Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal device is provided with: a pedal (40) which is operated by a driver (81) from a predetermined operation side; and a reaction force generation mechanism (60) disposed on an operation-opposite side, which is the side opposite to the operation side, with respect to the pedal. The reaction force generating mechanism includes: an elastic portion; and first retainers (67, 74) which are in contact with the elastic part from the pedal side in the one direction (Dsa) and which have first retaining parts (673, 749). Furthermore, the reaction force generating mechanism has a second holder (68, 74) that is in contact with the elastic part from the other side in the one direction and has a second retaining part (685, 747). The pedal prevents the first holder from moving toward one side in the one direction in a non-treading state, thereby maintaining a state in which the elastic portion is compressed and deformed in the one direction. The second retaining portion prevents the first retainer from moving beyond a predetermined limit toward one side of the one direction with respect to the second retainer when the stopping of the pedal on the movement of the first retainer toward one side of the one direction is released.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-85295 filed on May 25, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device provided in a vehicle. Background Art

[0004] As such a pedal device, a pedal simulator is conventionally known, for example, as described in Patent Document 1. The pedal simulator described in Patent Document 1 includes a brake pedal, an operating rod connected to the brake pedal, a cylinder, a piston provided in the cylinder to receive a force from the operating rod, a plurality of coil springs, and a plurality of spring seats.

[0005] The plurality of coil springs are disposed in the cylinder in a state of elastic compression deformation, thereby elastically supporting the piston and generating a force resisting the force of the working rod. In addition, a plurality of spring seats are disposed in the cylinder, supporting the plurality of coil springs in a state of being sandwiched between the plurality of coil springs. The piston is pushed by the working rod as the driver steps on the brake pedal, and moves in the cylinder in the axial direction of the cylinder, which is the moving direction of the piston.

[0006] In addition, the cylinder has a stopper wall on the side opposite to the piston and the coil spring side in the axial direction of the cylinder. Furthermore, in a non-stepping state where the driver does not step on the brake pedal, the piston moves toward the working rod side due to the force of the plurality of coil springs, but stops when it hits the stopper wall. That is, the stopper wall of the cylinder has a non-stepping stopper function that prevents the piston from moving toward the working rod side when the brake pedal is in a non-stepping state. By this non-stepping stopper function, the piston, the plurality of coil springs, and the plurality of spring seats are maintained in a state of being accommodated in the cylinder.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2014-84091 Summary of the invention

[0010] However, in the pedal simulator of Patent Document 1, the stopper wall of the cylinder is damaged for some reason, and thus, it is considered that the above-mentioned stopper function when not pedaling is lost. When the stopper function when not pedaling is lost, the piston is separated from the cylinder due to the force of the plurality of coil springs, for example, flying out to the driver's side. After detailed research by the inventors, the above situation was found.

[0011] In view of the above situation, the object of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device which can prevent the first retainer from being separated from the second retainer due to the force of the elastic part when the stopper function is damaged when not stepping on the pedal. In addition, the first retainer corresponds to the piston of Patent Document 1, the second retainer corresponds to the cylinder of Patent Document 1, and the elastic part corresponds to the plurality of coil springs of Patent Document 1.

[0012] In order to achieve the above object, according to one viewpoint of the present disclosure,

[0013] The pedal device is a pedal device provided on a vehicle and comprises:

[0014] A supporting body, mounted on the vehicle body;

[0015] a pedal which is provided so as to be swingable relative to the support body and is operated by the driver by stepping on it from a predetermined operating side; and

[0016] The reaction force generating mechanism is supported by the supporting body and is arranged on the side opposite to the operation side, that is, the operation opposite side, with respect to the pedal, and generates a reaction force with respect to the pedal force applied to the pedal by the driver.

[0017] The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: an elastic portion including one or more elastic members capable of elastic deformation in one direction; a first retainer abutting against the elastic portion from one side as a pedal side in the one direction and having a first anti-slip portion; and a second retainer abutting against the elastic portion from the other side opposite to the one side in the one direction and having a second anti-slip portion.

[0018] When the pedal is in a non-stepping state where the pedal is not stepped on by the driver, the first retainer is prevented from moving to one side in the one direction, thereby maintaining a state in which the elastic portion is compressed and deformed in the one direction.

[0019] When the pedal releases the blocking effect on the first retainer of the one direction, the second retainer abuts against the first retainer in the one direction, thereby preventing the first retainer from moving relative to the second retainer beyond a predetermined limit in the one direction.

[0020] Here, the case where the non-stepping stop function that prevents the first retainer from moving to one side of the above-mentioned one direction when the pedal is in the non-stepping state is damaged due to some reasons. For example, as one of the reasons why the non-stepping stop function is damaged, the case where the stopper that prevents the pedal from swinging toward the operating side in the non-stepping state is broken is considered.

[0021] In contrast, according to the pedal device, when the pedal stops the movement of the first retainer to one side in the one direction, the second anti-slip portion abuts against the first anti-slip portion in the one direction. Furthermore, by making the second anti-slip portion abut against the first anti-slip portion, the second anti-slip portion prevents the first retainer from moving relative to the second retainer to one side in the one direction beyond a prescribed limit.

[0022] Therefore, even when the stop function is impaired when not stepping on the pedal, the first retainer is retained relative to the second retainer. That is, the first retainer, the second retainer, and the elastic portion are prevented from being disassembled due to the force of the elastic portion. Thus, for example, when the stop function is impaired when not stepping on the pedal, the first retainer can be prevented from being separated from the second retainer and flying out to the driver's side due to the force of the elastic portion. This improves the safety of the vehicle equipped with the pedal device.

[0023] In addition, the reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component etc. represent an example of the correspondence relationship between the component etc. and the specific component etc. described in the embodiment described later. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a pedal device in the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 2 It is a perspective view showing the pedal device according to the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view showing the pedal device in the first embodiment using a cross section perpendicular to the pedal axis of the pedal device.

[0027] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the pedal device in the first embodiment using a cross section including the axis of the stopper when the pedal is released.

[0028] Figure 5 In the first embodiment, the Figure 3 A partial enlarged view of the V part.

[0029] Figure 6 It is a perspective view showing a one-side retainer included in the reaction force generating mechanism of the pedal device in the first embodiment.

[0030] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 The figure is a view in the VII direction, and is a view in which one side retaining member and an intermediate retaining member contained in the reaction force generating mechanism are selected.

[0031] Figure 8 yes Figure 5It is a view in the direction of VIII in the figure, and is a side view of the intermediate anti-slip portion of the intermediate retaining member.

[0032] Fig. 9 It is enlarged to show Figure 7 IX portion of the figure, and is a figure showing a single body of the intermediate retaining member.

[0033] Fig.10 So with Figure 5 The sectional view shows the same cross section of the one side retainer and the middle retainer, and shows a state in which the stopper is damaged for some reason when released and the other surface of the middle anti-detachment part abuts against one surface of the one side anti-detachment part.

[0034] Fig.11 is a diagram schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the second embodiment, and is an enlarged view of the elastic unit corresponding to Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of a portion of a V portion.

[0035] Fig.12 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the third embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0036] Fig.13 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the fourth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0037] Fig.14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the fifth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0038] Fig.15 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the sixth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0039] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the seventh embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0040] Fig.17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the eighth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0041] Fig.18 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the ninth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0042] Fig.19 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the tenth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0043] Fig. 20 This is a view showing the one side retainer and the other side retainer included in the reaction force generating mechanism in the eleventh embodiment when viewed from one side toward the other side in the unit axial direction, and is equivalent to Figure 7 .

[0044] Fig.21 In the 11th embodiment, Fig. 20 The XXI-XXI section schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0045] Fig. 22 In the 11th embodiment, Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view of section XXII-XXII of the pedal, and is a diagram showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state.

[0046] Fig.23 is a perspective view showing a side retainer included in the reaction force generating mechanism of the pedal device in the eleventh embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 6 .

[0047] Fig.24 is a diagram showing a one side retainer and the other side retainer included in the reaction force generating mechanism in the twelfth embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig. 20 .

[0048] Fig.25 In the twelfth embodiment, Fig.24 The XXV-XXV section schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0049] Fig.26 This is a diagram showing one side retainer as a single body in the twelfth embodiment.

[0050] Fig. 27 is a diagram showing a side retainer and an intermediate retainer included in a reaction force generating mechanism in a 13th embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 7 .

[0051] Fig.28 In the 13th embodiment, Fig. 27The XXVIII-XXVIII section schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0052] Fig.29 yes Fig.28 It is a view in the XXIX direction in the figure, and is a side view of the intermediate anti-slip portion of the intermediate retaining member.

[0053] Fig.30 It is enlarged to show Fig. 27 XXX portion of the figure, and is a figure showing a single body of the intermediate retainer.

[0054] Fig.31 is a diagram showing a one-side retainer and a second-side retainer included in a reaction force generating mechanism in a 14th embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig. 20 .

[0055] Fig.32 In the 14th embodiment, Fig.31 The XXXII-XXXII section schematically represents a cross-sectional view of the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0056] Fig.33 It is a perspective view schematically showing a combined state of one side holder and the other side holder in the fourteenth embodiment.

[0057] Fig.34 is a diagram showing a side retainer and an intermediate retainer included in a reaction force generating mechanism in a fifteenth embodiment, and is equivalent to Figure 7 .

[0058] Fig.35 In the 15th embodiment, Fig.34 The XXXV-XXXV section of the diagram schematically shows a cross-sectional view of the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state, and is equivalent to Fig.11 .

[0059] Fig.36 In the fifteenth embodiment, Fig.34 It is a cross-sectional view of the XXXVI-XXXVI section of the pedal, and is a diagram showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state.

[0060] Fig.37 This is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a manufacturing process for completing an assembly of one side retainer, an intermediate retainer, and a first coil spring in the fifteenth embodiment.

[0061] Fig.38is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit when the pedal is in a non-stepped state in the 16th embodiment, and is equivalent to Fig.11 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0062] Hereinafter, each embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. In each of the following embodiments, the same or equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0063] (First embodiment)

[0064] like Figure 1 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 80 and is stepped on by a pedal force of a driver 81 who is a passenger of the vehicle 80. The pedal device 1 is provided in the vehicle 80 as a brake pedal device for performing a braking operation to brake the vehicle 80.

[0065] In detail, Figure 1 A brake-by-wire system 82 is adopted in a vehicle 80, and the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device for the brake-by-wire system 82. The brake-by-wire system 82 is a system that drives the brake pads of each wheel via a brake circuit by utilizing the hydraulic pressure generated in a master cylinder by drive control of an electronic control device 83 mounted on the vehicle 80 based on an electrical signal output from the pedal device 1.

[0066] also, Figure 1 The double-headed arrows in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 respectively indicate the direction of the vehicle 80 equipped with the pedal device 1. Figure 1 In the figure, the vehicle front-rear direction Da, which is the front-rear direction of the vehicle 80, and the vehicle up-down direction Db, which is the up-down direction of the vehicle 80 (in other words, the top-bottom direction of the vehicle 80), are indicated by bidirectional arrows. In the description of the present embodiment, the front in the vehicle front-rear direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle front, the rear in the vehicle front-rear direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle rear, the top in the vehicle up-down direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle top, and the bottom in the vehicle up-down direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle bottom.

[0067] like Figure 1 to Figure 3 As shown, the pedal device 1 includes a housing 10, a base plate 20, a rotating shaft 31, a connecting plate 32, a pedal 40, a reaction force generating mechanism 60, a connecting rod 76, a cover member 77, and a rotation angle sensor 79. The pedal device 1 is an organ-type pedal device.

[0068] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, the accordion-type pedal device 1 refers to a structure in which the portion of the pedal 40 stepped on by the driver 81 is arranged above the vehicle relative to the swing center CL of the pedal 40 (in other words, above the top-bottom direction when mounted on the vehicle). Moreover, in the accordion-type pedal device 1, as the pedal force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40 increases, the pedal 40 swings in a direction in which the portion of the pedal 40 that is above the vehicle relative to the swing center CL approaches the floor 2 or the front panel in the vehicle compartment. In addition, the swing center CL of the pedal 40 refers to the rotation center of the swinging action of the pedal 40. In the description of this embodiment, the swing center CL of the pedal 40 is also referred to as the pedal axis CL.

[0069] The housing 10 is attached to the floor panel 2 or the dash panel, etc., which are part of the vehicle body, via the bottom panel 20. That is, the housing 10 and the bottom panel 20 are non-rotating members fixed to the vehicle body so as not to rotate.

[0070] The housing 10 and the bottom plate 20 are fixed integrally and fixed to the floor 2. For example, the housing 10 is fixed to the bottom plate 20 by bolts, and the bottom plate 20 is fixed to the floor 2 by bolts. In this way, the housing 10 and the bottom plate 20 are attached to the floor 2. Moreover, the housing 10 and the bottom plate 20 function as a support body for supporting the pedal 40 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In addition, the floor 2 constitutes the floor of the vehicle compartment. In addition, the dash panel is a partition wall that divides the outside of the vehicle compartment such as the engine room of the vehicle 80 from the inside of the vehicle compartment, and is sometimes called a partition.

[0071] In addition, a housing space 10a as an internal space is formed inside the housing 10. The housing space 10a is open to the floor 2 side in the component unit of the housing 10. By attaching the bottom plate 20 to the housing 10, the opened opening portion 10b of the housing space 10a is blocked by the bottom plate 20. The reaction force generating mechanism 60 and the like are provided in the housing space 10a.

[0072] The bottom plate 20 is, for example, a plate-shaped member, and is provided on the surface of the housing 10 on the side opposite to the pedal 40. That is, the bottom plate 20 is provided on the floor 2 side relative to the housing 10, and is sandwiched between the housing 10 and the floor 2 when the pedal device 1 is mounted on the floor 2 in the vehicle.

[0073] The bottom plate 20 continuously extends from a portion on the vehicle front side to a portion on the vehicle rear side of the casing 10, and is fixed to the floor 2 of the vehicle 80 by bolts or the like as described above. The bottom plate 20 is made of, for example, metal or the like.

[0074] The rotating shaft 31 is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft support portion 13 constituting a part of the housing 10. Specifically, a rotating shaft hole 13a is formed inside the rotating shaft support portion 13 and extends axially of the pedal shaft center CL with the pedal shaft center CL as the center, and the rotating shaft 31 is inserted into the rotating shaft hole 13a.

[0075] Furthermore, a rotation angle sensor 79 is attached to the rotation shaft support portion 13. As the rotation angle sensor 79, for example, a non-contact type sensor using a Hall IC or a magnetoresistive element or the like may be adopted, or a contact type sensor may be adopted.

[0076] The rotation angle sensor 79 provided in the rotation shaft support portion 13 detects the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 31 and outputs an electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 31 to the electronic control device 83 (see Figure 1 ). In addition, the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 are fixed to each other and rotate integrally, so the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 31 is the same as the rotation angle of the pedal 40.

[0077] The connecting plate 32 is provided on the pedal back surface 40b, which is the surface of the pedal 40 opposite to the surface receiving the pedal force from the driver 81. The connecting plate 32 connects the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 so that the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 rotate together. Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, the connecting plate 32 integrally includes a back plate portion 321 fixed to the pedal back surface 40b of the pedal 40 and a side plate portion 322 arranged perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the back plate portion 321. The back plate portion 321 of the connecting plate 32 is fixed to the pedal 40 by, for example, screwing.

[0078] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the side plate portion 322 of the connecting plate 32 is arranged on the side of the housing 10, and one end of the rotating shaft 31 is fixed to the side plate portion 322. In this way, the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 are respectively fixed to the connecting plate 32, so that the connecting plate 32, the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 rotate integrally around the pedal axis CL.

[0079] The rotating shaft 31 is connected to the pedal 40 via the connecting plate 32. Therefore, the pedal 40 does not contact the rotating shaft support portion 13 of the housing 10 at any rotation angle within the movable range of the pedal 40, and is arranged to be separated from the rotating shaft support portion 13.

[0080] In the present embodiment, the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device, and thus the pedal 40 is a brake pedal. The pedal 40 is in the shape of a plate having a thickness in the plate thickness direction Dt and extending in the extension direction Ds, and is made of, for example, metal or resin. As the driver 81 steps on the pedal 40 from one side in the plate thickness direction Dt, the pedal 40 swings around the pedal axis CL. Therefore, one side in the plate thickness direction Dt of the pedal 40 is, in other words, the side stepped on by the driver 81, i.e., the operating side of the pedal 40. In addition, the other side of the plate thickness direction Dt, which is opposite to the one side, is, in other words, the operating opposite side of the pedal 40, which is opposite to the operating side.

[0081] Specifically, the housing 10 supports the pedal 40 via the rotating shaft 31 so that it can swing around the pedal axis CL. Moreover, the pedal 40 is fixed to the rotating shaft 31 via the connecting plate 32, so the pedal 40 is integrated with the rotating shaft 31 and swings around the pedal axis CL as the driver 81 steps on the pedal.

[0082] In addition, in the present embodiment, the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, the plate thickness direction Dt and the extension direction Ds of the pedal 40 are mutually intersecting directions, strictly speaking, mutually perpendicular directions. In addition, in the description of the present embodiment, the plate thickness direction Dt of the pedal 40 is also referred to as the pedal plate thickness direction Dt, and the extension direction Ds of the pedal 40 is also referred to as the pedal extension direction Ds.

[0083] The pedal 40 is arranged to be inclined relative to the vehicle front-rear direction Da in a non-stepped state (in other words, a released state) in which the pedal 40 is not stepped on by the driver 81. Specifically, the pedal 40 is arranged to be inclined in such a manner that the upper end of the pedal 40 is located in front of the vehicle and above the vehicle relative to the lower end. That is, in the non-stepped state of the pedal 40, one side of the pedal extension direction Ds is located below the vehicle compared to the other side of the pedal extension direction Ds, and the pedal 40 extends in a plate shape. In addition, in the present embodiment, even in the maximum stepping state of the pedal 40 described later, one side of the pedal extension direction Ds is located below the vehicle compared to the other side of the pedal extension direction Ds.

[0084] In addition, the thickness of the pedal 40 is not constant, and the pedal 40 has a thick portion 411 and a thin portion 412 arranged on one side of the pedal extension direction Ds relative to the thick portion 411. The thick portion 411 is thicker than the thin portion 412. For example, in the thick portion 411, a structure is formed in which other plate-like components are laminated and fixed on one side of the plate thickness direction Dt relative to a plate-like portion extending from the thin portion 412 and having the same thickness as the thin portion 412. In the present embodiment, the surface of the pedal 40 formed on the thick portion 411 facing one side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt functions as the tread surface 40a of the pedal 40 stepped on by the driver 81 when the driver 81 performs a stepping operation.

[0085] The pedal 40 has a pedal back surface 40b provided on the other side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt of the pedal 40. The pedal back surface 40b is an outer side facing the other side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. The pedal back surface 40b is formed over the entire length of the pedal 40 in the pedal extension direction Ds.

[0086] Here, regarding the positional relationship between the pedal 40 and the rotation shaft 31, the rotation shaft 31 is arranged on the other side of the pedal back surface 40b in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. In addition, the housing 10 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60 are arranged on the other side of the pedal 40 in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt.

[0087] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the pedal 40 swings around the pedal axis CL within a limited predetermined rotation angle range (in other words, movable range) of less than one turn in accordance with the pedal operation of the driver 81. Specifically, the above rotation angle range in the swinging action of the pedal 40 is a range from the minimum rotation position to the maximum rotation position of the pedal 40. That is, the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is the minimum rotation position in the non-stepped state of the pedal 40, and the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is the maximum rotation position in the maximum stepped state where the pedal 40 is stepped on to the maximum extent by the driver 81.

[0088] also, Figure 2 to Figure 4 The pedal device 1 is shown in a state where the pedal 40 is not stepped on, that is, in a released state where no pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the pedal 40. Figure 5 The reaction force generating mechanism 60 and the connecting rod 76 are shown when the pedal 40 is in a non-depressed state.

[0089] For example, within the above-mentioned rotation angle range, the pedal 40 swings in a manner such that the upper end of the pedal 40 moves toward the front of the vehicle and below the vehicle as the pedal force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40 from one side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt increases. Figure 3 On the contrary, as the pedal force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 40 from one side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt decreases, the pedal 40 is swung in a manner such that the upper end of the pedal 40 is displaced toward the rear and above the vehicle by the action of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In short, as the pedal force of the driver 81 decreases, the pedal 40 is swung in a manner such that it is still in a tilted posture but close to an upright posture.

[0090] like Figure 2 to Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, the minimum rotation position of the pedal 40 is defined by the release stopper 781 as the first stopper, and the maximum rotation position of the pedal 40 is defined by the depression stopper 782 as the second stopper.

[0091] The release stopper 781 is a shaft fixed to the side plate portion 322 of the connecting plate 32. The release stopper 781 has, for example, a cylindrical shape and protrudes from the side plate portion 322 toward the housing 10 along the axial direction Dc of the pedal axis CL.

[0092] In addition, the stopper 781 enters the stopper groove 10c formed on the side of the housing 10 and extending in an arc shape, and moves in the stopper groove 10c as the pedal 40 swings. Moreover, when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, the stopper 781 abuts against the groove end wall surface 10d of the end of the stopper groove 10c formed in the housing 10 along the circumferential direction of the pedal axis CL, thereby keeping the pedal 40 at the minimum rotation position. The stopper 781 is also called an initial stopper.

[0093] In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the situation where the stopper 781 is damaged when released due to some reasons will be described later, but the so-called non-stepped state of the pedal 40, unless otherwise specified, refers to the state based on the premise that the stopper 781 is not damaged when released.

[0094] The pedal stopper 782 is provided at a position located in front of the vehicle relative to the pedal axis CL in the housing 10. Specifically, the pedal stopper 782 is provided at the upper end of the wall surface located in front of the vehicle in the housing 10. The pedal stopper 782 contacts the upper end of the pedal back surface 40b or its vicinity in the maximum pedal state of the pedal 40, and keeps the pedal 40 at the maximum rotation position.

[0095] The reaction force generating mechanism 60 generates a reaction force to the pedal force applied to the pedal 40 by the driver 81. The reaction force generating mechanism 60 is accommodated in the housing 10 and is therefore arranged on the operation opposite side with respect to the pedal 40. In addition, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is supported by the base plate 20 in the housing 10. Specifically, the leaf spring 61 included in the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is fixed to the base plate 20 by the bolt 201, so that the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is supported by the base plate 20.

[0096] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a leaf spring 61, a fastening member 62, and an elastic unit 63. The leaf spring 61 includes one end 611 as a fixed end of the leaf spring 61 and the other end 612 as a free end of the leaf spring 61. The one end 611 of the leaf spring 61 is screwed to the base plate 20 by a bolt 201. In addition, the elastic unit 63 is mounted on the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61 via the fastening member 62.

[0097] The leaf spring 61 is capable of bending so that the other end 612 moves along a virtual plane perpendicular to the pedal axis CL relative to the one end 611. Therefore, when a pedal force is applied to the other end 612 by the driver 81 stepping on the pedal 40, the leaf spring 61 bends so that the other end 612 approaches the base plate 20 as the pedal force of the driver 81 increases.

[0098] The elastic unit 63 includes a plurality of structural members (e.g., coil springs 65, 66 and retainers 67, 68, 74) arranged around a unit axis Cs extending in one direction. In addition, in the description of this embodiment, the axial direction Dsa of the unit axis Cs is also referred to as the unit axial direction Dsa, and the radial direction Dsr of the unit axis Cs is also referred to as the unit radial direction Dsr. The unit axial direction Dsa corresponds to one direction of the present disclosure.

[0099] The unit axial direction Dsa is relative to the axial direction Dc of the pedal axis CL (refer to Figure 4 ) is strictly speaking a perpendicular direction. In addition, of course, the unit radial direction Dsr is a direction perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa. In the description of this embodiment, the so-called one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, if the elastic unit 63 is used as a reference, refers to the pedal 40 side relative to the elastic unit 63. In addition, the so-called other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, if the elastic unit 63 is used as a reference, refers to the side opposite to the pedal 40 side relative to the elastic unit 63 (for example, the bottom plate 20 side).

[0100] In addition, the unit axial direction Dsa may become a direction inclined relative to the pedal plate thickness direction Dt according to the rotation angle of the pedal 40, but one side of the unit axial direction Dsa is one side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt and the other side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. Moreover, the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa is the other side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt and the other side of the pedal plate thickness direction Dt.

[0101] Specifically, the elastic unit 63 includes a plurality of elastic members 65, 66 that are elastically deformable in the unit axial direction Dsa, a one-side retainer 67, a second-side retainer 68, and an intermediate retainer 74. In the present embodiment, the plurality of elastic members 65, 66 are a plurality of coil springs 65, 66, and more specifically, the plurality of elastic members 65, 66 are a first coil spring 65 and a second coil spring 66.

[0102] In this embodiment, the one side holder 67 corresponds to the first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 corresponds to the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic portion that is clamped and compressed by the first and second holders of the present disclosure is composed of the first coil spring 65 as one elastic member.

[0103] The plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the elastic unit 63 can move relative to each other in the unit axial direction Dsa. Moreover, the plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 are connected in series via the plurality of coil springs 65, 66 in the transmission path of the pedal force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40. The transmission path of the pedal force refers to the path for transmitting the pedal force from the pedal 40 to the base plate 20. Specifically, in the transmission path of the pedal force, the structural components are connected in series in the order of the one side retainer 67, the first coil spring 65, the middle retainer 74, the second coil spring 66, the other side retainer 68, and the leaf spring 61.

[0104] The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are both compression coil springs. For example, when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, the elastic compression amount of each of the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 is the minimum, but the elastically compressed state is maintained.

[0105] The axis of the first coil spring 65 is the unit axis Cs, so the first coil spring 65 is configured such that the unit axial direction Dsa is the axial direction of the first coil spring 65, and the unit radial direction Dsr is the radial direction of the first coil spring 65. Similarly, the axis of the second coil spring 66 is also the unit axis Cs, so the second coil spring 66 is configured such that the unit axial direction Dsa is the axial direction of the second coil spring 66, and the unit radial direction Dsr is the radial direction of the second coil spring 66.

[0106] The first coil spring 65 has one end 651 provided on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and the other end 652 provided on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The second coil spring 66 has one end 661 provided on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and the other end 662 provided on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0107] The outer diameter of the first coil spring 65 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second coil spring 66. When the pedal 40 is not stepped on, a portion of the first coil spring 65 is arranged to overlap the second coil spring 66 on the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0108] Specifically, in the non-stepping state of the pedal 40, the first coil spring 65 is arranged offset to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa compared to the second coil spring 66. Furthermore, a portion of the first coil spring 65 on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa is arranged to overlap a portion of the second coil spring 66 on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr, forming a radial gap therebetween.

[0109] Therefore, the other end 652 of the first coil spring 65 is arranged to overlap the second coil spring 66 on the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr. The one end 661 of the second coil spring 66 is arranged to overlap the first coil spring 65 on the outer side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0110] The one-side retainer 67 is provided on the side closest to the unit axis Dsa among the plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In other words, the one-side retainer 67 is provided on the side closest to the pedal 40 in the transmission path of the pedal force of the rider 81 among the plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0111] Furthermore, the one-side retainer 67 has a portion provided on one side of the first coil spring 65 in the unit axial direction Dsa, and abuts against the first coil spring 65 from the side on the pedal 40 side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0112] In addition, the one-side retainer 67 is arranged on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the connecting rod 76 connected to the pedal 40, and contacts the connecting rod 76. Therefore, the one-side retainer 67 is pushed to the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa by the pedal 40 via the connecting rod 76. In addition, the one-side retainer 67 transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 received from the pedal 40 to the first and second coil springs 65, 66 and the leaf spring 61.

[0113] For example, the pedal 40 prevents the side retainer 67 from moving to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, thereby maintaining the first and second coil springs 65 and 66 in a state of being compressed and deformed in the unit axial direction Dsa. In short, when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, the stopper 781 abuts against the groove end wall surface 10d of the housing 10 (see Figure 4 ), therefore, the pedal 40 maintains both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 as compression coil springs.

[0114] In addition, an opening hole 10 e that opens toward the pedal 40 is formed in the housing 10 . Thus, the connecting rod 76 can come into contact with the one-side holder 67 .

[0115] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the one side retainer 67 has an outer guide portion 69 in a cylindrical shape extending in the unit axial direction Dsa, a one side abutment portion 672 provided around the outer guide portion 69, and a one side anti-detachment portion 673 corresponding to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure. The outer guide portion 69, the one side abutment portion 672 and the one side anti-detachment portion 673 form an integral structure. For example, the one side retainer 67 is made of resin. In addition, Figure 5 Shows Figure 7 V-V section.

[0116] The outer guide portion 69 is inserted into a spring inner space formed radially inward of the first coil spring 65. In short, the outer guide portion 69 is provided radially inward of the first coil spring 65.

[0117] In addition, the cylindrical shape of the outer guide portion 69 forms an internal space inside the cylindrical shape, and the internal space of the cylindrical shape is blocked on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa and is open on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. That is, the cylindrical shape of the outer guide portion 69 is a bottomed cylindrical shape having a bottom on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0118] The outer guide portion 69 has an inner circumferential surface 691 facing the inner side of the cylindrical shape of the outer guide portion 69. In addition, the cylindrical shape of the outer guide portion 69 is a cylindrical shape in detail, and the axis of the cylindrical shape is the unit axis Cs. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, the inner circumferential surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 is a circular shape centered on the unit axis Cs.

[0119] In addition, the outer guide portion 69 has a front end surface 692 formed at one end on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, that is, at the front end, and a tube bottom surface 693 that forms one end of the internal space of the outer guide portion 69 and faces the internal space from one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. The front end surface 692 and the tube bottom surface 693 of the outer guide portion 69 are surfaces facing the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0120] The one-side contact portion 672 is provided on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the first coil spring 65. The one-side contact portion 672 extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the outer guide portion 69 over the entire circumference of the outer guide portion 69.

[0121] The one-side contact portion 672 does not contact the second coil spring 66 of the first and second coil springs 65 and 66, but contacts the one end portion 651 of the first coil spring 65 from the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. Specifically, the one-side contact portion 672 has a plurality of ribs 672a provided on the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the outer guide portion 69, for example, the plurality of ribs 672a are arranged radially around the unit axis Cs. Furthermore, the front end portions of the plurality of ribs 672a on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa contact the one end portion 651 of the first coil spring 65, respectively.

[0122] In addition, the one-side retainer 67 has a pressed surface 67a facing the unit axial direction Dsa. The pressed surface 67a is, for example, a circular plane without concave-convex and convex and holes, and is formed with the unit axial direction Dsa as the normal direction. The pressed surface 67a of the one-side retainer 67 extends to the periphery of the one-side abutment portion 672.

[0123] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the other side retainer 68 is provided on the other side closest to the unit axial direction Dsa among the plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In other words, the other side retainer 68 is provided on the side farthest from the pedal 40 in the transmission path of the pedal force of the driver 81 among the plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0124] The other side retainer 68 has a portion provided on the other side of the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa, and contacts the second coil spring 66 from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. The other side retainer 68 is configured to receive the pedal force of the driver 81 transmitted to the second coil spring 66. The other side retainer 68 is arranged on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61, and is fixed to the other end 612.

[0125] The other side holder 68 includes an inner guide portion 70 in a rod shape extending along the unit axial direction Dsa, an other side contact portion 682 provided around the inner guide portion 70, and a spring guide portion 683. The other side contact portion 682 and the spring guide portion 683 are integrally structured to form a spring seat component 684 as a single component. The inner guide portion 70 is configured as a component independent of the spring seat component 684. For example, the spring seat component 684 is made of resin, and the inner guide portion 70 is made of metal.

[0126] The inner guide portion 70 is formed as an extension portion that protrudes from the other side abutment portion 682 to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa and extends in the unit axial direction Dsa. The inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the outer guide portion 69 from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. In detail, the inner guide portion 70 is embedded in the outer guide portion 69 in a manner that is relatively movable relative to the outer guide portion 69 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the radial inner side of the first coil spring 65 and the radial inner side of the second coil spring 66. In the pedal device 1, as the pedal 40 swings, the outer guide portion 69 reciprocates relative to the inner guide portion 70 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0127] The inner guide portion 70 has an outer peripheral surface 701 that faces and contacts the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 in the unit radial direction Dsr. The outer peripheral surface 701 extends in the unit axial direction Dsa similarly to the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69.

[0128] In addition, the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 contacts the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 over the entire circumference of the inner guide portion 70 in the circumferential direction of the inner guide portion 70. Therefore, in a cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 and the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 are both circular in shape with the unit axis Cs as the center. Furthermore, the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 allow the relative movement of the one side retainer 67 and the other side retainer 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa while limiting the relative movement of the one side retainer 67 and the other side retainer 68 in the unit radial direction Dsr by making the inner peripheral surface 691 contact the outer peripheral surface 701 in a slidable manner.

[0129] In addition, the inner guide portion 70 has a front end surface 702 formed at one end, i.e., the front end, on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and a base end portion 703 provided on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Since the inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the outer guide portion 69, the front end surface 702 of the inner guide portion 70 is arranged on the inner side of the outer guide portion 69.

[0130] The other side contact portion 682 is provided on the other side of the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa, and extends in a flange shape from the base end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70 to the outside in the unit radial direction Dsr. The other side contact portion 682 does not contact the first coil spring 65 of the first and second coil springs 65 and 66, and contacts the other end portion 662 of the second coil spring 66 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0131] Furthermore, the other-side abutment portion 682 and the base end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70 are arranged on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 , and are in contact with the other end portion 612 .

[0132] The fastening member 62 is a bolt for fixing the inner guide portion 70 to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. The fastening member 62 is inserted into the through hole 612a formed in the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the fastening member 62 is threadedly engaged with the internal thread formed in the inner guide portion 70 while being inserted in the through hole 612a of the leaf spring 61. Thus, the fastening member 62 is provided in a manner that penetrates the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61, and the inner guide portion 70 is fixed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0133] Furthermore, the base end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70 is embedded in the inner hole of the spring seat component 684, so the spring seat component 684 cannot be relatively moved in the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the inner guide portion 70. Furthermore, the spring seat component 684 is pressed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the second coil spring 66. Therefore, by fixing the thread of the inner guide portion 70 to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the fastening member 62, the spring seat component 684 is also fixed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0134] Thus, the other side holder 68 is connected to the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61 provided between the bottom plate 20 and the other side holder 68 by screwing the fastening member 62 so as not to be relatively movable.

[0135] like Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , a cylinder space 69a is formed inside the outer guide portion 69 to which the front end surface 702 of the inner guide portion 70 faces. The cylinder space 69a expands or contracts as the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 move relative to each other in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, for example, a communication passage (not shown) that connects the cylinder space 69a to the outside of the cylinder space 69a is formed in the one-side retainer 67 or the other-side retainer 68. That is, the cylinder space 69a is formed as a space that is not airtight.

[0136] The intermediate retainer 74 is provided outside the inner guide portion 70 in the unit radial direction Dsr. The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are connected to each other via the intermediate retainer 74. The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are pressed against each other via the intermediate retainer 74 as the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are compressed and deformed.

[0137] That is, in the pedal force transmission path between the pedal 40 and the base plate 20, the intermediate retainer 74 is provided between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66. Moreover, in the pedal force transmission path, the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66 and the leaf spring 61 are connected in series in the order of the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66 and the leaf spring 61.

[0138] The intermediate retainer 74 has an inter-spring arrangement portion 741, an inner abutment portion 742, an outer abutment portion 743, a hole forming portion 746, and an intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 corresponding to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure. The inter-spring arrangement portion 741, the inner abutment portion 742, the outer abutment portion 743, the hole forming portion 746 and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 form an integral structure. The intermediate retainer 74 of this embodiment is made of resin.

[0139] The inter-spring arrangement portion 741 has a cylindrical shape extending in the unit axial direction Dsa and having the unit axis Cs as the axis center. The inter-spring arrangement portion 741 is arranged between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0140] The inner contact portion 742 extends from the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 toward the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr, and is provided on the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the inner guide portion 70. For example, the inner contact portion 742 extends from the end portion on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the inter-spring arrangement portion 741. The inner contact portion 742 contacts the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and resists the other end portion 652 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0141] The hole forming portion 746 is arranged on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the inner side abutting portion 742, and is connected to the inner side abutting portion 742. Furthermore, the hole forming portion 746 is arranged on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr than the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65, and is formed to protrude toward one side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the inner side abutting portion 742. The portion of the hole forming portion 746 that protrudes from the inner side abutting portion 742 is cylindrical.

[0142] In addition, an insertion hole 74a having a circular cross section centered on the unit axis Cs is formed inside the hole forming portion 746. The insertion hole 74a is a through hole that penetrates the hole forming portion 746 along the unit axis direction Dsa. That is, the insertion hole 74a penetrates the intermediate retainer 74 along the unit axis direction Dsa.

[0143] In addition, in either the non-stepping state or the maximum stepping state of the pedal 40, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate retainer 74. That is, the hole forming portion 746 in which the insertion hole 74a is formed has an annular insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b facing the insertion hole 74a toward the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr, and the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b is opposite to the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70. In other words, the inner guide portion 70 is fitted into the insertion hole 74a in a manner that it can move relative to the insertion hole 74a in the unit axial direction Dsa when inserted into the insertion hole 74a.

[0144] Here, while the pedal 40 is swinging due to the stepping operation of the driver 81, as the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are compressed, the intermediate retainer 74 abuts against one or both of the one and other side retainers 67 and 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The size of the insertion hole 74a is determined so that the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b does not constrain the inner guide portion 70 in the unit radial direction Dsr when the intermediate retainer 74 abuts against one or both of the one and other side retainers 67 and 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0145] That is, when the intermediate retainer 74 abuts against one or both of the one side and the other side retainers 67 and 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the intermediate retainer 74 may be slightly inclined relative to the inner guide portion 70. Moreover, even if the intermediate retainer 74 is inclined relative to the inner guide portion 70, the size of the insertion hole 74a is determined so that the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70 do not rub against each other. In short, the diameter of the insertion hole 74a is determined so that a radial gap of a size sufficient to avoid the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70 rubbing against each other is generated between the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70.

[0146] For example, the fitting of the inner guide portion 70 to the insertion hole 74a is looser than the fitting of the inner guide portion 70 to the outer guide portion 69. That is, the difference between the diameter of the insertion hole 74a (in other words, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 74b of the insertion hole) and the outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70 is greater than the difference between the inner diameter of the outer guide portion 69 and the outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70. In addition, the outer diameter and the inner diameter are not radii but diameters. In addition, the outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70 is, in other words, the diameter of the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70, and the inner diameter of the outer guide portion 69 is, in other words, the diameter of the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69.

[0147] The outer abutment portion 743 is provided on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the inner abutment portion 742. The outer abutment portion 743 is extended from the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 to the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr. For example, the outer abutment portion 743 is extended from the end portion on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the inter-spring arrangement portion 741. Moreover, the outer abutment portion 743 is formed to surround the end portion on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 over the entire circumference of the inter-spring arrangement portion 741.

[0148] The outer contact portion 743 contacts one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and resists the one end portion 661 in the unit axial direction Dsa. That is, the second coil spring 66 contacts the intermediate retainer 74 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and thus the second coil spring 66 corresponds to the other side coil spring of the present disclosure.

[0149] like Figure 5 to Figure 7 As shown, the one side retaining portion 673 of the one side retaining member 67 and the intermediate retaining portion 747 of the intermediate retaining member 74 form a snap-fitting structure that restricts relative movement in the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to each other.

[0150] Specifically, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one-side retainer 67 has a one-side support portion 673a and a one-side forming portion 673c. The one-side support portion 673a is arranged on the outside of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsr. Moreover, the one-side support portion 673a extends from the one-side abutment portion 672 to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and forms a cylindrical shape in a manner of surrounding the first coil spring 65 over its entire circumference.

[0151] The one surface forming portion 673c protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the other end of the one surface supporting portion 673a in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the one surface forming portion 673c is also arranged outward in the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the first coil spring 65.

[0152] In addition, the one-side forming portion 673c is formed over the entire circumference of the one-side supporting portion 673a. A one-side 673d facing the one-side axial direction Dsa is formed on the one-side forming portion 673c in the unit axial direction Dsa. The one-side forming portion 673c on the opposite side to the one-side 673d is an inclined surface 673e inclined relative to the unit axis Cs in a manner that the closer to the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr, the more it is located on the one-side axial direction Dsa.

[0153] like Figure 5 , Figure 7 , Figure 8As shown, the intermediate retaining member 74 is provided with a plurality of (specifically, three) intermediate anti-slipping portions 747. The plurality of intermediate anti-slipping portions 747 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction Dsc (i.e., the unit circumferential direction Dsc) centered on the unit axis Cs. Moreover, the plurality of intermediate anti-slipping portions 747 respectively have another surface support portions 747a and another surface forming portions 747c. That is, the plurality of other surface support portions 747a are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals, and the plurality of other surface forming portions 747c are also arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals.

[0154] Since the plurality of intermediate retaining portions 747 are provided at intervals from each other in this manner, each of the plurality of other surface supporting portions 747a can be elastically deformed so as to displace the other surface forming portion 747c to either the inner side or the outer side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0155] The plurality of other surface support portions 747a are respectively arranged outside the one surface forming portion 673c in the unit radial direction Dsr and extend from the outer contact portion 743 toward one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The plurality of other surface support portions 747a are arranged to surround the one surface forming portion 673c.

[0156] A plurality of other surface forming portions 747c protrude from the end of the other surface supporting portion 747a on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr. In addition, another surface 747d facing the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on the other side of the other surface forming portion 747c in the unit axial direction Dsa. The side opposite to the other surface 747d side of the other surface forming portion 747c is an inclined surface 747e inclined with respect to the unit axis Cs in a manner that the closer to the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr, the more it is located on the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0157] In the non-stepping state of the pedal 40, the other-side support portion 747a is arranged to extend to one side from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the one-side forming portion 673c. Furthermore, the other-side forming portion 747c is arranged to be located on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the one-side forming portion 673c, and overlaps with the one-side forming portion 673c on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the other side 747d of the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 is arranged to overlap with the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and is opposite to the one-side 673d.

[0158] Furthermore, in the non-stepping state of the pedal 40 , the other surface 747 d of the intermediate retaining portion 747 does not contact the one surface 673 d of the one-side retaining portion 673 , but is disposed apart in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0159] In addition, a plurality of holder through-holes 74c penetrating the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa are formed in the intermediate holder 74. The holder through-holes 74c are provided one by one corresponding to the other surface forming portion 747c for each other surface forming portion 747c.

[0160] The retainer through hole 74c is arranged on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the other surface support portion 747a, and is arranged on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the other surface support portion 747a. For example, in the present embodiment, the retainer through hole 74c is formed to reach both the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 and the outer abutment portion 743. That is, the retainer through hole 74c has an axial hole portion 74d that penetrates the outer abutment portion 743 along the unit axial direction Dsa and an axial extension portion 74e formed on the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr in the inter-spring arrangement portion 741. The axial extension portion 74e is in the shape of a groove extending from the axial hole portion 74d to the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0161] Moreover, if Figure 5 , Fig. 9 As shown, at each of the three locations where the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 and the retainer through hole 74c are provided, the retainer through hole 74c is arranged so that the retainer through hole 74c overlaps the entirety of the other surface forming portion 747c on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. Fig. 9 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa, the entire other surface forming portion 747c enters the range occupied by the retainer through hole 74c.

[0162] like Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the connecting rod 76 is provided between the pedal 40 and the one side holder 67 to connect the pedal 40 and the one side holder 67. Then, the one side holder 67 is pressed by the pedal 40 via the connecting rod 76 as the pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the pedal 40.

[0163] In detail, the connecting rod 76 is provided in a manner protruding from the pedal 40 to the operation opposite side of the pedal 40, and extends along the axis Crd of the connecting rod 76, that is, the rod axis Crd. For example, the connecting rod 76 is formed in a manner protruding from the pedal back surface 40b intersecting with the rod axis Crd. The connecting rod 76 has a rod front end 763 provided on the operation opposite side (that is, the side of the one-side retainer 67). The rod front end 763 abuts against the pressed surface 67a of the one-side retainer 67.

[0164] Furthermore, the connecting rod 76 is connected to the pedal 40 in a manner that the direction in which the connecting rod 76 protrudes from the pedal 40 is fixed. The so-called "the direction in which the connecting rod 76 protrudes from the pedal 40 is fixed" means that the axis Crd of the connecting rod 76, that is, the rod axis Crd, is fixed and does not change. In the present embodiment, the connecting rod 76 is fixed to the pedal 40 by bolts, so the connecting rod 76 does not rotate around the rod axis Crd. For example, the connecting rod 76 is fixed to the pedal 40 in a manner that the rod front end 763 is offset to one side of the pedal extension direction Ds relative to the base end of the connecting rod 76 in a posture inclined relative to the pedal plate thickness direction Dt.

[0165] The rod tip 763 of the connecting rod 76 connected to the pedal 40 pushes the pressed surface 67a of the one side holder 67 and slides relative to the pressed surface 67a as the driver 81 steps on the pedal 40. Figure 5 , the unit axis Cs and the rod axis Crd are shown parallel to each other, but they are not always parallel to each other. When the pedal 40 swings, the connecting rod 76 swings together with the pedal 40, so the angle between the unit axis Cs and the rod axis Crd changes accordingly.

[0166] For example, in this embodiment, the connecting rod 76 is composed of two parts. That is, the connecting rod 76 has an arm 761 connected to the pedal 40 and a pressing part 762 connected in series with the arm 761 on the side opposite to the pedal 40 side relative to the arm 761. The pressing part 762 includes a rod front end 763.

[0167] For example, the arm 761 and the pushing portion 762 are constituted as independent parts, which are mutually connected and fixed by being pressed into, etc. In the present embodiment, the material of the pushing portion 762 is different from the arm 761, for example, the arm 761 is made of metal, and the pushing portion 762 is made of resin. As the resin material constituting the pushing portion 762, for example, PTFE can be cited. When the pushing portion 762 is constituted by PTFE, compared with the situation that the pushing portion 762 is constituted by metal, the sliding property of the pushed surface 67a of the pushing portion 762 relative to the one side retainer 67 can be obtained because of low friction and improve such advantage. In addition, PTFE is the abbreviation of Poly TetraFluoro Ethylene (polytetrafluoroethylene).

[0168] like Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown in the figure, the covering member 77 is called a dust boot, and is formed into a cylindrical and corrugated shape by rubber or the like that is easily elastically deformed. Moreover, the covering member 77 expands and contracts in the axial direction of the connecting rod 76 as the pedal 40 swings. For example, the covering member 77 blocks the opening hole 10e of the housing 10 when the connecting rod 76 is inserted therethrough. Thus, foreign matter is prevented from entering the housing 10 through the opening hole 10e.

[0169] Here, if Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, the connecting rod 76 abuts against the one-side retainer 67, so the pedal 40 prevents the one-side retainer 67 from moving toward the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa when the pedal 40 is not stepped on. At this time, it is assumed that the stopper 781 is broken when released due to some reason, and the pedal 40 stops the one-side retainer 67 from moving toward the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0170] In this case, compared with before the blocking of the pedal 40 is released, the one-side retainer 67 moves relative to the intermediate retainer 74 toward the side of the unit axial direction Dsa under the urging force of the first coil spring 65. Therefore, the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 of the present embodiment abuts against the one-side anti-slip portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa. And, by abutting against the one-side anti-slip portion 673 in this way, the one-side retainer 67 is prevented from moving relative to the intermediate retainer 74 toward the side of the unit axial direction Dsa beyond a predetermined limit.

[0171] The intermediate anti-slip portion 747 is in contact with the anti-slip portion 673 on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , it refers to the other side 747d of the middle anti-detachment part 747 abutting against the one side 673d of the one side anti-detachment part 673. Therefore, the above-mentioned prescribed limit refers to the relative position of the one side retainer 67 with respect to the middle retainer 74 when the other side 747d abuts against the one side 673d in the unit axial direction Dsa. In short, the prescribed limit refers to Fig.10 The relative position of the one-side retaining element 67 with respect to the middle retaining element 74 is shown.

[0172] In addition, as described above, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74 form a snap-fitting structure. Therefore, when the pedal 40 is released from preventing the one side retainer 67 from moving toward the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, it can be said that the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 functions as follows. That is, when the prevention of the pedal 40 is released, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 prevents the one side retainer 67 from moving relative to the intermediate retainer 74 toward the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa beyond a predetermined limit by means of the snap-fitting structure.

[0173] In addition, even when the middle anti-detachment portion 747 is in contact with the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the first coil spring 65 sandwiched between the one-side abutment portion 672 and the inner abutment portion 742 of the middle retainer 74 is maintained in a state of being compressed and deformed in the unit axial direction Dsa. That is, the first coil spring 65 is not extended to a free length, but is maintained in an elastically compressed state. Therefore, by the acting force (in other words, elastic force) of the first coil spring 65, the other surface 747d of the middle anti-detachment portion 747 is maintained in a state of being pressed against the one-side anti-detachment portion 673d.

[0174] In addition, if Figure 5 , Fig.10 As shown in FIG. 1 , when the pedal 40 stops the movement of the one side retainer 67 to the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, the second coil spring 66 is no longer elastically compressed, so the second coil spring 66 is extended to a free length. In this case, the inner guide portion 70 does not fall off from the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate retainer 74, but remains inserted into the insertion hole 74a. In other words, when the outer side contact portion 743 of the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side contact portion 682 are respectively in contact with the second coil spring 66 of the free length, the inner guide portion 70 has a sufficient length in the unit axial direction Dsa required for the inner guide portion 70 to be inserted into the insertion hole 74a.

[0175] In the pedal device 1 configured as described above, when the pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the pedal 40, Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the pedal 40, the rotating shaft 31, and the connecting plate 32 swing about the pedal axis CL. Specifically, the pedal 40, the rotating shaft 31, and the connecting plate 32 swing about the pedal axis CL in such a manner that a portion of the pedal 40 that is above the vehicle axis CL moves toward the floor 2 side or the dash panel side. In other words, the pedal 40 swings so that the posture changes from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state.

[0176] At this time, the rotation angle sensor 79 provided in the pedal device 1 outputs an electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 31 to the electronic control device 83 (see Figure 1 ). The electronic control device 83 controls the brake-by-wire system 82 (refer to Figure 1 ) is driven and controlled to generate the hydraulic pressure (such as oil pressure) required for braking the vehicle 80, and the brake pads are driven using the hydraulic pressure to decelerate or stop the vehicle 80.

[0177] In the swinging motion of the pedal 40 changing its posture from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the first and second coil springs 65 and 66 are greatly compressed and the leaf spring 61 is greatly bent as the pedal 40 swings from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state.

[0178] For example, when the pedal 40 is swinging from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 abut against each other in the unit axial direction Dsa, thereby stopping the compression deformation of the first and second coil springs 65 and 66. At this time, the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 may abut against each other via the intermediate retainer 74, or may abut against each other directly without the intermediate retainer 74.

[0179] When the pedal 40 swings further toward the maximum stepping state from the state where the one side holder 67 and the other side holder 68 abut, the bending amount of the leaf spring 61 increases. When the pedal 40 swings and abuts against the stopper 782 during stepping, the pedal 40 reaches the maximum stepping state and the bending of the leaf spring 61 stops.

[0180] The pedal device 1 of the present embodiment described above achieves the following operational effects.

[0181] According to this embodiment, Figure 3 to Figure 5 As shown, when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, the stopper 781 contacts the groove end wall surface 10d of the housing 10 when released. Therefore, when the pedal 40 is not stepped on, the one-side retainer 67 is prevented from moving toward one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, thereby maintaining the first and second coil springs 65 and 66 in a state of compression deformation in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0182] Here, consider the case where the non-stepping stopper function of preventing the one-side retainer 67 from moving toward one side of the unit axial direction Dsa when the pedal 40 is in the non-stepping state is damaged for some reason. For example, as one of the reasons for the damage of the non-stepping stopper function, consider the case where the release stopper 781 that prevents the pedal 40 from swinging toward the operating side in the non-stepping state is broken.

[0183] In contrast, Figure 5 , Fig.10 As shown, in this embodiment, when the prevention of the movement of the one-side retainer 67 to the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa is released, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74 abuts against the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa. And, by abutting against the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 in this way, the one-side retainer 67 is prevented from moving relative to the intermediate retainer 74 to the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa beyond a predetermined limit.

[0184] Therefore, even when the stopper function is impaired when not stepping on the pedal, the one-side retainer 67 is retained relative to the intermediate retainer 74. That is, the one-side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 are prevented from being disassembled due to the force of the first coil spring 65. Thus, for example, when the stopper function is impaired when not stepping on the pedal, the one-side retainer 67 is prevented from being separated from the intermediate retainer 74 and flying toward the driver 81 due to the force of the first coil spring 65. This improves the safety of the vehicle 80 equipped with the pedal device 1.

[0185] (1) In addition, according to the present embodiment, in a state where the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 abuts against the one-side anti-slip portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the first coil spring 65 is also maintained in a state of being compressed and deformed in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, in a state where the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 abuts against the one-side anti-slip portion 673, it is difficult for the one-side retainer 67 to swing relative to the intermediate retainer 74. As a result, for example, in a state where the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 abuts against the one-side anti-slip portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa, it is difficult for the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 to deviate from the one-side anti-slip portion 673. That is, it is easy to keep the state where the intermediate anti-slip portion 747 abuts against the one-side anti-slip portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0186] (2) In addition, according to this embodiment, Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a first coil spring 65 and a second coil spring 66 that can be elastically deformed in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are connected in series in the transmission path of the pedal force of the rider 81. Therefore, the degree of freedom in setting the characteristics of the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 that resists the pedal force of the rider 81 can be improved compared to the case where the reaction force generating mechanism 60 has only one coil spring.

[0187] (3) According to the present embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes an intermediate retainer 74 provided between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the transmission path of the pedaling force of the rider 81. Thus, the plurality of coil springs 65 and 66 can be connected in series in the transmission path of the pedaling force between the pedal 40 and the base plate 20 while retaining the plurality of coil springs 65 and 66.

[0188] (4) In addition, according to the present embodiment, the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate retainer 74 are made of resin. Therefore, it is easy to achieve a lightweight reaction force generating mechanism 60. In addition, it is easy to achieve a snap-fit ​​assembly structure composed of the one side retaining portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate retaining portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74.

[0189] (5) According to the present embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 includes the outer guide portion 69 formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the other-side retainer 68 includes the inner guide portion 70. The inner guide portion 70 includes an outer peripheral surface 701 extending in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the inner guide portion 70 is embedded in the outer guide portion 69 so as to be relatively movable in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0190] Therefore, when the one-side retainer 67 receives a load in a direction inclined relative to the unit axis Cs from the pedal 40 side, the load component in the unit radial direction Dsr of the load in the inclined direction can be borne by the inner guide portion 70. As a result, the load in the unit radial direction Dsr can be prevented from acting on the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the middle anti-detachment portion 747. This leads to preventing damage to the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the middle anti-detachment portion 747, thereby improving safety.

[0191] (6) In addition, according to this embodiment, if Figure 5 As shown, the outer guide portion 69 is provided radially inside the first coil spring 65. Therefore, compared with the case where the outer guide portion 69 is not provided radially inside the first coil spring 65, for example, the volume increase of the elastic unit 63 caused by providing the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 can be suppressed.

[0192] (7) In addition, according to this embodiment, if Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown in FIG. 1 , the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a leaf spring 61, and one end 611 of the leaf spring 61 is fixed to the bottom plate 20. Furthermore, the other side retainer 68 is connected to the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61 so as not to be relatively movable. Here, in order to obtain a larger reaction force, the leaf spring 61 is more advantageous than the coil spring. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the reaction force generating mechanism 60 does not include the leaf spring 61 but includes a coil spring with a larger spring constant, the maximum value of the reaction force generated by the reaction force generating mechanism 60 can be increased while suppressing the increase in the volume of the pedal device 1.

[0193] (8) In addition, according to the present embodiment, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the middle anti-detachment portion 747 of the middle retainer 74 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure. Therefore, the one side retainer 67, the middle retainer 74 and the first coil spring 65 can be easily assembled while ensuring the function of preventing the one side retainer 67 from separating from the middle retainer 74 and falling off.

[0194] (9) According to the present embodiment, in the non-stepping state of the pedal 40, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate retainer 74. Furthermore, when the pedal 40 is released from preventing the movement of the one-side retainer 67 to one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and the second coil spring 66 is extended to a free length, the inner guide portion 70 is also inserted through the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate retainer 74.

[0195] Therefore, when the pedal 40 stops the movement of the one-side retainer 67 to the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, the assembly consisting of the one-side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 can be locked to the other-side retainer 68. Therefore, for example, the assembly consisting of the one-side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 can be prevented from flying out of the housing 10.

[0196] (10) In addition, according to the present embodiment, a portion of the first coil spring 65 is arranged to overlap the second coil spring 66 on the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr. The intermediate retainer 74 has an outer contact portion 743 that contacts the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the other surface support portion 747a of the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 extends from the outer contact portion 743 to one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0197] Therefore, the intermediate retaining portion 747 can be arranged in the area in the unit radial direction Dsr occupied by the second coil spring 66 and the outer contact portion 743. Therefore, the volume expansion of the elastic unit 63 in the unit radial direction Dsr caused by providing the one-side retaining portion 673 and the intermediate retaining portion 747 can be suppressed.

[0198] In addition, according to this embodiment, Figure 5 As shown, the other surface forming portion 747c protrudes from the end of the other surface supporting portion 747a on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa to the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr. Therefore, the other side of the other surface forming portion 747c, that is, the one surface forming portion 673c, is formed to protrude from the end of the one surface supporting portion 673a to the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0199] Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the other surface forming portion 747c protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the end of the other surface supporting portion 747a, the one side holder 67 having the one surface forming portion 673c can be miniaturized in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0200] In addition, according to this embodiment, Figure 5 , Fig. 9As shown, a holder through hole 74c is formed in the intermediate holder 74. Therefore, when the intermediate holder 74 made of resin is molded, undercutting of the mold can be prevented, and mass productivity of the intermediate holder 74 can be improved.

[0201] (Second embodiment)

[0202] Next, the second embodiment is described. In this embodiment, the difference from the first embodiment is mainly described. In addition, the same or equivalent parts as those in the above embodiment are omitted or simplified. This is also the case in the description of the embodiments described later. In addition, in the figures referenced after the second embodiment, the various components of the pedal device 1 are appropriately simplified.

[0203] like Fig.11 As shown, in this embodiment, the elastic unit 63 replaces the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 (see Figure 5 ) and has one coil spring 75. For example, the coil spring 75 has the same structure as the first coil spring 65 of the first embodiment. In addition, the elastic unit 63 of this embodiment is different from the first embodiment and does not have the intermediate retainer 74.

[0204] In this embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the other-side retainer 68 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. Moreover, the elastic part that is clamped and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of a coil spring 75 as an elastic component. In addition, Fig.11 This is equivalent to the first embodiment. Figure 5 Schematic diagram of. Moreover, Fig.11 The elastic unit 63 and its surroundings when the pedal 40 is in a non-stepped state are shown. Fig.11 The corresponding diagrams are also the same.

[0205] The coil spring 75 includes one end portion 751 provided on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and the other end portion 752 provided on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0206] The one-side abutting portion 672 of the one-side retainer 67 abuts against the one end portion 751 of the coil spring 75 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the other-side abutting portion 682 of the other-side retainer 68 abuts against the other end portion 752 of the coil spring 75 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In this way, the coil spring 75 is sandwiched between the one-side abutting portion 672 and the other-side abutting portion 682 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0207] Furthermore, the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 are inserted radially inside the coil spring 75 .

[0208] In this embodiment, no intermediate retainer 74 is provided (see Figure 5 ), and therefore, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 included in the intermediate retaining member 74 is not provided. Therefore, the other side retaining member 68 has the other side anti-detachment portion 685 equivalent to the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747. The other side anti-detachment portion 685 has the same structure as the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the first embodiment except that it is included in the other side retaining member 68.

[0209] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the other side anti-slipping portion 685 corresponds to the second anti-slipping portion of the present disclosure, and the other side anti-slipping portion 685 and the one side anti-slipping portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure similar to the first embodiment. Moreover, the other side anti-slipping portion 685 has the other side supporting portion 685a similar to the other side supporting portion 747a of the first embodiment and the other side forming portion 685c similar to the other side forming portion 747c of the first embodiment. The other side forming portion 685c is formed with the other side 685d similar to the other side 747d of the first embodiment and the inclined surface 685e similar to the inclined surface 747e of the first embodiment. In addition, the other side anti-slipping portion 685 is provided in plurality, for example, similar to the middle anti-slipping portion 747 of the first embodiment, and is arranged at equal intervals with intervals from each other along the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0210] However, the other surface support portion 685a constitutes a part of the other side holder 68 and is therefore connected to the other side contact portion 682 of the other side holder 68. The other surface support portion 685a extends from the other side contact portion 682 to one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0211] For example, the other side holder 68 of the present embodiment is made of resin, and the inner side guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682, and the other side retaining portion 685 are integrally configured as a single component.

[0212] In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the stopper 781 (see Figure 4 ) is damaged, the pedal 40 will release the prevention of the movement of the one side retainer 67 to the side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0213] In this case, the other surface 685d of the other side anti-detachment portion 685 abuts against the one surface 673d of the one side anti-detachment portion 673, and the one side retainer 67 moves relatively to the other side retainer 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa. At this time, the inner guide portion 70 of the other side retainer 68 does not fall off from the outer guide portion 69 of the one side retainer 67, but remains inserted in the outer guide portion 69. That is, in the non-stepping state of the pedal 40 in which the stopper 781 is not damaged when released, the interval between the one surface 673d and the other surface 685d in the unit axial direction Dsa is smaller than the insertion length of the portion of the inner guide portion 70 inserted into the outer guide portion 69.

[0214] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0215] (Third embodiment)

[0216] Next, a third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0217] like Fig.12 As shown, the elastic unit 63 replaces the coil spring 75 (see Fig.11 ) and has an elastic member 85. The elastic member 85 corresponds to the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment and is substituted for the coil spring 75, and thus constitutes an elastic portion that is sandwiched by the first holder and the second holder of the present disclosure and is compressed and deformed.

[0218] For example, the elastic member 85 of this embodiment is similar to the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment and is elastically compressed when the pedal 40 is not stepped on. The elastic member 85 is made of elastically deformable elastic material such as rubber or foamed urethane.

[0219] In addition, the elastic member 85 of the present embodiment has a cylindrical shape with the unit axis Cs as the axis center, and therefore the elastic member 85 is configured such that the unit axial direction Dsa is the axial direction of the elastic member 85 and the unit radial direction Dsr is the radial direction of the elastic member 85. The elastic member 85 has one end 851 provided on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa and the other end 852 provided on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0220] The one-side contact portion 672 of the one-side retainer 67 contacts the one end portion 851 of the elastic member 85 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the other-side contact portion 682 of the other-side retainer 68 contacts the other end portion 852 of the elastic member 85 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In this way, the elastic member 85 is sandwiched between the one-side contact portion 672 and the other-side contact portion 682 in the unit axial direction Dsa, similarly to the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment.

[0221] Furthermore, the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 are inserted into the radially inner side of the elastic member 85 .

[0222] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0223] In addition, although this embodiment is a modification example based on the second embodiment, this embodiment can also be combined with the above-mentioned first embodiment.

[0224] (Fourth embodiment)

[0225] Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-described second embodiment will be mainly described.

[0226] like Fig.13 As shown, in this embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the other side retainer 68 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure that restricts relative movement in the unit axial direction Dsa. Moreover, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 are arranged on the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the coil spring 75.

[0227] However, in this embodiment, the protruding direction of the one surface forming portion 673c constituting the snap-fitting structure is opposite to that of the second embodiment. Furthermore, the protruding direction of the other surface forming portion 685c is also opposite to that of the second embodiment.

[0228] Specifically, the one-side forming portion 673c of the present embodiment protrudes from the end of the one-side supporting portion 673a on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa to the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr. In addition, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 has one side 673d facing one side of the unit axial direction Dsa as in the second embodiment, but the direction of the inclined surface 673e is different from that in the second embodiment. That is, the inclined surface 673e is inclined relative to the unit axis Cs in such a manner that the closer to the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr, the closer to the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0229] The other side support portion 685a of this embodiment is opposite to the other side support portion 685a of the second embodiment, and is arranged on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr than the one side forming portion 673c. At the same time, the other side forming portion 685c protrudes from the end of the other side support portion 685a on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa to the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr. In addition, the other side 685d of the other side anti-detachment portion 685 faces the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa as in the second embodiment, but the direction of the inclined surface 685e is different from that in the second embodiment. That is, the inclined surface 685e is inclined relative to the unit axis Cs in such a manner that the closer it is to the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr, the more it is located on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0230] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0231] (Fifth embodiment)

[0232] Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the fourth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0233] like Fig.14 As shown, the elastic unit 63 replaces the coil spring 75 (see Fig.13 ) and has an elastic member 85. The elastic member 85 corresponds to the coil spring 75 of the fourth embodiment and replaces the coil spring 75. In addition, the elastic member 85 of this embodiment is the same member as the elastic member 85 of the third embodiment.

[0234] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the fourth embodiment.

[0235] (Sixth embodiment)

[0236] Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0237] like Fig.15 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape of the intermediate retainer 74 is different from that in the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the diameter of the first coil spring 65 and the diameter of the second coil spring 66 are the same size.

[0238] In this embodiment, the one side holder 67 corresponds to the first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 corresponds to the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed by the first and second holders of the present disclosure is composed of the first coil spring 65 as one elastic member.

[0239] Specifically, the intermediate retainer 74 of the present embodiment has a main body 748 and an intermediate anti-detachment portion 747. In the present embodiment, the intermediate retainer 74 is made of resin, as in the first embodiment. The main body 748 and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74 are integrally formed. In addition, in the present embodiment, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74 are in a snap-fit ​​assembly structure, as in the first embodiment.

[0240] The main body 748 of the intermediate holder 74 is in the shape of a flat plate, and an insertion hole 74a is formed inside the main body 748. The inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a similarly to the first embodiment.

[0241] In addition, the main body portion 748 has a surface 748 a formed on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and another surface 748 b formed on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0242] The first coil spring 65 is provided on one side of the main body 748 of the intermediate retainer 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the second coil spring 66 is provided on the other side of the main body 748 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Moreover, one surface 748a of the main body 748 abuts against the other end 652 of the first coil spring 65 from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and the other surface 748b abuts against one end 661 of the second coil spring 66 from one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the main body 748 of the intermediate retainer 74 is sandwiched by the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66, and is pressed by the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0243] The intermediate retainer 74 of the present embodiment does not include the inter-spring arrangement portion 741, the inner contact portion 742, the outer contact portion 743, and the hole forming portion 746 (see FIG. 1 ) shown in the first embodiment. Figure 5 ). Moreover, the other surface support portion 747a of the intermediate retainer 74 extends from the peripheral portion of the main body portion 748 to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the intermediate retainer 74 may also be formed with a retainer through hole 74c similar to that of the first embodiment (see Figure 5 ), however, in the present embodiment, the retaining member through hole 74c is not formed.

[0244] The inner guide portion 70 and the other-side contact portion 682 of the other-side holder 68 are not configured as separate components but are integrally configured as a single component. The other-side holder 68 of this embodiment may be made of resin or metal.

[0245] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0246] (Seventh Implementation Method)

[0247] Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0248] like Fig.16 As shown, the inner guide portion 70 and the other side contact portion 682 of the other side retainer 68 are not constituted as independent parts, but are integrally constituted as a single part. The other side retainer 68 of this embodiment can be made of resin or metal. In addition, the intermediate retainer 74 of this embodiment can also be formed with the same retainer through hole 74c as in the first embodiment (see Figure 5 ), however, in the present embodiment, the retaining member through hole 74c is not formed.

[0249] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0250] (Eighth Implementation Method)

[0251] Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0252] like Fig.17 As shown, in this embodiment, the intermediate retaining member 74 replaces the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 (see Figure 5 ) and has an intermediate anti-detachment portion 749. In addition, the one-side retainer 67 does not have a one-side anti-detachment portion 673 (refer to Figure 5 ), but the other side retainer 68 has the other side anti-detachment portion 685. In addition, the intermediate retainer 74 of this embodiment is not formed with a retainer through hole 74c (refer to Figure 5 ).

[0253] In this embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 corresponds to the first holder of the present disclosure, and the other side holder 68 corresponds to the second holder of the present disclosure. The elastic portion sandwiched and compressed by the first and second holders of the present disclosure is composed of the second coil spring 66 as one elastic member.

[0254] The intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 of this embodiment is included in the intermediate retainer 74 and is similar to the one side anti-detachment portion 673 (see Figure 5 ) have the same composition.

[0255] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 corresponds to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure. In addition, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 of the present embodiment has a one-side support portion 749a that is the same as the one-side support portion 673a of the first embodiment and a one-side forming portion 749c that is the same as the one-side forming portion 673c of the first embodiment. The one-side forming portion 749c is formed with a one-side 749d that is the same as the one-side 673d of the first embodiment and an inclined surface 749e that is the same as the inclined surface 673e of the first embodiment.

[0256] However, the one-side support portion 749a constitutes a part of the intermediate retainer 74 and is therefore connected to the outer contact portion 743 of the intermediate retainer 74. Furthermore, the one-side support portion 749a extends from the peripheral edge portion of the outer contact portion 743 to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and is arranged outside the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0257] For example, the intermediate retainer 74 of the present embodiment is made of resin, and the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 , the inner contact portion 742 , the outer contact portion 743 , the hole forming portion 746 , and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 are integrally formed as a single component.

[0258] The other side anti-detachment portion 685 of this embodiment is included in the other side retainer 68 and is similar to the middle anti-detachment portion 747 (see Figure 5 That is, the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of this embodiment corresponds to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure, and is the same as the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the second embodiment (refer to Fig.11 ) has the other side support portion 685a and the other side forming portion 685c in the same manner. For example, the other side retainer 68 of this embodiment is made of resin, and the inner side guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 are integrally formed as a single component.

[0259] In this embodiment, the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 of the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the other side retainer 68 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure similar to that of the first embodiment. In this embodiment, one or both of the one side support portion 749a of the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side support portion 685a of the other side retainer 68 can be elastically deformed and flexed in the unit radial direction Dsr. Thus, the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side retainer 68 can be combined or disassembled in a manner that the snap-fit ​​assembly structure is established.

[0260] In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the stopper 781 (see Figure 4 ) is damaged, the pedal 40 will release the prevention of the intermediate retainer 74 from moving toward the side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0261] In this case, the intermediate retainer 74 moves relative to the other side retainer 68 toward one side in the unit axial direction Dsa until the other side anti-detachment portion 685's other side surface 685d abuts against the one side 749d of the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749. If the other side 685d abuts against the one side 749d in the unit axial direction Dsa, the relative positional relationship between the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side retainer 68 is fixed.

[0262] That is, the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the present embodiment prevents the intermediate retainer 74 from moving relative to the other side retainer 68 to one side in the unit axial direction Dsa beyond a predetermined limit by abutting against the intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The predetermined limit refers to the relative position of the intermediate retainer 74 with respect to the other side retainer 68 when the other side 685d abuts against the one side 749d in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0263] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0264] (Ninth Implementation Method)

[0265] Next, a ninth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the eighth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0266] like Fig.18As shown, in this embodiment, in addition to the configuration shown in the eighth embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 has the same one-side anti-slip portion 673 as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the intermediate retainer 74 has the same intermediate anti-slip portion 747 as in the first embodiment in addition to the same intermediate anti-slip portion 749 as in the eighth embodiment. In the description of this embodiment, the same intermediate anti-slip portion 747 as in the first embodiment is referred to as the first intermediate anti-slip portion 747, and the same intermediate anti-slip portion 749 as in the eighth embodiment is referred to as the second intermediate anti-slip portion 749.

[0267] Therefore, in this embodiment, two snap-fit ​​structures are provided. Specifically, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the first intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 of the intermediate retainer 74 form a snap-fit ​​structure. In addition, the second intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 of the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the other side retainer 68 form a snap-fit ​​structure.

[0268] Moreover, in the relationship between the one-side retainer 67 and the intermediate retainer 74, the one-side retainer 67 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the intermediate retainer 74 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. Moreover, the elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of the first coil spring 65 as one elastic member. Moreover, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 corresponds to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure, and the first intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 corresponds to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure.

[0269] On the other hand, in the relationship between the intermediate retainer 74 and the other side retainer 68, the intermediate retainer 74 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the other side retainer 68 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. Moreover, the elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of the second coil spring 66 as one elastic member. Moreover, the second intermediate anti-detachment portion 749 corresponds to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure, and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 corresponds to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure.

[0270] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the eighth embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the eighth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the eighth embodiment.

[0271] (10th embodiment)

[0272] Next, a tenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the description will be mainly focused on the points different from the first embodiment described above.

[0273] like Fig.19 As shown, in this embodiment, the intermediate retaining member 74 does not have the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 (see Figure 5 ). Instead, the other side retainer 68 has the other side retainer 685 corresponding to the second retainer of the present disclosure. In this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the one side retainer 673 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure.

[0274] In this embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the other-side retainer 68 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. The elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of the first and second coil springs 65 and 66 as a plurality of elastic members. In addition, the intermediate retainer 74 is provided as another member that is different from either the first retainer or the second retainer of the present disclosure.

[0275] The other side anti-detachment portion 685 of this embodiment is similar to the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the eighth embodiment (see Fig.17 ) has the other surface support portion 685a and the other surface forming portion 685c in the same manner. However, the other surface forming portion 685c of this embodiment does not have the inclined surface 685e (see Fig.17 That is, the other side forming portion 685c on the opposite side to the other side 685d is not an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit axis Cs, but is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the unit axis Cs.

[0276] For example, the other side retainer 68 of the present embodiment is made of resin or metal, and the inner side guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682, and the other side retaining portion 685 are integrally configured as a single component.

[0277] In this embodiment, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the other side retainer 68 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure similar to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, for example, the other side anti-detachment portion 685 and the middle anti-detachment portion 747 of the first embodiment (see Figure 5 ) are arranged in a plurality of the same manner, and can be elastically deformed and bent in the unit radial direction Dsr in the same manner as the middle anti-detachment portion 747. Thus, the one side retainer 67 and the other side retainer 68 can be combined or decomposed in a manner that the snap assembly structure is established.

[0278] In addition, in this embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the stopper 781 (see Figure 4 ) is damaged, the pedal 40 will release the prevention of the movement of the one side retainer 67 to the side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0279] In this case, the one-side retainer 67 moves relatively to the other-side retainer 68 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa until the other surface 685d of the other-side retaining portion 685 abuts against the one surface 673d of the one-side retaining portion 673. When the other surface 685d abuts against the one surface 673d in the unit axial direction Dsa, the relative positional relationship between the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 is fixed.

[0280] That is, the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the present embodiment prevents the one side retainer 67 from moving relative to the other side retainer 68 to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa beyond a predetermined limit by abutting against the one side anti-detachment portion 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The predetermined limit refers to the relative position of the one side retainer 67 with respect to the other side retainer 68 when the other side 685d abuts against the one side 673d in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0281] In addition, in the present embodiment, when the other side anti-detachment portion 685 abuts against the one side anti-detachment portion 673, the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66 and the intermediate retainer 74 are held in a state of being sandwiched by the one side abutment portion 672 and the other side abutment portion 682. Furthermore, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are not extended to a free length, but are maintained in a state of being compressed and deformed in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0282] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment.

[0283] (11th embodiment)

[0284] Next, an eleventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the second embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0285] like Figure 20 to Figure 22 As shown, in this embodiment, the other side anti-detachment part 685 is not provided with a plurality of but one. The other side support part 685a of the other side anti-detachment part 685 is arranged on the outside of the one side forming part 673c in the unit radial direction Dsr. Moreover, the other side support part 685a extends from the other side abutment part 682 to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and forms a substantially cylindrical shape in a manner of surrounding the one side forming part 673c.

[0286] In addition, in this embodiment, the other surface forming portion 685c is formed on the entire circumference around the unit axis Cs. In addition, the other surface forming portion 685c of this embodiment does not have an inclined surface 685e (see FIG. 685c ) corresponding to the second embodiment. Fig.11That is, the other side forming portion 685c on the opposite side to the other side 685d is not an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit axis Cs, but is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the unit axis Cs.

[0287] The one-side support portion 673a of this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment, and extends from the one-side abutment portion 672 to the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape so as to surround the coil spring 75. However, unlike the second embodiment, Figure 20 to Figure 23 As shown in FIG. 1 , a slit-shaped notch groove 673b provided in a portion of the unit circumferential direction Dsc is formed in the one-side support portion 673a of the present embodiment. The notch groove 673b also reaches the one-side forming portion 673c.

[0288] As described above, since the notch groove 673 b is formed in the one-side retaining portion 673 , the one-side supporting portion 673 a can elastically deform the one-side forming portion 673 c so as to be displaced to either the inner side or the outer side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0289] In addition, Fig. 22 In the figure, the leaf spring 61 and the connecting rod 76 are omitted. Fig. 22 In the cross-sectional view described later, Fig. 22 Similarly, illustration of the leaf spring 61 and the connecting rod 76 is appropriately omitted.

[0290] In this embodiment, a notch groove 673b is formed in the one-side support portion 673a and the one-side forming portion 673c. Since the notch groove 673b is provided, the one-side support portion 673a of the one-side retainer 67 of this embodiment can be elastically deformed and flexed in the unit radial direction Dsr. Thus, the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 can be combined or disassembled in such a way that the snap-fit ​​assembly structure composed of the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685 is established.

[0291] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the common structure of the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0292] (12th embodiment)

[0293] Next, a twelfth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the above-mentioned eleventh embodiment will be mainly described.

[0294] like Figure 24 to Figure 26 As shown, the shape of the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 is different from that of the 11th embodiment. Fig.24The cross section of the elastic unit 63 shown in the XXIIa-XXIIa section is the same as Fig. 22 The cross sections shown in are the same.

[0295] In the present embodiment, a plurality of (specifically, three) one-side retaining portions 673 are provided. The plurality of one-side retaining portions 673 are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals from each other.

[0296] Therefore, the one side support portion 673a of the one side anti-detachment portion 673 can be elastically deformed and bent in the unit radial direction Dsr in the same manner as in the 11th embodiment. Thus, the one side retainer 67 and the other side retainer 68 can be combined or disassembled in such a way that the snap-fit ​​assembly structure composed of the one side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other side anti-detachment portion 685 is established.

[0297] In addition, since a plurality of one-side anti-detachment portions 673 are provided in a manner capable of elastic deformation, the same number of snap-fitting structures as the one-side anti-detachment portions 673 , that is, a plurality of snap-fitting structures, are provided.

[0298] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the 11th embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the above-described 11th embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as the 11th embodiment.

[0299] (13th embodiment)

[0300] Next, a thirteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the seventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0301] like Figure 27 to Figure 29 As shown, in this embodiment, similar to the seventh embodiment, the intermediate retainer 74 has a plurality of (specifically, three) intermediate anti-slip portions 747 composed of another surface support portions 747a and another surface forming portions 747c. The plurality of intermediate anti-slip portions 747 are arranged at equal intervals along the unit circumferential direction Dsc. Moreover, the other surface support portions 747a of the plurality of intermediate anti-slip portions 747 are respectively capable of elastic deformation in a manner that causes the other surface forming portion 747c to displace to either the inner side or the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0302] Unlike the seventh embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 of this embodiment has a plurality of holder through holes 74c penetrating the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The holder through holes 74c are provided one by one corresponding to each other surface forming portion 747c.

[0303] The retainer through hole 74c is arranged on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the other surface support portion 747a, and is arranged on the inner side of the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the other surface support portion 747a. For example, in the present embodiment, the retainer through hole 74c is formed to reach both the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 and the outer abutment portion 743. That is, the retainer through hole 74c has an axial hole portion 74d that penetrates the outer abutment portion 743 along the unit axial direction Dsa and an axial extension portion 74e formed on the outer side of the unit radial direction Dsr in the inter-spring arrangement portion 741. The axial extension portion 74e is in the shape of a groove extending from the axial hole portion 74d to the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0304] Moreover, if Fig.28 , Fig.30 As shown, at each of the three locations where the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 and the retainer through hole 74c are provided, the retainer through hole 74c is arranged so that the retainer through hole 74c overlaps the entirety of the other surface forming portion 747c on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. Fig.30 As shown, when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa, the entire other surface forming portion 747c enters the range occupied by the retaining member through hole 74c.

[0305] In addition, the one-side forming portion 673c does not have the inclined surface 673e (see Fig.16 That is, the side opposite to the side 673d in the one-side forming portion 673c is not an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit axis Cs, but is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the unit axis Cs.

[0306] As described above, according to the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the holder through-hole 74 c is formed in the intermediate holder 74 , so that undercutting of the mold can be prevented when the intermediate holder 74 made of resin is molded.

[0307] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the seventh embodiment.

[0308] In addition, in this embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the intermediate retainer 74 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. In addition, the elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of the first coil spring 65 as one elastic member. In addition, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 corresponds to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure, and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 corresponds to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure.

[0309] (14th embodiment)

[0310] Next, a fourteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the description will be mainly focused on the points different from the above-mentioned tenth embodiment.

[0311] like Figure 31 to Figure 33 As shown, in this embodiment, the shape of the one side anti-detachment portion 673 of the one side retainer 67 and the shape of the other side anti-detachment portion 685 of the other side retainer 68 are different from those of the tenth embodiment. Fig.32 In the embodiment, the leaf spring 61 and the connecting rod 76 are omitted (see Fig.19 ) icon.

[0312] Specifically, the one-side support portion 673a included in the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 has a cylindrical base portion 673g and a plurality of extension portions 673h. Furthermore, the one-side support portion 673a is arranged outside the unit radial direction Dsr at a radial interval C1 relative to the intermediate retainer 74. Therefore, the one-side support portion 673a is arranged outside the unit radial direction Dsr relative to any of the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66 and the intermediate retainer 74.

[0313] The cylindrical base 673g of the one-side support portion 673a has a cylindrical shape with the unit axis Cs as the axis center, and extends from the peripheral edge portion of the one-side abutment portion 672 to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0314] The one-side support portion 673a has, for example, three extension portions 673h which protrude from the end edge of the cylindrical base portion 673g on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa and are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0315] In addition, an outer peripheral surface 673i is formed on the outer peripheral side of the cylindrical base portion 673g, and the outer peripheral surface 673i continuously extends in the unit axial direction Dsa from the cylindrical base portion 673g to the extended portion 673h.

[0316] The one-side forming portion 673c of the present embodiment protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the end portion on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the extension portion 673h of the one-side supporting portion 673a. Therefore, the one-side forming portion 673c of the present embodiment is provided in the same number as the extension portion 673h. Moreover, the extension portion 673h can be elastically deformed in such a manner that the one-side forming portion 673c is displaced to either the inner side or the outer side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0317] In addition, the one surface forming portion 673c of the present embodiment has a one surface 673d and an inclined surface 673e similarly to the tenth embodiment.

[0318] The other side anti-detachment part 685 of this embodiment does not have a part equivalent to the other side support part 685a and the other side forming part 685c of the tenth embodiment. The other side anti-detachment part 685 of this embodiment is formed into a cylindrical shape with the unit axis Cs as the axis center, and extends from the peripheral portion of the other side abutment part 682 to one side of the unit axis direction Dsa. Moreover, the other side anti-detachment part 685 is configured to surround the one side support part 673a on the entire circumference. For example, the one side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are accommodated inside the cylindrical other side anti-detachment part 685.

[0319] An inner peripheral surface 685f extending in the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on the inner peripheral side of the other side retaining portion 685. The inner peripheral surface 685f faces and slidably contacts the outer peripheral surface 673i of the one surface support portion 673a in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0320] Therefore, the one-side support portion 673a and the other-side anti-slip portion 685 allow the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 to move relative to each other in the unit axial direction Dsa while limiting their relative movement in the unit radial direction Dsr by making the outer peripheral surface 673i and the inner peripheral surface 685f slidably contact each other. That is, in this embodiment, the other-side anti-slip portion 685 plays the same role as the outer guide portion 69 of the tenth embodiment, and the one-side support portion 673a plays the same role as the inner guide portion 70 of the tenth embodiment. Therefore, in this embodiment, the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 are not provided (see Fig.19 ).

[0321] A plurality of wall holes 685g are formed in the other side anti-detachment portion 685 along the unit radial direction Dsr. The wall holes 685g are provided in the same number as the one side forming portion 673c and are arranged at positions corresponding to the one side forming portion 673c. Therefore, the wall holes 685g are also arranged at equal intervals along the unit circumferential direction Dsc in the same manner as the one side forming portion 673c.

[0322] Furthermore, the one-side forming portion 673c is embedded from the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr into the wall hole 685g of the other-side anti-detachment portion 685. In addition, at the end position on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the wall hole 685g of the other-side anti-detachment portion 685, another surface 685d is formed facing the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa and facing the one-side surface 673d.

[0323] According to the configuration of the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685, in this embodiment, as in the tenth embodiment, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685 form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure.

[0324] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685 constitute a snap-fit ​​assembly structure, and at the same time, the relative movement in the unit radial direction Dsr is restricted while the one-side retainer 67 and the other-side retainer 68 are allowed to move relative to each other in the unit axial direction Dsa. In short, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685 both have the function of a guide portion that guides the one-side retainer 67 relative to the other-side retainer 68 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a portion or component corresponding to the guide portion separately from the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 and the other-side anti-detachment portion 685.

[0325] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the tenth embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the tenth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the tenth embodiment.

[0326] (15th embodiment)

[0327] Next, a fifteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the seventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0328] like Figure 34 to Figure 36 As shown, the one side anti-detachment portion 673 and the middle anti-detachment portion 747 of this embodiment restrict relative movement in the unit axial direction Dsa, but do not form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure. In this point, this embodiment is different from the seventh embodiment.

[0329] In addition, in the present embodiment, the one-side retainer 67 corresponds to the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the intermediate retainer 74 corresponds to the second retainer of the present disclosure. In addition, the elastic portion that is sandwiched and compressed and deformed by the first retainer and the second retainer of the present disclosure is composed of the first coil spring 65 as one elastic member. In addition, the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 corresponds to the first anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure, and the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 corresponds to the second anti-detachment portion of the present disclosure.

[0330] In this embodiment, the one side support portion 673a of the one side retaining portion 673 is cylindrical with the unit axis Cs as the axis center, and extends from the peripheral portion of the one side contact portion 672 to the other side in the unit axis direction Dsa.

[0331] The one-side forming portion 673c of the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 is not provided over the entire circumference of the one-side supporting portion 673a, but is provided in a plurality in a portion of the unit circumferential direction Dsc. For example, a plurality of one-side forming portions 673c are arranged at equal intervals along the unit circumferential direction Dsc with intervals therebetween. In the present embodiment, two one-side forming portions 673c are provided, and are arranged along the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals of 180 degrees.

[0332] In addition, the one-side forming portion 673c protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the end portion on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa in the one-side supporting portion 673a, as in the seventh embodiment. Moreover, the one-side forming portion 673c is formed with a one-side surface 673d on one side facing the unit axial direction Dsa, as in the seventh embodiment. However, the one-side forming portion 673c on the opposite side to the one-side surface 673d is not an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit axis Cs, but is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the unit axis Cs.

[0333] The other side support portion 747a of the middle anti-detachment portion 747 is cylindrical with the unit axis Cs as the axis center, and extends from the peripheral portion of the outer abutment portion 743 to one side of the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the other side support portion 747a is arranged on the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr than the one side forming portion 673c of the one side anti-detachment portion 673. That is, the one side forming portion 673c is accommodated on the inside of the unit radial direction Dsr with respect to the other side support portion 747a in either the non-stepping state or the maximum stepping state of the pedal 40.

[0334] The other side forming portion 747c of the intermediate anti-detachment portion 747 is not provided over the entire circumference of the other side supporting portion 747a, but is provided in a plurality in a portion of the unit circumferential direction Dsc. For example, a plurality of other side forming portions 747c are arranged at equal intervals along the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals from each other. In the present embodiment, two other side forming portions 747c are provided, and are arranged along the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals of 180 degrees.

[0335] In addition, the other surface forming portion 747c protrudes from the end of the other surface supporting portion 747a on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa to the inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr, as in the seventh embodiment. Moreover, the other surface forming portion 747c is formed with the other surface 747d facing the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa, as in the seventh embodiment. However, the side of the other surface forming portion 747c opposite to the other surface 747d is not an inclined surface inclined with respect to the unit axis Cs, but is, for example, a plane perpendicular to the unit axis Cs.

[0336] In addition, similar to the seventh embodiment, the other surface forming portion 747c is arranged on one side of the one surface forming portion 673c in the unit axial direction Dsa. Moreover, the one surface forming portion 673c and the other surface forming portion 747c are arranged so that the one surface 673d and the other surface 747d overlap each other when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0337] As described above, the plurality of other surface forming portions 747c are arranged in the unit circumferential direction Dsc at intervals from each other. Fig.34As shown, the other surface forming parts 747c are mutually grooved. That is, the other surface mutual grooves 747f are formed between the other surface forming parts 747c arranged in the unit circumferential direction Dsc on the middle anti-detachment part 747. The other surface mutual grooves 747f are provided to be the same in number as the other surface forming parts 747c.

[0338] In addition, although there is friction resistance between the one side retainer 67 and the first coil spring 65, the one side retainer 67 can rotate relative to the intermediate retainer 74 around the unit axis Cs. Fig.34 In the state of being, an obstacle is provided to prevent the rotation of the one side retaining member 67 relative to the intermediate retaining member 74 around the unit axis Cs.

[0339] Moreover, in Fig.34 When the one-side retainer 67 is relatively rotated by a predetermined angle around the unit axis Cs with respect to the intermediate retainer 74 from the state, when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa, the plurality of one-side forming portions 673c overlap with the plurality of other-side inter-grooves 747f. Moreover, in this case, when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa, the plurality of one-side forming portions 673c do not protrude from the range occupied by the plurality of other-side inter-grooves 747f, but enter the range respectively.

[0340] Therefore, it can be said that the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate retainer 74 of the present embodiment are each formed in a shape that allows a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement described below.

[0341] The predetermined relative rotation refers to the rotation of the one side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 from a reference state (for example, a state in which the one side 673d and the other side 747d are opposed to each other) to a state in which the one side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 are rotated from a reference state in which the one side 673d and the other side 747d are opposed to each other. Fig.34 In the present embodiment, the predetermined angle is 90 degrees, and the relative rotation can be in any direction in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. The state in which the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate retainer 74 are relatively rotated by the predetermined angle from the reference state along the unit circumferential direction Dsc is referred to as the predetermined angle rotation state.

[0342] Moreover, the above-mentioned specified relative movement means that, in the above-mentioned specified angle rotation state, one side retaining member 67 and the intermediate retaining member 74 move relative to each other along the unit axial direction Dsa in such a manner that the one side forming portion 673c moves from the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa to one side with respect to the other side forming portion 747c.

[0343] The shapes of the one side retainer 67 and the middle retainer 74 are as described above. Therefore, in this embodiment, Fig.37As shown, the one side retainer 67 and the intermediate retainer 74 can be connected to complete the assembly of the one side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74 and the first coil spring 65.

[0344] The method of connecting the one side retainer 67 and the middle retainer 74 is described. Fig.37 As shown in the figure, the one side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74 and the first coil spring 65 are prepared as a single body. Then, in a state where the first coil spring 65 is sandwiched between the one side abutment portion 672 and the inner side abutment portion 742, the one side retainer 67 and the first coil spring 65 are brought close to the intermediate retainer 74 from one side of the unit axis Dsa as indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

[0345] At this time, the rotation position of the one side retainer 67 in the unit circumferential direction Dsc is a position where the entire one side forming portion 673c overlaps with the other side mutual groove 747f when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, until the one side forming portion 673c moves from one side to the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the other side forming portion 747c through the other side mutual groove 747f, the one side retainer 67 moves relative to the intermediate retainer 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0346] Next, the one side holder 67 is rotated relative to the intermediate holder 74 by the predetermined angle in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. As a result, the one side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 become Fig.34 The above is the method of connecting the one side retainer 67 and the middle retainer 74.

[0347] In this embodiment, since the one side retainer 67 and the middle retainer 74 can be connected by the above-mentioned connection method instead of the snap-fit ​​structure, it is not necessary to form the one side retaining portion 673 and the middle retaining portion 747 from elastically deformable materials.

[0348] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the seventh embodiment.

[0349] (16th Implementation Method)

[0350] Next, a sixteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the fourth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0351] like Fig.38 As shown, the other side retainer 68 of this embodiment is connected to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by snap-fitting rather than screwing.

[0352] Therefore, the other side retainer 68 of this embodiment has a snap-fitting portion 686 in addition to the inner side guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682, and the other side anti-detachment portion 685. The other side retainer 68 is made of resin, for example, and the inner side guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682, the other side anti-detachment portion 685, and the snap-fitting portion 686 are integrally formed as a single component.

[0353] Specifically, the snap-fitting assembly portion 686 has a pair of snap-fitting extensions 686a and a pair of snap-fitting claws 686b. For example, the pair of snap-fitting extensions 686a are symmetrically arranged with the unit axis Cs as the center, and the pair of snap-fitting claws 686b are also symmetrically arranged with the unit axis Cs as the center. One of the pair of snap-fitting claws 686b is connected to one of the pair of snap-fitting extensions 686a, and the other of the pair of snap-fitting claws 686b is connected to the other of the pair of snap-fitting extensions 686a.

[0354] Specifically, the snap-fitting extension portion 686a protrudes from the other side abutment portion 682 or the inner guide portion 70 toward the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa and extends along the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the snap-fitting extension portion 686a is inserted into the through hole 612b formed in the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. The snap-fitting extension portion 686a can bend by elastic deformation.

[0355] The snap-fit ​​claw 686b protrudes from the snap-fit ​​extension 686a to the outside in the unit radial direction Dsr at a position on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa from the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61. The snap-fit ​​claw 686b extends from the snap-fit ​​extension 686a to a position on the outside in the unit radial direction Dsr from the through hole 612b.

[0356] In addition, the snap-fitting claw portion 686b has a claw portion one side 686c formed on one side of the unit axial direction Dsa and a claw portion inclined surface 686d formed on the other side of the unit axial direction Dsa. The claw portion one side 686c is a surface facing the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa, and is opposite to the other end portion 612 around the through hole 612b of the leaf spring 61 and is in contact with the other end portion 612. In addition, the claw portion inclined surface 686d is an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit axis Cs in a manner that the closer to the outside of the unit radial direction Dsr, the more it is located on the one side of the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0357] Except for the above description, this embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. Also, in this embodiment, the effects achieved by the configuration common to the fourth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the fourth embodiment.

[0358] (Other embodiments)

[0359] (1) In each of the above-mentioned embodiments, the pedal device 1 is used as a brake pedal device, but this is an example. For example, the pedal device 1 may be used as an accelerator pedal device that is operated to adjust the output of the driving source of the vehicle 80. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 may be set to various devices that the driver 81 operates with his foot.

[0360] (2) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the support body that supports the pedal 40 in a manner that allows it to swing around the pedal axis CL is specifically a housing composed of the outer shell 10 and the base plate 20 and accommodates the reaction force generating mechanism 60, etc., but this is an example. The support body does not need to be formed as a housing and may not accommodate the reaction force generating mechanism 60, etc.

[0361] (3) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown, the elastic members 65 and 66 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 are specifically the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66, but this is just an example. For example, it is also conceivable that the elastic members 65 and 66 are not coil springs but elastic bodies such as rubber or air springs.

[0362] (4) In the above-mentioned fifteenth embodiment, Fig.35 The one side holder 67 shown is made of resin, for example, but the constituent material of the one side holder 67 is not limited, and the one side holder 67 may be made of metal.

[0363] When the one side holder 67 is made of metal, for example, the durability against the surface pressure of the pressed surface 67a of the one side holder 67 by the connecting rod 76 can be improved compared to the case where the one side holder 67 is made of resin. In addition, the one side holder 67 is difficult to deform, and the scratching of the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 caused by the deformation of the one side holder 67 can be suppressed.

[0364] In addition, in the fifteenth embodiment, Fig.35 The intermediate retainer 74 shown is also made of resin, for example, but there is no limitation on the constituent material of the intermediate retainer 74. For example, the intermediate retainer 74 may be made of metal.

[0365] (5) In the first embodiment described above, for example Figure 5 The spring seat member 684 shown is made of resin, and the inner guide portion 70 is made of metal, but their constituent materials are not limited. For example, the spring seat member 684 may be made of metal, and the inner guide portion 70 may be made of resin. Alternatively, both the spring seat member 684 and the inner guide portion 70 may be made of resin or metal.

[0366] (6) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 3 , Figure 5 As shown, the other side retainer 68 is fixed to the other end 612 of the leaf spring 61 by screwing the fastening member 62, but this is just an example. For example, the leaf spring 61 may not be provided, and the other side retainer 68 may be directly fixed to the base plate 20 by screwing the fastening member 62 or the like.

[0367] (7) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown, the inner guide portion 70 is configured as a component independent of the spring seat component 684 including the other side contact portion 682 and the spring guide portion 683, but this is just an example. For example, the inner guide portion 70, the other side contact portion 682 and the spring guide portion 683 may be configured as a single component by insert molding or the like.

[0368] (8) In the first embodiment described above, Figure 5 The pressing portion 762 of the connecting rod 76 shown is made of resin, for example, but the constituent material of the pressing portion 762 is not limited, and the pressing portion 762 may be made of metal.

[0369] If the pressing portion 762 is made of metal, the durability against the surface pressure when the pressing portion 762 of the connecting rod 76 presses the pressed surface 67 a of the one-side holder 67 can be improved compared to the case where the pressing portion 762 is made of resin, for example.

[0370] (9) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown in the figure, in the cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 and the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 are circular with the unit axis Cs as the center, but this is an example. In the cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, the inner peripheral surface 691 and the outer peripheral surface 701 can be either elliptical or polygonal.

[0371] (10) In each of the above embodiments, if Figure 2 As shown, the pedal device 1 is an organ-type pedal device, but this is just an example. For example, the pedal device 1 may also be a suspended-type pedal device.

[0372] (11) In the first embodiment described above, if Figure 5 As shown, in the non-stepping state of the pedal 40, the other side 747d of the middle anti-slip portion 747 does not contact the one side 673d of the anti-slip portion 673 but is separated in the unit axial direction Dsa, but this is an example. Figure 5 In the non-stepping state of the pedal 40 shown, the other surface 747 d of the middle anti-detachment portion 747 abuts against the one surface 673 d of the one-side anti-detachment portion 673 .

[0373] (12) In the above-mentioned first and thirteenth embodiments, if Figure 5 , Fig.28 As shown, the retainer through hole 74c of the intermediate retainer 74 is formed to reach both the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 and the outer abutment portion 743, but this is an example. For example, when viewed in the direction of the unit axial direction Dsa, the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 does not completely overlap with the entirety of the other surface forming portion 747c, and the retainer through hole 74c does not reach the inter-spring arrangement portion 741 but is formed only in the outer abutment portion 743.

[0374] (13) In the second embodiment described above, if Fig.11 As shown, the outer guide 69 is included in one side holder 67, and the inner guide 70 is included in the other side holder 68, but this is an example. For example, the outer guide 69 may be included in the other side holder 68, and the inner guide 70 may be included in the one side holder 67.

[0375] (14) In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and can be implemented in various modifications. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are not mutually independent, and can be appropriately combined except for the case where they are obviously not combined.

[0376] In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily required, except for the cases where they are specifically indicated as required and the cases where they are obviously considered to be required in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the numerical values ​​of the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the structural elements of the embodiments are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific numbers, except for the cases where they are specifically indicated as required and the cases where they are obviously limited to specific numbers in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. of the structural elements are mentioned, they are not limited to the materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc., except for the cases where they are specifically indicated and the cases where they are limited to specific materials, shapes, positional relationships, etc. in principle.

[0377] (Features of the present disclosure)

[0378] [First point of view]

[0379] A pedal device, arranged on a vehicle (80), comprises:

[0380] A support body (10, 20) is mounted on the vehicle body (2);

[0381] a pedal (40) which is arranged to be swingable relative to the support body and is operated by a driver (81) stepping on it from a predetermined operating side; and

[0382] A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is supported by the supporting body and is arranged on a side opposite to the operating side, i.e., an opposite operation side, relative to the pedal, and generates a reaction force with respect to a pedaling force applied to the pedal by the driver.

[0383] The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: an elastic portion including one or more elastic members (65, 66, 75, 85) capable of elastic deformation in one direction (Dsa); a first retaining member (67, 74) abutting against the elastic portion from a side of the one direction serving as the pedal side and having a first anti-slip portion (673, 749); and a second retaining member (68, 74) abutting against the elastic portion from a side of the one direction opposite to the one side and having a second anti-slip portion (685, 747).

[0384] The pedal is in a non-stepping state where the pedal is not stepped on by the driver, preventing the first retainer from moving toward the one side in the one direction, thereby maintaining the elastic portion in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction.

[0385] When the pedal releases the blocking effect of the first retaining member on the movement of the first retaining member to the one side in the one direction, the second anti-slip portion abuts against the first anti-slip portion in the one direction, thereby preventing the first retaining member from moving relative to the second retaining member to the one side in the one direction beyond a prescribed limit.

[0386] [Second point of view]

[0387] According to the pedal device described in the first aspect, even in a state where the second disengagement preventing portion abuts against the first disengagement preventing portion in the one direction, the elastic portion is maintained in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction.

[0388] [Third point of view]

[0389] According to the pedal device described in the first or second aspect, the one or more elastic members (65, 66, 75) are coil springs.

[0390] [Viewpoint 4]

[0391] According to the pedal device described in the first or second aspect, the reaction force generating mechanism includes a first coil spring (65) and a second coil spring (66) which are connected in series in the pedal force transmission path and are elastically deformable in the one direction.

[0392] The one or more elastic members are at least one of the first coil spring and the second coil spring.

[0393] [Viewpoint 5]

[0394] According to the pedal device described in the fourth aspect, the reaction force generating mechanism includes an intermediate retainer (74) provided between the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the transmission path of the pedal force.

[0395] The intermediate holder is provided as the first holder, the second holder, or another member different from either the first holder or the second holder.

[0396] [Viewpoint 6]

[0397] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to fifth aspects, the first retainer and the second retainer are made of resin or metal.

[0398] [Viewpoint 7]

[0399] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the reaction force generating mechanism includes a plurality of retaining members (67, 68, 74) which are connected in series via the one or more elastic members in the transmission path of the pedal force and are movable relative to each other in the one direction.

[0400] The first holder and the second holder are included in the plurality of holders.

[0401] One of the one side retaining member (67) disposed closest to the one side in the one direction and the other side retaining member (68) disposed closest to the other side in the one direction has an outer guide portion (69, 685) in the shape of a tube extending in the one direction,

[0402] The other of the one side holder and the other side holder has an inner guide portion (70, 673a) fitted into the outer guide portion so as to be relatively movable in the one direction relative to the outer guide portion.

[0403] [Viewpoint 8]

[0404] According to the pedal device described in the seventh aspect, the one or more elastic members (65, 66, 75) are coil springs.

[0405] The outer guide portion is provided radially inward of the coil spring.

[0406] [Viewpoint 9]

[0407] In the pedal device according to the seventh aspect, the one or more elastic members (65, 66, 75) are coil springs.

[0408] The inner guide portion is provided on the radially outer side of the coil spring.

[0409] [Viewpoint 10]

[0410] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to sixth aspects, the reaction force generating mechanism includes a plurality of retaining members (67, 68, 74) which are connected in series via the one or more elastic members in the transmission path of the pedal force and are movable relative to each other in the one direction.

[0411] The first holder and the second holder are included in the plurality of holders.

[0412] The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a leaf spring (61), wherein the leaf spring comprises an end portion (611) and another end portion (612).

[0413] One end of the leaf spring is fixed to the support body,

[0414] The other side retainer (68) disposed closest to the other side in the one direction among the plurality of retainers is connected to the other end portion of the leaf spring in a relatively non-movable manner.

[0415] [Viewpoint 11]

[0416] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first anti-detachment portion and the second anti-detachment portion are formed into a snap-fit ​​assembly structure.

[0417] When the pedal releases the blocking of the first retainer from moving toward the one side in the one direction, the second anti-detachment portion blocks the first retainer from moving relative to the second retainer beyond the prescribed limit toward the one side in the one direction through the snap-fit ​​assembly structure.

[0418] [Viewpoint 12]

[0419] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to tenth aspects, the first anti-slip portion has a surface forming portion (673c) having a surface (673d) facing the one side in the one direction,

[0420] The second anti-detachment portion has another surface forming portion (747c) formed with another surface (747d), and the other surface is arranged to overlap with the one surface and face the one surface on the one side in the one direction,

[0421] The second anti-detachment portion abuts against the first anti-detachment portion in the one direction, which means that the other surface abuts against the one surface.

[0422] The first holder and the second holder are respectively formed into shapes that allow a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement.

[0423] The predetermined relative rotation means that the first holder and the second holder are relatively rotated by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (Dsc) around the axis (Cs) of the elastic portion along the one direction from a reference state in which the one surface is opposed to the other surface.

[0424] The specified relative movement refers to the relative movement of the first retaining member and the second retaining member in the state where the first retaining member and the second retaining member are relatively rotated by the specified angle in the circumferential direction from the reference state, and the first retaining member and the second retaining member move relative to each other in the one direction in such a manner that the one-side forming portion moves from the other side of the one direction with respect to the other-side forming portion to the one side.

[0425] [Viewpoint 13]

[0426] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the pedal is a brake pedal.

[0427] [Viewpoint 14]

[0428] According to the pedal device described in any one of the first to third viewpoints, the reaction force generating mechanism comprises: an other-side coil spring (66) abutting against the second retaining member (74) from the other side in the one direction and capable of elastic deformation in the one direction; and an other-side retaining member (68) abutting against the other-side coil spring from the other side in the one direction and having an extension portion (70),

[0429] The pedal prevents the first retainer (67) from moving toward the one side in the one direction in the non-stepping state, thereby maintaining the elastic portion and the other side coil spring in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction.

[0430] The second retainer is provided with an insertion hole (74a) penetrating in the one direction.

[0431] The extending portion extends in the one direction and is inserted into the radial inner side of the other side coil spring.

[0432] In the non-stepping state of the pedal, the extension portion is inserted into the insertion hole,

[0433] Even when the inhibition of the movement of the first holder to the one side in the one direction by the pedal is released and the other-side coil spring is extended to a free length, the extending portion is inserted into the insertion hole.

[0434] [Viewpoint 15]

[0435] According to the pedal device described in the first or second aspect, the one or more elastic members are first coil springs (65),

[0436] The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: a second coil spring (66) abutting against the second retaining member (74) from the other side of the one direction and capable of elastic deformation in the one direction; and an other side retaining member (68) abutting against the second coil spring from the other side of the one direction.

[0437] The pedal prevents the first retainer (67) from moving to the one side in the one direction in the non-stepping state, thereby maintaining the first coil spring and the second coil spring in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction.

[0438] The outer diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the inner diameter of the second coil spring.

[0439] A portion of the first coil spring is arranged so as to overlap with the second coil spring on the inner side in the radial direction (Dsr) of the first coil spring.

[0440] The second retainer comprises: an inter-spring arrangement portion (741) arranged between the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the radial direction and forming a cylindrical shape extending in the one direction; an inner abutting portion (742) extending from the inter-spring arrangement portion toward the inner side in the radial direction and abutting against the first coil spring from the other side in the one direction; and an outer abutting portion (743) extending from the inter-spring arrangement portion toward the outer side in the radial direction and abutting against the second coil spring from the one side in the one direction.

[0441] The first anti-detachment portion (673) has a one-side forming portion (673c) having a one-side forming portion (673d) facing the one side in the one direction and arranged on the radially outer side relative to the first coil spring.

[0442] The second anti-detachment portion (747) comprises: another surface supporting portion (747a), which is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction than the one surface forming portion and extends from the outer abutting portion to the one side of the one direction; and another surface forming portion (747c), which is formed with another surface (747d), which is arranged to overlap with the one surface on the one side of the one direction and face the one surface, and the other surface forming portion protrudes from the other surface supporting portion to the inner side of the radial direction,

[0443] The second retaining portion abutting against the first retaining portion in the one direction means that the other surface abuts against the one surface.

Claims

1. A pedal device, arranged on a vehicle (80), characterized in that: have: A support body (10, 20) is mounted on the vehicle body (2); A pedal (40) is arranged in a swingable manner relative to the support body and is operated by a driver (81) stepping on it from a predetermined operating side; as well as A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is supported by the supporting body and is arranged on a side opposite to the operating side, i.e., an opposite operation side, relative to the pedal, and generates a reaction force with respect to a pedaling force applied to the pedal by the driver. The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: an elastic portion including one or more elastic members (65, 66, 75, 85) capable of elastic deformation in one direction (Dsa); a first retaining member (67, 74) abutting against the elastic portion from a side of the one direction serving as the pedal side and having a first anti-slip portion (673, 749); and a second retaining member (68, 74) abutting against the elastic portion from a side of the one direction opposite to the one side and having a second anti-slip portion (685, 747). The pedal is in a non-stepping state where the pedal is not stepped on by the driver, preventing the first retainer from moving toward the one side in the one direction, thereby maintaining the elastic portion in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction. When the pedal releases the blocking effect of the first retaining member on the movement of the first retaining member to the one side in the one direction, the second anti-slip portion abuts against the first anti-slip portion in the one direction, thereby preventing the first retaining member from moving relative to the second retaining member to the one side in the one direction beyond a prescribed limit.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Even in a state where the second retaining portion is in contact with the first retaining portion in the one direction, the elastic portion is maintained in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction.

3. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more elastic components (65, 66, 75) are coil springs.

4. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a first coil spring (65) and a second coil spring (66) which are connected in series in the pedal force transmission path and are elastically deformable in the one direction. The one or more elastic members are at least one of the first coil spring and the second coil spring.

5. The pedal device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The reaction force generating mechanism comprises an intermediate retainer (74) provided between the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the transmission path of the pedal force. The intermediate holder is provided as the first holder, the second holder, or another member different from either the first holder or the second holder.

6. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first holder and the second holder are made of resin or metal.

7. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of retaining members (67, 68, 74) which are connected in series via the one or more elastic members in the transmission path of the pedaling force and are movable relative to each other in the one direction. The first holder and the second holder are included in the plurality of holders. One of the one side retaining member (67) disposed closest to the one side in the one direction and the other side retaining member (68) disposed closest to the other side in the one direction has an outer guide portion (69, 685) in the shape of a tube extending in the one direction, The other of the one side holder and the other side holder has an inner guide portion (70, 673a) fitted into the outer guide portion so as to be relatively movable in the one direction relative to the outer guide portion.

8. The pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The one or more elastic components (65, 66, 75) are coil springs, The outer guide portion is provided radially inward of the coil spring.

9. The pedal device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The one or more elastic components (65, 66, 75) are coil springs, The inner guide portion is provided on the radially outer side of the coil spring.

10. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of retaining members (67, 68, 74) which are connected in series via the one or more elastic members in the transmission path of the pedaling force and are movable relative to each other in the one direction. The first holder and the second holder are included in the plurality of holders. The reaction force generating mechanism comprises a leaf spring (61), wherein the leaf spring comprises an end portion (611) and another end portion (612). One end of the leaf spring is fixed to the support body, The other side retainer (68) disposed closest to the other side in the one direction among the plurality of retainers is connected to the other end portion of the leaf spring in a relatively non-movable manner.

11. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first anti-detachment portion and the second anti-detachment portion form a snap-fit ​​assembly structure. When the pedal releases the blocking of the first retainer from moving toward the one side in the one direction, the second anti-detachment portion blocks the first retainer from moving relative to the second retainer beyond the prescribed limit toward the one side in the one direction through the snap-fit ​​assembly structure.

12. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The first anti-detachment portion has a surface forming portion (673c) having a surface (673d) facing the one side in the one direction. The second anti-detachment portion has another surface forming portion (747c) formed with another surface (747d), and the other surface is arranged to overlap with the one surface and face the one surface on the one side in the one direction, The second anti-detachment portion abuts against the first anti-detachment portion in the one direction, which means that the other surface abuts against the one surface. The first holder and the second holder are respectively formed into shapes that allow a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement. The predetermined relative rotation means that the first holder and the second holder are relatively rotated by a predetermined angle in the circumferential direction (Dsc) around the axis (Cs) of the elastic portion along the one direction from a reference state in which the one surface is opposed to the other surface. The specified relative movement refers to the relative movement of the first retaining member and the second retaining member in the state where the first retaining member and the second retaining member are relatively rotated by the specified angle in the circumferential direction from the reference state, and the first retaining member and the second retaining member move relative to each other in the one direction in such a manner that the one-side forming portion moves from the other side of the one direction with respect to the other-side forming portion to the one side.

13. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The pedal is a brake pedal.

14. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: a second side coil spring (66) abutting against the second retaining member (74) from the second side in the one direction and capable of elastic deformation in the one direction; and a second side retaining member (68) abutting against the second side coil spring from the second side in the one direction and having an extension portion (70). The pedal prevents the first retainer (67) from moving toward the one side in the one direction in the non-stepping state, thereby maintaining the elastic portion and the other side coil spring in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction. The second retainer is provided with an insertion hole (74a) penetrating in the one direction. The extending portion extends in the one direction and is inserted into the radial inner side of the other side coil spring. In the non-stepping state of the pedal, the extension portion is inserted into the insertion hole, Even when the inhibition of the movement of the first holder to the one side in the one direction by the pedal is released and the other-side coil spring is extended to a free length, the extending portion is inserted into the insertion hole.

15. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The one or more elastic components are first coil springs (65), The reaction force generating mechanism comprises: a second coil spring (66) abutting against the second retaining member (74) from the other side of the one direction and capable of elastic deformation in the one direction; and an other side retaining member (68) abutting against the second coil spring from the other side of the one direction. The pedal prevents the first retainer (67) from moving to the one side in the one direction in the non-stepping state, thereby maintaining the first coil spring and the second coil spring in a state of being compressed and deformed in the one direction. The outer diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than the inner diameter of the second coil spring. A portion of the first coil spring is arranged so as to overlap with the second coil spring on the inner side in the radial direction (Dsr) of the first coil spring. The second retainer comprises: an inter-spring arrangement portion (741) arranged between the first coil spring and the second coil spring in the radial direction and forming a cylindrical shape extending in the one direction; an inner abutting portion (742) extending from the inter-spring arrangement portion toward the inner side in the radial direction and abutting against the first coil spring from the other side in the one direction; and an outer abutting portion (743) extending from the inter-spring arrangement portion toward the outer side in the radial direction and abutting against the second coil spring from the one side in the one direction. The first anti-detachment portion (673) has a one-side forming portion (673c) having a one-side forming portion (673d) facing the one side in the one direction and arranged on the radially outer side relative to the first coil spring. The second anti-detachment portion (747) comprises: another surface supporting portion (747a), which is arranged on the outer side of the radial direction than the one surface forming portion and extends from the outer abutting portion to the one side of the one direction; and another surface forming portion (747c), which is formed with another surface (747d), which is arranged to overlap with the one surface and face the one surface on the one side of the one direction, and the other surface forming portion protrudes from the other surface supporting portion to the inner side of the radial direction. The second retaining portion abutting against the first retaining portion in the one direction means that the other surface abuts against the one surface.

Images