Pedal assembly with non-contact pedal position sensor for generating a control signal

摘要

A pedal assembly is mounted on a body structure of a motor vehicle and is used to generate a control signal for vehicle system. The pedal assembly includes a support mounted to the body structure and a pedal arm with an upper end pivotally mounted to the support for movement relative to the body structure and a lower end for supporting a pedal pad. The pedal arm is movable between a plurality of operational positions as a force is applied to the pedal pad. A magnet is mounted to the pedal arm for pivotal movement with the pedal arm between the various operational positions. The magnet is preferably permanent magnet having a cylindrical shape and including multiple poles alternating between positive and negative orientations about the circumference of the magnet. A noncontact sensor is mounted adjacent to the magnet such that the sensor remains fixed relative to the pedal at all operational positions. The sensor generates an electric control signal that is used to control a vehicle system as the pedal arm is moved between the operational positions. The signal varies in magnitude by the extent of angular rotation of the magnet relative to the sensor.