Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal device (1) mounted on a vehicle includes a housing (10), a pedal pad (30), and a reaction force generating mechanism (50, 501, 502). The housing (10) is mounted on a vehicle body. The pedal pad (30) is rotatably provided in the housing (10). The reaction force generating mechanism (50, 501, 502) is configured to include a plurality of elastic members each having a prescribed plate spring (51), is disposed in a space on the side opposite to the surface of the pedal pad (30) that is stepped on by a driver, and generates a reaction force with respect to the stepping force applied to the pedal pad (30) by the driver.

Description

[0001] Cross-references to related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-29094, filed on February 25, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a pedal device mounted on a vehicle. Background Technology

[0004] Previously, there was a pedal device that was mounted on a vehicle and used as an accelerator pedal device or a brake pedal device.

[0005] Patent Document 1 discloses a technology related to a reaction force generating mechanism that generates a reaction force relative to the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad of a brake pedal device. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, the reaction force generating mechanism is referred to as a pedal simulator. The reaction force generating mechanism described in Patent Document 1 has a structure in which multiple coil springs are coaxially arranged and radially overlapped. Additionally, this reaction force generating mechanism has a structure in which the ends of additional coil springs are mounted on the ends of a predetermined coil spring via a component called a spring seat.

[0006] Existing technical documents

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-84091 Summary of the Invention

[0009] However, the reaction force generating mechanism described in Patent Document 1 requires a larger outer diameter and wire diameter of multiple coil springs to generate a large reaction force relative to the driver's pedal force applied to the pedal pad. Therefore, if the reaction force generating mechanism described in Patent Document 1 is used in a pedal device, a large space is needed in the area opposite to the driver's pedal surface to install the reaction force generating mechanism, resulting in a larger overall size of the pedal device.

[0010] The purpose of this disclosure is to miniaturize the size of a pedal device with a reaction force generating mechanism.

[0011] According to one aspect of this disclosure, a pedal device mounted on a vehicle includes a housing, a pedal pad, and a reaction force generating mechanism. The housing is mounted on the vehicle body. The pedal pad is rotatably mounted on the housing. The reaction force generating mechanism comprises multiple elastic components having defined leaf springs, disposed in a space opposite to the side of the pedal pad that is stepped on by the driver, generating a reaction force relative to the force applied by the driver to the pedal pad.

[0012] Accordingly, for example, in the case where the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism is constituted only by a coil spring, there is a need to secure a space in which the "wire diameter x number of turns of the coil spring" and the "deflection amount" are unified. In contrast, in the case where a leaf spring is used as the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism, it is sufficient to secure a space in which the "plate thickness of the leaf spring" and the "deflection amount" are unified. Therefore, the space required for the installation of the leaf spring is smaller than the space required for the installation of the coil spring. Thus, the pedal device of one aspect of the present disclosure can reduce the space on the side opposite to the surface of the pedal pad that is stepped on by the driver by using a leaf spring as the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism. As a result, the pedal device can be made smaller in external size.

[0013] Further, the bracketed reference signs attached to each constituent element and the like indicate one example of the correspondence relationship between the constituent element and the like and the specific constituent element and the like described in the embodiments described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] Figure 1 is a perspective view of the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the pedal device of the first embodiment with the housing cover removed.

[0016] Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view taken perpendicular to the pedal rotation axis in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0017] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which the pedal pad is rotated in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view of the V-V line of Figure 3

[0019] Figure 6 is an enlarged view of the VI portion of Figure 3

[0020] Figure 7 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the reaction force generating mechanism in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0021] Figure 8 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the reaction force generating mechanism in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0022] Figure 9 is an explanatory view for explaining the operation of the reaction force generating mechanism in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 ​​is a graph showing a pedal effort characteristic in the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the second embodiment.

[0025] Figure 12 is Figure 11 is a sectional view of XII-XII line of

[0026] Figure 13 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the third embodiment.

[0027] Figure 14 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the fourth embodiment.

[0028] Figure 15 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the fifth embodiment.

[0029] Figure 16 is Figure 15 is a sectional view of XVI-XVI line of

[0030] Figure 17 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the sixth embodiment.

[0031] Figure 18 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the seventh embodiment.

[0032] Figure 19 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the eighth embodiment.

[0033] Figure 20 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the ninth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 21 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the tenth embodiment.

[0035] Figure 22 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the eleventh embodiment.

[0036] Figure 23 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the twelfth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 24 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the thirteenth embodiment.

[0038] Figure 25 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0039] Figure 26 is a schematic view of the pedal device of the fifteenth embodiment.

[0040] Figure 27is a schematic view of a pedal device of a seventeenth embodiment.

[0041] Figure 28 is a schematic view of a pedal device of a seventeenth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 29 is a schematic view of a pedal device of a seventeenth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments below, like or equivalent portions are denoted by like reference numerals, and the description thereof will be omitted.

[0044] <First Embodiment>

[0045] Reference Figures 1-10 The first embodiment will be described. The pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and is used as an accelerator pedal device or a brake pedal device, or the like, which is operated by the driver's stepping force. In addition, the pedal device 1 is an organ type or a hanging type pedal device.

[0046] In the present embodiment, as an example of the pedal device 1, a brake pedal device for a brake-by-wire system will be described. The brake-by-wire system refers to a system in which hydraulic pressure is generated by a master cylinder under the drive control of an electronic control device based on an electric signal output from a sensor of the pedal device 1, and each wheel is driven by a brake pad via a brake circuit by the hydraulic pressure to brake the vehicle.

[0047] As shown in Figures 1-5 , the pedal device 1 is an organ type pedal device 1 provided with a housing 10, a shaft 20, a pedal pad 30, a sensor unit 40, and a reaction force generating mechanism 50. The organ type pedal device 1 refers to a structure in which a portion of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver is disposed above the upper and lower directions of the vehicle when mounted, with respect to a rotation center (hereinafter, referred to as "rotation axis CL").

[0048] As shown in Figure 3 , the housing 10 is mounted to a portion of the vehicle body. Specifically, the housing 10 is mounted to the floor 2 or the dash panel, or the like, in the vehicle cabin by a screw 3. In addition, the dash panel is a partition wall that divides the vehicle cabin outside, such as an engine room, and the vehicle cabin inside, and is sometimes referred to as a cross member.

[0049] As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2 , the housing 10 has a housing main body 11 and a housing cover 12. As shown in Figure 4 , the housing 10 is disposed in a region between the back surface of the pedal pad 30 moved to the maximum rotation position and the vehicle body (specifically, the floor 2 or the dash panel). As shown in Figures 3-5As shown, a space is formed on the inner side of the outer casing 11 for housing a reaction force generating mechanism 50 and a sensor unit 40, etc. Additionally, as... Figure 5 As shown, a bearing portion 13 for rotatably supporting the shaft 20 is provided on the outer casing body 11. On the other hand, Figure 1 The outer casing 12 shown is disposed on the side of the outer casing body 11, and closes the side opening of the space formed inside the outer casing body 11.

[0050] like Figure 5 As shown, shaft 20 is rotatably supported on bearing portion 13 provided in housing body 11. Specifically, a cylindrical bearing 14 for supporting shaft 20 is installed in bearing portion 13 provided in housing body 11, and shaft 20 is supported by bearing 14. Therefore, shaft 20 can rotate about the center of the hole in bearing portion 13 (i.e., the center of bearing 14) as the axis of rotation CL. Furthermore, shaft 20 is supported only by bearing portion 13 provided in housing body 11, and is not supported by housing cover 12.

[0051] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 5 As shown, the shaft 20 is, for example, shaped as a cylindrical metal that has been bent multiple times, and includes a shaft portion 21, a fixing portion 22, and a connecting portion 23. The shaft portion 21 extends parallel to the centerline of the bearing portion 13 (i.e., the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20) and is disposed on the bearing portion 13. The fixing portion 22 is fixed to the pedal pad 30 in a non-rotatable manner. In this embodiment, the fixing portion 22 is fixed to a fixing member 24 provided on the side of the pedal pad 30 opposite to the side receiving the pedal force from the driver (hereinafter referred to as the "back side of the pedal pad 30"). The connecting portion 23 is the portion that connects the shaft portion 21 and the fixing portion 22.

[0052] The pedal mat 30 is formed into a plate shape, for example, using metal or resin, and is arranged at an angle relative to the floor 2. Specifically, the pedal mat 30 is arranged at an angle with its upper end facing forward of the vehicle and its lower end facing backward of the vehicle. Furthermore, a thick-walled portion 31 is provided on the upper part of the pedal mat 30, which is the part stepped on by the driver. The thick-walled portion 31 is arranged above the rotation axis CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. In addition, the pedal mat 30 is not limited to the arrangement shown in the figure; for example, it may also be arranged approximately perpendicular to the floor 2.

[0053] As described above, the back surface of the pedal pad 30 and the fixing portion 22 of the shaft 20 are fixed by the fixing member 24. Therefore, the pedal pad 30 rotates within a specified angle range about the same rotation axis CL as the shaft 20. That is, the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30 and the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20 are the same.

[0054] Figures 1-3This indicates that no driver pressure is applied to the pedal pad 30. On the other hand, Figure 4 This indicates that when a driver applies pressure to the pedal pad 30, the pedal pad 30 rotates under that pressure. Thus, as the driver's pressure applied to the thick-walled portion 31 increases, the portion of the pedal pad 30 relative to the rotation axis CL near the front of the vehicle rotates towards the floor 2 side or the front bulkhead side. Conversely, as the driver's pressure applied to the thick-walled portion 31 decreases, the portion of the pedal pad 30 relative to the rotation axis CL near the front of the vehicle rotates upwards or towards the driver.

[0055] The amount of pedal operation performed by the driver on the pedal pad 30 (i.e., the rotation angle of the pedal pad 30) is the same as the rotation angle of the shaft 20. The rotation angles of the pedal pad 30 and the shaft 20 are directly detected by a sensor unit 40 disposed on or around the rotation shaft CL of the shaft 20. Furthermore, in the following description, the rotation angles of the pedal pad 30 and the shaft 20 will be referred to as the "pedal rotation angle".

[0056] like Figure 5 As shown, the sensor unit 40 has a rotating part 41 disposed on the shaft 20 and a signal output part 45 disposed on the housing 10 and outputting a signal corresponding to the phase of the rotating part 41. The rotating part 41 is configured, for example, to include a magnetic circuit 42 formed into a cylindrical shape by a magnet and a yoke, and a holding part 43 for holding the magnetic circuit 42. The rotating part 41 is fixed to the end of the shaft 20 by bolts 44 or the like and rotates together with the shaft 20. Therefore, the rotation center of the rotating part 41 is the same as the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20. The magnetic circuit 42 constituting the rotating part 41 forms a magnetic field for magnetic flux flow in a manner that intersects with the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20.

[0057] On the other hand, the signal output unit 45 is configured to include one or more Hall ICs 46 and a sensor holding unit 47 molded to the Hall IC 46. The Hall IC 46 has a Hall element and an integrated circuit that amplifies the signal output by the Hall element. The Hall IC 46 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the magnetic flux density through the magnetic sensing surface of the Hall element. If the rotating unit 41 rotates together with the shaft 20 about the rotation axis CL, the magnetic flux density through the magnetic sensing surface of the Hall element in the Hall IC 46 changes. Therefore, the signal output unit 45 outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the rotation angle (i.e., pedal rotation angle) of the pedal pad 30 and the shaft 20.

[0058] In the housing 10, at a position corresponding to the end side of the shaft 20, an opening portion 15 for providing the signal output portion 45 is provided. On the other hand, in the sensor holding portion 47 of the signal output portion 45, a protrusion 48 that fits with the inner wall surface of the opening portion 15 provided in the housing 10 is provided. By fitting the outer wall surface of the protrusion 48 provided in the sensor holding portion 47 of the signal output portion 45 with the inner wall surface of the opening portion 15 provided in the housing 10, the sensor center of the signal output portion 45 and the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20 are assembled on the same axis.

[0059] As shown in Figures 1-4 , the minimum rotation position and the maximum rotation position of the pedal pad 30 are respectively defined by a full-closing stopper 32 and a full-opening stopper 33. The full-closing stopper 32 and the full-opening stopper 33 are each formed using resin or rubber, and the surface that contacts the back surface of the pedal pad 30 is a curved surface that protrudes toward the pedal pad 30 side.

[0060] The full-closing stopper 32 is provided in a portion of the housing 10 that is located on the vehicle rear side of the pedal pad 30 and the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20. Specifically, the full-closing stopper 32 is embedded in the wall surface 18 that faces toward the vehicle rear side and the obliquely upper side in a portion of the housing 10 on the vehicle rear side. As shown in Figures 1-3 , the full-closing stopper 32 contacts the back surface of the pedal pad 30 when no driver's stepping force is applied to the pedal pad 30, and defines the minimum rotation position of the pedal pad 30.

[0061] The full-opening stopper 33 is provided in a portion of the housing 10 that is located on the vehicle front side of the pedal pad 30 and the rotation axis CL of the shaft 20. Specifically, the full-opening stopper 33 is provided in the upper end portion 19 of the wall surface on the vehicle front side of the housing 10. In detail, the full-opening stopper 33 is embedded in the wall surface that faces toward the vehicle rear side and the obliquely upper side in a portion of the housing 10 on the vehicle front side. As shown in Figure 4 , the full-opening stopper 33 contacts the back surface of the pedal pad 30 when the driver's stepping force applied to the pedal pad 30 increases, and defines the maximum rotation position of the pedal pad 30.

[0062] As shown in Figure 3 and Figure 4 , in a region on the side opposite to the surface of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver, a reaction force generating mechanism 50 that generates a reaction force with respect to the stepping force applied to the pedal pad 30 by the driver is provided. The pedal device 1 is able to obtain the same reaction force as in the case where the pedal pad 30 and the master cylinder are connected together, by being provided with the reaction force generating mechanism 50, even in the case where the mechanical connection of the pedal pad 30 and the master cylinder is cancelled.

[0063] The reaction force generating mechanism 50 is configured by a plurality of elastic members including a prescribed leaf spring 51, and is provided on the inner side of the housing 10. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is configured by the leaf spring 51, a first coil spring 61, a second coil spring 62, a first bracket 71, a second bracket 72, a spring seat 73, and the like.

[0064] The leaf spring 51 is a member that is formed in a flat plate shape and elastically deforms in the plate thickness direction in response to a load. The leaf spring 51 is provided in a curved shape in which the length direction protrudes toward the floor 2 side in a state in which no load is applied. The curved portion of the leaf spring 51 is provided in a region on the rotation axis CL side of the pedal pad 30 from the central position in the length direction. The length direction of the leaf spring 51 is disposed along an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis CL. That is, both the length direction of the leaf spring 51 and the length direction of the pedal pad 30 are disposed along an imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis CL. The pedal pad 30 rotates along the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis CL if a stepping force is applied from the driver. Also, the leaf spring 51 flexes along the imaginary plane that is perpendicular to the rotation axis CL if a load is applied in the plate thickness direction. In this way, the leaf spring 51 is provided in a shape and a disposition in which the elastic deformation is as large as possible within the space of the housing 10 in a limited region between the back surface of the pedal pad 30 that moves to the maximum rotation position and the vehicle body.

[0065] One end portion of the length direction of the leaf spring 51 is disposed in a region on the floor 2 side or the cowl side in the passenger compartment with respect to the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30. Also, the one end portion of the length direction of the leaf spring 51 is attached to the fixed stage 16 provided in the housing 10 on the floor 2 side or the cowl side in the passenger compartment. Specifically, the one end portion of the length direction of the leaf spring 51 is provided on the fixed stage 16 of the housing 10, and a nut member 25 having a threaded hole is provided thereon. A hole is provided in each of the end portion of the leaf spring 51 and the fixed stage 16. A bolt 26 is inserted into the hole of the fixed stage 16 that faces the fixed stage 16 from the floor 2 side, the bolt is inserted through the hole of the leaf spring 51, and the bolt is screwed into the threaded hole of the nut member 25. Thus, the one end portion of the length direction of the leaf spring 51 is fixed to the fixed stage 16 of the housing 10.

[0066] Further, in the present embodiment, the structure in which the one end portion of the leaf spring 51 is attached to the housing 10 is described, but the structure is not limited thereto, and the structure in which the one end portion of the leaf spring 51 is directly fixed to the floor 2 or the cowl in the passenger compartment can be provided.

[0067] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the leaf spring 51 is described as having a flat plate shape, but it is not limited to this. For example, as described in the fifth embodiment described later, the leaf spring 51 may have a shape that gradually changes at least one of the thickness or width of the flat plate. Additionally, in this embodiment, the leaf spring 51 is described as having a curved shape in the length direction, but it is not limited to this. For example, as described in the second embodiment and the like described later, the leaf spring 51 may have a straight shape in the length direction when no load is applied.

[0068] At the other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length, a first helical spring 61, a second helical spring 62, a first bracket 71, a second bracket 72, and a spring seat 73, constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50, are provided. That is, in this embodiment, the predetermined leaf spring 51 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 and the elastic components other than the predetermined leaf spring 51 (i.e., the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62) are arranged in series. Furthermore, in this specification, "arranged in series" means that an elastic component other than the predetermined leaf spring 51 is arranged at one end or the other end of the predetermined leaf spring 51.

[0069] Specifically, a first bracket 71 is fixed at the other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length, and a first helical spring 61, a spring seat 73, a second helical spring 62, and a second bracket 72 are sequentially arranged on the inner side of the first bracket 71.

[0070] like Figure 6 As shown, the first bracket 71 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a cylindrical portion 711 and a bottom 712 disposed at the end of the portion 71 on the side of the leaf spring 51. The bottom 712 of the first bracket 71 is fixed to the other end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction by means of, for example, bolts or rivets.

[0071] The first helical spring 61 is disposed on the inner side of the first bracket 71. In the first helical spring 61, one end in the direction of the shaft is fixed to the bottom 712 of the first bracket 71, and the other end in the direction of the shaft is fixed to the flange 733 of the spring seat 73.

[0072] The spring seat 73 has a cylindrical spring seat cylinder portion 731, a spring seat bottom portion 732 provided to an end portion of the spring seat cylinder portion 731 on the side of the flat spring 51, and a flange portion 733 provided to expand to the radial outside from an end portion of the spring seat cylinder portion 731 on the side of the pedal pad 30. The spring seat cylinder portion 731 is provided to the inside of the first coil spring 61. An outer wall surface 733a on the radial outside in the flange portion 733 of the spring seat 73 is provided as a curved surface that protrudes to the radial outside. Further, a prescribed gap G1 is provided between the outer wall surface 733a and an inner wall surface 71a on the radial inside in the cylinder portion 711 of the first bracket 71. Therefore, the spring seat 73 is able to reciprocate in the axial direction to the inside of the first bracket 71.

[0073] An outer wall surface 731a on the radial outside in the spring seat cylinder portion 731 functions as a guide surface that restricts the radial movement of the first coil spring 61 and guides the first coil spring 61 to flex in the axial direction. In addition, an inner wall surface 731b on the radial inside in the spring seat cylinder portion 731 functions as a guide surface that restricts the radial movement of the second coil spring 62 and guides the second coil spring 62 to flex in the axial direction.

[0074] The second coil spring 62 is provided to the inside of the spring seat cylinder portion 731. In the second coil spring 62, one end in the axial direction is caught to the spring seat bottom portion 732, and the other end in the axial direction is caught to the second bracket 72. The diameter of the second coil spring 62 is formed to be smaller than the diameter of the first coil spring 61. Specifically, the diameter of the second coil spring 62 is formed to be smaller than the inner diameter of the spring seat cylinder portion 731.

[0075] The second bracket 72 is formed in a cylindrical shape and is provided to the inside of the cylinder portion 711 of the first bracket 71. An inner wall surface 71a on the radial inside in the cylinder portion 711 of the first bracket 71 and an outer wall surface 72a on the radial outside in the second bracket 72 are in sliding contact. The inner wall surface 71a on the radial inside in the cylinder portion 711 of the first bracket 71 and the outer wall surface 72a on the radial outside in the second bracket 72 function as guide surfaces for relatively moving the bottom portion 712 of the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 72 in a straight line shape in a direction in which they face each other.

[0076] On the surface of the spring seat 73 on the side of the second bracket 72 in the second bracket 72, a catching groove 721 that catches the end portion of the second coil spring 62 is provided. The end portion of the second coil spring 62 on the side of the second bracket 72 is caught to the catching groove 721 and is restricted from moving in the radial direction. That is, the catching groove 721 provided to the surface of the spring seat 73 on the side of the second bracket 72 in the second bracket 72 functions as a restriction portion that restricts the radial movement of the second coil spring 62.

[0077] The second bracket 72 and the pedal pad 30 are connected by a connecting rod 90. A connecting groove 722 is provided on the side of the pedal pad 30 in the second bracket 72, rotatably connecting one end of the connecting rod 90. One end of the connecting rod 90 is connected to the connecting groove 722 provided in the second bracket 72. On the other hand, as... Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the other end of the connecting rod 90 is rotatably connected to the connecting part 34 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0078] like Figure 6 As shown, in the following description, the surface 732a on the leaf spring 51 side of the bottom 732 of the spring seat is referred to as the "lower surface 732a of the spring seat bottom", and the surface 712a on the spring seat 73 side of the bottom 712 of the first bracket is referred to as the "upper surface 712a of the first bracket bottom". The lower surface 732a of the spring seat bottom and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket bottom can abut against each other when the first coil spring 61 is contracted. Therefore, the lower surface 732a of the spring seat bottom and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket bottom function as stoppers to limit the deflection of the first coil spring 61.

[0079] Furthermore, in the following description, the surface 733b on the second bracket 72 side of the flange portion 733 of the spring seat 73 is referred to as the "upper surface 733b of the flange portion", and the surface 72b on the spring seat 73 side of the second bracket 72 is referred to as the "lower surface 72b of the second bracket". The upper surface 733b of the flange portion and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket can abut against each other when the second coil spring 62 is contracted. Therefore, the upper surface 733b of the flange portion and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket function as stoppers to limit the deflection of the second coil spring 62.

[0080] In the structure of the pedal device 1 described above, referring to Figures 7-9 and Figure 4 This explains the action of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 when the driver applies pressure to the pedal pad 30, causing the pedal pad 30 to rotate towards the floor 2 side or the front bulkhead side. Furthermore, Figure 8 This is one example of the action of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, which sometimes also performs actions related to... Figure 8 Different actions are described together.

[0081] Figure 7 This indicates the state where no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30. In this state, the first coil spring 61 and the second coil spring 62 are extended along the axis. If the driver applies pedal force to the pedal pad 30 from this state, the first coil spring 61 and the second coil spring 62 contract along the axis, and the leaf spring 51 also flexes near the floor 2 side or the front panel side where the part that fixes the first bracket 71, etc., is located.

[0082] Next, as Figure 8 As shown, if the driver gradually increases the pedal force applied to the pedal pad 30, the second coil spring 62, which has the smallest spring constant among the multiple elastic components, will have the largest amount of contraction. Therefore, the upper surface 733b of the flange and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket abut against each other. This limits the deflection of the second coil spring 62.

[0083] In addition, Figure 8 The diagram shows the state where the upper surface 733b of the flange and the lower surface 72b of the first bracket are in contact, but this is not the only possibility. Although the diagram is omitted, sometimes the lower surface 732a of the spring seat and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket may also come into contact first. This is, for example, when no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, and the gap between the lower surface 732a of the spring seat and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket is smaller than the gap between the upper surface 733b of the flange and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket. In this case, by having the lower surface 732a of the spring seat and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket come into contact first, the deflection of the first coil spring 61 is limited.

[0084] Next, if the driver from Figure 8 As the state shown increases, the force applied to the pedal pad 30 also increases, resulting in a greater contraction of the first coil spring 61 among the multiple elastic components. Therefore, as... Figure 9 As shown, the lower surface 732a of the spring seat bottom and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket bottom abut against each other. This limits the deflection of the first helical spring 61.

[0085] Moreover, such as Figure 4 As shown, if the driver further increases the pedal force applied to the pedal pad 30, the deflection of the leaf spring 51 among the multiple elastic components also increases, with the leaf spring 51 deflecting towards the portion near the floor 2 side or the front bulkhead side of the housing 10. Then, the back of the pedal pad 30 abuts against the fully open stop 33. This determines the maximum rotational position of the pedal pad 30 and limits the deflection of the leaf spring 51.

[0086] Figure 10 An example of the pedal force of the driver in the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment, which represents the amount of travel (hereinafter referred to as "pedal travel") relative to the pedal pad 30.

[0087] When the pedal travel is from 0 to θ1, all the elastic components of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 (i.e., leaf spring 51, first coil spring 61, and second coil spring 62) deflect. Therefore, the rate of increase in pedal force is small when the pedal travel is from 0 to θ1. When the pedal travel is θ1, as... Figure 8 As shown, the upper surface 733b of the flange and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket abut against each other, limiting the deflection of the second helical spring 62.

[0088] Furthermore, as mentioned above, it is not limited to Figure 8 In the state shown, sometimes the lower surface 732a of the spring seat bottom and the upper surface 712a of the first bracket bottom may come into contact first. In this case, the deflection of the first helical spring 61 is limited.

[0089] Therefore, the deflection of one of the first helical springs 61 and the second helical spring 62 is limited.

[0090] When the pedal travel is θ1 to θ2, the deflection of either the leaf spring 51 or the first coil spring 61 or the second coil spring 62, which are among the multiple elastic components of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, is not limited. If the configuration of three springs in series is changed to a configuration of two springs in series, the rate of increase in pedal force becomes larger. Therefore, the rate of increase in pedal force when the pedal travel is θ1 to θ2 is greater than the rate of increase in pedal force when the pedal travel is 0 to θ1. When the pedal travel is θ2, if... Figure 9 As shown, the lower surface 732a of the bottom of the spring seat and the upper surface 712a of the bottom of the first bracket abut against each other, limiting the deflection of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62.

[0091] When the pedal travel is θ2 to θ3, among the multiple elastic components of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, only the leaf spring 51 flexes. Therefore, the rate of increase in pedal force when the pedal travel is θ2 to θ3 is greater than the rate of increase in pedal force when the pedal travel is θ1 to θ2. That is, in this embodiment, by using the leaf spring 51 in the reaction force generating mechanism 50, a high spring constant can be obtained in the range of pedal travel θ2 to θ3. When the pedal travel is θ3, as... Figure 4 As shown, the back of the pedal pad 30 abuts against the fully open stop 33, defining the maximum rotational position of the pedal pad 30 and limiting the deflection of the leaf spring 51.

[0092] The pedal device 1 of the first embodiment described above achieves the following effects.

[0093] (1) The reaction force generating mechanism 50 of the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment is composed of a plurality of elastic components having a specified leaf spring 51.

[0094] Accordingly, for example, assuming that only a coil spring is used as the elastic component of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, space is needed to unify the "coil spring wire diameter × number of turns" and the "deflection". In contrast, if a leaf spring 51 is used as the elastic component of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, only space is needed to unify the "leaf spring 51 thickness" and the "deflection". Therefore, the space required to install the leaf spring 51 is smaller than the space required to install the coil spring. Therefore, by using the leaf spring 51 as the elastic component of the reaction force generating mechanism 50, the pedal device 1 can reduce the space on the side of the pedal pad 30 opposite to the surface stepped on by the driver. As a result, the pedal device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0095] (2) In the first embodiment, the leaf spring 51 of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is flat and is curved in the length direction when no load is applied. In addition, the shape of the leaf spring 51 can be a shape that gradually changes at least one of the thickness or width of the flat plate, or it can be a straight shape in the length direction when no load is applied.

[0096] Therefore, by changing the shape of the leaf spring 51, the desired pedaling characteristics can be obtained.

[0097] (3) In the first embodiment, the elastic components other than the specified leaf spring 51 (i.e., the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62) of the plurality of elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are arranged in a row at the other end of the specified leaf spring 51 in the length direction.

[0098] Accordingly, by arranging multiple elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 in series, the pedal can be made to feel good when stepped on.

[0099] (4) In the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 has a first bracket 71 that locks one end of the first helical spring 61 in the axial direction and a second bracket 72 that locks the other end of the second helical spring 62 in the axial direction.

[0100] Accordingly, by configuring a first bracket 71 at one end of the first helical spring 61 in the direction of its axis and a second bracket 72 at the other end of the second helical spring 62 in the direction of its axis, the first bracket 71 and the second bracket 72 can be used to press the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62.

[0101] (5) In the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 has portions on the first bracket 71, the spring seat 73, and the second bracket 72 that function as stoppers. Specifically, the lower bottom surface 732a of the spring seat and the upper bottom surface 712a of the first bracket function as stoppers that limit the deflection of the first coil spring 61. In addition, the upper surface 733b of the flange and the lower surface 72b of the second bracket function as stoppers that limit the deflection of the second coil spring 62.

[0102] Accordingly, the deflection of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 can be adjusted, so that the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0103] (6) In the first embodiment, the first support 71 and the second support 72 have portions that function as guide surfaces for moving the first support 71 and the second support 72 relative to each other in a linear manner in directions toward each other. Specifically, the inner wall surface 71a of the radially inner side of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first support 71 and the outer wall surface 72a of the radially outer side of the second support 72 function as guide surfaces for moving the first support 71 and the second support 72 relative to each other in a linear manner in directions toward each other.

[0104] Therefore, even if the leaf spring 51 flexes and the angle between the shafts of the first and second coil springs 61 and 62, which are located between the first support 71 and the second support 72, and the pedal pad 30 changes, the first and second coil springs 61 and 62 can still move linearly. Thus, the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0105] (7) In the first embodiment, the first support 71 is a cylindrical component having a bottom 712. In addition, the second support 72 is a cylindrical component disposed inside the cylindrical portion 711 of the first support 71.

[0106] Accordingly, the first support 71 is a cylindrical component and the second support 72 is a cylindrical component. Therefore, neither has a circumferential orientation, making them easy to assemble.

[0107] (8) In the first embodiment, the second bracket 72 has a portion that functions as a limiting part to restrict the radial movement of the second helical spring 62. Specifically, the locking groove 721 provided on the lower surface 72b of the second bracket functions as a limiting part to restrict the radial misalignment of the second helical spring 62.

[0108] Accordingly, the second helical spring 62 is prevented from misaligning radially, thus enabling the desired pedal force characteristics to be obtained.

[0109] (9) In the first embodiment, among the multiple elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50, the elastic components other than the specified leaf spring 51 are the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62.

[0110] Accordingly, a coil spring is shown as an example of an elastic component other than the specified leaf spring 51.

[0111] (10) In the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 has a spring seat 73 between the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 when a plurality of helical springs are arranged between the first support 71 and the second support 72.

[0112] Accordingly, by arranging a spring seat 73 between the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62, the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 can be arranged in series.

[0113] (11) In the first embodiment, the diameter of the first helical spring 61 is different from that of the second helical spring 62.

[0114] Accordingly, the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 can be configured to overlap radially.

[0115] (12) In the first embodiment, the spring seat 73 has a cylindrical spring seat cylinder portion 731, a flange portion 733 that is configured to extend radially outward from one end of the spring seat cylinder portion 731 in the axial direction, and a spring seat bottom 732 provided at the other end of the spring seat cylinder portion 731 in the axial direction.

[0116] Therefore, by arranging a first helical spring 61 between the flange 733 of the spring seat 73 and the first bracket 71, and arranging a second helical spring 62 between the bottom 732 of the spring seat and the second bracket 72, the maximum deflection of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 can be adjusted respectively. This allows for the acquisition of pedaling characteristics with multiple inflection points.

[0117] (13) In the first embodiment, the inner wall surface 731b on the radially inner side and the outer wall surface 731a on the radially outer side of the spring seat portion 731 function as guide surfaces that limit the radial movement of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 and guide these helical springs to flex in the direction of the axis.

[0118] Accordingly, since both the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62 (i.e., multiple helical springs) flex along the axis direction, the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0119] (14) In the first embodiment, the outer wall surface 733a of the flange portion 733 of the spring seat 73 is provided as a curved surface that protrudes radially outward, and a predetermined gap G1 is provided between the outer wall surface 733a and the inner wall surface 71a of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first bracket 71.

[0120] Therefore, even if the leaf spring 51 flexes, the friction between the inner wall surface 71a of the cylinder portion 711 of the first bracket 71 and the outer wall surface 733a of the flange portion 733 of the spring seat 73 will not increase, so the desired pedaling force characteristics can be obtained.

[0121] (15) In the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is disposed inside the housing 10.

[0122] Accordingly, a reaction force generating mechanism 50 is established to suppress the intrusion of foreign objects from the outside of the outer casing 10.

[0123] (16) In the first embodiment, the outer casing 10 is fixed to the floor 2 or front bulkhead of the vehicle body by screws 3.

[0124] Accordingly, the outer shell 10 can be reliably fixed to the floor 2 or front bulkhead of the vehicle body, preventing it from moving.

[0125] (17) In the first embodiment, one end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction is disposed in a region closer to the floor 2 or the front panel side of the vehicle interior than the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30.

[0126] Accordingly, the leaf spring 51 is positioned from one end to the other in the space opposite to the driver-pressed surface of the pedal pad 30. Therefore, by using the leaf spring 51 in the reaction force generating mechanism 50, the space opposite to the driver-pressed surface of the pedal pad 30 can be reduced. Thus, the pedal assembly 1 can be miniaturized.

[0127] (18) In the first embodiment, one end of the specified leaf spring 51 is installed in the floor 2 or front panel side of the vehicle interior in the housing 10, or is installed in the floor 2 or front panel of the vehicle interior.

[0128] Accordingly, a structure is formed in which one end of the specified leaf spring 51 is supported to the vehicle body via the housing 10 or directly supported by the vehicle body, thereby improving the rigidity associated with the mounting portion of the leaf spring 51.

[0129] <Second to Eighteenth Implementation Methods>

[0130] The second to eighteenth embodiments differ from the first embodiment in that the structure of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is modified, while the rest is the same as the first embodiment. Therefore, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings referenced in the second to eighteenth embodiments, the structures of the pedal device 1 are simplified.

[0131] <Second Implementation Method>

[0132] like Figure 11 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment also includes a housing 10, a shaft 20, a pedal pad 30, a sensor unit, and a reaction force generating mechanism 50.

[0133] The outer casing 10 is installed on the floor or front bulkhead of the vehicle interior. Furthermore, in... Figure 11 In this paper, only a portion of the outer casing 10 is shown in a simplified manner. This is also the case in the accompanying drawings to which the third to eighteenth embodiments are referred later.

[0134] The shaft portion 21 of the shaft 20 is rotatably supported by the bearing portion 13 of the housing 10. Furthermore, one end of the pedal pad 30 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the shaft 20. Therefore, the pedal pad 30 can rotate about the center of the bearing portion 13 as the rotation axis CL. Additionally, a thick-walled portion 31 is provided at the other end of the pedal pad 30 in the longitudinal direction as the part to be stepped on by the driver.

[0135] exist Figure 11 In this illustration, the pedal pad 30 in its unloaded state is depicted as horizontal, but this is merely a schematic representation. For example, in the case of an accordion-type pedal device 1, the thick-walled portion 31 of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver is positioned above the rotation axis CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. Alternatively, for example, in the case of a hanging pedal device 1, the thick-walled portion 31 of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver is positioned below the rotation axis CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. This is also the case in the accompanying drawings of the third to eighteenth embodiments described later.

[0136] Furthermore, the rotation angle of the pedal pad 30 and shaft 20 (i.e., the pedal rotation angle) is detected by a sensor unit (not shown). The sensor unit outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the pedal rotation angle to the vehicle's electronic control unit.

[0137] A reaction force generating mechanism 50 is provided in the area opposite to the driver's stepping surface of the pedal pad 30. The reaction force generating mechanism 50 generates a reaction force relative to the driving force applied to the pedal pad 30 by the driver. In the second embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is constructed using a leaf spring 51 and an elastic member 60, etc.

[0138] In the second embodiment, the leaf spring 51 has a constant thickness from one end to the other along its length, and is straight along its length when not under load. Furthermore, as... Figure 12 As shown, for the leaf spring 51, the cross-section perpendicular to the length direction is rectangular, and the width of the plate is set to be constant from one side to the other in the thickness direction.

[0139] like Figure 11 As shown, one end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction is disposed in a region closer to the floor side or front panel side of the vehicle interior than the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30. Furthermore, one end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction is mounted on a mounting platform 16 located on the floor side or front panel side of the vehicle interior within the housing 10 by bolts 26 or the like.

[0140] In addition, Figure 11 The diagram shows a structure in which one end of the leaf spring 51 is mounted on the mounting base 16 of the housing 10, but it is not limited to this. One end of the leaf spring 51 can also be directly fixed to the floor or front panel of the vehicle interior. This is also the case in the third to eighteenth embodiments described later.

[0141] At the other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length, an elastic member 60 is provided, which constitutes part of the reaction force generating mechanism 50. That is, in the second embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is also a structure in which a predetermined leaf spring 51 and elastic members 60 other than the predetermined leaf spring 51 are arranged in series. As an example of the elastic member 60, a coil spring or the like is shown. Furthermore, the elastic member 60 is not limited to a coil spring, and may be a component that combines multiple coil springs, brackets, and spring seats as described in the first embodiment. The elastic member 60 abuts against the abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30. Alternatively, a connecting rod 90 as described in the first embodiment may be provided instead of the abutment pin 91.

[0142] In the second embodiment, when the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied from the pedal pad 30 to the elastic member 60 and the leaf spring 51 via the abutment pin 91. As a result, the elastic member 60 contracts towards its own axis, and the leaf spring 51 flexes so that the portion fixing the elastic member 60 is close to the floor side or the front bulkhead side. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment can also achieve the desired pedal force characteristics through the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60.

[0143] The pedal device 1 of the second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0144] <Third Implementation Method>

[0145] like Figure 13As shown, in the third embodiment, the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are arranged side by side. Furthermore, in this specification, "side by side" means an arrangement in which the specified leaf spring 51 is fixed to the housing 10 or the vehicle body at a different location than the location where the elastic member 60 (other than the specified leaf spring 51) is fixed to the housing 10 or the vehicle body.

[0146] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is positioned in a region closer to the floor or front bulkhead of the vehicle interior than the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30. Furthermore, one end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the mounting base 16 of the housing 10 via bolts 26 or the like. The other end of the leaf spring 51 abuts against a first abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0147] One end of the elastic member 60 in the spindle direction is mounted in the housing 10 at a location 101 different from the fixed platform 16. The other end of the elastic member 60 in the spindle direction abuts against the second abutment pin 92 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0148] In the structure of the third embodiment, when the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the leaf spring 51 from the pedal pad 30 via the first abutment pin 91, and a load is also applied to the elastic member 60 from the pedal pad 30 via the second abutment pin 92. As a result, the leaf spring 51 flexes towards the floor side or the front bulkhead side, and the elastic member 60 also contracts in its own axial direction. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the third embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics through the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60.

[0149] The pedal device 1 of the third embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, in the third embodiment, by arranging the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 side by side, the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 are easy to arrange.

[0150] <Fourth Implementation Method>

[0151] like Figure 14 As shown, the fourth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the method of mounting the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50. Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are also arranged in series.

[0152] On one end of the leaf spring 51 along its length, on the side opposite to the pedal pad 30, an elastic member 60 is provided, forming part of the reaction force generating mechanism 50. One end of the elastic member 60 in the axial direction is connected to the leaf spring 51. The other end of the elastic member 60 in the axial direction abuts against an abutment pin 93 provided in the housing 10.

[0153] The other end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction is fixed to the mounting part 35 located in the pedal pad 30 away from the rotation axis CL by bolts 27 or the like.

[0154] In the fourth embodiment, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is also applied to the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60 from the pedal pad 30. As a result, the leaf spring 51 flexes towards the floor side or the front bulkhead side, and the elastic member 60 also contracts in its own axial direction. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics through the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60.

[0155] The pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0156] <Fifth Implementation Method>

[0157] like Figure 15 As shown, the fifth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the shape of the leaf spring 51 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is changed. The leaf spring 51 is configured such that the thickness gradually changes from one end to the other in the length direction. Furthermore, as... Figure 16 As shown, the leaf spring 51 has a trapezoidal cross-section perpendicular to its length direction, meaning that the width of the leaf spring gradually changes from one side to the other in the thickness direction. Therefore, the pedal device 1 of the fifth embodiment can also achieve the desired pedaling characteristics through the modified shape of the leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60.

[0158] The pedal device 1 of the fifth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0159] <Sixth Implementation Method>

[0160] like Figure 17 As shown, the sixth embodiment differs from the second embodiment in that the shape of the leaf spring 51 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is modified. The leaf spring 51 is configured to be curved in the length direction towards the floor when not under load. The leaf spring 51 can be configured to have various shapes that match the size and shape of the space on the side of the pedal pad 30 opposite to the side where the driver is stepping on. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the sixth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics through the curved leaf spring 51 and the elastic member 60.

[0161] The pedal device 1 of the sixth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, etc.

[0162] <Seventh Implementation Method>

[0163] like Figure 18 As shown, the seventh embodiment modifies a portion of the structure of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 compared to the second embodiment. In the seventh embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is constructed using a leaf spring 51, a coil spring 63, a first bracket 71, and a second bracket 72, etc.

[0164] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the fixing platform 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26, etc. At the other end along its length, a first bracket 71, a coil spring 63, and a second bracket 72 are sequentially provided.

[0165] The first bracket 71 is, for example, formed in a disc shape and fixed to the other end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction. In the coil spring 63, one end in the axial direction is locked to the first bracket 71, and the other end in the axial direction is locked to the second bracket 72. The second bracket 72 is, for example, formed in a disc shape. The second bracket 72 abuts against the abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0166] Additionally, the second bracket 72 has a stop 74. The stop 74 extends from the side of the first bracket 71 in the second bracket 72 toward the side of the first bracket 71. The stop 74 can limit the amount of deflection of the coil spring 63 by abutting against the first bracket 71 when the coil spring deflects.

[0167] In the seventh embodiment, when the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is also applied to the coil spring 63 and leaf spring 51 from the pedal pad 30 via the abutment pin 91. As a result, the coil spring 63 contracts along its axis, and the leaf spring 51 flexes near the floor or front panel side at the location where the first bracket 71 is fixed. Furthermore, if the pedal travel becomes a predetermined amount, the stop 74 abuts against the first bracket 71, limiting the amount of flex of the coil spring 63. Subsequently, if the pedal travel further increases, only the leaf spring 51 flexes. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the seventh embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics using the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63.

[0168] The pedal device 1 of the seventh embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, etc.

[0169] <Eighth Implementation Method>

[0170] like Figure 19As shown, the eighth embodiment also modifies the structure of the reaction force generating mechanism 50 compared to the second embodiment. In the eighth embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is also constructed using a leaf spring 51, a coil spring 63, a first bracket 71, and a second bracket 72.

[0171] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the fixing platform 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26, etc. At the other end along its length, a first bracket 71, a coil spring 63, and a second bracket 72 are sequentially provided.

[0172] The first bracket 71 is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape, having a cylindrical portion 711 and a bottom 712 disposed at the end of the portion 71 on the side of the leaf spring 51. The bottom 712 of the first bracket 71 is fixed to the other end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction by bolts or rivets (not shown).

[0173] In the helical spring 63, one end in the direction of the shaft core is fixed to the first bracket 71, and the other end in the direction of the shaft core is fixed to the second bracket 72.

[0174] The second support 72 is cylindrical and disposed inside the cylindrical portion 711 of the first support 71. The radially inner inner wall surface 71a of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first support 71 and the radially outer outer wall surface 72a of the second support 72 are in sliding contact. The radially inner inner wall surface 71a of the cylindrical portion 711 of the first support 71 and the radially outer outer wall surface 72a of the second support 72 function as guide surfaces for causing the bottom 712 of the first support 71 and the second support 72 to move relative to each other in a linear manner in opposite directions.

[0175] Furthermore, in the eighth embodiment, the first bracket 71 has a first limiting portion 75 that restricts the radial misalignment of one end of the helical spring 63 in the axial direction. The first limiting portion 75 is configured to surround the outer side of the axial end of the helical spring 63.

[0176] Furthermore, the second bracket 72 has a second limiting portion 76 that restricts the radial displacement of the other end of the coil spring 63 in the axial direction. The second limiting portion 76 is provided inside the other end of the coil spring 63 in the axial direction. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the eighth embodiment also restricts the radial displacement of the coil spring 63, thereby enabling the desired pedaling force characteristics to be obtained by means of the coil spring 63 and the leaf spring 51.

[0177] The pedal device 1 of the eighth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, etc.

[0178] <Ninth Implementation Method>

[0179] like Figure 20As shown, the ninth embodiment uses multiple leaf springs to construct the reaction force generating mechanism 50. In the ninth embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is constructed using a first leaf spring 511, a second leaf spring 512, a third leaf spring 513, etc. Furthermore, the number of leaf springs constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is not limited to three; it can also be two or four or more.

[0180] One end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length is fixed to the mounting base 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26 or the like. The other end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length and one end of the second leaf spring 512 along its length are fastened by first fastening bolts 52 or the like. The other end of the second leaf spring 512 along its length and one end of the third leaf spring 513 along its length are fastened by second fastening bolts 53 or the like. The other end of the third leaf spring 513 along its length abuts against an abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0181] On the inner side of the housing 10, a first lower abutment pin 94 is provided at a position corresponding to the first fastening bolt 52. When no driver pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the first fastening bolt 52 and the first lower abutment pin 94 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0182] Additionally, a second lower abutment pin 95 is provided on the inner side of the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the second fastening bolt 53. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second fastening bolt 53 and the second lower abutment pin 95 are spaced apart by a predetermined interval. The interval between the second fastening bolt 53 and the second lower abutment pin 95 is set to be larger than the interval between the first fastening bolt 52 and the first lower abutment pin 94.

[0183] In the structure of the ninth embodiment, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 via the abutment pin 91 from the pedal pad 30. As a result, with one end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length (i.e., the part of the first leaf spring 511 that is fixed to the fixing platform 16) as the fixed end, the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 flex towards the floor side or the front panel side.

[0184] Then, if the pedal travel becomes a predetermined size, the first fastening bolt 52 and the first lower abutment pin 94 abut against each other, limiting the deflection of the first leaf spring 511. Afterwards, if the pedal travel further increases, the second leaf spring 512 and the third leaf spring 513 deflect. Then, if the second fastening bolt 53 and the second lower abutment pin 95 abut against each other, the deflection of the second leaf spring 512 is limited. Afterwards, if the pedal travel further increases, only the third leaf spring 513 deflects. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the ninth embodiment, by arranging the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 in series, can obtain the desired pedal force characteristics with a higher spring constant. Moreover, the pedal device 1 of the ninth embodiment includes first and second lower abutment pins 94 and 95 to limit the deflection of the first and second leaf springs 511 and 512. Therefore, by specifying the deflection of the first and second leaf springs 511 and 512, the spring characteristics can be changed midway through the pedal travel, and the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0185] The pedal device 1 of the ninth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, etc.

[0186] <Tenth Implementation Method>

[0187] like Figure 21 As shown, the tenth embodiment also uses multiple leaf springs to form the reaction force generating mechanism 50. However, in the tenth embodiment, the arrangement of the first leaf spring 511, the second leaf spring 512, and the third leaf spring 513 described in the ninth embodiment is reversed in the length direction.

[0188] One end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length is fixed to a mounting portion 35 located in the pedal pad 30 away from the rotation axis CL by a bolt 27 or the like. The other end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length and one end of the second leaf spring 512 along its length are fastened by a first fastening bolt 52 or the like. The other end of the second leaf spring 512 along its length and one end of the third leaf spring 513 along its length are fastened by a second fastening bolt 53 or the like. The other end of the third leaf spring 513 along its length abuts against a lower abutment pin 94 located in the housing 10.

[0189] On the back of the pedal pad 30, a first upper abutment pin 97 is provided at a position corresponding to the first fastening bolt 52. When no driver pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the first fastening bolt 52 and the first upper abutment pin 97 are spaced apart by a predetermined interval.

[0190] Additionally, a second upper abutment pin 98 is provided on the back of the pedal pad 30 at a position corresponding to the second fastening bolt 53. When no driver pressure is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second fastening bolt 53 and the second upper abutment pin 98 are spaced apart by a predetermined interval. The interval between the second fastening bolt 53 and the second upper abutment pin 98 is set to be larger than the interval between the first fastening bolt 52 and the first upper abutment pin 97.

[0191] In the tenth embodiment, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 from the pedal pad 30. As a result, with one end of the first leaf spring 511 along its length (i.e., the portion of the first leaf spring 511 that is fixed to the mounting portion 35 of the pedal pad 30) as the fixed end, the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 flex towards the floor side or the front bulkhead side.

[0192] Then, if the pedal travel becomes a predetermined size, the first fastening bolt 52 and the first upper abutment pin 97 abut against each other, limiting the deflection of the first leaf spring 511. Afterwards, if the pedal travel further increases, the second leaf spring 512 and the third leaf spring 513 deflect. Then, if the second fastening bolt 53 and the second upper abutment pin 98 abut against each other, the deflection of the second leaf spring 512 is limited. Afterwards, if the pedal travel further increases, only the third leaf spring 513 deflects. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the tenth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics with a higher spring constant by arranging the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 in series. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the tenth embodiment also includes first and second upper abutment pins 97 and 98 to limit the deflection of the first and second leaf springs 511 and 512. Therefore, by defining the deflection of the first and second leaf springs 511 and 512, the spring characteristics can be changed midway through the pedal travel, and the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0193] The pedal device 1 of the tenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment, etc.

[0194] <Eleventh Implementation Method>

[0195] like Figure 22As shown, the eleventh embodiment also uses multiple leaf springs to constitute the reaction force generating mechanism 50. In the eleventh embodiment, the first leaf spring 511, the second leaf spring 512, and the third leaf spring 513 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are all configured with a curved shape that protrudes towards the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30. Furthermore, the curved portion of the second leaf spring 512 is disposed inside the curved portion of the first leaf spring 511, and the curved portion of the third leaf spring 513 is disposed inside the curved portion of the second leaf spring 512. In addition, the number of leaf springs constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

[0196] One end of the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 along their length is fixed to the floor side or front panel side of the vehicle interior in the housing 10 by bolts 26 or the like.

[0197] On the back of the pedal pad 30, a first upper abutment pin 97 is provided at a position corresponding to the first leaf spring 511. When no pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30 by the driver, the first leaf spring 511 and the first upper abutment pin 97 are in contact.

[0198] Additionally, a second upper abutment pin 98 is provided on the back of the pedal pad 30 at a position corresponding to the second leaf spring 512. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second leaf spring 512 and the second upper abutment pin 98 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0199] Additionally, a third upper abutment pin 99 is provided on the back of the pedal pad 30 at a position corresponding to the third leaf spring 513. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the third leaf spring 513 and the third upper abutment pin 99 are spaced apart by a predetermined interval. The interval between the third leaf spring 513 and the third upper abutment pin 99 is set to be larger than the interval between the second leaf spring 512 and the second upper abutment pin 98.

[0200] In the structure of the eleventh embodiment, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the first leaf spring 511 from the pedal pad 30 via the first upper abutment pin 97. As a result, the first leaf spring 511 flexes such that the radius of curvature of the bent portion becomes smaller and it is closer to the floor side or the front panel side than the portion of the bent portion near the pedal pad 30 side.

[0201] Then, if the pedal travel becomes the specified size, the second leaf spring 512 and the second upper abutment pin 98 abut against each other. If the pedal travel further increases from there, the first leaf spring 511 and the second leaf spring 512 flex.

[0202] Subsequently, if the pedal travel becomes a different predetermined size than the previously predetermined size, the third leaf spring 513 and the third upper abutment pin 99 abut against each other. Then, if the pedal travel further increases from there, the first leaf spring 511, the second leaf spring 512, and the third leaf spring 513 flex. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the eleventh embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics with a higher spring constant by using multiple leaf springs in the reaction force generating mechanism 50.

[0203] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the eleventh embodiment includes first to third upper abutment pins 97, 98, and 99 that abut against the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 with a predetermined pedal stroke. Therefore, as the rotation angle of the pedal pad 30 increases, the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 sequentially apply reaction forces to the pedal pad 30. Thus, the spring characteristics can be changed midway through the pedal stroke, and the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0204] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the eleventh embodiment can arrange the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 close together by arranging another leaf spring's curved portion inside the curved portion of the predetermined leaf spring, thereby reducing the size of the pedal device 1.

[0205] The pedal device 1 of the eleventh embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0206] <Twelfth Implementation Method>

[0207] like Figure 23 As shown, the twelfth embodiment also uses multiple leaf springs to construct the reaction force generating mechanism 50. In the twelfth embodiment, the first leaf spring 511, the second leaf spring 512, and the third leaf spring 513 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are configured to be bent in a shape that surrounds the rotation axis CL of the pedal pad 30. Furthermore, the bent portion of the second leaf spring 512 is disposed inside the bent portion of the first leaf spring 511, and the bent portion of the third leaf spring 513 is disposed inside the bent portion of the second leaf spring 512. In addition, the number of leaf springs constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is not limited to three, and may be two or four or more.

[0208] One end of the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 along their length is fixed to the end of the rotating shaft CL side in the pedal pad 30.

[0209] On the housing 10, a first lower abutment pin 94 is provided at a position corresponding to the first leaf spring 511. When no driver pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the first leaf spring 511 and the first lower abutment pin 94 are in contact.

[0210] Additionally, a second lower abutment pin 95 is provided on the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the second leaf spring 512. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second leaf spring 512 and the second lower abutment pin 95 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0211] Additionally, a third lower abutment pin 96 is provided on the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the third leaf spring 513. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the third leaf spring 513 and the third lower abutment pin 96 are spaced apart by a predetermined interval. The interval between the third leaf spring 513 and the third lower abutment pin 96 is set to be larger than the interval between the second leaf spring 512 and the second lower abutment pin 95.

[0212] In the structure of the twelfth embodiment, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied from the pedal pad 30 to the first leaf spring 511, which abuts against the first lower abutment pin 94. As a result, the first leaf spring 511 flexes in such a way that the radius of curvature of the bent portion decreases.

[0213] Then, if the pedal travel becomes the specified size, the second leaf spring 512 and the second lower abutment pin 95 abut against each other. If the pedal travel further increases from there, the first leaf spring 511 and the second leaf spring 512 flex.

[0214] Subsequently, if the pedal travel becomes a different predetermined size than the previously predetermined size, the third leaf spring 513 and the third lower abutment pin 96 abut against each other. Then, if the pedal travel further increases from there, the first leaf spring 511, the second leaf spring 512, and the third leaf spring 513 flex. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the twelfth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics with a higher spring constant by using the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 in the reaction force generating mechanism 50.

[0215] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the twelfth embodiment also includes first to third lower abutment pins 94, 95, and 96 that abut against the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 with a predetermined pedal stroke. Therefore, as the rotation angle of the pedal pad 30 increases, the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 sequentially apply reaction forces to the pedal pad 30. Thus, the spring characteristics can be changed midway through the pedal stroke, and the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained.

[0216] In addition, the pedal device 1 of the twelfth embodiment can also arrange the first to third leaf springs 511, 512, and 513 close together by arranging the bending portion of another leaf spring inside the bending portion of the specified leaf spring, thereby reducing the size of the pedal device 1.

[0217] The pedal device 1 of the twelfth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0218] <Thirteenth Implementation Method>

[0219] like Figure 24 As shown, the thirteenth embodiment is a structure in which the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are arranged side by side.

[0220] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the mounting base 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26, etc. The other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length abuts against the first abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0221] One end of the helical spring 63 in the spindle direction is locked in the housing 10 at a location different from the fixed platform 16. A bracket 77 is provided at the other end of the helical spring 63 in the spindle direction. The bracket 77 has a stop 74. The stop 74 extends from the bracket 77 toward the housing 10. The stop 74 can limit the amount of deflection of the helical spring 63 by abutting against the housing 10 when the helical spring 63 deflects.

[0222] A second abutment pin 92 is provided in the pedal pad 30 at the position corresponding to the bracket 77. The second abutment pin 92 and the bracket 77 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0223] In the structure of the thirteenth embodiment, when the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the leaf spring 51 from the pedal pad 30 via the first abutment pin 91. As a result, the leaf spring 51 flexes towards the floor or front panel side at the portion near the first abutment pin 91. Then, if the pedal travel becomes a predetermined amount, the second abutment pin 92 abuts against the bracket 77. Subsequently, if the pedal travel further increases, the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 flex. Then, if the stopper 74 abuts against the housing 10, the amount of flexion of the coil spring 63 is limited, and the maximum rotational position of the pedal pad 30 is defined. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the thirteenth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics through the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63.

[0224] The pedal device 1 of the thirteenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the thirteenth embodiment, the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 are arranged side-by-side, making them easy to configure.

[0225] Furthermore, as a variation of the thirteenth embodiment described above, although the illustration is omitted, a configuration is also possible where the first abutment pin 91 and the leaf spring 51 are spaced apart, and the second abutment pin 92 abuts against the bracket 77. In this case, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the coil spring 63 flexes first, and then, if the first abutment pin 91 and the leaf spring 51 abut against each other, both the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 flex. The variation of the thirteenth embodiment also allows for the attainment of desired pedal force characteristics using the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63.

[0226] <Fourteenth Implementing Party>

[0227] like Figure 25 As shown, the fourteenth embodiment differs from the thirteenth embodiment in that the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are fixed at different locations.

[0228] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is fixed to the mounting portion 35 of the pedal pad 30 by bolts 27 or the like. The other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length abuts against the first lower abutment pin 94 provided in the housing 10.

[0229] One end of the coil spring 63 in the spindle direction is locked in the pedal pad 30 at a position farther from the rotation axis CL than the mounting portion 35. A bracket 77 is provided at the other end of the coil spring 63 in the spindle direction. The bracket 77 has a stop 74. The stop 74 extends from the bracket 77 toward the pedal pad 30. The stop 74 limits the amount of deflection of the coil spring 63 by abutting against the pedal pad 30 when the coil spring 63 deflects.

[0230] A second lower abutment pin 95 is provided in the housing 10 at a position corresponding to the bracket 77. When no driver pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second lower abutment pin 95 and the bracket 77 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0231] In the structure of the fourteenth embodiment, when the driver presses the pedal pad 30, a load is applied to the leaf spring 51 fixed to the mounting portion 35 of the pedal pad 30, causing the leaf spring 51 to flex. Then, if the pedal travel becomes a predetermined size, the second lower abutment pin 95 abuts against the bracket 77. Subsequently, if the pedal travel further increases, the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 flex. Then, if the stopper 74 abuts against the pedal pad 30, the amount of flexion of the coil spring 63 is limited, and the maximum rotational position of the pedal pad 30 is defined. Thus, the pedal device 1 of the fourteenth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics through the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63.

[0232] The pedal device 1 of the fourteenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment. In addition, in the fourteenth embodiment, the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 are arranged side by side, which makes them easy to configure.

[0233] Furthermore, as a variation of the fourteenth embodiment described above, although the illustration is omitted, a configuration is also possible where the first lower abutment pin 94 and the leaf spring 51 are spaced apart, and the second lower abutment pin 95 abuts against the bracket 77. In this case, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the coil spring 63 flexes first, and then, if the first lower abutment pin 94 abuts against the leaf spring 51, both the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 flex. The variation of the fourteenth embodiment also allows for the attainment of desired pedal force characteristics using the leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63.

[0234] <Fifteenth Implementation Method>

[0235] like Figure 26 As shown, the fifteenth embodiment is a structure in which multiple elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are configured by both serial and parallel arrangements. The pedal device 1 of the fifteenth embodiment has a first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and a second reaction force generating mechanism 502. The first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 are arranged side-by-side.

[0236] Similar to the seventh embodiment, the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 includes a leaf spring 51, a coil spring 63, a first bracket 71, and a second bracket 72. The leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 are arranged in series. On the back of the pedal pad 30, a first abutment pin 91 is provided at a position corresponding to the second bracket 72 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second bracket 72 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first abutment pin 91 are connected.

[0237] Furthermore, in the seventh embodiment, a stopper 74 is provided on the second bracket 72, but in the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 of the fifteenth embodiment, a stopper 74 is provided on the first bracket 71. The stopper 74 limits the deflection of the coil spring 63 by abutting against the second bracket 72 when the coil spring 63 deflects. Alternatively, the stopper 74 may also be provided on the second bracket 72.

[0238] On the other hand, the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 is positioned relative to the first reaction force generating mechanism at a location on the pedal pad 30 away from the rotation axis CL. The second reaction force generating mechanism 502, starting from the housing 10 side, sequentially includes a first coil spring 61, a first bracket 71, a second coil spring 62, and a second bracket 72. One end of the first coil spring 61 in the axial direction is secured to the housing 10, and the other end in the axial direction is secured to the first bracket 71. One end of the second coil spring 62 in the axial direction is secured to the first bracket 71, and the other end in the axial direction is secured to the second bracket 72. That is, the first coil spring 61 and the second coil spring 62 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 are arranged in series.

[0239] On the back of the pedal pad 30, a second abutment pin 92 is provided at a position corresponding to the second bracket 72 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502. When no driver pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second abutment pin 92 and the second bracket 72 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0240] If the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 first bends. Then, if the second abutment pin 92 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 abut, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first and second coil springs 61 and 62 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 bend.

[0241] As described above in the pedal device 1 of the fifteenth embodiment, the plurality of elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 can be either leaf springs or coil springs, and can be configured in both series and parallel arrangements. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the fifteenth embodiment can achieve the same effects as those in the first embodiment, etc.

[0242] Furthermore, as a variation of the fifteenth embodiment described above, although the illustrations are omitted, a configuration can also be used where the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first abutment pin 91 are spaced apart, and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 and the second abutment pin 92 are in contact. In this case, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the first and second coil springs 61 and 62 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 first flex. Then, if the first abutment pin 91 and the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 abut, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first and second coil springs 61 and 62 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 flex. The variation of the fifteenth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics using the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502.

[0243] <Sixteenth Implementation Method>

[0244] like Figure 27 As shown, the sixteenth embodiment also employs a structure in which multiple elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 are configured in both a series and parallel arrangement. The pedal device 1 of the sixteenth embodiment also includes a first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and a second reaction force generating mechanism 502. The first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 are arranged in parallel.

[0245] Similar to the seventh embodiment, the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 includes a leaf spring 51, a coil spring 63, a first bracket 71, and a second bracket 72. The leaf spring 51 and the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 are arranged in series. On the back of the pedal pad 30, a first abutment pin 91 is provided at a position corresponding to the second bracket 72 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501. When no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 30, the second bracket 72 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first abutment pin 91 are connected.

[0246] On the other hand, similar to the seventh embodiment, the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 also includes a leaf spring 51, a coil spring 63, a first bracket 71, and a second bracket 72. The leaf spring 51 and coil spring 63 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 are also arranged in series. On the back of the pedal pad 30, a second abutment pin 92 is provided at a position corresponding to the second bracket 72 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502. The second abutment pin 92 and the second bracket 72 are separated by a predetermined interval.

[0247] If the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 first bends. Then, if the second abutment pin 92 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 abut, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the coil spring 63 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 bend.

[0248] As described above in the pedal device 1 of the sixteenth embodiment, the plurality of elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 can be either leaf springs or coil springs, and can be configured in both tandem and parallel arrangements. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the sixteenth embodiment can achieve the same effects as those in the first embodiment, etc.

[0249] Furthermore, as a variation of the sixteenth embodiment described above, although the illustration is omitted, a configuration can also be used where the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the first abutment pin 91 are spaced apart, and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 and the second abutment pin 92 are in contact. In this case, if the driver presses the pedal pad 30, the coil spring 63 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 first flexes. Then, if the first abutment pin 91 and the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 abut, the coil spring 63 of the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the coil spring 63 of the second reaction force generating mechanism 502 flex. The variation of the sixteenth embodiment can also obtain the desired pedal force characteristics using the first reaction force generating mechanism 501 and the second reaction force generating mechanism 502.

[0250] <Seventeenth Implementation Method>

[0251] like Figure 28 As shown, in the seventeenth embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is composed of a leaf spring 51, a first helical spring 61, a second helical spring 62, a first bracket 71, a second bracket 72, and a spring seat 73.

[0252] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the fixing platform 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26, etc. At the other end of the leaf spring 51 along its length, a first bracket 71, a first helical spring 61, a spring seat 73, a second helical spring 62, and a second bracket 72 are arranged in sequence.

[0253] The first bracket 71 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape, and is fixed to the other end of the leaf spring 51 in the longitudinal direction by bolts or rivets (not shown).

[0254] In the first helical spring 61, one end in the direction of the shaft core is fixed to the first bracket 71, and the other end in the direction of the shaft core is fixed to the spring seat 73.

[0255] In the second helical spring 62, one end in the direction of the shaft core is locked to the spring seat 73, and the other end in the direction of the shaft core is locked to the second bracket 72. The side surface of the pedal pad 30 in the second bracket 72 abuts against the abutment pin 91 provided on the pedal pad 30.

[0256] The spring seat 73 is, for example, cylindrical and disposed between the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62. The spring seat 73 has a first protrusion 78 located inside the other end of the first helical spring 61 in the axial direction. The first protrusion 78 functions as a "restriction portion" to limit radial misalignment of the other end of the first helical spring 61 in the axial direction. Additionally, the first protrusion 78 also limits the deflection of the first helical spring 61 by abutting against the first support 71.

[0257] Furthermore, the spring seat 73 has a second protrusion 79 disposed on the inner side of one end of the second coil spring 62 in the axial direction. The second protrusion 79 functions as a "restriction portion" to limit the radial misalignment of one end of the second coil spring 62 in the axial direction. In addition, the second protrusion 79 also has the function of limiting the deflection of the second coil spring 62 by abutting against the second bracket 72.

[0258] Therefore, the pedal device 1 of the seventeenth embodiment also restricts the radial misalignment of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62, so that the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained by means of the first helical spring 61, the second helical spring 62 and the leaf spring 51.

[0259] The pedal device 1 of the seventeenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0260] <Eighteenth Implementation Method>

[0261] like Figure 29 As shown, the eighteenth embodiment is a variation of the seventeenth embodiment. In the eighteenth embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is also constructed using a leaf spring 51, a first helical spring 61, a second helical spring 62, a first bracket 71, a second bracket 72, and a spring seat 73.

[0262] One end of the leaf spring 51 along its length is mounted to the fixing platform 16 of the housing 10 by bolts 26, etc. At the other end along its length, a first bracket 71, a first helical spring 61, a spring seat 73, a second helical spring 62, and a second bracket 72 are sequentially provided. The structure of the first bracket 71, the first helical spring 61, and the second helical spring 62 is the same as that in the seventeenth embodiment described above.

[0263] The spring seat 73 is, for example, cylindrical and disposed between the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62. The spring seat 73 has a first annular protrusion 81 disposed around the outer side of the other end of the first helical spring 61 in the axial direction. The first annular protrusion 81 functions as a "restriction" to limit the radial misalignment of the other end of the first helical spring 61 in the axial direction. Furthermore, the first annular protrusion 81 also limits the deflection of the first helical spring 61 by abutting against the first support 71.

[0264] Furthermore, the spring seat 73 has a second annular protrusion 82 disposed on the outer side of one end of the second coil spring 62 in the axial direction. The second annular protrusion 82 functions as a "restricting portion" to limit the radial misalignment of one end of the second coil spring 62 in the axial direction. In addition, the second annular protrusion 82 also has the function of limiting the deflection of the second coil spring 62 by abutting against the second bracket 72.

[0265] Therefore, the pedal device 1 of the eighteenth embodiment also restricts the radial misalignment of the first helical spring 61 and the second helical spring 62, so that the desired pedal force characteristics can be obtained by means of the first helical spring 61, the second helical spring 62 and the leaf spring 51.

[0266] The pedal device 1 of the eighteenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment.

[0267] <Other Implementation Methods>

[0268] (1) In the first embodiment described above, an organ-type brake pedal device was described as an example of the pedal device 1, but it is not limited thereto. The pedal device 1 may also be a suspended brake pedal device, an organ-type accelerator pedal device, or a suspended accelerator pedal device, etc.

[0269] Furthermore, as described above, the accordion-style pedal device 1 refers to a structure in which the part of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver is positioned above the rotation axis CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. Compared with the suspended pedal device 1, the space available for mounting the reaction force generating mechanism 50 is narrower for the accordion-style pedal device 1, requiring a smaller size. Therefore, it is effective to use the leaf spring 51 as the elastic component constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50.

[0270] On the other hand, the suspended pedal device 1 refers to a structure in which the part of the pedal pad 30 that is stepped on by the driver is positioned below the rotation axis CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. In the suspended pedal device 1, the size of the pedal device 1 can also be miniaturized by using the leaf spring 51 as an elastic member constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 50.

[0271] (2) In the above embodiments, as an example of the pedal device 1, a structure in which the pedal pad 30 and the master cylinder are not mechanically connected has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the pedal device 1 may also be a structure in which the pedal pad 30 and the master cylinder are mechanically connected.

[0272] (3) In the above embodiments, a sensor unit 40 is provided around the rotation axis of the pedal device 1, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the sensor unit 40 may also be provided on the pedal pad 30 or a component connected thereto (such as the reaction force generating mechanism 50).

[0273] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications are possible. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not mutually exclusive and can be appropriately combined, except where explicitly stated they cannot be combined. Additionally, in each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except where specifically stated as necessary or where they are explicitly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the number, value, quantity, range, etc., of the constituent elements of the embodiment, the number is not limited to that specific number, except where specifically stated as necessary or where it is explicitly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in each of the above embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc., of the constituent elements, the shape, positional relationship, etc., is not limited to that shape, positional relationship, etc., except where specifically stated or where it is limited to a specific shape, positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A pedal device mounted on a vehicle, characterized in that, have: The outer casing, which is installed on the vehicle body; A pedal pad, which is rotatably mounted on the housing; as well as The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of elastic components having a defined leaf spring, and is arranged in a space opposite to the side of the pedal pad that is stepped on by the driver, to generate a reaction force relative to the driving force applied to the pedal pad by the driver. The specified leaf spring is a component that elastically deforms under load in the thickness direction of a plate. It is designed to be flat, or a shape that gradually changes in at least one of the plate thickness or width. When not under load, it is either straight or curved in the length direction. One end of the specified leaf spring in the length direction is fixed to the housing or the vehicle body, and the other end of the specified leaf spring in the length direction is a free end. The elastic components, excluding the specified leaf spring, are arranged in series at the other end of the specified leaf spring along its length, and are positioned between the other end of the specified leaf spring and an abutment pin disposed on the pedal pad, a connecting rod connected to the pedal pad, or the pedal pad itself. The pedal device is configured such that the predetermined leaf spring is not restricted in its deflection from the initial position where no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad until the pedal pad is moved to the maximum rotational position where the driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad. The deflection of the elastic members other than the predetermined leaf spring is restricted midway from the initial position to the maximum rotational position.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction force generating mechanism has a first bracket that locks one end of at least one of the elastic components other than the specified leaf spring, and a second bracket that locks the other end of at least one of the elastic components other than the specified leaf spring.

3. The pedal device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The reaction force generating mechanism has a stopper disposed on one of the first support or the second support. The stopper limits the amount of deflection of the elastic member by abutting against the other of the first or second bracket when at least one of the elastic members, other than the specified leaf spring, flexes.

4. The pedal device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first bracket and the second bracket have guide surfaces for moving the first bracket and the second bracket relative to each other in a straight line in a direction facing each other.

5. The pedal device according to claim 4, characterized in that, One of the first bracket and the second bracket is a cylindrical component with a bottom surface. The other of the first and second supports is a cylindrical component disposed inside the cylindrical component.

6. The pedal device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, The first or second bracket has a limiting portion that restricts the radial movement of a helical spring, which is at least one of the elastic components other than the specified leaf spring.

7. The pedal device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that, Of the plurality of elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism, the elastic component other than the specified leaf spring is a helical spring. The reaction force generating mechanism, when multiple helical springs are arranged between the first support and the second support, has a spring seat between a specified helical spring and other helical springs.

8. The pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spring seat has a limiting portion that restricts the radial movement of the plurality of helical springs.

9. The pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The diameter of the specified helical spring is different from the diameter of the other helical springs.

10. The pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The spring seat has a cylindrical spring seat portion, a flange portion that extends radially outward from one end of the spring seat portion in the axial direction, and a spring seat bottom portion located at the other end of the spring seat portion in the axial direction.

11. The pedal device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The inner wall surface on the radially inner side and the outer wall surface on the radially outer side of the spring seat portion function as guide surfaces that restrict the radial movement of the plurality of helical springs and guide the plurality of helical springs to flex along the axis direction.

12. The pedal device according to claim 10, characterized in that, The outer wall surface of the flange portion of the spring seat is configured as a curved surface that bulges outward in a radial direction. A predetermined gap is provided between the inner wall surface of the radially inner side of the cylindrical component in the first or second bracket and the outer wall surface of the radially outer side of the flange portion of the spring seat.

13. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The reaction force generating mechanism is a structure in which one end of another leaf spring is arranged at one end or the other end of the specified leaf spring along its length.

14. The pedal device according to claim 13, characterized in that, The pedal device includes an abutment pin disposed at a position that the specified leaf spring or the other leaf spring can abut against in a flexed state, thereby limiting the amount of flexure of at least one of the specified leaf spring and the other leaf spring.

15. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, At least one of the plurality of elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism is arranged such that one end is fixed to one of the pedal pad or the housing and the other end can abut against an abutment pin disposed in the other of the pedal pad or the housing.

16. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The multiple elastic components constituting the reaction force generating mechanism are made of leaf springs or coil springs and are arranged in series.

17. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The reaction force generating mechanism is located inside the housing.

18. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The outer casing is fixed to the floor or front bulkhead of the vehicle body by screws.

19. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, One end of the specified leaf spring along its length is positioned in an area closer to the floor or front panel of the vehicle interior than the rotation axis of the pedal pad.

20. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, One end of the specified leaf spring along its length is installed in the housing on the floor or front bulkhead side of the vehicle interior, or installed in the floor or front bulkhead of the vehicle interior.

Images