Function switching method for brake pedal, vehicle having function switching method for brake pedal, virtual driving device having function switching method for brake pedal, function switching device for brake pedal, vehicle having function switching device for brake pedal, and virtual driving device having function switching device for brake pedal

Abstract

To provide a function switching device for a brake pedal that allows a driver to physically experience and comprehend a state where the driver steps on an accelerator by mistakenly believing that he / she steps on a brake and a vehicle is accelerated.SOLUTION: In an accelerator stepping-on state where a driver is stepping on an accelerator pedal section 3a with the foot SD, another person (instructor or the like) operates a function switching unit 10 to switch the function on a brake pedal section 2a-F side to a brake pedal accelerator function state B-A, and steps on a brake pedal section 2a-F (in the accelerator function state) in the brake pedal accelerator function state B-A with the foot, and the vehicle is accelerated. This allows the driver, who believes or feels that he / she is stepping on the brake, to physically experience the acceleration state of the vehicle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake pedal function switching method that enables the user to experience the mistake of stepping on an accelerator pedal instead of a brake pedal, a vehicle having a brake pedal function switching method, a virtual driving device having a brake pedal function switching method, a brake pedal function switching device, a vehicle having a brake pedal function switching device, and a virtual driving device having a brake pedal function switching device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art There is known a device that warns against misapplication of the accelerator pedal and the brake pedal of an automobile (hereinafter also referred to as "misapplication of the pedal") (for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-005821 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The above-mentioned conventional technology warns of misapplication by using sound, light, vibration, etc., to allow the driver to feel the sudden increase in accelerator pressure caused by an elastic rebound means. However, if the driver is unable to feel the sudden increase in accelerator pressure (this varies from person to person), does not notice the warning, or the warning device does not work, there is a problem that the driver may press the accelerator further, thinking it is the brake, and accelerate the car.

[0005] In the first place, drivers have never experienced the state of mistaking the accelerator for the brake during driving lessons or in daily driving, so they have no sense of it at all, and it is extremely difficult for them to reset their consciousness, belief, and sensation that they are stepping on the brake (hereinafter referred to as the "belief state"). Since they cannot reset it, they have the feeling and belief that the only action to stop an accelerating car is to step on the brake, so they continue to think that it is the brake and step on the accelerator as if they were stepping on the brake, further accelerating the car, and as a result, even though there would be no serious accident if they immediately stopped stepping on the accelerator, they accelerate the car and abnormally increase the probability of a serious accident. In other words, if a driver experiences misstepping due to an assumption during a driving training course, and is trained and learns to take his or her foot off the pedal when such a situation occurs, he or she will be able to intuitively and unconsciously instantly determine that the car's acceleration is due to misstepping, reset their action, and at the very least stop pressing the brake, preventing the car from accelerating any further, significantly reducing the risk of a serious accident, and is able to quickly press the brake again.

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned shortcomings of the conventional technology, the present invention aims to provide a brake pedal function switching method, a vehicle having a brake pedal function switching method, a virtual driving device having a brake pedal function switching method, a brake pedal function switching device, a vehicle having a brake pedal function switching device, and a virtual driving device having a brake pedal function switching device, which enable a driver who has the misconception or feeling that he or she is stepping on the brake to experience the state in which the vehicle accelerates by stepping on the accelerator thinking that he or she is stepping on the brake, through a driving lesson (actual vehicle) or a virtual driving device, and to experience and master the sensation at that time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention has the following configuration. [Invention 1] Method: Brake ⇒ Accelerator A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; and a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal section to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device. The release of the brake pedal brake function state (BB) and the formation of the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) include a form in which the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) is formed immediately after the brake pedal brake function state (BB) is released, a form in which the formation of the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) is completed after the brake pedal brake function state (BB) is released, and a mechanical mechanism form in which the release transition process of the brake pedal brake function state (BB) and the formation process of the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) overlap for a period of time. [Invention 2] Method: Brake ⇒ Accelerator ⇒ Brake A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake pedal braking function state establishing step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal braking function state (BB). [Invention 3] Method: Automatic release A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; an accelerator state depression release detection step of detecting an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); a brake pedal accelerator function state automatic release step of automatically releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) when the release of the pedal is detected (confirmed) during the accelerator state; and a brake pedal braking function state automatic forming step of automatically setting the function of the brake pedal portion to a brake pedal braking function state (BB). [Invention 4] Method: Operation A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: an accelerator function state switching operation step of switching a brake pedal brake function state (BB) of the brake pedal, in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed, to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device when the brake pedal portion is depressed; a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing the brake pedal braking function state (BB); a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); a brake function state switching operation step of switching the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB); a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake function state establishing step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [Invention 5] Method: Detection A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a pedal depression state detection step of detecting an accelerator pedal depression state in which the accelerator pedal is depressed, or detecting a both pedal non-depressed state in which neither the accelerator pedal nor the brake pedal is depressed; a brake pedal brake function state release step of releasing a brake pedal brake function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal is depressed while the accelerator pedal depression state or the both pedal non-depression state is detected; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake pedal braking function state establishing step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal braking function state (BB). [Invention 6] Method: Automatic stop an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and then when the accelerator function is activated or when an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time reaches a predetermined elapsed time; The brake pedal function switching method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 5, further comprising: an automatic compulsory braking operation step of automatically compulsorily applying the brakes based on the forced braking operation command. [Invention 7] Method: Moving the brake pedal part to the accelerator pedal part The brake pedal function switching method according to any one of Inventions 1 to 6, wherein the brake pedal accelerator functional state forming step includes a step of moving at least all or a part of the brake pedal portion toward the accelerator pedal side. [Invention 8] The present invention relates to a vehicle equipped with a method for switching functions of a boost pedal according to any one of the above [Invention 1] to [Invention 5]. [Invention 9] The present invention relates to a virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) that includes the method for switching functions of a button pedal according to any one of the inventions [Invention 1] to [Invention 5] above. [Invention 10] Device: Brake ⇒ Accelerator A function switching device for a brake pedal of an automobile (actual vehicle) having a brake pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part to be pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, This is a brake pedal function switching device equipped with a function switching unit that releases the brake pedal brake function state (BB), in which the brakes are applied when the brake pedal is depressed, and sets the function of the brake pedal to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device. [Invention 11] Device: Accelerator ⇒ Brake In the brake pedal function switching device according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the function switching unit is also a function switching unit that releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and switches the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [Invention 12] Device: Automatic release an accelerator state depression release detection unit that detects an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); The brake pedal function switching device according to the 11th aspect of the present invention further comprises a brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit which, when detection of release of the brake pedal during the accelerator state occurs, automatically releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and issues an instruction (brake pedal brake function state formation instruction) to automatically set the function of the brake pedal section to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [Invention 13] Device: Detection a pedal depression state detection unit that detects an accelerator pedal depression state, which is a state in which the accelerator pedal is depressed, or detects a both pedal non-depression state, which is a state in which neither the accelerator pedal nor the brake pedal is depressed; This is a brake pedal function switching device as described in any one of Inventions 10 and 11, which is provided with an instruction unit that instructs the function switching unit to switch the function of the brake pedal section, which is in the brake pedal brake function state (BB), to the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) only when it detects that the accelerator pedal section is depressed or both pedal sections are not depressed. [Invention 14] Device: Automatic stop an elapsed time measurement unit that measures or counts an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and when the accelerator function is activated or when an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction unit that issues a forced braking operation instruction to forcibly apply the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time reaches a predetermined elapsed time; The brake pedal function switching device according to any one of the inventions 10 and 11, further comprising an automatic compulsory braking operation unit that automatically compulsorily applies the brakes based on the compulsory braking operation instruction. [Invention 15] Device: Two brake pedals The brake pedal includes a brake function fixing portion having a form in which a brake function is fixed, and a function switching pedal having the brake pedal portion and being switched between the brake pedal brake function state (BB) and the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), In a normal driving operation state, when the brake pedal portion is depressed, the brake function fixing portion and the function switching pedal are integrally operated to form the brake pedal brake function state (BB), In a non-normal driving operation state in which the integrated operation of the brake function fixing section and the function switching pedal is released, when the brake pedal section is depressed, the accelerator pedal and the function switching pedal operate together to form the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) in which the accelerator is enabled. This is a brake pedal function switching device as described in any one of Inventions 10 and 11. [Invention 16] A vehicle equipped with a function switching device for a boost pedal as described in any one of Inventions 10 and 11. [Invention 17] A virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) including the brake pedal function switching device according to any one of the tenth and eleventh inventions. [Invention 18] Device: Virtual driving device A virtual driving device main body including a brake pedal having a brake pedal portion that is a portion that is pressed by a foot, an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion that is a portion that is pressed by a foot, a steering wheel, and a driver's seat in which a driver sits; A function switching unit that releases a brake pedal brake function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal is depressed, and switches the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating or moving the virtual driving device main body; an acceleration drive device for accelerating the virtual driving device main body when the driver in the driver's seat depresses the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); The virtual driving device (e.g., a simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) is equipped with a forced brake automatic braking operation unit for accelerating the driving or stopping the virtual driving device body that has accelerated within a specified distance range. Effect of the Invention

[0008] [Effects of Invention 1] For example, in a normal driving state where a driver is sitting in the driver's seat and driving a car (actual car) at a driving school (when the brake pedal is depressed the brake is applied (braking operation) and when the accelerator pedal is depressed the accelerator is applied (accelerating operation state)), if the brake pedal brake function state (BB) of the brake pedal section is released so that the driver does not stand still before the driver depresses the brake pedal section (for example, when the accelerator pedal section is being depressed) and the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) is set, when the driver depresses the brake pedal section to stop the car, the accelerator function is activated and the car or the virtual driving device enters an accelerating operation state, which is an advantageous effect. As a result, the driver, who feels as if he has applied the brakes, can experience the vehicle accelerating against his will (hereinafter referred to as "brake application-acceleration sensation"). By experiencing this braking and acceleration sensation several times, you can train to remain calm and take your foot off the pedal quickly and without panicking even when the braking and acceleration sensation occurs. You can also develop the driving skills to calmly operate the steering wheel to quickly avoid danger and to press the brake pedal again. [Effects of Invention 2] This invention has the same effect as the first invention, and also has the effect of quickly releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) of the brake pedal when the foot pressing the brake pedal portion is released from the brake pedal portion, and changing the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB), so that when the driver presses the brake pedal portion again, the brakes will perform braking. [Effect of Invention 3] Method: Automatic release In addition to providing the same effect as the effect of the second invention, when the driver releases the foot pressing the brake pedal portion from the brake pedal portion while the brake pedal is in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), the brake pedal's brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) is automatically released, and the function of the brake pedal is automatically set to the brake pedal braking function state (BB), so that when the driver presses the brake pedal portion again, the brakes will perform braking. [Effect of Invention 4] Method: Operation It has the same effects as the above-mentioned [Effects of Invention 1] and [Effects of Invention 2]. [Effect of Invention 5] Method: Detection It has the same effects as the above-mentioned [Effects of Invention 1] and [Effects of Invention 2]. [Effect of Invention 6] Method: Automatic stop In addition to providing the same effects as the above-mentioned [Effects of Invention 1] to [Effects of Invention 5], when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time (for example, 2 seconds, 2.5 seconds, 3 seconds, 3.5 seconds, 4 seconds, 4.5 seconds, or 5 seconds) has elapsed, the forced brake is automatically applied to change the vehicle from a traveling state to a stopped state, thereby providing the effect of quickly ending the acceleration action caused by depressing the brake pedal in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and realizing a stopped state. [Effect of Invention 7] Method: Movement of brake pedal part In addition to providing an effect similar to any of the effects of [Effects of Invention 1] to [Effects of Invention 6] described above, the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) moves all or part of the brake pedal portion toward the accelerator pedal, that is, in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), the brake pedal portion is close to the accelerator pedal portion (for example, close but not in contact, close and in contact, close and partially overlapping), thereby providing the effect of ensuring that the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) can be reliably depressed. [Effects of Invention 8] The present invention provides an automobile (actual vehicle) that exhibits the effects and advantages of any one of the above-mentioned [Invention 1] to [Invention 5]. [Effects of Invention 9] The present invention provides a virtual operation device that exhibits the effects of any one of the above-mentioned [Invention 1] to [Invention 5]. [Effect of Invention 10] Device: Brake ⇒ Accelerator It has the same effect as the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 1] [Effect of Invention 11] Device: Accelerator ⇒ Brake In addition to the effect of the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 1] or the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 2], the effect of the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 10] is achieved. [Effects of Invention 12] In addition to the effect of the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 2] or the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 3], the effect of the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 11] is achieved. [Effect of Invention 13] Device: Detection In addition to the same effects as the above-mentioned [Effects of Invention 1] or [Effects of Invention 2], it has the same effects as the above-mentioned [Invention 10] or [Invention 11]. [Effect of Invention 14] Device: Automatic stop In addition to the effects of any one of the above [Effects of Invention 1] to [Effects of Invention 5], the effect of the above [Invention 10] or [Invention 11] is obtained, and when the elapsed time of brake depression in accelerator state (e.g., 2 seconds, 2.5 seconds, 3 seconds, 3.5 seconds, 4 seconds, 4.5 seconds, or 5 seconds) has reached, the forced brake is automatically applied and the vehicle changes from a traveling state to a stopped state, thereby achieving the effect of quickly ending the acceleration action caused by depressing the brake pedal in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and achieving a stopped state. [Effect of Invention 15] Device This has the same effect as the effect of the above-mentioned [Effect of Invention 10] or [Effect of Invention 11]. [Effects of Invention 16] This has the effect of realizing a vehicle that has the same effect as the invention of [Invention 10] or [Invention 11] above. [Effects of Invention 17] The present invention has the advantageous effect of realizing a virtual operation device that has the same effects as the invention of [Invention 10] or [Invention 11] above. [Effect of Invention 18] Device: Virtual driving device When the driver in the driver's seat depresses the brake pedal in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), the virtual driving device main body accelerates or moves at an accelerated speed. Therefore, in the virtual driving device, it is possible to experience the driving experience of accelerating by mistaking the brake for the accelerator as described in [Effects of Invention 1] above, and it is possible to achieve effects substantially similar to those described in [Effects of Invention 1] above. In addition, because it is a virtual driving device, it is possible to repeatedly and easily experience, feel, and learn acceleration due to misapplication of the accelerator and brake in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) in a short period of time, which has the effect of enabling the driver to stay calm without panicking and to quickly learn the action of removing his / her foot from the brake pedal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing Example 1 of the present invention. [Diagram 2]4 is a diagram showing the operation of the accelerator pedal side in the brake pedal brake function state BB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 3] 4 is a diagram showing an operation caused by depression of the accelerator pedal and an operation caused by depression of the brake pedal in a brake pedal brake function state BB in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] 4 is a diagram showing an operation caused by depression of the accelerator side in a brake pedal accelerator function state BA in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] 4 is a diagram showing the operation of the accelerator side by depression of the brake side in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA in the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 1 is a diagram showing Example 2 of the present invention. [Figure 7] 1 is a diagram showing Example 3 of the present invention. [Figure 8] 11 is a diagram showing a brake pedal brake function state BB of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 11 is a diagram showing a brake pedal accelerator function state BA of the fourth embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Example 5 of the present invention. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Example 6 of the present invention. [Figure 12] 1 is a diagram showing Example 7 of the present invention. [Figure 13] 1 is a diagram mainly showing a control system according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Example 8 of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing Example 9 of the present invention. [Figure 16] 1 is a diagram showing Example 10 of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Examples of the present invention will be described below. However, it is not intended that the present invention be limited to these examples. In the following description of the examples, the same components as those in the above-mentioned examples will be designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicated description will be omitted. EXAMPLES

[0011] The brake pedal function switching device 1 in the first embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has the following features. Here, a description will be given of a car equipped with a brake pedal function switching device 1 used in driving lessons (an actual car generally called a "driving lesson car"). [Features of brake pedal function switching device 1] The present invention relates to a brake pedal function switching device for a vehicle or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a vehicle driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having a brake pedal 2 having a brake pedal portion 2a-F that is a portion that is pressed down by a pressing foot D, and an accelerator pedal 3 having an accelerator pedal portion 3a that is a portion that is pressed down by a pressing foot D (herein, the description is given assuming that a "driving training vehicle" is a "real vehicle"); The vehicle is provided with a function switching unit 10 (in the following description, "accelerating the vehicle and the virtual accelerating the vehicle" will be referred to as "accelerating operation") that releases the brake pedal brake function state BB (brake side integrated operating state) in which the brakes are applied when the brake pedal unit 2a-F is depressed, and switches the function of the brake pedal unit 2a-F to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA (accelerator side integrated operating state), which is an accelerator function that causes the driving school vehicle (real vehicle) to accelerate (here, accelerating) (the virtual driving device may cause actual accelerating, or may cause virtual accelerating (where no actual accelerating)). When the accelerator pedal section 3a is depressed by the driver's foot SD (accelerator depressed state), or when neither the accelerator pedal section 3a nor the brake pedal section 2a-F is depressed (both pedal section undepressed state), the function switching section 10 can set the function of the brake pedal section 2a-F side to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, When the brake pedal portion 2a-F in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is depressed with the foot, the driving school car accelerates, and the driver, who is aware or has the sensation of depressing the brake, can experience the accelerating motion of the car.

[0012] A lateral shaft 17 is provided in a form of being supported in a non-rotatable and fixed manner by support parts 16a and 16b (fixed to the vehicle body), The brake function fixing part 2b, the function switching pedal 2a, and the accelerator pedal 3 are supported in a rotatable manner on the shaft 17. The integral action forming means 15 is A lateral moving body 18 provided on the shaft 17 so as to be capable of lateral movement; a brake function forming operation portion 19 provided on the lateral moving body 18, which brings into an operational relationship a brake arm 2b-G of the brake function fixing portion 2b and a brake arm 2a-G of the function switching pedal 2a, the brake function state BB being formed by the operational relationship; The brake pedal accelerator function forming operating portion 20 has an operational relationship between the brake arm 2a-G of the function switching pedal 2a and the accelerator arm 3b of the accelerator pedal 3. The brake pedal accelerator function state BA is formed by an operational relationship between the brake arm 2a-G of the function switching pedal 2a and the accelerator arm 3b of the accelerator pedal 3.

[0013] The brake pedal 2 includes a brake function fixed portion 2b having a brake pedal portion 2b-F provided on a brake arm 2b-G and a fixed braking function, and a function switching pedal 2a having a brake pedal portion 2a-F provided on a brake arm 2a-G and a function switching between a brake function and an accelerator function. The accelerator pedal 3 is provided with an accelerator pedal portion 3a on an accelerator arm 3b, and has a fixed accelerator function. The function switching unit 10 is provided with an integral action forming means 15 for forming a brake pedal / accelerator function state BA, The integrated operation forming means 15 is provided with an instruction unit 7a that issues an instruction (here, operated by a person) to operate a function switching unit 10 that includes an operating lever 11 operated by another person (for example, an instructor in the passenger seat of a driving school car) and a gripping portion 12 at the tip of the operating lever 11 that is gripped by the other person's hand, During normal operation, the integrated operation forming means 15 is in an operating relationship (hereinafter also referred to as "operating relationship") in which the brake function fixing portion 2b and the function switching pedal 2a are in an operating relationship with each other by the brake function forming operating portion 19 (an L-shaped rod member) so that the brake function fixing portion 2b and the function switching pedal 2a operate together, and forms a brake pedal brake function state BB (the state of FIG. 1(a)) in which the brakes are applied when the brake pedal portion 2a-F or the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed. The formation of the brake pedal accelerator function state BA by the integrated action forming means 15 occurs when the brake function forming action part 19 moves towards the accelerator pedal 3 to release the brake pedal brake function state BB, and the accelerator function forming action part 30 moves as the brake function forming action part 19 moves towards the accelerator pedal 3, bringing the accelerator pedal 3 and the function switching pedal 2a into an integrated operating relationship, and when the brake pedal part 2a-F is depressed, the accelerator is activated (brake pedal accelerator function state BA (Diagram (b) of Figure 1)).

[0014] The brake pedal 2 comprises a brake function fixed portion 2b in which the brake function is fixed (always in a brake pedal brake function state BB), and a function switching pedal 2a in which the brake function can be switched between a brake pedal brake function state BB and a brake pedal accelerator function state BA. The brake function fixed portion 2b is made up of a brake arm 2b-G provided in a rotatable form on a shaft 17, and a brake pedal portion 2b-F fixed to the brake arm 2b-G. The function switching pedal 2a is made up of a brake arm 2a-G rotatably provided on a shaft 17, and a brake pedal portion 2b-F fixed to the brake arm 2a-G. The brake arm 2b-G is provided with a brake-side action receiving portion 2bh in the form of a horizontal hole. The brake arm 2a-G is provided with a communication portion inlet hole 2ah in the form of a horizontal hole with an opening facing the opening of the brake arm 2b-G. A brake function forming action portion 19 is inserted in the brake side action receiving portion 2bh and the communication portion insertion hole 2ah in a form capable of moving laterally (action relationship). In the normal driving function state (brake pedal brake function state BB), in the operational relationship form between the brake arm 2b-G and the brake arm 2a-G in which the brake function forming operating portion 19 is inserted into both the brake side acting portion 2bh and the connecting portion entrance hole 2ah, a brake pedal brake function state BB (brake side integrated operation state (= the brake function fixed portion 2b and the function switching pedal 2a operate together)) is formed in which the brake is applied regardless of whether the brake pedal portion 2a-F, 2b-F is depressed (the brake arm 2b-G is depressed and moves). When the brake function forming operating portion 19 moves laterally toward the accelerator pedal 3 side and disengages from the brake side acting portion 2bh (non-operating relationship form), the operating relationship between the brake arm 2b-G and the brake arm 2a-G is released (= release of the brake pedal brake function state BB), and with this lateral movement, the function switching pedal 2a and the accelerator pedal 3 are placed in an operating relationship, and when the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed, a brake pedal accelerator function state BA is formed in which the brake pedal portion 2a-F and the accelerator pedal 3 operate together. The function switching pedal 2a is a mechanism that has neither a brake function nor an accelerator function in a standalone configuration (configuration without the brake function forming operating portion 19).

[0015] In a normal driving operation state, when the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed, the brake function fixing portion 2b and the function switching pedal 2a are brought into an operational relationship by the brake function forming action portion 19 (movable form) of the integrated action forming means 15, thereby forming a brake pedal brake function state BB in which they operate together, In a non-normal driving operation state in which the integrated action is released due to the non-operating relationship of the brake function fixing portion 2b and the brake function forming action portion 19 of the integrated action forming means 15 of the function switching pedal 2a, when the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed, the accelerator pedal 3a and the function switching pedal 2a are placed in an operating relationship by the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b and the accelerator function forming action portion 20 of the integrated action forming means 15, so that they operate together to form a brake pedal accelerator function state BA in which the accelerator is active.

[0016] [Formation of brake pedal brake function state BB (see Figure 1(a)] The brake arm 2a-G is provided with a communication hole 2ah into which the brake function forming action portion 19 is inserted, The brake arm 2b-G is provided with a brake side action receiving portion 2bh through which the brake function forming action portion 19 enters and exits, The brake pedal brake function state BB is a state in which the brake function forming acting part 19 is inserted into the brake side acting part 2bh, and the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is a state in which the accelerator function forming acting part 20 and the accelerator side acting part 21b are in a non-acting relationship state.

[0017] [Formation of the brake pedal accelerator function state BA (see Figure 1(b)] The accelerator arm 3b is provided with an accelerator side action receiving portion 21b in a fixed form on the accelerator arm 3b, which is in an operative relationship with the accelerator function forming action portion 20 in an overlapping form in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. More specifically, the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b is fixed to a cylindrical support portion 21a (which is fixed to the accelerator arm 3b and rotates integrally with the accelerator arm 3b) which is provided in a rotating form through the shaft 17. The brake pedal accelerator function state BA is a state in which the accelerator function forming acting portion 20 moves laterally toward the accelerator pedal 3 side and overlaps with the accelerator side acting portion 21b while the brake pedal braking function state BB is being released (the brake function forming acting portion 19 is coming out of the brake side acting portion 2bh). When the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is completed, the brake pedal braking function state BB is completely released (the brake function forming acting portion 19 is completely out of the brake side acting portion 2bh). If accelerator pedal portion 3a is regarded as the front side, accelerator side action receiving portion 21b is located on the front side, and accelerator function forming action portion 20 forms brake pedal accelerator function state BA by overlapping with the back side of accelerator side action receiving portion 21b. Even if the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b simply moves away from the accelerator function forming action portion 20 without any interference, so that the accelerator operates but no operation occurs on the brake pedal 2 side.

[0018] [See Figure 5] When the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, the accelerator function forming action portion 20 moves (moves forward) in a rotating form toward the front side (forward in the figure), and the accelerator function forming action portion 20 comes into contact with the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b in its traveling direction (forward traveling direction), pushing the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b forward and rotating the accelerator pedal 3 in the depressed side (rotating around the shaft 17) to form a depressed state.

[0019] [See Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a state in which the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. When accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed in brake pedal accelerator function state BA, accelerator side action receiving portion 21b moves in a rotational form in a direction away from accelerator function forming action portion 20, and thus accelerator side action receiving portion 21b does not press accelerator function forming action portion 20. Therefore, even if accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed in brake pedal accelerator function state BA, brake pedal 2 does not move or operate, and the brakes do not apply (do not operate). Even if the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed, the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b simply moves away from the accelerator function forming action portion 20 (see FIG. (b)). Therefore, the operation of depressing the accelerator has no effect on the brake pedal 2 side.

[0020] [See Figure 2] In the brake pedal brake function state BB, in the accelerator released state where the accelerator pedal section 3 is not depressed, the accelerator function forming operating portion 20, even if moved toward the accelerator side, hits the side portion 21bs of the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b and is prevented from moving any further (see FIG. 2(a)), i.e., in the accelerator released state, the brake pedal accelerator function state BA in which the accelerator function forming operating portion 20 overlaps with the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b is not formed. This technical idea is in the form of providing a brake pedal accelerator function state blocking portion (here, a configuration in which the accelerator function forming operating portion 20, even if moved toward the accelerator side and hits the side portion 21bs of the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b and is prevented from moving any further) that blocks the brake pedal accelerator function state BA from being achieved in the accelerator released state where the accelerator pedal section 3 is not depressed in the brake pedal brake function state BB. Figure 2 (b) shows the accelerator pedal portion 3 being depressed in the brake pedal brake function state BB, where the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b moves forward so that the side portion 21bs of the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b does not come into contact with the accelerator function forming action portion 20. This shows that when the accelerator pedal portion 3 is depressed, the accelerator function forming action portion 20 can be moved toward the accelerator pedal 3, resulting in a brake pedal accelerator function state BA in which the accelerator function forming action portion 20 and the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b overlap.

[0021] [See Figure 3] FIG. 3(a) shows a state in which the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed in the brake pedal brake function state BB, and shows that even if the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed, there is no effect on the brake pedal 2 side. (b) of Figure 3 shows the state in which the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal brake function state BB, and shows that even if the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed, there is no effect whatsoever on the accelerator pedal 3 side.

[0022] The shape or location of the accelerator function forming acting portion may be a hole shape, a concave shape, or a lower portion of the accelerator arm 3b, and the shape of the accelerator side action receiving portion may be a convex shape, and when the brake pedal braking function state BB is formed, the accelerator function forming acting portion may be in a shape in which the accelerator side action receiving portion (convex shape) enters the accelerator function forming acting portion or is located below the accelerator arm 3b.

[0023] The brake pedal portion 2b-F may be omitted, and the brake arm 2b-G may be long enough not to reach the brake pedal portion 2a-F, or the pedal width of the brake pedal portion 2b-F may be widened to the side of the brake arm 2b-G (the brake arm 2b-G may be shortened so as not to come into contact with the brake arm 2b-G). Also, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the support portion 21a and the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b are not provided. In that case, it is preferable to adopt a configuration in which the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b is provided above the shaft 17 of the accelerator arm 3b. Furthermore, in the case where the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b is fixed to the support portion 21a which is fixed to the accelerator arm 3b, the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b may not be fixed to the accelerator arm 3b.

[0024] [Operation and flow of operations] <step1> When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal portion 3a (accelerator depressed state AOF) and the vehicle is accelerating (accelerating operation) (see Figure 2(b) and Figure 3(a)), another person grasps the gripping portion 12 and moves the accelerator function forming action portion 20 toward the accelerator pedal 3, thereby setting up a brake pedal accelerator function state BA in which the accelerator function forming action portion 20b overlaps the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b, and the brake function forming action portion 19 also moves toward the accelerator pedal 3, setting the brake pedal brake function state BB to the released state. <step2> The driver stops depressing the accelerator pedal portion 3a, removes his / her foot SD from the accelerator pedal portion 3a, and depresses the brake pedal portion 2a-F. <step3> As the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed, the accelerator function forming action portion 20 moves forward, pushing and moving the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b forward, and as the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b moves forward, the accelerator arm 3b integrated with the accelerator side action receiving portion 21b performs an accelerator depression action, and the automobile accelerates when the brake is depressed (see Figure 5). <step4> When the driver releases the foot SD depressed on the brake pedal portion 2a-F, another person moves the accelerator function forming operating portion 20 to the brake pedal 2 side to release the brake pedal braking function state BB and to set the brake pedal braking function state BB so that the brakes can be applied when the driver depresses the brake pedal portion 2a-F.

[0025] In actual automobiles (real vehicles), safety devices such as auxiliary brakes and auxiliary handles are provided on the side where other people are present (non-driver's seat), so that, for example, if there is a risk of danger due to braking / accelerating (the driver feels as if he has applied the brakes but actually experiences the car accelerating against his will), other people can operate or activate the safety devices to take measures to avoid the danger.

[0026] Also, an elapsed time measurement unit 50 that measures or counts an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is the elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, when the accelerator function is activated, or when an acceleration operation (accelerated running or virtual accelerated running) is started; a forced braking operation instruction unit 51 that issues a forced braking operation instruction to forcibly apply the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; and an automatic forced braking operation unit 52 for automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation command, an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, to when the accelerator function is activated, or from when an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; It is preferable that a forced braking automatic braking operation step is executed, in which the brakes are automatically forced to be applied based on the forced braking operation command.

[0027] The present embodiment will be described with reference to an actual vehicle, in which an "other person" other than the driver is riding in the passenger seat or the like. However, the virtual driving device may be configured so that no switching instruction operation is performed by another person, and in that case, the instruction unit that issues an instruction to set the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA may be an instruction unit that issues an instruction by an instruction program that issues an instruction to switch to the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the operation lever 11 and the grip unit 12 are not provided, and instead a function switching unit drive mechanism consisting of, for example, a combination of a motor and a worm gear that drives the function switching unit 10 (specifically, the "integral operation forming means 15") is provided, and the instruction unit may be configured to form the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA by driving the function switching unit drive mechanism by an instruction program. EXAMPLES

[0028] The main difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 6 is that a brake pedal function switching device 25 is provided which automatically switches from the brake pedal brake function state BB to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA when instructed by another person, and automatically switches from the brake pedal accelerator function state BA to the brake pedal brake function state BB.

[0029] [Specific configuration of automation] (1) An accelerator depression detection means 26 is provided to detect the accelerator depression state of the accelerator pedal portion 3a. A control unit 27 is provided to electronically control the operation of the function switching unit 10. An instruction operation unit 28 (here, a pedal form that the other person steps on with their foot) is used by a person other than the driver (for example, a driving instructor riding in the passenger seat) to instruct the control unit 27 to switch to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. A function switching unit drive mechanism 29 (e.g., a rack and pinion mechanism, a linear motion mechanism such as a ball screw mechanism or a hydraulic mechanism, or a link mechanism) (here, a rack and pinion mechanism in which the pinion is rotated by a motor)) is provided for pushing out and laterally moving the operation lever 11 to establish a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, The control unit 27 is provided with a drive instruction unit 57 that issues a push movement operation instruction (to set the brake pedal to the accelerator function state BA) and a pull back movement operation instruction (to set the brake pedal to the brake function state BB) to the function switching unit drive mechanism 29, The instruction operation unit 28 and the drive instruction unit 57 form an instruction unit 7b, When an instruction is given by the instruction unit 7b, if the control unit 27 confirms or has confirmed that the accelerator depression detection means 26 has detected an accelerator depression state or a both pedal section undepressed state in which neither the accelerator pedal section 3a nor the brake pedal section 2a-F is depressed, the drive instruction unit 57 issues a drive instruction, and the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 which has received the drive instruction operates to push out and move the operating lever 11 laterally, thereby establishing the brake pedal accelerator function state BA.

[0030] The instruction operation unit 28 is composed of an other person's foot operation unit 30 which is operated by another person stepping on it with his / her foot, placing his / her foot on it, placing the side of his / her foot on it or pushing it with the side of his / her foot, and a detection means 31 which detects that the other person's foot operation unit 30 is operated with the foot. When the detection means 31 has confirmed that the other person's foot operating unit 30 has been depressed, for example, the drive instruction unit 57 enters a brake pedal accelerator function state BA formation mode, and if the accelerator depression detection means 26 has detected an accelerator depression state or both pedal units not depressed, the drive instruction unit 57 activates the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 to push and move the operating lever 11 laterally, quickly moving the accelerator function formation operating unit 20 towards the accelerator pedal 3 side, thereby forming the brake pedal accelerator function state BA.

[0031] When another person stops operating the command operation unit 28 (for example, by lifting the depressing foot to release the command operation unit 28), the detection means 31 detects this, and the drive command unit 57 operates the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 to release the brake pedal accelerator function state BA and establish the brake pedal brake function state BB.

[0032] The other foot operation unit 30 may be configured to switch to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA by operation with the leg (for example, by pressing with the side of the knee or the side of the thigh).

[0033] (2) A brake depression detection means 33 is provided to detect the brake depression state of the brake pedal portion 2a-F in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. When the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is reached and release of the brake pedal section 2a-F from the depressed state is detected, the drive instruction section 57 issues an instruction to the function switching section drive mechanism 29 to release the brake pedal accelerator function state BA and switch to the brake pedal brake function state BB, and the function switching section drive mechanism 29 pulls back the operation lever 11 to quickly establish the brake pedal brake function state BB, and establishes a state in which the brakes are applied when the driver presses the brake pedal section 2a-F again.

[0034] (3) The accelerator depression notification unit 35 is provided to notify others by light that the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed when the brake pedal is in the brake function state BB. An accelerator state notification unit 36 ​​is provided to notify others by light that the brake pedal is in the accelerator function state BA. A brake state notification unit 37 is provided for notifying that the brake pedal is in the brake function state BB.

[0035] The function switching unit drive mechanism 29 is preferably a linear motion mechanism that moves the lateral mover 18 in a linear manner. Examples of such linear motion mechanisms include a rack and pinion mechanism, a ball screw mechanism, a worm mechanism, a hydraulic mechanism, a link mechanism having a linear motion part, a solenoid mechanism, etc.

[0036] The function switching unit 10 realizes the brake pedal / accelerator function state BA by the operation of a person other than the driver (for example, a driving instructor who is riding with the vehicle), An accelerator depression detection means 5 is provided for detecting an accelerator depression state AOF, An accelerator depression notification means 6 is provided for notifying an accelerator depression state AOF based on detection (=detection) by the accelerator depression detection means 5, When another person confirms the notification from the accelerator depression notification means 6, the function switching unit 10 is not operated or is activated to form the brake pedal accelerator function state BA while the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed or when both pedal portions are not depressed.

[0037] In the description of this embodiment, the case of an automobile is described, and an example is described in which "someone other than the driver" rides in the passenger seat or the like. However, in the virtual driving device, the brake pedal accelerator function state BA by a person does not necessarily require an instruction operation by another person, and in this case, the instruction unit that gives an instruction to set the brake pedal accelerator function state BA (switching) may be an instruction unit (part of the control unit 27) that performs the instruction by an instruction program that instructs the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. For example, a configuration may be adopted in which the other person's foot operation unit 30 and the detection means 31 are not provided, and the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is formed by driving the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 by an instruction program of an instruction unit provided in the control unit 27. EXAMPLES

[0038] The main differences between the embodiment 2 and the embodiment 3 of the present invention shown in FIG. 7 are that no brake pedal portion 2b-F is provided, the width of the brake pedal portion 2a-F is expanded to the location where the brake pedal portion 2b-F was previously located, the length of the brake arm 2b-G is such that it is located away from the brake pedal portion 2a-F and does not come into contact with it, the function switching portion drive mechanism 29 is located close to the accelerator function forming operating portion 20, and the operating lever is a U-shaped (or square-shaped) operating lever 41, forming a brake pedal function switching device 40. EXAMPLES

[0039] The fourth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figures 8 and 9 differs from the third embodiment mainly in that a brake pedal function switching device 45 is formed in which the integral action forming means 15 is fixed to the brake arm 2 a-G in an integrated form, and the brake function forming operating portion 19 is fixed to the brake arm 2 a-G in an integrated form. The function-switching pedal 2a moves integrally with the integral motion forming means 15 due to its integral form with the integral motion forming means 15. That is, in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, the function-switching pedal 2a moves toward the accelerator pedal 3 (see FIG. 9), and at this time, the brake function forming action portion 19 integrated with the function-switching pedal 2a-G also moves integrally with the function-switching pedal 2a-G to release the action relationship with the brake function fixing portion 2b, and the brake pedal portion 2a-F enters the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. EXAMPLES

[0040] The main difference between the first embodiment and the fifth embodiment of the present invention shown in Figure 10 is that the accelerator function forming action part 20 is provided at a position located between the lateral moving body 18 and the accelerator pedal portion 3a, and in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, the accelerator function forming action part 20 is located above the accelerator pedal portion 3b, and when the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed with the foot, the brake function forming action part 19b rotates in conjunction with it, and accordingly the accelerator function forming action part 20 presses down on the accelerator pedal portion 3b, so that the accelerator pedal 3 is in a depressed state (the brake pedal portion 2b-F is not operated) (Figure 10 (b)) (brake pedal accelerator function state BA).

[0041] <Technical Concept of the Invention> The technical idea of ​​the present invention is to allow the driver to experience the acceleration behavior of the vehicle due to the mistaken application of the accelerator pedal, and to obtain a sense of this. The technical idea behind this invention is to make the vehicle accelerate when the driver takes his / her foot off the accelerator pedal and applies the brake (though the driver believes that he / she has applied the brake), without the brake being applied, but instead the accelerator being applied, causing the vehicle to accelerate. Therefore, various forms of the method are conceivable, and the above-mentioned embodiment of the present application is merely one example. For example, although not shown in the examples, there is a system in which an accelerator mechanism that is not mechanically linked to the accelerator pedal is controlled based on information detected from the depth and angle of depression of the accelerator pedal, and a brake mechanism (hydraulic mechanism, etc.) that is not mechanically linked to the brake pedal is controlled based on information detected from the depth and angle of depression of the brake pedal, and when the brake pedal accelerator function state is indicated, the accelerator mechanism is controlled based on the detection information from the brake pedal, giving the vehicle the sensation of braking and accelerating. EXAMPLES

[0042] The sixth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 11 is mainly different from the second or third embodiment in that automatic braking is forcibly applied. An elapsed time measurement unit 50 that measures or counts an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is the elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, when the accelerator function is activated, or when acceleration driving is started; a forced braking operation instruction unit 51 that issues a forced braking operation instruction bin to forcibly apply the brakes when an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; and a forced braking automatic braking operation unit 52 for automatically carrying out a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation command bin.

[0043] When the brake function fixed portion 2b is depressed, the hydraulic pressure in the oil passage 53 increases, and the brake 54 is caused to perform a braking operation by the hydraulic force. An actuator 55 is provided between the oil passage 53 and the brake 54, and the forced brake automatic braking operation unit 52 is provided in the actuator 55. The brake 54 , the actuator 55 and the oil passage 53 form the braking mechanism 46 .

[0044] The forced automatic braking mechanism (automatic braking system) may be of various types (for example, the systems disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6675896, Japanese Patent No. 4084318, etc.).

[0045] The control unit 27 A drive instruction unit 57 is provided to the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 to give a push movement operation instruction (to set the brake pedal to the accelerator function state BA) and a pull back movement operation instruction (to set the brake pedal to the brake function state BB), a detection signal receiving unit 58 is provided for receiving an accelerator depression detection signal from the accelerator depression detection means 26 and a brake depression detection signal from the brake depression detection means 33; An elapsed time measurement unit 50 is provided for measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm based on a brake depression detection signal from a detection signal receiving unit 58 when the brake pedal is in an accelerator function state BA. A forced braking operation instruction unit 51 is provided for issuing a forced braking operation instruction bin to a forced braking automatic braking operation unit 52 to forcibly apply the brakes when an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time. A pedal depression state detection unit 59 is provided to detect an accelerator pedal depression state, in which the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed, or to detect a both pedal non-depression state, in which neither the accelerator pedal portion 3a nor the brake pedal portion 2a-F is depressed. An instruction unit 57 is provided which instructs the function switching unit 10 to switch the function of the brake pedal 2, which is in the brake pedal brake function state BB, to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA only when it detects that the accelerator pedal is depressed or both pedals are not depressed.

[0046] A valve 60 is provided in the oil passage 53 of the actuator 55 at a position where it reaches the forced brake automatic braking operation unit 52, and when a forced brake braking operation command bin is generated, the valve 60 is closed to block the influence of hydraulic pressure from the brake pedal 2 side, and on the other hand, hydraulic pressure is applied from within the forced brake automatic braking operation unit 52, causing the brakes 54 to operate and stop the vehicle. As a mechanism for applying hydraulic pressure from within the forced brake automatic braking operation unit 52, for example, an oil tank having a valve for storing oil is provided, and the oil in the oil tank is always kept at high pressure due to the force of a powerful spring. When a forced brake braking operation command bin is generated, the valve of the oil tank is opened, and the hydraulic pressure in the oil passage 53 between the valve 60 and the brake 54 increases, causing the brake 54 to enter a forced brake operation state.

[0047] In the case of a virtual driving device, the switching from the brake pedal brake function state BB to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA may be performed entirely automatically. It is also preferable to provide two functions, a normal driving mode, a non-normal driving mode, and a brake misapplication driving mode, so that the mode can be switched between for use. In addition, it is preferable to have a mechanism in which the virtual driving device appropriately selects in which situations the brake pedal accelerator function state BA should be set (so that the same situations are not selected only in each situation). In addition, a system in which the virtual driving device main body is placed on rails or the like and accelerates (moves with acceleration) a predetermined distance when the brake pedal section 2a-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA may be used. The mechanism for accelerating the vehicle may take various forms, such as a configuration in which wheels run on rails, a configuration in which pulling and accelerating is performed using a wire or the like, or a configuration in which the vehicle is pushed using a rod or the like. In addition, if there is a central control device that monitors and controls the virtual driving device, it is also possible to instruct the implementation of the brake pedal / accelerator function state BA from the central control device. EXAMPLES

[0048] The virtual operation device 70 according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 12 and 13 is Rail 69 and A virtual driving device main body 68 that is provided so as to be capable of traveling on a rail 69; A base 67 forming a lower portion of the virtual driving device main body 68; A main body box 61 having a monitor 62 erected in front of a base 67 forming a front part of a virtual driving device main body 68; An acceleration drive device 71 including a plurality of wheels 63 that roll on a rail 69 and a motor 64 that drives and rotates the wheels 63; Handle 65 and Driver's seat 66, A brake pedal function switching device 73; It is equipped with:

[0049] <Brake pedal function switching device 73> The brake pedal function switching device 73 differs from the brake pedal function switching device 40 of the third embodiment mainly in that: The instruction unit that issues an instruction to set the brake pedal accelerator function state BA is an instruction unit 7c that issues an instruction to drive the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 by a drive instruction program, The instruction unit 7c has a pedal section depression state detection unit 59 having an accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 and a pedal section depression state detection unit 75, the pedal section depression state detection unit 75 and a brake pedal brake functional state formation instruction unit 76 (performs a brake pedal brake functional state formation instruction BBin which is an instruction to switch the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA to the brake pedal brake functional state BB), and a brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction unit 77 (performs a brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction BAin which is an instruction to switch the brake pedal brake functional state BB to the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA). It's at the point.

[0050] Based on the detection signal from the accelerator depression detection means 26, the accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 detects accelerator state depression release, which is the release of the brake pedal portion 2a-F from depression in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA). The pedal depression state detection unit 75 detects an accelerator pedal depression state, in which the accelerator pedal section 3a is depressed, based on the detection signal of the accelerator depression detection means 26 and the detection signal of the brake depression detection means 33, or detects a both pedal non-depressed state, in which neither the accelerator pedal section 3a nor the brake pedal section 2a-F is depressed.

[0051] When the accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 detects depression release in the accelerator state, the brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit 76 issues a brake pedal brake function state formation instruction BBin to the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 to automatically release the brake pedal accelerator function state BA and automatically set the function of the brake pedal unit 2a-F to the brake pedal brake function state BB. Upon receiving the brake pedal brake function state formation instruction BBin, the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 operates to move the brake function formation operation unit 19 toward the brake function fixed unit 2b to form the brake pedal brake function state BB.

[0052] The instruction unit 7c instructs the function switching unit 10 to switch the function of the brake pedal unit 2a-F from the brake pedal brake function state BB to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA only when the accelerator pedal unit depressed state or both pedal portion undepressed state is detected based on detection by the pedal portion depression state detection unit 75, which detects a state in which the accelerator pedal unit 3a is depressed, or a state in which neither the accelerator pedal unit 3a nor the brake pedal unit 2a-F is depressed. Upon receiving the instruction, the function switching unit drive mechanism 29 operates to move the brake function forming operation unit 19 toward the accelerator pedal 3a to establish the brake pedal accelerator function state BA.

[0053] The timing of the instruction to establish the brake pedal accelerator functional state BA by the instruction unit 7c (brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction BAin) is set to be in a scene where the driver must depress the brakes (operation) (road driving image displayed on the screen of the monitor 62). The scene may be appropriately selected by the instruction program from a plurality of predetermined switching timings, or the scene may be determined in advance, or a plurality of scene selection patterns may be provided and an instruction may be given by appropriately determining the usage pattern at that time, or the scene may be selected at random, etc.

[0054] When the brake pedal function switching device 73 is in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, stepping on the brake pedal section 2a-F drives the motor 64 to rotate the wheels 63, and the virtual driving device main body 68, with the driver on board, accelerates for a predetermined distance on the rail 69 or for a predetermined period of time, and then automatically applies a forced brake, which is a forced braking operation, and stops the vehicle on the rail 69. EXAMPLES

[0055] The eighth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 14 differs from the seventh embodiment mainly in that the acceleration drive device and braking mechanism are an acceleration drive device 78 having a braking function. The acceleration drive device 78 comprises a push rod 80 connected to the virtual driving device main body 68 for pushing the virtual driving device main body 68 to make it virtually run, and an acceleration / braking control section 79 for driving the push rod 80 to push, brake and pull back. The push rod 80 of the acceleration braking control unit 79 is generally driven by a motor, and the forced brake automatic braking operation unit 82 performs braking by combining regenerative braking of the motor and braking by clamping the push rod 80 with brake pads, or by providing a disc rotor on the motor and clamping the disc rotor with brake pads, etc.

[0056] A brake cushion 81 is provided in front of the virtual driving device main body 68 to receive the moving virtual driving device main body 68 and stop it from moving forward any further. The combined braking action configuration of the braking cushion 81 and the forced brake automatic braking action unit 82 constitutes a forced brake automatic braking action unit. In addition, in a configuration in which the forced brake automatic braking operation portion 82 is not provided, the braking cushion 81 alone functions as the forced brake automatic braking operation portion. As another braking method, for example, a shock absorber using the flow of air or oil may be used as the forced brake automatic braking operation part, or the forced brake automatic braking operation part may be a combination of the shock absorber with another braking mechanism. EXAMPLES

[0057] A ninth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 15 differs from the seventh embodiment mainly in that a brake pedal function switching device is replaced with a brake pedal function switching device 83. FIG. The brake pedal 2 in the brake pedal function switching device 83 is configured without a brake function fixing unit 2b and a function switching unit 10, and detects the operation and state of the brake pedal 2 and accelerator pedal 3, and controls the driving speed and braking on the road driving image displayed on the monitor 62 by electronic processing based on the detected information and instructions based on the electronic processing.

[0058] The control unit 84 acquires brake depression amount information, which is depression amount information of the brake pedal unit 2a-F (such as angle change from a reference position and distance change from the reference position), based on detection information from the brake depression detection means 33, and performs braking operation based on the brake depression amount information, and acquires accelerator depression amount information, which is depression amount information of the accelerator pedal unit 3a (such as angle change from a reference position and distance change from the reference position), based on detection information from the accelerator depression detection means 26, and performs accelerating driving based on the accelerator depression amount information.

[0059] The instruction unit 7c has a pedal section depression state detection unit 59 having an accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 and a pedal section depression state detection unit 75, a brake pedal brake functional state formation instruction unit 76 (which issues a brake pedal brake functional state formation instruction BBin), and a brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction unit 77 (which issues a brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction BAin). Based on the detection signal from the accelerator depression detection means 26, the accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 detects accelerator state depression release, which is the release of the brake pedal portion 2a-F in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA. The pedal depression state detection unit 75 detects an accelerator pedal depression state, in which the accelerator pedal section 3a is depressed, based on the detection signal of the accelerator depression detection means 26 and the detection signal of the brake depression detection means 33, or detects a both pedal non-depressed state, in which neither the accelerator pedal section 3a nor the brake pedal section 2a-F is depressed.

[0060] When the accelerator state depression release detection unit 74 detects (confirms) depression release during accelerator state, the brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit 76 issues a brake pedal brake function state formation instruction BBin to the function switching unit 85, which is an instruction to automatically release the brake pedal accelerator function state BA and automatically change the function of the brake pedal unit to the brake pedal brake function state BB. The function switching unit 85, which has received the brake pedal braking function state formation instruction BBin, switches the function of the brake pedal 2 to the brake pedal braking function state BB, which is the braking function. In the brake pedal braking function state BB, the detection signal of the brake depression detection means 33 is sent to the braking instruction unit 88, which sends a braking signal to the running / braking control unit 86, and the road driving image control unit 89 controls the road driving image based on the signal of the running / braking control unit 86 (the detection signal of the brake depression detection means 33).

[0061] The function switching unit 85 which receives the brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction BAin from the brake pedal accelerator functional state formation instruction unit 77 cuts off the signal to the braking instruction unit 88 and sends the brake pedal 2 depression detection signal as an acceleration signal to the acceleration instruction unit 87, and the acceleration instruction unit 87 sends the acceleration signal to the running / braking control unit 86, and based on the acceleration signal from the running / braking control unit 86, the road driving image control unit 89 controls the road driving image. EXAMPLES

[0062] A tenth embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16 differs from the fourth embodiment mainly in that a function switching section is replaced by a function switching section 90. FIG. The function switching portion 90 has a brake function forming action portion 19 and an accelerator function forming action portion 20, each of which is made of a single rod member, on opposite sides of the brake pedal portion 2a-F across the shaft 17 of the brake arm 2a-G of the function switching pedal 2a.

[0063] The opposing end of the brake pedal portion 2a-F of the brake arm 2a-G is fixed to an operating lever 41, and the function switching pedal 2a, the brake function forming action portion 19 and the accelerator function forming action portion 20 can be moved laterally as a unit by the operating lever 41, which moves laterally by the function switching portion drive mechanism 29. In the brake pedal brake function state BB, which is the normal driving state, the function switching pedal 2a is located on the left side in the figure, and the brake function forming operating portion 19 is located below the brake arm 2a-G. When an instruction is given to set the brake pedal to the accelerator function state BA, the operating lever 41 moves to the right in the figure, and with this movement, the accelerator function forming action portion 20 is positioned below the accelerator arm 3b, and the brake function forming action portion 19 moves laterally away from the brake arm 2a-G.

[0064] In the brake pedal brake function state BB, the brake function forming action part 19 forms an action relationship located below the brake arm 2b-G of the brake function fixed part 2b (when the brake pedal part 2a-F is depressed, the brake function forming action part 19 pushes up the brake arm 2b-G from below) (the accelerator function forming action part 20 is located laterally away from the accelerator arm 3b and does not act on the accelerator arm 3b). In the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, the accelerator function forming operating part 20 forms an operational relationship located below the accelerator arm 3b (when the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed, the accelerator function forming operating part 20 pushes up the accelerator arm 3b from below) (the brake function forming operating part 19 is located laterally away from the brake arm 2b-G and does not act on the brake arm 2b-G).

[0065] The technical idea of ​​this embodiment is that the establishment of the brake pedal / accelerator function state BA also involves the operation of moving the function changeover pedal 2a to the accelerator pedal 3 side.

[0066] The embodiment described above realizes a brake pedal function switching method as described below.

[0067] <How to change the function of the brake pedal (1)> A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal 2 having a brake pedal portion 2b-F which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal 3 having an accelerator pedal portion 3a which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal 2 and the accelerator pedal 3, comprising: <step1> a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state BB in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed; <step2> a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of moving all or a part of the brake pedal section 2b-F to the accelerator pedal section 3a side to set the function of the brake pedal section 2b-F to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; <step3> an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, to when the accelerator function is activated, or from when an acceleration operation is started; <step4> a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; <step5> a forced braking automatic braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation instruction; The present invention provides a brake pedal function switching method having the above-mentioned features.

[0068] <How to change the function of the brake pedal (2)> A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal 2 having a brake pedal portion 2b-F which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal 3 having an accelerator pedal portion 3a which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal 2 and the accelerator pedal 3, comprising: <step1> a brake pedal brake function state step of releasing a brake pedal brake function state BB in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed; <step2> a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of moving all or a part of the brake pedal portion 2b-F to the accelerator pedal portion 3a side to set the function of the brake pedal portion 2b-F to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; <step3> an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, to when the accelerator function is activated, or from when an acceleration operation is started; <step4> a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; <step6> a forced braking automatic braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation instruction; <step7> an accelerator state depression release detection step of detecting an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion 2b-F in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA; <step4> a brake pedal accelerator function state automatic release step of automatically releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state BA when the release of the brake pedal is detected during the accelerator state; <step5> a brake pedal brake function state BB automatic formation step for automatically setting the function of the brake pedal 2 to a brake pedal brake function state BB; The present invention provides a brake pedal function switching method having the above-mentioned features.

[0069] <How to change the function of the brake pedal (3)> A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal 2 having a brake pedal portion 2b-F which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal 3 having an accelerator pedal portion 3a which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal 2 and the accelerator pedal 3, comprising: <step1> an accelerator function state switching operation step of switching a brake pedal brake function state BB of the brake pedal 2, in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed, to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed; <step2> a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing the brake pedal braking function state BB; <step3> a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of moving all or a part of the brake pedal portion 2b-F to the accelerator pedal portion 3a side to set the function of the brake pedal 2 to the brake pedal accelerator function state BA; <step4> an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, to when the accelerator function is activated, or from when an acceleration operation is started; <step5> a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; <step6> a forced braking automatic braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation instruction; <step7> a brake function state switching operation step of switching the brake pedal accelerator function state BA of the brake pedal 2 to the brake pedal brake function state BB when the depression of the brake pedal portion 2b-F is released (=released) before the predetermined elapsed time in the step 5 or before the forced brake braking operation instruction in the step 6; <step8> a brake function state forming step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state BA and setting the function of the brake pedal 2 to the brake pedal brake function state BB; The present invention provides a brake pedal function switching method having the above-mentioned features.

[0070] <How to change the function of the brake pedal (4)> A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal 2 having a brake pedal portion 2b-F which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal 3 having an accelerator pedal portion 3a which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal 2 and the accelerator pedal 3, comprising: <step1> a pedal portion depression state detection step of detecting an accelerator pedal portion 3a depression state, in which the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed, or detecting a both pedal portion non-depressed state, in which neither the accelerator pedal portion 3a nor the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed; <step2> a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state BB in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in a state in which the accelerator pedal portion 3a is depressed or the both pedal portions are not depressed; <step3> a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of moving all or a part of the brake pedal portion 2b-F to the accelerator pedal portion 3a side to set the function of the brake pedal 2 to a brake pedal accelerator function state BA, which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; <step4> an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion 2b-F is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state BA, to when the accelerator function is activated, or from when an acceleration operation is started; <step5> a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time atm reaches a predetermined elapsed time; <step6> a forced braking automatic braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation instruction; <step7> a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state BA; <step8> a brake pedal braking function state BB forming step for setting the function of the brake pedal 2 to the brake pedal braking function state BB; The present invention provides a brake pedal function switching method having the above-mentioned features.

[0071] The above-mentioned embodiment of the present invention realizes the following method. [First Method] (Claim1) A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed; A brake pedal function switching method comprising: a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal section (2a-F) to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device. [Second Method] (Claim2) A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed; a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit (2a-F) to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake pedal brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [Third Method] (Claim3) A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed; a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit (2a-F) to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; an accelerator state depression release detection step of detecting an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion (2a-F) in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); a brake pedal accelerator function state automatic release step of automatically releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) when the release of the brake pedal is detected during the accelerator state; and a brake pedal brake function state automatic forming step of automatically setting the function of the brake pedal portion (2a-F) to a brake pedal brake function state (BB). [4th Method] (Claim4) A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), comprising: an accelerator function state switching operation step of switching a brake pedal brake function state (BB) of the brake pedal (2), in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed, to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed; a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing the brake pedal braking function state (BB); a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); a brake function state switching operation step of switching the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) of the brake pedal (2) to the brake pedal brake function state (BB); a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [5th ​​Method](Claim5) A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), comprising: a pedal portion depression state detection step of detecting an accelerator pedal portion depression state in which the accelerator pedal portion (3a) is depressed, or detecting a both pedal portion non-depressed state in which neither the accelerator pedal portion (3a) nor the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed; a brake pedal brake function state release step of releasing a brake pedal brake function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed in a state in which the accelerator pedal portion depressed state or the both pedal portions not depressed state is detected; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); and a brake pedal brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [6th Method] (Claim6) an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time (atm) which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and an accelerator function is activated or an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction (bin) for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time (atm) reaches a predetermined elapsed time; The brake pedal function switching method according to any one of the first to fifth methods, further comprising a forced brake automatic braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation instruction (bin). [7th Method] (Claim7) The brake pedal function switching method according to any one of the first to sixth methods, wherein the brake pedal accelerator function state forming step includes a step of moving at least all or a part of the brake pedal portion (2a-F) toward the accelerator pedal side.

[0072] From the above-mentioned embodiments of the present invention, the present invention realizes the following apparatus. [First Device] (Claim10) A function switching device for a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be pressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal (2) and the accelerator pedal (3), A brake pedal function switching device including a function switching unit (10), (85) that releases a brake pedal brake function state (BB) in which the brakes are applied when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed, and sets the function of the brake pedal portion (2a-F) to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device. [Second Device] Claim (11) The function switching device of the brake pedal described in the first device, wherein the function switching unit (10), (85) is also a function switching unit that releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and switches the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [Third Device] (Claim12) an accelerator state depression release detection unit (74) configured to detect an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion (2a-F) in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); a brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit (76) that, when detecting release of the brake pedal during the accelerator state, automatically releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and issues an instruction to automatically set the function of the brake pedal section (2a-F) to the brake pedal brake function state (BB). [The Fourth Device] (Claim13) a pedal depression state detection unit (59), (75) is provided for detecting an accelerator pedal depression state, in which the accelerator pedal (3a) is depressed, or for detecting a both pedal non-depression state, in which neither the accelerator pedal (3a) nor the brake pedal (2a-F) is depressed, The brake pedal function switching device according to any one of the first device to the third device, further comprising an instruction unit (7a), (7b), (7c) that instructs the function switching unit (10), (85) to switch the function of the brake pedal section (2a-F) in the brake pedal brake function state (BB) to the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) only when the accelerator pedal section depressed state or both pedal sections not depressed state is detected. [The Fifth Device] (Claim14) an elapsed time measurement unit (50) that measures or counts an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time (atm), which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) and an accelerator function is activated or an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction unit (51) that issues a forced braking operation instruction (bin) for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time (atm) reaches a predetermined elapsed time; The brake pedal function switching device according to any one of the first device to the fourth device, further comprising: a forced brake automatic braking operation unit (52), (82) that automatically performs forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation command (bin). [6th Device] (Claim15) the brake pedal (2) includes a brake function fixed portion (2b) in which a brake function is fixed, and a function switching pedal (2a) provided with the brake pedal portion (2a-F) and in which the brake pedal brake function state (BB) and the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) can be switched; In a normal driving operation state, when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed, the brake function fixing portion (2b) and the function switching pedal (2a) operate together to form the brake pedal brake function state (BB), In a non-normal driving operation state in which the integrated operation of the brake function fixing portion (2b) and the function switching pedal (2a) is released, when the brake pedal portion (2a-F) is depressed, the accelerator pedal (3) and the function switching pedal (2a) operate together to form the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) in which the accelerator is enabled. [The 7th Device] (Claim8) A vehicle equipped with a function switching method for a boost pedal according to any one of the first to seventh methods. [8th Device] (Claim9) A virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) equipped with the brake pedal function switching method according to any one of the first to seventh methods. [The 9th Device] (Claim16) A car equipped with a function switching device for a boost pedal according to any one of the first device to the sixth device. [10th Device] (Claim17) A virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) including a brake pedal function switching device according to any one of the first device to the sixth device. [11th Device] (Claim18) a virtual driving device main body (68) including a brake pedal (2) having a brake pedal portion (2a-F) which is a portion to be stepped on with a foot, an accelerator pedal (3) having an accelerator pedal portion (3a) which is a portion to be stepped on with a foot, a steering wheel, and a driver's seat where a driver sits; a function switching unit (10), (85) which releases a brake pedal brake function state (BB) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal unit (2a-F) is depressed, and switches the function of the brake pedal unit (2a-F) to a brake pedal accelerator function state (BA) which is an accelerator function for accelerating the virtual driving device main body (68) to travel or move in an accelerated manner; an acceleration driving device (71), (78) for causing the virtual driving device main body (68) to accelerate running or accelerate movement when the driver in the driver's seat depresses the brake pedal portion (2a-F) in the brake pedal accelerator function state (BA); A virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) equipped with a forced brake automatic braking operation unit (52), (82) for stopping the accelerating running or the accelerating moving virtual driving device main body (68) within a predetermined distance range. [Industrial Applicability]

[0073] The present invention is primarily used in driving school cars. [Explanation of symbols]

[0074] SD: Legs, BA: Brake pedal accelerator function status, BB: Brake pedal brake function status, AOF: Accelerator pedal pressed, atm: accelerator state brake depression elapsed time, bin: Forced brake operation instruction, BAin: Brake pedal accelerator function state formation instruction; BBin: Brake pedal brake function state formation indication; 1: Brake pedal function switching device, 2: Brake pedal, 2a: Function switching pedal, 2a-F: Brake pedal section, 2a-G: Brake arm, 2b: Brake function fixing part, 2b-F: Brake pedal section, 2b-G: Brake arm, 2ah: Connection hole, 2bh: brake side acting receiving part, 3: Accelerator pedal, 3a: Accelerator pedal, 3b: Accelerator arm, 5: accelerator pedal depression detection means; 6: accelerator depression notification means; 7a: Instruction section, 7b: Instruction part, 7c: Instruction section, 10: Function switching unit, 11: Operating lever, 12: gripping part, 15: integral action forming means; 16a: Support part, 16b: Support part, 17: Shaft, 18: Lateral moving body, 19: Brake function forming action part, 20: accelerator function forming action part, 21a: Support part, 21b: accelerator side action receiving part, 21bs: Side, 25: Brake pedal function switching device, 26: accelerator pedal depression detection means, 27: control unit, 28: Instruction operation section, 29: function switching unit drive mechanism, 30: Other foot operation part, 31: detection means, 33: Brake depression detection means, 35: Accelerator pedal depression notification unit, 36: accelerator state notification unit, 37: Brake status notification unit, 40: Brake pedal function switching device, 41: Operating lever, 45: Brake pedal function switching device, 46: Braking mechanism, 50: Elapsed time measurement unit, 51: forced brake operation instruction unit, 52: Forced brake automatic braking operation unit, 53: Oil road, 54: Brake, 55: actuator, 56: Tires, 57: drive instruction unit, 58: detection signal receiving unit, 59: Pedal depression state detection unit, 60: Valve, 61: Main body box, 62: Monitor, 63: Wheels, 64: Motor, 65: Handle, 66: Driver's seat, 67: Bass, 68: Virtual driving device main body, 69: Rails, 70: Virtual driving device, 71: Acceleration drive device, 72: control unit, 73: Brake pedal function switching device, 74: accelerator pedal release detection unit, 75: Pedal depression state detection unit, 76: Brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit, 77: Brake pedal accelerator function state formation instruction unit, 78: Acceleration drive device, 79: Acceleration / braking control section, 80: Push stick, 82: Forced brake automatic braking operation unit, 83: Brake pedal function switching device, 84: control unit, 85: Function switching unit, 86: Driving and braking control unit, 87: Acceleration instruction section, 88: Braking instruction section, 89: Road driving image control unit.

Claims

1. A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (B-B) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; A brake pedal function switching method comprising: a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal section to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device.

2. A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (B-B) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); and a brake pedal brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

3. A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing a brake pedal braking function state (B-B) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed; a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; an accelerator state depression release detection step for detecting an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) automatic release step of automatically releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) when the release of the brake pedal is detected during the accelerator state; and a brake pedal brake function state automatic forming step of automatically setting the function of the brake pedal portion to a brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

4. A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: an accelerator function state switching operation step of switching a brake pedal brake function state (B-B) of the brake pedal, in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal portion is depressed, to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device when the brake pedal portion is depressed; a brake pedal braking function state release step of releasing the brake pedal braking function state (B-B); a brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); a brake function state switching operation step of switching the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B); a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); and a brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

5. A method for switching functions of a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a portion depressed by a foot, or of a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, comprising: a pedal depression state detection step of detecting an accelerator pedal depression state in which the accelerator pedal is depressed, or detecting a both pedal non-depressed state in which neither the accelerator pedal nor the brake pedal is depressed; a brake pedal brake function state release step of releasing a brake pedal brake function state (B-B) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal is depressed in a state in which the accelerator pedal depressed state or the both pedal non-depressed states are detected; A brake pedal accelerator function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function for accelerating the automobile or the virtual driving device; a brake pedal accelerator function state release step of releasing the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); and a brake pedal brake function state forming step of setting the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

6. an elapsed time measurement step of measuring or counting an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal portion is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) and then when the accelerator function is activated or when an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction step of issuing a forced braking operation instruction for forcibly applying the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time reaches a predetermined elapsed time; 6. The brake pedal function switching method according to claim 1, further comprising: an automatic forced braking operation step of automatically performing a forced braking operation on the basis of the forced braking operation command.

7. 6. The brake pedal function switching method according to claim 1, wherein the brake pedal accelerator function state establishing step includes a step of moving at least the whole or a part of the brake pedal portion toward the accelerator pedal.

8. A vehicle equipped with the function switching method for a buki pedal according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

9. A virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) comprising the brake pedal function switching method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

10. A function switching device for a brake pedal of an automobile having a brake pedal portion which is a part pressed by a foot, and an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion which is a part pressed by a foot, or a virtual driving device (e.g., a driving simulation device, an automobile driving simulator, a driving video game machine) having the brake pedal and the accelerator pedal, The brake pedal function switching device includes a function switching unit that releases a brake pedal brake function state (B-B), in which the brakes are applied when the brake pedal is depressed, and sets the function of the brake pedal to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function that accelerates the automobile or the virtual driving device.

11. The brake pedal function switching device according to claim 10, wherein the function switching unit is also a function switching unit that releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) and switches the function of the brake pedal to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

12. an accelerator state depression release detection unit that detects an accelerator state depression release, which is a release from depression of the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); and a brake pedal brake function state formation instruction unit that, when detecting a release of the brake pedal during the accelerator state, automatically releases the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) and instructs the brake pedal section to automatically switch its function to the brake pedal brake function state (B-B).

13. a pedal depression state detection unit that detects an accelerator pedal depression state, which is a state in which the accelerator pedal is depressed, or detects a both pedal non-depression state, which is a state in which neither the accelerator pedal nor the brake pedal is depressed; A brake pedal function switching device as described in any one of claims 10 and 11, further comprising an instruction unit that instructs the function switching unit to switch the function of the brake pedal section in the brake pedal brake function state (B-B) to the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) only when the accelerator pedal section depressed state or the both pedal sections undepressed state is detected.

14. an elapsed time measurement unit that measures or counts an accelerator state brake depression elapsed time, which is an elapsed time from when the brake pedal is depressed in the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) and the accelerator function is activated or an acceleration operation is started; a forced braking operation instruction unit that issues a forced braking operation instruction to forcibly apply the brakes when the accelerator state brake depression elapsed time reaches a predetermined elapsed time; 12. The brake pedal function switching device according to claim 10, further comprising: an automatic forced braking operation unit that automatically performs a forced braking operation based on the forced braking operation command.

15. The brake pedal includes a brake function fixing portion having a fixed brake function, and a function switching pedal having the brake pedal portion and switching between the brake pedal brake function state (B-B) and the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), In a normal driving operation state, when the brake pedal portion is depressed, the brake pedal brake function state (B-B) is formed in which the brake function fixing portion and the function switching pedal operate together, A brake pedal function switching device as described in any one of claims 10 and 11, wherein in a non-normal driving operation state in which the integrated operation of the brake function fixing section and the function switching pedal is released, when the brake pedal section is depressed, the accelerator pedal and the function switching pedal operate together to form the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A) in which the accelerator is enabled.

16. An automobile comprising the function switching device for a buki pedal according to any one of claims 10 and 11.

17. A virtual driving device (for example, a driving simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) comprising the brake pedal function switching device according to any one of claims 10 and 11.

18. A virtual driving device main body including a brake pedal having a brake pedal portion that is a portion that is pressed by a foot, an accelerator pedal having an accelerator pedal portion that is a portion that is pressed by a foot, a steering wheel, and a driver's seat in which a driver sits; A function switching unit that releases a brake pedal brake function state (B-B) in which the brake is applied when the brake pedal is depressed, and switches the function of the brake pedal unit to a brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A), which is an accelerator function that accelerates or moves the virtual driving device main body; An acceleration drive device for accelerating the virtual driving device main body when the driver in the driver's seat depresses the brake pedal portion in the brake pedal accelerator function state (B-A); A virtual driving device (e.g., a simulation device, a car driving simulator, a driving video game machine) equipped with a forced brake automatic braking operation unit for stopping the accelerating running or the accelerating moving virtual driving device body within a predetermined distance range.

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