Clutch pedal device for electronic clutch system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system, wherein the full stroke position and the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal (20) are adjusted by utilizing a front stopper (80) and a rear stopper (90) on a pedal member (10) and a clutch pedal (20) respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention generally relates to a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system, and more particularly to a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system wherein a pedal member and a clutch pedal are provided with a stopper device for controlling an initial position, a return position and a full stroke position of the clutch pedal. Background Art

[0002] Generally, a manual transmission vehicle includes a clutch device, which is provided between a flywheel and an input shaft of the transmission and functions to control the power of the engine transmitted to the transmission as required.

[0003] When performing a gear shift, the driver first steps on a clutch pedal for operation to release the connection of a clutch device provided in the vehicle. The driver then manipulates a shift lever to perform a gear shift to a desired gear shift level, and takes his / her foot off the clutch pedal to reconnect the clutch device to complete the gear shift.

[0004] In the hydraulic clutch system, the clutch master cylinder and the clutch release cylinder are arranged between the clutch pedal and the clutch device. When the driver operates the clutch pedal with his foot, the sum of the spring force arranged in the clutch pedal and the hydraulic pressure generated by the clutch master cylinder and the clutch release cylinder is the pedal force (reaction force).

[0005] In addition, the hydraulic clutch system has a configuration in which the clutch pedal is connected to a clutch master cylinder so that the clutch master cylinder adjusts the initial position of the clutch pedal.

[0006] At the same time, the configuration of the electronic clutch system does not use a mechanical configuration using hydraulic pressure, thereby greatly reducing its weight and manufacturing cost compared to the hydraulic clutch system. Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal to shift gears, the pedal sensor provided in the clutch pedal detects the amount of depression of the clutch pedal (steering angle), and the detected value is transmitted as an electrical signal to the control unit (clutch controller, an electronic control unit for operating the clutch), and the control unit receives various signals (such as the signal of the pedal sensor and the engine RPM), and calculates the optimal clutch operation time that best suits the vehicle state to control the actuator (a device for controlling a clutch, a DC motor, etc.), and performs connection of the clutch device or release of the connection of the clutch device through the operation of the actuator.

[0007] Therefore, compared to the hydraulic clutch system, the electronic clutch system does not provide a clutch master cylinder and a clutch release cylinder that generate hydraulic pressure, so that when the driver operates the clutch pedal by foot, only the spring force provided in the clutch pedal is applied as the final pedal force (reaction force). Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal of the electronic clutch system, the driver feels inconsistent feeling due to the easy operation compared to the hydraulic clutch system, making it necessary to include a separate auxiliary configuration to reduce the inconsistent feeling.

[0008] In addition, the electronic clutch system is not provided with a clutch master cylinder, so that a separate mechanical configuration for adjusting the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal is also required.

[0009] The above is only intended to help understand the background of the present invention and is not intended to mean that the present invention falls within the scope of the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the invention

[0010] Therefore, the present invention has taken into account the above-mentioned problems arising in the prior art, and the present invention aims to propose a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system, wherein a stop device for adjusting the initial position (return position) and the full stroke position of the clutch pedal is arranged in a pedal member and a clutch pedal in the electronic clutch system, and the clutch device in the electronic clutch system is operated by utilizing an electronic signal generated when the clutch pedal is operated.

[0011] In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one aspect of the present invention, a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system is provided, the device comprising: a clutch pedal, which is rotatably connected to a pedal component surrounding a pedal shaft; a front stop device, which is arranged on the pedal component and the clutch pedal, and the front stop device adjusts the full stroke position of the clutch pedal by forming contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal performs a full stroke; and a rear stop device, which is arranged on the pedal component and the clutch pedal, and the rear stop device adjusts the initial position of the clutch pedal by forming contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal returns to its initial position.

[0012] The front stopper may include a pedal bracket connected to the clutch pedal and protruding forward, and a member stopper located at the front side of the pedal bracket and connected to the pedal member, the member stopper coming into contact with the pedal bracket when the clutch pedal rotates forward at a full stroke.

[0013] The rear stopper may include a pedal stopper coupled to the clutch pedal and protruding rearwardly, and a member bracket located at a rear side of the pedal stopper and coupled to the pedal member, the member bracket contacting the pedal stopper when the clutch pedal returns rearwardly to an initial position of the clutch pedal.

[0014] The front surface of the component stopper and the front surface of the pedal stopper respectively have an intaglio groove so that the contact surface between the component stopper and the pedal bracket and the contact surface between the pedal stopper and the component bracket are minimized.

[0015] The device may further include: a pedal protrusion that protrudes upward from the clutch pedal; and a spacer that is fixedly connected to the pedal member and regulates rearward rotation of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the pedal protrusion when the clutch pedal returns rearward to an initial position of the clutch pedal.

[0016] When the clutch pedal returns rearward to its initial position, the pedal stop can be configured to first come into contact with the component support before the pedal protrusion comes into contact with the spacer, so that when the pedal stop comes into contact with the component support, the pedal protrusion and the spacer do not contact each other; the pedal protrusion can be configured to come into contact with the spacer when any one or at least one of the pedal component, clutch pedal, pedal stop and component support is excessively deformed, damaged or separated from engagement.

[0017] The device may further include: an upper seat and a lower seat, which are spaced apart from each other in the up and down directions along the longitudinal direction of the clutch pedal, the upper seat being connected to the clutch pedal through a connecting rod, and the lower seat being connected to a pedal bracket; a pedal spring and an elastic damper, which are arranged between the upper seat and the lower seat, and the opposite ends of the pedal spring and the elastic damper are supported between the upper seat and the lower seat; a cam, which is fixedly connected to the pedal member with a spacer; and a roller, which is rotatably connected to the upper seat and contacts the cam.

[0018] The spacers can be doubly arranged on the opposite sides of the cam so that the cam and the two spacers can be fixedly connected to the pedal member; the pedal protrusion can protrude upward from the edge portion at the upper front end of the clutch pedal; the spacer protrusion can protrude from the upper surface of the spacer and form contact with the pedal protrusion.

[0019] The axis of the pedal spring can be the same as the axis of the axis of the elastic damper; based on the coordinate axis x and the coordinate axis y on the rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal axis, the front stop device is located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0, the rear stop device is located in the area of ​​the third quadrant where x is less than 0 and y is less than 0, and the pedal spring and the elastic damper are located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0.

[0020] A linear spacing distance (L1) between the upper seat and the lower seat may be approximately 1 / 2 of a linear spacing distance (L2) between a center of a pedal shaft and a center of a pad coupled to a clutch pedal.

[0021] Based on coordinate axes x and y on a rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal shaft, the pedal protrusion provided on the clutch pedal and the spacer protrusion provided on the spacer may be located in a region of the first quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is greater than 0.

[0022] In addition, the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to the present invention may include: a clutch pedal, which can be rotatably connected to a pedal member surrounding a pedal shaft; a stopper bracket, which is connected to the upper part of the clutch pedal or is integrally formed on the upper part of the clutch pedal, and the stopper bracket has an open side surface to form a U-shape; and a stopper rod, which is connected to the pedal member to pass through the interior of the stopper bracket; wherein, when the clutch pedal is operated, the opposite end of the stopper bracket comes into contact with the stopper rod, thereby adjusting the full stroke position and the initial position of the clutch pedal.

[0023] In addition, the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to the present invention may include: a clutch pedal, which is rotatably connected to a pedal component surrounding a pedal shaft; a pedal protrusion, which protrudes upward from the clutch pedal; and a spacer, which is fixedly connected to the pedal component at a position on the front side of the pedal protrusion; wherein, when any one or at least one of the pedal component, the clutch pedal, the pedal stopper connected to the clutch pedal, and the component bracket connected to the pedal component is excessively deformed, damaged, or disengaged, the pedal protrusion and the spacer come into contact with each other to regulate the backward rotation of the clutch pedal, thereby avoiding leg injuries to the driver caused by the clutch pedal.

[0024] As described above, in the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system not utilizing the hydraulic device according to the present invention, when the driver operates the clutch pedal with his foot, the total value of the compression force of the pedal spring and the elastic damper is all applied as the pedal force (reaction force) of the clutch pedal. Therefore, the same level of pedal force (reaction force) as that of the hydraulic clutch system is generated, so that the inconsistent feeling can be avoided and the marketability can be improved.

[0025] In addition, the clutch device is configured so that when the clutch pedal returns backward due to the driver releasing the operation from the clutch pedal, a value obtained by subtracting the friction force of the cam and the pedal device corresponding to the resistance from the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring and the elastic damper is applied as the return force of the clutch pedal. In particular, when the clutch pedal returns to the initial position, since the restoring force of the elastic damper and the friction force formed by the cam and the pedal device are applied as the resistance value, the return speed can be slowed down while reducing the return force of the clutch pedal, so that the bending of the driver's ankle caused by the clutch pedal can be avoided. In addition, the generation of hysteresis can be caused.

[0026] In addition, the full stroke position and the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal are adjusted by using the front stopper and the rear stopper respectively provided in the pedal member and the clutch pedal. With this configuration, the clutch pedal can be operated safely and easily.

[0027] In addition, according to the present invention, the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal is adjusted by the pedal protrusion provided on the upper part of the clutch pedal coming into contact with the spacer protrusion provided on the spacer. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid to the greatest extent possible the leg injury (shin impact, ankle bending, etc.) of the driver caused by the lifting occurring at the rear of the clutch pedal. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] The above and other objects, features and other advantages of the present invention will be more clearly understood through the following detailed description presented in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0029] Figure 1 A perspective view showing a clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Side view of

[0031] Figure 3 For those without pedal components Figure 2 's view;

[0032] Figure 4 To show Figure 3 center view of the clutch pedal pivoting forward about the pedal axis;

[0033] Figure 5 An exploded perspective view showing a pedal device, a pedal spring and an elastic damper according to the present invention;

[0034] Figure 6 A view showing a cam profile according to the present invention;

[0035] Figure 7 A view showing a state in which the pedal stopper and the member bracket are in contact with each other when the clutch pedal returns to its initial position;

[0036] Figure 8 A view showing a state in which the pedal bracket and the member stopper are in contact with each other when the clutch pedal is rotated forward at a full stroke;

[0037] Fig. 9 A view showing a state in which the pedal protrusion and the spacer are in contact with each other when the member holder is separated from the pedal member and the clutch pedal is returned to the initial position of the clutch pedal;

[0038] Fig.10 for Fig. 9 Stereoscopic image of

[0039] Fig.11 A view showing a member stopper and a pedal stopper;

[0040] Fig.12 A view showing the position of the pedal spring and the elastic damper and the position of the pedal protrusion and the spacer protrusion;

[0041] Fig.13 This is a view showing another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Hereinafter, a clutch pedal apparatus of an electronic clutch system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 12 As shown, according to the present invention, the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system includes: a pedal component 10 and a clutch pedal 20; the pedal component 10 is fixed to a bottom plate (front panel) arranged at the lower part of the driver's seat; the clutch pedal 20 is rotatably connected to the pedal component 10 around a pedal shaft 21.

[0044] A pedal sensor 30 connected to the clutch pedal 20 is fixed to one side of the pedal member 10 so that the rotation angle is measured during the operation of the clutch pedal 20, and the rotation angle of the clutch pedal 20 measured by the pedal sensor 30 is sent to the control unit. The control unit receives various signals (such as the signal of the pedal sensor 30 and the engine RPM) and automatically calculates the optimal clutch operation time most suitable for the vehicle state to control the operation of the actuator. Then, the operation of the actuator causes the connection of the clutch device to be executed or released.

[0045] In addition, the clutch pedal device according to the present invention is configured to generate a pedal force (reaction force) when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot (when the clutch pedal is rotated forward). Therefore, the clutch pedal device includes a cam 40, a pedal device 50, a pedal spring 60, and an elastic damper 70; the cam 40 is fixedly connected to the pedal member 10; the pedal device 50 is configured to be connected to the clutch pedal 20 and to form contact with the cam 40; the pedal spring 60 is provided in the pedal device 50, and generates a main pedal force by accumulating elastic force while the pedal spring is compressed during the operation of the clutch pedal 20; the elastic damper 70 is provided in the pedal device 50, and generates an additional pedal force while the elastic damper is compressed together with the pedal spring 60 during the operation of the clutch pedal 20.

[0046] The clutch pedal device of the commonly used electronic clutch system is configured to generate a pedal force only by the spring force of a spring provided in the clutch pedal device when the driver operates the clutch pedal by foot. Therefore, compared with the hydraulic clutch system, the commonly used clutch pedal device does not include hydraulic pressure in the pedal force (reaction force), so that the commonly used pedal device has inconvenience due to inconsistent feeling.

[0047] However, the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to the present invention is configured so that when the clutch pedal 20 is operated, the total value of the compression elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the compression elastic force of the elastic damper 70 is the pedal force. Therefore, compared with the hydraulic clutch system, the device of the present invention can eliminate the inconsistent feeling by generating a pedal force equal to the force of the hydraulic clutch system, thereby having an advantage of contributing to improving marketability.

[0048] In the embodiment of the present invention, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the compression of the elastic damper 70 starts before the pedal spring 60 is maximally compressed. Therefore, the total value of the compression elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the compression elastic force of the elastic damper 70 can be applied as the pedal force (reaction force).

[0049] Preferably, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 with the driver's foot, the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 accumulate elastic force for a reaction force while being compressed.

[0050] In addition, the present invention is configured so that when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 with the driver's foot, the maximum compression point of the pedal spring 60 is the same as the maximum rotation point (full stroke) of the clutch pedal 20. Therefore, the total value of the compression spring force of the pedal spring 60 and the compression spring force of the elastic damper 70 can be applied as the pedal force (reaction force).

[0051] The pedal spring 60 may be a compression coil spring formed of a steel material to ensure rigidity and strength. The elastic damper 70 may be formed of any one of an elastomer that is a synthetic resin and rubber, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0052] When the clutch pedal elastically returns to its initial position, the elastic damper 70 formed of an elastomer or rubber is configured to delay the return point (return time) longer than the return point of the pedal spring 60 formed of a steel material. Therefore, when the clutch pedal 20 returns to its initial position, the elastic damper 70 can help achieve hysteresis.

[0053] The pedal spring 60 may be configured by any one of a coil spring having a rigid body and a rubber spring formed of an elastic material.

[0054] In addition, when the driver releases the operating force from the clutch pedal 20 by taking his / her foot off the clutch pedal 20, the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 applied to the direction in which the clutch pedal 20 returns (the rearward direction) is greater than the friction force generated by the cam 40 and the pedal device 50. When the friction force of the cam 40 and the friction force of the pedal device 50 are greater than the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70, the rearward return of the clutch pedal 20 cannot be achieved even when the driver releases the operating force of the clutch pedal 20. Therefore, in order to smoothly return the clutch pedal 20, it is preferred that the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 is greater than the friction force of the cam 40 and the friction force of the pedal device 50.

[0055] According to the embodiment of the present invention, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the total value of the compression elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the compression elastic force of the elastic damper 70 is configured as the pedal force (reaction force) of the clutch pedal 20. In addition, when the clutch pedal 20 is returned backward by the operation force of the driver releasing the clutch pedal 20, the value obtained by subtracting the friction force of the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 corresponding to the resistance from the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 is configured as the return force of the clutch pedal 20.

[0056] In addition, the clutch pedal device of the present invention is configured to generate hysteresis when the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 and the friction force of the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 are applied as resistance values ​​when the clutch pedal 20 returns rearward.

[0057] The pedal device 50 of the present invention includes: an upper seat 51 and a lower seat 52, a roller 53, a connecting rod 54, a pedal bracket 55, a guide rod 56 and a guide cylinder 57; the upper seat 51 and the lower seat 52 are spaced apart from each other in the up and down directions along the longitudinal direction of the clutch pedal 20; the roller 53 is rotatably connected to the upper seat 51 and contacts with the cam 40; the connecting rod 54 connecting the clutch pedal 20 and the upper seat 51 is rotatable; the pedal bracket 55 is rotatably connected to the clutch pedal 20 and the lower seat 52 is fixedly connected to the pedal bracket 55; the guide rod 56 is arranged on the upper seat 51; the guide cylinder 57 is arranged on the lower seat 52 and has an inner hole 57a, and the guide rod 56 is inserted and moved along the inner hole 57a.

[0058] Reference numeral 53a denotes a roller shaft.

[0059] The upper seat 51, the roller 53 and the link 54 are disposed in the inner space of the pedal member 10, and in particular, the cam 40 that contacts the roller 53 is disposed together. With this structure, the outer size of the pedal can be compactly disposed.

[0060] The guide rod 56 is inserted into and coupled to the inner hole 57a of the guide cylinder 57, and moves along the inner hole 57a. Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the overall length of the guide rod 56 and the guide cylinder 57 changes.

[0061] The elastic damper 70 is disposed in the pedal spring 60 and the shaft of the elastic damper 70 has the same axis as the pedal spring 60, so the kit of the clutch pedal device can be compactly disposed. In addition, the guide rod 56 and the guide cylinder 57 pass through the elastic damper 70, and the opposite ends of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 are supported by the upper seat 51 and the lower seat 52, respectively.

[0062] Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the clutch pedal 20 rotates forward around the pedal shaft 21, and the pedal device 50 connected to the clutch pedal 20 also rotates forward. Here, by the roller 53 of the pedal device 50 contacting the cam 40 fixed to the pedal member 10, the upper seat 51 moves toward the lower seat 52, and the pedal spring 60 is compressed to accumulate elastic force by the movement of the upper seat 51. Therefore, the compression force of the pedal spring 60 is applied as the first pedal force (reaction force), and the elastic damper 70 accumulates elastic force while being compressed together with the compression of the pedal spring 60, and the compression force of the elastic damper 70 is applied as the second pedal force (reaction force).

[0063] As described above, according to an embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch pedal 20 is operated (rotated forward), the total value of the compression force of the pedal spring 60 and the compression force of the elastic damper 70 is generated as the pedal force (reaction force) of the clutch pedal 20, so that a pedal force (reaction force) of the same level as that of the hydraulic clutch system is generated, thereby avoiding a sense of inconsistency.

[0064] In addition, when the driver releases the operation from the clutch pedal 20 by taking his / her foot off the clutch pedal 20, the clutch pedal 20 returns rearward by the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70. Here, the friction force generated by the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 is applied as a resistance value when the clutch pedal 20 returns to its initial position.

[0065] That is, when the clutch pedal 20 returns backward, a value obtained by subtracting the friction force corresponding to the resistance force formed by the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 from the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 is applied as the return force of the clutch pedal 20. In particular, when the clutch pedal 20 returns backward, since the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 and the friction force formed by the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 are applied as the resistance value during the return of the clutch pedal 20, hysteresis is generated.

[0066] Meanwhile, according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the clutch pedal 20 rotates about the pedal shaft 21 , the roller 53 rotates in the same direction as the clutch pedal 20 along a rotation radius R1 based on the pedal shaft 21 while continuously maintaining contact with the cam 40 .

[0067] Specifically, in the cam 40 , the cam profile 41 contacting the roller 53 overlaps with the rotation radius R1 of the roller 53 , and the area 42 to be overlapped gradually increases in the forward rotation direction when the clutch pedal 20 is operated.

[0068] When the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the clutch pedal 20 rotates forward around the pedal shaft 21, and the pedal device 50 connected to the clutch pedal 20 also rotates forward. Here, the roller 53 of the pedal device 50 moves along the cam profile 41 while contacting the cam 40 fixed to the pedal member 10, and the overlapping area 42 of the cam profile 41 gradually increases in the direction in which the roller 53 moves. Therefore, as the forward rotation amount of the clutch pedal 20 increases, the compression amount of the pedal spring 60 increases, thereby gradually increasing the pedal force.

[0069] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the point where the overlap area with the rotation radius R1 of the roller 53 is the largest in the cam profile 41 is the curved portion 43. The curved portion 43 is configured as the maximum rotation point (full stroke) of the clutch pedal 20.

[0070] In the above, the configuration in which the cam 40 is provided in the pedal member 10, and the pedal device 50, the pedal spring 60, and the elastic damper 70 are provided in the clutch pedal 20 is described as an embodiment. However, a configuration in which the pedal device 50, the pedal spring 60, and the elastic damper 70 are provided in the pedal member 10, and the cam 40 is provided in the clutch pedal 20 can be disclosed.

[0071] Meanwhile, compared to the hydraulic clutch system, the electronic clutch system does not include a clutch master cylinder and a clutch release cylinder that generate hydraulic pressure. Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20, the full stroke position of the clutch pedal 20 is regulated by the front stopper 80. In addition, by releasing the operating force applied to the clutch pedal 20, when the clutch pedal 20 returns to the initial position of the clutch pedal 20 by the elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70, the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20 is regulated by the rear stopper 90.

[0072] The front stopper 80 includes a pedal bracket 55 and a member stopper 81. The pedal bracket 55 is one component of the pedal apparatus 50, and the pedal bracket 55 is coupled to the clutch pedal 20 and protrudes forward.

[0073] In addition, a member stopper 81 as one of the remaining components of the front stopper device 80 is provided on the front side with respect to the pedal bracket 55 and is fixedly coupled to the pedal member 10 .

[0074] Therefore, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the full stroke position of the clutch pedal 20 is adjusted by the pedal bracket 55 coming into contact with the member stopper 81 (refer to Figure 8 ).

[0075] The rear stopper 90 includes a pedal stopper 91 and a member bracket 92. The pedal stopper 91 is coupled to the clutch pedal 20 and protrudes rearward, and the member bracket 92 is provided at the rear side of the pedal stopper 91 and fixedly coupled to the pedal member 10.

[0076] Therefore, when the driver releases the operating force applied to the clutch pedal 20, the clutch pedal 20 returns to the initial position of the clutch pedal 20 by the elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic force of the elastic damper 70. Here, the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20 is adjusted by the contact between the pedal stopper 91 and the member bracket 92 (see Figure 7 ).

[0077] When the clutch pedal 20 is operated and the pedal bracket 55 comes into contact with the member stopper 81, a large noise is generated by the connection due to the large contact area. In addition, when the clutch pedal 20 is returned to its initial position and the pedal stopper 91 comes into contact with the member bracket 92, a large noise is generated by the connection due to the large contact area.

[0078] like Fig.11 As shown, the present invention is configured so that the front surfaces of the member stopper 81 and the pedal stopper 91 are provided with concave grooves 81a and 91a, respectively. Therefore, the contact area between the member stopper 81 and the pedal bracket 55 and the contact area between the pedal stopper 91 and the member bracket 92 are minimized, and the noise attributed to the connection when making contact and releasing can be greatly reduced.

[0079] In addition, the clutch pedal device of the present invention further includes: a pedal protrusion 22 and a spacer 110; the pedal protrusion 22 protrudes upward from the clutch pedal 20; the spacer 110 is fixedly connected to the pedal member 10 together with the cam 40, and regulates the backward rotation of the clutch pedal 20 by contacting the pedal protrusion 22 when the clutch pedal 20 returns backward to the initial position of the clutch pedal 20.

[0080] The pedal stopper 91 is configured to come into contact with the member holder 92 before the pedal protrusion 22 comes into contact with the spacer 110 when the clutch pedal 20 returns rearward to the initial position of the clutch pedal 20 .

[0081] That is to say, Figure 7 As shown, in a normal state without an accident, when the clutch pedal 20 returns to the initial position of the clutch pedal 20 by the elastic force of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70, the pedal stopper 91 comes into contact with the component bracket 92, thereby adjusting the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20. Here, the pedal protrusion 22 provided on the upper part of the clutch pedal 20 does not contact the spacer 110.

[0082] However, when the pedal member 10 has a large impact due to an accident and its shape is deformed, the member bracket 92 is excessively deformed, broken, or separated from the pedal member 10. Fig. 9 As shown, when the clutch pedal 20 returns to its initial position, the pedal stopper 91 does not come into contact with the member bracket 92. On the contrary, the pedal protrusion 22 provided on the upper portion of the clutch pedal 20 comes into contact with the spacer 110, thereby adjusting the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20.

[0083] In addition, when any one or at least one of the pedal component 10, clutch pedal 20, pedal stopper 91 and component bracket 92 is excessively deformed, damaged or disconnected due to an accident, the clutch pedal 20 returns to its original position so that the pedal protrusion 22 comes into contact with the spacer 110.

[0084] With this configuration, the present invention can avoid to the greatest extent possible the driver's leg injuries (shin strike, ankle bending, etc.) caused by the lift occurring at the rear of the clutch pedal 20 in the event of an accident.

[0085] The cam 40 is a component that generates pedal force and realizes hysteresis by contacting with the roller 53, and because the cam should be formed of a material having strong physical properties to prevent wear as much as possible, the cam 40 has a disadvantage in that the manufacturing cost is high. Therefore, it is preferred that the cam 40 contacting with the roller 53 is formed to a minimum size, and the pedal protrusion 22 is configured to contact with a single spacer 110 formed of a material that is relatively inexpensive relative to the cam 40.

[0086] In order to achieve the above configuration, the spacers 110 are respectively arranged on the opposite sides of the cam 40, the cam 40 and the two spacers 110 are fixedly connected to the pedal component 10, the pedal protrusion 22 protrudes upward from the edge portion of the upper front end of the clutch pedal 20, and the spacer protrusion 111 protrudes upward from the upper rear end of the spacer 110 to form contact with the pedal protrusion 22.

[0087] The cam 40 and the spacer 110 are fixedly coupled to the pedal member 10 by a plurality of pins. The pins coupling the cam 40 and the spacer 110 to the pedal member 10 are processed in a knurling process so that the positions of the cam 40 and the spacer 110 can be firmly fixed.

[0088] According to the present invention, the shafts of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 are arranged to have the same axis.

[0089] In addition, if Fig.12 As shown, in a rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal shaft 21 , the coordinate axis x and the coordinate axis y divide the plane into four regions, and these four regions are called quadrants.

[0090] Among them, the area where x is greater than 0 and y is greater than 0 is the first quadrant and is the A1 area, the area where x is less than 0 and y is greater than 0 is the second quadrant and is the A2 area, the area where x is less than 0 and y is less than 0 is the third quadrant and is the A3 area, and the area where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0 is the fourth quadrant and is the A4 area.

[0091] As described above, when the plane is divided into regions from the first quadrant to the fourth quadrant based on the pedal shaft 21, the front stopper 80, the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 of the present invention are located in the fourth quadrant, and the rear stopper 90 is located in the third quadrant.

[0092] When the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 generating the pedal force are located in the area A4 of the fourth quadrant, the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 can be arranged at an internal position of the pedal member 10 within the running track of the pedal, thereby optimizing the layout of the entire pedal device.

[0093] However, when the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 are located on the area A1 of the first quadrant, there is a problem that the overall height of the pedal device is increased. When the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 are located on the area A2 of the second quadrant, there is a problem that the height and rear size of the pedal device are increased. When the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 are located on the area A3 of the third quadrant, it is difficult to operate the pedal due to the obstruction of the driver's feet. Therefore, preferably, the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 that generate the pedal force are located on the area A4 of the fourth quadrant.

[0094] In addition, the pedal protrusion 22 provided in the clutch pedal 20 and the spacer protrusion 111 provided in the spacer 110 are located on the area A1 of the first quadrant. When the pedal protrusion 22 and the spacer protrusion 111 are located on the area A1 of the first quadrant, the amount of forward protrusion can be reduced, so that the overall size of the pedal device can be compactly realized, and it can be avoided to hinder the driver's feet, thereby not causing inconvenience in operation, especially avoiding obstruction of the running trajectory of the pedal spring 60.

[0095] In addition, the linear spacing distance L1 between the upper seat 51 and the lower seat 52 is approximately 1 / 2 of the linear spacing distance L2 between the center of the pedal shaft 21 and the center of the pad 23 coupled to the clutch pedal 20. Therefore, the clutch pedal 20 can be stably operated to generate pedal force and achieve hysteresis (L1 can be formed to have a length approximately equal to 1 / 2 of the length of L2, or can be formed to have a length slightly less than 1 / 2 of the length of L2).

[0096] As another embodiment of the present invention, Fig.13 As shown, a U-shaped stopper bracket 120 having one side surface opened (opened upward) is coupled to or integrally formed at the upper portion of the clutch pedal 20, and a stopper rod 130 is coupled to the pedal member 10 so as to pass through the inside of the stopper bracket 120. With this configuration, when the clutch pedal 20 is operated, as the opposite ends of the U-shaped stopper bracket 120 come into contact with the stopper rod 130, the full stroke position and the initial position (return position) can be adjusted.

[0097] According to the embodiment of the present invention, in the clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system that does not utilize the hydraulic device, when the driver operates the clutch pedal 20 by foot, the total value of the compression force of the pedal spring 60 and the elastic damper 70 is applied as the pedal force (reaction force) of the clutch pedal 20. Therefore, compared with the hydraulic clutch system, the same level of pedal force as the hydraulic clutch system is generated, and the occurrence of inconsistent feeling is avoided, which greatly contributes to improving marketability.

[0098] In addition, when the clutch pedal returns to the rear, since the driver releases the operation from the clutch pedal, a value obtained by subtracting the friction force corresponding to the resistance formed by the cam and the pedal device from the total value of the restoring force of the pedal spring 60 and the restoring force of the elastic damper 70 is applied as the return force of the clutch pedal 20. In particular, when the clutch pedal returns to its initial position, the return force of the elastic damper 70 and the friction force formed by the cam 40 and the pedal device 50 are applied as the resistance value, and the return speed can be reduced while reducing the return force of the clutch pedal 20, and the bending of the driver's ankle caused by the clutch pedal can be avoided. In addition, the generation of hysteresis can be caused.

[0099] In addition, the present invention is configured so that the full stroke position and the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20 can be adjusted by using the front stopper 80 and the rear stopper 90 respectively provided in the pedal member 10 and the clutch pedal 20. With this configuration, the clutch pedal 20 can be operated safely and easily.

[0100] In addition, the present invention is configured so that the initial position (return position) of the clutch pedal 20 is adjusted by the pedal protrusion 22 provided on the upper portion of the clutch pedal 20 coming into contact with the spacer protrusion 111 provided on the spacer 110. With this configuration, it is possible to avoid to the greatest extent possible the leg injuries (shin impact, ankle bending, etc.) of the driver caused by the lifting occurring at the rear of the clutch pedal 20.

[0101] Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims.

Claims

1. A clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system, the clutch pedal device comprising: a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member about a pedal shaft; a front stopper provided on the pedal member and the clutch pedal, and the front stopper regulates the full stroke position of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal performs a full stroke; a rear stopper provided on the pedal member and the clutch pedal, and regulating the initial position of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal returns to the initial position of the clutch pedal; a pedal protrusion that protrudes upward from the clutch pedal; as well as A spacer is fixedly coupled to the pedal member and regulates rearward rotation of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the pedal protrusion when the clutch pedal returns rearward to an initial position of the clutch pedal.

2. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 1, wherein: The front stop device comprises: a pedal bracket coupled to the clutch pedal and protruding forward; and A member stopper is located at the front side of the pedal bracket and is coupled to the pedal member, and when the clutch pedal is rotated forward at a full stroke, the member stopper comes into contact with the pedal bracket.

3. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 2, wherein: The rear stop device comprises: a pedal stopper coupled to the clutch pedal and protruding rearward; and A member holder, which is located at the rear side of the pedal stopper and is coupled to the pedal member, comes into contact with the pedal stopper when the clutch pedal is returned rearward to the initial position of the clutch pedal.

4. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 3, wherein: The front surfaces of the component stopper and the pedal stopper respectively have an intaglio groove so that the contact surface between the component stopper and the pedal bracket and the contact surface between the pedal stopper and the component bracket are minimized.

5. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 1, wherein: The pedal stopper is configured to first come into contact with the component holder before the pedal protrusion comes into contact with the spacer when the clutch pedal returns rearwardly to the initial position of the clutch pedal, so that when the pedal stopper comes into contact with the component holder, the pedal protrusion and the spacer do not come into contact with each other; The pedal protrusion is configured to come into contact with the spacer when any one or at least one of the pedal member, the clutch pedal, the pedal stopper, and the member bracket is excessively deformed, broken, or disengaged from engagement.

6. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 5, further comprising: an upper seat and a lower seat, the upper seat and the lower seat being spaced apart from each other in an up-and-down direction along a longitudinal direction of the clutch pedal, the upper seat being coupled to the clutch pedal via a connecting rod, and the lower seat being coupled to a pedal bracket; a pedal spring and an elastic damper, the pedal spring and the elastic damper being arranged between the upper seat and the lower seat, and the opposite ends of the pedal spring and the elastic damper being supported between the upper seat and the lower seat; a cam fixedly coupled to the pedal member together with the spacer; as well as A roller is rotatably coupled to the upper seat and contacts the cam.

7. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 6, wherein: doubly disposing the spacers on opposite sides of the cam so that the cam and the two spacers are fixedly coupled to the pedal member; The pedal protrusion protrudes upward from an edge portion at an upper front end of the clutch pedal; The spacer protrusion protrudes from the upper surface of the spacer and comes into contact with the pedal protrusion.

8. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 6, wherein: The axis of the pedal spring is identical to the axis of the shaft of the elastic damper; Based on the coordinate axis x and the coordinate axis y on the rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal axis, the front stop device is located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0, the rear stop device is located in the area of ​​the third quadrant where x is less than 0 and y is less than 0, and the pedal spring and the elastic damper are located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0.

9. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 6, wherein: The linear spacing distance (L1) between the upper seat and the lower seat is approximately 1 / 2 of the linear spacing distance (L2) between the center of the pedal shaft and the center of the pad coupled to the clutch pedal.

10. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 7, wherein: Based on coordinate axes x and y on a rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal axis, the pedal protrusion provided on the clutch pedal and the spacer protrusion provided on the spacer are located in the first quadrant region where x is greater than 0 and y is greater than 0.

11. A clutch pedal device of an electronic clutch system, the clutch pedal device comprising: a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member about a pedal shaft; a pedal protrusion that protrudes upward from the clutch pedal; as well as a spacer fixedly coupled to the pedal member at a position on the front side of the pedal protrusion; Wherein, when any one or at least one of the pedal component, the clutch pedal, the pedal stopper connected to the clutch pedal, and the component bracket connected to the pedal component is excessively deformed, damaged or disengaged, the pedal protrusion and the spacer come into contact with each other to regulate the backward rotation of the clutch pedal, thereby avoiding leg injuries of the driver caused by the clutch pedal.

12. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 11, further comprising: a front stopper provided on the pedal member and the clutch pedal, and the front stopper regulates the full stroke position of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal performs a full stroke; as well as A rear stopper is provided on the pedal member and the clutch pedal, and the rear stopper adjusts the initial position of the clutch pedal by coming into contact with the clutch pedal when the clutch pedal returns to the initial position of the clutch pedal.

13. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 12, wherein: The front stop device comprises: a pedal bracket coupled to the clutch pedal and protruding forward; and A member stopper is located at the front side of the pedal bracket and is coupled to the pedal member, and when the clutch pedal is rotated forward at a full stroke, the member stopper comes into contact with the pedal bracket.

14. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 13, wherein: The rear stop device comprises: a pedal stopper coupled to the clutch pedal and protruding rearward; and A member holder, which is located at the rear side of the pedal stopper and is coupled to the pedal member, comes into contact with the pedal stopper when the clutch pedal is returned rearward to the initial position of the clutch pedal.

15. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 14, wherein: The pedal stopper is configured to come into contact with the component holder before the pedal protrusion comes into contact with the spacer when the clutch pedal returns rearwardly to the initial position of the clutch pedal, so that when the pedal stopper comes into contact with the component holder, the pedal protrusion and the spacer do not come into contact with each other; The pedal protrusion is configured to come into contact with the spacer when any one or at least one of the pedal member, the clutch pedal, the pedal stopper, and the member bracket is excessively deformed, broken, or separated from engagement therebetween.

16. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 15, further comprising: an upper seat and a lower seat, the upper seat and the lower seat being spaced apart from each other in an up-and-down direction along a longitudinal direction of the clutch pedal, the upper seat being coupled to the clutch pedal via a connecting rod, and the lower seat being coupled to a pedal bracket; a pedal spring and an elastic damper, the pedal spring and the elastic damper being arranged between the upper seat and the lower seat, and the opposite ends of the pedal spring and the elastic damper being supported between the upper seat and the lower seat; a cam fixedly coupled to the pedal member with the spacer; as well as A roller is rotatably coupled to the upper seat and contacts the cam.

17. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 16, wherein: doubly disposing the spacers on opposite sides of the cam so that the cam and the two spacers are fixedly coupled to the pedal member; The pedal protrusion protrudes upward from an edge portion at an upper front end of the clutch pedal; The spacer protrusion protrudes from the upper surface of the spacer and comes into contact with the pedal protrusion.

18. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 16, wherein: The axis of the pedal spring is identical to the axis of the shaft of the elastic damper; Based on the coordinate axis x and the coordinate axis y on the rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal axis, the front stop device is located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0, the rear stop device is located in the area of ​​the third quadrant where x is less than 0 and y is less than 0, and the pedal spring and the elastic damper are located in the area of ​​the fourth quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is less than 0.

19. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 16, wherein: The linear spacing distance (L1) between the upper seat and the lower seat is approximately 1 / 2 of the linear spacing distance (L2) between the center of the pedal shaft and the center of the pad coupled to the clutch pedal.

20. The clutch pedal device of the electronic clutch system according to claim 17, wherein: Based on coordinate axis x and coordinate axis y on a rectangular coordinate plane centered on the pedal axis, the pedal protrusion provided on the clutch pedal and the spacer protrusion provided on the spacer are located in the area of ​​the first quadrant where x is greater than 0 and y is greater than 0.

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