A pedal assembly and a method for manufacturing the pedal assembly as well as a bracket suitable for use in the pedal assembly

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedal assembly (10) comprising a pedal arm unit (70), a bracket (20) for holding the pedal arm unit (70), a sensor group (30) for sensing the position of the pedal arm unit (70), a shaft (63) mounted in the bracket (20) and forming an axis of rotation (X), a bracket shaft (40) through which the shaft (63) is passed and on which at least one resilient member (41) is disposed. Said pedal assembly (10) comprises a first bending line (BH1) forming a first lateral wall (21) of the bracket (20), a second bending line (BH2) forming a second lateral wall (22) thereof and a third bending line (BH3) forming a third lateral wall (23) thereof, that are arranged to be bent symmetrically according to the need for use of the bracket (20);; a first U-profile (U1) and a second U-profile (U2) of the bracket (20) that are integrated with each other and are manufactured from a single piece of sheet material and formed by bending the bending lines; and a pedal connection part (60) associated with an end of the shaft (63), suitable for attaching different types of pedal arm units (70). The present invention also describes a method for manufacturing a bracket (20) for use in a pedal assembly (10) and a method for manufacturing the pedal assembly (10).

Description

[0001] A PEDAL ASSEMBLY AND A METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY AS WELL AS A BRACKET SUITABLE FOR USE IN THE PEDAL ASSEMBLY

[0002] The present invention describes a pedal assembly which allows the use of different types of pedal arm units, and a method for manufacturing a bracket for said pedal assembly, and for manufacturing the pedal assembly itself.

[0003] Pedal mechanisms such as clutches, accelerator pedals, and brake pedals are, for example, used to adjust drive parameters in vehicles and heavy equipment. The pedal mechanisms that are provided with position sensors are widely used in automotive products. Such mechanisms indicate the position of the relevant pedals, and accordingly, generate electrical signals.

[0004] Conventional pedal mechanisms having pedals with position sensors generally have brackets that are made of sheet metal formed in such a way that they have a U-shaped cross-section. The range of movement of a pedal mounted on such a bracket is restricted by geometric obstacles on the internal surfaces of the bracket. The axis of movement of such a pedal is defined by a shaft passing through the holes on the pedal and the bracket. The shaft also rotates around the axis based on the position of the pedal, thereby transmitting any instantaneous position of the pedal to the position sensor.

[0005] Currently, there are many different types of pedal arm units in use, and for each pedal arm unit, several processes of manufacturing are used. This results in significant labor and time costs. The pedal arm needs to be connected to the bracket at the right or left side, or a compatible bracket should be manufactured based on the place where it will be disposed in the vehicle. Also, it is necessary to produce compatible brackets in line with the user requests for different pedal arm variants. Extra production material and extra testing effort are caused by producing brackets suitable for each different arm structure. In addition, there is a limit in the construction of the bracket structures that the user wants to customize.

[0006] International patent application no. W02006078579 (A2) is an example of the prior art. Said patent application describes a pedal assembly having a pedal in which the part that is in contact with the user's foot is removable, without either plastic deformation or fracture thereof.

[0007] A main object of the present invention is to provide a pedal assembly suitable for use with different types of pedal arm units, wherein the abovementioned disadvantages of the prior art pedal assemblies are eliminated.

[0008] Another object of the present invention is to provide a pedal assembly in which the user is allowed to select and use the desired type of pedal arm structure, by means of the removable structure of the pedal arm unit. Another object of the present invention is to provide a bracket structure with increased safety by means of an internal stopping aperture.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide a safe, stable and durable pedal assembly having a long technical service life.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a simple and low-cost method of manufacturing for a pedal mechanism.

[0011] Still, another object of the present invention is to provide a method for manufacturing an easily configurable bracket and a pedal assembly suitable for different types of pedal arms.

[0012] The present invention relates to a pedal assembly comprising a pedal arm unit, a bracket for holding the pedal arm unit, a sensor group for sensing the position of the pedal arm unit, a shaft mounted in the bracket and forming an axis of rotation, and a bracket shaft through which the shaft is passed and on which at least one resilient member is disposed. Said pedal assembly comprises a first bending line forming a first lateral wall of the bracket, a second bending line forming a second lateral wall thereof and a third bending line forming a third lateral wall thereof, that are arranged to be bent symmetrically according to the need for use of the bracket (20); a first U-profile and a second U-profile of the bracket that are integrated with each other and manufactured from a single piece of sheet material and formed by bending the bending lines; and a pedal connection part associated with an end of the shaft, suitable for attaching different types of pedal arm units. In this way, a durable and precise pedal assembly that is suitable for different types of pedal arms is obtained.

[0013] The present invention also describes a method for manufacturing a bracket for use in a pedal assembly, comprising the steps of: (a) manufacturing a flat bracket plate made of sheet metal and having thereon a series of connection holes and an aperture, (b) defining a first bending line between a base and a first lateral wall, a second bending line between the base and a second lateral wall, and a third bending line between the base and a third lateral wall on the bracket plate, (c) bending the bracket plate so as to have a first U-profile and a second U-profile at the said first bending line, the second bending line, and the third bending line, in accordance with whether the pedal arm unit is to be connected at the right or left side of the bracket; (d) a base width of the first U profile being larger than that of the second U profile.

[0014] In this way, a bracket is achieved that can be easily configured in accordance with the place and type of connection of the pedal arm unit.

[0015] The present invention also describes a method for manufacturing a pedal assembly, comprising the steps of: forming a bracket by bending the bending lines in accordance with whether a pedal arm unit is to be connected at the right or left side thereof; disposing, in the bracket, a shaft mounted in the first U-profile of the bracket and forming the axis of rotation, a bracket shaft through which the shaft is passed and on which at least one resilient member is provided; positioning the sensor group on the second U-profile of the bracket such that it is substantially in a horizontal or vertical position relative to a longitudinal axis of the bracket; coupling, to the bracket, a pedal connection part having a movement-limiting protrusion guided in the aperture, which is formed by bending a fourth bending line in accordance with the defined orientation of the bracket; coupling a sensor plate to the bracket, which is associated with an end of the shaft and transmits the motion from the shaft to the sensor group via a magnetic unit with which it is associated; and connecting a pedal arm unit to the pedal connection part at the pedal arm.

[0016] In this way, a durable pedal assembly is achieved which is compatible with different types of brackets and pedal arm units.

[0017] The accompanying drawings are given solely for the purpose of exemplifying a pedal assembly whose advantages over the prior art were outlined above and will be explained in detail hereinafter:

[0018] Fig. 1 illustrates an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a pedal assembly according to the present invention.

[0019] Fig. 2a is a perspective view of a bracket plate suitable to be formed as a bracket for use in the pedal assembly according to the present invention, illustrating the bending lines thereof.

[0020] Fig. 2b is a perspective view of a bracket formed by bending the pedal arm unit so as to attach it at the right side.

[0021] Fig. 2c is a perspective view of a bracket formed by bending the pedal arm unit so as to attach it at the left side.

[0022] Fig. 3a is a perspective view of a pedal connection part, not yet bent, having a movement-limiting protrusion that is bendable with respect to a direction in which the pedal arm unit is to be attached for use in the pedal assembly according to the present invention.

[0023] Fig. 3b is a perspective view of a bent pedal connection part suitable for a bracket to which the pedal arm unit is to be attached at the right side.

[0024] Fig. 3c is a perspective view of a bent connection part suitable for a bracket to which the pedal arm unit is to be attached at the left side.

[0025] Fig. 4a is a perspective view of the sensor plate, not yet bent, having an end portion that is bendable with respect to the direction in which the pedal arm unit is to be attached for use in the pedal assembly according to the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 4b is a perspective view of a bent pedal connection part suitable for a bracket to which the pedal arm unit is to be attached at the right side.

[0027] Fig. 4c is a perspective view of a bent connection part suitable for a bracket to which the pedal arm unit is to be attached at the left side.

[0028] Fig. 5a is a top perspective view of a pedal assembly wherein the pedal arm unit is attached to the bracket at the left side. Fig. 5b is a top perspective view of a pedal assembly wherein the pedal arm unit is attached to the bracket at the right side.

[0029] Fig. 6a is a side view in which the movement-limiting protrusion of the pedal connection part in the bracket is disposed in the aperture, thereby forming a working angle of 10° for the aperture by means of a range limiter.

[0030] Fig. 6b is a side view in which the movement-limiting protrusion of the pedal connection part in the bracket is disposed in the aperture, thereby forming a working angle of 16°.

[0031] Fig. 7a is a perspective view of a bracket having a sensor group, disposed horizontally, for use in a pedal assembly according to the present invention.

[0032] Fig. 7b is a perspective view of a bracket having a sensor group, disposed vertically, for use in a pedal assembly according to the present invention.

[0033] Fig. 8a is a perspective view of a first type of pedal arm unit suitable to be attached at the left side to a pedal assembly according to the present invention, illustrating its position prior to being coupled to the bracket.

[0034] Fig. 8b is a perspective view of a second pedal arm unit suitable to be attached at the left side to the pedal assembly according to the present invention, illustrating its position prior to being coupled to the bracket.

[0035] Fig. 8c is a perspective view of a third type of pedal arm unit suitable to be attached at the left side to a pedal assembly according to the present invention, illustrating its position prior to being coupled to the bracket.

[0036] Fig. 9a is a perspective view of the bracket to which the pedal arm unit can be attached at the right side of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the above-ground level.

[0037] Fig. 9b is a perspective view of the bracket to which the pedal arm unit can be attached at the right side of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the under-ground level.

[0038] Fig. 9c is a perspective view of the bracket to which the pedal arm unit can be attached at the left side of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the under-ground level. Fig. 9d is a perspective view of the bracket to which the pedal arm unit can be attached at the left side of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the above-ground level.

[0039] Fig. 10a is a side view of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the above-ground level.

[0040] Fig. 10b is a side view of the pedal assembly according to the present invention which is suitable for use at the under-ground level.

[0041] As can be seen in Fig. 1, the present invention relates to a pedal assembly (10). Said pedal assembly (10) mainly comprises a pedal arm unit (70), a bracket (20) for holding the pedal arm unit (70), a sensor group (30) for sensing the position of the pedal arm unit (70), a shaft (63) mounted in the bracket (20) and forming an axis of rotation (X), a bracket shaft (40) through which the shaft (63) is passed and on which at least one resilient member (41) is disposed.

[0042] Said pedal assembly (10) comprises a first bending line (BH1) forming a first lateral wall (21) of the bracket (20), a second bending line (BH2) forming a second lateral wall (22) thereof and a third bending line (BH3) forming a third lateral wall (23) thereof, that are suitable to be bent symmetrically based on the usage requirements of the bracket (20); a first U-profile (Ul) and a second U-profile (U2) of the bracket (20) that are integrated with each other and manufactured from a single piece of sheet material and formed by bending the bending lines; and a pedal connection part (60) associated with an end of the shaft (63), suitable for attaching different types of pedal arm units (70). The first lateral wall (21) is generally configured so as to have a length that is equal to that of the other two walls. There is provided an opposite hole on both the first lateral wall (21) and the third lateral wall (23), through which the shaft (63) is passed. The sensor group is coupled to the second lateral wall (22), and the second lateral wall (22) has a hole substantially at the center thereof, through which parts of the sensor group are passed. An engagement extension (52) extending from a sensor plate (50) is engaged with a magnetic unit (31) disposed in this hole.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, a pedal pressing surface (74) suitable to be pressed by the user with the foot is coupled to a pedal arm (71) that is in the form of a cylindrical bent tube. A force is applied by the user through the pedal pressing surface (74) and is transferred to the pedal connection part (60) through the pedal arm connection part (72) with which the pedal arm (71) is associated. Referring to Fig. 1, a washer (64) may be located on the shaft extending from the pedal connection part (60). Also, a bearing member (65) is provided in each shaft hole in the bracket (20) in order to provide a better bearing rotation. The first bending line (BH1), the second bending line (BH2), and the third bending line (BH3) are planar parts that are determined to be suitable for bending. One of the bearing members (65) is located in the shaft hole on the third lateral wall (23) while the other one is located in the shaft hole on the first lateral wall (21). It is also possible to use a washer (64) against possible crushing.

[0044] A direction of the pedal arm unit (70) may be determined by means of different bending lines. For example, if the pedal arm unit (70) is desired to be attached to the bracket (20) at the right side, a bracket plate (25) bent upwards at the appropriate bending lines is rendered suitable for use at the right side. Likewise, when the pedal arm unit (70) is desired to be attached to the bracket (20) at the left side, the bracket plate (25), which is bent in an opposite direction so as to be symmetrical with respect to the first configuration, is rendered suitable for attaching the pedal arm unit (70) at the left side. Said bracket plate (25) may preferably be produced by cutting from a sheet plate, preferably made of metal. A method for converting the bracket plate (25) into a bracket (20) will be described in more detail below. Once the bracket plate (25) is bent at the relevant bending lines, there is provided a base (26) where it contacts the ground, and lateral walls extending from the base (26) opposite to each other. With reference to Figs. 2a-c, the first lateral wall (21) comprises an aperture (24) into which a movement-limiting protrusion (66), which is an extension of the pedal connection part (60), is to be received in order to restrict the movement of the pedal connection part (60). The aperture (24), which is in the form of an opening, is preferably in the form of a truncated cone and guides the movementlimiting protrusion (66) therein. The aperture (24) defines a working angle of the pedal arm unit (70). The aperture (23) is formed on the first lateral wall (21), which is longer than the others.

[0045] The pedal arm unit (70) is coupled to the bracket (20) by means of the pedal connection part (60). The pedal connection part (60) is also configured in accordance with the form formed by bending the bracket (20) through the bending lines. A fourth bending line (BH4) is also provided which forms a movementlimiting protrusion (66) of the pedal connection part (60), which is suitable to be bent relative to the first lateral wall (21) formed by bending the bracket (20). As can be seen in Fig. 3b, in the embodiments wherein the pedal arm unit (20) is to be attached to the bracket (20) at the right side, the movementlimiting protrusion (66) is bent at the fourth bending line (BH4) perpendicularly in the left direction. As can be seen in Fig. 3c, in an embodiment wherein the pedal arm unit (20) is to be attached to the bracket (20) at the left side, the movement-limiting protrusion (66) is bent at the fourth bending line (BH4) perpendicularly in the right direction.

[0046] As can be seen in Fig. 1, in another embodiment of the invention, the pedal connection part (60) comprises at least one connection hole (67) and at least one connection element (62) suitable for coupling a pedal arm unit (70) to a pedal arm (71) through the connection hole (67), so as to allow the use of different types of pedal arm units (70). Thus, a bolt or screw-like connection member (62) is inserted through a plurality of connection holes (67) disposed at different points, and attached to the pedal arm (71). As can be seen in Figs. 3a-c, the pedal connection part (60) preferably comprises a shaft engagement opening (68) into which an end of the shaft (63) is inserted, and at least two pedal connection holes (67) disposed around the shaft engagement opening (68). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the pedal arm unit (70) comprises a pedal arm connection part (72) associated with an end of the pedal arm (71), wherein the connection member (62) passed through the connection hole (67) is engaged with the pedal arm connection part (72). The pedal arm connection part (72), which can be rectangular or square in cross-section, has as many pedal arm engagement holes (75) as the number of connection members (62) extending from the pedal connection part (60). The pedal arm engagement hole (75), preferably two, is located close to the corners of the pedal arm connection part (72).

[0047] With reference to Figs. 8a-c, once the connection member (62) is passed through the pedal arm connection part (72), it is tightened with a suitable nut (73) in order to complete the connection thereof. Said connection member (62) is in the form of a screw or bolt and is configured to engage in the pedal arm connection part (72). With reference to Figs. 9a, the pedal arm (71) may be coupled so as to extend upward from the pedal arm connection part (72) in a vertical direction, or it may be adjacent to the pedal arm connection part (72) in a horizontal plane, as illustrated in fig. 9b. As shown in Fig. 9c, it may also be coupled perpendicularly to the center of the pedal arm connection part (72).

[0048] Referring to Figs. 9a-d, the flexible member (41) can be positioned at different positions on the bracket shaft (40) depending on the usage of the pedal arm unit (70). There are provided a first rivet (53) associated with the sensor plate (50) and a second rivet (61) associated with the pedal connection part (60). The sensor plate (50) is associated with the bracket (20) through the third lateral wall (23) and has appropriate connection holes. The resilient member tips (42) of the resilient member (41) abut the first rivet (53) and the second rivet (61) from above or below, respectively, depending on the usage of the pedal arm unit (70). Referring to Fig. 10a, the open resilient member tips (42) of the resilient members

[0049] (41), being two in number and aligned on the bracket shaft (40), abut against the first rivet (53) and the second rivet (61) from above. Whereas in fig. 10b, the open resilient member tips (42) of the resilient members (41), being two in number and also aligned on the bracket shaft (40), abut against the first rivet (53) and the second rivet (61) from below. Thus, it is possible to change the working direction of the resilient members (41) depending on the desired type of pedal arm unit (70).

[0050] In an embodiment of the invention, the first rivet (53) and the second rivet (61) may be comprised of an identical tip portion and a large cylindrical body that is to be in contact with the resilient member tips

[0051] (42). The bracket shaft (40) preferably has a hollow cylindrical form and is provided with two resilient members (41) spaced at a certain interval. The bracket shaft (40) is wide enough to insert the shaft (63) therethrough. A conventional spring may be selected as the resilient member (41). Each resilient member (41) has resilient member tips (42), one extending upwards and one extending substantially in the opposite direction. One of these tips presses against the relevant rivet.

[0052] Referring to Figs. 6a and 6b, there is provided a range limiter (80), optionally attachable into the aperture (24), which allows to adjust a range of movement of the movement-limiting protrusion (66) and thus an angle of movement of the pedal arm unit (70). The range limiter (80) which is coupled to the first lateral wall (21) by means of at least one anti-impact part (81), may also be attached at different positions in the aperture (24) depending on the type of pedal arm unit (70). Said range limiter (80) defines the working angle of the pedal arm unit (70). As can be seen in Fig. 6a, for example, it can be 10°, or 16° as in fig. 6b. Referring to Figs. 7a-b, the range limiting member (80) is preferably attached to the first lateral wall (21) by means of a screw-like range limiting connection member (82). The range limiting member (80) may comprise an internal slot so as to partially receive an edge in the aperture (24).

[0053] Referring to Figs. 4a-c, an end of the shaft (63) mounted in the bracket (20) is engaged with a sensor plate (50), and the sensor plate (50) is associated with the sensor group (30). Thus, the motion from the pedal arm unit (70) is transferred to the sensor group (30) via the sensor plate (50). There is also provided a fifth bending line (BH5) forming a sensor engagement tip (51) of the sensor plate (50), which is suitable to be bent symmetrically in accordance with the second lateral wall (22) that is formed by bending the bracket (20). This ensures that the sensor plate (50) is also configured in accordance with the defined orientation of the bracket (20). Referring to Figs. 4a-c, the sensor plate (50) comprises a shaft engagement opening (54), and an end of the said shaft (63) is engaged with the shaft engagement opening (54). This ensures that the motion is transferred to the sensor plate (50) and then to the sensor group (30). An engagement extension (52), preferably in cylindrical form, is passed through the sensor engagement tip (51), which is bent in the appropriate direction, and is associated with a holding member (33) being in the form of a sheath and associated with the sensor group (30). The holding member (33) is also associated with a rotation member (32) that is in the form of a clamp and capable of performing rotational movement. As a result, when the rotation member (32) performs a rotational movement, the magnetic unit (31), associated therewith, also rotates in the sensor group (30), thereby ensuring angular detection of the motion from the pedal arm unit (70). The magnetic unit (31) rotating simultaneously with the rotation part (32) rotates to span a larger angle than the pedal arm unit (70), due to the fact that the axes of the sensor plate (50) and the rotation part (32) are different. The magnetic unit (31) rotating in the sensor group (30) converts the incoming motion into an electrical signal. In the invention, it is advantageously possible to position the sensor group (30) horizontally, as shown in Fig. 7a, or in a vertical direction, as shown in Fig. 7b.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first U profile (Ul) has a base surface larger than that of the second U profile (U2), and the sensor group (30) is associated with the second U profile (U2). The sensor group (30) is preferably associated with the second lateral wall (22) of the second U profile (U2). The second lateral wall (22) comprises, thereon, a number of mounting holes (221) in order to allow the sensor group (30) to be positioned substantially horizontally or vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracket (20).

[0055] The present invention also describes a method for manufacturing a bracket (20) for use in the said pedal assembly (10), the method comprising the following steps:

[0056] (a) manufacturing a flat bracket plate (25) made of sheet metal and having thereon a series of connection holes and an aperture (24),

[0057] (b) defining a first bending line (BH1) between a base (26) and a first lateral wall (21), a second bending line (BH2) between the base (26) and a second lateral wall (22), and a third bending line (BL3) between the base (26) and a third lateral wall (23) on the bracket plate (25),

[0058] (c) bending the bracket plate (25) so as to have a first U profile (Ul) and a second U profile (U2) at the said first bending line (BH1), the second bending line (BH2) and the third bending line (BH3), in accordance with whether the pedal arm unit (70) is to be connected at the right side or left side of the bracket (20); (d) the base width of the first U profile (Ul) being larger than the base width of the second U profile (U2).

[0059] The invention also describes a method for manufacturing a pedal assembly (10), comprising the steps of: manufacturing a bracket (20) as described above by bending the bending lines in accordance with a pedal arm unit (70) to be connected at the right or left side thereof; disposing, in the bracket (20), a shaft (63) mounted in the first U-profile (Ul) of the bracket (20) and forming an axis of rotation (X), a bracket shaft (40) through which the shaft (63) is passed and on which at least one resilient member (41) is provided; positioning the sensor group (30) on the second U-profile (U2) of the bracket such that it is substantially in a horizontal or vertical position relative to the longitudinal axis of the bracket (20); coupling, to the bracket (20), a pedal connection part (60) having a movement-limiting protrusion (66) guided in the aperture (24), which is formed by bending a fourth bending line (BH4) in accordance with the defined orientation of the bracket (20); coupling a sensor plate (50) to the bracket (20), which is associated with an end of the shaft (63) and transmits the motion from the shaft (63) to the sensor group (30) via a magnetic unit (31) with which it is associated; connecting a pedal arm unit (70) to the pedal connection part (60) at the pedal arm (71).

[0060] The method for manufacturing said pedal assembly (10) further comprises the step of coupling the pedal arm unit (70) to the pedal arm (71) by means of at least one connection member (62) passed through the pedal connection part (60). As a further step, the sensor engagement tip (51) of the sensor plate (50) is bent at a fifth bending line (BH5) in accordance with the usage of the second U-profile (U2).

[0061] List of reference numbers:

[0062] 10. Pedal assembly

[0063] 20. Bracket

[0064] 21. First lateral wall

[0065] 22. Second lateral wall

[0066] 23. Third lateral wall

[0067] 24. Aperture

[0068] 25. Bracket plate

[0069] 26. Base

[0070] 30. Sensor group

[0071] 31. Magnetic unit 32. Rotation member

[0072] 33. Holding member

[0073] 40. Bracket shaft

[0074] 41. Resilient member

[0075] 42. Resilient member tip

[0076] 50. Sensor plate

[0077] 51. Engagement tip

[0078] 52. Engagement extension

[0079] 53. First rivet

[0080] 54. Shaft engagement opening

[0081] 60. Pedal connection part

[0082] 61. Second rivet

[0083] 62. Connection member

[0084] 63. Shaft

[0085] 64. Washer

[0086] 65. Bearing member

[0087] 66. Movement-limiting protrusion

[0088] 67. Connection hole

[0089] 68. Engagement opening

[0090] 70. Pedal arm unit

[0091] 71. Pedal arm

[0092] 72. Pedal arm connection part

[0093] 73. Nut

[0094] 74. Pedal pressing surface

[0095] 75. Pedal arm engagement hole

[0096] 80. Range limiter

[0097] 81. Anti-impact part

[0098] 82. Range limiter connection member

[0099] BH1. First bending line

[0100] BH2. Second bending line

[0101] BH3. Third bending line

[0102] BH4. Fourth bending line

[0103] BH5. Fifth bending line

[0104] X. Rotation axis

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pedal assembly (10) comprising a pedal arm unit (70), a bracket (20) for holding the pedal arm unit (70), a sensor group (30) for sensing the position of the pedal arm unit (70), a shaft (63) mounted in the bracket (20) and forming an axis of rotation (X), a bracket shaft (40) through which the shaft (63) is passed and on which at least one resilient member (41) is disposed, characterized in that said pedal assembly (10) comprises:- a first bending line (BH1) forming a first lateral wall (21) of the bracket (20), a second bending line (BH2) forming a second lateral wall (22) thereof, and a third bending line (BH3) forming a third lateral wall (23) thereof, that are arranged to be bent symmetrically according to the need for use of the bracket (20);- a first U-profile (Ul) and a second U-profile (U2) of the bracket (20) that are integrated with each other and manufactured from a single piece of sheet material and formed by bending the bending lines; and- a pedal connection part (60) associated with an end of the shaft (63), suitable for attaching different types of pedal arm units (70).

2. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 1, wherein the first lateral wall (21) comprises an aperture (24) into which a movement-limiting protrusion (66), which is an extension of the pedal connection part (60), is to be received in order to restrict the movement of the pedal connection part (60).

3. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 2, comprising a fourth bending line (BH4) forming a movement-limiting protrusion (66) of the pedal connection part (60), which is suitable to be bent symmetrically relative to the first lateral wall (21) formed by the bending the bracket (20).

4. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 2 or 3, comprising a pedal connection part (60) having at least one connection hole (67) and at least one connection member (62) suitable for coupling a pedal arm unit (70) to a pedal arm (71) through the connection hole (67), so as to allow the use of different types of pedal arm units (70).

5. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 4, wherein the pedal connection part (60) comprises a shaft engagement opening (68) into which an end of the shaft (63) is inserted, and at least two pedal connection holes (67) disposed around the shaft engagement opening (68).

6. A pedal assembly (10) according to claims 2 to 5, wherein the pedal arm unit (70) comprises a pedal arm connection part (72) associated with an end of the pedal arm (71).

7. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 6, comprising at least one pedal arm engagement hole (75) on the pedal arm connection part (72), for engaging at least one connection member (62) extending from the pedal connection part (60).

8. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the pedal arm (71) is coupled to the pedal arm connection part (72) partly adjacent, or perpendicular thereto.

9. A pedal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient member (41) can be positioned at different positions on the bracket shaft (40) depending on the usage of the pedal arm unit (70).

10. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 9, wherein the pedal assembly (10) comprises a first rivet (53) associated with the sensor plate (50) and a second rivet (61) associated with the pedal connection part (60), and in that the resilient member tips (42) of the at least two resilient members (41) are arranged to abut against the first rivet (53) and the second rivet (61) from above or below, depending on the usage of the pedal arm unit (70).

11. A pedal assembly (10) according to claims 2 to 10, wherein a range limiter (80) is attachable arranged in the aperture (24) for allowing to adjust a range of movement of the movement-limiting protrusion (66) and thus an angle of movement of the pedal arm unit (70).

12. A pedal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end of the shaft (63) mounted in the bracket (20) is engaged with a sensor plate (50), and the sensor plate (50) is associated with the sensor group (30).

13. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 12, comprising a fifth bending line (BH5) forming a sensor engagement tip (51) of the sensor plate (50), which is suitable to be bent symmetrically in accordance with the second lateral wall (22) that is formed by bending the bracket (20).

14. A pedal assembly (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first U-profile (Ul) has a base surface larger than that of the second U-profile (U2), and the sensor group (30) is associated with the second U-profile (U2).

15. A pedal assembly (10) according to claim 14, wherein the sensor group (30) is associated with the second lateral wall (22) in the second U-profile (U2), and the sensor group (30)comprises a number of mounting holes (221) on the second lateral wall (22) in order to allow the sensor group (30) to be positioned substantially horizontally or vertically with respect to the longitudinal axis of the bracket (20).

16. A method for manufacturing a bracket (20) for use in a pedal assembly (10), comprising the steps of:(a) manufacturing a flat bracket plate (25) made of sheet metal and having thereon a series of connection holes and an aperture (24),(b) defining a first bending line (BH1) between a base (26) and a first lateral wall (21), a second bending line (BH2) between the base (26) and a second lateral wall (22), and a third bending line (BL3) between the base (26) and a third lateral wall (23) on the bracket plate (25),(c) bending the bracket plate (25) so as to have a first U profile (Ul) and a second U profile (U2) at the said first bending line (BH1), the second bending line (BH2) and the third bending line (BH3), in accordance with whether the pedal arm unit (70) is to be connected at the right side or left side of the bracket (20);(d) the base width of the first U profile (Ul) being larger than the base width of the second U profile (U2).

17. A method for manufacturing a pedal assembly (10), comprising the steps of: manufacturing a bracket (20) according to claim 16 by bending the bending lines in accordance with a pedal arm unit (70) to be connected at the right or left side thereof; disposing, in the bracket (20), a shaft (63) mounted in the first U-profile (Ul) of the bracket (20) and forming the axis of rotation (X), a bracket shaft (40) through which the shaft (63) is passed and on which at least one resilient member (41) is provided; positioning the sensor group (30) on the second U-profile (U2) of the bracket such that it is substantially in a horizontal or vertical position relative to the longitudinal axis of the bracket (20); coupling, to the bracket (20), a pedal connection part (60) having a movement-limiting protrusion (66) guided in the aperture (24), which is formed by bending a fourth bending line (BH4) in accordance with the defined orientation of the bracket (20); coupling a sensor plate (50) to the bracket (20), which is associated with an end of the shaft (63) and transmits the motion from the shaft (63) to the sensor group (30) via a magnetic unit (31) with which it is associated; connecting a pedal arm unit (70) to the pedal connection part (60) at the pedal arm (71).

18. A method according to claim 17, wherein the pedal arm unit (70) is associated with the pedal arm (71) by means of at least one connection member (62) passed through the pedal connection part (60).

19. A method for manufacturing a pedal assembly (10) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the sensor engagement tip (51) of the said sensor plate (50) is formed by bending at a fifth bending line (BH5) based on the position of the second U-profile (U2).

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