Pedal arrangement

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedal arrangement (1) comprising a housing (2), a pedal element (3), which is mounted on the housing (2) so as to move and which can be transferred between a starting position (S1) and an end position (S2), and a restoring assembly (4) having at least one elastic restoring element (5) and a base element (6), wherein the base element (6) is in a form separate from the housing (2), and is mounted, in particular fixed, in or on the housing (2) and is designed to receive the elastic restoring element (5), and wherein the restoring assembly (4) is mounted in or on the housing (2) in such a way, in particular in a nondestructively detachable manner, that operating the pedal element (3) in the direction of the end position (S2) brings about elastic deformation of the restoring element (5).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] title

[0003] Pedal arrangement

[0004] State of the art

[0005] The present invention relates to a pedal assembly. Furthermore, the invention relates to a reset assembly for 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.

[0006] Brake pedals, in particular, are known from the prior art. These usually have a spring, usually a coil spring. 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 the 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.

[0007] From DE 202004 004455 U1 an accelerator pedal for a vehicle is known in which tension spring elements are arranged between a base plate element and an accelerator pedal element, which tension spring elements are arranged by spring retaining elements on the base plate element and further spring retaining elements on the accelerator pedal element.

[0008] DE 202022 101 309 U1 discloses a pedal device for a vehicle. The pedal device comprises a housing having a first lateral mounting opening for a pedal arm and a second mounting opening (from below) for a return element, wherein the second mounting opening can be closed by a (clip-on) cover. DE 102013213430 A1 discloses a pedal device for a vehicle in which an accelerator pedal element can be returned from an end position to an initial position by a spring.

[0009] Disclosure of the invention

[0010] The pedal assembly according to the invention 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 particularly ensures that as many subcomponents of the pedal assembly as possible, especially those with complex structures, can be used for all applications without adaptation.

[0011] The pedal arrangement comprises a housing and a pedal element or a pedal arm. The pedal element or the pedal arm is movably mounted on the housing and can be displaced between an initial position and an end position. The pedal element or the pedal arm is preferably used for actuation by a user's foot and, for this purpose, in particular has a tread on which the user can step to actuate the pedal arrangement or the 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 assembly also refers to a pedal assembly that enables drive and braking control with a single pedal, as is the case with electric vehicles, for example. Of course, the pedal assembly can also be used for purposes outside of the vehicle.

[0012] The pedal arrangement further comprises a return assembly. The return assembly comprises at least one elastic, in particular elastically reversible, return element. Furthermore, the return assembly comprises a base element. The return assembly, in particular the return element, preferably serves to move the pedal element into the starting position and / or to hold it in the starting position. If the pedal element is moved out of the starting 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 starting position. This return force is in particular an elastic return force resulting from an elastic deformation of the return element.

[0013] The base element of the return assembly is formed separately from the housing and mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing. In particular, on the finished pedal assembly, the housing is distinguishable from the base element. The base element is designed to accommodate the elastic return element. The return 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 towards the end position causes an elastic deformation, in particular an elastically reversible deformation, of the return element. Thus, preferably when the pedal element is moved out of the starting position, the return element is deformed elastically, in particular elastically reversibly. Thus, an elastic return force acts - preferably always - on the pedal element when it is outside the starting position.The return element can also be preloaded, so that even in the initial position, an elastic return force acts on the pedal element, which must be overcome to move the pedal element. The design, type, or other properties of the elastic return element can be used to adjust the pedal behavior of the pedal assembly.

[0014] In the pedal arrangement, the housing is a complex component to manufacture. If different return elements are to be used for different applications, the proposed pedal arrangement 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 realized, the same housing and pedal element can always be used; only the return assembly needs to be designed according to the desired characteristics. This makes the pedal arrangement simple and cost-effective to manufacture and, in addition, simple and flexibly adaptable to different specifications. For example, it can be provided that at least one elastic return element is designed as a compression spring.This advantageously enables particularly simple assembly of the reset assembly, as the reset element does not need to be attached to abutments of the housing and / or the pedal element. This allows for a particularly simple and stable housing design.

[0015] 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.

[0016] Particularly advantageously, the reset assembly can be designed to be pre-assembled, so that it is completely pre-assembled and can be mounted in or on the housing. This advantageously enables particularly simple assembly. Furthermore, a quality control of the reset assembly is advantageously possible before it is mounted in or on the housing. The reset assembly can, for example, be arranged or mounted (as viewed along the assembly direction) between the treadle and the bearing section of the pedal element. The design of the housing as a largely closed housing with few openings can advantageously result in particularly high stability with low wall thicknesses, which is particularly advantageous, for example, when the pedal assembly is used as a brake pedal assembly. This is because considerably higher forces usually occur when brake pedals are actuated (e.g.in the range between 100N and 600N or in the range between 200N and 400N) than in an accelerator pedal assembly (here, for example, forces occur between 10N and 60N or between 20N and 40N). High housing stability with a low wall thickness advantageously enables cost-effective manufacturing while simultaneously increasing user safety.

[0017] The base element can, for example, partially enclose the return element. The return element can, for example, be easily removed from the base element, mounted on it, or arranged on it in a low-effort, non-destructive manner, in particular without loosening or tightening pins, screw connections, or the like.

[0018] The housing can, for example, be manufactured in one piece or be integrally formed, meaning it cannot be disassembled into its individual components without causing damage. In other words, individual walls of the housing cannot be separated from the housing or from each other without causing damage. It can, for example, be manufactured as an injection-molded part. It can, for example, be made predominantly of plastic.

[0019] In this description, the terms exhibit and include are used synonymously unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] The subclaims show preferred developments of the invention.

[0021] 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 in 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.

[0022] 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.

[0023] This allows for simple and reliable attachment of the reset assembly to the housing. Furthermore, disassembly is particularly easy, e.g., for maintenance or repair purposes.

[0024] 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.

[0025] It is particularly advantageous for the pedal arrangement that the at least one opening in the base plate of the housing accounts for a maximum of 10%, in particular a maximum of 5%, of the total area of ​​the base plate. In this way, the housing (even with a comparatively thin wall thickness) is sufficiently stable to absorb high actuation forces, wherein a form-fitting reception of the reset assembly is also made possible. The reset assembly is preferably arranged completely on the base plate. The reset assembly is particularly preferably arranged completely between the base plate and the pedal element. In other words: no element of the reset assembly is pushed through the housing from the outside into the interior of the housing, and no element of the reset assembly protrudes through the housing from the outside into the interior of the housing. This enables particularly simple assembly and / or disassembly of the reset assembly in or out of the housing.on the housing.

[0026] The housing preferably has side walls adjacent to the base plate. The pedal element, in particular, is mounted on the side walls, in particular rotatably mounted. The base element rests against the side walls. In particular, the base element is supported on the side walls. This ensures that, in addition to the positive connection with the base plate, support on the side walls and thus force transmission between the base element and the side walls is enabled. This leads, on the one hand, to stiffening of the housing, and, on the other hand, to reliable fastening of the reset assembly, in particular the base element, to or in the housing. This reliably enables absorption of high actuation forces.

[0027] The pedal element can, for example, be mounted in an interior space of the housing. The pedal element can, for example, be arranged with a bearing section in the interior of the housing. This can ensure particularly well-protected and stable mounting.

[0028] The base element preferably has an annular groove and / or a cup-shaped recess. The elastic return element is arranged in the annular groove and / or the cup-shaped recess. The elastic return element is in particular a spiral spring, preferably designed as a compression spring, which partially engages in the annular groove and / or the cup-shaped recess. This preferably prevents the return element from slipping relative to the base element. Rather, the return element is securely arranged on the base element. Preferably, the above-mentioned elastic return force of the return element causes the return element to be pressed into the annular groove and / or the cup-shaped recess, such that no additional measures are necessary to hold the return element in the annular groove and / or the cup-shaped recess. This ensures simple and secure assembly.Likewise, a return element can be removed and replaced easily and very quickly.

[0029] A cup-shaped recess is understood to mean, in particular, a recess defined by a raised, circumferential edge. This is, for example, a cylindrical recess and / or a truncated cone-shaped recess and / or another recess with a constant or variable diameter across its height. As an alternative to a recess with a round contour, the recess can also have a polygonal contour. The return element can be reliably accommodated in all such recesses.

[0030] The pedal element advantageously has a recess and / or a projection. The elastic return element is supported or received in the recess or on the projection. Thus, a movement of the pedal element is transmitted to the return element (without the return element being able to deflect laterally), which leads to an elastic deformation of the return element. This enables the application of an elastic return force to the pedal element. The projection or recess of the pedal element prevents the return element from slipping on the pedal element. In particular, it is provided that the previously described elastic return force presses the return element against the projection and / or into the recess of the pedal arrangement. As a result, in particular, no further measures for fastening the return element to the pedal element are required.Particularly advantageously, the return element thus extends between the recess and / or the projection of the pedal element on one side and the annular groove and / or the cup-shaped recess of the base element on the other side.

[0031] The return group preferably also has a damping element arranged on the base element. In this case, it is preferably provided that the pedal element rests against the damping element in the end region of an actuating movement, in particular in the end position. The damping element is in particular deformable, e.g. elastically reversible, and leads to a soft end of the actuating movement, thereby preventing a hard stop. The damping element is in particular designed and / or arranged to come into contact with the pedal element after at least or at the earliest 80%, preferably at least 90%, particularly preferably at least 95% of the actuating travel between the starting position and the end position, in order to dampen movement for the remainder of the actuating travel. The damping element can be made, for example, from natural or synthetic rubber.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the housing has a cover plate. The cover plate, in particular, has a stop. Provision is made for the elastic return element of the return assembly to press the pedal element against the cover plate, in particular against the stop. Furthermore, provision is made for the initial position, in particular, to be the state in which the pedal element is pressed against the cover plate and / or the stop. The pedal element can thus be moved from its contact with the cover plate, in particular the stop, toward the base element, in particular the bottom plate of the housing. This provides maximum movement of the pedal element, which, in turn, enables a compact housing design.

[0033] The pedal element, for example, moves between mechanical contact points within the housing. In other words, the housing, in particular with its interior space and, if applicable, by means of the elements arranged within the interior space, limits the actuation travel of the pedal element.

[0034] The reset assembly is particularly designed to press the pedal element against the cover plate, in particular the stop, with a predefined force. Thus, a predefined force must be overcome to actuate the pedal assembly or the pedal element, which makes accidental operation particularly difficult.

[0035] The return assembly preferably has at least two independent elastic return elements. The return elements are arranged so as to act parallel to one another between the base element and the pedal element. Particularly advantageously, the two return elements are each designed to be elastically reversible. Furthermore, the return elements are advantageously designed separately from one another and are preferably arranged independently of one another on the base element. Particularly preferably, the return elements are not connected to one another, apart from the fact that the two return elements are arranged on the same base element and on the same pedal element. By using two independent return elements, redundancy can be achieved so that if one of the return elements fails, the other return element can take over the task of moving the pedal element into the starting position on its own.Furthermore, the use of two independent return elements allows for flexible adjustment of the pedal characteristics. The at least two return elements can have different elastic properties, such as different spring constants. However, they can also be of the same design.

[0036] The reset assembly can preferably be inserted into the housing along an assembly direction, in particular together with the pedal element, for assembly of the pedal arrangement. The assembly direction is in particular substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction of the pedal element and / or substantially perpendicular to the compression and extension direction of the reset element. Thus, the reset assembly simplifies the assembly of the pedal arrangement, since the reset assembly can be assembled together with the pedal element. In particular, the reset element can be arranged or pre-assembled outside the housing between the base element and the pedal element in a simple and inexpensive manner (before assembly in the housing), thereby avoiding assembly of the reset element inside the housing (after assembly of the pedal element and the base element).This advantageously enables simple and low-effort pre-assembly as well as advance quality control of the reset assembly together with the pedal element.

[0037] It is preferably provided that the base element has at least one groove-shaped tool engagement. The tool engagement is formed in particular along the assembly direction. The groove shape thus preferably runs along the assembly direction. It is particularly advantageous that the elastic return element can be preloaded between the pedal element and the base element. The tool engagement simplifies the assembly of the pedal arrangement. In particular, the return assembly is assembled as a whole, in particular together with the pedal element, wherein the elastic return element can be compressed by a tool. The assembly direction runs in particular transversely to an actuation direction along which a user must properly act on the pedal element.In particular, the tool engagement is free of undercuts in order to be able to use a tool to mount the reset assembly along the mounting direction, but also to remove the tool in a movement opposite to the mounting direction.

[0038] Particularly preferably, the tool engagement extends substantially perpendicular to a compression / extension direction of the return element. This allows for a simple preloading of the return element, wherein the preloaded return element can be inserted into the pedal assembly, in particular together with the pedal element. However, it can also be provided that the pedal element is first mounted in or on the housing and then the return assembly is mounted in the housing with the aid of a tool that engages in the tool engagement.

[0039] A further aspect of the invention relates to a return assembly for a pedal arrangement. The pedal arrangement comprises a housing and a pedal element or a pedal arm. Furthermore, the return assembly comprises at least one elastic, in particular elastically reversible, return element for returning the pedal element or the pedal arm to an initial position and a base element. The base element is formed separately from the housing, can be mounted (in particular fastened) in or on the housing, and is designed to receive the elastic return element. It is also preferably provided that the return assembly can be mounted in or on the housing in such a way, in particular in a non-destructively removable manner, that elastic deformation of the return element is enabled by actuating the pedal element or the pedal arm.

[0040] The reset assembly can thus be individually adapted to the required characteristics. It can be manufactured pre-assembled, allowing it to 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 might otherwise always be constructed from the same components. This minimizes the manufacturing costs for the entire pedal assembly.

[0041] Short description of the drawing

[0042] Embodiments of the invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawing:

[0043] Figure 1a shows a first schematic view of a pedal arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention in a first position,

[0044] Figure 1 b shows the first schematic view of the pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention in a second position,

[0045] Figure 2 shows a second schematic view of the pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention,

[0046] Figure 3 is a first schematic sectional view of the pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention,

[0047] Figure 4 is a second schematic sectional view of the pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention,

[0048] Figure 5 is a first schematic view of a reset assembly of the

[0049] Pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention,

[0050] Figure 6 shows a second schematic view of the reset assembly of the

[0051] Pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention, and Figure 7 shows a further schematic view of the pedal arrangement according to the embodiment of the invention.

[0052] Embodiments of the invention

[0053] Figures 1a and 1b schematically show a pedal assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 2 also shows a schematic view of the pedal assembly 1. Figures 1a, 1b, and 2 each show the pedal assembly 1 from different spatial perspectives.

[0054] The pedal arrangement 1 has a housing 2, a pedal element 3 and a return assembly 4. The pedal element 3 is movably mounted on the housing 2, for example via a bearing arrangement 19. A sensor unit 18 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 18, 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 18 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 18 can, for example, have a rotation angle sensor.

[0055] The pedal element 3 can be moved by means of the bearing on the housing 2 between an initial position S1 shown in Figure 1a and an end position S2 shown in Figure 1b. The return assembly 4 serves to transfer the pedal element 3 into the initial position S1 or to hold it in the initial position S1 when no external forces act on the pedal element 3. For this purpose, the return assembly 4 has at least one elastic return element 5 and a base element 6. The base element 6 is designed to receive the elastic return element 5. The base element 6 can, for example, be an element that is at least separate from the return element 5. In particular, it can be manufactured separately from the return element 5 and not integrally with it. The return element 5 can, for example, be received or mounted or arranged in or on the base element 6 in a loose or detachable manner and / or in a non-destructively detachable manner.In other embodiments, it can be provided that the return element 5 is arranged on the base element 6 so that it can be removed non-destructively but cannot be lost. In this case, it is provided that the base element 6 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 6 can be manufactured separately from the housing 2, wherein the base element 6 can serve, for example, as an adapter between the return element 5 and the housing 2. The return element 5 can be arranged or mounted easily, securely and in the correct place in the housing 2 by means of the base element 6. 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 adjusted easily and with little effort by using a suitable return element 5.The use of different return elements 5 does not require any adaptation of the housing 2 itself, since only the base element 6 needs to be adapted, if not even different return elements can be arranged, mounted or accommodated in or on one and the same base element 6. Since the housing 2 is more complex to manufacture than the base element 6, the pedal arrangement 1 can nevertheless be manufactured simply and cost-effectively despite the wide range of variants. The return assembly 4 is mounted in or on the housing 2 in such a way, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner, that actuation of the pedal element 3 in the direction of the end position S2 causes a reversible elastic deformation of the return element 5. Due to an elastic restoring force of the return element 5, the pedal element 3 is thus transferred to the starting position S1 when the actuation is completed or when no external force is applied to the pedal element 3.

[0056] The housing 2 has a base plate 7, side walls 10 adjacent to the base plate 7, and a cover plate 15. The base plate 7, the cover plate 15, and the side walls 10 form an interior space 30 between them or enclose an interior space 30 of the housing 2. The interior space 30 is, for example, pocket-shaped here. It only has a (larger) mounting opening 31 for the pedal element 3 and the reset assembly 4 (front left in Figs. 1a, 1b) and is otherwise self-contained - the openings 8 described below for coupling the base element 6 to the base plate 7 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, the pedal element 3 is not mounted through a first mounting opening (e.g. from left to right) and the reset assembly 4 is not mounted through a second mounting opening (e.g.from bottom to top).

[0057] 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 the pedal assembly 1 is used as a brake pedal assembly.

[0058] Actuating forces when braking can be, for example, more than 200N or even more than 300N or more than 400N.

[0059] The mounting opening 31 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, for example, a treadle at its free end. The mounting opening 31 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 arrangement 3 can move within the mounting opening 31 between the starting position S1 and the end position S2. In other words: in the mounted state of the pedal element 3, the pedal element 3 protrudes, for example, at least in sections, through the mounting opening 31 into an external environment of the housing 2. The reset assembly 4 is here, for example (viewed along the mounting direction 100 orviewed along the direction of the pedal arm) between the bearing of the pedal element 3 and the tread plate of the pedal element 3.

[0060] The reset assembly 4 can be arranged or mounted almost entirely (e.g., more than 90%) in the interior 30 of the housing 2, in particular without parts of the reset assembly 4 protruding from the outside to the inside through one of the side walls 10 or plates 7, 15. Here, the reset assembly 4 is arranged, for example, entirely in the interior 30 of the housing 2. This makes assembly, in particular of a pre-assembled reset assembly 4, particularly easy. Furthermore, the reset assembly 4 can advantageously be inserted, pushed in, or mounted in the interior 30 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 and the subsequent coupling of another element of the reset assembly is not necessary.Furthermore, the arrangement of the reset assembly 4 in the interior 30 advantageously means that the at least one reset element 5 is particularly well protected against external mechanical influences or the like.

[0061] The pedal element 3 is mounted on the side walls 10. The pedal element 3 is mounted here, for example, in the interior space 30 of the housing. The pedal element 3 is arranged with a bearing section 32 between the side walls 10, the base plate 7, and the cover plate 15. The base element 6 rests, for example, on the side walls 10 and / or the base plate 7. This achieves particularly secure and reliable positioning of the base element 6 and also of the return element 5 in the housing 2. The cover plate 15 preferably has a stop 16, wherein the elastic return element 5 of the return assembly 4 presses the pedal element 3 against the cover plate 15 and / or the stop 16. This state, in which the pedal element 3 is pressed against the cover plate 15 and / or the stop 16, represents, for example, the starting position S1. By using the stop 16, the starting position can be reliably set.The stop 16 can have damping properties in order to avoid a hard impact of the pedal element 3 on the housing 2, e.g. when the pedal element 3 is suddenly released from the pressed state and quickly moves towards the starting position S1.

[0062] Figures 3 and 4 show different sectional views through the pedal arrangement 1.

[0063] Figure 3 shows that the base plate 7 has at least one opening 8, with two such openings 8 being shown in Fig. 3. The base element 6 has at least one projection 9 corresponding to the opening 8, so that two such projections 9 are shown in Fig. 3. Each projection 9 is here, for example, positively coupled to an opening 8 by the projection 9 being arranged in a positive fit in the respective opening 8. It is understood that alternatively or additionally the base plate 7 can also have at least one base plate projection and the base element 6 can have at least one base element opening corresponding to the base plate projection, with the base plate opening and the base plate projection being positively coupled.It is particularly advantageous for the pedal arrangement 1 that the area of ​​the at least one opening 8 of the base plate 7, in particular the area of ​​all openings 8 of the base plate 7 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 7. 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 return assembly 4 in the housing 2 or its interior 30.

[0064] If the base element 6 rests in a predefined position on the base plate 7, the projections 9 engage in the openings 8, thereby creating a positive connection. A (lateral) displacement of the base element 6 relative to the base plate 7 is not possible without the base element 6 being lifted off the base plate 7. Preferably, the elastic return element 5 between the base element 6 and the pedal element 3 is pretensioned, so that an elastic return force acts even when the pedal element 3 is in the starting position S1. This also causes the base element 6 to be pressed against the base plate 7, whereby the projections 9 remain in the openings 8, i.e. the base element 6 does not lift off the base plate 7. In this way, a secure and reliable hold of the base element 6 in the housing 2 is achieved using simple and cost-effective means. The base element 6 and thus also the return element 5 are held stationary relative to the base plate 7.At the same time, the reset assembly 4 can be assembled and disassembled easily and non-destructively.

[0065] The base element 6 can, for example, have an annular groove 11 and / or a cup-shaped recess 12 in which the elastic return element 5, e.g. a compression spring or the like, is or can be arranged. In the illustrated embodiment, the return assembly 4 has two independent elastic return elements 5a, 5b, which are arranged parallel to one another between the base element 6 and the pedal element 3. The two return elements 5a, 5b are designed here, for example, as compression springs. A first return element 5a is arranged in an annular groove 11 and a second return element 5b is arranged in a cup-shaped recess 12. This configuration enables the return elements 5a, 5b to be guided separately in the base element 6, since the return elements 5a, 5b are not arranged in the same recess in the base element 6.Alternatively, the two return elements 5a, 5b 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.

[0066] The use of two reset elements 5a, 5b 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 5a, 5b fails, for example, due to a defect, the other reset element 5a, 5b can continue to ensure that the pedal element 3 is returned to the starting position S1 after actuation.

[0067] The pedal element 3 has, for example, a (pedal element) recess 13 in which the elastic return element 5 is supported, e.g., at an end facing away from the base element 6. Alternatively or additionally, a projection could also be provided to support the return element 5. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, both return elements 5a, 5b are arranged in the same (pedal element) recess 13, although individual recesses can also be provided for each return element 5a, 5b. The (pedal element) recess 13 prevents the return elements 5a, 5b from slipping off the pedal element 3. Thus, it is always achieved that an actuation of the pedal element 3, ie a displacement of the pedal element 3 in the direction of the end position S2, leads to a compression of the return elements 5a, 5b and the return elements 5a, 5b can return the pedal element 3 to the starting position S1.

[0068] In order to prevent the pedal element 3 from striking the housing 2 and / or the return assembly 4 in the end position S2, the return assembly 4 here has, for example, a damping element 14 arranged on the base element 6, although other damping options are also conceivable. The pedal element 3 rests against the damping element 14 in the end region of the actuating movement, but at least in the end position S2. The actuating movement can thus be braked by the damping element 14 until the end position S2 is reached. In the example shown in Fig. 3, the damping element 14 is arranged within the cup-shaped recess 12. If no such cup-shaped recess 12 is present, for example because the two return elements 5a, 5b are arranged in a common annular groove or each in a separate annular groove, the damping element 14 can also be arranged differently on the base element 6.

[0069] Figures 5 and 6 schematically show the reset assembly 4 from different views. The reset assembly 4 can be inserted into the housing 2 along an assembly direction 100, e.g. together with the pedal element 3 or separately from the pedal element 3, for mounting the pedal arrangement 1. Mounting is preferably carried out through the, in particular single, mounting opening 31. The mounting direction 100 here runs, for example, essentially perpendicular to the actuation direction of the pedal element 3 and / or essentially perpendicular to a compression direction of the reset elements 5a, 5b. In addition, the base element 6 of the reset assembly 4 has at least one groove-shaped tool engagement 17, which is formed along the mounting direction 100. This serves to mount the reset assembly 4 as explained below. In the exemplary embodiment shown in the figures, two tool engagements 17 are arranged on opposite sides of the base element 6.The tool engagements 17 are arranged here, by way of example, adjacent to the side walls 10 (viewed in a state in which the reset assembly 4 is mounted in the housing 2).

[0070] The reset assembly 4 can be manufactured and preassembled independently of the housing 2 by attaching the reset elements 5a, 5b to the base element 6. Due to the adapter function of the base element 6, the reset elements 5a, 5b can be selected in almost any way.

[0071] To mount the reset assembly 4 in the housing, the reset assembly 4 is in particular fixed to a tool (not shown here), wherein the tool engages in the tool recesses 17 of the base element 6. Furthermore, in a conceivable exemplary embodiment, the pedal element 3 can be fixed to the tool so that the elastic reset elements 5a, 5b are pretensioned between the pedal element 3 and the base element 6. The reset assembly 4 and the pedal element 3 can thus be inserted together into the housing 2. 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 4 is inserted or mounted into the housing 2 using the tool. The pedal arrangement 1 is intended 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) which is movably mounted on the housing (2) and which is displaceable between an initial position (S1) and an end position (S2) and - a return assembly (4) with at least one elastic return element (5) and a base element (6), - wherein the base element (6) -- is formed separately from the housing (2), and -- is mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing (2) and -- is designed to receive the elastic return element (5), and - wherein the reset assembly (4) is mounted in or on the housing (2) in such a way, in particular in a non-destructively detachable manner, that actuation of the pedal element (3) in the direction of the end position (S2) causes elastic deformation of the reset element (5).

2. Pedal arrangement (1) according to claim 1, wherein the housing (2) has a base plate (7) with at least one opening (8), wherein the base element (6) has at least one projection (9) corresponding to the opening (8) and positively coupled to the opening (8), in particular which is positively arranged in the opening (8), and / or wherein the housing (2) has a base plate (7) with at least one base plate projection, wherein the base element (6) has at least one base element opening corresponding to the base plate projection and positively coupled to the base plate projection.

3. Pedal arrangement (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (2) has side walls (10) adjacent to the base plate (7), on which in particular the pedal element (3) is mounted, wherein the base element (6) rests against the side walls (10).

4. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the base element (6) has an annular groove (11) and / or a cup-shaped recess (12) in which the elastic return element (5) is arranged.

5. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal element (3) has a recess (13) and / or a projection in / on which the elastic return element (5) is supported.

6. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return assembly (4) has a damping element (14) arranged on the base element (6), wherein the pedal element (3) rests against the damping element (14) in the end region of an actuating movement, in particular in the end position (S2).

7. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (2) has a cover plate (15), in particular with a stop (16), wherein the elastic return element (5) of the return assembly (4) presses the pedal element (3) against the cover plate (15), in particular against the stop (16), wherein in particular the state in which the pedal element (3) is pressed against the cover plate (15) and / or the stop (16) represents the starting position (S1).

8. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return assembly (4) has two independent elastic return elements (5a, 5b) acting parallel to each other are arranged between the base element (6) and the pedal element (3).

9. Pedal arrangement (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the return assembly (4), in particular together with the pedal element (3), can be inserted into the housing (2) along a mounting direction (100) for mounting the pedal arrangement (1), wherein the mounting direction (100) runs in particular substantially perpendicular to the actuation direction of the pedal element (3).

10. Pedal arrangement (1) according to claim 9, wherein the base element (6) has at least one groove-shaped tool engagement (17) which is formed along the mounting direction (100), in particular in order to prestress the elastic return element (5) between the pedal element (3) and the base element (6). 11 . Reset assembly for a pedal arrangement (1) with a housing (2) and a pedal element (3), the reset assembly (4) comprising: - at least one elastic return element (5) for returning the pedal element (3) to an initial position (S1) and a base element (6), - wherein the base element (6) -- is formed separately from the housing (2), and -- can be mounted, in particular fastened, in or on the housing (2), and -- is designed to receive the elastic return element (5), and - wherein the reset assembly (4) can be mounted in or on the housing (2) in such a way, in particular in a non-destructive manner, that an elastic deformation of the reset element (5) is made possible by actuating the pedal element (3).

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