PEDAL DEVICE WITH CONTROLLABLE ACTUATION FORCE

Described are a pedal device (30, 130) and a method for generating a controllable counterforce therefor. A pedal element (12) is deflectable relative to a base element (14). A rotary element (30, 130) is coupled to the pedal element (12) such that a deflection of the pedal element (12) leads to a rotation of the rotary element (30, 130) about an axis element (31). In order to achieve relatively high controllable counterforces by means of a simple, compact construction, the rotary element (30, 130) comprises at least two parts (32, 34; 132, 134, 136) which are supported relative to one another about a pivot axis (38) outside of the axis element (31), such that the axis element (31) can be clamped between them. A controllable force unit (40) is activated to apply an engagement force (F) to a movable actuator (42, 142), such that the actuator (42, 142) engages with one of the parts of the rotary element (30, 130) and, depending on the engagement force (F), effects a clamping of the axis element (31).