JP2009154864A - Accelerator pedal treading strength control device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an accelerator pedal treading force control device which can securely convey information on the switching of each of the two kinds of operation characteristics of a vehicle to a driver. <P>SOLUTION: The accelerator pedal treading strength control device is provided with treading force changing means 7 to 9, a means of detecting an operating condition, and a means 10 of changing and controlling treading strength. The treading force changing means 7 to 9 change the treading strength of an accelerator pedal 2 provided to the vehicle 1, and the means of detecting the operating condition detects the condition of the two kinds of operation characteristics of the vehicle 1. The means 10 of changing and controlling treading strength increases the treading strength of the accelerator pedal 2 at the time of the change of the first operation characteristics of the two kinds of operation characteristics based on the conditioned detected by the means of detecting the operating condition. It also controls the operation of the treading force changing means 7 to 9 at the time of the change of the second operation characteristics of the two kinds of operation characteristics so that the treading strength of the accelerator pedal 2 can be increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an accelerator pedal depression force control device that controls the depression force (depression force required for pedal operation) of an accelerator pedal provided in a vehicle, and in particular, an accelerator that controls timing at which a driver feels the depression force of an accelerator pedal. The present invention relates to a pedal depression force control device.

  Conventionally, as an accelerator pedal depression force control device, for example, when kicking down an automatic vehicle, the accelerator pedal depression force of the driver is increased particularly before the throttle opening of the engine, which is linked to the accelerator pedal stroke, is fully opened. Is configured to inform the driver of information about switching of the driving characteristics of the vehicle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2002-29278 A

  By the way, as an operation for switching the driving characteristics of the vehicle, for example, engagement / disengagement of a lock-up clutch of the torque converter can be mentioned. The operation point of this engagement / release depends on the vehicle speed when the throttle opening is constant. Change. However, since the throttle opening for increasing the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal is constant, the above-described prior art is not suitable for information on the engagement / release of the lock-up clutch whose operating point changes according to the vehicle speed. In other words, the above-described prior art has a problem that it is not suitable for information on switching of driving characteristics of a vehicle in which the operating point changes with parameters other than the throttle opening (for example, vehicle speed).

  The present invention provides an accelerator pedal depression force control device capable of reliably transmitting information on switching of driving characteristics of a vehicle to a driver.

  The accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is based on the state relating to the two types of driving characteristics of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit, and the pedal force change control unit includes a pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided on the vehicle. The pedal force of the accelerator pedal is increased when the first driving characteristic of the two types of driving characteristics is switched, and the second of the two types of driving characteristics is controlled. The driving force of the accelerator pedal is increased even when the driving characteristics are switched, so that information on switching of the driving characteristics is transmitted to the driver by increasing the pressing force of the accelerator pedal.

Further, the accelerator pedal depression force control device according to the second aspect of the present invention is based on the state relating to the two types of driving characteristics of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit, and the pedal force change control unit includes an accelerator pedal provided on the vehicle. By controlling the operation of the pedal force changing means for changing the pedal force, the pedal force of the accelerator pedal is increased when entering the foreseeable region before the first driving characteristic of the two types of driving characteristics is switched. By increasing the accelerator pedal depression force even when entering the foreseeable area before the second driving characteristic changes among the driving characteristics, the information indicating that the driving characteristic is about to change can be obtained by increasing the accelerator pedal depression force, respectively. This is to tell the driver.
The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to the third aspect of the present invention is based on the state relating to the plurality of driving characteristics of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit, and the pedal force change control unit includes a pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle. By controlling the operation of the treading force changing means that changes the driving characteristics, the driving force of the accelerator pedal is increased when the driving characteristics are switched for each of the driving characteristics. This is to inform the driver by increasing the pedal effort.
The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention is based on the state relating to a plurality of driving characteristics of the vehicle detected by the driving state detection unit, and the pedal force change control unit includes a pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle. The driving characteristics are switched by increasing the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal when entering the foreseeable area before the switching of the driving characteristics for each of the driving characteristics by controlling the operation of the pedal force changing means for changing the driving characteristics. The information that the vehicle is in front is transmitted to the driver by increasing the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal.

  Therefore, according to the accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus of the present invention, there are two types of switching of the driving characteristics of the vehicle in which the operating point changes with parameters other than the accelerator pedal stroke (for example, release of the lockup clutch and the fuel increase range). Even when there is a change in the driving characteristics of the accelerator pedal when they are switched, it is possible to accurately inform the driver of the switching of each driving characteristic.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a system configuration of an accelerator pedal depression force control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention and a configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device. It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the accelerator pedal effort control apparatus of said 1st embodiment. (A) is a relationship diagram which shows the reference example of the hysteresis characteristic of the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal 2, (b) increases the pedaling force by the side of the depression of the accelerator pedal 2 shown to (a) The accelerator pedal stroke threshold value APS1 to be used is determined, and the lockup clutch disengaged state (non-L / U) and the lockup clutch engaged state (L / U) in the relationship between the vehicle speed VSP and the accelerator pedal stroke APS. It is a relationship diagram which shows the area | region. It is a flowchart which the control unit as a pedal effort change control means of the accelerator pedal effort control device of the first embodiment performs. FIG. 3 shows a relationship diagram of another reference example that can be applied instead of the relationship diagram shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B of the first embodiment. It is a relationship line figure which shows the reference example of the hysteresis characteristic of pedal stroke APS and the pedaling force of accelerator pedal 2, (b) is the accelerator pedal stroke which increases the pedaling force of the depression side of accelerator pedal 2 shown in Drawing 5 (a). FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram used to determine a threshold value APS2 of the engine and showing an engine fuel increase area in the relationship between the engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS. FIG. 3 shows a relationship diagram of another reference example that can be applied instead of the relationship diagram shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B of the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a relationship diagram showing a hysteresis characteristic between the pedal stroke APS and the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2, and (b) is an accelerator pedal stroke threshold value APS3 for increasing the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. The fuel increase area of the engine (the area for obtaining the planned pedal stroke APS1) in the relationship diagram between the engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS shown in FIG. ) Is set with a foreseeable area α. Based on the present invention, instead of the relationship diagram shown in FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b) of the first embodiment, the vehicle operating characteristics of the fuel increase area and the engagement and release of the lockup clutch FIG. 7 shows a relationship diagram that can be applied to change the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal 2 in multiple stages according to a plurality of operating points at which the switch is made; (a) shows the relationship between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the accelerator pedal 2; 6 is a relationship diagram showing a hysteresis characteristic with respect to a pedaling force, and (b) is a relationship between an accelerator pedal stroke APS and an accelerator pedal pressing force configured by combining FIG. 3 (b) and FIG. 5 (b). FIG. FIG. 3 shows a relationship diagram of another reference example that can be applied instead of the relationship diagram shown in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a relationship diagram showing a reference example of hysteresis characteristics between the pedal stroke APS and the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal 2, and (b) is an accelerator pedal stroke that increases the pedaling force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram that is used to determine a threshold value APS5 of the engine and illustrates a fuel efficiency range K of an operating point of the engine. FIG. 5 is a relationship diagram illustrating a stratified combustion region and a homogeneous combustion region on the relationship between the engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS in the case of a direct injection gasoline engine. It is a schematic plan view which shows the system configuration | structure of the accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus which becomes 2nd embodiment of this invention, and the structure of the accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus. It is a schematic side view which shows the structure of the accelerator pedal effort control apparatus of said 2nd embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing the system configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device and the configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present embodiment.

  The accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 controls the depression force of an accelerator pedal 2 provided on a vehicle body 1 (not shown). As will be described later, the accelerator pedal depression force control device includes an operation state detection unit that detects a state related to the driving characteristics of the vehicle 1, a pedal force change unit that changes the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2, and a state detected by the operation state detection unit. And a pedal force change control means for determining an operating point at which the driving characteristic of the vehicle is switched based on the control point and controlling a change in the pedal force of the accelerator pedal 2 by the pedal force changing means according to the operating point.

  The configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device will be described below. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the accelerator pedal 2 is provided on the rotating shaft 3 and swings about the rotating shaft 3 as a fulcrum, and one end is fixed to the vehicle body 1 and the other end is fixed to the rotating shaft 3. The return spring 4 is applied with a reaction force. Further, an accelerator stroke sensor 6 as an operation characteristic detecting means for detecting the accelerator pedal stroke APS is detected near the other end of the rotating shaft 3 while one end of the rotating shaft 3 is rotatably supported on the vehicle body 1 via a bearing 5. Is provided. Here, an engine speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the engine speed Ne and a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the vehicle speed VSP are further provided as driving characteristic detecting means.

  In this specification, the accelerator pedal stroke APS refers to the stroke state of the accelerator pedal 2, but the accelerator pedal stroke APS may be represented by an accelerator opening APO that is the stroke amount of the accelerator pedal 2. In the present embodiment, the accelerator pedal stroke and the engine throttle valve are linked to each other, and the throttle opening of the engine increases as the accelerator pedal stroke APS increases.

  The pedaling force changing means has a variable friction plate 7 as a friction force control means for controlling the friction force of the friction members 7a and 7b that apply a friction force to the rotation of the rotary shaft 3. Here, the friction member 7 a is mechanically coupled to the other end of the rotary shaft 3. Further, the friction member 7b is disposed so as to face the friction member 7a, and is provided on the fixed shaft 8 so as to be freely movable in the axial direction and restricted in rotation by a spline or the like. And mechanically coupled. Furthermore, an actuator (for example, an electromagnetic solenoid) 9 is provided on the vehicle body 1.

  The variable friction plate 7 having such a configuration can change the axial movement amount (operation amount) of the friction member 7b by the operation of the actuator 9, and thereby the friction force between the friction member 7a and the friction member 7b can be changed. Can be controlled. Then, the operation of the actuator 9 is controlled by the control unit 10. The control unit 10 functions as the pedal effort change control means as will be described later.

  That is, the control unit 10 has a signal from the driving characteristic detecting means, that is, a signal from the accelerator stroke sensor 6 for detecting the accelerator stroke APS, and a signal from an engine speed sensor (not shown) for detecting the engine speed Ne. Information for determining an operating point at which the driving characteristics of the vehicle are switched, such as a signal from a vehicle speed sensor (not shown) that detects the vehicle speed VSP, is input.

  Then, as will be described later, the control unit 10 determines that the lockup clutch (not shown) is engaged and disengaged as a change in the driving characteristics of the vehicle, and the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 when the lockup clutch is released. Is increased so that it is greater than the pedaling force when the lockup clutch is engaged (heavy pedaling).

  FIG. 3A is a relationship diagram showing a reference example of hysteresis characteristics between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2. FIG. 3 (b) is used to determine the threshold value APS1 of the accelerator pedal stroke APS for increasing the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. 3 (a). The vehicle speed VSP and the accelerator pedal stroke APS In the relationship, the lock-up clutch disengaged state (non-L / U) region (region A indicated by the hatched portion on the left side of the relationship diagram L1 in FIG. 3B) and the lock-up clutch engaged state (L / U) It is a relationship diagram which shows these area | regions.

  Based on the relationship diagram of FIG. 3 (b), the control unit 10 determines whether the lock-up clutch is released (non-L / U) or engaged (L / L) based on the signals of the input vehicle speed VSP and the accelerator pedal stroke APS. U) is determined. When the lockup clutch is in the engaged state (L / U), the value of the accelerator pedal stroke APS corresponding to the vehicle speed VSP input from the vehicle speed sensor on the relationship diagram L1 in FIG. Can be sought. For example, when the vehicle speed is VSP1, the value ASP1 of the accelerator pedal stroke ASP is a threshold value for increasing the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2 as shown in the figure.

  The accelerator pedal stroke APS on the depression side detected by the accelerator stroke sensor 6 is obtained from the relationship diagram of FIG. 3B by performing the processing of the flowchart of FIG. 4 to be described later according to the relationship diagram of FIG. When the threshold value APS1 is reached, as shown in FIG. 1, the control unit outputs a signal Y to the actuator 9 constituting the pedal effort changing means. Based on this signal, the axial movement amount (operation amount) of the friction member 7b of the variable friction plate 7 is changed by the operation of the actuator 9, and the friction force between the friction member 7a and the friction member 7b increases. Thus, when the value of the accelerator pedal stroke APS reaches the threshold value APS1 from the region of the lockup clutch engaged state (L / U), the pedaling force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 is increased, and the lockup clutch released state (non-L / U), the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 is increased. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3A, in the portion where the accelerator pedal stroke APS exceeds the threshold value APS1, it is possible to increase the pedaling force by the pedaling force increasing region B indicated by the oblique lines.

  That is, if the control unit 10 determines that the depression force is the depression force on the depression side from the signal of the direction of the angle change of the rotating shaft 3 detected by the accelerator stroke sensor 6, the driving characteristics of the vehicle shown in the relationship diagram of FIG. 4 is performed based on the input signal X including the above information.

  In this flowchart, first, in step S1, the condition that the accelerator pedal stroke APS increases the pedal depression force in the relationship between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the accelerator pedal depression force shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the accelerator pedal stroke APS is equal to or greater than the threshold value APS1 in this embodiment. As a result, when it is determined that the condition for increasing the pedal depression force is satisfied (YES), the process proceeds to step S2, and the accelerator pedal depression force increasing process is performed.

  In the accelerator pedal depression force increasing process, the control unit 10 operates the actuator 9 by the input signal Y to the actuator 9 to control the friction member 7b to move in the arrow A1 direction. As a result, the axial pressing force of the friction member 7b against the friction member 7a (the friction force between the friction members) is changed to be large, and the processing of this flowchart ends.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the above condition for increasing the pedal effort is not satisfied (NO), the process proceeds to step S3, the accelerator pedal depression force increasing process is canceled, and the accelerator pedal stroke is gently changed. The accelerator pedal depression force is maintained to change, and the process of this flowchart is terminated.

  According to the processing of the above flowchart, the control unit as the pedal force change control means determines the operating point at which the driving characteristics of the vehicle are switched based on the state (vehicle speed) detected by the driving state detecting means, and the pedal force according to the operating point The change of the accelerator pedal depression force (stepping response) by the changing means is controlled. As shown in FIG. 3A, the accelerator pedal depression force can be increased by increasing the accelerator pedal depression force at the threshold value APS1. Therefore, switching of the driving characteristics of the vehicle, such as engagement / release of the lock-up clutch whose operating point changes with parameters other than the accelerator pedal opening degree (engagement / release of the lock-up clutch whose operating point changes according to the vehicle speed in this embodiment). Even if it is a change, by changing the pedal force of the accelerator pedal 2 (in this embodiment, the response of the accelerator pedal 2 becomes heavy), it is possible to accurately inform the driver of the change in vehicle characteristics.

  When the controller unit 10 determines that the pedal force is on the return side from the signal of the direction of change in the angle of the rotating shaft 3 detected by the accelerator stroke sensor 6, as shown in FIG. A signal Y is input to the actuator 9 so that the accelerator pedal stroke is controlled to control the friction member 7b.

  Further, instead of obtaining a threshold value for increasing the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal based on the relational diagrams of FIGS. 3 (a) and 3 (b), FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b), FIG. 6 (a), (b), FIG. 7 (a), (b) or FIG. 8 (a), (b) may be used to increase the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal 2.

  FIG. 5A is a relationship diagram showing a reference example of the hysteresis characteristic between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2. FIG. 5B is used to determine the accelerator pedal stroke threshold value APS2 for increasing the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. 5A. The engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS are shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a relationship diagram showing a fuel increase region (region C indicated by oblique lines in the upper part of the relationship diagram L2 in FIG. 5B) at the engine operating point. As shown in FIG. 5B, for example, when the boundary line L2 of the fuel increase region is determined as the operating point of the driving characteristics of the vehicle, the detected engine speed Ne (for example, Ne2 shown in FIG. 5B). ) Is the threshold value APS2.

  Based on FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. 5 (b), processing similar to that in the flowchart shown in FIG. 4 is performed to control the accelerator pedal depression force, so that the operating point of the engine enters the fuel increase range. The response of the accelerator pedal 2 can be made heavier when Therefore, as shown in FIG. 5 (a), in the portion where the accelerator pedal stroke APS exceeds the threshold value APS2, the pedal effort increases by the amount of fuel increase area D indicated by diagonal lines. This makes it possible to accurately inform the driver of the vehicle characteristic switching information that the engine operating point has entered the fuel increase range, and the driver is unconscious even if the engine operating point has entered the fuel consumption deterioration range. Therefore, it is possible to improve the fuel consumption.

  FIG. 6A is a relationship diagram showing a reference example of the hysteresis characteristic between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. 3A, and increases the accelerator pedal effort. In the accelerator pedal stroke APS, a prediction area α2 of the pedal stroke corresponding to the prediction area α1 preset outside the fuel consumption increase area E in the upper part of the relationship diagram L3 shown in FIG. 6B described later is set as the threshold value APS1. Thus, the threshold value APS3 is set. FIG. 6 (b) is used to determine the accelerator pedal stroke threshold APS3 for increasing the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. 6 (a), and is shown in FIG. 3 (b). A foreseeable region α1 is set outside the fuel consumption increase region (region for obtaining the planned accelerator pedal stroke APS1) E at the operating point of the engine in the relationship diagram between the engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS. Then, an accelerator pedal stroke APS3 corresponding to the detected engine speed Ne (for example, the engine speed Ne3 in FIG. 6B) is obtained on the boundary line outside the foreseeing area α1, and this APS3 is determined as shown in FIG. It is set as the threshold value which increases the accelerator pedal depression force.

  Based on the relationship diagrams of FIGS. 6 (a) and 6 (b), the process similar to the process of the flowchart shown in FIG. Since the accelerator pedal strokes that enter the range, that is, before the accelerator pedal stroke when the fuel consumption deteriorates, the response of the accelerator pedal becomes heavy, the driver is aware of the operating point of the engine before entering the region where the engine fuel consumption is deteriorated. It is possible to prevent the fuel consumption from deteriorating and further improve the fuel consumption.

  7 (a) and 7 (b) are based on the present invention, and the relationship diagram of FIG. 3 (a) and FIG. 3 (b) and the relationship diagram of FIG. 5 (a) and FIG. The operating point at which the driving characteristics of the vehicle are switched is used as the fuel increase area of the engagement / release of the lock-up clutch and the operating point of the engine according to the multiple operating points at which the driving characteristics of the vehicle are switched. The pedal force of the accelerator pedal 2 is changed in multiple stages (here, two stages). Note that the threshold APS1 is set to the threshold APS3 by setting the foreseeable area α2 to the threshold APS1 in the same manner as in the relation diagram shown in FIG. Further, the threshold value APS2 for engaging and releasing the lockup clutch is outside the region of the engaged state (L / U) divided by the relationship diagram L4 between the vehicle speed VSP and the accelerator pedal stroke APS shown in FIG. That is, the foreseeing area β1 is set as shown before entering the area of the non-engaged state (non-L / U) from the area of the engaged state (L / U). Then, an accelerator pedal stroke APS4 corresponding to the detected vehicle speed VSP (for example, the vehicle speed VSP4 in FIG. 7B) is obtained on the boundary line L4 of the foreseeable area β1. By setting this APS4 as a threshold value for increasing the accelerator pedal depression force, as shown in FIG. 7A, the foreseeable region β2 of the pedal stroke corresponding to the foreseeable region β1 in FIG. 7B is set to APS2.

  Based on the relationship diagrams of FIGS. 7A and 7B, the accelerator pedal stroke APS is set to the threshold value APS3 by performing the same processing as the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. When the threshold value APS4 is reached, the response of the accelerator pedal 2 becomes heavier in two steps as indicated by the pedal effort increasing regions G and H in FIG. Therefore, when the response of the accelerator pedal becomes heavier each time these driving characteristics are switched, information on the switching of these two types of driving characteristics is output respectively, and the driver is able to output the engine fuel increase area and the lock-up clutch. It is possible to know the two operating points of fastening and releasing. In addition, since the preview areas α1 and β2 are set at the respective operating points, the driver can foresee the accelerator pedal stroke that reliably enters the operating points before entering the operating points. Although two operating points are used here, the accelerator pedal depression force can also be controlled using a relationship diagram based on a plurality of three or more operating points of the vehicle.

  FIG. 8A is a relationship diagram showing a reference example of the hysteresis characteristic between the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the depression force of the accelerator pedal 2. The relationship diagram of FIG. 8 (a) increases the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 with the accelerator pedal stroke value APS5 as a threshold value, and the shaded area I in the figure indicates the depression force increase area. Yes. FIG. 8 (b) is used to determine the accelerator pedal stroke threshold APS5 for increasing the depression force on the depression side of the accelerator pedal 2 shown in FIG. 8 (a). It is a relationship diagram to illustrate. In FIG. 8B, the relationship diagram L5, the relationship diagram L6, the relationship diagram L7, and the relationship diagram L8 indicate the iso-fuel consumption line, and the inner hatched area surrounded by the iso-fuel consumption line L5 indicated by the bold line. J indicates the fuel efficiency range of the operating point of the engine. On the iso-fuel consumption line L5, an accelerator pedal stroke APS5 corresponding to the detected engine speed Ne (for example, engine speed Ne5 in FIG. 8B) is obtained, and this APS5 is determined as the accelerator pedal depression force in FIG. The threshold value is increased.

  Based on the relationship diagrams of FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, the operation point of the engine increases the fuel consumption by performing the same processing as the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. When entering the region, it is possible to increase the accelerator pedal depression force and increase the response of the accelerator pedal 2, so that it is possible to foresee the accelerator pedal stroke in which the fuel consumption deteriorates in advance. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the driver from consciously entering the fuel consumption increase region, and further improve the fuel consumption.

  By the way, in a direct-injection gasoline engine or the like, there are cases where the combustion method of stratified combustion and homogeneous combustion is used properly. In such a case, the relationship between the engine speed Ne and the accelerator pedal stroke APS is, for example, as shown in FIG. It can be divided into two regions, a stratified combustion region and a homogeneous combustion region. In this stratified combustion region, an air-fuel mixture layer is formed near the ignition plug in the combustion chamber, and an air layer is formed around it. It is advantageous in some cases. On the other hand, in the homogeneous combustion region, high output is possible by combustion in a state where the air-fuel mixture in the combustion chamber is homogeneous, which is advantageous when power performance is important.

  Therefore, based on the relationship diagram of FIG. 9 described above, the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the above embodiment is controlled to increase the depression force of the accelerator pedal when switching from the stratified combustion region to the homogeneous combustion region. Can be aware of the switching between the stratified combustion region and the homogeneous combustion region. As a result, the driver can recognize the timing when switching to high output is performed, so that safe driving operation can be performed even in a sudden change to high output. In addition, since it is possible to operate the accelerator pedal appropriately depending on whether the driver emphasizes fuel efficiency or power performance, fuel efficiency can be further improved while ensuring power performance.

  FIG. 10 is a schematic plan view showing the system configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device and the configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic side view showing the configuration of the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present embodiment. In addition, here, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to what has the structure similar to the accelerator pedal effort control apparatus of said 1st embodiment, description is abbreviate | omitted, and only a different part from 1st embodiment is demonstrated.

  The pedal force change means of the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present embodiment includes a first friction plate 11a that is mechanically coupled to the rotary shaft 3, a first friction plate 11a that is opposed to the first friction plate 11a, and mechanically connected to the vehicle body 1 side. And a fixed friction plate 11 as a first friction control means having a friction member having a second friction plate 11b coupled to the first friction plate 11b. That is, here, instead of the bearing 5 provided on the rotating shaft 3 in the first embodiment, the first friction plate 11a is mechanically coupled to one end of the rotating shaft 3. Further, the second friction plate 11b is disposed to face the first friction plate 11a, and is mechanically coupled to the vehicle body 1 side.

  And the variable friction plate 7 as a 2nd friction control means is provided similarly to the said 1st embodiment, but the one-way clutch 12 is further provided here so that it may mention later. That is, the variable friction plate 7 is disposed opposite the third friction plate 7a and the third friction plate (friction member) 7a mechanically coupled to the rotary shaft 3 as in the first embodiment. And a fourth friction plate (friction member) 7b that is mechanically coupled to the vehicle body 1 side. Further, a one-way clutch 12 is provided between the rotating shaft 3 and the third friction plate 7a so that the rotating shaft 3 and the third friction plate 7a are directly connected only when the accelerator pedal 2 is depressed. It has been.

  The fixed friction plate 11 is set to have the hysteresis characteristics shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B shown in the first embodiment. Further, with respect to the return side pedal force, the friction force is not transmitted to the rotating shaft 3 due to the action of the one-way clutch 12, and therefore, the friction force is applied to the rotation of the rotating shaft 3 only by the stepping force on the stepping side of the fixed friction plate 11.

  By the way, in the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the first embodiment, it cannot be said that there is no possibility that the accelerator pedal 2 is difficult to return if the variable friction plate 7, the actuator 9, or the like should break down.

  However, according to the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the second embodiment, it is possible to obtain the same hysteresis characteristics as in FIGS. 3A and 3B shown in the first embodiment, and the same as in the first embodiment. In addition to obtaining the effect, even if the variable friction plate 7 or the actuator 9 or the like breaks down, the return performance of the accelerator pedal 2 is achieved by the one-way clutch 12 provided on the fixed friction plate 11 and the variable friction plate 7. Can be secured.

  As in the first embodiment, instead of obtaining a threshold value for increasing the pedal effort of the accelerator pedal based on the relational diagrams in FIGS. 3A and 3B, FIG. 5 (a), (b), FIG. 6 (a), (b), FIG. 7 (a), (b), FIG. 8 (a), (b) or FIG. You may increase the treading force. In addition, the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present invention may be applied to general control of a vehicle that is performed by operating the accelerator pedal in conjunction with the accelerator pedal. In this way, the driver can know the timing of the operating point at which various driving characteristics are switched, so that a safe driving operation can be performed even when the vehicle changes suddenly.

  While the present invention has been described based on the illustrated examples, the present invention is not limited to the above-described examples, and can be appropriately changed within the scope of the claims. For example, the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present invention may be applied to general driving characteristic control in conjunction with an accelerator pedal of a vehicle. Further, in the accelerator pedal depression force control device of the present invention, what is detected as the driving state or road surface condition of the vehicle is not limited to the parameters detected in the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed as necessary. Furthermore, the hysteresis characteristics of the accelerator pedal stroke APS and the accelerator pedal depression force are not limited to the characteristics shown in the above embodiment, and can be changed as necessary.

  Thus, according to the accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus of the present invention, there are two types of switching of the driving characteristics of the vehicle in which the operating point changes with parameters other than the accelerator pedal stroke (for example, release of the lockup clutch and switching to the fuel increasing region). Even if there is an approach or the like), the change of the response of the accelerator pedal when they are switched can accurately inform the driver of the switching of each driving characteristic.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Car body 2 Accelerator pedal 3 Rotating shaft 4 Return spring 5 Bearing 6 Accelerator stroke sensor (operation state detection means)
7 Variable friction plate (Treading force change means)
7a Third friction plate 7b Fourth friction plate 8 Fixed shaft (stepping force changing means)
9 Actuator (Treading force change means)
10 Control unit (stepping force change control means)
11 Fixed friction plate 12 One-way clutch

Claims (14)

Pedal force changing means for changing the pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle;
Driving state detecting means for detecting a state relating to two types of driving characteristics of the vehicle;
Based on the state detected by the driving state detection means, when the first driving characteristic of the two types of driving characteristics is switched, the pedal force of the accelerator pedal is increased, and the second driving characteristic of the two types of driving characteristics is increased. Control the operation of the pedal force changing means so that the information on the switching of the driving characteristic is transmitted to the driver by increasing the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal by increasing the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal even when the characteristic switches. Pedal force change control means for
Accelerator pedal force control device.   2. The accelerator according to claim 1, wherein when the second driving characteristic is switched, the pedaling force change control unit further increases the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal that is increased when the first driving characteristic is switched. Pedal pedal force control device.   3. Either one of the time when the first driving characteristic is switched and the time when the second driving characteristic is switched is related to the entry of the vehicle engine into the fuel increase range. The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to claim 1.   The accelerator according to claim 3, wherein the other of the time when the first driving characteristic is switched and the time when the second driving characteristic is switched is related to the release of the lock-up clutch of the torque converter of the vehicle. Pedal pedal force control device.   3. The method according to claim 1, wherein one of the time when the first driving characteristic is switched and the time when the second driving characteristic is switched is related to release of a lockup clutch of the torque converter of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal depression force control apparatus as described.   The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the pedal effort changing means increases the depression force of the accelerator pedal stepwise. Pedal force changing means for changing the pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle;
Driving state detecting means for detecting a state relating to two types of driving characteristics of the vehicle;
Based on the state detected by the driving state detection means, the pedal force of the accelerator pedal is increased when entering the foreseeable region before the first driving characteristic is switched among the two types of driving characteristics, and the two types of driving characteristics are The information indicating that the driving characteristic is about to be switched is increased by increasing the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal even when entering the foreseeable region before the switching of the second driving characteristic. Pedal force change control means for controlling the operation of the pedal force change means so as to convey to the driver at
Accelerator pedal force control device.   The pedaling force change control means increases the pedaling force of the accelerator pedal that is increased when entering the foreseeing region before the switching of the first driving characteristic when entering the foreseeing region before the switching of the second driving characteristic. The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to claim 7, further increasing   Either the time when entering the foreseeing region before the first driving characteristic is switched or the time when entering the foreseeing region before the second operating characteristic is switched is that the fuel increasing amount of the engine of the vehicle is The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to claim 7 or 8, which is related to an approach.   The other of the time when entering the foreseeing region before the first driving characteristic is switched and the time when entering the foreseeing region before the second driving characteristic is switched is for releasing the lock-up clutch of the torque converter of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to claim 9, which is related.   One of the time when entering the foreseeing region before the first driving characteristic is switched and the time when entering the foreseeing region before the second driving characteristic is switched is the release of the lock-up clutch of the torque converter of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein   The accelerator pedal depression force control device according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the pedal effort changing means increases the depression force of the accelerator pedal in a stepwise manner. Pedal force changing means for changing the pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle;
Driving state detecting means for detecting a state relating to a plurality of driving characteristics of the vehicle;
Based on the state detected by the driving state detection means, for each of the plurality of driving characteristics, by increasing the pedal force of the accelerator pedal when the driving characteristics are switched, the information on the switching of the driving characteristics is respectively An accelerator pedal force control device comprising: pedal force change control means for controlling the operation of the pedal force changing means so as to inform the driver of an increase in the pedal force of the accelerator pedal. Pedal force changing means for changing the pedal force of an accelerator pedal provided in the vehicle;
Driving state detecting means for detecting a state relating to a plurality of driving characteristics of the vehicle;
Based on the state detected by the driving state detection means, for each of the plurality of driving characteristics, the driving characteristic is switched by increasing the depression force of the accelerator pedal when entering the foreseeable region before the driving characteristics are switched. An accelerator pedal pedaling force control device comprising: pedal force change control means for controlling the operation of the pedal force changing means so that information indicating that the pedal pedal is about to change is transmitted to the driver by increasing the pedal force of the accelerator pedal.

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