Reaction force device

Abstract

To provide a reaction force device which enables reduction of a collision noise when a pedal is rapidly released.SOLUTION: A reaction force device 30 may apply a reaction force against a depressing force by an operator to an accelerator device 10 including a pedal 13 to be depressed by the operator, and includes an actuator 35 and a reaction force transmission mechanism 40. The actuator 35 generates a drive force by energization. The reaction force transmission mechanism 40 has a lever 41 and a buffer member 50. The lever 41 has a buffer member holding part 43 and is driven by the actuator 35. The buffer member 50 is provided at the buffer member holding part 43 and configured to contact with the pedal 13 separably. The buffer member 50 has: a contact member 51 configured to contact with the pedal 13; and a slide member 61 provided between the contact member 51 and the buffer member holding part 43 and is provided so as to be rollable between the pedal 13 and the lever 41. The contact member 51 has a hardness lower than that of the slide member 61.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, accelerator pedal devices capable of applying a reaction force to a pedal arm have been known. For example, in Patent Document 1, a rotating member is configured so that a reaction force is applied in a direction in which the pedal arm is returned to its rest position by the driving force of a driving source. The rotating member is configured as a rotating lever and has a contact portion including a roller that releasably contacts the pedal arm. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 5491115 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] If the pedal and the contact member can be separated, when the pedal is suddenly released from a depressed state, the return speed of the rotating member will be slower than that of the pedal, causing the pedal to collide with the rotating member. If the contact member is made of a material with a relatively high hardness, there is a risk of generating a collision noise. On the other hand, if the contact member is made of a material with a relatively low hardness in order to reduce the collision noise, there is a risk of the friction coefficient becoming large and wear increasing.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a reaction force device that can reduce the impact noise when the pedal is suddenly released. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The reaction force device of the present invention is capable of applying a reaction force to an accelerator device (10, 20) having a pedal (13, 23) that is depressed by a driver, in response to the driver's depression force, and includes an actuator (35) and a reaction force transmission mechanism (40). The actuator generates a driving force when energized.

[0007] The reaction force transmission mechanism (40) has a rotating member (41) and a buffer member (50) and transmits a reaction force to the pedal side. The rotating member has a buffer member holding portion (43) and is driven by an actuator. The buffer member is provided in the buffer member holding portion and is in separable contact with the pedal or an intermediate member (28) that is driven integrally with the pedal.

[0008] The cushioning member has a first member (51-56) that contacts the pedal or intermediate member, and a second member (61-68) that is provided between the first member and the cushioning member holder, and is provided so as to be able to roll between the pedal or intermediate member and the rotating member. The first member has a lower hardness than the second member. This ensures sliding properties while reducing the impact noise when the pedal is suddenly released. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a side view of the accelerator device and the reaction force device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an accelerator device and a reaction force device according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of the reaction force device according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] IV-IV line cross-sectional view of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. [Figure 6] 5A to 5C are explanatory views illustrating the operation of the buffer member in the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a third embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a cushioning member according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic view showing an outer circumferential surface of a sliding member according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a seventh embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion according to a ninth embodiment. [Figure 17] 10(a) is a cross-sectional view showing the tip of a buffer member holding portion according to the tenth embodiment, and FIG. 10(b) is a cross-sectional view showing the tip of a buffer member holding portion according to the tenth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion in the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion in the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view showing a buffer member and a buffer member holding portion in the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a side view of an accelerator device and a reaction force device according to a fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of an accelerator device and a reaction force device according to a fourteenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A reaction force device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following, substantially identical components in a plurality of embodiments will be designated by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) The first embodiment is shown in Figures 1 to 6. The reaction force device 30 is applied to an accelerator device 10. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the accelerator device 10 is a so-called floor-mounted type (organ type) and includes a pedal housing 11 and a pedal 13. The pedal housing 11 is attached to the floor panel 2 of the vehicle, for example, by mounting bolts (not shown). In Figure 1, the x-axis indicates the traveling direction of the vehicle, the y-axis indicates the width direction of the vehicle, and the z-axis indicates the vertically upward direction.

[0012] The pedal 13 is rotatably mounted in the pedal housing 11 so as to rotate around a rotation axis Ax1. The pedal 13 is provided with a pad 14 that is depressed by the driver. An accelerator opening sensor (not shown) is provided inside the pedal housing 11. The accelerator opening sensor detects the accelerator opening corresponding to the rotation angle of the pedal 13 and transmits the detected value to an electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as "ECU") (not shown).

[0013] A pedal biasing member (not shown) is provided inside the pedal housing 11. The pedal 13 is biased in the accelerator closing direction by the pedal biasing member. The pedal housing 11 is provided with a stopper that restricts rotation of the pedal 13 in the accelerator opening direction and a stopper that restricts rotation in the accelerator closing direction, and the pedal 13 is provided so that it can rotate within a range in which it abuts against both stoppers. Figures 1 and 2 show the state in which the pedal 13 abuts against the stopper in the accelerator closing direction, i.e., the accelerator fully closed state.

[0014] The accelerator device 10 of this embodiment employs an accelerator-by-wire system, and an electronic control unit (not shown) controls the throttle device based on the accelerator opening transmitted from the accelerator device 10, thereby controlling the vehicle's running state.

[0015] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the reaction force device 30 has an actuator 35 and a reaction force transmission mechanism 40. The actuator 35 is, for example, an electric motor, and is housed in an actuator housing 31. The actuator housing 31 is attached to the floor panel 2, for example, by mounting bolts (not shown). The actuator 35 is capable of outputting torque as a driving force when energized.

[0016] The reaction force transmission mechanism 40 has a speed reduction mechanism (not shown), a lever 41, and a buffer member 50. The speed reduction mechanism is housed in the actuator housing 31 and is capable of reducing the torque of the actuator 35 and outputting it from the shaft member 36. The shaft member 36 is provided on the rotation axis Ax2 and is supported by the actuator housing 31 so as to be rotatable about the rotation axis Ax2.

[0017] The lever 41 is formed into a rod shape from, for example, metal, and one end is connected to the shaft member 36. As a result, the lever 41 is provided so as to be rotatable around the rotation axis Ax2 together with the shaft member 36 by the driving force of the actuator 35. The other end of the lever 41 protrudes from the actuator housing 31. A buffer member holding portion 43 is formed on the other end of the lever 41 by being bent in a substantially vertical direction from the lever main body 42. The buffer member holding portion 43 is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape and is inserted radially inward of the buffer member 50.

[0018] The lever 41 is biased in the reaction force application direction by an actuator lever biasing member (not shown). The actuator lever biasing member is, for example, a compression coil spring, and the spring force is set so that the buffer member 50 is always in contact with the pedal 13.

[0019] The buffer member 50 is provided on the other end side of the lever 41. The buffer member 50 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided so that its outer circumferential surface can abut against the surface of the pedal 13 on the floor panel 2 side. As a result, the reaction force device 30 can apply a reaction force F2 in response to the driver's pedal force F1 to the pedal 13 via the speed reduction mechanism, the lever 41, and the buffer member 50 by driving the actuator 35. Note that in Figures 1 to 3, the buffer member holding portion 43 and the buffer member 50 are shown in a simplified form. This also applies to Figures 21 and 22 of the embodiment described below.

[0020] The following description will focus on the buffer member holding portion 43 and the buffer member 50. Note that corresponding cross-sectional lines are shown in Figs. 4 and 5. As shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the buffer member holding portion 43 has a small diameter portion 431 formed on the tip side and a large diameter portion 432 provided on the lever body 42 side of the small diameter portion 431. The small diameter portion 431 is inserted into the radially inner side of the buffer member 50. A step surface 433 between the small diameter portion 431 and the large diameter portion 432 is provided so as to be able to abut against an end face of one axial side of the buffer member 50.

[0021] A recess 434 is formed on the tip side of small diameter portion 431. A retaining member 45 such as a washer that can come into contact with buffer member 50 is fitted into recess 434. Retaining member 45 is separate from lever 41 and is provided so as to be able to come into contact with the end face of buffer member 50 on the other side in the axial direction.

[0022] The buffer member 50 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and is provided radially outside the small diameter portion 431 of the buffer member holding portion 43, between the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45. The inner diameter of the buffer member 50 is larger than the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 431, and the buffer member 50 is provided so as to be rotatable relative to the lever 41 and so as to be movable in the axial direction between the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45. In other words, the axial movement of the buffer member 50 is restricted by the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45, and the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45 function to prevent the buffer member 50 from coming off.

[0023] The buffer member 50 has an abutting member 51 provided on the radially outer side, and a sliding member 61 provided on the radially inner side of the abutting member 51. Both the abutting member 51 and the sliding member 61 are substantially cylindrical, and the abutting member 51 and the sliding member 61 are formed so as to be immovable relative to each other by press-fitting, hot press-fitting, insert molding, two-color molding, or bonding. The abutting member 51 is formed of a relatively flexible material such as ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM). The sliding member 61 is formed of a relatively wear-resistant material such as polyacetal (POM).

[0024] When the pedal 13 is depressed, the buffer member 50 rolls as shown by arrow A in Fig. 4. In this embodiment, the buffer member 50 is provided rotatable relative to the lever 41 so that when the pedal 13 is depressed, the buffer member 50 rolls without slipping on the contact surface.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 6, as indicated by the thick dashed line, the pad 14 and the cushioning member 50 roll without sliding on their contact surfaces when the pad 14 is pressed down. When the pad 14 is pressed down, the contact surfaces of the cushioning member 50 and the lever 41 slide, as indicated by the arrow Ar, causing the lever 41 to translate toward the center of rotation due to geometric constraints. The equation of rotational motion for the cushioning member 50 is given by Equation (1). In the equation and in FIG. 6, the parameters are as follows, and rolling resistance is ignored here. Note that the vectors in FIG. 6 are slightly shifted so that they can be seen.

[0026] Idω / dt=R×μ1×Nr×μ2×N (1)

[0027] μ1: dynamic friction coefficient between the pad 14 and the buffer member 50 (μ1': static friction coefficient) μ2: Coefficient of dynamic friction between the lever 41 and the buffer member 50 R: outer diameter of the buffer member 50 r: inner diameter of the buffer member 50 N: Pressing force of lever 41 against pad 14 by actuator lever biasing member I: Moment of inertia of the buffer member 50

[0028] In equation (1), dω / dt is determined according to the pedaling acceleration of the pad 14. The requirement for the contact surface between the pad 14 and the cushioning member 50 to roll without slipping is "μ1<μ1'." That is, at a pedaling acceleration that satisfies (2), slippage occurs between the pad 14 and the cushioning member 50.

[0029] dω / dt>(R×μ1'×Nr×μ2×N) / I ···(2)

[0030] From equation (2), in order for the cushioning member 50 to roll against the pad 14 without slipping even with a quick pedal depression, it is desirable that μ1' be large, μ2 be small, R be large, r be small, and N be large. In terms of the coefficient of friction, the larger μ1' is relative to μ2, the more advantageous the configuration is for the cushioning member 50 to roll against the pad 14 without slipping. In this way, by making the cushioning member 50 a roller that rolls against the pad 14, the pedal 13 can be operated smoothly without sticking to the cushioning member 50.

[0031] In this embodiment, the buffer member 50 is not fixed to the pedal 13 and can be separated from it. Therefore, when the pedal 13 is suddenly released from a depressed state, the difference in the return speed between the pedal 13 and the lever 41 causes the pedal 13 and the buffer member 50 to separate, and the pedal 13 returns to the fully closed position first. If the lever 41 returns later in this state, the pedal 13 and the buffer member 50 will collide. For example, if the buffer member 50 is made of a material with a relatively high hardness, a collision noise will be generated.

[0032] One possible way to reduce the impact noise between the pedal 13 and the buffer member 50 is to use a material with a relatively low hardness for the buffer member 50. However, a material with a low hardness has a high coefficient of friction, which hinders the rolling of the buffer member 50, and there is a risk that the contact portion between the pedal 13 and the buffer member 50 will slide instead of roll, resulting in increased wear. In other words, there is a trade-off between the impact noise when the pedal is suddenly released and the smooth rolling of the buffer member 50, and it is difficult to achieve a good balance if the buffer member 50 is made of a single material.

[0033] Therefore, in the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, in order to achieve both reduction of the hitting sound and slidability when the pedal is suddenly released, the buffer member 50 is configured by dividing it into a contact member 51 and a sliding member 61. Specifically, the contact member 51 provided on the outer peripheral side and contacting the pedal 13 is formed of a material with low hardness to reduce the impact sound. Further, the sliding member 61 provided on the inner peripheral side and contacting the lever 41 is formed of a material with high hardness to ensure slidability. That is, when the hardness of the contact member 51 is α1 and the hardness of the sliding member 61 is α2, α1 < α2. Also, as described above, when the pedal 13 is depressed, the coefficient of friction is μ1 > μ2 so that the buffer member 50 rolls with respect to the pedal 13.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the contact member 51 provided on the radially outer side and contacting the pedal 13 is made of a material with low hardness, and the sliding member 61 provided on the radially inner side and sliding with the lever 41 is made of a material with high hardness and low coefficient of friction. Thereby, it is possible to achieve both reduction of the hitting sound when the pedal is suddenly released and slidability with the lever 41.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 5, the sliding member 61 is formed longer than the contact member 51. That is, when the axial length of the contact member 51 is L1 and the axial length of the sliding member 61 is L2, L1 < L2. The sliding member 61 is formed with an axial locking portion 611 that protrudes radially outward on the outer side in the axial direction of the contact member 51. The axial locking portion 611 is formed on both sides in the axial direction and has a tapered shape that tapers in diameter toward the outer side in the axial direction. By providing the axial locking portion 611, it is possible to prevent the contact member 51 from coming off in the axial direction. Further, the radially outer end portion of the axial locking portion 611 is formed to be radially inner than the outer peripheral surface of the contact member 51.

[0036] The buffer member 50 is rotatable relative to the lever 41 and is movable in the axial direction between the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45. The buffer member 50 is formed so that the axial length L2 of the sliding member 61 is longer than the axial length L1 of the abutting member 51, and the ends thereof become the sliding members 61 on both axial sides. Therefore, when the buffer member 50 moves in the axial direction, the sliding member 61 abuts against the stepped surface 433 or the retaining member 45. As a result, the sliding member 61 is the member that abuts against the configuration of the lever 41, including the retaining member 45, and therefore sliding resistance can be reduced compared to when the abutting member 51 abuts.

[0037] Furthermore, the outermost diameter D2 of the sliding member 61 (in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the shaft locking portion 611) is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the abutting member 51. That is, D1>D2. In other words, the sliding member 61 does not protrude radially outward beyond the abutting member 51 at any point. This allows the abutting member 51 to abut against the pedal 13 regardless of the axial position of the buffer member 50. This makes it possible to suppress the impact noise that occurs when the pedal is suddenly released.

[0038] As described above, the reaction force device 30 is capable of applying a reaction force to the accelerator device 10, which has the pedal 13 that is depressed by the driver, in response to the driver's depression force, and includes an actuator 35 and a reaction force transmission mechanism 40. The actuator 35 generates a driving force when energized. The reaction force transmission mechanism 40 has a lever 41 and a buffer member 50. The lever 41 has a buffer member holder 43 and is driven by the actuator 35. The buffer member 50 is provided on the buffer member holder 43 and abuts against the pedal 13 in a manner that allows it to be separated from the pedal 13.

[0039] The buffer member 50 has an abutment member 51 that abuts against the pedal 13, and a sliding member 61 that is provided between the abutment member 51 and the buffer member holding portion 43, and is provided so as to be able to roll between the pedal 13 and the lever 41. The abutment member 51 has a lower hardness than the sliding member 61. By making the abutment member 51 relatively low hardness and the sliding member 61 relatively high hardness, it is possible to reduce the impact noise when the pedal is suddenly released while ensuring slidability. Furthermore, it is possible to reduce wear due to rolling compared to when the entire buffer member 50 is made of a low-hardness material.

[0040] The friction coefficient μ2 of the sliding member 61 is smaller than the friction coefficient μ1 of the abutting member 51. In addition, the abutting member 51 and the sliding member 61 are fixed so as not to rotate relative to each other. This allows the buffer member 50 to roll appropriately between the pedal 13 and the lever 41.

[0041] The contact member 51 and the sliding member 61 are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the contact member 51 provided on the outer peripheral side contacts the pedal 13, while the buffer member holding portion 43 is inserted radially inside the sliding member 61 provided on the inner peripheral side. This allows the buffer member 50 to roll appropriately between the pedal 13 and the lever 41.

[0042] The axial length L2 of the sliding member 61 is greater than the axial length L1 of the abutting member 51, and the sliding member 61 is provided so as to protrude beyond the abutting member 51 on both sides in the axial direction. This allows the sliding member 61 to be the location where the buffer member 50 slides against the lever 41 in the axial direction, so that friction when the buffer member 50 rolls can be reduced compared to when the abutting member 51 and the lever 41 abut against each other.

[0043] The sliding member 61 is provided with shaft locking portions 611 that extend radially outward on both axial sides. This makes it possible to restrict relative axial movement of the abutment member 51. Furthermore, the radially outer end of the shaft locking portions 611 is located radially inward relative to the outer circumferential surface of the abutment member 51. Because the shaft locking portions 611 do not protrude radially outward from the abutment member 51, the abutment member 51 and the pedal 13 can be reliably brought into contact with each other.

[0044] The buffer member holding portion 43 is provided with a small diameter portion 431 that is inserted into the radially inner side of the buffer member 50, and a retaining portion that can abut the buffer member 50 on the axially outer side of the buffer member 50. In this embodiment, the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45 correspond to the "retaining portion." This makes it possible to prevent the buffer member 50 from coming off the lever 41.

[0045] (Second embodiment) The second embodiment is shown in Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view corresponding to Fig. 5 of the first embodiment. The same applies to Figs. 15, 16, 18 to 20 described below. In the second embodiment, the shaft locking portion 611 of the sliding member 61 is omitted, and the sliding member 61 is formed radially inward of the abutting member 51 as a whole. Even with this configuration, the same effects as the above embodiment can be achieved.

[0046] (Third and fourth embodiments) In the third to seventh embodiments, the description will be centered on the fixing of the contact member and the sliding member in the buffer member 50. The fixing structure described here may be provided by combining the respective embodiments.

[0047] The third embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, and the third embodiment is shown in FIG. 10. FIGS. 8 and 10 show axial cross sections of buffer member 50, and FIG. 9 shows a radial cross section of buffer member 50. A sliding member 62 of the third embodiment is formed with a locking protrusion 621 that protrudes radially outward from the outer circumferential surface. A locking recess 521 that fits into the locking protrusion 621 is formed in the abutting member 52. The locking protrusion 621 fits into the locking recess 521, and the surfaces on the circumferential side abut, thereby restricting relative rotation between the abutting member 52 and the sliding member 62. The locking protrusion 621 fits into the locking recess 521, and the surfaces on the axial side abut, thereby restricting relative movement in the axial direction between the abutting member 52 and the sliding member 62. In this embodiment, the locking protrusions 621 and the locking recesses 521 are formed at four locations spaced apart in the circumferential direction, but the number and shape of the locking protrusions 621 and the locking recesses 521 can be set arbitrarily.

[0048] 9, a locking protrusion 531 may be formed on the abutting member 53, and a locking recess 631 that fits into the locking protrusion 531 may be formed on the sliding member 63 as a rotation prevention and removal prevention structure.

[0049] In the third embodiment, locking recesses 521 and locking protrusions 621 that restrict relative movement to at least one side are provided on the contact surfaces between the contact member 52 and the sliding member 62. In the third embodiment, the locking recesses 521 and the locking protrusions 621 correspond to the "locking portions."

[0050] In the fourth embodiment, the abutment surfaces of the abutting member 53 and the sliding member 63 are provided with locking protrusions 531 and locking recesses 631 that restrict relative movement in at least one direction. In the fourth embodiment, the locking protrusions 531 and the locking recesses 631 correspond to "locking portions." This makes it possible to appropriately restrict the relative rotation and axial relative movement between the abutting members 52, 53 and the sliding members 62, 63. In addition, the same effects as those of the above embodiments are achieved.

[0051] (Fifth embodiment) A fifth embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a radial cross section of a buffer member 50. The outer peripheral surface of a sliding member 64 in the fifth embodiment is formed to have an elliptical cross section. The inner peripheral surface of a contact member 54 is formed to have an elliptical cross section corresponding to the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 64. Even with this configuration, it is possible to restrict relative rotation between the contact member 54 and the sliding member 64. In this embodiment, the outer peripheral surface on the major diameter side of the sliding member 64 functions as a "locking portion" and restricts relative rotation. Even with this configuration, the same effects as the above embodiments can be achieved.

[0052] (Sixth embodiment) A sixth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. FIG. 12 shows an axial cross section of the buffer member 50. In the sixth embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 65 is formed with fine irregularities, as shown in FIG. 13, for example, by knurling. The irregularities are not limited to a mesh pattern and may be formed in any manner. The abutting member 55 is formed on the radially outer side of the sliding member 65, for example, by insert molding or two-color molding. As a result, the inner peripheral surface of the abutting member 55 is formed to fit into the gaps between the irregularities formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 65, functioning as a rotation stopper and a stopper between the abutting member 55 and the sliding member 65. That is, in this embodiment, the meshing structure between the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 65 and the inner peripheral surface of the abutting member 55 functions as a "locking portion" that restricts relative rotation and relative movement in the axial direction. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiment.

[0053] Seventh embodiment A seventh embodiment is shown in FIG. 14 . FIG. 14 shows an axial cross section of the buffer member 50. In the seventh embodiment, the sliding member 66 has a larger diameter at its axial middle portion than at its axial end portions, and the middle portion is generally convex in the axial cross section. The abutting member 56 has a thinner plate thickness at its axial middle portion than at its axial end portions along the outer periphery of the sliding member 66, and the middle portion is generally concave in the axial cross section. Changing the diameters of the abutting member 56 and the sliding member 66 along the axial direction functions as a retainer in the axial direction. Note that the relationship between the convex and concave portions may be reversed. In this embodiment, the concave and convex portions in the axial direction function as a "locking portion" that restricts relative movement in the axial direction. This configuration also achieves the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

[0054] (Eighth embodiment) The eighth embodiment is shown in Fig. 15. For example, in the second embodiment, the axial length of the sliding member 61 is made longer than that of the abutting member 51, so that the sliding member 61 abuts against the step surface 433 and the retaining member 45.

[0055] In this embodiment, the relationship expressed by formula (3) is established when the inner diameter of sliding member 67 is d2, the outer diameter is D2, and the outer diameters of the large diameter portion 432 of buffer member holding portion 43 of lever 41 and the retaining member 45 are D3. Furthermore, when the radial gap between buffer member holding portion 43 and sliding member 67 is G, the outer diameter D2 of sliding member 67 and the outer diameter D3 of the large diameter portion 432 have the relationship expressed by formula (4). Furthermore, when the outer diameter of the small diameter portion 431 is D4, the gap G is established by formula (5). Note that the outer diameter of the large diameter portion 432 and the outer diameter of the retaining member 45 may be different as long as the relationship in size with respect to sliding member 67 is maintained.

[0056] d2 <D3<D2 ···(3) D2> D3+G (4) G = d2 - D4 (5)

[0057] This allows the sliding member 67 that comes into contact with the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45 to have a small coefficient of friction, regardless of the axial length of the sliding member 67. In other words, as long as the relationships of formulas (3) to (5) are established, the axial length of the sliding member 67 may be equal to or less than the axial length of the contact member 51.

[0058] The outer diameter D3 of the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45, which are the retaining portions, is larger than the inner diameter d2 of the sliding member 67 but smaller than the outer diameter D2 of the sliding member 67. More specifically, the outer diameter D2 of the sliding member 67 is larger than the outer diameter D3 plus the gap G between the buffer member 50 and the buffer member holding portion 43. This allows the sliding member 67 to be the location where the buffer member 50 slides against the lever 41 in the axial direction, thereby reducing friction when the buffer member 50 rolls compared to when the abutting member 51 abuts against the lever 41. This also provides the same effects as the above embodiment.

[0059] (Ninth embodiment) The ninth embodiment is shown in Fig. 16. In the above-described embodiment, a retaining member 45 separate from the lever 41 is provided on one axial side of the sliding member to restrict axial movement of the buffer member. In the eighth embodiment, no retaining member 45 is provided, and the lever 41 and buffer member 50 are snap-fit ​​to restrict axial movement.

[0060] More specifically, an annular recess 435 is formed on the tip side of the buffer member holding portion 43 of the lever 41. Furthermore, a retaining protrusion 681 is formed on the sliding member 68 of the buffer member 50, protruding radially inward and fitting into the annular recess 435. The retaining protrusion 681 is formed in any shape that does not restrict the rolling of the buffer member 50. The retaining protrusion 681 restricts relative movement between the lever 41 and the buffer member 50 in the axial direction by fitting into the annular recess 435.

[0061] It is also possible to form a convex portion on the side of lever 41 and a concave portion on the side of sliding member 68 that fits with the convex portion of lever 41. The retaining convex portion 681 has an inclined surface on the insertion direction side, and when assembling buffer member 50 to lever 41, retaining convex portion 681 is inserted into buffer member holding portion 43 while being pushed apart. That is, in this embodiment, the axial position of buffer member 50 is determined by the snap-fit ​​shape between buffer member holding portion 43 and sliding member 68.

[0062] In this embodiment, an annular recess 435 is formed on one of the sliding member 68 or the buffer member holding portion 43, and a retaining protrusion 681 that fits into the annular recess 435 is formed on the other of the sliding member 68 or the buffer member holding portion 43. This makes it possible to prevent the buffer member 50 from coming off in the axial direction. Furthermore, compared to when a retaining member is provided separately from the lever 41, the number of parts can be reduced.

[0063] (Tenth embodiment) A tenth embodiment is shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b). In this embodiment, after a buffer member 50 (not shown in Figures 17(a) and 17(b)) is inserted into a buffer member holding portion 43, a flange 436 is formed at the tip of the buffer member holding portion 43 by crimping or the like. The flange 436 functions to prevent the buffer member 50 from falling out. Figures 17(a) and 17(b) show variations in the shape of the flange 436, and the flange 436 can be formed in any shape that can prevent the buffer member 50 from falling out. This makes it possible to reduce the number of parts. In addition, the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiments can be achieved.

[0064] (Eleventh to thirteenth embodiments) An eleventh embodiment is shown in Fig. 18. In Figs. 18 to 20, the areas where the buffer member 50 slides against other members are shaded. For example, when the buffer member 50 is formed by injection molding, burrs M1, gate remnants M2, ejector pin marks M3, and the like may be formed. Hereinafter, the burrs M1, gate remnants M2, ejector pin marks M3, gaps M4 in Fig. 19, and protrusions M5 in Fig. 10 are collectively referred to as molding marks M. If molding marks M are formed at areas where the buffer member 50 slides against other members, there is a risk that the operating feel will be impaired due to the step. Therefore, in this embodiment, relief recesses 518, 618 are formed at the areas where the molding marks M are formed.

[0065] Deterioration of the operational feel can be prevented by forming molding marks M inside the relief recesses 518, 618. Note that if the axial length of the sliding member 61 is longer than the length of the abutting member 51 and molding marks M formed on the axial side surface of the abutting member 51 do not interfere with the stepped surface 433 and the retaining member 45, relief recesses 518 do not have to be formed.

[0066] 19 and a 13th embodiment shown in FIG. 20, the molding marks M may be on the contact surface side between the contact member 51 and the sliding member 61. Specifically, in the 12th embodiment shown in FIG. 19, when burrs generated by mold separation are formed on the inner peripheral surface of the contact member 51, the contact member 51 has a lower hardness than the sliding member 61. Therefore, when the burrs are crushed by press-fitting or the like, the resin around the burrs is pulled, and a void M4 is formed. Even if a step occurs due to the formation of the void M4, the step does not affect the operating feel because it is a location that does not slide with other members.

[0067] In the thirteenth embodiment shown in Fig. 20, a protrusion M5 such as a gate remnant is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the sliding member 61, and an escape groove 519 is formed on the inner peripheral surface of the abutting member 51. The escape groove 519 is provided at the location where the protrusion M5 is formed. The protrusion M5 and the escape groove 519 are formed at a location that does not slide with other members, and therefore do not affect the operational feel.

[0068] In this embodiment, the molding marks M formed on the cushioning member 50 are formed inside the relief recesses 518, 618 or in non-contact areas that do not come into contact with other members (that is, the pedal 13 and the lever 41).

[0069] The gap M4 and the protrusion M5, which are molding marks, are formed on the contact surface side of the contact member 51 and the sliding member 61. In detail, in the twelfth embodiment, the gap M4 formed in the contact member 51 is formed on the inner peripheral surface. In addition, in the thirteenth embodiment, the protrusion M5 formed in the sliding member 61 is formed on the outer peripheral surface. This makes it possible to prevent deterioration of the operating feel due to the molding mark M interfering with other members. In addition, the same effects as the above embodiments are achieved.

[0070] (Fourteenth embodiment) A fourteenth embodiment is shown in Figures 21 and 22. In this embodiment, a reaction force device 30 is applied to a so-called suspended (pendant) accelerator device 20. The accelerator device 20 has a pedal housing 21 and a pedal 23. The pedal housing 21 is attached to the floor panel 2 of the vehicle, for example, by mounting bolts (not shown).

[0071] The pedal 23 has a pad 24, a pedal base 25, and a pedal connection portion 26. The pedal connection portion 26 is made of, for example, metal. The pedal connection portion 26 has the pad 24 on one end and the pedal base 25 on the other end, connecting the pad 24 and the pedal base 25. The pedal base 25 is rotatably mounted on the pedal housing 21 so as to rotate around the rotation axis Ax1. This allows the pedal 23 to rotate around the rotation axis Ax1.

[0072] The pedal 23 is provided with an accelerator opening sensor that detects the rotation angle, similar to the pedal 13. The pedal 23 is biased in the accelerator closing direction by a pedal biasing member, and is provided rotatably between two stoppers that restrict rotation in the accelerator opening and closing directions.

[0073] The accelerator device 20 further includes an arm 28. The arm 28 is formed, for example, by bending a long metal plate at a predetermined location. The arm 28 is attached to the pedal 23 with one end connected to the pedal base 25. This allows the arm 28 to rotate together with the pedal 23 around the rotation axis Ax1.

[0074] In the reaction force device 30 of this embodiment, the lever body 42 is formed shorter than in the above-described embodiments, and the reaction force device 30 is provided so that the buffer member 50 abuts against the surface of the arm 28 of the accelerator device 20 opposite the floor panel 2. As a result, when driven by the actuator 35, the reaction force device 30 can apply a reaction force F2 in response to the driver's pedal force F1 to the pedal 23 via the speed reduction mechanism, lever 41, buffer member 50, and arm 28.

[0075] In this embodiment, the buffer member 50 is provided on the buffer member holder 43 and is in separable contact with the arm 28, which is driven integrally with the pedal 23. The buffer member 50 has an abutment member 51 that abuts against the arm 28 and a sliding member 61 that is provided between the abutment member 51 and the buffer member holder 43, and is capable of rolling between the arm 28 and the lever 41. The buffer member 50 may be of any of the above embodiments. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above embodiments can be achieved.

[0076] In the above embodiment, the arm 28 corresponds to the "intermediate member," the lever 41 corresponds to the "rotating member," the abutment members 51 to 56 correspond to the "first member," the sliding members 61 to 68 correspond to the "second member," and the step surface 433, the flange portion 436 and the anti-slip member 45 correspond to the "anti-slip portion."

[0077] (Other embodiments) In the above embodiment, the abutting member and the sliding member are fixed together. In other embodiments, the abutting member and the sliding member may be rotatable relative to each other. In the above embodiment, the buffer member is formed in a cylindrical shape. In other embodiments, the shape of the buffer member is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as the first member is in contact with the pedal and can roll, and the second member is able to slide against the rotating member.

[0078] In the above embodiment, the actuator is a motor. In other embodiments, an actuator other than a motor may be used. Furthermore, the configurations and component arrangements of the reaction force transmission mechanism and accelerator device may be different from those in the above embodiment.

[0079] The present disclosure provides the reaction force device according to any one of items 1 to 4, in which "the first member and the second member are formed in a cylindrical shape, and the outer peripheral surface of the first member provided on the outer peripheral side abuts against the pedal or the intermediate member, and the buffer member holding portion is inserted into the radially inner side of the second member provided on the inner peripheral side." and "item 5, in which the buffer member holding portion is provided with a small diameter portion (431) inserted into the radially inner side of the buffer member and a retaining portion (433, 436, 45) that can abut against the buffer member on the axially outer side of the buffer member." "The reaction force device according to any one of items 1 to 8," "The reaction force device according to any one of items 5 to 8, in which an annular recess (435) is formed in one of the second member or the buffer member holding portion, and a retaining protrusion (681) that fits into the annular recess is formed in the other of the second member or the buffer member holding portion," and "The reaction force device according to any one of items 1 to 11, in which the molding marks formed in the buffer member are formed inside escape recesses (518, 618) or in a non-contact area that does not contact another member."

[0080] As described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0081] 10, 20 Accelerator device 13, 23 Pedal 28 Arm (intermediate member) 30. Reaction device 35. Actuator 40: Reaction force transmission mechanism 41: Lever (rotating member) 43....Cushioning member holding portion 433... Step surface (retaining part) 45....Retaining member (retaining part) 50....Buffer material 51 to 56: Contact member (first member) 61 to 68: Sliding member (second member)

Claims

1. A reaction force device capable of adding a reaction force to an accelerator device (10, 20) having a pedal (13, 23) that is depressed by a driver, the reaction force being in response to the depression force of the driver, an actuator (35) that generates a driving force when energized; a reaction force transmission mechanism (40) that has a rotating member (41) that has a buffer member holding portion (43) and is driven by the actuator, and a buffer member (50) that is provided on the buffer member holding portion and that is in separable contact with the pedal or an intermediate member (28) that is driven integrally with the pedal, and that transmits a reaction force to the pedal side; Equipped with the buffer member has a first member (51-56) that contacts the pedal or the intermediate member, and a second member (61-68) that is provided between the first member and the buffer member holding portion, and is provided to be rotatable between the pedal or the intermediate member and the rotating member, The first member has a lower hardness than the second member.

2. 2. The reaction device according to claim 1, wherein the second member has a coefficient of friction smaller than the coefficient of friction of the first member.

3. 3. The reaction force device according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are fixed so as not to rotate relative to each other.

4. 4. The reaction device according to claim 3, wherein a locking portion (521, 531, 621, 631) is provided on the contact surface between the first member and the second member to restrict relative movement in at least one direction.

5. 2. The reaction force device according to claim 1, wherein the first member and the second member are formed cylindrically, the outer peripheral surface of the first member provided on the outer peripheral side abuts against the pedal or the intermediate member, and the buffer member holding portion is inserted radially inside the second member provided on the inner peripheral side.

6. The axial length of the second member (61) is greater than the axial length of the first member (51), 6. The reaction device according to claim 5, wherein the second member is provided so as to protrude beyond the first member on both sides in the axial direction.

7. The reaction force device according to claim 6, wherein the second member is provided with shaft locking portions (611) extending radially outward on both axial sides.

8. The reaction force device according to claim 7 , wherein a radially outer end of the shaft locking portion is located radially inward of an outer circumferential surface of the first member.

9. 6. The reaction force device according to claim 5, wherein the buffer member holding portion is provided with a small diameter portion (431) that is inserted radially inside the buffer member, and a retaining portion (433, 436, 45) that is capable of abutting against the buffer member on the axial outside of the buffer member.

10. 10. The reaction force device according to claim 9, wherein the outer diameter of the retaining portion is larger than the inner diameter of the second member (67) and smaller than the outer diameter of the second member (67).

11. An annular recess (435) is formed in one of the second member (68) or the buffer member holding portion, A reaction force device as described in any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the other of the second member and the buffer member holding portion is formed with a retaining protrusion (681) that fits into the annular recess.

12. 2. The reaction device according to claim 1, wherein the molding marks formed on the buffer member are formed inside the relief recesses (518, 618) or in non-contact areas that do not contact other members.

13. The reaction device according to claim 12 , wherein the molding marks are formed on the contact surfaces between the first member and the second member.

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