Pedal assembly for vehicle

Abstract

The invention discloses a pedal assembly for a vehicle, and relates to the technical field of vehicle pedals, the pedal assembly comprises a pedal main body, a pedal and a first sensor, the pedal main body comprises a pedal fixing seat, an elastic corner and a pedal arm, the pedal arm, the elastic corner and the pedal fixing seat are integrally formed, and the pedal is fixed on the pedal arm; when the pedal arm of the pedal body is subjected to pedal force generated when a driver steps on the pedal, the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force to generate self-deformation, and the pedal feeling is simulated through the elastic corner and the pedal arm. The pedal assembly is made of a high-yield-strength material, it can be guaranteed that stress deformation of the pedal body is elastic deformation, the pedal body has the function of a spring, the structure is simpler, and therefore the assembling cost of the pedal assembly is reduced, mutual friction between parts is greatly reduced when the pedal assembly works, and the service life of the pedal assembly is prolonged. Therefore, the degree of friction noise generated when the pedal assembly works is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of vehicle pedal technology, specifically to a vehicle pedal assembly. Background Technology

[0002] When the driver applies pedal force, the pedal body deforms. The greater the pedal force, the greater the deformation of the pedal body. This means that the pedal arm of the pedal body is closer to the pedal mounting base. Correspondingly, the pedal position sensor, which can monitor the degree of pedal body deformation, converts the physical signal of the collected pedal body deformation into an electrical signal and outputs it to the vehicle control system through the sensor connector. The vehicle control system then uses this signal to control the vehicle, such as braking and acceleration. In the field of vehicles, pedals mainly include brake pedals, accelerator pedals, or pedals that combine braking or acceleration functions. Regardless of the type of pedal mentioned above, their conventional structure usually has the following characteristics: their structure typically includes a pedal mounting base, pedal arm, pivot, return spring or a spring that has both return and pedal feel simulation functions, and a sensor that can monitor the pedal position; the pedal mounting base, pedal arm, pivot, and spring in the pedal structure are all independent structures. With the continuous development of vehicle electrification and intelligence, in electromechanical braking systems that support L3 and higher levels of autonomous driving, the brake pedal will no longer be physically coupled to the wheel end. The brake pedal assembly will become a signal output device for the driver's intention to control the vehicle's braking. This new change requires the pedal assembly to have a pedal feel simulation function. The traditional approach is to add a spring to the pedal assembly to simulate pedal feel. However, we can easily find the following drawbacks of this pedal assembly based on a traditional structure that can simulate pedal feel: The pedal assembly, which includes a fixed base, pedal arm, pivot, and spring, has a large number of parts. In addition, due to the noise generated by the friction between the parts, the pedal assembly with the pivot structure needs to add parts such as bushings and buffer pads to eliminate the friction noise between the pedal components, which further increases the number of pedal assembly parts and leads to higher manufacturing costs for pedal assembly parts. At the same time, the large number of parts in the pedal assembly also increases the assembly cost of the pedal assembly; The pedal feel curve is usually nonlinear and has a wide range of stiffness variation, which requires adding multiple elastic elements to the pedal assembly. This results in a high cost to achieve the target pedal feel curve and poor economic efficiency. To address this, we propose a pedal assembly for vehicles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a pedal assembly for vehicles to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: a vehicle pedal assembly, comprising a pedal body, a pedal, and a first sensor, characterized in that: the pedal body includes a pedal fixing seat, an elastic swivel, and a pedal arm, and the pedal is fixed to the pedal arm; When the pedal arm of the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force of the driver pressing the pedal, the pedal body is deformed by the pedal force, and the pedal body gives the driver a reaction force, thereby obtaining a simulated pedal feel.

[0005] Preferably, the pedal arm, the elastic angle, and the pedal fixing seat are integrally formed, and the pedal fixing seat is connected to the pedal arm through the elastic angle.

[0006] Preferably, a second sensor is connected to the upper surface of the pedal, and a right-angle connecting plate is provided on the side of the pedal arm near the top, with a swing arm mounting bracket fixed at the bottom of the right-angle connecting plate. A sensor mounting bracket is provided on one side of the pedal mounting base. A first sensor is fixed on the outer surface of the sensor mounting bracket. The output shaft of the first sensor is fixed to a swing arm by a snap ring. A strip groove is provided at the top of the swing arm. The swing arm mounting bracket is inserted into the strip groove and slidably connected to the strip groove; When the pedal arm deforms due to the pedal force transmitted by the pedal, the pedal arm drives the swing arm of the first sensor to rotate around the axis of the first sensor. The second sensor can be a pressure sensor, and the first sensor can be an angle sensor.

[0007] Preferably, the pressure-sensitive unit of the pressure sensor is in contact with the working surface of the pedal.

[0008] Preferably, a limiting block is provided at the end of the pedal fixing seat.

[0009] Preferably, when the pedal is fully depressed to its maximum extent, the end of the pedal arm abuts against the surface of the limiting block.

[0010] Preferably, the pedal arm, the elastic swivel, and the pedal fixing seat are made of high yield strength material, including spring steel.

[0011] Preferably, the pedal arm is in the shape of a straight plate.

[0012] Preferably, the pedal arm is in the shape of a concave arc plate.

[0013] Preferably, the pedal arm is in the shape of a bent plate, and the pedal arm has two or more inflection points.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the present invention are: 1. This invention relates to a system where, when the pedal arm is subjected to the pedal force transmitted by the pedal, the pedal body deforms and the pedal arm tends to move closer to the pedal mounting base. The greater the pedal force, the closer the pedal arm is to the pedal mounting base, until the pedal arm contacts the limiting block. When the pedal force applied to the pedal is unloaded, the pedal body returns to its free state. The pedal arm is made of a high yield strength material, ensuring that the pedal body's deformation under stress is elastic. The pedal body also functions as a spring, resulting in a more streamlined structure. Different pedal feel requirements can be simulated by adjusting the thickness, width, and bending shape of the pedal arm. 2. Because the structure of this invention is more streamlined, the number of parts in the pedal assembly is greatly reduced, the manufacturing cost of the parts is reduced, and thus the assembly cost of the pedal assembly is reduced. The mutual friction between the parts during the operation of the pedal assembly is greatly reduced, thereby reducing the degree of friction noise that occurs when the pedal assembly is working. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a structural schematic diagram of the swing arm from the perspective of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a side view of the initial state of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a side view of the stepped-down state according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a side view of the initial state of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the pedal main structure according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a side view of the stepped-down state in Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a side view of the initial state of Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 9 This is a side view of the left corner contacting the pedal fixing seat in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 10 This is a side view of the right corner contacting the pedal fixing seat in Embodiment 3 of the present invention; Figure 11 This is a pedal feel curve diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention; Figure 12 This is a pedal feel curve diagram of Embodiment 2 of the present invention; Figure 13 This is a pedal feel curve diagram of Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0016] In the diagram: 1. Pedal arm; 2. Elastic angle; 3. Pedal mounting base; 4. Pedal; 5. First sensor; 6. Pressure sensor; 7. Right-angle connecting plate; 8. Swing arm; 9. Strip groove; 10. Swing arm mounting bracket; 11. Sensor mounting bracket; 12. Limit block. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments.

[0018] The present invention provides three embodiments: Example 1: Please see Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 11 A vehicle pedal assembly includes a pedal body, a pedal 4, and a first sensor 5. The pedal body includes a pedal mounting base 3, an elastic angle 2, and a pedal arm 1. The pedal arm 1, the elastic angle 2, and the pedal mounting base 3 are integrally formed. The pedal arm 1, the elastic angle 2, and the pedal mounting base 3 are made of a high yield strength material, such as spring steel or other high yield strength materials. The pedal 4 is fixed to the pedal arm 1. When the pedal arm 1 of the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force of the driver pressing the pedal 4, the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force and undergoes self-deformation. The elastic angle 2 and the pedal arm 1 are deformed, and the pedal body gives the driver a reaction force, thereby obtaining a simulated pedal feel. The pedal mounting base 3 is connected to the pedal arm 1 via the elastic corner 2. A second sensor can be connected to the upper surface of the pedal 4. The second sensor can be a pressure sensor 6, and the pressure-sensitive unit of the pressure sensor 6 contacts the working surface of the pedal 4. Alternatively, another sensor can be selected. A right-angle connecting plate 7 is provided on one side of the pedal arm 1 near the top, and a swing arm mounting bracket 10 is fixed at the bottom end of the right-angle connecting plate 7. A sensor mounting bracket 11 is provided on one side of the pedal mounting base 3. A first sensor 5 is fixed on the outer surface of the sensor mounting bracket 11. The first sensor 5 can be an angle sensor. The output shaft of the first sensor 5 is fixed to a swing arm 8 by a snap ring. A strip groove 9 is provided at the top of the swing arm 8. The swing arm mounting bracket 10 is inserted into the strip groove 9 and slidably connected to the strip groove 9; When the pedal arm 1 deforms due to the pedal force transmitted by the pedal 4, the pedal arm 1 drives the swing arm 8 of the first sensor 5 to rotate around the axis of rotation of the first sensor 5.

[0019] The pedal fixing seat 3 is provided with a limiting block 12 at its end. When the pedal 4 is fully depressed to its maximum extent, the end of the pedal arm 1 abuts against the surface of the limiting block 12.

[0020] The aforementioned pedal arm 1 is a concave arc shape. When the pedal arm 1 deforms until its arc contacts the pedal fixing seat 3, as the pedal is pressed deeper, the distance between the contact point between the pedal arm 1 and the pedal fixing seat 3 and the pedal 4 decreases. The pedal force gradually increases as this distance shortens, and the pedal 4 will rotate around the point closest to the pedal in the contact surface. During this stage, the lever arm gradually shortens, and the pedal force generated by the deformation of the pedal arm 1 exhibits a non-linear increasing trend. Therefore, the pedal feel curve of the pedal assembly containing the pedal arm is as follows: Figure 11 As shown.

[0021] During this period, the first sensor and pressure sensor of the pedal convert the signals collected by the pedal into electrical signals and output them to the vehicle control system through the connector. Finally, the driver realizes the signal output of his intention to control the vehicle through the pedal assembly.

[0022] Example 2: Please see Figures 5 to 7 and Figure 12 Based on Embodiment 1, the pedal arm 1 is no longer a concave arc plate, but a straight plate. The geometry of the pedal arm of the pedal body is a straight line. When the pedal 4 deforms under the action of pedal force, the pedal arm 1 rotates around the corner with almost no change in lever arm. The pedal force generated by the deformation of the pedal arm 1 increases approximately linearly. Since the pedal force generated by the deformation of the pedal arm increases approximately linearly, the pedal feel curve of the pedal assembly containing the pedal arm 1 is as follows: Figure 12 As shown.

[0023] Example 3: Please see Figures 8 to 10 and Figure 13 Based on Embodiment 1, the pedal arm 1 is no longer in the shape of a concave arc plate, but rather in the shape of a bent plate, and the pedal arm 1 has two or more inflection points, such as... Figure 13 As shown, taking two inflection points as an example, when the left inflection point of pedal arm 1 contacts the pedal mounting base 3, pedal arm 1 rotates around the left inflection point, and the lever arm becomes shorter than in the initial stage. At this time, the pedal force generated by the deformation of pedal arm 1 increases compared to the initial stage. However, the lever arm does not change before the right inflection point contacts the pedal mounting base 3. Therefore, before the right inflection point contacts the pedal mounting base 3, the pedal force generated by the deformation of pedal arm 1 increases approximately linearly until the right inflection point of pedal arm 1 contacts the pedal mounting base. When the right inflection point of pedal arm 1 contacts the pedal mounting base 3, pedal arm 1 rotates around the right inflection point, and the lever arm becomes shorter further. At this time, the pedal force generated by the deformation of pedal arm 1 increases further. Since the lever arm hardly changes at this time, the pedal force generated by the deformation of pedal arm 1 increases approximately linearly until the pedal stroke ends. Therefore, the pedal feel curve of the pedal assembly where the pedal arm is located is as follows: Figure 13 As shown The pedal arm is self-deformable, and different pedal arm structures can produce different pedal curves. A shorter lever arm results in greater spring stiffness. For the three types of pedal arm structures, the deeper the pedal is pressed, the greater the angle of rotation of the sensor arm, and the greater the output voltage or current. When the pedal arm 1 is subjected to the pedal force transmitted by the pedal 4, the pedal body will deform and the pedal arm 1 of the pedal body will tend to move closer to the pedal fixing seat 3 of the pedal body. The greater the pedal force, the closer the pedal arm 1 of the pedal body is to the pedal fixing seat 3 of the pedal body, until the pedal arm 1 contacts the limiting block 12. When the pedal force applied to the pedal is unloaded, the pedal body returns to a free state. The pedal arm 1 of the pedal body is made of a high yield strength material, which can ensure that the deformation of the pedal body under force is elastic deformation. The pedal body also has the function of a spring, and the structure is more streamlined.

[0024] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered in all respects as exemplary and non-limiting, and the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A vehicle pedal assembly, comprising a pedal body, a pedal (4), and a first sensor (5), characterized in that: The pedal body includes a pedal fixing seat (3), an elastic corner (2) and a pedal arm (1), and the pedal (4) is fixed to the pedal arm (1); When the pedal arm (1) of the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force of the driver pressing the pedal (4), the pedal body is subjected to the pedal force and generates self-deformation. The pedal body gives the driver a reaction force, thereby obtaining a simulated pedal feel.

2. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pedal arm (1), the elastic angle (2), and the pedal fixing seat (3) are integrally formed; The pedal fixing seat (3) is connected to the pedal arm (1) through the elastic angle (2).

3. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: A right-angle connecting plate (7) is provided on the side of the pedal arm (1) near the top, and a swing arm mounting bracket (10) is fixed at the bottom of the right-angle connecting plate (7). A sensor mounting bracket (11) is provided on one side of the pedal mounting base (3). A first sensor (5) is fixed on the outer surface of the sensor mounting bracket (11). The output shaft of the first sensor (5) is fixed to a swing arm (8) by a snap ring. A strip groove (9) is provided at the top of the swing arm (8). The swing arm mounting bracket (10) is inserted into the strip groove (9) and slidably connected to the strip groove (9); When the pedal arm (1) is deformed by the pedal force transmitted by the pedal (4), the pedal arm (1) drives the swing arm (8) of the first sensor (5) to rotate around the axis of rotation of the first sensor (5). A second sensor is connected to the upper surface of the pedal (4), and the second sensor can be a pressure sensor (6). The first sensor (5) can be an angle sensor.

4. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 3, characterized in that: The pressure sensor (6) pressure-sensitive unit contacts the working surface of the pedal (4).

5. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 2, characterized in that: The end of the pedal fixing seat (3) is provided with a limiting block (12).

6. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the pedal (4) is fully depressed to its maximum extent, the end of the pedal arm (1) abuts against the surface of the limiting block (12).

7. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 6, characterized in that: The pedal arm (1), elastic angle (2) and pedal fixing seat (3) are made of high yield strength material, including spring steel.

8. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pedal arm (1) is in the shape of a straight plate.

9. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pedal arm (1) is in the shape of a concave arc plate.

10. A vehicle pedal assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that: The pedal arm (1) is in the shape of a bent plate, and the pedal arm (1) has two or more inflection points.

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