Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal device is provided with: pedals (20, 20A); a holder (51, 52, 133, 154, 132A, 210, 200, 281) configured so as to be displaceable in a predetermined direction (Dc) by receiving from one side of the predetermined direction (Dc) a force applied from the pedal in accordance with the displacement of the pedal; and at least one elastic member (54, 55, 143, 141, 230) that supports the holder from the other side in the predetermined direction, receives a force applied from the pedal from one side in the predetermined direction via the holder, thereby elastically deforming and applying an elastic force to the holder, the holder having at least one passage (90, 93, 93A, 94, 154, 161, 162, 211a, 200d, 281d) through which foreign matter passes.

Description

[0001] Cross-references of related applications

[0002] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-152819 filed on September 26, 2022, and the contents thereof are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

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

[0004] In the past, a pedal device has been proposed, which includes a pedal that is rotated by being stepped on by a driver, and a reaction force generating unit that generates a reaction force to a rotational force applied from the pedal as the pedal rotates (for example, see Patent Document 1). The reaction force generating unit includes a retainer, a first elastic member, and a second elastic member housed in a housing. The retainer is configured to be movable in the up-down direction. The first elastic member is supported by the retainer, and is pushed by the rotational force applied from the pedal to elastically deform, thereby compressing and applying an elastic force to the pedal.

[0005] The second elastic member is supported by the bottom of the housing, and is pressed by the holder to elastically deform as the holder moves toward the lower side of the vehicle, thereby being compressed and applying an elastic force to the holder.

[0006] In this way, the reaction force generating portion applies the elastic forces of the first and second elastic members to the pedal as reaction forces to the rotational force acting from the pedal due to the elastic deformation of each of the first and second elastic members.

[0007] Prior art literature

[0008] Patent Literature

[0009] Patent Document 1: European Patent Application Publication No. 3589518 Summary of the invention

[0010] The reaction force generating unit of the pedal device of Patent Document 1 applies the elastic force of the first and second elastic members to the pedal as a reaction force to the rotational force applied from the pedal.

[0011] However, according to the inventors' research, if foreign matter such as water accumulates in the retainer, rust or ice may occur, causing malfunction in the retainer.

[0012] Furthermore, according to the inventors' research, if foreign matter such as water accumulates in the housing, there is a possibility that rust or ice will occur on the elastic member, causing the elastic member to malfunction.

[0013] Furthermore, according to the inventors' research, foreign matter such as abrasion powder, sand, and dust of the retainer and the elastic member may cause malfunction of the retainer and the elastic member.

[0014] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device that suppresses the occurrence of malfunction due to foreign matter.

[0015] According to one viewpoint for achieving the above-mentioned purpose, a pedal device comprises: a pedal; a retaining member, which is configured to be displaceable in a specified direction by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction as the pedal is displaced, and at least one elastic member, which supports the retaining member from the other side of the specified direction, and is elastically deformed by receiving a force applied from the pedal via the retaining member from one side of the specified direction to apply elastic force to the retaining member, and the retaining member has at least one passage for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0016] According to this, since it is possible to suppress accumulation of foreign matter in the holder, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction in the holder or the elastic member due to the foreign matter.

[0017] In addition, according to another viewpoint, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; a retaining member, which is configured to be displaceable in a specified direction by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side in the specified direction as the pedal is displaced; and at least one elastic member, which is supported by the retaining member from the other side in the specified direction and is elastically deformed by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side in the specified direction to apply an elastic force to the retaining member; the retaining member has a supporting portion, which supports the elastic member from the other side in the specified direction, and the supporting portion has at least one passage for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0018] According to this, since it is possible to suppress accumulation of foreign matter in the holder, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction in the holder or the elastic member due to the foreign matter.

[0019] In addition, according to other viewpoints, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; a retaining member, which is configured to be displaceable in a specified direction by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction as the pedal is displaced; at least one elastic member, which supports the retaining member from the other side of the specified direction, and is elastically deformed by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction via the retaining member, thereby applying an elastic force to the retaining member; and a guide portion, which guides the retaining member so that the retaining member can be displaced in the specified direction, and the guide portion has a passage for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0020] According to this, since it is possible to suppress accumulation of foreign matter in the holder and the elastic member, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction in the holder and the elastic member due to the foreign matter.

[0021] In addition, according to other viewpoints, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; an elastic component that is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying elastic force to the pedal; and a shell that forms a storage chamber for storing the elastic component, the shell having at least one passage for foreign matter to pass through the storage chamber and reach the outside of the shell.

[0022] According to this, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction of the holder or the elastic member due to foreign matter.

[0023] In addition, according to other viewpoints, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; an elastic component that is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and a shell that forms a storage chamber for housing the elastic component, the elastic component being supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber, and having at least one passage for allowing foreign matter to pass through the storage chamber and reach the outside of the storage chamber.

[0024] According to this, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction of the elastic member due to foreign matter.

[0025] In addition, according to other viewpoints, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; an elastic component that is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying elastic force to the pedal; and a shell that forms a storage chamber for housing the elastic component, the elastic component is supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber, and the shell has at least one passage for foreign matter to pass through the storage chamber and reach the outside of the storage chamber.

[0026] According to this, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction of the elastic member due to foreign matter.

[0027] In addition, according to other viewpoints, the pedal device comprises: a pedal; an elastic component that is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and a shell that forms a storage chamber for housing the elastic component, and the elastic component is supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber; at least one passage is provided in the elastic component, and the at least one passage is formed in a manner that allows the elastic component to pass through and allows foreign matter to pass through.

[0028] According to this, it is possible to provide a pedal device which suppresses malfunction of the elastic member due to foreign matter.

[0029] In addition, the reference numerals in parentheses given 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

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a brake-by-wire system using the pedal device according to the first embodiment is mounted on a vehicle, and is a diagram for assisting in the description of the brake-by-wire system.

[0031] Figure 2 It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of the pedal device according to the first embodiment, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage in a reaction force generating portion of the pedal device.

[0032] Figure 3 Yes Figure 2 1 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating portion and its surroundings in the pedal device according to the first embodiment, and is a view for assisting in explaining details of a retainer and the like in the reaction force generating portion.

[0033] Figure 4 It is observed from the other side of the axis direction Figure 2 The figure showing the bottom of the holder of the pedal device according to the first embodiment is a figure for assisting in explaining the plurality of passages provided at the bottom of the holder.

[0034] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a pedal device according to a second embodiment, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage in a reaction force generating portion of the pedal device.

[0035] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a pedal device according to a third embodiment, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage in a reaction force generating portion of the pedal device.

[0036] Figure 7 This is a view of the bottom of the holder of the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device according to the fourth embodiment as viewed from the other side in the axial direction, and is a view for assisting in explaining a plurality of passages provided at the bottom of the holder.

[0037] Figure 8 It is a diagram showing a cross-sectional structure of a pedal device according to a fifth embodiment, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage in a reaction force generating portion of the pedal device.

[0038] Fig. 9 Yes Figure 8 The sectional view of the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device according to the fifth embodiment is an enlarged view, which is used to assist in explaining the elastic member, the retainer, the housing, and the passage provided in the retainer, etc. in the reaction force generating portion.

[0039] Fig.10It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a sixth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and passages provided in the retainer and the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0040] Fig.11 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a seventh embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the housing and the retainer in the reaction force generating portion.

[0041] Fig.12 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to an eighth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0042] Fig.13 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a ninth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0043] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing a pedal device according to a tenth embodiment, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining the structure of the pedal device.

[0044] Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14 The cross-sectional view of the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device according to the tenth embodiment is a view for assisting in explaining the elastic member, the retainer, the housing, and the passage provided in the retainer and the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0045] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to an eleventh embodiment, and is a view for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0046] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a twelfth embodiment, and is a view for assisting in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0047] Fig.18 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a thirteenth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the retainer and the housing in the reaction force generating portion.

[0048] Fig.19It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a fourteenth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the retainer in the reaction force generating portion.

[0049] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a fifteenth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a retainer, a housing, and a passage provided in the retainer in the reaction force generating portion.

[0050] Fig.21 It is a cross-sectional view showing a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a sixteenth embodiment, and is a view used to assist in explaining an elastic member, a housing, and a passage provided in the elastic member in the reaction force generating portion.

[0051] Fig. 22 It is a cross-sectional view showing a holder alone of a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a seventeenth embodiment, and is a view for assisting in explaining a plurality of passages formed so as to straddle a cylindrical portion and a bottom portion of the holder.

[0052] Fig.23 Yes means Fig. 22 The cross-sectional view of the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device according to the seventeenth embodiment is a view for assisting in explaining the elastic member, the housing, and the passage provided in the elastic member in the reaction force generating portion.

[0053] Fig.24 This is a diagram of two retainers of a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to an eighteenth embodiment, viewed from one side in the axial direction, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining a plurality of passages provided in the retainers.

[0054] Fig.25 This is a diagram of two retainers of a reaction force generating portion of a pedal device according to a nineteenth embodiment, viewed from one side in the axial direction, and is a diagram for assisting in explaining a plurality of passages provided in the retainers.

[0055] Fig.26 This is a cross-sectional view for assisting in explaining the arrangement relationship between two retainers and four elastic members in the reaction force generating section of the pedal device according to the twentieth embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 27 21 is a cross-sectional view showing the elastic member, storage chamber and passage of the 21st embodiment. Figure 8 An enlarged view of the elastic component and its surroundings of the above-mentioned fifth embodiment.

[0057] Fig.28 22 is a cross-sectional view showing the elastic member, storage chamber and passage of the 22nd embodiment. Figure 8An enlarged view of the elastic component and its surroundings of the above-mentioned fifth embodiment.

[0058] Fig.29 23 is a cross-sectional view showing the housing, elastic member and passage of the 23rd embodiment. Figure 8 An enlarged view of the elastic component and its surroundings of the above-mentioned fifth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0059] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described based on the drawings. In addition, in the following embodiments, for the sake of simplicity of description, the same reference numerals are given to the same or equivalent parts in the drawings.

[0060] (First embodiment)

[0061] exist Figure 1 2 shows the overall structure of the brake pedal device 1 for the vehicle according to the first embodiment. Figure 2 2 is a cross-sectional view of a brake pedal device 1 for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

[0062] like Figure 1 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment is mounted on a vehicle 80 and receives a brake operation (for example, a stepping operation or a light pedal operation) performed by a driver of the vehicle 80 to brake the vehicle.

[0063] The vehicle 80 is a vehicle that travels on wheels. Examples of the vehicle 80 include passenger cars, commercial vehicles, agricultural and construction machinery, and small mobile vehicles.

[0064] The pedal device 1 outputs an operation amount signal corresponding to the amount of the received brake operation to the brake control circuit 83. The brake control circuit 83 is a system that controls a brake actuator (for example, an electric pump that adjusts the hydraulic pressure in the hydraulic brake circuit) not shown in the figure according to the operation amount signal to drive the brake pads of each wheel. In this way, the pedal device 1 is a device for realizing the wire control brake system 82.

[0065] in addition, Figure 1 The four arrows of up, down, left and right respectively indicate the directions of the vehicle 80 equipped with the pedal device 1 .

[0066] The four arrows respectively indicate the vehicle travel direction Da and the vehicle up-down direction Db which is the up-down direction of the vehicle 80 (in other words, the vertical direction of the vehicle 80). In the description of this embodiment, the front side in the vehicle travel direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle travel direction front side, and the rear side in the vehicle travel direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle travel direction rear side. The upper side in the vehicle up-down direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle upper side, and the lower side in the vehicle up-down direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle lower side.

[0067] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the pedal device 1 includes a housing 10, a pedal 20, a rotation angle sensor 30, a rotating shaft 40, a reaction force generating unit 50, and elastic members 60, 70, 330. The pedal device 1 of this embodiment is an organ-type pedal device.

[0068] The accordion-type pedal device 1 has a structure in which a portion of the pedal 20 stepped on by the driver 81 is arranged above the vehicle with respect to the rotation center CL of the pedal 20 (ie, above in the vertical direction when mounted on the vehicle).

[0069] For the accordion-type pedal device 1, as the pedal force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 20 increases, the pedal 20 rotates in a direction that brings the portion of the pedal 20 that is above the vehicle relative to the rotation center CL closer to the bottom of the vehicle (i.e., downward in the sky-to-ground direction when the vehicle is mounted).

[0070] The rotation center CL of the pedal 20 is the rotation center of the swing of the pedal 20. In the description of this embodiment, the rotation center CL of the pedal 20 is also referred to as the pedal axis (ie, the axis of the rotation shaft 40) CL.

[0071] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the housing 10 has a storage chamber 10a for storing the reaction force generating unit 50 and the like. The housing 10 has an opening 11 that opens the storage chamber 10a on the upper side of the vehicle, and is fixed to the floor portion in the vehicle compartment. The housing 10 is provided with a support portion 12 that extends in an axial shape from its bottom along the axis Zb described later. The support portion 12 is a guide portion that guides the retaining member 51 of the reaction force generating unit 50 so that it can move in the axial direction Dc.

[0072] The support portion 12 is provided with a passage 300 extending in an axial shape along the axis Zb. The lower opening of the passage 300 opens to the outside of the housing 10. The upper opening of the passage 300 communicates with the inside of the shaft support portion 51e. The interior of the shaft support portion 51e communicates with the hollow portion 51a via the hollow portion 52a.

[0073] The passage 300 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 51. The reference plane Zh is a virtual plane having the same distance from the lowermost portion of the holder 51 and the same distance from the uppermost portion of the holder 52.

[0074] Thus, the passage 300 connects the outside of the housing 10 and the hollow parts 52a and 51a. The shaft support 51e is provided with a passage 301 for guiding foreign matter such as water from the inside of the shaft support 51e to the vehicle lower side of the shaft support 51e by gravity.

[0075] The housing 10 is provided with a passage 10 b (ie, a second passage) for guiding foreign matter such as water from the storage chamber 10 a to the outside of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0076] The pedal 20 is stepped on by an operator to rotate around the rotation axis 40. Specifically, the pedal 20 includes a pedal plate 21 and a pedal arm 22.

[0077] The pedal pad 21 is disposed on the vehicle upper side of the housing 10. The pedal pad 21 is formed in a long plate shape and is stepped on by the operator's foot. The pedal arm 22 rotates around the rotation axis 40 while supporting the pedal pad 21 from the vehicle lower side.

[0078] The pedal arm 22 includes a rotating shaft base 120, a pedal pad support 121, and an arm 123. The rotating shaft base 120 is disposed in the housing 10. The rotating shaft base 120 is fixed to the rotating shaft 40 and is configured to be rotatable around the rotating shaft 40. The rotating shaft 40 is rotatably supported by the housing 10.

[0079] The pedal pad support portion 121 is supported by the rotation shaft base 120 and is configured to pass through the opening 11 of the housing 10 to support the pedal pad 21. The arm portion 123 is disposed in the housing 10 and is formed to extend from the rotation shaft base 120 to the front side in the vehicle travel direction and to the upper side of the vehicle.

[0080] The rotation angle sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the pedal 20 (ie, the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 40 ).

[0081] The reaction force generating unit 50 includes holders 51 and 52 and elastic members 53 , 54 and 55 .

[0082] The retainer 51 is a second retainer configured to be movable in the axial direction Dc. The axial direction Dc is a predetermined direction intersecting the vehicle vertical direction Db and the vehicle travel direction Da. Specifically, the axial direction Dc is set to be closer to the rear side of the vehicle travel direction Da as it approaches the upper side of the vehicle.

[0083] The retainer 51 includes a cylindrical portion 51b having a hollow portion 51a and formed in a cylindrical shape with the axis Zb as the center, a bottom portion 51c that closes the hollow portion 51a from the other side of the axial direction Dc, and a flange portion 51d that protrudes from the cylindrical portion 51b to the outside in the radial direction with the axis Zb as the center. The bottom portion 51c constitutes a support portion that supports the elastic member 54.

[0084] The flange portion 51d is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis Zb. The flange portion 51d is provided with a passage 302 for guiding foreign matter such as water on the vehicle upper side of the flange portion 51d to the vehicle lower side of the flange portion 51d.

[0085] The holder 51 is provided with a shaft support portion 51e formed in a cylindrical shape through which the support portion 12 passes. The shaft support portion 51e is supported by the bottom portion 51c.

[0086] The holder 51 of this embodiment is provided with a passage 91 that connects the vehicle upper side of the holder 52 and the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 in the hollow portion 51 a .

[0087] The passage 91 is formed so as to be recessed from the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 b toward the radially outer side centered on the axis Zb. The passage 91 is covered by the cylindrical portion 52 b of the holder 52 from the radially inner side centered on the axis Zb.

[0088] The holder 52 is a first holder disposed in the hollow portion 51a of the holder 51. The holder 52 is configured to be movable in the axial direction Dc. The holder 52 includes a cylinder portion 52b formed in a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion 52a and centered on the axis Zb, and a cover portion 52c that blocks the hollow portion 52a from one side in the axial direction Dc.

[0089] The holder 52 is arranged radially inward about the axis Zb relative to the holder 51. The cover portion 52c of the holder 52 is provided with a passage 90 (ie, a first passage) that communicates in the vehicle up-down direction Db.

[0090] The passage 90 allows foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the vehicle of the cover 52c to pass through by gravity to reach the lower side of the vehicle of the retainer 52. The passage 90 allows foreign matter such as sand, dust, and wear powder to pass through the hollow portion 52a by vibration or the like to reach the upper side of the vehicle of the retainer 52. The wear powder is powder generated by the wear of the retainers 52, 51, the elastic members 53, 54, 55, etc.

[0091] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in FIG. 1 , a plurality of passages 92 (i.e., second passages) communicating in the vehicle vertical direction Db are provided at the bottom 51c of the retainer 51. Figure 4 As shown, the plurality of passages 92 are arranged in the circumferential direction around the axis Zb. The plurality of passages 92 guide foreign matter such as water on the vehicle upper side of the bottom 51 c of the holder 51 to the vehicle lower side of the bottom 51 c of the holder 51 .

[0092] In this embodiment, four passages 92 are provided at the bottom 51c of the holder 51 as the plurality of passages 92. The plurality of passages 92 are arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 51. The reference plane Zh is an imaginary plane having the same distance from the lowermost portion of the holder 51 as from the uppermost portion of the holder 51.

[0093] The holders 51 and 52 of this embodiment are made of a metal material or a resin material.

[0094] The elastic member 53 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zb. The elastic member 53 is disposed between the bottom of the housing 10 and the flange portion 51 d of the holder 51 .

[0095] Thus, the elastic member 53 is supported by the bottom of the housing 10, and supports the holder 51. In addition, the elastic member 53 of this embodiment constitutes a second elastic member or a third elastic member.

[0096] The elastic member 54 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zb. The elastic member 54 is disposed in the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52. The elastic member 54 is disposed between the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51 and the cover portion 52c of the holder 52.

[0097] Thus, the elastic member 54 is supported by the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51, and supports the cover portion 52c of the holder 52. The elastic member 54 of this embodiment constitutes a first elastic member or a second elastic member.

[0098] The elastic member 55 is, for example, a second elastic member that is formed in a spiral shape centered on the axis Zb and is a coil spring. The elastic member 55 is disposed between the arm portion 123 of the pedal arm 22 and the cover portion 52 c of the holder 52 .

[0099] Thus, the elastic member 55 is supported by the holder 52 , thereby supporting the pedal 20 .

[0100] The elastic members 53 , 54 , 55 configured in this manner apply elastic force as a reaction force to the rotational force to the arm portion 123 of the pedal arm 22 .

[0101] The elastic members 53 , 54 , 55 of this embodiment are made of, for example, a metal material.

[0102] The elastic member 60 is made of an elastic member such as rubber, and is supported by the arm portion 123 of the pedal arm 22. The elastic member 60 is formed so as to protrude toward the cover portion 52c of the holder 52.

[0103] The elastic member 60 is disposed on the vehicle lower side of the arm portion 123 of the pedal arm 22 , and is elastically deformed by abutting against the cover portion 52 c of the holder 52 , thereby being compressed and applying elastic force to the cover portion 52 c of the holder 52 .

[0104] The elastic member 70 is arranged radially outward of the reaction force generating portion 50A, with the rotation center CL of the pedal 20 as the center. The elastic member 70 is fitted into the housing chamber 13 of the housing 10 by press-fitting.

[0105] That is, the elastic member 70 is held by the housing 10 while being housed in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10. The elastic member 70 of this embodiment is elastically deformed by abutting against the pedal backing plate 21, and is thereby compressed to apply elastic force to the pedal backing plate 21.

[0106] The elastic member 330 is inserted into the housing chamber 14 of the housing 10 by being pressed. That is, the elastic member 330 is supported by the housing 10 while being housed in the housing chamber 14 of the housing 10. The elastic member 330 is elastically deformed by abutting against the arm portion 123, thereby compressing and applying an elastic force to the arm portion 123.

[0107] The elastic members 60 , 70 , and 330 of this embodiment are made of an elastic member such as rubber.

[0108] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0109] First, when the pedal plate 21 of the pedal 20 is braked by the driver 81 and the pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the pedal plate 21 of the pedal 20 , the pedal 20 rotates around the rotation center CL.

[0110] Specifically, the pedal arm 22, the pedal plate 21, and the rotating shaft 40 swing about the rotation center CL to move forward in the vehicle traveling direction. In other words, the pedal 20 swings to change its posture from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state.

[0111] At this time, the rotation angle sensor 30 outputs an electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 40 to the brake control circuit 83. The brake control circuit 83 drives and controls the brake circuit included in the brake-by-wire system 82 to generate the hydraulic pressure (e.g., oil pressure) required for braking the vehicle 80, and drives the brake pads with the hydraulic pressure to decelerate or stop the vehicle 80.

[0112] At this time, the arm portion 123 of the pedal arm 22 and the elastic member 60 rotate around the rotation center CL as the pedal 20 rotates. Therefore, the rotational force of the pedal 20 is applied to the elastic member 55 from the arm portion 123 from one side of the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the elastic member 55 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the cover portion 52c of the holder 52.

[0113] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 55 is applied to the arm portion 123 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20 .

[0114] In addition, the elastic force of the elastic member 55 is applied to the cover 52c of the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the holder 52 is displaced to the other side in the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the cover 52c of the holder 52 presses the elastic member 54 from one side in the axial direction Dc.

[0115] Therefore, the elastic member 54 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 54 is applied to the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51 and the cover portion 52c of the holder 52.

[0116] Therefore, the holder 51 is displaced to the other side in the axial direction Dc by the elastic force of the elastic member 54. Accordingly, the elastic member 53 is pressed from one side in the axial direction Dc by the flange portion 51d of the holder 51 while being supported by the bottom surface of the housing 10.

[0117] Thus, the elastic member 53 is compressed by elastic deformation, and an elastic force is applied to the holder 51. A reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20 is applied to the pedal 20 by the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53, 54, and 55.

[0118] At this time, when the pedal 20 swings from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53, 54, and 55. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the elastic member 70.

[0119] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53 , 54 , 55 is restored.

[0120] At this time, the pedal arm 22, the pedal pad 21 and the rotating shaft 40 swing around the rotation center CL to move to the rear side in the vehicle travel direction while the elastic forces of the elastic members 53, 54 and 55 are applied to the pedal 20. In other words, the pedal 20 swings from the maximum depressed state to the non-depressed state.

[0121] At this time, foreign matter such as water on the vehicle upper side of the cover portion 52 c of the holder 52 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 through the passages 90 and 91 by gravity.

[0122] The foreign matter guided to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 52 in this way is guided to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 51 via the plurality of passages 92. The foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the flange portion 51d is guided to the vehicle lower side of the flange portion 51d via the passage 302. In addition, the foreign matter on the inner side of the shaft support portion 51e is guided to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 51 via the passage 301 by gravity.

[0123] The foreign matter guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 51 is guided to the bottom surface of the housing 10 by gravity. The guided foreign matter is guided to the outside of the storage chamber 10a (ie, the housing 10) through the passage 10b of the housing 10.

[0124] In addition, due to the pedal force applied to the pedal 20 by the driver 81, vibration is generated in the holder 52. As the vehicle travels, vibration is generated in the holder 52. Due to such vibration, foreign matter such as sand, wear powder, and dust in the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 moves to the outside of the holder 51 through the passage 92 and the upper side of the holder 52 on the vehicle.

[0125] The moving foreign matter is guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the passage 10 b of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0126] Furthermore, foreign matter inside the shaft support portion 51 e is guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the passage 300 by gravity.

[0127] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the pedal 20 that rotates around the rotation shaft 40 when the pedal 20 is depressed by the operator.

[0128] The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 55 that receives a rotational force of the pedal 20 from one side in the axial direction Dc as the pedal 20 rotates, thereby being elastically deformed and compressed, and applying an elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0129] The pedal device 1 includes a holder 52 that is configured to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc and supports the elastic member 55 from the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0130] The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 54 that supports the holder 52 from the other side in the axial direction Dc and receives elastic force from the elastic member 55 from one side in the axial direction Dc via the holder 52 , thereby being elastically deformed and compressed to apply elastic force to the holder 52 .

[0131] The cover portion 52 c of the holder 52 has a passage 90 that connects the hollow portion 52 a of the holder 52 and the upper side of the holder 52 on the vehicle, and allows foreign matter to pass through the passage 90 and reach the outside of the holder 52 by gravity or vibration.

[0132] Therefore, the foreign matter can be discharged from the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 to the outside of the holder 52 through the passage 90. Therefore, the foreign matter can be prevented from being accumulated in the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52.

[0133] Thus, it is possible to suppress malfunctions such as rust, ice, or abnormal noise in the holder 52 due to foreign matter such as water. It is possible to suppress malfunctions of the holder 52 and the elastic member 54 due to foreign matter such as wear powder, sand, and dust of the holder 52 and the elastic member 54. In the case where the holder 52 is made of a resin material, it is possible to prevent hydrolysis of the holder 52 from occurring. Therefore, malfunctions of the holder 52 due to hydrolysis of the holder 52 will not occur.

[0134] Furthermore, foreign matter such as wear powder, sand, and dust will not get stuck between the retainers 51 and 52, causing malfunction of the retainers 51 and 52. Foreign matter such as wear powder, sand, and dust will not get stuck in the elastic members 53, 54, and 55, hindering the expansion and contraction of the elastic members 53, 54, and 55.

[0135] This can suppress the occurrence of malfunctions in the holder 52 and the elastic member 54 due to foreign matter.

[0136] In this embodiment configured as above, the following effects (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e) can be obtained. (a) The pedal device 1 includes a holder 51 configured to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc and to support the elastic member 54 from the other side of the axial direction Dc. The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 53 that supports the holder 51 from the other side of the axial direction Dc and receives the elastic force of the elastic member 54 through the holder 51 to be elastically deformed and compressed.

[0137] The bottom portion 51 c of the holder 51 has a passage 92 that guides foreign matter from the hollow portion 51 a of the holder 51 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 51 by gravity.

[0138] Therefore, foreign matter can be guided from the hollow portion 52a of the retainer 51 to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 51 by gravity. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the elastic member 53 due to foreign matter in the hollow portion 52a of the retainer 51. In the case where the retainer 51 is made of a resin material, it is possible to prevent hydrolysis of the retainer 51 from occurring. Therefore, malfunction of the retainer 51 due to hydrolysis of the retainer 51 does not occur. (b) The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 that forms a storage chamber 10a, and a passage 10b, wherein the storage chamber 10a stores the elastic members 55, 54, 53 and the retainers 51, 52; and the passage 10b guides foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the housing 10. Therefore, it is possible to guide foreign matter from the inside of the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by gravity.

[0139] Therefore, it is possible to prevent malfunctions of the elastic members 55, 54, 53 and the retainers 51, 52 due to foreign matter from occurring. (c) The pedal device 1 includes a support portion 12 that guides the retainer 51 so that the retainer 51 can be displaced in the axial direction Dc and has a passage 300 that guides foreign matter from the inside of the hollow portion 51a of the retainer 51 to the outside of the hollow portion 51a.

[0140] Therefore, the passage 300 of the support portion 12 can guide foreign matter from the hollow portion 51a of the retainer 51 to the outside of the retainer 51 by gravity. Therefore, foreign matter can be discharged from the hollow portion 51a of the retainer 51 more effectively. (d) The pedal device 1 is provided with a passage 91 connecting the vehicle upper side of the retainer 52 and the vehicle lower side of the retainer 52 on the inner peripheral surface of the retainer 51. Therefore, foreign matter can pass through the passage 91 from the vehicle upper side of the retainer 52 to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 52 by gravity. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the elastic member 55 disposed on the vehicle upper side of the retainer 52 from malfunctioning due to foreign matter. (e) The axial direction Dc of each of the elastic members 53, 54, and 55 is inclined relative to the horizontal direction Ds when the pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic members 53, 54, and 55 each act as a spring and expand and contract in the axial direction Dc inclined relative to the horizontal direction Ds by elastic deformation. Therefore, compared with the case where the axial direction Dc of each of the elastic members 53, 54, 55 is parallel to the horizontal direction Ds, foreign matter is more easily discharged from the elastic members 53, 54, 55. Therefore, the discharge performance of foreign matter can be improved.

[0141] (First Modification of First Embodiment)

[0142] In the above-described first embodiment, an example has been described in which the passage 91 is provided in the holder 51 in order to communicate the vehicle upper side of the holder 52 with the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 .

[0143] However, instead of the above, a passage may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the holder 52 , and the vehicle upper side of the holder 52 and the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 may be communicated with each other through the passage.

[0144] Specifically, the passage is formed by a recessed portion that is recessed from the outer peripheral surface of the holder 52 toward the radially inner side centered on the axis Zb. The recessed portion is covered by the inner peripheral surface of the holder 51 .

[0145] Thus, foreign matter such as water can be guided from the vehicle upper side of the holder 52 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 using the passage of the holder 52 .

[0146] (Second Modification of First Embodiment)

[0147] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the example in which the support portion 12 is provided to guide the holder 51 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc is described.

[0148] However, instead of the above, a guide portion may be provided to guide the holder 52 so as to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc. In this case, a passage for discharging foreign matter from the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 may be provided in the guide portion.

[0149] (Second embodiment)

[0150] Reference Figure 5 An example in which the retainer 51 of the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment forms the bottom surface 51f of the bottom portion 51c in an inclined shape to improve the discharge performance of foreign matter in the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment described above will be described.

[0151] Figure 5 It is a partially enlarged view showing the reaction force generating portion 50 and its surrounding portion in the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0152] like Figure 5 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment has a plurality of passages 92 disposed radially outward about the axis Zb in the bottom 51c of the holder 51. The plurality of passages 92 are arranged in the bottom 51c of the holder 51 in the circumferential direction about the axis Zb.

[0153] A bottom surface 51f is formed as an inclined surface on one side of the axial direction Dc in the bottom 51c of the holder 51. The bottom surface 51f of the bottom 51c of the holder 51 is formed in an inclined shape that approaches the other side of the axial direction Dc as it approaches the radial outside from the radial inside with the axis Zb as the center. That is, the bottom surface 51f of the bottom 51c of the holder 51 is formed in an inclined shape that approaches the other side of the axial direction Dc as it approaches the plurality of passages 92 from the radial inside with the axis Zb as the center.

[0154] According to the embodiment described above, foreign matter on the upper side of the bottom surface 51f of the vehicle can be well collected in the plurality of passages 92. Therefore, the discharge performance of foreign matter on the bottom 51c of the holder 51 can be improved.

[0155] (Third embodiment)

[0156] In the second embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the plurality of passages 92 are provided on the outer side in the radial direction around the axis Zb in the bottom portion 51 c of the holder 51 .

[0157] However, refer to Figure 6 The third embodiment has been described in which, instead of the above, a plurality of passages 92 are provided on the radially inner side of the bottom portion 51 c of the holder 51 centered on the axis Zb.

[0158] Figure 6 It is a partially enlarged view showing the reaction force generating portion 50 and its surrounding portion in the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0159] The plurality of passages 92 are provided radially inward about the axis Zb in the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51. The plurality of passages 92 are arranged in the circumferential direction about the axis Zb radially inward about the axis Zb with respect to the shaft support portion 51e.

[0160] The bottom surface 51f of the bottom portion 51c of the retainer 51 is formed as an inclined surface so as to be inclined toward the other side of the axial direction Dc as it approaches the radial inside from the radial outside with the axis Zb as the center. That is, the bottom surface 51f of the bottom portion 51c of the retainer 51 is formed so as to be inclined toward the other side of the axial direction Dc as it approaches the plurality of passages 92 from the radial outside with the axis Zb as the center.

[0161] According to the embodiment described above, foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the bottom surface 51f can be well collected in the plurality of passages 92. Therefore, the discharge performance of foreign matter on the bottom 51c of the holder 51 can be improved.

[0162] (Fourth embodiment)

[0163] Reference Figure 7 Hereinafter, an example will be described in which the bottom portion 51 c of the holder 51 of the fourth embodiment is formed with a plurality of ribs 92 a in a radial pattern centered on the axis Zc in the holder 51 of the first embodiment.

[0164] Figure 7 This is a diagram of a bottom portion 51 c of a holder 51 of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment as viewed from the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0165] The plurality of passages 92 are arranged in the circumferential direction about the axis Zb in the bottom 51 c of the holder 51 . The plurality of ribs 92 a are arranged between two adjacent passages 92 among the plurality of passages 92 in the bottom 51 c of the holder 51 .

[0166] The plurality of ribs 92a are arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis Zc. The plurality of ribs 92a are formed radially around the axis Zc. Thus, a plurality of passages 92 are formed in the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51.

[0167] According to the embodiment described above, the plurality of ribs 92a are arranged between two adjacent passages 92 in the bottom portion 51c and are formed radially around the axis Zc, thereby forming the plurality of passages 92 respectively.

[0168] Therefore, the bottom portion 51 c can support the elastic member 54 well while ensuring the discharge performance of foreign matter through the plurality of passages 92 .

[0169] (Fifth embodiment)

[0170] In the first embodiment described above, an example of using an organ-type pedal device as the pedal device 1 has been described. Figure 8 , Fig. 9 A fifth embodiment in which a suspended pedal device is used as the pedal device 1 in place of the above is described.

[0171] Figure 8 It is a cross-sectional view of the brake pedal device 1 for the vehicle according to the embodiment. Fig. 9 It is a partially enlarged view showing the reaction force generating portion 50 and its surrounding portion in the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0172] In this embodiment, if Figure 8 , Fig. 9 As shown, the pedal device 1 includes a pedal 20A instead of the pedal 20 and a reaction force generating unit 50A instead of the reaction force generating unit 50 in the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment. The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 70A instead of the elastic member 70 in the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment.

[0173] In the pedal device 1 of this embodiment and the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment described above, the same reference numerals denote the same parts, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0174] The pedal device 1 of this embodiment is a suspended pedal device. The suspended pedal device 1 refers to a structure in which the portion of the pedal 20A stepped on by the driver 81 is arranged below the vehicle relative to the rotation center CL of the pedal 20A (that is, below the sky-ground direction when the vehicle is mounted). In addition, in the suspended pedal device 1, the greater the pedal force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 20A, the more the pedal 20A swings in a direction that makes the portion of the pedal 20A below the vehicle relative to the rotation center CL approach the front side in the vehicle's traveling direction.

[0175] The reaction force generating unit 50A of this embodiment is different from the reaction force generating unit 50 of the first embodiment only in the arrangement relationship of the holders 51 and 52, and substantially includes the holders 51 and 52 and the elastic members 53, 54 and 55. The holder 51 is arranged radially outward of the holder 52 about the axis Zb.

[0176] The tube portion 51b of the retainer 51 is provided with a passage 91A that allows foreign matter to pass through the hollow portion 51a to reach the vehicle lower side of the retainer 51. The passage 91A is formed in a manner recessed toward the radially outer side centered on the axis Zb in the inner peripheral surface 400 centered on the axis Zb in the tube portion 51b of the retainer 51. That is, the passage 91A is formed by the inner peripheral surface 400 centered on the axis Zb in the tube portion 51b of the retainer 51.

[0177] The passage 91A is covered from the radially inner side centered on the axis Zb by the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52b of the holder 52. The passage 91A is arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 51.

[0178] The reference plane Zh is a virtual plane whose distance from the lowermost portion in the holder 52 is the same as the distance from the uppermost portion in the holder 52 .

[0179] In this embodiment, the passage 91A has an outlet 401 opened to one side of the axial direction Dc in the cylindrical portion 52b of the holder 52. The inner peripheral surface 400 centered on the axis Zc in the cylindrical portion 51b of the holder 51 is formed in an inclined shape that tends to the radially outer side centered on the axis Zb as it approaches the one side of the axial direction Dc from the other side of the axial direction Dc.

[0180] That is, the inner peripheral surface 400 is formed to be inclined radially outward about the axis Zb as it approaches the outlet 401 from the other side in the axial direction Dc. The one side in the axial direction Dc of the cylindrical portion 51b of the holder 51 is arranged on the vehicle lower side than the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0181] Here, the inner peripheral surface 400 guides foreign matter in the hollow portion 51a of the holder 51 to the outlet 401. Accordingly, the passage 91A is formed to be inclined radially outward about the axis Zb as it approaches the outlet 401 from the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0182] In this embodiment, the passage 91A may be formed on the entire circumference of the inner peripheral surface 400 centered on the axis Zb. Alternatively, the passage 91A may be formed on a portion of the inner peripheral surface 400 in the circumferential direction centered on the axis Zb.

[0183] Alternatively, the inner peripheral surface 400 may be formed by a draft used to mold the hollow portion 51 a when the holder 51 is injection-molded from a metal material or a resin material.

[0184] In the reaction force generating unit 50A of this embodiment, the elastic member 55 is arranged between the pedal 20A and the cover 52c of the holder 52. The elastic member 54 is arranged between the bottom 51c of the holder 51 and the cover 52c of the holder 52. The elastic member 53 is arranged between the flange 51d of the holder 51 and the bottom surface of the housing 10.

[0185] The elastic member 70A of this embodiment is arranged radially outward of the reaction force generating portion 50A about the rotation center CL of the pedal 20A. The elastic member 70A is made of an elastic member such as rubber and is fitted into the housing chamber 13 of the housing 10 by press-fitting.

[0186] That is, the elastic member 70A is held by the housing 10 in a state of being installed in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10. The elastic member 70A is provided with a passage 13a for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 by gravity. The passage 13a is formed in a manner recessed from the outer surface of the elastic member 70A toward the inside.

[0187] The elastic member 330 of this embodiment is arranged on the opposite side of the elastic member 70A and the reaction force generating unit 50 in the rotation direction around the rotation center CL. The elastic member 330 is made of an elastic member such as rubber.

[0188] The elastic member 330 is fitted into the housing chamber 14 of the housing 10 by press-fitting. That is, the elastic member 330 is supported by the housing 10 in a state where it is housed in the housing chamber 14 of the housing 10.

[0189] As the pedal 20A rotates, the elastic member 330 is subjected to a rotational force from the pedal 20A, thereby elastically deforming and compressing, thereby applying an elastic force as a reaction force to the rotational force to the pedal 20A. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 96 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 to the outside of the storage chamber 14 by gravity.

[0190] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0191] First, if the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal pad 21 of the pedal 20A, the pedal 20A rotates around the rotation center CL. In detail, the pedal 20A swings around the rotation center CL to move forward in the vehicle's traveling direction. In other words, the pedal 20A swings from the non-pressed state to the maximum pressed state posture change.

[0192] At this time, the rotation angle sensor 30 outputs an electric signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 40 to the brake control circuit 83 .

[0193] Thus, the rotational force of the pedal 20A acts on the elastic member 55 from one side in the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the elastic member 55 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the cover portion 52c of the holder 52. At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 55 acts on the pedal 20A as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20A.

[0194] In addition, the elastic force of the elastic member 55 acts on the cover 52c of the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the holder 52 is displaced to the other side in the axial direction Dc. Accordingly, the cover 52c of the holder 52 presses the elastic member 54 from one side in the axial direction Dc.

[0195] Therefore, the elastic member 54 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 54 acts on the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51 and the cover portion 52c of the holder 52.

[0196] Therefore, the holder 51 is displaced to the other side in the axial direction Dc by the elastic force of the elastic member 54. Accordingly, the elastic member 53 is elastically deformed and compressed by being pressed from one side in the axial direction Dc by the flange portion 51d of the holder 51 while being supported by the bottom surface of the housing 10, thereby applying an elastic force to the holder 51.

[0197] Due to the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53 , 54 , and 55 , a reaction force with respect to the rotational force of the pedal 20A is applied to the pedal 20A.

[0198] Furthermore, the elastic member 70A is pushed by the rotational force of the pedal 20A applied from the pedal 20A, thereby being elastically deformed and compressed. Accordingly, the elastic member 70A applies an elastic force to the pedal 20A as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20A.

[0199] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20A from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the closer the pedal 20A is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53, 54, 55, 70A. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20A is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20A from the elastic members 53, 54, 55, 70A.

[0200] Then, when the pedal 20A is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20A is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 53 , 54 , 55 , 70A is restored.

[0201] At this time, with the elastic force of the elastic members 53, 54, 55, 70A applied to the pedal 20A, the pedal 20A swings about the rotation center CL to move rearward in the vehicle traveling direction. In other words, the pedal 20A swings from the most depressed state to the non-depressed state.

[0202] At this time, the elastic member 330 is pushed by the rotational force of the pedal 20A applied from the pedal 20A and is compressed by elastic deformation. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 330 is applied to the pedal 20A as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20A.

[0203] At this time, foreign matter such as water in the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 through the passages 93 and 94 by gravity. Foreign matter such as water in the hollow portion 51a of the holder 51 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 51 by gravity through the passage 91A.

[0204] The foreign matter guided to the vehicle lower side of the holders 52 and 51 in this way is guided to the bottom surface of the housing 10 by gravity. The guided foreign matter is guided to the outside of the storage chamber 10a (ie, the housing 10) through the opening 11 of the housing 10.

[0205] Furthermore, foreign matter such as water, dust, sand, and abrasion powder in the storage chamber 14 of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the storage chamber 14 through the passage 96 by the vibration and gravity described above.

[0206] Furthermore, foreign matter such as water, dust, sand, and abrasion powder in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the storage chamber 14 through the passage 13 a by the above-mentioned vibration and gravity.

[0207] Furthermore, the foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10 passes through the passage 13 a due to the vibration and gravity described above and reaches the outside of the storage chamber 13 .

[0208] Furthermore, foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 of the housing 10 passes through the passage 96 due to the vibration and gravity described above and reaches the outside of the storage chamber 14 .

[0209] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the pedal 20A that rotates around the rotation shaft 40 when the pedal 20A is depressed by the operator.

[0210] The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 55 that receives a rotational force of the pedal 20A from one side in the axial direction Dc as the pedal 20A rotates, thereby being elastically deformed and compressed, and applying an elastic force as a reaction force to the rotational force to the pedal 20A.

[0211] The pedal device 1 includes a holder 52 that is configured to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc and supports the elastic member 55 from the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0212] The pedal device 1 includes an elastic member 54 that supports the holder 52 from the other side in the axial direction Dc and receives elastic force from the elastic member 55 from one side in the axial direction Dc via the holder 52 , thereby being elastically deformed and compressed to apply elastic force to the holder 52 .

[0213] The holder 52 has at least the passages 93 and 94 for guiding foreign matter from the vehicle upper side to the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 by means of the above-mentioned vibration and gravity.

[0214] Therefore, foreign matter such as water can be guided from the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 52 by the passages 93 and 94. Therefore, malfunction of the elastic member 54 due to foreign matter in the hollow portion 52a of the holder 52 can be suppressed.

[0215] In this embodiment thus constructed, the following effects (f), (g), (h), (i), and (j) can be obtained. (f) The housing 10 has an opening 11 that guides foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by means of the above-mentioned vibration and gravity. Therefore, foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a can be discharged to the outside of the storage chamber 10a well. (g) The retaining member 52 has a cylindrical portion 52b and a bottom 52f that is a member that blocks the cylindrical portion 52b from one side of the axial direction Dc, and the cylindrical portion 52b is formed into a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction Dc and centered on the axis Zb. (h) The housing 10 is provided with a passage 96 that guides foreign matter from the storage chamber 14 to the outside of the storage chamber 14. Therefore, foreign matter such as water can be discharged from the storage chamber 14. Therefore, the situation in which the elastic member 330 in the storage chamber 14 is hydrolyzed can be prevented before it occurs.

[0216] Here, an imaginary plane whose distance from the lowermost portion of the holder 52 is the same as that from the uppermost portion of the holder 52 (ie, equidistant) is defined as the reference plane Zh. The distance is the shortest distance from the lowermost portion or the uppermost portion.

[0217] The passages 93 and 94 are arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 52. In addition, in this embodiment, the reference plane Zh of the holder 52 and the reference plane Zh of the holder 52 are a common virtual plane.

[0218] Here, the passage 93 is arranged at the bottom 52f of the retainer 52. The passage 94 is arranged at the cylinder 52b. Therefore, foreign matter can be discharged from the hollow portion 52a of the retainer 52 to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 52 through the passages 93 and 94 by gravity. (i) The passage 93A is arranged at a position including the reference surface Zh in the bottom 52f of the retainer 52. Therefore, foreign matter can be discharged from the hollow portion 52a of the retainer 52 to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 52 through the passage 93A by gravity. (j) The inner peripheral surface 400 forming the passage 91A in the cylinder 51b of the retainer 51 is formed to be inclined toward the radial outer side with the axis Zb as the outlet 401 is closer from the other side of the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 400 can well guide the foreign matter in the hollow portion 51a of the retainer 51 to the outlet 401. Therefore, it is possible to improve the ability to discharge foreign matter in the hollow portion 51 a of the holder 51 to the outside of the holder 51 .

[0219] (Variation of the fifth embodiment)

[0220] In the fifth embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the passage 91A is formed by a recessed portion recessed radially outward about the axis Zb in the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 51 b of the holder 51 .

[0221] However, instead of the above, a recessed portion recessed radially inward about the axis Zb may be provided as the passage 91A in the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 52 b of the holder 52 .

[0222] (Sixth Implementation Method)

[0223] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example in which the reaction force generating portion 50 using the three elastic members 55 , 54 , and 53 is described.

[0224] However, refer to Fig.10 This sixth embodiment using a reaction force generating portion 60A using elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , and 146 instead of the above will be described.

[0225] Fig.102 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60A according to this embodiment.

[0226] The reaction force generating portion 60A of this embodiment includes a housing 10 , a support portion 15 , holders 130 , 131 , 132 , 133 , 134 , and elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 .

[0227] The housing 10 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a storage chamber 10a and centered on an axis Zb. The axis Zb is set to extend in the vehicle up-down direction Db.

[0228] The bottom of the housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 (i.e., a second passage) for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing 10 by gravity. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 150 for allowing foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a to pass through to the outside of the housing 10.

[0229] The holder 130 is disposed on the vehicle lower side relative to the pedal 20 . The holder 130 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle vertical direction Db relative to the housing 10 . The holder 130 can be configured in the vehicle vertical direction Db. The holder 130 of this embodiment transmits the rotational force of the pedal 20 to the holder 131 .

[0230] The holder 131 is formed in an annular shape with the axis Zb as the center. The holder 131 is arranged in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 and is arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 130. The holder 131 is arranged radially inward of the holder 134 with the axis Zb as the center.

[0231] The holder 131 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db relative to the housing 10 .

[0232] The holder 132 is formed in an annular shape with the axis Zb as the center. The holder 132 is arranged in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 and arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 131. The holder 132 is arranged radially inward of the holder 134 with the axis Zb as the center.

[0233] The holder 132 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle vertical direction Db relative to the housing 10. The holder 132 is provided with a passage 154 for guiding foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the holder 132 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 132.

[0234] The holder 133 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion 133a and centered on the axis Zb. The holder 133 is arranged in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 and is arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 132. The holder 133 is arranged radially inward of the holder 134 centered on the axis Zb.

[0235] The holder 133 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db relative to the housing 10. The holder 133 is provided with a passage 133b penetrating from the vehicle upper side to the hollow portion 133a.

[0236] The holder 134 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis Zb. The holder 134 is disposed in the storage chamber 10 a of the housing 10 and is disposed radially outward of the holder 133 centered on the axis Zb.

[0237] The holder 134 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle vertical direction Db relative to the housing 10. The bottom 134a of the holder 134 is provided with passages 151 and 152 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a to the vehicle lower side of the holder 134.

[0238] The elastic member 140 is a first elastic member disposed in the housing chamber 10 a of the housing 10 and disposed radially inward of the holder 134 with respect to the axis Zb as the center. The elastic member 140 is disposed between the holders 131 and 133 .

[0239] The elastic member 141 is a second elastic member disposed in the housing chamber 10a of the housing 10. The elastic member 141 is, for example, a coil spring disposed radially inward of the holder 134 about the axis Zb. The elastic member 141 is disposed between the holders 131 and 132.

[0240] The elastic member 142 is disposed in the housing chamber 10a of the housing 10 and is disposed radially inward of the holder 134 with respect to the axis Zb as the center. The elastic member 142 is disposed between the holder 132 and a bottom portion 134a of the holder 134.

[0241] The elastic member 143 is a second elastic member disposed in the housing chamber 10a of the housing 10 and disposed radially inward of the holder 134 about the axis Zb. The elastic member 143 is disposed between the holder 133 and a bottom portion 134a of the holder 134.

[0242] The elastic members 140 , 142 , 143 , 143 of this embodiment are, for example, coil springs formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zb.

[0243] The elastic members 144, 145, and 146 are respectively arranged in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10, and are arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the retainer 134. A support portion 15 that supports the elastic member 145 from the vehicle lower side is arranged between the elastic members 145 and 146. The support portion 15 is provided with a passage 156 that guides foreign matter that has passed through the passages 151 and 152 to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 134. The elastic members 144, 145, and 146 of this embodiment are each composed of, for example, a leaf spring.

[0244] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0245] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal 20 rotates, and the rotational force acts on the retainer 130. Then, the retainer 130 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the retainer 131 is pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 130 and displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0246] Therefore, the elastic member 141 is elastically deformed and compressed by being pressed by the holder 131 from the vehicle upper side while being supported by the holder 132. In addition, the elastic member 140 is elastically deformed and compressed by being pressed by the holder 131 from the vehicle upper side while being supported by the holder 133.

[0247] As the elastic members 140 and 141 are elastically deformed and compressed in this way, elastic force is applied to the pedal 20 via the holders 131 and 130 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20 .

[0248] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is also applied to the retainer 133, so that the retainer 133 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 143 is pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 133 while being supported by the bottom 134a of the retainer 134. Therefore, the elastic member 143 is elastically deformed and compressed.

[0249] In addition, the elastic force of the elastic member 141 is also applied to the retainer 132, so that the retainer 132 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 142 is pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 132 while being supported by the bottom 134a of the retainer 134. Therefore, the elastic member 142 is elastically deformed and compressed.

[0250] Thus, the elastic members 142 and 143 are elastically deformed and compressed, thereby applying elastic force to the bottom 134a of the holder 134. Accordingly, the holder 134 is displaced toward the vehicle lower side. Accordingly, the elastic members 144, 145, and 146 are pressed from the vehicle upper side by the bottom 134a of the holder 134 and are elastically deformed and compressed.

[0251] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60A.

[0252] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , 146 is restored.

[0253] At this time, the pedal 20 swings while the elastic forces of the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , and 146 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0254] At this time, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the vehicle of the retainer 131 in the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 through the passage 150 by gravity.

[0255] Furthermore, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the retainer 132 is guided to the lower side of the retainer 132 by gravity through the passage 154. Then, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the retainer 133 is guided to the lower side of the retainer 133 by gravity through the passage 133b through the hollow portion 133a.

[0256] The foreign matter guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 133 in this way is guided to the bottom 134a of the holder 134 by gravity. Then, the guided foreign matter is guided to the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity through the passages 151, 152 and the passage 156 of the bottom 134a of the holder 134.

[0257] The guided foreign matter is guided by gravity from the bottom of the housing 10 to the vehicle lower side of the housing 10 (ie, outside the storage chamber 10a) through the passage 153. In this way, the foreign matter is discharged from the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing 10.

[0258] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the pedal 20 that is stepped on and operated by the operator to rotate around the rotation axis 40. The pedal device 1 includes elastic members 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146 that are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates, thereby applying the elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0259] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 forming a storage chamber 10a for storing elastic members 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0260] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction of the elastic members 140 to 146 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0261] (Seventh Implementation Method)

[0262] In the sixth embodiment described above, the example in which the reaction force generating portion 60A using the seven elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 143 , 144 , 145 , and 146 is used is described.

[0263] However, refer to Fig.11 A seventh embodiment will be described in which a reaction force generating portion 60B using three elastic members 140 , 141 , and 147 is used instead of the above.

[0264] Fig.11 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60B according to this embodiment.

[0265] The reaction force generating unit 60B of this embodiment includes the housing 10 , holders 130 , 131 , 132A, and elastic members 140 , 141 , 147 .

[0266] The housing 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a storage chamber 10a and centered at the axis Zb. A passage 153 is provided at the bottom of the housing 10 to guide foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0267] The holder 130 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the pedal 20. The holder 130 can be configured in the vehicle up-down direction Db. The holder 130 of this embodiment applies the rotational force of the pedal 20 to the holder 131.

[0268] The holder 131 is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis Zb. The holder 131 is disposed in the storage chamber 10 a of the housing 10 and is disposed on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 130 .

[0269] The holder 131 of this embodiment is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle vertical direction Db relative to the housing 10. The holder 131 is provided with a passage 160 for guiding foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the holder 131 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 131.

[0270] The holder 132A is formed in an annular shape centered on the axis Zb. The holder 132A is disposed in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 and is disposed on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 131. The holder 132A is provided with a holding portion 132h that holds the elastic member 147.

[0271] The holder 132A is provided with a passage 161 that allows foreign matter on the upper side of the holder 132A to pass through and reach the lower side of the holder 132A. The holder portion 132h of the holder 132 is provided with a passage 162 that guides foreign matter on the upper side of the holder 132h to the lower side of the holder 132h.

[0272] The elastic member 140 is a first elastic member as a leaf spring disposed in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10. The elastic member 140 is disposed between the holders 131 and 132A.

[0273] The elastic member 141 is, for example, a coil spring and is a first elastic member disposed in the storage chamber 10 a of the housing 10 and disposed between the holder 131 and the bottom of the housing 10 .

[0274] The elastic member 147 is disposed in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 and is held by the holding portion 132h of the holder 132. A passage 147A penetrating in the vehicle vertical direction Db is provided in the elastic member 147. The passage 147A communicates with the passage 161 of the holder 132A.

[0275] The passage 147A allows foreign matter such as water that has passed through the passage 161 of the holder 132A to pass through by gravity to the vehicle lower side of the elastic member 147. The elastic member 147 is made of rubber, etc. In this embodiment, the passages 160, 161, and 147A are arranged in the vehicle vertical direction Db.

[0276] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0277] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal 20 rotates, and the rotational force acts on the retainer 130. As a result, the retainer 130 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. The retainer 130 pushes the retainer 131 from the upper side of the vehicle. Therefore, the retainer 131 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0278] Therefore, elastic member 140 is pushed from the vehicle upper side by holder 131 while being supported by holder 132A, thereby being elastically deformed and compressed.

[0279] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is also applied to the retainer 132A, so that the retainer 132A is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 141 is pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 12A while being supported by the bottom of the housing 10. Therefore, the elastic member 141 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0280] In addition, as the holder 132A is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle, the elastic member 147 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle together with the holder 132A. Then, the elastic member 147 is compressed by elastic deformation while contacting the bottom of the housing 10.

[0281] At this time, during the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140, 141, 147. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60A.

[0282] Then, if the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 , 141 , 147 is restored.

[0283] At this time, the pedal 20 swings while the elastic forces of the elastic members 140 , 141 , and 147 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0284] At this time, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the retainer 131 in the vehicle is guided to the lower side of the retainer 131 in the vehicle through the passage 160 by gravity.

[0285] The foreign matter guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 131 in this way is guided to the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity through the passage 161 of the holder 132A and the passage 147A of the elastic member 147. Alternatively, the foreign matter is guided to the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity through the passage 162 of the holding portion 132h of the holder 132. The guided foreign matter is guided to the vehicle lower side of the housing 10 (that is, the outside of the storage chamber 10a) from the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0286] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic members 140, 141, 147 which are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates. The elastic members 140, 141, 147 apply elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0287] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 that forms a storage chamber 10a for storing elastic members 140, 141, and 147. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 that guides foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0288] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction of the elastic members 140 to 146 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0289] In this embodiment, the passage 160 is provided in the holder 131. The passages 161 and 162 are provided in the holder 132A. Therefore, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the holders 131 and 132A can be guided to the bottom of the housing 10 in a good manner.

[0290] (Eighth Implementation Method)

[0291] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example in which the elastic members 53 and 54 are coaxially arranged has been described.

[0292] However, refer to Fig.12 The eighth embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60C in which three elastic members 140 , 141 , and 142 are coaxially arranged instead of the above-described ones will be described.

[0293] Fig.12 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60C according to this embodiment.

[0294] The reaction force generating unit 60C of this embodiment includes a housing 10 , a holder 130 , and elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 144 , 145 , and 146 .

[0295] The housing 10 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a storage chamber 10a and centered at the axis Zb. A passage 153 is provided at the bottom of the housing 10 to guide foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0296] The holder 130 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the pedal 20. The holder 130 is disposed in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10. The holder 130 can be configured in the vehicle up-down direction Db.

[0297] The holder 130 of this embodiment transmits the rotational force of the pedal 20 to the elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, and 146. The holder 130 includes a shaft portion 130a extending to the lower side of the vehicle along the axis Zb.

[0298] The elastic members 140, 141, and 142 are respectively arranged in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10. The elastic members 140, 141, and 142 are respectively arranged between the holder 130 and the elastic member 144.

[0299] The elastic members 140 , 141 , and 142 are, for example, coil springs each formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zb. That is, the elastic members 140 , 141 , and 142 are each coaxially arranged.

[0300] The elastic member 140 is arranged radially inwardly of the elastic member 141 with respect to the axis Zb as the center. The elastic member 141 is arranged radially inwardly of the elastic member 142 with respect to the axis Zb as the center.

[0301] The elastic member 144 is arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the elastic members 140, 141, and 142. The elastic member 145 is arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the elastic member 144. The elastic member 146 is arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the elastic member 145. The elastic member 146 is supported by the bottom of the housing 10.

[0302] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0303] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal 20 rotates, and the rotational force acts on the holder 130. Accordingly, the holder 130 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. The holder 130 presses the elastic members 140, 141, 142 from the upper side of the vehicle.

[0304] Therefore, the elastic members 140, 141, 142 are pushed from the vehicle upper side by the holder 130 while being supported by the elastic member 144, and are elastically deformed and compressed.

[0305] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic members 140, 141, and 142 is also applied to the elastic member 144. In addition, the shaft portion 130a of the retainer 130 pushes the elastic member 144 from the upper side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 144 is elastically deformed and displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle, thereby pushing the elastic member 145 from the upper side of the vehicle. Subsequently, the elastic member 145 is elastically deformed and displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle, thereby pushing the elastic member 146 from the upper side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 146 is elastically deformed.

[0306] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60C.

[0307] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 144 , 145 , 146 is restored.

[0308] At this time, the pedal 20 swings while the elastic forces of the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 , 144 , 145 , and 146 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0309] At this time, foreign matter such as water in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 (ie, the outside of the storage chamber 10a) from the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0310] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146, and the elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146 are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates. The elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146 apply elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20.

[0311] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 forming a storage chamber 10a for storing elastic members 140, 141, 142, 144, 145, 146. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by gravity.

[0312] Therefore, foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 by gravity, so that the pedal device 1 can be provided in which malfunction of the elastic members 140 to 146 and the retainer 130 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0313] (Ninth Implementation Method)

[0314] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example in which the elastic members 53 and 54 are coaxially arranged has been described.

[0315] However, refer to Fig.13A ninth embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60D in which elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , and 184 are arranged in series in place of the above-described ones will be described.

[0316] Fig.13 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60D according to this embodiment.

[0317] The reaction force generating unit 60B of this embodiment includes the housing 10 , holders 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 , and elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 .

[0318] The housing 10 has a storage chamber 10a for storing the holders 170, 171, 172, 173 and the elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185. The bottom of the housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0319] The holder 130 is disposed on the vehicle lower side relative to the pedal 20 . The holder 130 is disposed in the storage chamber 10 a of the housing 10 . The holder 130 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db. The holder 130 of this embodiment transmits the rotational force of the pedal 20 to the elastic member 180 .

[0320] The holder 170 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the holder 130. The holder 170 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db in a state where it is connected to the holder 130.

[0321] The holder 171 is disposed on the vehicle lower side relative to the holder 170. The holder 171 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db in a state where it is connected to the holder 170.

[0322] The holder 172 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the holder 171. The holder 172 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db in a state where it is connected to the holder 171.

[0323] The holder 173 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the holder 172. The holder 173 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db in a state where it is connected to the holder 172.

[0324] The holder 174 is disposed on the vehicle lower side with respect to the holder 173. The holder 174 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db in a state where it is connected to the holder 173.

[0325] In this way, the holders 170 , 171 , 172 , 173 , and 174 are connected to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db while being aligned in the vehicle up-down direction Db.

[0326] The elastic member 180 is constituted by, for example, a leaf spring, and is supported by the holder 170. The elastic member 181 is constituted by, for example, a leaf spring, and is supported by the holder 171. The elastic member 181 is arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the elastic member 180.

[0327] The elastic member 182 is constituted by, for example, a leaf spring, and is supported by the holder 172. The elastic member 182 is arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the elastic member 181.

[0328] The elastic member 183 is constituted by, for example, a leaf spring, and is supported by the holder 173. The elastic member 183 is arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the elastic member 182.

[0329] The elastic member 184 is constituted by a leaf spring, for example, and is supported by the holder 174. The elastic member 184 is arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the elastic member 183. The elastic member 185 is constituted by a coil spring, for example, and is arranged between the holders 130 and 172.

[0330] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0331] First, if the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal 20 rotates, and the rotational force acts on the retainer 130. Then, the retainer 130 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. The retainer 130 pushes the elastic member 180 from the upper side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 180 is elastically deformed and compressed by being pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 130. Then, the elastic member 180 applies the elastic force to the pedal 20 via the retainer 130 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20.

[0332] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 180 is also applied to the holder 170, and the holder 170 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 181 is pressed from the upper side of the vehicle by the holder 170. Thus, the elastic member 181 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0333] Furthermore, the elastic force of the elastic member 181 is also applied to the holder 171, and the holder 171 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 182 is pressed from the upper side of the vehicle by the holder 171. As a result, the elastic member 182 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0334] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 182 is also applied to the holder 172, and the holder 172 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 183 is pressed from the upper side of the vehicle by the holder 172. As a result, the elastic member 183 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0335] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 183 is also applied to the holder 173, and the holder 173 is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0336] Therefore, the elastic member 184 is pressed from the upper side of the vehicle by the holder 173 while being supported by the bottom of the housing 10 via the holder 174. Accordingly, the elastic member 183 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0337] Furthermore, along with the displacement of each of the holders 130 and 172 , the elastic member 185 receives a force in the vehicle up-down direction Db from the holders 130 and 172 , and is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0338] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60D.

[0339] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , 185 is restored.

[0340] At this time, the pedal 20 swings while the elastic forces of the elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 , and 185 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0341] At this time, the foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 (ie, the outside of the storage chamber 10a) from the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0342] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, which are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates. The elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 apply elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0343] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 forming a housing chamber 10a for housing elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 and retainers 170, 171, 172, 173. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter from the housing chamber 10a to the outside of the housing 10.

[0344] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10, it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 which suppresses malfunction of the elastic members 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185 and the retainer 130 due to foreign matter such as water.

[0345] (10th embodiment)

[0346] In the above-mentioned ninth embodiment, the example in which the reaction force generating portion 60D including the elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , and 184 are arranged in series has been described.

[0347] However, refer to Fig.14 , Fig.15 A tenth embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60E using two elastic members 140 and 148 in place of the above-described one will be described.

[0348] Fig.14 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment. Fig.15 Yes means Fig.14 A cross-sectional view showing the detailed structure of the reaction force generating portion 60E.

[0349] like Fig.14 and Fig.15 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a pedal 20, a pedal arm 22, a link member 23, a rotating shaft 40, a reaction force generating portion 60E, and an elastic member 22B.

[0350] like Fig.15 As shown, the reaction force generating unit 60E includes the housing 10 , the holder 130 , and elastic members 140 , 148 .

[0351] The pedal 20 is supported by a pedal arm 22. The pedal arm 22 is supported by the vehicle body 84 so as to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 40. Thus, the pedal 20 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 40.

[0352] The link member 23 is formed in a rod shape. One end of the link member 23 is connected to the pedal arm 22. The other end of the link member 23 is connected to the holder 130 of the reaction force generating portion 60E.

[0353] The housing 10 is supported by the vehicle body 84. The housing 10 has a storage chamber 10a for storing the elastic members 140 and 148 and the retainer 130. The housing 10 has an opening portion opened on the upper side of the vehicle, and the opening portion is blocked by the vehicle body 84. At the bottom of the housing 10, a passage 153 is provided for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 10a.

[0354] The elastic member 140 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape with the axis Zb as the center. The elastic member 140 is disposed between the vehicle body 84 and the bottom of the housing 10. The elastic member 148 is made of an elastic member such as rubber and is formed to be convex toward the vehicle lower side.

[0355] The holder 130 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle vertical direction Db. The holder 130 is provided with a passage 130b for guiding foreign matter such as water on the vehicle upper side of the holder 130 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 130 by gravity.

[0356] One end of the elastic member 22B of this embodiment is connected to the pedal arm 22 , and the other end of the elastic member 22B is connected to the vehicle body 84 .

[0357] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0358] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the elastic member 22B expands due to elastic deformation, and the pedal arm 22 rotates, and the rotational force is applied to the holder 130 via the link member 23. Accordingly, the holder 130 is displaced toward the upper side of the vehicle.

[0359] When the pedal 20 is displaced toward the upper side of the vehicle in this manner, the retainer 130 opens the passage 153 of the housing 10 .

[0360] The retainer 130 pushes the elastic member 140 from the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 140 is pushed from the upper side of the vehicle by the retainer 130 while being supported by the vehicle body 84, thereby being elastically deformed and compressed. At this time, the retainer 130 pushes the elastic member 148 from the lower side of the vehicle. As a result, the elastic member 148 is elastically deformed and compressed.

[0361] As the elastic members 140 and 148 are compressed by elastic deformation, the elastic members 140 and 148 apply elastic force to the holder 130. Therefore, the elastic members 140 and 148 apply elastic force to the pedal 20 via the holder 130, the pedal arm 22, and the link member 23 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20.

[0362] At this time, during the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the more elastic members 140 and 148 are elastically deformed.

[0363] Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating portion 60E.

[0364] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 , 148 , and 22B is restored.

[0365] At this time, the pedal 20 swings while the elastic forces of the elastic members 140 and 148 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0366] When the pedal 20 is in the non-depressed state, the retainer 130 closes the passage 153 of the housing 10 .

[0367] At this time, foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the holder 130 in the storage chamber 10 a is guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 130 via the passage 130 b .

[0368] When the retainer 130 opens the passage 153 of the housing 10 , foreign matter guided to the lower side of the vehicle of the retainer 130 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 (ie, the outside of the storage chamber 10 a ) via the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 .

[0369] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic members 140 and 148 which are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates, thereby applying the elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0370] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 that forms a housing chamber 10a for housing the elastic members 140 and 148. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter from the housing chamber 10a to the outside of the housing 10.

[0371] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction of the elastic members 140 , 148 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0372] In this embodiment, the passage 130b is provided in the holder 130. Therefore, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the holder 130 in the vehicle can be guided to the lower side of the holder 130 in the vehicle by gravity in a good manner.

[0373] (11th embodiment)

[0374] In the above-mentioned tenth embodiment, an example in which the reaction force generating portion 60E using the elastic member 148 made of an elastic material such as rubber is described.

[0375] However, refer to Fig.16 The eleventh embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60F using an elastic member 148 formed of a torsion spring in place of the above-described one will be described.

[0376] Fig.16 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0377] like Fig.16 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a pedal 20, a pedal arm 22, and a reaction force generating portion 60F.

[0378] The reaction force generating portion 60F includes a housing 10 , elastic members 140 , 149 , a link member 25 , and a rotating shaft 40 .

[0379] The pedal 20 is supported by a pedal arm 22. The pedal arm 22 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle traveling direction Da.

[0380] Thus, the pedal 20 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle traveling direction Da. The pedal arm 22 transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 20 to the link member 25 .

[0381] The housing 10 has a storage chamber 10a for storing the elastic members 140 and 149, the link member 25, and the rotating shaft 40. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by gravity. The housing 10 is provided with an opening 155 that opens on the front side of the vehicle and allows the link member 25 to pass through.

[0382] The link member 25 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 40. The link member 25 transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 transmitted from the pedal arm 22 to the elastic member 140 through the rotation.

[0383] The elastic member 140 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a spiral shape with the axis Zb as the center. The axis Zb is a virtual axis extending in the axis direction Dz intersecting the vehicle travel direction Da and the vehicle vertical direction Db. The elastic member 140 is arranged between the ceiling portion of the housing 10 and the link member 25 .

[0384] The elastic member 149 is a torsion spring that applies elastic force to the link member 25 toward one side of the rotation direction Dk centered on the rotation shaft 40 while being supported by the housing 10. The elastic member 149 applies the elastic force to the elastic member 140 via the link member 25, thereby holding the elastic member 140 on the vehicle upper side relative to the link member 25.

[0385] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0386] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal arm 22 is displaced toward the vehicle front side, and the pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the link member 25 via the pedal arm 22. Accordingly, the link member 25 rotates toward one side in the rotation direction Dk.

[0387] Accordingly, the link member 25 presses the elastic member 140 from one side in the axial direction Dz. Therefore, the elastic member 140 is pressed from one side in the axial direction Dz by the link member 25 while being supported by the ceiling portion of the housing 10, and is elastically deformed and compressed.

[0388] The elastic member 140 is compressed by elastic deformation, and thus applies elastic force to the link member 25. Therefore, the elastic member 140 applies elastic force to the pedal 20 via the link member 25 and the pedal arm 22 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20.

[0389] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic member 140. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60F.

[0390] Then, if the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic member 140 is restored.

[0391] At this time, the link member 25 swings to the other side of the rotation direction Dk while the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is applied to the link member 25. As a result, the pedal arm 22 is pressed toward the front of the vehicle by the link member 25. As a result, the pedal 20 is displaced toward the front of the vehicle together with the pedal arm 22.

[0392] At this time, the foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 (ie, the outside of the storage chamber 10a) from the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0393] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic member 140 which is elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates, thereby applying the elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0394] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 forming a storage chamber 10a for storing an elastic member 140. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 for guiding foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by gravity.

[0395] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction of the elastic members 140 , 148 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0396] (12th embodiment)

[0397] In the above-mentioned eleventh embodiment, an example in which the reaction force generating portion 60E using the torsion spring is provided has been described.

[0398] However, refer to Fig.17 A twelfth embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60G using two coil springs in place of the above will be described.

[0399] Fig.17 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0400] like Fig.17 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a pedal 20, a pedal arm 22, a link member 23, and a reaction force generating portion 60G.

[0401] The reaction force generating portion 60G includes a housing 10 , a link member 24 , a rotating shaft 41 , a holder 175 , elastic members 186 and 187 , and a guide portion 190 .

[0402] The pedal 20 is supported by a pedal arm 22. The pedal arm 22 is configured to be rotatable around a rotation shaft 40.

[0403] Thus, the pedal 20 is configured to be rotatable about the rotation shaft 40. The pedal arm 22 transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 20 to the link member 23.

[0404] One end of the link member 23 is rotatably connected to the pedal arm 22. The other end of the link member 23 is rotatably connected to the link member 24 of the reaction force generating portion 60F.

[0405] The housing 10 has a housing chamber 10a that houses the link member 24, the rotating shaft 41, the elastic members 186 and 187, and the guide portion 190. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 that guides foreign matter in the housing chamber 10a of the housing 10 to the outside of the housing chamber 10a.

[0406] The link member 24 is configured to be rotatable about a rotation shaft 41 . The rotation shaft 41 is supported by the housing 10 .

[0407] The holder 175 is supported by the guide portion 190 so as to be displaceable in the vehicle travel direction Da. The guide portion 190 is supported by the housing 10 and is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle travel direction Da.

[0408] The elastic members 186 , 187 support the holder 175 while being supported by the inner wall of the housing 10 .

[0409] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0410] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal arm 22 rotates to one side in the rotation direction around the rotation axis 40, and the pedal force of the driver 81 is applied to the link member 24 via the pedal arm 22 and the link member 23. Then, the link member 24 rotates to one side in the rotation direction via the rotation axis 41.

[0411] As a result, the link member 24 pushes the holder 175 toward the vehicle front side. Therefore, the elastic members 186 and 187 are pushed from the vehicle rear side by the holder 175 while being supported by the inner wall of the housing 10, and are elastically deformed and compressed.

[0412] As the elastic members 186 and 187 are compressed by elastic deformation, the elastic members 186 and 187 apply elastic force to the holder 175. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic members 186 and 187 is applied to the pedal 20 via the holder 175, the link members 24 and 23, and the pedal arm 22.

[0413] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 186 and 187. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-depressed state to the maximum depressed state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60G.

[0414] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 186 and 187 is restored.

[0415] At this time, the retainer 175 is displaced toward the vehicle rear side while the elastic forces of the elastic members 186 and 187 are applied to the retainer 175. Accordingly, the link members 24 and 23 rotate toward the other side of the rotation direction together with the pedal arm 22. Thus, the pedal 20 rotates toward the other side of the rotation direction together with the pedal arm 22.

[0416] At this time, the foreign matter in the storage chamber 10a of the housing 10 is guided to the outside of the housing 10 (ie, the outside of the storage chamber 10a) from the passage 153 at the bottom of the housing 10 by gravity.

[0417] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the elastic members 186 and 187 which are elastically deformed and compressed by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 rotates, thereby applying the elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the rotational force.

[0418] The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 that forms a storage chamber 10a for storing elastic members 186 and 187. The housing 10 is provided with a passage 153 that guides foreign matter from the storage chamber 10a to the outside of the storage chamber 10a by gravity.

[0419] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the housing 10 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction of the elastic members 186 , 187 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0420] (13th embodiment)

[0421] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, the example in which the reaction force generating portion 50 using the two holders 51 and 52 is provided has been described.

[0422] However, refer to Fig.18 A thirteenth embodiment of the pedal device 1 including a reaction force generating portion 60H using three retainers instead of the above will be described.

[0423] Fig.18 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60H of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0424] like Fig.18 As shown, the reaction force generating unit 60H of this embodiment includes holders 200 , 210 , 220 , elastic members 230 , 231 , a connecting member 240 , and a leaf spring 250 .

[0425] The holder 200 includes a support portion 201 and a guide portion 202. The support portion 201 is formed in a substantially disk shape centered on the axis Zd. The support portion 201 is disposed on one side of the leaf spring 250 in the axis direction Dd.

[0426] The guide portion 202 is formed so as to extend from the support portion 201 to one side in the axial direction Dd along the axial line Zd. A hollow portion 203 penetrating in the axial direction Dd is formed in the guide portion 202 .

[0427] The holder 200 of this embodiment is provided with a passage 201 a for guiding foreign matter on the upper side of the holder 200 in the vehicle to the lower side of the holder 200 in the vehicle.

[0428] The connecting member 240 penetrates the through hole 251 of the leaf spring 250 and penetrates the hollow portion 203 of the guide portion 202 to be connected to the guide portion 202. Thus, the connecting member 240 connects and fixes the leaf spring 250 and the retainer 200. The connecting member 240 of this embodiment is formed with a passage 241 that penetrates in the axial direction Dd.

[0429] The leaf spring 250 is configured to be displaceable to the other side of the axial direction Dd by elastic deformation while being supported by the vehicle body. The axial direction Dd is the direction in which the axis Zd extends.

[0430] The holder 210 is formed in a cup shape having a bottom 211 and centered on the axis Zd. A through hole 212 penetrating in the axis direction Dd is provided in the bottom 211 of the holder 210 .

[0431] The guide portion 202 of the holder 200 passes through the through hole 212 of the holder 210. The holder 210 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle up-down direction Db by being guided by the guide portion 202.

[0432] A flange portion 213 protruding radially outward about the axis Zd is provided on the axial direction Dd side of the retainer 210. A passage 211a is provided at the bottom 211 of the retainer 210 of this embodiment to guide foreign matter on the upper side of the retainer 210 to the lower side of the retainer 210.

[0433] The holder 220 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion 221 and centered on the axis Zd. The holder 220 is provided with a cover portion 222 that blocks the hollow portion 221 from the axial direction Dd side. A flange portion 223 that protrudes radially outward centered on the axis Zd is provided on the axial direction Dd side of the holder 220.

[0434] The holder 220 of this embodiment has the guide portion 202 of the holder 200 incorporated in the hollow portion 221. The holder 220 is configured to be displaceable in the axial direction Dd by being guided by the guide portion 202.

[0435] The elastic member 230 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zd. The elastic member 230 is a first elastic member that supports the flange portion 213 of the holder 210 while being supported by the holder 200 .

[0436] The elastic member 231 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zd. The elastic member 231 is a second elastic member that supports the flange portion 223 of the holder 220 while being supported by the bottom portion 211 of the holder 210 .

[0437] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0438] First, when a pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal, the pedal rotates in one direction of rotation about the rotation axis, and the pedal force of the driver 81 is transmitted to the holder 220 via the rod 260 .

[0439] At this time, the rod 260 pushes the holder 220 toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the holder 220 is guided by the guide portion 202 of the holder 200 while being supported by the bottom portion 211 of the holder 210, and is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0440] As a result, the holder 220 pushes the elastic member 231 toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 231 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0441] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 231 is applied to the pedal via the rod 260 as a reaction force to the pedal force of the driver 81.

[0442] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 231 is applied to the bottom portion 211 of the holder 210. Therefore, the holder 210 is guided by the guide portion 202 of the holder 200 and displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0443] As a result, the holder 210 pushes the elastic member 230 toward the lower side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 230 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the leaf spring 250 via the holder 200.

[0444] In this way, the elastic member 230 is compressed by elastic deformation, and the elastic member 230 applies elastic force to the holder 210 and the holder 200. At this time, the holder 200 receives the elastic force of the elastic member 230 and is displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0445] Therefore, the leaf spring 250 is pressed from the upper side of the vehicle by the holder 200 , thereby being elastically deformed and displaced toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0446] At this time, during the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the closer the pedal is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 230, 231, 232 and the leaf spring 250. Therefore, the closer the pedal is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal from the reaction force generating unit 60H.

[0447] Then, when the pedal is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the driver stops applying the pedal force, the elastic members 230 , 231 , 232 and the leaf spring 250 are elastically deformed.

[0448] At this time, foreign matter on the upper side of the holder 210 is guided to the lower side of the holder 210 by gravity through the passage 211a. The guided foreign matter is guided from the upper side of the holder 200 to the lower side of the holder 200 by gravity through the passage 201a.

[0449] Furthermore, the foreign matter in the hollow portion 221 of the holder 220 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the connecting member 240 via the hollow portion 203 of the guide portion 202 and the passage 241 of the connecting member 240 by gravity.

[0450] According to the embodiment described above, in the reaction force generating unit 60H, the holder 210 is provided with the passage 211a for guiding foreign matter on the vehicle upper side of the holder 210 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 210 by gravity. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the elastic member 231 due to foreign matter such as water.

[0451] The holder 200 is provided with a passage 201a for guiding foreign matter on the upper side of the holder 200 to the lower side of the holder 200 by gravity. Therefore, the pedal device 1 can be provided in which malfunction of the elastic members 231, 230 and the holders 210, 220 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0452] (14th embodiment)

[0453] In the above-mentioned thirteenth embodiment, an example in which the holders 220 and 210 are guided by the guide portion 202 and displaced is described.

[0454] However, refer to Fig.19 A fourteenth embodiment of the pedal device 1 is described in which, instead of the above, a reaction force generating portion 60I is provided in which the holder 200 is displaced by being guided by the guide portion 270 and the holder 210 is displaced by being guided by the holder 200 .

[0455] Fig.19 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a reaction force generating portion 60I of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0456] like Fig.19 As shown, the reaction force generating portion 60I of this embodiment includes the holders 200 and 210 , the elastic members 230 , 231 and 232 , and the guide portion 270 .

[0457] The holder 200 is formed into a cup shape having a bottom 200a and centered on the axis Zd. The bottom 200a is provided with a cylindrical portion 200b having a hollow portion 200e and centered on the axis Zd. The axis Zb of this embodiment is an imaginary line extending in the vehicle travel direction Da.

[0458] The guide portion 270 passes through the cylindrical portion 200b. The retainer 200 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle travel direction Da while being guided by the guide portion 270. The guide portion 270 is formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis Zb. The guide portion 270 guides the displacement of the retainer 200 while being supported by the housing 10.

[0459] The retainer 200 is provided with a flange portion 200c that protrudes radially outward about the axis Zd. The retainer 200 of this embodiment is provided with a passage 200d that guides foreign matter from the hollow portion 200e to the vehicle lower side of the retainer 200.

[0460] The holder 210 is formed into a cylindrical shape having a hollow portion 210e and centered on the axis Zb. The holder 210 is provided with a cover portion 210a that blocks the hollow portion 210e from the rear side of the vehicle. The holder 210 is provided with a flange portion 210b that protrudes radially outward centered on the axis Zb. The holder 210 is configured so that, in a state where the cylinder portion 200b of the holder 200 is inserted into the hollow portion 210e, the holder 210 can be displaced in the vehicle travel direction Da while being guided by the cylinder portion 200b.

[0461] The inner peripheral surface 210f of the holder 210 centered on the axis Zb has a passage 210k formed so as to be recessed radially outward centered on the axis Zb. The passage 210k has an outlet 210h opened to the other side in the axial direction Dc.

[0462] The inner circumferential surface 210f of the holder 210 is formed so as to be inclined toward the radially outer side with respect to the axis Zb as it approaches the other side of the axis direction Dc from one side of the holder 210 in the axis direction Dc. That is, the inner circumferential surface 210f of the holder 210 is formed so as to be inclined toward the radially outer side with respect to the axis Zb as it approaches the outlet 210h from one side of the axis direction Dc in the holder 210.

[0463] In this embodiment, the inner peripheral surface 210 f of the holder 210 is formed in a shape that is inclined radially outward as it approaches the outlet 210 h from one side in the axial direction Dc, throughout the circumferential direction centered on the axis Zb.

[0464] In addition, a portion of the inner circumferential surface 210f of the holder 210 in the circumferential direction centered on the axis Zb may be formed to be inclined radially outward as it approaches the outlet 210h from one side in the axial direction Dc. The inner circumferential surface 210f may be formed by a draft angle for molding the hollow portion 210e when the holder 210 is injection-molded with a metal material or a resin material.

[0465] The elastic member 230 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zd. The elastic member 230 is a first elastic member that supports the flange portion 200 c of the holder 200 while being supported by the housing 10 .

[0466] The elastic member 231 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zd. The elastic member 231 is a first elastic member that supports the flange portion 210 b of the holder 210 while being supported by the bottom portion 200 a of the holder 200 .

[0467] The elastic member 232 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape, and supports the rod 260 while being supported by the flange portion 210 b of the holder 210 .

[0468] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0469] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal, the pedal rotates to one side in the rotation direction around the rotation axis, and the pedal force of the driver 81 is transmitted to the elastic member 232 via the rod 260. At this time, the rod 260 presses the elastic member 232 from the rear side of the vehicle.

[0470] As a result, the elastic member 232 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the flange portion 210b of the holder 210. Therefore, the elastic force of the elastic member 232 is applied to the pedal via the rod 260 as a reaction force to the pedal force of the driver 81.

[0471] At this time, the holder 210 receives the elastic force of the elastic member 232 and is guided by the cylindrical portion 200 b of the holder 200 , thereby being displaced toward the vehicle front side.

[0472] As a result, the elastic member 231 is pressed from the rear side of the vehicle by the holder 210. Therefore, the elastic member 231 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the bottom 200a of the holder 200.

[0473] As the elastic member 231 is compressed by elastic deformation in this way, the elastic member 231 applies an elastic force to the flange portion 210 b of the holder 210 .

[0474] At this time, the holder 200 is displaced toward the vehicle front side by being guided by the guide portion 270 due to the elastic force of the elastic member 231. Therefore, the elastic member 230 is pressed toward the vehicle front side by the flange portion 200c of the holder 200. Accordingly, the elastic member 230 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0475] At this time, during the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the closer the pedal is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 230, 231, 232. Therefore, the closer the pedal is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal from the reaction force generating unit 60I.

[0476] Then, when the pedals are released from the feet of the driver 81 and the driver's pedal force on the pedals is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 230 , 231 , 232 is restored.

[0477] At this time, the foreign matter inside the holder 200 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the holder 210 through the passage 200d by gravity.

[0478] According to the embodiment described above, in the reaction force generating unit 60I, the holder 200 is provided with the passage 200d for guiding foreign matter inside the holder 200 to the vehicle lower side of the holder 200 by gravity. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the holder 200 and the elastic member 231 due to foreign matter such as water.

[0479] Therefore, it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunctions in the holder 200 and the elastic member 231 caused by foreign matter such as water are suppressed.

[0480] In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 210f of the holder 210 is formed so as to be closer to the outlet 210h of the passage 210k from one side of the axial direction Dc in the holder 210 and to be more radially outward centered on the axis Zb. Thus, the inner circumferential surface 210f can guide the foreign matter in the hollow portion 210e in the holder 210 to the outlet 210h well by gravity. Therefore, by utilizing the outlet 210h of the holder 210, the foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the holder 210 without providing a through hole of the holder 210. Thus, the discharge performance of the foreign matter can be improved while ensuring the mechanical strength of the holder 210.

[0481] (15th embodiment)

[0482] In the above-mentioned first embodiment, an example in which the reaction force generating portion 50 in which the holder is displaced in the axial direction is provided has been described.

[0483] However, refer to Fig. 20 A fifteenth embodiment of the pedal device 1 will be described which includes a reaction force generating portion 60J in which the retainer is displaced in the circumferential direction in place of the above-described one.

[0484] Fig. 20 It is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment.

[0485] like Fig. 20 As shown, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a pedal 20, a pedal arm 22, and a reaction force generating portion 60J.

[0486] The reaction force generating portion 60J includes the housing 10 , elastic members 140 , 141 , and holders 280 , 281 .

[0487] The pedal 20 is supported by a pedal arm 22. The pedal arm 22 is configured to be displaceable in a circumferential direction Vt about the rotation shaft 40 with respect to the housing 10.

[0488] Thus, the pedal 20 is configured to be displaceable in the circumferential direction Vt. The pedal arm 22 transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 20 to the holder 280 .

[0489] The housing 10 has a storage chamber 10a that stores the elastic members 140, 141 and the retainers 280, 281. The housing 10 is provided with a lower opening portion 320 that opens toward the lower side of the vehicle.

[0490] The holder 280 is configured to be displaceable in the circumferential direction Vt around the rotating shaft 40. The holder 281 is disposed on the vehicle front side relative to the holder 280. The holder 281 is configured to be displaceable in the vehicle travel direction Da while being guided by the guide portion 310.

[0491] The holder 281 includes a cylindrical portion 281 a formed in a cylindrical shape centered on the axis Zb, and a flange portion 281 b protruding from the cylindrical portion 281 a toward the radially outer side centered on the axis Zb. The guide portion 310 is inserted into the hollow portion 281 c of the holder 281 .

[0492] The guide portion 310 is supported by the housing 10 and is formed in a shaft shape extending along the axis Zb.

[0493] The elastic member 140 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape with the axis Zb as the center. The axis Zb is a virtual axis extending in the vehicle traveling direction Da. The elastic member 140 is a first elastic member that supports the holder 280 while being supported by the holder 280 .

[0494] The elastic member 141 is, for example, a coil spring formed in a coil shape centered on the axis Zb. The elastic member 141 is a first elastic member that supports the flange portion 281 b of the holder 281 while being supported by the inner wall of the housing 10 .

[0495] The holders 281 and 280 of this embodiment are made of a metal material or a resin material.

[0496] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0497] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal arm 22 is displaced toward the vehicle front side, and the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the holder 280 via the pedal arm 22. Accordingly, the holder 280 rotates toward one side in the rotation direction Vtk about the rotation shaft 40.

[0498] As a result, the holder 280 pushes the elastic member 140 from the rear side of the vehicle. Therefore, the elastic member 140 is compressed by elastic deformation while being supported by the holder 280.

[0499] As the elastic member 140 is compressed by elastic deformation, the elastic member 140 applies elastic force to the holder 280 . Therefore, the elastic member 140 applies elastic force to the pedal 20 via the holder 280 and the pedal arm 22 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20 .

[0500] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is applied to the retainer 281. Therefore, the retainer 281 is guided by the guide portion 310 and displaced toward the front side of the vehicle. Then, the flange portion 281b of the retainer 281 pushes the elastic member 141 toward the front side of the vehicle. Thus, the elastic member 141 is compressed by elastic deformation.

[0501] At this time, in the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 and 141. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepping state to the maximum stepping state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 60J.

[0502] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the application of the pedal force of the driver 81 to the pedal 20 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the elastic members 140 and 141 is restored.

[0503] At this time, the elastic force of the elastic member 140 is applied to the link member 25, and the retainer 281 is guided by the guide portion 310 and displaced toward the vehicle rear side. The retainer 280 rotates toward the other side of the rotation direction Vtk centered on the rotation shaft 40. The pedal 20 rotates toward the other side of the rotation direction Vtk together with the pedal arm 22.

[0504] At this time, foreign matter in the hollow portion 281c of the holder 281 is guided by gravity from the passage 281d to the vehicle lower side of the holder 281. The foreign matter is discharged by gravity from the lower opening 320 of the housing 10 to the vehicle lower side.

[0505] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the retainer 280 that is displaced to one side in the circumferential direction Vt by the rotational force applied from the pedal 20 via the pedal arm 22 as the pedal 20 rotates.

[0506] The pedal device 1 includes the elastic member 140 which is elastically deformed and compressed by displacement of the holder 280 while supporting the holder 280 , and the elastic member 141 which is supported by the inner wall of the housing 10 and supports the holder 280 .

[0507] The holder 280 is configured to be displaceable in the circumferential direction Vt about the rotating shaft 40. The holder 281 receives the elastic force of the elastic member 140 and is guided by the guide portion 310 to be displaced in the vehicle travel direction Da.

[0508] The holder 281 is provided with a passage 281 d for guiding foreign matter such as dust and water from the inside of the hollow portion 281 c thereof to the vehicle lower side of the holder 281 by gravity.

[0509] Therefore, since foreign matter can be discharged to the outside of the hollow portion 281 c of the holder 281 , it is possible to provide the pedal device 1 in which malfunction in the holder 281 due to foreign matter such as water is suppressed.

[0510] (16th Implementation Method)

[0511] In the sixteenth embodiment, referring to Fig.21 A specific example of the passage 13 a of the elastic member 70A according to the fifth embodiment will be described. Fig.21 is equivalent to Figure 8 Diagram of section XXI-XXI in .

[0512] like Fig.21As shown in FIG. 1 , the elastic member 70A is provided with a convex portion 71 that convexes toward the housing 10. Two passages 13a are provided on the vehicle upper side and the vehicle lower side of the convex portion 71 in the elastic member 70A. That is, the two passages 13a are formed by the elastic member 70A. The two passages 13a are respectively formed in a manner recessed toward the center Ta side of the elastic member 70A.

[0513] (17th Implementation Method)

[0514] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which the passage 90 is provided in the bottom 51c of the holder 51 has been described. Fig. 22 , Fig.23 A seventeenth embodiment will be described in which a plurality of passages 90 formed so as to straddle the bottom portion 51 c and the cylindrical portion 51 b of the holder 51 are provided in place of the above.

[0515] Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a single retainer 51 of this embodiment, Fig.23 It is viewed from the other side of the axis direction Dc Fig. 22 FIG. 5 is a diagram of a single retaining member 51 in FIG.

[0516] like Fig. 22 , Fig.23 As shown, the plurality of passages 92 of this embodiment are formed across the bottom portion 51 c and the cylindrical portion 51 b of the holder 51 , respectively.

[0517] (Eighteenth Implementation Method)

[0518] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which one passage 91 is provided in the holder 51 has been described. Fig.24 , an eighteenth embodiment in which a plurality of passages 91 are provided in the retainer 51 in place of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0519] Fig.24 This is a diagram of the holders 51 and 52 according to this embodiment as viewed from one side in the axial direction Dc, and shows a specific example in which eight passages 91 are provided in the holder 51 .

[0520] like Fig.24 As shown, the plurality of passages 91 of this embodiment are arranged in the circumferential direction around the axis Zb. The plurality of passages 91 are formed so as to be recessed radially outward around the axis Zb in the retainer 51. The plurality of passages 91 are covered by the outer peripheral surface of the retainer 52 from the radial inward around the axis Zb.

[0521] The holder 51 is provided with a plurality of partitions 51g disposed between two adjacent passages 91 among the plurality of passages 91. The plurality of partitions 51g are provided so as to partition two adjacent passages 91 among the plurality of passages 91, respectively.

[0522] (19th Implementation Method)

[0523] In the first embodiment described above, an example in which one passage 91 is provided in the holder 51 has been described. Fig.25 , a nineteenth embodiment in which a plurality of passages 91 are provided in the retaining member 52 in place of the above-described embodiment will be described.

[0524] Fig.25 This is a diagram of the holders 51 and 52 according to this embodiment as viewed from one side in the axial direction Dc, and shows a specific example in which eight passages 91 are provided in the holder 51 .

[0525] like Fig.25 As shown, the plurality of passages 91 are arranged in the circumferential direction with the axis Zb as the center. The plurality of passages 91 are formed in a manner of being recessed radially inward from the outer circumferential surface with the axis Zb as the center in the retainer 52. The plurality of passages 91 are covered from the radially outer side by the inner circumferential surface with the axis Zb as the center in the retainer 51.

[0526] The holder 52 is provided with a plurality of partitions 52g disposed between two adjacent passages 91 among the plurality of passages 91. The plurality of partitions 52g are provided so as to partition two adjacent passages 91 among the plurality of passages 91, respectively.

[0527] (Implementation 20)

[0528] In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the pedal device 1 has been described in which the reaction force generating portion 50 of one elastic member is disposed between the retainers 51 and 52. Fig.26 A twentieth embodiment will be described in which a reaction force generating portion 50B including two elastic members is arranged in parallel between the retainers 51 and 52 in the pedal device 1 in place of the above.

[0529] Fig.26 It is a cross-sectional view showing the arrangement relationship among the holders 51 and 52 , the two elastic members 55 , and the two elastic members 54 in the reaction force generating portion 50B of the pedal device 1 according to the present embodiment.

[0530] like Fig.26 As shown, in the reaction force generating portion 50B, the holder 52 is arranged on one side in the axial direction Dc with respect to the holder 51. The holder 51 is arranged on one side in the axial direction Dc with respect to the bottom of the housing 10.

[0531] The holders 52 and 51 are respectively arranged so as to be displaceable in the axial direction Dc. The holder 51 constitutes a support member that supports the two elastic members 55 from the other side of the axial direction Dc. In this embodiment, the holder 52 is arranged on the upper side of the vehicle relative to the holder 51.

[0532] In addition, the housing 10 of this embodiment accommodates the holders 51 and 52 , the two elastic members 55 , and the two elastic members 54 , similarly to the housing 10 of the first embodiment.

[0533] In this embodiment, two elastic members 55 are arranged in parallel between the holders 51 and 52. Between the holder 51 and the bottom surface of the housing 10, two elastic members 55 are arranged in parallel.

[0534] Here, the right elastic member 55 in the figure is, for example, a coil spring formed in a spiral shape around the axis Zb1. The left elastic member 55 in the figure is, for example, a coil spring formed in a spiral shape around the axis Zb2.

[0535] The two elastic members 55 support the holder 52 from the other side in the axial direction Dc while being supported by the holder 51. The two elastic members 54 support the holder 51 from the other side in the axial direction Dc while being supported by the bottom of the housing 10.

[0536] The right elastic member 54 in the figure is, for example, a coil spring formed in a spiral shape around the axis Zb1. The right elastic member 54 in the figure is, for example, a coil spring formed in a spiral shape around the axis Zb2.

[0537] The holder 51 of this embodiment is provided with a passage 92 through which foreign matter passes by gravity, vibration, etc. The holder 52 is provided with a passage 90 through which foreign matter passes by gravity, vibration, etc. The bottom of the housing 10 constitutes a supporting member that supports the two elastic members 54 from the other side of the axial direction Dc. The bottom of the housing 10 is provided with a passage 10b through which foreign matter passes by gravity, etc.

[0538] Here, in a state where the pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 80 , the elastic members 54 , 55 are arranged so that the axes Zb1 , Zb2 are in a direction perpendicular to or inclined with respect to the horizontal direction Ds.

[0539] Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment will be described.

[0540] First, when the pedal force of the driver 81 acts on the pedal 20, the pedal 20 rotates, and the rotational force Fp acts on the retainer 52. As a result, the retainer 52 is displaced to the other side of the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the retainer 52 is pushed from one side of the axial direction Dc by the rotational force Fp from the pedal 20 and displaced to the other side of the axial direction Dc.

[0541] Therefore, the two elastic members 55 are pressed from the axial direction Dc side by the holder 52 while being supported by the holder 51 , thereby being elastically deformed and compressed.

[0542] At this time, the two elastic members 55 apply elastic force to the pedal 20 via the holder 52 as a reaction force to the rotational force Fp from the pedal 20 .

[0543] Furthermore, the elastic force of the two elastic members 55 is applied to the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc. Therefore, the holder 52 is displaced to the other side in the axial direction Dc by the elastic force of the two elastic members 55.

[0544] At this time, the two elastic members 54 are pushed from the axial direction Dc side by the holder 51 while being supported by the bottom of the housing 10, and are elastically deformed and compressed. Then, the two elastic members 54 apply elastic force to the holder 51 as a reaction force to the force pushed from the holder 51.

[0545] In this way, the two elastic members 55 and the two elastic members 54 are compressed by elastic deformation, and the elastic force is applied to the pedal 20 via the holders 51 and 52 as a reaction force to the rotational force of the pedal 20 .

[0546] At this time, during the swing of the pedal 20 from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the elastic deformation of the two elastic members 55 and the two elastic members 54. Therefore, the closer the pedal 20 is from the non-stepped state to the maximum stepped state, the greater the reaction force applied to the pedal 20 from the reaction force generating unit 50B.

[0547] Then, when the pedal 20 is released from the foot of the driver 81 and the pedal force applied to the pedal 20 by the driver 81 is stopped, the elastic deformation of the two elastic members 55 and the two elastic members 54 is restored.

[0548] At this time, the pedal 20 swings in a state where the elastic forces of the two elastic members 55 and the two elastic members 54 are applied to the pedal 20 .

[0549] At this time, foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the holder 52 is guided to the lower side of the holder 52 via the passage 90 by gravity. Foreign matter such as water on the upper side of the holder 51 is guided to the bottom of the housing 10 via the passage 92 by gravity.

[0550] The foreign matter guided to the bottom of the housing 10 is guided to the vehicle lower side of the housing 10 through the passage 10 b by gravity.

[0551] According to the embodiment described above, in the reaction force generating portion 50B of the pedal device 1, the two elastic members 55 support the retainer 52 from the other side in the axial direction Dc while being supported by the retainer 51. The two elastic members 55 are elastically deformed by receiving the rotational force Fp applied from the pedal 20 from one side in the axial direction Dc through the retainer 52, and apply elastic force to the retainer 52.

[0552] Therefore, the reaction force generating portion 50B of this embodiment can apply a larger reaction force to the rotation force Fp applied from the pedal 20 to the pedal 20 , compared with the case where one elastic member 55 is used.

[0553] Furthermore, in the reaction force generating portion 50B of the pedal device 1 of this embodiment, the two elastic members 54 support the holder 51 from the other side of the axial direction Dc while being supported by the bottom of the housing 10. The two elastic members 54 receive the rotational force Fp applied from the pedal 20 from one side of the axial direction Dc via the holder 52, the two elastic members 55, and the holder 51, respectively, and are elastically deformed to apply elastic force to the holder 51.

[0554] Therefore, the reaction force generating portion 50B of this embodiment can apply a larger reaction force to the rotation force Fp applied from the pedal 20 to the pedal 20 , compared with the case where one elastic member 54 is used.

[0555] Furthermore, foreign matter can be discharged from the upper side of the holder 51 to the lower side of the holder 51 via the passage 92. Foreign matter can be discharged from the upper side of the holder 52 to the lower side of the holder 52 via the passage 90. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the holders 51, 52 and the elastic members 55, 54 from malfunctioning due to foreign matter.

[0556] (First variation of the 20th embodiment)

[0557] In the above-mentioned twentieth embodiment, an example in which two elastic members 55 are arranged in parallel in the pedal device 1 has been described. However, instead of the above, three or more elastic members 55 may be arranged in parallel.

[0558] In addition, in the above-mentioned twentieth embodiment, the pedal device 1 is not limited to the case where two elastic members 54 are arranged in parallel, and three or more elastic members 54 may be arranged in parallel.

[0559] (Second variation of the 20th embodiment)

[0560] As in the case of the twentieth embodiment, in the first to fourth embodiments, it is not limited to the case where one elastic member 55 is arranged between the pedal 20 and the retainer 52 , but a plurality of elastic members 55 may be arranged in parallel between the pedal 20 and the retainer 52 .

[0561] Likewise, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the arrangement is not limited to the case where one elastic member 54 is arranged between the holders 51 and 52 , and a plurality of elastic members 54 may be arranged in parallel between the holders 51 and 52 .

[0562] Likewise, in the first to fourth embodiments described above, the arrangement of one elastic member 53 between the holder 51 and the housing 10 is not limited thereto, and a plurality of elastic members 53 may be arranged in parallel between the holder 51 and the housing 10 .

[0563] (Implementation 21)

[0564] In the fifth embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the elastic member 70A is provided with the passage 13a for guiding the foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 by gravity. Fig. 27 In addition, a 21st embodiment in which the passage 13a is formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as the passage 13a is closer to the outlet 13c will be described.

[0565] Fig. 27 is a cross-sectional view showing the elastic member 70A, the storage chamber 13 and the passages 13a and 13b of this embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the elastic member 70A and its surroundings according to the fifth embodiment.

[0566] like Fig. 27 As shown, in this embodiment, passages 13a and 13b are provided for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 of the housing 10 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 by gravity. The passage 13a is formed in a manner recessed from the outer surface of the elastic member 70A toward the inside. The passage 13a is covered by the inner wall of the housing 10 from the lower side of the vehicle.

[0567] The passage 13b is a passage for guiding foreign matter that has passed through the passage 13a to the outside of the housing 10 (i.e., the storage chamber 13). The passage 13b is provided in the housing 10. The passage 13b is formed to communicate with the passage 13a and guide foreign matter to the outlet 13c. The outlet 13c opens to the outside of the housing 10.

[0568] The passage 13a of this embodiment is formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as it is closer to the outlet 13c, and the passage 13b is formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as it is closer to the outlet 13c.

[0569] According to the embodiment described above, the passages 13a and 13b are formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as they are closer to the outlet 13c. Therefore, the discharge performance of foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 can be improved.

[0570] (Implementation 22)

[0571] In the above-mentioned 21st embodiment, an example is described in which the passages 13a and 13b are formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as they are closer to the outlet 13c. Fig.28 A 22nd embodiment will be described in which the passage 96 for guiding the foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 of the fifth embodiment to the outside of the storage chamber 14 is formed so as to be directed toward the lower side of the vehicle as it approaches its outlet 96a.

[0572] Fig.28 is a cross-sectional view showing the elastic member 330, the storage chamber 14 and the passage 96 of this embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the elastic member 330 and its surroundings according to the fifth embodiment.

[0573] like Fig.28 As shown, in this embodiment, a passage 96 is provided in the housing 10 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 for holding the elastic member 330 to the outside of the storage chamber 14. An outlet 96a for discharging the foreign matter to the outside of the housing 10 is provided in the passage 96. The passage 96 of this embodiment is formed so as to be closer to the outlet 96a and to be closer to the lower side of the vehicle.

[0574] According to the embodiment described above, each of the passages 96 is formed so as to be directed toward the vehicle lower side as it approaches the outlet 96a. Therefore, it is possible to improve the discharge performance of foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 to the outside of the storage chamber 14.

[0575] (Implementation 23)

[0576] In the above-described 21st embodiment, an example is described in which a passage formed so as to be recessed inward from the outer surface of the elastic member 70A is provided as the passage 13a for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13.

[0577] However, refer to Fig.29 , a twenty-third embodiment of the pedal device 1 in which the through hole penetrating the elastic member 70A is used as the passage 72 for allowing foreign matter to pass therethrough will be described.

[0578] Fig.29is a cross-sectional view showing the elastic member 70A, the storage chamber 13 and the passage 72 of the pedal device 1 according to this embodiment, which is equivalent to Figure 8 FIG. 1 is an enlarged view of the elastic member 70A and its surroundings according to the fifth embodiment.

[0579] like Fig.29 As shown, in this embodiment, the passage 72 is formed to penetrate the elastic member 70A in the axial direction Dh. The passage 72 is provided to guide foreign matter from the storage chamber 13 storing the elastic member 70A in the elastic member 70A to the outside of the storage chamber 13.

[0580] The elastic member 70A of this embodiment is composed of an elastic member such as rubber, and is formed into a substantially cylindrical shape centered on the axis Zk and convex to one side of the axis direction Dh. The axis direction Dh is the direction in which the axis Zk extends. The elastic member 70A is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal on one side of the axis direction Dh, and the elastic force is applied to the pedal as a reaction force to the force from the pedal.

[0581] In the housing 10 of this embodiment, the inner wall 13d forming the storage chamber 13 is provided with a protrusion 16 protruding from the inner wall 13d toward the axis Zk. The protrusion 16 is formed in the circumferential direction around the axis Zk. The protrusion 16 serves to reduce the cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 13.

[0582] The direction perpendicular to the axial direction Dh is defined as the perpendicular direction De. The cross-sectional area of ​​the storage chamber 13 is the area of ​​the cross section obtained by cutting the storage chamber 13 using a cutting plane including the perpendicular direction De. The cross-sectional area of ​​the region 16a sandwiched by the protrusion 16 in the storage chamber 13 in the perpendicular direction De becomes smaller than that of the regions 16b and 16c other than the region 16a in the storage chamber 13.

[0583] Region 16b is arranged on the other side of protrusion 16 (ie, region 16a) in storage chamber 13 in axial direction Dh. Region 16c is arranged on one side of protrusion 16 (ie, region 16a) in storage chamber 13 in axial direction Dh.

[0584] Therefore, the elastic member 70A is stored in the storage chamber 13 in a compressed state by being pressed by the protrusion 16 and elastically deformed. That is, the elastic member 70A is supported by the protrusion 16 of the housing 10 in a state of being stored in the storage chamber 13.

[0585] The axial direction Dh of this embodiment is inclined in the vehicle vertical direction Db. One side of the elastic member 70A in the axial direction Dh is arranged on the vehicle lower side compared to the other side of the elastic member 70A in the axial direction Dh. One side of the passage 72 in the axial direction Dh is arranged on the vehicle lower side compared to the other side of the passage 72 in the axial direction Dh.

[0586] Therefore, foreign matter in region 16b on the other side of storage chamber 13 in axial direction Dh is guided to one side of storage chamber 13 in axial direction Dh (ie, outside storage chamber 13) via passage 72 by gravity.

[0587] According to the embodiment described above, the pedal device 1 includes the pedal 20 and the elastic member 70A, which is elastically deformed by the force applied from the pedal 20 as the pedal 20 is displaced, thereby applying the elastic force to the pedal 20 as a reaction force to the force. The pedal device 1 includes a housing 10 forming a storage chamber 13 in which the elastic member 70A is housed. The elastic member 70A is supported by the housing 10 in a state of being pressed into the storage chamber 13. The elastic member 70A is provided with a passage 72 formed in a manner that allows the elastic member 70A to pass through and allows foreign matter to pass through. Therefore, the foreign matter is discharged from the region 16b of the storage chamber 13 through the passage 72 by gravity.

[0588] Therefore, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from accumulating in the region 16b of the storage chamber 13. Therefore, the housing 10 and the elastic member 70A will not be hydrolyzed by foreign matter such as water. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunction of the housing 10 and the elastic member 70A due to foreign matter.

[0589] (Other embodiments)

[0590] (1) In the above-described first to twenty-third embodiments, examples in which the braking device is applied to the brake-by-wire system 82 have been described.

[0591] However, instead of the above, the brake device may be applied to a brake system in which a brake pedal and a brake pad are connected by a mechanical means such as a cable or oil pressure and the driver's operating force is transmitted to the brake pad.

[0592] (2) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, the reaction force generating portion 50 is constituted by the elastic members 55, 54, 53 and the holders 51, 52. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the following may be used.

[0593] The elastic member 55 and the holder 52 may be removed and the reaction force generating portion 50 may be constituted by the elastic members 54 and 53 and the holder 51. In this case, the elastic member 54 is subjected to a rotational force from the pedal 20.

[0594] Alternatively, the elastic member 53 and the holder 51 may be removed and the reaction force generating portion 50 may be constituted by the elastic members 55 and 54 and the holder 52. In this case, the elastic member 54 is supported by the bottom of the housing 10.

[0595] (3) In the first to fifth embodiments, the elastic members 55 , 54 , 53 are described as coil springs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than coil springs may be used as the elastic members 55 , 54 , 53 .

[0596] (4) In the sixth and eighth embodiments described above, examples were described in which the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 were coil springs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than coil springs may be used as the elastic members 140 , 141 , 142 .

[0597] (5) In the seventh embodiment described above, an example in which the elastic member 140 is a leaf spring has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than leaf springs may be used as the elastic member 140 .

[0598] (6) In the ninth embodiment, the elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 are described as leaf springs. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than leaf springs may be used as the elastic members 180 , 181 , 182 , 183 , 184 .

[0599] (7) In the tenth and eleventh embodiments described above, examples have been described in which the elastic member 140 is a leaf spring. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than leaf springs may be used as the elastic member 140 .

[0600] (8) In the twelfth embodiment described above, an example in which the elastic members 186 and 187 are leaf springs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than leaf springs may be used as the elastic members 186 and 187 .

[0601] (9) In the thirteenth embodiment described above, an example in which the elastic members 230 and 231 are coil springs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than coil springs may be used as the elastic members 186 and 187 .

[0602] (10) In the above-mentioned fourteenth embodiment, an example in which the elastic members 230 , 231 , 232 are formed as coil springs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than coil springs may be used as the elastic members 230 , 231 , 232 .

[0603] (11) In the fifteenth embodiment described above, an example in which the elastic members 140 and 141 are coil springs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various springs other than coil springs may be used as the elastic members 140 and 141 .

[0604] (12) In the first to fifth embodiments described above, an example of using two retainers 51 and 52 as the reaction force generating unit 50 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this, and the number of retainers used in the reaction force generating unit 50 may be set to one or three or more.

[0605] (13) In the first to fifteenth embodiments described above, an example in which the pedal device 1 is applied to a brake pedal device is described. However, the pedal device 1 may be applied to an accelerator pedal device instead of the above. Alternatively, the pedal device 1 may be applied to a clutch pedal device.

[0606] (14) In the first to fifteenth embodiments described above, examples in which the pedal device 1 is applied to the vehicle 80 are described. However, the pedal device 1 may be applied to various devices other than the vehicle 80 instead of the above.

[0607] (15) In the first to twenty-third embodiments described above, an example is described in which the member that is displaced by being stepped on by the driver 81 is the pedal 20. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and a member that is operated by the fingers, hands, etc. of the operator may be the pedal 2. Alternatively, a member that is operated by being kicked by the operator may be the pedal 20.

[0608] (16) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, the bottom 51c of the holder 51 is used as the supporting portion for supporting the elastic member 54. However, instead of the above, a cover portion that closes the cylindrical portion 51b of the holder 51 from one side in the axial direction Dc may be used as the supporting portion for supporting the elastic member 54.

[0609] (17) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example in which a plurality of passages 92 are provided in the bottom 51 c (ie, the support portion) of the holder 51 is described. However, a plurality of passages 92 may be provided in the bottom of the holder 52 instead.

[0610] Here, a plurality of passages 92 may be provided in a cover portion that closes the cylindrical portion 52 b of the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc.

[0611] (18) In the first to fourth embodiments described above, an example in which a plurality of ribs 92a are provided on the bottom 51c of the holder 51 has been described. However, a plurality of ribs 92a may be provided on the bottom of the holder 52 instead.

[0612] Here, a plurality of ribs 92a may be provided on a cover portion that closes the cylindrical portion 52b of the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc.

[0613] (19) In the third and fourth embodiments described above, an example is described in which the bottom surface 51f of the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51 is formed in an inclined shape. However, instead of the above, the bottom surface 51f of the bottom portion 51c of the holder 51 may be formed in an inclined shape.

[0614] Here, a plurality of passages 92 may be formed in a cover portion that closes the cylindrical portion 52b of the holder 52 from one side in the axial direction Dc, and a surface of the cover portion formed on one side in the axial direction Dc may be formed in an inclined shape.

[0615] (20) In the fifth embodiment described above, an example is described in which the passage 96 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 to the outside of the storage chamber 14 is provided in the housing 10. However, instead of the above, the passage 96 for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 14 to the outside of the storage chamber 14 may be provided in the housing 10 of the first to fourth embodiments.

[0616] (21) In the fifth embodiment, an example is described in which the elastic member 70A is provided with the passage 13a for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 by means of gravity. However, instead of the above, the elastic member 70A in the first to fourth embodiments may be provided with the passage 13a for guiding foreign matter in the storage chamber 13 to the outside of the storage chamber 13 by means of gravity.

[0617] (22) In the fifth embodiment, when a virtual plane equidistant from the uppermost and lowermost parts of the holder 52 is set as the reference plane Zh, the passages 93 and 94 are arranged on the vehicle lower side relative to the reference plane Zh in the holder 52.

[0618] Similarly, the reaction force generating portion 50B of the twentieth embodiment may be provided with a passage arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference surface Zh in the holder 52 .

[0619] Here, when the holder 52 is formed into a cylindrical shape, the passage arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 52 may be a passage provided in a member that blocks the cylindrical portion of the holder 52 from the axial direction Dc. The passage arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 52 may be a passage provided in the cylindrical portion of the holder 52.

[0620] Furthermore, a passage arranged on the vehicle lower side with respect to the reference surface Zh in the holder 51 may be provided.

[0621] Here, when the holder 51 is formed into a cylindrical shape, the passage arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 51 may be a passage provided in a member that blocks the cylindrical portion of the holder 51 from the axial direction Dc. The passage arranged on the lower side of the vehicle with respect to the reference plane Zh in the holder 51 may be a passage provided in the cylindrical portion of the holder 51.

[0622] (23) In the fifth embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the passage 93A is provided at a position including the reference surface Zh in the holder 52 .

[0623] Similarly, in the reaction force generating section 50B of the twentieth embodiment, a passage may be provided at a position including the reference plane Zh in the holder 52. Alternatively, a passage may be provided at a position including the reference plane Zh in the holder 51.

[0624] (24) In the fifth embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the inner peripheral surface 400 of the cylindrical portion 52 b of the holder 52 is formed so as to face radially outward as it approaches the outlet 401 in the axial direction Dc.

[0625] Similarly, in the reaction force generating portion 50B of the above-mentioned twentieth embodiment, when the retaining member 52 is set to be cylindrical, the inner peripheral surface 400 of the cylindrical portion 52b of the retaining member 52 can also be formed in a manner that is radially outward closer to the outlet 401 in the axial direction Dc.

[0626] (25) In the fifth embodiment described above, an example has been described in which a recessed portion is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the holder 51 as the passage 91A through which foreign matter passes from the holders 51 and 52 .

[0627] However, instead of the above, a gap may be formed between the inner circumferential surface of the retaining member 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the retaining member 52 without providing a recessed portion on each of the inner circumferential surface of the retaining member 51 and the outer circumferential surface of the retaining member 52, and used as a passage for allowing foreign matter to pass through the retaining members 51 and 52 with the help of gravity.

[0628] That is, similar to the fifth embodiment, the gap formed between the holders 51 and 52 in a state where the axial direction Dc is inclined with respect to the vehicle up-down direction Db may be used as a passage for foreign matter to pass through the holders 51 and 52 by gravity.

[0629] Here, the gap is a gap formed to allow one of the inner peripheral surface of the holder 51 and the outer peripheral surface of the holder 52 to slide relative to the other.

[0630] Furthermore, in the above-mentioned first embodiment, the gap formed between the shell 10 and the elastic component 70 when no recess is formed on the inner wall of the shell 10 forming the storage chamber 13 and the elastic component 70 can also be used as a passage for discharging foreign matter from the storage chamber 13.

[0631] That is, the gap formed between the housing 10 and the elastic member 70 in a state where the elastic member 70 is pressed into the storage chamber 13 in the housing 10 is used as a passage for discharging foreign matter from the storage chamber 13 .

[0632] Furthermore, when the outer wall of the holder is slid relative to the inner wall of the housing 10 , the gap formed between the outer wall of the holder and the inner wall of the housing 10 may be used as a passage for foreign matter to pass through the holder.

[0633] (26) In the above-mentioned twentieth embodiment, an example has been described in which two elastic members 55 and two elastic members 54 are arranged in the axial direction Dc in the reaction force generating section of the pedal device.

[0634] However, instead of the above, only one stage of elastic members arranged in parallel may be provided in the reaction force generating section of the pedal device.

[0635] That is, the two elastic members 55 may be removed from the reaction force generating section of the pedal device and two elastic members 54 may be used. Alternatively, the two elastic members 55 may be removed from the reaction force generating section of the pedal device.

[0636] (27) In the above-mentioned 20th embodiment, an example is described in which two stages of elastic members are arranged in parallel in the axial direction Dc in the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device. However, instead of the above, three or more stages of elastic members may be arranged in parallel in the axial direction Dc in the reaction force generating portion of the pedal device.

[0637] (28) In addition, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments and can be appropriately changed. In addition, the above-mentioned embodiments are not independent of each other and can be appropriately combined except for cases where they are obviously not combinable. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily required except for cases where they are specifically indicated as required and cases where they can be considered to be obviously required in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to the numerical values ​​of the number, value, amount, range, etc. of the constituent elements of the embodiments, they are not limited to the specific number except for cases where they are specifically indicated as required and cases where they are obviously limited to a specific number in principle. In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the constituent elements, etc., they are not limited to their shape, positional relationship, etc. except for cases where they are specifically indicated and cases where they are limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0638] (Various Viewpoints)

[0639] [Viewpoint 1]

[0640] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20, 20A); a retainer (51, 52, 133, 154, 132A, 210, 200, 281), which is configured to be displaceable in a specified direction (Dc) by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction as the pedal is displaced; and at least one elastic component (54, 55, 143, 141, 230), which supports the retainer from the other side of the specified direction, receives a force applied from the pedal via the retainer from one side of the specified direction and is elastically deformed, thereby applying an elastic force to the retainer; the retainer has at least one passage (90, 93, 93A, 94, 154, 161, 162, 211a, 200d, 281d) for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0641] [Viewpoint 2]

[0642] In the pedal device as described in viewpoint 1, the at least one elastic component (54, 55) is a plurality of elastic components that support the retaining member from the other side of the specified direction and are arranged in parallel in a state where the supported components (51, 10) are supported from the other side of the specified direction; the plurality of elastic components are elastically deformed by receiving a force applied from the pedal via the retaining member from one side of the specified direction, respectively, thereby applying an elastic force to the retaining member.

[0643] [Viewpoint 3]

[0644] The pedal device as described in viewpoint 1, when the at least one elastic component is set as at least one first elastic component (54), has at least one second elastic component (55, 141, 140, 231), and the at least one second elastic component (55, 141, 140, 231) is supported by the retaining member from the other side of the above-mentioned prescribed direction, and is elastically deformed and applies elastic force to the above-mentioned pedal by receiving a force applied from the above-mentioned pedal from one side of the prescribed direction (Dc) as the above-mentioned pedal is displaced; the at least one first elastic component is elastically deformed and applies elastic force to the above-mentioned retaining member by receiving a force applied from the above-mentioned pedal from one side of the above-mentioned prescribed direction via the retaining member and the at least one second elastic component.

[0645] [Viewpoint 4]

[0646] As in any one of viewpoints 1 to 3, in a pedal device, when an imaginary plane in the retaining member that is equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion is set as a reference plane (Zh), the at least one passage (93, 94) is arranged on the lower side relative to the reference plane in the retaining member.

[0647] [Viewpoint 5]

[0648] In a pedal device as described in any one of Viewpoints 1 to 3, when an imaginary plane in the retaining member that is equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion is set as a reference plane (Zh), the at least one passage (93A) is arranged at a position in the retaining member that includes the reference plane.

[0649] [Viewpoint 6]

[0650] In the pedal device as described in viewpoint 4 or 5, when the pedal, the retaining member and the at least one elastic member are mounted on a vehicle (80), the reference plane is an imaginary plane that is equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the retaining member.

[0651] [Viewpoint 7]

[0652] As described in any one of Viewpoints 1 to 6, the retaining member comprises a cylindrical portion (52b) and a component (52f) for blocking the cylindrical portion from the specified direction, the cylindrical portion (52b) being formed into a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the specified direction, and the at least one passage (93) being arranged in the component.

[0653] [Viewpoint 8]

[0654] In the pedal device described in any one of aspects 1 to 6, the retaining member has a cylindrical portion (52b) formed into a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the specified direction; and the at least one passage (94) is arranged in the cylindrical portion.

[0655] [Viewpoint 9]

[0656] In a pedal device as described in any one of viewpoints 1 to 8, the retaining member has a cylindrical portion (51b), which is formed into a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the above-mentioned specified direction; the at least one passage (91A) is formed by an inner circumferential surface (400) centered on the axis (Zb) in the above-mentioned cylindrical portion; further, the at least one passage (91A) has an outlet (401) opening toward the above-mentioned specified direction in the above-mentioned cylindrical portion to discharge the above-mentioned foreign matter; the at least one passage is formed in a manner that the closer it is to the above-mentioned outlet in the above-mentioned specified direction, the more it is toward the radially outer side centered on the axis (Zb).

[0657] [Viewpoint 10]

[0658] The pedal device as described in viewpoint 3 comprises: a second retaining member (51), when the retaining member (52) is set as the first retaining member, the second retaining member (51) is configured to be displaceable in the above-mentioned specified direction and to support the above-mentioned second elastic member from the other side of the above-mentioned specified direction; and a third elastic member (53), which supports the above-mentioned second retaining member from the other side of the above-mentioned specified direction and is elastically deformed by being subjected to the above-mentioned elastic force of the above-mentioned second elastic member via the above-mentioned second retaining member; when the above-mentioned at least one passage is set as at least one first passage (90), the above-mentioned second retaining member has at least one second passage (92) for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0659] [Viewpoint 11]

[0660] A pedal device as described in any one of Viewpoints 1 to 10 comprises a shell (10), which has a storage chamber (10a) for storing the at least one elastic component and the retaining member; when the at least one passage is set as at least one first passage, the shell has at least one second passage (10b, 153) for allowing the foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the shell.

[0661] [Viewpoint 12]

[0662] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20); a retaining member (51), which is configured to be displaceable in a specified direction (Dc) by receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction as the pedal is displaced; and at least one elastic member (54), which is supported by the retaining member from the other side of the specified direction and receives a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction, thereby being elastically deformed and applying an elastic force to the retaining member; the retaining member has a supporting portion (51c) supporting the elastic member from the other side of the specified direction; the supporting portion has at least one passage (92) for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0663] [Viewpoint 13]

[0664] In the pedal device according to aspect 12, the at least one passage is a plurality of passages arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction and allowing foreign matter to pass therethrough.

[0665] [Viewpoint 14]

[0666] As in the pedal device described in viewpoint 12 or 13, the above-mentioned retaining member has a plurality of ribs (92a), which are arranged between two adjacent passages among the above-mentioned plurality of passages and are formed radially with an axis (Zb) extending in the above-mentioned specified direction as the center, thereby forming the above-mentioned plurality of passages respectively.

[0667] [Viewpoint 15]

[0668] As in any one of viewpoints 12 to 14, a pedal device is provided with an inclined surface (51f) on one side of the above-mentioned specified direction in the above-mentioned support portion, and the inclined surface (51f) is formed to be inclined toward the other side of the above-mentioned specified direction as it approaches the above-mentioned at least one passage (92).

[0669] [Viewpoint 16]

[0670] As in any one of viewpoints 12 to 15, the retaining member has a cylindrical portion (51b), which is formed into a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the above-mentioned specified direction; the above-mentioned support portion is formed in a manner to block the above-mentioned cylindrical portion from the above-mentioned specified direction; and the above-mentioned at least one passage is formed across the above-mentioned cylindrical portion and the above-mentioned support portion.

[0671] [Viewpoint 17]

[0672] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20); a retaining member (51) configured to receive a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced from one side of a specified direction (Dc), thereby being able to displace in the specified direction (Dc); at least one elastic member (53) supporting the retaining member from the other side of the specified direction, receiving a force applied from the pedal from one side of the specified direction via the retaining member, thereby being elastically deformed and applying an elastic force to the retaining member; and a guide portion (12) guiding the retaining member so that the retaining member can be displaced in the specified direction; the guide portion having a passage (300) for allowing foreign matter to pass through.

[0673] [Viewpoint 18]

[0674] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20, 20A); an elastic member (53, 54, 55, 70, 90, 130, 140-146, 180-181, 186, 187) which elastically deforms due to the force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying elastic force to the pedal; and a shell (10) which forms a storage chamber (10a, 13, 14) for storing the elastic member; the shell has at least one passage (10b, 11, 153, 13a) for allowing foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the shell.

[0675] [Viewpoint 19]

[0676] In the pedal device described in viewpoint 18, the elastic member is a spring that expands and contracts in a predetermined direction (Dc) inclined relative to a horizontal direction (Ds) by elastic deformation when the pedal, the elastic member and the shell are mounted on a vehicle (80).

[0677] [Viewpoint 20]

[0678] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20A); an elastic component (70A) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, and applies the elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and a shell (10) which forms a storage chamber (13) for housing the elastic component; the elastic component is supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber, and has at least one passage (13a) for allowing foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber.

[0679] [Viewpoint 21]

[0680] In the pedal device as described in Viewpoint 20, the at least one passage discharges the foreign matter from the outlet (13c) to the outside of the storage chamber; when the pedal, the elastic component and the shell are mounted on the vehicle (80), the at least one passage is formed in a manner tending downward toward the outlet.

[0681] [Viewpoint 22]

[0682] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20A); an elastic component (330) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying an elastic force to the pedal; and a shell (10) which forms a storage chamber (14) for housing the elastic component; the elastic component is supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber; and the shell has at least one passage (96) for allowing foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber.

[0683] [Viewpoint 23]

[0684] In the pedal device described in Viewpoint 22, the at least one passage has an outlet (96a) for discharging the foreign matter; when the pedal, the elastic component and the shell are mounted on a vehicle (80), the at least one passage is formed in a manner that the closer it is to the outlet, the more downward it is.

[0685] [Viewpoint 24]

[0686] A pedal device comprises: a pedal (20); an elastic component (70A) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, and applies the elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and a shell (10) which forms a storage chamber (13) for housing the elastic component; the elastic component is supported by the shell when housed in the storage chamber; and the elastic component is provided with at least one passage (72) which is formed in a manner to penetrate the elastic component and allows foreign matter to pass through.

Claims

1. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20, 20A); A retainer (51, 52, 133, 154, 132A, 210, 200, 281) configured to be displaceable in a predetermined direction (Dc) by receiving a force applied from the pedal in accordance with the displacement of the pedal from one side in the predetermined direction (Dc); and At least one elastic member (54, 55, 143, 141, 230) supports the retainer from the other side of the specified direction, receives a force applied from the pedal via the retainer from one side of the specified direction, and elastically deforms to apply an elastic force to the retainer. The retainer has at least one passage (90, 93, 93A, 94, 154, 161, 162, 211a, 200d, 281d) through which foreign matter passes.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, The at least one elastic member (54, 55) is a plurality of elastic members arranged in parallel in a state where the retainer is supported from the other side of the specified direction and the supporting member (51, 10) is supported from the other side of the specified direction. The plurality of elastic members are each subjected to a force applied from the pedal via the holder from one side in the predetermined direction, and are elastically deformed to apply an elastic force to the holder.

3. The pedal device according to claim 1, When the at least one elastic member is set as at least one first elastic member (54), the pedal device includes at least one second elastic member (55, 141, 140, 231), and the at least one second elastic member (55, 141, 140, 231) is supported by the retainer from the other side of the specified direction, and receives a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced from one side of the specified direction (Dc), thereby elastically deforming and applying elastic force to the pedal. The at least one first elastic member receives a force applied from the pedal via the holder and the at least one second elastic member from one side in the predetermined direction, thereby being elastically deformed and applying an elastic force to the holder.

4. The pedal device according to claim 1, When a virtual plane equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the holder is defined as a reference plane (Zh), the at least one passage (93, 94) is disposed below the reference plane in the holder.

5. The pedal device according to claim 1, When a virtual plane equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the holder is defined as a reference plane (Zh), the at least one passage (93A) is disposed at a position in the holder that includes the reference plane.

6. The pedal device according to claim 4 or 5, When the pedal, the retainer and the at least one elastic member are mounted on a vehicle (80), the reference plane is a virtual plane that is equidistant from the uppermost portion and the lowermost portion of the retainer.

7. The pedal device according to claim 1, The retainer comprises a cylindrical portion (52b) and a member (52f) for blocking the cylindrical portion from the predetermined direction, wherein the cylindrical portion (52b) is formed into a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction. The at least one passage (93) is arranged in the component.

8. The pedal device according to claim 1, The retainer has a cylindrical portion (52b) formed in a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction. The at least one passage (94) is arranged in the cylindrical portion.

9. The pedal device according to claim 1, The retainer has a cylindrical portion (52b) formed in a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction. The at least one passage (91A) is formed by an inner peripheral surface (400) of the cylindrical portion centered on the axis (Zb). Furthermore, the at least one passage (91A) has an outlet (401) opening in the predetermined direction in the cylinder to discharge the foreign matter. The at least one passage is formed so as to be directed toward the outer side in the radial direction around the axis (Zb) as it approaches the outlet in the predetermined direction.

10. The pedal device according to claim 3, have: a second retainer (51) which, when the retainer (52) is the first retainer, is configured to be displaceable in the prescribed direction and to support the second elastic member from the other side of the prescribed direction; and The third elastic member (53) supports the second holder from the other side of the predetermined direction, receives the elastic force of the second elastic member via the second holder, and is elastically deformed. When the at least one passage is at least one first passage (90), the second holder has at least one second passage (92) through which foreign matter passes.

11. The pedal device according to claim 1, A housing (10) is provided, wherein the housing (10) has a storage chamber (10a) for storing the at least one elastic member and the retaining member. When the at least one passage is set as at least one first passage, the housing has at least one second passage (10b, 153) for allowing the foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the housing.

12. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20); The retainer (51) is configured to receive a force applied from the pedal from one side in a predetermined direction (Dc) as the pedal is displaced, thereby being displaceable in the predetermined direction (Dc); and At least one elastic member (54) is supported by the retainer from the other side of the predetermined direction, receives a force applied from the pedal from one side of the predetermined direction, and is elastically deformed to apply an elastic force to the retainer. The retainer has a support portion (51c) for supporting the elastic member from the other side of the predetermined direction. The support portion has at least one passage (92) through which foreign matter passes.

13. The pedal device according to claim 12, The at least one passage is a plurality of passages arranged in a circumferential direction around the axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction and allowing foreign matter to pass therethrough.

14. The pedal device according to claim 12, The retainer includes a plurality of ribs (92a) disposed between two adjacent passages among the plurality of passages and formed radially around an axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction, thereby forming the plurality of passages.

15. The pedal device according to claim 12, An inclined surface (51f) is provided on one side of the predetermined direction in the support portion, and the inclined surface is formed to be inclined toward the other side of the predetermined direction as it approaches the at least one passage (92).

16. The pedal device according to claim 12, The retainer has a cylindrical portion (51b) formed in a cylindrical shape centered on an axis (Zb) extending in the predetermined direction. The support portion is formed in a manner to block the cylinder portion from the predetermined direction. The at least one passage is formed across the cylindrical portion and the support portion.

17. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20); The retainer (51) is configured to receive a force applied from the pedal along with the displacement of the pedal from one side of the predetermined direction (Dc), thereby being displaceable in the predetermined direction (Dc); at least one elastic member (53) supports the retainer from the other side of the predetermined direction, receives a force applied from the pedal via the retainer from the one side of the predetermined direction, and elastically deforms to apply an elastic force to the retainer; and A guide portion (12) guides the retaining member so that the retaining member can be displaced in the specified direction. The guide portion has a passage (300) for foreign matter to pass through.

18. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20, 20A); an elastic member (53, 54, 55, 70, 90, 130, 140 to 146, 180 to 181, 186, 187) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying an elastic force to the pedal; and The housing (10) forms a storage chamber (10a, 13, 14) for storing the elastic member. The housing has at least one passage (10b, 11, 153, 13a) for allowing foreign matter to pass from the storage chamber to the outside of the housing.

19. The pedal device according to claim 18, The elastic member is a spring that elastically deforms and expands and contracts in a predetermined direction (Dc) inclined relative to a horizontal direction (Ds) when the pedal, the elastic member and the housing are mounted on a vehicle (80).

20. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20A); an elastic member (70A) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, and applies an elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and The housing (10) forms a storage chamber (13) for housing the elastic member. The elastic member is supported by the housing in a state where it is housed in the storage chamber, and has at least one passage (13a) through which foreign matter passes from the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber.

21. The pedal device according to claim 20, The at least one passage discharges the foreign matter from the outlet (13c) to the outside of the storage chamber. When the pedal, the elastic member, and the housing are mounted on a vehicle (80), the at least one passage is formed so as to be directed downward toward the outlet.

22. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20A); an elastic member (330) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, thereby applying an elastic force to the pedal; and The housing (10) is formed with a storage chamber (14) for housing the elastic member. The elastic member is supported by the housing in a state where it is housed in the storage chamber. The housing has at least one passage (96) for allowing foreign matter to pass from inside the storage chamber to the outside of the storage chamber.

23. The pedal device according to claim 22, The at least one passage has an outlet (96a) for discharging the foreign matter. When the pedal, the elastic member, and the housing are mounted on a vehicle (80), the at least one passage is formed so as to be oriented downward as it approaches the outlet.

24. A pedal device, have: Pedal (20); an elastic member (70A) which is elastically deformed by a force applied from the pedal as the pedal is displaced, and applies an elastic force to the pedal as a reaction force to the force; and The housing (10) forms a storage chamber (13) for housing the elastic member. The elastic member is supported by the housing in a state where it is housed in the storage chamber. The elastic member is provided with at least one passage (72) which is formed to penetrate the elastic member and allows foreign matter to pass therethrough.

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