DE102018206127A1 - Actuator for pedal system and pedal system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to an actuator (10), in particular for a pedal system (12) in a vehicle (14), having an actuator element (30) which is movably mounted in a receptacle (28) in at least one actuation direction (B) Drive for the actuator element (30) in order to move and / or accelerate the actuator element (30) in the at least one actuation direction (B). In the receptacle (28) at least one elastically deformable damping element (40, 42) is provided, which forms a stop (36, 38) for the actuator element (30) in the actuating direction (B).
The invention further relates to a pedal system (12), in particular a vehicle pedal, with a pedal element (16), wherein an actuator (10) is arranged on the pedal element (16).

Description

The invention relates to an actuator for a pedal system, in particular for a pedal system in a vehicle, with an actuator element which is mounted movably limited in a receptacle in at least one actuation direction and a drive for the actuator to move the actuator in the at least one actuation direction , The invention further relates to a system with such an actuator.

Pedal systems for vehicles are known from the prior art, which can give the driver during vehicle operation, in particular when pressing the pedal element, a haptic feedback. The haptic feedback can be done for example by stimulating the pedal with an actuator. The actuator can exert a vibratory force or a single impact on the pedal, which are perceivable by the driver haptic. About such a vibration force or shock, the driver various information about the driving condition, the vehicle condition or driving situations are communicated. For example, in the presence of a dangerous situation, such as too close a distance to the vehicle in front or too high a speed, the driver can be warned about the vibration of the accelerator pedal before this situation.

Such an actuator usually has an actuator element that is mounted in a movable manner in at least one actuating direction in a receptacle of the actuator. The actuator element can be moved and / or accelerated by a drive in the at least one actuating direction. In the recording, at least one stop is provided in the direction of actuation, against which the moving and / or accelerated actuator element bounces upon excitation by the drive. This impact is felt by the driver with a foot resting on the pedal as a shock or a repeated movement and / or acceleration, as a vibration.

The object of the invention is to provide an actuator of the type mentioned, in which the characteristic of the haptic signal is better adjustable. The object of the invention is furthermore to provide a pedal system with such an actuator, which has an improved adjustment of the characteristic of the haptic signal
To solve the problem, an actuator for a pedal system, in particular for a pedal system in a vehicle, provided with an actuator element which is mounted in a receptacle limited in at least one direction of actuation movable and a drive for the actuator to the actuator in the at least to move and / or accelerate an actuating direction. In the receptacle, at least one elastically deformed damping element is provided which forms a stop for the actuator element in the actuating direction.

By the damping element, the braking force with which the actuator element is braked at the stop, can be adjusted. In particular, by the damping element is a gentler braking of the actuator, so that it does not hit so hard against the stop. As a result, damage or wear of the stops is prevented by hard striking of the actuator element, so that the service life of the actuator is improved. Further, the shock perceived by the driver or the vibration due to the slow deceleration of the actuator element is softer or not too hard, so that the shock or vibration is perceived as more comfortable for the driver.

The characteristic of the shock or vibration perceived by the driver is significantly influenced by the damping element, for example by the choice of the material and its damping properties, as well as the dimensioning of the damping element, in particular its cross-sectional shape. Preferably, the cross-sectional shape of the at least one damping element is selected such that a haptic feedback that is as pleasant as possible but clearly perceptible to the driver can be made.

For example, the damping element has a polygonal, in particular a triangular or quadrangular, in particular a rectangular or square cross section.

In the case of a triangular cross section, in which the tip of the triangle faces the actuator element, that is to say directed counter to the actuating direction, the actuator element first comes into contact with the tip of the triangle. Due to the small volume of the tip, only a slight delay or damping of the actuator element takes place immediately after the impact of the actuator element on the damping element. With increasing deformation of the triangular damping element, the delay increases due to the compressed and / or the increasing cross-sectional volume of the damping element, which contributes to the delay. For the driver, therefore, no hard striking of the actuator element is perceptible, since the braking of the actuator takes place with an initially weak and then increasing braking force.

Due to the shape of the triangular cross section, the damping behavior can be further influenced.

In the case of a rectangular or square cross-section, on the other hand, immediately after the impact of the actuator element on the damping element, a very large cross-sectional volume is involved in the deceleration of the actuator element, so that a very strong and constant deceleration of the actuator element takes place through the damping element.

By a trapezoidal cross section, the advantages of a triangular and a rectangular cross section can also be combined.

In addition, in the case of a triangular as well as a quadrangular or a polygonal cross-section, the side surfaces may be concave or complex in order to additionally influence the damping behavior.

The at least one damping element is preferably designed so that no unbalance of the actuator element, ie no introduction of a torque or an uneven braking force occurs due to the deceleration of the actuator. This is preferably achieved in that the actuator element is guided in the actuation direction or that the at least one damping element is arranged so that over the entire surface transversely to the actuation direction a uniform braking of the actuator takes place.

For example, the damping element may form a closed shape in a circumferential direction. The closed mold is preferably designed such that the actuator element comes into contact with the damping elements in a planar manner and is decelerated uniformly by the latter. For example, the shape of the damping element is adapted to the shape of the actuator element in a plane transverse to the direction of actuation. In particular, the damping element can form a ring.

The damping element may, for example, in the circumferential direction at least partially have a constant cross-sectional shape, so that the damping element with respect to the circumferential direction has constant damping or braking properties.

However, the damping element can also have at least two sections with different cross-sections and / or different cross-sectional shapes. The cross sections can for example be adapted so that even with a single-ended actuator element, a constant damping of the movement of the actuator takes place, so that imbalances can be prevented by uneven braking. But it is also possible that a desired or defined unbalance is generated by different cross sections and / or different cross-sectional shapes, which is part of the haptic feedback to the vehicle pedal.

The sections may differ, for example, in the cross-sectional volume, in the cross-sectional shape or the orientation of the cross section.

The damping behavior can also be influenced by a plurality of damping elements arranged distributed, wherein the damping elements can be arranged distributed uniformly, for example, on a circumference and / or with respect to the surface of the actuator element.

In a further embodiment, at least one first damping element and at least one second damping element may be provided, wherein the first damping element and the second damping element with respect to the actuating direction form stops for opposite surfaces of the actuator element. In this embodiment, therefore, two stops are provided and the actuator is moved between these attacks. The acceleration can for example be done once against the first damping element or against the second damping element. However, it is also possible for a periodic movement of the actuator element to take place between the first and the second damping element, which the driver can perceive as vibration.

The first damping element and the second damping element can have the same cross-sectional shape and / or the same direction with respect to the circumferential direction, ie have the same or similar damping properties. The damping properties of the first and the second damping element are therefore the same or similar, so that a similar haptic signal is generated independently of the impact on the first or on the second damping element.

However, the first damping element and the second damping element can also at least partially have a different cross-sectional shape or with respect to the circumferential direction of a different shape. In such an embodiment, the first damping element and the second damping element have different damping properties, which are influenced by the shape and / or the cross-sectional shape. With such an actuator, for example, depending on which of the damping elements abuts the actuator element, different haptic signals can be generated.

The drive is, for example, a linear drive acting in the direction of actuation, ie the actuator element executes a rectilinear movement. Preferably, in this embodiment the damping elements aligned so that the actuator element abuts flat against the damping elements.

For example, the drive is a magnetic drive and the actuator element is an armature plate which is driven by the magnetic drive. As a result, a non-contact, low-wear drive is possible.

The actuator may be, for example, a vibration actuator that provides a vibration signal.

To solve the problem, further a pedal system, in particular vehicle pedal system is provided with a pedal element, wherein on the pedal element an actuator described above is arranged. The actuator can transmit a haptic perceptible signal to the pedal element by striking the at least one damping element.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines Pedalsystems;
• 2 eine Schnittansicht durch einen Aktuator für das Pedalsystem in 1;
• 3a eine Schnittansicht durch eine erste Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dämpfungselements; und
• 3b eine Schnitt an sich durch eine zweite Ausführungsform eines erfindungsgemäßen Dämpfungselements.

Further advantages and features will become apparent from the following description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In these show:

• 1 a schematic representation of a pedal system;
• 2 a sectional view through an actuator for the pedal system in 1 ;
• 3a a sectional view through a first embodiment of a damping element according to the invention; and
• 3b a section per se by a second embodiment of a damping element according to the invention.

In 1 is a pedal system 10 for a vehicle 12 shown. The pedal system 10 is for example an accelerator pedal for controlling an engine, in particular an internal combustion engine.

The pedal system 10 has a pedal element 16 on top of that, around a pedal axle 18 swiveling in the vehicle 12 is stored. Furthermore, a spring arrangement 20 provided, which respect the pedal element 1 against the pedal direction P charged and thus in a basic position. On the pedal element 16 is on the bottom 22 an actuator 24 provided to one over the pedal element 16 to produce haptic perceptible signal.

For example, a defined operating state or the occurrence of a dangerous situation is signaled with this haptic perceptible signal.

The actuator 24 has a housing 26 on, firmly with the pedal element 16 connected is. The housing 26 has a recording 28 in which an actuator element 30 in an actuating direction B is mounted limited movable. The housing 26 For example, is formed in two parts with a first housing element 32 and a lid member 34 , The housing 26 can also at least partially by the pedal element 16 be formed.

The actuator element 30 is formed in the embodiment shown here by a substantially circular plate extending in a plane transverse to the actuation direction B extends. The actuator element 30 but in principle may also have a different shape.

As in 2 is visible, is the recording 28 in the direction of actuation B through a first stop 36 and against the direction of actuation B through a second stop 38 limited. The actuator element 30 So it can be between the first stop 36 and the second stop 38 limited in the direction of actuation B to be moved. Hitting the attacks 36 . 38 is for the driver of the vehicle 12 at the pedal element 16 on foot as a signal perceptible.

The first stop 36 is by a first damping element 40 formed, the second stop 38 through a second damping elements 42 educated. The first damping element 40 and the second damping element 42 each have an annular shape and extend in a direction perpendicular to the direction of actuation plane. The damping elements 40 . 42 are substantially parallel to the surfaces 44 . 46 of the actuator element that the respective damping element 40 . 42 are facing.

In the recording 28 is each a groove 44 . 46 provided in which the damping elements 40 . 42 at least partially recorded and held.

The damping elements 40 . 42 each have a round cross section, wherein the cross section in the circumferential direction U is constant over the entire ring shape.

The actuator element 30 as well as the damping elements 40 . 42 are with respect to a direction of actuation B extending symmetry axis 48 arranged concentrically.

Furthermore, there is a drive for the actuator element, not shown in detail 30 provided to the actuator element 30 in and / or against the direction of actuation B to move and / or accelerate. The drive is for example a magnetic drive and the actuator element 30 is out a magnetic material and forms an anchor plate which can be moved and / or accelerated by the magnetic drive.

To generate a tactile signal, the actuator element becomes 30 in or against the direction of actuation B so that the actuator element 30 against the first stop 36 or the second stop 38 is moved and strikes at this. Hitting one of the stops 36 . 38 is over the case 26 on the pedal element 16 tolerated, so that this is perceived by the driver haptic. The actuator element 30 can also be alternately in and against the direction of actuation B be accelerated, whereby a recurring striking, that can be perceived as vibration, may arise.

Through the damping elements 40 . 42 the characteristic of the stop, that is to say of the haptic perceptible signal, is influenced. In particular, the impact that the actuator element becomes 30 on the stops 36,38, damped, so that the tactile signal perceived by the driver softer, which can often be perceived as pleasant. In addition, a hard striking of the actuator element 30 at the attacks 36 . 38 leading to damage or premature wear of the stops 36 . 38 could lead.

In 2 have the damping elements 40 . 42 each having a circular cross section through which a uniform braking of the actuator 30 he follows.

In 3a has the damping element 40 a triangular cross-section on, with the base area 50 of the triangle across the direction of actuation B runs and gets the top 52 of the triangle to the actuator element 30 extends. Will the actuator element 30 against the damping element 40 moves, the actuator element passes 30 with the top 52 of the triangle in plant. Due to the small volume of the damping element 40 In this area, initially only a slight damping of the movement of the actuator takes place 30 , With increasing movement in the direction of actuation B , So an increasing deformation of the damping element 40 This decreases the damping of the movement of the actuator element 30 involved volume of the damping element 40 too, so with increasing movement in the direction of actuation B a stronger damping or a stronger braking of the actuator element 30 he follows. The damping of the actuator element 30 Thus, it is progressive, ie initially only with a low damping force, with increasing deformation of the damping element 30 increases. By this form of damping the shock is damped more effectively, so that it is perceived as much softer by the driver.

In 3b is the cross section of the damping element 40 square. As a result, decreases in an impact of the actuator 30 a very large volume of the damping element 40 participate in the damping, so that already at the beginning of a very strong damping of the movement of the actuator 30 which is perceived by a harder stroke compared to a triangular cross-sectional shape.

In order to influence the characteristic of the damping behavior, the above-mentioned cross-sectional shapes can also be combined, for example to a trapezoidal cross section, in the direction of actuation B has an increasing width.

In order to further influence the damping behavior, it is also possible that at least one of the damping elements 40 . 42 in the circumferential direction U has at least two sections with different cross-sections, for example, with different cross-sectional shapes or different cross-sectional volume.

By a larger cross-sectional volume, for example, a larger damping force can be provided in sections.

Alternatively, you can also at the first stop 36 and / or on the second stop a plurality of distributed arranged damping elements 40 . 42 be provided, through which the damping behavior is set. For example, the damping elements on a stop 36 . 38 be formed so that the actuator element 30 initially not on all damping elements 40 . 42 is applied, so the damping of the movement of the actuator 30 initially only by individual damping elements 40 . 42 he follows.

It is also possible that the first damping element 40 and the second damping element 42 have different cross-sectional shape and / or sections with different cross-sections or cross-sectional shape, so have different damping characteristics. That is, depending on whether the actuator element 30 at the first stop 36 or at the second stop 38 strikes, creates a shock with a different characteristics, so that the driver can be given different signals.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

pedal system

12

vehicle

16

pedal member

18

pedal axle

20

spring assembly

22

bottom

24

actuator

26

casing

28

admission

30

actuator

32

housing element

34

housing cover

36

first stop

38

second stop

40

first damping element

42

second damping element

44

groove

46

groove

48

axis of symmetry

50

base side

52

top

B

actuation direction

P

pedal direction

U

circumferentially

Claims (12)

Actuator (24), in particular for a pedal system (12) in a vehicle (14), with an actuator element (30) which is mounted in a receptacle (28) in at least one actuation direction (B) movably limited, a drive for the actuator element (30) in order to move and / or accelerate the actuator element (30) in the at least one actuating direction (B), characterized in that in the receptacle (28) at least one elastically deformable damping element (40, 42) is provided a stop (36, 38) for the actuator element (30) in the actuating direction (B). Actuator after Claim 1 , characterized in that the damping element (40, 42) has a polygonal, in particular a triangular or quadrangular, in particular a rectangular cross-section. Actuator after one of Claims 1 and 2 , characterized in that the damping element (40, 42) forms a closed in a circumferential direction (U) shape, in particular forms a ring. Actuator after Claim 3 , characterized in that the damping element (40, 42) in the circumferential direction (U) at least in sections has a constant cross-sectional shape. Actuator after one of Claims 3 and 4 , characterized in that the damping element (40, 42) has at least two sections with different cross-sections and / or different cross-sectional shape. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first damping element (40) and at least one second damping element (42) are provided, wherein the first damping element (40) and the second damping element (42) with respect to the actuating direction opposite sides of Actuator element (30) stops (36, 38) for the actuator element (30) form. Actuator after Claim 6 , characterized in that the first damping element (40) and the second damping element (42) have a same cross-sectional shape and / or with respect to the circumferential direction (U) has a same shape. Actuator after Claim 6 , characterized in that the first damping element (40) and the second damping element (42) at least partially have a different cross-sectional shape and / or with respect to the circumferential direction of a different shape. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive is an acting in the direction of actuation linear drive. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the drive is a magnetic drive and the actuator of an anchor plate. Actuator according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuator is a vibration actuator. Pedal system (12), in particular vehicle pedal, with a pedal element (16), characterized in that on the pedal element (16) an actuator (10) is arranged according to one of the preceding claims.

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