Clutch pedal arrangement for an electronic clutch system

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system, the clutch pedal device including a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member about a hinge shaft, and a restoring force generating device having both ends connected to the clutch pedal and the pedal member, the restoring force generating device being compressed and accumulating elastic force when the clutch pedal is rotated forward, and the restoring force generating device providing a restoring force to the clutch pedal using the accumulated elastic force so that the clutch pedal is rotated backward to restore. The restoring force generating device and the pedal member are assembled through a mating structure of a protrusion and a hole. The restoring force generating device can be easily and conveniently assembled to the pedal member by fitting a coupling hole formed on the pedal member and a coupling protrusion formed on the restoring force generating device to each other.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system, and more specifically, to a clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system that enables a restoring force generating device for generating a restoring force to the clutch pedal to be more easily and conveniently assembled to the pedal component. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional vehicles equipped with manual transmissions include a device called a clutch, which is located between the flywheel and the input shaft of the transmission and connects / disconnects power from the engine to the transmission when necessary.

[0003] To shift gears, the driver first disengages the clutch mechanism in the vehicle by depressing the clutch pedal, then shifts to the desired gear by manipulating the gear shift lever, and re-engages the clutch mechanism by releasing the depressed clutch pedal, thus completing the gear shift.

[0004] According to the hydraulic clutch system that includes a clutch master cylinder and a clutch release cylinder between the clutch pedal and the clutch assembly, when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, the sum of the elastic force provided in the clutch pedal and the hydraulic pressure generated by the clutch master cylinder and the clutch release cylinder becomes the response force (reaction force).

[0005] On the other hand, the advantage of an electronic clutch system is that, because it does not use a hydraulically powered mechanical structure, its weight and manufacturing cost can be significantly reduced compared to a hydraulic clutch system. Therefore, when the driver depresses the clutch pedal to shift gears, a pedal sensor on the clutch pedal detects the degree of depression (rotation angle) and transmits the detected value as an electrical signal to the controller (clutch controller, electronic controller for operating the clutch). The controller receives various signals, including those from the pedal sensor and the engine speed, automatically calculates the optimal clutch operating time for the vehicle condition, and controls the operation of the actuators (devices for engaging / disengaging the clutch, DC motors, etc.), thus engaging or disengaging the clutch mechanism through the operation of the actuators.

[0006] Meanwhile, a clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system includes: a snap-on device that snaps when the driver depresses the clutch pedal; and a restoring force generating device that provides a restoring force to the forward-rotating clutch pedal. Specifically, in this configuration, the restoring force generating device employs a spring with very strong elasticity to smoothly restore the clutch pedal. Furthermore, in the prior art, the restoring force generating device with very strong elasticity is assembled to the pedal component using rivets or bolts and nuts. Therefore, there are disadvantages such as inconvenient assembly and increased assembly time.

[0007] The descriptions provided above as related technologies of this disclosure are only for the purpose of helping to understand the background of this disclosure and should not be construed as including in the prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0008] One aspect of this disclosure provides a structure in which a restoring force generating device with very strong elasticity can be easily and conveniently assembled to the pedal component in a clutch pedal assembly for an electronic clutch system without the use of rivets or bolts and nuts. The clutch pedal assembly for an electronic clutch system includes a engagement device that engages when the driver depresses the clutch pedal and a restoring force generating device that provides a restoring force to the forward-rotating clutch pedal, thereby improving the convenience and productivity of the assembly work.

[0009] In view of the foregoing, a clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to the present disclosure includes: a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member about a hinge axis; and a restoring force generating device, the two ends of which are connected to the clutch pedal and the pedal member. When the clutch pedal rotates forward, the restoring force generating device is compressed and accumulates elastic force, and the restoring force generating device uses the accumulated elastic force to provide a restoring force to the clutch pedal, causing the clutch pedal to rotate backward to restore its original position. The restoring force generating device and the pedal member are assembled by a mating structure of protrusions and holes.

[0010] A slit-shaped engagement hole is formed on the pedal component, and an engagement protrusion is formed on the restoring force generating device. One end of the restoring force generating device is assembled to the pedal component by being fitted into the engagement hole through the engagement protrusion.

[0011] The pedal component includes a front portion and two sides connected to the front portion, opening upward, downward, and backward, and slit-shaped engagement holes are formed on the two sides of the pedal component and located in front of the hinge axis that engages with the pedal component.

[0012] The restoring force generating device is located in front of the clutch pedal. The upper end of the restoring force generating device is fitted into the engagement hole, and the lower end of the restoring force generating device is connected to the clutch pedal.

[0013] The slit-shaped coupling hole is formed such that one end and the other end are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction, the front end of the coupling hole is higher than the rear end, and the coupling protrusion of the restoring force generating device is assembled in the coupling hole and located at the front end.

[0014] The connecting hole is a straight hole that slopes from the front end to the rear end.

[0015] A slit-shaped connecting hole is formed to connect the straight hole and the outer side of the pedal component, and the connecting hole is connected to the rear end of the straight hole and opens upward through the top of the pedal component, or the connecting hole is connected to the middle between one end and the other end and opens upward through the top of the pedal component.

[0016] The connecting hole is either a downward-curved hole protruding downwards from the middle between the front and rear ends, or an upward-curved hole protruding upwards from the middle.

[0017] A slit-shaped connecting hole is formed to connect the downward arc-shaped hole and the outside of the pedal component, and the connecting hole connects to the rear end of the downward arc-shaped hole and opens upward through the top of the pedal component.

[0018] The restoring force generating device includes: a restoring spring, comprising one or two compression coil springs; a top seat having two engagement protrusions projecting in opposite directions to fit into engagement holes in the pedal assembly and supporting the upper end of the restoring spring; and a base having a guide rod configured to pass through the restoring spring and supporting the lower end of the restoring spring and engaging with the front of the clutch pedal, wherein the gap between the top seat and the base is changed when the restoring spring is compressed and restored.

[0019] Place the restoring force generating device above the pedal assembly, then flip the restoring force generating device up and down so that the top seat is below and the base is above, with the two engagement protrusions facing forward and backward. Insert the upside-down restoring force generating device into the pedal assembly so that the two engagement protrusions facing forward and backward are located between the engagement holes formed on the two sides of the pedal assembly. Rotate the restoring force generating device inserted into the pedal assembly clockwise or counterclockwise so that the two engagement protrusions facing forward and backward turn left and right and are inserted into the engagement holes formed on the two sides of the pedal assembly. After inserting the engagement protrusions into the engagement holes, flip the restoring force generating device up and down around the engagement protrusions so that the base is below the top seat. Rotate the clutch pedal rotatably to the pedal assembly around the hinge axis. And the base is engaged to the front of the clutch pedal, thereby engaging the restoring force generating device to the clutch pedal and the pedal assembly.

[0020] The clutch pedal assembly further includes: an engagement device, which engages with the clutch pedal and contacts the friction surface of the pedal member, and engages by contact with the friction surface when the clutch pedal is operated, wherein the engagement device includes: an engagement spring, which is composed of a compression coil spring; a spring seat, which is inserted into a guide groove formed on the clutch pedal and supports a first end of the engagement spring; a roller housing, which is configured to be movable along the guide groove and supports a second end of the engagement spring; and a rotating roller, which is rotatably engaged with the roller housing and contacts the friction surface of the pedal member.

[0021] The upper end of the clutch pedal forms an outwardly protruding stop protrusion. The stop is mounted between the two sides of the pedal member by a stop pin configured to pass through the two sides of the pedal member. When the clutch pedal rotates backward about the hinge axis, the stop contacts the stop protrusion, thereby restricting the rearward return position of the clutch pedal.

[0022] The clutch pedal assembly further includes: a pedal sensor, coupled to one side of the pedal member and connected to the clutch pedal, which detects the amount of rotation of the clutch pedal according to the operation of the clutch pedal and outputs a signal to the clutch controller.

[0023] The clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to this disclosure includes a engagement device that engages when the driver depresses the clutch pedal and a restoring force generating device that provides a restoring force to the forward-rotating clutch pedal. The restoring force generating device, which has a strong elasticity, is assembled without the use of rivets, bolts, or nuts, and can be easily and conveniently assembled by fitting together a mating hole formed in the pedal member and a mating protrusion formed in the restoring force generating device. Therefore, it has the advantage of improving the convenience and productivity of assembly work. Attached Figure Description

[0024] The above and other aspects, features and advantages of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0025] Figure 1 and Figure 2 These are perspective views and exploded perspective views showing the engaged state of the clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to the present disclosure.

[0026] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 The right-side view;

[0027] Figure 4 It shows from Figure 3 View of the removed pedal component's state;

[0028] Figure 5 This is a view showing the clutch pedal at its full travel.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a side view showing the state in which a restoring force generating device is installed in the mating hole of the pedal component;

[0030] Figure 7 and Figure 8 This is an exploded perspective view and a front assembly view of the restoring force generating device according to this disclosure;

[0031] Figures 9 to 14 This is a view showing an embodiment of a mating hole formed on the pedal member; and

[0032] Figures 15 to 18 This is a view illustrating the process of assembling a restoring force generating device according to this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] like Figures 1 to 18 As shown, the clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to this disclosure includes: a pedal member 100 fixed to a body panel (instrument panel) in front of the driver's seat; and a clutch pedal 300 rotatably coupled forward and backward to the pedal member 100 via a hinge shaft 210 and a connecting pin 220.

[0035] The pedal component 100 has the following structure: the front part is attached to the body panel (instrument panel), and the two sides extending rearward from the front part are parallel and open to the rear, upward and downward.

[0036] That is, the pedal component 100 has: a front portion 110, which is attached to the body panel (instrument panel); and two side portions 120, which project rearward from the left and right sides of the front portion 110 and are parallel to each other, and the pedal component 100 opens upward, downward and rearward.

[0037] A slit-shaped engagement hole 130 is formed on each of the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100. The slit-shaped engagement holes 130 are formed in the same shape on both sides 120 of the pedal member 100 and are located in front relative to the hinge axis 210 connected to the pedal member 100.

[0038] The hinge shaft 210 passes laterally and sequentially through the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100 and the upper end of the clutch pedal 300 and engages with the connecting pin 220, thereby engaging the clutch pedal 300 so that it can rotate forward / backward relative to the pedal member 100 about the hinge shaft 210.

[0039] The upper end of the clutch pedal 300 is the part through which the hinge shaft 210 passes, and the lower end of the clutch pedal 300 has a pad 310 for the driver to operate with his foot.

[0040] The upper end of the clutch pedal 300 forms a forward-protruding stop protrusion 320.

[0041] The clutch pedal device according to this disclosure further includes: an engagement device 400 that engages when the driver depresses the clutch pedal 300 (when the clutch pedal rotates forward about the hinge axis); and a restoring force generating device 500 that provides a restoring force to the forward-rotating clutch pedal 300 to cause the clutch pedal 300 to rotate backward to restore its position.

[0042] The engagement device 400 is inclined forward below the hinge shaft 210 that is engaged with the clutch pedal 300. The engagement device 400 is engaged with the clutch pedal 300 and the lower part of the engagement device 400 contacts the friction surface 140 of the pedal member 100, so that it engages by contact with the friction surface 140 when the clutch pedal 300 is operated.

[0043] The engagement device 400 includes: an engagement spring 410, which is composed of a compression helical spring; a spring seat 420, which is inserted into a guide groove 340 formed on the clutch pedal 300 and supports a first end of the engagement spring 410; a roller housing 430, which is configured to be movable along the guide groove 340 and supports a second end of the engagement spring 410; and a rotating roller 440, which is rotatably coupled to the roller housing 430 and contacts the friction surface 140 of the pedal member 100.

[0044] The friction surface 140 of the pedal component 100 is a curved groove formed along a specific profile. When the clutch pedal 300 is operated, the roller housing 430 and the rotating roller 440 in contact with the friction surface 140 move along the guide groove 340 of the clutch pedal 300, and the engagement spring 410 is compressed or restored by the movement of the roller housing 430, thereby engaging through the contact between the friction surface 140 of the pedal component 100 and the rotating roller 440.

[0045] The engagement that occurs when the clutch pedal 300 is operated can be adjusted by changing the shape of the friction surface 140 of the pedal component 100 and the rotating roller 440.

[0046] The restoring force generating device 500 is configured such that its two ends are connected to the clutch pedal 300 and the pedal member 100 in front of the hinge shaft 210 that engages with the clutch pedal 300. Therefore, when the clutch pedal 300 rotates forward, the restoring force generating device 500 is compressed and accumulates elastic force, thereby using the accumulated elastic force to provide a restoring force to the clutch pedal 300, allowing the clutch pedal 300 to rotate backward to return to its original position.

[0047] The restoring force generating device 500 and the pedal component 100 are assembled via a protrusion and hole mating structure, thus the restoring force generating device 500 can be easily and conveniently assembled to the pedal component 100 without the need for rivets or bolts and nuts as in the prior art. Therefore, it has the advantage of improving the convenience and productivity of assembly work.

[0048] The engagement hole 130 is formed in the shape of a slit cut forward and backward at both ends on the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100, and an engagement protrusion 521 is formed on the restoring force generating device 500. Therefore, the engagement protrusion 521 is fitted into the engagement hole 130, thereby assembling one end of the restoring force generating device 500 to the pedal member 100 through the mating structure of the protrusion and the hole.

[0049] The restoring force generating device 500 is located in front of the clutch pedal 300. The upper end of the restoring force generating device 500 is fitted into the engagement hole 130 of the pedal component 100, and the lower end of the restoring force generating device 500 is connected to the front of the clutch pedal 300.

[0050] The restoring force generating device 500 includes: a restoring spring 510, comprising one or two compression coil springs; a top seat 520 having two engagement protrusions 521 projecting in opposite directions to fit into engagement holes 130 of the pedal member 100 and supporting the upper end of the restoring spring 510; and a base 530 having a guide rod 531 disposed through the restoring spring 510 and supporting the lower end of the restoring spring 510 and engaging with the front of the clutch pedal 300.

[0051] A guide hole 522 extending vertically is formed on the top seat 520, and the upper end of the guide rod 531 is partially inserted into the guide hole 522. Therefore, when the guide rod 531 moves in the guide hole 522, the return spring 510 is compressed or restored, so the gap between the top seat 520 and the base 530 is variably adjustable.

[0052] The top seat 520 and the base 530 are joined by a snap-fit ​​structure. For this purpose, a fastening hole 523 extending vertically and vertically in the shape of a slit is formed at the portion where the guide hole 522 is formed, and a fastening protrusion 532 with a triangular cross section is formed on the guide rod 531 of the base 530 to be inserted into the fastening hole 523.

[0053] The base 530 and the clutch pedal 300 are also engaged in a meshing structure. For this purpose, a cylindrical protrusion 533 is formed on the base 530, and an arc-shaped engagement portion 330 is formed on the front part of the clutch pedal 300, the cylindrical protrusion 533 being inserted into the arc-shaped engagement portion 330 with one contact.

[0054] According to embodiments of this disclosure, when the driver depresses the clutch pedal 300 and the clutch pedal 300 rotates forward about the hinge axis 210, engagement occurs through the contact between the friction surface 140 of the pedal member 100 and the rotating roller 440. Furthermore, when the clutch pedal 300 is operated, the engagement spring 410 and the return spring 510 are compressed and accumulate elastic force, and the sum of the compression force of the engagement spring 410 and the compression force of the return spring 510 generated in this process becomes the responsive force (reaction force, operating force).

[0055] When the driver releases the forward-rotating clutch pedal 300 by removing their foot, the clutch pedal 300 rotates backward and returns to its initial position by the restoring force of the restoring spring 510. During this process, the restoring force of the clutch pedal 300 is obtained by subtracting the frictional force generated by the contact between the friction surface 140 and the rotating roller 440 from the sum of the restoring force of the engagement spring 410 and the reset force of the restoring spring 510. Therefore, this disclosure is characterized in that the frictional force generated by the contact between the friction surface 140 and the rotating roller 440 acts as resistance when the clutch pedal 300 returns to its rearward position, thereby producing hysteresis.

[0056] In a typical electronic clutch system, when the driver depresses the clutch pedal, only a spring force from the clutch pedal mechanism generates a response force (reaction force). Therefore, unlike a hydraulic clutch system, the response force (reaction force) does not include hydraulic pressure, leading to inconvenience due to the difference in perceived sensitivity.

[0057] However, the clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to this disclosure is configured such that the sum of the compression force of the engagement spring 410 and the compression force of the return spring 510 generated when the clutch pedal 300 is actuated serves as the responsive force (reaction force) of the clutch pedal 300. Therefore, compared to a hydraulic clutch system, it has the advantage of generating the same level of responsive force (reaction force), thus eliminating the sense of difference and significantly improving commercial value.

[0058] According to an embodiment of this disclosure, a forward-protruding stop protrusion 320 is formed at the upper end of the clutch pedal 300, and a stop member 620 made of rubber is mounted between the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100 by a stop pin 610 disposed through the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100. Therefore, when the clutch pedal 300 rotates rearward about the hinge axis 210 to return to its original position, the stop member 620 contacts the stop protrusion 320, thus restricting the rearward return position 300 of the clutch pedal 300.

[0059] The stop pin 610 passes through the two sides 120 of the pedal component 100, and then the nut 630 is tightened to the stop pin 610 to prevent the stop pin 610 from separating from the pedal component 100.

[0060] Embodiments of this disclosure further include a pedal sensor 700, which is incorporated into one side of the pedal member 100 and connected to the clutch pedal 300, detects the amount of rotation of the clutch pedal 300 according to the operation of the clutch pedal 300, and outputs a signal to the clutch controller.

[0061] The pedal sensor 700 may include a permanent magnet and a printed circuit board (PCB). The permanent magnet is connected to the clutch pedal 300 such that its position changes when the clutch pedal 300 is rotated. The PCB is fixed to the housing of the pedal sensor 700 to face the permanent magnet. Furthermore, the PCB is electrically connected via wires to a power source such as a battery.

[0062] When the clutch pedal 300 is rotated by the driver, the position of the permanent magnet changes accordingly. At this time, the PCB detects the change in magnetic flux based on the change in the position of the permanent magnet and outputs a signal to the clutch controller. The clutch controller receives the signal output from the PCB and controls the operation of the clutch actuator, thereby electrically disengaging or engaging the clutch through the operation of the clutch actuator.

[0063] The clutch of a vehicle has the same general structure as that of a flywheel connected to the crankshaft, clutch disc, pressure plate, clutch spring, release rod, release bearing, release fork, etc., so it will not be described in detail here.

[0064] Embodiments of this disclosure further include a pedal switch 800 incorporated into a second side of the pedal member 100. The pedal switch 800 serves as an integrated sensor, capable of performing all the functions of a clutch switch, an ignition lock-up switch, and a travel sensor for the EPB, thus offering the advantage of reduced costs.

[0065] The slit-shaped engagement hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 has a structure in which one end and the other end are spaced apart from each other in the front-rear direction. In particular, the front end of the engagement hole 130 is higher than the rear end. The engagement protrusion 521 of the restoring force generating device 500 is fitted into the engagement hole 130 and is located at the front end.

[0066] When the engagement protrusion 521 of the restoring force generating device 500 is fitted into the engagement hole 130 of the pedal member 100, an upward force is applied to the top seat 520 of the restoring force generating device 500 by the elastic force of the restoring spring 510. In this case, since one end of the front portion of the engagement hole 130 is higher than the other end of the rear portion, the engagement protrusion 521 fitted into the engagement hole 130 is prevented from separating and moving, and can only rotate when the clutch pedal 300 rotates.

[0067] According to embodiments of this disclosure, such as Figure 9 As shown, the slit-shaped connecting hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 can be a straight hole 131 that slopes linearly from the front end to the rear end.

[0068] The straight hole 131 is most advantageous in its engagement with the engagement protrusion 521, in preventing the restoring force generating device 500 from moving when the clutch pedal 300 is operated, and in terms of strength, because the straight hole 131 has a closed structure.

[0069] As another example, such as Figure 10 As shown, the slit-shaped connecting hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 can be a straight hole 131 inclined from the front end to the rear end, and a slit-shaped connecting hole 132 can be formed to connect the straight hole 131 to the outside of the pedal member 100. In this case, the connecting hole 132 can be connected to the rear end of the straight hole 131 and can open upward through the top of the pedal member 100.

[0070] Figure 10 The connecting hole 130 shown has a structure in which the rear end of the straight hole 131 opens upward through the connecting hole 132. Therefore, it is advantageous in terms of assembling the connecting protrusion 521 due to the connecting hole 132, and also advantageous in terms of preventing the restoring force generating device 500 from moving due to the operation of the clutch pedal 300.

[0071] As another example, such as Figure 11 As shown, the slit-shaped connecting hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 can be a straight hole 131 that slopes linearly from the front end to the rear end, and a slit-shaped connecting hole 133 can be formed to connect the straight hole 131 to the outside of the pedal member 100. In this case, the connecting hole 133 can be connected to the middle between one end and the other end of the straight hole 131, and opens upward through the top of the pedal member 100.

[0072] Figure 11 The connecting hole 130 shown has a structure in which the middle of the straight hole 131 opens upward through the connecting hole 133. Therefore, it is advantageous in terms of assembling the connecting protrusion 521 due to the connecting hole 133, and also advantageous in preventing the restoring force generating device 500 from moving due to the operation of the clutch pedal 300.

[0073] As another example, the slit-shaped engagement hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 can be as follows: Figure 12 The downward-protruding arc-shaped hole 134 in the middle between the front and rear ends is shown. Figure 13 Any one of the upward-protruding arc-shaped holes 135 shown in the middle.

[0074] Figure 12 The downward arc-shaped hole 134 shown and Figure 13 The disadvantage of the upward arc-shaped hole 135 shown is that it is slightly disadvantageous in terms of assembling the engagement protrusion 521 compared with the structure having a connecting hole, but it is advantageous in terms of strength because it has a closed structure, and is particularly advantageous in preventing the restoring force generating device 500 from moving when the clutch pedal 300 is operated.

[0075] As another example, such as Figure 14 As shown, the slit-shaped connecting hole 130 formed on the pedal member 100 may have a slit-shaped connecting hole 136 that connects the downward arcuate hole 134 to the outside of the pedal member 100. In this case, the connecting hole 136 may be connected to the rear end of the downward arcuate hole 134 and open upward through the top of the pedal member 100.

[0076] Figure 14 The connecting hole 130 shown has a structure in which the rear end of the downward arc-shaped hole 134 opens upward through the connecting hole 136. Therefore, it is advantageous in terms of assembling the connecting protrusion 521 due to the connecting hole 136, and in terms of preventing the restoring force generating device 500 from moving due to the operation of the clutch pedal 300.

[0077] The following text refers to Figures 15 to 18 Describe the assembly process of the restoring force generating device 500.

[0078] First, such as Figure 15 As shown, the restoring force generating device 500 is placed above the pedal component 100, and then the restoring force generating device 500 is flipped up and down so that the top seat 520 is below, the base 530 is above, and the two connecting protrusions 521 face forward and backward.

[0079] Next, as Figure 16As shown, the vertically flipped restoring force generating device 500 is inserted into the pedal member 100, such that the two front-facing engagement protrusions 521 are located between the engagement holes 130 formed on the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100. Next, the restoring force generating device 500 inserted in the space between the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100 is rotated 90 degrees clockwise or counterclockwise (arrow R1) so that the two front-facing engagement protrusions 521 turn left and right and are inserted into the engagement holes 130 formed on the two sides 120 of the pedal member 100.

[0080] In such Figure 16 As shown, after inserting the mating protrusion 521 into the mating hole 130, as Figure 17 As shown, the restoring force generating device 500 is flipped up and down (arrow R2) around the connecting protrusion 521, so that the base 530 is located below the top seat 520, and then as... Figure 18 As shown, the clutch pedal 300 is rotatably coupled to the pedal member 100 around the hinge axis 210, and the arcuate protrusion 533 of the base 530 is fitted into the arcuate engagement portion 330 at the front of the clutch pedal 300. Therefore, the upper end of the restoring force generating device 500 is coupled to the pedal member 100 by the assembly of the engagement protrusion 521 and the engagement hole 130, and the lower end of the restoring force generating device 500 is coupled to the clutch pedal 300 by the assembly of the arcuate protrusion 533 and the arcuate engagement portion 330.

[0081] As described above, the clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes a engagement device 400 that engages when the driver depresses the clutch pedal 300 and a restoring force generating device 500 that provides a restoring force to the forward-rotating clutch pedal 300. The restoring force generating device 500, having a large spring force, is assembled without the use of rivets or bolts and nuts, and can be easily and conveniently assembled by fitting together with engagement holes 130 formed on the pedal member 100 and engagement protrusions 521 formed on the restoring force generating device 500. Therefore, it has the advantage of improving the convenience and productivity of assembly work.

[0082] Although this disclosure has been described with reference to specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made to this disclosure in various ways without departing from the scope of the disclosure as set forth in the claims.

Claims

1. A clutch pedal device for an electronic clutch system, the clutch pedal device comprising: a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member about a hinge shaft; and a restoring force generating device having both ends connected to the clutch pedal and the pedal member, the restoring force generating device being compressed and accumulating elastic force when the clutch pedal is rotated forward, and the restoring force generating device providing a restoring force to the clutch pedal using the accumulated elastic force so that the clutch pedal is rotated backward to restore, wherein the restoring force generating device and the pedal member are assembled through a mating structure of a protrusion and a hole, a coupling hole of a slit shape is formed on the pedal member, a coupling protrusion is formed on the restoring force generating device, one end of the restoring force generating device is assembled to the pedal member by fitting the coupling protrusion into the coupling hole, the pedal member includes a front portion and two side portions connected to the front portion, and is open upward, downward, and backward, the coupling hole of a slit shape is formed on both side portions of the pedal member, and is located forward of the hinge shaft coupled to the pedal member, the restoring force generating device is located forward of the clutch pedal, the coupling protrusion of the upper end of the restoring force generating device is fitted into the coupling hole, the lower end of the restoring force generating device is connected to the clutch pedal, the coupling hole of a slit shape is formed such that one end and the other end are spaced apart from each other in the front and rear direction, the front end of the coupling hole is higher than the rear end, the coupling protrusion of the restoring force generating device is fitted in the coupling hole and is located at the front end, the restoring force generating device includes: a restoring spring including one or two compression coil springs; a top seat having two coupling protrusions protruding in opposite directions to be fitted in the coupling hole of the pedal member, and supporting the upper end of the restoring spring; and a bottom seat having a guide rod disposed to pass through the restoring spring, and supporting the lower end of the restoring spring and being coupled to the front portion of the clutch pedal, a guide hole extending upward and downward is formed on the top seat, and the upper end of the guide rod is partially inserted into the guide hole, and a fastening hole of a slit shape extending upward and downward is formed at a portion where the guide hole is formed, and a fastening protrusion is formed on the guide rod of the bottom seat to be inserted into the fastening hole.

2. The clutch pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling hole is a straight hole inclined straight from the front end to the rear end.

3. The clutch pedal device according to claim 2, wherein a connection hole of a slit shape is formed to connect the straight hole and the outside of the pedal member, and the connection hole is connected to the rear end of the straight hole and is open upward through the top portion of the pedal member, or the connection hole is connected to the middle portion between the one end and the other end and is open upward through the top portion of the pedal member.

4. The clutch pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the coupling hole is any one of a downward arc-shaped hole in which a middle portion between the front end and the rear end is convex downward, or an upward arc-shaped hole in which the middle portion is convex upward.

5. The clutch pedal apparatus according to claim 4, wherein, a slit-shaped connection hole is formed to connect the downward arc-shaped hole and the outer side of the pedal member, and the connection hole is connected to the rear end of the downward arc-shaped hole and is open upward through the top of the pedal member.

6. The clutch pedal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, a gap between the top seat and the bottom seat is changed when the restoring spring is compressed and restored.

7. The clutch pedal apparatus according to claim 6, wherein, the restoring force generating device is placed above the pedal member, and then the restoring force generating device is flipped upside down so that the top seat is down, the bottom seat is up, and the two coupling protrusions face front and back; the flipped upside down restoring force generating device is inserted into the pedal member so that the two coupling protrusions facing front and back are located between the coupling holes formed in the two side portions of the pedal member; the restoring force generating device inserted into the pedal member is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise so that the two coupling protrusions facing front and back are turned left and right and inserted into the coupling holes formed in the two side portions of the pedal member; after the coupling protrusions are inserted into the coupling holes, the restoring force generating device is flipped upside down around the coupling protrusions so that the bottom seat is located below the top seat; the clutch pedal is rotatably coupled to the pedal member around the hinge shaft; and the bottom seat is coupled to the front portion of the clutch pedal, so that the restoring force generating device is coupled to the clutch pedal and the pedal member.

8. The clutch pedal apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, an upper end of the clutch pedal forms an outwardly protruding stop protrusion, a stopper is installed between the two side portions of the pedal member by a stop pin provided to pass through the two side portions of the pedal member, and when the clutch pedal is rotated rearward around the hinge shaft, the stopper contacts the stop protrusion, so that a rearward restoring position of the clutch pedal is limited.

9. The clutch pedal apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a pedal sensor coupled to one side of the pedal member and connected to the clutch pedal, detecting an amount of rotation of the clutch pedal according to an operation of the clutch pedal, and outputting a signal to a clutch controller.

10. A clutch pedal apparatus for an electronic clutch system, the clutch pedal apparatus comprising: a clutch pedal rotatably coupled to a pedal member around a hinge shaft; a restoring force generating device, both ends of the restoring force generating device being connected to the clutch pedal and the pedal member, the restoring force generating device being compressed and accumulating elastic force when the clutch pedal is rotated forward, and the restoring force generating device providing a restoring force to the clutch pedal using the accumulated elastic force so that the clutch pedal is rotated rearward to restore; and a biting device coupled to the clutch pedal and in contact with a friction surface of the pedal member, and biting by contact with the friction surface when the clutch pedal is operated, ​ wherein the restoring force generating means and the pedal member are assembled by a mating structure of a protrusion and a hole, the engagement device includes: an engagement spring consisting of a compression coil spring; a spring seat inserted into a guide groove formed on the clutch pedal and supporting a first end of the engagement spring; a roller housing provided to be movable along the guide groove and supporting a second end of the engagement spring; and a rotating roller rotatably coupled to the roller housing and in contact with a friction surface of the pedal member, the restoring force generating means includes: a restoring spring including one or two compression coil springs; a top seat having two coupling protrusions protruding in opposite directions to be fitted in a coupling hole of the pedal member and supporting an upper end of the restoring spring; and a bottom seat having a guide rod provided to pass through the restoring spring and supporting a lower end of the restoring spring and coupled to a front portion of the clutch pedal, a guide hole extending upward and downward is formed on the top seat, and an upper end portion of the guide rod is partially inserted into the guide hole, and a fastening hole in the shape of a slit extending upward and downward is formed at a portion where the guide hole is formed, and a fastening protrusion is formed on the guide rod of the bottom seat to be inserted into the fastening hole.

Images