Pedal device

Abstract

To provide a pedal device allowing for suppressing manufacturing cost.SOLUTION: A pedal device 1 comprises roughly: a pedal operation part 3 that rotates from an initial position P1 by a tread force: a support part 2 that rotatably supports the pedal operation part 3; and at least one click-stop mechanism part 4 that has a click-stop part 40 arranged in one of the pedal operation part 3 and the support part 2 and having a click-stop face 406 matched with an initial position P1 and at least one click-stop position P2 of the pedal operation part 3, a click-stop member 41 arranged in the other of the pedal operation part 3 and the support part 2 and to be guided by the click-stop face 406 to move and an elastic member 42 that accumulates an elastic force by a movement of the click-stop member 41 along the click-stop face 406 from the initial position P1 and if the tread force is released, adds the accumulated elastic force to the click-stop member 41 so as to return the pedal operation part 3 to the initial position P1.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedal device. [Background technology]

[0002] As a conventional technology, there is known a pedal reaction force control device that includes an accelerator pedal, a displacement member that rotates in conjunction with the accelerator pedal, a metal ball that abuts against the displacement member, a coil spring that presses the ball against the displacement member, a return spring that returns the accelerator pedal to its initial position, a motor that applies a reaction force to the accelerator pedal via a reduction gear, a pedal position sensor that directly detects the rotational angle of the accelerator pedal, and a control circuit that controls the motor to generate a reaction force corresponding to the rotational angle detected by the pedal position sensor (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] The displacement member is provided with a recess that is formed in a stepped shape so that the ball can fit into it, and when the ball passes through while being displaced, the rotation speed of the displacement member is changed, producing a clicking sensation. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2006-176001 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] Conventional pedal reaction force control devices have many components, such as a coil spring for generating resistance, a return spring for returning the accelerator pedal to its initial position, and a motor for applying reaction force to the accelerator pedal, which increases manufacturing costs.

[0006] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT EMBODIMENT An object of the present invention is to provide a pedal device capable of reducing manufacturing costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] One aspect of the present invention provides a pedal device including a pedal operating unit that rotates from an initial position due to a pedal force, a support unit that rotatably supports the pedal operating unit, a detent unit that is arranged on one of the pedal operating unit and the support unit and has a detent surface that corresponds to the initial position of the pedal operating unit and at least one detent position, a detent member that is arranged on the other of the pedal operating unit and the support unit and moves while being guided by the detent surface, and at least one detent mechanism unit that has an elastic member that accumulates elastic force by moving the detent member from its initial position along the detent surface and applies the accumulated elastic force to the detent member so as to return the pedal operating unit to its initial position when the pedal force is released. Effect of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, the manufacturing costs can be reduced. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of a pedal device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2(a) is a diagram showing an example of a vehicle, and FIG. 2(b) is a diagram showing an example of a connection between a pedal device and a vehicle control device. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of an operation position of the pedal device, and FIG. 3(b) is a diagram showing an example of a sensor unit. [Figure 4] Figure 4(a) is a front view showing an example of a pedal device, Figure 4(b) is a view showing an example of the back surface of the support part, and Figure 4(c) is a view showing an example of the pedal device seen from below. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5(a) is a diagram showing an example of a housing portion for a pedal operation portion, and FIG. 5(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of the positional relationship between the moderation portion and the housing portion. [Figure 6] FIG. 6(a) is a graph showing an example of the relationship between pedal force and stroke, and FIG. 6(b) is a diagram showing an example of the relationship between the stroke and the moderation surface. [Figure 7] 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams for explaining an example of the positions of the detent member and the detent surface according to the operation position of the pedal operation unit. [Figure 8] 8(a) to 8(c) are cross-sectional views for explaining an example of the positions of the detent member and the detent surface according to the operation position. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing an example of a pedal device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10(a) is a front view showing an example of a pedal device, and FIG. 10(b) is a diagram for explaining an example of an operating position. [Figure 11] FIG. 11(a) is a diagram for explaining an example of a housing portion, and FIG. 11(b) is a diagram showing an example of a state in which an elastic member and a moderation member are housed in the housing portion. [Figure 12] FIG. 12(a) is a side view showing an example of the moderation member, and FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view showing an example of the back side. [Figure 13] 13(a) to 13(c) are diagrams for explaining an example of the positions of the moderation member and the moderation surface according to the operation position. [Figure 14] 14(a) to 14(c) are cross-sectional views for explaining an example of the positions of the detent member and the detent surface according to the operation position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] (Summary of the embodiment) The pedal device in the embodiment is generally configured to include a pedal operating unit that rotates from an initial position due to a pedal force, a support unit that rotatably supports the pedal operating unit, a detent unit that is arranged on one of the pedal operating unit and the support unit and has a detent surface that corresponds to the initial position of the pedal operating unit and at least one detent position, a detent member that is arranged on the other of the pedal operating unit and the support unit and moves while being guided by the detent surface, and at least one detent mechanism unit that has an elastic member that accumulates elastic force by moving the detent member from its initial position along the detent surface and applies the accumulated elastic force to the detent member so as to return the pedal operating unit to its initial position when the detent force is released.

[0011] This pedal device is capable of generating the moderation and returning the pedal operating part to its initial position using a moderation mechanism, thereby reducing the number of parts and keeping manufacturing costs down compared to a case in which an elastic member for generating the moderation and an elastic member for returning the pedal to its initial position are provided.

[0012] [First embodiment] (Outline of pedal device 1) FIG. 1 is an exploded view showing an example of a pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2(a) is a view showing an example of a vehicle in which the pedal device is arranged, and FIG. 2(b) is a view showing an example of a connection between the pedal device according to the first embodiment and a vehicle control device. FIG. 3(a) is a view for explaining an example of an operation position of the pedal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3(b) is a view showing an example of a sensor unit. FIG. 4(a) is a front view showing an example of a pedal device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4(b) is a view showing an example of a back surface of a support part, and FIG. 4(c) is a view showing an example of a pedal device seen from below. FIG. 5(a) is a view showing an example of a storage part of a pedal operation part of the pedal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5(b) is a view for explaining an example of a positional relationship between a moderation part and a storage part. FIG. 6(a) is a graph showing an example of a relationship between a depression force and a stroke of the pedal device according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 6(b) is a view showing an example of a relationship between a stroke and a moderation surface. 7(a) to 7(c) are diagrams for explaining an example of the positions of the detent member and the detent surface according to the operation position of the pedal operation part of the pedal device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8(a) to 8(c) are cross-sectional views for explaining an example of the positions of the detent member and the detent surface according to the operation position of the pedal device according to the first embodiment. In FIG. 6(a), the horizontal axis is the stroke S of the pedal operation part 3, and the vertical axis is the pedal force F applied to the pedal operation part 3. In addition, in FIG. 6(a), the upper side is an example of an FS curve from the initial position P1 to the full stroke position P3, and the lower side is an example of an FS curve from the full stroke position P3 to the initial position P1. FIG. 8(a) to FIG. 8(c) are examples of longitudinal cross-sectional views of the detent attachment part 200.

[0013] In the drawings relating to the embodiments described below, the ratios between figures and shapes may differ from the actual ratios and shapes. In Fig. 2(b), the main signal flows are indicated by arrows.

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the pedal device 1 is generally configured to include a pedal operating unit 3 that rotates from an initial position P1 due to a pedal force F, a support unit 2 that rotatably supports the pedal operating unit 3, a detent unit 40 that is arranged on one side of the pedal operating unit 3 and the support unit 2 and has a detent surface 406 that corresponds to the initial position P1 of the pedal operating unit 3 and at least one detent position P2, a detent member 41 that is arranged on the other side of the pedal operating unit 3 and the support unit 2 and moves while being guided by the detent surface 406, and at least one detent mechanism unit 4 that has an elastic member 42 that accumulates elastic force by moving the detent member 41 from the initial position P1 along the detent surface 406 and adds the accumulated elastic force to the detent member 41 so as to return the pedal operating unit 3 to the initial position P1 when the pedal force F is released.

[0015] The pedal operation unit 3 has a pedal 30 to which a pedal force F is applied. In addition, at least one moderation mechanism unit 4 is disposed on the pedal operation unit 3 and the support unit 2 on the opposite side of the pedal 30 with the rotation shaft 6 of the pedal operation unit 3 in between.

[0016] As an example, in the pedal device 1 of this embodiment, as shown in Figures 1 and 3(a), the moderation portion 40 is arranged on the support portion 2, and the moderation member 41 and the elastic member 42 are arranged on the pedal operating portion 3, but this is not limited to this, and the moderation portion 40 may be arranged on the pedal operating portion 3, and the moderation member 41 and the elastic member 42 may be arranged on the support portion 2.

[0017] The pedal operation unit 3 has at least one accommodation portion 32 that accommodates the elastic member 42 and the moderation member 41. As shown in Fig. 1 and Figs. 4(a) to 4(c), the support portion 2 has an insertion opening 210 into which the pedal operation unit 3 is inserted, and at least one detour opening 201 into which the accommodation portion 32 of the pedal operation unit 3 inserted into the insertion opening 210 is inserted and into which the detour member 41 is exposed. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 8(c), the accommodation portion 32 comes into contact with an inner wall 207 of the detour opening 201 as the pedal operation unit 3 rotates, thereby defining a full stroke position P3 that is the maximum operation position of the pedal operation unit 3.

[0018] The pedal device 1 of the present embodiment has, as an example, two detent mechanism units 4, but is not limited to this and may have one or more. The pedal device 1 has two storage units 32 corresponding to the two detent mechanism units 4.

[0019] 6(a) and 6(b), the detent position P2 defines a first region 18 from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2, and a second region 19 from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3. The first region 18 is a region in which a first state of the operated object is obtained by an operation performed on the pedal operating unit 3. The second region 19 is a region in which a second state of the operated object is obtained.

[0020] The pedal device 1 of this embodiment is used as an accelerator pedal device 90 of a vehicle 9, as shown in FIG. 2(a). The pedal device 1 is not limited to the accelerator pedal device 90, and may be used as a brake pedal device 91 that operates the pedal operation unit 3, for example. The pedal device 1, which is the accelerator pedal device 90, is connected to a vehicle control device 92, as shown in FIG. 2(b), for example. This vehicle control device 92 is a microcomputer that comprehensively controls the vehicle 9. The vehicle control device 92 generates a drive signal S2 based on an operation signal S1 acquired from the pedal device 1, and controls a drive device 93 by this drive signal S2.

[0021] In this way, the operation target of the pedal device 1 of the present embodiment is, as one example, the drive device 93, but is not limited to this, and may be a brake device, an automatic driving device, or the like.

[0022] (Configuration of Support Part 2) The support part 2 is formed, for example, in a rectangular shape using PP glass (long glass fiber reinforced polypropylene). The support part 2 is provided, on an upper surface 20, which is the upper side in the plane of Fig. 1, with two detent attachment parts 200 to which the two detent parts 40 of the detent mechanism part 4 are attached. The support part 2 is also provided, on a lower surface 21, which is the lower side in the plane of Fig. 1, with an insertion opening 210 into which the pedal operation part 3 is inserted. Furthermore, as shown in Fig. 4(b), the support part 2 is provided, on a rear surface 22, with a rear opening 220 that communicates with the insertion opening 210 and into which the cover 10 is fitted.

[0023] 1, the moderation mounting portion 200 has a moderation opening 201 and protruding pieces 202 that face each other across the moderation opening 201. The moderation opening 201 is an opening that communicates with the insertion opening 210 and the back opening 220, and has a rectangular shape. A housing portion 32 (described later) of the pedal operation unit 3 is inserted into this moderation opening 201. The protruding piece 202 is provided with an attachment hole 203. A bolt 14 for attaching a moderation portion 40 of the moderation mechanism unit 4 (described later) is inserted into this attachment hole 203. The support portion 2 also has a plurality of through holes 29 that are used when mounting the support portion 2 to the vehicle 9.

[0024] (Configuration of pedal operation unit 3) The pedal operation unit 3 is formed, for example, using glass fiber reinforced nylon, etc. As shown in Fig. 1, the pedal operation unit 3 has a pedal 30, a main body 31, and a storage unit 32. In the pedal operation unit 3, the pedal 30, the main body 31, and the storage unit 32 are integrally formed.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 3(a), the pedal 30 is a part that receives a pedaling force F and has a long and narrow rectangular shape. The main body 31 is a part that serves as a fulcrum when the pedal 30 is the force point and the moderation mechanism 4 is the point of action. As shown in FIG. 1, the main body 31 has a plurality of slits 311 on the front surface 310. As shown in FIG. 5(a), the main body 31 has a rotation guide 314 on each of the right side surface 312 and the left side surface 313. The rotation guide 314 has a semicircular arc shape that bulges on the front surface 310 side, and the pedal cover 12 is fitted into the rotation guide 314. The pedal cover 12 reduces friction with the cover 10 and suppresses wear of the rotation guide 314. The pedal cover 12 is not necessary.

[0026] The pedal operation unit 3 is rotatably supported by sandwiching a recess in the rotation guide 314 to which the pedal cover 12 is attached between the support unit 2 and the left and right circular protrusions 100 of the cover 10. The cover 10 has a protrusion 101 in addition to the circular protrusion 100. The cover 10 is attached to the support unit 2 by fitting the protrusion 101 into fitting holes 28 provided on the left side surface 24 and the right side surface 25 of the support unit 2.

[0027] As shown in Fig. 5(a), the accommodation section 32 has a circular opening 321 and a notch 322. The circular opening 321 is an opening into which the elastic member 42 is inserted. The notch 322 is a groove provided in the upper surface 320 along the moving direction of the pedal operating section 3. As shown in Fig. 5(b), the moderation piece 405 of the moderation section 40 is inserted into the notch 322.

[0028] (Configuration of the moderation mechanism 4) The moderation mechanism 4 of the present embodiment is configured to include a moderation portion 40, a moderation member 41, and an elastic member .

[0029] As an example, the moderation portion 40 is formed using glass fiber reinforced nylon, etc. As shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 5(b), the moderation portion 40 has opposing side portions 400 and 401, a top portion 402, and attachment pieces 403 protruding from both ends of the top portion 402.

[0030] As shown in Figures 3(a) and 4(b), the side portion 400 and the side portion 401 have mounting holes 404 that fit with the claws 206 provided on the opposing side portions 204 and 205 of the moderation mounting portion 200 of the support portion 2.

[0031] As shown in Figures 7(a) to 7(c), the moderation portion 40 has a moderation piece 405 provided in the internal space 40a on the back side of the upper surface portion 402. This moderation piece 405 has a moderation surface 406 that comes into contact with the moderation member 41. This moderation surface 406 is a U-shaped groove that corresponds to the shape of the moderation member 41, but is not limited to this and may be a flat surface.

[0032] As shown in Figures 7(a) and 7(b), the detent surface 406 has a valley portion 407 that determines the initial position P1 of the pedal operation unit 3, and a bent portion 408 that determines the detent position P2. The valley portion 407 has a concave surface that corresponds to the shape of the detent member 41 so that the detent member 41 fits into it and is stable. The bent portion 408 is provided to generate detent. Note that there may be multiple bent portions 408.

[0033] The detent surface 406 has a slope from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2 that has a different angle from the slope from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3. Specifically, when the horizontal direction of the paper surface of FIG. 6(b) is used as a reference, the slope from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3 has a steeper angle than the slope from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2.

[0034] 8(a) to 8(c), the mounting piece 403 has a mounting hole 409 corresponding to the mounting hole 203 of the support part 2. The mounting hole 409 is integrated with the mounting hole 203 of the support part 2, and serves as a hole into which the bolt 14 can be inserted.

[0035] The moderation member 41 is formed in a spherical shape using, for example, glass fiber reinforced nylon, etc. The moderation member 41 is pressed against the moderation surface 406 by the elastic force of the elastic member .

[0036] The elastic member 42 is, for example, a coil spring, but is not limited to this. The elastic member 42 is not limited to a single coil spring, and may be formed by stacking coil springs of different shapes. One end of the elastic member 42 is inserted into the circular opening 321 of the housing portion 32 of the pedal operation unit 3, and the elastic member 42 is disposed at the other end.

[0037] (Configuration of sensor unit 5) As shown in FIG. 3(b), the sensor unit 5 has a sensor main body 50, a connector portion 51, and a rotating member 52 that rotates relative to the sensor main body 50. The sensor main body 50 has a magnetic sensor 56. The magnetic sensor 56 is arranged so as to be centered on a sensor rotation axis 53 of the rotating member 52. The magnetic sensor 56 is, for example, a hall sensor or a magnetic resistance sensor, and detects the operation position of the pedal operation unit 3 based on the rotation angle of the rotating member 52. The sensor main body 50 is inserted and attached to the sensor insertion opening 208 of the support portion 2, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4(a). The sensor unit 5 outputs an operation signal S1 indicating the detected operation position to the vehicle control device 92 via a harness connected to the connector portion 51.

[0038] The rotating member 52 has a magnet 54 arranged so as to be centered on the sensor rotation axis 53, and a tip portion 55. The magnet 54 changes the magnetic field acting on the magnetic sensor 56 as the rotating member 52 rotates. The magnet 54 may be a permanent magnet, or the rotating member 52 may be formed by forming the rotating member 52 from a material that functions as a plastic magnet and magnetizing it to a desired magnetic pole.

[0039] The rotating member 52 has a tip portion 55 consisting of three separate claws. As shown in Fig. 1, this tip portion 55 is attached to three slits 311 provided on the front surface 310 of the pedal operation unit 3. Since the tip portion 55 is attached to the slits 311, the rotating member 52 is configured to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the pedal operation unit 3.

[0040] (Regarding the first region 18 and the second region 19) As shown in FIG. 6(a), the range from the initial position P1 to the full stroke position P3 is divided into a first region 18 from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2 and a second region 19 from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3.

[0041] When the pedal device 1 is an accelerator pedal device 90, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that a first region 18 is a region with good fuel economy and a second region 19 is a region with poor fuel economy compared to the first region 18. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the driver feels detent at the detent position P2, and is therefore able to operate the vehicle 9 mainly in the region with good fuel economy.

[0042] As a modified example, when the pedal device 1 is an accelerator pedal device 90 and the operation target is a drive device 93, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that the first region 18 is a region where kickdown does not act, and the second region 19 is a region where kickdown acts. Note that kickdown is, for example, a function that switches to a low gear when the pedal operation unit 3 is depressed to make it easier to accelerate.

[0043] As yet another modified example, when the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device 91 and the object to be operated is a brake device, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that the first region 18 is a region in which the ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) function of the brake device does not operate, and the second region 19 is a region in which the ABS function operates.

[0044] When the driver depresses the pedal 30 and the detent member 41 moves from the valley portion 407 along the detent surface 406 to reach the bent portion 408, the angle of the detent surface 406 becomes steeper than before, and the driver feels the detent. This detent feeling makes the driver feel the boundary between the first region 18 and the second region 19, that is, the detent position P2.

[0045] An example of the operation of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the respective drawings.

[0046] (operation) From initial position P1 to detent position P2 7(a) and 8(a), in the initial position P1 of the pedal device 1, the moderation member 41 is located in a valley portion 407 of the moderation surface 406. This initial position P1 is a position when, for example, no pedal force F is applied to the pedal 30, or when a pedal force F that does not compress the elastic member 42 is applied.

[0047] When the driver further applies the pedal force F, the pedal operation unit 3 starts to rotate about the rotation shaft 6. This rotation causes the accommodation portion 32 to move from the initial position P1 toward the detent position P2, as shown in Fig. 7(b) and Fig. 8(b). At this time, the detent member 41 is pressed by the detent surface 406, compressing the elastic member 42.

[0048] When the pedal operation unit 3 further rotates about the rotation shaft 6, the moderation member 41 reaches a bent portion 408. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6(a), the moderation member 41 does not move from the moderation position P2 unless a larger depressing force F is applied than the depressing force F that has been causing the pedal operation unit 3 to stroke up to that point.

[0049] From the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3 When the driver applies a larger pedal force F than the previous pedal force F, the detent member 41 moves from the detent position P2 toward the full stroke position P3 along the detent surface 406 while further compressing the elastic member 42, as shown in Figures 7(c) and 8(c). Note that although the pedal force F increases significantly at the detent position P2, the FS curve up to the full stroke position P3 is similar to the FS curve from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2. Therefore, after the driver feels a detent at the detent position P2, the driver can apply the pedal force F up to the full stroke position P3 with an operation feeling similar to the operation feeling up to that point.

[0050] 8(c), the full stroke position P3 is where the contact surface 323 of the accommodation portion 32 comes into contact with the inner wall 207 of the moderation opening 201 of the moderation attachment portion 200. In other words, the contact of the contact surface 323 with the inner wall 207 defines the maximum stroke amount of the pedal operation portion 3.

[0051] In other words, the full stroke position P3 is determined not by contact between the pedal back surface 33 of the pedal operation unit 3 and the opposing surface 23 of the support unit 2 shown in Fig. 3(a) but by contact between the contact surface 323 and the inner wall 207. The contact surface 323 and the inner wall 207 form a first stopper. The pedal back surface 33 and the opposing surface 23 form a second stopper that restricts the movement of the pedal operation unit 3 next to the first stopper.

[0052] For example, when the pedal force F is no longer applied to the pedal 30 and the accumulated elastic force of the elastic member 42 is released, the moderation member 41 moves in a direction in which the elastic member 42 expands, that is, in a direction from the full stroke position P3 toward the initial position P1. The pedal operation unit 3 rotates about the rotation shaft 6 in accordance with the movement of the moderation member 41, and moves from the full stroke position P3 to the initial position P1 via the moderation position P2. The moderation member 41 then reaches the valley portion 407 and stops, whereby the pedal operation unit 3 returns to the initial position P1.

[0053] (About assembly) 1, the pedal device 1 is assembled by first attaching the pedal cover 12 to the pedal operation unit 3, inserting the elastic member 42 into the housing portion 32 of the pedal operation unit 3, and then arranging the moderation member 41 on the elastic member 42. Note that the elastic member 42 and the moderation member 41 may be arranged after the pedal operation unit 3 is attached to the support portion 2.

[0054] Next, assembly is performed by inserting the pedal operation unit 3 into the insertion opening 210 of the support unit 2, and attaching the two detent units 40 to the corresponding detent mounting units 200. This attachment is performed by inserting the bolt 14 into the mounting hole 404 of the integrated detent unit 40 and the mounting hole 203 of the support unit 2, and attaching the nut 16 to the bolt 14.

[0055] Next, the assembly is completed by inserting the sensor unit 5 into the sensor insertion opening 208 of the support part 2 and attaching the cover 10 to the rear opening 220 of the rear face 22 of the support part 2 .

[0056] (Effects of the First Embodiment) The pedal device 1 can reduce manufacturing costs. Specifically, the pedal device 1 can generate moderation and return the pedal operation unit 3 to the initial position P1 by using the moderation mechanism unit 4, so that the number of parts is reduced and manufacturing costs can be reduced compared to a case in which an elastic member for generating moderation and an elastic member for returning the pedal operation unit 3 to the initial position are separately provided.

[0057] Since the pedal device 1 generates a detent in accordance with the shape of the detent surface 406, it is easier to adjust the detent feeling and the operational feel of the pedal operation unit 3 compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted.

[0058] The pedal device 1 generates detent force and enables control of the target to be operated for each area divided by the detent position P2 through a simple configuration such as changing the shape of the detent surface 406. Therefore, no additional mechanism is required compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted, and manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0059] The pedal device 1 generates a detent by providing at least one bent portion 408 on the detent surface 406, and therefore, compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted, a large change in the operational feeling when depressing the pedal operating unit 3 is suppressed while still feeling the detent, resulting in a good operational feeling.

[0060] The pedal device 1 has a first stopper formed by contact between the contact surface 323 and the inner wall 207, and a second stopper formed by contact between the pedal back surface 33 and the opposing surface 23 of the support part 2, so that malfunctions when the pedal operating part 3 is pressed down hard can be suppressed compared to a case in which this configuration is not adopted.

[0061] Since the pedal device 1 does not require attachment of other components while maintaining the elastic member 42 in compression, assembly is easier and production efficiency is improved compared to the case where other components are attached while maintaining the elastic member 42 in compression.

[0062] [Second embodiment] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the position of the detent mechanism.

[0063] FIG. 9 is an exploded view showing an example of a pedal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10(a) is a front view showing an example of a pedal device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a view for explaining an example of an operating position of the pedal device. FIG. 11(a) is a view for explaining an example of a storage section of the pedal device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 11(b) is a view showing an example of a state in which an elastic member and a moderation member are stored in the storage section. FIG. 12(a) is a side view showing an example of a moderation member of the pedal device according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 12(b) is a perspective view showing an example of a back side. FIG. 13(a) to FIG. 13(c) are views for explaining an example of the positions of the moderation member and the moderation surface according to the operating position of the pedal device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 14(a) to FIG. 14(c) are cross-sectional ... examples of longitudinal cross-sectional views of the moderation mounting portion 200. In the embodiments described below, parts having the same functions and configurations as those in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals as those in the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0064] 9, at least one moderation mechanism 4 in this embodiment is disposed in the pedal operation unit 3 and the support unit 2 between the pedal 30 and the rotation shaft 6 of the pedal operation unit 3. In other words, when the point of force is the pedal 30 and the fulcrum is the rotation shaft 6, the moderation mechanism 4 as the point of action is located between the pedal 30 and the rotation shaft 6.

[0065] In the pedal device 1 of this embodiment, as an example, the moderation portion 40 is arranged in the support portion 2, and the moderation member 41 and the elastic member 42 are arranged in the pedal operating portion 3, but this is not limited to this, and the moderation portion 40 may be arranged in the pedal operating portion 3, and the moderation member 41 and the elastic member 42 may be arranged in the support portion 2.

[0066] The pedal operation unit 3 of this embodiment has at least one accommodation portion 32 that accommodates the elastic member 42 and the moderation member 41. As shown in Fig. 9 and Figs. 14(a) to 14(c), the support portion 2 has an insertion opening 210a into which the pedal operation unit 3 is inserted, and at least one moderation opening 201a into which the accommodation portion 32 of the pedal operation unit 3 inserted into the insertion opening 210a is inserted and through which the moderation member 41 is exposed.

[0067] The pedal device 1 of the present embodiment has, as an example, two detent mechanism units 4, but is not limited to this and may have one or more. The pedal device 1 has two storage units 32 corresponding to the two detent mechanism units 4.

[0068] (Configuration of Support Part 2) The support part 2 is formed, for example, using PP glass. As shown in Fig. 10(a), the support part 2 has a moderation mounting part 200 provided on the left side surface 24 and the right side surface 25. The support part 2 also has a fitting hole 28a provided on the left side surface 24 and the right side surface 25. The shaft part 315 of the pedal operating part 3 is inserted into this fitting hole 28a. The support part 2 rotatably supports the pedal operating part 3 with the shaft part 315 as the rotation axis 6.

[0069] The detent attachment portion 200 has a detent opening 201a, a protruding piece 202a protruding from one side of the detent attachment portion 200, a claw 209a provided on the protruding piece 202a, and a claw 209b provided on the opposite side of the protruding piece 202a. The housing portion 32 of the pedal operation unit 3 is inserted into the detent opening 201a. The protruding piece 202a is provided with an attachment hole 203a. A bolt 14 for attaching the detent portion 40 of the detent mechanism portion 4 is inserted into the attachment hole 203a. The claw 209a fits into an attachment hole 404a of the detent portion 40, which will be described later. The claw 209b fits into an attachment hole 404c of the detent portion 40, which will be described later.

[0070] The moderation mounting portion 200 holds the moderation portion 40 by fitting the claw 209a into the mounting hole 404a of the moderation portion 40 and fitting the claw 209b into the mounting hole 404b. The moderation portion 40 is further attached to the support portion 2 by the bolt 14 and the nut 16.

[0071] 10(a) and 10(b), the detent attachment portion 200 is provided so as to protrude from the left side surface 24 and the right side surface 25 of the support portion 2. Since the pedal operation unit 3 is inserted from below the support portion 2, the detent attachment portion 200 has a detent opening 201a that opens downward.

[0072] The support portion 2 has a sensor insertion opening 208a provided on the upper surface 20. This sensor insertion opening 208a is inclined with respect to the upper surface 20, and the sensor unit 5 is inserted into it.

[0073] (Configuration of pedal operation unit 3) The pedal operation unit 3 is formed, for example, using glass fiber reinforced nylon, etc. As shown in Fig. 9, the pedal operation unit 3 has a pedal 30, a main body 31, and a storage unit 32. In the pedal operation unit 3, the pedal 30, the main body 31, and the storage unit 32 are integrally formed.

[0074] As shown in Fig. 11(a) and Fig. 11(b), the accommodation section 32 has a rectangular opening 321a and a notch 322a. The rectangular opening 321a is an opening into which the elastic member 42 and the moderation member 41 are inserted. In addition, as shown in Figs. 14(a) to 14(c), the rectangular opening 321a has a bottom side narrowed in accordance with the elastic member 42. The notch 322a is a groove provided in the upper surface 320a along the movement direction of the pedal operation section 3. The moderation piece 405a of the moderation section 40 is inserted into the notch 322a.

[0075] 11(a) and 11(b), the storage section 32 opens downward. Therefore, the pedal operation section 3 is inserted into the insertion opening 210a of the support section 2 upside down so that the moderation member 41 faces upward.

[0076] (Configuration of the moderation mechanism 4) The moderation mechanism 4 of the present embodiment includes a moderation portion 40, a moderation member 41, and an elastic member .

[0077] As an example, the moderation part 40 is formed using glass fiber reinforced nylon, etc. As shown in Figures 13(a) to 13(c), the moderation part 40 has a front surface part 400a, a rear surface part 400b, an attachment piece 403a protruding from the front surface part 400a, and an attachment piece 403b protruding from the rear surface part 400b.

[0078] The mounting piece 403a has an L-shape, a rectangular mounting hole 404a is provided at the folded back portion, and a circular mounting hole 404b is provided at a portion close to the front surface portion 400a. The claw 209a of the accommodation portion 32 fits into the mounting hole 404a.

[0079] The mounting piece 403b has an L-shape that is larger than the mounting piece 403a. A rectangular mounting hole 404c is provided at the folded-back portion. The claw 209b of the accommodation portion 32 fits into this mounting hole 404c.

[0080] 13(a) to 13(c), the moderation portion 40 has a moderation piece 405a provided in the internal space 40a. The moderation piece 405a has a moderation surface 406a that comes into contact with the moderation member 41. The moderation surface 406a is a flat surface, but is not limited to this, and may be a U-shaped groove according to the shape of the moderation member 41.

[0081] 13(a) to 13(c), the detent surface 406a has a valley portion 407a that defines the initial position P1 of the pedal operation unit 3, and a bent portion 408a that defines the detent position P2. The valley portion 407a has a shape corresponding to the shape of the detent member 41 so that the detent member 41 fits therein and is stable. The bent portion 408a is provided to generate detent force.

[0082] The detent surface 406a has a slope from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2 that has a different angle from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3. Specifically, the detent surface 406a has a slope from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3 that has a steeper angle than the slope from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2.

[0083] The moderation member 41 is formed, for example, using glass fiber reinforced nylon etc. As shown in Figures 12(a) and 12(b), the moderation member 41 has a main body portion 410 and a tip portion 411.

[0084] The main body 410 has a quadrangular prism shape. The back surface 412 of the main body 410 is inserted into the rectangular opening 321a. The main body 410 has a circular opening 413 on the back surface 412 side. The elastic member 42 is inserted into this opening 413. The tip 411 is provided on the upper surface 414 of the main body 410. The tip 411 is semi-spherical. The tip 411 is pressed against the moderation surface 406a by the elastic force of the elastic member 42.

[0085] The elastic member 42 is, for example, a coil spring, but is not limited to this. The elastic member 42 is not limited to a single coil spring, and may be formed by stacking coil springs of different shapes. One end of the elastic member 42 is inserted into the rectangular opening 321a of the housing portion 32, and the other end is inserted into the opening 413 of the moderation member 41.

[0086] (Configuration of sensor unit 5) 9, the tip portion 55 of the sensor unit 5 is attached to a slit 311 provided in the front surface 310 of the pedal operation part 3. Since the tip portion 55 is attached to the slit 311, the rotating member 52 is configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the pedal operation part 3.

[0087] (Regarding the first region 18 and the second region 19) The range from the initial position P1 to the full stroke position P3 is divided into a first region 18 from the initial position P1 to the detent position P2 and a second region 19 from the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3.

[0088] When the pedal device 1 is an accelerator pedal device 90, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that a first region 18 is a region where fuel economy is good, and a second region 19 is a region where fuel economy is poor.

[0089] As a modified example, when the pedal device 1 is an accelerator pedal device 90 and the object to be operated is a drive device 93, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that the first region 18 is a region where kickdown does not act and the second region 19 is a region where kickdown acts.

[0090] As yet another modified example, when the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device 91 and the object to be operated is a brake device, the detent position P2 is set, for example, so that the first region 18 is an area where the ABS function does not operate, and the second region 19 is an area where the ABS function operates.

[0091] An example of the operation of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the respective drawings.

[0092] (operation) From initial position P1 to detent position P2 13(a) and 14(a), in the initial position P1 of the pedal device 1, the moderation member 41 is located in the valley portion 407a of the moderation surface 406a. This initial position P1 is a position when, for example, no pedal force F is applied to the pedal 30, or when a pedal force F that does not compress the elastic member 42 is applied.

[0093] When the driver further applies the pedal force F, the pedal operation unit 3 starts to rotate about the rotation shaft 6. This rotation causes the accommodation portion 32 to move from the initial position P1 toward the detent position P2, as shown in Fig. 13(b) and Fig. 14(b). At this time, the detent member 41 is pressed by the detent surface 406a, compressing the elastic member 42.

[0094] When the pedal operation unit 3 further rotates about the rotation shaft 6, the moderation member 41 reaches the bent portion 408a. At this time, the moderation member 41 does not move from the moderation position P2 unless a larger depressing force F than the depressing force F that has been stroking the pedal operation unit 3 up until that point is applied.

[0095] From the detent position P2 to the full stroke position P3 When the driver applies a greater pedal force F than the previous pedal force F, the moderation member 41 moves from the moderation position P2 toward the full stroke position P3 along the moderation surface 406a while further compressing the elastic member 42, as shown in Figures 13(c) and 14(c).

[0096] The full stroke position P3 is determined by the pedal back surface 33 of the pedal operation unit 3 coming into contact with the opposing surface 23 of the support unit 2, as shown in FIG. 10(b).

[0097] For example, when the pedal force F is no longer applied to the pedal 30 and the accumulated elastic force of the elastic member 42 is released, the moderation member 41 moves in a direction in which the elastic member 42 expands, that is, in a direction from the full stroke position P3 toward the initial position P1. The pedal operation unit 3 rotates about the rotation shaft 6 in accordance with the movement of the moderation member 41, and moves from the full stroke position P3 to the initial position P1 via the moderation position P2. Then, the moderation member 41 reaches the valley portion 407a and stops, and the pedal operation unit 3 returns to the initial position P1.

[0098] (About assembly) 9, the pedal device 1 is assembled by inserting the elastic member 42 into the housing portion 32 with the pedal operation unit 3 turned upside down, and further arranging the moderation member 41 on the elastic member 42. Note that the elastic member 42 and the moderation member 41 may be arranged after the pedal operation unit 3 is attached to the support portion 2.

[0099] Next, assembly is performed by inserting the pedal operation unit 3 in an inverted state into the insertion opening 210a of the support unit 2, and attaching the two moderation units 40 to the corresponding moderation attachment units 200. This attachment is performed by inserting the bolt 14 into the attachment hole 404b of the integrated moderation unit 40 and the attachment hole 203a of the support unit 2, and attaching the nut 16 to the bolt 14.

[0100] Next, the sensor unit 5 is inserted into the sensor insertion opening 208a of the support portion 2, and the assembly is completed.

[0101] (Advantages of the second embodiment) In the pedal device 1 of this embodiment, the moderation mechanism 4 is disposed between the pedal 30 and the rotating shaft 6, so that the height can be made shorter and the size can be made smaller than in a case where this configuration is not adopted.

[0102] As another embodiment, the pedal device 1 may be configured to include both the detent mechanism 4 of the first embodiment and the detent mechanism 4 of the second embodiment. As another embodiment, the detent surface 406 may be configured such that the detent position P2 changes or the angles of the peaks and valleys change when the driving mode of the vehicle 9 is switched.

[0103] According to at least one of the pedal device 1 according to the embodiments described above, the manufacturing costs can be reduced.

[0104] Although some embodiments and modifications of the present invention have been described above, these embodiments and modifications are merely examples and do not limit the invention according to the claims. These novel embodiments and modifications can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, modifications, etc. can be made without departing from the gist of the present invention. In addition, not all combinations of features described in these embodiments and modifications are necessarily essential to the means for solving the problems of the invention. Furthermore, these embodiments and modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the scope of the invention and its equivalents described in the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0105] REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1...pedal device, 2...support portion, 3...pedal operation portion, 4...moderation mechanism portion, 6...rotating shaft, 18...first region, 19...second region, 30...pedal, 40...moderation portion, 41...moderation member, 42...elastic member, 200...moderation mounting portion, 201, 201a...moderation opening, 207...inner wall, 210, 210a...insertion opening, 322, 322a...notch portion, 405, 405a...moderation piece, 406, 406a...moderation surface, 407, 407a...valley portion, 408, 408a...folded portion

Claims

1. a pedal operation unit that rotates from an initial position by a pedal force; A support portion that rotatably supports the pedal operation portion; at least one detent mechanism including: a detent portion disposed on one of the pedal operation portion and the support portion, the detent portion having a detent surface corresponding to the initial position and at least one detent position of the pedal operation portion; a detent member disposed on the other of the pedal operation portion and the support portion, the detent member being guided by the detent surface while moving; and an elastic member which accumulates an elastic force by the movement of the detent member from the initial position along the detent surface, and which applies the accumulated elastic force to the detent member so as to return the pedal operation portion to the initial position when the pedal force is released; A pedal device comprising:

2. the pedal operation portion has at least one housing portion that houses the elastic member and the moderation member, The support portion has an insertion opening into which the pedal operating portion is inserted, and at least one detent opening into which the accommodating portion of the pedal operating portion inserted into the insertion opening is inserted and through which the detent member is exposed.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1.

3. the accommodation portion contacts an inner wall of the detent opening as the pedal operation portion rotates, thereby defining a maximum operation position of the pedal operation portion; 3. The pedal device according to claim 2.

4. the pedal operation unit has a pedal to which the depression force is applied, At least one of the detent mechanisms is disposed on the pedal operation unit and the support unit on the opposite side of the pedal with respect to a rotation axis of the pedal operation unit.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1.

5. the pedal operation unit has a pedal to which the depression force is applied, At least one of the detent mechanisms is disposed on the pedal operation part and the support part between the pedal and a rotation shaft of the pedal operation part.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1.

6. The detent position defines a first region from the initial position to the detent position, and a second region from the detent position to a maximum operation position, the first region is a region in which a first state of an operation target to be operated is obtained by an operation performed on the pedal operation unit, the second area is an area in which a second state of the operation object is obtained; A pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

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