JP7478498B2 - Detection Device - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a detection device.

Patent document 1 discloses a stroke sensor that includes a magnetic detection unit that detects changes in a magnetic field using a magnet that is rotated around a rotating shaft, an output calculation unit that calculates an output value corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating shaft from the changes in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit, and a correction processing unit that performs correction processing to increase the output characteristic (output value/rotation angle) of the rising portion of the rotation angle. With this stroke sensor, it is possible to improve the sensitivity at the beginning of pedal depression by correcting the slope of the output signal.

JP 2017-87750 A

However, with the detection device of Patent Document 1 as a stroke sensor, it is difficult to simultaneously detect when the pedal starts to be depressed, when the pedal is being depressed, and when the pedal is malfunctioning, simply by correcting the slope of the output signal at one point.

Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a detection device that can detect when the pedal starts to be pressed, when the pedal is being pressed, and when the pedal is malfunctioning, all in an integrated manner.

A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that outputs a signal indicating an output value corresponding to the amount of movement of the pedal, and a processing unit that acquires the signal output from the detection unit. The processing unit determines, based on the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit, whether the amount of movement of the pedal is in a first region corresponding to the amount of movement of the pedal at the beginning of depression, a second region in which the pedal moves with a depression amount greater than the amount of depression in the first region, or a third region other than the first and second regions in which the pedal moves, and outputs the result of the determination.

Some of these specific aspects may be realized using a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, or computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, or may be realized using any combination of a system, method, integrated circuit, computer program, and recording medium.

The detection device disclosed herein can detect when the pedal is first pressed, when the pedal is being pressed, and when the pedal is malfunctioning, all in an integrated manner.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle equipped with a pedal system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a perspective view showing a brake pedal and a part of a detection unit of the pedal system in the first embodiment. FIG. 3B is a diagram showing the relationship between the axis of the pedal body and the axis of the rotating lever of the detection unit in the pedal system according to embodiment 1. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view showing a detection unit of the pedal system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the pedal system of embodiment 1. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing another example of the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the pedal system of embodiment 1. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the process of the detection device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the details of the process in step S2 of FIG. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the clutch pedal of the pedal system according to the first modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the clutch pedal of the pedal system according to the second modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the accelerator pedal of the pedal system according to the third modification of the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the pedal system of the second embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the pedal system according to other modified examples. FIG. 13 is another diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit and the rotation angle of the pedal body in the pedal system according to other modified examples.

A detection device according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a detection unit that outputs a signal indicating an output value corresponding to the amount of movement of the pedal, and a processing unit that acquires the signal output from the detection unit. The processing unit determines, based on the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit, whether the amount of movement of the pedal is in a first region corresponding to the amount of movement of the pedal at the beginning of depression, a second region in which the pedal moves with a depression amount greater than the amount of depression in the first region, or a third region other than the first and second regions in which the pedal moves, and outputs the result of the determination.

This makes it possible to determine whether the pedal is in the first, second, or third range depending on the amount of movement of the pedal.

Specifically, if the pedal movement amount is in the first range, it is possible to detect the point at which the pedal starts to be depressed. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle, it can be used as a trigger to turn on a tail lamp or the like.

In addition, if the pedal movement amount is in the second range, the pedal depression amount can be detected. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle, this detection device can control regenerative cooperative braking according to the pedal depression amount.

Furthermore, if the pedal movement amount is in the third region, it can detect that the pedal is positioned outside the range of movement caused by pressing on the pedal. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle, this detection device can detect failure of the pedal mechanism due to abnormal pedal movement or the detachment of the rotating lever of the detection unit connected to the pedal.

Therefore, this detection device can detect when the pedal is first pressed, when the pedal is being pressed, and when the pedal is malfunctioning, all in one.

In particular, this detection device can determine whether the brake pedal is in the first, second, or third region by outputting multiple signals corresponding to each region from a single detection unit, making it easy to determine the state of the brake pedal.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the detection unit outputs the signal so that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the pedal movement amount when the pedal movement amount is in the first region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the second region.

This allows the transition from the first region to the second region to be detected with high accuracy even with only slight pedal depression.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the third region has a first failure region that is an area opposite the second region side with respect to the first region, and a second failure region that is an area opposite the first region side with respect to the second region.

According to this, if the amount of movement of the pedal is smaller than the amount of movement in the first region (first failure region), or if the amount of movement of the pedal is larger than the amount of movement in the second region (second failure region), it can be detected as a failure of the pedal mechanism. Therefore, this detection device can accurately detect failure of the pedal mechanism.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the pedal movement amount is in the second range, the detection unit outputs the signal so that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the pedal movement amount, is 2 or more.

For example, if the detection unit detects the rotation angle of a pedal rotating around an axis as the amount of movement, if the axis used by the detection unit to detect the rotation angle of the pedal coincides (is coaxial) with the axis of the pedal, the rotation angle of the pedal will be equal to the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. However, if the axis of the pedal and the axis of the detection unit differ, the rotation angle of the pedal will deviate from the rotation angle detected by the detection unit.

In the present disclosure, for example, by providing multiple output gradients of the output value in the second region, it becomes possible to accurately detect the rotation angle of the pedal even if the axis of the pedal and the axis of the detection unit are different.

In another aspect of the detection device of the present disclosure, the pedal is a brake pedal mounted on a vehicle.

This allows the detection device to be applied to the brake pedal.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the first region has a fourth region and a fifth region, and the detection unit outputs the signal such that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the pedal movement amount when the pedal movement amount is in the fifth region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the fourth region, the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the fifth region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the second region, and the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the second region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the fourth region.

This makes it possible to accurately detect the transition between the fourth and fifth regions, and between the second region and the fourth and fifth regions, even with only slight depression of the pedal.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the brake lights of the vehicle are turned on, and the first predetermined value is the output value when the amount of movement of the pedal is in the fifth range.

This allows the brake lights to be turned on if the output value is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, the detection unit outputs the signal such that the output value increases in the order of the first fault region, the first region, the second region, and the second fault region, and the processing unit outputs a judgment result indicating the first fault region if the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a second predetermined value, outputs a judgment result indicating the first region if the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value, outputs a judgment result indicating the second region if the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a fourth predetermined value that is greater than the third predetermined value, and outputs a judgment result indicating the second fault region if the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value.

By specifying multiple predetermined values, it is possible to set an appropriate range according to the output value. In other words, by dividing the pedal's movement amount into smaller parts, it is possible to accurately determine the state of the pedal.

In addition, in a detection device according to another aspect of the present disclosure, there is a transition region between the first failure region and the fourth region, and the detection unit outputs a signal such that the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the first failure region, and the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the fourth region.

By making the output gradient of the output value in the transition region larger than the output gradient of the output value in each of the first failure region and the fourth region, it is possible to accurately detect the switch between the first failure region and the fourth region.

The embodiments described below are all comprehensive or specific examples. The numerical values, shapes, materials, components, component placement and connection forms, steps, and order of steps shown in the following embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the present disclosure. Furthermore, among the components in the following embodiments, components that are not described in an independent claim are described as optional components.

The figures are schematic diagrams and are not necessarily drawn precisely. In each figure, the same components are given the same reference numerals. In the following embodiments, expressions such as "approximately L-shaped" are used. For example, "approximately L-shaped" does not only mean that it is completely L-shaped, but also means that it is substantially L-shaped, that is, it includes an error of, for example, about a few percent. Furthermore, "approximately L-shaped" means that it is L-shaped within the range in which the effects of this disclosure can be achieved. The same applies to other expressions using "approximately".

The following describes the embodiment in detail with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1)
<Configuration: Pedal system 10>
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the interior of a vehicle 1 equipped with a pedal system 10 according to a first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 1, the pedal system 10 is mounted on a vehicle 1 such as an automobile, detects the movement of a pedal pressed by a user, and controls the running of the vehicle 1 in response to the detection. The pedals include, for example, a brake pedal 11, a clutch pedal 13, and an accelerator pedal 12. In this embodiment, the brake pedal 11 will be described unless otherwise specified.

Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the detection device in embodiment 1. Figure 3A is a perspective view showing the brake pedal 11 and a part of the detection unit 20 of the pedal system 10 in embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3A, the pedal system 10 includes a brake pedal 11, a detection unit 20, and a processing unit 30. The detection unit 20 and the processing unit 30 constitute the detection device 3.

[Brake pedal 11]
3A , the brake pedal 11 applies a braking force to the rotational force of the wheels of the vehicle 1 in accordance with a moving amount (sometimes referred to as an operation amount) caused by the user's depression. The user's depression means that the user depresses the brake pedal 11 with his/her foot, which is a brake operation by the user.

The brake pedal 11 is supported rotatably about an axis J1 disposed on the vehicle 1 side. When the driver depresses the brake pedal 11 from a predetermined position, the brake pedal 11 rotates about the axis J1 to apply a braking force to the vehicle 1.

The brake pedal 11 has a pedal body 11a and a pedal bracket 11b.

Figure 3B is a diagram showing the relationship between the axis J1 of the pedal body 11a and the axis J2 of the pivot lever 22 of the detection unit 20 in the pedal system 10 in embodiment 1.

As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, the pedal body 11a has a long pedal arm and the pedal pad of Figure 2 that is stepped on by the user. The pedal body 11a has a shaft portion 22a provided at one end (vehicle 1 side) that is rotatably supported around the axis J1, and a pedal pad is attached to the other end. Specifically, one end of the pedal body 11a is rotatably supported around the axis J1 by a pedal bracket 11b fixed to the vehicle 1.

As shown in FIG. 3B, the pedal body 11a rotates between a first position (shown by a solid line) in which the pedal body 11a is supported in a position approaching the user's foot, and a second position (shown by a two-dot chain line) in which the pedal body 11a has reached its limit of movement when pressed by the user. The first position is the position of the pedal body 11a when it is not pressed by the user's foot. The second position is the position of the pedal body 11a when the pedal body 11a has been pressed by the user's foot to its limit of movement and the pedal body 11a no longer rotates.

The pedal body 11a also has a connection part 11c for rotating the rotating lever 22 of the detection unit 20 together with the rotation of the pedal body 11a. The connection part 11c is supported on one end side of the pedal body 11a, extends to connect with the rotating lever 22 of the detection unit 20, and has a columnar protrusion 11d for direct connection with the rotating lever 22.

The pedal bracket 11b supports the pedal body 11a around the axis J1. The pedal bracket 11b has a pair of opposing side walls that are approximately L-shaped, and a plate-shaped connecting plate that connects the pair of side walls, and is formed with a cross-section that is approximately inverted U-shaped. A space that allows the pedal arm and the detection unit 20 to rotate is formed between the pair of side walls, and the detection unit 20, the shaft 22a of the pedal body 11a, the connection body, etc. are arranged therein.

[Detection unit 20]
2 and 3A, the detection unit 20 is a stroke sensor that detects the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 and outputs a signal indicating an output value corresponding to the amount of movement. Specifically, when the brake pedal 11 is depressed to transition from the first posture to the second posture in FIG. 3B, the detection unit 20 detects the rotation angle (opening degree) of the pedal body 11a of the brake pedal 11 rotated about the axis J1 as the amount of movement. The amount of movement includes a rotation angle from the first posture of the pedal body 11a to a predetermined posture when rotated about the axis J1 based on the first posture.

In addition, the detection unit 20 may detect the rotation angle of the pedal rotated around the axis J1 as the amount of movement when the brake pedal 11 transitions from the second position in FIG. 3B to the first position by releasing the brake pedal 11.

The detection unit 20 also detects when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in a position other than the position between the first position and the second position of the brake pedal 11 in FIG. 3B. In other words, the detection unit 20 also detects when the brake pedal 11 is located outside the normal range of movement of the brake pedal 11 caused by depression. In other words, the detection unit 20 also detects when the brake pedal 11 is in an abnormal position (located in an abnormal range of movement) due to a malfunction of the brake pedal 11.

Therefore, the rotation angle as the movable amount includes a first rotation angle range between the first attitude and the second attitude, a second rotation angle range on the opposite side of the first attitude to the second attitude, and a third rotation angle range on the opposite side of the second attitude to the first attitude. The second rotation angle range and the third rotation angle range are ranges other than the first rotation angle range.

When the detection unit 20 detects the amount of movement of the pedal, it outputs a signal indicating the detected amount of movement to the processing unit 30. The detection unit 20 is connected to the processing unit 30 so as to be able to communicate with them.

Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view showing the detection unit 20 of the pedal system 10 in embodiment 1.

As shown in FIG. 4, the detector 20 is provided on the brake pedal 11 so as to be able to detect the rotation of the pedal body 11a. The detector 20 includes a main body 21, a rotating lever 22, a magnet 23, an elastic spring 24, a lever locking member 25, a magnetic detector 26, and a cover 27.

The main body 21 is a housing that houses the elastic spring 24, the lever locking member 25, and the magnetic detector 26. The main body 21 is fixed to the pedal bracket 11b and supports the rotating lever 22 around the axis J2.

The rotating lever 22 is provided on the main body 21 so as to be rotatable around the axis J2. The axis J2 is different from the axis J1 and is substantially parallel to the axis J1. The rotating lever 22 has a shaft portion 22a provided on the main body 21 so as to rotate around the axis J2 in conjunction with the rotation of the pedal body 11a, and a bifurcated lever portion 22b extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis J2 of the shaft portion 22a. A magnet 23 is fixed on the axis J2 of the shaft portion 22a in a position facing the magnetic detector element 26a. The lever portion 22b is connected to the columnar protrusion 11d of the pedal body 11a located between the bifurcated portions. When the lever portion 22b rotates, it allows the columnar protrusion 11d to slide between the bifurcated portions.

In this embodiment, the rotating lever 22 and the pedal body 11a may be rotatably connected via a transmission mechanism such as a link mechanism or a gear mechanism.

The magnet 23 is a permanent magnet and is driven to rotate around the shaft portion 22a, which rotates around the axis J2. The magnet 23 is disposed at a position intersecting the axis J2. The magnet 23 is fixed to the shaft portion 22a so that a portion of the magnetic flux of the magnet 23 passes through the magnetic detector element 26a.

The elastic spring 24 applies a stress to the rotating lever 22 that repels the rotation of the rotating lever 22 that accompanies depression of the brake pedal 11. For example, when the brake pedal 11 is in the first position, the elastic spring 24 applies a stress to the rotating lever 22. However, the rotating lever 22 is stationary due to the stationary state of the brake pedal 11 in the first position. Also, in the second position, the elastic spring 24 applies a stress in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the rotating lever 22.

The lever locking member 25 engages with the rotating lever 22 and the main body 21 so as to sandwich the main body 21 between the rotating lever 22 and the lever locking member 25. In other words, the lever locking member 25 locks the rotating lever 22 so that the rotating lever 22 does not fall off the main body 21.

The magnetic detector 26 has a magnetic detector element 26a and a circuit board 26b.

The magnetic sensor element 26a is disposed at a position that intersects with the axis J2, facing the magnet 23. The magnetic sensor element 26a is mounted on the circuit board 26b, and its position is maintained by the circuit board 26b.

Part of the magnetic flux of the magnet 23 passes through the magnetic sensing surface of the magnetic detector element 26a. Therefore, when the magnet 23 is rotated, the magnetic flux rotates on the magnetic sensing surface of the magnetic detector element 26a. This causes the magnetic detector element 26a to output a signal in response to changes in the magnetic field, i.e., changes in the direction of the magnetic flux. In other words, the magnetic detector element 26a can detect the rotation angle of the rotating lever 22.

The magnetic detector element 26a increases the signal output value according to the magnitude of the detected rotation angle of the rotating lever 22. The signal output value is, for example, a voltage value. When the magnetic detector element 26a detects the rotation of the rotating lever 22, it outputs a signal according to the magnitude of the rotation angle of the rotating lever 22 to the processing unit 30. This signal essentially becomes a signal indicating the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11.

In this embodiment, the magnetic detector 26 is configured with one or two magnetic detector elements 26a, and a signal is output from the magnetic detector element 26a.

The circuit board 26b is mounted with the magnetic sensor element 26a and a signal processing circuit that amplifies the signal output by the magnetic sensor element 26a. The circuit board 26b is held in the main body 21 with the magnetic sensor element 26a facing the magnet 23.

The cover 27 is a member for covering the magnetic detector 26 housed in the main body 21. The cover 27 is fixed to the main body 21 with a fixing member such as a screw while covering the magnetic detector 26.

[Processing section 30]
The processing unit 30 acquires a signal output from the detection unit 20 that indicates the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 detected by the detection unit 20, and determines the area in which the brake pedal 11 is moving according to the amount of movement indicated by the acquired signal. Specifically, the processing unit 30 determines the area corresponding to the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a based on the output value indicated by the signal due to the change in the magnetic field detected by the magnetic detection unit 26. In other words, the processing unit 30 determines whether the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first area, the second area, or the third area.

Figure 5A is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a in order to detect the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a of the pedal system 10 in embodiment 1. In Figure 5A, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detection unit 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a.

In this embodiment, FIG. 5A shows a graph for determining whether the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first, second, or third range.

The first, second and third regions are explained below.

The first region corresponds to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 at the beginning of depression. The amount of movement at the beginning of depression is the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a when the pedal body 11a in FIG. 3B rotates slightly from the first posture toward the second posture side by a predetermined angle. The first region is a region for detecting the amount of movement at the beginning of depression of the brake pedal 11 (detecting switching for operating the brake lamp 51 in FIG. 2). The first region corresponds to the output value of the Switch Low signal. The first region is also indicated by angles from θ ₁ to θ _2b . The output gradient of the first region (i.e., the output gradient of the entire first region) is larger than the output gradient of the second region. In other words, the detection unit 20 outputs a signal so that the output gradient, which is the rate of change of the output value relative to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first region, is larger than the output gradient when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region.

The first region also has a first A region (an example of the fourth region) corresponding to a Switch Low signal for distinguishing between a failure of the brake pedal 11 and the extinguishing of the brake lamps 51, and a first B region (an example of the fifth region) for switching from the Switch Low signal to a Switch High signal.

The first A region is a rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 equivalent to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 at the beginning of depression. In the first A region, the output value is substantially equivalent to the Switch Low signal, and the output gradient is small. The first A region is indicated by angles (θ _2a to θ ₁ ). Here, the output gradient indicates the slope corresponding to each region in the graph shown in FIG. 5A. In other words, the output gradient is the rate of change of the output value with respect to the amount of movement (rotation angle).

The 1B region is a very small rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 until the signal switches from the Switch Low signal to the Switch High signal. The 1B region is an output value of a signal that has a steep output gradient from the Switch Low signal to the Switch High signal. The output gradient of the 1B region is larger than the output gradient of the 2nd region. The 1B region is also indicated by an angle (θ _2b to θ _2a ).

Here, the vehicle 1 turns on the brake lamps 51 or cancels the cruise control in response to the Switch High signal output from the detection unit 20. Therefore, there is no need for a push-type lamp switch, which is generally disposed close to the brake pedal 11 and outputs a signal to turn on the brake lamps 51 of the vehicle 1 or cancel the cruise control when pressed down by one end of the pedal body 11a as the pedal body 11a rotates.

The second region is a region in which the brake pedal 11 can be moved by a larger depression amount than that in the first region. This larger depression amount indicates the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 when the pedal body 11a rotates from the amount of movement at the start of depression of the pedal body 11a to the limit of movement due to depression. The second region is a region for performing regenerative cooperative control by detecting depression of the brake pedal 11 (detecting the pedal stroke). In the second region, a Switch High signal is output from the detection unit 20. The Switch High signal has a larger signal output value than the Switch Low signal. The second region is indicated by angles (θ ₃ to θ _2b ).

In this way, the angles of the first and second regions (θ ₃ to θ ₁ ) are the normal movable range of the pedal body 11a.

The third region is a region other than the first region and the second region where the pedal body 11a is not positioned between the first position and the second position and the pedal moves when depressed. The third region has a first failure region which is the region opposite the second region side of the first region, and a second failure region which is the region opposite the first region side of the second region.

The first failure region is the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 when the pedal body 11a is positioned on the opposite side of the first posture to the second posture. The first failure region is indicated by angles (θ ₁ to θ ₀ ). In the first failure region, the outside of the movable range of the pedal body 11a is detected, and therefore a Sensor Low Clamp signal is output from the detection unit 20. The Sensor Low Clamp signal has a smaller output value than the Switch Low signal in order to be distinguished from the Switch Low signal. Note that the Sensor Low Clamp signal does not have to be a constant value as shown in the graph of FIG. 5A, and the output value may be decreased as the rotation angle becomes smaller.

The second failure region is the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 when the pedal body 11a is positioned on the opposite side of the first posture from the second posture. The second failure region is indicated by an angle larger than the angle _θ3 . In the second failure region, the outside of the movable range of the pedal body 11a is detected, and therefore the Sensor High Clamp signal is output from the detection unit 20. The Sensor High Clamp signal has a larger output value than the Switch High signal. Note that the Sensor High Clamp signal does not have to be a constant value as shown in the graph of FIG. 5A, and the output value may be increased as the rotation angle increases.

In this way, angles greater than the angles of the first failure region (θ ₁ to θ ₀ ) and the angle θ ₃ of the second failure region are abnormal movable regions of the pedal body 11a.

Note that FIG. 5A is merely an example, and the determination of the area by the processing unit 30 is not limited to FIG. 5A. For example, the output gradient of the first B area in FIG. 5A may be further reduced.

When the magnetic detector 26 is composed of two magnetic detector elements 26a, the processor 30 will be as shown in FIG. 5B. FIG. 5B is a diagram showing another example of the relationship between the output value of the detector 20 and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a in the pedal system 10 of the first embodiment. In FIG. 5B, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detector 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a. The processor 30 obtains a logically inverted signal from one of the two magnetic detector elements 26a as shown in FIG. 5B. In this way, by obtaining two signals, the processor 30 can determine that there is an abnormality in the output value of the detector 20 if the output value is not a constant value.

Returning to the explanation of the processing unit 30, the processing unit 30 outputs the result of determining whether the area is the first area, the second area, or the third area based on FIG. 5A to, for example, the vehicle control device 50. The vehicle control device 50 is, for example, an ECU (Electronic Control Unit or Engine Control Unit) mounted on the vehicle 1. The vehicle control device 50 may be capable of controlling the turning on and off of the brake lamps 51, etc.

<Processing>
The processing of the pedal system 10 in this embodiment will now be described.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the processing of the detection device 3 in embodiment 1.

Figure 6 describes the processing of the pedal system 10 when the user turns on the ignition switch of the vehicle 1.

First, when the user's foot starts to step on the brake pedal 11, as shown in FIG. 6, the detection unit 20 detects the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 (S11). In other words, the detection unit 20 detects the amount of movement as the amount of depression of the brake pedal 11, and outputs a signal of an output value corresponding to the amount of movement to the processing unit 30.

Next, when the processing unit 30 acquires a signal from the detection unit 20, it determines whether the output value (movable amount) indicated by the acquired signal is in the first region, the second region, or the third region (S12). The processing unit 30 outputs the result of the determination to the vehicle control device 50. Then, the processing unit 30 ends the processing.

The process of step S12 will now be described in detail. In this description, it is assumed that the user depresses the brake pedal 11 by a fixed amount. Furthermore, when the user gradually depresses the brake pedal 11, the output value of the signal output from the detection unit 20 gradually changes.

Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the details of the processing of step S12 in Figure 6.

First, as shown in FIG. 7, the processing unit 30 determines whether the output value of the signal acquired from the detection unit 20 is less than the output value of the Switch Low signal (i.e., the threshold value) (S21). The output value of the Switch Low signal is an example of the second predetermined value.

If the output value of the acquired signal is less than the output value of the Switch Low signal (YES in S21), this means that the brake pedal 11 is malfunctioning. Therefore, the processing unit 30 determines that the third area is the first malfunction area. The processing unit 30 outputs the determination result indicating that the third area is the first malfunction area to the vehicle control device 50, etc. (S22). Then, the processing unit 30 ends the processing.

If the output value of the acquired signal is equal to or greater than the output value of the Switch Low signal (NO in S21), the processing unit 30 determines whether or not the output value is less than the output value of the Switch High signal (i.e., the threshold value) (S23). The output value of the Switch High signal is an example of the third predetermined value.

If the output value of the acquired signal is less than the output value of the Switch High signal (YES in S23), the processing unit 30 determines that the first region is present. The processing unit 30 outputs a determination result indicating that the first region is present to the vehicle control device 50, etc. (S24). Then, the processing unit 30 ends the processing.

If the output value of the acquired signal is equal to or greater than the output value of the Switch High signal (NO in S23), the processing unit 30 determines whether or not the output value is less than the output value of the Sensor High Clamp signal (i.e., the threshold value) (S25). The output value of the Sensor High Clamp signal is an example of the fourth predetermined value.

If the output value of the signal in step S21 is less than the output value of the Sensor High Clamp signal (YES in S25), the processing unit 30 determines that the vehicle is in the second region. The processing unit 30 outputs a determination result indicating that the vehicle is in the second region to the vehicle control device 50, etc. (S26). Then, the processing unit 30 ends the process.

If the output value of the acquired signal is equal to or greater than the output value of the Sensor High Clamp signal (NO in S25), this means that the brake pedal 11 is malfunctioning. Therefore, the processing unit 30 determines that the brake pedal 11 is in the second malfunction area of the third area. The processing unit 30 outputs the determination result indicating that the brake pedal 11 is in the second malfunction area to the vehicle control device 50, etc. (S27). The processing unit 30 then ends the process.

If the answer is YES in step S23, the processing unit 30 may determine whether or not the output value of the signal is in the first A region based on the output value of the signal. If the output value of the signal is in the first A region, the processing unit 30 may return the process to step S24. If the output value of the signal is in the first B region, the processing unit 30 may return the process to step S24.

<Action and effect>
Next, the effects of the detection device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

As described above, the detection device 3 in this embodiment includes a detection unit 20 that outputs a signal indicating an output value corresponding to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11, and a processing unit 30 that acquires the signal output from the detection unit 20. Based on the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit 20, the processing unit 30 determines whether the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in a first area corresponding to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 at the beginning of depression, a second area in which the brake pedal 11 is movable with a depression amount greater than the amount of depression in the first area, or a third area other than the first and second areas in which the brake pedal 11 is movable, and outputs the result of the determination.

This makes it possible to determine whether the brake pedal 11 is in the first, second, or third range depending on the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11.

Specifically, if the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first region, it is possible to detect the time when the brake pedal 11 starts to be depressed. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle 1, detecting the displacement from the first region to the second region can be used as a trigger to turn on the brake lamps 51, etc.

In addition, if the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region, the amount of depression of the brake pedal 11 can be detected. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle 1, this detection device 3 can control regenerative cooperative braking according to the amount of depression of the brake pedal 11.

Furthermore, if the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the third region, it can detect that the brake pedal 11 is positioned outside the range of movement caused by depression of the brake pedal 11. Therefore, for example, when applied to a vehicle 1, this detection device 3 can detect malfunctions of the pedal mechanism due to abnormal movement of the brake pedal 11, detachment of the rotating lever 22 of the detection unit 20 connected to the brake pedal 11, etc.

Therefore, this detection device 3 can detect when the brake pedal 11 starts to be depressed, when the brake pedal 11 is being depressed, and when there is a malfunction of the brake pedal 11, all in an integrated manner.

In particular, this detection device 3 can determine whether it is in the first, second, or third region by outputting multiple signals corresponding to each region from a single detection unit 20, making it easy to determine the state of the brake pedal 11.

In addition, in the detection device 3 of this embodiment, the detection unit 20 outputs a signal so that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region.

This allows the transition from the first region to the second region to be detected with high accuracy even with only slight depression of the brake pedal 11.

In addition, in the detection device 3 of this embodiment, the third region has a first failure region which is an area opposite the second region side with respect to the first region, and a second failure region which is an area opposite the first region side with respect to the second region.

Accordingly, if the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is smaller than the amount of movement in the first region (first failure region), or if the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is larger than the amount of movement in the second region (second failure region), it can be detected as a failure of the pedal mechanism. Therefore, this detection device 3 can accurately detect failure of the pedal mechanism.

In addition, in the detection device 3 of this embodiment, the pedal is a brake pedal 11 mounted on the vehicle 1.

This allows the detection device 3 to be applied to the brake pedal 11.

(First Modification of First Embodiment)
The detection device 3 of this modified example will be described.

This modified example differs from the detection device 3 of the first embodiment in that the clutch pedal 13 of FIG. 1 is used instead of the brake pedal 11 of FIG. 1. This modified example also differs from the detection device 3 of the first embodiment in that the first region has a larger output gradient than the 1A region of the first embodiment.

Figure 8 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 in the clutch pedal 13 of the pedal system 10 of the first modified example of the first embodiment and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a. In Figure 8, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detection unit 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the detection device 3 in this modified example is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations are omitted.

The clutch pedal 13 is configured to turn on the engine of the vehicle 1 when it is pressed close to its normal limit of movement.

Specifically, the first region is a region that detects the amount of depression of the clutch pedal 13 in order to control the operation of the engine when the engine is turned on. In other words, in the first region, the rotation angle of the clutch pedal 13 is detected.

The first region may have a 1A region and a 1B region as shown in Fig. 5A. In this case, although not shown in Fig. 8, the 1A region may be represented by a rotation angle from _θ2a to _θ1 , and the 1B region may be represented by a rotation angle from _θ2b to _θ2a .

The second region is a region in which the clutch pedal 13 near its limit of movement is detected in order to turn on the engine near its limit of movement when the clutch pedal 13 is depressed. That is, in the second region, the full stroke of the clutch pedal 13 is detected. The amount of movement in the second region (angle range of the pedal body 11a ( _θ3 to _θ2 )) is smaller than the amount of movement in the first region (angle range of the pedal body 11a ( _θ2 to _θ1 )). The output gradient in the second region is smaller than that in the first region.

This modified example achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

(Second Modification of First Embodiment)
The detection device 3 of this modified example will be described.

This modification differs from the detection device 3 of the first embodiment in that the clutch pedal 13 of FIG. 1 is used instead of the brake pedal 11. This modification also differs from the first modification of the first embodiment in that the processing unit 30 uses FIG. 9 instead of FIG. 8 in the first modification of the first embodiment to determine which region it is.

Figure 9 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 in the clutch pedal 13 of the pedal system 10 of the second modified example of the first embodiment and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a. In Figure 9, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detection unit 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the detection device 3 in this modified example is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations are omitted.

The clutch pedal 13 is configured to turn on the engine of the vehicle 1 when it is pressed close to its normal limit of movement.

Specifically, the 1A region is a region for detecting the amount of movement of the clutch pedal 13 at the beginning of depression in order to suppress fuel reduction due to switching. The amount of movement in the 1A region (angle range of the pedal body 11a (θ _1b to θ _1a )) is smaller than the amount of movement in the 1B region (angle range of the pedal body 11a (θ ₂ to θ _1b )). Also, the 1A region has a smaller output gradient than the 1B region.

The 1B region is a region that detects the amount of depression of the clutch pedal 13 in order to control the engine drive when the engine is turned on. In other words, in the 1B region, the rotation angle of the clutch pedal 13 is detected.

The second region is a region in which the clutch pedal 13 near its limit of movement is detected in order to turn on the engine near its limit of movement when the clutch pedal 13 is depressed. That is, in the second region, the full stroke of the clutch pedal 13 is detected. The amount of movement in the second region (angle range of the pedal body 11a ( _θ3 to _θ2 )) is smaller than the amount of movement in the 1B region (angle range of the pedal body 11a ( _θ2 to _θ1b )). Moreover, the second region has the same output gradient as the 1A region.

The detection device 3 of this modified example makes it possible to eliminate, for example, a clutch upper switch that detects the first A region, a clutch stroke sensor that detects the first B region, and a clutch lower switch that detects the second region, which are generally provided near the clutch pedal.

This modified example achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

(Third Modification of First Embodiment)
The detection device 3 of this modified example will be described.

This modified example differs from the detection device 3 of embodiment 1 in that the accelerator pedal 12 of FIG. 1 is used instead of the brake pedal 11. This modified example also differs from embodiment 1 in that the processing unit 30 uses FIG. 10 instead of FIG. 5A of embodiment 1 to determine which region it is. In other words, this modified example differs from embodiment 1 in that the first region does not have regions 1A and 1B, but is a region with a predetermined output gradient.

Figure 10 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a in the accelerator pedal 12 of the pedal system 10 of the third modified example of the first embodiment. In Figure 10, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detection unit 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the detection device 3 in this modified example is the same as that in the first embodiment, and the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations are omitted.

The first region is the region with the largest output gradient, and has an output gradient that gradually increases from the beginning of depression of the accelerator pedal 12 until it approaches the limit of movement. In other words, the first region is the region in which the amount of depression of the accelerator pedal 12 is detected.

The second region has a second A region in which the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal 12 is greater than the first region, and a second B region in which the rotation angle of the accelerator pedal 12 is greater than the second A region.

The second A region is the region where the engine output is at full throttle. The second A region is equal to the output value of the Switch High signal, and the output gradient is smaller than the first region.

The second B region is a state in which the accelerator pedal 12 is near its limit of movement, and is a region in which the engine output is reduced. The second B region is equivalent to the output value of the Switch Middle signal, which has a smaller output value than the Switch High signal, and has an output gradient equivalent to that of the second A region.

In this modified example, when the accelerator pedal 12 is in the second A range, the detection unit 20 outputs a Switch High signal, and the engine output is fully opened. Even if the accelerator pedal 12 is further depressed and enters the second B range, which is close to the limit of movement, the detection unit 20 makes it equivalent to a Switch Middle signal, and suppresses the acceleration of the vehicle 1.

This modified example achieves the same effects as the first embodiment described above.

(Embodiment 2)
The detection device 3 of the present embodiment will be described.

As shown in FIG. 11, this embodiment differs from the detection device 3 of embodiment 1 in that the second region is divided into multiple regions.

Figure 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a in the pedal system 10 of embodiment 2. In Figure 11, the vertical axis represents the output value of the signal of the magnetic detection unit 26, and the horizontal axis represents the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a.

Unless otherwise specified, the configuration of the detection device 3 in this embodiment is the same as in embodiment 1, etc., and the same components are given the same reference numerals and detailed descriptions of the configurations are omitted.

The processing unit 30 performs a process of dividing the second region into a plurality of regions by performing multi-point correction. In other words, the second region is divided into regions each having a different plurality of output gradients by performing multi-point correction. For example, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 11, the second region is divided into three regions and is composed of three output gradients. The second region may be divided into two regions, or into four or more regions. In other words, the number of correction points can be set arbitrarily in the second region. Also, as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 11, it is preferable that the second region is curved as shown by the dashed line.

When the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region, the detection unit 20 outputs a signal whose output value has an output gradient of 2 or more. This signal has an output gradient that is the rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11.

<Action and effect>
Next, the effects of the detection device 3 in this embodiment will be described.

As described above, in the detection device 3 of this embodiment, when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region, the detection unit 20 outputs a signal so that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11, is 2 or more.

For example, when the detection unit detects the rotation angle of the brake pedal rotating around an axis as the amount of movement, if the axis for detecting the brake pedal rotation angle by the detection unit coincides with the axis of the brake pedal, the rotation angle of the brake pedal will be equal to the rotation angle detected by the detection unit. However, when the axis J1 of the brake pedal 11 and the axis J2 of the detection unit 20 differ, as in this embodiment, the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 will deviate from the rotation angle detected by the detection unit 20.

In this embodiment, for example, by providing multiple output gradients of the output value in the second region, it becomes possible to accurately detect the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 even if the axis J1 of the brake pedal 11 and the axis J2 of the detection unit 20 are different.

This embodiment also provides the same effects as the above-mentioned embodiment 1.

(Other variations, etc.)
The present disclosure has been described above based on embodiments 1 and 2 and modified examples 1 to 3 of embodiment 1, but the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments 1 and 2 and modified examples 1 to 3 of embodiment 1, etc.

For example, in the detection device according to each of the above-mentioned first embodiments, even if a clutch pedal is used instead of a brake pedal, the processing unit may use a diagram equivalent to FIG. 5A to determine which region the signal from the detection unit is in. In this case, the first region may be a region that detects the amount of movement of the clutch pedal at the start of depression in order to suppress fuel reduction due to switching. The second region may be a region that detects the amount of depression of the clutch pedal in order to control the drive of the engine when the engine is turned on. The first failure region may be a region that detects a failure when the pedal body is located on the opposite side of the second posture from the first posture. The second failure region may be a region that detects a failure when the pedal body is located on the opposite side of the first posture from the second posture.

The detection devices according to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and the first and second variations of the first embodiment may use a detection unit whose pivot lever has an axis that coincides with the axis of the pedal body. In this case, the pivot lever may be disposed outside the bracket, or between a pair of side walls of the bracket. Since the rotation angle of the pedal body coincides with the rotation angle of the pivot lever, multi-point correction in the second region is not required, and the processing load on the processing unit can be reduced.

In addition, in the detection devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, the output gradient in the first B region may be smaller than that in the second region.

In addition, in the detection devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, the output gradient of each region may be set arbitrarily.

In addition, in the detection devices according to the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 5A, the output gradient of the first B region is greater than the output gradient of the second region, but as shown in FIG. 5A, the output gradient of the first B region may be greater than not only the output gradient of the second region, but also the output gradient of the first A region, the output gradient of the first failure region, and the output gradient of the second failure region. Also, as shown in FIG. 5A, the output gradient of the second region may be greater than the output gradient of the first A region.

In the detection devices according to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and the first and second variations of the first embodiment, the first A region is the range of the rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 from when the brake pedal 11 is first depressed until the first B region where the Switch High signal is output. The output gradient of this first A region is a relatively small value that is 0 or close to 0, and may be substantially 0.

In addition, in the detection device according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second modifications of embodiment 1, as shown in FIG. 5A, the output values of the signals of the first fault region, the first region (1A region, 1B region), the second region, and the second fault region become gradually larger in this order. This prevents erroneous judgment of each region, and enables more reliable region judgment. In other words, since the output values of the signal output by the detection unit 20 become larger in this order of the first fault region, the first region (1A region, 1B region), the second region, and the second fault region, as shown in FIG. 7, by determining whether the output value of the signal acquired from the detection unit 20 is less than a predetermined value (threshold value), it becomes possible to determine whether the movable amount of the brake pedal 11 is in the first fault region, the first region (1A region, 1B region), the second region, or the second fault region.

In the detection device according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second modifications of the first embodiment, the description of FIG. 5A above illustrates that the brake lamps 51 of the vehicle 1 are turned on or the cruise control is released by the Switch High signal, which is the maximum output value in the second region, but the brake lamps 51 of the vehicle 1 may be turned on or the cruise control may be released by an output value other than the above. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 in the pedal system 10 of other modifications and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a. For example, as shown in FIG. 12, when the output value is equal to or greater than the Switch ON signal, which is the intermediate output value between the Switch Low signal and the Switch High signal, the brake lamps 51 of the vehicle 1 may be turned on or the cruise control may be released. In addition to turning on the brake lamps 51, the shift lock may be released, a push start may be permitted, and the like. The output value of the Switch ON signal is an example of the first predetermined value.

In addition, in the detection device according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the modified examples 1 and 2 of the embodiment 1, although it was omitted in the description of FIG. 5A above, as shown in FIG. 13, there may be a transition region between the first failure region and the 1A region. FIG. 13 is another diagram showing the relationship between the output value of the detection unit 20 and the rotation angle of the pedal body 11a in the pedal system 10 of other modified examples. The detection unit 20 may output a signal so that the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the transition region is larger than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the first failure region, and the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the transition region is larger than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the 1A region. Note that the transition region may be included in either the first failure region or the first region, or may be an independent region that may not be included in either. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 13, the transition region is a very slight rotation angle of the brake pedal 11 until the Switch Low signal and the Sensor Low Clamp signal are switched. The transition region is the output value of the signal that has a steep output gradient until the signal switches between the Switch Low signal and the Sensor Low Clamp signal. The transition region is indicated by an angle (θ1a to θ1b). It is preferable that the output gradient of the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the first failure region and greater than the output gradient of the first A region.

In addition, in the detection device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, the first region may have a first A region and a first B region, and the detection unit may output a signal such that the output gradient of the output value, which is the rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first B region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first A region, the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first B region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region, and the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the second region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first A region.

This allows accurate detection of the switch between region 1A and region 1B, and the switch between region 2 and regions 1A and 1B, even with only slight depression of the brake pedal 11.

In addition, in the detection device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, the brake lamps 51 of the vehicle 1 are turned on, and the first predetermined value may be the output value when the movable amount of the brake pedal 11 is in the first B region.

According to this, the brake lamp 51 can be turned on if the output value is equal to or greater than the first predetermined value.

In addition, in the detection device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, the detection unit outputs a signal such that the output value increases in the order of the first fault region, the first region, the second region, and the second fault region, and the processing unit outputs a judgment result indicating the first fault region when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a second predetermined value (the output value of the Switch Low signal), outputs a judgment result indicating the first region when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a third predetermined value (the output value of the Switch High signal) that is greater than the second predetermined value, outputs a judgment result indicating the second region when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a fourth predetermined value (the output value of the Sensor High Clamp signal) that is greater than the third predetermined value, and outputs a judgment result indicating the second fault region when the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value.

By specifying multiple predetermined values, it is possible to appropriately set a range according to the output value. In other words, by subdividing the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11, it is possible to accurately determine the state of the brake pedal 11.

In addition, in the detection device 3 according to each of the above-mentioned embodiments 1 and 2 and the first and second variations of embodiment 1, a transition region may be provided between the first failure region and the first A region, and the detection unit may output a signal such that the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first failure region, and the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the brake pedal 11 is in the first A region.

Accordingly, by making the output gradient of the output value in the transition region larger than the output gradient of the output value in each of the first failure region and the first A region, it is possible to accurately detect the switch between the first failure region and the first A region.

The processing units included in the detection devices according to the above-mentioned first and second embodiments and the first to third variations of the first embodiment are typically realized as LSIs, which are integrated circuits. These may be implemented individually on a single chip, or may be implemented on a single chip that includes some or all of them.

In addition, the integrated circuit is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit or a general-purpose processor. It is also possible to use an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells inside the LSI.

Each processing unit may be provided integrally with the detection unit 20, or may be provided integrally with the vehicle control device 50 or other device of the vehicle 1.

In each of the above embodiments, each component may be configured with dedicated hardware, or may be realized by executing a software program suitable for each component. Each component may be realized by a program execution unit such as a CPU or processor reading and executing a software program recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk or semiconductor memory.

Furthermore, all the numbers used above are merely examples to specifically explain this disclosure, and the embodiments of this disclosure are not limited to the numbers shown as examples.

The division of functional blocks in the block diagram is one example, and multiple functional blocks may be realized as one functional block, one functional block may be divided into multiple blocks, or some functions may be transferred to other functional blocks. In addition, the functions of multiple functional blocks having similar functions may be processed in parallel or in a time-shared manner by a single piece of hardware or software.

The order in which each step in the flowchart is performed is merely an example to specifically explain the present disclosure, and the steps may be performed in an order other than the above. Some of the steps may be performed simultaneously (in parallel) with other steps.

In addition, this disclosure also includes forms obtained by applying various modifications that would occur to those skilled in the art to the first and second embodiments and the first to third variations of the first embodiment, and forms realized by arbitrarily combining the components and functions of the first and second embodiments and the first to third variations of the first embodiment within the scope of the spirit of this disclosure.

This disclosure can be used, for example, in brake pedals, accelerator pedals, or clutch pedals equipped on vehicles.

3 Detection device 11 Brake pedal (pedal)
12 Accelerator pedal (pedal)
13 Clutch pedal (pedal)
20 Detection unit 30 Processing unit 51 Brake lamp

Claims (9)

a detection unit that outputs a signal indicating an output value corresponding to an amount of movement of the pedal;
A processing unit that acquires the signal output from the detection unit,
The processing unit determines, based on the output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit, whether the amount of movement of the pedal is in a first area corresponding to the amount of movement of the pedal when it is first pressed down, a second area in which the pedal moves with a pressing amount greater than the amount of pressing down in the first area, or a third area other than the first and second areas in which the pedal is movable, and outputs the result of the determination. 2. The detection device according to claim 1, wherein the detection unit outputs the signal so that an output gradient of the output value, which is a rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the pedal when the amount of movement of the pedal is in the first region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the pedal is in the second region. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the third region has a first failure region which is an area opposite the second region side with respect to the first region, and a second failure region which is an area opposite the first region side with respect to the second region. The detection device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the detection unit outputs the signal so that, when the movable amount of the pedal is in the second range, the output gradient of the output value, which is a rate of change with respect to the movable amount of the pedal, is 2 or more. The detection device according to claim 3 , wherein the pedal is a brake pedal mounted on a vehicle. the first region has a fourth region and a fifth region,
The detection unit is
an output gradient of the output value, which is a rate of change with respect to the amount of movement of the pedal when the amount of movement of the pedal is in the fifth region, is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the amount of movement of the pedal is in the fourth region;
the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the fifth region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movement amount is in the second region,
The detection device according to claim 5, wherein the signal is output so that the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movable amount is in the second region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal movable amount is in the fourth region. When an output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value, a brake lamp of the vehicle is turned on.
The detection device according to claim 6 , wherein the first predetermined value is the output value when the movable amount of the pedal is in the fifth range. the detection unit outputs the signal such that the output value increases in the order of the first failure region, the first region, the second region, and the second failure region;
The processing unit includes:
When an output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a second predetermined value, a determination result indicating the first fault region is output;
outputting a determination result indicating the first region when an output value indicated by a signal output from the detection unit is less than a third predetermined value that is greater than the second predetermined value;
When an output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is less than a fourth predetermined value that is greater than the third predetermined value, a determination result indicating the second region is output;
The detection device according to claim 7 , further comprising: a determination result indicating the second fault region when an output value indicated by the signal output from the detection unit is equal to or greater than the fourth predetermined value. a transition region between the first failure region and the fourth region;
9. The detection device according to claim 8, wherein the detection unit outputs a signal such that the output gradient of the output value when the pedal's movable amount is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal's movable amount is in the first failure region, and the output gradient of the output value when the pedal's movable amount is in the transition region is greater than the output gradient of the output value when the pedal's movable amount is in the fourth region.

Images