Accelerator pedal device

Abstract

To provide an accelerator pedal device which can eliminate a reaction force dead zone during an accelerator operation and improve driver's comfort when a footrest is used.SOLUTION: An accelerator pedal device having an accelerator operation function and a footrest function includes a pedal pad 10, a drive part 30, a first power transmission part 31, a second power transmission part 32, a clutch mechanism 33, a locked part 40, a lock pin 42, and a control device 110. The control device 110 controls driving of the drive part 30 to move the locked part 40 to a non-contact position where the locked part 40 and the lock pin 42 done not contact with each other during the accelerator operation function being performed. Further, the control device 110 moves the locked part 40 to a contact position where the locked part 40 and the lock pin 42 contact with each other when the pedal pad 10 is in an arbitrary footrest position during the footrest function being performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an accelerator pedal device having an accelerator operation function and a footrest function. [Background technology]

[0002] The accelerator pedal device described in Patent Document 1 includes a pedal pad, a first power transmission unit, a second power transmission unit, a drive unit, a locked unit, and a lock pin. The pedal pad is depressed by the driver, and is in a fully closed position when the driver's pedal force is not applied, and moves to a fully open position when the driver's pedal force increases. The first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are provided coaxially. The first power transmission unit is driven by the drive unit, and the second power transmission unit is driven together with the pedal pad. The lock pin is capable of engaging the locked unit provided on the first power transmission unit.

[0003] In this accelerator pedal device, when the driver operates the pedal pad to execute the accelerator operation function, a first stopper provided in the first power transmission unit and a second stopper provided in the second power transmission unit come into contact with each other as the pedal pad moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position. This makes it possible to transmit the torque output by the drive unit from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad via the second power unit. Therefore, by adjusting the torque, a reaction force can be applied to the pedal pad against the depressing force applied by the driver.

[0004] In addition, when the accelerator pedal device is executing the footrest function, when the pedal pad is in the fully closed position, the drive unit drives the first power transmission unit, and the locked portion can be moved to a position where it is locked by the lock pin. At that time, the first stopper moves to a position adjacent to the second stopper. When the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad in this state, the weight of the foot causes the pedal pad to move slightly in the opening direction, causing the first stopper and the second stopper to come into contact with each other, and the operation of the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit is restricted. This allows the pedal pad to be used as a footrest without energizing the drive unit.

[0005] In addition, with this accelerator pedal device, when the footrest function is being activated or in an emergency, if the driver presses hard on the pedal pad, the locked state between the locked portion and the lock pin is released, allowing the driver to operate the accelerator. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] JP 2023-62895 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] However, in the accelerator pedal device described in Patent Document 1, when the accelerator operation function is executed, there is a reaction force dead zone in which the torque output by the drive unit cannot be transmitted to the pedal pad from the time the pedal pad is first depressed until the first stopper and the second stopper come into contact.

[0008] In addition, in this accelerator pedal device, when the footrest function is activated, the position where the pedal pad can be used as a footrest is limited to near the fully closed position. In general, in the fully closed position of the pedal pad, the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad with his / her toes pointing upward relative to the heel of the foot, which may reduce the comfort of the driver when using the footrest.

[0009] In view of the above, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an accelerator pedal device that can eliminate the reaction force dead zone when operating the accelerator and improve the comfort of the driver when using a footrest. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, an accelerator pedal device having an accelerator operation function and a footrest function includes: a pedal pad (10) that is in a fully closed position when no pedal force is applied by the driver during execution of an accelerator operation function, and that moves to a fully open position as the driver's pedal force increases; A drive unit (30) that is driven by energization; a first power transmission section (31) that is driven by power transmitted from the drive section; a second power transmission unit (32) that can be driven by power transmitted from the first power transmission unit and a pedal force transmitted by a driver from the pedal pad, and that can transmit the power transmitted from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad; a clutch mechanism (33) that switches between transmitting and interrupting power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit; a locked portion (40) that moves together with the first power transmission portion; a lock pin (42) that, when it comes into contact with the locked portion, can restrict movement of the locked portion and driving of the first power transmission portion; The control device (110) controls the driving of the drive unit to move the locked part to a non-contact position where the locked part and the lock pin do not contact each other when the accelerator operation function is performed, and to move the locked part to an contact position where the locked part and the lock pin contact each other when the pedal pad is in an arbitrary footrest position when the footrest function is performed.

[0011] According to this, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the control device moves the locked part to the non-abutting position. Therefore, when the clutch mechanism connects the first power transmission part and the second power transmission part, the power of the drive part can be transmitted from the first power transmission part to the pedal pad via the clutch mechanism and the second power transmission part. Therefore, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the power of the drive part can be transmitted to the pedal pad in the entire range from the fully closed position to the fully open position of the pedal pad, and no reaction force dead zone as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is generated. Furthermore, when the footrest function is executed, the control device moves the locked part to the abutting position. Therefore, when the clutch mechanism couples the first power transmission part and the second power transmission part, when the driver depresses the pedal pad to any footrest position, the lock pin and the locked part come into abutment, and the movement of the pedal pad in the opening direction is restricted. Therefore, the pedal pad can be turned into a footrest at any angle, improving the comfort of the driver when using the footrest. The footrest position is the position where the lock pin and the locked portion come into contact when the pedal pad is depressed, restricting the movement of the pedal pad in the opening direction, and can be set at any position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the pedal pad.

[0012] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a pedal pad is in a fully closed position when an accelerator operation function is being executed in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] 1 is a control block diagram of an accelerator pedal device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a pedal pad is in a fully open position when an accelerator operation function is being executed in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment is used as a footrest. [Diagram 5] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a state when a footrest function is being executed in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 2 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a footrest is automatically released in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 7]1 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the footrest is released from depression in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 8] 3 is a time chart showing the operation of each component included in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 3 is a time chart showing the operation of each component included in the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] 5 is a flowchart for explaining a control process when the accelerator pedal device according to the first embodiment is used as a footrest. [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a control process when an accelerator operation function is executed in an accelerator pedal device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an initial position of a locked portion and a position deviation threshold value, etc., in an accelerator pedal device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the pedal pad is in a fully closed position when an accelerator operation function is being executed in an accelerator pedal device according to a third embodiment. FIG. [Figure 14] 10 is a time chart showing the operation of each component included in the accelerator pedal device according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the pedal pad is in a fully closed position when an accelerator operation function is being executed in an accelerator pedal device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. [Figure 16] 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state when a footrest function is being executed in an accelerator pedal device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0015] (First embodiment) The first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The accelerator pedal device of the first embodiment has an accelerator operation function and a footrest function. Specifically, the accelerator pedal device can provide an appropriate reaction force to the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 10 when the driver performs the accelerator operation function to instruct the vehicle to accelerate. In addition, when the accelerator pedal device performs the footrest function during automatic driving of the vehicle, the pedal pad 10 can be fixed at any footrest position to serve as a footrest.

[0016] In the first embodiment, an organ-type accelerator pedal device will be described as an example. The organ-type accelerator pedal device refers to a device in which a portion of the pedal pad 10 to which a driver applies a pedal force is disposed above the axis of rotation of the pedal pad 10 (i.e., the first fulcrum member 15) in the vehicle vertical direction.

[0017] <Configuration of accelerator pedal device> As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the accelerator pedal device includes a pedal lever 1, a housing 2, a power transmission mechanism 3, a lock mechanism 4, a rotational position sensor 5, a pedal opening sensor 6, a motor control device 7, and a clutch control device 8.

[0018] The housing 2 is attached to the vehicle body and serves as a support for the pedal lever 1, the power transmission mechanism 3, the lock mechanism 4, and the like.

[0019] The pedal lever 1 includes a pedal pad 10, a connecting portion 11, a synchronously movable portion 12, and a pedal biasing member 13. The pedal pad 10 is a portion that is stepped on by the driver's foot, and is rotatably supported by a first fulcrum member 15 provided on the housing 2 on the floor 14 side of the vehicle. One end 16 of the connecting portion 11 is rotatably connected to the pedal pad 10, and the other end 17 is rotatably connected to the synchronously movable portion 12. The synchronously movable portion 12 is provided on the floor 14 side of the pedal pad 10, and is rotatably supported by a second fulcrum member 18 provided on the housing 2 on the floor 14 side. The pedal biasing member 13 is provided on the floor 14 side of the synchronously movable portion 12, and biases the synchronously movable portion 12 toward the pedal pad 10. As a result, when the driver applies a stepping force to the pedal pad 10, the pedal pad 10, the connecting portion 11, and the synchronously movable portion 12 are driven together.

[0020] When the accelerator operation function is executed, the position of the pedal pad 10 when the driver is not applying a pedal force is called the fully closed position, and the position to which the pedal pad 10 is moved to the maximum by the driver's application of a pedal force is called the fully open position. The fully closed position of the pedal pad 10 is determined by a fully closed stopper (not shown), and the fully open position of the pedal pad 10 is determined by a fully open stopper (not shown). The pedal biasing member 13 biases the pedal pad 10 in the direction of the fully closed position (hereinafter referred to as the "closing direction").

[0021] The power transmission mechanism 3 has a drive unit 30, a first power transmission unit 31, a second power transmission unit 32, and a clutch mechanism 33. The drive unit 30 is composed of a motor, a reducer (not shown), and the like. The drive unit 30 is driven by energization and applies torque to the first power transmission unit 31.

[0022] The first power transmission unit 31 is formed in a disk shape, and is driven to rotate about an axis CL by torque applied from the drive unit 30. The first power transmission unit 31 is also driven to rotate by torque transmitted from the second power transmission unit 32 via a clutch mechanism 33.

[0023] The second power transmission unit 32 is formed in a disk shape and is disposed so as to overlap the first power transmission unit 31 in the depth direction of the drawing. An actuator lever 34 is connected to the second power transmission unit 32. One end 35 of the actuator lever 34 is fixed to the second power transmission unit 32, and the other end 36 of the actuator lever 34 abuts against the rear surface of the pedal pad 10 (i.e., the surface of the pedal pad 10 facing the floor 14). As a result, when the pedal pad 10 moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position (hereinafter referred to as the "open direction") due to an increase in the pedal force of the driver, the pedal force is transmitted to the second power transmission unit 32 via the actuator lever 34, and the second power transmission unit 32 is rotationally driven. The second power transmission unit 32 is also rotationally driven by the torque applied from the first power transmission unit 31 via the clutch mechanism 33.

[0024] The actuator lever biasing member 37 biases the actuator lever 34 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the actuator lever 34 moves in association with the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction. As a result, an end 36 of the actuator lever 34 on the pedal pad 10 side comes into contact with the rear surface of the pedal pad 10.

[0025] The clutch mechanism 33 switches between transmission and interruption of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. In the first embodiment, an electromagnetic clutch is used as the clutch mechanism 33. The electromagnetic clutch can arbitrarily switch between transmission and interruption of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 by switching between energization and non-energization. In detail, this electromagnetic clutch is configured to interrupt the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when energized, and to transmit power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when non-energized. In the following description, a state in which the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 is interrupted is referred to as an "idling state," and a state in which power is transmitted between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 is referred to as an "engaged state."

[0026] When the accelerator operation function is executed, if the clutch mechanism 33 is in an engaged state, the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 10 is transmitted to the drive unit 30 via the actuator lever 34, the second power transmission unit 32, the clutch mechanism 33, and the first power transmission unit 31. On the other hand, the power output by the drive unit 30 is transmitted to the pedal pad 10 via the first power transmission unit 31, the clutch mechanism 33, the second power transmission unit 32, and the actuator lever 34. Therefore, the drive unit 30 can apply a reaction force to the pedal pad 10 against the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 10.

[0027] The locking mechanism 4 has a locked portion 40, a housing portion 41, a lock pin n, and a lock elastic member 43. The locked portion 40 is fixed to the first power transmission portion 31 and moves with the rotation of the first power transmission portion 31. Specifically, the locked portion 40 is fixed to the outer wall of the first power transmission portion 31 on the radially outer side. Here, a virtual line connecting the axis CL of rotation of the first power transmission portion 31 and the center of the locked portion 40 is called a first virtual line VL1. The surface of the locked portion 40 facing the rotation direction of the first power transmission portion 31 is an inclined surface 44 that is inclined so as to approach the first virtual line VL1 side in a direction from the radial inner side to the radial outer side of the first power transmission portion 31.

[0028] The accommodating portion 41 is provided in the housing 2. The accommodating portion 41 accommodates therein a lock pin 42 and a lock elastic member 43. A part of the lock pin 42 protrudes from an opening provided in the accommodating portion 41 toward the first power transmission portion 31. Here, a virtual line passing through the center of the lock pin 42 and extending in the moving direction of the lock pin 42 is referred to as a second virtual line VL2. The surface of the lock pin 42 facing the rotation direction of the first power transmission portion 31 is an inclined surface 45 that is inclined so as to approach the second virtual line VL2 in the direction from the lock elastic member 43 side toward the first power transmission portion 31 side.

[0029] The locking elastic member 43 biases the locking pin 42 toward the first power transmission unit 31. Therefore, the locking elastic member 43 restricts the locking pin 42 from being displaced in a direction into the accommodation unit 41 with a predetermined elastic force. With this configuration, as shown in FIG. 5, when the locking pin 42 and the locked unit 40 come into contact with each other, the locking pin 42 can restrict the rotation of the locked unit 40 and the first power transmission unit 31 in the opening direction with a predetermined release pedal force. The opening direction of the locked unit 40 and the first power transmission unit 31 is the direction in which the first power transmission unit 31 coupled to the second power transmission unit 32 via the clutch mechanism 33 rotates as the pedal pad 10 rotates in the opening direction. The predetermined release pedal force will be described later.

[0030] 2, the rotational position sensor 5 detects the position of the locked portion 40 or the angle of the first power transmission portion 31. The pedal opening sensor 6 detects the opening of the pedal pad 10. The input unit 9 is a mechanism that allows the driver to input a command to turn the footrest into a footrest and a command to release the footrest. The input unit 9 may be, for example, a switch that can be operated by the driver, a touch panel, or a microphone for voice input.

[0031] The control system 100 includes a vehicle control device 101, a motor control device 7, and a clutch control device 8 that are mounted on a vehicle. The control devices 7, 8, and 101 that constitute the control system 100, the rotational position sensor 5, the pedal opening sensor 6, and the input unit 9 are connected via an in-vehicle LAN using CAN communication or the like, or a wire harness, for example. Therefore, the detection signal of the rotational position sensor 5, the detection signal of the pedal opening sensor 6, and the signal of the input unit 9 are transmitted to the vehicle control device 101, the motor control device 7, and the clutch control device 8 that constitute the control system 100, respectively.

[0032] The vehicle control device 101, the motor control device 7, and the clutch control device 8 are all electronic control devices having a microcomputer including a processor and memories such as ROM and RAM, and their peripheral circuits. The memory is a non-transient substantial storage medium. The electronic control device controls each part by the processor executing a program stored in the memory. Specifically, the vehicle control device 101 controls the running state of the vehicle, etc. The motor control device 7 controls the drive of the drive unit 30 by controlling the supply of electricity to the motor constituting the drive unit 30. The clutch control device 8 controls the drive of the clutch mechanism 33 by controlling the supply of electricity to an electromagnetic clutch constituting the clutch mechanism 33. The motor control device 7 and the clutch control device 8 may be integrated as a control device 110 of the accelerator pedal device. Hereinafter, the motor control device 7 and the clutch control device 8 are collectively referred to as the "control device 110".

[0033] <Accelerator pedal device operations> Next, the accelerator operation function and the footrest function executed by the accelerator pedal device of the first embodiment and the switching operation between these functions will be described.

[0034] <When the accelerator operation function is executed> Fig. 1 shows a state in which the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position when the accelerator operation function is being executed. The pedal pad 10 is held in the fully closed position by the biasing force of the pedal biasing member 13. The actuator lever 34 is in contact with the rear surface of the pedal pad 10 by the biasing force of the actuator lever biasing member 37. At this time, the locked portion 40 is in a "non-contact position" where it does not contact the locked portion 40 even if the pedal pad 10 moves from the fully closed position to the fully open position when the accelerator operation function is being executed. In Fig. 1, the range of the non-contact position is indicated by the dashed arrow α.

[0035] The clutch control device 8 turns off the current supply to the clutch mechanism 33. As a result, the clutch mechanism 33 brings the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 into a coupled state, and transmits power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. This enables the drive unit 30 to apply a reaction force against the driver's pedal force to the pedal pad 10 via the first power transmission unit 31, the clutch mechanism 33, the second power transmission unit 32, and the actuator lever 34.

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a state in which the driver depresses the pedal pad 10 to the fully open position when the accelerator operation function is executed. In Fig. 3, the fully closed position of the pedal pad 10 is indicated by a dashed line 10a, and the position of the locked part 40 when the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position is indicated by a dashed line 40a. When the pedal pad 10 is depressed, the second power transmission part 32 and the first power transmission part 31 rotate accordingly. As the first power transmission part 31 rotates, the locked part 40 moves in the rotation direction of the first power transmission part 31. Even in this case, the locked part 40 is within the range of the non-abutment position.

[0037] <When used as a footrest> 4 shows the state when the accelerator operation function is switched to the footrest function. The footrest function is started when the driver inputs a command to switch to the footrest function via the input unit 9. At this time, the clutch control device 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33. As a result, the clutch mechanism 33 puts the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 into an idling state, and interrupts the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32.

[0038] As indicated by dashed lines R1 and R2 in Fig. 4, the motor control device 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked part 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position based on the detection signal from the rotational position sensor 5. The locked part 40 and the drive unit 30 are disposed at positions offset from each other in the depth direction of the paper in the figure. Therefore, there is no interference between the locked part 40 and the drive unit 30.

[0039] In Fig. 4, the range of the abutment position is indicated by an arrow β. The abutment position is a position where the locked portion 40 abuts against the lock pin 42 when the pedal pad 10 is at any footrest position during the execution of the footrest function. The footrest position is a position where the lock pin 42 abuts against the locked portion 40 when the pedal pad 10 is depressed, restricting the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction, and is set to any position between the fully closed position and the fully open position of the pedal pad 10. In this embodiment, the footrest position is set to a position where the pedal pad 10 is depressed a predetermined angle toward the fully open position from the fully closed position.

[0040] The control device 110 drives the drive unit 30 when the pedal pad 10 is located closer to the fully closed position than the footrest position, and moves the locked portion 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position. The control device 110 may drive the drive unit 30 when the pedal pad 10 is located in the fully closed position.

[0041] <When the footrest function is running> FIG. 5 shows a state when the footrest function is executed. At this time, the clutch control device 8 turns off the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33. The clutch mechanism 33 connects the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32, and transmits the power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. The motor control device 7 also stops the power supply to the drive unit 30. When the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad 10 and the pedal pad 10 moves in the opening direction due to the driver's weight, the second power transmission unit 32 and the first power transmission unit 31 rotate with the movement of the pedal pad 10, and the locked part 40 moves in the rotation direction of the first power transmission unit 31. When the pedal pad 10 is stepped on to an arbitrary footrest position, the locked part 40 comes into contact with the lock pin 42, and the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is restricted. This allows the pedal pad 10 to be used as a footrest at any angle.

[0042] <Footrest release_Automatic release> FIG. 6 shows a state in which the footrest function is "automatically released" by a release command of the footrest function by the driver, among the footrest releases that switch from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function. When the driver issues a release command to the input unit 9 to release the footrest function, the clutch control device 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33 after confirming that the pedal pad 10 has been returned to the fully closed state. As a result, the clutch mechanism 33 puts the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in an idling state, and interrupts the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. Then, as shown by the dashed lines R3 and R4 in FIG. 6, the motor control device 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked part 40 from the abutment position to the non-abutment position based on the detection signal of the rotation position sensor 5. At this time, the motor control device 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31 in a direction in which the locked part 40 does not climb over the lock pin 42. As a result, the restriction on the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is released, and the driver can depress the pedal pad 10.

[0043] <Footrest release_When stepping off> FIG. 7 shows a state in which the driver strongly depresses the pedal pad 10 to execute a "depression release" to switch from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function during footrest release. When the driver increases the depressing force applied to the pedal pad 10 during the execution of the footrest function, the depressing force is transmitted from the pedal pad 10 to the lock pin 42 via the actuator lever 34, the second power transmission unit 32, the clutch mechanism 33, the first power transmission unit 31, and the locked part 40. When the driver's depressing force transmitted from the locked part 40 to the lock pin 42 becomes greater than a predetermined release depressing force set in advance, the lock pin 42 pressed against the locked part 40 is displaced so as to enter the inside of the accommodation part 41 against the elastic force of the lock elastic member 43. As a result, the locked part 40 moves over the lock pin 42, so that the driver can depress the pedal pad 10 toward the fully opened position side from the footrest position. In FIG. 7, the footrest position of the pedal pad 10 is indicated by a broken line 10b.

[0044] In an emergency, even if the footrest function is being executed, the driver can depress the pedal pad 10 strongly to release the footrest function and operate the accelerator. The predetermined release force required for the driver to depress and release the footrest is set by the elastic force of the lock elastic member 43 and the angle of the inclined surface 45 of the lock pin 42, etc.

[0045] The control device 110 can detect, based on a detection signal from the rotation position sensor 5 or the pedal opening sensor 6, that the pedal pad 10 is stepped on from the footrest position toward the fully open position while the footrest function is being executed, and the footrest function is released. At this time, the clutch control device 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33. Therefore, the clutch mechanism 33 puts the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in an idling state. Then, the motor control device 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked part 40 to the non-contact position. This prevents the locked part 40 from interfering with the lock pin 42 and separating the actuator lever 34 from the pedal pad, even if the driver steps on the pedal pad 10 after switching from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function.

[0046] <Operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device> Next, the operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device of the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 8 is a time chart showing the operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device when the accelerator operation function is executed, when the pedal is used as a footrest, when the footrest function is executed, and when the footrest is automatically released.

[0047] From time T1 to time T2 in FIG. 8, the accelerator operation function is executed, and no reaction force is applied from the drive unit 30 to the pedal pad 10. At this time, the command to turn the pedal into a footrest (i.e., a footrest signal) from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 is turned off. The motor control unit 7 turns off the power to the drive unit 30 (i.e., the motor). The clutch control unit 8 turns off the power to the clutch mechanism 33 (i.e., the electromagnetic clutch). The locked portion 40 moves within the range of the non-contact position according to the opening degree of the pedal pad 10. The pedal depression force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 10 corresponds to the biasing force of the pedal biasing member 13.

[0048] The period from time T2 to time T3 shows a state in which the accelerator operation function is executed and a reaction force is applied from the drive unit 30 to the pedal pad 10. At this time, the command to turn the pedal into a footrest from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 is also turned off. The motor control unit 7 turns on the power supply to the drive unit 30. The clutch control unit 8 turns off the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33. The locked portion 40 moves within the range of the non-contact position according to the opening degree of the pedal pad 10. The pedal depression force corresponds to the sum of the biasing force of the pedal biasing member 13 and the torque output by the drive unit 30. By controlling the power supply to the drive unit 30, it is also possible to change the strength of the reaction force or to apply the reaction force intermittently.

[0049] The period from time T3 to time T4 indicates a state in which the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position. This state occurs, for example, when the driver is operating the brake pedal, when the vehicle is stopped, or when the driver has taken his or her foot off the pedal pad 10 and the vehicle is performing automatic driving. In this state, the next footless state can be performed.

[0050] The period from time T4 to time T5 shows a state in which the footrest is turned on. When a footrest turning command (i.e., footrest signal ON) is input from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 at time T4, the control unit 110 confirms that the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position, and then turns the pedal pad 10 into a footrest. Specifically, the clutch control unit 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 are in an idling state. The motor control unit 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked unit 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position. When the footrest turning is completed at time T5, the clutch control unit 8 turns off the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 are in a coupled state. The motor control unit 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30.

[0051] The period from time T5 to time T7 shows a state in which the footrest function is being executed. After the footrest function is completed at time T5, when the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad 10 and depresses the pedal pad 10 to a desired footrest position, the locked portion 40 and the lock pin 42 come into contact with each other at time T6, and the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is restricted. This executes the footrest function.

[0052] The period from time T7 to time T8 shows a state in which the footrest is automatically released. When a footrest release command (i.e., footrest signal OFF) is input from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 at time T7, the control unit 110 confirms that the pedal pad 10 is returned to the fully closed position, and then executes automatic release of the footrest. Specifically, the clutch control unit 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and puts the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in an idling state. The motor control unit 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked unit 40 from the abutment position to the non-abutment position. When the automatic release of the footrest is completed at time T8, the clutch control unit 8 turns off the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and puts the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in a coupled state. The motor control unit 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30. Note that, after time T8, the accelerator operation function is executed.

[0053] Next, FIG. 9 is a time chart showing the operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device when the accelerator operation function is executed, when the pedal is used as a footrest, when the footrest function is executed, and when the footrest depression is released.

[0054] The operations of the various parts of the accelerator pedal device from time T11 to time T16 in FIG. 9 are the same as those from time T1 to time T6 in FIG.

[0055] When the driver increases the pedal force applied to the pedal pad 10 from time T17 to time T18, the force is transmitted to the lock pin 42 via the locked portion 40. When the pedal force becomes equal to or greater than the release force at time T18, the lock pin 42 is pressed by the locked portion 40 and displaced so as to enter the inside of the accommodation portion 41 against the elastic force of the lock elastic member 43. This causes the locked portion 40 to move over the lock pin 42. Therefore, the pedal pad 10 is pressed in the opening direction further than the footrest position, and the pedal opening degree in the opening direction is greater than when the footrest is in place.

[0056] At time T18, the control device 110 determines that the footrest function has been released based on the detection signal of the rotation position sensor 5 or the pedal opening sensor 6, and turns off the footrest command itself. From time T18 to time T19, the clutch control device 8 turns on the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 are in an idling state. At the same time, the motor control device 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked unit 40 to a non-contact position (specifically, the initial position). When the release of the footrest is completed at time T19, the clutch control device 8 turns off the power supply to the clutch mechanism 33, and the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 are in a coupled state. The motor control device 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30. Note that the accelerator operation function is executed after time T19.

[0057] Next, the control process executed by the control device 110 when the seat belt 10 is used as a footrest will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. In the following explanation and flowcharts, steps are simply represented as "S".

[0058] When a command to turn the seat into a footrest by the driver is transmitted from the input unit 9 in S100, the control device 110 advances the process to S101.

[0059] In S101, the control device 110 determines whether the accelerator opening is fully closed or not, i.e., whether the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position or not, based on the detection signal of the pedal opening sensor 6. If the pedal pad 10 is not in the fully closed position, the control device 110 shifts the process to S102 and notifies the driver to return the pedal pad 10 to the fully closed position. The notification can be given by, for example, a sound, a lamp, or a display.

[0060] On the other hand, when the control device 110 detects in S101 that the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position, the process proceeds to S103, where the control device 110 executes the above-mentioned footrest conversion.

[0061] In the above S101, the control device 110 determines whether or not the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position, but the process executed by the control device 110 is not limited to this. For example, the control device 110 may determine whether or not the pedal pad 10 is located closer to the fully closed position than the footrest position.

[0062] The accelerator pedal device of the first embodiment described above provides the following advantages. (1) In the first embodiment, the control device 110 provided with the accelerator pedal device moves the locked portion 40 to the non-contact position when the accelerator operation function is performed. Also, the control device 110 moves the locked portion 40 to the contact position when the footrest function is performed.

[0063] According to this, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the control device 110 moves the locked part 40 to the non-abutting position. Therefore, when the clutch mechanism 33 connects the first power transmission part 31 and the second power transmission part 32, the power of the drive part 30 can be transmitted from the first power transmission part 31 to the pedal pad 10 via the clutch mechanism 33 and the second power transmission part 32. Therefore, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the power of the drive part 30 can be transmitted to the pedal pad 10 in the entire range of the pedal pad 10 from the fully closed position to the fully open position, and no reaction force dead zone as in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 is generated. Furthermore, when the footrest function is executed, the control device 110 moves the locked portion 40 to the abutment position. Therefore, when the clutch mechanism 33 connects the first power transmission portion 31 and the second power transmission portion 32, when the driver depresses the pedal pad 10 to any footrest position, the lock pin 42 abuts against the locked portion 40, and the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is restricted. Therefore, the pedal pad 10 can be turned into a footrest at any angle, improving the comfort of the driver when using the footrest.

[0064] (2) In the first embodiment, when the footrest is used, the clutch mechanism 33 cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32, resulting in an idling state. In addition, the drive unit 30 drives the first power transmission unit 31 to move the locked unit 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position. When the footrest function is performed, the clutch mechanism 33 transmits power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to establish a coupled state, and the drive unit 30 stops driving. When the footrest is released, the clutch mechanism 33 cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission part 31 and the second power transmission part 32, resulting in an idling state. In addition, the drive part 30 drives the first power transmission part 31 to move the locked part 40 from the abutment position to the non-abutment position. When the accelerator operation function is executed, the clutch mechanism 33 transmits power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to establish a coupled state. In addition, the drive unit 30 can apply any power from the first power transmission unit 31 to the pedal pad 10 via the clutch mechanism 33 and the second power transmission unit 32. According to this, when the accelerator pedal device is performing the accelerator operation function, the power of the drive unit 30 can be transmitted to the pedal pad 10 over the entire range of positions from the fully closed position to the fully open position of the pedal pad 10, and no reaction force dead zone is created. Furthermore, when the footrest function is being performed, the accelerator pedal device can turn the pedal pad 10 into a footrest by stopping the supply of electricity to the drive unit 30 and by depressing the pedal pad 10 to any footrest position.

[0065] (3) In the first embodiment, when the footrest function is being executed, if the driver's pedal force transmitted from the pedal pad 10 via the second power transmission part 32, the clutch mechanism 33, the first power transmission part 31 and the locked part 40 to the lock pin 42 becomes greater than a predetermined release force, the footrest function is released. According to this, even when the footrest function is being executed, in the event of an emergency, the driver can depress the pedal pad 10 strongly to release the footrest function and execute the accelerator operation.

[0066] (4) In the first embodiment, the control device 110 controls the driving of the driving portion 30 based on the detection signal of the rotational position sensor 5 to move the locked portion 40. This allows the control device 110 to move the locked portion 40 to a desired position, and the footrest position can be adjusted to any pedal angle that is comfortable for the driver.

[0067] (5) In the first embodiment, when the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position side of the footrest position, the control device 110 drives the drive unit 30 to move the locked portion 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position. According to this, if the locked portion 40 is moved to the abutment position when the pedal pad 10 is located closer to the fully open position than the footrest position, the locked portion 40 and the lock pin 42 may abut in the pedal return direction (i.e., the closing direction), which may prevent the pedal pad 10 from being used as a footrest. In contrast, the pedal pad 10 can be reliably used as a footrest by driving the drive unit 30 to move the locked portion 40 to the abutment position when the pedal pad 10 is located closer to the fully closed position than the footrest position.

[0068] (6) In the first embodiment, the clutch mechanism 33 is an electromagnetic clutch. According to this, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the electromagnetic clutch only needs to constantly transmit power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. Therefore, it is not necessary to set a predetermined torque threshold value required for the one-way clutch described in the third embodiment below. In addition, when the footrest function is switched from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function, the drive unit 30 drives the first power transmission unit 31 in the direction opposite to the direction in which the locked part 40 overcomes the lock pin 42, and can move the locked part 40 to the non-contact position. Therefore, by using an electromagnetic clutch as the clutch mechanism 33, the output torque of the drive unit 30 required for the footrest function can be reduced compared to the case of using a one-way clutch described in the third embodiment below. In addition, the release force of the lock pin 42 can be set without being limited by the maximum output torque of the drive unit 30. For example, the release force of the lock pin 42 may be set to be greater than the maximum output torque of the drive unit 30.

[0069] (7) In the first embodiment, the electromagnetic clutch is configured to cut off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when current is applied, and to transmit power between the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when current is not applied. According to this, the current supply to the electromagnetic clutch is limited to when the footrest is activated and when the footrest is deactivated, and the current supply to the electromagnetic clutch can be stopped when the accelerator operation function and the footrest function are executed, thereby saving power.

[0070] (8) In the first embodiment, when the control device 110 detects that the footrest function has been released based on the detection signal of the rotational position sensor 5 or the pedal opening sensor 6 while the footrest function is being executed, it drives the drive unit 30 to move the locked portion 40 to the non-abutment position. According to this, when the driver releases the footrest function, the control device 110 drives the drive unit 30 to move the locked part 40 to the non-contact position. Therefore, when the function is switched from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function and the driver operates the accelerator, it is possible to prevent the locked part 40 from contacting the lock pin 42.

[0071] Second embodiment The second embodiment will be described. The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the control of the control device 110 during execution of the accelerator operation function is added, and other aspects are the same as the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0072] First, the problem with the second embodiment will be described. In the first embodiment, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the clutch mechanism 33 brings the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 into a coupled state. At that time, it is ideal that the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 are driven completely as one unit. If the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 cannot be driven as one unit and slip, the position of the locked part 40 relative to the second power transmission unit 32 will be shifted. If the position shift of the locked part 40 becomes large and the locked part 40 moves to the abutment position, the locked part 40 and the lock pin 42 will abut on each other while the pedal pad 10 is being stepped on from the fully closed position to the fully open position. In that case, the rotation range of the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 is limited, which may hinder the pedal pad 10 from being stepped on.

[0073] In consideration of such problems, the control device 110 provided in the accelerator pedal device of the second embodiment executes the following control process, which will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

[0074] The control process shown in the flowchart of FIG. 11 is repeatedly executed at predetermined control intervals while the accelerator operation function is being executed.

[0075] 11, the control device 110 detects the position of the locked part 40 based on the detection signal of the rotational position sensor 5, and judges whether or not the position of the locked part 40 is within a predetermined range. The predetermined range will be described with reference to FIG.

[0076] 12, the locked portion 40 is disposed in an "initial position" that is set approximately in the center of the "maximum allowable range A of initial positional deviation." The "maximum allowable range A of initial positional deviation" is a range in which the lock pin 42 and the locked portion 40 do not come into contact with each other even when the pedal pad 10 is moved from the fully closed position to the fully open position, i.e., a non-contact position. A "positional deviation threshold B" is set inside the "maximum allowable range A of initial positional deviation." In other words, the "positional deviation threshold B" is a range that allows a margin relative to the "maximum allowable range A of initial positional deviation" so that the locked portion 40 will not come into contact with the lock pin 42 even if the position of the locked portion 40 is slightly deviated.

[0077] Returning to Fig. 11, in the process of S201, it is determined whether or not the position of the locked part 40 is within the predetermined range thus set, i.e., within the range of "positional deviation threshold B". If the position of the locked part 40 is within the range of "positional deviation threshold B", the process ends. On the other hand, if the position of the locked part 40 is not within the range of "positional deviation threshold B", the process proceeds to S202.

[0078] In S202, the control device 110 determines whether the driver is operating the brake pedal or whether the vehicle is stopped. When the driver is operating the brake pedal or when the vehicle is stopped, it can be said that the driver is not operating the pedal pad 10 provided in the accelerator pedal device.

[0079] If the determination in S202 is negative, that is, if the driver is operating the accelerator pedal device, the process in S202 is repeatedly executed, that is, the process waits until the driver stops operating the accelerator pedal device.

[0080] If the determination in S202 is positive, that is, if the driver is not operating the accelerator pedal device, the process proceeds to S203.

[0081] In S203, the control device 110 causes the clutch mechanism 33 to rotate freely, and further drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31 and move the locked unit 40 to the initial position. This makes it possible to prevent the locked unit 40 from coming into contact with the lock pin 42 during execution of the accelerator operation function, thereby preventing the pedal pad 10 from being depressed.

[0082] In the second embodiment described above, while the accelerator operation function is being executed, the control device 110 judges whether or not the locked part 40 has deviated from a predetermined range set within the non-contact position, that is, from the "position deviation threshold B", based on the detection signal from the rotational position sensor 5. Then, when it detects that the locked part 40 has deviated from the predetermined range, it causes the clutch mechanism 33 to rotate freely and drives the drive part 30 to move the locked part 40 into the predetermined range (specifically, the initial position) when the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position. According to this, if the clutch mechanism 33 slips or the like and the locked part 40 moves to the abutment position while the accelerator operation function is being executed, the locked part 40 may interfere with the lock pin 42 when the driver operates the pedal, which may limit the amount of operation of the pedal pad 10. In response to this, the control device 110 constantly monitors the position of the locked part 40 based on the detection signal of the rotation position sensor 5 while the accelerator operation function is being executed, thereby preventing the depression of the pedal pad 10 from being hindered.

[0083] (Modification of the second embodiment) A modified example of the second embodiment will be described. In the above-mentioned second embodiment, when the control device 110 detects that the locked part 40 has deviated from the predetermined range, the control device 110 moves the locked part 40 within the predetermined range (specifically, to the initial position). In contrast, in the modified example of the second embodiment, the control device 110 executes control to move the locked part 40 within the predetermined range or to the initial position at a predetermined timing, regardless of whether the locked part 40 has deviated from the predetermined range. That is, even if the locked part 40 has not deviated from the predetermined range during execution of the accelerator operation function, the control device 110 periodically executes control to move the locked part 40 within the predetermined range, that is, within the range of the "position deviation threshold B", or to the initial position. Note that the control device 110 executes the control when the pedal pad 10 is not operated by the driver. This ensures a margin for slipping of the clutch mechanism 33 during execution of the accelerator operation function, and prevents the locked part 40 and the lock pin 42 from coming into contact unintentionally. Note that the predetermined timing can be, for example, every time the vehicle is started or stopped.

[0084] Furthermore, when the locked portion 40 is moved within a predetermined range, the control device 110 may store that position as the initial position. Alternatively, the control device 110 may not use the detection signal of the rotational position sensor 5, but may move the locked portion 40 within a predetermined range or to the initial position by a mechanical configuration. Alternatively, the control device 110 may move the locked portion 40 within a predetermined range or to an initial position based on an accumulation of the relative position change of the locked portion 40.

[0085] Third embodiment The third embodiment will be described. The third embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the clutch mechanism 33 is changed, but the rest is the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0086] <Configuration of accelerator pedal device> 13, the accelerator pedal device of the third embodiment also includes a housing 2, a pedal lever 1, a power transmission mechanism 3, and a lock mechanism 4. The power transmission mechanism 3 includes a drive unit 30, a first power transmission unit 31, a second power transmission unit 32, and a clutch mechanism 33. However, in the third embodiment, a one-way clutch 38 is used as the clutch mechanism 33.

[0087] In the following description, when explaining the function of the one-way clutch 38, the direction in which the first power transmission unit 31 resists the drive of the second power transmission unit 32 caused by depressing the pedal pad 10 toward the fully open position is referred to as the "depressing direction of the power transmission unit." Additionally, the direction in which the first power transmission unit 31 resists the drive of the second power transmission unit 32 caused by depressing and releasing the pedal pad 10 toward the fully closed position is referred to as the "returning direction of the power transmission unit."

[0088] The one-way clutch 38 is configured to constantly connect the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in the depression operation direction of the power transmission units, thereby transmitting power.

[0089] The one-way clutch 38 is configured to switch between engagement and idling of the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in accordance with a torque that rotates the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 relative to each other in the pedal-back operation direction of the power transmission unit. In detail, the one-way clutch 38 engages the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when the torque that rotates the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 relative to each other in the pedal-back operation direction of the power transmission unit is smaller than a predetermined torque threshold. On the other hand, the one-way clutch 38 causes the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to rotate idly in accordance with a torque that rotates the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 relative to each other in the pedal-back operation direction of the power transmission unit. Here, the predetermined torque threshold is set to be larger than the sum of the motor detent torque of the drive unit 30 and the sliding resistance (specifically, gear sliding torque) between the drive unit 30 and the first power transmission unit 31. In addition, the predetermined torque threshold is set to be smaller than the biasing force of the actuator lever biasing member 37.

[0090] <Operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device> Next, the operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device of the third embodiment will be described. FIG. 14 is a time chart showing the operation of each part of the accelerator pedal device when the accelerator operation function is executed, when the pedal is used as a footrest, when the footrest function is executed, and when the footrest is automatically released.

[0091] The period from time T21 to time T23 in Fig. 14 shows a state in which the accelerator operation function is being executed. At this time, the command from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 to turn the pedal into a footrest is turned off. Between time T21 and time T22, the motor control unit 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30. Therefore, the pedal depression force corresponds to the biasing force of the pedal biasing member 13. Between time T22 and time T23, the motor control unit 7 turns on the power supply to the drive unit 30. Therefore, the pedal depression force corresponds to the sum of the biasing force of the pedal biasing member 13 and the torque output by the drive unit 30.

[0092] As described above, the one-way clutch 38 constantly connects the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 in the depression direction of the power transmission units. Therefore, when the driver increases the depression force applied to the pedal pad 10 to depress the pedal pad 10, the one-way clutch 38 constantly connects the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. Therefore, the accelerator operation function can be performed without a reaction force dead zone.

[0093] As described above, the one-way clutch 38 couples the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when the torque that rotates the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 relative to each other in the direction of the power transmission unit's return operation is smaller than a predetermined torque threshold. The predetermined torque threshold is set to be larger than the sum of the motor detent torque of the drive unit 30 and the sliding resistance between the drive unit 30 and the first power transmission unit 31. Therefore, when the driver reduces the pedal force applied to the pedal pad 10 to perform the return operation of the pedal pad 10, the one-way clutch 38 couples the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. Therefore, the relative positional relationship between the locked portion 40 provided on the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 is maintained. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the locked portion 40 from moving unintentionally to the contact position. In FIG. 13, the range of the non-contact position is indicated by an arrow α, and the range of the contact position is indicated by an arrow β.

[0094] The period from time T23 to time T24 indicates a state in which the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position. This state occurs, for example, when the driver is operating the brake pedal, when the vehicle is stopped, or when the driver has taken his or her foot off the pedal pad 10 and the vehicle is performing automatic driving. In this state, the next footless mode can be performed.

[0095] The period from time T24 to time T25 shows a state in which the footrest is being activated. When a command to activate the footrest (i.e., footrest signal ON) is input from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 at time T24, the motor control unit 7 executes the activation of the footrest after confirming that the pedal pad 10 is in the fully closed position. Specifically, the motor control unit 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31, and moves the locked portion 40 from the non-contact position to the contact position.

[0096] As described above, the one-way clutch 38 causes the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to rotate relative to each other in the pedal-back operation direction of the power transmission units when the torque is greater than a predetermined torque threshold. This allows the first power transmission unit 31 and the locked unit 40 to be driven by the drive unit 30 to turn the vehicle into a footrest while the actuator lever 34 is locked by the actuator lever urging member 37 or the like to hold the position of the second power transmission unit 32. The urging force of the actuator lever urging member 37 is set to be greater than a predetermined torque threshold. When the footrest function is completed at time T25, the motor control device 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30.

[0097] The period from time T25 to time T27 shows a state in which the footrest function is being executed. After the footrest function is completed at time T25, when the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad 10 and depresses the pedal pad 10 to a desired footrest position, the locked portion 40 and the lock pin 42 come into contact with each other at time T26, and the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is restricted. This executes the footrest function.

[0098] The period from time T27 to time T28 shows a state in which the footrest is automatically released. When a footrest release command (i.e., footrest signal OFF) is input from the input unit 9 to the control unit 110 at time T27, the motor control unit 7 confirms that the pedal pad 10 is returned to the fully closed position, and then executes automatic release of the footrest. The motor control unit 7 drives the drive unit 30 to rotate the first power transmission unit 31 and move the locked part 40 from the abutment position to the non-abutment position. At this time, in order to idle the one-way clutch 38, the drive unit 30 drives the first power transmission unit 31 in a direction in which the locked part 40 overcomes the lock pin 42, and moves the locked part 40 to the non-abutment position. When the automatic release of the footrest is completed at time T28, the motor control unit 7 turns off the power supply to the drive unit 30. Note that the accelerator operation function is executed after time T28.

[0099] In the accelerator pedal device of the third embodiment, the release of the footrest function is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment, except that it is not necessary to energize the one-way clutch 38, so a description thereof will be omitted.

[0100] The accelerator pedal device of the third embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0101] (Fourth embodiment) The fourth embodiment will be described. The fourth embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the configuration of the power transmission mechanism 3 is changed, and other aspects are the same as the first embodiment, so only the differences from the first embodiment will be described.

[0102] As shown in Fig. 15, the accelerator pedal device of the fourth embodiment also includes a housing 2, a pedal lever 1, a power transmission mechanism 3, and a lock mechanism 4. The power transmission mechanism 3 includes a drive unit 30, a first power transmission unit 31, a second power transmission unit 32, and a clutch mechanism 33. In the fourth embodiment, the first power transmission unit 31, the second power transmission unit 32, and the clutch mechanism 33 are formed in a straight line. An electromagnetic clutch is used as the clutch mechanism 33.

[0103] 15 shows a state when the accelerator operation function is executed. The clutch mechanism 33 connects the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. Therefore, the drive unit 30 can apply a reaction force against the pedal force of the driver to the pedal pad 10.

[0104] When converting the footrest into a footrest, the clutch mechanism 33 puts the first power transmission part 31 and the second power transmission part 32 into an idling state. Then, the drive part 30 drives the first power transmission part 31 to move the locked part 40 so as to climb over the lock pin 42.

[0105] Fig. 16 shows the state when the footrest function is being executed. The clutch mechanism 33 connects the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32. When the driver places his / her foot on the pedal pad 10 and depresses the pedal pad 10 to any footrest position, the locked portion 40 comes into contact with the lock pin 42, and the movement of the pedal pad 10 in the opening direction is restricted. This allows the pedal pad 10 to be used as a footrest at any angle.

[0106] The accelerator pedal device of the fourth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as those of the first embodiment. Compared to the fourth embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 3 can be made smaller in size in the first to third embodiments.

[0107] (Other embodiments) (1) In the above embodiments, the accelerator pedal device has been described as being of an organ type, but the present invention is not limited to this, and may be of a pendant type, for example. A pendant type accelerator pedal device refers to a device in which the portion of the pedal pad 10 to which the driver applies a pedal force is disposed below the axis of rotation of the pedal pad 10 in the vertical direction of the vehicle.

[0108] (2) In each of the above embodiments, a configuration in which the first power transmission section 31, the second power transmission section 32, and the clutch mechanism 33 are arranged coaxially has been described. However, this is not limited to this. For example, the first power transmission section 31, the second power transmission section 32, and the clutch mechanism 33 may be arranged radially side by side.

[0109] (3) In each of the above embodiments, the second power transmission unit 32 and the actuator lever 34 are fixed to each other. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second power transmission unit 32 and the actuator lever 34 may be connected by a gear. In this case, the rotation directions of the first power transmission unit 31, the second power transmission unit 32, and the drive unit 30 in response to the depression operation and the release operation of the pedal pad 10 may be opposite to those described in each of the above embodiments depending on the number of gears.

[0110] (4) In the above embodiments, the electromagnetic clutch is described as causing the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to rotate freely when energized and connecting the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when de-energized, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The electromagnetic clutch may be configured to connect the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 when energized and to cause the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to rotate freely when de-energized. In that case, when the power of the drive unit 30 is not applied to the pedal pad 10 during execution of the accelerator operation function, the electromagnetic clutch may be de-energized to cause the first power transmission unit 31 and the second power transmission unit 32 to rotate freely.

[0111] (5) In each of the above embodiments, the locked portion 40 is described as a convex portion that protrudes radially outward from the outer wall of the first power transmission portion 31. However, this is not limited to this, and the locked portion 40 may be, for example, a concave portion that is recessed radially inward from the outer wall of the first power transmission portion 31.

[0112] (6) In each of the above embodiments, the second power transmission unit 32 and the pedal pad 10 are configured to transmit power via the actuator lever 34. However, this is not limited to the above. For example, the second power transmission unit 32 and the pedal pad 10 may be configured to transmit power directly.

[0113] The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be appropriately modified within the scope of the claims. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments and parts thereof are not unrelated to each other, and can be appropriately combined except when the combination is clearly impossible. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, it goes without saying that the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly considered to be essential in principle. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the numbers, values, amounts, ranges, etc. of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. In addition, in each of the above-mentioned embodiments, when the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components are mentioned, they are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, etc., except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0114] The control device 110 and the methodology described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions embodied in a computer program. Alternatively, the control device 110 and the methodology described herein may be implemented by a special-purpose computer provided by configuring a processor with one or more dedicated hardware logic circuits. Alternatively, the control device 110 and the methodology described herein may be implemented by one or more special-purpose computers configured by a combination of a processor and memory programmed to perform one or more functions and a processor configured with one or more hardware logic circuits. The computer program may also be stored in a computer-readable non-transitory tangible recording medium as instructions executed by the computer.

[0115] (In view of the present disclosure) The present disclosure described above can be understood from the following viewpoints, for example. [First viewpoint] In an accelerator pedal device having an accelerator operation function and a footrest function, a pedal pad (10) that is in a fully closed position when no pedal force is applied by the driver during execution of the accelerator operation function, and that moves to a fully open position as the driver's pedal force increases; A drive unit (30) that is driven by energization; a first power transmission section (31) that is driven by power transmitted from the drive section; a second power transmission unit (32) that can be driven by the power transmitted from the first power transmission unit and the pedal force of the driver transmitted from the pedal pad, and that can transmit the power transmitted from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad; a clutch mechanism (33) that switches between transmitting and interrupting power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit; a locked portion (40) that moves together with the first power transmission portion; a lock pin (42) that, when it comes into contact with the locked portion, restricts movement of the locked portion and driving of the first power transmission portion; and a control device (110) that controls the drive of the drive unit to move the locked portion to a non-abutment position where the locked portion and the lock pin do not abut when the accelerator operation function is performed, and to an abutment position where the locked portion and the lock pin abut when the pedal pad is in an arbitrary footrest position when the footrest function is performed. [Second viewpoint] When the accelerator operation function is switched to the footrest function, the clutch mechanism cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit drives the first power transmission unit to move the locked portion from the non-contact position to the contact position, When the footrest function is performed, the clutch mechanism transmits power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit stops driving; When the footrest function is switched from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function, the clutch mechanism cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit drives the first power transmission unit to move the locked portion from the abutment position to the non-abutment position, An accelerator pedal device as described in a first aspect, wherein, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the clutch mechanism transmits power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit is capable of applying any power from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad via the clutch mechanism and the second power transmission unit. [Third Perspective] The locking mechanism further includes a locking elastic member (43) that restricts the displacement of the locking pin with a predetermined elastic force. An accelerator pedal device as described in the first or second aspect, wherein when the footrest function is being executed, when the driver's depression force transmitted from the pedal pad via the second power transmission part, the clutch mechanism, the first power transmission part and the locked part to the lock pin becomes greater than a predetermined release depression force, the lock pin is displaced against the elastic force of the lock elastic member, and the pedal pad can be depressed from the footrest position toward the fully open position. [Fourth viewpoint] The vehicle further includes a rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting the position of the locked portion or the angle of the first power transmission portion, The accelerator pedal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the control device controls driving of the drive portion based on a detection signal of the rotational position sensor to move the locked portion. [Fifth viewpoint] An accelerator pedal device as described in any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein, when performing footrest conversion to switch from the accelerator operation function to the footrest function, the control device drives the drive portion to move the locked portion from the non-abutment position to the abutment position when the pedal pad is located closer to the fully closed position than the footrest position. [Sixth viewpoint] The vehicle further includes a rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting the position of the locked portion or the angle of the first power transmission portion, An accelerator pedal device as described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein when the control device detects, based on the detection signal of the rotational position sensor, that the locked portion has deviated from a predetermined range set within the non-abutment position while the accelerator operation function is being executed, the control device causes the clutch mechanism to rotate freely and drives the drive unit to move the locked portion into the predetermined range when the pedal pad is in the fully closed position. [Seventh viewpoint] The accelerator pedal device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the control device drives the drive portion at a predetermined timing to move the locked portion to within a predetermined range set within the non-abutment position, or to an initial position set within the predetermined range. [Eighth viewpoint] The clutch mechanism is a one-way clutch (38), the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are always coupled together in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed toward the fully open position, when a torque that rotates the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit relatively in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed back toward the fully closed position is smaller than a predetermined torque threshold value, the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are coupled to each other; An accelerator pedal device as described in any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein when a torque causing relative rotation between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed back toward the fully closed position is greater than the predetermined torque threshold value, the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are caused to spin freely. [Ninth viewpoint] An accelerator pedal device according to an eighth aspect, wherein the predetermined torque threshold is set to be greater than a sum of a motor detent torque of the drive portion and a sliding resistance between the drive portion and the first power transmission portion. [10th viewpoint] The accelerator pedal device according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the clutch mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch that can arbitrarily switch between transmitting and cutting off power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit. [Eleventh viewpoint] An accelerator pedal device described in a tenth aspect, wherein the electromagnetic clutch is configured to interrupt the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit when current is applied, and to transmit power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit when current is not applied. [12th viewpoint] a lock elastic member (43) that restricts the displacement of the lock pin with a predetermined elastic force; a rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting a position or an angle of the locked portion, the first power transmission portion, or the drive portion; A pedal opening sensor (6) capable of detecting the opening of the pedal pad, An accelerator pedal device as described in any one of the first to eleventh aspects, wherein when the control device detects, based on a detection signal of the rotation position sensor or the pedal opening sensor, that the pedal pad has been depressed toward the fully open position rather than the footrest position while the footrest function is being executed, the control device drives the drive portion to move the locked portion to the non-abutment position. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 7 Motor control device (control device) 8 Clutch control device (control device) 10 Pedal Pad 30 Drive unit 31 First power transmission section 32 Second power transmission section 33 Clutch mechanism 40 Locked part 42 Lock pin 110 Control device

Claims

1. In an accelerator pedal device having an accelerator operation function and a footrest function, a pedal pad (10) that is in a fully closed position when no pedal force is applied by the driver during execution of the accelerator operation function, and that moves to a fully open position as the driver's pedal force increases; A drive unit (30) that is driven by energization; a first power transmission unit (31) that is driven by power transmitted from the drive unit; a second power transmission unit (32) that can be driven by the power transmitted from the first power transmission unit and the pedal force of the driver transmitted from the pedal pad, and that can transmit the power transmitted from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad; a clutch mechanism (33) for switching between transmission and interruption of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit; A locked portion (40) that moves together with the first power transmission portion; a lock pin (42) that, when it comes into contact with the locked portion, restricts movement of the locked portion and driving of the first power transmission portion; an accelerator pedal device comprising: a control device (110) that controls driving of the drive unit to move the locked portion to a non-abutment position where the locked portion and the lock pin do not abut when the accelerator operation function is performed, and to move the locked portion to an abutment position where the locked portion and the lock pin abut when the pedal pad is in an arbitrary footrest position when the footrest function is performed.

2. When the accelerator operation function is switched to the footrest function, the clutch mechanism cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit drives the first power transmission unit to move the locked portion from the non-contact position to the contact position, When the footrest function is performed, the clutch mechanism transmits power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit stops driving. When the footrest function is switched from the footrest function to the accelerator operation function, the clutch mechanism cuts off the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit drives the first power transmission unit to move the locked portion from the abutment position to the non-abutment position, 2. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, when the accelerator operation function is executed, the clutch mechanism transmits power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit, and the drive unit is capable of applying any power from the first power transmission unit to the pedal pad via the clutch mechanism and the second power transmission unit.

3. The locking mechanism further includes a locking elastic member (43) that restricts the displacement of the locking pin with a predetermined elastic force.

3. An accelerator pedal device as described in claim 1 or 2, wherein when the footrest function is being executed, when the driver's depression force transmitted from the pedal pad via the second power transmission part, the clutch mechanism, the first power transmission part and the locked part to the lock pin becomes greater than a predetermined release depression force, the lock pin is displaced against the elastic force of the lock elastic member, and the pedal pad can be depressed from the footrest position toward the fully open position.

4. A rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting the position of the locked portion or the angle of the first power transmission portion, 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the control device controls driving of the drive portion based on a detection signal from the rotational position sensor to move the locked portion.

5. 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein when executing footrest conversion to switch from the accelerator operation function to the footrest function, the control device drives the drive unit to move the locked portion from the non-contact position to the contact position when the pedal pad is located closer to the fully closed position than the footrest position.

6. A rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting the position of the locked portion or the angle of the first power transmission portion, 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein when the control device detects, based on the detection signal of the rotational position sensor, that the locked portion has deviated from a predetermined range set within the non-contact position while the accelerator operation function is being executed, the control device causes the clutch mechanism to rotate freely and drives the drive unit to move the locked portion into the predetermined range when the pedal pad is in the fully closed position.

7. 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the control device drives the drive portion at a predetermined timing to move the locked portion to within a predetermined range set within the non-contact position or to an initial position set within the predetermined range.

8. The clutch mechanism is a one-way clutch (38), the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are always coupled together in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed toward the fully open position, when a torque that rotates the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit relatively in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed back toward the fully closed position is smaller than a predetermined torque threshold value, the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are coupled to each other; 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein when a torque causing relative rotation between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit in a direction in which the first power transmission unit resists the drive of the second power transmission unit caused by the pedal pad being depressed back toward the fully closed position is greater than the predetermined torque threshold, the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit are caused to spin freely.

9. 9. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 8, wherein the predetermined torque threshold is set to be greater than a sum of a motor detent torque of the drive portion and a sliding resistance between the drive portion and the first power transmission portion.

10. 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the clutch mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch that can arbitrarily switch between transmitting and interrupting power between the first power transmission part and the second power transmission part.

11. 11. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 10, wherein the electromagnetic clutch is configured to interrupt the transmission of power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit when energized, and to transmit power between the first power transmission unit and the second power transmission unit when de-energized.

12. a locking elastic member (43) that restricts the displacement of the locking pin with a predetermined elastic force; a rotational position sensor (5) capable of detecting a position or an angle of the locked portion, the first power transmission portion, or the drive portion; A pedal opening sensor (6) capable of detecting an opening of the pedal pad, 3. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein when the control device detects, based on a detection signal from the rotation position sensor or the pedal opening sensor, that the pedal pad has been depressed toward the fully open position from the footrest position, the control device drives the drive unit to move the locked portion to the non-abutment position.

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