Pedal device for vehicle

Abstract

A pedal device for a vehicle includes a base installed on an outer side of a vehicle body, an arm rotatably provided to the base, and a pedal provided to be movable with respect to the base by being supported by the arm. The pedal device for the vehicle becomes a deployed state in which the pedal is used by rotation of the arm and a housed state in which the pedal is housed under the vehicle body. A first rotation axis line of a base end of the arm and a second rotation axis line of a top end of the arm are inclined upward toward a vehicle widthwise outer side in a mounted state in which the pedal device for the vehicle is installed on the vehicle body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pedal device for vehicles. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle pedal device. In the vehicle pedal device described in this document, the mechanism for moving the pedal has a portion that can move in both the vertical and horizontal directions as it is located below the vehicle body.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-32847

[0006] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] However, since there are obstacles on the road that are relative to the vehicle's movement, or steps on the road, the portion located under the vehicle body is preferably smaller in both the width and vertical directions. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical means for solving technical problems

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, one embodiment of the present invention provides a vehicle pedal device comprising: a base mounted on the outer side of a vehicle body; an arm rotatably disposed on the base; and a pedal supported by the arm and configured to move relative to the base. The vehicle pedal device, by rotating the arm, can be configured to have the pedal in an extended state for use and a retracted state for the pedal to be stored under the vehicle body. A first axis of rotation at the base of the arm and a second axis of rotation at the tip of the arm are inclined upwards and outwards towards the width of the vehicle when the vehicle pedal device is mounted on the vehicle body. Attached Figure Description

[0010] Figure 1 It is a top view of a vehicle equipped with a pedal system.

[0011] Figure 2 This is a diagram of a vehicle pedal device viewed axially along the first axis of rotation.

[0012] Figure 3 The pedal is positioned in the storage location. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a vehicle's pedal system.

[0013] Figure 4 The pedal is positioned in the unfolded position. Figure 2 A three-dimensional view of a vehicle's pedal system.

[0014] Figure 5 This is a top view of the drive unit.

[0015] Figure 6 This is an exploded three-dimensional view of the first axis.

[0016] Figure 7 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the pedal device for vehicles on Line VII-VII.

[0017] Figure 8 This is an exploded 3D view of the pedal.

[0018] Figure 9 This is an exploded 3D view of the pedal cover.

[0019] Figure 10 yes Figure 9 A three-dimensional view of the components forming the second pedal cover.

[0020] Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the pedal device for vehicles on the XI-XI line.

[0021] Figure 12 The pedal is positioned in the unfolded position. Figure 2 Rear view of a vehicle's pedal system.

[0022] Figure 13 This is a side view of a vehicle pedal device with the pedals in the extended position.

[0023] Figure 14 This is a rear view of a modified example of the arm. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference Figures 1 to 13 This specification describes a vehicle pedal device. The phrase "at least one of A and B" in this specification should be understood as "only A or only B, or both A and B". In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction of the vehicle pedal device 1 is aligned with the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2 when the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2. The vertical direction DZ of the vehicle pedal device 1 is aligned with the vertical direction when the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2. The width direction DX of the vehicle pedal device 1 is aligned with the width direction of the vehicle 2 when the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2.

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 2. For example, the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the lower surface of the floor of the body 3 (see reference). Figure 12The vehicle pedal device 1 is installed in the floor of the vehicle body 3 near the vehicle boarding / alighting opening, which is closed by the door. The pedal 7 of the vehicle pedal device 1 is positioned below the vehicle boarding / alighting opening to serve as an auxiliary pedal for boarding / alighting. As an example, the pedal 7 of the vehicle pedal device 1 is moved by the power of the motor 31.

[0026] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle pedal device 1 includes: a base 4 mounted on the outside of the vehicle body 3; an arm 6 rotatably mounted on the base 4; and a pedal 7. The pedal 7 is supported by the arm 6 and is configured to move relative to the base 4. That is, the vehicle pedal device 1 is not installed inside the vehicle body 3 but on the outside of the vehicle body 3. The vehicle pedal device 1 is configured to have the pedal 7 in an extended state and a retracted state, with the pedal 7 stored under the vehicle body 3, by rotating the arm 6. In the extended state, the pedal 7 is positioned in the extended position. In the retracted state, the pedal 7 is positioned in the retracted position. The pedal 7 moves between the extended and retracted positions by rotating the arm 6.

[0027] The vehicle pedal device 1 transitions from a retracted state to an extended state based on a first command signal received when getting on or off the vehicle. The first command signal can be a command signal based on human operation or a command signal based on the opening and moving of a door.

[0028] The vehicle pedal device 1 transitions from an unfolded state to a retracted state based on a second command signal. The second command signal can be a command signal based on human operation or a command signal based on the closing and movement of a door.

[0029] like Figure 3 As shown, in the retracted state of the vehicle pedal device 1, since the top end of the arm 6 is positioned in front of the base, the pedal 7 is positioned in a retracted position close to the base 4. In the installed state where the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 3, the retracted position of the pedal 7 is located inside the vehicle width DI compared to the extended position, and at a position diagonally in front of the base 4.

[0030] like Figure 4 As shown, in the deployed state of the vehicle pedal device 1, the top end of the arm 6 is positioned away from the base end towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width, thus the pedal 7 is positioned in the deployed state away from the base 4. In the mounted state of the vehicle pedal device 1 on the vehicle body 3, the deployed position of the pedal 7 is at a predetermined distance from the base 4 along the vehicle width direction DX. In the deployed state of the vehicle pedal device 1, the arm 6 is tilted downwards towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width (see reference). Figure 12 When the pedal 7 is configured in the deployed position, at least a portion of the pedal 7 is exposed from the vehicle body 3 when viewed from above.

[0031] In the retracted state of the vehicle pedal device 1, the top end of the arm 6 is positioned higher than the top end of the arm 6 in the extended state, and is positioned forward compared to the base end of the arm 6. The position of the pedal 7 in the retracted state is higher than the position of the pedal 7 in the extended state.

[0032] In the stowed state, the base of arm 6 is positioned above the lower end of pedal 7. That is, in the stowed state, the lower end of pedal 7 is positioned below the base of arm 6. In the stowed state, arm 6 is slightly tilted downwards and forwards.

[0033] like Figure 3 As shown, in the retracted state, the pedal 7 contacts the lower part of the base 4. At least one of the base 4 and the pedal 7 has a contact portion 70. In the retracted state, the contact portion 70 is configured to contact another component of the base 4 and the pedal 7 that is different from the component provided with the contact portion 70. In this embodiment, the contact portion 70 is provided as a rubber material plate on the lower surface of the base 4. The contact portion 70 contacts the upper surface of the pedal 7. In one example, the contact portion 70 is provided on the lower surface 11a of the first bracket 11 and the lower surface 12a of the second bracket 12. As another embodiment, it may also be provided on the upper surface of the pedal 7, or it may be provided as a downwardly protruding protrusion on the lower surface of the bracket 10. When the contact portion 70 is provided on the upper surface of the pedal 7, it may be configured as a protrusion protruding from the upper surface 7a of the pedal 7 as an anti-slip part.

[0034] The contact portion 70 is made of an elastic member. For example, the elastic member includes rubber or plastic. The contact portion 70 can also be made of an elastic metal or plastic. As an example of an elastic metal or plastic, a leaf spring can be cited.

[0035] like Figure 2 As shown, the vehicle pedal device 1 includes multiple arms 6. The pedal 7 is supported by the multiple arms 6. The vehicle pedal device 1 also includes a drive unit 8 for actuating the arms 6. As the arms 6, the vehicle pedal device 1 includes a first arm 21, a second arm 22, and a third arm 23.

[0036] The base 4 comprises a base body 5 and three brackets 10. With the vehicle pedal device 1 installed on the vehicle body 3, the base 4 is configured to extend along the longitudinal direction of the vehicle 2. In this embodiment, the three brackets 10 are referred to sequentially from front to back as the first bracket 11, the second bracket 12, and the third bracket 13. The drive unit 8, the first arm 21, and the second arm 22 are mounted on the base body 5. The base body 5 is mounted on the vehicle body 3 via the first bracket 11 and the second bracket 12. The third bracket 13 is mounted on the vehicle body 3 independently of the first bracket 11 and the second bracket 12. The third arm 23 is mounted on the third bracket 13. The third bracket 13 is mounted on the vehicle body 3.

[0037] The base of each arm 6 is rotatably mounted to the base 4. The first rotation axes CA of the base of each arm 6 are parallel to each other. The top of each arm 6 is rotatably mounted to the pedal 7. The second rotation axes CB of the top of each arm 6 are parallel to each other. In addition, the second rotation axis CB of the top of each arm 6 is parallel to the first rotation axis CA of the base of each arm 6.

[0038] The first arm 21, the second arm 22, and the third arm 23 are arranged from front to back in the order of first arm 21, second arm 22, and third arm 23. The lengths of the first arm 21, the second arm 22, and the third arm 23 are all equal. The length of arm 6 is defined as the distance between the first rotation axis CA at the base of arm 6 and the second rotation axis CB at the top of arm 6.

[0039] A first shaft portion 24 is provided at the base end 21a of the first arm 21. The base end 21a of the first arm 21 is mounted to the base 4 via the first shaft portion 24. The top end 21b of the first arm 21 is mounted to the pedal 7 via a second shaft portion 25.

[0040] A first shaft portion 24 is provided at the base end 22a of the second arm 22. The base end 22a of the second arm 22 is mounted to the base 4 via the first shaft portion 24. The top end 22b of the second arm 22 is mounted to the pedal 7 via the second shaft portion 25.

[0041] A first shaft portion 24 is provided at the base end 23a of the third arm 23. The base end 23a of the third arm 23 is mounted to the base 4 via the first shaft portion 24. The top end 23b of the third arm 23 is mounted to the pedal 7 via a second shaft portion 25.

[0042] The first arm 21, the second arm 22, and the third arm 23 are positioned at the same location in the vehicle width direction DX. Specifically, the first axle portion 24 of the first arm 21, the first axle portion 24 of the second arm 22, and the first axle portion 24 of the third arm 23 are positioned at the same location in the vehicle width direction DX. The second axle portion 25 of the first arm 21, the second axle portion 25 of the second arm 22, and the second axle portion 25 of the third arm 23 are positioned at the same location in the vehicle width direction DX.

[0043] The second shaft portions 25 of the first arm 21, the second shaft portions 25 of the second arm 22, and the second shaft portions 25 of the third arm 23 are arranged at the same height in the vertical direction DZ. The first shaft portions 24 of the first arm 21, the first shaft portions 24 of the second arm 22, and the first shaft portions 24 of the third arm 23 move along with the movement of the pedal 7 while maintaining their positional relationship with each other in the vertical direction DZ.

[0044] like Figure 5As shown, the drive unit 8 includes a motor 31, a reduction gear 32, a power transmission unit 33, and a motor cover 35. The drive unit 8 rotates at least one arm 6. In this embodiment, the drive unit 8 rotates the first arm 21.

[0045] The motor 31 is mounted on the base body 5 via a motor support member. The motor cover 35 houses the motor 31, the reduction gear 32, and the power transmission unit 33. The reduction gear 32 has a reduction gear (not shown) that reduces the rotational speed of the output shaft of the motor 31, and a pinion 34 that rotates based on the rotation of the reduction gear. The pinion 34 meshes with the rack 36 of the power transmission unit 33.

[0046] Reference Figure 5 This explains the power transmission unit 33.

[0047] The power transmission unit 33 includes a rack 36 supported on a base 4 for reciprocating motion and a connecting member 38. The connecting member 38 connects the end of the rack 36 to a protrusion 21c that protrudes from the base end 21a of the first arm 21. The protrusion 21c protrudes radially from the base end 21a of the first arm 21 relative to a first axis of rotation CA of the first shaft portion 24. The protrusion 21c is fixed to the base end 21a of the first arm 21. One end of the connecting member 38 is rotatably mounted to the end of the rack 36, and the other end of the connecting member 38 is rotatably mounted to the protrusion 21c of the first arm 21.

[0048] The rack 36 moves using the rotational power of the motor 31. This rotational power is transmitted to the pinion 34. The rotation of the pinion 34 causes the rack 36 to move, which in turn causes the first arm 21, connected to the rack 36 and the connecting member 38, to rotate. This rotation of the first arm 21 moves the pedal 7. The second arm 22 and the third arm 23 rotate in accordance with the movement of the pedal 7. In summary, the first arm 21 rotates using the rotational power of the motor 31, and the pedal 7 moves as a result of this rotation.

[0049] Reference Figure 6 and Figure 7 This explains the structure of the first shaft portion 24 of the first arm 21.

[0050] The first shaft portion 24 is supported by the base body 5 and the shaft support member 60. The base 4 has a portion 5a orthogonal to the first axis of rotation CA in the base body 5. The shaft support member 60 has a portion 61a orthogonal to the first axis of rotation CA in the bearing portion 61. The first shaft portion 24 is supported by the portion 5a of the base 4 orthogonal to the first axis of rotation CA and the portion 61a of the shaft support member 60 orthogonal to the first axis of rotation CA. In the mounted state of the vehicle pedal device 1, the surfaces of the base 4 and the shaft support member 60, along the surfaces of the portions 5a and 61a orthogonal to the first axis of rotation CA, are inclined downwards and outwards towards the vehicle width DE.

[0051] The first shaft portion 24 includes a cylinder 51 fixed to the first arm 21, a shaft 52 inserted through the cylinder 51, and a bearing 53 disposed between the shaft 52 and the cylinder 51.

[0052] A shaft support member 60 is mounted on the base body 5. The shaft support member 60 includes a bearing portion 61 that supports the lower end of the first shaft portion 24 and a pair of side portions 62 extending from the bearing portion 61. Side portions 62 are provided at both ends of the bearing portion 61. Each side portion 62 has an extension portion 62a extending toward the base body 5 and a fixing portion 62b connected to and fixed to the base body 5. The shaft support member 60 is mounted on the base body 5 in a manner parallel to the bearing portion 61.

[0053] like Figure 6 As shown, the upper end of the first shaft portion 24 is fixed to the base body 5. The lower end of the first shaft portion 24 is fixed to the shaft support member 60 by a stop member 55. The cylinder 51 and shaft 52 of the first shaft portion 24 are arranged between a pair of side portions 62 of the shaft support member 60. The base end 21a of the first arm 21 is fixed to the cylinder 51. The first arm 21 and the cylinder 51 rotate integrally with respect to the shaft 52. A washer 54 is arranged between the end face of the cylinder 51 and the bearing portion 61 of the shaft support member 60.

[0054] The first rotation axis CA at the base of each arm 6 and the second rotation axis CB at the top are inclined upwards towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width when the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 3. Specifically, when viewed from the front, the first rotation axis CA and the second rotation axis CB are inclined upwards towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width when the vehicle pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle body 3. When viewed from the side, the first rotation axis CA and the second rotation axis CB are not inclined. That is, the first rotation axis CA and the second rotation axis CB are not inclined in the longitudinal direction.

[0055] The base body 5 is mounted to the vehicle body 3 via the first bracket 11 and the second bracket 12, with the first axis of rotation CA of the first shaft portion 24 of the first arm 21 and the second arm 22 inclined towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width and upward DU. The third bracket 13 is directly mounted to the vehicle body 3 with the first axis of rotation CA of the first shaft portion 24 of the third arm 23 inclined towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width and upward DU.

[0056] Reference Figures 8-10 The following describes the pedal 7. The length of the pedal 7 is configured, for example, to correspond to the length of the vehicle's boarding / alighting opening. The pedal 7 includes a frame 71, a sheet 72 mounted above the frame 71, a pedal cover 73, and a lower cover 74. The sheet 72 is formed of resin or metal. The frame 71 may be composed of multiple frame members 71a or may be composed of a metal plate. Prismatic tubes are an example of frame members 71a. The pedal cover 73 overlaps the sheet 72. The pedal cover 73 is formed of resin or metal. The lower cover 74 is mounted below the frame 71. In one example, the lower cover 74 is configured to run along the outer edge below the frame 71 in the vehicle width direction DX. The lower cover 74 is formed of resin or metal.

[0057] like Figure 9 As shown, the pedal cover 73 can also be composed of multiple pedal cover components 90. The multiple pedal cover components 90 are arranged in a front-to-back configuration and interlocked. One of the two interlocked pedal cover components 90 has a first joint portion 90a, and the other has a second joint portion 90b overlapping the first joint portion 90a. The first joint portion 90a is configured as a stepped portion, which has a stepped surface 90c extending from the upper surface of the pedal cover component 90 toward the rear side.

[0058] like Figure 10 As shown, the second joint 90b is configured as a stepped portion, which has a stepped surface 90d extending from the back of the pedal cover component 90 toward the upper surface.

[0059] Each of the multiple pedal cover components 90 has an anti-slip portion 90e. The anti-slip portion 90e is configured as a protrusion extending from the upper surface of the pedal cover component 90. In one example, the anti-slip portion 90e includes a through hole 90f provided in the pedal cover component 90 and a rubber component 90g embedded in the through hole 90f (see reference). Figure 11 The through hole 90f extends along the length of the pedal 7.

[0060] In one example, such as Figure 9As shown, the pedal cover 73 is composed of five pedal cover components 90. The pedal cover 73 includes a first pedal cover component 91 disposed at the front of the pedal cover 73, a second pedal cover component 92 disposed at the middle of the pedal cover 73, and a third pedal cover component 93 disposed at the rear of the pedal cover 73. A second connecting portion 90b is provided at the rear end of the first pedal cover component 91. A first connecting portion 90a is provided at the front end of the second pedal cover component 92, and a second connecting portion 90b is provided at the rear end of the second pedal cover component 92. A first connecting portion 90a is provided at the front end of the third pedal cover component 93. The second connecting portions 90b of the first pedal cover component 91 and the second pedal cover component 92 each have the same shape. The first connecting portions 90a of the second pedal cover component 92 and the third pedal cover component 93 each have the same shape. With this structure, various combinations can be made among the first pedal cover component 91, the second pedal cover component 92, and the third pedal cover component 93, and the length of the pedal cover 73 can be easily changed. For example, the second pedal cover component 92 can be omitted, and a shorter pedal cover 73 can be formed using the first pedal cover component 91 and the third pedal cover component 93. Furthermore, the length of the pedal cover 73 can be easily changed by adjusting the number of second pedal cover components 92. Since such a pedal cover 73 has an adjustable length structure, the components of the pedal 7 can be standardized in the production of various vehicle pedal devices 1 with different pedal lengths, thereby improving production efficiency. Additionally, a drainage groove is formed by providing a groove between the first joint 90a and the second joint 90b. Using such a drainage groove, rainwater remaining on the pedal 7 can be effectively drained.

[0061] Reference Figure 11 This describes the mounting structure at the top of arm 6. Figure 11 It is along Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the pedal device 1 for vehicles on the XI-XI line.

[0062] A mounting part 75 is provided on the frame 71 of the pedal 7. The top end 21b of the first arm 21 is rotatably mounted on the mounting part 75. The mounting part 75 is mounted on the lower part of the frame 71.

[0063] The mounting portion 75 includes a support portion 76 supported by the arm 6 and two side portions 77 provided on the support portion 76. The support portion 76 has a support surface 76a supported by the arm 6. The support surface 76a contacts a washer 85 disposed on the upper surface of the top end of the arm 6. Alternatively, the support surface 76a may also directly contact the upper surface of the top end of the arm 6.

[0064] The two side portions 77 are components used to fix the support portion 76 to the frame 71. The two side portions 77 are provided on the support portion 76 at intervals along the length direction of the pedal 7. The side portions 77 may also be integral with the support portion 76.

[0065] The support surface 76a of the support portion 76 is orthogonal to the second rotation axis CB of the second shaft portion 25. In one example, when the pedal 7 is viewed along its length, the support surface 76a is inclined in a manner that it moves downwards and outwards at both ends of the vehicle width DE. Furthermore, the mounting portion 75 is configured such that, in the mounted state of the vehicle pedal device 1 mounted on the vehicle body 3, when the pedal 7 is positioned in the extended position, the upper surface 7a of the pedal 7 is horizontal.

[0066] A second shaft portion 25 is provided in the mounting portion 75. The second shaft portion 25 has a first pin 81 and a second pin 82 that engages with the first pin 81. The first pin 81 engages with the second pin 82 by pressing it into a hole in the second pin 82. The second pin 82 is fixed to the mounting portion 75 by pressing it into a hole in the support portion 76 of the mounting portion 75. An anti-detachment plate 83 is provided between the lower end face 82a of the second pin 82 and the flange 81a of the first pin 81. The anti-detachment plate 83 is held by the lower end face 82a of the second pin 82 and the flange 81a of the first pin 81. The anti-detachment plate 83 prevents the tip of the arm 6 from dislodging from the second shaft portion 25. The anti-detachment plate 83 may also be integrally formed with the flange 81a of the first pin 81.

[0067] The roller 84 is rotatably mounted on the second shaft portion 25. The tip 21b of the first arm 21 is mounted on the second shaft portion 25 via the roller 84. Specifically, the roller 84 is received in a through hole in the tip 21b of the first arm 21. The second shaft portion 25 is inserted through the hole of the roller 84.

[0068] With the top end 21b of the first arm 21 mounted on the second shaft portion 25 via the roller 84, a washer 85 is disposed between the upper surface of the top end 21b of the first arm 21 and the support surface 76a of the mounting portion 75.

[0069] In the pedal 7, the structure of the portion for which the top end 22b of the second arm 22 is disposed has the same structure as the portion for which the top end of the first arm 21 is disposed.

[0070] In the pedal 7, the structure of the portion for which the top end 23b of the third arm 23 is disposed has the same structure as the portion for which the top end of the first arm 21 is disposed.

[0071] Reference Figure 12 and Figure 13 Explain the function of this implementation method.

[0072] Figure 12 This is a rear view of the vehicle pedal device 1 when the pedal 7 is positioned in the extended position. Figure 13 This is a side view of the vehicle pedal device 1 when the pedal 7 is positioned in the extended position. Figure 12 and Figure 13 In the middle, the double-dotted line indicates the pedal 7 located in the storage position.

[0073] The first axis of rotation CA of the first shaft portion 24 of each arm 6 is inclined upward DU towards the outer side DE of the vehicle width. The first axes of rotation CA of the first shaft portion 24 of each arm 6 are parallel to each other. According to this structure, by rotating each arm 6, the tip of each arm 6 moves from the lowest position upward DU and inward DI of the vehicle width and forward. According to such a movement trajectory of the tip of each arm 6, the pedal 7 can move from the lowest position upward DU and inward DI of the vehicle width and forward.

[0074] When pedal 7 moves, the base of arm 6 does not move. Furthermore, when pedal 7 moves, arm 6 rotates in a region DE, which is further outward of the vehicle width than the base of arm 6. Thus, in the vehicle pedal device 1, the space under the vehicle body 3 is not used when pedal 7 moves. Therefore, compared to conventional vehicle pedal devices where a linkage mechanism is provided under the vehicle body 3, the portion of the vehicle pedal device 1 located under the vehicle body 3 is smaller in both the width direction DX and the vertical direction DZ.

[0075] The effects of this implementation method will be explained.

[0076] (1) In the vehicle pedal device 1, the first rotation axis CA of the base end of the arm 6 and the second rotation axis CB of the top end of the arm 6 are inclined upwards towards the outside of the vehicle width DE when the vehicle pedal device 1 is installed on the vehicle body 3.

[0077] According to this structure, the pedal 7 can be moved in the vertical direction DZ and the vehicle width direction DX by rotating the arm 6. The arm 6 is supported by its base end. The base end of the arm 6 does not move in the vehicle width direction DX. Because of this structure, the portion located below the body 3 can be made smaller in both the vehicle width direction DX and the vertical direction DZ.

[0078] (2) In the above-mentioned vehicle pedal device 1, in the unfolded state, the arm 6 tilts downward toward the outer side DE of the vehicle width.

[0079] According to this structure, in the unfolded state, the pedal 7 can be positioned below the base of the arm 6.

[0080] (3) In pedal 7, the support surface 76a supported by arm 6 is orthogonal to the second axis of rotation CB. According to this structure, pedal 7 can move smoothly.

[0081] (4) In the base 4, a portion of the support arm 6 has a portion orthogonal to the first rotation axis CA. According to this structure, the force applied to the arm 6 can be borne by the portion orthogonal to the first rotation axis CA, thus suppressing the deformation of the base 4.

[0082] (5) In the vehicle pedal device 1, the position of the pedal 7 in the retracted state is higher than the position of the pedal 7 in the unfolded state.

[0083] According to this structure, the pedal 7 can be stored at a position higher than the position of the pedal 7 in the unfolded state.

[0084] (6) In the vehicle pedal device 1, in the retracted state, the base end of the arm 6 is above the lower end of the pedal 7.

[0085] According to this structure, when the vehicle pedal device 1 is transferred from the retracted state to the unfolded state, the pedal 7 can move smoothly.

[0086] (7) In the vehicle pedal device 1, in the retracted state, the pedal 7 is in contact with the lower part of the base 4.

[0087] With a gap above pedal 7, pedal 7 vibrates up and down, applying a load to arm 6. According to this structure, the up-and-down vibration of pedal 7 can be suppressed, and the load applied to arm 6 during vibration can be reduced.

[0088] (8) In the vehicle pedal device 1, at least one of the base 4 and the pedal 7 has a contact portion 70. In the retracted state, the contact portion 70 is configured to contact a component of the base 4 and the pedal 7 that is different from the component provided with the contact portion 70.

[0089] There is a concern that if the pedal 7 does not contact any part of the base 4, vibration may cause the pedal 7 to come into contact with the base 4 and generate abnormal noise. In this regard, according to the above structure, since the pedal 7 and the base 4 are in contact, the generation of such abnormal noise can be suppressed. The contact portion 70 can be provided on the pedal 7, on the base body 5, or on the bracket 10.

[0090] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0091] The above embodiments are not limited to the examples with the structures described above. The above embodiments can be modified as follows. Furthermore, in the following variations, structures that do not substantially differ from the structures of the above embodiments are marked with the same symbols and described accordingly.

[0092] In this embodiment, the shaft 52 of the first shaft portion 24 is fixed to the base 4. The arm 6 rotates relative to the shaft 52. Alternatively, the shaft 52 of the first shaft portion 24 can also be fixed to the arm 6. In this case, a bearing for supporting the shaft 52 is provided in the base 4.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first pin 81 and the second pin 82 of the second shaft portion 25 are fixed to the mounting portion 75 of the pedal 7. The arm 6 rotates relative to the first pin 81 and the second pin 82. Alternatively, a shaft body can be fixed to the arm 6 instead of the first pin 81 and the second pin 82. In this case, a bearing for supporting the shaft body is provided in the mounting portion 75 of the pedal 7.

[0094] The location of the second shaft portion 25 provided on the pedal 7 is not limited. For example, the second shaft portion 25 may also be provided on the pedal 7 in a manner that protrudes from the side of the pedal 7 toward the inner width DI of the vehicle.

[0095] like Figure 14 As shown, the thickness DT of arm 6 can be configured as follows: The thickness DT of arm 6 in the direction DA along the first rotation axis CA gradually decreases towards the tip of arm 6 in the length direction DL of arm 6. In one example, the thickness DT of arm 6 in the direction DA along the first rotation axis CA gradually decreases towards the tip of arm 6 in at least a portion of the length direction DL of arm 6.

[0096] An example of a first arm 21 with such a structure will be described. Figure 14 This is a rear view of a modified example of the first arm 21 viewed from the back in its unfolded state. In this example, along the length direction DL of the first arm 21, in the middle range 21d excluding the base end 21a and the top end 21b of the first arm 21, the thickness DT of the first arm 21 gradually decreases towards the top end 21b of the first arm 21. Compared to the arm in the reference section below, the top end is thinner. The reference arm has the same length as the first arm 21, the same thickness DT along the length direction DL, and the same bending strength as the first arm 21.

[0097] With this structure, the reduction in the bending strength of the arm 6 can be suppressed, and the tip of the arm 6 can be thinned. Because the tip of the arm 6 can be thinned, the thickness of the pedal 7 at the portion supported by the tip of the arm 6 can be reduced.

Claims

1. A vehicle pedal device, comprising: The base is mounted on the outside of the vehicle body; An arm that is rotatably mounted on the base; as well as A pedal, supported by the arm, is configured to move relative to the base. The vehicle pedal device, through the rotation of the arm, can be configured into an extended state where the pedal is in use and a retracted state where the pedal is stored under the vehicle body. The first axis of rotation at the base of the arm and the second axis of rotation at the tip of the arm are inclined upwards and outwards towards the vehicle width when the vehicle pedal device is installed on the vehicle body. The pedal is provided with a mounting part, and the top end of the arm is rotatably mounted to the mounting part. A second shaft is provided in the mounting portion, and the top end of the arm is mounted on the second shaft. The mounting portion has a support surface supported by the arm, and the support surface is orthogonal to the second rotation axis of the second shaft portion. The mounting portion and the second shaft portion are located below the upper surface of the pedal.

2. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of the arm along the first axis of rotation gradually decreases toward the tip of the arm along its length.

3. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, In the deployed state, the arm tilts downwards toward the outside of the vehicle width.

4. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, In the base, the portion supporting the arm has a portion orthogonal to the first axis of rotation.

5. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, The position of the pedal in the stowed state is higher than the position of the pedal in the unfolded state.

6. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, In the retracted state, the base of the arm is positioned above the lower end of the pedal.

7. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, In the retracted state, the pedal is in contact with the lower part of the base.

8. The vehicle pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the base and the pedal has a contact portion. In the stored state, the contact portion is configured to contact a component of the base and the pedal that is different from the component on which the contact portion is provided.

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