PEDAL GENERATOR WITH CAM

Abstract

Pedal force generator comprising: a housing (110) comprising a rotary shaft (111) disposed therein; a cam (130) mounted on an inner surface of the housing (110); a pedal force generating unit (150) moving along a surface of the cam (130); a pedal unit (170) comprising a pedal pad (171) arranged on one side thereof and a receiving recess (173) in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit (150) is arranged on the other side thereof, a portion between one side and the other side, which is connected to the rotary shaft (111) of the housing (110) and is pivotable about the rotary shaft (111); and an elastic member (190) arranged between the inner surface of the housing (110) and the other side of the pedal unit (170) for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit (170), wherein the cam (130) has a surface on which a roller unit (151) of the pedal force generating unit (150) moves, and another surface is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the housing (110), wherein one surface and the other surface of the cam (130) are formed as a flat surface or as a curved or stepped surface, wherein the pedal force generating unit (150) comprises the roller unit (151) which moves by pivoting the pedal unit (170) along a surface of the cam (130) such that a pedal force can be generated differently according to the shape of one surface of the cam (130), wherein the pedal force generating unit (150) further comprises a spring (153) coupled to the roller unit (151), wherein the roller unit (151) comprises a roller (151-1) moving along one surface of the cam (130) and a roller support (151-3) supporting the roller (151-1), and wherein the spring (153) is arranged below the roller support (151-3), wherein a cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess (173) is formed such that it corresponds to that of the pedal force generating unit (150) to be inserted into the receiving recess (173), wherein a portion of the roller support (151-3) and / or a portion of the spring (153) is arranged in the receiving recess (173), and wherein one side of the elastic member (190) contacts the inner surface of the housing (110) and the other side of the elastic member (190) is fixed in a receiving portion of the elastic member (190) which is formed on the other side of the pedal unit (170) in the form of a recess or a projection.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pedal used in a vehicle, etc., and more particularly to a pedal force generator that generates a pedal force using a cam. DESCRIPTION OF THE STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Generally, a pedal used in a vehicle includes, among others, an accelerator pedal, a clutch pedal, and a brake pedal.

[0003] Different types of pedals commonly used in a vehicle may generally include a pedal that a user's foot steps on, an elastic element (such as a spring) that returns the pedal to its original position after the user steps on the pedal, and a component that generates the pedal force.

[0004] Considering the accelerator pedal, clutch pedal, and brake pedal used so far, it's difficult to easily replace components that generate the appropriate pedal force for the user. There are also problems with their complex structures and the use of many parts.

[0005] From EP 1 956 462 A2, a pedal force generator is known, comprising a housing having a rotary shaft arranged therein; a cam arranged on an inner surface of the housing; a pedal force generating unit moving along a surface of the cam; a pedal unit comprising a pedal pad arranged on one side thereof and a receiving recess in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit on the other side thereof is arranged; a portion between the one side and the other side, which portion is connected to the rotary shaft of the housing and is pivotable about the rotary shaft;and an elastic member disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the other side of the pedal unit for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit, wherein the pedal force generating unit comprises a roller unit that moves along a surface of the cam by pivoting the pedal unit, and a spring coupled to the roller unit, wherein the roller unit comprises a roller that moves along one surface of the cam and a roller support that supports the roller, and wherein the spring is disposed below the roller support.;

[0006] US 6 658 963 B2 discloses a pedal mechanism that requires a friction mechanism to generate force hysteresis in the pedal to ensure the correct, desired pedal feel. A pedal arm is pivotally mounted in a housing. Friction is generated by a piston, which is brought into frictional contact with a friction pad mounted in the housing by return springs. Relative angular movement between the pedal and the friction pad when the pedal is depressed causes the contact point between the friction pad and the piston to move relative to the housing. This movement is counteracted by the friction between the pad and the piston, as well as by the springs, which must be compressed for the movement to occur. These same springs provide a return force that returns the pedal to its original position when it is released.

[0007] Furthermore, DE 196 30 156 A1 describes a method and a device for controlling an automatically shifting transmission or a continuously variable transmission with automatic gear ratio adjustment, wherein a drive unit comprising an internal combustion engine and transmission can be influenced by means of a power control element, preferably an accelerator pedal, and a signal value dependent at least on the position of the accelerator pedal is used to select a driving program. In the range below the full deflection of the accelerator pedal, a reference position in the accelerator pedal travel is generated, preferably by grading the reaction force of the accelerator pedal on the driver's foot, above which the engine is operated at full load. An accelerator pedal position below the reference position leads to the selection of an economical driving program, and an accelerator pedal position above the reference position leads to the selection of a performance-oriented driving program.

[0008] Finally, US 8 939 045 B2 shows a control pedal assembly comprising a pedal bracket, a control pedal, a pressing device, and a connecting portion. The pedal bracket is attached to a vehicle body and has a receiving space. The control pedal is pivotally supported by a support shaft arranged in the receiving space of the pedal bracket. The pressing device serves to press the control pedal toward a rear part of the vehicle body. The connecting portion is provided on the rear side of the support shaft relative to the vehicle body, between the control pedal and the pedal bracket, to connect a space above the control pedal and a space below the control pedal. SUMMARY

[0009] The task is therefore to provide components that generate the pedal force suitable for the user, are easy to change and, in addition, have a simple structure and require few parts.

[0010] The problem is solved by a pedal force generator having the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0011] One embodiment is a pedal force generator that uses a cam. The pedal force generator includes: a housing having a rotary shaft disposed therein; a cam attached to an inner surface of the housing; a pedal force generating unit that moves along a surface of the cam; a pedal unit including a pedal pad disposed on one side thereof and a receiving recess in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit on the other side thereof is disposed; a portion between the one side and the other side that is connected to the rotary shaft of the housing and pivotable about the rotary shaft; and an elastic member disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the other side of the pedal unit for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit.

[0012] The cam has one surface on which a roller unit of the pedal force generating unit moves, and another surface is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the housing, wherein one surface and the other surface of the cam are formed as a flat surface or as a curved or stepped surface. The pedal force generating unit includes the roller unit, which moves along a surface of the cam by pivoting the pedal unit, such that a pedal force can be generated differently according to the shape of one surface of the cam.

[0013] The pedal force generating unit further comprises a spring coupled to the roller unit.

[0014] The roller assembly includes a roller and a roller support that supports the roller. The spring is located below the roller support. The roller moves along one surface of the cam.

[0015] In this case, a cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess is formed such that it corresponds to that of the pedal force generating unit which is to be inserted into the receiving recess, wherein a portion of the roller support and / or a portion of the spring is arranged in the receiving recess, and wherein one side of the elastic element contacts the inner surface of the housing and the other side of the elastic element is fastened in a receiving portion of the elastic element which is formed on the other side of the pedal unit in the form of a recess or a projection.

[0016] A length of the spring changes due to the movement of the roller unit on one surface of the cam and the change in length of the spring generates the pedal force.

[0017] Another embodiment is a pedal force generator that uses a cam. The pedal force generator includes: a housing having a rotary shaft disposed therein; a cam disposed on an inner surface of the housing; a pedal force generating unit that moves along a surface of the cam; a pedal unit including one side and the other side, the one side including a pedal pad and a receiving hole in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit is disposed; a portion between the one side and the other side that is connected to the rotary shaft of the housing and pivotable about the rotary shaft; and an elastic member disposed between the inner surface of the housing and the other side of the pedal unit for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit.

[0018] The pedal force generating unit includes: a roller unit that moves along a surface of the cam by pivoting the pedal unit, a spring coupled to the roller unit, and a receiving portion that receives the spring.

[0019] The roller assembly includes a roller and a roller support that supports the roller. The spring is located below the roller support. The roller moves along one surface of the cam.

[0020] The pedal unit further includes a bushing member formed of an elastic material and fixed to the rotary shaft. One side of the receiving portion comes into contact with the bushing member within the receiving hole. When the pedal unit pivots about the rotary shaft, the receiving portion transmits an elastic force generated in the spring due to its length change caused by the movement of the roller unit on one surface of the cam to the bushing member, thereby generating the pedal force. FIGURE LIST Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pedal force generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 1 Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 1 Fig. 4 is a view showing a cam of Fig. 2 shows; Fig. 5 shows a first embodiment comprising a pedal force generating unit of Fig. 2 shows; Fig. 6 shows a second embodiment which uses the pedal force generating unit of Fig. 2 shows, Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment, which uses the pedal force generating unit of Fig. 2 shows; Fig. Fig. 8 is a view showing an embodiment in which the position of an elastic member in the pedal force generator of Fig. 1 is changed; Fig. 9 is a conceptual view showing an example in which the positions of the cam and the pedal force generating unit are changed in the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 10 shows experimental data of a case where the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a clutch pedal; Fig. 11 shows experimental data of a case where the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a brake pedal; Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a pedal force generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention; Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 12; Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 12 Fig. 15 is a view showing a principle for generating the pedal force in the pedal force generator of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. For the components of the present invention, detailed descriptions of what can be clearly understood and easily practiced by those skilled in the art will be omitted to avoid obscuring the subject matter of the present invention.

[0022] A pedal force generator using a cam according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described below.

[0023] In the pedal force generator using a cam according to the embodiment of the present invention, the pedal force can be freely changed according to the cam shape, and the pedal force generator has a simple structure and excellent durability. <Erste Ausführungsform 100>

[0024] Fig. 1 is a perspective view showing a pedal force generator according to a first embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 1.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 1 to Fig. 3, the pedal force generator using a cam 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 110, a pedal unit 170, the cam 130, a pedal force generating unit 150, and an elastic member 190. Each component will be described in detail below.

[0026] The housing 110 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention forms the exterior of the pedal force generator.

[0027] The housing 110 is mounted in a vehicle and has an interior space for accommodating various components of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention. Specifically, the housing 110 can accommodate the pedal unit 170, the cam 130, the pedal force generating unit 150, the elastic member 190, etc.

[0028] The housing 110 may be formed by a combination (coupling) of various components that form the housing 110. For example, the housing 110 may be formed by a combination (coupling) of various components, such as coupling an upper housing and a lower housing, or coupling a left housing 110-1 and a right housing 110-2. Various coupling methods, including a bolt fastening method, may be adopted without particular limitation.

[0029] The external shape of the housing 110 is not specifically defined. The housing 110 may have various external shapes to which various components constituting the pedal force generator can be attached and coupled.

[0030] The internal shape of the housing 110 is not specifically defined. The interior of the housing 110 may include receivers for receiving various components that make up the pedal force generator, and the housing 110 may have various internal shapes to which various components can be attached and coupled.

[0031] A rotary shaft 111 may be disposed within the housing 110. The pedal unit 170 described below may be connected (attached) to the rotary shaft 111. The pedal unit 170 is connected to the rotary shaft 111 of the housing 110 and can pivot about the rotary shaft 111. The rotary shaft 111 may be formed integrally with the housing 110 or may be manufactured separately and coupled to the housing 110.

[0032] The pedal unit 170 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention generally refers to a portion stepped on by a user's foot. Specifically, one side of the pedal unit 170 may correspond to a portion stepped on by a user's foot, and the pedal force generating unit 150 described below may be formed or arranged on the other side of the pedal unit 170.

[0033] The pedal unit 170 generally refers to a pedal manufactured in various shapes and used in vehicles. The pedal unit 170 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a pedal pad 171 and a receiving recess 173.

[0034] The pedal pad 171 is arranged on one side of the pedal unit 170 and is depressed by a user's foot. The pedal pad 171 can be formed in various shapes to allow the user's foot to be comfortably placed thereon.

[0035] The receiving recess 173 may be disposed on the other side of the pedal unit 170. A portion of the pedal force generating unit 150 described below may be disposed in the receiving recess 173.

[0036] The cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess 173 may be formed to correspond to that of the pedal force generating unit 150 to be inserted into the receiving recess 173. However, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess 173 is not limited thereto and may have various shapes.

[0037] Furthermore, the pedal unit 170 may have a connecting portion 175, for example, a hole, that can be connected to the rotating shaft 111 of the housing 110. Specifically, the rotating shaft 111 of the housing 110 may be connected to a portion between one side and the other side of the pedal unit 170, and the pedal unit 170 may pivot about the rotating shaft 111 of the housing 110. Here, the portion may be the connecting portion 175, for example, a hole. The connecting portion 175 may be directly connected to the rotating shaft 111 of the housing 110 or may be indirectly connected to the rotating shaft 111 of the housing 110 through additional components.

[0038] An elastic member receiving portion 177 described below, which contacts the other side of the elastic member 190, may be formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170.

[0039] The elastic member receiving portion 177 may be formed on a surface forming the other side of the pedal unit 170. The elastic member receiving portion 177 may be formed in a shape including a recess or a protrusion to enable the other side of the elastic member 190 to be fixed (attached). Additional components may also be provided that can fix the other side of the elastic member 190.

[0040] The cam 130 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 110.

[0041] Fig. 4 is a view showing the cam 130 of Fig. 2 shows.

[0042] With reference to Fig. 4, the cam 130 may include: one surface on which a roller unit 151 of the pedal force generating unit 150 described below moves, and the other surface connected to the inner surface of the housing 110.

[0043] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, one surface and the other surface of the cam 130 may be formed as a flat surface or may be formed as a curved or stepped surface.

[0044] A roller 151-1 of the roller unit 151 passes the one surface of the cam 130 while rotating by the pivoting of the pedal unit 170, so that the pedal force can be generated differently according to the shape of the one surface of the cam 130.

[0045] By varying the shape of the cam 130 formed on one surface of the cam 130, the pedal force can be easily generated in various patterns according to a working distance of the roller 151-1 of the roller unit 151. The shape of the one surface of the cam 130 shown in FIG. 1 is only an example. The one surface of the cam 130 can be formed in various shapes according to the required pedal force patterns.

[0046] Since the other surface of the cam 130 is coupled to the inner surface of the housing 110, the other surface of the cam 130 can be formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the housing 110. In particular, as long as the inner surface of the housing 110 on which the cam 130 is arranged is a curved or stepped surface, the cam 130 can be formed in a shape corresponding thereto.

[0047] The pedal force generating unit 150 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention can move along one surface of the cam 130 by the pivoting of the pedal unit 170 and can include the roller unit 151 and a spring 153. Specifically, the roller unit 151 can move along one surface of the cam 130 by the pivoting of the pedal unit 170, and the spring 153 can be coupled to the roller unit 151.

[0048] The roller unit 151 may include the roller 151-1 and a roller support 151-3 that supports the roller 151-1. The roller 151-1 and the roller support 151-3 may be manufactured separately and coupled to each other.

[0049] The roller 151-1 can move along one surface of the cam 130 by pivoting the pedal unit 170.

[0050] The roller 151-1 is formed in the shape of a rotating cylinder and can reduce movement resistance by converting sliding friction into rolling friction. The roller 151-1 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention comprises a roller commonly used on the market. The shape, material, and operating method of the roller 151-1 can be selected to suit the pedal force generator required by the user.

[0051] The roller 151-1 may be arranged on one side of the roller support 151-3 and the spring 153 may be arranged on the other side of the roller support 151-3.

[0052] In particular, the roller support 151-3 may have a fixing element, a supporting element and a coupling element.

[0053] The fixing member of the roller support 151-3 may be connected to the central portion of the roller 151-1 so that the roller 151-1, which is arranged on one side of the roller support 151-3, can rotate. The support member may support the roller 151-1, and one side of the support member may be connected to the fixing member. The coupling member may be connected to the other side of the support member and may be coupled to the spring 153 described below, which is arranged on the other side of the roller support 151-3. The fixing member, the support member, and the coupling member may be formed integrally with each other or may be manufactured and coupled separately.

[0054] The spring 153 absorbs or accumulates energy using elastic deformation of an object and acts as a buffer, etc. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a typical spring can be used. A variety of elastic objects or elastic devices other than the spring 153 can also be used.

[0055] The spring 153 can be arranged on the other side of the roller support 151-3, that is, below the roller support 151-3. In particular, the spring 153 can be arranged on the coupling element connected to the other side of the support element of the roller support 151-3. The spring 153 can also be arranged in the receiving recess 173 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170.

[0056] When the roller 151-1 of the roller unit 151 moves by rotating along a surface of the cam 130, the length of the spring 153 may change, and the change in the length of the spring 153 may generate an elastic force (pedal force).

[0057] By varying the shape of one surface of the cam 130, the length of the spring 153 can be varied in various ways by moving the roller 151-1 along one surface of the cam 130. Accordingly, the pedal forces desired by the user can be obtained in various ways. In other words, by varying the shape of one surface of the cam 130, the pedal force desired by the user can be obtained in various ways.

[0058] A portion of the pedal force generating unit 150 may be disposed in the receiving recess 173 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a portion of the roller support 151-3 and / or a portion of the spring 153 may be disposed in the receiving recess 173. This is shown in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 shown.

[0059] Fig. shows the first embodiment, which uses the pedal force generating unit 150 of Fig. 2 shows. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment showing the pedal force generating unit 150 of FIG. Fig. 7 shows a third embodiment which uses the pedal force generating unit 150 of Fig. 2 shows.

[0060] With reference to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, in the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, the pedal force generating unit 150 and the receiving recess 173 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170 may be formed and / or manufactured differently.

[0061] Fig. 5 shows that the roller 151-1 and a portion of the roller support 151-3 of the roller unit 151 are disposed outside the receiving recess 173 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170, and a part of the spring 153 is disposed inside the receiving recess 173 and a remaining part of the spring 153 is disposed outside the receiving recess 173. Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 show that a part of the roller support 151-3 and the spring 153 are arranged in the receiving recess 173 and a remaining part of the roller support 151-3 and the roller 151-1 are arranged outside the receiving recess 173.

[0062] As in Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, the arrangement relationship between the roller 151-1 and the spring 153 of the pedal force generating unit 150 and the shape of the receiving recess 173 which receives a part of the pedal force generating unit 150 can be formed differently according to the embodiment and is not limited to the Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 shown embodiments.

[0063] With reference to Fig. 2 to Fig. 7, the receiving recess 173, which receives a portion of the pedal force generating unit 150, is formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170. However, according to the first embodiment of the present invention, a housing (not shown) in which the receiving recess 173 is formed may be separately manufactured and coupled to the other side of the pedal unit 170.

[0064] As in Fig. 2 to Fig. 7, the receiving recess 173 may be formed integrally with the other side of the pedal unit 170. Alternatively, the housing with the receiving recess 173 formed therein and the other side of the pedal unit 170 may each be manufactured separately and then attached to each other in various ways.

[0065] If the housing having the receiving recess 173 in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit 150 is disposed is manufactured separately and coupled to the other side of the pedal unit 170, the housing may be made of the same material as that of the pedal unit 170. For example, if the pedal unit 170 is made of a metallic material including iron or an alloy including iron, the housing may also be made of the same material as that of the pedal unit 170.

[0066] The housing may be made of a different material than that of the pedal unit 170. For example, the pedal unit 170 may be made of a metallic material including iron or an alloy including iron, and the housing may be made of plastic, and vice versa. However, if the housing is made of plastic, the shape of the plastic, etc., must be considered to ensure durability against fatigue fractures due to repeated use of the pedal by the user.

[0067] The elastic member 190 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged between the inner surface of the housing 110 and the other side of the pedal unit 170 to apply an elastic force to the pedal unit 170.

[0068] Fig. Fig. 8 is a view showing an embodiment in which the position of the elastic member 190 in the pedal force generator of Fig. 1 is changed.

[0069] Referring to the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown pedal force generator and the one in Fig. 8, the elastic element 190 can be arranged at various locations within the housing 110. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 190 can be arranged outside the housing 110.

[0070] One side of the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 110, and the other side of the elastic member 190 may be in contact with the other side of the pedal unit 170. Specifically, the other side of the elastic member 190 may be disposed in the elastic member receiving portion 177 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 170.

[0071] The elastic member receiving portion 177 may be formed on a surface forming the other side of the pedal unit 170, or it may be formed in a shape including a recess or protrusion to allow the other side of the elastic member 190 to be fixed (attached). Additional components that can fix the other side of the elastic member 190 may also be provided.

[0072] In contrast, one side of the Fig. 8, another inner surface of the housing 110, and the other side of the elastic member 190 may contact a surface of the pedal unit 170. The one surface of the pedal unit 170 that contacts the other side of the elastic member 190 may be formed in the form of a recess or in the form of a projection to enable the other side of the elastic member 190 to be fixed (attached). Furthermore, additional components may be provided that can fix the other side of the elastic member 190. The Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 shown elastic element 190 and the Fig. 8 in are arranged at positions opposite to each other with respect to the pedal unit 170.

[0073] According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the other side of the Fig. 8 may be in contact with a surface of the other side of the pedal unit 170 arranged between the rotary shaft 111 and the roller unit 151.

[0074] The elastic member 190 absorbs or accumulates energy using elastic deformation of an object and acts as a buffer, etc. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, a typical spring can be used. Various elastic objects or elastic devices other than the spring can also be used.

[0075] When the user pivots the pedal unit by applying a force to the pedal pad 171, the elastic member 190 can return the pedal unit, which has been pivoted by an angle within a predetermined range, to its original position.

[0076] Fig. 9 is a conceptual view showing an example in which the positions of the cam 130 and the pedal force generating unit 150 are changed in the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0077] Referring to Fig. 9, the cam 130, unlike the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention, which is shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 8 is shown, in which Fig. 9 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include: one surface on which the roller 151-1 moves while rotating, and the other surface coupled to the pedal unit 170.

[0078] The Fig. The pedal unit 170 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 9 may include one side and the other side. The rotary shaft 111, which is connected to the housing 110 or formed integrally with the housing 110, is fixed between the one side and the other side of the pedal unit 170, so that the connecting portion 175 may be formed like a hole around which the pedal unit 170 can pivot.

[0079] The pedal pad 171, which is arranged (formed) on one side of the pedal unit 170, may be a portion on which a user's foot steps. The cam 130 may be formed or arranged on the other side of the pedal unit 170. The pedal unit 170 and the cam 130 may be formed integrally with each other, or they may be manufactured separately and attached to each other in various ways.

[0080] The positions of the cam 130 and the pedal force generating unit 150 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 8 were used in the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 9 are exchanged.

[0081] The purposes, structures, effects, etc. of the cam 130 and the pedal force generating unit 150 of the pedal force generator according to the Fig. 9 are the same as those of the cam 130 and the pedal force generating unit 150 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in Fig. 2 to Fig. 8 are shown.

[0082] Fig. 10 shows experimental data of a case where the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a clutch pedal. Fig. 11 shows experimental data of a case where the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is applied to a brake pedal.

[0083] Referring to Fig. 10 show data that is on the left side of Fig. 10, the shape of the cam 130F and, in particular, show the shape of a surface of the cam 130 on which the roller 151-1 moves during contact. The right side of Fig. The data shown in Figure 10 shows the pedal force when the roller 151-1 moves on the one surface of the cam 130 while contacting the one surface of the cam 130. This means that the clutch pedal force desired by the user can be obtained in various ways by changing the shape of the one surface of the cam 130 on which the roller 151-1 moves during contact.

[0084] Also referring to Fig. 11 show data that are on the left side of Fig. 10, the shape of the cam 130 and, in particular, show the shape of a surface of the cam 130 on which the roller 151-1 moves during contact. The shape shown on the right side of Fig. The data shown in Figure 10 shows the pedal force when the roller 151-1 moves on the one surface of the cam 130 while contacting the one surface of the cam 130. This means that the brake pedal force desired by the user can be obtained in various ways by changing the shape of the one surface of the cam 130 on which the roller 151-1 moves during contact. <Zweite Ausführungsform 300>

[0085] Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a pedal force generator according to a second embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 13 is an exploded perspective view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 12. Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal force generator of Fig. 12.

[0086] With reference to Fig. 12 to Fig. 14, the pedal force generator using a cam 330 according to the first embodiment of the present invention may include a housing 310, a pedal unit 370, the cam 330, a pedal force generating unit 350, and an elastic member 390. Below, each component will be described in detail. The same descriptions as those of the housing 110, the pedal unit 170, the cam 130, the pedal force generating unit 150, and the elastic member 190 constituting the above-described pedal force generator using the cam 130 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be omitted.

[0087] The housing 310 of the pedal force generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention forms the exterior of the pedal force generator.

[0088] A rotary shaft 111 may be disposed within the housing 310. The pedal unit 370 described below may be connected (attached) to the rotary shaft 311. The pedal unit 370 is connected to the rotary shaft 311 of the housing 310 and can pivot about the rotary shaft 311. The rotary shaft 311 may be formed integrally with the housing 310 or may be manufactured separately and coupled to the housing 310.

[0089] The pedal unit 370 of the pedal force generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention generally refers to a portion on which a user's foot steps.

[0090] The pedal unit 370 generally refers to a pedal manufactured in various shapes and used in vehicles. The pedal unit 370 according to the embodiment of the present invention may include a pedal pad 371 and a receiving hole 373.

[0091] The pedal unit 370 may include one side and the other side. One side of the pedal unit 370 may include the pedal pad 371 and the receiving hole 373 described below, in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit 350 is disposed.

[0092] The pedal pad 371 is arranged on one side of the pedal unit 370 and is depressed by a user's foot. The pedal pad 371 can be formed in various shapes to allow the user's foot to be comfortably placed thereon.

[0093] The receiving hole 373 may be disposed on one side of the pedal unit 370, and a portion of the pedal force generating unit 350 may be disposed in the receiving hole 373. Specifically, the receiving hole 373 may be formed on a surface that forms one side of the pedal unit 370, or it may be formed on a surface between one side and the other side of the pedal unit 370.

[0094] The cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole 373 may be formed to correspond to the outer side of a receiving portion 355 of the pedal force generating unit 350 to be inserted into the receiving hole 373. However, the cross section of the receiving hole 373 is not limited thereto and may have various shapes.

[0095] The pedal unit 370 may have a connecting portion 375, such as a hole, that can be connected to the rotating shaft 311 of the housing 310. Specifically, the rotating shaft 311 of the housing 310 may be connected to a portion between one side and the other side of the pedal unit 370, and the pedal unit 370 may pivot about the rotating shaft 311 of the housing 310. Here, the portion may be the connecting portion 375, such as a hole. The connecting portion 375 may be directly connected to the rotating shaft 311 of the housing 310, or it may be indirectly connected to the rotating shaft 311 of the housing 310 through additional components.

[0096] The receiving hole 373 may pass from a surface forming one side of the pedal unit 370 or a surface between one side and the other side of the pedal unit 370 to the connecting portion 375.

[0097] The pedal unit 370 may further include a bushing member 380 connected to the rotary shaft 311.

[0098] The bushing element 380 can be made of various materials. For example, the bushing element 380 can be made of an elastic rubber material, an elastic plastic, or a metallic material with low elasticity.

[0099] The bushing member 380 can be inserted into the connecting portion 375 like the hole of the pedal unit 370 and fixed to the rotary shaft 311.

[0100] The bushing member 380 can come into contact with the receiving portion 355 of the pedal force generating unit 350 and, in particular, can generate the pedal force by contacting one side of the receiving portion 355.

[0101] The shape of the bushing member 380 is not specifically defined. The bushing member 380 can be formed in various shapes that can generate the pedal force through contact with the receiving portion 355.

[0102] A projection may be formed on both sides of the socket element 380. A connecting element 381 may be arranged on each of the projections.

[0103] A hole may be formed in the central portion of the sleeve member 380 and in the central portion of the connecting member 381, which are located on both sides of the sleeve member 380. The rotary shaft 311 may be arranged to be inserted into the hole.

[0104] When the user applies force to the pedal pad 371, the pedal unit 370 can pivot about the rotary shaft 311 at a predetermined angle, and the pedal force generating unit 350 can move along a surface of the cam 330 by pivoting the pedal unit 370. One side of the receiving portion 355 of the pedal force generating unit 350 is in contact with the bushing member 380, and the receiving portion 355 transmits an elastic force generated in a spring 353 by the movement of a roller unit 351 of the pedal force generating unit 350 on one surface of the cam 330 to the bushing member 380, allowing the pedal force to be generated.

[0105] An elastic member receiving portion 377 described below, which contacts the other side of the elastic member 390, may be formed on the other side of the pedal unit 370.

[0106] The elastic member receiving portion 377 may be formed on a surface forming the other side of the pedal unit 370. The elastic member receiving portion 377 may be formed in a shape including a recess or a protrusion to enable the other side of the elastic member 390 to be fixed (attached). Additional components that can fix the other side of the elastic member 390 may also be provided.

[0107] The cam 330 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention may be arranged on the inner surface of the housing 310.

[0108] The cam 330 may include one surface on which the roller unit 351 of the pedal force generating unit 350 described below moves, and the other surface coupled to the inner surface of the housing 310.

[0109] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, one surface and the other surface of the cam 330 may be formed as a flat surface or may be formed as a curved or stepped surface.

[0110] A roller 351-1 of the roller unit 351 passes the one surface of the cam 330 while rotating by the pivoting of the pedal unit 370, so that the pedal force can be generated differently according to the shape of the one surface of the cam 330.

[0111] By varying the shape of the profile of the cam 330 formed on one surface of the cam 330, the pedal force can be easily generated in various patterns according to a working distance of the roller 351-1 of the roller unit 351. The shape of the one surface of the cam 330 can be formed in various shapes according to the required pedal force patterns.

[0112] Since the other surface of the cam 330 is coupled to the inner surface of the housing 310, the other surface of the cam 330 can be formed in a shape that corresponds to the inner surface of the housing 310. In particular, as long as the inner surface of the housing 310 on which the cam 330 is arranged is a curved or stepped surface, the cam 330 can be formed in a shape that matches it.

[0113] The pedal force generating unit 350 of the pedal force generator according to the second embodiment of the present invention can move by pivoting the pedal unit 370 and along one surface of the cam 330, and can include the roller unit 351, the spring 353, and the receiving portion 355. Specifically, the roller unit 351 can move along one surface of the cam 330 by pivoting the pedal unit 370, and the spring 353 can be coupled to the roller unit 351. The receiving portion 355 can also accommodate the spring 353.

[0114] The roller unit 351 may include the roller 351-1 and a roller support 351-3 that supports the roller 351-1. The roller 351-1 and the roller support 351-3 may be manufactured separately and coupled to each other.

[0115] The roller 351-1 can move along one surface of the cam 330 by pivoting the pedal unit 370.

[0116] The roller 351-1 may be arranged on one side of the roller support 351-3 and the spring 353 may be arranged on the other side of the roller support 351-3.

[0117] Specifically, the roller support 351-3 may include a fixing member, a supporting member, and a coupling member. The fixing member may be connected to the central portion of the roller 351-1 so that the roller 351-1 disposed on one side of the roller support 351-3 can rotate. The supporting member may support the roller 351-1, and one side of the supporting member may be connected to the fixing member. The coupling member may be connected to the other side of the supporting member and may be coupled to the spring 353 described below, which is disposed on the other side of the roller support 351-3. The fixing member, the supporting member, and the coupling member may be formed integrally with each other or may be manufactured and coupled separately.

[0118] The spring 353 may be arranged on the other side of the roller support 351-3, that is, below the roller support 351-3. In particular, the spring 353 may be arranged on the coupling element connected to the other side of the support element of the roller support 351-3. The spring 353 may also be arranged to be received in the receiving portion 355.

[0119] When the roller 351-1 moves by rotating along a surface of the cam 330, the length of the spring 353 may change, and the change in length of the spring 353 may generate an elastic force (pedal force).

[0120] The receiving portion 355 may be disposed in the receiving hole 373 of the pedal unit 370. One side of the receiving portion 355 may come into contact with the bushing member 380.

[0121] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the receiving portion 355 may include a recess that may receive a portion of the roller support 351-3 and either the spring 353 or a portion of the spring 353. In particular, the recess may receive a portion of the coupling element and / or the support element of the roller support 351-3 and may receive all or a portion of the spring 353.

[0122] The cross-sectional shape of the outer side of the receiving portion 355 may correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole 373 because the receiving portion 355 is disposed in the receiving hole 373 of the pedal unit 370. However, the receiving portion 355 contacts the bushing member 380 within the receiving hole 373 and transmits the elastic force of the spring 353 disposed in the receiving portion 355 to the bushing member 380, thereby generating the pedal force. As long as the receiving portion 355 can perform the above-described function, the cross-sectional shape of the receiving portion 355 may not correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole 373.

[0123] Fig. 15 is a view showing a principle for generating the pedal force in the pedal force generator of Fig. 12 shows.

[0124] Referring to Fig. 15, when the user applies force to the pedal pad 371, the pedal unit 370 can pivot about the rotary shaft 311 by a predetermined angle, and the roller 351-1 can move along one surface of the cam 330 by pivoting the pedal unit 370. One side of the receiving portion 355 is in contact with the bushing member 380, and the length of the spring 353 changes due to the movement of the roller 351-1 on one surface of the cam 330, whereupon the change in the length of the spring 353 generates an elastic force. The receiving portion 355 transmits the elastic force to the bushing member 380, so that the pedal force can be generated.

[0125] The elastic member 390 of the pedal force generator according to the first embodiment of the present invention is arranged between the inner surface of the housing 310 and the other side of the pedal unit 370 to exert an elastic force on the pedal unit 370.

[0126] The elastic member 390 absorbs or accumulates energy using elastic deformation of an object and acts as a buffer, etc. According to the second embodiment of the present invention, a typical spring can be used. Various elastic objects or elastic devices other than the spring can also be used.

[0127] When the user pivots the pedal unit by applying a force to the pedal pad 171, the elastic member 190 can return the pedal unit pivoted by an angle within a predetermined range to its original position.

[0128] According to the second embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 390 can be arranged at various locations within the housing 310. According to the first embodiment of the present invention, the elastic element 390 can be arranged outside the housing 310.

[0129] One side of the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 may be in contact with the inner surface of the housing 310, and the other side of the elastic member 390 may be in contact with the other side of the pedal unit 370. Specifically, the other side of the elastic member 390 may be disposed in the elastic member receiving portion 377 formed on the other side of the pedal unit 370.

[0130] The elastic member receiving portion 377 may be formed on a surface forming the other side of the pedal unit 370, or it may be formed in a shape including a recess or protrusion to allow the other side of the elastic member 390 to be fixed (attached). Additional components that can fix the other side of the elastic member 390 may also be provided.

[0131] In the pedal force generators using the cam according to the embodiments of the present invention, by varying the shape of the one surface of the cam that comes into contact with the roller, it is possible to adjust the pedal force of various pedals commonly used in a vehicle, such as an accelerator pedal, a clutch pedal, and a brake pedal, to the pedal force desired by the user.

[0132] Also, in the pedal force generators using the cam according to the embodiments of the present invention, the pedal force can be freely varied depending on the shape of the cam. Since the pedal force generator has a simple structure and excellent durability, its production cost can be reduced.

[0133] The features, structures, effects, and the like described in the embodiments are included in at least one embodiment of the present invention and are not necessarily limited to one embodiment. Furthermore, the features, structures, effects, and the like provided in each embodiment may be combined or modified in other embodiments by those skilled in the art to which the embodiments pertain. Therefore, contents related to the combination and modification should be considered to be included within the scope of the present invention.

[0134] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, these are only examples and do not limit the present invention. The present invention can further be changed and modified in various ways by those skilled in the art without departing from the essential features of the present invention. For example, the components described in detail in the embodiments of the present invention can be modified. Furthermore, differences due to modification and application should be understood to be included within the scope and spirit of the present invention described in the appended claims.

Claims

[1] Pedal force generator comprising: a housing (110) comprising a rotary shaft (111) disposed therein; a cam (130) mounted on an inner surface of the housing (110); a pedal force generating unit (150) moving along a surface of the cam (130); a pedal unit (170) comprising a pedal pad (171) arranged on one side thereof and a receiving recess (173) in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit (150) is arranged on the other side thereof, a portion between one side and the other side, which is connected to the rotary shaft (111) of the housing (110) and is pivotable about the rotary shaft (111); and an elastic member (190) arranged between the inner surface of the housing (110) and the other side of the pedal unit (170) for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit (170), wherein the cam (130) has a surface on which a roller unit (151) of the pedal force generating unit (150) moves, and another surface is formed in a shape corresponding to the inner surface of the housing (110), wherein one surface and the other surface of the cam (130) are formed as a flat surface or as a curved or stepped surface, wherein the pedal force generating unit (150) comprises the roller unit (151) which moves by pivoting the pedal unit (170) along a surface of the cam (130) such that a pedal force can be generated differently according to the shape of one surface of the cam (130), wherein the pedal force generating unit (150) further comprises a spring (153) coupled to the roller unit (151), wherein the roller unit (151) comprises a roller (151-1) moving along one surface of the cam (130) and a roller support (151-3) supporting the roller (151-1), and wherein the spring (153) is arranged below the roller support (151-3), wherein a cross-sectional shape of the receiving recess (173) is formed such that it corresponds to that of the pedal force generating unit (150) to be inserted into the receiving recess (173), wherein a portion of the roller support (151-3) and / or a portion of the spring (153) is arranged in the receiving recess (173), and wherein one side of the elastic member (190) contacts the inner surface of the housing (110) and the other side of the elastic member (190) is fixed in a receiving portion of the elastic member (190) which is formed on the other side of the pedal unit (170) in the form of a recess or a projection. [2] The pedal force generator according to claim 1, wherein a length of the spring (153) changes by the movement of the roller unit (151) on the one surface of the cam (130), and the change in length of the spring (153) generates the pedal force. [3] Pedal force generator comprising: a housing (310) having a rotary shaft (311) disposed therein; a cam (330) disposed on an inner surface of the housing (310); a pedal force generating unit (350) moving along a surface of the cam (330); a pedal unit (370) comprising one side and the other side, the one side having a pedal pad (371) and a receiving hole (373) in which a portion of the pedal force generating unit (350) is arranged, a portion between the one side and the other side which is connected to the rotary shaft (311) of the housing (310) and is pivotable about the rotary shaft (311); and an elastic member (390) arranged between the inner surface of the housing (310) and the other side of the pedal unit (370) for applying an elastic force to the pedal unit (370), wherein the pedal force generating unit (350) comprises: a roller unit (351) that moves along a surface of the cam (330) by pivoting the pedal unit (370), a spring (353) coupled to the roller unit (351) and a receiving portion that receives the spring (353), wherein the roller unit (351) comprises a roller (351-1) that moves along one surface of the cam (330) and a roller support (351-3) that supports the roller (351-1), and wherein the spring (353) is arranged below the roller support (351-3), wherein the pedal unit (370) further comprises a bushing member formed of an elastic material and fixed to the rotary shaft (311), one side of the receiving portion contacting the bushing member within the receiving hole (373), and wherein, when the pedal unit (370) pivots about the rotary shaft (311), the receiving portion transmits an elastic force generated in the spring (353) due to its length change by the movement of the roller unit (351) on the one surface of the cam (330) to the bushing member so that the pedal force is generated. [4] The pedal force generator according to claim 3, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the receiving hole (373) is shaped to correspond to that of the exterior of a receiving portion of the pedal force generating unit (350) inserted into the receiving hole (373). [5] A pedal force generator according to claim 3, wherein one side of the elastic member (390) contacts the inner surface of the housing (310) and the other side of the elastic member (390) is fixed in an elastic member receiving portion (390) formed on the other side of the pedal unit (370) in the form of a recess or a projection.

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