CN115416626A - Pedal mechanism for motor vehicle and motor vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a pedal mechanism for a motor vehicle, comprising a pedal lever (1) and a pedal element (2), wherein the pedal lever (1) comprises a first lever part (5) and a second lever part (6), wherein the first lever part (5) and the second lever part (6) perform a linear movement relative to each other and thus the pedal lever (1) is telescopic in both directions in a longitudinal direction (X) of the pedal lever. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle having such a pedal mechanism.

Description

Pedal mechanism for motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Technical Field

The invention relates to a pedal mechanism for a motor vehicle and to a motor vehicle.

Background

With the development of automatic control technology, automatic driving technology is more and more widely applied to automobiles. In an automatic driving mode of an automobile, a road environment is sensed through an on-vehicle sensing system, a driving route is automatically planned, and the vehicle is controlled to reach a predetermined target.

During autonomous driving, the vehicle takes over the driving task and the driver no longer needs to control devices such as the steering wheel and the pedal mechanism. In this case, the presence of the pedal mechanism is redundant, and the foot movement space of the driver is restricted, which affects the riding comfort of the driver.

In view of the above, there is a need for a specifically designed pedal mechanism which is designed to be telescopic in order to provide the driver with more foot play, for example in an automatic driving mode or when parking a vehicle.

For example, a foldable vehicle pedal device is known from US6182525B1, which comprises at least one pedal, a movement device for moving the pedal from an operating state into a non-operating state, and an electronic controller for controlling the movement device. In one embodiment, the movable pedal device comprises a pivotable link, a cable member and an actuatable pyrotechnic device by which the link is caused to pivot about the pivot and thereby effect retraction of the pedal device into a non-operative position inaccessible to the foot of the driver. In another embodiment, the movable pedal device comprises a pedal rod, a guide element and a rail, the pedal rod being linearly movable on the rail via the guide element by means of the electric motor and the cable member, thereby effecting a retraction of the pedal device into a non-operating position which cannot be contacted by the foot of the driver.

However, the above-described arrangements all achieve retraction of the pedal device into a non-operating position which cannot be reached by the foot of the driver by means of a relative movement of the pedal lever and a pedal lever bracket for supporting the pedal lever, and therefore require a relatively large installation space. In addition, the above design is complex in structure and requires adaptive adjustment of brake system components other than the pedal rod to achieve retraction of the brake pedal.

Disclosure of Invention

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide an improved pedal mechanism in relation to the prior art, in order to provide the driver with a more comfortable activity space.

The object of the invention is achieved by a pedal mechanism for a motor vehicle, comprising a pedal rod and a pedal element, wherein the pedal rod comprises a first rod part and a second rod part, which are linearly movable relative to each other and thus the pedal rod is extendable in both directions in the longitudinal direction of the pedal rod.

According to the present invention, the pedal rod includes the first rod member and the second rod member which are linearly movable relative to each other, whereby the extension and contraction (i.e., the extension and retraction) of the pedal device in the longitudinal direction of the pedal rod can be achieved by the relative movement of the components of the pedal rod itself. The pedal mechanism has a simple structure, saves space, can be widely applied to different existing vehicle types by virtue of the modular design of the pedal rod, and does not need to adaptively adjust other structural components of the vehicle.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the pedal rod is extended in the longitudinal direction in the operating state of the pedal rod and retracted in the longitudinal direction in the inoperative state of the pedal rod. In the operating state of the pedal lever, the driver can actuate the pedal lever. In the inoperative state of the pedal lever, the pedal lever is retracted, for example in the automatic driving mode or when parking, in order to provide the driver with a comfortable activity space.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the first lever part and the second lever part can be moved linearly relative to one another by means of the drive device and the pedal lever can thus be switched between the operating state and the inoperative state. The drive device can be connected to the on-board electrical system and to the vehicle control system. Advantageously, the pedal rod comprises a first rod part and a second rod part which are arranged in a nested manner, whereby the linear telescoping function of the pedal rod is achieved in a simple manner. In addition, the drive device according to the invention is preferably arranged within the pedal rod, so that the automatic telescoping function of the pedal rod can be achieved by merely mounting the pedal rod on the pedal bracket and connecting the drive device to the vehicle electrical system and to the vehicle control system, without any need for adaptation of other vehicle components than the pedal mechanism.

According to a further development of the invention, the first and second mast sections each have a constant cross section in the telescoping area. The fitting region is an overlapping region of the first lever member and the second lever member in the inoperative state of the pedal lever. By means of the constant cross section of the lever parts, it is possible to ensure that the first lever part and the second lever part always have a constant play during the relative movement and thus the telescoping movement of the pedal rod takes place more smoothly. Preferably, the length of the telescoping region is at least fifty percent of the total length of the respective pole section, in particular at least eighty percent of the total length of the respective pole section. A longer length of the sleeved region is advantageous in increasing the amount of telescoping of the pedal rod, as the length of the sleeved region determines the maximum amount of telescoping that can be achieved by the pedal rod.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the first lever member is a fixed member, the second lever member is a movable member, the first lever member is supported by a pedal bracket fixed to a vehicle body, and the second lever member carries a pedal element operable by a driver. Advantageously, the tread elements are arranged pivotably or foldably. Preferably, the drive means is provided in a socket region of the first pole part. In practice, it has been found that, when the second lever part is pushed onto the first lever part, the interior of the first lever part and the second lever part can be utilized to a sufficient extent when the drive device in the first lever part is arranged close to the second lever part, and thus the maximum expansion of the pedal rod is increased. It is also advantageous if the drive device is provided with an interface for the vehicle electrical system and the vehicle control system at the end of the stationary part facing the pedal prop (or facing away from the movable part), so that it is easy to connect the pedal mechanism of the invention to the vehicle electrical system and the vehicle control system when installing it.

According to a further development of the invention, the first rod part and the second rod part have the same cross-sectional shape in the sleeve region. Preferably, in the region of the sleeve, the first rod part has a first cross-sectional area S1 and the second rod part has a second cross-sectional area S2, wherein S1 < S2 is 0.9S2 ≦ S1. This is particularly advantageous when the cross sectional area relationship of the first pole member to the second pole member is in the above range. On the one hand, since the cross-sectional area of the first lever member is smaller than that of the second lever member, a clearance fit is thereby formed between the movable member and the fixed member and thus movement of the movable member relative to the fixed member is facilitated. On the other hand, the gap between the two parts should not be too large, thereby preventing the movement from jamming or even jamming due to tilting of the movable part relative to the fixed part.

According to a further development of the invention, the pedal lever further comprises a third lever part which is arranged between the first lever part and the second lever part. The maximum expansion amount of the pedal lever can be further increased by providing the third lever member. Preferably, a stop is provided in an end region of the third lever part which is close to the first lever part. By means of the stop member it is possible to achieve: when the pedal mechanism is switched from the working state to the non-working state, the second rod part can drive the third rod part to be pushed and sleeved on the first rod part together.

Advantageously, the first and/or second pole part is formed by two half-shells, wherein the two half-shells are connected to one another by means of a screw connection. By designing the lever part as two detachable half-shells, the installation and maintenance of the drive device and the gear mechanism in the pedal mechanism are thereby facilitated.

According to one embodiment of the invention, a detachment prevention means is provided in the interconnected end regions of the first and second pole parts and optionally the third pole part, so that an unintentional separation thereof can be prevented. In addition, by means of the anti-disengaging structure, it is also possible to realize: when the pedal mechanism is switched from the inoperative state to the operative state, the second lever part can carry the third lever part together with it out of the pushing-out movement away from the first lever part.

Advantageously, a wear-resistant coating is provided on the sliding action surface of the first and/or second rod part. This reduces the coefficient of friction, reduces operating noise and at the same time increases the service life of the pedal lever.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive is an electric motor, an electromagnetic drive or a hydraulic cylinder. When the drive means is a servomotor, a rotary movement can be output by means of the servomotor. In this case, a transmission device for converting a rotational movement into a linear movement is also provided inside the pedal rod, which transmission device may be, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism, a spindle nut mechanism, a cylindrical cam mechanism, or the like. The drive device may also be a drive device that directly outputs linear motion, such as a linear motor, an electromagnetic drive, or a hydraulic cylinder. In this case, the drive means acts directly or indirectly on the movable member of the pedal lever to effect extension and contraction of the pedal lever in the longitudinal direction of the pedal lever.

According to a further development of the invention, the drive is a servomotor, and a transmission for converting the rotary motion output by the servomotor into a linear motion is arranged in the pedal lever, the transmission being a rack-and-pinion mechanism, a spindle-nut mechanism or a cylindrical cam mechanism. Advantageously, the servomotor is mounted in the first rod part and has a motor shaft, on which a gear wheel is fastened, which engages with a toothed rack fixedly arranged in the second rod part.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the drive device is a linear motor which is mounted in the first lever part and has a push rod which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pedal rod and projects into the second lever part, the push rod being connected to the second lever part. Advantageously, the linear motor extends over a substantial length of the first pole part and the end of the linear motor facing the second pole part is arranged in the region of the sleeve. In this way, it is possible to make full use of the inner space of the first lever member and the second lever member and thus to increase the maximum expansion and contraction amount of the pedal lever.

According to a further development of the invention, the drive device is an electromagnetic drive, an electromagnet is mounted in the first lever part of the pedal rod, a metal slide is mounted in the second lever part of the pedal rod, and a spring device is arranged between the electromagnet and the metal slide. Advantageously, a guide rod is provided on the electromagnet, which guide rod extends in the longitudinal direction and protrudes through the metal slide into the interior of the second rod part, the spring device being arranged around the guide rod. By providing the guide lever, on the one hand, the translational movement of the second lever member with respect to the first lever member can be improved, and on the other hand, the spring device can be prevented from twisting and rattling during the compression movement.

It is further advantageous if an annular groove surrounding the guide rod is provided on the side of the electromagnet facing the metal slide and an opposing annular groove is provided on the side of the metal slide facing the electromagnet, the two ends of the spring device being fixed in the annular groove of the electromagnet and the annular groove of the metal slide, respectively. In this way, on the one hand, a correct orientation of the spring device during the compression movement is further ensured, and on the other hand, it is possible to achieve a direct abutment of the metal slide against the electromagnet in the inoperative state of the pedal mechanism and thus to increase the attraction force, in order to prevent an unintentional extension of the second lever part out of the first lever part.

Finally, the invention also relates to a motor vehicle having a pedal mechanism according to the invention.

Drawings

The invention is explained in detail below with the aid of embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the present invention, the same members or members having the same function have the same reference numerals. For purposes of clarity, only some of the components have been labeled with reference numbers in the figures.

FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a prior art pedal mechanism of a vehicle;

FIG. 2 illustrates a pedal lever of the pedal mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a first embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the present invention, in an extended, operative position;

FIG. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the present invention, the pedal mechanism being in a retracted, non-operative state;

FIG. 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the present invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the present invention; and is

Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the invention.

Detailed Description

The concept of the invention will be described in further detail below with reference to specific embodiments. It is to be noted here that the examples are given only for the purpose of clearly illustrating the concept of the present invention and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. The technical features relating to the pedal mechanism in the different embodiments can be combined or replaced at will within the framework of the inventive concept, as long as this is technically possible.

In addition, the terms "upper", "lower", "inner", "outer", and "side", etc., which are presented in this application to indicate relative positional relationships, are all with respect to the mounted state of the pedal mechanism of the motor vehicle.

Fig. 1 shows an exploded view of a brake pedal of a vehicle in the prior art. The brake pedal has a pedal lever 1 and a pedal element 2 that can be actuated by the foot of the driver, the pedal lever 1 being pivotably supported via a connecting assembly 3 on a pedal carrier 4, which pedal carrier 4 can be fastened, for example, to the vehicle body. The pedal lever 1 is designed in one piece and is made, for example, from a hollow metal or plastic profile.

In contrast, as can be seen from fig. 2, the brake pedal according to the invention has a pedal lever 1 which is designed in multiple parts (in the present exemplary embodiment in two parts) and comprises at least a first lever part 5 (upper lever part) and a second lever part 6 (lower lever part). Here, the first lever member is a fixed member, and the second lever member is a movable member. The first lever part 5 is (in particular pivotably) supported via a connecting assembly on a pedal bracket 4, which is fastened to the body of the vehicle, for example, and the second lever part 6 is connected with one end to the first lever part 5 and carries a tread element 2 on the other end.

The first lever part 5 and the second lever part 6 have substantially the same cross-sectional shape and are arranged in a nested manner relative to one another (for example the second lever part is nested in the first lever part) such that the second lever part 6 can be at least partially retracted into the first lever part 5 (i.e. into the inoperative state of the brake pedal) when the driver does not need to operate the brake pedal (for example in an automated driving mode of the motor vehicle or in a parking state), thereby freeing the driver of a larger footwell. Conversely, when the brake pedal needs to be operated by the driver (i.e. in the operating state of the brake pedal), the second lever part 6 protrudes from the first lever part 5 and thus allows the driver to operate the brake pedal, for example in the following manner: the pedal lever 1 of the brake pedal is pivoted relative to the pedal bracket 4. It is of course also possible for the second mast section 6 to have a larger cross section than the first mast section 5 and to be pushed onto the first mast section 5. In this case, the second lever member 6 can be pushed over the first lever member 5 in the non-operating state of the brake pedal, and the second lever member 6 can be pushed out of the first lever member 5 in the operating state of the brake pedal.

According to the invention, the relative movement of the first lever part 5 and the second lever part 6 is effected by means of a drive device which is arranged inside the pedal rod 1. The drive device can be, for example, a servomotor, by means of which a rotary motion can be output. In this case, a gear mechanism for converting a rotational movement into a linear movement is also provided in the pedal lever 1, which can be, for example, a rack and pinion mechanism, a spindle nut mechanism, a cylindrical cam mechanism, etc. The servomotor cooperates with a transmission to effect a transformation of the rotary movement of the servomotor into a linear movement of the movable part of the pedal rod 1 and thus an extension and retraction of the pedal rod 1 in the longitudinal direction X of the pedal rod. The driving device may also be a driving device that directly outputs linear motion, such as a linear motor, an electromagnetic drive, or a hydraulic cylinder. In this case, the drive means acts directly or indirectly on the movable part of the pedal rod 1 to effect the extension and retraction of the pedal rod 1 in the longitudinal direction X of the pedal rod.

The structure and the principle of action of different embodiments of the pedal mechanism according to the invention are explained below with the aid of fig. 3 to 6.

Fig. 3 and 4 show a first embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the invention, wherein fig. 3 shows the pedal mechanism in a deployed operating state and fig. 4 shows the pedal mechanism in a retracted non-operating state. The pedal rod 1 of the pedal mechanism has a first rod part 5 and a second rod part 6, the first rod part 5 and the second rod part 6 being arranged in a nested manner with respect to one another and having the same or substantially the same cross-sectional shape, for example a circular or rectangular shape, in the nested region. The telescoping region is the region of overlap of the first lever part 5 and the second lever part 6 of the pedal lever in the retracted state of the pedal lever (i.e. in the inoperative state of the pedal lever).

A separation prevention structure (not shown) is provided in an end region of the first lever member 5 and the second lever member 6 connected to each other for preventing the second lever member 6 from being separated from the first lever member 5 by accident. The first and second pole parts 5, 6 each have a constant cross section in the telescoping area, the length of the telescoping area of the first and second pole parts preferably being at least fifty percent, particularly preferably at least eighty percent, of the total length of the respective pole part. In the telescoping region, the first rod part 5 has a first cross-sectional area S1 and the second rod part 6 has a second cross-sectional area S2, preferably 0.9S2. Ltoreq.S 1 < S2. This is particularly advantageous when the relationship of the cross sectional areas of the first pole member 5 and the second pole member 6 is in the above range. On the one hand, since the cross-sectional area of the first lever member 5 is smaller than that of the second lever member 6, a clearance fit is formed between the movable member and the fixed member and thus movement of the movable member relative to the fixed member becomes easy. On the other hand, the gap between the two parts should not be too large, thereby preventing the movement from jamming or even jamming due to tilting of the movable part relative to the fixed part. Advantageously, a wear-resistant coating is provided on the sliding surfaces of the first lever part 5 and/or the second lever part 6 (for example in the region of the socket region) in order to reduce the coefficient of friction, reduce the operating noise and at the same time increase the service life of the pedal rod 1.

As can also be seen from fig. 3, a motor 10 is mounted in the first lever part 5, which motor 10 has a motor shaft 11, to which motor shaft 11 the gear wheel 8 is fixed in a rotationally fixed manner. A toothed rack 9 is fixedly arranged in the second lever part 6, the toothed rack 9 extending into the first lever part 5 and being constantly in engagement with the toothed wheel 8. The transformation of the rotational movement output by the motor 10 into a linear movement of the second lever part 6 can be achieved by the interaction of the toothed wheel 8 and the toothed rack 9, so that the second lever part 6 can be selectively pushed over the first lever part 5 or pushed out of the first lever part 5. The electric machine 10 is connected not only to the vehicle electrical system but also to a vehicle control system, by means of which the number of revolutions and the direction of rotation of the electric machine 10 can be controlled. The transition of the pedal lever 1 from the extended operating state to the retracted non-operating state can be achieved, for example, by rotating the motor 10 a predetermined number of revolutions in a first direction of rotation; conversely, the change of the pedal lever 1 from the retracted inoperative state to the extended operative state can be effected by rotating the motor 10 a predetermined number of revolutions in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the toothed rack 9 is fastened with its one end (for example by welding) to the second shaft part 6 and with its other free end projects into the interior of the first shaft part 5. Advantageously, a guide element 12 for the toothed rack 9 is provided inside the first lever part 5 (see for example fig. 4) in order to assist the guidance and orientation of the toothed rack 9 in the first lever part 5. In addition, the first and/or the second lever part 5, 6 are advantageously formed by two half-shells, which are preferably divided in the longitudinal direction X of the pedal rod 1, wherein the first and the second half-shells are detachably connected to one another by means of a screw connection, thereby facilitating the installation and maintenance of the electric motor 10 and the gear/rack transmission in the pedal mechanism.

Preferably, the motor is arranged in a socket region of the first pole part. In practice, it has been found that, when the electric motor is arranged in the first lever part close to the second lever part, the inner space of the first lever part 5 and the second lever part 6 can be utilized to a sufficient extent in the case of the second lever part 6 being fitted onto the first lever part 5, and thus the maximum expansion of the pedal lever 1 is increased. Of course, when the first lever part 5 is fitted over the second lever part 6, it is more advantageous to locate the motor in the first lever part 5 away from the second lever part 6.

Fig. 5 shows a second embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the invention. For the sake of simplicity, the differences with respect to the first embodiment of fig. 3 are mainly explained here. The difference from the first exemplary embodiment is that the pedal lever 1 of the pedal mechanism is of three-piece design and comprises a first lever part 5, a second lever part 6 and a third lever part 7 arranged between the first lever part and the second lever part. Likewise, the first, second and third rod parts each have a constant cross section in the region of the sleeve. In the bell-spigot region, the first rod part 5 has a first cross-sectional area S1, the second rod part 6 has a second cross-sectional area S2, and the third rod part 7 has a third cross-sectional area S3, preferably 0.9S3. Ltoreq.S 1 < S3 and 0.9S2. Ltoreq.S 3 < S2.

In the present embodiment, the motor 10 is also mounted in the first lever part 5, and the rack 9 is fixedly arranged in the second lever part 6. In the end region of the third lever part 7 close to the first lever part 5, a stop 13 is provided, by means of which stop 13: when the pedal mechanism is switched from the operating state to the non-operating state, the third lever member 5 can be pushed and sleeved onto the first lever member 5 together with the second lever member 6. A separation prevention structure (not shown) is also provided in the interconnected end regions of the first lever member 5, the second lever member 6 and the third lever member 7 to prevent them from being separated unintentionally. In addition, by means of the anti-disengaging structure, it is also possible to realize: when the pedal mechanism is switched from the inoperative position to the operative position, the second lever part 6 can carry the third lever part 7 with it out a pushing-out movement away from the first lever part 5.

Of course, it is also conceivable for the pedal lever 1 of the pedal mechanism to be designed in more than three pieces, for example in four or five pieces. In this case, at least two third lever members that are fitted to each other are provided between the first lever member and the second lever member.

Fig. 6 shows a third embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the invention. The pedal lever 1 of the pedal mechanism has a first lever part 5 and a second lever part 6, the first lever part 5 and the second lever part 6 being arranged in a nested manner with respect to one another and having substantially the same cross-sectional shape in the nested region. The second rod part 6 is in this case sleeved on the first rod part 5 and thus in the region of the sleeving, the first cross-sectional area S1 of the first rod part 5 is smaller than the second cross-sectional area S2 of the second rod part 6, preferably 0.9s2 ≦ S1 < S2.

The third exemplary embodiment in fig. 6 differs from the first exemplary embodiment in fig. 3 primarily in that the electric machine 10 is designed as a linear machine. The linear motor is mounted in the first lever part 5 and has a push rod 14 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction X of the pedal rod 1 and projects into the second lever part 6. The protruding end 15 of the push rod 14 is connected to the second lever part 6, so that the second lever part can be moved in translation relative to the first lever part by the telescopic movement of the push rod 14 of the linear motor. Advantageously, the linear motor extends over a substantial part of the length of the first rod part and the end of the linear motor facing the second rod part is arranged in the telescoping region. In this way, it is possible to make full use of the inner space of the first lever member 5 and the second lever member 6 and thus to increase the maximum expansion and contraction amount of the pedal lever 1.

Fig. 7 shows a fourth embodiment of a retractable pedal mechanism according to the present invention. The pedal rod 1 of the pedal mechanism has a first rod part 5 and a second rod part 6, the first rod part 5 and the second rod part 6 being arranged in a nested manner with respect to one another and having substantially the same cross-sectional shape in the nested region. In this case, the second rod part is inserted into the first rod part and thus in the insertion region the first cross-sectional area S1 of the first rod part 5 is greater than the second cross-sectional area S2 of the second rod part 6, preferably 0.9S1. Ltoreq.S 2 < S1.

The fourth exemplary embodiment in fig. 7 and the first exemplary embodiment in fig. 3 essentially consist in that the drive device in this exemplary embodiment is an electromagnetic drive and thus the pedal rod 1 is designed as a magnetostrictive pedal rod. An electromagnet 16 is mounted in the first lever part 5 of the pedal lever 1, and the electromagnet 16 is connected to the vehicle electrical system and to the vehicle control system. A metal slide 17 is mounted in the second lever part 6 of the pedal lever 1, and a spring device 18 is arranged between the electromagnet and the metal slide. In this embodiment the pedal rod 1 is preferably made of a non-metallic material, such as plastic, to prevent effects on the normal functioning of the electromagnet.

In the operating state of the pedal mechanism, the electromagnet 16 is switched off and thus no force is exerted on the metal slide, and the spring device 18 presses the second lever part 6 outward, so that the second lever part 6 protrudes from the first lever part 5. In the inoperative state of the pedal mechanism, the vehicle control system controls the electromagnet such that it is energized and thus the electromagnet 16 exerts an attractive force on the metal slide 17, so that the metal slide 17 is moved against the spring force of the spring device 18 towards the electromagnet, so that the second lever part 6 is retracted into the first lever part 5.

Advantageously, a guide rod 19 is provided on the electromagnet 16, which guide rod 19 extends in the longitudinal direction X toward the metal slide 17 and through the metal slide into the interior of the second rod part 6. In order to enable the guide rod to pass through the metal slider, the metal slider 17 has a through hole matching the cross-sectional shape of the guide rod. In addition, a spring device 18 is arranged around the guide rod 19. By providing the guide lever 19, the translational movement of the second lever part 6 relative to the first lever part 5 can be improved on the one hand, and the spring device 18 can be prevented from twisting and rattling during the compression movement on the other hand. It is further preferred that an annular groove 20 surrounding the guide rod is provided on the side of the electromagnet 16 facing the metal slide and an opposing annular groove 21 is provided on the side of the metal slide 17 facing the electromagnet, the two ends of the spring device 18 being fixed in the annular groove 20 of the electromagnet and the annular groove 21 of the metal slide, respectively. This ensures, on the one hand, a correct orientation of the spring device during the compression movement and, on the other hand, that the metal slide 17 bears directly against the electromagnet 16 in the inoperative state of the pedal mechanism and thus increases the attraction force, in order to prevent an accidental projection of the second lever part 6 out of the first lever part 5.

The above examples illustrate or describe possible embodiments of the invention, but the invention is not limited to the above embodiments. It is to be noted here that various different combinations of the individual embodiments with one another are also possible. For example, the design of the lever part consisting of two half-shells, the design of the lever part provided with a wear-resistant coating on the sliding surface of the lever part, and the design of the pedal lever in three-piece design can be correspondingly adapted to the other embodiments.

Although the retractable pedal mechanism is explained in some embodiments by taking a brake pedal as an example, the structure of the retractable pedal mechanism described in the specification can of course be applied to an accelerator pedal or other pedals. In addition, although the driving means is provided in the fixed member in all the embodiments described above, it is also conceivable to provide the driving means in the movable member.

Finally, it is pointed out that the retractable pedal mechanism parts are not illustrated to scale and/or in an enlarged and/or reduced scale in the figures in order to facilitate the understanding of the structure of the retractable pedal mechanism according to the invention.

List of reference numerals

1. Pedal rod

2. Stepping element

3. Connecting assembly

4. Pedal support

5. First rod member

6. A second lever member

7. The third lever member

8. Gear wheel

9. Rack bar

10. Electric machine

11. Motor shaft

12. Guide element

13. Stop piece

14. Push rod

15. Projecting end portion

16. Electromagnet

17. Metal slide block

18. Spring device

19. Guide rod

20. Annular groove

21. Annular groove

Longitudinal direction of the X pedal rod

Claims (19)

1. Pedal mechanism for a motor vehicle, comprising a pedal rod (1) and a pedal element (2), characterized in that the pedal rod (1) comprises a first rod part (5) and a second rod part (6), the first rod part (5) and the second rod part (6) being linearly movable relative to each other and the pedal rod (1) thus being telescopic in both directions in a longitudinal direction (X) of the pedal rod (1).

2. Pedal mechanism according to claim 1, characterized in that the pedal rod (1) is extended in the longitudinal direction (X) in the active state of the pedal rod and the pedal rod (1) is retracted in the longitudinal direction (X) in the inactive state of the pedal rod.

3. A pedal mechanism according to claim 2, characterized in that said first lever part (5) and said second lever part (6) are linearly movable in relation to each other by means of a drive device, which can be connected to the vehicle electrical system and to the vehicle control system, preferably inside the pedal rod (1), so that the pedal rod can be switched between an active state and an inactive state.

4. The pedal mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first lever member and the second lever member are arranged to be nested with each other.

5. A pedal mechanism according to claim 4, characterized in that said first lever part (5) and second lever part (6) each have a constant cross section in a telescoping area, which telescoping area is the overlapping area of the first lever part (5) and second lever part (6) in the inoperative state of the pedal rod, preferably the length of said telescoping area is at least fifty percent of the total length of the respective lever part.

6. A pedal mechanism according to claim 5, characterized in that said first lever member (5) is a fixed member and said second lever member (6) is a movable member, the first lever member (5) being pivotably supported on a pedal bracket (4) which is fixable to the vehicle body, the second lever member (6) carrying a tread element (2) for driver manipulation.

7. A pedal mechanism according to claim 6, wherein said first lever member (5) and said second lever member (6) have the same cross sectional shape in the telescoping region, preferably wherein in the respective telescoping region the first lever member (5) has a first cross sectional area S1 and the second lever member (6) has a second cross sectional area S2, wherein 0.9S2. Ltoreq.S 1 < S2.

8. A pedal mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pedal lever (1) further comprises a third lever part (7) which is arranged between the first lever part (5) and the second lever part (6), preferably a stop (13) is provided in an end region of the third lever part (7) which is close to the first lever part (5).

9. The pedal mechanism according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first lever part (5) and/or the second lever part (6) is composed of two half shells, wherein the two half shells are connected to one another by means of a threaded connection.

10. A pedal mechanism according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that a disengagement prevention structure is provided in the interconnected end regions of the first lever member (5) and the second lever member (6).

11. A pedal mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that a wear resistant coating is provided on the sliding action surface of the first lever part (5) and/or the second lever part (6).

12. A pedal mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the drive means is an electric motor, an electromagnetic drive or a hydraulic cylinder.

13. Pedal mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that said drive means is a servo motor and that a transmission means for converting the rotary motion output by the servo motor into a linear motion is arranged inside the pedal rod (1), said transmission means being a rack and pinion mechanism, a lead screw-nut mechanism or a cylindrical cam mechanism.

14. A pedal mechanism according to claim 13, wherein said servo motor is mounted in the first lever part (5) and has a motor shaft (11), a gear wheel (8) being mounted on the motor shaft (11), said gear wheel (8) being in engagement with a toothed rack (9) fixedly arranged on the second lever part (6).

15. A pedal mechanism according to claim 12, characterized in that the drive means is a linear motor which is mounted in the first lever part (5) and has a push rod (14) which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction (X) of the pedal rod (1) and projects into the second lever part (6), the push rod (14) being connected to the second lever part (6).

16. A pedal mechanism according to claim 12, wherein said drive means is an electromagnetic drive, an electromagnet (16) being mounted in the first lever part (5) of the pedal rod (1), a metal slide (17) being mounted in the second lever part (6) of the pedal rod (1), and spring means (18) being provided between the electromagnet (16) and the metal slide (17).

17. Pedal mechanism according to claim 16, characterized in that a guide rod (19) is provided on the electromagnet (16), which guide rod extends in the longitudinal direction (X) and through the metal slider into the interior of the second lever part (6), said spring means (18) being arranged around the guide rod (19).

18. A pedal mechanism according to claim 17, wherein an annular groove (20) surrounding the guiding rod is provided on the side of the electromagnet (16) facing the metal slide and an opposite annular groove (21) is provided on the side of the metal slide (17) facing the electromagnet, the spring means (18) being fixed at both ends in the annular groove (20) of the electromagnet (16) and the annular groove (21) of the metal slide (17), respectively.

19. Motor vehicle having a pedal mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 18.

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