Throttle device

Abstract

An accelerator device includes a joint body. The joint body includes a first member (31, 61) having holes (310, 610) and a second member (21) press-fitted into the holes. The second member has a second contact surface (213) that contacts the inner wall of the first member forming the holes, i.e., the first contact surfaces (311, 611). Groove portions (22, 62) provided on one of the inner wall of the first member different from the first contact surface and the outer wall of the second member different from the second contact surface have grooves (220, 620) formed to extend in the press-fitting direction of the second member relative to the first member. Insertion portions (32, 52) radially protruding from the other of the inner wall of the first member different from the first contact surface and the outer wall of the second member different from the second contact surface are inserted into the grooves. The groove portions have engaging portions (24, 63, 74) capable of engaging with the end portions of the insertion portions in the press-fitting direction.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the original application with an application date of April 5, 2016, an application number of 201680028496.0, and an invention title of "Joint Body and Throttle Device Using the Same".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2015-107203 filed on May 27, 2015, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0004] This application relates to a throttle device. Background art

[0005] In a joint body in which two components are joined by press-fitting, a restoring force for the other component to return to its original shape acts on the portion where the one component and the other component are in contact with each other in the hole of one of the two components to be press-fitted, thereby restricting the relative movement of the other component with respect to the one component. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a joint body including a main body having a hole and a cylindrical component formed in a cylindrical shape and press-fitted into the hole.

[0006] Prior art documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2009-148998 Summary of the invention

[0009] The cylindrical component included in the joint body described in Patent Document 1 has a contact surface that contacts the inner wall of the hole on the radially outer side and an outer edge portion formed at one end, and is formed in such a way that it approaches the central axis of the cylindrical component as it moves away from the side connected to the contact surface. In the joint body described in Patent Document 1, when the cylindrical component press-fitted into the hole attempts to return to its original shape, the inclined surface engages with the inner edge portion of the main body forming the hole, restricting the relative movement of the cylindrical component with respect to the main body in the press-fitting direction. At this time, the greater the amount of deformation of the cylindrical component, the greater the joining force between the main body and the cylindrical component, but for this purpose, it is necessary to increase the diameter of the cylindrical component, that is, the press-fitting allowance. However, if the press-fitting allowance is increased, the cylindrical component may be damaged due to press-fitting.

[0010] An object of the present application is to provide a joint body that reliably press-fits multiple components without being affected by the size of the components, and a throttle device using the joint body.

[0011] In one aspect of the present application, the joint body includes a first component, a second component, a groove portion, an insertion portion, and an engaging portion.

[0012] The first component has a hole.

[0013] The second component has a second abutting surface that abuts against the inner wall of the first component forming the hole, and is pressed into the hole.

[0014] The groove portion is provided on the inner wall of the first component that is different from the first abutting surface which is the inner wall of the first component abutting against the second abutting surface, or on the outer wall of the second component that is different from the second abutting surface, and has a groove formed by extending in the pressing direction of the second component relative to the first component.

[0015] The insertion portion is formed to protrude radially from the outer wall on the radially outer side of the second component that is different from the second abutting surface or the inner wall on the radially inner side of the first component that is different from the first abutting surface, and is inserted into the groove.

[0016] The engaging portion is provided in the groove portion and can engage with the end portion in the pressing direction of the insertion portion.

[0017] The joined body has a groove portion in the first component or the second component. The groove portion has a groove formed by extending in the pressing direction of the second component relative to the first component. The groove portion is provided on the inner wall of the first component that is different from the first abutting surface of the first component, or on the outer wall of the second component that is different from the second abutting surface of the second component. The insertion portion is formed to protrude radially from the outer wall of the second component that is different from the second abutting surface or the inner wall of the first component that is different from the first abutting surface, and is inserted into the groove. Thus, even if the second component attempts to rotate relative to the first component, the rotation of the second component relative to the first component can be restricted due to the engagement between the insertion portion and the groove portion.

[0018] In addition, an engaging portion capable of engaging with the end portion in the pressing direction of the insertion portion is provided in the groove portion. Thus, even if the second component moves relative to the first component in the pressing direction, the relative movement of the second component relative to the first component in the pressing direction can be restricted due to the engagement between the engaging portion and the insertion portion.

[0019] Compared with the case where the two components are press-fitted and joined only by the restoring force of the second component that is press-fitted into the hole through the groove portion, the insertion portion, and the engaging portion provided at positions different from the first abutting surface of the first component and the second abutting surface of the second component, according to the present application, the relative rotation of the second component relative to the first component and the relative movement in the pressing direction can be reliably restricted. Thus, the first component and the second component can be reliably press-fitted and joined regardless of the press-fitting margin that determines the magnitude of the restoring force of the second component. Description of the Drawings

[0020] Figure 1 It is a schematic view of the throttle device according to the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 It is a cross-sectional view of the throttle device according to the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 is Figure 2 a sectional view taken along line III-III.

[0023] Figure 4 is Figure 3 a sectional view taken along line IV-IV.

[0024] Figure 5 is a sectional view showing the engagement state of the shaft and the operating member provided in the throttle device according to the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 6 is a view observed from the Figure 5 arrow direction.

[0026] Figure 7 is a sectional view of the engagement position of the shaft and the operating member provided in the throttle device according to the first embodiment. (a) is a sectional view showing the state during the press-fitting and fixing of the shaft and the operating member, and (b) is Figure 5 a sectional view of part VII and is a sectional view showing the state after the press-fitting and fixing of the shaft and the operating member.

[0027] Figure 8 is a sectional view showing the engagement state of the shaft and the operating member provided in the throttle device according to the second embodiment.

[0028] Figure 9 is a sectional view showing the engagement state of the shaft and the operating member provided in the throttle device according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0029] Hereinafter, a plurality of embodiments will be described based on the drawings.

[0030] (First Embodiment)

[0031] Based on Figures 1 - 7 the throttle device according to the first embodiment will be described. The throttle device 1 according to the first embodiment is an input device for determining the valve opening degree of a throttle valve of a vehicle engine (not shown) and is operated by a driver of the vehicle. The throttle device 1 is electronic and transmits an electric signal based on the depression amount of the accelerator pedal 37 to an electronic control device (not shown). The electronic control device drives the throttle valve through a throttle actuator (not shown) based on this depression amount and other information.

[0032] The throttle device 1 includes: a housing 10 as a "support portion", a first cover 18, a second cover 19, a shaft 20, an operating member 30, an accelerator pedal 37, a pedal arm 38, a pedal spring 39 as a "biasing member", a rotation angle sensor 25 as a "rotation angle detection portion", a hysteresis mechanism portion 40, etc. Hereinafter, with Figures 1 - 3 the upper side being the "top side",Figures 1 - 3 The lower side of the throttle device 1 is defined as the "ground side". However, the up-down direction in the throttle device 1 is not limited to this. The shaft 20 and the operating member 30 correspond to the "engaging body".

[0033] The housing 10 is formed of resin into a bottomed cylindrical shape. The housing 10 is mounted on the vehicle body 5 through three fixing bases 111, 112, and 113 in a manner that opens in the horizontal direction. The housing 10 has an internal space 100 for accommodating the shaft 20, the pedal spring 39, a part of the rotational angle sensor 25, the hysteresis mechanism portion 40, etc. The housing 10 has a communication hole 101 on the ground side that communicates the internal space 100 with the outside and corresponds to the movable range of the operating member 30. On the housing 10, on the ground side of the communication hole 101, a fully open stopper portion 11 is provided, which restricts the rotation of the operating member 30 and the shaft 20 that rotates integrally with the operating member 30, etc. at the fully open throttle position. Here, the fully open throttle position means the position where the throttle opening degree, which is the degree to which the driver depresses the throttle pedal 37, is set to 100 [%].

[0034] The first cover 18 and the second cover 19 are provided so as to cover the opening of the housing 10. The internal space 100 communicates with the outside only through the communication hole 101 via the housing 10, the first cover 18, and the second cover 19. The first cover 18 is fixed to the housing 10 by bolts 181, 182, and 183. The second cover 19 is fixed to the first cover 18. The first cover 18 and the second cover 19 prevent foreign matter from entering the internal space 100.

[0035] The shaft 20 is formed into a substantially rod shape and is provided so as to be rotatable in the internal space 100. The shaft 20 has a shaft portion 21 as the "second member", a groove portion 22, a sensor accommodation portion 23 as the "restriction portion", a shaft engaging portion 24 as the "engagement portion", etc. The shaft portion 21, the groove portion 22, the sensor accommodation portion 23, and the shaft engaging portion 24 are integrally formed of resin.

[0036] The shaft 20 rotates within a specified angle range from the fully closed throttle position to the fully open throttle position according to the torque input from the operating member 30 accompanying the driver's depressing operation. The fully closed throttle position means the position where the throttle opening degree, which is the degree to which the driver depresses the throttle pedal 37, is set to 0 [%]. Hereinafter, as Figure 2 shown, the rotation direction of the operating member 30 from the fully closed throttle position toward the fully open throttle position side is denoted as the "throttle open direction". In addition, the rotation direction of the operating member 30 from the fully open throttle position toward the fully closed throttle position side is denoted as the "throttle closed direction". The shape of the shaft 20 will be described in detail later.

[0037] The operating member 30 is composed of a pedal convex portion 31 as the "first member", an insertion portion 32, an arm connection portion 34, a pedal spring receiving portion 35, a full-closed stopper portion 36, and the like. The pedal convex portion 31, the insertion portion 32, the arm connection portion 34, the pedal spring receiving portion 35, and the full-closed stopper portion 36 are integrally formed of resin.

[0038] The pedal convex portion 31 is disposed between the bottom portion 12 of the housing 10 forming the inner space 100 and the first cover 18. The pedal convex portion 31 is formed in a substantially circular ring shape and has an insertion through hole 310 as a "hole" through which the shaft 20 can be inserted. An insertion portion 32 is provided on the inner wall of the insertion through hole 310 (see Figure 4 ). The shape of the insertion portion 32 will be described in detail later.

[0039] On the first cover 18 side of the pedal convex portion 31, first helical teeth (not shown) are integrally formed. A plurality of first helical teeth are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The first helical teeth protrude toward the hysteresis rotating member 45 of the hysteresis mechanism portion 40 in the circumferential direction as they move toward the throttle closing direction, and have an inclined surface at the front end that approaches the hysteresis rotating member 45 as they move toward the throttle closing direction.

[0040] A first friction member 301 is provided between the pedal convex portion 31 and the bottom portion 12. The first friction member 301 is disposed on the radially outer side of the shaft 20. When the pedal convex portion 31 is pushed toward the bottom portion 12 side, it frictionally engages with the first friction member 301.

[0041] The arm connection portion 34 is formed such that one end thereof is connected to the outer wall on the radially outer side of the pedal convex portion 31, and the other end extends toward the ground side of the housing 10 through the communication hole 101. The other end of the arm connection portion 34 is connected to the pedal arm 38. The end surface 341 on the throttle opening direction side of the arm connection portion 34 can abut against the fully open stopper portion 11.

[0042] The pedal spring receiving portion 35 is provided such that one end thereof is connected to the outer wall on the radially outer side of the pedal convex portion 31, and the other end extends toward the top in the inner space 100. The pedal spring receiving portion 35 engages with one end of the pedal spring 39.

[0043] The full-closed stopper portion 36 is formed to extend more toward the top than the pedal spring receiving portion 35. The full-closed stopper portion 36 is formed to be able to abut against the inner wall of the housing 10. The full-closed stopper portion 36 restricts the rotation of the operating member 30 in the throttle closing direction at the full throttle closed position.

[0044] The shaft 20 and the operating member 30 are joined by pressing the shaft 20 into the insertion through hole 310 provided in the pedal convex portion 31. The joining state of the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 will be described in detail later.

[0045] The accelerator pedal 37 is connected to one end of the pedal arm 38. The other end of the pedal arm 38 is fixed to the other end of the arm connection portion 34. The accelerator pedal 37 converts the depression by the driver into a rotational torque about the rotation axis C1 of the shaft 20 and transmits it to the shaft 20.

[0046] When the accelerator pedal 37 rotates in the throttle open direction, the rotation angle of the shaft 20 in the throttle open direction increases with the fully closed throttle position as a reference point. The throttle opening increases corresponding to the rotation angle of the shaft 20 in the throttle open direction. Further, when the accelerator pedal 37 rotates in the throttle closed direction, the rotation angle of the shaft 20 in the throttle closed direction decreases, and the throttle opening decreases corresponding to the rotation angle of the shaft 20 in the throttle closed direction.

[0047] The pedal spring 39 is, for example, a coil spring and biases the operating member 30 in the throttle closed direction. The acting force of the pedal spring 39 on the operating member 30 increases as the rotation angle of the operating member 30, that is, the rotation angle of the shaft 20, increases. Further, this acting force is not limited to the rotation angle of the operating member 30 and is also set to be able to return the operating member 30 and the shaft 20 to the fully closed throttle position.

[0048] The rotation angle sensor 25 includes a yoke 26, a pair of magnets 271 and 272 having different magnetic poles, a Hall element 28, etc. The yoke 26 formed of a magnetic material is fixed inside the sensor housing portion 23. The magnets 271 and 272 are fixed so as to face each other across the rotation axis C1 of the shaft 20 in the radial inner direction of the yoke 26. The Hall element 28 is provided between the magnet 271 and the magnet 272.

[0049] The rotation angle sensor 25 detects the voltage generated in the Hall element 28 according to the change in the magnetic field, thereby detecting the relative rotation angle of the Hall element 28 with respect to the magnets 271 and 272, that is, the rotation angle of the shaft 20 relative to the housing 10. The rotation angle sensor 25 transmits an electric signal based on the detected rotation angle to an external electronic control unit (not shown) via an external connector 29 provided on the upper part of the throttle device 1.

[0050] The hysteresis mechanism portion 40 includes a hysteresis rotating member 45, an intermediate member 48, a second friction member 401, a hysteresis spring 49, etc., and the hysteresis rotating member 45 is integrally formed with a hysteresis convex portion 41, a hysteresis spring receiving portion 43, etc.

[0051] The hysteresis convex portion 41 is provided between the pedal convex portion 31 and the first cover 18 in the radial outer direction of the shaft 20. The hysteresis convex portion 41 can rotate relative to the shaft 20 and the pedal convex portion 31 and can approach or separate from the pedal convex portion 31.

[0052] The hysteresis spring receiving portion 43 is formed so as to extend in the sky direction from the hysteresis convex portion 41 in the internal space 100. The hysteresis spring receiving portion 43 has a locking portion 431 at the end on the side opposite to the side connected to the hysteresis convex portion 41 for locking one end of the hysteresis spring 49.

[0053] The intermediate member 48 is provided between the hysteresis convex portion 41 and the pedal convex portion 31. The intermediate member 48 is integrated with the hysteresis rotating member 45 and can rotate relative to the shaft 20 and the pedal convex portion 31, and can approach or leave the pedal convex portion 31. On the pedal convex portion 31 side of the intermediate member 48, second helical teeth (not shown) are integrally formed. A plurality of second helical teeth are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. The second helical teeth project toward the pedal convex portion 31 side in the circumferential direction as they approach the throttle opening direction, and have an inclined surface that approaches the hysteresis convex portion 41 as they approach the throttle opening direction at the front end. The first helical teeth and the second helical teeth are in contact with each other in the circumferential direction with their inclined surfaces. The first helical teeth and the second helical teeth can transmit their rotations to each other between the pedal convex portion 31 and the hysteresis convex portion 41 via the intermediate member 48.

[0054] In addition, when the rotation angle of the pedal convex portion 31 is on the throttle fully open position side compared to the throttle fully closed position, the inclined surfaces of the first helical teeth and the second helical teeth engage with each other, and the pedal convex portion 31, the intermediate member 48, and the hysteresis convex portion 41 move away from each other. At this time, the greater the rotation angle of the pedal convex portion 31 from the throttle fully closed position, the greater the force with which the first helical teeth push the pedal convex portion 31 toward the bottom 12 side. In addition, the greater the rotation angle of the pedal convex portion 31 from the throttle fully closed position, the greater the force with which the second helical teeth push the hysteresis convex portion 41 toward the first cover 18 side.

[0055] The second friction member 401 is provided between the hysteresis rotating member 45 and the first cover 18 in the radially outer direction of the shaft 20. When the hysteresis rotating member 45 is pushed in the direction away from the pedal convex portion 31, that is, toward the first cover 18 side, the hysteresis rotating member 45 frictionally engages with the second friction member 401. The frictional force between the hysteresis rotating member 45 and the second friction member 401 becomes the rotational resistance of the hysteresis rotating member 45.

[0056] The hysteresis spring 49 is, for example, a coil spring, and biases the hysteresis rotating member 45 in the throttle closing direction. The acting force of the hysteresis spring 49 increases as the rotation angle of the hysteresis convex portion 41 increases. The torque received by the hysteresis convex portion 41 due to the biasing force of the hysteresis spring 49 is transmitted to the pedal convex portion 31 via the second helical teeth and the first helical teeth.

[0057] The throttle device 1 is characterized by the shapes of the shaft 20 and the operating member 30. Therefore, the shape of the shaft 20, the shape of the operating member 30, and the engagement state between the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 are mainly based on Figures 5 - 7 Detailed description. Figure 5Cross-sectional view of the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 showing the state of being press-fitted. In Figure 5 , 6 , for the convenience of explanation, the boundary between the pedal convex portion 31 and the insertion portion 32 in the operating member 30 is indicated by a double-dashed line, and this double-dashed line is shown as the inner wall of the insertion through-hole 310 provided in the pedal convex portion 31.

[0058] First, the shape of the shaft 20 will be described.

[0059] The shaft portion 21 is a substantially rod-shaped portion. The shaft portion 21 is formed such that the cross-sectional shape in the direction perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 is substantially circular (refer to Figure 6 ). The shaft portion 21 is press-fitted into the insertion through-hole 310. Thus, the shaft 20 and the pedal convex portion 31 are joined and can rotate integrally. The shaft portion 21 has a contact surface 213 as the "second contact surface" on the radially outer side, and this contact surface 213 contacts the inner wall of the pedal convex portion 31 forming the insertion through-hole 310. One end 211 of the shaft portion 21 is rotatably inserted into the concave space 180 provided in the first cover 18 (refer to Figure 3 , 4 ). That is, the inner wall of the first cover 18 forming the concave space 180 becomes one bearing of the shaft 20. A sensor housing portion 23 is provided at the other end 212 of the shaft portion 21. A groove portion 22 is provided on the radially outer side of the shaft portion 21.

[0060] The groove portion 22 is provided on the radially outer side of the shaft portion 21 at a position different from the contact surface 213. The groove portion 22 has a groove 220 formed by extending from one end 211 to the other end 212 in the rotation axis C1 direction. A shaft engaging portion 24 is provided in the groove portion 22.

[0061] The shaft engaging portion 24 is connected to the bottom surface 221 as the "radial wall surface of the groove portion" forming the groove 220 and the side surfaces 222, 223 as the "circumferential wall surfaces of the groove portion" forming the groove 220. The shaft engaging portion 24 is formed to be able to engage with the insertion portion 32 in the rotation axis C1 direction. The shaft engaging portion 24 has an inclined surface 241 on the side opposite to the sensor housing portion 23 in the press-fitting direction, and the inclined surface 241 is formed to approach the rotation axis C1 as it goes from the sensor housing portion 23 side toward the side opposite to the sensor housing portion 23. The shaft engaging portion 24 has an end surface 242 on the sensor housing portion 23 side that can contact the insertion portion 32 provided on the pedal convex portion 31.

[0062] The outer diameter of the sensor housing portion 23 is formed to be larger than the outer diameter of the shaft portion 21. The sensor housing portion 23 is composed of a small-diameter portion 231, a connecting portion 232, a large-diameter portion 233, etc. starting from the other end 212 side of the shaft portion 21.

[0063] The small-diameter portion 231 has an end surface 234 on the shaft engaging portion 24 side that can contact the pedal convex portion 31.

[0064] The connecting portion 232 is formed such that the cross-sectional area perpendicular to the rotation axis C1 increases as it goes from the small-diameter portion 231 toward the large-diameter portion 233.

[0065] The large-diameter portion 233 is a bottomed cylindrical portion having an outer diameter larger than the outer diameters of the small-diameter portion 231 and the connecting portion 232. The large-diameter portion 233 has an open space 235 on the side opposite to the shaft portion 21. A yoke 26 and magnets 271, 272 (see Figure 3 , 4 ) are accommodated in the space 235. The large-diameter portion 233 is inserted into the opening 120 provided in the bottom 12 (see Figure 3 , 4 ) in a rotatable manner. That is, the inner wall of the housing 10 forming the opening 120 becomes the other bearing of the shaft 20.

[0066] Next, the shape of the operation member 30, particularly the insertion portion 32 provided on the inner wall of the pedal convex portion 31, will be described.

[0067] The insertion portion 32 is provided so as to protrude in the radial inner direction toward the inner wall different from the abutting surface 311. The abutting surface 311 as the "first abutting surface" is the inner wall of the insertion hole 310 and abuts against the abutting surface 213 of the shaft portion 21. The insertion portion 32 is press-fitted into the groove 220. The insertion portion 32 has a main body portion 321 and a protruding portion 322.

[0068] The main body portion 321 is formed to extend from one opening of the insertion hole 310 to the other opening in the direction of the rotation axis C1. The end surface 323 on the sensor accommodation portion 23 side of the main body portion 321 can abut against the end surface 234 of the sensor accommodation portion 23.

[0069] The protruding portion 322 is formed to further protrude in the radial inner direction from the main body portion 321 at the end portion of the main body portion 321 on the side opposite to the sensor accommodation portion 23. The protruding portion 322 has an end surface 325 on the side opposite to the sensor accommodation portion 23 that can abut against the end surface 242 of the shaft engaging portion 24. On the sensor accommodation portion 23 side of the protruding portion 322, an inclined surface 326 is formed so as to approach the rotation axis C1 as it goes from the sensor accommodation portion 23 side toward the side opposite to the sensor accommodation portion 23.

[0070] On both sides in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 32, recesses 313, 314 as "gap forming portions" are provided. Spaces 315, 316 as "gaps" are formed between the recesses 313, 314 and the outer wall on the radially outer side of the shaft portion 21.

[0071] In the throttle device 1, as shown in Figure 5As shown, the distance L1 between the end face 242 of the shaft engaging portion 24 and the end face 234 of the sensor housing portion 23 is longer than the length L2 in the direction of the rotation axis C1 of the main body portion 321. In addition, as Figure 7 (b) shows, the distance L3 between the bottom face 221 of the groove 220 and the end face 327 on the radially inner side of the protruding portion 322 when the shaft 20 is press-fitted into the operation member 30 is smaller than the radial height H1 of the shaft engaging portion 24.

[0072] Next, the manufacturing process of the throttle device 1 will be described.

[0073] First, the shaft 20 is joined to the operation member 30 by press-fitting. Figure 7 Shows the state of press-fitting and joining of the shaft 20 and the operation member 30. In the first embodiment, when the shaft 20 and the operation member 30 are press-fitted and joined, it is inserted into the insertion hole 310 from one end 211 side of the shaft portion 21.

[0074] As Figure 7 (a) shows, when the shaft 20 is being press-fitted into the operation member 30, the protruding portion 322 is located on the side of the shaft engaging portion 24 opposite to the sensor housing portion 23. When the shaft 20 is moved in the direction opposite to the sensor housing portion 23 from the state shown in Figure 7 (a), the inclined surface 241 of the shaft engaging portion 24 abuts against the inclined surface 326 of the protruding portion 322. After the inclined surface 241 abuts against the inclined surface 326, when the shaft 20 is further moved in the direction opposite to the sensor housing portion 23, the protruding portion 322 moves along the outer wall of the shaft engaging portion 24 and becomes Figure 7 (b) state.

[0075] Furthermore, from Figure 7 (b) state, even if the shaft 20 is moved in the direction in which the shaft engaging portion 24 and the protruding portion 322 are separated, the end face 234 of the sensor housing portion 23 abuts against the end face 323 of the insertion portion 32. Thus, the press-fitting and joining of the shaft 20 and the operation member 30 is completed.

[0076] Next, components such as the shaft 20 and the operation member 30 joined together as a "joined body", the pedal spring 39, and the hysteresis mechanism portion 40 are arranged in the housing 10. At this time, the sensor housing portion 23 is inserted into the opening 120 of the bottom portion 12.

[0077] Next, the first cover 18 and the second cover 19 are assembled to the housing 10. At this time, one end 211 of the shaft portion 21 is inserted into the concave space 180.

[0078] In addition, the rotation angle sensor 25 is assembled to the outside of the bottom portion 12. At this time, the yoke 26 and the magnets 271, 272 are assembled into the space 235 of the sensor housing portion 23.

[0079] Finally, the pedal arm 38 and the accelerator pedal 37 are assembled to the operating member 30, and the accelerator device 1 is completed.

[0080] Next, the operation of the accelerator device 1 will be described.

[0081] When the accelerator pedal 37 is depressed, the operating member 30 rotates about the rotation axis C1 of the shaft 20 in the accelerator opening direction together with the shaft 20 according to the depressing force applied to the accelerator pedal 37. At this time, for the rotation of the operating member 30 and the shaft 20, a depressing force is required that generates a torque greater than the sum of the torque generated by the acting forces of the pedal spring 39 and the hysteresis spring 49 and the resistance torque generated by the frictional forces of the first friction member 301 and the second friction member 401.

[0082] For example, after the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 37, in order to maintain the depression of the accelerator pedal 37, it is only necessary to apply a depressing force that generates a torque greater than the difference between the torque generated by the acting forces of the pedal spring 39 and the hysteresis spring 49 and the resistance torque generated by the frictional forces of the first friction member 301 and the second friction member 401. That is, after the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 37, when attempting to maintain the depression of the accelerator pedal 37, the depressing force can be appropriately relaxed.

[0083] In addition, for returning the depression of the accelerator pedal 37 to the fully closed throttle position side, a depressing force is required that generates a torque less than the difference between the torque generated by the acting forces of the pedal spring 39 and the hysteresis spring 49 and the resistance torque formed by the frictional forces of the first friction member 301 and the second friction member 401. Here, in the case of quickly returning the accelerator pedal 37 to the fully closed throttle position, it is only necessary to stop depressing the accelerator pedal 37, which does not impose a burden on the driver. In contrast, in the case of gradually reducing the depression of the accelerator pedal 37, a prescribed depressing force needs to be continuously applied. At this time, when gradually reducing the depression, the required depressing force is a smaller value.

[0084] In the past, when press-fitting and joining two components such as the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 provided in the accelerator device 1, in order to increase the joining force between the two components, when joining by press-fitting, it was necessary to make the restoring force of the other component that was press-fitted into the hole of one component and wanted to return to its original shape larger. However, in order to increase the restoring force, it was necessary to increase the shape of the other component, so there was a possibility of press-fitting rupture.

[0085] (a) In the accelerator device 1, when the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 are joined, the abutting surface 213 of the shaft 20 abuts against the abutting surface 311 of the pedal convex portion 31. That is, the restoring force generated by press-fitting between the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 acts between the abutting surface 213 and the abutting surface 311.

[0086] On the other hand, the shaft 20 has a groove 220 into which the insertion portion 32 of the pedal convex portion 31 is press-fitted. Thus, even if the operating member 30 attempts to rotate relative to the shaft 20, the rotation of the operating member 30 relative to the shaft 20 can be restricted due to the engagement of the insertion portion 32 with the groove portion 22.

[0087] In addition, the shaft 20 has a shaft engaging portion 24 in the groove 220. Since the shaft engaging portion 24 is formed to be able to engage with the insertion portion 32 in the direction of the rotation axis C1 of the insertion portion 32, the movement of the operating member 30 relative to the shaft 20 in the direction of the rotation axis C1 can be restricted.

[0088] In this way, in the throttle device 1, the relative rotation of the operating member 30 relative to the shaft 20 and the relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis C1 are restricted by the groove portion 22, the insertion portion 32 that engages with the groove portion 22, and the shaft engaging portion 24 that can engage with the insertion portion 32. The groove portion 22, the insertion portion 32, and the shaft engaging portion 24 are formed on a wall surface different from the abutting surfaces 213 and 311 where the restoring force of the shaft 20 acts, and the movement of the operating member 30 relative to the shaft 20 can be restricted without being affected by the magnitude of the restoring force. Therefore, the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 can be reliably joined without being affected by the size of the pressed-in member.

[0089] (b) In addition, the shaft engaging portion 24 is provided in the groove 220. Thus, the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 can be joined without the shaft engaging portion 24 abutting against the abutting surface 311. Therefore, when the shaft 20 is press-fitted into the operating member 30, the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 can be joined without damaging the portion of the operating member 30 having the abutting surface 311. In addition, the shaft offset between the shaft 20 and the operating member 30 caused by the deformation of the portion of the operating member 30 having the abutting surface 311 can be prevented.

[0090] (c) The shaft engaging portion 24 is provided to be connected to the bottom surface 221 and the side surfaces 222 and 223 of the groove 220. Thus, the shaft engaging portion 24 can be made relatively strong, and therefore the movement of the operating member 30 in the direction opposite to the sensor housing portion 23 can be reliably restricted.

[0091] (d) When the shaft 20 is press-fitted into the insertion through-hole 310 from the one end 211 side, the shaft 20 is moved in the direction of the rotation axis C1 while making the inclined surface 241 of the shaft 20 abut against the inclined surface 326 of the operating member 30. Thus, when the shaft 20 is press-fitted into the operating member 30, the operating member 30 can easily pass over the shaft engaging portion 24. Therefore, the press-fitting of the shaft 20 into the operating member 30 can be performed relatively smoothly.

[0092] (e) The sensor housing portion 23 is provided on the opposite side of the shaft engaging portion 24 in the direction of the rotation axis C1 of the insertion portion 32. Thus, it is possible to restrict the movement of the operation member 30 in both the direction toward the sensor housing portion 23 and the direction opposite to the sensor housing portion 23 by the shaft engaging portion 24 or the sensor housing portion 23.

[0093] (f) Further, when the shaft 20 is pressed into the insertion through hole 310 from the one end 211 side, when the insertion portion 32 abuts against the sensor housing portion 23, it is regarded that the pressing of the shaft 20 into the operation member 30 is completed, and thus the pressing process of the shaft 20 is ended. In this way, the sensor housing portion 23 and the insertion portion 32 can also prevent the excessive movement of the shaft 20 in the pressing direction when the shaft 20 is pressed into the operation member 30. Thus, the operation member 30 having the insertion portion 32 has the function of restricting the relative rotation of the operation member 30 with respect to the shaft 20 and the relative movement in the direction of the rotation axis C1, and the function of restricting the excessive movement of the shaft 20 in the pressing direction during pressing, and the shape can be simplified. Therefore, the manufacturing cost of the throttle device 1 can be reduced.

[0094] (g) Further, spaces 315, 316 are formed on both sides in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion 32. When the shaft 20 and the operation member 30 are press-fitted and joined, a part of the wall of the shaft 20 that desires to return to its original shape can move into the spaces 315, 316. Thus, it is possible to prevent breakage of the shaft 20 or the operation member 30 caused by stress generated by deformation during pressing.

[0095] (Second Embodiment)

[0096] Based on Figure 8 The throttle device according to the second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the shapes of the shaft and the pedal convex portion. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to substantially the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0097] In Figure 8 FIG. shows a schematic view of a state where the shaft 50 and the pedal convex portion 61 of the operation member 60 provided in the throttle device according to the second embodiment are properly engaged as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis C1. The shaft 50 and the operation member 60 correspond to the "engaging body".

[0098] The shaft 50 is formed in a substantially rod shape and is provided so as to be rotatable in the internal space 100. The shaft 50 has a shaft portion 21, an insertion portion 52, a sensor housing portion 23, and the like. The shaft portion 21, the insertion portion 52, and the sensor housing portion 23 are integrally formed of resin.

[0099] The insertion portion 52 is provided on the outer wall of the shaft portion 21 on the radially outer side, which is different from the abutment surface 213. The abutment surface 213 is an abutment surface that abuts against the inner wall of the insertion through-hole 610, which is the "hole" of the pedal convex portion 61. The insertion portion 52 is inserted into the groove 620 of the pedal convex portion 61.

[0100] On both circumferential sides of the insertion portion 52, recesses 214 and 215 are provided as "gap forming portions". The recesses 214 and 215 form spaces 216 and 217 as "gaps" between the outer wall on the radially outer side of the shaft portion 21.

[0101] The operation member 60 is composed of a pedal convex portion 61, a groove portion 62, a convex engaging portion 63 as a "engaging portion", an arm connecting portion 34, a pedal spring receiving portion 35, a full-closed stopper portion 36, etc. The pedal convex portion 61, the groove portion 62, the convex engaging portion 63, the arm connecting portion 34, the pedal spring receiving portion 35, and the full-closed stopper portion 36 are integrally formed of resin.

[0102] The pedal convex portion 61 is provided between the bottom portion 12 and the first cover 18. The pedal convex portion 61 is formed in a ring shape and has an insertion through-hole 610 through which the shaft portion 21 of the shaft 50 can be inserted. A groove portion 62 is provided on the inner wall of the insertion through-hole 610.

[0103] The groove portion 62 is provided on the inner wall of the pedal convex portion 61 on the radially inner side, which is different from the inner wall 611. The inner wall 611 is the inner wall as the "first abutment surface" that abuts against the abutment surface 213 of the shaft portion 21. The groove portion 62 has a groove 620 formed by extending from the opening at one end of the insertion through-hole 610 to the opening at the other end. The convex engaging portion 63 is provided in the groove 620.

[0104] The convex engaging portion 63 is provided to be connected to the bottom surface 621 as the "radial wall surface of the groove portion" forming the groove 620 and the side surfaces 622 and 623 as the "circumferential wall surfaces of the groove portion" forming the groove 220. The convex engaging portion 63 is formed to be able to engage with the insertion portion 52 inserted into the groove 620.

[0105] In the throttle device according to the second embodiment, the insertion portion 52 of the shaft 50 is inserted into the groove 620 of the pedal convex portion 61. The operation member 60 has a convex engaging portion 63 that can engage with the insertion portion 52 in the direction of the rotation axis C1. Thus, the movement of the operation member 60 relative to the shaft 50 can be restricted without being affected by the magnitudes of the restoring forces of the shaft 50 and the pedal convex portion 61. Therefore, the second embodiment achieves the effects (a) to (c), (e) to (g) of the first embodiment.

[0106] (Third Embodiment)

[0107] Based on Figure 9Describe the throttle device according to the third embodiment. The difference between the third embodiment and the first embodiment lies in the shape of the shaft engaging portion. In addition, the same reference numerals are assigned to the parts that are substantially the same as those in the first embodiment, and the description thereof is omitted.

[0108] In Figure 9 shows a schematic diagram of the state in which the shaft 70 provided in the throttle device according to the third embodiment and the pedal convex portion 31 of the operation member 30 are properly engaged as viewed from the direction of the rotation axis C1. The shaft 70 and the operation member 30 are relative to the "engaging body".

[0109] The shaft 70 is formed in a substantially rod shape and is provided so as to be rotatable in the internal space 100. The shaft 70 has a shaft portion 21, a groove portion 22, a sensor housing portion 23, and a shaft engaging portion 74 as the "engaging portion". The shaft portion 21, the groove portion 22, the sensor housing portion 23, and the shaft engaging portion 74 are integrally formed of resin.

[0110] The shaft engaging portion 74 is formed to be connected only to the bottom surface 221 of the groove portion 22 forming the groove 220 and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the rotation axis C1. The shaft engaging portion 74 is formed to be able to abut against the insertion portion 32.

[0111] In the third embodiment, the shaft 70 has a shaft engaging portion 74 formed to project radially outward from the bottom surface of the groove portion 22 and be able to engage with the insertion portion 32. Thereby, the movement of the operation member 30 relative to the shaft 70 can be restricted without being affected by the magnitude of the restoring forces of the shaft 70 and the pedal convex portion 31. Therefore, the third embodiment achieves the effects (a), (b), (e) to (g) of the first embodiment.

[0112] (Other embodiments)

[0113] In the above-described embodiments, the "engaging body" is configured as a member composed of the shaft provided in the throttle device and the operation member. However, the device to which the "engaging body" is applied is not limited thereto. As long as it is composed of a member having a hole and a member press-fitted into the hole, and the two members are engaged by the press-fitting.

[0114] In the first and second embodiments, the shaft engaging portion is provided to be connected to the bottom surface and the side surface of the formed groove. In the third embodiment, the shaft engaging portion is provided to be connected only to the bottom surface of the formed groove. However, the surface to which the shaft engaging portion is provided is not limited thereto. It may also be provided to be connected only to the side surface of the formed groove. In this case, in order to prevent the shaft from being axially offset from the operation member, it is preferably connected to the two side surfaces.

[0115] In the first embodiment, when the shaft and the operation member are press-fitted and engaged, the shaft and the operation member are provided with inclined surfaces that abut against each other. However, the inclined surfaces may not be provided, and in addition, they may be provided on either the shaft or the operation member.

[0116] In addition, in the second and third embodiments, the shaft and the operating member may also have inclined surfaces that abut against each other during press-fitting. In the second embodiment, when the shaft and the operating member have inclined surfaces, the inclined surface of the insertion portion of the shaft is formed on the side opposite to the convex engaging portion so as to move away from the rotation axis as it goes from the side opposite to the convex engaging portion toward the convex engaging portion side. In addition, the inclined surface of the convex engaging portion of the operating member is formed on the side opposite to the insertion portion so as to approach the rotation axis as it goes from the side opposite to the insertion portion toward the insertion portion side. Thereby, the press-fitting of the axial operating member can be performed more smoothly.

[0117] In the above-described embodiment, recesses are provided on both sides in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion, and the recesses form a space in which a part of the body of the shaft or the operating member can move. However, the recesses may not be provided. In addition, the number of recesses may also be one.

[0118] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the main body portion of the insertion portion is a press-fitting groove. However, the main body portion may not be a press-fitting groove. When inserted into the groove and the operating member rotates relative to the shaft, it is only necessary to be able to restrict the relative rotation of the operating member relative to the shaft.

[0119] In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that a hysteresis mechanism portion is provided. However, the hysteresis mechanism portion may not be provided.

[0120] As described above, the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and can be implemented in various ways without departing from the gist thereof.

Claims

1. A throttle device, characterized in that, Comprising: A support portion capable of being mounted on a vehicle body; An accelerator pedal that can be depressed by a driver; An engaging body connected to the accelerator pedal and supported by a bearing provided in the support portion so as to be rotatable; A rotation angle detection portion that detects the rotation angle of the engaging body relative to the support portion and outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the engaging body to the outside; And A biasing member that biases the rotation of the engaging body toward the throttle closing direction, The engaging body comprises: A pedal protrusion having a hole; A shaft portion having a second abutting surface that abuts against a first abutting surface which is the inner wall of the pedal protrusion forming the hole, and being press-fitted into the hole; A groove portion provided on an outer wall of the shaft portion different from the second abutting surface and having a groove formed along a press-fitting direction of the shaft portion relative to the pedal protrusion; An insertion portion formed to protrude radially from an inner wall of the pedal protrusion different from the first abutting surface and being inserted into the groove; And An engaging portion provided in the groove portion and capable of engaging with an end portion of the insertion portion in the press-fitting direction, The insertion portion has a main body portion and a protruding portion, The main body portion is formed to extend from one opening of the hole to the other opening in a rotation axis direction of the shaft portion, and the protruding portion is formed to protrude further in a radially inward direction from the main body portion, The protruding portion has a second end surface capable of abutting against a first end surface which is an end surface of the engaging portion, and the engaging portion has the first end surface capable of abutting against the second end surface of the protruding portion to restrict relative movement of the shaft portion relative to the pedal protrusion in the press-fitting direction, The insertion portion and the pedal protrusion are integrally formed of resin, and the shaft portion is also formed of resin, The throttle device further comprises a restricting portion provided on a side of the insertion portion opposite to the engaging portion in the press-fitting direction and capable of abutting against an end portion of the insertion portion on a side opposite to the engaging portion, and the restricting portion restricts movement of the insertion portion in a direction opposite to the engaging portion, The shaft portion, the groove portion, the restricting portion, and the engaging portion are integrally formed of resin.

2. The throttle device according to claim 1, wherein The engaging portion is provided on a radial wall surface of the groove portion forming the groove.

3. The throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The engaging portion is provided on a circumferential wall surface of the groove portion forming the groove.

4. The throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The engaging portion has an inclined surface on a side opposite to the insertion portion in the press-fitting direction, and the inclined surface inclines toward a radially outer direction of the pedal protrusion or a radially inward direction of the shaft portion as it goes from the insertion portion side toward the side opposite to the insertion portion.

5. The throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The insertion portion has an inclined surface on a side opposite to the engaging portion in the press-fitting direction, and the inclined surface inclines toward a radially inward direction of the shaft portion or a radially outer direction of the pedal protrusion as it goes from the engaging portion side toward the side opposite to the engaging portion.

6. The throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a clearance forming portion that forms a clearance between the pedal convex portion and the shaft portion is further provided on at least one side in the circumferential direction of the insertion portion.

7. The throttle device according to claim 6, wherein when the shaft portion and the pedal convex portion are press-fitted and joined, a part of the wall of the shaft portion that desires to return to its original shape can be moved toward the clearance.

8. The throttle device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restoring force generated by press-fitting between the shaft portion and the pedal convex portion acts between the second abutting surface and the first abutting surface, the groove portion and the engaging portion are formed on a wall surface different from the second abutting surface on which the restoring force acts, the insertion portion is formed on a wall surface different from the first abutting surface on which the restoring force acts.

Images