Foldable accelerator pedal device for vehicles equipped with hysteresis module

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module. In manual driving mode, where the driver is directly driving the vehicle, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing to be exposed to the driver. In autonomous driving mode, where the driver is not directly driving the vehicle, the pedal pad retracts into the pedal housing to be hidden from the driver. The hysteresis module enables hysteresis when the pedal pad is operated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module, and more particularly, to a foldable accelerator pedal device configured such that, in a manual driving mode, a pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing and is exposed to a driver's side so as to be operable by the driver, and in an automatic driving mode, the pedal pad is retracted into the pedal housing so as to be hidden so as to be inoperable by the driver. Background Art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are intelligent vehicles that use autonomous driving technology, which enables the vehicle to reach its destination without the driver directly operating the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brakes, etc. These vehicles have developed rapidly in recent years.

[0003] Where autonomous driving is possible, the driver can choose between a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives the vehicle and an autonomous driving mode in which the driver does not directly drive the vehicle.

[0004] For example, in the automatic driving mode, if the driver does not operate the accelerator or brake pedal of the vehicle, if the driver operates either of these pedals without prior knowledge during the automatic driving mode, the vehicle control unit determines that the driver wishes to end the automatic driving mode and wishes to drive the vehicle manually, and ends the automatic driving mode control.

[0005] In the automatic driving mode, the driver needs to rest comfortably, for example, by stretching his / her legs. However, when the pedals (accelerator pedal and brake pedal) in the space under the driver's seat are still exposed indoors, the driver's rest may be hindered.

[0006] Because the pedals of the vehicle are installed to be exposed in the space under the driver's seat, there is a concern that the driver may accidentally (e.g., by mistake) operate the pedals in the automatic driving mode, which may cause an accident depending on the road conditions or the distance between the running vehicles.

[0007] Therefore, it is necessary to develop a pedal device in which, in a manual driving mode, the pedal pad protrudes in a manner exposed to the driver so that the driver can operate it, and in an automatic driving mode, the pedal pad is retracted in a manner prevented from being exposed so that the driver cannot operate it, so as to ensure the driver's safety while allowing the driver to rest comfortably and prevent erroneous operation of the pedal device.

[0008] The foregoing is only intended to help understanding the background of the present disclosure and therefore should not be understood as an admission that the present disclosure falls within the scope of the relevant technologies known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] A foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle includes a pedal pad equipped with a hysteresis module that implements a hysteresis effect. The pedal pad is configured so that in manual driving mode, the pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing, exposed to the driver, allowing the driver to operate it. In autonomous driving mode, the pedal pad retracts into the pedal housing, concealing the driver from operation. Advantages of the pedal device include allowing the driver to rest comfortably in autonomous driving mode and preventing accidental pedal operation, thereby improving driver safety in autonomous driving mode.

[0010] To achieve the objectives of the present disclosure, one aspect of the present disclosure provides a foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module. The device includes: a pedal housing fixedly mounted in a space below a driver's seat; a pedal pad rotatably coupled to the pedal housing via a hinge pin and operable by the driver's foot; a hysteresis module linearly mounted in the pedal housing, the hysteresis module connected to the pedal pad, and configured to generate a hysteresis effect when the pedal pad is operated by the driver; and a linear motor fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and including a motor rod connected to the hysteresis module, the linear motor generating power for reciprocating the motor rod. The reciprocating motion of the motor rod linearly moves the hysteresis module, causing the pedal pad to retract into the pedal housing to a hidden state, or to protrude from the pedal housing to a pop-up state, exposing the pedal pad.

[0011] The apparatus may further include a printed circuit board (PCB) fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and electrically connected to the linear motor to control operation of the linear motor.

[0012] In this device, the pedal pad may be an organ-shaped pad having a lower end coupled to the pedal housing through a hinge pin and an upper end rotated forward and backward about the hinge pin, and the upper portion of the pedal pad may be coupled to the hysteresis module.

[0013] In the apparatus, the pedal housing may have a guide groove extending up and down, and the hysteresis module may have a guide protrusion inserted into the guide groove and moved up and down along the guide groove.

[0014] In the device, the hysteresis module may include: a rod housing having a guide protrusion and coupled to the motor rod; a rotating rod having a first end portion having a hinge portion rotatably coupled to a central shaft provided in the rod housing; a friction sleeve coupled to the central shaft, and when the rotating rod rotates, the friction sleeve generates friction due to contact with the rotating rod; a connecting rod rotatably connecting the second end portion of the rotating rod and the pedal pad to each other; and a return spring installed in such a manner that the two ends of the return spring are respectively supported on the rod housing and the rotating rod.

[0015] The device may further include: a permanent magnet combined with a hinge portion of the rotating rod; and a non-contact pedal sensor fixedly installed in the pedal housing in a manner facing the permanent magnet, wherein the non-contact pedal sensor can detect the rotation angle of the pedal pad by a change in magnetic field strength depending on a change in the position of the permanent magnet that occurs when the rotating rod rotates, and can generate a signal related to acceleration.

[0016] In the device, the linear motor can be fixedly mounted in the pedal housing in a manner so as to be located above the hysteresis module, and when the linear motor operates to cause the motor rod to move backward to retract into the linear motor and the hysteresis module moves to be located at the uppermost end of the guide groove, the pedal pad can rotate about the hinge pin and can protrude from the pedal housing to be in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed.

[0017] In the device, the linear motor can be fixedly mounted in the pedal housing in a manner so as to be located above the hysteresis module, and when the linear motor operates to cause the motor rod to move forward to protrude from the linear motor and the hysteresis module moves to be located at the lowermost end of the guide groove, the pedal pad can rotate about the hinge pin and can be retracted into the pedal housing to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden.

[0018] In this device, when the motor rod reciprocates by operation of the linear motor to move the hysteresis module and the movement of the hysteresis module changes the position of the permanent magnet, the contactless pedal sensor may not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of the pedal.

[0019] In this device, in the popped-up state and with the linear motor not operating, the contactless pedal sensor can generate a signal related to acceleration only when the pedal pad is rotated by the driver's operation to change the position of the permanent magnet.

[0020] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module is provided, comprising: a pedal housing fixedly installed in a space below a driver's seat; a pedal pad rotatably coupled to the pedal housing by a hinge pin and operated by a driver's foot; a rotary motor fixedly installed in the pedal housing and comprising a rotating motor rod; and a hysteresis module coupled to the motor rod and rotating together with the motor rod, the hysteresis module being connected to the pedal pad and generating a hysteresis effect when the driver operates the pedal pad, wherein by rotating the hysteresis module by the rotary motor, the pedal pad retracts into the pedal housing to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden, or protrudes from the pedal housing to be in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed.

[0021] In this device, the pedal pad may be an organ-shaped pad having a lower end coupled to the pedal housing through a hinge pin and an upper end rotated forward and backward about the hinge pin, and the upper portion of the pedal pad may be coupled to the hysteresis module.

[0022] In the device, the hysteresis module may include: a rod housing coupled to the motor rod; a rotating rod having a first end portion having a hinge portion rotatably coupled to a central shaft provided in the rod housing; a friction sleeve coupled to the central shaft, and when the rotating rod rotates, the friction sleeve generates friction due to contact with the rotating rod; a connecting rod rotatably connecting the second end portion of the rotating rod and the pedal pad to each other; and a return spring, the two ends of the return spring being supported on the rod housing and the rotating rod, respectively.

[0023] The device may further include: a permanent magnet coupled to a hinge portion of the rotating rod; and a contactless pedal sensor fixedly mounted in the pedal housing in a manner facing the permanent magnet, wherein the contactless pedal sensor detects a rotation angle of the pedal pad by a change in magnetic field strength depending on a position change of the permanent magnet that occurs when the rotating rod rotates, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

[0024] In the device, the rotary motor can be fixedly mounted in the pedal housing in a manner located on the side of the hysteresis module, and according to the rotation direction of the motor rod based on the operation of the rotary motor, the pedal pad can rotate about the hinge pin and can protrude from the pedal housing to be in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed, or retract into the pedal housing to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden.

[0025] In this device, when the hysteresis module is rotated by the operation of the rotation motor to change the position of the permanent magnet, the non-contact pedal sensor may not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of the pedal.

[0026] In this device, in the popped-up state and with the rotary motor not operating, the contactless pedal sensor can generate a signal related to acceleration only when the pedal pad is rotated by the driver's operation to change the position of the permanent magnet.

[0027] In the foldable accelerator pedal device disclosed herein, in manual driving mode, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing to expose the pedal pad to the driver, allowing the driver to operate it. In autonomous driving mode, the pedal pad retracts into the pedal housing, concealing it from the driver, preventing the driver from operating it. This configuration offers the advantage of allowing the driver to rest comfortably while preventing unintentional pedal operation, thereby ensuring driver safety. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0028] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a foldable accelerator pedal device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, the device being equipped with a hysteresis module and a linear motor;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 A perspective view of the assembled state of the device;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the hysteresis module in ;

[0031] Figure 4 Is shown from the observation Figure 3 A diagram of a hysteresis module observed in a direction opposite to the direction of the hysteresis module;

[0032] Figure 5 are diagrams showing a popped-up state in which a pedal pad is exposed after protruding from a pedal housing and a diagram showing a state in which the pedal housing is omitted from the diagram;

[0033] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 A diagram showing a state in which the pedal pad is rotated by a driver's operation and operates normally and a diagram showing a state in which the pedal housing is omitted from the diagram;

[0034] Figure 7 It shows Figure 5 A diagram showing a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden after being retracted into the pedal housing and a diagram showing a state in which the pedal housing is omitted from the diagram;

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a foldable accelerator pedal device according to another embodiment of the present disclosure, the pedal device being equipped with a hysteresis module and a rotary motor;

[0036] Figure 9 It is shown from Figure 8 The diagram of the state of the pedal housing is omitted;

[0037] Figure 10 It shows Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the hysteresis module in ;

[0038] Figure 11 Is shown from the observation Figure 10 The diagram of the hysteresis module is observed in the direction opposite to the direction of the hysteresis module in FIG.

[0039] Figure 12 is a diagram showing a popped-up state in which the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing to be exposed in the vehicle;

[0040] Figure 13 It shows Figure 12 A diagram of a state in which the pedal pad is rotated by a driver's operation and operates normally;

[0041] Figure 14 It shows Figure 12 Illustration of a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden in the pedal housing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] It should be understood that the term "vehicle" or "vehicular" or other similar terms used herein generally include motor vehicles, for example, passenger cars including sport utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various commercial vehicles, watercraft including various boats and ships, aircraft, etc., including hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other alternative fuel (e.g., fuels obtained from resources other than petroleum) vehicles. As referred to herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle having two or more power sources, for example, gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0043] The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. The terms used herein are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" used herein also include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms "include" and / or "comprise" used in this specification specify the presence of stated features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, and / or components and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof. The term "and / or" used in this specification includes any and all combinations of one or more of the listed associated terms. In this specification, unless explicitly stated to the contrary, the word "include" and variations such as "include" or "including" will be understood to imply the inclusion of the stated elements but not the exclusion of any other elements. In addition, the terms "unit," "...device," "...device," and "module" described in this specification mean a unit for processing at least one function or operation and can be implemented by hardware components or software components, as well as combinations thereof.

[0044] Furthermore, the control logic of the present disclosure may be implemented as a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing executable program instructions executed by a processor, controller, or the like. Examples of computer-readable media include, but are not limited to, ROM, RAM, compact disc (CD)-ROMs, magnetic tapes, floppy disks, flash drives, smart cards, and optical data storage devices. The computer-readable medium may also be distributed among computer systems connected via a network so that, for example, the computer-readable medium is stored and executed in a distributed manner via a telematics server or a controller area network (CAN).

[0045] Hereinafter, a foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module according to a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the foldable accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pedal housing 100, a pedal pad 300, a hysteresis module 400 and a linear motor 500. The pedal housing 100 is fixedly installed in the space under the driver's seat. The pedal pad 300 is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 100 by a hinge pin 200 and is operated by the driver's foot. The hysteresis module 400 is installed in the pedal housing 100 in a linearly movable manner and is connected to the pedal pad 300. When the driver operates the pedal pad 300, the hysteresis module 400 generates hysteresis. The linear motor 500 is fixedly installed in the pedal housing 100, includes a motor rod 510 connected to the hysteresis module 400, and generates power for causing the motor rod 510 to reciprocate.

[0047] The hysteresis module is linearly moved by the reciprocating motion of the motor rod 510 , and the pedal pad 300 is switched between a hide state in which the pedal pad 300 is hidden in the pedal housing 100 and a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 300 is exposed.

[0048] The pedal housing 100 preferably has a hollow box form and has one open side. The hysteresis module 400, the linear motor 500, a printed circuit board (PCB), and a contactless pedal sensor to be described below are mounted in the empty space inside the pedal housing 100. The side cover 110 is detachably attached to the open side of the pedal housing 100.

[0049] The linear motor 500 is electrically connected to a power source. The motor rod 510 is a plunger that reciprocates up and down when the linear motor 500 operates.

[0050] In addition, the foldable accelerator pedal device of the present disclosure may further include a PCB 600 that is fixedly installed in the pedal housing 100 and electrically connected to the linear motor 500 to control the operation of the linear motor 500 .

[0051] The PCB 600 is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery through electric wires.

[0052] The pedal pad 300 is preferably an organ-shaped pad, the lower end of which is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 100 via the hinge pin 200 and the upper end of which rotates forward and backward about the hinge pin 200. The upper portion of the pedal pad 300 is rotatably coupled to the hysteresis module 400.

[0053] The rear surface of the pedal housing 100 facing the driver has a housing hole 120. The lower end portion of the pedal pad 300 is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 100 by the hinge pin 200, and thus the pedal pad 300 is installed through the housing hole 120.

[0054] Therefore, the operating power of the linear motor 500 is transmitted to the pedal pad 300 through the motor rod 510 and the hysteresis module 400. When the pedal pad 300 rotates forward about the hinge pin 200, the pedal pad 300 retracts into the pedal housing 100 to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad 300 is hidden and the driver cannot operate the pedal pad 300. Conversely, when the pedal pad 300 rotates rearward in a manner facing the driver, the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 to be in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 300 is exposed and the driver can operate the pedal pad 300.

[0055] The rear surface of the pedal pad 300 facing the driver is an operating surface 310 on which the driver places his / her feet to operate the pedal pad 300. The operating surface 310 of the pedal pad 300 has a larger outer dimension than the housing hole 120. When the pedal pad 300 rotates, the housing hole 120 is covered by the operating surface 310 of the pedal pad 300.

[0056] When the pedal pad 300 is fully rotated forward about the hinge pin 200, the operating surface 310 of the pedal pad 300 cannot pass through the housing hole 120, so that the operating surface 310 is supported on the pedal housing 100. Therefore, the pedal pad 300 is naturally prevented from rotating forward.

[0057] In addition, the advantage of covering the housing hole 120 with the operating surface 310 of the pedal pad 300 is that the pedal housing 100 becomes a sealed structure. This can prevent foreign matter from entering the pedal housing 100 and prevent noise from entering the vehicle from the outside.

[0058] The guide groove 130 extends up and down on the inner surface of the front side of the pedal housing 100, which inner surface faces the housing hole 120. The hysteresis module 400 is installed in a manner that can move up and down along the guide groove 130. To this end, the hysteresis module 400 has a guide protrusion 411 that is inserted into the guide groove 130 and moves up and down along the guide groove 130.

[0059] The bottom surface of the pedal housing 100 has a bottom hole 140. The bottom hole 140 communicates with the lower end of the guide groove 130. This structure allows the hysteresis module 400 to be inserted into the pedal housing 100 through the bottom hole 140. Therefore, the guide protrusion 411 is inserted into the guide groove 130.

[0060] The bottom cover 150 coupled to the bottom surface of the pedal housing 100 covers the bottom hole 140 , thereby preventing the hysteresis module 400 from being separated.

[0061] The guide groove 130 has two tapered side surfaces. The guide protrusion 411 has two tapered side surfaces that contact the two side surfaces of the guide groove 130, respectively. Therefore, the hysteresis module 400 can only move in the vertical direction along the guide groove 130 and cannot move backward toward the housing hole 120. Therefore, the hysteresis module 400 is prevented from separating from the guide groove 130.

[0062] The hysteresis module 400 used in the present disclosure includes a rod housing 410, a rotating rod 420, a friction sleeve 430, a connecting link 440, and a return spring 450. The rod housing 410 has a guide protrusion 411 that is inserted into the guide groove 130 and is coupled to the motor rod 510. The first end (i.e., the hinge portion 421) of the rotating rod 420 is rotatably coupled to a central shaft 412 provided in the rod housing 410. The friction sleeve 430 is coupled to the central shaft 412. Therefore, when the rotating rod 420 rotates, the friction sleeve 430 generates friction due to contact with the rotating rod 420. The connecting link 440 rotatably connects the second end of the rotating rod 420 and the pedal pad 300. The return spring 450 is installed so that its two ends are supported on the rod housing 410 and the rotating rod 420, respectively.

[0063] Both end portions of the connection link 440 are rotatably coupled to the rotation rod 420 and the pedal pad 300 , respectively, through a hinge mechanism.

[0064] The driver presses down on the pedal pad 300 with his / her foot. When the pedal pad 300 is pressed down, it rotates forward about the hinge pin 200. At this time, the rotational force of the pedal pad 300 is transmitted to the rotating rod 420 via the connecting link 440. The rotating rod 420 rotates about the central axis 412. As a result, the return spring 450 is compressed and stores elastic force. When the driver releases the pedal pad 300, the restoring force of the return spring 450 causes the rotating rod 420, the connecting link 440, and the pedal pad 300 to return to their initial positions.

[0065] The pedal force can be adjusted by adjusting the spring force of the return spring 450. In particular, two springs with different spring forces are preferably provided to suppress slight vibrations of the pedal pad 300. However, the number of springs is not limited to two.

[0066] The return spring 450 is preferably a compression coil spring.

[0067] When the driver steps on the pedal pad 300 with their foot, the spring force (compression force) of the return spring 450 and the friction force of the friction sleeve 430 are simultaneously generated and act as resistance. Therefore, a large pedal force (the pedal force when the pedal pad is stepped on) is required to overcome this resistance. When the driver releases the pedal pad 300 and the pedal pad 300 returns to its original state, only the friction force of the friction sleeve 430 is generated. Therefore, the pedal force at this time (the pedal force when the pedal pad returns to its original state) becomes relatively smaller than the pedal force (the pedal force when the pedal pad is stepped on).

[0068] As described above, this is caused by the friction sleeve 430 corresponding to the friction element of the pedal force when the pedal pad is depressed and the pedal force when the pedal pad is released, and thus this phenomenon is called hysteresis of the pedal device.

[0069] Accelerator pedal hysteresis is essential for preventing sudden changes in the amount the accelerator is depressed during impacts caused by road irregularities. This ensures relatively quiet vehicle operation. Hysteresis maintains a constant pedal depression distance, particularly when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed or for extended periods. This reduces ankle muscle fatigue.

[0070] According to the present disclosure, the hysteresis module 400 is mounted so as to contact the pedal housing 100 via the mutual engagement of the guide groove 130 and the guide protrusion 411. The hysteresis module 400 is located below the linear motor 500 and between the motor rod 510 and the pedal pad 300. With this configuration, when the driver depresses the pedal pad 300 with his / her foot, most of the driver's operating force is resisted by the pedal housing 100. As a result, the size of the linear motor 500 can be minimized, and the cost and weight can be reduced.

[0071] In addition, the foldable accelerator pedal device of the present disclosure may further include a permanent magnet 700 coupled to the hinge portion 421 of the rotating lever 420 , and a non-contact pedal sensor 800 fixedly installed in the pedal housing 100 facing the permanent magnet 700 .

[0072] The non-contact pedal sensor 800 may be an accelerator position sensor (APS) that detects rotation of the rotating lever 420 when the driver depresses the pedal pad 300 with his / her foot.

[0073] The PCB is disposed inside the contactless pedal sensor 800 in such a manner as to face the permanent magnet 700. The PCB is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery through electric wires.

[0074] Therefore, the contactless pedal sensor 800 detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad 300 through a change in magnetic field intensity depending on a position change of the permanent magnet 700 that occurs when the rotating rod 420 rotates, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

[0075] Compared to a contact type sensor directly connected through a link or the like, the non-contact type pedal sensor 800 has advantages in that operation noise is reduced and, in particular, the accuracy of the output signal is further improved.

[0076] Figure 2 and Figure 5The pedal pad 300 is shown rotated rearward in such a manner as to face the driver and in a popped-up state in which the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 .

[0077] By the operation of the linear motor 500 fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100 so as to be located above the hysteresis module 400, the motor rod 510 moves backward to be retracted into the linear motor 500 (a state in which the motor rod 510 moves upward), and the hysteresis module 400 moves along the guide groove 130 to be located at the uppermost end of the guide groove 130. At this time, the pedal pad 300 rotates rearward about the hinge pin 200 so as to face the driver and is thus in a popped-up state in which the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100.

[0078] like Figure 5 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 , the driver steps down the operation surface 310 of the protruding pedal pad 300 with his / her foot to perform a normal operation.

[0079] Figure 6 A state is shown in which the driver steps on the pedal pad 300 that pops up in a protruding manner from the pedal housing 100 .

[0080] When the driver steps on the pedal pad 300 that pops up and protrudes from the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300 rotates forward about the hinge pin 200, and the rotational force of the pedal pad 300 is transmitted to the rotating rod 420 through the connecting link 440. As a result, the rotating rod 420 rotates about the central axis 412. At this time, the return spring 450 is compressed.

[0081] In addition, when the driver's operation of the pedal pad 300 rotates and the rotating rod 420 rotates, the permanent magnet 700 coupled to the hinge portion 421 of the rotating rod 420 rotates together with the rotating rod 420, and this rotation changes the position of the permanent magnet 700. At this time, the non-contact pedal sensor 800 detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad 300 through the change in magnetic field intensity depending on the change in the rotation position of the permanent magnet 700, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

[0082] Figure 7 It is shown that by the operation of the linear motor 500 , the pedal pad 300 rotates forward and retracts into the pedal housing 100 to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad 300 is hidden to prevent the pedal pad 300 from being exposed to the outside.

[0083] By the operation of the linear motor 500 fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100 in a manner positioned above the hysteresis module 400, the motor rod 510 moves forward to protrude from the linear motor 500 (a state in which the motor rod 510 moves downward), and the hysteresis module 400 moves along the guide groove 130 to be positioned at the lowermost end of the guide groove 130. At this time, the pedal pad 300 rotates forward about the hinge pin 200 and is thus retracted into the pedal housing 100 to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad 300 is hidden.

[0084] When Figure 7 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the hidden state, the space under the driver's seat becomes a spacious space without any interference from the pedals. Therefore, the driver can rest comfortably in the relaxation mode. Furthermore, the pedals can be prevented from being accidentally operated in the autonomous driving mode, thereby improving driver safety.

[0085] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the linear motor 500 is operated to reciprocate the motor rod 510 to move the hysteresis module 400, and the movement of the hysteresis module 400 changes the position of the permanent magnet 700. At this time, the contactless pedal sensor 800 does not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of the pedal.

[0086] That is, by the operation of the linear motor 500, the pedal pad 300 is switched to Figure 5 The pop-up state shown or Figure 7 At this time, although the position of the permanent magnet 700 changes, the non-contact pedal sensor 800 does not generate a signal related to acceleration. Therefore, accidents caused by incorrect pedal operation can be prevented.

[0087] However, if Figure 6 As shown, with pedal pad 300 in the ejected state and linear motor 500 not operating, the driver's operation causes pedal pad 300 to rotate, thereby rotating rotating rod 420. This rotation of rotating rod 420 changes the position of permanent magnet 700. Only at this moment does contactless pedal sensor 800 generate a signal related to acceleration. Therefore, stable operation is ensured.

[0088] To this end, a sensor that detects the position of the motor rod 510 is provided in the linear motor 500. The non-contact pedal sensor 800 determines whether a signal related to acceleration is generated using position information of the motor rod 510 detected by the sensor.

[0089] like Figures 8 to 14As shown, a foldable accelerator pedal device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure includes a pedal housing 1000, a pedal pad 3000, a rotary motor 5000, and a hysteresis module 4000. The pedal housing 1000 is fixedly mounted in the space below the driver's seat. The pedal pad 3000 is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 1000 via a hinge pin 2000 and is operated by the driver's foot. The rotary motor 5000 is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 1000 and includes a rotating motor rod 5100. The hysteresis module 4000 is coupled to the motor rod 5100 and rotates therewith. The hysteresis module 4000 is connected to the pedal pad 3000 and generates hysteresis when the driver operates the pedal pad 3000.

[0090] When the rotary motor 5000 is driven, the hysteresis module 4000 is rotated by the rotation of the motor rod 5100, and the pedal pad 3000 can be switched between the hidden state and the pop-up state. That is, the pedal pad 3000 is retracted into the pedal housing 1000 to be hidden or protruded from the pedal housing 1000 to be exposed.

[0091] The pedal housing 1000 preferably has a hollow box form and has one open side. The hysteresis module 4000, the rotary motor 5000, the contactless pedal sensor described below, etc. are installed in the empty space inside the pedal housing 1000. The side cover 1100 is detachably attached to the open side of the pedal housing 1000.

[0092] The rotary motor 5000 is, for example, a stepper motor and is electrically connected to a power source. When the rotary motor 5000 operates, the motor rod 5100 rotates in a clockwise direction or a counterclockwise direction.

[0093] The pedal pad 3000 is preferably an organ-shaped pad whose lower end is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 1000 through a hinge pin 2000 and whose upper end rotates forward and backward about the hinge pin 2000. The upper portion of the pedal pad 3000 is rotatably coupled to the hysteresis module 4000.

[0094] The pedal housing 1000 has a housing hole 1200 at a rear surface thereof facing the driver. The lower end portion of the pedal pad 3000 is rotatably coupled to the pedal housing 1000 by a hinge pin 2000 , and thus the pedal pad 3000 is installed through the housing hole 1200 .

[0095] Therefore, the operating force of the rotary motor 5000 is transmitted to the pedal pad 3000 through the motor rod 5100 and the hysteresis module 4000. When the pedal pad 3000 rotates forward about the hinge pin 2000, the pedal pad 3000 retracts into the pedal housing 1000 to enter a hidden state in which the pedal pad 3000 is hidden and the driver cannot operate the pedal pad 3000. Conversely, when the pedal pad 3000 rotates rearward in a manner facing the driver, the pedal pad 3000 protrudes from the pedal housing 1000 to enter a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 3000 is exposed and the driver can operate the pedal pad 3000.

[0096] The rear surface of the pedal pad 3000, which faces the driver, is an operating surface 3100 on which the driver places his / her feet to operate the pedal pad 3000. The operating surface 3100 of the pedal pad 3000 has a larger outer dimension than the housing hole 1200. When the pedal pad 3000 rotates, the housing hole 1200 is covered by the operating surface 3100 of the pedal pad 3000.

[0097] When the pedal pad 3000 is fully rotated forward about the hinge pin 2000, the operating surface 3100 of the pedal pad 3000 cannot pass through the housing hole 1200, so that the operating surface 3100 is supported on the pedal housing 1000. Therefore, the pedal pad 3000 is naturally prevented from rotating forward.

[0098] In addition, the advantage of covering the housing hole 1200 with the operating surface 3100 of the pedal pad 3000 is that the pedal housing 100 becomes a sealed structure. This can prevent foreign matter from entering the pedal housing 1000 and prevent noise from entering the vehicle from the outside.

[0099] The hysteresis module 4000 according to the present disclosure includes a rod housing 4100, a rotating rod 4200, a friction sleeve 4300, a connecting link 4400, and a return spring 4500. The rod housing 4100 is coupled to the motor rod 5100. The first end of the rotating rod 4200, i.e., its hinge portion 4210, is rotatably coupled to a central shaft 4120 disposed within the rod housing 4100. The friction sleeve 4300 is coupled to the central shaft 4120. Therefore, when the rotating rod 4200 rotates, the friction sleeve 4300 generates friction due to contact between the friction sleeve 4300 and the rotating rod 4200. The connecting link 4400 rotatably connects the second end of the rotating rod 4200 to the pedal pad 3000. The return spring 4500 is mounted such that its two ends are supported on the rod housing 4100 and the rotating rod 4200, respectively.

[0100] Both ends of the connection link 4400 are rotatably coupled to the rotation rod 4200 and the pedal pad 3000 , respectively, through a hinge mechanism.

[0101] The driver steps on pedal pad 3000 with their foot. When pedal pad 3000 is stepped on, it rotates forward about hinge pin 2000. The rotational force of pedal pad 3000 is then transmitted to rotating rod 4200 via connecting rod 4400. Rotating rod 4200 rotates about central axis 4120. Return spring 4500 is compressed and stores elastic force. When the driver releases pedal pad 3000, the restoring force of return spring 4500 returns rotating rod 4200, connecting rod 4400, and pedal pad 3000 to their initial positions.

[0102] The pedal force can be adjusted by adjusting the spring force of the return spring 4500. In particular, two springs with different spring forces are preferably provided to suppress slight vibrations of the pedal pad 3000. However, the number of springs is not limited to two.

[0103] The return spring 4500 is preferably a compression coil spring.

[0104] When the driver steps on the pedal pad 3000 with their foot, the spring force (compression force) of the return spring 4500 and the friction force of the friction sleeve 4300 are simultaneously generated and act as resistance. Therefore, a large pedal force (the pedal force when stepping on the pedal pad) is required to overcome this resistance. When the driver releases the pedal pad 3000 and the pedal pad 3000 returns to its original state, only the friction force of the friction sleeve 4300 is generated. Therefore, the pedal force at this time (the pedal force when the pedal pad returns to its original state) becomes relatively smaller than the pedal force (the pedal force when stepping on the pedal pad).

[0105] As described above, this is caused by the friction sleeve 4300 corresponding to the friction element of the pedal force when the pedal pad is depressed and the pedal force when the pedal pad is released, and thus this phenomenon is called hysteresis of the pedal device.

[0106] Accelerator pedal hysteresis is essential for preventing sudden changes in the amount the accelerator is depressed during impacts caused by road irregularities. This ensures relatively quiet vehicle operation. Hysteresis maintains a constant pedal depression distance, particularly when the vehicle is traveling at a constant speed or for extended periods. This reduces ankle muscle fatigue.

[0107] In addition, the foldable accelerator pedal device of the present disclosure may further include a permanent magnet 7000 coupled to the hinge portion 4210 of the rotating lever 4200 , and a contactless pedal sensor 8000 fixedly installed in the pedal housing 1000 facing the permanent magnet 7000 .

[0108] The non-contact pedal sensor 8000 may be an accelerator pedal position sensor (APS) that detects rotation of the rotating lever 4200 when the driver depresses the pedal pad 3000 with his / her foot.

[0109] The PCB is provided inside the contactless pedal sensor 8000 in such a manner as to face the permanent magnet 7000. The PCB is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery through electric wires.

[0110] The PCB of the contactless pedal sensor 8000 has a function of controlling the driving of the rotary motor 5000 .

[0111] Therefore, the contactless pedal sensor 8000 detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad 3000 through a change in magnetic field strength depending on a position change of the permanent magnet 7000 that occurs when the rotating shaft 4200 rotates, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

[0112] Compared to a contact type sensor directly connected via a link or the like, the non-contact pedal sensor 8000 has advantages in that operation noise is reduced and, in particular, the accuracy of the output signal is further improved.

[0113] Figure 8 and Figure 12 The pedal pad 3000 is shown rotated rearward in such a manner as to face the driver and in a popped-up state in which the pedal pad 3000 protrudes from the pedal housing 1000 .

[0114] The rotary motor 5000 is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 1000 so as to be located on the side of the hysteresis module 4000 and is connected to the hysteresis module 4000 via a motor rod 5100. With this configuration, when the rotary motor 5000 is operated, the rotation of the motor rod 5100 causes the hysteresis module 4000 to rotate (rotate in a clockwise direction), and the rotation of the hysteresis module 4000 causes the pedal pad 3000, which is connected via the connecting link 4400, to rotate rearward about the hinge pin 2000 so as to face the driver. As a result, the pedal pad 3000 is in a popped-out state, protruding from the pedal housing 1000.

[0115] like Figure 12 As shown, when the pedal pad 3000 is in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 3000 protrudes from the pedal housing 1000 , the driver steps down the operation surface 3100 of the protruding pedal pad 3000 with his / her foot to perform a normal operation.

[0116] Figure 13 A state is shown in which the driver steps on the pedal pad 3000 that pops up so as to protrude from the pedal housing 1000 .

[0117] When the driver steps on the pedal pad 3000 that pops up and protrudes from the pedal housing 1000, the pedal pad 3000 rotates forward about the hinge pin 2000, and the rotational force of the pedal pad 3000 is transmitted to the rotating rod 4200 through the connecting link 4400. As a result, the rotating rod 4200 rotates about the central axis 4120. At this time, the return spring 4500 is compressed.

[0118] In addition, when the driver's operation of the pedal pad 3000 rotates and the rotating rod 4200 rotates, the permanent magnet 7000 coupled to the hinge portion 4210 of the rotating rod 4200 rotates together with the rotating rod 4200, and this rotation changes the position of the permanent magnet 7000. At this time, the non-contact pedal sensor 8000 detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad 3000 through the change in magnetic field intensity depending on the change in the rotational position of the permanent magnet 700, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

[0119] Figure 14 It is shown that by the operation of the rotary motor 5000 , the pedal pad 3000 is rotated forward and retracted into the pedal housing 1000 to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad 3000 is hidden to prevent the pedal pad 3000 from being exposed to the outside.

[0120] When the rotary motor 5000 located at the side of the hysteresis module 4000 is operated, the rotation of the motor rod 5100 rotates the hysteresis module 4000 (in the counterclockwise direction), and the rotation of the hysteresis module 4000 causes the pedal pad 3000 connected by the connecting link 4400 to rotate forward about the hinge pin 2000. As a result, the pedal pad 3000 is retracted into the pedal housing 1000 to be in a hidden state in which the pedal pad 3000 is hidden.

[0121] like Figure 14 As shown, when the pedal pad 3000 is in the hidden state, the space under the driver's seat becomes a spacious area without any interference from the pedals. Therefore, the driver can rest comfortably in relaxation mode. Furthermore, this prevents erroneous pedal operation during autonomous driving, thereby improving driver safety.

[0122] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, the motor rod 5100 rotates by the operation of the rotary motor 5000 to rotate the hysteresis module 4000, and the rotation of the hysteresis module 4000 changes the position of the permanent magnet 7000. At this time, the contactless pedal sensor 8000 does not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of the pedal.

[0123] That is, by the operation of the rotary motor 5000, the pedal pad 3000 is switched to the position as shown in FIG. Figure 12 The pop-up state shown or Figure 14At this time, although the position of the permanent magnet 7000 changes, the non-contact pedal sensor 8000 does not generate a signal related to acceleration. Therefore, accidents caused by incorrect operation of the pedal can be prevented.

[0124] However, if Figure 13 As shown, with pedal pad 3000 ejected and rotary motor 5000 not operating, the driver's operation rotates pedal pad 3000, causing rotary rod 4200 to rotate. This rotation of rotary rod 4200 changes the position of permanent magnet 7000. Only then does contactless pedal sensor 8000 generate a signal related to acceleration. Therefore, stable operation is ensured.

[0125] To this end, a sensor that detects the position of the motor rod 5100 is provided in the rotary motor 5000. The non-contact pedal sensor 8000 determines whether a signal related to acceleration is generated using position information of the motor rod 5100 detected by the sensor.

[0126] As described above, in the foldable accelerator pedal device according to the present disclosure, in manual driving mode, in which the driver is directly behind the wheel, pedal pads 300 and 3000 protrude from pedal housings 100 and 1000, respectively, and pop out to expose them to the driver, allowing the driver to operate them. Furthermore, in autonomous driving mode, in which the driver is not directly behind the wheel, pedal pads 300 and 3000 are hidden within pedal housings 100 and 1000, respectively, preventing them from being exposed to the driver. This configuration offers the advantage of allowing the driver to rest comfortably and preventing accidental pedal operation, thereby ensuring driver safety.

[0127] Specific embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described above, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and substitutions may be made to the present disclosure without departing from the technical concept of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module, comprising: a pedal housing fixedly mounted in the space below the driver's seat; a pedal pad rotatably coupled to the pedal housing by a hinge pin and operated by the driver's foot; a hysteresis module installed in the pedal housing in a linearly movable manner and connected to the pedal pad, wherein the hysteresis module generates hysteresis when the driver operates the pedal pad; as well as a linear motor fixedly mounted in the pedal housing, including a motor rod connected to the hysteresis module, and generating power for reciprocating the motor rod, wherein the hysteresis module is linearly moved relative to the pedal housing by the motor rod of the linear motor, The hysteresis module is linearly moved by the reciprocating motion of the motor rod, and the pedal pad is switched between a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden in the pedal housing and a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: A printed circuit board is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and is electrically connected to the linear motor to control the operation of the linear motor.

3. The device according to claim 1, wherein The pedal pad is an organ-shaped pad having a lower end portion coupled to the pedal housing through the hinge pin and an upper end portion rotated forward and backward about the hinge pin, and An upper portion of the pedal pad is coupled to the hysteresis module.

4. The device according to claim 1, wherein The pedal housing has a guide groove extending up and down, and The hysteresis module has a guide protrusion that is inserted into the guide groove and moves up and down along the guide groove.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein The hysteresis module includes: a rod housing having the guide protrusion and coupled to the motor rod; a rotating lever having a first end portion having a hinge portion rotatably coupled to a central shaft provided in the lever housing; a friction sleeve coupled to the central shaft, and generating frictional force due to contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates; a connecting rod rotatably connecting the second end of the rotating rod and the pedal pad to each other; and A return spring, wherein two ends of the return spring are respectively supported on the rod housing and the rotating rod.

6. The apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising: a permanent magnet coupled to the hinge portion of the rotating rod; as well as A non-contact pedal sensor is fixedly installed in the pedal housing in a manner facing the permanent magnet. The non-contact pedal sensor detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad through a change in magnetic field strength depending on a change in position of the permanent magnet that occurs when the rotating rod rotates, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

7. The device according to claim 4, wherein The linear motor is mounted in the pedal housing above the hysteresis module, and When the linear motor operates to cause the motor rod to move backward to be retracted into the linear motor and the hysteresis module moves to be located at the uppermost end of the guide groove, the pedal pad rotates about the hinge pin and protrudes from the pedal housing to be in the pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed.

8. The device according to claim 4, wherein The linear motor is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing in a manner above the hysteresis module, and When the linear motor operates to cause the motor rod to move forward to protrude from the linear motor and the hysteresis module to move to be located at the lowermost end of the guide groove, the pedal pad rotates about the hinge pin and retracts into the pedal housing to be in the hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden.

9. The device according to claim 6, wherein When the motor rod is reciprocated by the operation of the linear motor to move the hysteresis module and the movement of the hysteresis module changes the position of the permanent magnet, the contactless pedal sensor does not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of an accelerator pedal.

10. The device according to claim 6, wherein In the ejected state and with the linear motor not operating, the contactless pedal sensor generates a signal related to acceleration only when the pedal pad is rotated by a driver's operation to change the position of the permanent magnet.

11. A foldable accelerator pedal device for a vehicle equipped with a hysteresis module, comprising: a pedal housing fixedly mounted in the space below the driver's seat; a pedal pad rotatably coupled to the pedal housing by a hinge pin and operated by the driver's foot; a rotary motor fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and including a rotating motor rod; as well as a hysteresis module that is coupled to the motor lever and rotates together with the motor lever, the hysteresis module being connected to the pedal pad and generating hysteresis when a driver operates the pedal pad, wherein the hysteresis module rotates together with the motor rod of the rotary motor with respect to the pedal housing, The hysteresis module is rotated by the rotary motor, and the pedal pad is switched between a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden in the pedal housing and a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed.

12. The device according to claim 11, wherein The pedal pad is an organ-shaped pad having a lower end coupled to the pedal housing through a hinge pin and an upper end rotated forward and backward about the hinge pin, and an upper portion of the pedal pad is coupled to the hysteresis module.

13. The device according to claim 11, wherein The hysteresis module includes: a rod housing, coupled to the motor rod; a rotating lever having a first end portion having a hinge portion rotatably coupled to a central shaft provided in the lever housing; a friction sleeve coupled to the central shaft, and generating frictional force due to contact with the rotating shaft when the rotating shaft rotates; a connecting rod rotatably connecting the second end of the rotating rod and the pedal pad to each other; and A return spring, wherein two ends of the return spring are respectively supported on the rod housing and the rotating rod.

14. The apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising: a permanent magnet coupled to the hinge portion of the rotating rod; as well as A non-contact pedal sensor is fixedly installed in the pedal housing in a manner facing the permanent magnet. The non-contact pedal sensor detects the rotation angle of the pedal pad through a change in magnetic field strength depending on a change in position of the permanent magnet that occurs when the rotating rod rotates, and generates a signal related to acceleration.

15. The device according to claim 11, wherein The rotary motor is mounted in the pedal housing in a manner to be located on the side of the hysteresis module, and The pedal pad rotates about the hinge pin and protrudes from the pedal housing in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad is exposed, or retracts into the pedal housing in a hidden state in which the pedal pad is hidden, according to a rotation direction of the motor rod based on operation of the rotary motor.

16. The device according to claim 14, wherein When the hysteresis module is rotated by the operation of the rotary motor and the position of the permanent magnet is changed, the non-contact pedal sensor does not generate a signal related to acceleration to prevent erroneous operation of an accelerator pedal.

17. The device according to claim 14, wherein In the ejected state and with the rotary motor not operating, the contactless pedal sensor generates a signal related to acceleration only when the pedal pad is rotated by a driver's operation to change the position of the permanent magnet.

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