Pedal device

Abstract

To enhance convenience, in a pedal device capable of vibrating a pedal surface.SOLUTION: A lever 12 can rotate around a rotational axis A as the center, and its rotational amount corresponds to a controlled variable of a controlled device. A panel 13 is supported by the lever 12 and has a pedal surface 131 on which a foot of a user is placed. A vibration source 15 is arranged between the panel 13 and the lever 12 and can generate vibration. Cushion members 18 suppress the transmission of the vibration to the lever 12.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a pedal device mounted on a vehicle as an example of a moving body. The device includes a mechanism that vibrates a pedal surface by applying a reaction force against a stepping force to a lever that supports a panel having a pedal surface on which a user's foot is placed. Thereby, the user is notified of excessive depression of the pedal.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a demand to improve the convenience of a pedal device capable of vibrating a pedal surface.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] One example of an aspect provided by the present disclosure is a pedal device, a lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis and whose amount of rotation corresponds to a controlled amount in a controlled device, a panel that is supported by the lever and has a pedal surface on which a user's foot is placed, a vibration source that is disposed between the panel and the lever and is capable of generating vibration, a vibration damping member that suppresses transmission of the vibration to the lever, and includes.

[0006] According to the configuration as described above, since the vibration source is disposed between the lever and the panel, it is possible to generate vibrations recognizable by the user through the foot placed on the pedal surface while using a relatively small vibration source. In other words, there is no need to equip a relatively large vibration source to transmit vibrations to the pedal surface via the lever as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, and an increase in the size of the entire pedal device can be suppressed.

[0007] In addition, since a part of the vibrations generated from the vibration source is suppressed from being transmitted to the lever by the vibration damping member, the generation of unnecessary vibrations and abnormal noises in the lever is suppressed, and the vibrations of the panel can be made apparent. Thereby, the user's attention to the vibrations can be prompted.

[0008] As a result, the convenience of the pedal device capable of vibrating the pedal surface can be enhanced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Examples of the embodiments will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings used in the description, the scale is appropriately changed in order to make each illustrated element recognizable in size.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates the appearance of a pedal device 10 according to an example of an embodiment. The pedal device 10 according to this example is mounted on a vehicle as an accelerator pedal device and is configured to be operated by the foot of an occupant of the vehicle. The vehicle is an example of a moving body. The occupant is an example of a user.

[0012] The pedal device 10 includes a bracket 11. The pedal device 10 is configured to be fixed to a predetermined location in the vehicle via the bracket 11.

[0013] The pedal device 10 includes a lever 12. The upper end portion of the lever 12 is supported by the bracket 11 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis A extending along the left - right direction of the vehicle. As illustrated in FIG. 2, a panel support portion 121 is formed at the lower end portion of the lever 12.

[0014] The pedal device 10 includes a panel 13. The panel 13 is supported by the panel support portion 121. The panel 13 has a pedal surface 131. The pedal surface 131 is configured such that an occupant can place their foot thereon.

[0015] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pedal device 10 includes a sensor 14. The sensor 14 is configured to detect the amount of rotation of the lever 12 about the rotation axis A. The sensor 14 has a well - known configuration capable of mechanically, optically, or magnetically detecting the amount of rotation.

[0016] When an occupant places their foot on the pedal surface 131 and steps on it, the lever 12 rotates forward in the front - rear direction of the vehicle about the rotation axis A. The sensor 14 includes a connector 141 capable of outputting a signal corresponding to the detected amount of rotation of the lever 12. The said signal is transmitted to a control device that controls the output of the drive source of the vehicle. The said control device increases or decreases the output of the drive source according to the amount of rotation of the lever 12. The drive source may be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor. The drive source is an example of a controlled device. The output of the drive source is an example of a controlled quantity.

[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pedal device 10 includes a vibration source 15. The vibration source 15 is disposed between the panel support portion 121 of the lever 12 and the panel 13. The vibration source 15 is a device capable of generating vibrations, and can be realized by a voice coil motor, an eccentric motor, a solenoid, a linear vibration motor, a piezo vibration actuator, or the like. The vibrations generated by the vibration source 15 cause the panel 13 to vibrate. Thereby, the vibrations can be transmitted to the occupant through the foot placed on the pedal surface 131.

[0018] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the pedal device 10 includes a controller 16. The controller 16 is disposed inside the bracket 11. The controller 16 is configured to output a control signal for generating vibrations in the vibration source 15 when the amount of rotation of the lever 12 detected by the sensor 14 is a predetermined value. The control signal is input to the vibration source 15 through a signal line (not shown). The controller 16 can be realized by an application specific integrated circuit such as a microcontroller, an ASIC, or an FPGA.

[0019] As an example, the controller 16 determines the amount of rotation of the lever 12 for restricting excessive depression of the accelerator pedal. The amount of rotation may be constant or may be changed according to the running state of the vehicle. When the sensor 14 detects the amount of rotation of the lever 12 corresponding to excessive depression of the accelerator pedal, the controller 16 outputs a control signal to cause the vibration source 15 to generate vibrations. By transmitting the vibrations to the foot through the pedal surface 131, the occupant can be alerted to excessive depression of the accelerator pedal.

[0020] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pedal device 10 includes a spacer 17. The spacer 17 is configured to hold the vibration source 15 between the panel support portion 121 of the lever 12 and the panel 13.

[0021] The pedal device 10 includes a cushion member 18. The cushion member 18 can be formed of an elastically deformable material such as silicon rubber, Solvaythane (registered trademark), or Hanenite (registered trademark). The cushion member 18 is an example of an elastic body.

[0022] FIG. 3 illustrates a partial internal configuration of the pedal device 10 in a cross-sectional view. The cushion member 18 is disposed between the panel support portion 121 and the spacer 17. The upper end of the cushion member 18 is in contact with the spacer 17. The lower end of the cushion member 18 is in contact with the panel support portion 121. It is preferable that a slight gap is formed between the spacer 17 and the panel support portion 121 to allow displacement of the spacer 17 at least in the vertical direction.

[0023] When the panel 13 vibrates due to the vibration generated from the vibration source 15, the spacer 17 also vibrates. However, the cushion member 18 suppresses the transmission of the vibration to the panel support portion 121 while allowing the vibration of the spacer 17. The cushion member 18 is an example of a vibration damping member.

[0024] According to the configuration according to this embodiment example, since the vibration source 15 is disposed between the lever 12 and the panel 13, it is possible to generate vibrations recognizable by the occupant through the foot placed on the pedal surface 131 while using a relatively small vibration source. In other words, it is not necessary to equip a relatively large vibration source to transmit vibrations to the pedal surface 131 via the lever 12 as in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, and an increase in the size of the entire pedal device can be suppressed.

[0025] In addition, since a part of the vibration generated from the vibration source 15 is suppressed from being transmitted to the lever 12 by the cushion member 18, the generation of unnecessary vibrations and abnormal noises in the lever 12 is suppressed, and the vibration of the panel 13 can be made prominent. Thereby, the attention of the occupant to the vibration can be promoted.

[0026] As a result, the convenience of the pedal device 10 capable of vibrating the pedal surface 131 can be enhanced.

[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2, the pedal device 10 includes a fastening member 19. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the fastening member 19 fastens the panel support portion 121 of the lever 12 and the spacer 17.

[0028] Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the fastening member 19 includes a first end portion 191, a second end portion 192, and an intermediate portion 193. The intermediate portion 193 is located between the first end portion 191 and the second end portion 192.

[0029] On the other hand, the spacer 17 includes a first fastened portion 171 and a second fastened portion 172. The panel support portion 121 of the lever 12 includes a fastened portion 122.

[0030] The fastening member 19 includes a first screw 194, a second screw 195, and a third screw 196. The first screw 194 fixes the first end portion 191 to the first fastened portion 171 of the spacer 17. The second screw 195 fixes the second end portion 192 to the second fastened portion 172 of the spacer 17. The third screw 196 fixes the intermediate portion 193 to the fastened portion 122 of the lever 12.

[0031] According to such a configuration, the elasticity of the cushion member 18 prevents the spacer 17 from separating from the panel support portion 121, and an appropriate gap set between the spacer 17 and the panel support portion 121 can be maintained. Thereby, both efficient transmission of vibration from the vibration source 15 to the panel 13 and suppression of vibration transmission from the vibration source 15 to the lever 12 can be achieved.

[0032] The fastening member 19 may include a first elastic portion 197 and a second elastic portion 198. The first elastic portion 197 is located between the first end portion 191 and the intermediate portion 193 and is configured to be elastically deformable. The second elastic portion 198 is located between the second end portion 192 and the intermediate portion 193 and is configured to be elastically deformable.

[0033] According to such a configuration, while ensuring the function of fastening the panel support portion 121 and the spacer 17, the spacer 17 can be efficiently vibrated through an elastically deformable portion. As a result, the vibration transmission efficiency from the vibration source 15 to the panel 13 can be further enhanced.

[0034] Each configuration referred to so far is merely an example for facilitating the understanding of the present disclosure. Each configuration example can be appropriately modified or combined with other configuration examples within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure.

[0035] If the transmission of the vibration generated from the vibration source 15 to the lever 12 can be suppressed, the cushion member 18 can be replaced with an appropriate mechanism. For example, a spring member or a fluid may be used to perform vibration damping. These mechanisms can also be an example of a vibration damping member.

[0036] The spacer 17 can be omitted. In that case, the cushion member 18 may be made to function as a fastening member. For example, the upper end and the lower end of the cushion member 18 may be adhered to the panel 13 and the panel support portion 121, respectively.

[0037] The controller 16 does not necessarily need to output a control signal for vibrating the vibration source 15 according to the amount of rotation of the lever 12. The conditions for generating vibration in the vibration source 15 can be set as appropriate. For example, vibration may be generated to notify the occupant that the vehicle is in an automatic driving operation. Alternatively, vibration synchronized with the reproduction sound of video and audio content reproduced by a video and audio device mounted on the vehicle may be generated.

[0038] The pedal device 10 according to the above-described embodiment example has a so-called suspended type configuration in which the rotation axis A is located above the pedal surface 131. However, the rotation axis A can be disposed below the pedal surface 131, like a pedal device having a so-called floor-mounted type configuration.

[0039] The configuration described with reference to the above-described embodiment is not limited to the accelerator pedal device of a vehicle, and can also be applied to a brake pedal device. Further, it can also be applied to a pedal device mounted on a moving body other than a vehicle. Examples of other moving bodies include railways, airplanes, flying objects, ships, and the like. In that case, the controlled quantity associated with the amount of rotation of the lever 12 can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the moving body.

[0040] The pedal device 10 does not necessarily have to be mounted on a moving body. The configuration described with reference to the above-described embodiment can also be applied to a pedal device used to control the operations of a machine tool installed in a factory or the like or a game machine installed in an amusement facility. In that case, the controlled quantity associated with the amount of rotation of the lever 12 can be appropriately determined according to the specifications of the controlled device.

[0041] The configurations listed below also form part of the present disclosure. Item 1: A lever that is rotatable about a rotation axis and whose amount of rotation corresponds to a controlled quantity in a controlled device, A panel that is supported by the lever and has a pedal surface on which a user's foot is placed, A vibration source that is disposed between the panel and the lever and is capable of generating vibration, A vibration damping member that suppresses transmission of the vibration to the lever, and a pedal device. Item 2: The vibration damping member includes an elastic body. The pedal device according to Item 1. Item 3: A spacer that holds the vibration source between the panel and the lever, A fastening member that fastens the lever and the spacer, and the vibration damping member is disposed between the spacer and the lever. The pedal device according to Item 1 or 2. Item 4: The fastening member includes an elastic portion. The pedal device according to Item 3. Item 5: A sensor for detecting the amount of rotation, A controller that causes the vibration source to generate the vibration when the amount of rotation detected by the sensor is a predetermined value, and The pedal device according to any one of Items 1 to 4. Item 6: The device to be controlled is a drive source of a moving body. The pedal device according to any one of Items 1 to 5.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0042] 10: Pedal device, 12: Lever, 13: Panel, 131: Pedal surface, 14: Sensor, 15: Vibration source, 16: Controller, 17: Spacer, 18: Cushion member, 19: Fastening member, 197: First elastic portion, 198: Second elastic portion, A: Rotation axis

Claims

1. a lever that is rotatable about a pivot axis and whose amount of rotation corresponds to a controlled amount in a device to be controlled; a panel that is supported by the lever and has a pedal surface on which a user's foot is placed; a vibration source that is disposed between the panel and the lever and is capable of generating vibration; a vibration damping member that suppresses transmission of the vibration to the lever; and comprising a pedal device.

2. The vibration damping member includes an elastic body. The pedal device according to Claim 1.

3. a spacer that holds the vibration source between the panel and the lever; a fastening member that fastens the lever and the spacer; and comprising The vibration damping member is disposed between the spacer and the lever. The pedal device according to Claim 1.

4. The fastening member includes an elastic portion. The pedal device according to Claim 3.

5. a sensor that detects the amount of rotation; a controller that causes the vibration source to generate the vibration when the amount of rotation detected by the sensor is a predetermined value; and comprising The pedal device according to Claim 1.

6. The device to be controlled is a drive source of a moving body. The pedal device according to Claim 1.

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