JP2000326753A - Accelerator pedal device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide An accelerator pedal device capable of providing the the relationship between the stroke of an accelerator pedal and the operating force with the hysteresis characteristic by comprising a resistance generating mechanism on a partial zone of an accelerator pedal arm, and properly adjusting the hysteresis characteristic. SOLUTION: A stay 8 rotatable to an accelerator pedal arm 3 on a shaft center R of the accelerator pedal arm 3, is mounted on the accelerator pedal arm 3 rotatably supported at a car body side through a pedal bracket 2, a cushion 14 for generating the sliding resistance is mounted on the stay 8, and the cushion 14 is contacted with the pedal bracket 2 in a pressed condition by the energizing force of the elastic force application member (for example, coil spring 15) mounted on the stay 8.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an accelerator pedal device used for an automobile or the like, and more particularly, to an electronic device of a type for detecting the amount of depression of an accelerator pedal arm with a sensor and adjusting the speed of the automobile according to the amount of depression. The present invention is suitably applied to a so-called electronic control type accelerator pedal device used for a control mechanism.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an accelerator pedal device for an automobile,
A cable type in which the rotation of the accelerator pedal is transmitted to the throttle valve via a cable to adjust the speed of the vehicle, and a sensor detects the amount of depression (rotation amount) of the accelerator pedal and determines the amount of depression. There is an electronic control type in which the throttle opening is controlled accordingly to adjust the vehicle speed.

In a cable-type accelerator pedal device, since a cable is connected to the accelerator pedal, the relationship between the stroke and the operating force when the accelerator pedal is depressed is as shown in FIG. It has different characteristics from time to time. That is, when the accelerator is depressed and accelerated, the urging force of the accelerator pedal return spring, the resistance generated in the cable (sliding resistance generated between the inner cable and the outer cable), and the throttle connected to this cable Since the accelerator pedal is depressed against the urging force or the like of the throttle valve returning spring acting on the valve, a relatively large operation force is required for the depressing operation during acceleration. On the other hand, when the depressed accelerator pedal is moved backward to decelerate, the sliding resistance of the cable acts as a holding force of the accelerator pedal (a force opposing the urging force of the accelerator pedal returning spring). The operating force is smaller than the operating force during acceleration. Therefore, in the case of a cable-type accelerator pedal device, a hysteresis component H (acceleration as shown in FIG. 5) is provided between the operation force at the time of the stepping operation for acceleration and the operation force at the time of the step-back operation for deceleration. (The difference between the operating force at the time of deceleration and the time of deceleration).

On the other hand, in the case of an electronically controlled accelerator pedal device, since a cable for adjusting the throttle valve opening in accordance with the depression operation of the accelerator pedal is not provided, the stroke of the accelerator pedal and the operating force are not controlled. The relationship is one linear characteristic having a predetermined gradient as shown in FIG. 6, and there is no hysteresis component H as described above. Therefore, the operating force during acceleration (when the accelerator pedal is depressed) and the operating force during deceleration (when the accelerator pedal is depressed) are the same. In such a case, problems such as a problem that the operating force at the time of constant running becomes large and a problem that it is difficult to control the vehicle speed by the accelerator pedal because the initial operating force at the time of acceleration does not change are caused.

Therefore, as a countermeasure for providing a hysteresis characteristic as shown in FIG. 5 even in the case of an electronically controlled accelerator pedal device, a device in which a cable K is attached as shown in FIG. 7 has been proposed. . In this case, the pedal bracket 2 fixed to the dash panel 1
The accelerator pedal arm 3 is supported rotatably about the support shaft 4, and the accelerator pedal arm 3 is constantly urged in a return direction (return direction) by a return spring (not shown in FIG. 7). ing. Further, a pedal pad 5 is attached to a lower end of the accelerator pedal arm 3, while a cable K is provided between the upper end of the accelerator pedal arm 3 and the pedal bracket 2. Thus, the relationship between the stroke and the operating force has a hysteresis characteristic due to the existence of the sliding resistance in the cable K.

[0006]

However, in the case of the above-mentioned structure having the hysteresis characteristic, since a cable is required, the cost is increased and the weight is increased. . In addition, there is a problem in terms of space efficiency (space factor) because the arrangement space for cables and the like must be ensured over a relatively long area.

The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a resistance generation mechanism in a partial area of an accelerator pedal arm to provide a relationship between an accelerator pedal stroke and an operation force. It is an object of the present invention to provide an accelerator pedal device which can have a hysteresis characteristic in the accelerator pedal, and can adjust the hysteresis characteristic appropriately.

[0008]

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to the present invention, an accelerator pedal arm rotatably supported on a vehicle body side via a pedal bracket is provided with an axis centered on the accelerator pedal arm. A stay that is rotatable with respect to the accelerator pedal arm, and a cushion for generating sliding resistance is attached to the stay, and the cushion is attached to the pedal by an urging force of an elastic force applying member attached to the stay. It comes into contact with the bracket in a crimped state. In the present invention, the arrangement position of the cushion is offset from the axis of the accelerator pedal arm. Further, in the present invention, the cushion is arranged at a position on the front side of the accelerator pedal arm in the rotation direction of the accelerator pedal arm when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4, the same parts as those in FIG. 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

FIG. 1 shows an accelerator pedal device according to an embodiment of the present invention. This device includes an accelerator pedal arm 3 at an upper end portion of an accelerator pedal arm 3 and a portion near a pedal bracket 2. This pedal bracket 2
The resistance generating mechanism A is provided as a hysteresis characteristic imparting means at a location corresponding to the above. Hereinafter, the resistance generating mechanism A will be described in detail.

First, a pedal bracket 2 having a U-shaped cross section is attached to a dash panel 1 that separates a vehicle compartment and an engine room from a surface on the vehicle compartment side, and an accelerator pedal 6 is turned on the pedal bracket 2. It is movably supported. That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the above-described accelerator pedal 6 is a rod-shaped accelerator pedal arm 3.
, A pedal pad 5 attached to the lower end of the accelerator pedal arm 3, and a support shaft 4 welded to an intermediate portion in the longitudinal direction of the accelerator pedal arm 3. 2b is rotatably inserted and disposed. Then, a coil spring (winding spring) is attached to the support shaft 4 spanned between the opposing pieces 2a, 2b.
The return spring 7 is mounted on the pedal bracket 2.
And the other end 7b.
b is engaged with the accelerator pedal arm 3. Thus, the accelerator pedal arm 3 is always urged in the reciprocating direction (the direction of the arrow α in FIG. 1) by the urging force of the return spring 7, and the accelerator pedal arm 3 is moved backward by the stopper mechanism (not shown). (Return position) is regulated.

As described above, a stay 8 is provided on the outer peripheral portion on the upper side (the end opposite to the pedal pad 5) of the accelerator pedal arm 3 rotatably supported on the vehicle body side via the pedal bracket 2 as described above. Is the axis R of the accelerator pedal arm 3
Is mounted so as to be rotatable with respect to the accelerator pedal arm 3. That is, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the stay 8 includes a cylindrical portion (bent portion) 8a,
And a projecting piece 8b extending in a plate shape from the cylindrical portion 8a, and the cylindrical portion 8a is a pair of upper and lower bushes 11, 1 at an upper portion of the accelerator pedal arm 3.
It is attached to the accelerator pedal arm 3 so as to be rotatable about its axis R while being sandwiched between the two.

On the other hand, an opening 13 for attaching a cushion is formed in the projecting piece 8b of the stay 8, and a cushion 14 for generating resistance is formed using the opening 13 by using the above-mentioned projecting piece 8b.
(See FIGS. 3 and 4). The above-described cushion 14 has a base portion 14a and an engagement protrusion 14b formed integrally with the base portion 14a, and the engagement protrusion 14b is inserted into the opening 13 of the protrusion 8b. Then, the cushion 14 is integrally engaged with the protruding piece 8b by the click engagement.

Here, the procedure for attaching the stay 8 to the upper portion of the accelerator pedal arm 3 will be described with reference to FIG.

First, a coil spring 15 for imparting elastic force is mounted on the upper end of the accelerator pedal arm 3 so as to surround it, and one end 15a of the coil spring 15 is provided on the upper end of the accelerator pedal arm 3. Into the locked hole 16 to make a fixed state. Next, the bush 12 is fitted coaxially to the upper end of the accelerator pedal arm 3, and the flange 12 b of the bush 12 is placed on the coil spring 15. Further, the cushion 14 is integrally attached to the protruding piece 8b of the stay 8 in advance, and the cylindrical portion 8a of the stay 8 is fitted on the upper portion of the accelerator pedal arm 3 so that the cylindrical portion 12a
Is rotatably fitted to the outer peripheral portion of. Thereafter, the bush 11 is fitted onto the upper portion of the accelerator pedal arm 3, and the cylindrical portion 11a of the bush 11 is inserted into the cylindrical portion 8a of the stay 8 so as to be relatively rotatable. Are arranged corresponding to the upper end surface of the cylindrical portion 8a. Then, under this condition, a stopper member 18 such as an E-ring is engaged with a peripheral groove 17 provided at the upper end of the accelerator pedal arm 3 to prevent the stay 8 from coming off from the accelerator pedal arm 3. Thereafter, the other end 15b of the coil spring 15 is engaged with the projecting piece 8b of the stay 8, and the urging force of the coil spring 15 is applied to the cushion 14 via the stay 8, and the cushioning force is applied by the urging force. 14 is arranged in contact with the opposing piece 2a of the pedal bracket 2 with a required pressing force.

In this embodiment, the resistance generating mechanism A constituted by the cushion 14, the stay 8, the coil spring 15 and the like is used as the accelerator pedal arm 3.
4, the arrangement position (center position) of the cushion 14 is offset from the axis R of the accelerator pedal arm 3 with a deviation L (see FIG. 4). (See FIG. 4). Further, the cushion 14 is arranged at a position on the front side of the accelerator pedal arm 3 in the rotation direction of the accelerator pedal arm 3 when the accelerator pedal is depressed.

According to the accelerator pedal device configured as described above, the cushion 14 is pressed against the pedal bracket 2 by the biasing force of the coil spring 15 at a position offset with respect to the axis R of the accelerator pedal arm 3. Since it is arranged in contact, the accelerator pedal arm 3
Is pivoted about the support shaft 4, the cushion 14
Resistance (slip resistance) between the pedal and the pedal bracket 2
Will occur. Therefore, due to the existence of the sliding resistance, the pedal operation force can be made different between when the accelerator pedal is depressed (when accelerating) and when the accelerator pedal is depressed (when decelerating). The characteristic can have a hysteresis component H (see FIG. 5).

That is, the pedal operation force when the accelerator pedal arm 3 is rotated in the direction of arrow β in FIGS. 1 and 4 by the depression operation of the pedal pad 5 is the urging force of the return spring 7 of the accelerator pedal arm 3, and , Which corresponds to the total acting force of the sliding resistance generated between the cushion 14 and the pedal bracket 2,
The operation force is relatively large. Note that, with the rotation of the accelerator pedal arm 3 in the direction of arrow β, the cushion 14 moves in the direction of arrow γ in FIG.
And between the accelerator pedal arm 3 and
In response, the sliding resistance generated between the cushion 14 and the pedal bracket 2 gradually increases.

On the other hand, the operating force required to return the depressed accelerator pedal arm 3 is the sliding resistance generated between the cushion 14 and the pedal bracket 2 due to the elastic restoring force of the return spring 7 of the accelerator pedal arm 3. Since this is equivalent to the acting force obtained by subtracting the force, the operating force is smaller than the operating force when the accelerator pedal is depressed. The hysteresis component H generated in this case is increased by appropriately adjusting the strength of the urging force (elastic force) of the cushion urging coil spring 15 and the length of the deviation L (offset). Can be arbitrarily changed.

As described above, the accelerator pedal 6 is depressed to accelerate the accelerator pedal arm 3.
1 and 4 requires a relatively large pedal operation force, while the accelerator pedal 6 is depressed to decelerate, and the accelerator pedal arm 3 is moved. When rotated in the direction of arrow α shown in FIGS. 1 and 4, a relatively small pedal operation force is required.
That is, when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the cushion 1
Since the sliding resistance of 4 acts against the pedal operation force,
A larger pedal operation force is required at the time of depressing the pedal than at the time of depressing the accelerator pedal. As a result, it is possible to improve the operational feeling of the accelerator pedal depressing operation during acceleration.

Although the embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to this embodiment.
Various modifications and changes are possible based on the technical concept of the present invention. For example, the means for urging the cushion 14 toward the pedal bracket 2 is not limited to the coil spring 15 described above, and various elastic force applying members such as a leaf spring and an elastic body can be used. is there. The stay 8 has an axis R relative to the accelerator pedal arm 3.
Any structure may be used as long as it is rotatable around and can attach the cushion 14.

[0022]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, an accelerator pedal arm rotatably supported on the vehicle body side via a pedal bracket rotates about an axis of the accelerator pedal arm with respect to the accelerator pedal arm. In addition to attaching a possible stay, a cushion for generating sliding resistance is attached to the stay, and the cushion is brought into contact with the pedal bracket in a crimped state by the urging force of the elastic force imparting member attached to the stay. By using the sliding resistance (slip resistance) generated between the cushion and the pedal bracket, the hysteresis characteristic (hysteresis component) is applied to the relationship between the stroke of the accelerator pedal and the operating force.
Can be provided. Therefore, when the present invention is applied to an electronic control type accelerator pedal device, it is possible to obtain a characteristic having a hysteresis component as in the case of the cable type, and to operate the accelerator pedal depressing force during acceleration and accelerator pedal depressing during deceleration. The return operation force can be made different from the return operation force (the operation force at the time of stepping-on can be set to be larger than the operation force at the time of step-back), and the feeling of stepping on the accelerator pedal during acceleration can be improved. Furthermore, by appropriately adjusting the urging force of the above-described elastic force applying member (for example, the coil spring 15), the magnitude of the sliding resistance generated between the cushion and the pedal bracket can be changed as necessary. Accordingly, the magnitude of the hysteresis component (difference between the accelerator pedal operating force at the time of acceleration and at the time of deceleration) can be arbitrarily set.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the position of the cushion is offset from the axis of the accelerator pedal arm. The sliding resistance can be effectively generated during the period. Further, by appropriately adjusting the offset amount (deviation amount), the magnitude of the sliding resistance generated between the cushion and the pedal bracket can be changed as required, and the magnitude of the hysteresis component can be changed. Can be set arbitrarily.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the cushion is provided at a position forward of the accelerator pedal arm in the rotation direction of the accelerator pedal arm when the accelerator pedal is depressed. Since the cushion is caught between the pedal bracket and the accelerator pedal arm when the accelerator pedal is depressed, the sliding resistance and the hysteresis component when the accelerator pedal is depressed can be increased.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an accelerator pedal device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the accelerator pedal device described above.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a resistance generating mechanism provided in the accelerator pedal device described above.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of the accelerator pedal device as viewed from a direction indicated by an arrow X in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a characteristic diagram illustrating a relationship between a pedal stroke and an operating force in the case of a cable type accelerator pedal device.

FIG. 6 is a characteristic diagram showing a relationship between a pedal stroke and an operating force in the case of an electronically controlled accelerator pedal device.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a structure in which a cable is erected between an accelerator pedal arm and a pedal bracket in order to give a hysteresis characteristic to an electronic control type accelerator pedal device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 2 Pedal bracket 3 Accelerator pedal arm 4 Support shaft 6 Accelerator 7 Return spring 8 Stay 8a Cylindrical portion 8b Protrusion 14 Cushion 15 Coil spring A Resistance generating mechanism L Deviation (offset) R Accelerator arm axis

Claims (3)

[Claims] An accelerator pedal arm rotatably supported on a vehicle body via a pedal bracket is provided with a stay rotatable with respect to the accelerator pedal arm about an axis of the accelerator pedal arm. An accelerator pedal device, wherein a cushion for generating sliding resistance is mounted on a stay, and the cushion is brought into contact with the pedal bracket in a crimped state by an urging force of an elastic force applying member attached to the stay. 2. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein an arrangement position of the cushion is offset from an axis of the accelerator pedal arm. 3. The cushion according to claim 1, wherein the cushion is provided at a position on the front side of the accelerator pedal arm in a rotation direction of the accelerator pedal arm when the accelerator pedal is depressed. The accelerator pedal device according to any of the preceding claims.