Pedal module with variable hysteresis

A variable hysteresis module for use with an accelerator pedal for an electronic throttle control system for vehicles, said module including;

• a back plate having a sliding surface;
• a follower having a first side engaging and slidable along said sliding surface;
• an actuator movable with a force against said follower for sliding the follower in a first direction along said sliding surface;
• and
• resilient means continuously urging the follower toward said actuator with a return force of determinable value acting parallel to said sliding surface;
• said actuator and said resilient means combining to continuously urge said follower against said sliding surface to create a friction force that opposes sliding motion of said follower, said friction force being less than and varying with said return force in a predetermined ratio so that, upon release of the actuator, the resilient means can always return the module to an initial position even though the return force may be reduced;
• wherein said actuator is cam rotatable with a force against an angled surface of said follower that resolves the cam force on the follower into a parallel component opposing the resilient means and a normal component generating said friction force.

A variable hysteresis mechanism for use with an accelerator pedal for an electronic throttle control system for vehicles, said mechanism including:

• a back plate having a sliding surface;
• a follower having a first side engaging and slidable along said sliding surface, a second side normal to said sliding surface and a third side forming acute angles with said second and first sides;
• an actuator movable against said third side of the follower for sliding the follower in a first direction along said sliding surface;
• and
• resilient means acting against the second side and continuously urging the follower toward said actuator with a return force of determinable value acting parallel to said sliding surface;
• said actuator and said resilient means combining with the angled third side to continuously urge said follower against said sliding surface to create a friction force that opposes sliding motion of said follower, said friction force being less than and varying with said return force in a predetermined ratio so that, upon release of the actuator, the resilient means can always return the mechanism to an initial position even though the return force may be reduced.