Foldable brake pedal arrangement for autonomous vehicle

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foldable brake pedal device of an autonomous vehicle, which is capable of providing a manual driving mode and an autonomous driving mode. In the manual driving mode, a driver directly drives the vehicle, and a pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing to be exposed to a driver side so that the driver can manipulate the pedal pad. In the autonomous driving mode, the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, and the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing to be in a hidden state in which exposure of the pedal pad to the driver side is prohibited, so that the driver cannot manipulate the pedal pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle. Background Technology

[0002] The content of this section provides only background information in connection with this disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] An autonomous vehicle is an intelligent vehicle that integrates autonomous driving technology, which can reach its destination on its own without the driver directly operating the steering wheel, accelerator pedal and brakes.

[0004] In the event of widespread autonomous driving, it is possible to switch between a manual driving mode where the driver directly drives the vehicle and an autonomous driving mode where the vehicle reaches its destination on its own without the driver's direct control.

[0005] In autonomous driving mode, the driver can comfortably rest by stretching their legs. However, this rest is disturbed when the pedals (accelerator and brake pedals) located in the lower space of the driver's seat remain exposed to the vehicle interior.

[0006] Additionally, the autonomous driving mode is a mode in which the driver does not operate the vehicle's pedals (accelerator and brake pedals). If the driver operates the pedals during autonomous driving, the vehicle controller determines that the driver wishes to disengage autonomous driving and drive the vehicle directly, and the vehicle controller terminates control of autonomous driving.

[0007] Because the vehicle's pedals are installed in an exposed state in the space under the driver's seat, the driver may unintentionally operate the pedals in autonomous driving mode (unintentional pedal operation). In this situation, an accident may occur due to road conditions or distance between vehicles.

[0008] The content disclosed in this section is intended only to enhance the understanding of the general background of this disclosure and should not be construed as an admission or in any way implying that the content constitutes related technology known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] This disclosure provides a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle. The device is configured such that in manual driving mode, where the driver is directly driving the vehicle, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing and pops out to expose the driver's side, allowing the driver to operate the pedal pad. In autonomous driving mode, where the driver is not directly driving the vehicle, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and is in a hidden state, preventing exposure to the driver's side, thus preventing the driver from operating the pedal pad. Therefore, in autonomous driving mode, the driver can comfortably rest, and unintentional pedal operation is prohibited, thereby improving safety.

[0010] This disclosure provides a foldable brake pedal device that uses a high-load spring module to generate pedaling force, and can use a low-capacity motor used in ordinary foldable accelerator pedal devices, thereby reducing costs.

[0011] This disclosure further provides a foldable brake pedal device configured such that the actuator is mounted to be maximally parallel to a high-load spring module, and the high-load spring module and the actuator are connected to each other via a rotating rod located between the high-load spring module and the actuator. This allows for a reduction in the overall external size of the pedal device based on an efficient layout structure, and an increase in the ejection speed of the pedal pad based on the short stroke of the actuator, thereby improving the responsiveness upon ejection.

[0012] According to this disclosure, a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle includes: a pedal housing fixedly mounted in the lower space of a driver's seat; a high-load spring module located within the pedal housing, the high-load spring module being mounted to be linearly movable relative to the pedal housing and configured to generate a pressing force; a pedal pad coupled to one end of the high-load spring module, the pedal pad being configured to be operated by the driver's foot, the pedal pad being configured to move together with the high-load spring module when the high-load spring module moves linearly, to switch between a hidden state in which the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and a pop-out state in which the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing; an actuator fixedly mounted within the pedal housing to be located on the side of the high-load spring module, the actuator being configured to generate the power required for the linear movement of the high-load spring module; and a rotating rod configured to connect the high-load spring module and the actuator to transmit the power of the actuator to the high-load spring module.

[0013] The foldable brake pedal device may further include: an actuator control printed circuit board (PCB) fixedly mounted on the pedal housing, and the actuator control PCB being electrically connected to the actuator to control the operation of the actuator.

[0014] The foldable brake pedal device may further include: a plurality of pedal sensors fixedly mounted within the pedal housing, each of the pedal sensors being connected to the pedal pad via a sensor rod, each of the pedal sensors being configured to detect pedal pad operation by rotation of the sensor rod when the pedal pad moves linearly and generate a braking-related signal.

[0015] The pedal pad can be a linear protruding pad, which is configured to move in a straight line through a housing hole formed in the pedal housing to protrude from the pedal housing.

[0016] The foldable brake pedal device may further include: a return spring, which is configured to extend along the length of the high-load spring module, with both ends of the return spring connected to the other end of the high-load spring module and the pedal housing, and the return spring is configured to provide a spring force to the high-load spring module so that the high-load spring module can move in the direction in which the high-load spring module is inserted into the pedal housing.

[0017] The pedal housing may have a housing hole configured to allow the pedal pad to pass through, the pedal housing may have a guide hole extending in the direction in which the pedal pad passes through the housing hole, and the high-load spring module may have a spring protrusion inserted into the guide hole to move along the guide hole.

[0018] The actuator can be mounted parallel to the high-load spring module or almost parallel to the high-load spring module, and the rotating rod can be mounted to connect the high-load spring module and the actuator at a position between the high-load spring module and the actuator.

[0019] The actuator may include: a linear motor, fixedly mounted within the pedal housing; and a plunger configured to move forward and backward when the linear motor is activated, and the plunger being rotatably coupled to one end of a rotating rod, which can rotate relative to the pedal housing when the plunger moves forward and backward, a high-load spring module being linearly movable relative to the pedal housing based on the rotation of the rotating rod, and a pedal pad being linearly movable together with the high-load spring module such that the pedal pad is switched between a concealed state where the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and an ejected state where the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing.

[0020] When the power supply to the linear motor is cut off, the plunger will be inserted into the linear motor, that is, the plunger will retract. When the plunger retracts, it will release the state of the high-load spring module supported by the rotating rod. As a result, the high-load spring module will move linearly through the elastic force of the return spring to insert into the pedal housing. The pedal pad can also move linearly together with the high-load spring module to insert into the pedal housing, so that the pedal pad is in a hidden state.

[0021] When power is supplied to the linear motor, the plunger will protrude from the linear motor, that is, the plunger will move forward. As the plunger moves forward, the high-load spring module moves linearly through the rotation of the rotating rod to protrude from the pedal housing, and the pedal pad moves linearly together with the high-load spring module to protrude from the pedal housing, so that the pedal pad is in the pop-out state.

[0022] The high-load spring module and pedal pad can move linearly together with the forward and backward movement of a plunger based on a linear motor. During this linear movement, a sensor rod connected to the pedal pad rotates, and the pedal sensor does not generate a braking-related signal to prevent unintentional operation. When the pedal pad is in the popped-out position and the plunger neither moves forward nor backward due to the linear motor not operating, the pedal sensor only generates a braking-related signal when the pedal pad moves linearly by the driver's operation and the rotating rod connected to the pedal pad rotates.

[0023] The rotating rod can be mounted to be rotatable about a rod pin fixed to the pedal housing. The rotating rod may include: a first rod portion extending to one side based on the rod pin and configured to contact a spring protrusion for connection to a high-load spring module; and a second rod portion extending to the other side based on the rod pin and rotatably coupled to a plunger.

[0024] The length of the first lever can be greater than the length of the second lever to increase the ejection speed of the pedal pad based on the short stroke of the actuator.

[0025] The lever pin can be installed between the longitudinal axis of the actuator and the longitudinal axis of the high-load spring module to avoid interfering with the plunger and the high-load spring module.

[0026] When the pedal pad is in the pop-out state, the contact portion formed at the end of the first lever can contact the spring protrusion to support the high-load spring module. When the pedal pad is in the pop-out state, a load is generated at the high-load spring module along the direction in which the pedal pad inserts into the pedal housing through the guide hole when the pedal pad is inserted. The first lever can be configured to extend in the direction of the component of the load generated at the high-load spring module when the pedal pad is in the pop-out state, so that the first lever supports most of the load generated at the high-load spring module, thereby reducing the load transmission to the actuator.

[0027] When the pedal pad is in the pop-out state, the contact portion formed at the end of the first rod can contact the spring protrusion to support the high-load spring module, and the contact portion of the first rod can be formed into a circle to have the same arc as the rotation radius of the first rod based on the rod pin.

[0028] The lower edge of the contact portion may be formed as a protrusion, which is configured to protrude beyond the rotation radius of the first rod portion. The protrusion serves as a stopper and is configured to limit the position of the rotating rod by contacting the spring protrusion.

[0029] The high-load spring module may include: an outer cylinder with a spring protrusion protruding outward from it, the spring protrusion contacting a first rod portion of a rotating rod and inserting into a guide hole; an inner cylinder, one end of which is inserted into the outer cylinder and is connected to the outer cylinder to be movable along the length of the outer cylinder; a spring seat inserted into the inner cylinder and mounted to be movable along the length of the inner cylinder; a connecting rod configured to rotatably connect the spring seat and the pedal pad to each other; a first spring located in the outer cylinder, both ends of which are supported by the outer cylinder and the inner cylinder; a second spring located in the inner cylinder, both ends of which are supported by the inner cylinder and the spring seat; a first shock absorber fixedly mounted in the outer cylinder and spaced apart from the inner cylinder; and a second shock absorber fixedly mounted in the inner cylinder and spaced apart from the spring seat.

[0030] The spring force of the second spring can be set to be greater than that of the first spring.

[0031] In the popped-out state of the pedal pad protruding from the pedal housing, when the pedal pad moves linearly towards the pedal housing due to the driver's manipulation, the first spring is compressed to generate a primary pedal force. When the second spring is compressed after the first spring, a secondary pedal force greater than the primary pedal force is generated. When the first and second shock absorbers are compressed after the second spring, an additional pedal force is generated, resulting in a tertiary pedal force greater than the secondary pedal force.

[0032] Further applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein. It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended to be illustrative only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Attached Figure Description

[0033] To better understand this disclosure, various forms of this disclosure will now be described by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0034] Figure 1 This is an exploded perspective view of a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0035] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 The assembled 3D view shows the pedal pad inserted into the pedal housing in a concealed state;

[0036] Figure 3 It is shown Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of the pedal pad protruding from the pedal housing in a pop-out state;

[0037] Figure 4 It shows from Figure 3 Side view of the pedal housing removed;

[0038] Figure 5 yes Figure 3 Side view;

[0039] Figure 6 This is a view showing the rotating rod according to this disclosure;

[0040] Figure 7 This is a view showing the pedal pad inserted into the pedal housing in a concealed state;

[0041] Figure 8 It shows the pedal pad from Figure 7 A view of the pedal housing protruding in its pop-out state;

[0042] Figure 9 It is shown Figure 8 A view showing the pedal pad rotating and operating normally through the driver's manipulation.

[0043] Figure 10 This is a view showing one form of a high-load spring module according to the present disclosure; and

[0044] Figure 11 This is a pedal force curve diagram of a brake pedal device including a high-load spring module according to one form of the present disclosure.

[0045] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure in any way. Detailed Implementation

[0046] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit this disclosure, its application, or its uses.

[0047] Because this disclosure can be modified and can take many forms, specific forms will be shown in the accompanying drawings and described in detail in this specification or disclosure. However, the form according to the concept of this disclosure is not limited to such specific forms, and it should be understood that this disclosure includes all variations, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of this disclosure.

[0048] It will be understood that although the terms “first,” “second,” etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, the corresponding elements should not be construed as being limited by these terms, which are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, within the scope of this disclosure, a first element may be referred to as a second element, and similarly, a second element may be referred to as a first element.

[0049] What will be understood is that when a component is referred to as "connected" or "linked" to another component, that component can be directly connected to or linked to the other component, or there can be an intermediate component. Conversely, when a component is referred to as "directly connected to" or "directly linked to" another component, there is no intermediate component. Other terms used to describe relationships between components, such as "between" and "directly between," or "immediately adjacent" and "directly adjacent," must be interpreted in the same way.

[0050] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. Singular expressions may include plural expressions unless the singular expression has a distinct meaning in the context. It will be further understood that the terms "comprising," "having," etc., used in this specification detail the presence of the stated features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, numbers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification, including technical and scientific terms, shall have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It will be further understood that terms such as those defined in a general dictionary shall be interpreted as having the same meaning as they have in the context of the relevant art, and shall not be interpreted as having an idealized or overly formal meaning unless expressly defined herein.

[0052] According to one form of the present disclosure, a controller (controller device) can be implemented using a non-volatile memory (not shown) and a processor (not shown). The non-volatile memory is configured to store algorithms for controlling the operation of various components of a vehicle or data of software commands for running the algorithms. The processor is configured to perform the operations described below using the data stored in the memory. Here, the memory and processor can be implemented as different chips. Alternatively, the memory and processor can be implemented as a single integrated chip. The processor may include one or more processors.

[0053] In the following description, a foldable brake pedal device for an automated vehicle according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 11As shown, the foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure includes: a pedal housing 100, fixedly mounted in the lower space of the driver's seat; a high-load spring module 200, located within the pedal housing 100, the high-load spring module 200 being mounted to be linearly movable relative to the pedal housing 100, the high-load spring module 200 being configured to generate a pedal force; and a pedal pad 300, connected to one end of the high-load spring module 200, the pedal pad 300 being configured to be operated by the driver's foot, the pedal pad 300 being configured to engage with the high-load spring module 200 when the high-load spring module 200 is linearly moved. The high-load spring module 200 moves together to switch between a hidden state in which the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 and a pop-up state in which the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100; the actuator 400, fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100 to the side of the high-load spring module 200, is configured to generate the power required for linear movement of the high-load spring module 200; and the rotating rod 500 is configured to connect the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400 to transmit the power of the actuator 400 to the high-load spring module 200.

[0055] The pedal housing 100 is formed as a hollow box. A high-load spring module 200, an actuator 400, and a rotating rod 500 are mounted inside the pedal housing 100. Additionally, the actuator control printed circuit board (PCB), pedal sensor, and return spring, which will be described individually below, are also mounted inside the pedal housing 100. A cover 110 is detachably attached to one side of the pedal housing 100.

[0056] Additionally, one form of foldable brake pedal device according to this disclosure further includes an actuator control PCB 600, which is fixedly mounted on the pedal housing 100 and electrically connected to the actuator 400 to control the operation of the actuator 400.

[0057] The actuator control PCB 600 is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery via wires.

[0058] Additionally, one form of foldable brake pedal device according to this disclosure further includes a plurality of pedal sensors 700, which are fixedly mounted within the pedal housing 100. Each of the pedal sensors 700 is connected to the pedal pad 300 via a sensor rod 710. Each of the pedal sensors 700 is configured to detect operation (linear movement) of the pedal pad 300 by rotation of the sensor rod 710 when the pedal pad 300 moves linearly and generate a braking-related signal.

[0059] When the pedal pad 300 moves linearly relative to the pedal housing 100, the sensor rod 710 connected to the pedal pad 300 rotates.

[0060] A permanent magnet is attached to a sensor rod 710, while a printed circuit board (PCB) is disposed inside the pedal sensor 700 facing the permanent magnet. The PCB is electrically connected to a power source such as a battery via wires.

[0061] Therefore, when the driver presses the pedal pad 300, the pedal pad 300 moves linearly relative to the pedal housing 100, the sensor rod 710 connected to the pedal pad 300 rotates, the position of the permanent magnet connected to the sensor rod 710 changes when the sensor rod 710 rotates, and the pedal sensor 700 detects the operation (linear movement) of the pedal pad 300 by the change in magnetic field strength based on the change in the rotational position of the permanent magnet and generates a braking-related signal.

[0062] According to this disclosure, one form of pedal sensor 700 is a contact pedal sensor connected to the pedal pad 300 via a sensor rod 710 as a mechanical structure. However, a non-contact pedal sensor comprising only a permanent magnet and a PCB may be used as needed.

[0063] The pedal pad 300 is a linear protruding pad configured to move in a straight line through a housing hole 120 formed in the pedal housing 100 to protrude from the pedal housing 100.

[0064] A housing hole 120 is formed through the rear surface of the pedal housing facing the driver. The pedal pad 300 is mounted to move linearly through the housing hole 120.

[0065] Therefore, in the configuration where the rotating rod 500 rotates due to the operation of the actuator 400, the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly due to the rotation of the rotating rod 500, and the pedal pad 300 moves linearly together with the high-load spring module 200, when the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300 is in a hidden state that the driver cannot operate, and when the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300 is in a pop-out state that the driver can operate.

[0066] Furthermore, the foldable brake pedal device according to this disclosure further includes: a return spring 800, which is configured to extend along the length direction of the high-load spring module 200, with its two ends respectively connected to the other end of the high-load spring module 200 and the pedal housing 100, and the return spring 800 configured to provide elastic force to the high-load spring module 200 so that the high-load spring module 200 can move in the direction in which the high-load spring module 200 is inserted into the pedal housing 100.

[0067] In one embodiment, the return spring 800 is a helical spring configured to provide the force required to pull the high-load spring module 200 into the pedal housing 100. However, this disclosure is not limited thereto.

[0068] The pedal housing 100 is provided with a guide hole 130 extending along the direction of the pedal pad 300 through the housing hole 120. The high-load spring module 200 is provided with a spring protrusion 211 inserted into the guide hole 130 to move along the guide hole 130. Therefore, the high-load spring module 200 is mounted to move linearly relative to the pedal housing 100 by means of the spring protrusion 211 moving along the guide hole 130.

[0069] In this disclosure, the actuator 400 is mounted parallel to or nearly parallel to the high-load spring module 200. The rotating rod 500 is mounted to connect the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400 at a location between the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400.

[0070] As in this disclosure, in a configuration where the pedal pad 300 moves linearly to pop out of or be concealed within the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300, the high-load spring module 200, and the actuator 400 are typically mounted linearly. Because this linear mounting configuration requires a larger space for the length needed for installation, the overall size of the pedal housing 100 increases, thereby increasing the overall external size of the pedal assembly.

[0071] However, in one form of this disclosure, only the pedal pad 300 and the high-load spring module 200 are linearly connected to each other. The actuator 400 is mounted on the side of the high-load spring module 200 and is maximally parallel to the high-load spring module 200. The high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400 are connected to each other via a rotating rod 500 to transmit power. Therefore, through an efficient layout structure, the size of the pedal housing 100 and the overall external dimensions of the pedal assembly can be significantly reduced.

[0072] The actuator 400 according to this disclosure includes: a linear motor 410 fixedly mounted within a pedal housing 100; and a plunger 420 configured to move forward and backward when the linear motor 410 is operated, and the plunger 420 is rotatably coupled to one end of a rotating rod 500.

[0073] The linear motor 410 can be a linear motor. The linear motor 410 is electrically connected to a power source.

[0074] Therefore, as the plunger 420 moves forward and backward, the rotating rod 500 rotates relative to the pedal housing 100. As the rotating rod 500 rotates, the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly relative to the pedal housing 100, and the pedal pad 300, connected to the high-load spring module 200, moves linearly together with the high-load spring module 200, thereby switching the pedal pad 300 between a concealed state where it is inserted into the pedal housing 100 and a popped-out state where it protrudes from the pedal housing 100.

[0075] In this disclosure, the rotating rod 500 is mounted to be rotatable about a rod pin 910 fixed to the pedal housing 100.

[0076] The rotating rod 500 includes: a first rod portion 510 extending to one side based on the rod pin 910, the first rod portion 510 being configured to contact the spring protrusion 211 of the high-load spring module 200 for connection to the high-load spring module 200; and a second rod portion 520 extending to the other side based on the rod pin 910, the second rod portion 520 being rotatably coupled to the plunger 420.

[0077] The plunger 420 and the second rod portion 520 are rotatably connected to each other by a connecting pin 920. The pin hole 521 through which the connecting pin 920 passes is formed as a slot extending along the length direction of the second rod portion 520, thereby reducing the trajectory difference between the linear movement of the plunger 420 and the rotational movement of the second rod portion 520.

[0078] The length of the first rod portion 510 of the rotating rod 500 is greater than the length of the second rod portion 520. Therefore, the ejection speed of the pedal pad 300 can be increased based on the short stroke of the actuator 400, thereby greatly improving the responsiveness during ejection.

[0079] The rod pin 910, which serves as the rotation center of the rotating rod 500, can be installed between the longitudinal axis S1 of the actuator 400 and the longitudinal axis S2 of the high-load spring module 200 to avoid interfering with the plunger 420 and the high-load spring module 200.

[0080] When the pedal pad 300 is in the retracted state, one side surface of the first lever portion 510 contacts the spring protrusion 211 to support the high-load spring module 200. One side surface of the first lever portion 510 that contacts the spring protrusion 211 is a convex arc-shaped circle. When the pedal pad 300 is in the extended state, the contact portion 511 formed at the end of the first lever portion 510 contacts the spring protrusion 211 to support the high-load spring module 200.

[0081] When the pedal pad 300 is in the pop-out state and the contact portion 511 formed at the end of the first lever portion 510 contacts the spring protrusion 211, the driver presses the pedal pad 300. Figure 5 When arrow M1 is drawn, a direction is generated at the high-load spring module 200 that extends along the pedal pad 300 into the pedal housing 100 via the guide hole 130. Figure 5 The load of arrow F1).

[0082] As described above, the first lever portion 510 according to this disclosure is arranged to extend along the force direction F2 of the component of the load F1 generated at the high-load spring module 200 when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-out state. Therefore, by rotating the lever 500, a large portion of the load F1 generated at the high-load spring module 200 can be supported, thereby reducing the transmission of the load F1 to the actuator 400. Thus, the capacity of the linear motor 410 can be reduced while its durability is improved, thereby reducing weight and cost.

[0083] Meanwhile, in the structure where the contact portion 511 formed at the end of the first rod portion 510 contacts the spring protrusion 211 to support the high-load spring module 200 when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-out state, such as Figure 6 As shown, the contact portion 511 is formed in a circular shape to have the same radius of curvature as the first rod portion 510 based on the rotation radius R1 of the rod pin 910.

[0084] Therefore, the spring protrusion 211 contacts one side surface (convex surface) of the first rod portion 510, and when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-out state, the spring protrusion 211 moves downward instead of upward as it passes the upper corner of the contact portion 511. Thus, the spring protrusion 211 is more stably positioned on the contact portion 511 of the first rod portion 510.

[0085] Furthermore, the lower edge of the contact portion 511 of the first rod portion 510 is formed as a protrusion 512, which is configured to protrude beyond the rotation radius R1 of the first rod portion 510. The protrusion 512 serves as a stopper, which is configured to limit the position of the rotating rod 500 by contacting the spring protrusion 211.

[0086] If no protrusion 512 is formed at the lower edge of the contact portion 511, the rotation of the rotating rod 500 is unrestricted when the pedal pad 300 pops out, and the first rod portion 510 rotates to deviate from the spring protrusion 211. In this case, the pop-out and retraction operations of the pedal pad 300 are not performed.

[0087] For vehicle brake pedals, a high load is required to differentiate them from accelerator pedals and for safety during operation. Therefore, in one form of this disclosure, a high-load spring module 200 is used to generate the required pedaling force. This allows the use of a low-capacity motor typically found in foldable accelerator pedal devices, thereby reducing costs.

[0088] like Figure 10 As shown, the high-load spring module 200 used in this disclosure includes: an outer cylinder 210, which is formed such that a spring protrusion 211 protrudes outward from the outer cylinder 210, the spring protrusion 211 being configured to contact a first rod portion 510 of a rotating rod 500 and insert into a guide hole 130 of a pedal housing 100; an inner cylinder 220, one end of which is inserted into the outer cylinder 210, the inner cylinder 220 being connected to the outer cylinder 210 and movable along the length direction of the outer cylinder 210; and a spring seat 230, which is inserted into the inner cylinder 220 and is mounted to be movable along the length direction of the inner cylinder 220. The device includes: a connecting rod 240 configured to rotatably connect the spring seat 230 and the pedal pad 300; a first spring 250 located within the outer cylinder 210, with both ends supported by the outer cylinder 210 and the inner cylinder 220; a second spring 260 located within the inner cylinder 220, with both ends supported by the inner cylinder 220 and the spring seat 230; a first shock absorber 270 fixedly mounted within the outer cylinder 210 and spaced apart from the inner cylinder 220; and a second shock absorber 280 fixedly mounted within the inner cylinder 220 and spaced apart from the spring seat 230.

[0089] In this disclosure, the spring force of the second spring 260 is set to be greater than the spring force of the first spring 250.

[0090] As the driver manipulates the pedal pad 300 in its popped-out state, protruding from the pedal housing 100, when the pedal pad 300 moves linearly toward the pedal housing 100, the first spring 250 is first compressed to generate a primary pedaling force. After the first spring 250 is compressed, the second spring 260 is compressed to generate a secondary pedaling force greater than the primary pedaling force. After the second spring 260 is compressed, the first shock absorber 270 and the second shock absorber 280 are finally compressed to generate an additional pedaling force, thus producing a tertiary pedaling force greater than the secondary pedaling force.

[0091] Figure 11This is a diagram of the braking force curve of the brake pedal when using the high-load spring module 200 according to this disclosure. Period A is the period of primary braking force generation based on the compression of the first spring 250, period B is the period of secondary braking force generation based on the compression of the second spring 260 after the compression of the first spring 250, and period C is the period of tertiary braking force generation based on the compression of the first shock absorber 270 and the second shock absorber 280.

[0092] Period A is the period when the negative pressure of the conventional brake booster is generated, and the pedaling force is lower during this period due to the excitation effect of the negative pressure. Period B is the period when the negative pressure of the conventional brake booster is eliminated, and the pedaling force is higher during this period due to the lower negative pressure effect. Period C is the period when additional pedaling force is generated due to the compression of the rubber shock absorber, which is the period when the maximum pedaling force is achieved.

[0093] Figure 7 This is a view showing the hidden state, in which the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal cover 100 and exposure of the pedal pad 300 to the interior space where the driver is located is prohibited.

[0094] Under the control of the actuator control PCB 600, when the power supply to the linear motor 410 is cut off, the plunger 420 is inserted into the linear motor 410, that is, the plunger 420 retracts. When the plunger 420 retracts, it releases the state in which the high-load spring module 200 is supported by the rotating rod 500. As a result, the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly by the elastic force of the return spring 800 to insert into the pedal housing 100, and the pedal pad 300 moves linearly together with the high-load spring module 200 to insert into the pedal housing 100. Therefore, the pedal pad 300 is in a hidden state.

[0095] When the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly by the force of the return spring 800 to insert into the pedal housing 100, the spring protrusion 211 moves along the guide hole 130. When the pedal pad 300 is in the retracted state, the spring protrusion 211 is located at the lowermost end of the guide hole 130.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the concealed state, a spacious area is created in the lower part of the driver's seat that is undisturbed by the pedals, allowing the driver to comfortably rest in relaxation mode. Furthermore, in automatic driving mode, unintentional pedal operation is prohibited, thereby improving safety.

[0097] Figure 8 This is a view showing the pop-up state, in which the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 and is exposed to the interior space where the driver is located.

[0098] Under the control of the actuator control PCB 600, when power is supplied to the linear motor 410, the plunger 420 protrudes from the linear motor 410, i.e., the plunger 420 advances. As the plunger 420 advances, due to the rotation of the rotating rod 500, the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly in the direction protruding from the pedal housing 100, and the pedal pad 300 moves linearly together with the high-load spring module 200 and protrudes from the pedal housing 100. Therefore, the pedal pad 300 is in the pop-out state with the pedal pad 300 exposed to the driver's side.

[0099] When the high-load spring module 200 moves linearly in the direction protruding from the pedal housing 100 due to the rotation of the rotating rod 500, the high-load spring module 200 moves against the elastic force of the return spring 800. Since the moving force of the high-load spring module 200 is greater than the elastic force of the return spring 800, the spring protrusion 211 moves upward along the guide hole 130. When the pedal pad 300 pops out, the spring protrusion 211 is located at the uppermost end of the guide hole 130.

[0100] like Figure 8 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-out state, protruding from the pedal housing 100, the driver can step on the operating surface 310 of the protruding pedal pad 300 to perform normal operation.

[0101] Figure 9 This is a view showing the state in which the driver presses the pedal pad 300 (i.e., the popped-out pedal pad 300) which has protruded from the pedal housing 100 to operate the pedal pad 300.

[0102] When the driver presses the ejected pedal pad 300 to operate it, the pedal pad 300 moves linearly toward the pedal housing 100 against the elastic force of the high-load spring module 200. At this time, the high-load spring module 200 compresses to generate a pedal force. As the pedal pad 300 moves linearly, the sensor rod 710 connected to the pedal pad 300 rotates. When the sensor rod 710 rotates, the position of the permanent magnet connected to the sensor rod 710 changes. The pedal sensor 700 detects the operation (linear movement) of the pedal pad 300 by the change in magnetic field strength caused by the change in the rotational position of the permanent magnet and generates a braking-related signal.

[0103] In one form of this disclosure, the high-load spring module 200 and the pedal pad 300 move linearly together as the plunger 420 moves forward and backward based on the operation of the linear motor 410. During the linear movement of the pedal pad 300, the sensor rod 710 connected to the pedal pad 300 rotates, and the pedal sensor 700 does not generate a braking-related signal to prevent accidents caused by unintentional operation.

[0104] In other words, when the pedal pad 300 operates based on the actuator 400... Figure 7 Hidden state and Figure 8 When switching between the pop-up and pop-out states, even if the sensor rod 710 rotates due to the linear movement of the pedal pad 300, the pedal sensor 700 does not generate a braking-related signal, thereby preventing accidents caused by unintentional operation.

[0105] However, as Figure 9 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-out state and the plunger 420 neither moves forward nor backward because the linear motor 410 is not operating, the pedal sensor 700 only generates a braking-related signal when the pedal pad 300 moves linearly by the driver's operation and the rotating rod 500 connected to the pedal pad 300 rotates. Therefore, more stable operation can be performed.

[0106] As described above, the foldable brake pedal device of the autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure is configured such that in manual driving mode, where the driver directly drives the vehicle, the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 and pops out to expose the driver's side, allowing the driver to operate the pedal pad 300. In autonomous driving mode, where the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 and is in a hidden state where exposure to the driver's side is prohibited, preventing the driver from operating the pedal pad 300. Therefore, in autonomous driving mode, the driver can comfortably rest. Furthermore, in autonomous driving mode, unintentional pedal operation is prohibited, thereby improving safety.

[0107] Furthermore, in the foldable brake pedal device of the autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure, a high-load spring module 200 is used to generate the pedaling force. Therefore, a low-capacity motor used in ordinary foldable accelerator pedal devices can be used, thereby reducing costs.

[0108] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the actuator 400 is mounted such that it is maximally parallel to the high-load spring module 200, and the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400 are connected to each other via a rotating rod 500 located between the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400. Therefore, the overall external dimensions of the pedal device can be reduced based on an efficient layout structure. In addition, the ejection speed of the pedal pad 300 can be increased based on the short stroke of the actuator, thereby improving the responsiveness upon ejection.

[0109] As is evident from the above description, the foldable brake pedal device of the autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure is configured such that in manual driving mode, where the driver directly drives the vehicle, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing and pops out to expose the driver's side, allowing the driver to operate the pedal pad. In autonomous driving mode, where the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and is in a hidden state where exposure to the driver's side is prohibited, preventing the driver from operating the pedal pad. Therefore, in autonomous driving mode, the driver can comfortably rest. Furthermore, in autonomous driving mode, unintentional pedal operation is prohibited, thereby improving safety.

[0110] Furthermore, in the foldable brake pedal device of the autonomous vehicle according to this disclosure, a high-load spring module is used to generate the pedaling force. Therefore, a low-capacity motor used in ordinary foldable accelerator pedal devices can be used, thereby reducing costs.

[0111] Furthermore, in this disclosure, the actuator is mounted such that it is maximally parallel to the high-load spring module, and the high-load spring module and the actuator are connected to each other via a rotating rod located between the high-load spring module and the actuator. Therefore, the overall external dimensions of the pedal assembly can be reduced based on an efficient layout structure. Additionally, the pedal pad ejection speed can be increased based on the short stroke of the actuator, thereby improving ejection responsiveness.

[0112] Although exemplary forms of this disclosure have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that this disclosure may be implemented in various other forms without altering the technical concept or features of this disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, comprising: The pedal housing is fixedly installed in the space under the driver's seat; A high-load spring module is located within the pedal housing and is configured to move linearly relative to the pedal housing to generate pedaling force; The pedal pad is connected to the first end of the high-load spring module and is configured as follows: Controlled by the driver's feet, When the high-load spring module moves linearly, it moves together with the high-load spring module, and Switch between hidden and pop-up states; An actuator is fixedly mounted on the side of the high-load spring module within the pedal housing and generates power to cause the high-load spring module to move linearly. as well as A rotating rod connects the high-load spring module and the actuator to transmit power from the actuator to the high-load spring module. In the concealed state, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing, and In the popped-out state, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing.

2. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, The pedal pad is a linear protruding pad, configured to move in a straight direction through a housing hole formed in the pedal housing to protrude from the pedal housing.

3. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, The actuator is mounted parallel to the high-load spring module, and The rotating rod is configured to connect the high-load spring module and the actuator at a position between the high-load spring module and the actuator.

4. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator control printed circuit board (PCB) is fixedly mounted on the pedal housing and electrically connected to the actuator to control the operation of the actuator.

5. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising: Multiple pedal sensors are fixedly mounted inside the pedal housing. Each of the plurality of pedal sensors is connected to the pedal pad via a sensor rod and is configured to: When the pedal pad moves linearly, the operation of the pedal pad is detected by the rotation of the sensor rod, and Generates signals related to braking.

6. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 5, further comprising: A return spring is configured to extend along the length of the high-load spring module and provide a spring force to the high-load spring module to move the high-load spring module in the direction in which it is inserted into the pedal housing. The first end of the return spring is connected to the second end of the high-load spring module, and the second end of the return spring is connected to the pedal housing.

7. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 6, wherein, The pedal housing has a housing hole and a guide hole. The housing hole allows the pedal pad to extend through it, and the guide hole extends along the direction in which the pedal pad passes through the housing hole. The high-load spring module is provided with a spring protrusion that is inserted into the guide hole and moves along the guide hole.

8. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 7, wherein, The actuator includes: A linear motor is fixedly mounted inside the pedal housing; as well as A plunger, rotatably connected to the first end of the rotating rod, moves forward and backward when the linear motor is activated. As the plunger moves forward and backward, the rotating rod rotates relative to the pedal housing. The high-load spring module moves linearly relative to the pedal housing based on the rotation of the rotating rod, and The pedal pad moves linearly together with the high-load spring module and switches between a hidden state and a pop-up state.

9. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein, When power to the linear motor is cut off, the plunger is inserted into the linear motor, and the pedal pad moves linearly together with the high-load spring module and is inserted into the pedal housing.

10. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein, When power is supplied to the linear motor, the plunger protrudes from the linear motor. When the plunger protrudes, the high-load spring module moves linearly through the rotation of the rotating rod to protrude from the pedal housing, and the pedal pad moves linearly together with the high-load spring module to protrude from the pedal housing.

11. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein, When the high-load spring module moves linearly together with the pedal pad and the sensor rod connected to the pedal pad rotates, the plurality of pedal sensors do not generate braking-related signals, and When the pedal pad is in the popped-out state and the plunger is neither moving forward nor backward, the plurality of pedal sensors generate braking-related signals only when the pedal pad is moved linearly by the driver's operation and the rotating rod connected to the pedal pad rotates.

12. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein, The rotating rod is configured to rotate about a pin fixed to the pedal housing, and The rotating rod includes: A first rod portion extends to a first side of the rod pin and is configured to contact the spring protrusion for connection to the high-load spring module; and The second rod extends to the second side of the rod pin and is rotatably connected to the plunger.

13. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 12, wherein, The length of the first rod is greater than the length of the second rod.

14. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 12, wherein, The lever pin is installed between the longitudinal axis of the actuator and the longitudinal axis of the high-load spring module.

15. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 12, wherein, When the pedal pad is in the pop-out state, the contact portion formed at the end of the first rod contacts the spring protrusion to support the high-load spring module. When the pedal pad is in the popped-out state, when the driver presses the pedal pad, a load is generated at the high-load spring module in the direction along which the pedal pad inserts into the pedal housing through the guide hole, and The first lever is configured to extend along the direction of the component of the load generated at the high-load spring module when the pedal pad is in the pop-out state.

16. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 12, wherein, When the pedal pad is in the popped-out state, the contact portion formed at the end of the first rod contacts the spring protrusion to support the high-load spring module, and The contact portion of the first rod is configured with an arc that is the same as the radius of rotation of the first rod around the rod pin.

17. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 16, wherein, The lower edge of the contact portion is formed as a protrusion, which is configured to protrude beyond the rotation radius of the first rod portion and contact the spring protrusion to limit the position of the rotating rod.

18. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein, The high-load spring module includes: An outer cylinder has a spring protrusion that protrudes outward from it, the spring protrusion contacts the first rod portion of the rotating rod, and the spring protrusion is inserted into the guide hole. An inner cylinder, one end of which is inserted into the outer cylinder, and the inner cylinder is connected to the outer cylinder to move along the length of the outer cylinder; A spring seat is inserted into the inner cylinder and is configured to move along the length of the inner cylinder; The linkage is configured to rotatably connect the spring seat and the pedal pad to each other; A first spring is located inside the outer cylinder, with a first end of the first spring supported by the outer cylinder and a second end of the first spring supported by the inner cylinder. A second spring is located inside the inner cylinder, with its first end supported by the inner cylinder and its second end supported by the spring seat. A first shock absorber is fixedly mounted inside the outer cylinder, spaced apart from the inner cylinder; and The second shock absorber is fixedly installed inside the inner cylinder, spaced apart from the spring seat.

19. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 18, wherein, The elastic force of the second spring is set to be greater than that of the first spring.

20. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 18, wherein, When the driver manipulates the pedal pad in the pop-out state and the pedal pad moves linearly toward the pedal housing, the first spring is compressed to generate an initial pedaling force. When the second spring is compressed after the first spring is compressed, a secondary pedaling force greater than the primary pedaling force is generated, and When the first and second shock absorbers are compressed after the second spring is compressed, a tertiary pedaling force greater than the secondary pedaling force is generated.

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