Accelerator-pedal reaction force control apparatus
AssigneeNissan Motor Co., Ltd.
InventorsMasao Shiomi, Shigeyuki Sakaguchi
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A utility vehicle comprising a cab which houses a steering wheel assembly is provided wherein a steering wheel (22) is rotatably mounted to a support body (24). The support body, or steering console, is mounted on an armrest assembly (40) or control console positioned to one side of a driver's seat (18). By providing an asymmetric mounting arrangement for the steering console, the space underneath is left clear of any supporting structure thus providing improved legroom for the driver.
Claims25
An accelerator reaction force control apparatus for a vehicle comprising:
- a means for detecting a position of an accelerator;
- a means for changing a reaction force of the accelerator;
- and
- a controller configured to control the reaction force changing means,
- wherein;
- the controller sets a first position threshold of the accelerator associated with an operating state of the vehicle,
- the controller controls the reaction force changing means to add an increase to the reaction force of the accelerator when the accelerator position exceeds the first position threshold;
- the controller sets an second position threshold of the accelerator smaller than the first position threshold;
- and
- wherein the controller controls the reaction force changing means to eliminate the increase in the reaction force of the accelerator when the accelerator position is reduced to equal to or less than the second position threshold.
An accelerator apparatus comprising:
- an accelerator position sensor;
- a reaction force controller to adjust a reaction force of an accelerator;
- wherein the reaction force controller comprises;
- a first position threshold based on an operating state, and a second position threshold that is less than the first position threshold;
- wherein the reaction force controller is configured to increase the reaction force when the accelerator passes the first position threshold;
- and
- wherein the reaction force controller is configured to reduce the reaction force when the accelerator is reduced to a position below the second position threshold from a position above the first position threshold.
A method to control a reaction force of an accelerator of a vehicle, the method comprising:
- detecting a position of the accelerator;
- setting a first position threshold of the accelerator based upon an operating state of the vehicle;
- setting a second position threshold of the accelerator below the first position threshold;
- increasing a reaction force of the accelerator when the accelerator position exceeds the first position threshold;
- and
- reducing the increased reaction force of the accelerator when the accelerator position is reduced from a position in excess of the first position threshold to a position equal to or less than the second position threshold.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.