WO2023276686A1 - Accelerator device - Google Patents

Abstract

A pedal lever (20) operates in response to a pressing action. A lock mechanism (301 to 305, 401, and 402) includes a locking member (310, 340, 360, and 410) that is rotatably provided, a locked part (321, 322, 421, and 422), and an elastic member (331, 332, 351, 352, 371, 372, 431, and 432) that biases the locking member, and the locking member and the locked part are locked together to enable operation of the pedal lever (20) to be restricted via an operation transmitting member (250). The driving source (40) can drive the locking member or the locked part. In the lock mechanism, after the drive of the driving source (40) establishes a lock state in which operation of the pedal lever (20) is restricted, with the driving source (40) being powered off, the lock state can be held by a bias force of the elastic member.

Description

accelerator device Cross-reference to related applications

This application is based on Patent Application No. 2021-108761 filed on June 30, 2021, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein.

The present disclosure relates to accelerator devices.

　Conventionally, an accelerator pedal module equipped with an actuator is known. For example, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,300,000, an actuator driven by a solenoid engages a rotating member and exerts a force in the return direction.

DE 102014118573 A1

However, Patent Document 1 has a rotating member driven by an actuator and is large in size. In addition, if a mechanism for fixing the accelerator pedal is provided when the accelerator pedal is not required to be operated, such as in automatic driving, the size of the vehicle becomes larger and the structure becomes more complicated. An object of the present disclosure is to provide an accelerator device that can appropriately regulate the operation of the pedals.

An accelerator device according to a first aspect of the present disclosure includes a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, and a drive source. The pedal lever operates according to the stepping operation. The locking mechanism has a rotatably provided locking member, a locked portion, and an elastic member that biases the locking member. The operation of the pedal lever can be regulated. The drive source can drive the locking member or the locked portion.

After the locking mechanism enters a locked state in which the pedal lever is restricted from operating by driving the drive source, the locked state is activated by the biasing force of the elastic member when the power to the drive source is turned off. It can be held. Thereby, the operation of the pedal lever can be appropriately regulated.

The accelerator device according to the second aspect includes a pedal lever, a lock mechanism, and a drive source. The pedal lever operates according to the stepping operation. The locking mechanism has a locking member that can be moved in a linear direction by the biasing force of the elastic member or that can be elastically deformed, and a locked portion. The operation of the pedal lever can be restricted via the member.

The lock member is provided in the power transmission mechanism from the drive source to the pedal lever, and the locked portion is fixed to the housing. After the locking member and the locked portion are locked by the driving force of the driving source, the locking mechanism can maintain the locked state in a state in which the power supply to the driving source is turned off. Thereby, the operation of the pedal lever can be appropriately regulated.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawing is
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an accelerator device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view showing the accelerator device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 4 is a view in the direction of arrow IV in FIG. 2, FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a second spur gear, a third spur gear and a torsion spring according to the first embodiment; FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a second spur gear, a third spur gear and a torsion spring according to the first embodiment; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the accelerator device according to the first embodiment, FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view corresponding to line IX-IX in FIG. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a retracted state in the accelerator device of the first embodiment; FIG. 11A is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 11B is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 11C is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing a locked state in the accelerator device of the first embodiment; FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 13C is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the first embodiment; FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the second embodiment; FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the third embodiment, FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the fourth embodiment; FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing an accelerator device according to the fifth embodiment, FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the lock mechanism viewed from direction XVIII in FIG. FIG. 19 is a view in the XIX direction of FIG. 18, FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a retracted state in the accelerator device of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 21A is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 21B is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the locking mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 21C is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the locking mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a locked state in the accelerator device of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 23A is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 23B is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 23C is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the fifth embodiment; FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the sixth embodiment; FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the seventh embodiment, FIG. 26 is a schematic diagram showing the accelerator device of the eighth embodiment, FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the force generated in the lock mechanism according to the eighth embodiment; FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a retracted state in the accelerator device of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 29A is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 29B is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 29C is a schematic diagram for explaining the locking process in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram showing a locked state in the accelerator device of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 31A is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 31B is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 31C is a schematic diagram for explaining unlocking in the lock mechanism of the eighth embodiment; FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the ninth embodiment, FIG. 33A is a schematic diagram showing an unlocked state of the lock mechanism according to the tenth embodiment; FIG. 33B is a schematic diagram showing the process of switching from the unlocked state to the locked state of the lock mechanism according to the tenth embodiment; FIG. 33C is a schematic diagram showing the locked state of the lock mechanism according to the tenth embodiment; FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing a lock mechanism according to the eleventh embodiment, FIG. 35A is a schematic diagram explaining the pedal lock position; FIG. 35B is a schematic diagram for explaining the pedal lock position; FIG. 35C is a schematic diagram explaining the pedal lock position.

The accelerator device according to the present disclosure will be described below based on the drawings. Hereinafter, in a plurality of embodiments, substantially the same configurations are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

(First embodiment)
A first embodiment is shown in FIGS. 1-13C. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the accelerator device 1 is configured to be attachable to a floor panel (not shown) forming part of the vehicle body of the vehicle. The accelerator device 1 includes a case 10, a pedal lever 20, a motor 40 (see FIG. 3) as a drive source, a power transmission mechanism 200, and the like. The case 10 can be attached to the vehicle body and accommodates an internal movable mechanism such as a pedal 35 therein. 1 and 2 show a state in which a part of a cover (not shown) provided on the front side of the paper surface of the case 10 is removed.

The pedal lever 20 has a pad 21, an arm 31, and a pedal 35, and is integrally driven by the driver's stepping operation or the like. The pad 21 is provided so that it can be stepped on by the driver. The pad 21 is rotatably supported on the case 10 by a fulcrum member 23 provided on the case 10 . The pedal lever 20 of this embodiment is of a so-called “floor type” in which the pad 21 is provided extending along one surface of the case 10 . A wall portion of the case 10 facing the pad 21 is referred to as a top wall portion 11 . The side guard 24 is a member that guards the gap between the pad 21 and the case 10 so that the foot of the driver is not caught between the pad 21 and the case 10 .

The arm 31 connects the pad 21 and the pedal 35 . An opening through which the arm 31 is inserted is formed in the top wall portion 11 of the case 10 . The opening through which the arm 31 is inserted is formed so as not to interfere with the arm 31 throughout the pedal operation range.

The pedal 35 is accommodated in the internal space of the case 10. The pedal 35 has one end rotatably supported by the case 10 and the other end engaged with the arm 31 . Accordingly, the pad 21, the arm 31 and the pedal 35 are integrally driven by the operation of the pad 21 by the driver. One end of the pedal 35 is provided with an accelerator opening sensor 39 (see FIG. 8) for detecting the accelerator opening.

The pedal biasing member 37 is a compression coil spring having one end fixed to the pedal 35 and the other end fixed to the case 10 to bias the pedal 35 toward the top wall portion 11 side. When the pad 21 is not depressed by the driver, the arm 31 comes into contact with the fully closed stopper 17 formed inside the top wall portion 11 . Further, when the pad 21 is stepped on, the pad 21 comes into contact with a fully open stopper (not shown) formed outside the top wall portion 11 . Hereinafter, the state in which the arm 31 is in contact with the fully closed stopper 17 is referred to as the "fully closed state", and the state in which the pad 21 is in contact with the fully open stopper is referred to as the "fully opened state".

As shown in FIG. 3, the motor 40 is, for example, a DC motor, and is housed in a motor case 41. The ECU 99 controls the driving of the motor 40 based on the detected values of the accelerator opening sensor 39 and a position sensor 229 that detects the rotational position of the second spur gear 220, which will be described later. Note that the description of the ECU 99 is omitted except for FIG. 3 and FIG. The driving force of motor 40 is transmitted to pedal lever 20 via power transmission mechanism 200 . Here, a series of components for transmitting power from the motor 40, which is the drive source, to the pedal lever 20 via the power transmission mechanism 200 will be referred to as an "actuator".

In the accelerator device 1 of the present embodiment, the power transmission mechanism 200 is provided so that the driving force of the motor 40 can actively drive the pedal lever 20 in the accelerator closing direction (hereinafter referred to as the "return direction" as appropriate). there is

The bevel gear 205 meshes with the motor gear 45 that rotates integrally with the shaft of the motor 40 and is connected to the first spur gear 210 by the shaft 211 . Shaft 211 is rotatably supported by connector case 43 and gear cover 206 .

The gear cover 206 is provided on the side surface of the motor 40 and the connector case 43, and accommodates the spur gears 210, 220, 230, the cam 250, and the like. The gear cover 206 is fixed to the connector case 43 and the motor case 41 by a fixing member 207 such as tapping. A position sensor 229 that detects the rotation of the second spur gear 220 is provided on the gear cover 206 .

As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the second spur gear 220 has an inner cylindrical portion 221 that opens on the side opposite to the motor case 41 and an outer cylindrical portion 224 that opens on the motor case 41 side. and integrally formed of resin or the like. Although an example in which the second spur gear 220 and the like are made of resin is shown here, they may be made of metal. The same applies to various members including other gears, and materials can be arbitrarily selected according to requirements such as weight and strength. A shaft 240 is press-fitted into the bottom portion 222 of the inner cylindrical portion 221 . A sensor holding portion 208 holding a position sensor 229 is inserted into the inner peripheral side of the inner cylindrical portion 221 . A magnet 209 is provided on the inner cylindrical portion 221 at a location that can be detected by a position sensor 229 .

A gear portion 225 that meshes with the first spur gear 210 is formed on the opening side of the outer cylindrical portion 224 . A housing chamber 226 in which the torsion spring 245 is housed is formed between the inner cylindrical portion 221 and the outer cylindrical portion 224 . A pin 227 for locking one end of the torsion spring 245 protrudes from the accommodation chamber 226 .

An inner wall of the outer cylindrical portion 224 is formed with a locking wall 228 having a substantially L shape in a plan view. In this embodiment, the locking walls 228 are formed at two locations across the axis. In addition, a locked portion 321 is formed to protrude from the radially outer side of the outer cylinder portion 224 .

The third spur gear 230 has a base portion 231, a gear portion 232, an insertion portion 233, a locking convex portion 236, a pin 237, etc., and is integrally formed of resin or the like. The gear portion 232 is formed to protrude from the base portion 231 on the side opposite to the second spur gear 220 . The insertion portion 233 is formed to protrude from the base portion 231 toward the second spur gear 220 and is inserted radially inward of the outer cylindrical portion 224 . An insertion hole 234 through which the shaft 240 is inserted is formed in the gear portion 232 and the insertion portion 233 .

The locking projections 236 are formed at two locations on the outer peripheral side of the base 231 so as to protrude toward the second spur gear 220, and are inserted into the space between the locking wall 228 and the outer cylindrical portion 224. The pin 237 is formed to protrude from the base portion 231 toward the second spur gear 220 .

The torsion spring 245 is housed in the housing chamber 226 of the second spur gear 220 , and has one end locked to the pin 227 of the second spur gear 220 and the other end locked to the pin 237 of the third spur gear 230 . be done. When the second spur gear 220 rotates by driving the motor 40, the second spur gear 220 and the third spur gear 230 rotate together until the set load of the torsion spring 245 exceeds the set load. Then, the second spur gear 220 and the third spur gear 230 are separated from each other, and even if the second spur gear 220 rotates, the third spur gear 230 does not rotate.

As shown in FIG. 5 and the like, the cam 250 has a body portion 251, a gear portion 252, and a cam lever 253. The body portion 251 is formed in a substantially circular shape in plan view, and is rotatably supported by the motor case 41 and the gear cover 206 . The gear portion 252 protrudes radially outward from the body portion 251 and meshes with the gear portion 232 of the third spur gear 230 .

The cam lever 253 is formed on the radially outer side of the body portion 251 and extends substantially opposite to the gear portion 232 with respect to the rotation shaft of the body portion 251 . A concave portion 254 is formed on the distal end side of the cam lever 253 so as to abut on the connection pin 32 provided on the arm 31 .

The operation of the power transmission mechanism 200 will be explained. Here, with regard to the rotation direction of the motor 40, the direction in which the reaction force is applied to the pedal lever 20 and the direction in which the pedal lever 20 is locked in the locking mechanism 301, which will be described later, is positive, and the direction in which the reaction force is applied and the locked state is released. be negative. By rotating the motor 40 in the forward direction while the cam lever 253 of the cam 250 and the connecting pin 32 of the arm 31 are in contact with each other, a reaction force in the return direction can be applied to the pedal lever 20 .

When no reaction force is applied to the pedal lever 20, the motor 40 is driven in the negative direction, and the cam 250 is rotated to the position where the motor case 41 abuts. and the connection pin 32 are retracted so that the cam 250 does not abut. As a result, when no reaction force is applied, it is possible to avoid cogging torque or the like from the power transmission mechanism 200 side affecting the pedaling force.

By actively driving the pedal lever 20 in the return direction by the motor 40 which is a reaction force applying drive source, for example, by applying a reaction force at the point where it is judged that the fuel consumption deteriorates when the pad 21 is stepped on based on the driving situation. A feeling of a wall is produced, and stepping on the pad 21 by the driver is suppressed. Thereby, fuel consumption can be improved. In addition, by pulse-driving the pedal lever 20 in the return direction, it can be utilized for transmitting information such as notification of switching from automatic operation to manual operation.

The accelerator device 1 of this embodiment includes a lock mechanism 301 that regulates the operation of the pedal lever 20. For example, during automatic driving or the like, comfort can be ensured by locking the pedal lever 20 at the fully closed position and using the pad 21 as a footrest.

The lock mechanism 301 of this embodiment is shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. FIG. 8 and the like schematically show the accelerator device 1, and for example, the abutting portion of the cam lever 253 and the arrangement of the motor 40 do not necessarily match those of FIG. 1 and the like. Also, the gears 45, 205 and 210 are shown as one gear G for simplification. The same applies to drawings according to embodiments described later.

The locking mechanism 301 has a locking member 310 , a locked portion 321 , a first elastic member 331 and a second elastic member 332 . The lock member 310 is rotatably supported by the motor case 41 , which is the housing H, by a shaft portion 318 . Here, the "housing H" does not necessarily have to be the motor case 41, but means a portion that is not driven by the driving of the motor 40, the stepping operation of the pedal lever 20, or the like.

The lock member 310 has a lock convex portion 311, a stopper contact portion 312, a main body portion 315, etc., and is integrally formed of resin or the like. The main body portion 315 is formed in a substantially L shape, and the shaft portion 318 is provided at the corner portion. The locking convex portion 311 is provided on the second spur gear 220 side of the body portion 315 . The locking convex portion 311 and the locked portion 321 abut on the tapered surfaces. Also in the embodiments described later, the locking member and the locked portion abut on the tapered surfaces.

The stopper abutting portion 312 is formed so as to protrude in the opposite direction to the second spur gear 220 at the end portion of the main body portion 315 opposite to where the lock projection portion 311 is provided. The stopper contact portion 312 has a substantially spherical tip and contacts one surface of a plate-shaped stopper 335 . Note that the shape of the locking member 310 may be different depending on the arrangement of parts and the like. The same applies to locking members according to embodiments described later.

The first elastic member 331 is a compression coil spring and is housed in a cylindrical housing provided in the housing H. One end of the first elastic member 331 is locked to the inner wall surface of the housing chamber, and the other end abuts the other surface of the stopper 335 . The stopper 335 is provided so as to be able to reciprocate in the axial direction of the first elastic member 331 in the accommodation chamber.

The second elastic member 332 is a compression coil spring, one end of which is engaged with the housing H, and the other end of which is connected to the surface of the body portion 315 of the lock member 310 opposite to the stopper contact portion 312 . abut. The second elastic member 332 holds the rotational position of the lock member 310 by urging the lock member 310 from the opposite direction to the first elastic member 331 . The second elastic member 332 can be omitted if the rotational position can be maintained without the second elastic member 332 depending on the arrangement of the locking member 310 and the direction of gravity.

The operation of the locking mechanism 301 is shown in FIGS. 10-13C. In the retracted state shown in FIG. 10, the cam lever 253 is separated from the pedal lever 20. As shown in FIG. Further, the lock member 310 and the locked portion 321 are separated.

　Figures 11A, 11B, and 11C show the locked state. Hereinafter, the transition state from the contact between the locking member 310 and the locked portion 321 to the completion of locking will be referred to as the "locking state". In FIG. 11A and the like, the arrow indicating the operation is indicated by a dashed line. As shown in FIG. 11A, when the motor 40 is driven in the forward direction while the cam lever 253 and the pedal lever 20 are in contact with each other, the second spur gear 220 rotates counterclockwise, causing the locked portion 321 to rotate. contacts the locking member 310 .

As shown in FIG. 11B, when the locked portion 321 and the locking member 310 are in contact with each other, the driving force of the motor 40 further rotates the second spur gear 220 in the counterclockwise direction. The lock member 310 rotates clockwise by pushing up the lock protrusion 311 with 321 . As shown in FIG. 11C , when the locked portion 321 gets over the locking member 310 , the locking member 310 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 332 .

As shown in FIG. 12, in the locked state, the locking member 310 locks the locked portion 321 by the biasing force of the first elastic member 331, thereby restricting the clockwise rotation of the second spur gear 220. do. Further, the driving of the pedal lever 20 is restricted by the cam lever 253 functioning as a locking force transmission portion. As a result, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted in the non-energized state in which the power to the motor 40 is turned off.

　Figures 13A, 13B and 13C show the operation when the lock is released. From the locked state shown in FIG. 13A, when the motor 40 is driven in the negative direction to rotate the second spur gear 220 clockwise, the locked portion 321 pushes down the locking convex portion 311 as shown in FIG. 13B. , the locking member 310 rotates counterclockwise. As shown in FIG. 13C , when the locked portion 321 climbs over the locking protrusion 311 and turns downward, the locked state is released, and the locking member 310 returns to the initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 331 . . Also, the locked state can be released in the same manner when the pedal lever 20 is applied with a pedal force greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

In this embodiment, the lock mechanism 301 can be switched between the locked state and the unlocked state by rotating the second spur gear 220 having the locked portion 321 formed thereon by driving the motor 40 . Further, by rotating the lock member 310 to switch between the locked state and the unlocked state, stable switching is possible and uneven wear can be suppressed. Furthermore, by urging the lock member 310 with the first elastic member 331, the locked state can be maintained in a state in which the power supply to the motor 40 is turned off.

As described above, the accelerator device 1 includes the pedal lever 20, the lock mechanism 301, and the motor 40 as a drive source. The pedal lever 20 operates according to the depression operation. The locking mechanism 301 has a rotatably provided locking member 310, a locked portion 321, and elastic members 331 and 332 that bias the locking member 310. The locking member 310 and the locked portion 321 are locked. Thus, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted via the cam 250 as a power transmission member. Here, "the operation of the pedal lever can be regulated" is not limited to setting the movement amount to 0 by completely fixing the pedal lever 20, but to make the movement amount smaller than when the pedal lever is unlocked. It is a concept that includes

The motor 40 can drive the locking member 310 or the locked portion 321 . In this embodiment, driving the motor 40 drives the locked portion 321 integrally formed with the second spur gear 220 .

After the lock mechanism 301 is in a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever 20 is restricted by driving the motor 40, the first elastic member 331 is attached while the power to the motor 40 is turned off. The locked state can be maintained by force. As a result, the locked state can be maintained without energization. Further, in the lock mechanism 301, by rotating the sliding portion between the lock member 310 and the locked portion 321, uneven wear can be reduced.

The locking member 310 is provided on the housing H. The locked portion 321 is provided in the power transmission mechanism 200 from the motor 40 to the pedal lever 20 . Specifically, the locked portion 321 is provided on the second spur gear 220 that constitutes the power transmission mechanism 200 . By providing the locking member 310 on the fixed side, the elastic members 331 and 332 can be designed with a high degree of freedom, so that a large locking load can be set.

The locking mechanism 301 can be unlocked by the driving force of the motor 40 . This allows the system to release the locked state. Further, the lock mechanism 301 can be released from the locked state by applying a pedaling force greater than or equal to a certain level to the pedal lever 20 . This allows the driver to intentionally release the locked state.

The lock mechanism 301 can restrict the operation of the pedal lever 20 when the pedal lever 20 is in the fully closed position. By locking at the fully closed position, it is possible to regulate the operation of the pedal lever 20 on the safe side where the output of the engine is suppressed.

The motor 40 can apply force in the returning direction to the pedal lever 20 via the power transmission mechanism 200 . Accordingly, the single motor 40 can operate the lock mechanism 301 and apply the reaction force to the pedal lever 20 .

The locking member 310 and the locked portion 321 are in contact with each other when the lock is in progress and when locked, and are separated when unlocked. As a result, it is possible to prevent the friction between the locking member 310 and the locked portion 321 from affecting the pedaling force when unlocked.

In the locked state, the lock member 310 transmits at least part of the biasing force of the first elastic member 331 to the pedal lever 20 as a force in a direction opposite to the stepping direction, thereby regulating the operation of the pedal lever 20. be. Thereby, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be properly regulated.

(Second embodiment)
A second embodiment is shown in FIG. Since the following embodiments differ from the above-described embodiments mainly in the locking mechanism, this point will be mainly described. The locked portion 322 of the locking mechanism 302 of this embodiment is configured by a concave portion formed on the side of the second spur gear 220 facing the locking member 310 .

When unlocked, the locking projection 311 of the locking member 310 and the locked portion 322 are not fitted together. In addition, by rotating the second spur gear 220 by the motor 40 and fitting the locking protrusion 311 to the locked portion 322, the driving of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted. Details of the operation of the lock mechanism 302 are generally the same as in the first embodiment.

In this embodiment, the locked portion 322 is formed in a concave shape. As a result, it is possible to reduce the size in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction in the state of FIG. 14). Moreover, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Third embodiment)
A third embodiment is shown in FIG. A lock member 340 of the lock mechanism 303 of the third embodiment is rotatably supported by the housing H by a shaft portion 343 . The lock member 340 has a lock convex portion 341 , a holding portion 342 and a body portion 345 .

The lock projection 341 protrudes toward the second spur gear 220 from the main body 345 in which the shaft 343 is formed, and is formed in a substantially truncated cone shape. The locking protrusion 341 can restrict the operation of the pedal lever 20 by locking the locked portion 321 and restricting the rotation of the second spur gear 220 .

The holding portion 342 is formed in a plate shape so as to protrude from the body portion 345 on the side opposite to the locking projection portion 341 . The first elastic member 351 abuts on one side surface of the holding portion 342 , and the second elastic member 352 abuts on the other side surface. Both of the elastic members 351 and 352 are compression coil springs.

The first elastic member 351 is provided on one side of the holding portion 342, one end abuts the holding portion 342, and the other end is locked to the housing H. The second elastic member 352 is provided on the other side of the holding portion 342 , one end of which is held by the holding portion 342 and the other end of which is locked to the housing H.

In this embodiment, the shape of the lock member 340 and the biasing directions of the elastic members 351 and 352 are different from those in the first embodiment, but the details of the operation of the lock mechanism 303 are substantially the same as in the first embodiment. is. As a result, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Fourth embodiment)
A fourth embodiment is shown in FIG. In the locking mechanism 304 shown in FIG. 16, as in the second embodiment, the locked portion 322 formed in the second spur gear 220 is configured by a concave portion. By this. It is possible to reduce the size in the longitudinal direction. Also, the lock member 340 is the same as in the third embodiment. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Fifth embodiment)
A fifth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 17-23C. As shown in FIGS. 17 to 19, the locking mechanism 305 of the fifth embodiment has a locking member 360, a locked portion 321, a first elastic member 371, a second elastic member 372, and a stopper member 375. FIG.

The lock member 360 is rotatably supported by a shaft portion 368 held in the housing H. The lock member 360 has a lock convex portion 361 , a holding portion 362 and a body portion 365 . The lock protrusion 361 is formed to protrude from the body portion 365 in which the shaft portion 368 is formed toward the second spur gear 220 . The locking protrusion 361 can restrict the operation of the pedal lever 20 by locking the locked portion 321 and restricting the rotation of the second spur gear 220 . The holding portion 362 is formed in a plate shape so as to protrude on the opposite side of the main body portion 365 from the locking protrusion 361 .

The first elastic member 371 of this embodiment is a torsion spring and is arranged coaxially with the shaft portion 368 . One end of the first elastic member 371 is locked to the stopper 377 and the other end is locked to the housing H. As shown in FIG. The first elastic member 371 biases the stopper member 375 clockwise. The second elastic member 372 is a compression coil spring, one end of which abuts on the body portion 365 of the lock member 360 and the other end of which is locked to the housing H. As shown in FIG. The second elastic member 372 biases the lock member 360 counterclockwise.

The stopper member 375 has a tubular portion 376 and a stopper 377 . Cylindrical portion 376 is formed in a substantially cylindrical shape, and is rotatably supported independently of locking member 360 by shaft portion 368 shared with locking member 360 .

The stopper 377 is formed in a plate-like shape protruding from the cylindrical portion 376 in the direction along the holding portion 362 . The clockwise rotation of the stopper 377 is restricted by abutting on a protruding portion protruding from the housing H on the distal end side of the stopper 377 . Further, the stopper 377 is provided so as to be able to contact the holding portion 362 of the lock member 360 on the base side of the surface that contacts the housing H. As shown in FIG. The housing H and the holding portion 362 are separated from each other, and the housing H is provided so as not to hinder the rotation of the locking member 360 .

When the holding portion 362, the stopper 377, and the housing H are in contact with each other, the lock member 360 rotates counterclockwise to move the stopper 377 away from the housing H, and the lock member 360 and the stopper member 375 are separated from each other. rotate as one. On the other hand, when the lock member 360 rotates clockwise, if the stopper 377 comes into contact with the housing H, the rotation of the stopper member 375 is restricted, the holding portion 362 is separated from the stopper 377, and the lock member 360 rotates independently. do.

The operation of the lock mechanism 305 is shown in FIGS. 20-23C. 20, the cam lever 253 is separated from the pedal lever 20, and the locking member 360 and the locked portion 321 are separated.

　Figures 21A, 21B and 21C show the locked state. As shown in FIG. 21A, when the motor 40 is driven in the forward direction while the cam lever 253 and the pedal lever 20 are in contact with each other, the second spur gear 220 rotates counterclockwise, causing the locked portion 321 to rotate. contacts the locking projection 361 of the locking member 360 .

As shown in FIG. 21B, when the locked portion 321 and the locking projection 361 are in contact with each other, the driving force of the motor 40 further rotates the second spur gear 220 in the counterclockwise direction. 321 pushes up the lock protrusion 361 side of the lock member 360 . At this time, the holding portion 362 is separated from the stopper 377 . As shown in FIG. 21C , when the locked portion 321 gets over the locking member 360 , the locking member 360 returns to its initial position due to the biasing force of the second elastic member 372 .

As shown in FIG. 22 , in the locked state, the locking member 360 restricts the rotation of the second spur gear 220 by locking the locked portion 321 with the biasing force of the first elastic member 371 . Further, the driving of the pedal lever 20 is restricted by the cam lever 253 functioning as a locking force transmission portion. As a result, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted in the non-energized state in which the power to the motor 40 is turned off.

　Figures 23A, 23B and 23C show the operation when the lock is released. From the locked state shown in FIG. 23A, when the motor 40 is driven in the negative direction to rotate the second spur gear 220 clockwise, the locked portion 321 pushes down the locking convex portion 361 as shown in FIG. 23B. , the lock member 360 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, the stopper 377 is separated from the housing H. As shown in FIG. 23C , when the locked portion 321 climbs over the locking projection 361 and turns downward, the locked state is released, and the locking member 360 returns to the initial position by the biasing force of the first elastic member 371 . Further, the locked state can be released by applying a pedaling force greater than or equal to a predetermined amount to the pedal lever 20 . Also in this embodiment, the locked portion may be formed as a concave portion. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Sixth embodiment)
A sixth embodiment is shown in FIG. The locking mechanism 401 of this embodiment has a locking member 410, a locked portion 421, a first elastic member 431, a second elastic member 432, and the like. In this embodiment, the locking member 410 is provided rotatably integrally with the second spur gear 220 side, and the locked portion 421 is fixed to the housing H side.

The lock member 410 is rotatably supported by the second spur gear 220 via a shaft portion 418 . The lock member 410 is composed of a lock convex portion 411 , a stopper contact portion 412 , a holding portion 413 and a body portion 415 . A shaft portion 418 is provided on the body portion 415 . The lock convex portion 411 is provided so as to protrude from the main body portion 315 toward the outside of the second spur gear 220 .

The stopper contact portion 412 is formed on one end side of the main body portion 415 so as to protrude toward the side opposite to the locking convex portion 411, and contacts one surface of the stopper 435 formed in a plate shape. The holding portion 413 is provided so as to protrude in the opposite direction across the shaft portion 318 from the side where the stopper contact portion 412 is formed.

The first elastic member 431 is a compression coil spring and is housed in a housing chamber 438 provided in the second spur gear 220 . One end of the first elastic member 431 is locked to the inner wall surface of the housing chamber 438 , and the other end abuts the other surface of the stopper 435 . The stopper 435 is provided in the housing chamber 438 so as to be reciprocally slidable in the axial direction of the first elastic member 431 .

The second elastic member 432 is a compression coil spring, one end of which is locked by the locking wall 239 formed on the second spur gear 220 and the other end of which contacts the holding portion 413 of the locking member 410 . The second elastic member 432 holds the rotational position of the lock member 410 by urging the lock member 410 from the opposite direction to the first elastic member 431 .

In this embodiment, by driving the motor 40 in the forward direction and rotating the second spur gear 220 counterclockwise, when the locking projection 411 gets over the locked portion 421, the first elastic member 431 is attached. The force restricts the rotation of the second spur gear 220 . As a result, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted in the non-energized state in which the power to the motor 40 is turned off. Further, as in the first embodiment and the like, the locked state can be released by driving the motor 40 in the direction opposite to that when locked or by applying a predetermined or greater pedaling force to the pedal lever 20 .

In this embodiment, the lock member 410 is provided in the power transmission mechanism 200 from the motor 40 to the pedal lever 20, and the locked portion 421 is fixed to the housing H. By providing the lock member 410 on the movable side, it is possible to reduce the size in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction of the paper surface of FIG. 24). Moreover, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Seventh embodiment)
A seventh embodiment is shown in FIG. In the locking mechanism 402 of this embodiment, the locked portion 422 is a concave portion formed in the housing H. As shown in FIG. The lock member 410 and the like are the same as in the sixth embodiment. Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Eighth embodiment)
An eighth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 26-31C. The locking mechanism 406 of this embodiment has a locking member 450, a locked portion 421, an elastic member 461, and the like. The lock member 450 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is provided on the second spur gear 220 side. A lock protrusion 451 is formed at the end of the lock member 450 facing radially outward of the second spur gear 220 . A locking portion 452 is formed at the end of the locking member 450 opposite to the locking protrusion 451 . The locking portion 452 is housed in the housing chamber 468 .

The elastic member 461 is housed in a housing chamber 468 formed in the second spur gear 220 . One end of the elastic member 461 is locked to the inner wall surface of the housing chamber 468 , and the other end contacts the locking portion 452 of the lock member 450 . The accommodation chamber 468 is provided along the radial direction of the second spur gear 220 . Thereby, the locking member 450 of the present embodiment can move linearly along the radial direction of the second spur gear 220 .

In this embodiment, the contact surface between the locking protrusion 451 and the locked portion 421 is formed as an inclined surface, and a part of the biasing force of the elastic member 461 is transmitted to the locked portion 421, whereby the biasing force of the elastic member 461 is , the locked state of the pedal lever 20 can be maintained.

As shown in FIG. 27, the angle between the axis of the locking member 450 and the reference plane B of the housing H is θ1, and the contact surface of the locked portion 421 with the locking member 450 at the time of locking forms with the reference plane B. Assuming that the angle is θ2 and the biasing force of the elastic member 461 is F1, the component force Fc applied to the lock contact portion is given by Equation (1). A locking load for locking the pedal lever 20 is obtained by the torque generated by the force component FC. In addition, in FIG. 27, θ1 is described as an angle from a straight line parallel to the reference plane B for convenience of description. The thin dashed-dotted arrow indicates the force that the locked portion 421 receives from the locking member 450 , and the thick dashed-dotted arrow indicates the force that the locking member 450 receives from the locked portion 421 . For the sake of explanation, when the lines overlap each other, they are shown by shifting them as appropriate. Further, the effects of frictional force and the like are not considered here.

　　Fc=F1/tan(θ1-θ2) (1)

θ1-θ2 means the angle of contact between the lock member 450 and the locked portion 421, and must satisfy equations (2-1) and (2-2). That is, when θ1−θ2=0, the contact surfaces of the locking member 450 and the locked portion 421 are parallel, and when θ1−θ2=π/2, the contact surfaces of the locking member 450 and the locked portion 421 are parallel. vertical and neither can push the locking member 450 in the biasing direction. The contact relationship between the locking member and the locked portion is the same as in the first embodiment and the like in which the locking member rotates.

0<θ1-θ2<π/2 (2-1)
0<tan(θ1-θ2)<∞ (2-2)

The operation of the locking mechanism 406 is shown in FIGS. 28-31C. In the retracted state shown in FIG. 28, the cam lever 253 is separated from the pedal lever 20. As shown in FIG. Further, the locking member 450 and the locked portion 421 are separated.

　Figures 29A, 29B and 29C show the locked state. As shown in FIG. 29A , when the motor 40 rotates in the forward direction while the cam lever 253 and the pedal lever 20 are in contact with each other, the second spur gear 220 rotates counterclockwise and the lock member 450 is locked. The locking convex portion 451 and the locked portion 421 are in contact with each other.

As shown in FIG. 29B, when the locking protrusion 451 and the locked portion 421 are in contact with each other, the driving force of the motor 40 further rotates the second spur gear 220 in the counterclockwise direction. As the portion 421 pushes the lock member 450, the elastic member 461 is compressed. As shown in FIG. 29C , when the locking convex portion 451 gets over the locked portion 421 , the locking member 450 returns to the initial position due to the biasing force of the elastic member 461 .

As shown in FIG. 30 , in the locked state, the locked portion 421 engages the lock member 450 with the biasing force of the elastic member 461 , thereby restricting the rotation of the second spur gear 220 . The biasing force of the elastic member 461 is as described with reference to FIG. Further, the cam lever 253 functions as a locking force transmission portion, thereby restricting the operation of the pedal lever 20 . As a result, the operation of the pedal lever 20 can be restricted in the non-energized state in which the power to the motor 40 is turned off, as in the above-described embodiment.

　Figures 31A, 31B and 31C show the operation during unlocking. When the motor 40 is driven in the negative direction to rotate the second spur gear 220 clockwise from the locked state shown in FIG. 31A, the locked portion 421 pushes the locking member 450 as shown in FIG. The elastic member 461 is compressed. As shown in FIG. 31C , when the locking projection 451 climbs over the locked portion 421 and turns downward, the locked state is released, and the locking member 450 returns to the initial position due to the biasing force of the elastic member 461 . Also, the locked state can be released in the same manner when the pedal lever 20 is applied with a pedal force greater than or equal to a predetermined amount.

The accelerator device 1 of this embodiment includes a pedal lever 20, a lock mechanism 406, and a motor 40. The pedal lever 20 operates according to the depression operation. The locking mechanism 406 has a locking member 450 that is linearly movable by the biasing force of an elastic member 461, and a locked portion 421. By locking the locking member 450 and the locked portion 421, the cam is Via 250 the movement of the pedal lever 20 can be regulated. Motor 40 can drive lock member 450 .

The lock member 450 is provided in the power transmission mechanism 200 from the motor 40 to the pedal lever 20, and the locked portion 421 is fixed to the housing H. After the locking mechanism 406 enters a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever 20 is restricted by the driving force of the motor 40, the urging force of the elastic member 461 is applied while the power to the motor 40 is turned off. , the locked state can be maintained.

As a result, the locked state can be maintained by de-energizing. In addition, by setting the movement direction of the lock member 450 to be a linear direction, the configuration of the lock mechanism 406 can be simplified. Furthermore, by providing the lock member 410 on the movable side, it is possible to reduce the size in the longitudinal direction (horizontal direction of the paper surface of FIG. 26, etc.). Moreover, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Ninth embodiment)
A ninth embodiment is shown in FIG. In the locking mechanism 407 of this embodiment, the locked portion 422 is a concave portion formed in the housing H, as in the seventh embodiment. The lock member 450 and the like are the same as in the eighth embodiment. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Tenth embodiment)
A tenth embodiment is shown in FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C. In FIG. 33A and the like, description of members other than the locking member 480 and the locked portion 421 is omitted. The lock mechanism 408 of this embodiment is a modification of the eighth embodiment, and the lock member 480 is made of a flexible material such as rubber, and is elastically deformable. In other words, in this embodiment, the locking member 480 can also be regarded as having a function as an elastic member.

FIG. 33A shows the unlocked state, and as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 33B, the second spur gear 220 (not shown in FIG. 33B) is moved from the state in which the locking member 480 and the locked portion 421 are in contact with each other. As the locking member 480 bends due to the rotation, the locking member 480 climbs over the locked portion 421 and the pedal lever 20 is locked (see FIG. 33C). Even with this configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Eleventh embodiment)
An eleventh embodiment is shown in FIG. In the lock mechanism 409 of this embodiment, the elastic member 461 is accommodated in the accommodation chamber 469 provided on the housing H side, and the lock member 450 is biased by the biasing force of the elastic member 461 . Further, the locked portion 322 is configured by a concave portion formed in the second spur gear 220, as in the second embodiment. Even with such a configuration, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

(Other embodiments)
In the above embodiment, as schematically shown in FIG. 35A, the lock mechanism 301 locks the pedal lever 20 at the fully closed position. By locking the pedal lever 20 at the fully closed position, the engine output of the vehicle (not shown) can be locked. In another embodiment, the locked position may be an intermediate position between the fully closed and fully opened positions of the pedal lever 20, as shown in FIG. 35B. By locking at the intermediate position, the angle of the instep can be locked at a comfortable position and can be used as a footrest.

The lock position may be the fully open position of the pedal lever 20, as shown in FIG. 35C. By locking in the fully open position, the angle of the instep can be locked on the side where you can lay down more. When the pedal lever 20 is locked at the intermediate position or the fully open position, the system cuts the vehicle control according to the accelerator opening, such as by stopping the output of the accelerator opening signal. Also, in FIG. 35A and the like, the reference numerals of the first embodiment are used, but the configuration of the lock mechanism may be that of the second embodiment and subsequent embodiments.

In the above embodiment, the locking member or locked portion is provided on the second spur gear 220 . In other embodiments, the locking member or locked portion may be provided in the power transmission mechanism, and may be provided in a location other than the second spur gear 220 .

In the above embodiment, the accelerator device is of the floor type (so-called "organ type"). In other embodiments, the accelerator device may be of the hanging type (so-called "pendant type"). Also, the power transmission mechanism and the lock mechanism may be configured differently from those in the above embodiments. In the above embodiment, the power transmission mechanism can apply force in the returning direction to the pedal lever. In another embodiment, the power transmission mechanism may be configured to apply a force in the pedaling direction in addition to the force in the returning direction to the pedal lever.

In the above embodiment, an integrated type in which the actuator and the accelerator pedal are connected has been described. In another embodiment, the actuator and the accelerator pedal may be of a separate type in which they are not connected but are connected to the floor respectively. As described above, the present disclosure is by no means limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various forms without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure has been described in accordance with the embodiments. However, the disclosure is not limited to such embodiments and structures. The present disclosure also encompasses various modifications and modifications within the range of equivalents. Also, various combinations and configurations, as well as other combinations and configurations including only one, more, or fewer elements thereof, are within the scope and spirit of this disclosure.

Claims (12)

1. a pedal lever (20) that operates in response to a stepping operation;
   rotatably provided lock members (310, 340, 360, 410), locked portions (321, 322, 421, 422), and elastic members (331, 332, 351, 352, 331, 332, 351, 352, 371, 372, 431, 432), and the lock mechanism ( 301 to 305, 401, 402) and
   a driving source (40) capable of driving the locking member or the locked portion;
   with
   After the lock mechanism enters a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is restricted by driving the drive source, the elastic member is attached while the power supply to the drive source is turned off. An accelerator device capable of holding the locked state by force.
2. The lock member is provided on the housing,
   2. The accelerator device according to claim 1, wherein said locked portion is provided in a power transmission mechanism (200) from said drive source to said pedal lever.
3. The lock member is provided in a power transmission mechanism (200) from the drive source to the pedal lever,
   2. The accelerator device according to claim 1, wherein said locked portion is fixed to a housing.
4. a pedal lever (20) that operates in response to a stepping operation;
   It has locking members (450, 480) that are linearly movable or elastically deformable by the biasing force of an elastic member (461), and locked portions (421, 422), wherein the locking member and the locked portion a lock mechanism (406-408) capable of regulating the operation of the pedal lever via the power transmission member (250) by being locked;
   a drive source (40) capable of driving the locking member;
   with
   The lock member is provided in a power transmission mechanism (200) from the drive source to the pedal lever,
   The locked portion is fixed to the housing,
   The lock mechanism maintains the locked state by de-energizing the drive source after entering a locked state in which the operation of the pedal lever is restricted by the driving force of the drive source. Accelerator device that is possible.
5. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the locking mechanism can release the locked state by the driving force of the driving source.
6. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the lock mechanism is capable of releasing the locked state by applying a certain or more pedaling force to the pedal lever.
7. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the lock mechanism can restrict the operation of the pedal lever in at least one of a fully closed position and a fully opened position of the pedal lever.
8. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the lock mechanism can restrict the operation of the pedal lever at an intermediate position between the fully closed position and the fully opened position of the pedal lever.
9. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the drive source can apply force in the returning direction to the pedal lever via a power transmission mechanism (200).
10. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the locking member and the locked portion are in contact with each other when locking is in progress and when locked, and are separated when unlocked.
11. The accelerator device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the locked portion is formed in a concave shape.
12. The lock member, in the locked state, transmits at least a part of the biasing force of the elastic member to the pedal lever as a force in a direction opposite to the stepping direction, thereby regulating the operation of the pedal lever. Item 12. The accelerator device according to any one of items 1 to 11.

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