Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal pad (40) of an accordion-type pedal device is swung about a prescribed axis (CL) by a stepping operation by a driver's foot. A sensor unit (50) outputs a signal corresponding to a swing angle of the pedal pad (40). A reaction force generating mechanism (30) generates a reaction force with respect to a driver's stepping force applied to the pedal pad (40). A first housing (10) holds or covers at least one of a rotating shaft (41) provided at the axis (CL) of the swing of the pedal pad (40), the sensor unit (50), and the reaction force generating mechanism (30). A second housing (20) is composed of or has, at least a part thereof, a rigid body portion (21) having a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing (10), and supports a portion of the reaction force generating mechanism (30) opposite to the pedal pad (40) with the rigid body portion (21).

Description

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application is made based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-082790, filed on May 14, 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] Currently, there are known accordion-style pedal devices where the driver's foot placement is positioned above the pivot point in the vertical direction when the vehicle is in motion. These accordion-style pedal devices are used as accelerator pedals or brake pedals, etc.

[0005] Patent Document 1 describes an organ-type accelerator pedal device. In this pedal device, a coil spring, which serves as a reaction force generating mechanism that generates a reaction force relative to the driver's pedaling force applied to the pedal pad, is provided inside the housing. The portion of the coil spring opposite to the pedal pad is supported on the inner wall of the housing.

[0006] Prior art literature

[0007] Patent documents

[0008] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-189535 Summary of the Invention

[0009] In the pedal device described in Patent Document 1, when the driver applies pressure to the pedal pad, the coil spring flexes. Furthermore, the elastic force of the coil spring acts on both the pedal pad and the inner wall of the housing. Therefore, if it is assumed that the housing deforms due to the load acting from the coil spring on the inner wall of the housing, a problem arises where it is difficult to output a stable reaction force from the coil spring to the pedal pad.

[0010] However, the coil springs typically used in brake pedal devices are components with greater elastic force than those used in accelerator pedal devices. Therefore, when the structure of the pedal device described in Patent Document 1 is applied to a brake pedal device, concerns about the aforementioned problems are aggravated.

[0011] The purpose of this disclosure is to stabilize the pedal force characteristics and minimize the increase in weight in a pedal device with a reaction force generating mechanism by preventing deformation of the housing.

[0012] According to one aspect of this disclosure, an organ-type pedal device that sends an electrical signal corresponding to the driver's pedal operation to the vehicle's electronic control unit includes a pedal pad, a sensor unit, a reaction force generating mechanism, a first housing, and a second housing. The pedal pad swings about a predetermined axis when pressed by the driver's foot. Furthermore, the portion of the pedal pad for the driver to press is positioned above the axis in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. The sensor unit outputs a signal corresponding to the swing angle of the pedal pad. The reaction force generating mechanism has an elastic member that generates a reaction force relative to the driver's pressing force applied to the pedal pad. The first housing holds or covers at least one of the rotation axis, sensor unit, and reaction force generating mechanism disposed at the axis of the pedal pad's swing. The second housing is composed of a rigid body portion with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing, or has at least a portion of such a rigid body portion, which supports a portion of the reaction force generating mechanism opposite to the pedal pad.

[0013] Accordingly, the pedal device has a structure comprising a first housing and a second housing, wherein the rigid portion of the second housing supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism opposite to the pedal pad. With this structure, even when the driver applies a pedal force to the pedal pad and a high load is input to the rigid portion from the reaction force generating mechanism, the deformation of the rigid portion is small. Therefore, the reaction force generating mechanism can output a stable reaction force to the pedal pad. Thus, by adding a necessary minimum component, such as a rigid portion, to the portion supporting the reaction force generating mechanism, this pedal device can stabilize the pedal force characteristics and minimize the increase in weight of the pedal device, achieving weight reduction.

[0014] In addition, the parenthesized reference symbols attached to each constituent element indicate an example of the correspondence between that constituent element and the specific constituent elements described in the embodiments described later. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the pedal device according to the first embodiment.

[0016] Figure 2 The pedal device of the first embodiment is from and Figure 1 A stereoscopic view observed from different directions.

[0017] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the pedal device of the first embodiment as seen from the second housing side.

[0018] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the first embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0019] Figure 5This is a structural diagram of the brake-by-wire system using the pedal device of the first embodiment.

[0020] Figure 6 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the second embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0021] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A sectional view along line VII-VII.

[0022] Figure 8 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly method of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the second embodiment.

[0023] Figure 9 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly method of each component in the pedal device of the second embodiment.

[0024] Figure 10 This is a continuation of the explanation of the assembly method of each component in the pedal device of the second embodiment. Figure 9 Explanatory diagram.

[0025] Figure 11 This is a continuation of the explanation of the assembly method of each component in the pedal device of the second embodiment. Figure 10 Explanatory diagram.

[0026] Figure 12 This refers to the pedal device in the third embodiment. Figure 7 A sectional view of a relevant part.

[0027] Figure 13A This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly method of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the third embodiment.

[0028] Figure 13B This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the assembly method of the first housing and the second housing in a modified example of the third embodiment of the pedal device.

[0029] Figure 14 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the fourth embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0030] Figure 15 yes Figure 14 A cross-sectional view of the XV-XV line.

[0031] Figure 16 This refers to the pedal device in the fifth embodiment. Figure 15 A sectional view of a relevant part.

[0032] Figure 17 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the sixth embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0033] Figure 18 yes Figure 17 A cross-sectional view of the XVIII-XVIII line.

[0034] Figure 19 This refers to the pedal device in the seventh embodiment. Figure 17 A sectional view of a relevant part.

[0035] Figure 20 This is a perspective view of the second housing of the pedal device according to the eighth embodiment.

[0036] Figure 21 This is a perspective view of the second housing of the pedal device according to the ninth embodiment.

[0037] Figure 22 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device according to the tenth embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0038] Figure 23 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device according to the eleventh embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0039] Figure 24 This is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the twelfth embodiment, perpendicular to the axis of the pedal pad's swing.

[0040] Figure 25 yes Figure 24 A view in the XXV direction.

[0041] Figure 26 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device according to the thirteenth embodiment.

[0042] Figure 27 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the fourteenth embodiment.

[0043] Figure 28 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device according to the fifteenth embodiment.

[0044] Figure 29 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the sixteenth embodiment.

[0045] Figure 30 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the seventeenth embodiment.

[0046] Figure 31 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the eighteenth embodiment.

[0047] Figure 32 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the nineteenth embodiment.

[0048] Figure 33 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twentieth embodiment, as well as the positioning structure.

[0049] Figure 34 This is a diagram illustrating an example of the positioning structure of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twentieth embodiment.

[0050] Figure 35 This is a diagram showing another example of the positioning structure of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twentieth embodiment.

[0051] Figure 36 This is a diagram showing yet another example of the positioning structure of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twentieth embodiment.

[0052] Figure 37 This is a cross-sectional view showing the method of fixing the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twenty-first embodiment, as well as the positioning structure.

[0053] Figure 38 This is a perspective view showing the positioning structure of the first housing and the second housing in the pedal device of the twenty-second embodiment.

[0054] Figure 39 yes Figure 38 A cross-sectional view of the XXXIX-XXXIX line.

[0055] Figure 40 This is a perspective view of the pedal device according to the twenty-third embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0056] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are labeled with the same symbols and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] (First Implementation)

[0058] Reference Figures 1-5 The first embodiment will now be described. The pedal device 1 in this embodiment is an accordion-type pedal device mounted on a vehicle and operated by the driver's pedal force. The accordion-type pedal device 1 is a device with a structure in which the driver's pedal portion of the pedal pad 40 is positioned above the pivot point CL in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. Furthermore, Figures 1-4The recorded three-dimensional coordinates represent the up-down, forward-backward, and left-right directions of the pedal device 1 mounted on the vehicle.

[0059] The accordion-style pedal device 1 is configured such that, according to the increase in the driving force applied to the pedal pad 40, the portion of the pedal pad 40 with the pivot point CL near the front of the vehicle swings toward the floor 2 or the front bulkhead side of the vehicle interior. Such a pedal device 1 is used as an accelerator pedal device or a brake pedal device, etc. In this embodiment, a brake pedal device will be described as an example of the pedal device 1. Furthermore, in the following description, the floor 2 or front bulkhead of the vehicle on which the pedal device 1 is installed will be referred to as the vehicle body.

[0060] First, the brake-by-wire system 100 using the pedal device 1 of this embodiment will be described.

[0061] like Figure 5 As shown, the brake-by-wire system 100 is a system in which the electronic control unit (hereinafter referred to as ECU 110) mounted on the vehicle drives the brake circuit 120 based on the electrical signal output from the sensor unit 50 of the pedal device 1. In this brake-by-wire system 100, the brake circuit 120 generates the hydraulic pressure required for braking the vehicle to drive the wheel cylinders 131 to 134.

[0062] exist Figure 5 In the illustrated brake-by-wire system 100, the ECU 110 includes a first ECU 111 and a second ECU 112. Additionally, the braking circuit 120 includes a first braking circuit 121 and a second braking circuit 122.

[0063] The electrical signal output from the sensor unit 50 of the pedal device 1 is transmitted to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112. The first ECU 111 includes a microcomputer and drive circuits (not shown). The first ECU 111 supplies power to the motor 123 and other components in the first brake circuit 121, and performs drive control on the first brake circuit 121. Similarly, the second ECU 112 also includes a microcomputer and drive circuits (not shown). The second ECU 112 performs drive control on the solenoid valves and motors (not shown) in the second brake circuit 122.

[0064] The first braking circuit 121 includes a reservoir 124, a motor 123, a gear mechanism 125, and a master cylinder 126. The reservoir 124 stores brake fluid. The motor 123 drives the gear mechanism 125. The gear mechanism 125 causes the master piston 127 of the master cylinder 126 to reciprocate along the axial direction of the master cylinder 126. The movement of the master piston 127 increases the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid supplied from the reservoir 124 to the master cylinder 126, and this hydraulic pressure is supplied from the first braking circuit 121 to the second braking circuit 122.

[0065] The second braking circuit 122 is a circuit used for normal control, ABS control, and VSC control, which controls the hydraulic pressure of each wheel cylinder 131-134 according to the control signal from the second ECU 112. ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, and VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control. Furthermore, the wheel cylinders 131-134 located on each wheel actuate the brake pads installed on each wheel.

[0066] When the driver of the vehicle presses down on the pedal pad 40 of the pedal device 1, a signal corresponding to the swing angle of the pedal pad 40 (i.e., the amount of pedal operation) is output from the sensor unit 50 to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112. The first ECU 111 drives the motor 123 to decelerate the vehicle. As the speed of the motor 123 increases, the master cylinder 126 increases the pressure of the brake fluid supplied from the reservoir 124. The hydraulic pressure of this brake fluid is transmitted from the first brake circuit 121 to the second brake circuit 122.

[0067] The second ECU 112 performs normal control, ABS control, and VSC control. For example, in normal braking control corresponding to the driver's operation of the pedal pad 40, the second ECU 112 controls the actuation of the solenoid valves and the like in the second brake circuit 122. Furthermore, the second ECU 112 supplies hydraulic pressure from the first brake circuit 121 to each wheel cylinder 131-134 via the second brake circuit 122. Consequently, the brake pads driven by each wheel cylinder 131-134 make frictional contact with the corresponding brake discs, braking each wheel and thus decelerating the vehicle.

[0068] Furthermore, for example, the second ECU 112 calculates the slip ratio of each wheel based on the speed of each wheel and the vehicle speed, and performs ABS control based on the calculation results. In ABS control, the hydraulic pressure supplied to the hydraulic cylinders 131-134 of each wheel is adjusted to suppress wheel lock-up. Additionally, for example, the second ECU 112 calculates the vehicle's sideslip state based on yaw rate, steering angle, acceleration, wheel speed, and vehicle speed, and performs VSC control based on the calculation results. In VSC control, the wheel to be controlled for stabilizing the vehicle's cornering is selected, and the hydraulic pressure of the corresponding wheel cylinders 131-134 is increased, thereby suppressing vehicle sideslip. Therefore, the vehicle's driving stability is achieved. Furthermore, in addition to the above-mentioned general control, ABS control, and VSC control, the second ECU 112 can also perform collision avoidance control and regenerative cooperative control based on signals from other ECUs (not shown).

[0069] Next, the pedal device 1 will be described.

[0070] like Figures 1-4 As shown, the pedal device 1 includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a reaction force generating mechanism 30, a pedal pad 40, and a sensor unit 50, etc.

[0071] The first housing 10 is a component that holds or covers at least one of the rotating shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40, the sensor unit 50, and the reaction force generating mechanism 30. In this embodiment, the first housing 10 is formed of resin, for example. The first housing 10 is formed in the shape of a box having an upper wall 11, a left side wall 12, a right side wall 13, a front wall 14, etc. In this embodiment, a space is provided inside the first housing 10 for arranging the sensor unit 50 and the reaction force generating mechanism 30, etc.

[0072] The first housing 10 has an opening 15 in at least one direction into which the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be inserted. Specifically, in this embodiment, the first housing 10 has the largest opening 15 on the vehicle body side where the pedal device 1 is installed. Alternatively, the first housing 10 in this embodiment may also have the largest opening 15 on the side of the pedal pad 40 in the swing direction. The largest opening 15 of the first housing 10 is formed to a size such that the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be inserted in a non-flexible state during the manufacturing process of the pedal device 1. Furthermore, the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10 is a structure closed by the second housing 20. In this way, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 together cover the reaction force generating mechanism 30 in this embodiment.

[0073] Furthermore, the first housing 10 of this embodiment has a cylindrical bearing portion 16 that supports a rotating shaft 41 disposed on the pivot axis CL of the pedal pad 40 so that it is rotatable. The rotating shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 is a cylindrical shaft rotatably disposed on the bearing portion 16. A sensor unit 50 for detecting the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 41 is disposed on or around the pivot axis CL of the rotating shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40. Therefore, the first housing 10 of this embodiment retains and covers a portion of the rotating shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 and the sensor unit 50.

[0074] The sensor unit 50 is disposed on or around the axis CL of the rotating shaft 41, thereby enabling direct detection of the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 41. The sensor unit 50 can be, for example, a non-contact sensor circuit using a Hall IC or magnetoresistive element, or a contact sensor circuit. The sensor unit 50 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 41 from the connector 51 located on the outside of the first housing 10 to the vehicle's ECU 110. Furthermore, the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 41 is the same as the swing angle of the pedal pad 40 (i.e., the amount of pedal operation).

[0075] The second housing 20 is disposed on the side opposite to the first housing 10 in the direction of the pedal pad 40's swing. Furthermore, the second housing 20 is disposed such that it closes the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10. In this embodiment, the second housing 20 extends continuously from the front side of the first housing 10 to the rear side. The first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed together, for example, by a fixing member such as a bolt 60 inserted from the vehicle body side of the second housing 20 toward the first housing 10 side. However, the method of fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is not limited to this, and various methods can be employed as described in embodiments thirteen to twenty-two below.

[0076] The second housing 20 is composed of a component with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing 10, or has at least a portion of such a component. In the following description, the component with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing 10 is referred to as "rigid body 21". The rigid body 21 may, for example, be made of metal. The rigid body may also be referred to as a high-rigidity part. The second housing 20 of this embodiment is entirely composed of the rigid body 21. The second housing 20 of this embodiment can be manufactured, for example, by stamping, sheet metal processing, cold forging, hot forging, etc., of metal materials.

[0077] Furthermore, the structure of the second housing 20 having a rigid body portion 21 in a portion of the resin portion will be described in the eleventh and twelfth embodiments described later.

[0078] The second housing 20 is disposed between the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40 and the vehicle body. Furthermore, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. In this embodiment, the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40 corresponds to one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. The second housing 20 in this embodiment is entirely composed of a rigid body 21, therefore, even under high loads input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the deformation of the portion 22 supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 in the second housing 20 is small. The portion 22 supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is also referred to as the spring bearing portion.

[0079] In addition, the second housing 20, besides the portion 22 that supports the reaction force generating mechanism 30, also integrally has a portion 23 that is fixed to the vehicle body. In the second housing 20, the portion 22 supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 and the portion 23 fixed to the vehicle body are integrally formed by a rigid body portion 21. The portion 23 fixed to the vehicle body extends further to the left and right than the first housing 10, and is provided with a hole 24 extending along the thickness direction of the plate. Furthermore, the second housing 20 is fixed to the vehicle floor 2 or the front bulkhead by inserting bolts (not shown) or the like through the hole 24. The front bulkhead is a partition separating the exterior (such as the engine compartment) from the interior of the vehicle, and is sometimes referred to as a partition.

[0080] The pedal mat 40 is formed into a plate shape, for example, from metal or resin, and is arranged at an angle relative to the floor 2. Specifically, the pedal mat 40 is arranged at an angle with its upper end facing the front of the vehicle and its lower end facing the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, a thick-walled portion 42 is provided on the upper part of the pedal mat 40 as a part for the driver to step on. The axis CL of the swing of the thick-walled portion 42 relative to the pedal mat 40 is located at the top in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. In addition, the pedal mat 40 is not limited to Figures 1-4 The configuration shown can also be configured, for example, approximately perpendicular to floor 2.

[0081] A connecting plate 43 is provided on the back of the pedal pad 40. The connecting plate 43 integrally has a back plate portion 44 fixed to the back of the pedal pad 40 and a side plate portion 45 disposed substantially perpendicular to the back plate portion 44. The side plate portion 45 of the connecting plate 43 is fixed to the rotating shaft 41. As described above, the rotating shaft 41 is rotatably supported on the bearing portion 16 of the first housing 10. Therefore, the pedal pad 40 swings within a predetermined angle range around the axis CL of the rotating shaft 41 in the forward rotation direction and the reverse rotation direction by means of a pedal pressing operation by the driver's foot.

[0082] Furthermore, by configuring the connecting plate 43 with a back plate portion 44 and a side plate portion 45, the pedal pad 40 and the rotating shaft 41 are arranged in separate positions, making it easy to install the sensor unit 50 in the space around the rotating shaft 41.

[0083] The reaction force generating mechanism 30 is a mechanism that generates a reaction force relative to the driver's pedal force applied to the pedal pad 40. By providing the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the pedal device 1 can obtain the same reaction force as existing braking systems even when the mechanical connection between the pedal pad 40 and the master cylinder 126 is abandoned. Furthermore, existing braking systems are structures where the pedal pad is mechanically connected to the master cylinder, and the pedal pad can obtain a hydraulically generated reaction force from the master cylinder.

[0084] In this embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 has multiple elastic members. Specifically, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 has a leaf spring 31, a large-diameter coil spring 33, and a small-diameter coil spring 34 as multiple elastic members. By configuring the reaction force generating mechanism 30 with multiple elastic members, the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can vary in multiple stages relative to the change in the swing angle (i.e., the pedal operation amount) of the pedal pad 40. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can reproduce the multi-stage reaction force characteristics unique to conventional braking systems.

[0085] The leaf spring 31 bends into a curved surface that protrudes towards the floor 2 when not under load. One end 311 of the leaf spring 31 (i.e., the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40) is positioned between the rotation axis 41 of the pedal pad 40 and the second housing 20. Furthermore, one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 is fixed to the portion 22 in the second housing 20 that supports the reaction force generating mechanism 30.

[0086] On the other hand, the lower bracket 35, the large-diameter coil spring 33, the spring seat 36, the small-diameter coil spring 34, the upper bracket 37, and the connecting rod 70 are sequentially arranged from the leaf spring 31 side at the other end 312 of the leaf spring 31. The lower bracket 35 is fixed to the other end 312 of the leaf spring 31. In the large-diameter coil spring 33, the end on the leaf spring 31 side is supported by the lower bracket 35, and the end on the pedal pad 40 side is supported by the spring seat 36. In the small-diameter coil spring 34, the end on the leaf spring 31 side is supported by the spring seat 36, and the end on the pedal pad 40 side is supported by the upper bracket 37. In the connecting rod 70, the end on the pedal pad 40 side is fixed to the pedal pad 40, and the end on the leaf spring 31 side is slidably connected to the upper bracket 37. Alternatively, the connecting rod 70 may be configured such that the end on the pedal pad 40 side is swayably connected to the pedal pad 40, and the end on the leaf spring 31 side is swayably connected to the upper bracket 37. The connecting rod 70 is inserted through the upper opening 17 of the first housing 10. In addition, the upper opening 17 is sized to allow the small-diameter helical spring 34 and the upper bracket 37 to be inserted.

[0087] With this structure, when the driver applies a pedal force to the pedal pad 40, causing the pedal pad 40 to swing towards the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, a load is applied from the pedal pad 40 to each component of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 via the connecting rod 70. Therefore, the leaf spring 31, the large-diameter coil spring 33, and the small-diameter coil spring 34 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 flex according to their respective spring constants, simultaneously generating a reaction force relative to the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 40. Specifically, when a load is applied from the pedal pad 40 to each component of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 via the connecting rod 70, the large-diameter coil spring 33 and the small-diameter coil spring flex along their spring axes. Additionally, the leaf spring 31 flexes such that the portion near the other end 312 of the fixed lower bracket 35 approaches the second housing 20. Furthermore, the structure of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 and the connecting rod 70 is not limited to the structure illustrated above, and various structures can be employed.

[0088] A covering member 71 is provided around the connecting rod 70. The covering member 71 is formed into a cylindrical and corrugated shape, for example, from rubber. The covering member 71 is formed such that one side of the cylindrical shape fits into a groove 72 provided in the path of the connecting rod 70, and the other side of the cylindrical shape fits into the upper opening 17 of the first housing 10. The covering member 71 is used to prevent foreign objects, water, etc. from entering the inside of the first housing 10 from the upper opening 17.

[0089] Figures 1-4 The pedal device 1 shown is the pedal device in the state where no driver's pedal force is applied to the pedal pad 40 (i.e., the initial position of the pedal pad 40). The initial position of the pedal pad 40 is limited by a fully enclosed limiting member (not shown).

[0090] Furthermore, although not illustrated, when the driver applies pressure to the pedal pad 40, the pedal device 1 causes the pedal pad 40 to oscillate around the axis CL of the rotation shaft 41. Additionally, the portion of the pedal pad 40 located above the vehicle relative to the axis CL moves towards the floor 2 or the front bulkhead. At this time, the sensor unit 50 outputs a signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 41 (i.e., the oscillation angle of the pedal pad 40) to the vehicle's ECU 110. The ECU 110 performs drive control on the brake circuit 120 to generate the hydraulic pressure required for vehicle braking, using this hydraulic pressure to drive the brake pads to decelerate or stop the vehicle.

[0091] Next, the manufacturing method of the pedal device 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0092] In the manufacturing method of the pedal device 1 according to the first embodiment, firstly, a rotating shaft 41 and a pedal pad 40 are assembled relative to a first housing 10 to form a first sub-assembly. On the other hand, a reaction force generating mechanism 30 is assembled into a second housing 20 to form a second sub-assembly. Then, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed together using fixing members such as bolts 60, thus assembling the first and second sub-assemblies. At this time, the multiple elastic members of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 assembled on the second housing 20 can be arranged inside the first housing 10 without deflection from the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10. Afterwards, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed.

[0093] Furthermore, to allow the multiple elastic members disposed inside the first housing 10 to flex, the connecting rod 70 installed on the pedal pad 40 can be used to press the elastic members, or the pedal pad 40 can be used to press the connecting rod 70 installed on the upper bracket 37. Alternatively, a clamp or the like can be used to flex the multiple elastic members. In this way, the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment can be easily assembled, improving the assemblability of the components during the manufacturing process.

[0094] The pedal device 1 of the first embodiment described above has the following effects.

[0095] (1) In the first embodiment, the pedal device 1 is structured such that a second housing 20, composed of a rigid body 21 having a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing 10, supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Therefore, even when a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20 due to the driver applying a pedal force to the pedal pad 40, the deformation of the second housing 20 composed of the rigid body 21 is small. Thus, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can output a stable reaction force to the pedal pad 40. Therefore, by adding the necessary minimum component, such as the second housing 20, to the portion 22 supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the pedal device 1 can stabilize the pedal force characteristics and minimize the increase in weight of the pedal device 1, achieving weight reduction.

[0096] (2) In the first embodiment, the second housing 20, which is composed of a rigid body 21, is disposed between the part of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40 (one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 in the first embodiment) and the vehicle body.

[0097] Therefore, even when the driver applies a pedal force to the pedal pad 40 and a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20, the deformation of the second housing 20, which is composed of the rigid body part 21, can be reduced.

[0098] (2) In the first embodiment, the second housing 20 has a portion 23 that is fixed to the vehicle body, in addition to the portion 22 that supports the reaction force generating mechanism 30.

[0099] Accordingly, by using the portion 23 fixed to the vehicle body in the second housing 20 to fix the pedal device 1 to the vehicle body, deformation of the pedal device 1 during vehicle mounting can be suppressed. Therefore, the pedal force characteristics can be stabilized, and the increase in weight of the pedal device 1 can be minimized, thus achieving weight reduction.

[0100] (3) In the first embodiment, the second housing 20 is formed of metal.

[0101] Accordingly, the rigid body 21, which has a Young's modulus greater than that of the first shell 10, is exemplified by a metal.

[0102] (4) In the first embodiment, the first housing 10 has an opening 15 in at least one side into which the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be inserted, and together with the second housing 20 that closes the opening 15, it covers the reaction force generating mechanism 30.

[0103] Accordingly, it is possible to suppress the intrusion of foreign objects into the reaction force generating mechanism 30 disposed inside the first housing 10.

[0104] (5) In the first embodiment, the first housing 10 has a bearing portion 16 that supports the rotation axis 41 of the pedal pad 40 so that it can rotate.

[0105] Accordingly, even when a driver applies a pedal force to the pedal pad 40, resulting in a high load being input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20, the load transmission from the second housing 20 to the first housing 10 is interrupted. Therefore, the first housing 10 is less susceptible to the effects of high loads input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20. Thus, by providing the bearing portion 16 in the first housing 10, the oscillation of the pedal pad 40 can be stabilized, improving the reliability of the output signal of the sensor unit 50.

[0106] Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the pedal device 1, a first sub-assembly can be formed by assembling a rotating shaft 41 and a pedal pad 40 relative to the first housing 10, and a second sub-assembly can be formed by assembling a second housing 20 and a reaction force generating mechanism 30. Moreover, by assembling the first and second sub-assemblies, the pedal device 1 can be easily assembled, thereby improving its assemblability.

[0107] (6) In the first embodiment, the structure is as follows: the first housing 10 has a maximum opening 15 on the side where the second housing 20 is provided, which allows the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to be inserted in a non-deflecting state, and the maximum opening 15 is closed by the second housing 20.

[0108] Accordingly, during the manufacturing process of the pedal device 1, the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be positioned between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 from the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10 without bending. Therefore, when assembling the reaction force generating mechanism 30 between the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, no clamping device is needed to bend the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. Consequently, the pedal device 1 can be easily assembled, improving assemblability.

[0109] (7) In the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 has a plurality of elastic members.

[0110] Accordingly, the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be made to change in multiple stages relative to the change in pedal operation amount, thus reproducing the multi-stage reaction force characteristics unique to existing braking systems.

[0111] (8) In the first embodiment, the plurality of elastic members include at least one leaf spring 31. The leaf spring 31 is fixed to the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20.

[0112] Accordingly, assuming that the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is only a coil spring, a space of "coil spring wire diameter × number of turns" plus "deflection" is required. In contrast, if a leaf spring 31 is used as the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30, only a space of "leaf spring 31 thickness" plus "deflection" is needed. Therefore, the space required to install the leaf spring 31 is smaller than the space required to install the coil spring. Therefore, by using a leaf spring 31 as the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the volume within the first housing 10 can be reduced. As a result, the pedal device 1 can be miniaturized.

[0113] (9) The pedal device 1 of the first embodiment is a brake pedal device used in the brake-by-wire system 100, which uses the drive control of the ECU 110 based on the output signal of the sensor unit 50 to generate the hydraulic pressure required for braking the vehicle in the brake circuit.

[0114] Accordingly, by using the pedal device 1 in the brake-by-wire system 100, accurate vehicle braking control can be achieved based on the high-precision electrical signal output from the sensor unit 50 of the pedal device 1 and by utilizing the drive control of the ECU 110.

[0115] (Second Implementation)

[0116] Reference Figures 6 to 11 The second embodiment will now be described. The second embodiment is an embodiment obtained by changing the structure of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 compared to the first embodiment. The other structures are the same as the first embodiment, so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment will be described.

[0117] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment also includes a first housing 10, a second housing 20, a reaction force generating mechanism 30, a pedal pad 40, and a sensor unit, etc. Furthermore, in the figures to be referenced after the second embodiment, the structures are shown in a simplified manner and the sensor unit is omitted.

[0118] The first housing 10 has the largest opening 15 on the vehicle body side where the pedal device 1 is located. The opening 15 of the first housing 10 is closed by the second housing 20. The second housing 20 is composed of a rigid body 21 with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing 10. In the second embodiment, the second housing 20 is also entirely composed of a rigid body 21.

[0119] The reaction force generating mechanism 30 has an elastic member and an upper support 37. The elastic member is composed of a coil spring 32. The lower end of the coil spring 32, opposite to the pedal pad 40, is supported by the second housing 20. In the second embodiment, the lower end 321 of the coil spring 32 corresponds to the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. That is, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. In the second embodiment, the second housing 20 is also entirely composed of a rigid body 21. Therefore, even when a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the deformation of the portion 22 in the second housing 20 that supports the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is small.

[0120] The upper bracket 37 is disposed at the upper end 322 of the pedal pad 40 side in the coil spring 32. The upper bracket 37 is connected to the pedal pad 40 via a connecting rod 70. In the connecting rod 70, the end on the pedal pad 40 side is fixed to the pedal pad 40, and the end on the leaf spring 31 side is slidably connected to the upper bracket 37. Alternatively, the connecting rod 70 may be configured such that the end on the pedal pad 40 side is pivotally connected to the pedal pad 40, and the end on the leaf spring 31 side is pivotally connected to the upper bracket 37. The connecting rod 70 is inserted through the upper opening 17 of the first housing 10. In the second embodiment, the upper opening 17 is formed to be smaller than the outer diameter of the upper bracket 37. That is, the upper opening 17 is formed to be a size that allows the connecting rod 70 to be inserted, but a size that prevents the upper bracket 37 from being inserted.

[0121] Next, the manufacturing method of the pedal device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described.

[0122] like Figure 8 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment is also configured as a first sub-assembly by assembling a rotating shaft 41 and a pedal pad 40 relative to the first housing 10, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, a reaction force generating mechanism 30 is assembled into the second housing 20 to form the second sub-assembly. Furthermore, as... Figure 8 As indicated by arrow A, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is inserted through the opening 15 of the first housing 10, and the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are assembled simultaneously. Additionally, in Figure 8 The pedal pad 40 is omitted in the text.

[0123] Reference Figures 9-11 The manufacturing method of the pedal device 1 according to the second embodiment will be described in detail.

[0124] First, such as Figure 9As shown, the helical spring 32 of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is mounted on the second housing 20, and an upper bracket 37 is mounted on the helical spring 32. This constitutes the second sub-assembly. At this time, the helical spring 32 is in a state of approximately free length. Furthermore, even if the helical spring 32 flexes slightly, there is no problem.

[0125] Next, as Figure 10 As shown, the first sub-assembly, obtained by assembling the rotating shaft 41 and the pedal pad 40 relative to the first housing 10, is placed on top of the second sub-assembly. Then, as... Figure 10 As indicated by arrows B and C, a coil spring 32 and an upper bracket 37 are inserted into the inner side of the first housing 10, causing the coil spring 32 to flex and simultaneously moving the first housing 10 to abut against the second housing 20. Alternatively, at this time, the second housing 20 can also be moved toward the first housing 10.

[0126] Next, as Figure 11 As shown, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed together using bolts or other fastening components, and the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are assembled. In this way, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment can also be easily assembled, which can improve the assemblability of each component in the manufacturing process.

[0127] The pedal device 1 of the second embodiment described above can achieve the same effect as the first embodiment with the same structure. Furthermore, in the second embodiment, the flexural direction of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 and the assembly direction of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are parallel to an imaginary plane perpendicular to the axis CL. Therefore, during the manufacturing process of the pedal device 1, the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be flexibly assembled when assembling the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0128] Furthermore, as a variation of the second embodiment, although the illustrations are omitted, except for... Figure 10 In addition to the method shown, the following methods can also be used to flex the coil spring 32 when moving the first housing 10 to the second housing 20: For example, the connecting rod 70 can be pre-installed on the pedal pad 40 and the lower end of the connecting rod 70 can be used to press the upper bracket 37 to flex the coil spring 32. Alternatively, the connecting rod 70 can be pre-installed on the upper bracket 37 and the upper end of the connecting rod 70 can be used to press the pedal pad 40 to flex the coil spring 32.

[0129] (Third embodiment and its variations)

[0130] Reference Figure 12 , Figure 13A , Figure 13BThe third embodiment and its variations will be described. The third embodiment and its variations are embodiments obtained by changing the structure of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 compared with the first embodiment, etc. The other structures are the same as those in the first embodiment, etc., so only the parts that are different from the first embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0131] in addition, Figure 12 and Figure 13A The third embodiment is shown. Figure 13B A variation of the third embodiment is shown. As described below, the third embodiment and its variations are identical except for the orientation in which the second sub-component is assembled relative to the first sub-component.

[0132] like Figure 12 , Figure 13A , Figure 13B As shown, the pedal device 1 of the third embodiment and its variations has an opening 15 in a portion of the right side wall 13 and a portion of the bottom wall of the first housing 10. Furthermore, the bottom wall of the first housing 10 is the wall on the vehicle body side where the pedal device 1 is located.

[0133] On the other hand, the second shell 20 is formed in an L-shape, which closes the opening 15 of the first shell 10. The second shell 20 is composed of a rigid body 21 with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first shell 10. In the third embodiment and its variations, the second shell 20 is also entirely composed of a rigid body 21.

[0134] The reaction force generating mechanism 30 has an elastic member and an upper support 37. The elastic member is composed of a coil spring 32. The lower end of the coil spring 32, opposite to the pedal pad 40, is supported by the second housing 20. In the third embodiment, the lower end 321 of the coil spring 32 corresponds to the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. That is, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Since the second housing 20 is composed of a rigid body, the deformation of the second housing 20 is small even when a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30.

[0135] Next, the manufacturing method of the pedal device 1 of the third embodiment and its modifications will be described.

[0136] like Figure 13A and Figure 13B As shown, the pedal device 1 in the third embodiment and its variations is also assembled with a rotating shaft 41 and a pedal pad 40 relative to the first housing 10 to form a first sub-assembly, similar to the first embodiment. On the other hand, a reaction force generating mechanism 30 is assembled into the second housing 20 to form a second sub-assembly. Furthermore, as... Figure 13A Arrow D1 or Figure 13BAs indicated by arrow D2, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 is inserted from the side or below the opening 15 of the first housing 10, and the first sub-assembly and the second sub-assembly are assembled simultaneously. Additionally, in Figure 13A and Figure 13B The pedal pad 40 is omitted in the text.

[0137] The pedal device 1 of the third embodiment and its variations described above can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment by having the same structure.

[0138] (Fourth to Tenth Implementation Methods)

[0139] The fourth to tenth embodiments, which will be described next, mainly focus on the structure of the rotating shaft 41 and bearing portion 16 of the pedal pad 40, compared to the first embodiment and others. Other structures are largely the same as in the first embodiment. Therefore, in the fourth to tenth embodiments, only the parts that differ from the first embodiment will be described.

[0140] (Fourth Implementation)

[0141] like Figure 14 and Figure 15 As shown, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a bearing portion 16 supporting the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 is provided in the first housing 10. Specifically, the bearing portion 16 provided in the first housing 10 supports one end and the other end of the rotation shaft 41 in the axial direction CL. The pedal pad 40 is fixed to the center of the rotation shaft 41.

[0142] Furthermore, in the fourth embodiment, the first housing 10 also has an opening 15 on a portion of its bottom wall. The opening 15 of the first housing 10 is closed by a second housing 20, which is composed of a rigid body portion 21. The second housing 20 has a spring-supporting portion 27 for mounting a coil spring 32. Furthermore, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the coil spring 32 in the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Therefore, even when a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the deformation of the second housing 20 is small.

[0143] The pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment described above, like the first embodiment, also cuts off the load transmission from the second housing 20 to the first housing 10 when a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20. Therefore, the first housing 10 is less susceptible to the effects of high loads input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the second housing 20. Consequently, by providing the bearing portion 16 in the first housing 10, the oscillation of the pedal pad 40 can be stabilized, and the reliability of the sensor unit's output signal can be improved.

[0144] Furthermore, in the manufacturing process of the pedal device 1, a first sub-assembly can be formed by assembling a rotating shaft 41 and a pedal pad 40 relative to the first housing 10, and a second sub-assembly can be formed by assembling a second housing 20 and a reaction force generating mechanism 30. Moreover, by assembling the first and second sub-assemblies, the pedal device 1 can be easily assembled, thereby improving its assemblability.

[0145] Thus, the pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment can also achieve the same effect as the first embodiment by having the same structure.

[0146] (Fifth Implementation)

[0147] The fifth embodiment is a variation of the fourth embodiment. For example... Figure 16 As shown, in the fifth embodiment, a bearing portion 16 that supports the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 is provided in the first housing 10. Specifically, the bearing portion 16 provided in the first housing 10 supports the central portion of the rotation shaft 41. The pedal pad 40 is fixed to one end and the other end in the axial direction CL of the rotation shaft 41.

[0148] The pedal device 1 of the fifth embodiment can also have the same function and effect as the first embodiment by having the same structure as the first embodiment.

[0149] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0150] like Figure 17 and Figure 18 As shown, in the sixth embodiment, a bearing portion 26 supporting the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 is provided in the second housing 20. Specifically, the bearing portion 26 provided in the second housing 20 supports one end and the other end of the rotation shaft 41 in the axial direction CL. The pedal pad 40 is fixed to the center of the rotation shaft 41.

[0151] Furthermore, the second housing 20 extends from the bearing portion 26 toward the front of the vehicle, and along its path is a spring-supporting portion 27 for mounting the coil spring 32. The coil spring 32 is an example of an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. That is, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0152] The first housing 10 covers the coil spring 32, which is an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30, and the upper bracket 37 provided at the upper end of the coil spring 32. The first housing 10 has the largest opening 15 on the vehicle body side where the pedal device 1 is provided. Furthermore, the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10 is closed by the second housing 20. In addition, the first housing 10 of the sixth embodiment does not cover the bearing portion 26 and the rotating shaft 41.

[0153] The sixth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment by using the same structure. Furthermore, in the pedal device 1 of the sixth embodiment, the second housing 20 has a bearing portion 26 and supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Accordingly, the positional accuracy of the distance between the pivot axis CL of the pedal pad 40 and the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can be improved. Therefore, deviations in the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 caused by assembly tolerances of the components of the pedal device 1 can be suppressed.

[0154] (Seventh Implementation)

[0155] The seventh embodiment is a variation of the sixth embodiment. For example... Figure 19 As shown, in the seventh embodiment, a bearing portion 26 that supports the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40 is provided in the second housing 20. Specifically, the bearing portion 26 provided in the second housing 20 supports the central portion of the rotation shaft 41. The pedal pad 40 is fixed to one end and the other end in the axial direction CL of the rotation shaft 41.

[0156] The pedal device 1 of the seventh embodiment can also have the same function and effect as the sixth embodiment by having the same structure as the sixth embodiment.

[0157] (Eighth Implementation Method)

[0158] The eighth embodiment is also a variation of the sixth embodiment. Figure 20 Only the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 according to the eighth embodiment is shown. The second housing 20 has a bearing portion 26 that supports the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40. Specifically, the bearing portion 26 provided in the second housing 20 is a structure that supports one end and the other end of the rotation shaft 41 in the axial direction CL.

[0159] Furthermore, the second housing 20 has a portion 22 (i.e., a spring bearing portion 22) on the vehicle body side relative to the bearing portion 26, which supports one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 constituting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 as described in the first embodiment. The spring bearing portion 22 is provided with a threaded hole 221 for fixing one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 by bolts or the like. The leaf spring 31 is an example of an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. That is, the second housing 20 is a structure capable of supporting the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0160] Furthermore, the second housing 20 extends from the spring support portion 22 toward the front of the vehicle, and has a portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body along its path. The portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body extends to the left and right sides respectively, and is provided with a hole 24 extending along the thickness direction of the plate. The second housing 20 is fixed to the floor 2 or front bulkhead of the vehicle by inserting bolts (not shown) or the like into the hole 24. In addition, in the second housing 20, the bearing portion 26, the spring support portion 22 that supports the reaction force generating mechanism 30, and the portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body are integrally formed by the rigid body portion 21.

[0161] The eighth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the sixth and seventh embodiments by having the same structure.

[0162] (Ninth Implementation)

[0163] The ninth embodiment, like the eighth embodiment, is a variation of the sixth and seventh embodiments. Figure 21 Only the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 according to the ninth embodiment is shown. The second housing 20 has a bearing portion 26 that supports the rotation shaft 41 of the pedal pad 40.

[0164] Furthermore, the second housing 20 has a spring bearing portion 22 at the part located on the vehicle body side relative to the bearing portion 26, for supporting one end 311 of the leaf spring 31 described in the first embodiment. This means the second housing 20 is structured to support the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0165] The ninth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the sixth to eighth embodiments by having the same structure.

[0166] (Tenth Implementation)

[0167] like Figure 22As shown, in the tenth embodiment, the bearing member 46 that supports the rotation axis 41 of the pedal pad 40 is directly mounted on the floor 2 or the front bulkhead (i.e., the vehicle body).

[0168] The second housing 20 is a structure installed on the floor 2 or the front bulkhead (i.e., the vehicle body) at a position away from the bearing member 46. The second housing 20 has a spring-bearing portion 27 for mounting a coil spring 32. This coil spring 32 is an example of an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. That is, the second housing 20 supports the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0169] The first housing 10 covers the coil spring 32, which is an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30, and the upper bracket 37 provided at the upper end of the coil spring 32. The first housing 10 has the largest opening 15 on the vehicle body side where the pedal device 1 is provided. Furthermore, the largest opening 15 of the first housing 10 is closed by the second housing 20.

[0170] The tenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment by using the same structure. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the tenth embodiment can simplify the structure of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0171] (Eighteenth and twelfth implementation methods)

[0172] The eleventh and twelfth embodiments to be described next are embodiments obtained by changing part of the structure of the second housing 20 compared to the fourth embodiment, etc. The other structures are the same as the fourth embodiment, etc., so only the parts that are different from the fourth embodiment, etc. will be described.

[0173] (Eleventh Implementation Method)

[0174] like Figure 23 As shown, the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 in the eleventh embodiment has a rigid body portion 21 with a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing 10 and a resin portion 28 for molding the rigid body portion 21. The rigid body portion 21 and the resin portion 28 of the second housing 20 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0175] The rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 is disposed between the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40 and the vehicle body. In the eleventh embodiment, the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 is disposed on the reaction force generating mechanism 30 side and the resin portion 28 is disposed on the vehicle body side. A spring bearing portion 27 for mounting a coil spring 32 is provided on the rigid body portion 21. The coil spring 32 is an example of an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. That is, the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 supports the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0176] The eleventh embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as the first embodiment by using the same structure. Furthermore, the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 in the eleventh embodiment has at least a rigid body 21, which supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Therefore, even when the driver applies a pedal force to the pedal pad 40 and a high load is input from the reaction force generating mechanism 30 to the rigid body 21, the deformation of the rigid body 21 is small. Thus, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 can output a stable reaction force to the pedal pad 40. In this way, by adding a necessary minimum component such as a rigid body 21 to the portion 22 supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30, the pedal device 1 can stabilize the pedal force characteristics and minimize the increase in weight of the pedal device 1, achieving weight reduction.

[0177] (Twelfth Implementation)

[0178] like Figure 24 As shown, the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 in the twelfth embodiment also has a rigid body portion 21 and a resin portion 28. The rigid body portion 21 and the resin portion 28 of the second housing 20 are integrally formed by insert molding.

[0179] The rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 is disposed between the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40 and the vehicle body. In the twelfth embodiment, the second housing 20 has a resin portion 28 disposed on the reaction force generating mechanism 30 side and a rigid body portion 21 disposed on the vehicle body side. A spring bearing portion 27 for mounting a coil spring 32 is provided in the resin portion 28. The coil spring 32 is an example of an elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30. The rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 is disposed on the vehicle body side of the spring bearing portion 27 provided in the resin portion 28. With this structure, the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 supports the portion of the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0180] like Figure 25 As shown, the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 integrally includes a portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body. In the second housing 20, the portion supporting the reaction force generating mechanism 30 (i.e., the spring bearing portion 27) and the portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body are integrally formed. The portion 23 for fixing to the vehicle body extends from the rigid body portion 21 to the left and right, respectively, beyond the first housing 10, and is provided with a hole 24 extending along the thickness direction of the plate. Furthermore, the second housing 20 is fixed to the vehicle floor 2 or front bulkhead by inserting bolts (not shown) or the like into the hole 24.

[0181] The twelfth embodiment described above can also achieve the same functional effects as the first embodiment by having the same structure. Furthermore, the second housing 20 of the pedal device 1 in the twelfth embodiment also has a structure in which at least a portion has a rigid body 21, and the rigid body 21 supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 opposite to the pedal pad 40. Therefore, the pedal device 1 of the twelfth embodiment can also achieve the same functional effects as the eleventh embodiment.

[0182] (Implementation methods thirteen to twenty-two)

[0183] The following thirteenth to twenty-second embodiments describe the methods for fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, relative to the first embodiment and others; other structures are the same as in the first embodiment. Specifically, embodiments thirteenth to fifteenth are examples of fixing methods using bolts 60 as fixing members. Embodiments sixteenth to eighteenth are examples of fixing methods based on snap-fit ​​engagement. Embodiment nineteenth is an example of a fixing method based on riveting. Embodiments twenty to twenty-second are examples of fixing methods in which a positioning structure is added.

[0184] (Thirteenth Implementation Method)

[0185] like Figure 26 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the thirteenth embodiment includes a first housing 10 having flange portions 18 extending outward from the portions of the second housing 20 on the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 13, respectively. A hole 19 extending through the flange portion 18 along the thickness direction is provided. On the other hand, a threaded hole 29 is provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the hole 19 in the flange portion 18. An internal thread (not shown) is provided on the inner wall of the threaded hole 29. Furthermore, a bolt 60, serving as a fixing member, is inserted from the outside of the first housing 10 through the hole 19 in the flange portion 18 and engages with the threaded hole 29 in the second housing 20. This structure secures the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0186] In the thirteenth embodiment described above, the bolt 60, which serves as a fixing member when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, is positioned in a position visible to the occupant. Therefore, the bolt 60 can be removed while the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be separated as needed.

[0187] (Fourteenth Implementation)

[0188] like Figure 27 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the fourteenth embodiment has a first housing 10 with threaded holes 101 opening toward the second housing 20 on the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 13. An internal thread (not shown) is provided on the inner wall of the threaded hole 101. On the other hand, a hole portion 201 extending along the plate thickness direction is provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the threaded hole 101 of the first housing 10. The hole portion 201 in the second housing 20 includes a small-diameter hole 202 on the first housing 10 side and a large-diameter hole 203 on the vehicle body side. The small-diameter hole 202 is sized to allow the shaft of a bolt 60, which serves as a fixing member, to pass through, and the large-diameter hole 203 is sized to accommodate the head of the bolt 60. A stepped surface 204 is provided between the small-diameter hole 202 and the large-diameter hole 203.

[0189] Furthermore, the bolt 60, serving as a fixing component, passes through the large-diameter hole 203 and the small-diameter hole 202 from the outside of the second housing 20 and engages with the threaded hole 101 of the first housing 10. The head of the bolt 60 abuts against the stepped surface 204 when it is contained in the large-diameter hole 203. Through this structure, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed together.

[0190] In the fourteenth embodiment described above, the bolt 60, which serves as a fixing member when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, is positioned in a location not visible to the occupants. Therefore, the bolt 60 cannot be removed while the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body. Consequently, it is possible to prevent the pedal assembly 1 from being arbitrarily disassembled.

[0191] (Fifteenth Implementation)

[0192] like Figure 28As shown, the pedal device 1 of the fifteenth embodiment includes a second housing 20 having a vertical wall portion 205 extending outward from the first housing 10 along the left side wall 12 and right side wall 13 of the first housing 10. A hole 206 is provided in the vertical wall portion 205, penetrating to the side of the first housing 10. On the other hand, threaded holes 102 are provided in the left side wall 12 and right side wall 13 of the first housing 10 at positions corresponding to the hole 206 in the vertical wall portion 205. An internal thread (not shown) is provided on the inner wall of the threaded hole 102. Furthermore, a bolt 60, serving as a fixing member, is inserted from the outside of the vertical wall portion 205 through the hole 206 in the vertical wall portion 205 and screwed into the threaded hole 102 of the first housing 10. This structure secures the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0193] In the fifteenth embodiment described above, the bolt 60, which serves as a fixing member when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, is positioned in a position visible to the occupant. Therefore, the bolt 60 can be removed while the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be separated as needed.

[0194] (Sixteenth Implementation)

[0195] like Figure 29 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the sixteenth embodiment includes a first housing 10 having a locking claw 103 for engaging with the second housing 20, protruding from the side wall 12 and the side wall 13 facing the second housing 20. A front protrusion 104 is provided at the front end of the locking claw 103, protruding in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 face each other.

[0196] On the other hand, a through hole 201 is provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the locking claw 103 of the first housing 10, extending along the plate thickness direction. The hole 201 provided in the second housing 20 includes a small-diameter hole 202 on the side of the first housing 10 and a large-diameter hole 203 on the side of the vehicle body. The small-diameter hole 202 is formed to allow the locking claw 103 to pass through, and the large-diameter hole 203 is formed to accommodate the front protrusion 104 of the locking claw 103. A stepped surface 204 is provided between the small-diameter hole 202 and the large-diameter hole 203.

[0197] Furthermore, the locking claw 103 protruding from the first housing 10 passes through the small-diameter hole 202 of the second housing 20 to the large-diameter hole 203, and is locked with the stepped surface 204 when the front protrusion 104 of the locking claw 103 is housed in the large-diameter hole 203. Through this structure, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed.

[0198] In the sixteenth embodiment described above, a snap-fit ​​engagement is used in fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, thereby improving assemblability. Furthermore, in the sixteenth embodiment, the locking claw 103 for the snap-fit ​​engagement is positioned in a location not visible to the occupant when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body. Therefore, the snap-fit ​​engagement cannot be removed while the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body. Thus, it is possible to prevent the pedal assembly 1 from being arbitrarily disassembled.

[0199] (Seventeenth Implementation)

[0200] The seventeenth embodiment is a variation of the sixteenth embodiment. For example... Figure 30 As shown, the first housing 10 of the pedal device 1 in the seventeenth embodiment also has a locking claw 103 for snap-fit ​​engagement. In the seventeenth embodiment, a front protrusion 104 is provided around the approximately full circumference of the locking claw 103.

[0201] In the seventeenth embodiment, the locking claw 103 protruding from the first housing 10 passes through the small-diameter hole 202 of the second housing 20 to the large-diameter hole 203, and is locked to the stepped surface 204 with the front protrusion 104 of the locking claw 103 retracted into the large-diameter hole 203. This structure secures the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0202] The seventeenth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the sixteenth embodiment.

[0203] (Eighteenth Implementation)

[0204] like Figure 31 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the eighteenth embodiment includes a first housing 10 with a locking claw 103 protruding outward along the left side wall 12 and right side wall 13 for engaging. The locking claw 103 has an inclined shape in which the wall thickness gradually increases as it moves away from the second housing 20 side. On the other hand, the second housing 20 has a vertical wall portion 205 that extends outward from the first housing 10 along the left side wall 12 and right side wall 13 of the first housing 10. A hole 210 for engaging the locking claw 103 is provided in the vertical wall portion 205 at a position corresponding to the locking claw 103 of the first housing 10.

[0205] The locking claws 103 protruding from the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 13 of the first housing 10 engage with the holes 210 provided on the vertical wall portion 205 of the second housing 20, and are locked onto the inner wall surface 211 on the opposite side of the vehicle body in the holes of the vertical wall portion 205. This structure fixes the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0206] In the eighteenth embodiment described above, a snap-fit ​​engagement is used in fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, thereby improving assemblability. Furthermore, in the eighteenth embodiment, the locking claw 103 for the snap-fit ​​engagement is positioned in a position visible to the occupant when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body. Therefore, the locking claw 103 for the snap-fit ​​engagement can be removed while the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle body, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be separated as needed.

[0207] (Nineteenth Implementation)

[0208] In the nineteenth embodiment, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed by riveting. For example... Figure 32 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the nineteenth embodiment includes a first housing 10 having a column portion 105 and a large-diameter portion 106 protruding from the surfaces of the left side wall 12 and the right side wall 13 facing the second housing 20. The first housing 10, the column portion 105, and the large-diameter portion 106 are integrally formed from a continuous material. Furthermore, the large-diameter portion 106 is formed to be larger than the column portion 105. Additionally, as... Figure 32 As shown by the dashed line 107, before the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed, the column portion 105 and the large-diameter portion 106 are formed to be the same size. When the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed, the large-diameter portion 106 is processed to be larger than the column portion 105 by hot riveting.

[0209] On the other hand, a through hole 201 is provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the pillar portion 105 and the large-diameter portion 106 of the first housing 10, extending along the plate thickness direction. The through hole 201 provided in the second housing 20 includes a small-diameter hole 202 on the side of the first housing 10 and a large-diameter hole 203 on the side of the vehicle body. The small-diameter hole 202 is formed to allow the pillar portion 105 to pass through, and the large-diameter hole 203 is formed to accommodate the large-diameter portion 106. A stepped surface 204 is provided between the small-diameter hole 202 and the large-diameter hole 203.

[0210] When assembling the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, Figure 32 The protrusion shown by the dashed line 107 is inserted into the hole 201 provided in the second housing 20. Furthermore, the front end of the protrusion is heated to melt and deform it, thus forming a large-diameter portion 106. In this way, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are riveted and fixed together.

[0211] In the nineteenth embodiment described above, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are fixed by thermal riveting. Therefore, the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 cannot be separated unless the pillar portion 105 and the large-diameter portion 106 are cut off. Furthermore, in the nineteenth embodiment, the pillar portion 105 and the large-diameter portion 106 protruding from the first housing 10 are positioned in a location not visible to the occupant when the pedal device 1 is installed in the vehicle body. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the pedal device 1 from being arbitrarily disassembled.

[0212] In addition, as a variation of the nineteenth embodiment, although the illustration is omitted, a column portion and a large-diameter portion may be provided in the second housing 20 and a hole portion may be provided on the side of the first housing 10, and the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 may be fixed by riveting.

[0213] (Twentieth Implementation)

[0214] The twentieth embodiment is an example obtained by adding a positioning structure to the fixing method described in the thirteenth embodiment. For example... Figure 33 As shown, the positioning structure 62 of the pedal device 1 in the twentieth embodiment includes a first positioning portion 63 provided on the flange portion 18 of the first housing 10 and a second positioning portion 64 provided on the second housing 20. In the twentieth embodiment, the first positioning portion 63 is a protrusion that protrudes from the flange portion 18 of the first housing 10 toward the second housing 20. On the other hand, the second positioning portion 64 is a recess provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the first positioning portion 63. By fitting the protrusion as the first positioning portion 63 and the recess as the second positioning portion 64, the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be precisely defined. In addition, the positioning structure 62 may be provided at the same location as the location where the bolt 60, which is a fixing member, is installed, or it may be provided at a different location than the location where the bolt 60 is installed.

[0215] exist Figures 34-36 The image shows an example of the shapes of the first positioning portion 63 and the second positioning portion 64 that constitute the positioning structure 62. Figure 34 As shown, the first positioning part 63 can be set in a cylindrical shape and the second positioning part 64 can be set in a corresponding cylindrical shape. Figure 35 and Figure 36 As shown, the first positioning part 63 can also be set as a quadrangular prism and the second positioning part 64 can be set as a corresponding square tube.

[0216] Alternatively, although the illustration is omitted, various structures such as pins or ribs can be used as the protrusions constituting the positioning structure 62, and various structures such as grooves or holes can be used as the recesses constituting the positioning structure 62.

[0217] In the twentieth embodiment described above, the positioning structure 62 precisely defines the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20. Accordingly, compared to the case where the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are assembled solely by bolts 60, the pedal device 1, by providing the positioning structure 62, can improve the accuracy of the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20.

[0218] In addition, in the twentieth embodiment, bolts 60 are used as a method for fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, but it is not limited to this. Clip-on or riveting can also be used.

[0219] (Twenty-first implementation method)

[0220] like Figure 37 As shown, the twenty-first embodiment is an example obtained by adding a positioning structure 62 to the fixing method described in the fourteenth embodiment. Furthermore, the positioning structure 62 described in the twenty-first embodiment is a variation of the positioning structure 62 described in the twenty-tenth embodiment.

[0221] The positioning structure 62 of the pedal device 1 in the twenty-first embodiment includes a first positioning portion 63 provided in the first housing 10 and a second positioning portion 64 provided in the second housing 20. In the twenty-first embodiment, the first positioning portion 63 is a recess provided in the first housing 10. On the other hand, the second positioning portion 64 is a protrusion provided in the second housing 20 at a position corresponding to the first positioning portion 63. By engaging the recess of the first positioning portion 63 with the protrusion of the second positioning portion 64, the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is precisely defined. Furthermore, the positioning structure 62 may be provided at the same location as the location where the bolt 60, which serves as a fixing member, is installed, or it may be provided at a location different from the location where the bolt 60 is installed.

[0222] In the twenty-first embodiment described above, the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 is precisely defined by the positioning structure 62. Accordingly, compared with the case where the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 are assembled solely by bolts 60, the pedal device 1 can improve the accuracy of the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 by providing the positioning structure 62.

[0223] In addition, in the twenty-first embodiment, bolts 60 are used as fixing members as a method for fixing the first housing 10 and the second housing 20, but it is not limited to this. Clip-on or riveting can also be used.

[0224] (Twenty-second implementation method)

[0225] In the twenty-second embodiment, another example of the positioning structure 62 will be described. For example... Figure 38 and Figure 39 As shown, in the twenty-second embodiment, the positioning structure 62 includes a first positioning portion 65 disposed on the left side wall 12 or the right side wall 13 of the first housing 10 and a second positioning portion 66 disposed on the vertical wall portion 205 of the second housing 20. In the twenty-second embodiment, the first positioning portion 65 is a protrusion protruding outward from the left side wall 12 or the right side wall 13 of the first housing 10. On the other hand, the second positioning portion 66 is a recess disposed on the vertical wall portion 205 of the second housing 20. By engaging the protrusion of the first positioning portion 65 with the recess of the second positioning portion 66, the assembly position of the first housing 10 and the second housing 20 can be precisely defined.

[0226] The twenty-second embodiment described above can also achieve the same effect as the twenty-first and twenty-first embodiments.

[0227] (Twenty-third Implementation)

[0228] like Figure 40 As shown, the pedal device 1 of the twenty-third embodiment is a device in which the brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal device 4 are integrally formed. The brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal device 4 are disposed in a common second housing 20. In addition, the accelerator pedal device 4 is a drive-by-wire type device. Drive-by-wire refers to a system in which the opening and closing of the electronic throttle or the drive of the driving motor is controlled by the ECU mounted on the vehicle based on the electrical signal output from the sensor unit that detects the swing angle of the accelerator pedal 400. In addition, the swing angle of the accelerator pedal 400 can be referred to as the travel of the accelerator pedal 400.

[0229] The structure of the brake pedal device 3 is substantially the same as that described in the first embodiment. However, the second housing 20 of the brake pedal device 3 has a fixing portion 200 that extends outward from the outer edge of the first housing 10 of the brake pedal device 3 and supports the housing 401 of the accelerator pedal device 4. The portion 230 supporting the brake pedal device 3 and the fixing portion 200 supporting the accelerator pedal device 4 in the second housing 20 are integrally formed from a continuous material.

[0230] In the twenty-third embodiment, the second housing 20 is also constructed from a component whose Young's modulus is greater than that of the first housing 10 of the brake pedal device 3, similar to the first embodiment, or has at least a portion of a component whose Young's modulus is greater than that of the first housing 10. Furthermore, the second housing 20 uses a rigid body portion 21 to support the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism 30 of the brake pedal device 3 on the side opposite to the pedal pad 40.

[0231] In the twenty-third embodiment described above, the second housing 20 has a fixing portion 200 that extends outward from the outer edge of the first housing 10 of the brake pedal device 3 and supports the accelerator pedal device 4. Accordingly, the brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal device 4 can be integrated. Therefore, it is possible to assemble them in a vehicle while maintaining the positional relationship between the pedal pad 40 of the brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal 400 of the accelerator pedal device 4. Specifically, it is possible to assemble them in a vehicle while maintaining the positional relationship where the accelerator pedal 400 is positioned away from the occupant compared to the pedal pad 40 of the brake pedal device 3. Therefore, the assemblability of the brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal device 4 into the vehicle can be improved, and vehicle safety can be enhanced. Furthermore, the brake pedal device 3 and the accelerator pedal device 4 can be easily installed in the vehicle as a single component.

[0232] (Other implementation methods)

[0233] (1) In the above embodiments, the brake pedal device has been described as an example of the pedal device 1, but it is not limited thereto. The pedal device 1 may also be an accelerator pedal device. Alternatively, the pedal device 1 may also be a device operated by the driver with his foot.

[0234] (2) In the above embodiments, as an example of the pedal device 1, the structure in which the pedal pad 40 and the main cylinder 126 are not mechanically connected has been described, but it is not limited to this. For example, the pedal device 1 may also be a device in which the pedal pad 40 and the main cylinder 126 are mechanically connected.

[0235] (3) In the above embodiments, as examples of the reaction force generating mechanism 30, a structure consisting of a combination of leaf spring 31 and multiple coil springs 33 and 34, and a structure consisting of a single coil spring 32 have been described, but it is not limited to these. For example, the reaction force generating mechanism 30 may also be composed of multiple coil springs 33 and 34, or it may also be composed of one or more leaf springs 31. Alternatively, it may be configured such that the pedal pad 40 is mechanically connected to the master cylinder 126 and the master cylinder 126 generates the reaction force relative to the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal pad 40.

[0236] (4) In the above embodiments, the brake-by-wire system 100 is described as having a structure in which the master cylinder 126 is used to generate hydraulic pressure on the brake fluid flowing in the brake circuit 120, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the brake-by-wire system 100 may also be configured to use a hydraulic pump to generate hydraulic pressure on the brake fluid flowing in the brake circuit 120.

[0237] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the ECU110 is illustrated as being composed of a first ECU111 and a second ECU112, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the ECU110 may also be composed of one or more ECUs.

[0238] (6) In the eleventh and twelfth embodiments described above, the structure in which the second housing 20 has a rigid body portion 21 in a portion of the resin portion 28 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, the rigid body portion 21 of the second housing 20 may also be embedded in the resin portion 28.

[0239] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and appropriate modifications are permissible. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not unrelated to each other; they can be appropriately combined except in cases where they are explicitly impossible to combine. Additionally, in the embodiments described above, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential elements, except where they are specifically stated to be necessary or are explicitly considered necessary in principle. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, 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 it is specifically stated to be necessary or is explicitly limited to a specific number in principle. Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, 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 it is specifically stated or is limited to a specific shape or positional relationship in principle.

Claims

1. A pedal device, which is an organ-type pedal device that sends an electrical signal corresponding to the driver's pedal operation amount to the vehicle's electronic control device, characterized in that, have: A pedal pad that swings around a predetermined axis when pressed down by the driver's foot, wherein the part of the pedal pad that is pressed down by the driver is positioned above the axis in the vertical direction when the vehicle is mounted. A sensor unit that outputs a signal corresponding to the swing angle of the pedal pad; A reaction force generating mechanism having an elastic member that generates a reaction force with respect to the pedal force applied to the pedal pad by the driver; A first housing that holds or covers at least one of the rotational shaft of the pivot point of the pedal pad, the sensor unit, and the reaction force generating mechanism; as well as The second housing is composed of a rigid body portion having a Young's modulus greater than that of the first housing, or has at least a portion of the rigid body portion therein, which supports the portion of the reaction force generating mechanism opposite to the pedal pad.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid body is disposed between the part of the reaction force generating mechanism opposite to the pedal pad and the vehicle body.

3. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the second housing, the part that supports the reaction force generating mechanism and the part that is fixed to the vehicle body are integrally formed by the rigid body.

4. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rigid body is made of metal.

5. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first housing has an opening on at least one side into which the reaction force generating mechanism can be inserted, and the first housing and the second housing that closes the opening together cover the reaction force generating mechanism.

6. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing has a bearing portion that supports the rotation axis of the pedal pad so that it can rotate.

7. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The second housing has a bearing portion that supports the rotating shaft of the pedal pad so that it can rotate.

8. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing is configured to have a maximum opening on the side where the second housing is disposed, which allows the elastic member of the reaction force generating mechanism to be inserted in a non-deflecting state, and the maximum opening is blocked by the second housing.

9. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The reaction force generating mechanism has a plurality of the elastic components.

10. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The elastic member includes at least one leaf spring. The leaf spring is fixed to the rigid body portion of the second housing.

11. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are fixed together by a fixing member. The fixing member is fixed to the first housing by passing through the hole provided in the second housing from the position that is the side of the vehicle body when the pedal device is installed on the vehicle body.

12. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are fixed together by a snap-fit ​​mechanism. The locking claws of the buckle are positioned in a location not visible to the occupants when the pedal device is installed on the vehicle body.

13. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The first housing and the second housing are riveted together by a hole provided in one of the first housing and the second housing, a post protruding from the other of the first housing and the second housing and inserted into the hole, and a large-diameter portion integrally formed of a material continuous with the post and formed to be larger than the hole.

14. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The assembly positions of the first housing and the second housing are defined by a positioning structure, which is a structure in which a first positioning part disposed on the first housing and a second positioning part disposed on the second housing fit together.

15. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pedal mechanism is one of the accelerator pedal mechanism and the brake pedal mechanism in a vehicle. The second housing has a fixing portion that extends outward beyond the outer edge of the first housing to support the other of the accelerator pedal device or the brake pedal device.

16. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pedal device is a brake pedal device used in a brake-by-wire system, which utilizes the drive control of the electronic control device based on the output signal of the sensor unit to generate the hydraulic pressure required for braking the vehicle in the brake circuit.

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