PEDAL SIMULATOR AND PEDAL SIMULATOR SYSTEM

Abstract

A pedal simulator comprises the following: a pedal simulator piston configured to move in a linear direction based on a rider's pedal movement; a first stopper rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise, configured to provide tactile feedback from the pedal to the rider based on the rotation of the first stopper; a first damper arranged within the pedal simulator piston to be spaced from the first stopper by an air gap, configured to contract or expand based on movement in the linear direction; and a second stopper configured to be effectively coupled to the first stopper to cause the air gap to change based on the rotation of the first stopper, thereby changing the pedal's tactile feedback based on the change in the air gap.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED REGISTRATIONS

[0001] The present application claims the priority and benefit of Korean patent application No. 10-2020-0140159, filed on October 27, 2020, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety for all purposes in the present application as if set forth herein, and which in granted form bears the number KR 10-2352754 B1. BACKGROUND

[0002] The embodiments disclosed herein relate to a pedal simulator according to the preamble of claim 1 and a pedal simulator system. The pedal simulator can be adapted to the individual preferences of a driver. DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0003] Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional pedal simulator. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, a conventional pedal simulator 500 comprises: a backup piston 501 which is pushed forward and backward by the driver pressing down or releasing a pedal, e.g. a brake pedal; a backup spring 502; a pedal simulator piston 510 which is connected to the backup spring 502; a spring 512; a first damper 520 and a second damper 530; and a stopper 540.

[0004] When the driver presses down the pedal to activate the backup piston 501 (on the right side in Fig. 5) To move forward, the backup spring 502 is compressed. The compressed backup spring 502 pushes down the pedal simulator piston 510. The first damper 520, located inside the pedal simulator piston 510, is compressed by it.

[0005] As the pedal simulator piston 510 moves forward, the spring 512 is depressed and compressed. The pedal simulator piston 510 compresses the second damper 530, which is coupled to the stopper 540. The pedal simulator piston 510 continues to compress the second damper 530 and move forward until it reaches the stopper 540. The first damper 520 and the second damper 530 generate a reaction force in a direction opposite to the forward movement of the pedal simulator piston 510. The driver receives tactile feedback from the pedal, or a pedal feel, based on this reaction force.

[0006] Some riders prefer a heavier pedal feel, while others prefer a lighter one. The conventional Pedal Simulator 500 is designed from the factory so that the distance, i.e., the air gap, between the first damper 520 and the stopper 540 is constant, meaning the pedal feel cannot be adjusted to suit the rider's preferences. Therefore, it is not possible to modify the pedal feel with the conventional Pedal Simulator to match the rider's preferences. DE 11 2018 005 741 T5 discloses a pedal simulator with the features of the preamble of claim 1. Further pedal simulators are known from DE 10 2018 216 585 A1, DE 10 2016 222 562 A1, DE 10 2014 008 787 A1, DE 11 2011 103 226 T5, CN 106704418 A and JP H1148950.

[0007] The foregoing information disclosed in the “Background” section is provided only to facilitate a better understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that is not part of the prior art. OVERVIEW

[0008] Devices constructed according to different implementations / designs of the invention can give a driver the ability to adjust a pedal feel (e.g. light or heavy or medium) of a pedal simulator to suit the driver's individual preferences.

[0009] Further features of the inventive concept are set out in the following description and are partly evident from the description or can be learned through practical application of the inventive concept.

[0010] One or more embodiments provide a pedal simulator comprising: a pedal simulator piston configured to move in a linear direction based on a rider's pedal movement; a first stopper rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise and configured to provide tactile feedback of the pedal to the rider based on the rotation of the first stopper; a first damper arranged within the pedal simulator piston to be spaced apart from the first stopper by an air gap and configured to contract or expand based on the linear movement;and a second stopper designed to be effectively coupled with the first stopper to cause the air gap to change based on the rotation of the first stopper, with the tactile feedback of the pedal changing based on a change in the air gap.

[0011] According to at least one other embodiment, a pedal simulator system comprises a pedal configured to move based on a force applied by a driver. The pedal simulator system further comprises: a pedal simulator piston configured to move in a linear direction based on movement of the pedal caused by the force applied to the pedal by the driver; a first stopper rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise and configured to provide tactile feedback from the pedal to the driver based on the rotation of the first stopper; and a first damper arranged within the pedal simulator piston to be spaced from the first stopper by an air gap and configured to contract or expand based on movement in the linear direction.and a second stopper designed to be effectively coupled with the first stopper to cause the air gap to change based on the rotation of the first stopper, with the tactile feedback of the pedal changing based on a change in the air gap.

[0012] It is understood that both the preceding general description and the following detailed description are illustrative and explanatory and serve to further explain the claimed invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are included for further understanding of the invention and are incorporated into this specification and form part of it, show embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. Fig. Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment. Fig. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the pedal simulator from Fig. 1A in the assembled state. Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment. Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second stopper according to at least one embodiment. Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of a first stopper and a second stopper according to at least one embodiment before their assembly. Fig. Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a conventional pedal simulator. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXECUTION FORMS SHOWN

[0014] For illustrative purposes, numerous specific details are provided in the following description to facilitate a thorough understanding of various embodiments or implementations of the invention. The terms "embodiments" and "implementations" used herein are synonymous and are non-limiting examples of devices or methods that employ one or more of the inventive concepts disclosed herein. It is evident, however, that various embodiments are practically feasible without these specific details or with one or more equivalent arrangements. In other instances, known structures and devices are presented in block diagram form to avoid unnecessary ambiguity regarding different embodiments. Furthermore, different embodiments may differ but need not be mutually exclusive.For example, specific shapes, configurations and features of one embodiment can be used or implemented in another embodiment without departing from the inventive concepts.

[0015] Unless otherwise stated, the embodiments shown are to be understood as illustrating features with varying degrees of detail of some ways in which the concepts of the invention can be implemented in practice. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, the features, components, modules, layers, films, plates, areas and / or aspects, etc. (hereinafter referred to individually or collectively as "elements") of the various embodiments can be combined, separated, exchanged and / or rearranged differently without departing from the inventive concepts.

[0016] The use of cross-hatching and / or shading in the accompanying drawings generally serves to clarify boundaries between adjacent elements. As such, neither the presence nor the absence of cross-hatching or shading conveys or indicates any preference or requirement for specific materials, material properties, dimensions, proportions, commonalities between depicted elements, and / or any other characteristic, attribute, property, etc., of the elements, unless otherwise specified. If an embodiment can be implemented differently, a specific process sequence may be carried out differently from the sequence described. For example, two processes described sequentially may be carried out essentially simultaneously or in a sequence reversed to the one described. Furthermore, identical reference numerals denote identical elements.

[0017] When an element, such as a layer, is described as "on," "connected to," or "coupled with" another element or layer, it may be directly on top of, connected to, or coupled with that other element or layer, or there may be interposed elements or layers. However, when an element or layer is described as "directly on," "directly connected to," or "directly coupled with" another element or layer, there are no interposed elements or layers. Furthermore, the term "connected" can refer to physical, electrical, and / or fluidic connections, with or without interposed elements. Additionally, the D1, D2, and D3 axes are not limited to three axes of a rectangular coordinate system, like the X, Y, and Z axes, and can be interpreted more broadly.For example, the D1 axis, the D2 axis, and the D3 axis may be perpendicular to each other or may represent different directions that are not perpendicular to each other. For the purposes of this disclosure, “at least one of X, Y, and Z” and “at least one chosen from the group formed by X, Y, and Z” may be interpreted as only X, only Y, only Z, or any combination of two or more of X, Y, and Z, such as XYZ, XYY, YZ, and ZZ. In this case, the expression “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the aforementioned elements.

[0018] Although the terms "first," "second," etc., are used here to describe different types of elements, these elements should not be restricted by these expressions. These terms serve to distinguish one element from another. Thus, a first element discussed below can be referred to as a second element without departing from the framework of the doctrine of the present revelation.

[0019] Spatial reference words such as "below," "lower," "under," "deeper," "above," "upper," "above," "higher," "laterally" (e.g., as in "side wall") and the like can be used here for descriptive purposes and thus serve to describe the relationship of an element to one or more other elements as depicted in the drawings. In addition to the orientation shown in the drawings, spatial reference words should encompass different orientations of a device in use, operation, and / or manufacture. For example, if a device is inverted in the drawings, elements described as being "below" or "under" other elements or devices would then be arranged "above" the other elements or devices. Thus, the term "under" can encompass both an arrangement above and below an element or device.Furthermore, the device may also be oriented differently (for example, rotated by 90 degrees or have a different orientation) and thus the spatial reference descriptors used here must be interpreted accordingly.

[0020] The terminology used herein serves to describe certain embodiments and is not to be understood as restrictive. The singular forms "a" and "the" also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, the terms "possess," "possessing," "comprise," and / or "comprehensive," when used in the description, indicate the presence of specified devices, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more other devices, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.It should also be noted that the terms “essentially” and “approximately” or other similar expressions, when used herein, are used as expressions of approximation and not as expressions of degree, and are employed to take account of inherent variations in measured, calculated and / or provided values ​​which would be recognized by a person of expertise in the field.

[0021] Various embodiments are described herein with reference to sectional and / or exploded views, which are schematic representations of idealized embodiments and / or intermediate structures. Deviations from the shapes shown in the figures due to, for example, manufacturing processes and / or tolerances are therefore to be expected. Consequently, the embodiments disclosed herein should not necessarily be considered limited to the specific shapes of areas shown, but rather should be viewed as encompassing, for example, deviations in shape caused by the manufacturing process. In this way, the areas shown in the drawings may be schematic in nature, and the shapes of these areas may not reflect the actual shapes of areas of a device and, as such, should not necessarily be understood as limiting.

[0022] According to one or more embodiments, the features, functions, processes, etc., described herein can be implemented via software, hardware (e.g., general-purpose processor, digital signal processing (DSP) chip, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.), firmware, or a combination thereof. In this way, a display device and / or one or more components thereof can contain or be otherwise connected to one or more memories (not shown) containing code (e.g., instructions) configured to cause the display device and / or one or more components thereof to execute one or more of the features, functions, processes, etc., described herein.

[0023] Storage can be any medium involved in providing code to one or more software, hardware, and / or firmware components for execution. Such storage can be implemented in any suitable form, including, but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, image disks or magnetic disks. Volatile media include dynamic storage. Transmission media include coaxial cable, copper wire, and optical fibers. Transmission media can also take the form of acoustic, optical, or electromagnetic waves. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example,a floppy disk, a flexible disk, a hard disk, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic medium, a Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), a rewritable Compact Disk (CD-RW), a Digital Video Disk (DVD), a rewritable DVD (DVD-RW), any other optical medium, punched cards, punched tape, optical marker sheets, any other physical medium with hole patterns or other optically recognizable characters, a Random-Access Memory (RAM), a Programmable Read-Only Memory (PROM) and an Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), a FLASH EPROM, any other memory chip or memory cartridge, a carrier wave or any other medium from which information can be read, e.g., by a controller / processor.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning they would have for an average person skilled in the field to which this disclosure relates. Terms such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries are to be interpreted in a manner consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant field and are not to be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly stated herein.

[0025] The invention is described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the invention. However, the present invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not to be considered limited to the embodiments presented here. Rather, these embodiments are provided to ensure that this description is comprehensive and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the field. Identical reference numerals in the drawings denote identical elements.

[0026] A pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment has a stopper that is divided into a first stopper and a second stopper. The first stopper has a base surface formed with a rotatable projection, and the second stopper is designed to have base surfaces of different heights adapted to the projection of the first stopper. Such a design allows the rider to rotate the projection to change the tactile feedback of the pedal to suit the rider's preferences (e.g., light pedal feel, heavy pedal feel, or something in between).

[0027] Some embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following descriptions, the same reference numerals preferably denote the same element, even if the elements are shown in different drawings. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity and brevity, the following description of some embodiments omits a detailed description of known functions and configurations contained herein.

[0028] Furthermore, alphanumeric codes such as first, second, i), ii), (a), (b), etc., are used in the numbering of components solely to distinguish one component from another, and not to imply or suggest the substances, order, or sequence of the components. When a part in this description "contains" or "has" a component, this means that the part also includes, and does not exclude, other components, unless there is a specific description to the contrary.

[0029] Fig. Figure 1A shows an exploded view of a pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment and Fig. Figure 1B shows a perspective view of the pedal simulator in its assembled state.

[0030] As in the Fig. 1A and Fig. As shown in Figure 1B, a pedal simulator 100 according to at least one embodiment comprises all or some of the following: a pedal simulator piston 110, a spring 112, a first damper 120, a second damper 130, a first stopper 140 and a second stopper 150.

[0031] The pedal simulator piston 110 is connected to a brake pedal (not shown) via a clevis (not shown) which is linked to the manipulation of the brake pedal.

[0032] The pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward or backward when it receives the pedal travel transmitted by the clevis from the driver. For example, when the driver depresses the brake pedal, the pedal simulator piston 110 primarily moves forward, thereby compressing the spring 112.

[0033] The pedal simulator piston 100 is designed to move forward or backward in conjunction with the actuation of the brake pedal. The pedal simulator piston 110 can also be configured in various shapes so that it can move forward or backward while simultaneously moving and compressing the first damper 120 in contact with it.

[0034] The first damper consists of an elastic material, e.g., rubber, to contract and expand depending on the presence or absence of depression by the pedal simulator piston 100. According to other embodiments, the elastic material of the first damper 120 can also use other materials not limited to rubber, such as silicone, a sponge-like material, or the like.

[0035] The first damper 121 is arranged in the pedal simulator piston 110. More precisely, the first damper 120 has one end that is arranged to contact the inside of the pedal simulator piston 110, and the other end that is arranged to face the first stopper 140 in order to contact one end of it based on the movement in a linear direction of the pedal simulator piston 110.

[0036] Since the first damper 120 is in contact with the interior of the pedal simulator piston 110 at one end, the first damper 120 moves forward in response to the forward movement of the pedal simulator piston 110. In response to a further forward movement of the pedal simulator piston 110, the first damper 120 is in contact with the first stopper 140 and is subsequently compressed or expanded by the pedal simulator piston 110.

[0037] The first damper 120, which is depressed and compressed by the pedal simulator piston 110, forms a reaction force in a direction opposite to the direction of the force exerted by the pedal simulator piston 110. For example, when the pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward, the first damper 120 forms a reaction force while it is compressed.

[0038] The second damper 130 is coupled to the first stopper 140. More precisely, the second damper 130 is fitted into the left (i.e., distal) side of the first stopper 140.

[0039] As the pedal simulator body 110 moves forward, the spring 112 is compressed, and subsequently, the other end of the pedal simulator piston 110 contacts the second damper 130. With further forward movement of the pedal simulator body 110, its other end compresses the second damper 130. As with the first damper 120, the second damper 130 forms a reaction force in a direction opposite to the direction of the force exerted by the pedal simulator piston 110. As the pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward, the second damper 130 forms a reaction force while compressed.

[0040] The first stopper 140 has one side facing the pedal simulator piston 110, and the other side having a projection 142 (in Fig. 4 shown) and has an adjusting slot lever 144. The projection 142 and the adjusting slot lever 144 are coupled to each other in such a way that they rotate together.

[0041] In the pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment, the adjustment slot lever 144 is integrally formed with the projection 142 in order to rotate the projection 142 and thereby create variable engagements with the base surface of the second stopper 150. For example, a rotation of the adjustment slot lever 144 by 120 degrees clockwise causes the projection 142 to rotate by the same 120 degrees clockwise.

[0042] One end of the first stopper 140 is positioned so that it faces the other end of the first damper 120. The first stopper 140 prevents the first damper 120 from moving forward more than a predetermined distance when the pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward.

[0043] The second stopper 150 has a connecting hole 154 (in Fig. 4 shown). The connecting hole 154 is designed to have a predetermined shape, e.g. a circular shape, to allow the adjusting slot lever 144 to be received in it.

[0044] The second stopper 150 also has floor surfaces 152a, 152b and 152c (in Fig. 3 shown) with different heights, which are coupled with the lead of 142 of the first stopper 140.

[0045] The second stopper 150 is coupled to the first stopper 140. More precisely, the projection 142 is fitted into the base surfaces of the second stopper 150, and the adjusting slot lever 144 is fitted into the connecting hole 154 of the second stopper 150.

[0046] A rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144 rotates the first stopper 140 out of engagement with the second stopper 150. In response to the rotation of the first stopper 140, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with one section of the base surfaces of the second stopper 150 and into engagement with another section of the base surfaces of the second stopper 150.

[0047] The following describes how the pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment, as in Fig. 1B is mounted and connected to external components.

[0048] According to some embodiments, the pedal simulator is designed to be coupled uniformly with a backup brake cylinder (not shown), or it can be designed separately.

[0049] The first damper 120 is coupled to the inside of the pedal simulator piston 110. The first damper 120 is coupled in such a way that it contacts the inner left end of the pedal simulator piston 110 in order to move in accordance with it.

[0050] The spring 112 is coupled to the outer right end (distal end) of the pedal simulator piston 110. The spring 112 has one end that is in contact with the outer surface of the pedal simulator piston 110, and the other end that is in contact with the first stopper 140. One end of the first stopper 140 is inserted into the right end of the pedal simulator piston 110. The first damper 120 and one end of the first stopper 140 are separated by an air gap “a”. Fig. 2 spaced apart.

[0051] In the pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment, the air gap is a factor that determines the pedal feel of the pedal simulator. For example, if the air gap is large, the driver is provided with a relatively light pedal feel, and if the air gap is small, the driver is provided with a relatively heavy pedal feel. When the pedal simulator 100 is oriented longitudinally during operation, the air gap can increase or decrease based on a rise where the first stopper 140 is coupled to the bottom surfaces of the second stopper 150. The pedal feel, which is based on the difference in the air gap, is described by reference to Fig. 4 described in more detail.

[0052] The first stopper 140 is coupled to the second damper 130. The second damper 130 is coupled to the outer circumference of the first stopper 140 and contacts the other end of the pedal simulator piston 110 when the latter moves forward. If the pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward by more than a certain distance, the second damper 130 is compressed.

[0053] As described above, the other end of the first stopper 140 has the projection 142. The adjusting slot lever 144 is connected to the projection 142, with the projection 142 rotating by the angle through which the adjusting slot lever 144 is rotated.

[0054] The adjusting slot lever 144 is inserted into the connecting hole 154, which passes through the center of the second stopper 150. The height of the connecting hole 154 is shorter than the length of the adjusting slot lever 144. To allow the adjusting slot lever 144 to be inserted into the second stopper 150 and protrude outwards, its length is made longer than the height of the second stopper 150. When the first stopper 140 and the second stopper 150 are coupled together, the adjusting slot lever 144 passes through the second stopper 150 and protrudes outwards. The operator can then easily adjust the air gap by rotating the adjusting slot lever 144, which protrudes outwards.

[0055] The second stopper 150 has base surfaces of varying heights. The projection 142 is adapted to one of these base surfaces. By rotating the adjusting slot lever 144, different base surfaces of the second stopper 150 can be fitted with the projection 142. Since different base surfaces are fitted with the projection 142, the air gap between the first stopper 140 and the first damper 120 is adjusted.

[0056] Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a pedal simulator according to at least one embodiment.

[0057] As in Fig. As shown in section 2, the detailed description refers to the room in Fig. 2 at a represents the air gap, indicated by arrows, and the distance between the arrows represents the size of the air gap. For example, when the first stopper 140 moves to the right, it increases the gap between the first damper 120 and the first stopper 140, or increases the air gap.

[0058] The pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward in response to the driver depressing the brake pedal. The first damper 120 in the pedal simulator piston 110 moves forward in the direction of the first stopper 140 and is then compressed by the pedal simulator piston 110.

[0059] The second damper 130 prevents the first stopper 140 from being depressed by exerting a reaction force in the opposite direction to the depressing of the pedal simulator piston 110. The tactile feedback of the pedal to the rider is thus formed based on the reaction forces generated by the first damper 120 and the second damper 130.

[0060] The pedal simulator 100 according to at least one embodiment has an air gap which is variable in that the first stopper 140 moves forward or backward (right or left) based on the heights of the base surfaces of the second stopper 150. Fig. 2) can move.

[0061] With a smaller air gap setting, the driver experiences a relatively heavy pedal feel, while with a larger air gap, the driver experiences a relatively light pedal feel. With a smaller air gap, the first damper 120 and the first stopper 140 make contact with each other even when the driver depresses the brake pedal relatively lightly. Conversely, with a larger air gap, the first damper 120 and the first stopper 140 only make contact when the driver depresses the brake pedal relatively hard.

[0062] Therefore, according to at least one embodiment, the pedal simulator 100 can adjust the size of the air gap by moving the first stopper 140 forward or backward, thereby variably adjusting the tactile feedback of the pedal to the driver.

[0063] In the conventional pedal simulator 500, the air gap is constant because the position of the stopper 540 (in Fig. (5 shown) is fixed. In other words, the pedal feel cannot be adjusted. On the other hand, according to at least one embodiment, the pedal simulator 100 provides two separate elements of the first stopper 140 and the second stopper 150 instead of the stopper 540, the second stopper 150 being provided with base surfaces of different heights.

[0064] The lead is 142 (in Fig. 4 shown), which is connected to the adjusting slot lever 144, rotates in response to a rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144 of the first stopper 140, thereby fitting the projection 142 into one of the different heights of the bottom surfaces of the second stopper 150.

[0065] On a higher base of the second stopper 150, the first stopper 140 is moved backward (to the left) to reduce the air gap, resulting in relatively little tactile feedback from the pedal to the rider. Conversely, on a lower base of the second stopper 150, the first stopper 140 is moved forward (to the right) to increase the air gap, resulting in relatively little tactile feedback from the pedal to the rider.

[0066] Therefore, according to at least one embodiment, the pedal simulator 100 allows the tactile feedback of the pedal to be adjusted to suit the driver's preferences. For example, turning the adjustment slot lever 144 clockwise makes the pedal feel relatively heavy, and turning the adjustment slot lever 144 counterclockwise makes the pedal feel relatively light.

[0067] Other embodiments are conceivable, since other configurations may have a pedal simulator in which a rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144 counterclockwise results in a lighter pedal feel and a rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144 clockwise results in a heavier pedal feel.

[0068] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of a second stopper according to at least one embodiment.

[0069] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the second stopper 150, according to at least one embodiment, has base surfaces 152a, 152b, and 152c with different heights. The base surfaces are each designated as a first base surface 152a, a second base surface 152b, and a third base surface 152c. Based on the heights of the base surfaces, the first base surface 152a is the highest and the third base surface 152c is the lowest.

[0070] The base surfaces are each designed to pass through the center of the connecting hole 154. For example, the first base surface 152a passes through the center of the connecting hole 154, as do the second base surface 152b and the third base surface 152c. Therefore, each base surface maintains a constant height above the connecting hole 154 in order to engage with the projection 142 that is to be fitted into it.

[0071] Furthermore, the base surfaces are each formed symmetrically around the connecting hole 154. For example, the second base surface 152b is formed from the first base surface 152a at a position rotated 60 degrees clockwise, and the third base surface 152b is formed from the second base surface 152b at a position rotated 60 degrees clockwise.

[0072] The second stopper 150 according to at least one embodiment has three base surfaces 152a, 152b and 152c with different heights, with different base surfaces formed every 60 degrees.

[0073] Other embodiments are also conceivable; for example, in addition to the second stopper 150 with the three base surfaces of different heights, the pedal simulator could have a second stopper with at least two or more base surfaces. For instance, a second embodiment could have a second stopper with four different base surfaces, and a third embodiment could have a second stopper with five different base surfaces.

[0074] One of the many floor surfaces is adapted to the projection 142, which is attached to the lower end of the first stopper 140.

[0075] In the factory setting of the pedal simulator, the projection 142 is aligned with the first floor surface 152a. The driver can then change the floor surface into which the projection 142 is inserted by rotating the adjustment slot lever 144. For example, if the driver rotates the adjustment slot lever 144 by 60 degrees, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the first floor surface 152a to be fitted into the second floor surface 152b.

[0076] The adjusting slot lever 144 is inserted into the connecting hole 154. The connecting hole 154 is designed in a predetermined shape, e.g., a circular shape, in which the adjusting slot lever 144 is rotatably inserted.

[0077] The connecting hole 154 is preferably designed to have a similar diameter to the adjusting slot lever 144, so that they do not separate after assembly. The adjusting slot lever 144 is also shaped so that it is rotatable once inserted into the connecting hole 154.

[0078] Fig. Figure 4 shows an illustration of the first stopper and the second stopper according to at least one embodiment before assembly.

[0079] In Fig. Figure 4 shows the first stopper 140 on the left and the second stopper 150 on the right. The arrow indicates that the projection 142 is designed to rotate together with the adjusting slot lever 144.

[0080] The projection 142 is formed on the base surface of the first stopper 140. More precisely, the adjusting slot lever 144 is formed centrally at the other end of the first stopper 140, and the projection 142 is formed symmetrically peripherally at the other end of the first stopper 140.

[0081] The projection 142 corresponds at least partially to the shape of the floor surfaces 152a, 152b and 152c ( Fig. 3) of the second stopper 150 at different heights, so that the lead 142 can engage with one of the ground surfaces.

[0082] The adjusting slot lever 144, which is connected to the projection 142, is designed in a circular shape so that it can rotate. The adjusting slot lever 144 is further formed on a projection so that it can be inserted into the second stopper 150.

[0083] The first stopper 140 is aligned with the second stopper 150 on their common axis in order to couple with the second stopper 150. The adjusting slot lever 144 is inserted into the connecting hole 154 along the common axis.

[0084] The adjusting slot lever 144, which corresponds to the shape of the connecting hole 154, is inserted into the latter and coupled to the second stopper 150. More precisely, the adjusting slot lever 144 is positively connected to the connecting hole 154.

[0085] The adjusting slot lever 144 protrudes outwards as soon as it is coupled to the second stopper 150. The protruding adjusting slot lever 144 can rotate clockwise or counterclockwise. In response to the rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144, the projection 142 changes its engagement with the second stopper 150 between its different base surfaces.

[0086] Since the base surfaces of the second stopper are designed to have different heights, the first stopper 140 can move forward or backward based on the height of the base surface to which the projection 142 is coupled.

[0087] By designing the first stopper 140 to move back and forth, the driver can turn the adjusting slot lever 144 and thereby change the air gap between the first damper 120 and the first stopper 140.

[0088] On the other hand, the base surfaces 152a, 152b, and 152c, with different heights of the second stopper 150, are shaped such that the projection 142 can be fitted into them. For example, if the projection 142 has a rectangular shape, the base surfaces 152, 152b, and 152c, with their different heights, also have the corresponding rectangular shape. Therefore, when the adjusting slot lever 144 is rotated by a predetermined angle, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with one of the base surfaces of the second stopper 150 and engages again with the second stopper 150 on the adjacent base surface.

[0089] When the driver rotates the adjusting slot lever 144 by 60 degrees clockwise with the projection 142 fitted into the first floor surface 152a, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the first floor surface 152a and engages again with the second floor surface 152b. In response to a further 60-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever 144 by the driver, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the second floor surface 152b and engages again with the third floor surface 152c.

[0090] However, if the adjusting slot lever 144 is turned counterclockwise, the sequence of movement in engagement with the floor surfaces is reversed. For example, if the driver turns the adjusting slot lever 144 60 degrees counterclockwise with the projection 142 fitted into the first floor surface 152a, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the first floor surface 152a and is brought back into engagement with the third floor surface 152c.

[0091] Other embodiments are also conceivable, whereby in other embodiments the second stopper 150 may be provided with four, five or another number of base surfaces with different heights.

[0092] In the second embodiment, the second stopper has four base surfaces with different heights (not shown). The base surfaces of the second embodiment are each referred to as a first base surface, a second base surface, a third base surface, and a fourth base surface.

[0093] If the second stopper 150 has four floor surfaces with different heights, the driver can turn the adjusting slot lever 144 by 45 degrees and thereby switch between the adjacent floor surfaces from one height to another height at which the first stopper engages with the second stopper 150.

[0094] For example, if the driver rotates the adjusting slot lever 144 by 45 degrees clockwise with the projection 142 engaged in the first floor surface, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the first floor surface and engages in the second floor surface. If the driver rotates the adjusting slot lever 144 another 45 degrees clockwise, the projection is separated from the second floor surface and engaged in the third floor surface. If the driver rotates the adjusting slot lever 144 a further 45 degrees clockwise, the projection is separated from the third floor surface and engaged in the fourth floor surface.

[0095] On the other hand, the second embodiment, like the first embodiment, also reverses the sequence in which the floor surface is moved when the adjusting slot lever 144 is turned counterclockwise. For example, if the driver turns the adjusting slot lever 144 45 degrees counterclockwise with the projection 142 fitted into the first floor surface, the projection 142 moves out of engagement with the first floor surface and engages with the fourth floor surface.

[0096] In the third embodiment, the second stopper 150 has five base surfaces of different heights. With the second stopper 150 having five base surfaces, the driver can rotate the adjusting slot lever 144 by 36 degrees, thereby changing the height of the base surface into which the first stopper is fitted.

[0097] As described above, according to at least one embodiment, the base surface of the first stopper is designed with the rotatable projection, and the second stopper is designed such that its base surfaces have different heights adapted to the projection of the first stopper. The rider can then rotate the projection to adjust the tactile feedback of the pedal to the rider's preferences.

[0098] Although certain embodiments and implementations have been disclosed for illustrative purposes, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, additions, and substitutions are possible without deviating from the idea or scope of the claimed invention. Therefore, embodiments have been described for the sake of brevity and clarity. The scope of the technical idea of ​​the present embodiment is not limited by the illustrations. Accordingly, a person skilled in the art would understand that the scope of the claimed invention is to be limited not by the embodiments explicitly described above, but by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

[1] Pedal simulator (100) which features: a pedal simulator piston (110) designed to move in a linear direction based on a pedal movement of a driver; a first stopper (140) that is rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise and is designed to provide tactile feedback from the pedal to the rider based on a rotation of the first stopper (140); and a first damper (120), characterized by , that the first damper (120) is arranged in the pedal simulator piston (110) to be spaced apart from the first stopper (140) by an air gap (a), and is designed to contract or expand based on a movement in the linear direction; and further comprising a second stopper (150) configured to be effectively coupled to the first stopper (140) to cause the air gap (a) to change based on the rotation of the first stopper (140), the tactile feedback of the pedal changes based on a change in the air gap (a). [2] Pedal simulator according to claim 1, wherein the first stopper (140) comprises: a lead (142) formed at one end of the first stopper (140), and an adjusting slot lever (144) designed to be connected to and rotate with the projection (142), where the second stopper (150) has: Ground surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with a variety of different heights, and wherein the second stopper (150) is designed to be coupled to the first stopper (140) so that the bottom surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) are displaced based on a rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144). [3] Pedal simulator according to claim 1, further comprising: a second damper (130) coupled to the first stopper (140) to face the pedal simulator piston (110) and designed to contract or expand based on movement in the linear direction. [4] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the air gap (a) is designed to vary based on which of the plurality of different heights of the floor surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) the projection (142) engages. [5] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the second stopper has a connecting hole (154), and wherein an adjustment slot lever (144) is inserted into the connecting hole (154) and coupled to it in such a way that the adjustment slot lever (144) is rotatable in the connecting hole (154). [6] Pedal simulator according to claim 3, wherein the second damper (130) is force-fit connected to the first stopper (140) and is designed to generate a reaction force against the driver in response to a forward movement of the pedal simulator piston (110) and thereby provide the driver with tactile feedback of the pedal. [7] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the air gap (a) is designed such that it increases in response to a clockwise rotation of the adjustment slot lever (144) and decreases in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the adjustment slot lever (144). [8] Pedal simulator according to claim 7, wherein the bottom surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) of the second stopper (150) have a plurality of different heights: a first floor area (152a), a second floor area (152b) and a third floor area (152c). [9] Pedal simulator according to claim 8, wherein the first floor surface (152a) has a height which is the lowest of the floor surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with different heights, the second floor surface (152b) has a height that is higher than the first floor surface (152a) and lower than the third floor surface (152c), and the third floor surface (152c) has a height that is the greatest among the floor surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with the multitude of different heights. [10] Pedal simulator according to claim 9, wherein the projection (142) of the first stopper (140) is designed such that as a reaction to a 60-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) it moves out of engagement with the first base surface (152a) and engages with the second base surface (152b), as a reaction to a further 60-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) it moves out of engagement with the second base surface (152b) and engages with the third base surface (152c), and as a reaction to yet another 60-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) it moves out of engagement with the third base surface (152c) and engages again with the first base surface (152a). [11] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the base surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) of the second stopper (150) with the multitude of different heights has a first base surface (152a), a second base surface (152b), a third base surface (152c) and a fourth base surface, and wherein the air gap (a) is designed such that it increases in response to a clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) and decreases in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144). [12] Pedal simulator according to claim 11, wherein the projection (142) of the first stopper (140) is designed such that as a reaction to a 45-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144), it moves out of engagement with the first base surface (152a) and engages with the second base surface (152b), as a reaction to a further 45-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the second base surface (152b) and engages with the third base surface (152c), as a reaction to a further 45-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the third base surface (152c) and engages with the fourth base surface, and as a reaction to a further 45-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the fourth base surface and engages again with the first base surface (152a). [13] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the base surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) of the second stopper (150) with the multitude of different heights have a first base surface (152a), a second base surface (152b), a third base surface (152c), a fourth base surface and a fifth base surface, and wherein the air gap (a) is designed such that it increases in response to a clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) and decreases in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144). [14] Pedal simulator according to claim 13, wherein the projection (142) of the first stopper (140) is designed such that as a reaction to a 36-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144), it moves out of engagement with the first base surface (152a) and engages with the second base surface (152b), as a reaction to a further 36-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the second base surface (152b) and engages with the third base surface (152c), as a reaction to a further 36-degree rotation of the adjustment slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the third base surface (152c) and engages with the fourth base surface, In response to a further 36-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144), it moves out of engagement with the fourth base surface and engages with the fifth base surface, and In response to a further 36-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144), it moves out of engagement with the fifth base surface and engages again with the first base surface (152a). [15] Pedal simulator according to claim 2, wherein the air gap (a) is designed such that it increases in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the adjustment slot lever (144) and decreases in response to a clockwise rotation of the adjustment slot lever (144). [16] Pedal simulator according to claim 15, wherein the bottom surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) of the second stopper (150) have a plurality of different heights: a first floor area (152a), a second floor area (152b) and a third floor area (152c). [17] Pedal simulator according to claim 16, wherein the first floor surface (152a) has a height which is the highest of the floor surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with the different heights, the second floor surface (152b) has a height that is lower than the first floor surface (152a) and higher than the third floor surface (152c), and the third floor surface (152c) has a height that is the lowest among the floor surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with the multitude of different heights. [18] Pedal simulator according to claim 17, wherein the projection (142) of the first stopper (140) is designed such that as a reaction to a 60-degree clockwise rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144), it moves out of engagement with the first base surface (152a) and engages with the second base surface (152b), as a reaction to a further 60-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the second base surface (152b) and engages with the third base surface (152c), and as a reaction to yet another 60-degree rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144) clockwise, it moves out of engagement with the third base surface (152c) and engages again with the first base surface (152a). [19] Pedal simulator system which features: a pedal designed to move based on a force provided by a rider; and a pedal simulator (100) which features: a pedal simulator piston (110) which is connected to the pedal and is designed to move in a linear direction based on a movement of the pedal caused by the force applied to the pedal by the driver; a first stopper (140) rotatable clockwise or counterclockwise and configured to provide tactile feedback from the pedal to the rider based on a rotation of the first stopper (140); a first damper (120) arranged in the pedal simulator piston (110) spaced apart from the first stopper (140) by an air gap (a), and configured to contract or expand based on movement in the linear direction; and a second stopper (150) designed to be effectively coupled to the first stopper (140) to cause the air gap (a) to change based on the rotation of the first stopper (140), the tactile feedback of the pedal changes based on a change in the air gap (a). [20] Pedal simulator system according to claim 19, wherein the first stopper (144) comprises: a lead (142) formed at one end of the first stopper (140), and an adjusting slot lever (144) designed to be connected to and rotate with the projection (142), where the second stopper (150) has: Ground surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) with a variety of different heights, and wherein the second stopper (150) is designed to be coupled to the first stopper (140) so that the bottom surfaces (152a, 152b, 152c) are displaced based on a rotation of the adjusting slot lever (144).

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