Accelerator pedal device

Abstract

Accelerator pedal device comprising: an accelerator pedal (20); a hysteresis generating mechanism (40) that generates hysteresis in the pedal force during a depression operation and a return operation of the accelerator pedal (20); a reaction force addition mechanism (60) that adds a reaction force in a direction to push back the accelerator pedal (20); and a control unit (70) which controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) in such a way that, with a predetermined target opening degree (0t) at which the accelerator pedal (20) is depressed as a limit, a ratio of the change in the pedal force to a change in the opening degree in an opening degree range above the target opening degree (0t) becomes relatively larger than the ratio of the change in the pedal force to a change in the opening degree in an opening degree range below the target opening degree (0t), characterized in that the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) to add, in the opening degree range below the target opening degree (0t), the reaction force which is gradually reduced with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal (20).

Description

BACKGROUNDTechnical field

[0001] The present invention relates to an accelerator pedal device applied to a vehicle such as an automobile or the like, and more particularly relates to an accelerator pedal device including a reaction force addition mechanism that adds a reaction force to a pedal effort of an accelerator pedal. State of the art

[0002] As an accelerator pedal device applied to an automobile or the like, an accelerator pedal force control device is known which includes an accelerator opening degree detecting part that detects an accelerator opening degree, a pedal force changing part that changes a pedal force of an accelerator pedal, and a threshold value setting part that sets a predetermined threshold value according to a running state of an engine or a vehicle (see, for example, Patent Literature 1).

[0003] In the device, if the accelerator opening degree reaches the threshold value, the pedal force of the accelerator pedal is gradually increased by a predetermined amount.

[0004] In addition, when the accelerator opening degree is reduced, the pedal effort, which is gradually increased, is set to be released at an accelerator opening degree smaller than the threshold value in order to prevent the accelerator pedal from chattering along with a rapid increase in the pedal effort.

[0005] However, in the device, since the reaction force is gradually added with the threshold as a limit, there is a possibility that a driver unconsciously reacts to a rapid change and excessively returns the accelerator pedal, and if this threshold is set as a threshold of a driving mode of eco-driving, for example, the accelerator opening degree in this driving mode is difficult to maintain if the reaction force is too strong.

[0006] In addition, due to the rapid increase in reaction force, there is a possibility that the driver may experience a heaviness of the pedal, which, if sustained, may lead to foot fatigue. [Prior art literature][Patent literature]

[0007] Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent No. 4553057 (published as JP 2010 - 052 721 A)

[0008] DE 103 15 253 A1 discloses an accelerator pedal device including a pedal reaction force providing device for providing a reaction force to an accelerator pedal corresponding to a depression degree of the accelerator pedal depressed by a driver. The reaction force to be imparted to the pedal by the pedal reaction force providing means is controlled based on the depression degree of the accelerator pedal. This reaction force control allows for precise matching between the throttle valve opening timing and the pedal reaction force timing to provide a predetermined pedal reaction force at a desired degree of throttle valve opening.

[0009] DE 11 2012 007 156 T5 discloses an accelerator pedal reaction force control device for a vehicle, wherein reaction force control means sets a value obtained by multiplying the predetermined value by a constant speed position as a reaction force increasing position. The reaction force increasing position is a position of the accelerator pedal at which the reaction force on the accelerator pedal is increased from the base reaction force. The constant speed position is a position of the accelerator pedal at which constant travel at the current vehicle speed is possible. The predetermined value is set as a value for achieving longitudinal acceleration according to each vehicle speed. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [Problems to be solved]

[0010] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances and has an object to provide an accelerator pedal device capable of easily recognizing a target opening degree previously set according to a driving condition and easily maintaining this target opening degree, and having excellent operability so as not to make the driver feel uncomfortable or tired. [Means of solving the tasks]

[0011] The invention is defined by claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims. An accelerator pedal device of the present invention includes: an accelerator pedal; a hysteresis generating mechanism that generates hysteresis in pedal force during a depression operation and a return operation of the accelerator pedal; a reaction force adding mechanism that adds a reaction force in a direction of depressing the accelerator pedal; and a control unit that drives the accelerator pedal.Controlling operation of the reaction force addition mechanism in such a manner that, with a predetermined target opening degree at which the accelerator pedal is depressed as a limit, a ratio of the change in pedal force to a change in opening degree in an opening degree range above the target opening degree becomes relatively larger than the ratio of the change in pedal force to a change in opening degree in an opening degree range below the target opening degree.

[0012] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism so that the reaction force is not added at the target opening degree.

[0013] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration is adopted in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism to add the reaction force in the opening degree range below the target opening degree, which is gradually reduced along with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal.

[0014] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism to add a reaction force in the opening degree range above the target opening degree, which is gradually increased along with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal.

[0015] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be adopted in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism to add a reaction force that is gradually decreased along with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal in the opening degree range below the target opening degree; and to add a reaction force that is gradually increased along with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal in the opening degree range above the target opening degree.

[0016] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the target opening degree includes a plurality of target opening degrees previously set according to different running conditions of a vehicle, and the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism based on a target opening degree corresponding to a command based on the running condition of the vehicle.

[0017] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism to add the reaction force in such a manner that the ratio of the change in the pedal force has a size corresponding to an operation force of the accelerator pedal.

[0018] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the control unit controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism in conjunction with an operation of a switch arranged on the vehicle.

[0019] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the reaction force addition mechanism includes a torque motor that exerts a rotational torque taken as the reaction force, and the control unit adjusts a magnitude of an operating current supplied to the torque motor according to the opening degree of the accelerator pedal.

[0020] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which a detection sensor that detects the movement of the accelerator pedal is included, and the control unit controls the operation of the torque motor based on information from the detection sensor.

[0021] In the accelerator pedal device, a configuration may be used in which the control unit controls the operation of the torque motor based on information related to the driving state of the vehicle. [Effects]

[0022] According to the accelerator pedal device constituting the configurations described above, an accelerator pedal device capable of easily recognizing a target opening degree previously set according to a driving condition and easily maintaining this target opening degree, and having excellent operability to prevent the driver from feeling uncomfortable or tired, can be achieved. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an accelerator pedal device according to the present invention. Fig. 2 is a perspective exterior view obtained by combining the Fig. 1 shown accelerator pedal device viewed from a different direction. Fig. 3 is a side view showing an internal structure of the Fig. 1 shows the accelerator pedal device. Fig. 4 is a block diagram showing a control system according to a reaction force addition mechanism used in the Fig. 1 shown accelerator pedal device. Fig. 5 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing the pedal force forming a hysteresis generated by a hysteresis generating mechanism shown in Fig. 1 shown accelerator pedal device. Fig. 6 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing a first embodiment in which a reaction force is added to the pedal force by the reaction force addition mechanism, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. Fig. 7 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing a second embodiment in which a reaction force is added to the pedal force by the reaction force addition mechanism, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. Fig. Fig. 8 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing a third embodiment in which a reaction force is added to the pedal force by the reaction force addition mechanism, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. Fig. 9 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing a variation example of the third embodiment in which a reaction force is added to the pedal force by the reaction force addition mechanism, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. Fig. 10 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing another variation example of the third embodiment in which a reaction force is added to the pedal force by the reaction force addition mechanism, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. Fig. 11 is a pedal force characteristic diagram showing still another variation example of the third embodiment in which a reaction force is added by the reaction force addition mechanism in the pedal force, which Fig. 5 forms the hysteresis shown. DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0023] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0024] As in Fig. 1 to 4, an accelerator pedal device according to an embodiment includes a housing 10 fixed to a body of an automobile or the like used as a vehicle, an accelerator pedal 20, a return spring 30, a hysteresis generating mechanism 40, a position sensor 50, a reaction force addition mechanism 60, and a control unit 70.

[0025] The housing 10 is formed of a resin material and includes a support shaft 11, a receiving portion 12, a receiving portion 13, an embedding portion 14, and a receiving portion 15.

[0026] The support shaft 11 is formed in a columnar shape, centered on an axis line S, and supports the accelerator pedal 20 to swing freely around the axis line S during a depression and return operation of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0027] Inside the housing 10, the receiving portion 12 accommodates the return spring 30 and a part of the reaction force addition mechanism 60.

[0028] Inside the housing 10, the receiving portion 13 accommodates the hysteresis generating mechanism 40.

[0029] The embedding section 14 embeds a part of the position sensor 50 in the vicinity of the axis line S.

[0030] In an area above the housing 10, the receiving section 15 accommodates the control unit 70, which establishes the electrical connection to the outside.

[0031] The entire accelerator pedal 20 is formed of a resin material, and as shown in Fig. 1 to 3, the accelerator pedal 20 includes a cylindrical portion 21, a lower arm portion 22, an upper arm portion 23, and a pedal portion 24.

[0032] The cylindrical section 21 is mounted on the bearing shaft 11 of the housing 10 and is freely pivotable.

[0033] The lower arm portion 22 extends downward from the cylindrical portion 21 and is formed integrally.

[0034] The upper arm portion 23 extends upward from the cylindrical portion 21 and is integrally formed. The upper arm portion 23 is engaged with a first slider 41 of the hysteresis generation mechanism 40, a return lever 62 of the reaction force addition mechanism 60, and the return spring 30.

[0035] The pedal portion 24 is formed in one piece in a region below the lower arm portion 22.

[0036] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the return spring 30 is a compression-type coil spring formed of spring steel or the like. The return spring 30 is arranged in a compressed state with one end portion engaging an inner wall of the housing 10 and the other end portion engaging the upper-side arm portion 23 of the accelerator pedal 20 at a position near the cylindrical portion 21.

[0037] In addition, the return spring 30 exerts a preload force to return the accelerator pedal 20 to a rest position.

[0038] As in Fig. 3, the hysteresis generating mechanism 40 includes the first slider 41, a second slider 42 and a compression or bias spring 43.

[0039] The first slider 41 is formed of a resin material, for example, a material with high sliding properties such as oil-impregnated polyacetal or the like. The first slider 41 includes: a contact surface 41a that freely slides in contact with a lower-side inner wall surface 13a of the housing 10; an inclined surface 41b that contacts an inclined surface 42b of the second slider 42; and an engagement surface 41c with which an upper end portion 23a of the upper-side arm portion 23 can be separably engaged.

[0040] The second slider 42 is formed of a resin material, for example, a material with high sliding properties such as oil-impregnated polyacetal or the like. The second slider 42 includes: a contact surface 42a that freely slides in contact with an upper inner wall surface 13b of the housing 10; an inclined surface 42b that contacts the inclined surface 41b of the first slider 41; and a receiving surface 42c that receives an end portion of the biasing spring 43.

[0041] The bias spring 43 is, for example, a compression-type coil spring made of spring steel or the like. The bias spring 43 is arranged in a compressed state in which one end portion engages the receiving surface 42c of the second slider 42 and the other end portion engages an inner wall 13c of the housing 10.

[0042] In addition, the bias spring 43 exerts a wedging action by pressing the inclined surface 42b of the second spool 42 against the inclined surface 41b of the first spool 41, and pushing the first spool 41 and the second spool 42 toward the lower-side inner wall surface 13a and the upper-side inner wall surface 13b. The bias spring 43 exerts a biasing force to return the accelerator pedal 20 to the rest position via the first spool 41 and the second spool 42.

[0043] Thus, when the accelerator pedal 20 is depressed from the rest position toward a maximum depression position against the pressure forces of the return spring 30 and the preload spring 43, the upper arm section 23 presses the first slider 41 into Fig. 3 to the left, against the biasing force of the biasing spring 43. During the depression process, due to the biasing force exerted by the biasing spring 43, the first spool 41 and the second spool 42 exert a wedging action on each other, and a frictional force (sliding resistance) is generated with respect to the housing 10. The frictional force during the depression process acts in a direction opposite to the depression process and increases with the increase in the compression amount of the biasing spring 43.

[0044] Thus, due to a resultant force of the friction force during the depression operation and the biasing force of the biasing spring 43 which is increased according to the depression operation, the pedal force during depression is represented as a pedal force line DNL on the upper side of a pedal force line NL which has a hysteresis of Fig. 5, and is increased linearly along with the increase in the depression amount (the opening degree of the accelerator pedal).

[0045] When the accelerator pedal 20 is returned towards the rest position according to the biasing force of the return spring 30 and the biasing spring 43, the first slider 41 and the second slider 42 move in Fig. 3 to the right by the biasing force of the biasing spring 43, following the upper arm portion 23. During the return operation, due to the biasing force exerted by the biasing spring 43, the first slider 41 and the second slider 42 exert a wedging action on each other, and a frictional force (sliding resistance) is generated with respect to the housing 10. The frictional force during the return operation acts in a direction opposite to that during the depression operation and is reduced along with the reduction in the compression amount of the biasing spring 43.

[0046] Due to a resultant force of the friction force during the return process acting in the opposite direction and the biasing force of the biasing spring 43 being reduced according to the return process, the pedal force during the return is represented as a pedal force line RNL on the lower side of the pedal force line NL, which represents the hysteresis of Fig. 5, and is reduced linearly along with the reduction of the depression amount (the opening degree of the accelerator pedal).

[0047] Here, the pedal force during the return movement is smaller than the pedal force during the depression process, and thus, as in Fig. 5, the hysteresis in the pedal force N is generated during the entire process from the depression process to the return process.

[0048] In addition, when the first slider 41 jams and stops halfway through the return operation, the upper side arm portion 23 is separated from the first slider 41 by the biasing force of the return spring 30, and thereby the accelerator pedal 20 is returned to the rest position.

[0049] The position sensor 50 functions as a detection sensor that detects the movement of the accelerator pedal 20, is also referred to as an accelerator position sensor (APS), and is arranged in the cylindrical portion 21 of the accelerator pedal 20 and the embedding portion 14 of the housing 10 in an area surrounding the axis line S. The position sensor 50 is, for example, a non-contact magnetic sensor and is, as shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, formed from a ring armature 51, a pair of permanent magnets 52, two stators 53 and two Hall elements 54.

[0050] The armature 51 is formed in a ring shape by a magnetic material and embedded on an inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 21 of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0051] The two permanent magnets 52 are arc-shaped and joined to an inner peripheral surface of the armature 51.

[0052] The two stators 53 are formed of a magnetic material and are embedded in the embedding section 14 of the housing 10.

[0053] The two Hall elements 54 are arranged between the two stators 53 and embedded in the embedding section 14 of the housing 10.

[0054] As further associated components, a terminal and a circuit substrate on which various electronic components are mounted are embedded in the embedding section 14.

[0055] Furthermore, the position sensor 50 detects a change in the magnetic flux density generated by the fulcrum of the accelerator pedal 20 through the Hall elements 54 and outputs the change in the magnetic flux density as a voltage signal. That is, the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 can be detected by the position sensor 50, and the ratio of the change in the voltage signal can be used to detect whether the movement of the accelerator pedal 20 is in the depression or return operation, or to detect the operating force of a driver operating the accelerator pedal 20.

[0056] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the reaction force addition mechanism 60 includes a torque motor 61 and the return lever 62 directly connected to the torque motor 61.

[0057] The torque motor 61 includes: a rotor 61a having a magnet and rotating around the axis line S2; a yoke 61b forming a magnetic circuit surrounding the rotor 61a; and an excitation coil 61c wound around the yoke 61b. Furthermore, the rotor 61a of the torque motor 61 and the return lever 62 are arranged in the receiving portion 12 of the housing 10.

[0058] The torque motor 61 rotates the return lever 62 integrally with the rotor 61a so that the return lever 62 moves back and forth centering on the axis line S2 in a predetermined angular range.

[0059] At this time, the torque motor 61 generates a constant rotational torque when a supplied operating current is constant, and if the supplied operating current is increased linearly, the generated rotational torque is increased linearly.

[0060] That is, when the operation of the torque motor 61 is controlled, the magnitude of the supplied operating current is adjusted according to an opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0061] As in Fig. 3, the return lever 62 is directly connected to the rotor 61a of the torque motor 61, which pivots centered on the axis line S2, and a front end portion of the return lever 62 is detachably connected to an intermediate portion of the upper side arm portion 23 of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0062] In addition, when the torque motor 61 is not excited and does not exert any rotational torque, the return lever 62 is always engaged with the upper arm portion 23 by a magnetic spring and follows the oscillation of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0063] Here, the magnetic spring refers to a torque that, when a rotor is forced to rotate from a neutral position where the rotor stops when not energized, returns the rotor to its original neutral position through the action of the changing magnetic flux in the magnetic circuit. This neutral position corresponds to the rest position of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0064] When the torque motor 61 is energized and generates the rotational torque, the return lever 62 opposes the pedal force and adds a reaction force in a direction to push the accelerator pedal 20 back.

[0065] As in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the control unit 70 is arranged in the receiving portion 15, which is positioned in an upper part of the housing 10.

[0066] As in Fig. 4, the control unit 70 includes: a control section 71, a driver circuit 72, a current detection circuit 73, an interface circuit 74, a power supply circuit 75, a reference voltage input circuit 76, and an APS signal input circuit 77.

[0067] In addition, in a state where the above-described accelerator pedal device is mounted on the vehicle, an entire control system is configured by an ECU 80, a mode changeover switch 90 and a battery 100, each mounted on the vehicle, and the control unit 70.

[0068] The control section 71 is a microcomputer or the like that controls various types of control in the accelerator pedal device, and the control section 71 controls the operation of the torque motor 61 based on a command signal sent from the ECU 80.

[0069] In addition, the control section 71 stores in advance: a map relating an operating current value of the torque motor 61 to generation torque; a map relating various driving conditions of the vehicle to the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20; information related to a plurality of target opening degrees of the accelerator pedal 20 set in advance according to various driving modes; a map relating the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 to a rotation angle of the torque motor 61; and various other pieces of information as needed.

[0070] In addition, the control section 71 performs calculation and determination processing based on the command signal sent from the ECU 80, the various maps, and the various pieces of information, and controls the operation of the torque motor 61.

[0071] Based on a control signal from the control section 71, the operating circuit 72 drives the torque motor 61 by a PWM signal.

[0072] The current detection circuit 73 detects an actual value of a current flowing through the torque motor 61.

[0073] The interface circuit 74 performs transmission / reception of a signal through Controller Area Network (CAN) communication between the control section 71 and the ECU 80.

[0074] The power supply circuit 75 supplies the power supply to the control section 71. The reference voltage input circuit 76 inputs a reference voltage of the position sensor 50 to the control section 71.

[0075] The APS signal input circuit 77 inputs an output signal of the position sensor 50 to the control section 71.

[0076] The ECU 80 controls the control of the entire vehicle and outputs, via CAN communication, to the control section 71 a control map previously stored based on the running state of the vehicle and a command signal calculated based on an output signal of the mode changeover switch 90.

[0077] The control map here is, for example, a map or a map such as that links the accelerator opening degree with an engine speed, a vehicle speed, a load, a speed change state of the transmission, a distance to a vehicle ahead, road information and driving modes.

[0078] The driving modes here include a normal driving mode, an eco driving mode, a sport driving mode and the like.

[0079] The mode changeover switch 90 is arranged on the vehicle, and an on / off operation of the mode changeover switch 90 is performed by an operation of the driver.

[0080] For example, it is set that if the driver turns on the mode changeover switch 90, the Eco Drive mode is selected, and if the driver turns off the mode changeover switch 90, the normal drive mode is selected. Furthermore, the mode changeover switch 90 can be set to select a variety of drive modes, including the normal drive mode, the Eco Drive mode, the Sport Drive mode, and the like.

[0081] In the control system, the control section 71 or the ECU 80 performs calculation processing and determination processing based on the output signal of the position sensor 50, such as determining the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20, determining the movement directions of the depression and return operations, or determining the magnitude of the driver's operating force as needed. Since the torque motor 61 pivots in conjunction with the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20, the control unit 70 also controls the operation of the torque motor 61 based on information from the position sensor 50.

[0082] Moreover, in the control system, when the accelerator pedal 20 is depressed, the control unit 70 controls, based on information related to the running state of the vehicle and the like, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 to add a reaction force by which the accelerator pedal 20 is maintained at a target opening degree θt previously set in accordance with that running state.

[0083] That is, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in such a manner that, with the predetermined target opening degree θt at which the accelerator pedal 20 is depressed as a limit, the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force in an opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force in an opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0084] Next, normal movements when the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in the accelerator pedal device is not operating will be described. First, when the accelerator pedal 20 is not depressed, the accelerator pedal 20 remains in the rest position due to the biasing force of the return spring 30.

[0085] If the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 20 is carried out from the state, the driver receives the pedal force along the pedal force line DNL in Fig. 5, and the accelerator pedal 20 turns counterclockwise in Fig. 3 against the biasing force of the return spring 30 and stops at the maximum depression position. During the depression process, when the torque motor 61 is in a non-energized state, the return lever 62 follows the movement of the accelerator pedal 20 without adding a reaction force.

[0086] Meanwhile, if the return operation of the accelerator pedal 20 is performed, the driver receives the pedal force along the pedal force line RNL in Fig. 5, and the accelerator pedal 20 rotates in a clockwise direction in Fig. 3 by the biasing force of the return spring 30 and stops in the rest position. During the return process, when the torque motor 61 is in a de-energized state, the return lever 62 follows the movement of the accelerator pedal 20 without adding a reaction force.

[0087] Next, a first embodiment in which the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in the accelerator pedal device is controlled will be described. In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 to add, in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt, the reaction force which is gradually reduced along with the increase of the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0088] If the driver turns on the mode changeover switch 90 and selects the Eco-Drive mode, the command signal is sent from the ECU 80 to the control section 71 via the interface circuit 74 based on the turning-on operation of the mode changeover switch 90. At this time, the target opening degree θt is set according to the accelerator opening degree of the Eco-Drive mode.

[0089] In addition, the control section 71 performs various types of calculation and determination processing based on the command signal of the ECU 80, the output signal of the position sensor 50, and the like, and appropriately controls the magnitude of the operating current supplied to the torque motor 61 via the operating circuit 72.

[0090] The control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in conjunction with the switching-on operation of the mode changeover switch 90.

[0091] That is, as in Fig. 6, during the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the operation of the torque motor 61 is controlled in such a manner that the pedal force N becomes a pedal force line DAL in which a reaction force, which is gradually reduced toward the target opening degree θt, is added in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt and is higher than the normal pedal force line DNL; and the pedal force N becomes the normal pedal force line DNL in which the reaction force is not added at the target opening degree θt.

[0092] At this time, the operating current supplied to the torque motor 61 is controlled to be gradually reduced from the predetermined amount along with the increase of the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 and to become zero at the target opening degree θt.

[0093] In a state where this reaction force is added, the pedal force N during the return operation of the accelerator pedal 20 becomes a pedal force line RAL higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0094] In short, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled so that, with the target opening degree θt as a boundary, the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DNL) in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DAL) in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0095] The pedal force characteristic is controlled in this way, allowing the driver to smoothly depress to the target opening degree θt. Furthermore, since the driver feels that the pedal force N is gradually increasing with the target opening degree θt as the turning point, the driver does not feel uncomfortable or fatigued during the operation and return movement of the accelerator pedal caused by a rapid change, as in conventional systems.

[0096] Thus, the driver can easily recognize the target opening degree θt corresponding to the turning point and easily keep the accelerator pedal 20 at the target opening degree θt.

[0097] Meanwhile, when the driver turns off the mode changeover switch 90 and selects the normal driving mode, the command signal is sent from the ECU 80 to the control section 71 via the interface circuit 74 based on the turning-off operation of the mode changeover switch 90.

[0098] In addition, the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60, which is performed by the control unit 70, is released. Accordingly, the pedal force N of the accelerator pedal 20 is adjusted to the values Fig. 5 shown normal pedal force lines DNL and RNL.

[0099] Furthermore, even if the reaction force addition mechanism 60 temporarily fails, the return lever 62 can be separated from the upper arm portion 23 of the accelerator pedal 20, so that the accelerator pedal 20 can reliably return to the rest position. Furthermore, even if the hysteresis generation mechanism 40 fails, the return spring 30 directly exerts the biasing force on the accelerator pedal 20, and thus the accelerator pedal 20 can reliably return to the rest position.

[0100] Next, a second embodiment will be described when the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in the accelerator pedal device is controlled.

[0101] In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 to add, in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt, the reaction force which is gradually increased along with the increase of the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0102] Moreover, the calculation processing and the determination processing of the control section 71 and the like based on the on / off operation of the mode changeover switch 90 performed by the driver are the same as in the above-described first embodiment, so the descriptions are omitted.

[0103] That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, during the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the operation of the torque motor 61 is controlled in such a manner that the pedal force N becomes the normal pedal force line DNL in which the reaction force is not added in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt and at the target opening degree θt; and the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line DAL in which a reaction force, which is gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20, is added in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt.

[0104] At this time, the operating current supplied to the torque motor 61 is controlled to be gradually increased from the target opening degree θt along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0105] In a state where this reaction force is added, during the return operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line RAL which is higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt.

[0106] In short, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled so that, with the target opening degree θt as a boundary, the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DAL) in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DNL) in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0107] The pedal force characteristic is controlled in this way, and thereby, if the driver depresses to the target opening degree θt, because the driver gets the feeling that the pedal force N is gradually increased with the target opening degree θt as a turning point, the driver does not feel uncomfortable or tired in the operation and return movement of the accelerator pedal caused by a rapid change as conventional.

[0108] Thus, the driver can easily recognize the target opening degree θt corresponding to the turning point and easily keep the accelerator pedal 20 at the target opening degree θt.

[0109] Next, a third embodiment will be described when the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in the accelerator pedal device is controlled. In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 to add, in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt, a reaction force that is gradually decreased along with the increase in the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20; and to add, in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt, a reaction force that is gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0110] Moreover, the calculation processing and the determination processing of the control section 71 and the like based on the on / off operation of the mode changeover switch 90 performed by the driver are the same as in the above-described first embodiment, so the descriptions are omitted.

[0111] That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 8, during the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the operation of the torque motor 61 is controlled in such a manner that the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line DAL in which the reaction force, which is gradually reduced toward the target opening degree θt, is added in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt and is higher than the normal pedal force line DNL; the pedal force N becomes the normal pedal force line DNL in which the reaction force at the target opening degree θt is not added; and the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line DAL in which the reaction force, which is gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20, is added in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt.

[0112] At this time, the operating current supplied to the torque motor 61 is controlled to be gradually reduced from the predetermined amount along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20, to become zero at the target opening degree θt, and to be gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 after the target opening degree θt is exceeded.

[0113] In a state where this reaction force is added, during the return operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line RAL which is higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt, and the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line RAL which is higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0114] In short, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled so that, with the target opening degree θt as a boundary, the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DAL) in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DNL) in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0115] The pedal force characteristic is controlled in this way, allowing the driver to smoothly depress to the target opening degree θt. Furthermore, when the driver depresses to the target opening degree θt, because the driver feels that the pedal force N is gradually increasing with the target opening degree θt as a turning point, the driver will not feel discomfort or fatigue during the operation and return movement of the accelerator pedal caused by a rapid change, as is conventional. Thus, the driver can easily recognize the target opening degree θt corresponding to the turning point and easily maintain the accelerator pedal 20 at the target opening degree θt.

[0116] Here, as indicated by arrows in Fig. 9, the target opening degree θt can be suitably selected in a working range of the accelerator pedal 20.

[0117] That is, as the target opening degree θt, a plurality of target opening degrees θt corresponding to different running conditions of the vehicle are set in advance, and based on the target opening degree θt sent from the ECU 80 and corresponding to the command signal based on the running condition of the vehicle, the control unit 70 can control the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60.

[0118] In this way, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled according to the plurality of target opening degrees θt, and thereby the driver can easily recognize each target opening degree θt according to a driving environment such as high-speed driving on an expressway or the like and low-speed driving on a road or the like and the plurality of driving modes, easily hold the accelerator pedal 20 at this target opening degree θt, and perform the most appropriate driving without feeling tired or annoyed.

[0119] In addition, with respect to the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 according to the third embodiment, a case where the plurality of target opening degrees θt are set is shown here, and the same is also performed in the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0120] In addition, the pedal force N (the pedal force line DAL), when the reaction force is added, can be determined in a range that is Fig. 10 is represented by linked double-dashed lines, must be adjusted accordingly.

[0121] That is, the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 to add the reaction force in such a manner that the ratio ΔN / Δθ of the change in the pedal force N has a size corresponding to the operation force of the driver who operates the accelerator pedal 20. Furthermore, the control of the operation is also performed on the premise that the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 so that, with the predetermined target opening degree θt at which the accelerator pedal is depressed, as a limit, the ratio ΔN / Δθ of the change in the pedal force N in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio ΔN / Δθ of the change in the pedal force N in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0122] Specifically, based on the ratio ΔV / Δt of the change per hour in the voltage signal detected by the position sensor 50, the ECU 80 or the control section 71 determines that it is an operation performed by a driver applying a large operation force (depressing force) when the change ratio is large, and determines that it is an operation performed by a driver applying a small operation force when the change ratio is small.

[0123] In addition, based on the pre-stored control map and the like, the control section 71 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in the ratio ΔN / Δθ of the change in the pedal force N according to the respective operation forces.

[0124] In general, the rider's operating force varies depending on body type and gender, and the feeling of pedal force is also different for each rider.

[0125] Thus, as in Fig. 10, by controlling the operation so that the pedal force characteristic is the most suitable for the driver, no driver feels uncomfortable or tired in the operation and return movement of the accelerator pedal caused by a rapid change as conventional.

[0126] Thus, the driver can easily recognize the target opening degree θt corresponding to the turning point and easily keep the accelerator pedal 20 at the target opening degree θt.

[0127] In addition, with respect to the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 according to the third embodiment, a case is shown here in which the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled to add the reaction force having a magnitude corresponding to the operating force of the accelerator pedal 20, and the same is also performed in the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 according to the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

[0128] Furthermore, in the embodiments, a case is shown in which the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 so that the reaction force is not added at the target opening degree θt, but the reaction force can be added at the target opening degree θt.

[0129] For example, as in Fig.11, during the depression operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the operation of the torque motor 61 is controlled in such a manner that the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line DAL higher than the normal pedal force line DNL, ​​the pedal force line DAL being added with a reaction force that is gradually reduced toward the target opening degree θt in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt and being added with a predetermined amount of reaction force at the target opening degree θt; and the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line DAL, in which the reaction force that is gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree θ of the accelerator pedal 20 is added in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt.

[0130] At this time, the operating current supplied to the torque motor 61 is controlled to be gradually reduced from the predetermined value along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 to the target opening degree θt, and gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal 20 after the target opening degree θt is exceeded.

[0131] In the state where the reaction force is added, during the return operation of the accelerator pedal 20, the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line RAL which is higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt, and the pedal force N becomes the pedal force line RAL which is higher than the normal pedal force line RNL in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0132] In short, the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 is controlled so that, with the target opening degree θt as a boundary, the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DAL) in the opening degree range above the target opening degree θt becomes relatively larger than the ratio (ΔN / Δθ) of the change in the pedal force (the pedal force line DNL) in the opening degree range below the target opening degree θt.

[0133] The pedal force characteristic is controlled in this way, and even though the driver feels that the pedal force is slightly increased throughout the range, the driver can smoothly depress to the target opening degree θt. Furthermore, if the driver depresses to the target opening degree θt, because they feel that the pedal force N is gradually increasing, with the target opening degree θt as a turning point, the driver will not feel discomfort or fatigue during the operation and return movement of the accelerator pedal caused by a rapid change, as is conventional. Thus, even though the driver feels a certain burden, they can easily recognize the target opening degree θt corresponding to the turning point and easily maintain the accelerator pedal 20 at the target opening degree θt.

[0134] In the embodiments, the reaction force addition mechanism 60 including the torque motor 61 is shown as the reaction force addition mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms may be used as long as the mechanism can add the reaction force in the direction of pushing back the accelerator pedal 20 and can be controlled.

[0135] In the embodiments, the hysteresis generation mechanism 40 configured by the first spool 41, the second spool 42, and the bias spring 43 is shown as the hysteresis generation mechanism, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other mechanisms may be used as long as the mechanism generates the hysteresis in the pedal force.

[0136] In the embodiment, the case where the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in conjunction with the turning-on operation of the mode changeover switch 90, and the control unit 70 releases the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in conjunction with the turning-off operation of the mode changeover switch 90 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. Conversely, a configuration may be adopted in which the control unit 70 releases the control of the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in conjunction with the turning-on operation of the mode changeover switch 90, and the control unit 70 controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism 60 in conjunction with the turning-off operation of the mode changeover switch 90.

[0137] In the embodiments, the accelerator pedal 20 is shown as the accelerator pedal, which is freely oscillatingly supported by the support shaft 11 of the housing 10, but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0138] For example, the following accelerator pedals may be used: an accelerator pedal that is freely supported by a floor of the vehicle, and an accelerator pedal that includes a linkage mechanism that connects a pedal portion that is freely supported by the floor of the vehicle to a pedal arm portion that is freely supported by the support shaft of the housing.

[0139] As described above, the accelerator pedal device of the present invention can easily recognize the target opening degree previously set according to the driving condition, easily maintain the target opening degree, and achieve excellent operability without causing the driver to feel uncomfortable when the reaction force is added. Thus, the accelerator pedal device of the present invention can certainly be applied to the motor vehicle or the like, and is also useful for a work vehicle, other vehicles, or the like. [List of reference symbols] 20 Accelerator pedal θ Opening degree of the accelerator pedal θt target opening degree N pedal force 40 Hysteresis generation mechanism 50 Position sensor (detection sensor) 60 Reaction force addition mechanism 61 torque motor 70 Control unit 90 Mode changeover switch

Claims

An accelerator pedal device comprising:an accelerator pedal (20);a hysteresis generating mechanism (40) that generates hysteresis in pedal force during a depression operation and a return operation of the accelerator pedal (20);a reaction force adding mechanism (60) that adds a reaction force in a direction to depress the accelerator pedal (20);anda control unit (70) that controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) in such a way that, with a predetermined target opening degree (0t) at which the accelerator pedal (20) is depressed as a limit, a ratio of the change in pedal force to a change in opening degree in an opening degree range above the target opening degree (0t) becomes relatively larger than the ratio of the change in pedal force to a change in opening degree in an opening degree range below the target opening degree (0t), characterized in thatthe control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) to add the reaction force, which is gradually reduced with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal (20), in the opening degree range below the target opening degree (0t); The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) so that the reaction force is not added at the target opening degree (0t). The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) to add, in the opening degree range above the target opening degree (0t), a reaction force which is gradually increased along with the increase in the opening degree of the accelerator pedal (20). An accelerator pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the target opening degree (0t) includes a plurality of target opening degrees (0t) previously set according to different running conditions of a vehicle, and the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) based on a target opening degree (0t) according to a command based on the running condition of the vehicle. An accelerator pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) to add the reaction force in a manner that the ratio of the change in the pedal force has a size corresponding to an operating force of the accelerator pedal (20). Accelerator pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the reaction force addition mechanism (60) in conjunction with an operation of a switch (90) arranged on the vehicle. An accelerator pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the reaction force addition mechanism (60) comprises a torque motor (61) that exerts a rotational torque assumed as a reaction force, and the control unit (70) adjusts a magnitude of an operating current supplied to the torque motor (61) according to the opening degree of the accelerator pedal (20). Accelerator pedal device according to claim 7, comprising a detection sensor (50) which detects the movement of the accelerator pedal (20), wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the torque motor (61) based on information from the detection sensor (50). Accelerator pedal device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the control unit (70) controls the operation of the torque motor (61) based on information related to a driving state of the vehicle.

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