Foldable brake pedal device for autonomous vehicles

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle. In a manual driving mode, in which the driver manually drives the vehicle, a pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing to be exposed toward the driver in a popped-up state, thereby allowing the driver to operate the pedal pad. Specifically, in an autonomous driving mode, in which the driver does not manually drive the vehicle, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and is prevented from being exposed to the driver, thereby being hidden in a state in which the driver cannot operate the pedal pad.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle. Background Art

[0002] The statements in this section merely provide background information related to the present disclosure and may not constitute prior art.

[0003] In recent years, smart cars combined with autonomous driving technology have developed rapidly, allowing the vehicle to navigate to the destination on its own even if the driver does not directly operate the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brake, etc.

[0004] If the autonomous driving mode becomes common, the driver can select any one of a manual driving mode in which the driver manually drives the vehicle and an autonomous driving mode in which the vehicle drives itself to the destination without the driver manually driving the vehicle.

[0005] In the automatic driving mode, the driver is expected to rest comfortably by stretching his legs, so if the pedals (accelerator pedal, brake pedal) provided in the space below the driver's seat are directly exposed to the interior, the driver's rest may be disturbed.

[0006] Furthermore, the autonomous driving mode is a mode in which the driver does not operate the vehicle's pedals (accelerator or brake pedal). Therefore, if the driver operates a pedal during autonomous driving, the vehicle controller determines that the driver intends to end autonomous driving and directly drive the vehicle, and terminates the autonomous driving control.

[0007] However, since the vehicle's pedals are installed so as to be exposed in the space under the driver's seat, there is a risk that the driver may inadvertently operate (misoperate) the pedals in autonomous driving mode. In this case, depending on the road conditions or the distance between vehicles, an accident may occur.

[0008] What is described as the related art is only for helping understanding the background of the present disclosure and should not be considered as corresponding to the related art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The present disclosure provides a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, wherein, in a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives the vehicle, a pedal pad protrudes from a pedal housing to be exposed toward the driver, thereby allowing the driver to operate the pedal pad; in an autonomous driving mode, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and is prevented from being exposed to the driver, thereby preventing the driver from operating the pedal pad, thereby allowing the driver to rest comfortably in the autonomous driving mode. In addition, the driver's safety is improved by preventing the driver from accidentally operating the pedal in the autonomous driving mode.

[0010] Another form of the present disclosure provides a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, which uses a high-load spring module to implement pedaling pressure, thereby enabling the use of a low-capacity motor used in a conventional foldable accelerator pedal device, thereby reducing costs.

[0011] Another form of the present disclosure provides a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, which uses two pivot rods to connect a high-load spring module and an actuator to each other, thus having an efficient layout structure, thereby reducing the overall size.

[0012] According to one form of the present disclosure, a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle includes: a pedal housing, fixedly installed in a space under a driver's seat; a high-load spring module, arranged in the pedal housing and applying pedaling pressure; a pedal pad, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to the pedal housing so that the upper end of the pedal pad pivots in the front-rear direction when operated by the driver's foot, and is connected to one end of the high-load spring module so that when the high-load spring module moves, it is inserted into the pedal housing and becomes a hidden state or protrudes from the pedal housing and becomes a pop-up state; an actuator, fixedly installed in the pedal housing to generate power to move the high-load spring module; a first pivot rod, connected to the actuator and pivoted by the power of the actuator; and a second pivot rod, connecting the first pivot rod and the high-load spring module to each other to transmit the pivoting force of the first pivot rod to the high-load spring module.

[0013] The foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous driving vehicle may further include an actuator control printed circuit board (PCB) fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and electrically connected to the actuator to control operation of the actuator.

[0014] The foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle may further include a plurality of pedal sensors fixedly mounted in the pedal housing, connected to the pedal pad via a sensor rod, and each pedal sensor generates a signal related to vehicle braking when the pedal pad is pivoted due to a driver's operation.

[0015] The foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle may further include a pad spring, which is arranged at a hinge portion at the lower end of the pedal pad, the opposite ends of the pad spring being respectively connected to the pedal housing and the pedal pad, and providing elastic force to the pedal pad so that the pedal pad moves in the direction in which the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing.

[0016] The front surface of the pedal housing may include: a vertical surface extending vertically relative to the floor of the vehicle; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from a lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from a lower end of the second inclined surface, wherein, when the brake pad is in a hidden state, the first pivot rod and the second pivot rod can be folded at an acute angle, and one end of the second pivot rod connected to the high-load spring module can be supported on the first inclined surface.

[0017] The front surface of the pedal housing may include: a vertical surface extending vertically; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from a lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from a lower end of the second inclined surface, wherein, when the brake pad is in a popped-up state, the first pivot rod and the second pivot rod can be unfolded to extend in a straight line, and one end of the second pivot rod connected to the high-load spring module can be supported on the second inclined surface.

[0018] The front surface of the pedal housing may include: a vertical surface extending vertically; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from the lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from the lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from the lower end of the second inclined surface, wherein one end of the second pivot rod connected to the high-load spring module can be supported on the first inclined surface when the pedal pad is in a hidden state, and supported on the second inclined surface when the pedal pad is in a pop-up state, and moves while always in contact with the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface during the process of the pedal pad becoming a hidden state or a pop-up state.

[0019] The pedal pad may include: a main pad having a pad surface operated by the driver's foot when the pedal pad is in a pop-up state; and a support pad covering between the main pad and the pedal housing, and the lower ends of the main pad and the support pad can be simultaneously penetrated by a hinge pin and pivotally connected to the pedal housing.

[0020] When the pedal pad is in a hidden state, the main pad can be inserted into the support pad, and the support pad can be inserted into the pedal housing; when the pedal pad is in a pop-up state, the support pad can be pulled out of the pedal housing and protrude, and the main pad can be pulled out of the support pad and protrude.

[0021] The high-load spring module can be pivotally connected to the main pad; when the pedal pad changes from a hidden state to a pop-up state, the main pad can be pulled out and protruded from the support pad by movement of the high-load spring module; when the pulling-out of the main pad is completed, the main protrusion formed on the front edge of the main pad can contact the support protrusion formed on the rear edge of the support pad, and the main pad can pull the support pad backward, thereby pulling out the support pad to protrude from the pedal housing.

[0022] The stopping protrusion may be formed to protrude outward from a front edge of the support pad and be caught on the pedal housing when the support pad is pulled out of the pedal housing, thereby controlling the pulling out of the support pad.

[0023] The high-load spring module can be pivotally connected to the main pad; when the pedal pad changes from a pop-up state to a hidden state, the main pad can be inserted into the support pad by movement of the high-load spring module; when the insertion of the main pad is completed, the pad surface of the main pad can contact the rear edge of the support pad, and the main pad can push the support pad forward, so that the support pad is inserted into the pedal housing.

[0024] The housing protrusion may be formed to protrude inwardly from the inner surface of the pedal housing, and when the support pad is inserted into the pedal housing, the front edge of the support pad may be caught on the housing protrusion, thereby controlling the insertion of the support pad.

[0025] The sensor pin may be coupled to the main pad; and the sensor pin may be coupled to a sensor rod of a pedal sensor fixed to the pedal housing; and when the main pad is pivoted by a driver's operation, the pedal sensor may generate a signal related to vehicle braking.

[0026] When the pedal pad is in the popped-up state, the lower end of the pad surface may contact the pedal housing to serve as a pad stopper.

[0027] The hinge pin may be provided below a lower end of the pad surface to expose the lower end of the pad surface from the pedal housing when the pedal pad is in the pop-up state.

[0028] One end of the high load spring module and one end of the second pivot rod may be pivotally coupled to each other by a spring pin; and a coupling point of the spring pin may be eccentrically disposed on one side relative to a longitudinal centerline of the high load spring module.

[0029] The first pivot lever and the second pivot lever can be pivoted by operation of the actuator to move the high-load spring module, thereby causing the pedal pad to pivot, and when the sensor lever connected to the pedal pad pivots as the pedal pad pivots due to operation of the actuator, the pedal sensor does not generate a signal related to vehicle braking to prevent malfunction of the pedal.

[0030] When the pedal pad is in the popped-up state and the actuator is not operated, the pedal sensor can generate a signal related to vehicle braking only when the sensor rod connected to the pedal pad pivots with respect to the pedal housing due to the driver's operation.

[0031] Further areas of applicability will become apparent from the description provided herein.It should be understood that the description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] In order that the present disclosure may be better understood, various forms of the present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0033] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An assembled perspective view of the brake pedal device in a pop-up state in which the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A side view of the brake pedal assembly with the pedal pad inserted into the pedal housing in a hidden state;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 The brake pedal is installed in Figure 3 a side view of the pedal pad in a pop-up state protruding from the pedal housing;

[0037] Figure 5 is a view of a high load spring module, a first pivot lever, and a second pivot lever according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0038] Figure 6 is a view of another form of pedal pad of the present disclosure;

[0039] Figure 7 is a side view of a main pad of a pedal pad according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0040] Figure 8 is a view of another form of a main pad and a support pad in a pop-up state according to the present disclosure;

[0041] Figure 9 is a view showing that the support pad contacts the housing protrusion when the pedal pad is in a hidden state according to one form of the present disclosure;

[0042] Figure 10 is a view of another form of pedal pad according to the present disclosure; and

[0043] Figure 11 It shows Figure 4 A view of the pedal pad as it normally pivots due to driver operation.

[0044] The drawings described herein are for illustration purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0045] The following description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present disclosure, application, or uses. It should be understood that throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

[0046] The detailed description of the structure and function of the disclosed form described herein is only exemplary. These forms can be implemented in various forms, and the above description should not be interpreted as limiting the present disclosure.

[0047] The present disclosure can be modified in various ways and has several exemplary forms, and thus specific exemplary forms will be shown in the drawings and described in detail. However, it is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to specific exemplary forms, but includes all modifications, equivalents and alternative forms included in the concept and scope of the present disclosure.

[0048] Terms such as "first," "second," and the like may be used to describe various components, and the components should not be construed as limited to these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one component from another. For example, a "first" component may be named a "second" component, and a "second" component may similarly be named a "first" component without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0049] It is understood that when an element is referred to as being "connected to" or "coupled to" another element, it can be directly connected to or directly coupled to the other element, or connected to or coupled to the other element through other intervening elements. On the other hand, it is understood that when an element is referred to as being "directly connected to" or "directly coupled to" another element, it can be connected to or coupled to the other element without other elements intervening therebetween. Other expressions describing relationships between components, i.e., "between," "directly between," "adjacent to," "directly adjacent to," etc., should be interpreted similarly.

[0050] The terms used in this specification are intended only to describe specific exemplary forms and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Unless expressly stated otherwise, the singular forms used herein are intended to include the plural forms. It will be further understood that the terms "including" or "having" used in this specification specify the presence of the described features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, and do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, quantities, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0051] Unless otherwise specified, it is understood that all terms used in this specification, including technical and scientific terms, have the same meanings as those understood by those skilled in the art. It must be understood that terms defined in dictionaries have the same meanings as in the context of the relevant technology, and should not be ideally or overly formally defined unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0052] A control unit (controller) according to an exemplary form of the present disclosure may be implemented by an algorithm, a non-volatile memory (not shown), and a processor (not shown), wherein the algorithm is configured to control the operation of various components of the vehicle, the non-volatile memory (not shown) is configured to store data related to software instructions for reproducing the algorithm, and the processor (not shown) is configured to perform the following operations using the data stored in the memory. Here, the memory and the processor may be implemented as separate chips. Alternatively, the memory and the processor may be implemented as a single chip integrated with each other. The processor may be implemented as one or more processor chips.

[0053] Hereinafter, a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous driving vehicle according to an exemplary form of the present disclosure is described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0054] like Figures 1 to 11 As shown, the foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle according to an exemplary form of the present disclosure includes: a pedal housing 100, fixedly installed in a space below a driver's seat; a high-load spring module 200, disposed in the pedal housing 100 and applying a stepping pressure; a pedal pad 300, the lower end of which is pivotally connected to the pedal housing 100 so that its upper end pivots in the front-rear direction when operated by the driver's foot, and is connected to one end of the high-load spring module 200 so as to be inserted into the high-load spring module 200 when the high-load spring module 200 moves. The high-load spring module 200 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 to become a hidden state or protrudes from the pedal housing 100 to become a pop-up state; the actuator 400 is fixedly installed in the pedal housing 100 to generate power to move the high-load spring module 200; the first pivot rod 500 is connected to the actuator 400 and pivoted by the power of the actuator 400; and the second pivot rod 600 connects the first pivot rod 500 and the high-load spring module 200 to each other to transmit the pivoting force of the first pivot rod 500 to the high-load spring module 200.

[0055] The pedal housing 100 may be formed in a box shape having an empty interior space and include covers 110 detachably coupled to opposite sides of the pedal housing. A high-load spring module 200, an actuator 400, a first pivot rod 500, a second pivot rod 600, an actuator control printed circuit board (PCB), a pedal sensor, and a pedal spring, which will be described below, may be mounted in the interior space of the pedal housing 100.

[0056] In another form, an actuator control printed circuit board (PCB) 700 is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100 and electrically connected to the actuator 400 to control the operation of the actuator 400 .

[0057] The actuator control PCB 700 may be electrically connected to a power supply device such as a battery through electrical wires.

[0058] In addition, the present disclosure may further include a plurality of pedal sensors 800 fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100 , connected to the pedal pad 300 via a sensor rod 810 , and each pedal sensor 800 generates a signal related to vehicle braking when the pedal pad 300 pivots due to a driver's operation.

[0059] When the pedal pad 300 pivots relative to the pedal housing 100 , the sensor lever 810 connected to the pedal pad 300 may pivot.

[0060] In addition, a permanent magnet may be coupled to the sensor rod 810 , a printed circuit board (PCB) may be provided inside the pedal sensor 800 to face the permanent magnet, and the PCB may be electrically connected to a power supply device such as a battery through wires.

[0061] Therefore, when the driver operates the pedal pad 300 by stepping on the pedal pad 300 and the pedal pad 300 pivots relative to the pedal housing 100, the sensor rod 810 connected to the pedal pad 300 may pivot. When the sensor rod 810 pivots, the position of the permanent magnet coupled to the sensor rod 810 may change, and thus the pedal sensor 800 can detect the pivoting of the pedal pad 300 through a change in magnetic field intensity due to a change in the pivot position of the permanent magnet, thereby generating a signal related to vehicle braking.

[0062] The pedal sensor 800 according to the present disclosure may be a contact type pedal sensor connected to the pedal pad 300 through a sensor rod 810 as a mechanical structure, but may be a non-contact pedal sensor including only a permanent magnet and a PCB as needed.

[0063] The pedal pad 300 may have a lower end pivotally coupled to the pedal housing 100, and an upper end pivoted in the front-rear direction relative to the pedal housing 100. Therefore, when pivoted forward, the pedal pad 300 may be inserted into the pedal housing 100 through the housing hole 120 formed in the pedal housing 100, and when pivoted rearward, the pedal pad 300 may move to protrude from the pedal housing 100.

[0064] Therefore, the first pivot lever 500 and the second pivot lever 600 can be pivoted by the operation of the actuator 400, the high-load spring module 200 can move as the second pivot lever 600 pivots, and the pedal pad 300 can pivot relative to the pedal housing 100 when the high-load spring module 200 moves. When the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300 can be in a hidden state in which the driver cannot operate the pedal pad, and when the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100, the pedal pad 300 can be in a popped-up state in which the driver can operate the pedal pad.

[0065] The present disclosure may further include a pad spring 900, which is arranged at a hinge portion at the lower end of the pedal pad 300, and the opposite ends of the pad spring 900 are respectively connected to the pedal housing 100 and the pedal pad 300, and provide elastic force to the pedal pad 300 so that the pedal pad 300 moves along the direction in which the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100.

[0066] According to the present disclosure, the front surface 130 of the pedal housing 100 may include: a vertical surface 131 extending vertically; a first inclined surface 132 extending rearwardly from the lower end of the vertical surface 131; a second inclined surface 133 extending downwardly from the lower end of the first inclined surface 132; and a horizontal surface 134 extending horizontally from the lower end of the second inclined surface 133.

[0067] The vertical surface 131 may be coupled to the dash panel, the horizontal surface 134 may be coupled to the floor, and the second inclined surface 133 may be inclined at a greater angle than the first inclined surface 132 .

[0068] like Figure 3 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the hidden state, the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 can be folded at an acute angle, and one end of the second pivot rod 600 connected to the high-load spring module 200 can be supported on the first inclined surface 132, so that the pedal pad 300 is completely hidden in the pedal housing 100 in its hidden state.

[0069] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the pop-up state, the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 can be unfolded to extend in a straight line, and one end of the second pivot rod 600 connected to the high-load spring module 200 can be supported on the second inclined surface 133, so that when the driver operates the pedal pad 300 by stepping on the pedal pad 300 in the pop-up state, the high-load spring module 200 can be supported in a stable state.

[0070] In addition, during the process of the pedal pad 300 becoming a hidden state or a pop-up state, the end of the second pivot rod 600 connected to the high-load spring module 200 can always be in contact with the first inclined surface 132 or the second inclined surface 133 during movement. In this way, the high-load spring module 200 can be supported in a stable state.

[0071] The brake pedal of a vehicle requires a high load, different from that of the accelerator pedal, to ensure safety during its operation. For this purpose, the present disclosure can use the high-load spring module 200. The high-load spring module 200 can implement the required pedaling pressure and can use a low-capacity motor used in a general foldable accelerator pedal device, thereby reducing costs.

[0072] The high load spring module 200 may implement pedal pressure by having two or more springs and two or more dampers, generally arranged in series.

[0073] The high load spring module 200 may have an upper end pivotally coupled to the pedal pad 300 through a spring protrusion 210 , and a lower end pivotally coupled to one end of the second pivot link 600 through a spring pin 220 .

[0074] The actuator 400 may be a pivot motor (stepping motor) fixedly mounted in the pedal housing 100, and the motor shaft 410 may be coupled to one end of the first pivot rod 500. Therefore, when the actuator 400 operates, the pivoting force may be transmitted to the first pivot rod 500 through the motor shaft 410.

[0075] The first pivot lever 500 may have the other end pivotably coupled to the second pivot lever 600 through a lever pin 510 , and the second pivot lever 600 may be pivotably coupled to a lower end of the high load spring module 200 through a spring pin 220 .

[0076] The first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 can be pivoted by receiving power from the actuator 400 to move the high load spring module 200, thereby placing the pedal pad 300 in a hidden state or a pop-up state. Figure 3 In the hidden state shown, the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 can be folded at an acute angle, which can enable the pedal housing 100 to have an efficient layout structure, thereby greatly reducing the external size.

[0077] If a pivoting lever is provided to move the high-load spring module 200 , the pivoting lever may have a larger pivot radius, thereby increasing the outer dimensions of the pedal housing.

[0078] The first pivoting lever 500 may be formed in a straight plate shape, and the second pivoting lever 600 may be formed in an H-shape. However, the levers may be changed into various shapes as needed.

[0079] like Figure 4 As shown, the pedal pad 300 according to the present disclosure may include: a main pad 310, having a pad surface 311 operated by the driver's foot when the pedal pad 300 is in a pop-up state; and a support pad 320, covering between the main pad 310 and the pedal housing 100, and the lower end of the main pad 310 and the lower end of the support pad 320 can be simultaneously penetrated by a hinge pin 330 and pivotally connected to the pedal housing 100.

[0080] The support pad 320 may serve to block a gap between the pedal housing 100 and the main pad 310 , thereby preventing foreign matter from being introduced into the pedal housing 100 as much as possible.

[0081] The pop-up amount of the pedal pad 300 can be greatly increased by the support pad 320 , thereby making it more convenient for the driver to operate the pedal.

[0082] like Figure 3 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the hidden state, the main pad 310 can be inserted into the support pad 320, and the support pad 320 can be inserted into the pedal housing 100 together with the main pad 310, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the pop-up state, the support pad 320 can be pulled out and protruded from the pedal housing 100, and the main pad 310 can be pulled out and protruded from the support pad 320. In this way, the pop-up amount of the main pad 310 operated by the driver's foot can be greatly increased.

[0083] The high load spring module 200 may have an upper end pivotally coupled to the main pad 310 through a spring protrusion 210 .

[0084] When the pedal pad 300 changes from the hidden state to the pop-up state, the main pad 310 can be moved (along the Figure 8 When the main pad 310 is pulled out, the main protrusion 312 formed on the front edge of the main pad 310 may come into contact with the support protrusion 321 formed on the rear edge of the support pad 320, and the main pad 310 may pull the support pad 320 rearward, thereby pulling the support pad 320 out to protrude from the pedal housing 100.

[0085] In addition, the stop protrusion 322 may be formed to protrude outward from the front edge of the support pad 320 and to be positioned at the support pad 320 (along the Figure 8 When the support pad 320 is pulled out from the pedal housing 100 (in the rearward direction in FIG), it is stuck on the pedal housing 100, thereby controlling the pulling out of the support pad 320.

[0086] On the contrary, when the pedal pad 300 changes from the pop-up state to the hidden state, the main pad 310 can be moved forward by the movement of the high-load spring module 200 to be inserted into the support pad 320. When the insertion of the main pad 310 is completed, the pad surface 311 of the main pad 310 can be aligned with the rear edge ( Figure 8 The support pad 320 contacts the support protrusion 321 in the pedal housing 100, and the main pad 310 can push the support pad 320 forward, so that the support pad 320 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 together with the main pad 310.

[0087] At the same time, if Figure 9 As shown, the housing protrusion 140 may be formed to protrude inward from the inner surface of the pedal housing 100, and when the support pad 320 is inserted into the pedal housing 100, the front edge ( Figure 8The stop protrusion 322 in the housing can be stuck on the housing protrusion 140, thereby controlling the insertion of the support pad 320.

[0088] According to the present disclosure, the sensor pin 820 can be connected to the main pad 310, the sensor pin 820 can be connected to the sensor rod 810 of the pedal sensor 800 fixed to the pedal housing 100, and the pedal sensor 800 can generate a signal related to vehicle braking only when the main pad 310 is pivoted due to the driver's operation.

[0089] When the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-up state, the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 on the main pad 310 may contact the pedal housing 100. In this case, when the pedal pad 300 pops up, the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 may serve as a pad stopper.

[0090] The hinge pin 330, which serves as the pivot center of the pedal pad 300, can be positioned substantially at the same position as the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 to reduce its footprint. In this case, when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-up state, the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 can be located within the pedal housing 100 and thus not exposed. The line of the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 can be obscured by the hinge pin 330 and thus not be visible, which can adversely affect the design of the pedal.

[0091] Therefore, in Figure 10 In another form of the present disclosure shown, a hinge pin 330 serving as a pivot center of the pedal pad 300 may be disposed below the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 so that the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 is fully exposed from the pedal housing 100 when the pedal pad 300 is in a pop-up state, thereby making the line of the lower end 311a of the pad surface 311 visible to improve the design of the pedal.

[0092] According to the present disclosure, one end of the high-load spring module 200 and one end of the second pivot rod 600 can be pivotally coupled to each other by a spring pin 220 , and the coupling point of the spring pin 220 is eccentrically disposed on one side relative to the longitudinal centerline L1 of the high-load spring module 200 .

[0093] If the coupling point of the spring pin 220 is eccentrically disposed on one side relative to the longitudinal center line L1 of the high-load spring module 200, then when the pedal pad 300 is in the hidden state, one end of the second pivoting rod 600 coupled to the high-load spring module 200 can be guided to stably support on the first inclined surface 132. Only when one end of the second pivoting rod 600 is stably supported on the first inclined surface 132 can the pedal pad 300 be smoothly ejected. To this end, the present disclosure may have an eccentric structure.

[0094] Figure 3It is shown that when the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 , the pedal pad 300 is prevented from being exposed toward the interior space where the driver is located and is in a hidden state.

[0095] When the actuator 400 is operated by the control of the actuator control PCB 700 and the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 are folded at an acute angle, the high-load spring module 200 can move forward to be inserted into the pedal housing 100, and the pedal pad 300 connected to the high-load spring module 200 can be pivoted in the forward direction relative to the pedal housing 100 by the movement of the high-load spring module 200 to be inserted into the pedal housing 100 and be in a hidden state.

[0096] At this time, the pad spring 900 can provide elastic force to the pedal pad 300, so that the pedal pad 300 moves in the direction in which the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100. In addition, one end of the second pivot rod 600 coupled to the high-load spring module 200 can be supported on the first inclined surface 132 of the pedal housing 100. Therefore, the pedal pad 300 can stably maintain its hidden state.

[0097] like Figure 3 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the hidden state, the space under the driver's seat can be turned into a larger space without pedal interference, so that the driver can rest comfortably in the relaxation mode. In addition, the driver's safety is improved by preventing the driver from accidentally operating the pedals in the automatic driving mode.

[0098] Figure 4 The pedal pad 300 is shown in a popped-up state when the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 and is exposed toward an interior space where a driver is located.

[0099] When the actuator 400 is operated by the control of the actuator control PCB 700 and the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 are pivoted to unfold and extend straightly, the high-load spring module 200 can move rearward to protrude outward from the pedal housing 100, and the pedal pad 300 connected to the high-load spring module 200 can be pivoted in the rear direction relative to the pedal housing 100 by the movement of the high-load spring module 200 to be pulled out of the pedal housing 100 and protrude to be exposed toward the driver, thereby being in a pop-up state.

[0100] When the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-up state, one end of the second pivot lever 600 coupled to the high-load spring module 200 may be supported on the second inclined surface 133 of the pedal housing 100 , and thus the pedal pad 300 may stably maintain its popped-up state.

[0101] like Figure 4As shown, when the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 to be in a popped-up state, the driver can normally operate the pedal by stepping on the pad surface 311 of the protruding pedal pad 300 .

[0102] Figure 11 A state is shown in which a driver steps on and operates the pad surface 311 of the main pad 310 of the pedal pad 300 that is protruded from the pedal housing 100 to pop up.

[0103] When the driver steps on the pad surface 311 of the popped-up main pad 310, the main pad 310 of the pedal pad 300 may pivot forward about the hinge pin 330 relative to the pedal housing 100 while overcoming the elastic force of the high-load spring module 200. At this time, the high-load spring module 200 may be compressed to generate a pedaling pressure. When the main pad 310 pivots due to the driver's operation, the sensor rod 810 connected to the main pad 310 may pivot. When the sensor rod 810 pivots, the position of the permanent magnet coupled to the sensor rod 810 may change. Therefore, the pedal sensor 800 can detect the pivoting of the pedal pad 300 by the change in magnetic field strength caused by the change in the pivot position of the permanent magnet, thereby generating a signal related to vehicle braking.

[0104] In one form of the present disclosure, the first pivot rod 500 and the second pivot rod 600 can be pivoted by operation of the actuator 400 to move the high-load spring module 200, thereby causing the pedal pad 300 to pivot, and when the sensor rod 810 connected to the pedal pad 300 pivots as the pedal pad 300 pivots due to the operation of the actuator 400, the pedal sensor 800 does not generate a signal related to vehicle braking to prevent malfunction of the pedal.

[0105] That is, when the pedal pad 300 is converted into Figure 3 The hidden state or Figure 4 In the pop-up state, even if the sensor rod 810 pivots as the pedal pad 300 pivots, the pedal sensor 800 does not generate a signal related to vehicle braking, thereby preventing accidents caused by malfunctions.

[0106] However, if Figure 11 As shown, when the pedal pad 300 is in the popped-up state and the actuator 400 is not operated, the pedal sensor 800 can generate a signal related to vehicle braking only when the sensor rod 810 connected to the pedal pad 300 pivots as the pedal pad 300 pivots relative to the pedal housing 100 due to the driver's operation, thereby allowing more stable operation of the pedal.

[0107] As described above, the present disclosure can provide a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous driving vehicle, wherein, in a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives the vehicle, the pedal pad 300 protrudes from the pedal housing 100 to be exposed toward the driver and is in a pop-up state, so that the driver can operate the pedal pad 300; in an autonomous driving mode in which the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, the pedal pad 300 is inserted into the pedal housing 100 and is prevented from being exposed to the driver and is in a hidden state, so that the driver cannot operate the pedal pad 300, thereby allowing the driver to rest comfortably in the autonomous driving mode. In addition, the driver's safety is improved by preventing the driver from accidentally operating the pedal in the autonomous driving mode.

[0108] In addition, the present disclosure may provide a foldable brake pedal device that implements a depression pressure using the high-load spring module 200 , and thus may use a low-capacity motor used in a general foldable accelerator pedal device, thereby reducing costs.

[0109] In addition, the present disclosure may provide a foldable brake pedal apparatus that connects the high-load spring module 200 and the actuator 400 to each other using two pivot rods 500 and 600 , thus having an efficient layout structure, thereby reducing the size of the entire apparatus.

[0110] As described above, the present disclosure can provide a foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, wherein, in a manual driving mode in which the driver directly drives the vehicle, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing to be exposed toward the driver and is in a pop-up state, so that the driver can operate the pedal pad; in an autonomous driving mode in which the driver does not directly drive the vehicle, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing and is prevented from being exposed to the driver and is in a hidden state, so that the driver cannot operate the pedal pad, thereby allowing the driver to rest comfortably in the autonomous driving mode. In addition, the driver's safety is improved by preventing the driver from accidentally operating the pedal in the autonomous driving mode.

[0111] In addition, the present disclosure may provide a foldable brake pedal device that uses a high-load spring module to implement a pedaling pressure, and thus may use a low-capacity motor used in a general foldable accelerator pedal device, thereby reducing costs.

[0112] In addition, the present disclosure may provide a foldable brake pedal apparatus that connects a high-load spring module and an actuator to each other using two pivot rods, and thus may have an efficient layout structure, thereby reducing the size of the entire apparatus.

[0113] While the present disclosure has been shown and described with respect to particular forms, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A foldable brake pedal device for an autonomous vehicle, comprising: pedal housing; a high-load spring module disposed in the pedal housing and implementing a pedaling pressure; Pedal mat, including: top; and a lower end pivotally coupled to the pedal housing so that the upper end pivots in a front-to-rear direction when operated by a driver of the autonomous vehicle, wherein the pedal pad is coupled to a first end of the high-load spring module to move between a hidden state and a popped-up state based on movement of the high-load spring module, and In the hidden state, the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing, and in the popped-out state, the pedal pad protrudes from the pedal housing; an actuator fixedly mounted in the pedal housing to generate power to move the high-load spring module; a first pivoting lever connected to the actuator and pivoted by power of the actuator; and A second pivoting lever connects the first pivoting lever and the high-load spring module to each other to transmit a pivoting force of the first pivoting lever to the high-load spring module.

2. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising: An actuator control printed circuit board, ie, an actuator control PCB, is fixedly mounted in the pedal housing and is electrically connected to the actuator to control the operation of the actuator.

3. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising: A plurality of pedal sensors are fixedly mounted in the pedal housing, connected to the pedal pad via a sensor rod, and each pedal sensor generates a signal related to vehicle braking when the pedal pad pivots due to the driver's operation.

4. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising: A pad spring is provided at a hinge portion at a lower end of the pedal pad, opposite ends of the pad spring are respectively coupled to the pedal housing and the pedal pad, and provides elastic force to the pedal pad so that the pedal pad moves in a direction in which the pedal pad is inserted into the pedal housing.

5. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the pedal housing includes: a vertical surface extending vertically relative to a floor of the autonomous vehicle; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from a lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from a lower end of the second inclined surface, Wherein, when the pedal pad is in the hidden state, the first pivoting link and the second pivoting link are folded at an acute angle, and one end of the second pivoting link coupled to the high-load spring module is supported on the first inclined surface.

6. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the pedal housing includes: vertical surface, extending vertically; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from a lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from a lower end of the second inclined surface, Wherein, when the pedal pad is in the pop-up state, the first pivot rod and the second pivot rod are unfolded to extend straightly, and one end of the second pivot rod coupled to the high-load spring module is supported on the second inclined surface.

7. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The front surface of the pedal housing includes: vertical surface, extending vertically; a first inclined surface extending obliquely rearward from a lower end of the vertical surface; a second inclined surface extending obliquely downward from a lower end of the first inclined surface; and a horizontal surface extending horizontally from a lower end of the second inclined surface, wherein one end of the second pivot rod connected to the high-load spring module is supported on the first inclined surface when the pedal pad is in the hidden state, and is supported on the second inclined surface when the pedal pad is in the pop-up state, and moves while always being in contact with the first inclined surface or the second inclined surface during the process of the pedal pad changing to the hidden state or the pop-up state.

8. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The pedal pad comprises: a main pad having a pad surface that is operated by the driver when the pedal pad pops up; and a support pad covering between the main pad and the pedal housing, and The lower ends of the main pad and the support pad are simultaneously penetrated by one hinge pin and are pivotally coupled to the pedal housing.

9. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: When the pedal pad is in the hidden state, the main pad is inserted into the support pad, and the support pad is inserted into the pedal housing; and When the pedal pad is in the pop-up state, the support pad is pulled out of the pedal housing and protrudes, and the main pad is pulled out of the support pad and protrudes.

10. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: The high load spring module is pivotally coupled to the main pad; When the pedal pad changes from the hidden state to the pop-up state, the main pad is pulled out from the support pad and protrudes by the movement of the high-load spring module; and When the main pad is finished being pulled out, the main protrusion formed on the front edge of the main pad contacts the support protrusion formed on the rear edge of the support pad, and the main pad pulls the support pad rearward, thereby pulling the support pad out to protrude from the pedal housing.

11. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 10, wherein: A stopping protrusion is formed to protrude outward from a front edge of the support pad and is caught on the pedal housing when the support pad is pulled out from the pedal housing, thereby controlling the pulling out of the support pad.

12. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: The high load spring module is pivotally coupled to the main pad; When the pedal pad changes from the pop-up state to the hidden state, the main pad is inserted into the support pad by movement of the high-load spring module; and When the insertion of the main pad is completed, the pad surface of the main pad comes into contact with the rear edge of the support pad, and the main pad pushes the support pad forward, thereby inserting the support pad into the pedal housing.

13. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 12, wherein: A housing protrusion is formed to protrude inward from an inner surface of the pedal housing, and when the support pad is inserted into the pedal housing, a front edge of the support pad is caught on the housing protrusion, thereby controlling the insertion of the support pad into the pedal housing.

14. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: A sensor pin is coupled to the main pad; The sensor pin is coupled to a sensor rod of a pedal sensor fixed to the pedal housing; and The pedal sensor is configured to generate a signal related to vehicle braking when the main pad is pivoted due to the driver's operation.

15. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: When the pedal pad is in the popped-up state, a lower end of the pad surface contacts the pedal housing to serve as a pad stopper.

16. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 8, wherein: The hinge pin is provided below a lower end of the pad surface to expose the lower end of the pad surface from the pedal housing when the pedal pad is in the pop-up state.

17. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The second end of the high-load spring module and one end of the second pivot lever are pivotally coupled to each other by a spring pin; and The coupling point of the spring pin is arranged eccentrically to one side with respect to the longitudinal center line of the high-load spring module.

18. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: The first pivot lever and the second pivot lever are pivoted by operation of the actuator to move the high-load spring module, thereby causing the pedal pad to pivot, and when a sensor lever connected to the pedal pad pivots as the pedal pad pivots due to operation of the actuator, a pedal sensor does not generate a signal related to vehicle braking to prevent malfunction of the pedal.

19. The foldable brake pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: When the pedal pad is in the popped-up state and the actuator is not operated, the pedal sensor is configured to generate a signal related to vehicle braking only when a sensor rod connected to the pedal pad pivots as the pedal pad pivots relative to the pedal housing due to the driver's operation.

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