DE102014103167A1 - pedal unit - Google Patents

Abstract

A pedal unit (10) is described with a base element (12) and a pedal element (14) which is movable relative to the base element between a basic position and a full-action position. At least one return element (30) is provided to reset the pedal element (14) in the direction of the basic position. A sensor element (42, 38) provides a signal corresponding to the actuation position. To enable a pedal with a simple structure is provided that the pedal element (14) is arranged linearly displaceable on the base member 12.

Description

The invention relates to a pedal unit, in particular for use in a motor vehicle.

Depending on the design of a motor vehicle, it is known to make various functions operable by pedal units. In particular, brake pedals, clutch pedals and accelerator pedals (accelerators) are known. In this case, a pedal element is always movable relative to a base element. The base element is usually defined in the footwell of the motor vehicle. The pedal element is designed for foot operation, for example as a pedal plate, and is movable relative to the base element between a basic position, which is assumed without the action of operating forces, and a full operating position.

For example. describes the US 6,275,024 B1 an accelerator pedal with a pedal lever which is pivotally mounted. A stop limits the movement of the pedal arm and a spring acts on the pedal counter to the direction of actuation. Between the pedal arm and a stationary wall of the automobile, a piston / cylinder arrangement is articulated. The piston moves axially when the pedal is turned. A detector generates an electronic signal dependent on the displacement of the accelerator pedal, a friction element provides friction against the movement of the piston, and a return element resets the piston and the accelerator pedal.

In the DE 10 2010 027 924 A1 is described an accelerator pedal with a pedal plate, which is hinged to a base member by means of a film hinge pivotally. A pedal cylinder as an actuating force unit is articulated to the base plate with an upper pivot on the pedal plate and a lower pivot on the base. By moving a first housing part relative to a second housing part of the Pedalzylinder is variable in length upon actuation of the accelerator pedal, the force occurring upon actuation of the accelerator pedal counterforce and ensures the return of the pedal plate in the normal position upon release of the operation.

It is an object of the invention to provide a pedal unit of particularly simple construction.

This object is achieved by a pedal unit according to claim 1. Dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

The invention is based on the recognition that conventional pedal units always assume a pivotally mounted element, for example. In the known design as a stationary pedal a pivotally mounted pedal plate and a hanging pedal a pivotally mounted pedal arm. For such pedals, a suitable pivot bearing must be provided, which increases the construction cost. Overall, there is a relatively large space for the entire unit.

A basic idea of the invention is therefore to provide a new type of pedal with a simplified construction, in which the pedal element is not pivotably articulated on the base element, but is arranged linearly displaceable.

Here, the pedal unit according to the invention as conventionally a pedal element, preferably in the form of a pedal plate for foot control. For fixing in the footwell of the motor vehicle, a base member is provided. A restoring element serves to return the pedal element in the direction of a basic position. A sensor element is provided to provide, for example, an electrical signal corresponding to the actuation position of the pedal element.

In the pedal according to the invention, the pedal element is arranged linearly displaceable on the base member. This can be dispensed with the pivotal arrangement, such as, for example, in a conventional pedal arm. The actuating movement, which is carried out at foot actuation of the base member and causes an actuation against the force of the return element, is a linear displacement movement. This does not exclude that, for example, an actuating surface can be pivotally mounted on the linearly movable element. The decisive factor is that the actuating movement is a linear displacement.

Such a pedal unit can be constructed very simply, as can be seen in particular from the exemplary embodiment. It requires little space and can be easily mounted in the footwell of a motor vehicle.

In addition, the pedal unit can be constructed with a linearly displaceable pedal element without an element on which rests the heel of the foot of the operator, as it forms, for example. The leading edge of a standing pedal. Such an element plays a special role in the event of a crash, because from there forces can act on the leg of the operator. If the pedal according to the invention constructed without such an element, eliminates the resulting risk of injury.

Another advantage is the easy way to seal an interior with a pedal unit with linearly displaceable pedal element, in particular against the ingress of dirt, dust and liquids. With swiveling pedal elements makes the pivoting difficult such a seal. In a linear guide, however, a tightness is already easier to achieve by design.

Incidentally, a pedal unit with linearly displaceable pedal element can fulfill all conventionally known pedal functions. In particular, use as an accelerator pedal is preferred.

It is preferred that the linear movement of the pedal element is damped, just as is known from conventional pivotable pedal elements. Friction-induced damping results in a desired hysteresis of movement, i. different forces in the direction of actuation and return direction. For this purpose, damping elements, in particular friction elements, can be provided.

Likewise, additional functions known per se for conventional pedals may also be provided on a pedal unit with a linearly displaceable pedal element. For example. may be provided on the pedal element or preferably on the base member, a controllable vibration element to produce vibrations of the pedal element. Such vibrations can be used to signal the driver. Furthermore, a force jump unit can be provided. Such a force jump unit is known, for example, from the kickdown function, i. it results in the actuation of the pedal element a force jump, i. a fast increased drag. The force jump occurring at a force jump actuating position can be overcome by further actuation, whereupon the counterforce is then reduced. For example, a force jump unit may be located at the end of the actuation area, i. shortly before reaching the full-action position, be provided. Likewise, such a force jump unit can also be provided so that the noticeable for the user force effect already results in a middle range of operation between the basic position and full operation position. In particular, the force jump actuating unit can be controllable, so that, for example, with a controllable force element, e.g. an electromagnet, the counter force in response to a control signal is controllable and thus the amount of the force jump height can be adjusted, even to zero.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a linear guide is provided to guide the pedal element relative to the base linearly. Such a linear guide may be formed, for example, as a sliding guide, e.g. as a rail guide. According to a particularly preferred embodiment, a sleeve is provided which engages around a guide element. A linear guide can then be formed in that the guide element is inserted at different distances in the sleeve during the variable actuation of the pedal element. Preferably results in a system in the linear displacement direction of the pedal element by a system of at least parts of the guide element to parts of the sleeve.

The sleeve preferably has an interior, in which, depending on the operation, the guide element can be at least partially accommodated. As will become clear in connection with preferred embodiments of the invention, the interior of a sleeve can also be used to provide therein at least one return element, preferably one or more spring elements.

For receiving a guide element in a sleeve, both elements may have different, matching cross-sectional shapes, for example. Round, square, generally rectangular, polygonal cross-sections, etc. Preferably, the cross-sections of the sleeve and the guide element are formed interlocking, ie, that, for example, projections are received on an element in recesses of the other element and so a leadership function is realized. Particularly preferred is the formation of one or more longitudinally extending in the direction of the displacement ribs on one or both elements.

Preferably, the sleeve is closed to the outside, so has no openings. As a result, the penetration of, for example, liquids or dust into the interior of the sleeve can be reduced. More preferably, the receptacle between the sleeve and the guide element is sealing, that is, they fit so well together and only a small gap remains, so that the penetration of dust and liquids is at least significantly reduced.

According to one embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the sleeve and the guide element rub against each other during the displacement. Due to the friction, a desired movement hysteresis can be achieved. In this case, at least in one part of the actuation region, a force preferably acts on the two abutting elements, so that the contact surfaces are compressed and thus the desired frictional effect arises. Such a force can, for example, act in the radial direction. For this purpose, for example, a ring may be provided, in particular designed as a radially acting spring.

In general, it is preferred that when sliding the pedal element relative to the base member, a sliding member slides on a guide surface. It then acts preferably a force on the sliding member in the direction of the guide surface, so that the surfaces are in contact and a Exert force on each other. The guide surface is preferably an outer surface of the guide element. The sliding element may, for example, be a part of the inner surface of the sleeve. The pressure of the sliding element can be done, for example, by the above-mentioned spring. On the one hand, the force effect may consist in a friction due to the contact, on the other hand, a suitable shape of the guide surface may be provided in order to achieve a desired force curve. Particularly preferably, an ascending form of the guide surface can lead to a force progression rising over the actuation.

Finally, by a suitable shape of the guide surface and a force jump unit can be realized. For this purpose, it is preferred that the guide surface has at least one step. Upon actuation, the sliding element slides along the guide surface and must thereby overcome the step. The required for this increased actuation force can be configured well perceived as a force jump or force peak. In particular, it is preferable to provide such a step at the end of the operating range.

By a preferably over the length of the sleeve or the guide element received therein variable cross-sectional size, a desired course of the friction over the operating range can be achieved. According to a preferred embodiment with a sleeve and a guide element, the guide element is at least partially conical, i. with variable cross-section. Preferably, the radial extent of the guide member increases in the longitudinal direction, so that it is first received in the sleeve with a narrower front end and widens in the direction of the rear end. Then the friction increases with stronger actuation. Such a conical design can be provided over the entire circumference of the guide element. According to a preferred embodiment, at least one, preferably a plurality of conical ribs extends in the longitudinal direction. In this way, a desired course of the frictional force can be achieved, in particular in a preferred interaction with one or more radially acting spring elements on the sleeve.

Particularly preferred is an embodiment in which a sleeve is provided on the pedal element which engages around a guide element on the base element. The guide element can in turn be designed as a guide sleeve, i. have an interior, in which further elements are arranged, in particular restoring elements, for example. Springs, damping elements and / or one or more force jump units.

In particular, the guide element may additionally comprise a housing element which is arranged around the guide element so that the sleeve is received between the guide element and the housing element, for example in an annular gap. Thus, a good linear guide can be achieved while at the same time additional elements such as. Damping elements, restoring elements, sensor elements, etc. may be provided either outside of the housing element or inside the guide element.

The sensor element for determining the actuation position can in principle be constructed and arranged as desired. The use of a magnetically acting sensor is just as possible as, for example, a potentiometric sensor, optical sensor, etc. An inductive sensor is preferred. Furthermore, due to the linear displacement of the pedal element, a linear position sensor is preferred over an equally possible rotational position sensor.

In a preferred embodiment, the sensor element is constructed with an index element that moves relative to an evaluation element. An output signal is then dependent on the position of the index element relative to the evaluation element. In principle, the index element on the base element and the evaluation element on the base element may be provided, but the reverse arrangement is preferred. Particularly preferred is an inductive sensor in which the evaluation element has a plurality of coils, including at least one excitation coil and one receiver coil. The index element, for example, in the form of a conductor piece, preferably as a resonant circuit, causes a position-dependent inductive coupling between the excitation and the receiver coil, so that the position can be determined. A preferred example of such a sensor with exciting coil and receiver coil is, for example, described in WO 03/038379 A1 ,

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the invention will be described in more detail with reference to drawings. Showing:

1 . 2 a perspective view of an embodiment of a pedal unit shown in basic position and full operation position;

3 as a perspective view of the arrangement of the pedal unit 1 . 2 in the footwell of a motor vehicle;

4 an exploded perspective view of the pedal unit 1 . 2 partly in longitudinal section;

5 . 6 perspective views of elements of the pedal unit 1 . 2 . 4 ;

7 Representation of a cross section through the pedal unit 1 . 2 . 4 ;

8a - 8c Side views of a longitudinal section through the pedal unit 1 . 2 . 4 in different operating positions

9a - 9c enlarged partial views of a longitudinal section through the pedal unit 1 . 2 . 4 in different operating positions.

In the 1 . 2 perspective pedal unit 10 comprises a base element 12 and one opposite the base element 12 movable pedal element 14 , At the in 3 shown arrangement of the pedal unit 10 in the footwell 16 of a motor vehicle, the base element is fixedly arranged in the wall of the footwell, in particular preferably recessed as shown, so that only one upper edge thereof is arranged 18 survives, from which the pedal element 14 protrudes.

Here is the pedal element 14 opposite the base element 12 linearly displaceable in the direction of the longitudinal axis L, as from the comparison of 1 . 2 is apparent. The pedal unit 10 thus dispenses with a pivoting movement in contrast to conventional pedal units.

The internal structure of the pedal unit 10 is in particular from the exploded view in 4 seen. The pedal element 14 , this in 6 shown again separately, includes a short pedal plate 20 made of plastic, which is integrally formed with a sleeve 22 of substantially circular cylindrical outer cross section.

The basic element 12 , this in 5 shown again separately, comprises an outer, substantially circular cylindrical housing 24 , also made of plastic, which is integrally formed with a guide element arranged therein 26 ,

Between the case 24 and the guide element 26 is an annular gap 28 educated. In the circumferential annular gap 28 is the sleeve 22 of the pedal element 14 recorded, as in particular apparent from 7 . 8a - 8c ,

Inside the sleeve 22 is a redundant spring element 30 arranged, executed in the example shown as two concentrically arranged compression springs. The return springs 30 act between one on the underside of the pedal plate 20 arranged upper spring seat and one on the guide element 26 arranged lower spring seat.

8a - 8c show the pedal unit 10 in different operating positions. In the basic position ( 8a ) initially no external forces act on the pedal plate 20 , The pedal element 14 is indeed with the sleeve 22 in the annular gap 28 recorded, but stands by the action of the return springs 30 from the base element 12 far out. By latching noses 32 a stop is formed in which the return springs 30 are biased.

The sleeve 22 is sealing in the annular gap 28 recorded, ie there are no openings, but only a small gap that allows the linear movement. This is the inside of the sleeve 22 as well as the interior of the guide element 26 sealed to the outside.

It surrounds the sleeve 22 the guide element 26 and abuts the outside of this to form a linear guide. The outside of the guide element 26 has one with only a small clearance in the inside of the sleeve 22 fitting shape. Here are the guide element 26 ribs 34 formed in rails 36 on the inside of the sleeve 22 are included. The nested structure is, for example, from 7 seen.

Acts an actuating force F on the pedal plate 20 , so the pedal element shifts 14 opposite the basic position ( 8a ) deeper into the base element 12 into ( 8b ). The return springs 30 are compressed between the spring seats. The sleeve 22 gets deeper in the annular gap 28 added. The displacement movement is guided by the mating contours of the inside of the sleeve 22 and the outside of the guide element 26 in which the ribs 34 of the guide element 26 in the rails 36 on the inside of the sleeve 22 move. The sleeve 22 surrounds the guide element 26 , So a secure linear guide is formed, the exact displacement of the pedal element 14 opposite the base element 12 allows.

In 8c Finally, the full operation position is shown in which the return springs 30 are maximally compressed and the sleeve 22 completely in the annular gap 28 is recorded, so that the pedal element 14 completely in the base element 12 retracted.

Ribs 34 on the guide element 26 have a conical shape, such as from 8a - 8c is apparent. The guide element 26 has so at the top a smaller extension in the cross-sectional direction than at the bottom of the base member 12 ,

In 9a - 9c is the movement of the inside of the sleeve 22 opposite the guide element 26 shown enlarged again. A rib shown cut 34 is conical, leaving its outer guide surface 56 rises slightly. The inside of the sleeve 22 acts as a sliding element; it lies on the guide surface 56 and glides on the operation on this.

At the front edge of the sleeve 22 of the pedal element 14 is a ring spring element 40 arranged as a spring clip in the form of a not completely closed annular spring. Due to the effect of the annular spring element 40 A force acts on the sliding surface of the outer surface 56 of the guide element 26 presses. Due to the conical shape of the ribs 34 the spring widens 40 with increasing actuation and thus causes an increasing radially acting force through which the sleeve 22 and the guide element 26 pressed on each other. This creates friction, the linear movement of the pedal element 14 and base element 12 opposes a resistance and thus leads to a desired Bewegungshysterese.

For comparison, the show 9a - 9c in the process, how the sleeve 22 with increasing actuation widens and as the case the sliding element, ie by the spring 40 pressed inside of the sleeve 22 , on the guide surface 56 slides.

In this case, the guide surface 56 a step 58 on, which is formed near the lower end. An overcoming of the stage 58 by the sliding member requires an increased force, which in the force / actuation characteristic of the pedal unit 10 leads to a force peak, for example, for a kickdown function. The step ensures 58 in cooperation with the sliding element 22 and the spring 40 solely for the threshold felt by the user; The kickdown function itself is triggered by the operating position determined by a sensor.

The operating position of the pedal element 14 relative to the base element 12 is determined by an inductive sensor, in which the position of a resonant circuit 42 as an inductive index element relative to a coil circuit 38 is determined. The index element 42 is on the pedal element 14 attached while the coil circuit 38 at the base element 12 is attached and that at a flattened portion of the guide element 26 , If the sleeve 22 in the annular gap 28 is included, the index element lies 42 parallel next to the coil circuit 38 , So can by determining the position of the index element 42 relative to the coil circuit 38 the operating position can be determined exactly. Preferably, the sensor works according to the measuring principle WO 03/038379 A1 ,

Thus, with the elements described so far an accelerator pedal unit 10 constructed at the actuation of the pedal element 14 done by a linear shift. Here is an exact linear guide of the pedal element 14 guaranteed. The linear guide is by receiving the sleeve 22 in the annular gap 28 and in particular the system between the inside of the sleeve 22 and the mating outer surface of the guide member 26 guaranteed. A movement hysteresis is caused by friction during a movement of the sleeve 22 opposite the guide element 26 generated by the spring 40 the surfaces are pressed together with a radially acting force. The return springs 30 inside the sleeve 22 apply an opposing force to the actuator and set the pedal element 14 with decreasing operation back. The inductive sensor 38 . 42 allows the exact determination of the operating position.

Here is the pedal unit 10 of very simple construction. She can be like in 3 shown in the footwell of the motor vehicle are determined by, for example, the base element 12 is inserted into a suitable cavity. The locking can be done, for example, as a bayonet lock, for which locking lugs 44 are provided.

While in the example shown, the pedal plate 20 integral with the sleeve 22 is formed, it may be provided in an alternative embodiment (not shown) also, for example, in a hinge pivotally on this. Then the angle of the pedal plate 20 in the footwell of the motor vehicle ( 3 ) vary. However, the actuating movement is still not a pivoting movement, but a linear displacement movement ( 8a - 8c ).

Optionally, the pedal unit 10 include further elements with which various pedal functions can be realized.

For example. can be at the base element 12 a vibration motor 46 be provided. With the vibration motor 46 vibrations can be generated on the pedal plate 20 are noticeable and the driver, for example, important events or dangerous situations, etc. can signal.

Further, the force / displacement characteristic for the actuation of the pedal element 14 be influenced by additional elements to realize desired courses, for example. With different slopes and / or with a force jump. For this purpose, first as off 4 . 8a - 8c visible another spring element 48 inside the guide element 26 be provided. A pestle 50 is as shown arranged so that the underside of the pedal plate 20 at a medium operating position ( 8b ) on the pestle 50 works and this against the force of the spring 48 shifts. So results from the in 8b shown middle actuation position a steeper increase in the force required for further operation. Here, a "middle" operating position is not necessarily to understand a position that corresponds exactly to half of the actuation path between the basic position and full operation position. Actually, the length of the plunger 50 be chosen so that the additional force of the spring 48 acts from any desired operating position, which is preferably arranged at a distance from both the full-action position and the basic position.

Additionally or alternatively to the action of the spring element 48 can from the middle operating position ( 8b ) also act a force jump unit, ie a unit with the force / displacement characteristic of the operation of the pedal element 14 a steep peak is generated. Such a force jump is perceived in the actuation as overcoming a sensible threshold and may, for example, serve to signal the user to certain operating conditions of the motor vehicle, such as, for example, an operating range with less favorable fuel consumption.

The force jump unit is realized in the example shown by a ferromagnetic plate 52 on the pestle 50 and one on the base element 12 fixed electromagnet 54 ,

In the basic position ( 8a ) is the plate 52 at the electromagnet 54 so that when energized a magnetic attraction acts. With increasing actuation of the plunger comes 50 just before the in 8b shown middle position with the underside of the pedal plate 20 engaged so that for further actuation the plate 52 opposite the electromagnet 54 must be moved. Depending on the energization of the electromagnet 54 results due to the nonlinear force effect in this case a more or less high force peak, only when overcoming the force peak the pedal element 14 can be moved further in the direction of the Vollbetätigungsstellung. With increasing distance between the plate 52 and the electromagnet 54 the force effect is reduced quickly.

The effect of the described force jump unit can be canceled when the electromagnet 54 is not energized. In this case, there is no force peak, but by the spring 48 only from the middle operating position, a somewhat steeper increase in the restoring force with continued operation.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 6275024 B1 [0003]
• DE 102010027924 A1 [0004]
• WO 03/038379 A1 [0028, 0053]

Claims (17)

Pedal unit with - a base element ( 12 ) and one opposite the base element ( 12 ) between a basic position and a full-action position movable pedal element ( 14 ), - at least one restoring element ( 30 ) which is provided to the pedal element ( 14 ) to reset in the direction of the basic position, - and a sensor element ( 38 . 42 ) for the actuating position of the pedal element ( 14 ), characterized in that - the pedal element ( 14 ) linearly displaceable on the base element ( 12 ) is arranged. Pedal unit according to claim 1, in which - a linear guide is provided to the pedal element ( 14 ) compared to the basic element ( 12 ) linearly. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a linear guide is formed by a sleeve ( 22 ), which is a guiding element ( 26 ) surrounds. Pedal unit according to claim 3, wherein - the sleeve ( 22 ) and the guide element ( 26 ) abut friction against each other during the displacement. Pedal unit according to one of claims 3, 4, in which - the guide element ( 26 ) is at least partially conical. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the guide element ( 26 ) is provided with at least one longitudinal rib. Pedal unit according to claim 6, wherein - The rib has longitudinally increasing radial extent. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - at the base element ( 12 ) and / or on the pedal element ( 14 ) a sleeve ( 22 ) is provided which forms an interior, - wherein the return element ( 30 ) is provided in the interior. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a sleeve ( 22 ) on the pedal element ( 14 ) is provided, which is a guide element ( 26 ) on the base element ( 12 ) surrounds. Pedal unit according to claim 9, in which - the sleeve ( 22 ) between the guide element ( 26 ) and a housing element ( 24 ) is recorded. Pedal unit according to one of claims 9, 10, in which - the guide element ( 26 ) on the base element ( 12 ) is designed as a guide sleeve with an interior. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - during displacement of the pedal element ( 14 ) relative to the base element ( 12 ) a sliding element ( 22 . 40 ) on a guide surface ( 56 ), wherein - by a rising form of the guide surface ( 56 ) an increasing operating force profile is specified. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - the sensor element is an index element ( 42 ) and an evaluation element ( 38 ), which produces an output signal depending on the position of the index element ( 42 ) relative to the evaluation element ( 38 ), wherein one of the elements ( 42 . 38 ) on the base element ( 12 ) and the other for movement with the pedal element ( 14 ) is attached. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - at least one force jump unit ( 52 . 54 ) is provided for the actuation of the pedal element ( 14 ) oppose an increased counterforce at an actuation position, - wherein the force jump unit ( 52 . 54 ) is designed so that the counterforce is less after overcoming the operating position. Pedal unit according to claim 14, in which - a force jump unit has at least one controllable force element ( 54 ) to control the counter force in response to a control signal. Pedal unit according to claim 14 or 15, wherein - a force jump unit comprises at least one stage ( 58 ) on a guide surface ( 56 ), one on the guide surface ( 56 ) sliding sliding element ( 22 . 40 ) when crossing the level ( 58 ) requires an increased operating force. Pedal unit according to one of the preceding claims, in which - a controllable vibration element ( 46 ) for generating vibrations of the pedal element ( 14 ) is provided.

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