TWI850768B - Foot bar device and method of operating the same and vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

A foot bar device is applied to a vehicle. The foot bar device includes a first magnetic element, a bar body, and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element is disposed on the vehicle. The bar body is rotatably connected to the vehicle. The second magnetic element is disposed on the bar body and generates a magnetic attractive force to the first magnetic element. The magnetic attractive force is configured to rotate the bar body closer to the vehicle. The first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsive force to the second magnetic element. The magnetic repulsive force is configured to counteract at least a part of the magnetic attractive force, causing the bar body to rotate away from the vehicle.

Description

Pedal device, operating method thereof and vehicle

The present disclosure relates to a pedal device, an operating method thereof and a vehicle.

Generally speaking, a motorcycle or other means of transport is provided with footrests for rear passengers to place their feet. The footrests are movably arranged on the left and right sides of the vehicle body. When in use, the footrests can be rotated and fixed away from the left and right sides of the vehicle body (i.e., in an unfolded state) to allow rear passengers to place their feet; when not in use, the footrests can be folded to the left and right sides close to the vehicle body (i.e., in a folded state) to avoid occupying space and causing collision.

However, for the above-mentioned existing foot pedal, the driver must rotate the foot pedals on both sides respectively to unfold the foot pedal, so there is still inconvenience in use.

Therefore, how to propose a pedal device and an operating method thereof and a vehicle that can solve the above problems is one of the problems that the industry is eager to invest research and development resources to solve.

In view of this, one purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device and an operating method thereof and a vehicle that can solve the above-mentioned problems.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a pedal lever device is applied to a vehicle. The pedal lever device includes a first magnetic element, a rod and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element is disposed on the vehicle. The rod is rotatably connected to the vehicle. The second magnetic element is disposed on the rod and generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element. The magnetic attraction force is configured to rotate the rod closer to the vehicle. The first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element. The magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, causing the rod to rotate away from the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first magnetic element is an electromagnet and is configured to generate magnetic repulsion when powered.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the pedal device further includes at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to generate at least one sensing signal. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element when receiving the sensing signal.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, at least one sensor includes a weight sensor and is configured to generate at least one sensing signal according to the sensed weight. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element when the weight corresponding to the at least one sensing signal is greater than a preset weight.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the pedal device further includes a plurality of sensors. The sensors are respectively configured to generate a plurality of sensing signals. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element when receiving the sensing signals.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are weight sensors. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal generated by the first sensor is greater than the first preset weight and the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal generated by the second sensor is greater than the second preset weight.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second magnetic element is a permanent magnet.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the pedal device further includes a reset member. The reset member connects the vehicle and the rod body and applies a reset force to the rod body that is less than the magnetic attraction force. The reset force is configured to rotate the rod body away from the vehicle. The sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction force.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the reset member is a torsion spring.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a method for operating a pedal device is applied to a pedal device arranged on a vehicle. The pedal device includes a first magnetic element arranged on the vehicle, a rod body rotatably connected to the vehicle, and a second magnetic element arranged on the rod body. The second magnetic element generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element so as to rotate the rod body closer to the vehicle. The operating method includes: generating at least one sensing signal in response to at least one input received by the vehicle; and causing the first magnetic element to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element based on the at least one sensing signal, wherein the magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, so that the rod body rotates away from the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first magnetic element is an electromagnet. The step of generating a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: energizing the first magnetic element according to at least one sensing signal, so that the energized first magnetic element generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, a vehicle has a seat cushion. The step of generating at least one sensing signal includes: generating at least one sensing signal in response to a weight received by the seat cushion. The step of generating a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: when the weight corresponding to the at least one sensing signal is greater than a preset weight, causing the first magnetic element to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of generating at least one sensing signal includes: generating a plurality of sensing signals in response to a plurality of inputs received by the vehicle. The step of generating a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: causing the first magnetic element to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element according to the sensing signals.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of respectively generating sensing signals includes: generating sensing signals respectively in response to inputs received respectively from different positions of the vehicle.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the step of generating sensing signals includes: generating a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal in response to weights received from different positions of the vehicle. The step of generating a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal is greater than a first preset weight, and when the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal is greater than a second preset weight, causing the first magnetic element to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the pedal device further includes a reset member. The reset member connects the vehicle and the rod body and applies a reset force smaller than the magnetic attraction force to the rod body. The step of generating a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: according to at least one sensing signal, the first magnetic element generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element that is greater than the difference between the magnetic attraction force and the reset force.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned purpose, according to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a vehicle includes a vehicle body and a pedal lever device. The pedal lever device includes a first magnetic element, a rod and a second magnetic element. The first magnetic element is disposed on the vehicle body. The rod is rotatably connected to the vehicle body. The second magnetic element is disposed on the rod and generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element. The magnetic attraction force is configured to rotate the rod closer to the vehicle body. The first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element. The magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, causing the rod to rotate away from the vehicle body.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the first magnetic element is an electromagnet and is configured to generate magnetic repulsion when powered.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further comprises a controller configured to energize the first magnetic element.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further comprises at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to generate at least one sensing signal. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element upon receiving the at least one sensing signal.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further includes a seat cushion disposed on the vehicle body. The at least one sensor includes at least one weight sensor disposed in the seat cushion. The at least one sensor is configured to generate at least one sensing signal according to the sensed weight. The controller is configured to energize the first magnetic element when the weight corresponding to the at least one sensing signal is greater than a preset weight.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the seat cushion includes a front seat portion and a rear seat portion connected to each other. At least one sensor is disposed in the rear seat portion.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further comprises a plurality of sensors. The sensors are respectively configured to generate a plurality of sensing signals. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element upon receiving the sensing signals.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, these sensors are respectively disposed at different positions of the vehicle body.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the sensors include a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are weight sensors. The controller is further configured to energize the first magnetic element when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal generated by the first sensor is greater than a first preset weight and the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal generated by the second sensor is greater than a second preset weight.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to receive a wireless signal and energize the first magnetic element based on the wireless signal.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the second magnetic element is a permanent magnet.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further includes a reset member. The reset member connects the vehicle body and the rod and applies a reset force to the rod that is less than the magnetic attraction force. The reset force is configured to rotate the rod away from the vehicle. The sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction force.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the reset member is a torsion spring.

In one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, the vehicle further comprises a tripod. The tripod is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body. When the tripod is retracted relative to the vehicle body, the first magnetic element generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element.

In summary, in the pedal device and its operating method and vehicle disclosed herein, the second magnetic element disposed on the rod generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element disposed on the vehicle, and the first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element when powered. When the first magnetic element generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the magnetic repulsion force can offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force so that the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element repel each other, thereby driving the rod to rotate away from the vehicle and present an unfolded state. Conversely, when the first magnetic element does not generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the aforementioned magnetic attraction force can cause the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to attract each other, thereby driving the rod to rotate closer to the vehicle and present a retracted state. Thereby, the driver can unfold the foot pedal device without rotating the lever body manually, thereby improving the convenience of using the foot pedal device.

The above description is only used to explain the problem to be solved by the present disclosure, the technical means for solving the problem, and the effects produced, etc. The specific details of the present disclosure will be introduced in detail in the following implementation method and related drawings.

The following will disclose multiple embodiments of the present disclosure with drawings. For the purpose of clarity, many practical details will be described together in the following description. However, it should be understood that these practical details should not be used to limit the present disclosure. In other words, in some embodiments of the present disclosure, these practical details are not necessary. In addition, in order to simplify the drawings, some commonly used structures and components will be depicted in the drawings in a simple schematic manner.

Please refer to FIG. 1, which is a side view of a vehicle 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the vehicle 100 is a two-wheeled vehicle (e.g., a scooter-type vehicle), but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other embodiments, the vehicle 100 may be a straddle-type vehicle or a transportation vehicle with more than two wheels. The vehicle 100 includes a vehicle body 110, a seat 120, a footrest 160, and a pedal device 200. The seat 120 is disposed on the vehicle body 110 and can be used by a driver and a pillion passenger. In addition, the vehicle body 110 also includes a pedal 150, on which the driver's feet can be placed. The tripod 160 is disposed at the bottom of the vehicle body 110 .

The foot pedal device 200 is disposed on the vehicle body 110. Specifically, the foot pedal device 200 is disposed on at least one side of the vehicle body 110 and can be in a folded state (as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2A) or an unfolded state (as shown in FIG. 2B) relative to the vehicle body 110. When there are no rear seat passengers and the driver riding in the vehicle 100 together, the foot pedal device 200 can be in a folded state; when there are rear seat passengers and the driver riding in the vehicle 100 together, the foot pedal device 200 can be in an unfolded state for the rear seat passengers to step on and lean on.

Please refer to FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B. FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle 100 in FIG. 1, wherein the pedal device 200 is in a folded state relative to the vehicle body 110. FIG. 2B is another partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle 100 in FIG. 1, wherein the pedal device 200 is in an unfolded state relative to the vehicle body 110. As shown in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B, in this embodiment, the pedal device 200 includes a first magnetic element 210, a rod 220, and a second magnetic element 230.

The first magnetic element 210 is disposed on the body 110 of the vehicle 100, preferably disposed on at least one side adjacent to the rod 220, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The first magnetic element 210 may also be disposed at other locations of the body 110, as long as the first magnetic element 210 and the second magnetic element 230 can repel or attract each other. In some embodiments, the vehicle 100 may include a plurality of first magnetic elements 210, and these first magnetic elements 210 are disposed adjacent to the rod 220 and the second magnetic element 230.

The rod 220 is rotatably connected to the vehicle body 110, and the rod 220 is preferably made of non-conductive material. The second magnetic element 230 is disposed on the rod 220 and is disposed relative to the first magnetic element 210. Alternatively, the second magnetic element 230 can also be disposed inside the rod 220. The second magnetic element 230 generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element 210. The magnetic attraction force is configured to rotate the rod 220 closer to the vehicle body 110. The first magnetic element 210 is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230 under specific conditions. The magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, causing the rod 220 to rotate outward away from the vehicle body 110. In this embodiment, the magnetic repulsion force is designed to be greater than the magnetic attraction force.

Under the above structural configuration, when the first magnetic element 210 generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230, the magnetic repulsion force can offset the magnetic attraction force and cause the first magnetic element 210 and the second magnetic element 230 to repel each other, thereby driving the rod 220 to rotate away from the vehicle body 110 and present an unfolded state. Conversely, when the first magnetic element 210 does not generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230, the magnetic attraction force can cause the first magnetic element 210 and the second magnetic element 230 to attract each other, thereby driving the rod 220 to rotate inwardly close to the vehicle body 110 and present a folded state. In this way, the driver can unfold the pedal device 200 without rotating the rod 220 by hand, thereby improving the convenience of using the pedal device 200.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 210 is an electromagnetic magnet and is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230 when powered. In some embodiments, the second magnetic element 230 is a permanent magnet.

As shown in FIG. 1 , and with reference to FIGS. 2A and 2B , the pedal device 200 is electrically connected to the controller 140. The controller 140 is configured to energize the first magnetic element 210. The controller 140 may be an electronic control unit (ECU) of the vehicle 100, configured to control electronic components in the vehicle 100. In some embodiments, the pedal device 200 may also include another pedal controller (not shown). The pedal controller is electrically connected to the controller 140 and the first magnetic element 210, and may energize the first magnetic element 210 according to a command issued by the controller 140.

As shown in FIG. 1 , in this embodiment, the pedal device 200 further includes at least one sensor 250, and the sensor 250 is electrically connected to the controller 140. The sensor 250 is configured to generate at least one sensing signal and output the sensing signal to the controller 140. The controller 140 is further configured to energize the first magnetic element 210 when receiving the sensing signal. In the embodiment in which the pedal device 200 has a pedal controller, the controller 140 controls the pedal controller to energize the first magnetic element 210 after receiving the sensing signal.

In some embodiments, the sensor 250 is a weight sensor, which is used to sense the weight and generate a sensing signal proportional to the weight. The sensor 250 is disposed in the seat cushion 120. In some embodiments, the seat cushion 120 includes a front seat portion 121 and a rear seat portion 122 connected to each other. The front seat portion 121 and the rear seat portion 122 are provided for the driver and the rear seat passenger to sit on, respectively. The sensor 250 is disposed in the rear seat portion 122. Under the aforementioned structural configuration, when the rear seat portion 122 is subjected to force (for example, when the rear seat passenger sits on it), the sensor 250 generates a sensing signal according to the weight sensed and outputs it to the controller 140. The controller 140 determines the weight of the rear seat portion 122 based on the sensing signal. When the weight corresponding to the sensing signal is greater than a preset weight (e.g., 60 kg), the controller 140 energizes the first magnetic element 210. In other words, when only the driver is sitting on the front seat 121 and no rear passenger is sitting on the rear seat 122, the sensor 250 does not generate a sensing signal or only generates a weak sensing signal. In this way, the problem of the pedal device 200 being switched to the unfolded state when only the driver is riding the vehicle 100 can be avoided.

In some embodiments, the driver can establish a connection with the controller 140 through a remote device (e.g., a smart phone, a smart wearable device, a wireless remote control, or other portable input device) and a corresponding application, and dynamically adjust the preset weight stored in the controller 140. In this way, the controller 140 can timely cause the pedal device 200 to enter the unfolded state corresponding to the rear seat passengers of different weights. For example, when the rear seat passenger is a light child, since the child may not need to use the pedal, the driver can increase the preset weight to be greater than the child's weight. In this way, even if the child rides on the rear seat portion 122 of the vehicle 100, the controller 140 will not energize the first magnetic element 210.

In some embodiments, the sensor 250 may also be disposed at a location other than the rear seat portion 122 of the seat cushion 120, such as the connection between the rear end of the vehicle 100 and the rear seat portion 122. As long as the sensor 250 can sense the rear seat passengers.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may also be designed to put the pedal device 200 into the unfolded state as long as the driver gets on the vehicle 100. At this time, the sensor 250 may be disposed at any location of the seat 120, or may be disposed below the pedal 150.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may control the pedal device 200 according to other factors. For example, when the controller 140 detects that the footrest 160 of the vehicle 100 is erected, the controller 140 does not energize the first magnetic element 210, so that the pedal device 200 rotates toward the inside of the vehicle body 110 and is in a retracted state. On the contrary, when the controller 140 detects that the footrest 160 is retracted inwardly relative to the vehicle body 110, the controller 140 energizes the first magnetic element 210, so that the pedal device 200 rotates toward the outside of the vehicle body 110 and is in an extended state. Incidentally, in this embodiment, even if the pedal device 200 does not include the sensor 250, the controller 140 can also control the pedal device 200 to enter the unfolded state in a timely manner.

As mentioned above, the controller 140 can control the pedal device 200 only according to the sensing signal output by the sensor 250, or can control the pedal device 200 only according to whether the stand 160 is erected or retracted. In some other embodiments, the controller 140 must receive the sensing signal output by the sensor 250 and determine that the stand 160 is erected before controlling the pedal device 200 to enter the unfolded state.

In some other embodiments, the sensor 250 may be a wireless signal receiver and configured to receive a wireless signal from a remote device. The controller 140 is further configured to power the first magnetic element 210 according to the wireless signal.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may also have a built-in wireless communication function (for example, a wireless communication chip is installed in the controller 140), so that the controller 140 directly receives wireless signals sent by a remote device. In this embodiment, even if the sensor 250 does not have a wireless communication function, the driver can use the remote device to directly issue commands to the controller 140 to control the pedal device 200. For example, when the driver approaches the vehicle 100 from a distance, the driver can operate a smart phone to establish a connection with the vehicle 100 and start the vehicle 100. At the same time, the driver can also send commands to the controller 140 through the smart phone, thereby causing the pedal device 200 to enter the unfolded state.

In some embodiments, the sensor 250 can be other types of sensors. For example, the sensor 250 can be an image sensor and is disposed at the dashboard of the vehicle 100. The sensor 250 can capture the image above the seat cushion 120 and output the captured image to the controller 140. The controller 140 identifies the driver and the rear passenger through image recognition technology and controls the pedal device 200 to enter the unfolded state or the folded state in a timely manner. For example, when the controller 140 detects two faces within a specific range of the image, it determines that the driver and the rear passenger are riding in the vehicle 100 at the same time, and energizes the first magnetic element 210.

In addition, the controller 140 can also output the image captured by the sensor 250 to a backend server (not shown) via wireless communication technology. The backend server is configured to identify the driver and the rear seat passenger via image recognition technology and output the identification result to the controller 140.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , in this embodiment, the pedal device 200 further includes a reset member 260. The reset member 260 connects the vehicle 100 and the rod 220, and applies a reset force smaller than the magnetic attraction force to the rod 220. The reset force is configured to rotate the rod 220 away from the vehicle body 110. When the pedal device 200 is in a folded state relative to the vehicle body 110 and the first magnetic element 210 does not generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230, the pedal device 200 can still maintain a folded state relative to the vehicle body 110 because the magnetic attraction force is greater than the reset force provided by the reset member 260.

In contrast, when the pedal device 200 is in a folded state relative to the vehicle body 110 and the first magnetic element 210 generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230, since the sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the restoring force is greater than the magnetic attraction force, the rod 220 will be driven by the second magnetic element 230 and the restoring member 260 to rotate away from the vehicle body 110. In addition, the aforementioned magnetic attraction force and magnetic repulsion force will decrease as the distance between the first magnetic element 210 and the second magnetic element 230 increases. When the reduced magnetic attraction force is less than the sum of the reduced magnetic repulsion force and the restoring force, the reduced magnetic repulsion force and the restoring force will cause the rod 220 to continue to rotate away from the vehicle body 110 until the pedal device 200 is in an unfolded state relative to the vehicle body 110 as shown in FIG. 2B. In this embodiment, the magnetic repulsion force can be designed to be less than or equal to the magnetic attraction force, as long as the sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the restoring force is greater than the magnetic attraction force.

In some embodiments, the reset member 260 is a torsion spring, and its two ends are respectively connected to the vehicle body 110 and the rod 220, and can accumulate a restoring force when the pedal device 200 is in a folded state relative to the vehicle body 110, but the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In some other embodiments, the reset member 260 can also be another element that can provide a restoring force.

Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a flow chart showing the operation method of the pedal device 200 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation method of the pedal device 200 mainly includes step S101 and step S102, and can be used in conjunction with the vehicle 100 shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 2B.

Step S101 : generating at least one sensing signal in response to at least one input received by the vehicle 100 . As mentioned above, the sensing signal is generated by the sensor 250 .

Step S102: The controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230 according to at least one sensing signal, wherein the magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, so that the rod 220 rotates outward away from the vehicle 100. In this embodiment, the magnetic repulsion force is designed to be greater than the magnetic attraction force.

In some embodiments, the sensor 250 is a weight sensor, and the input received by the vehicle 100 can be the weight received by the seat cushion 120. For example, step S101 includes step S101a: in response to the weight received by the seat cushion 120, the sensor 250 generates a sensing signal. At this time, step S102 includes step S102a: when the weight corresponding to the sensing signal is greater than the preset weight, the controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230. The preset weight can be pre-set by the driver and stored in the controller 140. Alternatively, the driver can establish a connection with the controller 140 through a remote device and dynamically adjust the preset weight stored in the controller 140. In this way, the controller 140 can timely cause the first magnetic element 210 to generate magnetic repulsion according to the different weights of the rear seat passengers.

As mentioned above, step S101a can be performed by disposing the sensor 250 in the rear seat portion 122 of the seat cushion 120 to sense the sitting of the rear seat passenger and generate a sensing signal accordingly.

In some embodiments, the sensor 250 may also be disposed outside the rear seat portion 122 of the seat cushion 120, such as at the rear end of the vehicle 100. As long as the sensor 250 can sense the rear seat passengers.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 can also be designed to make the pedal device 200 enter the deployed state as long as the driver gets on the vehicle 100. At this time, the input received by the vehicle 100 is the weight of the driver himself. In this embodiment, the sensor 250 can be set at any place of the seat 120, and can also be set below the pedal 150.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 may control the pedal device 200 based on other factors. For example, the input received by the vehicle 100 is the retracted state of the tripod 160 of the vehicle 100. When the controller 140 detects that the tripod 160 is erected, the controller 140 does not cause the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force, thereby causing the pedal device 200 to rotate toward the inner side of the vehicle body 110 and be in a retracted state. Conversely, when the controller 140 detects that the tripod 160 is retracted, the controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force, thereby causing the pedal device 200 to rotate toward the outer side of the vehicle body 110 and be in an extended state.

In some implementations, the driver can operate a remote device to establish a wireless communication connection with the controller 140 or the sensor 250 and control the pedal device 200 through the remote device.

In some implementations, the sensor 250 may also be other types of sensors (such as an image sensor), as long as the sensor 250 can sense the driver or rear seat passengers, and the present disclosure is not limited to this.

In some embodiments, the first magnetic element 210 is an electromagnetic iron. Step S102 includes step S102b: the controller 140 energizes the first magnetic element 210 according to at least one sensing signal, so that the energized first magnetic element 210 generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230.

In some embodiments, the pedal device 200 may further include a reset member 260. The reset member 260 connects the vehicle 100 and the rod 220, and applies a reset force less than the magnetic attraction force to the rod 220. The reset force is configured to rotate the rod 220 away from the vehicle body 110. At this time, step S102 includes step S102c: the controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force greater than the difference between the magnetic attraction force and the reset force on the second magnetic element 230 according to at least one sensing signal. In other words, the magnetic repulsion force can be designed to be less than or equal to the magnetic attraction force, and the rod 220 can be rotated outward and away from the vehicle body 110 as long as the sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction force.

If the sensor 250 is an image sensor, the sensor 250 can capture an image above the seat cushion 120 for the controller 140 to determine whether the driver or the rear seat passenger is on the vehicle 100. According to the image sensed by the sensor 250, the controller 140 can energize the first magnetic element 210 in a timely manner.

Please refer to Figure 4, which is a side view of a vehicle 100 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. The structure of the vehicle 100 is roughly the same as that of Figure 1, and only the differences are described below. In this embodiment, the pedal device 200 includes a plurality of sensors, which are respectively disposed at different positions of the vehicle body 110 and configured to generate sensing signals. For example, the pedal device 200 includes a first sensor 251 and a second sensor 252, and the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 are both weight sensors. The first sensor 251 is disposed on the rear seat portion 122 of the seat cushion 120, and the second sensor 252 is disposed on the inner side of the pedal 150.

When the controller 140 determines that the weight corresponding to at least one sensing signal is greater than a preset weight, the controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230 (for example, by energizing the first magnetic element 210). That is, as long as at least one of the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 senses that the driver or the rear passenger has boarded the vehicle 100, the controller 140 causes the pedal device 200 to enter the deployed state.

By the way, different preset weights can be set for sensors at different locations. For example, the first preset weight corresponding to the first sensor 251 is set to 60 kg, and the second preset weight corresponding to the second sensor 252 is set to 30 kg. The driver can set the first preset weight and the second preset weight by himself through the remote device to cope with different usage situations.

The reason for setting different preset weights is that the weights sensed by sensors at different positions may not be the same. For example, when the driver sits on the front seat portion 121 of the seat cushion 120, part of the driver's weight will be borne by the front seat portion 121. At this time, the weight sensed by the second sensor 252 will be lower than the driver's actual weight. If the second preset weight is set too high, it may not be possible to correctly determine whether the driver is on the vehicle 100. In short, the driver can set the first and second preset weights stored in the controller 140 according to his needs.

In some embodiments, the controller 140 needs to receive the sensing signals output by at least two sensors before the pedal device 200 enters the unfolded state. For example, step S101 includes step S101d: in response to the weights received from different positions of the vehicle 100, the first sensor 251 and the second sensor 252 generate a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal respectively. At the same time, step S102 includes step S102d: when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal is greater than the first preset weight, and when the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal is greater than the second preset weight, the controller 140 causes the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element 230.

It can be seen that when the first sensor 251 senses a rear seat passenger and the second sensor 252 senses a driver, the controller 140 causes the pedal device 200 to enter the deployed state.

In some embodiments, the pedal device 200 may also include different types of sensors. For example, as shown in FIG. 4 , the pedal device 200 further includes a third sensor 253. The third sensor 253 is an image sensor, which is disposed at the dashboard of the vehicle 100 and is configured to capture an image above the seat cushion 120. The first sensor 251 is a weight sensor as described above, which is disposed in the seat cushion 120. The controller 140 receives the sensing results of the first sensor 251 and the third sensor 253. When the weight corresponding to the sensing signal output by the first sensor 251 is greater than the first preset weight and the image output by the third sensor 253 can identify the rear seat passenger, the controller 140 will cause the first magnetic element 210 to generate a magnetic repulsive force on the second magnetic element 230 (for example, by energizing the first magnetic element 210).

Incidentally, in this embodiment, the pedal device 200 may also include a reset member 260. The structure and operation principle of the reset member 260 are the same as those described above and will not be described in detail here. Similarly, when the pedal device 200 includes the reset member 260, the magnetic repulsion between the first magnetic element 210 and the second magnetic element 230 may be designed to be less than or equal to the magnetic attraction, as long as the sum of the magnetic repulsion and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction.

From the above detailed description of the specific implementation of the present disclosure, it can be clearly seen that in the pedal device and its operating method and vehicle disclosed in the present disclosure, the second magnetic element disposed on the rod generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element disposed on the vehicle, and the first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element when powered. When the first magnetic element generates a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the magnetic repulsion force can offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force and cause the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to repel each other, thereby driving the rod to rotate away from the vehicle and present an unfolded state. Conversely, when the first magnetic element does not generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the aforementioned magnetic attraction force can cause the first magnetic element and the second magnetic element to attract each other, thereby driving the rod to rotate close to the vehicle and present a retracted state. Thereby, the driver can unfold the foot pedal device without rotating the lever body manually, thereby improving the convenience of using the foot pedal device.

Although the present disclosure has been disclosed in the above implementation form, it is not intended to limit the present disclosure. Anyone skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope of the attached patent application.

100: vehicle 110: vehicle body 120: seat cushion 121: front seat 122: rear seat 140: controller 150: pedal 160: footrest 200: pedal device 210: first magnetic element 220: rod 230: second magnetic element 250: sensor 251: first sensor 252: second sensor 253: third sensor 260: reset element S101, S102: steps

In order to make the above and other purposes, features, advantages and embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly understandable, the attached drawings are described as follows: FIG. 1 is a side view of a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2A is a partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle in FIG. 1, wherein the pedal device is in a folded state relative to the vehicle body. FIG. 2B is another partial cross-sectional view of the vehicle in FIG. 1, wherein the pedal device is in an unfolded state relative to the vehicle body. FIG. 3 is a flow chart showing an operation method of the pedal device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is a side view of a vehicle according to another embodiment of the present disclosure.

Domestic storage information (please note in the order of storage institution, date, and number) None Foreign storage information (please note in the order of storage country, institution, date, and number) None

110: Car body

200: Foot pedal device

210: First magnetic element

220: Rod body

230: Second magnetic element

260: Reset piece

Claims (15)

A pedal device is applied to a vehicle. The pedal device comprises: at least one sensor, including a first sensor and a second sensor. The first sensor and the second sensor are weight sensors and are arranged at different positions of a body of the vehicle. The first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal respectively. The first sensor is arranged at a rear seat portion of a seat cushion of the vehicle or a rear end of the vehicle, and the second sensor is arranged at a pedal of the vehicle, where a driver of the vehicle places his feet; a first magnetic element, arranged on the vehicle; a lever , rotatably connected to the vehicle; and a second magnetic element, disposed on the rod, and generating a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element, the magnetic attraction force is configured to make the rod rotate closer to the vehicle, wherein the first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a portion of the magnetic attraction force, so that the rod rotates away from the vehicle, wherein the pedal device is electrically connected to a controller, when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal is greater than a first preset weight and the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal is greater than a second preset weight, the controller is configured to make the first magnetic element generate the magnetic repulsion force. A pedal device as described in claim 1, wherein the first magnetic element is an electromagnet and is configured to generate the magnetic repulsion force when power is supplied. A pedal device as described in claim 1, wherein the second magnetic element is a permanent magnet. The pedal device as described in claim 1 further comprises a reset member, which connects the vehicle and the rod and applies a reset force to the rod that is less than the magnetic attraction force, the reset force is configured to rotate the rod away from the vehicle, and the sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction force. A pedal device as described in claim 4, wherein the reset member is a torsion spring. A method for operating a pedal device is applied to a pedal device installed on a vehicle. The pedal device includes a first magnetic element installed on the vehicle, a rod body rotatably connected to the vehicle, and a second magnetic element installed on the rod body. The second magnetic element generates a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element so as to rotate the rod body close to the vehicle. The method includes: generating at least one sensing signal in response to at least one input received by the vehicle, including: generating a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal in response to weights received by a first position and a second position of the vehicle, respectively, wherein the first position is located at a seat of the vehicle. The first magnetic element is provided at a rear seat of the cushion or a rear end of the vehicle, the second position is located at a pedal of the vehicle, and the pedal is provided for a driver of the vehicle to place both feet; and the first magnetic element is caused to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element according to the at least one sensing signal, wherein the magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a part of the magnetic attraction force, so that the rod rotates away from the vehicle; wherein the step of causing the first magnetic element to generate the magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element according to the at least one sensing signal includes: when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal is greater than a first preset weight, and when the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal is greater than a second preset weight, causing the first magnetic element to generate the magnetic repulsion force. The operating method as described in claim 6, wherein the first magnetic element is an electromagnet, and the step of generating the magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element includes: energizing the first magnetic element according to the at least one sensing signal, so that the energized first magnetic element generates the magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element. The operating method as described in claim 6, wherein the pedal device further comprises a reset member, the reset member connects the vehicle and the rod body, and applies a reset force to the rod body that is less than the magnetic attraction force, wherein the step of generating the magnetic repulsion force to the second magnetic element comprises: according to the at least one sensing signal, causing the first magnetic element to generate the magnetic repulsion force to the second magnetic element that is greater than a difference between the magnetic attraction force and the reset force. A vehicle comprises: a vehicle body; at least one sensor, including a first sensor and a second sensor, the first sensor and the second sensor being weight sensors and arranged at different positions of the vehicle body, wherein the first sensor and the second sensor are configured to generate a first sensing signal and a second sensing signal respectively, wherein the first sensor is arranged at a rear seat portion of a seat cushion of the vehicle or a rear end of the vehicle, and the second sensor is arranged at a pedal of the vehicle, the pedal being provided for a driver of the vehicle to place his feet; a footrest, arranged at a bottom end of the vehicle body; a controller; and a pedal device, electrically connected to the controller, and comprising ：A first magnetic element, disposed on the vehicle body; a rod, rotatably connected to the vehicle body; and a second magnetic element, disposed on the rod, and generating a magnetic attraction force on the first magnetic element, the magnetic attraction force is configured to make the rod rotate closer to the vehicle body, wherein the first magnetic element is configured to generate a magnetic repulsion force on the second magnetic element, the magnetic repulsion force is configured to offset at least a part of the magnetic attraction force, so that the rod rotates away from the vehicle body, wherein when the weight corresponding to the first sensing signal is greater than a first preset weight and the weight corresponding to the second sensing signal is greater than a second preset weight, the controller is configured to make the first magnetic element generate the magnetic repulsion force. A vehicle as described in claim 9, wherein the first magnetic element is an electromagnet and is configured to generate the magnetic repulsion force when power is supplied. A vehicle as claimed in claim 10, wherein the controller is configured to energize the first magnetic element. A vehicle as claimed in claim 11, wherein the controller is configured to receive a wireless signal and energize the first magnetic element according to the wireless signal. A vehicle as described in claim 9, wherein the second magnetic element is a permanent magnet. The vehicle as described in claim 9 further comprises a reset member, which connects the vehicle body and the rod and applies a reset force to the rod that is less than the magnetic attraction force, the reset force is configured to rotate the rod away from the vehicle, and the sum of the magnetic repulsion force and the reset force is greater than the magnetic attraction force. A vehicle as described in claim 14, wherein the reset member is a torsion spring.

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