Accelerator pedal device

Abstract

An accelerator pedal device comprises a pedal (70), an arm (80), a fastener (62), and a positioner (90). The pedal (70) is configured to be depressed by a human driver. The arm (80) is coupled to the pedal (70) and configured to receive a reaction force from a reaction force applying device. The reaction force applying device is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm (80) against a pedal force exerted by the human driver on the pedal (70). The fastener (62) is configured to fix the arm (80) to the pedal (70). The positioner (90) is configured to limit relative movement between the arm (80) and the pedal (70).The arm (80) comprises: a connector (82) coupled to the pedal (70); and a through-hole (84) formed on the connector (82) and receiving the fastening element (62) through the through-hole (84). The positioner (90) comprises two planar positioning sections (91) that are parallel to each other and configured to engage with another element.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based on JP 2022 - 159 080 A, filed on September 30, 2022, and incorporates it herein by reference. Technical area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an accelerator pedal device. General state of the art

[0003] Heretofore, a reaction force applying device has been proposed which is configured to apply a reaction force against a pedal force of a human driver to a pedal of an accelerator pedal device to be depressed by the driver.

[0004] For example, the accelerator pedal device of Patent Literature 1 includes an arm to which the reaction force is applied from the reaction force applying device. An end portion of the arm opposite to an end portion of the arm that receives the reaction force from the reaction force applying device is fixed to the pedal of the accelerator pedal device with two fastening members. Citation listPatent literature

[0005] Patent literature 1: JP 6325094 B2 Summary of the invention

[0006] In the accelerator pedal device of Patent Literature 1, through holes configured to receive the fasteners are formed on the arm. A predetermined gap is formed between each through hole and the corresponding fastener to ensure the mountability of the arm and pedal in light of variations in the configurations of the arm and pedal. Due to this gap, there is a possibility that the mounting position of the arm relative to the pedal may vary. As a result, the reaction force applied to the arm by the reaction force applying device may vary.

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide an accelerator pedal device which can ensure the mountability of elements thereof and restrict variations in a mounting position of the elements.

[0008] An accelerator pedal device according to the present disclosure includes a pedal, an arm, a mounting member, and a positioner. The pedal is configured to be depressed by a human driver. The arm is coupled to the pedal and configured to receive a reaction force from a reaction force applying device. The reaction force applying device is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm against a pedal force applied to the pedal by the human driver.

[0009] The fastener is configured to secure the arm to the pedal. The positioner is configured to limit relative movement between the arm and the pedal. The arm includes: a connector coupled to the pedal; and a through hole formed on the connector that receives the fastener through the through hole.

[0010] The positioner comprises two planar positioning sections that are parallel to each other and configured to engage or engage with another element. The engagement of the two planar positioning sections with the other element makes it possible to permit relative movement between the arm and the pedal in a direction parallel to a plane of each of the planar positioning sections, while restricting relative movement between the arm and the pedal in a direction perpendicular to the plane of each of the planar positioning sections.In this way, assembly is ensured by allowing relative movement between the arm and the pedal in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning section, and variations in the assembly position are limited by restricting relative movement between the arm and the pedal in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning section. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both assembly of the elements and reduce variations in the assembly position of the elements. Short description of the illustrations

[0011] The present disclosure, together with additional objects, features and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an accelerator pedal device and a reaction force applying device applied together with the accelerator pedal device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the accelerator pedal device and the reaction force applying device applied together with the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a perspective view showing the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 4 is a perspective view showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an arm of the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device for explaining the advantages of the accelerator pedal device of the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing an accelerator pedal device according to a second embodiment. Fig. 8 is a perspective view showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 9 is a perspective view showing a portion of an arm of the accelerator pedal device according to the second embodiment. Fig. 10 is a perspective view showing an accelerator pedal device according to a third embodiment. Fig. 11 is a perspective view showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 12 is a perspective view showing a portion of an arm of the accelerator pedal device according to the third embodiment. Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing a portion of an accelerator pedal device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. 14 is a sectional view showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 15 is a perspective view showing a portion of an accelerator pedal device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 16 is a sectional view showing a portion of the accelerator pedal device according to the fifth embodiment. Description of embodiments

[0012] Hereinafter, various embodiments of an accelerator pedal device and a reaction force applying device used in conjunction with the accelerator pedal device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments, substantially the same portions are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repetitive descriptions are omitted for simplicity. (First embodiment)

[0013] The Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 shows an accelerator pedal device and a reaction force applying device used together with the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment.

[0014] The accelerator device 60 is installed on a vehicle (automobile) 1 to detect an accelerator opening degree corresponding to a rotation angle of a pedal 70 operated by a human user (hereinafter referred to as a driver) of the vehicle and to control a driving state of the vehicle 1. The accelerator device 60 adopts an accelerator-by-wire (also referred to as a drive-by-wire) system and is not mechanically connected to a throttle device of the vehicle 1. The accelerator device 60 transmits information about the accelerator opening degree corresponding to the rotation angle of the pedal 70 to an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as an ECU), not shown in the figure. The ECU controls the throttle device based on the accelerator opening degree transmitted from the accelerator device 60. Consequently, the driving state of the vehicle 1 is controlled.

[0015] The reaction force applying device 10 is installed on the vehicle 1 together with the accelerator pedal device 60 and is configured to apply the reaction force F2 to the pedal 70 of the accelerator pedal device 60 against the driver's pedal force F1. The reaction force applying device 10 is configured to provide driver notification(s), such as hazard warning(s) and fuel economy improvement notification(s), by applying the reaction force to the pedal 70 of the accelerator pedal device 60. The reaction force applying device 10 may also be configured to restrict the rotation of the pedal 70, thereby converting it into a footrest.

[0016] In Fig. In FIG. 1, an x-axis indicates a traveling direction of the vehicle 1, and a y-axis indicates a vehicle width direction. In addition, a z-axis indicates a vertical upward direction. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the configurations of the accelerator pedal device 60 and the reaction force applying device 10 in the state installed on the vehicle 1 will be described. For example, "upper" or "top" represents the top in the state where the accelerator pedal device 60 or the reaction force applying device 10 is installed on the vehicle 1. In the present embodiment, a floor panel 2 has a wall surface 7 parallel to a yz plane.

[0017] As in the Fig. 1 to 4, the accelerator pedal device 60 includes the pedal 70, an arm 80, a plurality of fasteners 62, and a positioner 90. The pedal 70 is configured to be depressed by the driver. The arm 80 is coupled to the pedal 70 and configured to receive the reaction force from the reaction force applying device 10. The reaction force applying device 10 is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm 80 against the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal 70.

[0018] The fasteners 62 are configured to fix the arm 80 to the pedal 70. The positioner 90 is configured to limit relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70. The arm 80 includes: a connector 82 coupled to the pedal 70; and a plurality of through holes 84 formed on the connector 82 and correspondingly receiving the fasteners 62 through the through holes 84.

[0019] The positioner 90 comprises two planar positioning sections 91 which are parallel to each other and are configured to engage with another element.

[0020] In particular, the accelerator pedal device 60 comprises a pedal housing 61. The pedal housing 61 is mounted on the floor panel 2 of the vehicle 1 by fixing it to the wall surface 7 of the floor panel 2, for example, with fastening screws (not shown).

[0021] The pedal 70 is rotatably supported by the pedal housing 61 so that it can rotate about a rotation axis Ax1. The pedal 70 has a plate 71 configured to be depressed by the driver. An accelerator opening degree sensor (not shown) is installed on the rotation axis Ax1 on the inside of the pedal housing 61. The accelerator opening degree sensor detects the accelerator opening degree corresponding to the rotation angle of the pedal 70 rotated by the driver's depression operation and transmits the detected opening degree to the ECU. The rotation axis Ax1 is configured to be perpendicular to the z-axis and the x-axis and parallel to the y-axis.

[0022] A pedal biasing member (not shown) is mounted on the inside of the pedal housing 61. The pedal 70 is biased in an accelerator closing direction by the pedal biasing member. The pedal housing 61 includes a stopper that restricts rotation of the pedal 70 in the accelerator closing direction and another stopper that restricts rotation of the pedal 70 in the accelerator opening direction. The pedal 70 is rotatable within a range from a contact position where the pedal 70 comes into contact with one stopper to another contact position where the pedal 70 comes into contact with the other stopper. Fig. 1 shows a state in which the pedal 70 is in contact with the one stopper in the accelerator closing direction, that is, in a fully closed accelerator state.

[0023] The pedal 70 includes the plate 71, a pedal base 72, and a pedal connector 73. The pedal connector 73 is made of metal, for example, and provides a connection between the plate 71 and the pedal base 72, with one end of the pedal connector 73 being connected to the plate 71 and the other end being connected to the pedal base 72. The pedal base 72 is rotatably supported by the pedal housing 61 so that it can rotate about the rotation axis Ax1. Therefore, the pedal 70 is rotatable about the rotation axis Ax1.

[0024] The arm 80 is designed in an elongated plate shape and is installed on the pedal 70 such that the connector 82 corresponding to one end portion of the arm 80 is coupled to the pedal base 72. Therefore, the arm 80 is integrally rotatable with the pedal 70 about the rotation axis Ax1.

[0025] As in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the reaction force applying device 10 includes an actuator 20 and a lever 40. The actuator 20 generates a driving force when the actuator 20 is energized. The lever 40 can be rotated by the driving force output from the actuator 20 and apply the reaction force to the pedal 70 against the driver's pedal force.

[0026] Specifically, the reaction force applying device 10 includes an actuator housing 11. The actuator housing 11 is fixed to a base 9 installed on the wall surface 7 of the floor panel 2 of the vehicle 1 by a plurality of fastening screws (not shown), and is thereby attached to the floor panel 2 via the base 9.

[0027] The actuator 20 is, for example, an electric motor and is housed in the actuator housing 11. The actuator 20 can output torque as the driving force when the actuator 20 is energized. The ECU can control the energization of the actuator 20 and thus control the operation of the actuator 20. The actuator housing 11 houses a reduction gear including a plurality of gears (not shown). The reduction gear can reduce a speed of the rotational movement output by the actuator 20 and output the rotational torque to a shaft member 36. The shaft member 36 is installed on the rotational axis Ax2 and is rotatably supported by the actuator housing 11 about the rotational axis Ax2.

[0028] The lever 40 has a lever main body 41, a lever end portion 42 on one side, and a lever end portion 43 on the other side. The lever main body 41 is made of metal, for example, and is designed in a rod shape. The lever end portion 42 on one side is connected to one end of the lever main body 41 and is integrally formed with the lever main body 41. The lever end portion 43 on the other side is connected to the other end of the lever main body 41 and is integrally formed with the lever main body 41. The lever end portion 43 on the other side is formed so that it is approximately perpendicular to the lever main body 41. The lever end portion 43 on the other side extends parallel to the y-axis.

[0029] The lever 40 is arranged such that the lever end portion 42 is connected on one side to the shaft element 36. As a result, the lever 40 is rotatably supported by the actuator housing 11, so that the lever 40 can be rotated together with the shaft element 36 about the rotation axis Ax2. The lever 40 is rotated about the rotation axis Ax2 by the drive force output by the actuator 20 via the shaft element 36.

[0030] As in Fig. 1, the reaction force applying device 10 is arranged so that an outer peripheral wall of the lever end portion 43 on the other side can be brought into contact with a surface of the arm 80 of the accelerator pedal device 60 opposite to the floor plate 2 and can be separated from the surface of the arm 80 opposite to the floor plate 2. Therefore, the reaction force applying device 10 can apply the reaction force F2 to the pedal 70 against the driver's pedal force F1 via the arm 80 of the lever 40 rotated by the driving force output from the actuator 20.

[0031] Details of the structure of the accelerator pedal device 60 will be described below.

[0032] As in Fig. 4, the pedal 70 includes a plurality of pedal holes 74 and a plurality of nuts 75. The pedal base 72 is made of, for example, resin. The number of pedal holes 74 is two, and these two pedal holes 74 are formed as holes each recessed from an outer wall of the pedal base 72. Each nut 75 is formed of, for example, a cylindrical shape made of metal, and a thread groove is formed on an inner peripheral wall of the nut 75. Each nut 75 is, for example, thermally press-fitted into a corresponding one of the two pedal holes 74. Here, the nuts 75 correspond to elements constituting a part of the pedal 70.

[0033] The arm 80 includes an arm main body 81, the connector 82, a reaction force receiving contact surface 83, and the through holes 84. The arm main body 81 is formed by bending an elongated plate-shaped member, for example, made of metal, at predetermined locations (see Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). The connector 82 is formed at one end portion of the arm main body 81. The reaction force receiving contact surface 83 is formed in a flat shape on a side surface of the other end portion of the arm main body 81, extending in a plate surface direction (see Fig. 1 to 3 and 5).

[0034] The number of through holes 84 is two, and these two through holes 84 are formed on the connector 82. Each through hole 84 extends through the connector 82 in a plate thickness direction of the connector 82. One of the two through holes 84 is referred to as a through hole 841, and this through hole 841 is formed as an elongated hole (see Fig. 5). The other of the two through holes 84 is referred to as a through hole 842, and this through hole 842 is cylindrical in shape.

[0035] Each fastening element 62 is, for example, a so-called metal screw. The fastening element 62 has a head portion 621 and a shaft portion 622 (see Fig. 4). The head portion 621 is generally shaped like a circular plate. The shaft portion 622 extends from a center of the head portion 621 in the axial direction. A threaded boss is formed on an outer peripheral wall of the shaft portion 622, which can engage the threaded groove of the nut 75.

[0036] In the present embodiment, the number of fastening elements 62 is two. One of the two fastening elements 62 is configured to pass through the through-hole 841 and engage with one of the two nuts 75. The other of the two fastening elements 62 is configured to pass through the through-hole 842 and engage with the other of the two nuts 75.

[0037] The fasteners 62 can fix the arm 80 to the pedal 70 by clamping the connector 82 between the head portions 621 and the nuts 75. The connector 82 is coupled to the nuts 75, which are part of the pedal 70.

[0038] The two flat positioning portions 91 are formed on the through hole 841.

[0039] The two flat positioning portions 91 are formed on an inner wall of the through hole 841 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6). One of the two planar positioning portions 91 is referred to as a planar positioning portion 911, and the planar positioning portion 911 is formed on one of two planar inner wall portions of the through-hole 841 that are opposite to each other. The other of the two planar positioning portions 91 is referred to as a planar positioning portion 912, and the planar positioning portion 912 is formed on the other of the two planar inner wall portions of the through-hole 841 that are opposite to each other. The planar positioning portion 911 and the planar positioning portion 912 are parallel to each other.

[0040] The flat positioning section 911 and the flat positioning section 912 are parallel to a straight line L1 connecting the centers of the two fastening elements 62 (see Fig. 6).

[0041] As in Fig. 6, the following is assumed: an outer diameter of the shaft portion 622 of the fastening member 62 is R1; an inner diameter of the through-hole 842 is R2; a width of the through-hole 841 in a transverse direction perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the through-hole 841 is W1; and a width of the through-hole 841 in the longitudinal direction is W2. Under this assumption, the fastening member 62 and the through-hole 842 are formed to satisfy a relationship of, for example, 1.001 < R2 / R1 < 1.1. In addition, the fastening member 62 and the through-hole 841 are further formed to satisfy the relationships of, for example, 1.001 < W1 / R1 < 1.1 and 1.01 < W2 / R1. In the above relationships, R2 = W1. In addition, the width W1 is equal to a distance between the flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912.

[0042] The width W2 is set to a size that allows the shaft portion 622 to move relatively in the longitudinal direction within the through hole 841.

[0043] The flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are parallel surfaces that are parallel to each other and configured to engage with the fastening element 62 serving as another element.

[0044] In the present embodiment, at the time of assembling the arm 80 with the pedal 70, the shaft portions 622 of the two fastening members 62 are inserted into the through hole 841 and the through hole 842, respectively, and a part of each shaft portion 622 is screwed into the corresponding nut 75. In this state, relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in a direction perpendicular to a plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is restricted, and relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in a direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is permitted, enabling adjustment of a mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70.

[0045] The reaction force receiving contact surface 83 is configured to contact the lever 40 of the reaction force applying device 10 and to receive the reaction force from the lever 40 against the driver's pedal force. Specifically, the reaction force receiving contact surface 83 is configured to contact the outer peripheral wall of the lever end portion 43 on the other side of the lever 40.

[0046] The flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are parallel to the reaction force receiving contact surface 83 (see Fig. 5 and Fig. 6).

[0047] Therefore, at the time of mounting the arm 80 to the pedal 70, even if the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70 deviates in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91, it is possible to restrict variations in the relative position between the lever end portion 43 on the other side and the reaction force receiving contact surface 83.

[0048] As described above, in the present embodiment, the fasteners 62 can fix the arm 80 to the pedal 70. The positioner 90 is configured to limit relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70. The arm 80 includes: the connector 82 coupled to the pedal 70; and the plurality of through holes 84 formed on the connector 82, which receive the fasteners 62 through the through holes 84.

[0049] The positioner 90 includes two planar positioning portions 91 that are parallel to each other and configured to engage with the fastening member 62, which serves as the other member. Thus, by engaging the two planar positioning portions 91 with the fastening member 62, it is possible to permit relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91, while restricting relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91.In this way, mountability is ensured by allowing the relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91, and variations in the mounting position are restricted by restricting the relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91. Therefore, it is possible to achieve both mountability of the elements and the reduction of variations in the mounting position of the elements. In this way, it is possible to restrict the variations in the reaction force applied to the arm 80 by the reaction force applying device 10.

[0050] In the present embodiment, the planar positioning portion 911 and the planar positioning portion 912 are parallel to the straight line L1 connecting the centers of the two fastening elements 62.

[0051] Therefore, the fastening member 62 can be used as the other member corresponding to an engagement object to be engaged with the planar positioning portions 91. This reduces the number of components compared to a case where another different member that engages with the planar positioning portions 91 is separately provided.

[0052] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the reaction force receiving contact surface 83 is configured to contact the lever 40 of the reaction force applying device 10 and receive the reaction force from the lever 40 against the driver's pedal force. The flat positioning portions 91 are parallel to the reaction force receiving contact surface 83.

[0053] Therefore, at the time of mounting the arm 80 to the pedal 70, even if the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70 deviates in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91, it is possible to restrict variations in the relative position between the lever end portion 43 on the other side and the reaction force receiving contact surface 83. Therefore, it is possible to restrict variations in the reaction force applied to the arm 80 by the reaction force applying device 10.

[0054] Further, in the present embodiment, the two flat positioning portions 91 are formed at the through hole 841.

[0055] Therefore, the fastening member 62 can be used as the other member corresponding to the engagement object to be engaged with the planar positioning portions 91. (Second embodiment)

[0056] The Fig. 7 to 9 show an accelerator pedal device and a part of the accelerator pedal device according to the second embodiment. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the structures of the pedal 70 and the arm 80.

[0057] In the present embodiment, the positioner 90 includes a plurality of positioning recesses 92 formed on the pedal 70; and a plurality of positioning protrusions 93 formed on the connector 82 and configured to be inserted into the positioning recesses 92, respectively. The two flat positioning portions 91 are formed on one of the positioning recesses 92.

[0058] Specifically, the number of positioning recesses 92 is two, and these two positioning recesses 92 are formed on the pedal base 72. One of the two positioning recesses 92 is referred to as a positioning recess 921. The positioning recess 921 is formed as a hole recessed from the outer wall of the pedal base 72 on one side of a straight line L2 passing through the centers of the two pedal holes 74, in a direction perpendicular to the straight line L2 (see Fig. 8). The other of the two positioning recesses 92 is referred to as a positioning recess 922. The positioning recess 922 is formed as a hole recessed from the outer wall of the pedal base 72 on the other side of the straight line L2 passing through the centers of the two pedal holes 74, in the direction perpendicular to the straight line L2.

[0059] The positioning recess 921 is formed as an elongated hole. The positioning recess 922 is cylindrical. Two flat positioning sections 91 are formed on an inner wall of the positioning recess 921 (see Fig. 8). The flat positioning portion 911, which corresponds to one of the two flat positioning portions 91, is formed on one of two opposing flat inner wall portions of the positioning recess 921. The flat positioning portion 912, which corresponds to the other of the two flat positioning portions 91, is formed on the other of the two opposing flat inner wall portions of the positioning recess 921. The flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are parallel to each other.

[0060] The number of positioning projections 93 is two, and these two positioning projections 93 are formed on the connector 82 (see Fig. 9). One of the two positioning protrusions 93 is referred to as a positioning protrusion 931. The positioning protrusion 931 is formed as a cylindrical protrusion protruding from an end surface of the connector 82 on one side of a straight line L3 passing through the centers of the through-hole 841 and the through-hole 842 in a direction perpendicular to the straight line L3. The other of the two positioning protrusions 93 is referred to as a positioning protrusion 932. The positioning protrusion 932 is formed as a cylindrical protrusion protruding from the end surface of the connector 82 on the other side of the straight line L3 in the direction perpendicular to the straight line L3.

[0061] Furthermore, on an opposite end surface of the connector 82 opposite to the positioning projections 93, a recess 933 and a recess 934 are formed. The recess 933 and the recess 934 are formed at two locations corresponding to the positioning projection 931 and the positioning projection 932, respectively. The recess 933 and the recess 934 are recessed to correspond to the configurations of the positioning projection 931 and the positioning projection 932 (see Fig. 8).

[0062] The positioning projection 931 and the positioning projection 932 are configured to be inserted into the positioning recess 921 and the positioning groove 922, respectively. The flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are configured to mesh with an outer peripheral wall of the positioning projection 931, which serves as another member and is formed on the arm 80.

[0063] In the present embodiment, the through hole 841 is cylindrical. The flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are not parallel to the reaction force receiving contact surface 83.

[0064] In the present embodiment, at the time of mounting the arm 80 to the pedal 70, the positioning protrusion 931 and the positioning protrusion 932 are inserted into the positioning recess 921 and the positioning recess 922, respectively. In this state, relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is restricted, and relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is permitted to enable adjustment of the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70.

[0065] As described above, the positioner 90 in the present embodiment includes: the positioning recesses 92 formed on the pedal 70; and the positioning protrusions 93 formed on the connector 82 and configured to be respectively inserted into the positioning recesses 92. The two flat positioning portions 91 are formed on one of the positioning recesses 92.

[0066] Thus, the positioner 90 can limit the relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70, and the fasteners 62 can fix the arm 80 to the pedal 70. (Third embodiment)

[0067] The Fig. 10 to 12 show an accelerator pedal device and a part of the accelerator pedal device according to the third embodiment. The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the structures of the pedal 70 and the arm 80.

[0068] In the present embodiment, the positioner 90 includes a positioning recess 94 formed on the pedal 70; and a positioning protrusion 95 formed on the connector 82 and configured to be inserted into the positioning recess 94. A flat positioning portion 941 and a flat positioning portion 942 are formed on the positioning recess 94. A flat positioning portion 951 and a flat positioning portion 952 are formed on the positioning protrusion 95.

[0069] Specifically, only one positioning recess 94 is formed on the pedal base 72. The positioning recess 94 is formed as a hole recessed from the outer wall of the pedal base 72. The positioning recess 94 is formed as an elongated hole.

[0070] The flat positioning portion 941 is formed on one of two opposing flat inner wall portions of the positioning recess 94. The flat positioning portion 942 is formed on the other of the two opposing flat inner wall portions of the positioning recess 94. The flat positioning portion 941 and the flat positioning portion 942 are parallel to each other.

[0071] The two pedal holes 74 are formed on a bottom surface of the positioning recess 94. The nuts 75 are installed in the pedal holes 74 accordingly.

[0072] On the connector 82 only a positioning projection 95 is formed (see Fig. 12). The positioning protrusion 95 is formed to protrude from the end surface of the connector 82. A cross section of the positioning protrusion 95 perpendicular to a protrusion direction of the positioning protrusion 95 is formed in an oval shape (oval track shape) to correspond to a shape of a cross section of the positioning recess 94 perpendicular to a recess direction of the positioning recess 94.

[0073] The flat positioning portion 951 is formed on one of two opposing flat outer wall portions of the positioning projection 95. The flat positioning portion 952 is formed on the other of the two opposing flat outer wall portions of the positioning projection 95.

[0074] Furthermore, a recess 953 is formed on the opposite end surface of the connector 82, which is opposite to the positioning projection 95. The recess 953 is formed at a location corresponding to the positioning projection 95. The recess 953 is deepened to correspond to the shape of the positioning projection 95.

[0075] The through hole 841 and the through hole 842 are formed to establish communication between a bottom surface of the recess 953 and an end surface of the positioning projection 95.

[0076] The positioning protrusion 95 is configured to be inserted into the positioning recess 94. Here, the flat positioning portion 941 and the flat positioning portion 951 are configured to oppose and contact each other. Further, the flat positioning portion 942 and the flat positioning portion 952 are configured to oppose and contact each other. That is, the flat positioning portion 941 and the flat positioning portion 942 are configured to engage with the flat positioning portion 951 and the flat positioning portion 952 formed on the arm 80 serving as the other member.

[0077] A width of the positioning recess 94 in a longitudinal direction of the positioning recess 94 is larger than a width of the positioning projection 95 in a longitudinal direction of the positioning projection 95. Therefore, the positioning projection 95 is configured to move relative to the positioning recess 94 in a direction parallel to the flat positioning portion 941 and the flat positioning portion 942.

[0078] In the present embodiment, the through hole 841 is cylindrical. The planar positioning portion 941, the planar positioning portion 942, the planar positioning portion 951, and the planar positioning portion 952 are not parallel to the reaction force receiving contact surface 83.

[0079] In the present embodiment, the positioning protrusion 95 is inserted into the positioning recess 94 at the time of mounting the arm 80 to the pedal 70. In this state, relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in a direction perpendicular to the planar positioning portion 941, the planar positioning portion 942, the planar positioning portion 951, and the planar positioning portion 952 is restricted, and relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in a direction parallel to the planar positioning portion 941, the planar positioning portion 942, the planar positioning portion 951, and the planar positioning portion 952 is permitted to enable adjustment of the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70.

[0080] As described above, the positioner 90 in the present embodiment includes: the positioning recess 94 formed on the pedal 70; and the positioning protrusion 95 formed on the connector 82 and configured to be inserted into the positioning recess 94. The flat positioning portion 941 and the flat positioning portion 942 are formed on the positioning recess 94. The flat positioning portion 951 and the flat positioning portion 952 are formed on the positioning protrusion 95.

[0081] Thus, the positioner 90 can limit the relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70, and the fasteners 62 can fix the arm 80 to the pedal 70. (Fourth Embodiment)

[0082] The Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 shows a part of an accelerator pedal device according to the fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment with respect to the structure of the arm 80.

[0083] In the present embodiment, a through-hole 843 and a through-hole 844 are formed at corresponding positions of the connector 82 where the positioning projection 931, the positioning projection 932, the recess 933, and the recess 934 are formed in the second embodiment. The through-hole 843 and the through-hole 844 are cylindrical and extend through the connector 82 in the plate thickness direction of the connector 82.

[0084] In the present embodiment, at the time of assembling the arm 80 to the pedal 70, two positioning members 96, each of which is cylindrical in shape, are inserted through the through hole 843 and the through hole 844, and positioning projections 961 formed at one end portions of the positioning members 96 are inserted into the positioning recess 921 and the positioning recess 922, respectively (see Fig. 14). Here, the flat positioning portion 911 and the flat positioning portion 912 are configured to engage with an outer peripheral wall of the positioning projection 961 formed on the positioning member 96 serving as another member.

[0085] In the present embodiment, at the time of mounting the arm 80 to the pedal 70, the positioning protrusions 961 of the two positioning members 96 are inserted into the positioning recess 921 and the positioning recess 922, respectively. In this state, relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is restricted, and relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is permitted, enabling adjustment of the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70.

[0086] After mounting the arm 80 on the pedal 70, the positioning elements 96 can either remain inserted in the positioning recess 921 and the positioning recess 922 or be removed from the positioning recess 921 and the positioning recess 922. (Fifth embodiment)

[0087] The Fig. 15 and Fig. 16 shows a part of an accelerator pedal device according to the fifth embodiment. The fifth embodiment differs from the first embodiment with respect to the structure of the pedal 70.

[0088] In the present embodiment, each of the nuts 75 includes a nut main body 751 and a tubular nut extension portion 752. The nut main body 751 has a tubular configuration. The tubular nut extension portion 752 is integrally formed with the nut main body 751, so that the tubular nut extension portion 752 protrudes from an inner peripheral edge of an end surface of the nut main body 751 in the axial direction. An outer diameter of the tubular nut extension portion 752 is smaller than an outer diameter of the nut main body 751.

[0089] The outer diameter of the tubular nut extension portion 752 is slightly smaller than the width of the through hole 841 in the transverse direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the through hole 841, and smaller than the width of the through hole 841 in the longitudinal direction. In addition, the outer diameter of the tubular nut extension portion 752 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 842.

[0090] The planar positioning portion 911 and the planar positioning portion 912 are configured to engage with an outer peripheral wall of the tubular nut extension portion 752 of the nut 75 serving as another member.

[0091] In the present embodiment, at the time of assembling the arm 80 with the pedal 70, the tubular nut extension portions 752 of the two nuts 75 are inserted into the through hole 841 and the through hole 842, respectively. In this state, relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is restricted, and relative movement between the arm 80 and the pedal 70 in the direction parallel to the plane of the planar positioning portion 91 is permitted to enable adjustment of the mounting position of the arm 80 relative to the pedal 70. (Other embodiments)

[0092] In the embodiments described above, the example in which the arm is fixed to the pedal with two fastening elements is described. In contrast, in another embodiment, the arm may be fixed to the pedal with one fastening element or with three or more fastening elements.

[0093] Furthermore, in another embodiment, the wall surface of the floor panel of the vehicle to which the reaction force applying device and the accelerator pedal device are mounted is not necessarily parallel to the yz plane. That is, the wall surface of the floor panel may be formed at any angle relative to the vehicle.

[0094] Furthermore, the reaction force applying device and the accelerator pedal device according to the present disclosure can also be applied to vehicles other than automobiles.

[0095] The features of the present disclosure are as follows. [Revelation 1]

[0096] According to Disclosure 1, an accelerator pedal device is provided, which comprises: a pedal (70) configured to be depressed by a human driver; an arm (80) coupled to the pedal and configured to receive a reaction force from a reaction force applying device, the reaction force applying device being configured to apply the reaction force to the arm against a pedal force applied to the pedal by the human driver; a fastening element (62) configured to fix the arm to the pedal; and a positioner (90) configured to limit relative movement between the arm and the pedal, wherein: the arm has: a connector (82) coupled to the pedal; and a through hole (84) formed on the connector and receiving the fastening element through the through hole; and the positioner comprises two planar positioning sections (91, 911, 912, 941, 942, 951, 952) which are parallel to each other and configured to engage with another element. [Revelation 2]

[0097] According to Disclosure 2, the accelerator pedal device according to Disclosure 1 is provided, wherein: the fastening element is one of a plurality of fastening elements; and the two planar positioning sections are parallel to a straight line (L1) connecting two corresponding ones of the plurality of fastening elements. [Revelation 3]

[0098] According to Disclosure 3, the accelerator pedal device according to Disclosure 1 or 2 is provided, wherein: the arm has a reaction force receiving contact surface (83) configured to come into contact with a lever (40) of the reaction force applying device, which lever is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm, the reaction force receiving contact surface being configured to receive the reaction force; and the two flat positioning sections are parallel to the reaction force absorption contact surface. [Revelation 4]

[0099] According to Disclosure 4, the accelerator pedal device according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 3 is provided, wherein the two planar positioning portions are formed at the through hole. [Revelation 5]

[0100] According to Disclosure 5, the accelerator pedal device according to any one of Disclosures 1 to 4 is provided, wherein: the positioner includes: a positioning recess (92, 921, 922, 94) formed on one of the pedal and the connector; and a positioning projection (93, 931, 932, 95, 961) formed on the other of the pedal and the connector and configured to be inserted into the positioning recess; and the two flat positioning sections are formed from the positioning recess and the positioning projection, at least in the case of the positioning recess.

[0101] As described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0102] The present disclosure has been described with reference to the embodiments. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments and the structures described therein. The present disclosure also includes various variants and variations within the range of equivalence. Furthermore, various combinations and forms, as well as other combinations and forms including only one element, more or less, are also within the scope and ideology of the present disclosure. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022 - 159 080 A

[0001] JP 6325094 B2

[0005]

Claims

[1] Accelerator pedal device, comprising: a pedal (70) configured to be depressed by a human driver; an arm (80) coupled to the pedal and configured to receive a reaction force from a reaction force applying device, the reaction force applying device being configured to apply the reaction force to the arm against a pedal force applied to the pedal by the human driver; a fastening element (62) configured to fix the arm to the pedal; and a positioner (90) configured to limit relative movement between the arm and the pedal, wherein: the arm has: a connector (82) coupled to the pedal; and a through hole (84) formed on the connector and receiving the fastening element through the through hole; and the positioner comprises two planar positioning sections (91, 911, 912, 941, 942, 951, 952) which are parallel to each other and configured to engage with another element. [2] Accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein: the fastening element is one of a plurality of fastening elements; and the two planar positioning sections are parallel to a straight line (L1) connecting two corresponding ones of the plurality of fastening elements. [3] Accelerator pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the arm has a reaction force receiving contact surface (83) configured to come into contact with a lever (40) of the reaction force applying device, which lever is configured to apply the reaction force to the arm, the reaction force receiving contact surface being configured to receive the reaction force; and the two flat positioning sections are parallel to the reaction force absorption contact surface. [4] The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the two planar positioning portions are formed on the through hole. [5] Accelerator pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the positioner includes: a positioning recess (92, 921, 922, 94) formed on one of the pedal and the connector; and a positioning projection (93, 931, 932, 95, 961) formed on the other of the pedal and the connector and configured to be inserted into the positioning recess; and the two flat positioning sections are formed from the positioning recess and the positioning projection, at least in the case of the positioning recess.

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