# US 11,442,488 B2 · Connection element for a vehicle pedal and vehicle pedal

> Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt

- Number: US 11,442,488 B2
- Document ID: US11442488B2
- Status: Granted
- Kind: B2
- Application number: 17/310,515
- Filed: 2020-02-04
- Published: 2022-05-12
- Granted: 2022-09-13
- Earliest claimed: 2019-02-21
- Assignees: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
- Applicants: Hella GmbH & Co. KGaA
- Inventors: Heinrich-Reinhold (Heinz) Bruees
- Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US11442488B2

## CPC

- G05G 1/46: Means, e.g. links, for connecting the pedal to the controlled unit
- G05G: CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY ("Bowden" or like mechanisms F16C1/10; gearings or mechanisms not peculiar to this purpose F16H; speed changing or reversing mechanisms for gearings conveying rotary motion F16H59/00 - F16H63/00)

## Abstract

A connection element is provided for connecting a first part with a second part of a vehicle pedal. An essentially rigid central section is provided, in addition to a first connecting section connecting the connection element to the first part and a second connecting section connecting the connection element with the second part. The two connecting sections are formed at free ends of the central section opposite each other. The first connecting section features at least two first latching elements that form a latching connection together with latching elements of the first part formed corresponding to the first latching elements. The first connecting section features four first latching elements. The first latching elements form, in the assembled state of the connection element, as pairs in each case a latching connection together with a latching element of the first part corresponding to each pair of latching elements.

## Claims

### Claim 1

A connection element for connecting a first part with a second part of a vehicle pedal, the connection element comprising:
a rigid central section,
a first connecting section for connecting the connection element to the first part and a second connecting section for connecting the connection element with the second part,
wherein the first and second connecting sections are formed at free ends of the central section opposite each other,
wherein the first connecting section includes four first latching elements forming two pairs of first latching elements, where, when the connection element is in an assembled state, each pair of first latching elements form a latching connection together with a respective first latching element of the first part,
wherein the second connecting section includes a C-shaped latching bracket configured to receive a second latching element of the second part.

### Claim 2 (depends on 1)

The connection element in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the four first latching elements are formed on a respective arm.

### Claim 3 (depends on 2)

The connection element in accordance with claim 2, wherein the respective arms, in a disassembled state, are arranged parallel to each other.

### Claim 4 (depends on 3)

The connection element in accordance with claim 3, wherein each pair of first latching elements includes an exterior first latching element and an interior first latching element, wherein the respective arms of the two interior first latching elements are connected with each other to transmit force.

### Claim 5 (depends on 2)

The connection element in accordance with claim 2, wherein the central section includes a base plate from which the respective arms extend.

### Claim 6 (depends on 2)

The connection element in accordance with claim 2, wherein each pair of first latching elements includes an exterior first latching element and an interior first latching element, wherein the respective arms of the two interior first latching elements are separated from each other such that force is not transmitted therebetween.

### Claim 7 (depends on 1)

The connection element in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of the four first latching elements is a barb.

### Claim 8 (depends on 1)

The connection element in accordance with claim 1, wherein the connection element takes the form of a single-piece plastic part.

### Claim 9 (depends on 8)

The connection element in accordance with claim 8, wherein the four first latching elements are hollow.

### Claim 10 (depends on 1)

A vehicle pedal, comprising:
a first and second part connected to transmit force by means of a connection element,
wherein the connection element is formed in accordance with claim 1.

### Claim 11 (depends on 10)

The vehicle pedal in accordance with claim 10, wherein the connection element connects in an articulated manner the first part and the second part.