Organ pedal device

Abstract

To provide an organ pedal system that is suitable for the driver's physique. [Solution] The pad 12 is an organ-type pedal operated by the driver's foot, with its lower end rotatably supported. The angle adjustment mechanism 13 adjusts the initial angle θi of the pad 12 when it is not being operated. The position sensor 15 detects the driver's seat position. The controller 16 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 13 according to the driver's seat position detected by the position sensor 15.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an organ pedal device.

Background Art

[0002] In the driving posture adjustment device disclosed in Patent Document 1, the front-rear position of the organ pedal with respect to the seat position is adjusted by sliding the movable floor according to the physique of the driver.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] If the initial angle of the organ pedal is kept constant even when the front-rear position of the organ pedal is adjusted, the angle of the ankle may not match the physique of the driver, which may cause discomfort. An object of the present invention is to provide an organ pedal device suitable for the physique of a driver.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, an organ pedal device includes a pad, an angle adjustment mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The pad is an organ-type pedal whose lower end side is rotatably supported and is operated by the driver's foot. The angle adjustment mechanism adjusts the initial angle of the pad when not in operation. The sensor detects the seat position of the driver. The controller controls the angle adjustment mechanism according to the seat position of the driver detected by the sensor.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, the initial angle of the pad can be adjusted according to the driver's seat position, thus providing an organ pedal device that is suitable for the driver's physique. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] This diagram shows the organ pedal mechanism when not in use. [Figure 2] This is a flowchart showing an example of a control process. [Figure 3] This is a diagram showing the map used to calculate the correction value. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the map used to calculate the correction value. [Figure 5] This diagram shows the organ pedal mechanism in a depressed position. [Figure 6] This diagram shows the angle adjustment mechanism according to the seat position. [Figure 7] This figure shows the initial angle of the pad according to the seat position. [Figure 8] This diagram illustrates the ideal range of ankle angle. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the reaction force adjustment mechanism according to the seat position. [Figure 10] This diagram shows the point of force applied to the pad. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the drawings are schematic and may differ from actual examples. Furthermore, the following embodiments are illustrative examples of devices and methods for realizing the technical concept of the present invention, and do not limit the configuration to those described below. In other words, the technical concept of the present invention can be modified in various ways within the technical scope described in the claims.

[0009] 《Embodiment》 "composition" Figure 1 shows the organ pedal device 11 when not in operation. Here, the three orthogonal directions are defined as the front-to-back direction, the up-and-down direction, and the width direction, and the organ pedal device 11 is shown as viewed from the width direction. The organ pedal device 11 comprises a pad 12, an angle adjustment mechanism 13, a reaction force adjustment mechanism 14, a position sensor 15 (sensor), and a controller 16. The pad 12 is an organ-type pedal operated by the driver's foot, with its lower end rotatably supported on the floor 17 in front of the driver's seat. The pad 12 is either an accelerator pedal or a brake pedal, and may be a conventional mechanical or by-wire type. The pad 12 has a pivot axis extending in the width direction that is supported by an angle adjustment mechanism 13, but it may also be supported by the floor 17.

[0010] The angle adjustment mechanism 13 is a mechanism for adjusting the initial angle θi of the pad 12 when it is not being operated, and comprises a frame 21, a support part 22, a link 23, and an actuator 24. The initial angle θi is the angle with respect to the vertical direction when viewed from the side (width direction). The frame 21 extends in the front-rear direction, and the lower end of the pad 12 is rotatably supported on its rear side. The support part 22 extends in the front-rear direction and is fitted inside the frame 21 in a manner that allows it to move forward and backward in the front-rear direction. The support part 22 has an elongated hole 26 that penetrates in the width direction and extends in the front-rear direction. The tip side (upper side) of the link 23 is rotatably supported on the back surface of the pad 12, and the base side (lower side) is fitted into the elongated hole 26 in a slidable manner. Specifically, the pivot axis extending in the width direction at the tip side is supported on the back surface of the pad 12, and the pivot axis extending in the width direction at the base side is fitted into the elongated hole 26. The actuator 24 is driven by an electric motor and includes a rod 27 that can move back and forth in the front-rear direction, and the linear motion of the rod 27 moves the support portion 22 back and forth.

[0011] The reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 is a mechanism for adjusting the operating reaction force Fr of the pad 12, and includes a frame 31, a support plate 32, a spring member 33, and an actuator 34. The frame 31 is fixed to the angle adjustment mechanism 13 on the back side of the pad 12. The support plate 32 is a spring receiver disposed on the back side of the pad 12. The spring member 33 is a compression coil spring, with the tip side supported by the back surface of the pad 12 and the base end side supported by the support plate 32, applying the operating reaction force Fr to the pad 12. The spring member 33 is provided such that the axial direction is along the rotation direction of the pad 12 when viewed in the width direction. The actuator 34 is driven by an electric motor and includes a rod 37 that can move forward and backward in the axial direction, and the support plate 32 is moved forward and backward by the linear movement of the rod 37. The position sensor 15 is provided on the slide rail of the driver's seat and detects the seat position of the driver.

[0012] The controller 16 is composed of, for example, a microcomputer, inputs the seat position of the driver, the forward and backward positions of the rod 27, and the forward and backward positions of the rod 37, executes control processing, and controls the angle adjustment mechanism 13 and the reaction force adjustment mechanism 14. FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control processing. In step S101, various data are read. That is, the seat position of the driver, the forward and backward positions of the rod 27, and the forward and backward positions of the rod 37 are read. In the subsequent step S102, a correction value Δθ is calculated according to the seat position of the driver. Specifically, the correction value Δθ is made larger than 0 as the seat position is further forward than the standard position, and the correction value Δθ is made smaller than 0 as the seat position is further backward than the standard position.

[0013] In the subsequent step S103, a correction value ΔF is calculated according to the seat position of the driver. Specifically, the correction value ΔF is made smaller than 0 as the seat position is further forward than the standard position, and the correction value ΔF is made larger than 0 as the seat position is further backward than the standard position. In the subsequent step S104, the actuator 24 is driven and controlled according to the correction value Δθ, and the actuator 34 is driven and controlled according to the correction value ΔF, and then the process returns to a predetermined main program. That is, a value obtained by adding the correction value Δθ to the current initial angle θi is set as a new initial angle θi, and the forward and backward positions of the rod 27 are controlled to realize the new initial angle θi. Also, a value obtained by adding the correction value ΔF to the current operating reaction force Fr is set as a new operating reaction force Fr, and the forward and backward positions of the rod 37 are controlled to realize the new operating reaction force Fr.

[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a map used for calculating the correction value Δθ. Here, the horizontal axis represents the seat position, and the vertical axis represents the correction value Δθ. The seat position has the standard position as 0, the front of the standard position is represented by a negative value, and the rear of the standard position is represented by a positive value. When the seat position is at the standard position, the correction value Δθ is set to 0. The more the seat position is in front of the standard position, the larger the correction value Δθ is than 0. The more the seat position is behind the standard position, the smaller the correction value Δθ is than 0. Here, the characteristic line of the correction value Δθ corresponding to the seat position is made into a straight line, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be made into a broken line provided with upper and lower limit values or a curve.

[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a map used for calculating the correction value ΔF. Here, the horizontal axis represents the seat position, and the vertical axis represents the correction value ΔF. The seat position has the standard position as 0, the front of the standard position is represented by a negative value, and the rear of the standard position is represented by a positive value. When the seat position is at the standard position, the correction value ΔF is set to 0. The more the seat position is in front of the standard position, the smaller the correction value ΔF is than 0. The more the seat position is behind the standard position, the larger the correction value ΔF is than 0. Here, the characteristic line of the correction value ΔF corresponding to the seat position is made into a straight line, but it is not limited thereto, and it may be made into a broken line provided with upper and lower limit values or a curve.

[0016] 《Operation》 Next, the main operations of the embodiment will be described. First, let's explain the stroke of the pad 12 operated by the driver. When not in operation, as shown in Figure 1, the spring member 33 pushes the pad 12 back to an initial angle θi. At this time, since the base end of the link 23 is at the rear end of the elongated hole 26, the pad 12 cannot be pushed back any further. When the pad 12 is pressed against the repulsive force of the spring member 33 from this state, the base end of the link 23 slides forward along the elongated hole 26, thereby creating the stroke of the pad 12. Figure 5 shows the organ pedal device 11 in the depressed position. Here, the base end of link 23 reaches the front end of the elongated hole 26. This state marks the end of the stroke of the pad 12. In this way, the stroke of the pad 12 is restricted by the rear and front ends of the elongated hole 26.

[0017] Next, we will explain the initial angle θi depending on the seat position. Figure 6 shows the angle adjustment mechanism 13 according to the seat position. Figure (a) shows the state when the driver is of standard build and the seat is in the standard position. In this case, the support part 22 is in the standard position. Figure (b) shows the state when the driver is of small build and the seat is in a position further forward than the standard position. In this case, the support part 22 is displaced further forward than the standard position. Figure (c) shows the state when the driver is of large build and the seat is in a position further back than the standard position. In this case, the support part 22 is displaced further back than the standard position.

[0018] Figure 7 shows the initial angle θi of the pad 12 according to the seat position. Figure (a) shows the state when the driver is of average build and the seat is in the standard position. In this case, the initial angle θi is in the standard position because the support part 22 is in the standard position. Figure (b) shows the state when the driver is of small build and the seat is in a position further forward than the standard position. In this case, by displacing the support part 22 further forward than the standard position, the initial angle θi of the pad 12 becomes larger than the standard position. Figure (c) shows the state when the driver is of large build and the seat is in a position further back than the standard position. In this case, by displacing the support part 22 further back than the standard position, the initial angle θi of the pad 12 becomes smaller than the standard position.

[0019] Now, let's discuss ankle angles. Figure 8 illustrates the ideal range of ankle angle. Figure (a) shows the soleus muscle 41 and the gastrocnemius muscle 42. The soleus muscle 41 and the gastrocnemius muscle 42 are involved in pedal operation. Figure (b) shows the relationship between ankle angle and electromyography. There is an ideal range for ankle angle in which the pad 12 can be controlled with little load, but if the initial angle θi of the pad 12 is kept constant, the pedal operation range will deviate from the ideal range depending on the driver's physique. That is, for drivers with a standard physique, the ankle angle will be larger than the ideal range, for drivers with a small physique, the ankle angle will be smaller than the ideal range, and for drivers with a large physique, the ankle angle will be larger than the ideal range. In contrast, if the initial angle θi of the pad 12 is made variable, the pedal operation range can be adjusted to the ideal range depending on the driver's physique. That is, the ankle angle can be reduced for drivers with a standard physique, increased for drivers with a small physique, and reduced for drivers with a large physique.

[0020] Next, we will explain the operating reaction force Fr according to the seat position. Figure 9 shows the reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 according to the seat position. Figure (a) shows the state when the driver is of standard build and the seat is in the standard position. In this case, the operating reaction force Fr is at the standard value because the support plate 32 is in the standard position. Figure (b) shows the state when the driver is of small build and the seat is in a position further forward than the standard position. In this case, the operating reaction force Fr becomes smaller than the standard value by moving the support plate 32 further away from the pad 12 than the standard position. Figure (c) shows the state when the driver is of large build and the seat is in a position further back than the standard position. In this case, the operating reaction force Fr becomes larger than the standard value by moving the support plate 32 closer to the pad 12 than the standard position.

[0021] Now, let's explain the emphasis on pad 12. Figure 10 shows the point of force applied to the pad 12. The position of the point of force application relative to the pad 12 changes depending on the driver's physique. Specifically, for a driver of average build, the point of force application is at the standard position; for a smaller driver, the point of force application is closer to the base end of the pad 12 than the standard position; and for a larger driver, the point of force application is closer to the tip of the pad 12 than the standard position. As the point of force application approaches the axis of rotation, the moment decreases, requiring greater pedaling force to rotate the pad 12. Therefore, by reducing the operating reaction force Fr for smaller drivers and increasing the operating reaction force Fr for larger drivers, a uniform operating feel can be achieved for drivers of all physiques.

[0022] Effects and Benefits Next, the main effects and advantages of the embodiment will be described. (1) The organ pedal device 11 comprises a pad 12, an angle adjustment mechanism 13, a position sensor 15, and a controller 16. The pad 12 is an organ-type pedal operated by the driver's foot, with its lower end rotatably supported. The angle adjustment mechanism 13 adjusts the initial angle θi of the pad 12 when it is not being operated. The position sensor 15 detects the driver's seat position. The controller 16 controls the angle adjustment mechanism 13 according to the driver's seat position detected by the position sensor 15. This allows the initial angle θi of the pad 12 to be adjusted according to the driver's seat position, thus providing an organ pedal device 11 that is suitable for the driver's physique.

[0023] (2) The initial angle θi is the angle relative to the vertical direction when viewed from the side. The controller 16 increases the initial angle θi as the seat position moves further forward. This allows drivers with smaller statures to have a larger ankle angle, and drivers with larger statures to have a smaller ankle angle. Therefore, the pedal operating range can be adjusted to an ideal range with less strain, depending on the driver's physique. (3) The angle adjustment mechanism 13 comprises a support portion 22, a link 23, and an actuator 24. The support portion 22 is located on the back side of the pad 12 and has an elongated hole 26 extending in the front-rear direction. The tip of the link 23 is rotatably supported on the back side of the pad 12, and the base end is slidably fitted into the elongated hole 26. The actuator 24 moves the support portion 22 forward and backward. This makes it easy to adjust the initial angle θi of the pad 12 according to the driver's seat position.

[0024] (4) The organ pedal device 11 is equipped with a reaction force adjustment mechanism 14. The reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 adjusts the operating reaction force Fr of the pad 12. The controller 16 controls the reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 according to the seat position. This allows the operating reaction force Fr of the pad 12 to be adjusted according to the driver's seat position, so that an organ pedal device 11 can be provided that is suitable for the driver's physique. (5) The controller 16 reduces the operating reaction force Fr as the seat position moves further forward. This allows for a smaller operating reaction force Fr for drivers with smaller statures and a larger operating reaction force Fr for drivers with larger statures. Therefore, a uniform operating feel can be achieved for drivers of all statures. (6) The reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 comprises a support plate 32, a spring member 33, and an actuator 34. The support plate 32 is located on the back side of the pad 12. The spring member 33 has its tip supported on the back side of the pad 12 and its base supported on the support plate 32, and provides an operating reaction force Fr to the pad 12. The actuator 34 moves the support plate 32 forward and backward relative to the pad 12. This makes it possible to easily adjust the operating reaction force Fr of the pad 12 according to the driver's seat position.

[0025] Variant form In the embodiment described, a configuration comprising both an angle adjustment mechanism 13 and a reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 has been described, but the invention is not limited thereto. That is, since it is sufficient to have at least an angle adjustment mechanism 13, the reaction force adjustment mechanism 14 may be omitted. In the embodiment described, a configuration was described in which the initial angle θi and the operating reaction force Fr are adjusted according only to the fore-aft position of the seat, but the invention is not limited to this. That is, the initial angle θi and the operating reaction force Fr may be adjusted according to both the fore-aft position and the up-down position of the seat. Specifically, the higher the up-down position of the seat, the larger the initial angle θi and the smaller the operating reaction force Fr. This makes it possible to adjust the pedal operating range to an ideal range with less load, depending on the driver's physique.

[0026] In the embodiment described, a configuration was described in which the initial angle θi is adjusted only according to the driver's seat position, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, when parking or autonomous driving is detected, the initial angle θi may be increased to provide more legroom. In the embodiment described, a configuration was described in which the operating reaction force Fr is adjusted only according to the driver's seat position, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, the operating reaction force Fr may be increased when it is detected that the driving mode is sport mode. Furthermore, the operating reaction force Fr may be increased when driving at high speed or when the lateral acceleration is high during cornering. This makes it possible to achieve an operating feel that is appropriate for the driving mode and driving scene.

[0027] Although the above description has been made with reference to a limited number of embodiments, the scope of the rights is not limited to those embodiments, and modifications of the embodiments based on the above disclosure will be obvious to those skilled in the art. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0028] 11…Organ pedal mechanism, 12…Pad, 13…Angle adjustment mechanism, 14…Reaction force adjustment mechanism, 15…Position sensor, 16…Controller, 17…Floor, 21…Frame, 22…Support part, 23…Link, 24…Actuator, 26…Slotted hole, 27…Rod, 31…Frame, 32…Support plate, 33…Spring member, 34…Actuator, 37…Rod, 41…Soleus muscle, 42…Gastrocnemius muscle

Claims

1. The lower end is rotatably supported and the pad of the organ-type pedal is operated by the driver's foot, An angle adjustment mechanism for adjusting the initial angle of the pad when it is not being operated, A sensor that detects the driver's seat position, An organ pedal device characterized by comprising a controller that controls the angle adjustment mechanism according to the driver's seat position detected by the sensor.

2. The aforementioned initial angle is the angle relative to the vertical direction when viewed from the side. The organ pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller increases the initial angle as the seat position moves further forward.

3. The angle adjustment mechanism is, A support portion is positioned on the back side of the aforementioned pad and has an elongated hole extending in the front-to-back direction, A link whose tip is rotatably supported on the back surface of the pad and whose base end is slidably fitted into the elongated hole, The organ pedal device according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator that moves the support portion forward and backward in the front-rear direction.

4. The pad is equipped with a reaction force adjustment mechanism for adjusting the operating reaction force of the pad, The organ pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the controller controls the reaction force adjustment mechanism according to the seat position.

5. The organ pedal device according to claim 4, characterized in that the controller reduces the operating reaction force as the seat position moves forward.

6. The reaction force adjustment mechanism is, A support plate is positioned on the back side of the aforementioned pad, A spring member whose tip is supported on the back surface of the pad and whose base is supported on the support plate, which applies an operating reaction force to the pad, The organ pedal device according to claim 4, further comprising an actuator that moves the support plate forward and backward relative to the pad.

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