamped and bent part.

[0049] In a further development, it is provided that the pedal arrangement has a shaft which is coupled to the housing, wherein the guide body is received in the shaft and is guided by means of a shaft wall.

[0050] This advantageously ensures particularly safe and reliable guidance of the guide element or guide body, while also ensuring linear movement of the guide element. Tilting of the guide element is also advantageously prevented. This advantageously results in particularly reproducible damping characteristics.

[0051] The shaft can, for example, be sleeve-shaped, in particular elongated. The shaft can, for example, tightly enclose the guide body (e.g., distance between shaft wall and guide body in the range of 0.01 mm to 1 mm, preferably 0.03 mm to 0.3 mm). The shaft can, for example, have a shaft length that corresponds to at least 25% of the guide body length, preferably at least 35% of the guide body length. This advantageously provides particularly good protection against jamming and / or tilting of the guide body.

[0052] The shaft, especially the sleeve-shaped one, can be coupled to the housing directly or indirectly. It can be coupled to the housing (directly or indirectly) in a way that prevents it from moving relative to the housing.

[0053] In a further development, it is provided that the shaft has a first opening at a first end and a second opening at a second end, wherein the guide body projects through the first opening and the second opening, wherein the guide body at the second guide body end projects beyond an edge of the second opening in a radial direction transverse to an insertion direction of the guide body into the shaft.

[0054] This enables a particularly simple, quick, and secure, particularly captive, coupling of the guide element to the housing or an element connected to the housing. Furthermore, it is advantageously possible to particularly easily preload the spring element, particularly to a defined preload. It is understood that preload is not mandatory.

[0055] The edge of the second opening can, for example, form a type of undercut for the second guide body end. The second guide body end can, for example, be designed as a type of locking hook. The second guide body end can, for example, be designed to be elastically reversible transversely to the insertion direction, so that when inserted into the shaft (initially through the first opening into the shaft), it is initially forced from its rest position and, after passing through the second opening, springs back behind the edge of the second opening into its rest position and locks into place with the second edge. It is of course also possible for the second guide body end to be reshaped after insertion through the shaft in such a way that removal of the guide body without causing damage is no longer possible. It is understood that the second shaft opening can also be formed in a housing part (e.g.a bottom) of the housing to which the shaft is coupled or in a base element to which the shaft is coupled.

[0056] In a further development, it is provided that the second guide body end has at least two snap hooks which project in the radial direction beyond the edge of the second opening.

[0057] This advantageously enables a particularly secure (especially captive) coupling of the guide element to the housing or an element connected to the housing. Even if one of the snap hooks is damaged and / or fails, it ensures that the guide element is secured in the shaft and the function of the damping element is guaranteed.

[0058] For example, it can be provided that the at least two snap hooks are arranged substantially equidistantly in a circumferential direction that runs around the axial direction of the guide body. For example, with two snap hooks, they can be offset from each other by approximately 150° to 180°. With three snap hooks, they can be arranged approximately 90° to 140° from each other, etc.

[0059] At the second guide element end, for example, a hollow space can be formed between the snap hooks, so that the snap hooks can be displaced radially inwards when the guide element is inserted into the shaft (elastically reversible) and can then spring back radially outwards after passing through the second opening.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, it is provided that the second guide body end is formed, in particular pressed or riveted or hot-stitched, so that it projects in the radial direction beyond the edge of the second opening.

[0061] The deformation refers to the fact that there is a first state of the second guide body end, which occurs, for example, during pre-assembly, and there is a second state (formed or deformed state), in which the shape of the second guide body end is (in particular permanently) changed compared to the first state. The deformation can, for example, be a plastic deformation or a non-reversible deformation or deformation. This advantageously enables a permanent and secure assembly of the guide body on the housing or on a base element of a return assembly. Furthermore, the actuation characteristic can be adjusted very precisely in this way, even when manufacturing tolerances (e.g. length tolerances) are present. For this purpose, for example, in the case of a pre-tensioned spring element, the pre-tension can first be applied to the damping element or the spring element and then the second guide body end below the second opening, e.g.pressed or riveted or hot-stitched (generally: formed or deformed) so that the second guide body end can no longer pass through the second opening. This process can also be used for a non-preloaded spring element. Here, the "slack" can advantageously be removed from the guide body. To do this, for example, the damping element can first be mounted in such a way that there is no "slack" in the damping element, so that the spring element is formed or deformed immediately when a force is applied to the damping element. In this pre-assembled state, the second guide body end can now be formed or deformed (e.g. pressed or riveted or hot-stitched) so that the second guide body end can no longer pass through the second opening.

[0062] In a further development, it is provided that the damping element is surrounded by the return element.

[0063] This advantageously results in a particularly space-saving and compact design. Furthermore, it prevents the spring element of the damping element from breaking out in the radial direction due to the return element (the return element acts as a kind of guide sleeve for the damping element).

[0064] In a further development, it is provided that the pedal arrangement has a base element, wherein the base element is formed separately from the housing and is mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing on the one hand and is formed to receive the elastic return element and the damping element on the other hand.

[0065] This allows for easy adaptation to different requirements, particularly with regard to pedal characteristics. The pedal assembly can therefore be easily and cost-effectively adapted to different applications. This ensures that as many subcomponents of the pedal assembly as possible, especially complex ones, can be used for all applications without adaptation.

[0066] The base element and the reset element can form a reset assembly that can be pre-assembled separately from the housing. Particularly preferably, the reset assembly also includes the damping element.

[0067] The pedal element or pedal arm is preferably used for actuation by a user's foot and, for this purpose, has in particular a tread on which the user can step to actuate the pedal arrangement or pedal element. For example, the pedal arrangement is a brake pedal arrangement of a vehicle, via which a driver of the vehicle can operate a brake of the vehicle. Alternatively, the pedal arrangement can also be, for example, an accelerator pedal arrangement or a clutch pedal arrangement for a vehicle in order to operate a drive power and / or a clutch of the vehicle. An accelerator pedal arrangement is also understood to mean a pedal arrangement that enables drive and brake control with just a single pedal, as is provided, for example, in electric vehicles. Of course, the pedal arrangement can also be intended for applications outside of the vehicle area.

[0068] The return assembly, in particular the return element, preferably serves to move the pedal element into the initial position (first position) and / or to hold it in the initial position (first position). If the pedal element is moved out of the initial position (first position), the return assembly, in particular the return element, is preferably designed to apply a return force to the pedal element in the direction of the initial position (first position). This return force is in particular an elastic return force resulting from an elastic deformation of the return element.

[0069] The reset assembly is mounted in or on the housing in such a way, in particular in a non-destructive manner, that actuation of the pedal element in the direction of the end position (second position) causes an elastic deformation, in particular an elastically reversible deformation, of the reset element. Thus, preferably when the pedal element is moved from the starting position (first position), the reset element is deformed elastically, in particular elastically reversibly. Thus, an elastic restoring force acts - preferably always - on the pedal element when it is outside the starting position (first position). The reset element can also be preloaded so that even in the starting position (first position) an elastic restoring force acts on the pedal element, which must be overcome in order to move the pedal element.The design, type or other properties of the elastic return element allow the pedal behavior of the pedal arrangement to be adjusted.

[0070] In a pedal assembly, the housing is a complex component to manufacture. If different return elements are to be used for different applications, the proposed pedal assembly has the advantage that the housing can always be designed identically, since the base element of the return assembly acts as an adapter for the return element. If different pedal characteristics are to be implemented, the same housing and / or pedal element can always be used; only the return assembly needs to be designed according to the desired characteristics. This makes the pedal assembly simple and cost-effective to manufacture and also easy and flexible to adapt to different requirements.

[0071] For example, it can be provided that the at least one elastic return element is designed as a compression spring. This advantageously enables particularly simple assembly of the return assembly, since the return element does not need to be attached to abutments of the housing and / or the pedal element. This allows the housing to be designed particularly simply and robustly.

[0072] It can be provided, for example, that the housing has a hollow interior in which the reset assembly is or can be mounted. It can be provided, for example, that the housing is essentially pocket-shaped. It can, for example, only have one mounting opening for the reset assembly. The reset assembly can, for example, be arranged completely or at least with more than 90% of its volume in the interior of the housing when mounted on or in the pedal assembly. It can, for example, be provided that the mounting takes place essentially parallel to the direction in which a pedal arm of the pedal element protrudes from the housing. The pedal arm of the pedal element, which extends, for example, between a treadle and a bearing section of the pedal element, can, for example, protrude through the mounting opening in the mounted state and can be displaced within the mounting opening for actuation between the starting position and the end position.The mounting opening can, for example, open toward the treadle plate or be a front opening in the housing. It can, for example, open in a direction perpendicular to a rotational axis of the pedal element. The reset assembly can, for example, be arranged between the treadle plate of the pedal element and the pedal element bearing on or in the housing, viewed along the mounting direction. The pedal element bearing can, for example, be located inside the interior.

[0073] Particularly advantageously, the reset assembly can be designed to be pre-assembled, so that it can be mounted in or onto the housing in a fully pre-assembled state. This advantageously enables particularly simple assembly. Furthermore, a quality control of the reset assembly is advantageously possible before it is mounted in or onto the housing. The reset assembly can, for example, be arranged or mounted (as viewed along the mounting direction) between the tread plate and the bearing section of the pedal element.

[0074] Designing the housing as a largely closed housing with few openings can advantageously achieve particularly high stability with thin walls, which is particularly advantageous, for example, when the pedal assembly is used as a brake pedal assembly. This is because significantly higher forces typically occur when brake pedals are actuated (e.g., in the range between 100N and 600N or in the range from 200N to 400N) than with an accelerator pedal assembly (here, for example, forces between 10N and 60N or between 20N and 40N occur). High housing stability with a thin wall advantageously enables cost-effective production while simultaneously providing a high level of user safety.

[0075] The base element can, for example, partially enclose the return element. The return element can, for example, be easily, inexpensively and non-destructively removed from the base element, or mounted or arranged on it, in particular without loosening or tightening split pins, screw connections or the like. The housing can, for example, be manufactured in one piece or be integrally formed, i.e. it cannot be disassembled into its individual parts without causing damage. In other words, for example, individual walls of the housing cannot be detached from the housing or from one another without causing damage. It can, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part. It can, for example, be made predominantly from plastic.

[0076] As already explained above, the reset assembly can thus be individually adapted to the required characteristics. It can be manufactured preassembled, so that it can be mounted or arranged as a unit or module in the housing or in an interior of the housing of the pedal assembly, particularly in a single assembly step. Installation of the reset assembly in the pedal assembly is simple and requires little effort. Thus, the reset assembly allows for individual adaptation of the pedal assembly, which otherwise may always be constructed from the same components. This minimizes the manufacturing costs for the entire pedal assembly.

[0077] The housing of the pedal assembly preferably has a base plate with at least one opening. The base element preferably has at least one projection corresponding to the opening of the base plate, which projection is or can be positively coupled to the opening. In particular, it is provided that the projection is or can be arranged in the opening with a positive fit. Alternatively or additionally, the housing has a base plate with at least one base plate projection, wherein the base element has at least one base element opening corresponding to the base plate projection, which is positively coupled to the base plate projection.

[0078] The positive coupling of the projection and opening or the base plate projection and the base element opening ensures that the base element is fastened to or in the housing, at least along one spatial direction or in two mutually orthogonal spatial directions. In particular, the above-mentioned restoring force of the restoring element also causes the projection to be pressed into the opening or the base plate projection into the housing opening. In particular, the opening and the projection or the base plate projection and the base element opening ensure that the restoring assembly cannot slip relative to the housing, in particular not in a direction perpendicular to the direction of force of the restoring element. This allows for simple and reliable fastening of the restoring assembly to the housing. In addition, disassembly can also be carried out particularly easily, e.g. for maintenance purposes or for repairs.

[0079] In particular, a small projection and a small opening, or base plate projection and base element opening, are sufficient for the positive connection. This makes it possible to provide a housing with only a small opening in the area of ​​the base plate, or a base element with only a small opening in the area of ​​the base element. This allows the housing to reliably absorb and dissipate high actuation forces, such as those that can occur in brake pedal assemblies with a magnitude of 200 N to 400 N or more, and in particular without significant deformation. The housing can therefore be constructed with a particularly thin wall thickness despite the potentially high forces that may occur.

[0080] Drawings

[0081] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description of exemplary embodiments, which, however, are not to be construed as limiting the invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0082] It shows

[0083] Figs. 1 a - 1 c are schematic views of a pedal arrangement in different positions of a pedal element along an actuation path,

[0084] Fig. 2a is a first schematic view of a pedal arrangement in a first position,

[0085] Fig. 2b is a schematic view of the pedal assembly of Fig. 2a in a second position, Fig. 3a is a first schematic sectional view of a pedal assembly in the first position,

[0086] Fig. 3b is a schematic sectional view of the pedal assembly of Fig. 3a in the third position,

[0087] Fig. 3c shows the schematic sectional view of the pedal arrangement from Fig. 3a in the second position,

[0088] Fig. 4a is a second schematic sectional view of a pedal arrangement in the first position,

[0089] Fig. 4b the schematic sectional view of the pedal arrangement from Fig. 4a in the third position

[0090] Fig. 4c shows the schematic sectional view of the pedal arrangement from Fig. 4a in the second position.

[0091] Figures 1a to 1c show schematic views of a pedal arrangement 1 in different positions (Fig. 1a: in a first position P1 (solid line), a second position P2 (dashed line) and a third position P3 (dashed line, long dash - short dash); Fig. 1b: in the third position; Fig. 1c: in the second position P2) of a pedal element 3 along an actuation path B. Figures 1a to 1c are described together below.

[0092] Figure 1a shows a pedal arrangement 1 comprising a housing 2, a pedal element 3 which is displaceable between a first position P1 (solid line) and a second position P2 (dashed line, long dash - short dash), a return element 4 which urges the pedal element 3, in particular when not subjected to force, into the first position P1, and a damping element 5. Furthermore, a third position P3 (dashed line) is provided in an end region E of an actuation path B of the pedal element 3, which is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2, wherein the pedal element 3, viewed along the actuation path B, is coupled to the damping element 5 in the third position P3, in particular rests against the damping element 5, wherein the damping element 5 has a spring element 6 which is elastically deformed or deformed when the pedal element 3 is displaced from the third position P3 towards the second position P2.is deformed at positions of the pedal element between the third position P3 and the second position P2.

[0093] The end region E here represents approximately the last 30% of the actuation travel B from the first position P1 (which may also be an initial or starting position) to the second position P2 (which may also be an end position). The end region E may also represent a different portion of the actuation travel B, but preferably at least 3%, or at least 5%, or at least 8%, and (at the same time) further preferably at most 35%, or at most 30%, or at most 25%, or at most 20%, or at most 15%.

[0094] Return element 4 and spring element 5 are arranged side by side here as an example.

[0095] The pedal element 3 has a bearing arrangement 29 about which it can be rotated between the first position P1 and the second position P2.

[0096] The pedal element 3 has a bearing section 37 and a lever section 41 (which can also serve as a pedal arm). At its free end, the pedal element 3 has a tread plate 40.

[0097] Furthermore, the pedal element 3 has, for example, a pedal element projection 38. This pedal element projection 38 is arranged on a side of the pedal element 3 facing the damping element 5. When the pedal element 3 is displaced from the first position P1 towards the second position P2, the pedal element projection 38 couples with the damping element 5 (see also Fig. 1b). Upon a further displacement of the pedal element 3 from the third position P3 to the second position P2 (see Fig. 1c for the second position P2), the damping element 5 is elastically and reversibly deformed by means of the pedal element 3 (here by means of the pedal element projection 38) (here, for example, compressed by a compressive load, although in other embodiments, a tensile load or pulling apart is also conceivable (alternatively or additionally)), whereby a restoring force acting in addition to the restoring element 4 is exerted on the pedal element 3.In a region of the actuation path B between the first position P1 and the third position P3, the damping element 5 is, for example, not coupled to the pedal element 3 or not in (direct) mechanical contact.

[0098] As a result, in the end region E of the actuation travel B, the pedal element 3 is given an operating characteristic that is similar to that of a mechanical pedal arrangement, in which, for example, the pedal element is connected to an element to be actuated (and possibly sprung) by means of a hydraulic system, a cable, or a coupling rod. Furthermore, even in the event of sudden, violent actuation of the pedal element 3, the additional restoring force of the damping element 5 prevents the risk of a hard stop in the second position P2. Furthermore, it is possible that no increased effort is required to actuate the pedal element 3 until the pedal element 3 and damping element 5 are coupled in the third position P3.

[0099] The spring element 6 and / or the return element 4 can be designed here, for example, as a helical spring 7, a spiral spring, or a coil spring. In other embodiments, the spring element 6 and / or the return element 4 can also be designed, for example, as a leaf spring or a disc spring. Other spring designs are also conceivable.

[0100] It can be provided, for example, that the damping element 5 is designed in such a way that it prevents a displacement of the pedal element 3 beyond the second position P2, e.g. it can be designed in such a way that it goes “to block” in the second position P2, e.g. if it is designed as a helical spring 7 or as a disc spring.

[0101] The spring element 6 can, for example, have a linear characteristic.

[0102] In other embodiments, the spring element 6 may, for example, have a non-linear characteristic.

[0103] In the schematic representations of the pedal assembly 1 in Figs. 1a to 1c, the spring element 6 is not preloaded, for example. This allows a particularly pleasant and "jump-free" actuation characteristic for the operator to be achieved. However, the spring element 6 can also be preloaded (in the case of a pedal assembly not connected to the pedal element).

[0104] 3 coupled state), see for example Figs. 3a and 4a.

[0105] Figure 2a and Figure 2b show schematically a pedal arrangement 1.

[0106] The pedal arrangement 1 has a housing 2, a pedal element 3 and a return assembly 22. The pedal element 3 is movably mounted on the housing 2, for example via a bearing arrangement 29. A sensor unit 28 can detect the position of the pedal element 3 relative to the housing 2 in order to detect pedal actuation. Alternatively, instead of the sensor unit 28, a mechanical connection to the pedal element 3 can be made in order to obtain a mechanical power transmission to a system to be actuated. The sensor unit 28 can additionally have an electronic circuit by means of which sensor signals can be detected and / or evaluated and / or stored and / or transmitted (e.g. to a control unit). The sensor unit 28 can, for example, have a rotation angle sensor.

[0107] The pedal element 3 can be moved by means of its mounting on the housing 2 between a first position P1 (initial position or starting position) shown in Figure 2a and a second position P2 (end position or end position) shown in Figure 2b. The return assembly 22 serves to transfer the pedal element 3 into the first position P1 or to hold it in the first position P1 when no external forces act on the pedal element 3. For this purpose, the return assembly 22 has at least one elastic return element 4 and a base element 21 (it is understood that the return assembly 22 is an optional, exemplary element, in particular its base element 21; only the return element 4 is required). The base element 21 is designed to receive the elastic return element 4. The base element 21 can, for example, be an element that is at least separate from the return element 4.In particular, it can be manufactured separately from the return element 4 and not integrally with it. The return element 4 can, for example, be received, mounted, or arranged in or on the base element 21 in a loose or detachable and / or non-destructively detachable manner. In other embodiments, it can be provided that the return element 4 is arranged on the base element 21 in a non-destructively detachable but captive manner. - TI -.

[0108] It is provided that the base element 21 is formed separately from the housing 2 and is mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing 2. As a result, the base element 21 can be manufactured separately from the housing 2, wherein the base element 21 can serve, for example, as an adapter between the return element 4 and the housing 2. The return element 4 can be arranged or mounted easily, securely and in the correct place in the housing 2 by means of the base element 21. The pedal arrangement 1 can thus be adapted to different requirements easily and with little effort, since a characteristic of the pedal element 3 can be set easily and with little effort by using a suitable return element 4. The use of different return elements 4 does not require any adaptation of the housing 2 itself, since only the base element 21 has to be adapted, if not even different return elements can be arranged or mounted in or on one and the same base element 21.can be mounted or accommodated. Since the housing 2 is more complex to manufacture than the base element 21, the pedal arrangement 1 is nevertheless simple and cost-effective to manufacture despite a wide range of variants. The reset assembly 22 is mounted in or on the housing 2 in such a way, in particular mounted in a non-destructively detachable manner, that actuation of the pedal element 3 in the direction of the second position P2 (end position) causes a reversible elastic deformation of the reset element 4. Due to an elastic restoring force of the reset element 4, the pedal element 3 is thus transferred to the first position P1 (starting position) when the actuation is completed or when no external force is applied to the pedal element 3.

[0109] The housing 2 has a base plate 23, side walls 26 adjoining the base plate 23, and a cover plate 27. The base plate 23, the cover plate 27, and the side walls 26 form an interior space 24 between them or enclose an interior space 24 of the housing 2. The interior space 24 is, for example, pocket-shaped here. It only has a (larger) mounting opening 25 for the pedal element 3 and the reset assembly 22 (front left in Figs. 2a, 2b) and is otherwise self-contained. The base plate openings 32 described further below for coupling the base element 21 to the base plate 23 do not conflict with the pocket-shaped design of the housing 2, since they only have a small area (e.g., less than 10% or less than 5% of the area of ​​the base plate 7). In particular, for example, the pedal element 3 is not enclosed by a first mounting opening (e.g.,from left to right) and the reset assembly 22 through a second mounting opening (e.g. from bottom to top).

[0110] As a result, the housing 2 can be designed to be very dimensionally stable and torsionally rigid, even with a thin wall or plate thickness. This is particularly advantageous when high pedal forces are applied, e.g., when using the pedal assembly 1 as a brake pedal assembly. Actuating forces during braking can, for example, be more than 200 N, or even more than 300 N, or more than 400 N.

[0111] The mounting opening 25 is here, for example, open to the front or in a direction in which a pedal arm of the pedal element 3 extends. The pedal arm has, here for example, a tread plate 40 at its free end. The mounting opening 25 is here, for example, open in a direction that extends transversely to a rotation axis for the pedal element 3. The rotation axis can extend, for example, transversely or perpendicularly to a mounting direction 100 (which is described further below). In the mounted state, the pedal element 3 can move within the mounting opening 25 between the first position P1 (initial position or starting position) and the second position P2 (end position). In other words: in the mounted state of the pedal element 3, the pedal element 3 protrudes, here for example, at least in sections through the mounting opening 25 into an external environment of the housing 2.The reset assembly 22 is arranged here, for example (viewed along the mounting direction 100 or along the direction of the pedal arm) between the bearing of the pedal element 3 and the tread plate 40 of the pedal element 3.

[0112] The reset assembly 22 can be arranged or mounted almost entirely (e.g., more than 90%) in the interior 24 of the housing 2, in particular without parts of the reset assembly 22 protruding from the outside to the inside through one of the side walls 26 or plates 23, 27. Here, the reset assembly 22 is arranged, for example, entirely in the interior 24 of the housing 2. This makes assembly, in particular of a pre-assembled reset assembly 22, particularly easy. Furthermore, the reset assembly 22 can advantageously be inserted, pushed in, or mounted in the interior 24 of the housing 2 in a single assembly step, in particular as a pre-assembled element. The time-consuming insertion of an element into the interior 24 and the subsequent coupling of another element of the reset assembly 22 is not necessary.Furthermore, the arrangement of the reset assembly 22 in the interior 24 advantageously means that the at least one reset element 4 is particularly well protected against external mechanical influences or the like.

[0113] The pedal element 3 is mounted on the side walls 26. The pedal element 3 is mounted here, for example, in the interior 24 of the housing 2. The pedal element 3 is arranged with a bearing section 37 between the side walls 26, the base plate 23 and the cover plate 27. The base element 21 rests, for example, on the side walls 26 and / or on the base plate 23. This achieves particularly secure and reliable positioning of the base element 21 and also of the return element 4 in the housing 2. The cover plate 27 preferably has a stop 30, wherein the elastic return element 4 of the return assembly 22 presses the pedal element 3 against the cover plate 27 and / or against the stop 30. This state, in which the pedal element 3 is pressed against the cover plate 27 and / or the stop 30, represents, for example, the first position P1 (initial position or home position). By using the stop 30, the first position P1 (initial position or home position) can beStarting position or start position) can be reliably adjusted. The stop 30 can have damping properties in order to prevent the pedal element 3 from striking the housing 2 hard, e.g., when the pedal element 3 is suddenly released from the pressed state and springs toward the starting position (first position P1).

[0114] It is understood that the reset assembly 22 may also include the damping element 5 (not visible in Figs. 2a and 2b). It is understood that in other embodiments, the damping element 5 may also be arranged separately and / or spaced apart from the reset assembly 22 and / or the base element 21, in particular in or on the housing 2.

[0115] Figures 3a to 3c and 4a to 4c show different sectional views through pedal arrangements 1.

[0116] 3a and 4a, the pedal element 3 is shown in a first position P1, in Figs. 3b and 4b in a third position P3 and in Figs. 3c and 4c in a second position P2. The mechanisms in the three positions P1, P2, P3 correspond to those in Figs. 1a to 1c. In Figs. 3a to 3c and in Figs. 4a to 4c it can be seen that the return assembly 22 here also has the damping element 5, by way of example. The damping element 5 is arranged on or at a distance from the return assembly 22 and / or the base element 21. It is understood that in other embodiments the damping element 5 can also be arranged separately and / or at a distance from the return assembly 22 and / or the base element 21, in particular in or on the housing 2.

[0117] Figures 3a to 3c show that the base plate 23 has at least one base plate opening 32, with two such base plate openings 32 being shown in Figs. 3a to 3c. The base element 21 has at least one base element projection 33 corresponding to the base plate opening 32, so that two such base element projections 33 are shown in Figs. 3a to 3c. Each base element projection 33 is, for example, positively coupled to a base plate opening 32 by the base element projection 33 being arranged in a positively locking manner in the respective base plate opening 32. It is understood that, alternatively or additionally, the base plate 23 can also have at least one base plate projection and the base element 21 can have at least one base element opening corresponding to the base plate projection, with the base plate opening and base plate projection being positively coupled.

[0118] It is particularly advantageous for the pedal arrangement 1 that the area of ​​the at least one base plate opening 32 of the base plate 23, in particular the area of ​​all base plate openings 32 of the base plate 23 of the housing 2, has a proportion of a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, of the total area of ​​the base plate 23. In this way, the housing 2 (even with a comparatively thin wall thickness) is sufficiently stable to absorb high actuation forces, while at the same time enabling a positive-locking reception of the reset assembly 22 in the housing 2 or its interior space 24.

[0119] If the base element 21 rests against the base plate 23 in a predefined position, the base element projections 33 engage the base plate openings 32, creating a positive connection. (Lateral) displacement of the base element 21 relative to the base plate 23 is not possible without lifting the base element 21 from the base plate 23. Preferably, the elastic return element 4 is preloaded between the base element 21 and the pedal element 3, so that an elastic return force is also effective when the pedal element 3 is in the initial position (first position P1). This also causes the base element 21 to be pressed against the base plate 23, whereby the base element projections 33 also remain in the base plate openings 32, ie the base element 21 does not lift off the base plate 23. This achieves a secure and reliable hold of the base element 21 in the housing 2 using simple and cost-effective means.The base element 21 and thus also the return element 4 are held stationary relative to the base plate 23. At the same time, the return assembly 22 can be easily and non-destructively assembled and disassembled.

[0120] The base element 21 can, for example, have an annular groove 35 and / or a cup-shaped recess 36 in which the elastic return element 4, e.g. a compression spring or the like, and - here merely by way of example - also the damping element 5, is or can be arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the return assembly 22 has two independent elastic return elements 4a, 4b, which are arranged so as to act parallel to one another between the base element 21 and the pedal element 3. The two return elements 4a, 4b are designed here, for example, as compression springs. A first return element 4a is arranged in an annular groove 35 and a second return element 4b is arranged in a cup-shaped recess 36. This configuration enables the return elements 4a, 4b to be guided separately in the base element 21, since the return elements 4a, 4b are not arranged in the same recess in the base element 21.Alternatively, the two return elements 4a, 4b can also be arranged in their own annular groove or in a common, i.e. the same, annular groove or in a common cup-shaped recess.

[0121] The spring element 6 of the damping element 5 is arranged here, for example, together with the second return element 4b in the cup-shaped recess 36. The spring element 6 is arranged here, for example, within the second return element 4b, in particular concentrically thereto.

[0122] The use of two reset elements 4a, 4b enables, on the one hand, a more precise adjustment of a desired characteristic of the behavior of the pedal element 3, and, on the other hand, provides redundancy in the function of resetting the pedal element 3. If one of the reset elements 4a, 4b fails, for example, due to a defect, the other reset element 4a, 4b can continue to ensure that the pedal element 3 is returned to the first position P1 (initial position or starting position) after actuation.

[0123] The pedal element 3 has, for example, a (pedal element) recess 31 (here, for example, with a stepped design in the upper part of the figures), in which the elastic return element 4 is supported, e.g., at an end facing away from the base element 21. Alternatively or additionally, a projection could also be provided to support the return element 4. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, both return elements 4a, 4b are arranged in the same (pedal element) recess 31, although individual recesses can also be provided for each return element 4a, 4b (here, for example, the first return element 4a is supported on a radially outer shoulder of the (pedal element) recess 31, and the second return element 4b is supported radially inside the shoulder even higher in the (pedal element) recess 31). This results in, for example, a bell-shaped (pedal element) recess 31.The (pedal element) recess 31 prevents the return elements 4a, 4b from slipping off the pedal element 3. This ensures that actuation of the pedal element 3, i.e., displacement of the pedal element 3 toward the end position S2, always results in compression of the return elements 4a, 4b, and the return elements 4a, 4b can return the pedal element 3 to the first position P1 (initial position).

[0124] In order to avoid a hard stop of the pedal element 3 on the housing 2 and / or the return assembly 22 in the second position P2 (end position or end position), the return assembly 22 here has, for example, a damping element 5 arranged on the base element 21, although other damping options are also conceivable.

[0125] As in Figs. 1 a to 1c and as already explained above, a third position P3 is also provided in an end region E of an actuation path B of the pedal element 3 (see Figs. 3b and 4b), which is located between the first position P1 and the second position P2, wherein the pedal element 3, viewed along the actuation path B, is coupled to the damping element 5 in the third position P3, in particular rests against the damping element 5, wherein the damping element 5 has a spring element 6 which is or is deformed elastically when the pedal element 3 is displaced from the third position P3 in the direction of the second position P2.

[0126] In particular, it can be provided, for example, that the pedal element 3 only couples with the damping element 5 from the third position P3 onwards, thus not coupling or being coupled with the damping element 5 between the first position P1 and the third position P3.

[0127] The spring element 5 can be designed here, for example, as a helical spring 7, a spiral spring, or a coil spring. In other embodiments, the spring element 5 and / or the return element 4 can also be designed, for example, as a leaf spring or disc spring.

[0128] It can be provided, for example, that the damping element 5 is designed in such a way that it prevents a displacement of the pedal element 3 beyond the second position P2, e.g. it can be designed in such a way that it goes “to block” in the second position P2, e.g. if it is designed as a helical spring 7 or as a disc spring.

[0129] In Figs. 3c and 4c, it can be seen that over-pressing of the pedal element 3 beyond the second position P2 is prevented, for example, by mechanical contact between the lower end of the edge of the bell-shaped (pedal element) recess 31 and a lateral upper end or edge of the base element 21. The two edges "lock" in the second position P2, so that the pedal element 3 cannot be displaced further downward. The return elements 4a, 4b, for example, do not "lock" here.

[0130] The spring element 6 can, for example, have a linear characteristic.

[0131] In other embodiments, the spring element 6 may, for example, have a non-linear characteristic.

[0132] The spring element 6 is preloaded here, for example. This makes it possible to achieve a (slight) (force) jump in the actuation characteristic, which signals to an operator that they have reached the end range E of the actuation travel B. The damping element 5 here, for example, has a guide element 8, wherein the guide element 8 has a stop element 9 and a guide body 10, wherein the guide body 10 has a first guide body end 11 facing the stop element 9 and a second guide body end 12 facing away from the stop element 9. The pedal element 3 is coupled to the stop element 9 in the third position P3 (see, for example, Figs. 1a, 1b, 3b and 4b), wherein the guide element 8 is designed to bring about a linear movement of the damping element 5 when the pedal element 3 is displaced from the third position P3 towards the second position P2.

[0133] The guide body 10 is, for example, designed as a rod, pin, or similar to a pin. It can be configured, for example, as an elongated body (e.g., with an aspect ratio of at least 3:1 in terms of length and width).

[0134] The stop element 9 is arranged here, for example, at the first guide body end 11 of the guide body 10 (at an end of the guide body 10 facing the pedal element 3).

[0135] Here, the spring element 6, for example, surrounds the guide body 10 (e.g., as a spiral spring or helical spring 7 or as an evolute spring). In other words, the guide body 10 is arranged within the spring element 6.

[0136] The spring element 6 is supported here, for example, at a first spring element end on the housing 2 or on an element coupled to the housing 2, here the base element 21. At its other, second spring element end, the spring element 6 is coupled here, for example, to the stop element 9 or is supported thereon.

[0137] The guide element 8 can be mushroom-shaped, for example. It can be T-shaped in cross-section, for example.

[0138] The guide body 10 and the stop element 9 can, for example, be formed in one piece with one another. They can be manufactured in the same production process, e.g. as an injection-molded part or as a stamped and bent part. The base element 21 has a base element opening 42. The housing 2 has a housing opening 43. The guide element 8, in particular the guide body 10, projects with its second guide body end 12 into or through the base element opening 42 and into or through the housing opening 43. When the pedal element 3 reaches the third position P3 and couples with the damping element 5 (see Figs. 3b and 4b, here, for example, the pedal element projection 38 comes into mechanical contact with the stop element 9) and when the pedal element 3 moves further in the direction of the second position P2 (see Figs.3c and 4c), the guide body 10 moves through the base element opening 42 and the housing opening 43 (if no base element 21 is provided, the guide body 10 only moves through the housing opening 43). It can be provided that the range of movement of the damping element 5 and thus of the guide body 10 is limited to a distance that corresponds at most to the thickness of the housing 2 in the region of the housing opening 43, in order to thus avoid a hard impact of the second guide body end 12 with an element arranged below the housing 2 (e.g. a vehicle floor).

[0139] The pedal arrangement 1 further comprises, for example, a shaft 13, in particular a sleeve-shaped shaft, which is coupled to the housing 2, wherein the guide body 10 is received in the shaft 13 and is guided by means of a shaft wall 14.

[0140] The shaft 13 has a first opening 15 at a first end 14 and a second opening 17 at a second end 16 (this can be regarded or designed here as equivalent to the base element opening 42, in embodiments without a base element 21 it can be regarded or designed as equivalent to the housing opening 43, for example), wherein the guide body 10 projects through the first opening 15 and the second opening 17, wherein the guide body 10 projects beyond an edge 19 of the second opening 18 at the second guide body end 12 in a radial direction R transverse to an insertion direction Z of the guide body 10 into the shaft 13.

[0141] This makes it particularly easy to ensure a captive mounting of the guide element 8 on the base element 21 or directly on the housing 2. Furthermore, the spring element 6 arranged between the stop element 8 and the base element 21 (in other cases: between the stop element 8 and the housing 2) can be preloaded.

[0142] It is understood that the guide body 10 can also be captively mounted without the presence of a shaft. For this purpose, for example, the guide body 10 can protrude at its second guide body end 12 through the base element opening 42 and / or the housing opening 43 and protrude (e.g., latch) beyond the edge of the base element opening 42 and / or the edge of the housing opening 43 in the radial direction R. In principle, such an opening in the base element 21 or the housing 2 can also be regarded as a shaft 13. However, the shaft 13 preferably protrudes from the base element 21 and / or the housing 2 in the direction of the pedal element 3. Particularly preferably, the shaft 10 has a shaft length that corresponds to at least 10% of the length of the guide body 10, very particularly preferably at least 20% of the length of the guide body 10.

[0143] It can also be seen that the guide body 10 has a collar-like lateral guide body projection 44 (on both sides) near the first guide body end 11 (below the stop element 9). This guide body projection 44 projects in the radial direction R beyond the first opening 16 of the shaft 13. The guide body projection 44 can advantageously provide the stop element 9 with particularly good stability and prevent damage to the stop element 9 when the pedal element 3 couples with the stop element. Furthermore, the guide body projection 44 can advantageously represent a stop or a limitation of the movement of the pedal arm 3 (not in these exemplary embodiments). When the guide body projection 44 strikes the shaft 13, it can basically come into contact with the shaft 13 because it projects laterally beyond its first opening 16.A further displacement of the damping element 5 and thus of the pedal arm 3 in the direction of the second position P2 is thus prevented. This can prevent, for example, over-pressing of the spring element 6 or jamming of the spring element 6 with itself (during assembly of the damping element 5 as well as during operation). As already described above, in the embodiments shown in Figs. 3a to 4c, over-pressing of the pedal element 3 is prevented by mechanical contact between a lower edge of the bell-shaped (pedal element) recess 31 and an upper edge of the base element 21. The second guide body end 12 here has, for example, at least two snap hooks 20 which protrude beyond the edge 19 of the second opening 18.

[0144] In other embodiments (not shown here), it is fundamentally conceivable for the second guide body end 1 to be reshaped (e.g., pressed, riveted, or hot-stitched), particularly after assembly on or in the housing 2 or on or in the base element 21 or on or in the shaft 13, so that it projects radially beyond the edge 19 of the second opening 18. This reshaping can, for example, be plastic deformation. Assembly of the guide body 10 in this way advantageously enables particularly precise adjustment of the spring element (with or without a defined preload) and compensation even for larger manufacturing tolerances (e.g., length tolerances).

[0145] Here, the damping element 5 is surrounded by the return element 4, for example. The damping element 5 is arranged concentrically within the two return elements 4a, 4b. This results in a very compact, space-saving arrangement.

[0146] As already described above, the pedal assembly 1 in Figs. 2a and 2b, in Figs. 3a to 3c, and in Figs. 4a to 4c each has, by way of example, a base element 21 (e.g., as part or element of a return assembly 22). The base element 21 is formed separately from the housing 2. The base element 21 is mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing 2 and is designed to accommodate the elastic return element 4 and the damping element 5.

[0147] The pedal element 3 rests against the damping element 5 in the end region E of the actuating movement, but at least in the second position P2 (end position). The actuating movement can thus be braked by the damping element 5 until the second position P2 (end position) is reached. In the examples shown in Figs. 3a to 3c and in Figs. 4a to 4c, the damping element 5 is arranged within the cup-shaped recess 36. If no such cup-shaped recess 36 is present, for example because the two return elements 4a, 4b are arranged in a common annular groove or each in a separate annular groove, the damping element 5 can also be arranged differently on the base element 21. It is also conceivable for the damping element 5 to be arranged in the annular groove 35.

[0148] It is understood that the reset assembly 22, e.g. together with the pedal element 3 or separately from the pedal element 3, can be inserted into the housing 2 along an assembly direction 100 for mounting the pedal arrangement 1. The assembly preferably takes place through the, in particular single, assembly opening 25. The assembly direction 100 here runs, for example, substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction of the pedal element 3 and / or substantially perpendicular to a compression direction of the reset elements 4a, 4b. In addition, the base element 21 of the reset assembly 22 has at least one groove-shaped tool engagement 34 which is formed along the assembly direction 100. This serves to mount the reset assembly 22 as explained below. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Figs. 3a to 3c, two tool engagements 34 are arranged on opposite sides of the base element 21.The tool engagements 34 are arranged here, by way of example, adjacent to the side walls 26 (viewed in a state in which the reset assembly 22 is mounted in the housing 2).

[0149] The reset assembly 22 can be manufactured and pre-assembled independently of the housing 2 by attaching the reset elements 4a, 4b to the base element 21 and—here, for example—also arranging or mounting the damping element 5 on the base element 21. Due to the adapter function of the base element 21, the selection of the reset elements 4a, 4b is almost unlimited. The same applies to the damping element 5—this can be individually adjusted according to customer requirements or needs, e.g., by selecting different spring elements 6 (different characteristics), choosing whether or not to preload, etc.

[0150] To mount the reset assembly 22 in the housing 2, the reset assembly 22 is in particular fixed to a tool (not shown here), wherein the tool engages in the tool engagements 34 of the base element 21. Furthermore, in a conceivable exemplary embodiment, the pedal element 3 can be fixed to the tool so that the elastic reset elements 4a, 4b are pretensioned between the pedal element 3 and the base element 21. The reset assembly 22 and the pedal element 3 can be inserted together into the housing 2 in this way. This ensures simple and cost-effective assembly. It can also be provided that the pedal element 3 is first mounted or arranged in or on the housing 2 and subsequently the reset assembly 22 is inserted or mounted into the housing 2 using the tool.

[0151] The pedal assembly 1 is provided in particular for a vehicle. Thus, the pedal assembly 1 can preferably be an accelerator pedal and / or a brake pedal and / or a clutch pedal of a vehicle. The pedal assembly can also be a pedal of a one-pedal control system of a vehicle, for example, an electric vehicle.

Claims

Claims 1. Pedal arrangement (1), comprising - a housing (2); - a pedal element (3) displaceable between a first position (P1) and a second position (P2); - a return element (4) which urges the pedal element (3), in particular in the non-forced state, into the first position (P1); - a damping element (5); wherein a third position (P3) is provided in an end region (E) of an actuating path (B) of the pedal element (3), which third position is located between the first position (P1) and the second position (P2), wherein the pedal element (3), viewed along the actuating path (B), is coupled to the damping element (5) in the third position (P3), in particular rests against the damping element (5), wherein the damping element (5) has a spring element (6) which is elastically deformed upon a displacement of the pedal element (3) from the third position (P3) towards the second position (P2).

2. Pedal arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the spring element (6) is selected from the group: a coil spring (7), a leaf spring, a disc spring, an evolute spring.

3. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (6) has a linear characteristic, or wherein the spring element (6) has a non-linear characteristic.

4. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the spring element (6) is prestressed.

5. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (5) has a guide element (8), wherein the guide element (8) has a stop element (9) and a guide body (10), wherein the guide body (10) has a first guide body end (11) facing the stop element (9) and a second guide body end (12) facing away from the stop element (9), wherein the pedal element (3) is coupled to the stop element (9) in the third position (P3), wherein the guide element (8) is designed to bring about a linear movement of the damping element (5) when the pedal element (3) is displaced from the third position (P3) towards the second position (P2).

6. Pedal arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the pedal arrangement (1) has a, in particular sleeve-shaped, shaft (13) which is coupled to the housing (2), wherein the guide body (10) is received in the shaft (13) and is guided by means of a shaft wall (14).

7. Pedal arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the shaft (13) has a first opening (15) at a first end (14) and a second opening (17) at a second end (16), wherein the guide body (10) projects through the first opening (15) and the second opening (17), wherein the guide body (10) projects beyond an edge (19) of the second opening (18) at the second guide body end (12) in a radial direction (R) transverse to an insertion direction (Z) of the guide body (10) into the shaft (13).

8. Pedal arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the second guide body end (12) has at least two snap hooks (20) which project in the radial direction (R) beyond the edge (19) of the second opening (18), and / or wherein the second guide body end (12) is deformed, in particular pressed or riveted or hot-stacked, so that it projects in the radial direction (R) beyond the edge (19) of the second opening (18) 9. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the damping element (5) is surrounded by the return element (4).

10. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal arrangement (1) comprises a base element (21), wherein the base element (21) is formed separately from the housing (2), and -- is mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing (2), and - is designed to accommodate the elastic return element (4) and the damping element (5).

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