JP7460488B2 - accelerator pedal device - Google Patents

accelerator pedal device Download PDF

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Publication number
JP7460488B2
JP7460488B2 JP2020149738A JP2020149738A JP7460488B2 JP 7460488 B2 JP7460488 B2 JP 7460488B2 JP 2020149738 A JP2020149738 A JP 2020149738A JP 2020149738 A JP2020149738 A JP 2020149738A JP 7460488 B2 JP7460488 B2 JP 7460488B2
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accelerator pedal
return spring
housing
arm
pedal arm
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JP2022044214A (en
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智 宮崎
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Mikuni Corp
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Mikuni Corp
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    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
    • B60K26/02—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles of initiating means or elements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T7/00—Brake-action initiating means
    • B60T7/02—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation
    • B60T7/04—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation foot actuated
    • B60T7/042—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation foot actuated by electrical means, e.g. using travel or force sensors
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T7/00—Brake-action initiating means
    • B60T7/02—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation
    • B60T7/04—Brake-action initiating means for personal initiation foot actuated
    • B60T7/06—Disposition of pedal
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • G05G5/03—Means for enhancing the operator's awareness of arrival of the controlling member at a command or datum position; Providing feel, e.g. means for creating a counterforce
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G5/00—Means for preventing, limiting or returning the movements of parts of a control mechanism, e.g. locking controlling member
    • G05G5/05—Means for returning or tending to return controlling members to an inoperative or neutral position, e.g. by providing return springs or resilient end-stops
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60T—VEHICLE BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF; BRAKE CONTROL SYSTEMS OR PARTS THEREOF, IN GENERAL; ARRANGEMENT OF BRAKING ELEMENTS ON VEHICLES IN GENERAL; PORTABLE DEVICES FOR PREVENTING UNWANTED MOVEMENT OF VEHICLES; VEHICLE MODIFICATIONS TO FACILITATE COOLING OF BRAKES
    • B60T2220/00—Monitoring, detecting driver behaviour; Signalling thereof; Counteracting thereof
    • B60T2220/04—Pedal travel sensor, stroke sensor; Sensing brake request
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • G05G1/38—Controlling members actuated by foot comprising means to continuously detect pedal position
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • G05G1/44—Controlling members actuated by foot pivoting

Description

本発明は、車両等に適用されるアクセルペダル装置に関し、特に、アクセルペダルを休止位置に戻す複数の戻しバネを備えたアクセルペダル装置に関する。 The present invention relates to an accelerator pedal device for use in vehicles, and in particular to an accelerator pedal device equipped with multiple return springs that return the accelerator pedal to a rest position.

従来のアクセルペダル装置としては、アクセルペダルに連結され支点を中心として回動するアクセルアームと、支点からの離隔距離がそれぞれ異なる位置においてアクセルアームに掛止された引張り型の二つのコイルバネを備えたアクセル機構が知られている（例えば、特許文献１）。 A conventional accelerator pedal device is known to have an accelerator arm that is connected to the accelerator pedal and rotates around a fulcrum, and an accelerator mechanism that includes two tension-type coil springs that are attached to the accelerator arm at positions that are spaced apart from the fulcrum by different distances (for example, see Patent Document 1).

この装置において、アクセルペダルの踏込みが小さい領域では、一方のコイルバネの張力が主として作用し、アクセルペダルの踏込みが大きい領域では、両方のコイルバネの張力が作用するものである。すなわち、踏力特性としては、踏込みが小さい領域で踏力が小さく、踏込みが大きい領域で踏力が大きくなるものの、二つのコイルバネの合成付勢力が常に作用する一つの踏力特性が得られるものである。
したがって、非力な運転者にとっては、特に踏込み量が大きい領域において、アクセルペダルが重く、操作性が悪いと感じる虞がある。 In this device, the tension of one coil spring mainly acts in a region where the accelerator pedal is pressed lightly, and the tension of both coil springs acts in a region where the accelerator pedal is pressed heavily. That is, as for the pedal force characteristic, the pedal force is small in the area where the pedal is depressed, and the pedal force is large in the area where the pedal is large, but one pedal force characteristic is obtained in which the combined biasing force of the two coil springs always acts.
Therefore, a weak driver may feel that the accelerator pedal is heavy and has poor operability, especially in a region where the amount of depression is large.

また、他のアクセルペダル装置としては、アクセルペダルを有するペダルアームと、ペダルアームを軸部回りに回動自在に支持するハウジングと、ペダルアームの上端部に付勢力を及ぼすべく入れ子状に配置された圧縮型の二つのコイルバネを備えたアクセル装置が知られている（例えば、特許文献２）。 Another known accelerator pedal device is one that includes a pedal arm with an accelerator pedal, a housing that supports the pedal arm so that it can rotate freely around an axis, and two compression coil springs nested together to apply a biasing force to the upper end of the pedal arm (see, for example, Patent Document 2).

この装置においても、前述の従来例のように、二つのコイルバネの合成付勢力が常に作用する一つの踏力特性が得られるものである。
したがって、非力な運転者にとっては、特に踏込み量が大きい領域において、アクセルペダルが重く、操作性が悪いと感じる虞がある。 This device also provides one pedal force characteristic in which the combined biasing force of the two coil springs always acts, as in the prior art example described above.
Therefore, a weak driver may feel that the accelerator pedal is heavy and has poor operability, especially in a region where the amount of depression is large.

特開２００１－２２５６６５号公報Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-225665 特開２００４－１０８２１４号公報JP 2004-108214 A

本発明は、上記のような従来技術の問題点に鑑みて成されたものであり、構造の簡素化、小型化等を図り、安価で、簡単な操作により軽重の二種類の踏力特性のいずれかに選択的に切り換えることのできるアクセルペダル装置を提供することにある。 The present invention was made in consideration of the problems of the conventional technology as described above, and aims to provide an accelerator pedal device that is simple in structure, compact, inexpensive, and can be selectively switched between two types of depression force characteristics, light and heavy, with a simple operation.

本発明のアクセルペダル装置は、アクセルペダルを有するペダルアームと、ペダルアームを所定の軸線回りに回動自在に支持するハウジングと、ペダルアームを休止位置に戻すべく配置された主戻しバネと、ペダルアームを休止位置に戻す付勢力を生じる副戻しバネと、副戻しバネがペダルアームに対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態と付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態とを選択的に切り換える切換ユニットとを備え、切換ユニットは、副戻しバネの第１端部が掛止されると共にペダルアームの回動に追従して移動し得る可動部材と、作用状態において可動部材の移動を規制しかつ非作用状態において可動部材の移動を許容するべく操作可能な操作部材を含む、構成となっている。 The accelerator pedal device of the present invention comprises a pedal arm having an accelerator pedal, a housing that supports the pedal arm so that it can rotate freely around a predetermined axis, a main return spring arranged to return the pedal arm to its rest position, a secondary return spring that generates a biasing force that returns the pedal arm to its rest position, and a switching unit that selectively switches between an active state in which the secondary return spring exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm and a non-active state in which the secondary return spring does not exert a biasing force, the switching unit including a movable member to which a first end of the secondary return spring is hooked and which can move in response to the rotation of the pedal arm, and an operating member that can be operated to restrict the movement of the movable member in the active state and to allow the movement of the movable member in the non-active state.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、ペダルアームは、作用状態において可動部材が離脱しかつ非作用状態において副戻しバネの付勢力により可動部材が当接する受け部を含む、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the pedal arm may be configured to include a receiving portion to which the movable member disengages in an actuated state and against which the movable member abuts due to the biasing force of the secondary return spring in a non-actuated state.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、主戻しバネは、伸縮コイルバネであり、副戻しバネは、捩りコイルバネであり、可動部材は、副戻しバネと同軸上において回動する回動部材である、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the main return spring may be an expansion coil spring, the auxiliary return spring may be a torsion coil spring, and the movable member may be a rotating member that rotates coaxially with the auxiliary return spring.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、ペダルアームは、軸線を中心とする円筒部と、円筒部から上方に伸長する上側アームと、円筒部から下方に伸長すると共にアクセルペダルを有する下側アームを含み、副戻しバネは、軸線上において円筒部の領域に配置されると共に第２端部が円筒部の一部に掛止され、回動部材は、ハウジング内において軸線回りに回動自在に配置されると共に作用状態において移動が規制されるべく操作部材と係合する係合部を含む、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the pedal arm may include a cylindrical portion centered on the axis, an upper arm extending upward from the cylindrical portion, and a lower arm extending downward from the cylindrical portion and having the accelerator pedal, the secondary return spring is disposed in the area of the cylindrical portion on the axis and has a second end hooked to a part of the cylindrical portion, and the rotating member is disposed within the housing so as to be freely rotatable about the axis and includes an engaging portion that engages with the operating member so as to restrict movement in an actuated state.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、係合部は、ハウジングを通して外側に配置され、操作部材は、ハウジングの外側に往復動自在に保持され、係合部から離脱して回動部材の回動を許容し、係合部と係合して回動部材の回動を規制する規制部を含む、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the engaging portion may be disposed on the outside through the housing, the operating member may be held reciprocally on the outside of the housing, and may include a restricting portion that disengages from the engaging portion to allow the rotating member to rotate, and engages with the engaging portion to restrict the rotation of the rotating member.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、係合部は、ハウジング内に配置され、操作部材は、ハウジングの外側から内側に貫通して往復動自在に保持され、係合部から離脱して回動部材の回動を許容し、係合部と係合して回動部材の回動を規制する規制部を含む、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the engaging portion may be disposed within the housing, the operating member may pass through the housing from the outside to the inside and be held so as to be freely reciprocable, and may include a restricting portion that disengages from the engaging portion to allow the rotating member to rotate, and engages with the engaging portion to restrict the rotation of the rotating member.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、ペダルアームの回転角度位置を検出する位置センサをさらに含み、回動部材及び副戻しバネと位置センサは、軸線を中心とする同軸上に配置されている、構成を採用してもよい。 The accelerator pedal device may further include a position sensor that detects the rotational angle position of the pedal arm, and the rotating member, the auxiliary return spring, and the position sensor may be arranged coaxially with the axis line as the center.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、主戻しバネは、円筒部の近傍において上側アーム寄りに配置されている、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the main return spring may be arranged near the cylindrical portion and toward the upper arm.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、アクセルペダルの踏込み操作及び戻し操作における踏力にヒステリシスを発生するヒステリシス発生機構をさらに含む、構成を採用いてもよい。 The accelerator pedal device may be configured to further include a hysteresis generating mechanism that generates hysteresis in the pedal force when the accelerator pedal is depressed and released.

上記アクセルペダル装置において、ヒステリシス発生機構は、ハウジングの内壁を摺動するスライダと、スライダを押し戻しつつハウジングに押し付ける付勢力を及ぼす付勢バネを含み、スライダは、ペダルアームの上端部と係合するように配置されている、構成を採用してもよい。 In the above accelerator pedal device, the hysteresis generating mechanism may include a slider that slides on the inner wall of the housing and a biasing spring that exerts a biasing force that pushes the slider back against the housing, and the slider is positioned so as to engage with the upper end of the pedal arm.

上記構成をなすアクセルペダル装置によれば、構造の簡素化、小型化等を達成しつつ、安価で、簡単な操作により軽重の二種類の踏力特性のいずれかに選択的に切り換えることのできるアクセルペダル装置を得ることができる。 The accelerator pedal device configured as above can provide an accelerator pedal device that is inexpensive, has a simple structure, is compact, and can be selectively switched between two types of depression force characteristics, light and heavy, with a simple operation.

本発明に係るアクセルペダル装置の一実施形態を示す外観斜視図である。1 is an external perspective view showing an embodiment of an accelerator pedal device according to the present invention; 図１に示すアクセルペダル装置を反対側から視た外観斜視図である。2 is an external perspective view of the accelerator pedal device shown in FIG. 1 as viewed from the opposite side. FIG. 図１に示すアクセルペダル装置の分解斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the accelerator pedal device shown in FIG. 1 . アクセルペダル装置に含まれるハウジング本体を示す斜視図である。It is a perspective view showing a housing main body included in an accelerator pedal device. アクセルペダル装置において、ペダルアームが休止位置にある状態を示す断面図である。2 is a cross-sectional view showing the accelerator pedal device in a state where the pedal arm is in a rest position. FIG. アクセルペダル装置に含まれる可動部材、副戻しバネ、ペダルアームの一部を示す分解斜視図である。2 is an exploded perspective view showing a movable member, a secondary return spring, and a part of a pedal arm included in the accelerator pedal device. FIG. アクセルペダル装置に含まれる可動部材の外観斜視図である。FIG. 2 is an external perspective view of a movable member included in the accelerator pedal device. アクセルペダル装置において、切換ユニット（可動部材、副戻しバネ、操作部材）、ペダルアーム、ハウジングの関係を示す部分断面図である。2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between a switching unit (a movable member, a secondary return spring, and an operating member), a pedal arm, and a housing in an accelerator pedal device. FIG. アクセルペダル装置において、操作部材が可動部材の移動を規制する規制状態と操作部材が可動部材の移動を許容する規制解除状態を示す断面図である。4A and 4B are cross-sectional views showing an accelerator pedal device in a restricted state in which an operating member restricts movement of a movable member and in a non-restricted state in which the operating member allows movement of the movable member. アクセルペダル装置において、ペダルアームが休止位置にある状態で、可動部材、副戻しバネ、ペダルアームの関係を示す部分断面図である。2 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between a movable member, a secondary return spring, and a pedal arm in an accelerator pedal device when the pedal arm is in a rest position. FIG. アクセルペダル装置において、操作部材が可動部材の移動を許容する状態でかつペダルアームが最大踏込み位置に移動した状態において、可動部材、副戻しバネ、ペダルアームの関係を示す部分断面図である。4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the movable member, the auxiliary return spring, and the pedal arm in an accelerator pedal device in a state where an operating member allows the movable member to move and the pedal arm has moved to a maximum depression position. FIG. アクセルペダル装置において、操作部材が可動部材の移動を規制する状態でかつペダルアームが最大踏込み位置に移動した状態において、可動部材、副戻しバネ、ペダルアームの関係を示す部分断面図である。4 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the movable member, the auxiliary return spring, and the pedal arm in a state in which the operating member restricts the movement of the movable member and the pedal arm is moved to a maximum depression position in an accelerator pedal device. FIG. アクセルペダル装置の踏力特性を示すグラフである。4 is a graph showing depression force characteristics of an accelerator pedal device. アクセルペダル装置に含まれる切換ユニットの操作部材及び可動部材の他の実施形態を示す外観斜視図である。FIG. 7 is an external perspective view showing another embodiment of the operating member and movable member of the switching unit included in the accelerator pedal device. 図１４に示す実施形態において、操作部材が可動部材の移動を規制する規制状態と操作部材が可動部材の移動を許容する規制解除状態を示す断面図である。FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a restriction state in which the operating member restricts movement of the movable member and a restriction release state in which the operating member allows movement of the movable member in the embodiment shown in FIG. 14 .

以下、本発明の実施の形態について、添付図面を参照しつつ説明する。
一実施形態に係るアクセルペダル装置は、図１ないし図８に示すように、自動車等の車体に固定されるハウジング１０、ペダルアーム２０、主戻しバネ３０、副戻しバネ４０、可動部材としての回動部材５０、操作部材６０、位置センサ７０、ヒステリシス発生機構８０を備えている。
ここでは、回動部材５０及び操作部材６０により、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して、付勢力を及ぼす作用状態と、付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態と、を手動操作により選択的に切り換える切換ユニットＵが構成されている。 Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
As shown in Figures 1 to 8, an accelerator pedal device according to one embodiment includes a housing 10 fixed to the body of an automobile or the like, a pedal arm 20, a main return spring 30, an auxiliary return spring 40, a rotating member 50 as a movable member, an operating member 60, a position sensor 70, and a hysteresis generating mechanism 80.
Here, the rotating member 50 and the operating member 60 form a switching unit U that selectively switches, by manual operation, between an active state in which the auxiliary return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20 and a non-active state in which it does not exert a biasing force.

ハウジング１０は、樹脂材料により二分割構造に形成されており、互いに連結されて軸線Ｓを画定する第１ハウジング１１及び第２ハウジング１２により構成されている。
第１ハウジング１１は、図４に示すように、軸線Ｓに垂直な側壁部１１ａ、外周壁部１１ｂ、軸線Ｓを中心とする円筒部１１ｃ、開口部１１ｄ、摺動面１１ｅ，１１ｆ、バネ受け部１１ｇ，１１ｈ、休止ストッパ１１ｉ、全開ストッパ１１ｊ、第２ハウジング１２を連結する連結部１１ｋ、第２ハウジング１２を締結するネジＢを捩じ込むネジ穴１１ｍ、スナップフィット用の凸部１１ｎ、車体等に固定するボルトを通す貫通孔を有するフランジ部１１ｐ、操作部材６０を往復動自在に保持する保持部１１ｑを備えている。 The housing 10 is made of a resin material and has a two-piece structure, and is composed of a first housing 11 and a second housing 12 that are connected to each other to define an axis S.
As shown in FIG. 4, the first housing 11 includes a side wall portion 11a perpendicular to the axis S, an outer peripheral wall portion 11b, a cylindrical portion 11c centered on the axis S, an opening 11d, sliding surfaces 11e, 11f, spring bearing portions 11g, 11h, a pause stopper 11i, a fully-open stopper 11j, a connecting portion 11k that connects the second housing 12, a screw hole 11m into which a screw B that fastens the second housing 12 is screwed, a convex portion 11n for snap-fitting, a flange portion 11p having a through hole through which a bolt for fixing to a vehicle body or the like is passed, and a holding portion 11q that holds the operating member 60 so that it can move back and forth freely.

円筒部１１ｃは、図８に示すように、その外周面に軸受ＲＢを介して円筒部２１を嵌合させてペダルアーム２０を軸線Ｓ回りに回動自在に支持すると共に、内側において回動部材５０を収容するように形成されている。
開口部１１ｄは、軸線Ｓを中心とする円孔に形成され、回動部材５０の係合部５５を第１ハウジング１１の外側に突出させる。
バネ受け部１１ｇは、外周壁部１１ｂの内側に形成され、ヒステリシス発生機構８０に含まれる付勢バネ８３の第１端部８３ａを受ける環状座面をなす。
バネ受け部１１ｈは、図５に示すように、外周壁部１１ｂの内側に形成され、主戻しバネ３０の第１端部３１を受ける環状座面をなす。
保持部１１ｑは、図２、図４及び図９に示すように、開口部１１ｄを覆う領域において第１ハウジング１１の外壁に組み付けられて、操作部６１を露出させると共に操作部材６０を軸線Ｓに垂直な方向に往復動自在に保持するものであり、操作部材６０を挿入する矩形開口１１ｑ１、操作部材６０の位置決め溝６３にスナップ係合する位置決め突起１１ｑ２を備えている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the cylindrical portion 11c supports the pedal arm 20 rotatably around the axis S by fitting the cylindrical portion 21 onto its outer circumferential surface via a bearing RB, and has a rotating member inside. 50.
The opening 11 d is formed as a circular hole centered on the axis S, and allows the engaging portion 55 of the rotating member 50 to protrude outside the first housing 11 .
The spring receiving portion 11g is formed inside the outer peripheral wall portion 11b, and forms an annular seating surface for receiving the first end portion 83a of the biasing spring 83 included in the hysteresis generating mechanism 80.
As shown in FIG. 5, the spring receiving portion 11h is formed inside the outer circumferential wall portion 11b, and forms an annular seat surface for receiving the first end portion 31 of the main return spring 30.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4 and 9, the holding part 11q is assembled to the outer wall of the first housing 11 in a region covering the opening 11d, exposing the operating part 61 and aligning the operating member 60 to the axis S. It is held so as to be able to reciprocate in the vertical direction, and includes a rectangular opening 11q 1 into which the operating member 60 is inserted, and a positioning protrusion 11q 2 that snaps into the positioning groove 63 of the operating member 60.

第２ハウジング１２は、図３及び図８に示すように、軸線Ｓに垂直な側壁部１２ａ、軸線Ｓを中心とする円筒部１２ｃ、第１ハウジング１１に連結される連結部１２ｋ、第１ハウジング１１に捩じ込むネジＢを通す孔１２ｍ、スナップフィット用の凹部１２ｎ、位置センサ７０の一部（ステータ７３、ホール素子７４）を埋設する円柱状の埋設部１２ｑ、回路基板ＣＢを収容する収容部１２ｒ、電気的接続を行うコネクタ１２ｓを備えている。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, the second housing 12 includes a side wall portion 12a perpendicular to the axis S, a cylindrical portion 12c centered on the axis S, a connecting portion 12k connected to the first housing 11, and a first housing 11, a recess 12n for snap-fitting, a cylindrical embedding part 12q in which a part of the position sensor 70 (stator 73, Hall element 74) is embedded, and a housing for accommodating the circuit board CB. 12r, and a connector 12s for electrical connection.

円筒部１２ｃは、その内周面に軸受ＲＢを介して円筒部２１を嵌合させて、ペダルアーム２０を軸線Ｓ回りに回動自在に支持する。
埋設部１２ｑは、第２ハウジング１２が第１ハウジング１１に連結された状態で、ペダルアーム２０の円筒部２１に形成された凹部２６に挿入されて、凹部２６において内周面２６ａに露出するように埋設された位置センサ７０の一部（アマチャ７１及び永久磁石７２）と対向するように形成されている。 The cylindrical portion 12c has a cylindrical portion 21 fitted onto its inner circumferential surface via a bearing RB, and supports the pedal arm 20 so as to be rotatable about the axis S.
When the second housing 12 is connected to the first housing 11, the embedded portion 12q is inserted into a recess 26 formed in the cylindrical portion 21 of the pedal arm 20, and is formed so as to face a part of the position sensor 70 (the armature 71 and the permanent magnet 72) embedded in the recess 26 so as to be exposed on the inner surface 26a.

そして、第２ハウジング１２は、ペダルアーム２０、主戻しバネ３０、副戻しバネ４０、回動部材５０、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が収容された状態で、第１ハウジング１１と協働してペダルアーム２０の下方領域を除いた全体を覆うように、第１ハウジング１１にスナップフィット結合により連結され、ネジＢにより締結される。 The second housing 12 cooperates with the first housing 11 in a state where the pedal arm 20, the main return spring 30, the auxiliary return spring 40, the rotating member 50, and the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 are accommodated. It is connected to the first housing 11 by a snap-fit connection so as to cover the entire area except the lower region of the housing 11, and is fastened with a screw B.

ペダルアーム２０は、全体が樹脂材料により成形されており、図３及び図６に示すように、円筒部２１、環状溝２２、掛止溝２３、軸部材２４、受け部２５、凹部２６、円筒部２１から上方に伸長する上側アーム２７、円筒部２１から下方に伸長する下側アーム２８、バネ受け部２９を備えている。
ここで、上側及び下側とは、アクセルペダル装置が車両等に搭載された状態において、鉛直方向の上側及び下側を示すものである。 The entire pedal arm 20 is molded from a resin material, and as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6, it includes a cylindrical portion 21, an annular groove 22, a locking groove 23, a shaft member 24, a receiving portion 25, a recess 26, and a cylindrical portion. An upper arm 27 extending upward from the cylindrical portion 21, a lower arm 28 extending downward from the cylindrical portion 21, and a spring receiving portion 29 are provided.
Here, the upper side and lower side refer to the upper side and lower side in the vertical direction when the accelerator pedal device is mounted on a vehicle or the like.

円筒部２１は、ペダルアーム２０が軸線Ｓ回りに回動自在に支持されるべく、図３及び図８に示すように、第１ハウジング１１の円筒部１１ｃに軸受ＲＢを介して嵌合される内周面２１ａ、第２ハウジング１２の円筒部１２ｃに軸受ＲＢを介して嵌合される外周面２１ｂを備えている。
環状溝２２は、図６に示すように、円筒部２１の内側において軸線Ｓを中心とする円環状に形成されて、副戻しバネ４０のコイル部４１を収容するように形成されている。
掛止溝２３は、副戻しバネ４０の第２端部４３が掛止される円筒部２１の一部として、円筒部２１の内側において環状溝２２から径方向に伸長するように形成されている。 The cylindrical portion 21 is fitted into the cylindrical portion 11c of the first housing 11 via a bearing RB, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8, so that the pedal arm 20 is rotatably supported around the axis S. It has an inner circumferential surface 21a and an outer circumferential surface 21b that is fitted into the cylindrical portion 12c of the second housing 12 via a bearing RB.
As shown in FIG. 6, the annular groove 22 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis S inside the cylindrical portion 21, and is formed to accommodate the coil portion 41 of the sub-return spring 40.
The latching groove 23 is formed as a part of the cylindrical part 21 to which the second end 43 of the sub-return spring 40 is latched, and extends radially from the annular groove 22 inside the cylindrical part 21. .

軸部材２４は、円筒部２１の内側において軸線Ｓ上に伸長する円柱状をなし、回動部材５０を回動自在に支持する。
受け部２５は、副戻しバネ４０により回転付勢される回動部材５０の当接部５４を当接させて受けるように、円筒部２１の内側に形成されている。
そして、受け部２５は、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態において、副戻しバネ４０の付勢力により付勢される回動部材５０の当接部５４を受けることで、回動部材５０をペダルアーム２０に追従させて一緒に回動させるようになっている。
凹部２６は、第２ハウジング１２の埋設部１２ｑを非接触にて受け入れるべく、円筒部２１の内側において軸線Ｓを中心とする円形の内周面２６ａを画定する。
そして、凹部２６には、内周面２６ａに露出するように位置センサ７０のアマチャ７１及び永久磁石７２が埋設されている。 The shaft member 24 has a cylindrical shape extending on the axis S inside the cylindrical portion 21, and rotatably supports the rotating member 50.
The receiving portion 25 is formed inside the cylindrical portion 21 so as to contact and receive the abutting portion 54 of the rotating member 50 that is rotationally biased by the sub-return spring 40 .
The receiving portion 25 supports the abutting portion 54 of the rotating member 50 which is biased by the biasing force of the secondary return spring 40 in the inactive state in which the secondary return spring 40 does not exert any biasing force on the pedal arm 20. By receiving the pedal arm 20, the rotating member 50 is caused to follow the pedal arm 20 and rotate together with the pedal arm 20.
The recess 26 defines a circular inner peripheral surface 26a centered on the axis S inside the cylindrical portion 21 so as to receive the embedded portion 12q of the second housing 12 without contact.
An armature 71 and a permanent magnet 72 of the position sensor 70 are embedded in the recess 26 so as to be exposed on the inner peripheral surface 26a.

上側アーム２７は、休止位置において、休止ストッパ１１ｉに当接する当接部２７ａ、ヒステリシス発生機構８０の第１スライダ８１と係合する上端部２７ｂを備えている。
下側アーム２８は、運転者が足を乗せるアクセルペダル２８ａ、最大踏込み位置において全開ストッパ１１ｊに当接する当接部２８ｂを備えている。
バネ受け部２９は、円筒部２１の近傍でかつ上側アーム２７寄りの領域において、主戻しバネ３０の第２端部３２を受ける環状座面を画定する二段円筒状に突出して形成されている。 The upper arm 27 has a contact portion 27a that contacts the rest stopper 11i and an upper end portion 27b that engages with a first slider 81 of the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 when in the rest position.
The lower arm 28 is provided with an accelerator pedal 28a on which the driver places his/her foot, and a contact portion 28b which contacts the full-open stopper 11j at the maximum depression position.
The spring receiving portion 29 is formed in a two-stage cylindrical protrusion in the region adjacent to the cylindrical portion 21 and toward the upper arm 27 , defining an annular seat surface for receiving a second end 32 of the main return spring 30 .

主戻しバネ３０は、バネ鋼等により形成された伸縮コイルバネであり、第１端部３１が第１ハウジング１１のバネ受け部１１ｈに当接しかつ第２端部３２がペダルアーム２０のバネ受け部２９に当接するように所定の圧縮代に圧縮されて配置され、常にペダルアーム２０を休止位置に戻す付勢力を及ぼす。
このように、主戻しバネ３０は、ペダルアーム２０に直接係合して常にペダルアーム２０を休止位置に戻す付勢力を及ぼすため、ヒステリシス発生機構８０がスティックして停止したような作動不良の状態が生じ又副戻しバネ４０が非作用の状態であっても、ペダルアーム２０は、主戻しバネ３０の付勢力により休止位置へ確実に戻されて、安全性が保証される。 The main return spring 30 is a telescopic coil spring made of spring steel or the like, and has a first end 31 in contact with the spring receiver 11h of the first housing 11 and a second end 32 in the spring receiver of the pedal arm 20. The pedal arm 29 is compressed to a predetermined compression width so as to come into contact with the pedal arm 29, and always exerts a biasing force to return the pedal arm 20 to the rest position.
In this way, the main return spring 30 directly engages with the pedal arm 20 and always exerts a biasing force to return the pedal arm 20 to the rest position. Even if this occurs and the auxiliary return spring 40 is inactive, the pedal arm 20 is reliably returned to the rest position by the biasing force of the main return spring 30, and safety is guaranteed.

副戻しバネ４０は、バネ鋼等により形成された捩りコイルバネであり、図３及び図６に示すように、コイル部４１、第１端部４２、第２端部４３を備えている。
そして、副戻しバネ４０は、コイル部４１がペダルアーム２０の環状溝２２に嵌め込まれ、第１端部４２が回動部材５０の掛止部５３に掛止され、第２端部４３がペダルアーム２０の円筒部２１の一部としての掛止溝２３に掛止されている。
そして、副戻しバネ４０は、切換ユニットＵにより作用状態が選択されると、ペダルアーム２０を休止位置に戻す付勢力を及ぼし、切換ユニットＵにより非作用状態が選択されると、ペダルアーム２０を休止位置に戻す付勢力を及ぼさず、回動部材５０をペダルアーム１０の回動に追従させて回動させる。 The sub-return spring 40 is a torsion coil spring made of spring steel or the like, and includes a coil portion 41, a first end 42, and a second end 43, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 6.
The auxiliary return spring 40 has a coil portion 41 fitted into the annular groove 22 of the pedal arm 20, a first end portion 42 that is hooked to a hook portion 53 of the rotating member 50, and a second end portion 43 that is attached to the pedal arm 20. It is latched in a latching groove 23 as a part of the cylindrical portion 21 of the arm 20.
The sub return spring 40 exerts a biasing force to return the pedal arm 20 to the rest position when the switching unit U selects the operating state, and when the switching unit U selects the non-operating state, the sub return spring 40 exerts a biasing force to return the pedal arm 20 to the rest position. The rotating member 50 is rotated following the rotation of the pedal arm 10 without applying an urging force to return it to the rest position.

回動部材５０は、樹脂材料を用いて形成され、図６及び図７に示すように、円盤状の鍔部５１、軸部２４が嵌合される嵌合穴５２、副戻しバネ４０の第１端部４２が掛止される掛止部５３、当接部５４、操作部材６０の規制部６２の係合により回動が規制される係合部５５を備えている。 The rotating member 50 is formed using a resin material, and as shown in Figures 6 and 7, has a disk-shaped flange portion 51, a fitting hole 52 into which the shaft portion 24 fits, a hook portion 53 into which the first end portion 42 of the secondary return spring 40 is hooked, a contact portion 54, and an engagement portion 55 whose rotation is restricted by engagement with the restricting portion 62 of the operating member 60.

鍔部５１は、第１ハウジング１１の開口部１１ｄの周りの壁面とペダルアーム２０の円筒部２１の領域の壁面との間に挟まれように配置される。
当接部５４は、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態においてペダルアーム２０が踏み込まれると受け部２５から離脱し、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態において受け部２５に当接する。
係合部５５は、略矩形断をなす所定幅の二面幅部として形成され、第１ハウジング１１の開口部１１ｄを通して外側に配置され、操作部材６０の規制部６２と係合すると、回動部材５０の回動が規制され、操作部材６０の規制部６２から離脱すると、回動部材５０の回動が許容されるべく機能する。 The flange portion 51 is disposed to be sandwiched between the wall surface around the opening 11 d of the first housing 11 and the wall surface of the cylindrical portion 21 of the pedal arm 20 .
The contact portion 54 separates from the receiving portion 25 when the pedal arm 20 is depressed while the auxiliary return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20, and the auxiliary return spring 40 is applied to the pedal arm 20. It abuts against the receiving portion 25 in a non-acting state in which no force is exerted.
The engaging portion 55 is formed as a portion having a predetermined width across flats and has a substantially rectangular cross section, is disposed on the outside through the opening 11d of the first housing 11, and when engaged with the restricting portion 62 of the operating member 60, rotates. When the rotation of the member 50 is restricted and the operating member 60 is separated from the restriction portion 62, the rotation member 50 functions to be allowed to rotate.

そして、回動部材５０は、ペダルアーム２０の軸部２４が嵌合穴５２に嵌合されると共に環状溝２２に収容された副戻しバネ４０の第１端部４２が掛止部５３に掛止されて、係合部５５が開口部１１ｄを通して外部に突出するように、第１ハウジング１１とペダルアーム２０とに挟まれる領域に配置され、軸線Ｓ回りに回動自在に支持される。 Then, in the rotating member 50, the shaft portion 24 of the pedal arm 20 is fitted into the fitting hole 52, and the first end portion 42 of the sub return spring 40 accommodated in the annular groove 22 is engaged with the hook portion 53. It is disposed in a region sandwiched between the first housing 11 and the pedal arm 20, and is supported rotatably around the axis S so that the engaging portion 55 protrudes outside through the opening 11d.

操作部材６０は、樹脂材料等を用いて略矩形の板状に形成され、図９に示すように、操作部６１、規制部６２、位置決め溝６３を備えている。
操作部６１は、図２に示すように、車両の運転者等が指で掴めるように半円柱状に形成され、外部に露出して配置される。
規制部６２は、略Ｕ字状の切欠きを画定し、回動部材５０の係合部５５の二面幅部が嵌合する切欠き幅に形成されている。
位置決め溝６３は、Ｖ字状の断面をなすと共に軸線Ｓに平行な直線溝として形成され、操作部材６０の往復動方向において離隔して配置された第１位置決め溝６３ａ及び第２位置決め溝６３ｂを備えている。 The operating member 60 is formed in a substantially rectangular plate shape using a resin material or the like, and includes an operating portion 61, a restricting portion 62, and a positioning groove 63 as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 61 is formed in a semi-cylindrical shape so that a driver of the vehicle or the like can grasp it with his/her fingers, and is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside.
The restricting portion 62 defines a generally U-shaped notch, and is formed with a notch width that allows the two-face width portion of the engaging portion 55 of the rotating member 50 to fit therein.
The positioning groove 63 has a V-shaped cross section and is formed as a linear groove parallel to the axis S, and includes a first positioning groove 63 a and a second positioning groove 63 b that are arranged at a distance from each other in the reciprocating direction of the operating member 60 .

そして、図９に示すように、操作部材６０は、第１位置決め溝６３ａが保持部１１ｑの位置決め突起１１ｑ２と係合したとき、規制部６２が係合部５５に係合して、回動部材５０の回動を規制する位置に位置決めされる。これにより、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態が設定される。
一方、操作部材６０は、第２位置決め溝６３ｂが保持部１１ｑの位置決め突起１１ｑ２と係合したとき、規制部６２が係合部５５から離脱して、回動部材５０の回動を許容する位置に位置決めされる。これにより、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態が設定される。 As shown in FIG. 9, when the first positioning groove 63a engages with the positioning protrusion 11q2 of the holding part 11q, the regulating part 62 engages with the engaging part 55, and the operating member 60 rotates. It is positioned at a position that restricts rotation of the member 50. This sets the operating state in which the sub-return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.
On the other hand, in the operating member 60, when the second positioning groove 63b engages with the positioning protrusion 11q2 of the holding part 11q, the regulating part 62 disengages from the engaging part 55, allowing the rotating member 50 to rotate. positioned in position. As a result, a non-acting state is set in which the sub-return spring 40 does not exert a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.

上記構成をなす回動部材５０及び操作部材６０は、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態と、当該付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態とを、手動操作により選択的に切り換える切換ユニットＵを構成するものである。
すなわち、操作部材６０が押し込まれると、規制部６２が係合部５５に係合して回動部材５０の回動を規制し、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態となる。これにより、回動部材５０は、図１０及び図１２に示すように、ペダルアーム２０が休止位置から最大踏込み位置まで踏み込まれても、休止位置に対応する位置に停止する。それ故に、副戻しバネ４０は踏込み量に応じた付勢力をペダルアーム２０に及ぼす。
一方、操作部材６０が引き出されると、規制部６２が係合部５５から離脱して回動部材５０の回動を許容し、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態となる。これにより、回動部材５０は、図１０及び図１１に示すように、ペダルアーム２０が休止位置から最大踏込み位置まで踏み込まれると、ペダルアーム２０に追従して回転する。それ故に、副戻しバネ４０は回動部材５０と一緒に回転して付勢力をペダルアーム２０に及ぼさない。 The rotating member 50 and the operating member 60 configured as described above can be operated manually to selectively switch between an operating state in which the sub-return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20 and a non-operative state in which the secondary return spring 40 exerts no biasing force. This constitutes a switching unit U that switches to.
That is, when the operating member 60 is pushed in, the restricting portion 62 engages with the engaging portion 55 to restrict the rotation of the rotating member 50, and the sub-return spring 40 exerts an urging force on the pedal arm 20. state. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 12, even if the pedal arm 20 is depressed from the rest position to the maximum depression position, the rotating member 50 stops at the position corresponding to the rest position. Therefore, the auxiliary return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20 according to the amount of depression.
On the other hand, when the operating member 60 is pulled out, the restricting part 62 disengages from the engaging part 55 and allows the rotating member 50 to rotate, and the sub-return spring 40 does not exert a biasing force on the pedal arm 20. Becomes active state. As a result, the rotating member 50 rotates following the pedal arm 20 when the pedal arm 20 is depressed from the rest position to the maximum depression position, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11. Therefore, the sub-return spring 40 rotates together with the rotating member 50 and does not exert a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.

位置センサ７０は、図８に示すように、ペダルアーム２０の軸線Ｓの周りの領域に配置された非接触式の磁気式センサであり、環状のアマチャ７１、一対の永久磁石７２、二つのステータ７３、二つのホール素子７４を備えている。
アマチャ７１は、磁性材料により環状に形成されて、ペダルアーム２０の凹部２６に埋設されている。
一対の永久磁石７２は、円弧状に形成され、凹部２６の内周面２６ａに露出するように、アマチャ７１の内周面に結合されている。
二つのステータ７３は、磁性材料により形成され、第２ハウジング１２の埋設部１２ｑに埋設されている。
二つのホール素子７４は、二つのステータ７３の間に配置されて第２ハウジング１２の埋設部１２ｑに埋設されている。 As shown in FIG. 8, the position sensor 70 is a non-contact magnetic sensor arranged in the area around the axis S of the pedal arm 20, and includes an annular armature 71, a pair of permanent magnets 72, two stators 73, and two Hall elements 74.
The armature 71 is made of a magnetic material and has an annular shape, and is embedded in the recess 26 of the pedal arm 20 .
The pair of permanent magnets 72 are formed in an arc shape, and are coupled to the inner circumferential surface of the armature 71 so as to be exposed to the inner circumferential surface 26 a of the recess 26 .
The two stators 73 are made of a magnetic material and are embedded in the embedded portion 12 q of the second housing 12 .
The two Hall elements 74 are disposed between the two stators 73 and embedded in the embedded portion 12 q of the second housing 12 .

また、回路基板ＣＢが、第２ハウジング１２の収容部１２ｒに配置されて、封止樹脂材Ｇにより封止されている。
回路基板ＣＢは、ホール素子７４を電気的に接続する回路を備えると共に、種々の電子部品を実装するものである。
そして、位置センサ７０は、ペダルアーム２０が回動することにより生じる磁束密度の変化をホール素子７４で検出して電圧信号として出力する。この出力信号は、コネクタ１２ｓに接続された検出器（不図示）により、ペダルアーム２０の角度位置の情報として検出される。 Furthermore, the circuit board CB is disposed in the receiving portion 12r of the second housing 12 and is sealed with a sealing resin material G.
The circuit board CB includes a circuit that electrically connects the Hall element 74, and also has various electronic components mounted thereon.
The position sensor 70 detects a change in magnetic flux density caused by the rotation of the pedal arm 20 using a Hall element 74 and outputs the change as a voltage signal. This output signal is detected as information on the angular position of the pedal arm 20 by a detector (not shown) connected to the connector 12s.

ヒステリシス発生機構８０は、図３及び図５に示すように、含油ポリアセタール等の高摺動性樹脂材料により形成された第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２、バネ鋼等により形成された付勢バネ８３を備えている。
第１スライダ８１は、第１ハウジング１１の下側の摺動面１１ｆに摺動自在に接触する接触面８１ａ、第２スライダ８２の傾斜面８２ｂと接触する傾斜面８１ｂ、上側アーム部２７の上端部２７ｂが離脱可能に係合し得る係合面８１ｃを有する。
第２スライダ８２は、第１ハウジング１１の上側の摺動面１１ｅに摺動自在に接触する接触面８２ａ、第１スライダ８１の傾斜面８１ｂと接触する傾斜面８２ｂ、付勢バネ８３の第２端部８３ｂを受ける受け面８２ｃを有する。
付勢バネ８３は、伸縮コイルバネであり、第１端部８３ａが第１ハウジング１１のバネ受け部１１ｇに当接しかつ第２端部８３ｂが第２スライダ８２の受け面８２ｃに当接して圧縮された状態で配置される。 As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 includes a first slider 81 and a second slider 82 made of a highly slidable resin material such as oil-impregnated polyacetal, and a biasing spring made of spring steel or the like. It is equipped with 83.
The first slider 81 includes a contact surface 81a that slidably contacts the lower sliding surface 11f of the first housing 11, an inclined surface 81b that contacts the inclined surface 82b of the second slider 82, and an upper end of the upper arm portion 27. The portion 27b has an engagement surface 81c that can be releasably engaged.
The second slider 82 includes a contact surface 82a that slidably contacts the upper sliding surface 11e of the first housing 11, an inclined surface 82b that contacts the inclined surface 81b of the first slider 81, and a second It has a receiving surface 82c that receives the end portion 83b.
The biasing spring 83 is a telescopic coil spring, and is compressed with a first end 83a abutting the spring receiving portion 11g of the first housing 11 and a second end 83b abutting the receiving surface 82c of the second slider 82. It will be placed in the same condition.

そして、付勢バネ８３は、第２スライダ８２の傾斜面８２ｂを第１スライダ８１の傾斜面８１ｂに押し付けて、第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２を摺動面１１ｅ，１１ｆに向けて押し付けるようなくさび作用を及ぼし、又、第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２を介してペダルアーム２０を休止位置に戻す付勢力を及ぼす。 The biasing spring 83 presses the inclined surface 82b of the second slider 82 against the inclined surface 81b of the first slider 81, exerting a wedge action that presses the first slider 81 and the second slider 82 toward the sliding surfaces 11e, 11f, and also exerts a biasing force via the first slider 81 and the second slider 82 that returns the pedal arm 20 to the rest position.

ここで、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が発生するヒステリシス特性について説明する。
先ず、ペダルアーム２０が、休止位置から最大踏込み位置に向けて踏み込まれる場合は、上端部２７ｂが付勢バネ８３の付勢力に抗して第１スライダ８１を図５中の左向きに押圧する。
この踏込み操作のとき、付勢バネ８３が及ぼす付勢力により、第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２が互いにくさび作用を及ぼし、ハウジング１０に対して摩擦力（摺動抵抗）が生じる。踏込み操作時の摩擦力は、踏込み操作と対抗する向きに作用すると共に付勢バネ８３の圧縮量の増加に伴って増加する。
したがって、踏込み操作時の摩擦力と踏込み操作に応じて増加する付勢バネ８３の付勢力との合力により、踏込み時の踏力は、図１３のヒステリシスをなす踏力線ＮＬにおいて、上側の踏力線ＤＮＬとして示され、踏込み量（アクセルペダルの開度）の増加に伴って直線的に増加する。 Here, the hysteresis characteristic generated by the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 will be described.
First, when the pedal arm 20 is depressed from the rest position toward the maximum depression position, the upper end portion 27b presses the first slider 81 leftward in FIG.
During this depression operation, the first slider 81 and the second slider 82 act as wedges against each other due to the biasing force of the biasing spring 83, generating a frictional force (sliding resistance) against the housing 10. The frictional force during the depression operation acts in a direction opposite to the depression operation and increases as the compression amount of the biasing spring 83 increases.
Therefore, due to the combined force of the frictional force when the pedal is depressed and the biasing force of the biasing spring 83 which increases in response to the depression operation, the pedal force when the pedal is depressed is shown as the upper pedal force line DNL on the pedal force line NL which forms hysteresis in Figure 13, and increases linearly as the amount of depression (opening of the accelerator pedal) increases.

一方、ペダルアーム２０が、休止位置に向けて戻される場合は、第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２は、付勢バネ８３の付勢力により上側アーム部２７に追従して図５中の右向きに移動する。
この戻し操作のときも、付勢バネ８３が及ぼす付勢力により、第１スライダ８１及び第２スライダ８２が互いにくさび作用を及ぼし、ハウジング１０に対して摩擦力（摺動抵抗）が生じる。戻し操作時の摩擦力は、踏込み操作の場合と逆向きに作用すると共に付勢バネ８３の圧縮量の減少に伴って減少する。
したがって、逆向きに作用する戻し操作時の摩擦力と戻し操作に応じて減少する付勢バネ８３の付勢力との合力により、戻し時の踏力は、図１３のヒステリシスをなす踏力線ＮＬにおいて、下側の踏力線ＲＮＬとして示され、踏込み量（アクセルペダルの開度）の減少に伴って直線的に減少する。
ここで、戻り動作の際の踏力は、踏込み操作の際の踏力よりも小さくなるため、図１３中の踏力線ＤＮＬ，ＲＮＬで示すように、踏込み操作から戻し操作までの全体において、踏力にヒステリシスが発生する。 On the other hand, when the pedal arm 20 is returned toward the rest position, the first slider 81 and the second slider 82 move to the right in FIG. 5 following the upper arm portion 27 due to the biasing force of the biasing spring 83 .
During this return operation, the first slider 81 and the second slider 82 also act as wedges against each other due to the biasing force of the biasing spring 83, generating a frictional force (sliding resistance) against the housing 10. The frictional force during the return operation acts in the opposite direction to that during the depression operation, and decreases as the compression amount of the biasing spring 83 decreases.
Therefore, due to the combined force of the frictional force acting in the opposite direction during the return operation and the biasing force of the biasing spring 83 which decreases in accordance with the return operation, the pedal force during the return operation is shown as the lower pedal force line RNL on the pedal force line NL which forms hysteresis in Figure 13, and decreases linearly as the amount of depression (opening of the accelerator pedal) decreases.
Here, the pedal force during the return motion is smaller than the pedal force during the depressing operation, so as shown by the pedal force lines DNL and RNL in Figure 13, hysteresis occurs in the pedal force throughout the entire process from the depressing operation to the return operation.

次に、アクセルペダル装置及び切換ユニットＵの動作を、図１１ないし図１３を参照しつつ説明する。
先ず、運転者は、運転に先立って、アクセルペダル２８ａを踏込み、アクセルペダル２８ａの反力が重いと感じれば「軽いモード」を選択し又は軽いと感じれば「重いモード」を選択するべく、切換ユニットＵの操作部材６０を手動により適宜操作する。 Next, the operation of the accelerator pedal device and the switching unit U will be described with reference to FIGS.
First, before driving, the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 28a, and manually operates the operating member 60 of the switching unit U appropriately to select the "light mode" if the driver feels that the reaction force of the accelerator pedal 28a is heavy, or to select the "heavy mode" if the driver feels that the reaction force is light.

ここで、「重いモード」を選択する場合、操作部材６０を押し込んで規制部６２を回動部材５０の係合部５５に係合させる。これにより、回動部材５０は回動が規制されて休止位置に対応する位置に保持される。これにより、副戻しバネ４０は、ペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態に設定される。 Here, when selecting the "heavy mode", the operating member 60 is pushed in to engage the regulating part 62 with the engaging part 55 of the rotating member 50. As a result, rotation of the rotating member 50 is restricted and the rotating member 50 is held at a position corresponding to the rest position. Thereby, the sub-return spring 40 is set to an operating state in which it exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.

そして、運転者がアクセルペダル２８ａを休止位置から踏み込むと、図１２に示すように、回動部材５０の回動が規制された状態で、ペダルアーム２０のみが、主戻しバネ３０及び副戻しバネ４０の付勢力に抗して反時計回りに回転し、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が発生する抵抗荷重は増加しつつ、図１３中の実線で示す上側の踏力線ＤＮＬに沿って踏力が増加する。そして、ペダルアーム２０は、最大踏込み位置まで回転し、当接部２８ｂが全開ストッパ１１ｊに当接して停止する。 When the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 28a from the rest position, as shown in FIG. 12, with the rotation of the rotating member 50 restricted, only the pedal arm 20 rotates counterclockwise against the biasing force of the main return spring 30 and the auxiliary return spring 40, and the resistance load generated by the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 increases while the depression force increases along the upper depression force line DNL shown by the solid line in FIG. 13. The pedal arm 20 then rotates to the maximum depression position and stops when the abutment portion 28b abuts against the full-open stopper 11j.

一方、運転者が踏力を緩めると、アクセルペダル２８ａは、踏み込み時の抵抗荷重よりも小さい抵抗荷重を運転者に及ぼしながら、ペダルアーム２０は、主戻しバネ３０及び副戻しバネ４０の付勢力により休止位置に向けて回転し、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が発生する抵抗荷重は減少しつつ、図１３中の実線で示す上側の踏力線ＲＮＬに沿って踏力が減少する。そして、ペダルアーム２０は、当接部２７ａが休止ストッパ１１ｉに当接して休止位置に停止する。 On the other hand, when the driver loosens the pedal force, the accelerator pedal 28a applies a resistance load to the driver that is smaller than the resistance load at the time of depression, and the pedal arm 20 is moved by the urging force of the main return spring 30 and the sub-return spring 40. As the pedal rotates toward the rest position, the resistance load generated by the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 decreases, and the pedal force decreases along the upper pedal force line RNL shown by the solid line in FIG. Then, the contact portion 27a of the pedal arm 20 comes into contact with the rest stopper 11i, and the pedal arm 20 stops at the rest position.

尚、運転者がアクセルペダル２８ａを戻す際に、ヒステリシス発生機構８０がスティック等によりハウジング１０の内壁に固着して戻らない場合であっても、主戻しバネ３０及び副戻しバネ４０の付勢力により、上端部２７ｂが第１スライダ８１から離脱して、ペダルアーム２０は確実に休止位置に戻る。
したがって、位置センサ７０は、ペダルアーム２０が休止位置に戻ったことを検出するため、運転者の戻し動作と連動して所望の制御を行うことができる。 Note that even if the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 is stuck to the inner wall of the housing 10 with a stick or the like and does not return when the driver returns the accelerator pedal 28a, the biasing force of the main return spring 30 and the sub-return spring 40 , the upper end portion 27b separates from the first slider 81, and the pedal arm 20 reliably returns to the rest position.
Therefore, since the position sensor 70 detects that the pedal arm 20 has returned to the rest position, desired control can be performed in conjunction with the driver's return operation.

一方、運転者が「軽いモード」を選択する場合、操作部材６０を引き出して規制部６２を回動部材５０の係合部５５から離脱させる。これにより、回動部材５０は回動が許容された状態となる。これにより、副戻しバネ４０は、ペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態に設定される。 On the other hand, when the driver selects the "light mode", the driver pulls out the operating member 60 to disengage the regulating portion 62 from the engaging portion 55 of the rotating member 50. As a result, the rotating member 50 is allowed to rotate. As a result, the sub return spring 40 is set to a non-acting state in which it does not exert any biasing force on the pedal arm 20.

そして、運転者がアクセルペダル２８ａを休止位置から踏み込むと、図１１に示すように、回動部材５０はペダルアーム２０の回転に追従して回転する状態となり、ペダルアーム２０が、主戻しバネ３０の付勢力に抗して反時計回りに回転し、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が発生する抵抗荷重は増加しつつ、図１３中の一点鎖線で示す下側の踏力線ＤＮＬに沿って踏力が増加する。そして、ペダルアーム２０は、最大踏込み位置まで回転し、当接部２８ｂが全開ストッパ１１ｊに当接して停止する。 Then, when the driver depresses the accelerator pedal 28a from the rest position, the rotating member 50 follows the rotation of the pedal arm 20 and rotates, as shown in FIG. The pedal rotates counterclockwise against the urging force of , and the resistance load generated by the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 increases, and the pedal force increases along the lower pedal force line DNL shown by the dashed line in FIG. Then, the pedal arm 20 rotates to the maximum depression position, and stops when the contact portion 28b contacts the full-open stopper 11j.

一方、運転者が踏力を緩めると、アクセルペダル２８ａは、踏み込み時の抵抗荷重よりも小さい抵抗荷重を運転者に及ぼしながら、ペダルアーム２０は、主戻しバネ３０の付勢力により休止位置に向けて回転し、ヒステリシス発生機構８０が発生する抵抗荷重が減少しつつ、図１３中の一点鎖線で示す下側の踏力線ＲＮＬに沿って踏力が減少する。そして、ペダルアーム２０は、当接部２７ａが休止ストッパ１１ｉに当接して休止位置に停止する。 On the other hand, when the driver loosens the pedal force, the accelerator pedal 28a applies a resistance load to the driver that is smaller than the resistance load at the time of depression, and the pedal arm 20 is moved toward the rest position by the biasing force of the main return spring 30. As the pedal rotates, the resistance load generated by the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 decreases, and the pedal force decreases along the lower pedal force line RNL shown by the dashed line in FIG. Then, the contact portion 27a of the pedal arm 20 comes into contact with the rest stopper 11i, and the pedal arm 20 stops at the rest position.

尚、運転者がアクセルペダル２８ａを戻す際に、ヒステリシス発生機構８０がスティック等によりハウジング１０の内壁に固着して戻らない場合であっても、主戻しバネ３０の付勢力により、上端部２７ｂが第１スライダ８１から離脱して、ペダルアーム２０は確実に休止位置に戻る。
したがって、位置センサ７０は、ペダルアーム２０が休止位置に戻ったことを検出するため、運転者の戻し動作と連動して所望の制御を行うことができる。
上記のように、運転者は、車両を運転する前に、切換ユニットＵを手動により操作して、アクセルペダル２８ａの反力を「重いモード」又は「軽いモード」のいずれかに選択的に切り換えることができる。 Note that even if the hysteresis generating mechanism 80 is stuck to the inner wall of the housing 10 by a stick or the like and does not return when the driver returns the accelerator pedal 28a, the upper end portion 27b is rotated by the biasing force of the main return spring 30. By disengaging from the first slider 81, the pedal arm 20 reliably returns to the rest position.
Therefore, since the position sensor 70 detects that the pedal arm 20 has returned to the rest position, desired control can be performed in conjunction with the driver's return operation.
As mentioned above, before driving the vehicle, the driver manually operates the switching unit U to selectively switch the reaction force of the accelerator pedal 28a to either "heavy mode" or "light mode". be able to.

上記実施形態においては、切換ユニットＵが、回動部材５０及び操作部材６０により構成されているため、構造の簡素化、小型化等を達成しつつ、安価で、簡単な手動操作により軽重の二種類の踏力特性のいずれかを選択できるアクセルペダル装置を得ることができる。
また、ペダルアーム２０は、上記作用状態において回動部材５０が離脱しかつ上記非作用状態において副戻しバネ４０の付勢力により回動部材５０が当接する受け部２５を含むため、非作用状態において回動部材５０をペダルアーム２０の回動に確実に追従させて回動させることができ、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態を確実に設定することができる。 In the above embodiment, the switching unit U is composed of a rotating member 50 and an operating member 60, so that it is possible to obtain an accelerator pedal device which is inexpensive and capable of selecting one of two types of depression force characteristics, light or heavy, through simple manual operation, while achieving simplified structure and compactness.
In addition, since the pedal arm 20 includes a receiving portion 25 against which the rotating member 50 disengages in the above-mentioned operative state and against which the rotating member 50 abuts due to the biasing force of the auxiliary return spring 40 in the above-mentioned non-operative state, the rotating member 50 can be rotated reliably in response to the rotation of the pedal arm 20 in the non-operative state, and a non-operative state in which the auxiliary return spring 40 does not exert a biasing force on the pedal arm 20 can be reliably set.

上記実施形態においては、主戻しバネ３０が伸縮コイルバネであり、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０の円筒部２１の領域に配置される捩りコイルバネであり、可動部材が副戻しバネ４０と同軸（軸線Ｓ）上において回動する回動部材５０であるため、部品の集約化、小型化等を達成することができる。
特に、回動部材５０の係合部５５がハウジング１０を通して外側に配置され、操作部材６０がハウジング１０の外側に往復動自在に保持されて、回動部材５０の回動を規制又は規制を解除できるように形成されているため、切換ユニットＵを、簡単な構造で安価に提供することができる。 In the above embodiment, the main return spring 30 is an expansion coil spring, the auxiliary return spring 40 is a torsion coil spring arranged in the area of the cylindrical portion 21 of the pedal arm 20, and the movable member is a rotating member 50 that rotates coaxially (axis S) with the auxiliary return spring 40, thereby making it possible to achieve part consolidation, miniaturization, etc.
In particular, since the engagement portion 55 of the rotating member 50 is positioned on the outside through the housing 10, and the operating member 60 is held on the outside of the housing 10 so as to be able to freely move back and forth, and to restrict or release the restriction on the rotation of the rotating member 50, the switching unit U can be provided at low cost with a simple structure.

上記実施形態においては、回動部材５０、副戻しバネ４０、及び位置センサ７０が、軸線Ｓを中心とする同軸上に配置されて部品が集約されているため、装置の小型化に寄与する。また、主戻しバネ３０が、ペダルアーム２０の円筒部２１の近傍において上側アーム２７寄りに配置されているため、切換ユニットＵ（回動部材５０、副戻しバネ４０）及び位置センサ７０と併せて部品の集約化がなされ、装置全体としての小型化が達成される。 In the embodiment described above, the rotating member 50, the sub-return spring 40, and the position sensor 70 are arranged coaxially with the axis S as the center, and the parts are consolidated, which contributes to miniaturization of the device. In addition, since the main return spring 30 is arranged near the upper arm 27 in the vicinity of the cylindrical portion 21 of the pedal arm 20, the main return spring 30 is Parts are consolidated, and the entire device is made smaller.

図１４及び図１５は、本発明の他の実施形態に係る切換ユニットＵ２を示すものであり、前述の実施形態と同一の構成については同一の符号を付して説明を省略する。
この実施形態に係る切換ユニットＵ２は、回動部材１５０及び操作部材１６０を備えている。また、ハウジング１０は、保持部１１ｑに替えて保持部１１１ｑを備えている。 14 and 15 show a switching unit U2 according to another embodiment of the present invention, and the same components as those in the above-described embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof will be omitted.
The switching unit U2 according to this embodiment includes a rotating member 150 and an operating member 160. Moreover, the housing 10 includes a holding portion 111q instead of the holding portion 11q.

保持部１１１ｑは、図１４及び図１５に示すように、開口部１１１ｄを覆う領域において第１ハウジング１１の外壁に組み付けられており、操作部材１６０を挿入する矩形開口１１１ｑ１、操作部材１６０の位置決め溝１６３にスナップ係合する位置決め突起１１１ｑ２を備えている。
そして、保持部１１１ｑは、操作部１６１を露出させると共に操作部材１６０をハウジング１０の外側から内側に貫通して軸線Ｓ方向に往復動自在に保持する。 As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the retaining portion 111q is attached to the outer wall of the first housing 11 in the area covering the opening 111d, and has a rectangular opening 111q1 for inserting the operating member 160 and a positioning protrusion 111q2 that snaps into the positioning groove 163 of the operating member 160.
The holding portion 111q exposes the operating portion 161 and holds the operating member 160 so as to be capable of reciprocating motion in the direction of the axis S while penetrating the housing 10 from the outside to the inside.

回動部材１５０は、鍔部５１、嵌合穴５２、掛止部５３、当接部５４、係合部１５５を備えている。
係合部１５５は、ハウジング１０内に配置されて、軸線Ｓ方向に開口する係合穴として形成されている。 The rotating member 150 includes a collar portion 51 , a fitting hole 52 , a hook portion 53 , an abutting portion 54 , and an engaging portion 155 .
The engaging portion 155 is disposed within the housing 10 and is formed as an engaging hole that opens in the direction of the axis S.

操作部材１６０は、樹脂材料又は金属材料等を用いて略矩形の棒状に形成され、操作部１６１、規制部１６２、位置決め溝１６３を備えている。
操作部１６１は、車両の運転者等が指で掴めるように外部に露出して配置される。
規制部１６２は、係合部１５５の係合穴に嵌合するように形成されている。
位置決め溝１６３は、Ｖ字状の断面をなすと共に軸線Ｓに垂直な方向に伸長する直線溝として形成され、操作部材１６０の往復動方向において離隔して配置された第１位置決め溝１６３ａ及び第２位置決め溝１６３ｂを備えている。 The operating member 160 is formed in a substantially rectangular rod shape using a resin material, a metal material, or the like, and includes an operating portion 161 , a restricting portion 162 , and a positioning groove 163 .
The operation unit 161 is disposed so as to be exposed to the outside so that the driver of the vehicle or the like can grasp it with his/her fingers.
The restricting portion 162 is formed to fit into an engagement hole of the engagement portion 155 .
The positioning groove 163 is formed as a straight groove having a V-shaped cross-section and extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis S, and has a first positioning groove 163a and a second positioning groove 163b arranged at a distance from each other in the reciprocating direction of the operating member 160.

そして、図１５に示すように、操作部材１６０は、第１位置決め溝６３ａが保持部１１１ｑの位置決め突起１１１ｑ２と係合したとき、規制部１６２が係合部１５５に係合して、回動部材１５０の回動を規制する位置に位置決めされる。これにより、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態が設定される。
一方、操作部材１６０は、第２位置決め溝１６３ｂが保持部１１１ｑの位置決め突起１１１ｑ２と係合したとき、規制部１６２が係合部１５５から離脱して、回動部材１５０の回動を許容する位置に位置決めされる。これにより、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態が設定される。 As shown in FIG. 15, when the first positioning groove 63a engages with the positioning protrusion 111q2 of the holding part 111q, the regulating part 162 engages with the engaging part 155, and the operating member 160 rotates. It is positioned at a position that restricts rotation of the member 150. This sets the operating state in which the sub-return spring 40 exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.
On the other hand, in the operating member 160, when the second positioning groove 163b engages with the positioning protrusion 111q2 of the holding part 111q, the regulating part 162 disengages from the engaging part 155, allowing the rotating member 150 to rotate. positioned in position. As a result, a non-acting state is set in which the sub-return spring 40 does not exert a biasing force on the pedal arm 20.

この実施形態においても、切換ユニットＵ２が、回動部材１５０及び操作部材１６０により構成されているため、構造の簡素化、小型化等を達成しつつ、安価で、簡単な手動操作により軽重の二種類の踏力特性のいずれかを選択できるアクセルペダル装置を得ることができる。
特に、回動部材１５０の係合部１５５がハウジング１０の内側に配置され、操作部材１６０がハウジング１０の外側から内側に貫通して往復動自在に保持されて、回動部材１５０の回動を規制又は規制を解除できるように形成されているため、切換ユニットＵ２を、簡単な構造で安価に提供することができる。 In this embodiment as well, the switching unit U2 is composed of a rotating member 150 and an operating member 160, so that it is possible to obtain an accelerator pedal device which is inexpensive and capable of selecting one of two types of depression force characteristics, light or heavy, through simple manual operation, while achieving simplified structure and compactness.
In particular, since the engagement portion 155 of the rotating member 150 is positioned inside the housing 10, and the operating member 160 penetrates from the outside to the inside of the housing 10 and is held so as to be able to freely move back and forth, and is formed so as to be able to restrict or release the restriction on the rotation of the rotating member 150, the switching unit U2 can be provided at low cost with a simple structure.

上記実施形態においては、切換ユニットＵ，Ｕ２を構成する可動部材として、回動部材５０，１５０を示し、副戻しバネとして捩りコイルバネをなす副戻しバネ４０を示したが、これに限定されるものではなく、副戻しバネとして伸縮コイルバネを採用し、可動部材として直線的に往復移動するものを採用してもよい。 In the above embodiment, the rotating members 50, 150 are shown as the movable members constituting the switching units U, U2, and the sub return spring 40, which is a torsion coil spring, is shown as the sub return spring, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Instead, a telescopic coil spring may be used as the sub-return spring, and a movable member that moves linearly back and forth may be used.

上記実施形態においては、副戻しバネ４０がペダルアーム２０に対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態と付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態とを選択的に切り換える切換ユニットとして、手動操作により操作される操作部材６０を採用した切換ユニットＵを示したが、これに限定されるものではなく、操作部材６０，１６０を移動させる電動の機構を設け、車両に搭載された切換スイッチ、例えばＯＮ／ＯＦＦボタンの簡単な操作により、二種類の踏力特性のいずれかに選択的に切り換える構成を採用してもよい。 In the embodiment described above, the sub-return spring 40 functions as a switching unit that selectively switches between an active state in which it exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm 20 and a non-operative state in which it does not exert a biasing force, and is used as an operating member that is manually operated. Although the switching unit U employing the switch 60 is shown, the present invention is not limited to this, and an electric mechanism for moving the operating members 60, 160 is provided to easily switch the switch mounted on the vehicle, such as an ON/OFF button. A configuration may be adopted in which one of two types of pedal force characteristics is selectively switched by an operation.

上記実施形態においては、主戻しバネとして、伸縮コイルバネの形態をなす主戻しバネ３０を採用したが、これに限定されるものではなく、主戻しバネとして捩りコイルバネを採用してもよい。 In the above embodiment, the main return spring 30 in the form of a telescopic coil spring is used as the main return spring, but the main return spring is not limited to this, and a torsion coil spring may be used as the main return spring.

上記実施形態においては、アクセルペダルがペダルアーム２０に一体的に形成されたアクセルペダル２８ａを示したが、これに限定されるものではなく、車両の床面に対して揺動自在に支持されたアクセルペダルを有するアクセルペダル装置において、本発明の切換ユニットを採用してもよい。 In the above embodiment, the accelerator pedal 28a is shown as being integrally formed with the pedal arm 20, but this is not limited thereto, and the switching unit of the present invention may be employed in an accelerator pedal device having an accelerator pedal supported so as to be freely swingable relative to the floor surface of the vehicle.

以上述べたように、本発明のアクセルペダル装置は、構造の簡素化、小型化等を達成しつつ、安価で、簡単な操作により軽重の二種類の踏力特性のいずれかに選択的に切り換えることができるため、自動車等に適用できるのは勿論のこと、その他の車両等においても有用である。 As described above, the accelerator pedal device of the present invention has a simplified structure, miniaturization, etc., is inexpensive, and can selectively switch to one of two types of pedal force characteristics, light and heavy, with simple operation. Therefore, it can be applied not only to automobiles but also to other vehicles.

Ｓ 軸線
１０ ハウジング
１１ｅ，１１ｆ 摺動面（内壁）
２０ ペダルアーム
２３ 掛止溝（円筒部の一部）
２５ 受け部
２１ 円筒部
２７ 上側アーム
２７ｂ 上端部
２８ 下側アーム
２８ａ アクセルペダル
３０ 主戻しバネ
４０ 副戻しバネ
４２ 第１端部
４３ 第２端部
Ｕ 切換ユニット
５０ 回動部材（可動部材、切換ユニット）
５５ 係合部
６０ 操作部材（切換ユニット）
６２ 規制部
７０ 位置センサ
８０ ヒステリシス発生機構
８１ 第１スライダ
８２ 第２スライダ
８３ 付勢バネ
Ｕ２ 切換ユニット
１５０ 回動部材（可動部材、切換ユニット）
１５５ 係合部
１６０ 操作部材（切換ユニット）
１６２ 規制部
 S Axis 10 Housing 11e, 11f Sliding surface (inner wall)
20 Pedal arm 23 Latch groove (part of cylindrical part)
25 Receiving part 21 Cylindrical part 27 Upper arm 27b Upper end 28 Lower arm 28a Accelerator pedal 30 Main return spring 40 Sub-return spring 42 First end 43 Second end U Switching unit 50 Rotating member (movable member, switching unit )
55 Engagement part 60 Operation member (switching unit)
62 Regulation part 70 Position sensor 80 Hysteresis generating mechanism 81 First slider 82 Second slider 83 Biasing spring U2 Switching unit 150 Rotating member (movable member, switching unit)
155 Engagement part 160 Operation member (switching unit)
162 Regulatory Department

Claims (10)

アクセルペダルを有するペダルアームと、
前記ペダルアームを所定の軸線回りに回動自在に支持するハウジングと、
前記ペダルアームを休止位置に戻すべく配置された主戻しバネと、
前記ペダルアームを前記休止位置に戻す付勢力を生じる副戻しバネと、
前記副戻しバネが前記ペダルアームに対して付勢力を及ぼす作用状態と前記付勢力を及ぼさない非作用状態とを選択的に切り換える切換ユニットと、を備え、
前記切換ユニットは、前記副戻しバネの第１端部が掛止されると共に前記ペダルアームの回動に追従して移動し得る可動部材と、前記作用状態において前記可動部材の移動を規制しかつ前記非作用状態において前記可動部材の移動を許容するべく操作可能な操作部材と、を含む、
ことを特徴とするアクセルペダル装置。 a pedal arm having an accelerator pedal;
a housing that supports the pedal arm so as to be rotatable about a predetermined axis;
a primary return spring arranged to return the pedal arm to a rest position;
a secondary return spring that generates a biasing force to return the pedal arm to the rest position;
a switching unit that selectively switches between an operative state in which the secondary return spring exerts a biasing force on the pedal arm and a non-operative state in which the secondary return spring does not exert the biasing force,
The switching unit includes a movable member to which a first end of the auxiliary return spring is hooked and which can move in response to the rotation of the pedal arm, and an operating member which is operable to restrict the movement of the movable member in the active state and to allow the movement of the movable member in the inactive state.
An accelerator pedal device comprising: 前記ペダルアームは、前記作用状態において前記可動部材が離脱しかつ前記非作用状態において前記副戻しバネの付勢力により前記可動部材が当接する受け部を含む、
ことを特徴とする請求項１に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The pedal arm includes a receiving portion from which the movable member is disengaged in the activated state and abutted by the movable member due to the biasing force of the auxiliary return spring in the non-activated state.
The accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: 前記主戻しバネは、伸縮コイルバネであり、
前記副戻しバネは、捩りコイルバネであり、
前記可動部材は、前記副戻しバネと同軸上において回動する回動部材である、
ことを特徴とする請求項１又は２に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The main return spring is an expansion coil spring,
The secondary return spring is a torsion coil spring,
The movable member is a rotating member that rotates coaxially with the auxiliary return spring.
3. An accelerator pedal device according to claim 1 or 2. 前記ペダルアームは、前記軸線を中心とする円筒部と、前記円筒部から上方に伸長する上側アームと、前記円筒部から下方に伸長すると共に前記アクセルペダルを有する下側アームを含み、
前記副戻しバネは、前記軸線上において前記円筒部の領域に配置されると共に第２端部が前記円筒部の一部に掛止され、
前記回動部材は、前記ハウジング内において前記軸線回りに回動自在に配置されると共に前記作用状態において移動が規制されるべく前記操作部材と係合する係合部を含む、
ことを特徴とする請求項３に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 the pedal arm includes a cylindrical portion centered on the axis line, an upper arm extending upward from the cylindrical portion, and a lower arm extending downward from the cylindrical portion and having the accelerator pedal,
The secondary return spring is disposed in the region of the cylindrical portion on the axis line, and a second end portion is hooked onto a portion of the cylindrical portion,
the rotating member is disposed within the housing so as to be rotatable about the axis line, and includes an engaging portion that engages with the operating member so as to restrict movement of the operating member in the operative state;
4. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 3. 前記係合部は、前記ハウジングを通して外側に配置され、
前記操作部材は、前記ハウジングの外側に往復動自在に保持され、前記係合部から離脱して前記回動部材の回動を許容し、前記係合部と係合して前記回動部材の回動を規制する規制部を含む、
ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The engagement portion is disposed externally through the housing,
the operating member is held reciprocally outside the housing, and includes a restricting portion that disengages from the engaging portion to allow the rotating member to rotate and engages with the engaging portion to restrict the rotation of the rotating member,
5. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 4 . 前記係合部は、前記ハウジング内に配置され、
前記操作部材は、前記ハウジングの外側から内側に貫通して往復動自在に保持され、前記係合部から離脱して前記回動部材の回動を許容し、前記係合部と係合して前記回動部材の回動を規制する規制部を含む、
ことを特徴とする請求項４に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The engagement portion is disposed within the housing,
the operating member is held reciprocally through the housing from the outside to the inside, and includes a restricting portion that disengages from the engaging portion to allow the rotating member to rotate and engages with the engaging portion to restrict the rotation of the rotating member,
5. The accelerator pedal device according to claim 4 . 前記ペダルアームの回転角度位置を検出する位置センサをさらに含み、
前記回動部材及び前記副戻しバネと前記位置センサは、前記軸線を中心とする同軸上に配置されている、
ことを特徴とする請求項４ないし６いずれか一つに記載のアクセルペダル装置。 further including a position sensor that detects a rotational angular position of the pedal arm,
The rotating member, the sub-return spring, and the position sensor are arranged coaxially about the axis,
The accelerator pedal device according to any one of claims 4 to 6. 前記主戻しバネは、前記円筒部の近傍において前記上側アーム寄りに配置されている、
ことを特徴とする請求項４ないし７いずれか一つに記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The main return spring is disposed near the cylindrical portion and toward the upper arm.
8. An accelerator pedal device according to claim 4 , wherein the accelerator pedal device is a brake. 前記アクセルペダルの踏込み操作及び戻し操作における踏力にヒステリシスを発生するヒステリシス発生機構をさらに含む、
ことを特徴とする請求項１ないし８いずれか一つに記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The accelerator pedal may further include a hysteresis generating mechanism for generating hysteresis in the depression force during depression and release of the accelerator pedal.
9. An accelerator pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the accelerator pedal device is a brake. 前記ヒステリシス発生機構は、前記ハウジングの内壁を摺動するスライダと、前記スライダを押し戻しつつ前記ハウジングに押し付ける付勢力を及ぼす付勢バネを含み、
前記スライダは、前記ペダルアームの上端部と係合するように配置されている、
ことを特徴とする請求項９に記載のアクセルペダル装置。 The hysteresis generating mechanism includes a slider that slides on an inner wall of the housing, and a biasing spring that exerts a biasing force that pushes the slider back and presses it against the housing,
the slider is arranged to engage with an upper end of the pedal arm;
The accelerator pedal device according to claim 9, characterized in that:
JP2020149738A 2020-09-07 2020-09-07 accelerator pedal device Active JP7460488B2 (en)

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Citations (6)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10033295A1 (en) 2000-05-10 2001-11-29 A B Elektronik Gmbh Accelerator pedal module
JP2011251667A (en) 2010-06-04 2011-12-15 Mikuni Corp Gas pedal device
US20120143439A1 (en) 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Hyundai Motor Company Method for controlling acceleration pedal of vehicle
JP2012245868A (en) 2011-05-27 2012-12-13 Denso Corp Accelerator device
JP2016206291A (en) 2015-04-17 2016-12-08 三菱プレシジョン株式会社 Brake pedal device
WO2020157949A1 (en) 2019-02-01 2020-08-06 株式会社ミクニ Accelerator pedal device

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10033295A1 (en) 2000-05-10 2001-11-29 A B Elektronik Gmbh Accelerator pedal module
JP2011251667A (en) 2010-06-04 2011-12-15 Mikuni Corp Gas pedal device
US20120143439A1 (en) 2010-12-06 2012-06-07 Hyundai Motor Company Method for controlling acceleration pedal of vehicle
JP2012245868A (en) 2011-05-27 2012-12-13 Denso Corp Accelerator device
JP2016206291A (en) 2015-04-17 2016-12-08 三菱プレシジョン株式会社 Brake pedal device
WO2020157949A1 (en) 2019-02-01 2020-08-06 株式会社ミクニ Accelerator pedal device

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