Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal device comprises: a pedal (40) configured to be depressed by a human rider (81) from an actuating side of the pedal; and a reaction force generation mechanism (60) located on a counter-actuating side of the pedal opposite to the actuating side of the pedal. The reaction force generation mechanism comprises: an elastic device; and a first retainer (67, 74) that is in contact with the elastic device from one side in a direction (Dsa) that is the side on which the pedal is located. The first retainer has a primary release stop (673, 749). The reaction force generation mechanism comprises a second retainer (68, 74) that is in contact with the elastic device from another side in a direction opposite to the first side.The second holder has a secondary release stop (685, 747). In a non-depressed state of the pedal, the pedal is configured to restrict movement of the first holder to one side in one direction in order to maintain a compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in that direction. When the pedal no longer restricts movement of the first holder to one side in one direction, and thus releases it, the secondary release stop restricts the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond a predetermined limit in one direction to one side.

Description

Cross-reference to related application

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-85295 filed on May 25, 2022, and is incorporated herein by reference. Technical area

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device for a vehicle. General state of the art

[0003] As a pedal device of this type, for example, a pedal simulator described in Patent Literature 1 is known. The pedal simulator described in Patent Literature 1 includes: a brake pedal; an operating rod coupled to the brake pedal; a cylinder; a piston that receives a force of the operating rod on an inner side of the cylinder; a plurality of coil springs; and a plurality of spring seats.

[0004] The coil springs are housed in the cylinder in an elastically compressed and deformed state, thereby elastically supporting the piston and generating a preload force against the force of the operating rod. Furthermore, the spring seats are housed in the cylinder and support the coil springs in a state where each of the spring seats is sandwiched between two corresponding coil springs. The piston is moved in the axial direction of the cylinder, which corresponds to the direction of movement of the piston in the cylinder, when the piston is pushed or displaced by the operating rod in response to a human driver depressing the brake pedal.

[0005] In addition, the cylinder has a stopper wall on one side of the piston, which opposes the coil springs in the axial direction of the cylinder. In a non-depressed state of the brake pedal in which the driver does not depress the brake pedal, the piston is moved toward the operating rod side by the biasing force of the coil springs, but the piston stops when the piston hits the stopper wall. That is, the stopper wall of the cylinder has a non-depressed time stopper function (hereinafter referred to as the non-depressed time stopper function), which restricts movement of the piston toward the operating rod side when the brake pedal is in the non-depressed state. This non-depressed time stopper function maintains a state in which the piston, coil springs, and spring seats are accommodated in the cylinder. Citation listPatent literature

[0006] Patent Literature 1: JP 2014-84091 A Summary of the invention

[0007] Incidentally, in the pedal simulator of Patent Literature 1, it is conceivable that the cylinder's stop wall is damaged for some reason, thereby losing the non-depression-time stop function. In such a case where the non-depression-time stop function is lost, the piston may be ejected from the cylinder due to the preload force of the coil springs and possibly fly toward the driver. Based on the detailed investigation by the present inventors, the above finding was made.

[0008] In view of the above finding, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device capable of restricting a first retainer from disengaging from a second retainer due to a biasing force of an elastic device in a case where a non-depression time stop function is impaired. The first retainer corresponds to the piston in Patent Literature 1, and the second retainer corresponds to the cylinder in Patent Literature 1, and the elastic device corresponds to the plurality of coil springs in Patent Literature 1.

[0009] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pedal device for a vehicle, comprising: a support body configured to be installed on a vehicle body of the vehicle; a pedal configured to swing relative to the support body and configured to be depressed by a human driver of the vehicle from a predetermined actuation side of the pedal; and a reaction force generating mechanism supported by the support body and arranged on a counter-operation side of the pedal opposite to the operation side of the pedal, the reaction force generating mechanism being configured to generate a reaction force against a depression force exerted on the pedal by the human driver, wherein: the reaction force generation mechanism includes: an elastic device comprising at least one elastic element that is elastically deformable in one direction; a first holder contacting the elastic device from a side in the one direction, which is a side on which the pedal is arranged, the first holder having a primary release stopper; and a second holder contacting the elastic device from another side in the one direction which is a side opposite to the one side, the second holder having a secondary release stopper; the pedal is configured to restrict movement of the first holder toward the one side in the one direction to maintain a compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in the one direction when the pedal is in a non-depressed state in which the pedal is not depressed by the human driver; and when the pedal no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the first holder towards the one side in the one direction, the secondary release stop abuts the primary release stop in the one direction to restrict the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond a predetermined limit in the one direction towards the one side.

[0010] Here, it is conceivable that the non-depression stop function, which restricts the movement of the first holder toward one side in one direction when the pedal is not depressed, is impaired for some reason. One possible cause for impairment of the non-depression stop function is, for example, the breakage of the stop, which restricts the swing of the pedal toward the actuating side when the pedal is not depressed.

[0011] According to the pedal device described above, when the pedal no longer restricts the movement of the first holder toward one side and thus releases it, the secondary release stopper abuts the primary release stopper in one direction. When the secondary release stopper abuts the primary release stopper in this way, the secondary release stopper restricts movement of the first holder relative to the second holder toward the one side in the one direction beyond the predetermined limit.

[0012] Therefore, even when the non-depression time stop function is impaired, the first bracket is held relative to the second bracket. That is, the first bracket, the second bracket, and the elastic device are prevented from being disassembled by the biasing force of the elastic device. Therefore, for example, detachment of the first bracket from the second bracket and the springing out of the first bracket toward the driver due to the biasing force of the elastic device can be restricted when the non-depression time stop function is impaired. This leads to increased safety for the vehicle equipped with the pedal device.

[0013] The reference numeral in parentheses added to each component shows an example of correspondence between the component and the specific component described in the embodiment described later. Short description of the figures Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of a vehicle in which a pedal device of a first embodiment is installed. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the pedal device of the first embodiment. Fig. 3 is a sectional view showing a cross section of the pedal device of the first embodiment perpendicular to a pedal center axis. Fig. 4 is a sectional view schematically showing a cross section of the pedal device of the first embodiment including a center axis of a release time stopper of a pedal. Fig. 5 is a partially enlarged view of a section V of Fig. 3 in the first embodiment. Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a bracket on a side of a reaction force generating mechanism of the pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. 7 is a view in a direction of an arrow VII in Fig. 5, which shows the holder on one side and an intermediate holder of the reaction force generating mechanism in a section. Fig. 8 is a view in a direction of an arrow VIII in Fig. 5, which shows a side view of an intermediate release stop of the intermediate holder. Fig. 9 is an enlarged view of a section IX of Fig. 7, which shows the intermediate holder alone. Fig. 10 is a sectional view showing the holder on one side and the intermediate holder in a cutout in the same cross section as in Fig. 5 shows a condition in which the release time stopper is damaged for some reason, and a surface on the other side of the intermediate release stopper abuts against a surface on one side of a release stopper on the one side. Fig. Fig. 11 is a schematic sectional view showing an elastic unit in a non-depressed state of the pedal according to a second embodiment, and showing a portion corresponding to the portion V of Fig. 3 indicates. Fig. Fig. 12 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a third embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 13 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a fourth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 14 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a fifth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 15 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a sixth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 16 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a seventh embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 17 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to an eighth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 18 is a schematic sectional view showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a ninth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. Fig. 19 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a tenth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Fig. 20 is a view of the one-side holder and the other-side holder of the reaction force generating mechanism of an eleventh embodiment, taken in a direction oriented from one side to the other side in a unit axial direction, corresponding to Fig. 7. Fig. Fig. 21 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the eleventh embodiment, a cross section of the elastic unit taken along a plane along a line XXI-XXI in Fig. 20 shows schematically and Fig. 11 corresponds. Fig. 22 is a cross-sectional view showing a cross section along a line XXII-XXII in Fig. 20 schematically shows the elastic unit according to the eleventh embodiment and indicates the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal. Fig. 23 is a perspective view of the holder on one side of the reaction force generating mechanism of the pedal device according to the eleventh embodiment, corresponding Fig. 6. Fig. 24 is a view showing the holder on one side and the holder on the other side of the reaction force generating mechanism according to a twelfth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 20. Fig. Fig. 25 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the twelfth embodiment, a cross section of the elastic unit taken along a plane along a line XXV-XXV in Fig. 24 schematically indicates and Fig. 11 corresponds. Fig. 26 is a view showing the holder on one side only according to the twelfth embodiment. Fig. Fig. 27 is a view showing the one-side holder and the intermediate holder of the reaction force generating mechanism according to a thirteenth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 7. Fig. Fig. 28 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the thirteenth embodiment, a cross section of the elastic unit taken along a plane along a line XXVIII-XXVIII in Fig. 27 schematically indicates and Fig. 11 corresponds. Fig. 29 is a view in a direction of an arrow XXIX in Fig. 28, which shows a side view of the intermediate release stop of the intermediate holder. Fig. 30 is an enlarged view of a section XXX of Fig. 27, which shows the intermediate holder alone. Fig. 31 is a view showing the holder on one side and the holder on the other side of the reaction force generating mechanism according to a fourteenth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 20. Fig. Fig. 32 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the fourteenth embodiment, a cross section of the elastic unit taken along a plane along a line XXI-XXI in Fig. 31 schematically indicates and Fig. 11 corresponds. Fig. 33 is a perspective view schematically showing a combined state of the one-side holder and the other-side holder according to the fourteenth embodiment. Fig. 34 is a view showing the one-side holder and the intermediate holder of the reaction force generating mechanism according to a fifteenth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 7. Fig. Fig. 35 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the fifteenth embodiment, a cross section of the elastic unit taken along a plane along a line XXXV-XXXV in Fig. 34 and Fig. 11 corresponds. Fig. 36 is a sectional view showing a cross section along a line XXXVI-XXXVI in Fig. 34 schematically shows and indicates the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to the fifteenth embodiment. Fig. 37 is a schematic sectional view for explaining a manufacturing process for completing an assembly of the one-side holder, the intermediate holder, and a first coil spring according to the fifteenth embodiment. Fig. Fig. 38 is a sectional view schematically showing the elastic unit in the non-depressed state of the pedal according to a sixteenth embodiment, corresponding Fig. 11. Description of embodiments

[0014] Each of the embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following respective embodiments, portions that are the same as or equivalent to each other are denoted by the same reference numerals. (First embodiment)

[0015] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 1, a pedal device 1 of the present embodiment corresponds to a device installed in a vehicle 80 and depressed by a depression force of a human driver 81 of the vehicle 80 (an occupant of the vehicle 80). This pedal device 1 is installed in the vehicle 80 as a brake pedal device for performing a braking operation of the vehicle 80.

[0016] In particular, the vehicle contains 80 of Fig. 1, a brake-by-wire system 82 is installed, and the pedal device 1 corresponds to a brake pedal device used in the brake-by-wire system 82. The brake-by-wire system 82 is a system that drives a brake pad of each wheel of the vehicle 80 through a brake circuit with a fluid pressure generated by a master cylinder controlled by an electronic control device 83 installed in the vehicle 80 based on an electrical signal output from the pedal device 1.

[0017] In Fig. 1 show the corresponding directions of the vehicle 80 in which the pedal device 1 is installed. In particular, Fig. 1, a vehicle front-rearward direction Da corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the vehicle 80, and a vehicle up-down direction Db corresponding to a height direction of the vehicle 80 (in other words, a vertical direction of the vehicle 80) are indicated by the double-sided arrows, respectively. Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, a front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da is also referred to as a vehicle front side, and a rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da is also referred to as a vehicle rear side. Furthermore, an upper side in the vehicle height direction Db is also referred to as a vehicle upper side, and a lower side in the vehicle height direction Db is also referred to as a vehicle lower side.

[0018] As in the Fig. 1 to 3, the pedal device 1 includes a housing 10, a base plate 20, a rotary shaft 31, a coupling plate 32, a pedal 40, a reaction force generating mechanism 60, a coupling rod 76, a cover member 77, and a rotation angle sensor 79. The pedal device 1 corresponds to a standing type pedal device (or simply referred to as a standing pedal device).

[0019] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the standing-type pedal device 1 refers to a pedal device in which a portion of the pedal 40 depressed by the driver 81 is located on the vehicle upper side (in other words, the upper side in the vertical direction in a state where the pedal device is installed on the vehicle) of a pivoting center CL of the pedal 40. In the standing-type pedal device 1, when the depression force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 40 is increased, the pedal 40 is pivoted so that the portion of the pedal 40 located on the vehicle upper side of the pivoting center CL is brought toward a floor 2 or an instrument panel in a vehicle cabin. The pivoting center CL of the pedal 40 corresponds to a rotation center of the pedal 40 at the time of performing the pivoting movement of the pedal 40.Moreover, in the description of the present embodiment, the pivot center CL of the pedal 40 is also referred to as a pedal center axis CL.

[0020] The housing 10 is mounted on the floor 2 or the dashboard, which corresponds to a portion of a vehicle body, via the base plate 20. That is, both the housing 10 and the base plate 20 are non-rotatable elements that are fixed to the vehicle body and do not rotate.

[0021] The housing 10 and the base plate 20 are integrally fixed to each other and fastened to the floor 2. For example, the housing 10 is fixed to the base plate 20, for example, by screws, and the base plate 20 is fixed to the floor 2, for example, by screws. The housing 10 and the base plate 20 are installed on the floor 2 in the manner described above. The housing 10 and the base plate 20 serve as a support body that supports the pedal 40 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60. The floor 2 constitutes a floor of the vehicle cabin. In addition, the instrument panel corresponds to a partition wall that separates an outside (e.g., an engine room of the vehicle 80) from an inside of the vehicle cabin, and the instrument panel is sometimes also referred to as a bulkhead or dash panel.

[0022] A receiving space 10a serving as an interior space is formed on an inner side of the housing 10. The receiving space 10a opens toward the bottom 2 side in a state where the housing 10 is still an unassembled single component. An opening 10b, which corresponds to an opening of the receiving space 10a, is closed by the base plate 20 when the base plate 20 is installed on the housing 10. The reaction force generating mechanism 60 is installed in the receiving space 10a.

[0023] The base plate 20 is, for example, a plate member and is installed on a side of the housing 10 opposite the pedal 40. Specifically, the base plate 20 is disposed on the floor 2 side of the housing 10 and is sandwiched between the housing 10 and the floor 2 in a vehicle installation state in which the pedal device 1 is installed on the floor 2.

[0024] The base plate 20 extends continuously from a front portion of the housing 10 located at the front of the vehicle to a rear portion of the housing 10 located at the rear of the vehicle, and the base plate 20 is secured to the floor 2 of the vehicle 80 by the screws, as discussed above. The base plate 20 is made of metal, for example.

[0025] The rotary shaft 31 is rotatably supported by a rotary shaft support portion 13, which forms a portion of the housing 10. Specifically, a rotary shaft bore 13a is formed on an inner side of the rotary shaft support portion 13, which is centered on the pedal center axis CL and extends in an axial direction of the pedal center axis CL, and the rotary shaft 31 is inserted into the rotary shaft bore 13a.

[0026] Furthermore, the rotation angle sensor 79 is installed on the rotary shaft support portion 13. A non-contact type sensor using, for example, a Hall IC or a magnetoresistive element, or a contact type sensor can be used as the rotation angle sensor 79.

[0027] The rotation angle sensor 79, which is installed on the support section 13 for the rotary shaft, detects a rotation angle of the rotary shaft 31 and outputs an electrical signal to the electronic control device 83, which indicates the rotation angle of the rotary shaft 31 (see Fig. 1). The pedal 40 and the rotary shaft 31 are fixed to each other and rotate together. Therefore, the rotation angle of the rotary shaft 31 is equal to the rotation angle of the pedal 40.

[0028] The coupling plate 32 is installed on a pedal back surface 40b of the pedal 40, which corresponds to a counter surface of the pedal 40, which is opposite to a receiving surface of the pedal 40 for receiving the depression force from the driver 81. The coupling plate 32 couples between the pedal 40 and the rotary shaft 31 to rotate the pedal 40 and the rotary shaft 31 together. As shown in the Fig. As shown in Figures 2 to 4, the coupling plate 32 includes: a rear plate portion 321 fixed to the pedal back surface 40b of the pedal 40; and a side plate portion 322 disposed perpendicularly or generally perpendicularly to the rear plate portion 321. The rear plate portion 321 of the coupling plate 32 is fixed to the pedal 40, for example, by screwing.

[0029] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the lateral plate portion 322 of the coupling plate 32 is disposed on a lateral side of the housing 10, and one end of the rotating shaft 31 is fixed to the lateral plate portion 322. As described above, the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 31 are fixed to the coupling plate 32, so that the coupling plate 32, the pedal 40, and the rotating shaft 31 are integrally rotated around the pedal center axis CL.

[0030] Furthermore, the rotary shaft 31 is coupled to the pedal 40 via the coupling plate 32. Therefore, the pedal 40 is spaced apart from the rotary shaft support portion 13 of the housing 10 without coming into contact with the rotary shaft support portion 13 at any rotation angle of the pedal 40 within a range of motion of the pedal 40.

[0031] In the present embodiment, the pedal device 1 corresponds to the brake pedal device, and thus the pedal 40 is a brake pedal. The pedal 40 is configured in a plate shape having a thickness in a plate thickness direction Dt and extending in an extension direction Ds, and the pedal 40 is made of, for example, metal or resin. When the pedal 40 is depressed by a foot of the driver 81 from one side in the plate thickness direction Dt, the pedal 40 is pivoted about the pedal center axis CL. Therefore, one side of the pedal 40 in the plate thickness direction Dt corresponds to an operation side of the pedal 40, on which the pedal 40 is depressed by the foot of the driver 81. In addition, the other side of the pedal 40, which is opposite to the one side in the plate thickness direction Dt, corresponds to a counter-operation side of the pedal 40, which is opposite to the operation side of the pedal 40.

[0032] Specifically, the housing 10 supports the pedal 40 via the rotary shaft 31, so that the pedal 40 can pivot about the pedal center axis CL. Furthermore, since the pedal 40 is fixed to the rotary shaft 31 via the coupling plate 32, the pedal 40 pivots integrally with the rotary shaft 31 about the pedal center axis CL when the pedal 40 is depressed by the driver 81 during the depression operation of the pedal 40.

[0033] In the present embodiment, the axial direction of the pedal center axis CL, the plate thickness direction Dt of the pedal 40, and the extension direction Ds of the pedal 40 correspond to directions that intersect each other, specifically, are perpendicular to each other. Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, the plate thickness direction Dt of the pedal 40 is also referred to as a pedal plate thickness direction Dt, and the extension direction Ds of the pedal 40 is also referred to as a pedal extension direction Ds.

[0034] In the non-depressed state (in other words, a released state) in which the pedal 40 is not depressed by the foot of the driver 81, the pedal 40 is arranged obliquely to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Specifically, the pedal 40 is arranged obliquely so that an upper end portion of the pedal 40 is located at a position located on the vehicle front side and also on the vehicle upper side of a lower end portion of the pedal 40. Specifically, the plate shape of the pedal 40 is elongated so that, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, one side of the pedal 40 located on one side in the pedal extending direction Ds is located on the vehicle lower side of the other side of the pedal 40 located on the other side in the pedal extending direction Ds.In the present embodiment, even in a later-described maximum depressed state of the pedal 40, the one side of the pedal 40 located on one side in the pedal extending direction Ds is arranged on the vehicle underside of the other side of the pedal 40 located on the other side in the pedal extending direction Ds.

[0035] Furthermore, the thickness of the pedal 40 is not constant. That is, the pedal 40 includes a thick-walled portion 411 and a thin-walled portion 412, with the thin-walled portion 412 being located on one side of the thick-walled portion 411 in the pedal extension direction Ds. The thickness of the thick-walled portion 411 is greater than the thickness of the thin-walled portion 412. For example, the thick-walled portion 411 is configured such that a plate portion extending from the thin-walled portion 412 and having the same thickness as the thin-walled portion 412 is provided with another plate component stacked on this plate portion on one side in the plate thickness direction Dt.In the present embodiment, a surface of the thick-walled portion 411 facing one side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt serves as a tread surface 40a of the pedal 40, which is depressed during the depression operation by the foot of the rider 81.

[0036] In addition, the pedal 40 has the pedal back surface 40b located on the other side of the pedal 40 in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. The pedal back surface 40b corresponds to an outer surface facing the other side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. The pedal back surface 40b extends along the entire extent of the pedal 40 in the pedal extension direction Ds.

[0037] Here, regarding a positional relationship between the pedal 40 and the rotary shaft 31, the rotary shaft 31 is arranged on the other side of the pedal back surface 40b in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. Furthermore, the housing 10 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60 are arranged on the other side of the pedal 40 in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt.

[0038] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the pedal 40 is pivoted around the pedal center axis CL in response to the depression operation by the driver 81 within a predetermined rotation angle range (in other words, a movement range) smaller than one full revolution. Specifically, the above-discussed rotation angle range at the time of the pivotal movement of the pedal 40 corresponds to a range ranging from a smallest rotation angle position to a largest rotation angle position of the pedal 40. That is, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is set to the smallest rotation angle position. Furthermore, in the most depressed state of the pedal 40, in which the pedal 40 is depressed the most by the driver 81, the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is set to the largest rotation angle position.

[0039] The Fig. 2 to 4 show the pedal device 1 in the case where the pedal 40 is arranged in the non-depressed state, that is, in the released state in which the depression force of the driver 81 is not exerted on the pedal 40. Likewise, Fig. 5, which will be described later, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 and the coupling rod 76 in the case where the pedal 40 is in the non-depressed state.

[0040] For example, when the depression force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 40 from one side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt is increased, the upper end portion of the pedal 40 is pivoted toward the vehicle front and the vehicle underside within the above-described rotation angle range. That is, when the depression force of the driver 81 is increased, the pedal 40 is pivoted from the Fig. 3. On the other hand, when the depression force of the driver 81 applied to the pedal 40 from one side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt is reduced, the upper end portion of the pedal 40 is pivoted toward the vehicle rear and the vehicle top by the action of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. That is, when the depression force of the driver 81 is reduced, the pedal 40 is pivoted toward the upright position of the pedal 40, although the pedal 40 is still tilted.

[0041] In the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 2 to 4, the smallest rotational angle position of the pedal 40 is defined by a release time stop 781 serving as a first stop, and the largest rotational angle position of the pedal 40 is defined by a depression time stop 782 serving as a second stop.

[0042] The release stopper 781 corresponds to a shaft fixed to the lateral plate portion 322 of the coupling plate 32. The release stopper 781 is configured, for example, in a cylindrical columnar shape and protrudes from the lateral plate portion 322 in the axial direction Dc of the pedal center axis CL toward the housing 10.

[0043] The release time stopper 781 is fitted into a stopper groove 10c formed on a side surface of the housing 10 and extending in an arc shape, and the release time stopper 781 is moved in response to the pivoting movement of the pedal 40 in the stopper groove 10c. In the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the release time stopper 781 contacts a groove end portion wall surface 10d forming an end portion of the stopper groove 10c of the housing 10 in a circumferential direction of the pedal center axis CL, thereby holding the pedal 40 at the minimum rotation angle position. This release time stopper 781 is also referred to as an initial stopper.

[0044] In the description of the present embodiment, a case where the release time stopper 781 is damaged for some reason will be discussed later. However, unless otherwise stated, the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 refers to a state in which the release time stopper 781 is assumed to be undamaged.

[0045] The depression time stopper 782 is formed on the housing 10 at a location located on the vehicle front side of the pedal center axis CL. Specifically, the depression time stopper 782 is formed on an upper end portion of a wall surface of the housing 10 located on the vehicle front side. In the most depressed state of the pedal 40, the depression time stopper 782 contacts an upper end portion or an adjacent portion of the pedal back surface 40b and holds the pedal 40 at the largest rotation angle position.

[0046] The reaction force generating mechanism 60 generates a reaction force against the depression force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40. Since the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing 10, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is disposed on the counter-operation side of the pedal 40. Furthermore, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is supported by the base plate 20 on the inside of the housing 10. Specifically, a leaf spring 61 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is fixed to the base plate 20 by a bolt 201, so that the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is supported by the base plate 20.

[0047] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes the leaf spring 61, a fastener 62, and an elastic unit 63. The leaf spring 61 has one end portion 611 serving as a fixed end of the leaf spring 61; and the other end portion 612 serving as a free end of the leaf spring 61. One end portion 611 of the leaf spring 61 is threaded and fixed to the base plate 20 by the screw 201. Furthermore, the elastic unit 63 is installed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the fastener 62.

[0048] The leaf spring 61 can be bent to move the other end portion 612 relative to the one end portion 611 along an imaginary plane perpendicular to the pedal center axis CL. Therefore, in the case where the depression force of the driver 81 is applied to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the depression operation of the pedal 40 by the driver 81, the leaf spring 61 is bent to move the other end portion 612 toward the base plate 20 as the depression force of the driver 81 increases.

[0049] The elastic unit 63 includes a plurality of components (e.g., coil springs 65, 66 and brackets 67, 68, 74), and a unit center axis Cs extending in one direction serves as a center axis of these components. In the description of the present embodiment, an axial direction Ds of the unit center axis Cs is also referred to as a unit axial direction Dsa, and a radial direction Dsr of the unit center axis Cs is also referred to as a unit radial direction Dsr. The unit axial direction Dsa serves as a direction of the present disclosure.

[0050] The unit axial direction Dsa corresponds to a cutting direction that intersects the axial direction Dc of the pedal center axis CL (see Fig. 4), specifically, a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the axial direction Dc of the pedal center axis CL. Furthermore, the unit radial direction Dsr corresponds to a perpendicular direction perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, in the description of the present embodiment, one side in the unit axial direction Dsa refers to the pedal 40 side of the elastic unit 63 in a case where the elastic unit 63 is used as a reference. Furthermore, the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa refers to the opposite side (that is, the base plate 20 side) of the elastic unit 63 opposite to the pedal 40 in a case where the elastic unit 63 is used as the reference.

[0051] In addition, although the unit axial direction Dsa can be inclined depending on the rotation angle of the pedal 40 relative to the pedal plate thickness direction Dt, one side in the unit axial direction Dsa corresponds to one of the one side and the other side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt. In addition, the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa corresponds to the other of the one side and the other side in the pedal plate thickness direction Dt.

[0052] Specifically, the elastic unit 63 includes: a plurality of elastic members 65, 66 elastically deformable in the unit axial direction Dsa; a retainer 67 on one side; a retainer 68 on the other side; and an intermediate retainer 74. In the present embodiment, the plurality of elastic members 65, 66 are a plurality of coil springs 65, 66. These coil springs 65, 66 include a first coil spring 65 and a second coil spring 66.

[0053] In the present embodiment, the holder 67 on one side serves as a first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 serves as a second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, an elastic device of the present disclosure, which is clamped between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed by them, includes the first coil spring 65, which corresponds to an elastic member.

[0054] The plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 of the elastic unit 63 are relatively movable relative to each other in the unit axial direction Dsa. The plurality of retainers 67, 68, 74 are coupled in series via the plurality of coil springs 65, 66 in the transmission path of the depression force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40. The transmission path of the depression force corresponds to a path that transmits the depression force from the pedal 40 to the base plate 20. Specifically, in the transmission path of the depression force, the retainer 67 on one side, the first coil spring 65, the intermediate retainer 74, the second coil spring 66, the retainer 68 on the other side, and the leaf spring 61 are arranged in this order and coupled in series.

[0055] Both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are compression coil springs. For example, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, although the degree of elastic compression of both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 becomes the smallest, the elastically compressed state of both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 is maintained.

[0056] Since a center axis of the first coil spring 65 corresponds to the unit center axis Cs, an axial direction of the first coil spring 65 corresponds to the unit axial direction Dsa, and a radial direction of the first coil spring 65 corresponds to the unit radial direction Dsr. Similarly, since a center axis of the second coil spring 66 corresponds to the unit center axis Cs, an axial direction of the second coil spring 66 corresponds to the unit axial direction Dsa, and a radial direction of the second coil spring 66 corresponds to the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0057] The first coil spring 65 includes one end portion 651 located on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and the other end portion 652 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The second coil spring 66 includes one end portion 661 located on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and the other end portion 662 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0058] In addition, an outer diameter of the first coil spring 65 is smaller than an inner diameter of the second coil spring 66. In the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, a portion of the first coil spring 65 is arranged on an inner side of the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr and overlaps with the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0059] Specifically, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the first coil spring 65 is displaced from the second coil spring 66 toward one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, a portion of the first coil spring 65 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa is radially disposed on an inner side in the unit radial direction Dsr of a portion of the second coil spring 66 located on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and this one portion of the first coil spring 65 overlaps with this one portion of the second coil spring 66, and a radial gap is formed between this one portion of the first coil spring 65 and this one portion of the second coil spring 66.

[0060] Therefore, the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 is arranged on the inside of the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr, thereby overlapping with the second coil spring 66. In addition, the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 is arranged on the outside of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsr, thereby overlapping with the first coil spring 65.

[0061] The one-side bracket 67 is positioned furthest to the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa among the plurality of brackets 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In other words, the one-side bracket 67 is positioned closest to the pedal 40 among the plurality of brackets 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 in the transmission path of the depression force applied by the driver 81.

[0062] Further, the one-side holder 67 has a portion disposed in the unit axial direction Dsa on one side relative to the first coil spring 65, and this one-side portion of the holder 67 comes into contact with the first coil spring 65 in the unit axial direction Dsa from the one side, that is, the pedal 40 side.

[0063] Furthermore, the retainer 67 is arranged on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa with respect to the coupling rod 76 coupled to the pedal 40 and comes into contact with the coupling rod 76. Therefore, the retainer 67 is configured on the one side to be pressed by the pedal 40 via the coupling rod 76 toward the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the retainer 67 transmits the depression force of the driver 81 applied via the pedal 40 to the first and second coil springs 65, 66 and the leaf spring 61.

[0064] For example, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the pedal 40 restricts movement of the holder 67 on the one side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and thereby holds the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in a compressed and deformed state in the unit axial direction Dsa. In short, the release time stopper 781 in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 is located on the groove end portion wall surface 10d (see Fig. 4) of the housing 10, whereby the pedal 40 holds both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 as a compression coil spring.

[0065] The housing 10 has an opening hole 10e that opens toward the pedal 40. Therefore, the coupling rod 76 can come into contact with the holder 67 on one side.

[0066] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 5 to 7, the one-side holder 67 includes: an outer guide portion 69 configured in a tubular shape and extending in the unit axial direction Dsa; a one-side contact portion 672 extending around the outer guide portion 69; and a one-side release stopper 673 serving as a primary release stopper of the present disclosure. The outer guide portion 69, the one-side contact portion 672, and the one-side release stopper 673 are integrally formed in one piece. For example, the one-side holder 67 is made of resin. Fig. 5 shows a cross section along a line VV in Fig. 7.

[0067] The outer guide portion 69 is inserted into a spring interior formed on a radially inner side of the first coil spring 65. In short, the outer guide portion 69 is arranged on the radially inner side of the first coil spring 65.

[0068] Furthermore, an inner space is formed on an inner side of the outer guide portion 69, which is shaped in a tubular shape. This inner space, which is shaped in a tubular shape, is closed on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and opens on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Specifically, the tubular shape of the outer guide portion 69 corresponds to a bottomed tubular shape having the bottom on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0069] The outer guide portion 69 has an inner peripheral surface 691 facing an inner side of the outer guide portion 69 configured in a tubular shape. Moreover, the tubular shape of the outer guide portion 69 specifically corresponds to a cylindrical tubular shape having a central axis coinciding with the unit central axis Cs. Therefore, the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 has a circular shape centered on the unit central axis Cs in a cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0070] The outer guide portion 69 further includes a distal end surface 692 formed at a distal end of the outer guide portion 69 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and a tube bottom surface 693 forming one end of the inner space of the outer guide portion 69 and facing the inner space from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The distal end surface 692 and the tube bottom surface 693 of the outer guide portion 69 face the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0071] The one-side contact portion 672 is arranged on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the first coil spring 65. The one-side contact portion 672 extends around the outer guide portion 69 and expands outward relative to the outer guide portion 69 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0072] The one-side contact portion 672 of the first and second coil springs 65, 66 does not contact the second coil spring 66, and contacts the one end portion 651 of the first coil spring 65 from the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Specifically, the one-side contact portion 672 includes a plurality of ribs 672a arranged on the outer side in the unit radial direction Dsr relative to the outer guide portion 69, and these ribs 672a are arranged in a radial shape centered on the unit central axis Cs. A distal end portion of each of the ribs 672a, facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, contacts the one end portion 651 of the first coil spring 65.

[0073] Furthermore, the holder 67 has a depressible surface 67a on one side facing one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The depressible surface 67a is formed into a circular flat surface that has no projection, recess, or hole, and a normal direction normal to the depressible surface 67a coincides with the unit axial direction Dsa. The depressible surface 67a of the holder 67 on the one side extends over the entire length to the outer periphery of the contact portion 672 on the one side.

[0074] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, the other-side bracket 68 is positioned furthest from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa among the plurality of brackets 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. In other words, the other-side bracket 68 is furthest from the pedal 40 among the plurality of brackets 67, 68, 74 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 in the transmission path of the depression force applied by the driver 81.

[0075] Furthermore, the other-side retainer 68 has a portion disposed on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the second coil spring 66, and this portion of the other-side retainer 68 comes into contact with the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa from the other side. The other-side retainer 68 is configured to receive the depression force of the driver 81 transmitted to the second coil spring 66. The other-side retainer 68 is disposed on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 and is fixed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0076] The holder 68 on the other side includes: an inner guide portion 70 configured in a rod shape and extending in the unit axial direction Dsa; an other-side contact portion 682 extending around the inner guide portion 70; and a spring guide portion 683. The other-side contact portion 682 and the spring guide portion 683 are integrally formed in one piece and constitute a spring seat member 684, which corresponds to a one-piece component integrally formed in one piece. The inner guide portion 70 corresponds to a component formed separately from the spring seat member 684. For example, the spring seat member 684 is made of resin, and the inner guide portion 70 is made of metal.

[0077] The inner guide portion 70 is formed as a protrusion extending from the contact portion 682 on the other side toward one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the outer guide portion 69 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Specifically, the inner guide portion 70 is fitted into the outer guide portion 69 such that the inner guide portion 70 is movable relative to the outer guide portion 69 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the radially inner side of the first coil spring 65 and also inserted into the radially inner side of the second coil spring 66. In the pedal device 1, the outer guide portion 69 is reciprocated in the unit axial direction Dsa in response to the pivotal movement of the pedal 40 relative to the inner guide portion 70.

[0078] The inner guide portion 70 has an outer peripheral surface 701 that faces and contacts the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 in the unit radial direction Dsr. Like the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69, the outer peripheral surface 701 extends in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0079] The outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 is in contact with the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 along an entire circumferential extent of the inner guide portion 70 in the circumferential direction. Therefore, the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 has a circular shape centered on the unit center axis Cs in the cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, just like the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69. The outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 allow relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and restrict relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsr by having the inner peripheral surface 691 and the outer peripheral surface 701 in sliding contact with each other.

[0080] The inner guide portion 70 includes a distal end surface 702 formed at a distal end of the inner guide portion 70 located on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and a proximal end portion 703 formed at the other end of the inner guide portion 70 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Since the inner guide portion 70 is inserted into the outer guide portion 69, the distal end surface 702 of the inner guide portion 70 is located on the inner side of the outer guide portion 69.

[0081] The other-side contact portion 682 is disposed on the other side of the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa and extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the proximal end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70. The other-side contact portion 682 is configured in a flange shape. The other-side contact portion 682 does not contact the first coil spring 65 among the first and second coil springs 65, 66, and is in contact with the other end portion 662 of the second coil spring 66 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0082] The other-side contact portion 682 and the proximal end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70 are arranged on one side of the leaf spring 61 in the unit axial direction Dsa and are in contact with the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0083] The fastening member 62 corresponds to a bolt or screw that fastens the inner guide portion 70 to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. The fastening member 62 is inserted into a through-hole 612a of the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In the inserted state in which the fastening member 62 is inserted through the through-hole 612a of the leaf spring 61, the fastening member 62 is screwed to an internal thread formed on the inner guide portion 70. In this way, the fastening member 62 extends through the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 and fixes the inner guide portion 70 to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0084] In addition, since the proximal end portion 703 of the inner guide portion 70 is fitted into a hole of the spring seat member 684, the spring seat member 684 is immovable in the unit radial direction Dsr with respect to the inner guide portion 70. Furthermore, the spring seat member 684 is pressed or biased against the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the second coil spring 66. Therefore, when the inner guide portion 70 is screwed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by the fastening member 62, the spring seat member 684 is also fixed to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61.

[0085] As discussed above, the other-side holder 68 is coupled to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61, which is the member disposed between the base plate 20 and the other-side holder 68, by being screwed to the fastening member 62, so that the other-side holder 68 is not movable relative to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. The other-side holder 68 is coupled to the base plate 20 via the leaf spring 61.

[0086] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 5, the tube inner space 69a, into which the distal end surface 702 of the inner guide portion 70 is exposed, is formed on the inner side of the outer guide portion 69. This tube inner space 69a expands or contracts in response to a relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. For this reason, for example, a communication passage (not shown) that connects the tube inner space 69a to the outside of the tube inner space 69a is formed on the holder 67 on one side or the holder 68 on the other side. The tube inner space 69a is formed so that the tube inner space 69a does not become an airtight space.

[0087] The intermediate holder 74 is arranged on the outer side of the inner guide portion 70 in the unit radial direction Dsr. The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are coupled to each other via the intermediate holder 74. The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 press against each other via the intermediate holder 74 when the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are compressed and deformed respectively.

[0088] That is, in the depression force transmission path that transmits the depression force between the pedal 40 and the base plate 20, the intermediate bracket 74 is arranged between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66. Furthermore, in the depression force transmission path, the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66, and the leaf spring 61 are arranged in series in this order.

[0089] The intermediate holder 74 includes: a spring intermediate portion 741; an inner contact portion 742; an outer contact portion 743; a hole-forming portion 746; and a plurality of intermediate release stoppers 747, each of which serves as a secondary release stopper of the present disclosure. The spring intermediate portion 741, the inner contact portion 742, the outer contact portion 743, the hole-forming portion 746, and the intermediate release stoppers 747 are integrally formed in one piece. The intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment is made of resin.

[0090] The spring intermediate portion 741 is configured in a cylindrical tubular shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs and extending in the unit axial direction Dsa. The spring intermediate portion 741 is disposed between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0091] The inner contact portion 742 extends inward from the spring intermediate portion 741 in the unit radial direction Dsr and is located on the outer side of the inner guide portion 70 in the unit radial direction Dsr. For example, the inner contact portion 742 extends from one end portion of the spring intermediate portion 741 facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The inner contact portion 742 contacts the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and faces the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0092] The hole-forming portion 746 is arranged on the inner side of the inner contact portion 742 in the unit radial direction Dsr and connected to the inner contact portion 742. Furthermore, the hole-forming portion 746 is arranged on the inner side of the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsa and protrudes toward one side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the inner contact portion 742. A protruding portion of the hole-forming portion 746, which protrudes from the inner contact portion 742, is formed in a tubular shape.

[0093] An insertion hole 74a with a circular cross section centered on the unit center axis Cs is formed on the inner side of the hole-forming portion 746. The insertion hole 74a corresponds to a through hole extending in the unit axial direction Dsa through the hole-forming portion 746. That is, the insertion hole 74a extends in the unit axial direction Dsa through the intermediate holder 74.

[0094] In both the non-depressed state and the most depressed state of the pedal 40, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate bracket 74. That is, the hole-forming portion 746 having the insertion hole 74a has an insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b configured in a circular ring shape. The insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b faces inward in the unit radial direction Dsr and is freely exposed within the insertion hole 74a. The insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b faces the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70. In other words, in a state where the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a, the inner guide portion 70 is fitted in the insertion hole 74a such that the inner guide portion 70 is movable in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the insertion hole 74a.

[0095] Here, in the middle of the pivoting movement of the pedal 40 in response to the depression operation of the pedal 40 by the driver 81 in the unit axial direction Dsa after the compression of the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66, the intermediate holder 74 abuts against one or both of the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side. The size of the insertion hole 74a is set so that the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b does not lock the inner guide portion 70 in the unit radial direction Dsa when the intermediate holder 74 abuts against one or both of the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0096] That is, when the intermediate holder 74 abuts against one or both of the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the intermediate holder 74 may be inclined relative to the inner guide portion 70. Furthermore, the size of the insertion hole 74a is set so that even when the intermediate holder 74 is inclined relative to the inner guide portion 70, the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70 do not rub against each other in response to the inclination of the intermediate holder 74 relative to the inner guide portion 70. In short, the diameter of the insertion hole 74a is set so that a radial gap is formed between the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70, which gap has a sufficient size to prevent friction between the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b and the inner guide portion 70.

[0097] For example, the fit of the inner guide portion 70 relative to the insertion hole 74a corresponds to a looser fit than the fit of the inner guide portion 70 relative to the outer guide portion 69. A difference between a diameter of the insertion hole 74a (a diameter of the insertion hole inner peripheral surface 74b) and an outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70 is larger than a difference between an inner diameter of the outer guide portion 69 and the outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70. The outer diameter and the inner diameter, as discussed above, are not a radius but a diameter. In other words, the outer diameter of the inner guide portion 70 is a diameter of the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70, and the inner diameter of the outer guide portion 69 is a diameter of the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69.

[0098] The outer contact portion 743 is arranged on one side of the inner contact portion 742 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The outer contact portion 743 extends outward from the spring intermediate portion 741 in the unit radial direction Dsr. For example, the outer contact portion 743 extends from an end portion of the spring intermediate portion 741 facing the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The outer contact portion 743 extends circumferentially around the entire spring intermediate portion 741 and surrounds an end portion of the spring intermediate portion 741 facing the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0099] The outer contact portion 743 contacts the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and opposes the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa. That is, since the second coil spring 66 contacts the intermediate holder 74 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the second coil spring 66 serves as a coil spring on the other side of the present disclosure.

[0100] As in the Fig. 5 to 7, the release stopper 673 on one side of the holder 67 on the one side and the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the intermediate holder 74 form a locking structure which restricts relative movement between the holder 67 on the one side and the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0101] Specifically, the release stopper 673 on the one side of the holder 67 has a surface support portion 673a on the one side and a surface forming portion 673c on the one side. The surface support portion 673a on the one side is arranged on the outer side of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsr. The surface support portion 673a on the one side is formed in a tubular shape such that the surface support portion 673a on the one side extends from the contact portion 672 on the one side to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and surrounds the first coil spring 65 in the circumferential direction.

[0102] The one-side surface-forming portion 673c protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsa from an end portion of the one-side surface support portion 673a facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the one-side surface-forming portion 673c is also located on the outer side of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsa.

[0103] Furthermore, the one-side surface forming portion 673c circumferentially surrounds the one-side surface supporting portion 673a. A one-side surface 673d facing the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on a side of the one-side surface forming portion 673c facing the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa. An opposite side of the one-side surface forming portion 673c, which is opposite to the one-side surface 673d, forms an inclined surface 673e. The inclined surface 673e is inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, so that as the inclined surface 673e extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr, the inclined surface 673e becomes increasingly closer to the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0104] As in the Fig. 5, Fig. 7 and Fig. As shown in FIG. 8, the plurality (specifically, three) of intermediate release stoppers 747 of the intermediate holder 74 are provided. These intermediate release stoppers 747 are arranged at equal intervals in a circumferential direction Dsc (that is, a unit circumferential direction Dsc) centered on the unit center axis Cs. Each of the intermediate release stoppers 747 has a surface support portion 747a on the other side and a surface forming portion 747c on the other side. That is, the plurality of surface support portions 747a on the other side are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc, and the plurality of surface forming portions 747c on the other side are also arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0105] Since the plurality of intermediate release stoppers 747 are arranged at the intervals, each of the plurality of surface support portions 747a on the other side can be elastically deformed to displace a corresponding one of the plurality of surface forming portions 747c on the other side both inward and outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0106] Each of the plurality of other-side surface support portions 747a is positioned on the outer side of the one-side surface-forming portion 673c in the unit radial direction Dsa and extends from the outer contact portion 743 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The plurality of other-side surface support portions 747a are arranged around the one-side surface-forming portion 673c.

[0107] Each of the plurality of other-side surface-forming portions 747c protrudes inward in the unit radial direction Dsa from an end portion of the corresponding other-side surface support portion 747a facing the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, an other-side surface 747d facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on one side of each other-side surface-forming portion 747c facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. An opposite side of each other-side surface-forming portion 747c, opposite to the other-side surface 747d, forms an inclined surface 747e.The inclined surface 747e is inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs such that the inclined surface 747e increasingly approaches one side in the unit axial direction Dsa as the inclined surface 747e extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0108] In the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, each of the other-side surface support portions 747a is positioned to extend from the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the one-side surface forming portion 673c. Each other-side surface forming portion 747c is positioned on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the one-side surface forming portion 673c and overlaps the one-side surface forming portion 673c in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the surface 747d on the other side of each intermediate release stopper 747 on one side of the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side is positioned to overlap and oppose the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0109] In addition, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the surface 747d on the other side of each intermediate release stopper 747 is not in contact with, and is spaced apart from, the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side.

[0110] Furthermore, the intermediate holder 74 has a plurality of holder through-holes 74c, each of which extends in the unit axial direction Dsa through the intermediate holder 74. Each of the plurality of holder through-holes 74c is provided for each corresponding one of the plurality of surface-forming portions 747c on the other side.

[0111] Each holder through-hole 74c is positioned on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the corresponding surface support portion 747a on the other side, and on the inside of the corresponding surface support portion 747a on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsa. For example, in the present embodiment, each holder through-hole 74c extends to reach both the spring intermediate portion 741 and the outer contact portion 743. That is, each holder through-hole 74c includes: an axial hole part 74d extending in the unit axial direction Dsa through the outer contact portion 743; and an axial extension part 74e formed along the outer peripheral surface of the spring intermediate portion 741 facing the outside in the unit radial direction Dsr.The axial extension part 74e has the shape of a groove extending from the axial hole part 74d in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0112] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, at each of the three locations where the corresponding intermediate release stopper 747 and the corresponding holder through-hole 74c are formed, the corresponding holder through-hole 74c is arranged such that the holder through-hole 74c is arranged on the other side of the corresponding surface-forming portion 747c on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and overlaps with the entire corresponding surface-forming portion 747c on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In other words, as shown in Fig. 9, in an axial view in the unit axial direction Dsa, the entire surface forming portion 747c on the other side is located within an area occupied by the corresponding holder through hole 74c.

[0113] As in the Fig. 3 and Fig. As shown in Figure 5, the coupling rod 76 is disposed between the pedal 40 and the bracket 67 on one side and couples between the pedal 40 and the bracket 67 on the one side. In response to the application of the driver's 81 depression force to the pedal 40, the pedal 40 is pressed onto the bracket 67 on the one side via the coupling rod 76.

[0114] Specifically, the coupling rod 76 protrudes from the pedal 40 on the counter-operation side of the pedal 40 and extends along a rod center axis Crd corresponding to the center axis Crd of the coupling rod 76. For example, the coupling rod 76 protrudes from the pedal back surface 40b, which intersects the rod center axis Crd. The coupling rod 76 has a rod distal end portion 763 located on the counter-operation side (i.e., on the side of the holder 67 on one side). The rod distal end portion 763 comes into contact with the depressible surface 67a of the holder 67 on the one side.

[0115] The coupling rod 76 is coupled to the pedal 40, so that the protrusion direction of the coupling rod 76 protruding from the pedal 40 is fixed. The above expression, "the protrusion direction of the coupling rod 76 is fixed," means that the rod center axis Crd, which corresponds to the center axis Crd of the coupling rod 76, is fixed and does not change relative to the pedal 40. In the present embodiment, the coupling rod 76 is fixed to the pedal 40 by the screw, so that the coupling rod 76 is not rotated around the rod center axis Crd. For example, the coupling rod 76 is fixed to the pedal 40 in a state in which the distal rod end portion 763 is inclined relative to the pedal plate thickness direction Dt, so that the distal rod end portion 763 is shifted relative to a proximal end of the coupling rod 76 toward the one side in the pedal extending direction Ds.

[0116] As described above, the distal rod end portion 763 of the coupling rod 76 coupled to the pedal 40 presses the depressible surface 67a of the holder 67 on one side in response to the depression operation of the pedal 40 by the driver 81 and slides relative to the depressible surface 67a of the holder 67 on the one side. Fig. 5, although the unit center axis Cs and the rod center axis Crd are parallel to each other, the unit center axis Cs and the rod center axis Crd are not necessarily parallel to each other. When the pedal 40 is pivoted, the coupling rod 76 pivots integrally with the pedal 40. Therefore, an angle defined between the unit center axis Cs and the rod center axis Crd changes in response to the pivoting movement of the pedal 40.

[0117] For example, in the present embodiment, the coupling rod 76 comprises two components. Specifically, the coupling rod 76 includes an arm portion 761 coupled to the pedal 40, and a push portion 762 located on the opposite side of the arm portion 761, opposite the pedal 40. The push portion 762 is coupled in series with the arm portion 761. The push portion 762 includes the rod distal end portion 763.

[0118] For example, the arm portion 761 and the pressing portion 762 are respectively formed separately as separate components, and the arm portion 761 and the pressing portion 762 are firmly coupled to each other, for example, by press fitting. In the present embodiment, a material of the pressing portion 762 is different from a material of the arm portion 761. For example, the arm portion 761 is made of metal, and the pressing portion 762 is made of resin. The resin material of the pressing portion 762 may be, for example, PTFE. When the pressing portion 762 is made of PTFE, an advantage can be obtained in that a sliding property of the pressing portion 762 relative to the depressable surface 67a of the holder 67 on one side is improved due to the lower friction compared to a case where the pressing portion 762 is made of, for example, metal. Here, PTFE stands for polytetrafluoroethylene.

[0119] As in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the cover member 77 is called a dust boot and is configured in the shape of a tubular bellows, while the cover member 77 is made of, for example, rubber that is resiliently deformable (elastically deformable). The cover member 77 expands and contracts in response to the pivoting movement of the pedal 40 in the axial direction of the coupling rod 76. For example, the cover member 77 closes the opening hole 10e of the housing 10 in a state where the coupling rod 76 is inserted through the cover member 77. In this way, the intrusion of a foreign matter into the interior of the housing 10 through the opening hole 10e is restricted.

[0120] Since the coupling rod 76, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, the pedal 40 is in contact with the one-side holder 67, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the pedal 40 restricts the movement of the one-side holder 67 in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side. At this time, it is assumed that the release time stopper 781 is damaged for some reason, causing the pedal 40 to no longer restrict the movement of the one-side holder 67 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and thus release it.

[0121] In this case, the one-side holder 67 is moved relative to the intermediate holder 74 toward the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa by the biasing force of the first coil spring 65 compared to the time before the pedal 40 releases the movement of the one-side holder 67. Then, the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the present embodiment abut against the one-side release stopper 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa. The intermediate release stoppers 747, by abutting against the one-side release stopper 673, restrict movement of the one-side holder 67 relative to the intermediate holder 74 beyond a predetermined limit toward the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0122] The abutment of the intermediate release stops 747 against the release stop 673 on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa means in detail that the surfaces 747d on the other side of the intermediate release stops 747 abut against the surface 673d on one side of the release stop 673 on one side, as shown in Fig. 10. Thus, the aforementioned predetermined limit corresponds to a relative position of the holder 67 on one side with respect to the intermediate holder 74 when the surfaces 747d on the other side abut against the surface 673d on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Essentially, the predetermined limit corresponds to the relative position of the holder 67 on the one side relative to the intermediate holder 74, as shown in Fig. 10 shown.

[0123] As mentioned above, the release stopper 673 on the one side of the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the intermediate holder 74 constitute the locking structure. Therefore, it can also be said that the intermediate release stoppers 747 act as follows when the pedal 40 no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the one-side holder 67 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. That is, when the pedal 40 no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the one-side holder 67, the intermediate release stoppers 747 restrict the movement of the one-side holder 67 relative to the intermediate holder 74 beyond the predetermined limit toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa by means of the locking structure.

[0124] Even when the intermediate release stoppers 747 abut against the release stopper 673 on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the first coil spring 65, which is sandwiched between the contact portion 672 on the one side and the inner contact portion 742 of the intermediate holder 74, is maintained in the compressed and deformed state in the unit axial direction Dsa. In other words, the first coil spring 65 is not extended to its free length but is maintained in the elastically compressed state. Therefore, the biasing force (in other words, the elastic force) of the first coil spring 65 keeps the surfaces 747d on the other side of the intermediate release stoppers 747 pressed against the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673.

[0125] As in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 10, when the pedal 40 no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the holder 67 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side, the second coil spring 66 will no longer remain in the elastically compressed state, and therefore the second coil spring 66 will extend to its free length. Even in this case, the inner guide portion 70 will continue to be inserted into the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate holder 74 without coming out of the insertion hole 74a. In other words, the inner guide portion 70 has a sufficient length in the unit axial direction Dsa to allow the inner guide portion 70 to be inserted into the insertion hole 74a in the state where the outer contact portion 743 of the intermediate holder 74 and the contact portion 682 on the other side are both in contact with the second coil spring 66 extended to its free length.

[0126] In the pedal device 1 configured in the above manner, the pedal 40, the rotary shaft 31 and the coupling plate 32 are pivoted about the pedal center axis CL, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, when the driver's depression force 81 is applied to the pedal 40. Specifically, a portion of each of the pedal 40, the rotary shaft 31, and the coupling plate 32 located on the vehicle upper side of the pedal center axis CL pivots around the pedal center axis CL toward the floor 2 and the instrument panel. In other words, the pedal 40 pivots from the non-depressed state to the most depressed state.

[0127] At this time, the rotation angle sensor 79 installed on the pedal device 1 outputs the electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotary shaft 31 to the electronic controller 83 (see Fig. 1). The electronic control device 83 generates a hydraulic pressure (e.g., an oil pressure) required to brake the vehicle 80 by controlling the operation of the brake circuit of the brake-by-wire system 82 (see Fig. 1), and thereby the electronic control device 83 actuates the brake pads with this hydraulic pressure to decelerate or stop the vehicle 80.

[0128] In addition, at the time of performing the pivoting movement of the pedal 40 from the non-depressed state to the most depressed state, the more the pedal 40 is pivoted from the non-depressed state to the most depressed state, the more the first and second coil springs 65, 66 are compressed, and along with this, the leaf spring 61 is greatly bent.

[0129] For example, in the middle of the pivoting movement of the pedal 40 from the non-depressed state to the most depressed state in the unit axial direction Dsa, the retainer 67 on one side and the retainer 68 on the other side abut each other, thereby stopping the compression and deformation (hereinafter referred to as compression deformation) of each of the first and second coil springs 65, 66. At this time, the retainer 67 on one side and the retainer 68 on the other side may abut each other while the intermediate retainer 74 is interposed between the retainer 67 on one side and the retainer 68 on the other side, or the retainer 67 on one side and the retainer 68 on the other side may directly abut each other while the intermediate retainer 74 is not interposed between the retainer 67 on one side and the retainer 68 on the other side.

[0130] When the pedal 40 is pivoted further toward the most depressed state from the state where the bracket 67 on one side and the bracket 68 on the other side abut each other, the amount of deflection or deflection of the leaf spring 61 is increased. When the pedal 40 is pivoted and abuts the depression time stopper 782, the pedal 40 is in the most depressed state, and thereby the deflection of the leaf spring 61 is stopped.

[0131] The above-described pedal device 1 of the present embodiment achieves the following advantages.

[0132] According to the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 3 to 5, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the release time stopper 781 abuts against the groove end portion wall surface 10d of the housing 10. Therefore, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the pedal 40 restricts the movement of the holder 67 on the one side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and thereby holds both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa in the compressed and deformed state.

[0133] Here, it is conceivable that the non-depression-time stopper function (i.e., the stopper function for the non-depression time), which restricts the movement of the one-side holder 67 in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, is impaired for some reason. One possible cause of impairment of the non-depression-time stopper function is, for example, breakage of the release-time stopper 781, which restricts the swing of the pedal 40 toward the operation side in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40.

[0134] In contrast, in the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 10, when the movement of the one-side holder 67 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa is no longer restricted and is thereby released, the intermediate release stops 747 of the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa abut against the one-side release stopper 673. The intermediate release stops 747, by abutting against the one-side release stopper 673, restrict movement of the one-side holder 67 relative to the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side beyond the predetermined limit.

[0135] Therefore, even when the non-depression time stop function is impaired, the one-side holder 67 is held relative to the intermediate holder 74. In other words, disassembly of the one-side holder 67, the intermediate holder 74, and the first coil spring 65 is prevented by the biasing force of the first coil spring 65. Therefore, for example, detachment of the one-side holder 67 from the intermediate holder 74 and jumping out toward the driver 81 side due to the biasing force of the first coil spring 65 when the non-depression time stop function is impaired is restricted. This leads to increased safety for the vehicle 80 equipped with the pedal device 1. (1) According to the present embodiment, the first coil spring 65 is maintained in the compressed and deformed state even in the state in the unit axial direction Dsa where the intermediate release stoppers 747 abut against the one-side release stopper 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, in such a state where the intermediate release stoppers 747 abut against the one-side release stopper 673, the one-side retainer 67 is less likely to shake relative to the intermediate retainer 74. As a result, for example, in the state where the intermediate release stoppers 747 abut against the one-side release stopper 673 in the unit axial direction Dsa, it becomes difficult to release the intermediate release stoppers 747 from the one-side release stopper 673. In other words, it is easy to keep the intermediate release stoppers 747 in contact with the release stopper 673 on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. (2) According to the present embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 comprises, as shown in Figs. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are elastically deformable in the unit axial direction Dsa. The first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are coupled in series in the transmission path of the depression force applied by the driver 81. Therefore, the degree of freedom in adjusting the reaction force characteristics of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 against the depression force applied by the driver 81 can be increased compared to the case where the reaction force generating mechanism 60 has only one coil spring. (3) According to the present embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes the intermediate holder 74, and the intermediate holder 74 is positioned between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the transmission path of the depression force applied by the driver 81. Therefore, while holding the plurality of coil springs 65, 66, it is possible to couple the plurality of coil springs 65, 66 in series in the transmission path that transmits the depression force between the pedal 40 and the base plate 20. (4) According to the present embodiment, the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 are made of resin. Therefore, it is easy to reduce the weight of the reaction force generating mechanism 60. Furthermore, it is easy to realize the locking structure formed by the release stopper 673 on the one side of the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the intermediate holder 74. (5) According to the present embodiment, the holder 67 includes, on one side, the outer guide portion 69 configured in a tubular shape and extending in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the holder 68 includes, on the other side, the inner guide portion 70. The inner guide portion 70 has the outer peripheral surface 701 extending in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the inner guide portion 70 is fitted into the outer guide portion 69 such that relative movement between the inner guide portion 70 and the outer guide portion 69 is possible.

[0136] Therefore, when the one-side holder 67 receives a load in a direction inclined to the unit center axis Cs from the pedal 40, the inner guide portion 70 can absorb a radial load component in the unit radial direction Dsr from the load components of the load applied in the inclined direction. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the radial load in the unit radial direction Dsa from acting on the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stoppers 747. This helps to limit damage to the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stoppers 747, thus resulting in improved safety. (6) According to the present embodiment, the outer guide portion 69, as shown in Fig. 5, is arranged on the radially inner side of the first coil spring 65. Therefore, for example, compared with the case where the outer guide portion 69 is not positioned on the radially inner side of the first coil spring 65, it is possible to restrict an increase in the size of the elastic unit 63 that would be caused by the provision of the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70. (7) According to the present embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 comprises, as shown in Figs. Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the leaf spring 61, and one end portion 611 of the leaf spring 61 is fixed to the base plate 20. The retainer 68 on the other side is coupled to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 such that the retainer 68 on the other side is not movable relative to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. Here, the leaf spring 61 is more advantageous than the coil spring in obtaining a large reaction force. Therefore, for example, compared with a case where the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes only a coil spring with a large spring constant without the leaf spring 61, a maximum value of the reaction force generated by the reaction force generating mechanism 60 can be increased while restraining an increase in the size of the pedal device 1. (8) According to the present embodiment, the one-side release stopper 673 of the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the intermediate holder 74 constitute the locking structure. Therefore, it is possible to easily assemble the one-side holder 67, the intermediate holder 74, and the first coil spring 65 while ensuring the function of restricting the one-side holder 67 from being released and removed from the intermediate holder 74. (9) According to the present embodiment, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate holder 74 in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40. The inner guide portion 70 is still inserted through the insertion hole 74a of the intermediate holder 74 even when the pedal 40 no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the holder 67 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side and the second coil spring 66 is extended to its free length.

[0137] Therefore, the assembly comprising the retainer 67 on one side, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 can remain coupled to the retainer 68 on the other side in the case where the pedal 40 no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the retainer 67 on the one side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. This can, for example, restrict the assembly comprising the retainer 67 on the one side, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 from jumping out of the housing 10.

[0138] (10) According to the present embodiment, the portion of the first coil spring 65 in the unit radial direction Dsr is arranged on the inner side of the second coil spring 66 and overlaps with the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsr. The intermediate holder 74 includes the outer contact portion 743, which contacts the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 from one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In addition, the surface support portion 747a on the other side of each intermediate release stopper 747 extends from the outer contact portion 743 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0139] Therefore, the intermediate release stoppers 747 can be placed using the radial area in the unit radial direction Dsr occupied by the second coil spring 66 and the outer contact portion 743. Therefore, it is possible to restrict the increase in size of the elastic unit 63 in the unit radial direction Dsr caused by the provision of the release stopper 673 on one side and the intermediate release stoppers 747.

[0140] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the other-side surface-forming portion 747c protrudes inward in the unit radial direction Dsa from the end portion of the corresponding other-side surface support portion 747a facing the one-side surface in the unit axial direction Dsa. Thus, the one-side surface-forming portion 673c, which is the counterpart of the other-side surface-forming portions 747c, is formed to protrude outward from the end portion of the one-side surface support portion 673a in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0141] Therefore, it is possible to reduce the size of the holder 67 on one side having the surface forming portion 673c on one side in the unit radial direction Dsr compared to a configuration in which each surface forming portion 747c on the other side protrudes outward from the end portion of the corresponding surface forming portion 747a on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0142] In addition, the intermediate holder 74 according to the present embodiment, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 9, the holder through holes 74c. Therefore, it is possible to prevent undercuts in a mold at the time of forming (molding) the intermediate holder 74 made of the resin, thereby improving the economy of mass production of the intermediate holder 74. (Second embodiment)

[0143] Next, the second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the different points from the first embodiment will be mainly described. Furthermore, the description of the same or equivalent portions as in the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted or simplified. This also applies to the description of the later embodiments. In the figures referred to in the second and subsequent embodiments, the various components of the pedal device 1 are illustrated in a simplified manner as appropriate.

[0144] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the elastic unit 63 in the present embodiment includes a single coil spring (only one coil spring) 75 instead of the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 of the first embodiment. For example, the coil spring 75 has a configuration similar to the configuration of the first coil spring 65 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, unlike the first embodiment, the elastic unit 63 of the present embodiment does not include an intermediate retainer 74.

[0145] In the present embodiment, the holder 67 on one side serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the holder 68 on the other side serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present embodiment, which is clamped between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed by them, includes the coil spring 75, which corresponds to an elastic element. Fig. 11 is a schematic diagram showing Fig. 5 corresponds to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 11 shows the elastic unit 63 and its periphery in the state in which the pedal 40 is in the non-depressed state. This also applies to each figure described later, which is equivalent to Fig. 11 is.

[0146] The coil spring 75 has: one end portion 751 located on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and the other end portion 752 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0147] The contact portion 672 on one side of the holder 67 on one side contacts with the one end portion 751 of the coil spring 75 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the contact portion 682 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side contacts with the other end portion 752 of the coil spring 75 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. As described above, the coil spring 75 is clamped between the contact portion 672 on the one side and the contact portion 682 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0148] The outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 are inserted into the interior of the coil spring 75 on the radially inner side of the coil spring 75.

[0149] Since in the present embodiment the intermediate holder 74 (see Fig. 5) is not provided, the intermediate release stops 747 included in the intermediate holder 74 are also not provided. Therefore, the other-side holder 68 includes a plurality of other-side release stops 685 corresponding to the intermediate release stops 747. Each of the other-side release stops 685 has the same configuration as the intermediate release stop 747 of the first embodiment, except that the other-side release stops 685 are included in the other-side holder 68.

[0150] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the other-side release stoppers 685 serve as the secondary release stoppers of the present disclosure, and the other-side release stoppers 685 and the one-side release stopper 673 of the one-side holder 67 form the same locking structure as in the first embodiment. Furthermore, each of the other-side release stoppers 685 includes: a surface support portion 685a on the other side similar to the surface support portion 747a on the other side of the first embodiment; and a surface forming portion 685c on the other side similar to the surface forming portion 747c on the other side of the first embodiment.Each other-side surface-forming portion 685c includes: an other-side surface 685d similar to the other-side surface 747d of the first embodiment; and an inclined surface 685e similar to the inclined surface 747e of the first embodiment. The plurality of other-side release stoppers 685 are provided like the plurality of intermediate release stoppers 747 of the first embodiment and are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0151] However, since the other-side surface support portions 685a form part of the other-side holder 68, the other-side surface support portions 685a are connected to the other-side contact portion 682 of the other-side holder 68. Furthermore, each of the other-side surface support portions 685a extends from the other-side contact portion 682 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0152] The holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment is made of, for example, resin, and the inner guide portion 70, the contact portion 682 on the other side, and the release stoppers 685 on the other side are integrally formed in one piece as a single component.

[0153] In addition, the pedal 40 also restricts in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the release time stop 781 (see Fig. 4) is damaged for any reason, the movement of the holder 67 on one side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa no longer and thus releases it.

[0154] In this case, the holder 67 on one side is relatively moved relative to the holder 68 on the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa until the surfaces 685d on the other side of the release stoppers 685 on the other side abut against the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side. At this time, the inner guide portion 70 of the holder 68 on the other side remains inserted into the outer guide portion 69 without coming out of the outer guide portion 69 of the holder 67 on the one side. That is, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 in which the release time stopper 781 is not damaged, a gap between the surface 673d on one side and the surface 685d on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa is smaller than an insertion length of the inserted portion of the inner guide portion 70 which is inserted into or removed from the outer guide portion 69.is used.

[0155] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration common to the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0156] Next, the third embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the second embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0157] As in Fig. 12, the elastic unit 63 comprises an elastic element 85 instead of the coil spring 75 (see Fig. 11). Since this elastic member 85 corresponds to and replaces the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment, the elastic member 85 constitutes the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is clamped between the first holder and the second holder and is compressed and deformed by them.

[0158] The elastic member 85 of the present embodiment is elastically compressed, for example, like the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40. The elastic member 85 is made of an elastic material, such as rubber or urethane foam, which is elastically deformable.

[0159] Moreover, the elastic member 85 of the present embodiment is configured in a cylindrical tubular shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs, and thereby, the unit axial direction Dsa serves as an axial direction of the elastic member 85, and the unit radial direction Dsr serves as a radial direction of the elastic member 85. The elastic member 85 includes: one end portion 851 located on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and the other end portion 852 located on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0160] The contact portion 672 on one side of the holder 67 on the one side contacts the one end portion 851 of the elastic member 85 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the contact portion 682 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side contacts the other end portion 852 of the elastic member 85 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. As described above, the elastic member 85, like the coil spring 75 of the second embodiment, is sandwiched between the contact portion 672 on the one side and the contact portion 682 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0161] The outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 are inserted into an interior of the elastic member 85 on a radially inner side of the elastic member 85.

[0162] The rest of the present embodiment, other than the points described above, is the same as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment.

[0163] Although the present embodiment corresponds to a modification based on the second embodiment, it is possible to combine the present embodiment with the first embodiment described above. (Fourth embodiment)

[0164] Next, the fourth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the second embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0165] As in Fig. As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the release stopper 673 on one side of the retainer 67 on the one side and the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the retainer 68 on the other side constitute a locking structure that restricts relative movement between the retainer 67 on the one side and the retainer 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the release stopper 673 on the one side and the release stoppers 685 on the other side are arranged on the outer side of the coil spring 75 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0166] However, in the present embodiment, a protrusion direction of the surface-forming portion 673c on one side, which forms this locking structure, is opposite to that of the second embodiment. Furthermore, a protrusion direction of each of the surface-forming portions 685c on the other side is opposite to that of the second embodiment.

[0167] Specifically, the one-side surface forming portion 673c of the present embodiment protrudes inward in the unit radial direction Dsa from the end portion of the one-side surface supporting portion 673a facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Although the one-side surface 673d of the one-side release stopper 673 faces the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa as in the second embodiment, the orientation of the inclined surface 673e is different from the second embodiment. Specifically, the inclined surface 673e is inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, so that the inclined surface 673e progressively approaches the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa while the inclined surface 673e extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0168] Each of the other-side surface support portions 685a of the present embodiment is positioned in the unit radial direction Dsa on the inner side of the one-side surface forming portion 685c, which is opposite to the other-side surface support portion 685a of the second embodiment. Furthermore, each of the other-side surface forming portions 685c protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsa from an end portion of the corresponding other-side surface support portion 685a facing the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Although the other-side surface 685d of each of the other-side release stoppers 685 faces the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, just like in the second embodiment, the orientation of the inclined surface 685e is different from the second embodiment.Specifically, the inclined surface 685e is inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs such that the inclined surface 685e increasingly approaches the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa as the inclined surface 685e extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0169] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as the second embodiment. (Fifth embodiment)

[0170] Next, the fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the above-described fourth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0171] As in Fig. 14, the elastic unit 63 comprises the elastic element 85 instead of the coil spring 75 (see Fig. 13). This elastic member 85 corresponds to the coil spring 75 of the fourth embodiment and is used instead. The elastic member 85 of the present embodiment is the same as the elastic member 85 of the third embodiment.

[0172] The rest of the present embodiment other than the above-described point is the same as the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the above-described fourth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment. (Sixth Embodiment)

[0173] Next, the sixth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0174] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 15, in the present embodiment, the shape of the intermediate holder 74 differs from that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the diameter of the first coil spring 65 and the diameter of the second coil spring 66 are equal to each other.

[0175] In the present embodiment, the retainer 67 on one side serves as the first retainer of the present disclosure, and the intermediate retainer 74 serves as the second retainer of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is clamped between the first retainer and the second retainer and is compressed and deformed by them, includes the first coil spring 65, which corresponds to an elastic element.

[0176] Specifically, the intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment includes a main body 748 and a plurality of intermediate release stops 747. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 is made of resin. The main body 748 and the intermediate release stops 747 of the intermediate holder 74 are integrally formed. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the release stop 673 on one side of the holder 67 and the intermediate release stops 747 of the intermediate holder 74 constitute the locking structure.

[0177] The main body 748 of the intermediate holder 74 has the shape of a flat plate, and the insertion hole 74a extends through the interior of the main body 748. As in the first embodiment, the inner guide portion 70 is inserted through the insertion hole 74a.

[0178] In addition, the main body 748 has: a surface 748a on one side facing one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and a surface 748b on the other side facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0179] The first coil spring 65 is arranged on one side with respect to the main body 748 of the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the second coil spring 66 is arranged on the other side with respect to the main body 748 in the unit axial direction Dsa. Furthermore, the surface 748a on one side of the main body 748 contacts the other end portion 652 of the first coil spring 65 from the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and the surface 748b on the other side of the main body 748 contacts the one end portion 661 of the second coil spring 66 from the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the main body 748 of the intermediate holder 74 is clamped between the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66, and is pressed by the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0180] The intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment includes the spring intermediate portion 741, the inner contact portion 742, the outer contact portion 743, and the hole forming portion 746 discussed in the first embodiment (see Fig. 5). In addition, each of the surface support portions 747a on the other side of the intermediate holder 74 extends from an outer periphery of the main body 748 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The intermediate holder 74 may have the holder through hole 74c ( Fig. 5) similar to that of the first embodiment, but in the present embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 does not have the holder through hole 74c.

[0181] Furthermore, the inner guide portion 70 and the contact portion 682 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side are not formed separately as separate components, but are integrally formed as a one-piece component. The holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment can be made of resin or metal.

[0182] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (Seventh Embodiment)

[0183] Next, the seventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0184] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the inner guide portion 70 and the contact portion 682 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side are not formed separately as separate components, but are integrally formed as a one-piece component. The holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment may be made of resin or metal. The intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment may have the holder through-hole 74c ( Fig. 5) similar to that of the first embodiment, but in this embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 does not have the holder through hole 74c.

[0185] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (Eighth Embodiment)

[0186] Next, the eighth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0187] As in Fig. As shown in Fig. 17, the intermediate holder 74 in the present embodiment has an intermediate release stop 749 instead of the intermediate release stops 747 of the first embodiment. In addition, the holder 67 on one side does not have the release stop 673 on the one side (see Fig. 5), but the holder 68 on the other side has the release stops 685 on the other side. The intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment has the holder through holes 74c (see Fig. 5) does not occur.

[0188] In the present embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the holder 68 on the other side serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder of the present disclosure and compressed and deformed thereby, includes the second coil spring 66, which corresponds to an elastic member.

[0189] The intermediate release stopper 749 of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the release stopper 673 on one side (see Fig. 5) of the first embodiment, except that the intermediate release stop 749 is included in the intermediate holder 74.

[0190] Therefore, in the present embodiment, the intermediate release stopper 749 serves as the primary release stopper of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the intermediate release stopper 749 of the present embodiment includes: a one-side surface support portion 749a similar to the one-side surface support portion 673a of the first embodiment; and a one-side surface forming portion 749c similar to the one-side surface forming portion 673c of the first embodiment. The one-side surface forming portion 749c includes: a one-side surface 749d similar to the one-side surface 673d of the first embodiment; and an inclined surface 749e similar to the inclined surface 673e of the first embodiment.

[0191] However, since the one-side surface support portion 749a forms part of the intermediate holder 74, the one-side surface support portion 749a is connected to the outer contact portion 743 of the intermediate holder 74. The one-side surface support portion 749a extends from an outer periphery of the outer contact portion 743 toward the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and is positioned on the outside of the second coil spring 66 in the unit radial direction Dsa.

[0192] The intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment is made of, for example, resin, and the spring intermediate portion 741, the inner contact portion 742, the outer contact portion 743, the hole forming portion 746 and the intermediate release stopper 749 are integrally formed in one piece as a single component.

[0193] Each of the release stops 685 on the other side of the present embodiment has the same configuration as the intermediate release stop 747 (see Fig. 5) of the first embodiment, except that the release stopper 685 on the other side is enclosed in the holder 68 on the other side. That is, each of the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the present embodiment serves as the secondary release stopper of the present disclosure and has the surface support portion 685a on the other side and the surface forming portion 685c on the other side, as does the release stopper 685 on the other side (see Fig. 11) of the second embodiment. For example, the holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment is made of resin, and the inner guide portion 70, the contact portion 682 on the other side, and the release stoppers 685 on the other side are integrally formed in one piece as a single component.

[0194] In the present embodiment, the intermediate release stopper 749 of the intermediate holder 74 and the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side form the locking structure, which is similar to that of the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, one or both of the surface support portion 749a on one side of the intermediate holder 74 and the surface support portions 685a on the other side of the holder 68 on the other side can be elastically deformed and bent in the unit radial direction Dsr. Thereby, the intermediate holder 74 and the holder 68 on the other side can be combined to form the locking structure, or this locking structure can be disassembled.

[0195] In addition, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when the release time stopper 781 (see Fig. 4) is damaged for any reason, the movement of the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa toward the one side is no longer restricted by the pedal 40 and thus released.

[0196] In this case, the intermediate holder 74 is relatively moved relative to the holder 68 on the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa until the surfaces 685d on the other side of the release stoppers 685 on the other side abut against the surface 749d on one side of the intermediate release stopper 749. When the surfaces 685d on the other side abut against the surface 749d on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the relative positional relationship between the intermediate holder 74 and the holder 68 on the other side is determined.

[0197] That is, when the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the present embodiment abut against the intermediate release stopper 749 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the movement of the intermediate holder 74 relative to the holder 68 on the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa is restricted beyond the predetermined limit. This predetermined limit corresponds to a relative position of the intermediate holder 74 with respect to the holder 68 on the other side when the surfaces 685d on the other side abut against the surface 749d on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0198] The rest of the present embodiment, other than the points described above, is the same as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (Ninth Embodiment)

[0199] Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the above-described eighth embodiment will be mainly described.

[0200] As in Fig. 18, in the present embodiment, the holder 67 has, in addition to the configuration discussed in the eighth embodiment, the one-side release stopper 673 on the one side, which is similar to that of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the intermediate holder 74 has the intermediate release stoppers 747 similar to those of the first embodiment, in addition to the intermediate release stopper 749 similar to that of the eighth embodiment. In the description of the present embodiment, the intermediate release stoppers 747 similar to those of the first embodiment are referred to as primary intermediate release stoppers 747, and the intermediate release stopper 749 similar to that of the eighth embodiment is referred to as a secondary intermediate release stopper 749.

[0201] Therefore, in the present embodiment, two locking structures are provided. Specifically, the release stopper 673 on one side of the holder 67 and the primary intermediate release stops 747 of the intermediate holder 74 constitute the locking structure. Furthermore, the secondary intermediate release stopper 749 of the intermediate holder 74 and the release stops 685 on the other side of the holder 68 constitute the locking structure.

[0202] Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74, the one-side holder 67 serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed thereby, includes the first coil spring 65, which corresponds to an elastic member. Furthermore, the one-side release stopper 673 serves as the primary release stopper of the present disclosure, and the primary intermediate release stoppers 747 serve as the secondary release stoppers of the present disclosure.

[0203] Furthermore, regarding the relationship between the intermediate holder 74 and the holder 68 on the other side, the intermediate holder 74 serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the holder 68 on the other side serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Moreover, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed thereby, includes the second coil spring 66, which corresponds to an elastic member. Furthermore, the secondary intermediate release stopper 749 serves as the primary release stopper of the present disclosure, and the release stoppers 685 on the other side serve as the secondary release stoppers of the present disclosure.

[0204] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the eighth embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the eighth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the eighth embodiment. (Tenth Embodiment)

[0205] Next, the tenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the points different from the first embodiment will be mainly described.

[0206] As in Fig. 19, the intermediate holder 74 in the present embodiment has the intermediate release stops 747 (see Fig. 5) is not present. Instead, the holder 68 includes the release stops 685 on the other side, which serve as the secondary release stops of the present disclosure. Also in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the release stop 673 on one side of the holder 67 serves as the primary release stop of the present disclosure.

[0207] In the present embodiment, the holder 67 on one side serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the holder 68 on the other side serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. The elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed by them, includes the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66, which correspond to the plurality of elastic members. The intermediate holder 74 is provided as another component of the present disclosure, which is different from the first holder and the second holder.

[0208] Each of the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the present embodiment has the surface support portion 685a on the other side and the surface forming portion 685c on the other side, as well as the release stopper 685 on the other side (see Fig. 17) of the eighth embodiment. However, the surface forming portion 685c on the other side of the present embodiment does not have the inclined surface similar to the inclined surface 685e (see Fig. 17) of the eighth embodiment. That is, the surface of the surface-forming portion 685c on the other side, which is opposite to the surface 685d on the other side, is not formed as an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, but corresponds to, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the unit center axis Cs.

[0209] For example, the holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment is made of resin or metal, and the inner guide portion 70, the contact portion 682 on the other side, and the release stoppers 685 on the other side are integrally formed in one piece as a single component.

[0210] In the present embodiment, the release stopper 673 on one side of the holder 67 on the one hand and the release stoppers 685 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other hand form the locking structure similar to that of the first embodiment. For example, in the present embodiment, the plurality of release stoppers 685 on the other side are similar to the intermediate release stoppers 747 (see Fig. 5) of the first embodiment, and these release stops 685 on the other side, like the intermediate release stops 747 of the first embodiment, can be elastically deformed and bent in the unit radial direction Dsr. Thus, the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side can be combined to form the locking structure, or this locking structure can be disassembled.

[0211] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the pedal 40 no longer restricts the movement of the holder 67 on the one side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and thus releases it when the release time stopper 781 (see Fig. 4) is damaged for any reason.

[0212] In this case, the holder 67 on one side is relatively moved relative to the holder 68 on the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa until the surfaces 685d on the other side of the release stoppers 685 on the other side abut against the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side. When the surfaces 685d on the other side abut against the surface 673d on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the relative positional relationship between the holder 67 on the one side and the holder 68 on the other side is established.

[0213] That is, in the present embodiment, when the release stoppers 685 on the other side abut against the release stopper 673 on one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, the relative movement of the holder 67 on the one side relative to the holder 68 on the other side toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa is restricted beyond the predetermined limit. This predetermined limit corresponds to the relative position of the holder 67 on the one side with respect to the holder 68 on the other side when the surfaces 685d on the other side abut against the surface 673d on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0214] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, when the release stoppers 685 on the other side come into contact with the release stopper 673 on one side, the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66, and the intermediate holder 74 are held between the contact portion 672 on the one side and the contact portion 682 on the other side. Furthermore, both the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 remain in the compressed and deformed state in the unit axial direction Dsa without expanding to their free length.

[0215] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as the first embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the first embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the first embodiment. (Eleventh embodiment)

[0216] Next, the eleventh embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the second embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0217] As in the Fig. 20 to 22, in the present embodiment, only one other-side release stopper 685 is provided instead of the plurality of other-side release stoppers 685. The other-side surface support portion 685a of this other-side release stopper 685 is positioned on the outside of the one-side surface forming portion 673c in the unit radial direction Dsr. The other-side surface support portion 685a is generally formed in a tubular shape such that the other-side surface support portion 685a extends from the other-side contact portion 682 toward the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsr and circumferentially surrounds the one-side surface forming portion 673c.

[0218] Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the surface-forming portion 685c on the other side surrounds the unit center axis Cs in the circumferential direction. However, the surface-forming portion 685c on the other side of the present embodiment does not have the inclined surface similar to the inclined surface 685e (see Fig. 11) of the second embodiment. That is, the surface of the surface-forming portion 685c on the other side, which is opposite to the surface 685d on the other side, is not formed as an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, but corresponds to, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the unit center axis Cs.

[0219] As in the second embodiment, the one-side surface support portion 673a of the present embodiment is generally configured in a tubular shape such that the one-side surface support portion 673a extends from the contact portion 672 on one side to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and surrounds the coil spring 75 in the circumferential direction. In contrast to the second embodiment, the one-side surface support portion 673a of the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. Fig. 20 to 23, however, it has a slit-shaped recess groove 673b formed on a portion of a periphery of the surface support portion 673a on one side in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. This recess groove 673b extends to the surface forming portion 673c on the one side.

[0220] Since the recess groove 673b is formed on the release stopper 673 on one side, the surface support portion 673a on one side can be elastically deformed to displace the surface forming portion 673c on the one side both inward and outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0221] In Fig. 22, the illustration of the leaf spring 61 and the coupling rod 76 is omitted, and the illustration of the leaf spring 61 and the coupling rod 76 is omitted in the corresponding sectional view, which will be discussed later and Fig. 22 corresponds.

[0222] In the present embodiment, the recessed groove 673b is formed on the surface support portion 673a on one side and the surface forming portion 673c on the other side. Since the recessed groove 673b is provided, the surface support portion 673a on one side of the retainer 67 on the one side of the present embodiment can be elastically deformed to bend in the unit radial direction Dsr. Thereby, the retainer 67 on the one side and the retainer 68 on the other side can be combined to form the locking structure formed by the release stopper 673 on the one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side, or this locking structure can be disassembled.

[0223] The rest of the present embodiment, other than the points described above, is the same as the second embodiment. Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the second embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the second embodiment. (Twelfth Embodiment)

[0224] Next, the twelfth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the eleventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0225] As in the Fig. 24 to 26, a shape of each of a plurality of release stops 673 on one side of the holder 67 differs from that of the eleventh embodiment. A cross section of the elastic unit 63 taken along the line XXIIa-XXIIa in Fig. 24 is equal to that shown in Fig. Cross section shown in Figure 22.

[0226] In the present embodiment, a plurality of (specifically, three) release stoppers 673 are provided on one side. The plurality of release stoppers 673 on the one side are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0227] Therefore, the surface support portion 673a on one side of each of the release stoppers 673 on the one side can be elastically deformed to bend in the unit radial direction Dsr, as in the eleventh embodiment. This makes it possible to combine the retainer 67 on the one side and the retainer 68 on the other side to form the locking structure formed by the release stoppers 673 on the one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side, or to disassemble this locking structure.

[0228] In addition, since the plurality of release stoppers 673 are provided on the one side such that each of the release stoppers 673 on the one side is elastically deformable, the same number of latch structures as the release stoppers 673 are provided on the one side, that is, a plurality of latch structures.

[0229] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as that of the eleventh embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the eleventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the eleventh embodiment. (Thirteenth Embodiment)

[0230] Next, the thirteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the seventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0231] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 27 to 29, the intermediate holder 74 in the present embodiment, as in the seventh embodiment, has a plurality of (specifically, three) intermediate release stoppers 747, each of which includes the surface support portion 747a on the other side and the surface forming portion 747c on the other side. The plurality of intermediate release stoppers 747 are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. Each of the surface support portions 747a on the other side of the intermediate release stoppers 747 can be elastically deformed to displace a corresponding one of the plurality of surface forming portions 747c on the other side both inward and outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0232] Unlike the seventh embodiment, the intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment has the plurality of holder through-holes 74c, each of which extends in the unit axial direction Dsa through the intermediate holder 74. Each of the plurality of holder through-holes 74c is provided for each corresponding one of the plurality of surface-forming portions 747c on the other side.

[0233] Each holder through-hole 74c is positioned on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the corresponding surface support portion 747a on the other side, and positioned on the inner side of the corresponding surface support portion 747a on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsa. For example, in the present embodiment, each holder through-hole 74c extends to reach both the spring intermediate portion 741 and the outer contact portion 743. That is, each holder through-hole 74c includes: the axial hole part 74d extending in the unit axial direction Dsa through the outer contact portion 743; and the axial extension part 74e formed along the outer peripheral surface of the spring intermediate portion 741 facing the outside in the unit radial direction Dsr.The axial extension part 74e has the shape of a groove extending from the axial hole part 74d in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0234] As in the Fig. 28 and Fig. 30, at each of the three locations where the corresponding intermediate release stopper 747 and the corresponding holder through-hole 74c are formed, the corresponding holder through-hole 74c is arranged such that the holder through-hole 74c is located on the other side of the corresponding surface-forming portion 747c on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and overlaps with the entire corresponding surface-forming portion 747c on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. In other words, as shown in Fig. 30, in the axial view in the unit axial direction Dsa, the entire surface forming portion 747c on the other side is located within the area occupied by the corresponding holder through hole 74c.

[0235] In addition, the surface forming portion 673c on one side does not have the inclined surface 673e (see Fig. 16) of the seventh embodiment. That is, the surface of the surface-forming portion 673c on the one side opposite to the surface 673d on the other side is not formed as an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, but corresponds to, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the unit center axis Cs.

[0236] According to the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, since the holder through-hole 74c is formed in the intermediate holder 74 as described above, it is possible to prevent the undercuts in the mold at the time of forming the intermediate holder 74 made of the resin.

[0237] The rest of the present embodiment, other than the points described above, is the same as the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment.

[0238] Also in the present embodiment, the one-side holder 67, like the seventh embodiment, serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed by them, includes the first coil spring 65, which is an elastic member. Furthermore, the one-side release stopper 673 serves as the primary release stopper of the present disclosure, and the intermediate release stoppers 747 serve as the secondary release stoppers of the present disclosure. (Fourteenth Embodiment)

[0239] Next, the fourteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the tenth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0240] As in the Fig. 31 to 33, in the present embodiment, the shape of the release stopper 673 on one side of the holder 67 on the one hand and the shape of the release stopper 685 on the other side of the holder 68 on the other hand are correspondingly different from those of the tenth embodiment. In Fig. 32 are the leaf spring 61 and the coupling rod 76 ( Fig. 19) omitted.

[0241] Specifically, the one-side surface support portion 673a of the release stopper 673 includes a tubular base portion 673g and a plurality of extension portions 673h. The one-side surface support portion 673a is positioned on the outside of the intermediate holder 74 in the unit radial direction Dsr, with a radial clearance C1 being maintained between the intermediate holder 74 and the one-side surface support portion 673a. Therefore, the one-side surface support portion 673a is positioned on the outside of the first coil spring 65, the second coil spring 66, and the intermediate holder 74 in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0242] The tubular base portion 673g of the surface support portion 673a on one side is formed into a cylindrical tubular shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs and extends from an outer periphery of the contact portion 672 on one side toward the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0243] The number of extension portions 673h of the surface support portion 673a on one side is, for example, three, and these extension portions 673h protrude from one end of the tubular base portion 673g facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa to the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. These extension portions 673h are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0244] Further, the tubular base portion 673g has an outer peripheral surface 673i extending continuously in the unit axial direction Dsa from the tubular base portion 673g to the extending portions 673h.

[0245] Each of the one-side surface-forming portions 673c of the present embodiment protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsa from the end portion of the one-side extending portion 673h of the surface support portion 673a facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, the number of the one-side surface-forming portions 673c of the present embodiment is equal to the number of the extending portions 673h. Each of the extending portions 673h can be elastically deformed to displace the corresponding one-side surface-forming portion 673c both inward and outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0246] Further, the one-side surface forming portion 673c of the present embodiment has the one-side surface 673d and the inclined surface 673e as in the tenth embodiment.

[0247] The release stopper 685 on the other side of the present embodiment does not have the portions corresponding to the surface support portions 685a on the other side and the surface forming portions 685c on the other side of the tenth embodiment. The release stopper 685 on the other side of the present embodiment is formed in a cylindrical tubular shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs and extends from an outer periphery of the contact portion 682 on the other side in the unit axial direction Das to one side. The release stopper 685 on the other side is arranged to surround the surface support portion 683a on the one side in the circumferential direction.For example, the holder 67 on one side, the intermediate holder 74, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66 are accommodated inside the release stopper 685 on the other side, which is designed in the cylindrical tube shape.

[0248] The release stopper 685, on the other hand, has an inner peripheral surface 685f extending in the unit axial direction Dsa. This inner peripheral surface 685f is opposite to and in sliding contact with the outer peripheral surface 673i of the surface support portion 673a on one side in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0249] Therefore, the surface support portion 673a on one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side allow relative movement between the holder 67 on the one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa, and restrict relative movement between the holder 67 on the one side and the holder 68 on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsa by bringing the outer peripheral surface 673i and the inner peripheral surface 685f into sliding contact. That is, in the present embodiment, the release stopper 685 on the other side plays the same role as the outer guide portion 69 of the tenth embodiment, and the surface support portion 673a on the one side plays the same role as the inner guide portion 70 of the tenth embodiment. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 (see Fig. 19) is not provided.

[0250] The release stopper 685 on the other side has a plurality of wall holes 685g extending through the release stopper 685 on the other side in the unit radial direction Dsr. The number of wall holes 685g is equal to the number of surface-forming portions 673c on the one side, and each of the wall holes 685g is positioned at a location corresponding to the corresponding surface-forming portions 673c on the one side. Therefore, the wall holes 685g are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc, just like the surface-forming portions 673c on the one side.

[0251] Each of the surface-forming portions 673c on one side is fitted into the corresponding wall hole 685g of the release stopper 685 on the other side from the inside of the corresponding wall hole 685g in the unit radial direction Dsr. Furthermore, the other-side surface 685d, which faces the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and is opposite to the corresponding surface 673d on the one side, is formed at one end of each wall hole 685g of the release stopper 685 on the other side, which is closer to the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0252] Due to the above-described configuration of the release stopper 673 on one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side, the release stopper 673 on one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side also form the locking structure in the present embodiment, as in the tenth embodiment.

[0253] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the release stopper 673 on one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side constitute the locking structure. In addition, the relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side is permitted in the unit axial direction Dsa, while the relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the holder 68 on the other side is restricted in the unit radial direction Dsr. In short, the release stopper 673 on the one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side also serve as a guide portion that guides the holder 67 on the one side relative to the holder 68 on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. Therefore, it is not necessary to provide a part or parts corresponding to this guide portion separately from the release stopper 673 on the one side and the release stopper 685 on the other side.

[0254] The rest of the present embodiment other than the points described above is the same as that of the tenth embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the tenth embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the tenth embodiment. (Fifteenth Embodiment)

[0255] Next, the fifteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the seventh embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0256] As in the Fig. As shown in FIGS. 34 to 36, although the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 of the present embodiment restrict the relative movement between the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 in the unit axial direction Dsa, the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stoppers 747 do not constitute the locking structure. The present embodiment differs from the seventh embodiment in this respect.

[0257] In the present embodiment, the one-side holder 67 serves as the first holder of the present disclosure, and the intermediate holder 74 serves as the second holder of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the elastic device of the present disclosure, which is sandwiched between the first holder and the second holder and compressed and deformed by them, includes the first coil spring 65, which corresponds to an elastic member. Furthermore, the one-side release stopper 673 serves as the primary release stopper of the present disclosure, and the intermediate release stoppers 747 serve as the secondary release stoppers of the present disclosure.

[0258] In the present embodiment, the surface support portion 673a on one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side is formed in a cylindrical tube shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs, and extends from an outer periphery of the contact portion 672 on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa to the other side.

[0259] The surface support portion 673a on one side surrounds the one end portion 651 of the first coil spring 65.

[0260] The one-side surface forming portion 673c of the one-side release stopper 673 is not formed to extend around the one-side surface supporting portion 673a. Instead, a plurality of one-side surface forming portions 673c are arranged in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. For example, the plurality of one-side surface forming portions 673c are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. In the present embodiment, the number of one-side surface forming portions 673c is two, and these two one-side surface forming portions 673c are arranged at 180-degree intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0261] As in the seventh embodiment, each of the one-side surface-forming portions 673c protrudes in the unit radial direction Dsa from the end portion of the corresponding one-side surface support portion 673a facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. As in the seventh embodiment, the one-side surface 673d facing the one-side in the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on each of the one-side surface-forming portions 673c. However, the surface of the one-side surface-forming portion 673c opposite to the one-side surface 673d is not formed as an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit central axis Cs, but is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the unit central axis Cs.

[0262] The surface support portion 747a on the other side of the intermediate release stopper 747 is formed in a cylindrical tubular shape coaxial with the unit center axis Cs and extends from an outer periphery of the outer contact portion 743 toward the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The surface support portion 747a on the other side is positioned in the unit radial direction Dsr on the outer side of the surface forming portions 673c on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side. In both the non-depressed state and the most depressed state of the pedal 40, the surface forming portions 673c on the one side are received in the unit radial direction Dsr on the inner side of the surface support portion 747a on the other side.

[0263] The surface-forming portion 747c on the other side of the intermediate release stopper 747 is not formed to extend around the surface support portion 747a on the other side. Instead, a plurality of surface-forming portions 747c on the other side are arranged in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. For example, the plurality of surface-forming portions 747c on the other side are arranged at equal intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. In the present embodiment, the number of surface-forming portions 747c on the other side is two, and these two surface-forming portions 747c on the other side are arranged at 180-degree intervals in the unit circumferential direction Dsc.

[0264] As in the seventh embodiment, each of the other-side surface-forming portions 747c protrudes inward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the end portion of the other-side surface support portion 747a facing the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa. As in the seventh embodiment, the other-side surface 747d facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa is formed on each of the other-side surface-forming portions 747c. However, the surface of the other-side surface-forming portion 747c opposite to the other-side surface 747d is not formed as an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit central axis Cs, but is, for example, a flat surface perpendicular to the unit central axis Cs.

[0265] As in the seventh embodiment, each of the other-side surface-forming portions 747c is positioned in the unit axial direction Dsa on one side relative to the corresponding one-side surface-forming portion 673c. Furthermore, each one-side surface-forming portion 673c and the corresponding other-side surface-forming portion 747c are arranged so that the one-side surface 673d and the other-side surface 747d overlap each other when viewed in the unit axial direction Dsa.

[0266] Since, as described above, the plurality of surface forming portions 747c on the other side in the unit circumferential direction Dsc are arranged at the intervals as shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 34, intermediate portions, each of which is located between the other-side surface-forming portions 747c, are formed in the shape of a groove. In other words, the intermediate release stopper 747 has a plurality of other-side surface-intermediate grooves 747f, each of which is formed between two corresponding other-side surface-forming portions 747c in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. The number of other-side surface-intermediate grooves 747f is equal to the number of other-side surface-forming portions 747c.

[0267] In addition, the holder 67 on one side can rotate relative to the intermediate holder 74 about the unit center axis Cs, although there is a frictional resistance between the holder 67 on the one side and the first coil spring 65. For example, if the holder 67 on the one side rotates relative to the intermediate holder 74 about the unit center axis Cs from the Fig. 34, there is no obstacle on the radially inner side of the surface support portion 747a on the other side which would hinder the rotation of the holder 67 on one side.

[0268] When the holder 67 on one side is displaced relative to the intermediate holder 74 by a predetermined angle around the unit center axis Cs from the position shown in Fig. 34, the plurality of surface-forming portions 673c on one side overlap with the plurality of surface-intermediate grooves 747f on the other side, respectively, as viewed in the unit axial direction Dsa. In this case, as viewed in the unit axial direction Dsa, each of the plurality of surface-forming portions 673c on the one side is positioned within a range occupied by the corresponding one of the plurality of surface-intermediate grooves 747f on the other side, without protruding from this range.

[0269] Therefore, it can be said that each of the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 of the present embodiment has a corresponding shape that allows a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement, both of which are described below.

[0270] The predetermined relative rotation refers to the relative rotation between the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 in the unit circumferential direction Dsc by the above-described predetermined angle from a reference state (that is, a state shown in Fig. 34) in which the surface 673d on one side and the surface 747d on the other side face each other. In the present embodiment, this predetermined angle is 90 degrees, and the relative rotation can be either clockwise or counterclockwise in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. The state in which the holder 67 on the one side and the intermediate holder 74 have undergone relative rotation by the predetermined angle in the unit circumferential direction Dsc from the reference state is referred to as a predetermined angle rotation state.

[0271] Moreover, the predetermined relative movement refers to the relative movement between the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 in the unit axial direction Dsa in the above-described predetermined angle rotation state such that the surface forming portion 673c on one side moves relative to the surface forming portion 747c on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa from the other side to the one side.

[0272] Since the configurations of the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 are as described above, in the present embodiment, as shown in Fig. 37, the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 are coupled together to complete an assembly of the holder 67 on the one side, the intermediate holder 74 and the first coil spring 65.

[0273] A method for coupling the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 is described. First, as shown in Fig. 37, the one-side retainer 67, the intermediate retainer 74, and the first coil spring 65 are each prepared individually. Then, in a state where the first coil spring 65 is clamped between the one-side contact portion 672 and the inner contact portion 742, the one-side retainer 67 and the first coil spring 65 are brought closer to the intermediate retainer 74 from the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa, as indicated by arrows A1, A2.

[0274] At this time, a rotational position of the holder 67 on the one side in the unit circumferential direction Dsc is such that each surface forming portion 673c on the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa completely overlaps with the corresponding surface intermediate groove 747f on the other side. Furthermore, the holder 67 on the one side is relatively moved in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the intermediate holder 74 until each surface forming portion 673c on the one side moves in the unit axial direction Dsa from one side to the other side relative to the corresponding surface forming portion 747c on the other side via the corresponding surface intermediate groove 747f on the other side.

[0275] Subsequently, the one-side holder 67 is rotated relative to the intermediate holder 74 by the above-described predetermined angle in the unit circumferential direction Dsc. Consequently, the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 reach the Fig. 34. The method for coupling the holder 67 on one side and the intermediate holder 74 is as described above.

[0276] In the present embodiment, since the one-side holder 67 and the intermediate holder 74 can be coupled to each other by the above-described method instead of the locking structure, it is not necessary to form the one-side release stopper 673 and the intermediate release stopper 747 from the material that is elastically deformable.

[0277] The rest of the present embodiment, other than the points described above, is the same as the seventh embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the seventh embodiment described above can be obtained in the same manner as in the seventh embodiment. (Sixteenth Embodiment)

[0278] Next, the sixteenth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, points different from the fourth embodiment described above will be mainly described.

[0279] As in Fig. 38, the holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment is coupled to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 by a snap connection and not by the screw fastening.

[0280] Therefore, the holder 68 on the other side of the present embodiment includes a snap-in portion 686 in addition to the inner guide portion 70, the contact portion 682 on the other side, and the release stopper 685 on the other side. The holder 68 on the other side is made of, for example, resin, and the inner guide portion 70, the contact portion 682 on the other side, the release stoppers 685 on the other side, and the snap-in portion 686 are integrally formed in one piece as a single component.

[0281] Specifically, the latching portion 686 includes a pair of raster extensions 686a and a pair of latching claws 686b. For example, the pair of raster extensions 686a are arranged symmetrically around the unit center axis Cs, and the pair of latching claws 686b are also arranged symmetrically around the unit center axis Cs. One of the pair of latching claws 686b is coupled to one of the raster extensions 686a, and the other of the pair of latching claws 686b is coupled to the other of the raster extensions 686a.

[0282] Specifically, the ridge extensions 686a protrude from the contact portion 682 on the other side or the inner guide portion 70 toward the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa and extend in the unit axial direction Dsa. The ridge extensions 686a are inserted through a through hole 612b formed at the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. The ridge extensions 686a can be bent by elastic deformation of the ridge extensions 686a.

[0283] Each of the locking claws 686b protrudes outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the corresponding pitch extension 686a at a position on the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa relative to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61. Furthermore, each locking claw 686b extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr from the corresponding pitch extension 686a to a position beyond the through-hole 612b.

[0284] Furthermore, each locking claw 686b includes a claw surface 686c on one side facing one side in the unit axial direction Dsa; and an inclined claw surface 686d facing the other side in the unit axial direction Dsa. The claw surface 686c on the one side corresponds to a surface facing one side in the unit axial direction Dsa and opposing and contacting the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61 around the through hole 612b. In addition, the inclined claw surface 686d corresponds to an inclined surface inclined relative to the unit center axis Cs, such that the inclined claw surface 686d progressively approaches the one side in the unit axial direction Dsa as the inclined claw surface 686d extends outward in the unit radial direction Dsr.

[0285] The rest of the present embodiment other than the above-described point is the same as the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the advantages achieved by the common configuration with the above-described fourth embodiment can be obtained in the same manner as in the fourth embodiment. (Other embodiments)

[0286] (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the pedal device 1 is used as the brake pedal device. However, this is only an example. For example, the pedal device 1 may be used as an accelerator pedal device operated to adjust an output of a drive power source of the vehicle 80. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 may correspond to any of various devices operated by the foot of the driver 81.

[0287] (2) In each of the above-described embodiments, the carrier body, as shown in the Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, which supports the pedal 40 slidably about the pedal center axis CL, a housing that includes the housing 10 and the base plate 20, and accommodates the reaction force generating mechanism 60. However, this is only an example. The support body is not necessarily formed as the housing and does not have to accommodate the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0288] (3) In the first embodiment described above, the elastic members 65, 66 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 comprise, as shown in Fig. 5, the first coil spring 65 and the second coil spring 66. However, this is only an example. In addition, each of the elastic members 65, 66 may possibly be an elastic body (device) such as rubber or an air spring instead of the coil spring.

[0289] (4) In the fifteenth embodiment described above, the Fig. For example, the one-side holder 67 shown in Figure 35 is made of resin. However, the material of the one-side holder 67 is not limited to a specific material, and it may be made of metal.

[0290] When the one-side holder 67 is made of metal, the resistance to the contact pressure of the coupling rod 76 pressing on the depressible surface 67a of the one-side holder 67 can be increased compared to the case where the one-side holder 67 is made of resin. Furthermore, the one-side holder 67 is less likely to be deformed, and thereby it is possible to prevent the outer guide portion 69 and the inner guide portion 70 from rubbing against each other in response to the deformation of the one-side holder 67.

[0291] Furthermore, in the fifteenth embodiment, the Fig. For example, the intermediate holder 74 shown in Figure 35 is made of resin. However, the material of the intermediate holder 74 is not limited to this material. The intermediate holder 74 can easily be made of metal, for example.

[0292] (5) In the first embodiment described above, the Fig. 5 is made of resin, and the inner guide portion 70 is made of metal. However, the material of the spring seat member 684 and the material of the inner guide portion 70 are not limited to these materials. For example, the spring seat member 684 may be made of metal, and the inner guide portion 70 may be made of resin. Alternatively, both the spring seat member 684 and the inner guide portion 70 may be made of resin or metal.

[0293] (6) In the first embodiment described above, the holder 68 on the other side is fixed by screwing with the fixing member 62 to the other end portion 612 of the leaf spring 61, as shown in the Fig. 3 and Fig. 5. However, this is only an example. For example, the holder 68 on the other side can be attached directly to the base plate 20, for example by screwing to the fastening element 62, without the leaf spring 61 being provided.

[0294] (7) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Fig. 5, the inner guide portion 70 is formed as the separate component formed separately from the spring seat member 684, which includes the other-side contact portion 682 and the spring guide portion 683. However, this is only an example. The inner guide portion 70, the other-side contact portion 682, and the spring guide portion 683 may, for example, be integrally formed in one piece as a one-piece component, for example, by insert molding.

[0295] (8) In the first embodiment described above, the pressing portion 762 of the Fig. For example, the coupling rod 76 shown in Figure 5 is made of resin. However, the material of the pressing portion 762 is not limited to any one material and may be made of metal.

[0296] When the pressing portion 762 is made of the metal, it is possible to increase the resistance to the contact pressure of the pressing portion 762 of the coupling rod 76 pressing the depressible surface 67a of the holder 67 on one side, compared with the case where the pressing portion 762 is made of the resin.

[0297] (9) In the first embodiment described above, with reference to Fig. 5, in the cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, the inner peripheral surface 691 of the outer guide portion 69 and the outer peripheral surface 701 of the inner guide portion 70 respectively have the circular shape centered on the unit central axis Cs. However, this is only an example. In the cross section perpendicular to the unit axial direction Dsa, both the inner peripheral surface 691 and the outer peripheral surface 701 may have an elliptical or polygonal shape.

[0298] (10) In each of the above-described embodiments, the pedal device 1 corresponds to the standing type pedal device shown in Fig. 2. However, this is only an example. For example, the pedal device 1 may correspond to a hanging type pedal device.

[0299] (11) In the first embodiment, as shown in Fig. 5, the surface 747d on the other side of each intermediate release stopper 747 in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 is not in contact with the surface 673d on the one side of the release stopper 673 on the one side and is spaced apart therefrom in the unit axial direction Dsa. For example, the surface 747d on the other side of each intermediate release stopper 747 in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, as shown in Fig. 5, be in contact with the surface 673d on one side of the release stop 673 on one side.

[0300] (12) In the first and thirteenth embodiments, as shown in the Fig. 5 and Fig. 28, each holder through-hole 74c of the intermediate holder 74 is formed to reach both the spring intermediate portion 741 and the outer contact portion 743. However, this is only an example. For example, in a case where the spring intermediate portion 741 does not overlap at all with the entire surface forming portion 747c on the other side when viewed in the unit axial direction Dsa, the holder through-hole 74c may be formed only in the outer contact portion 743 without extending to the spring intermediate portion 741.

[0301] (13) In the second embodiment, as shown in Fig.11, the holder 67 on one side includes the outer guide portion 69, and the holder 68 on the other side includes the inner guide portion 70. However, this is only an example. Conversely, for example, the outer guide portion 69 may be included in the holder 68 on the other side, and the inner guide portion 70 may be included in the holder 67 on one side without any problems.

[0302] (14) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments and may be implemented in various variations. Furthermore, the above embodiments are not unrelated to each other and may be appropriately combined with each other unless the combination is clearly impossible.

[0303] Of course, in each of the embodiments described above, the elements of the embodiment are not necessarily essential unless it is clearly stated that they are essential and when they are clearly considered to be fundamentally essential. In each of the above embodiments, the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to a numerical value, such as the number, numerical value, quantity, range, or the like, of the constituent elements of the embodiment when such a value is mentioned, unless it is clearly stated that it is essential and / or fundamentally required.In each of the above embodiments, when mentioning the material, shape, positional relationship, or the like of the constituent elements of the embodiment, the present disclosure shall not be limited to the material, shape, positional relationship, or the like of the constituent elements of the embodiment unless it is clearly stated that it is essential and / or fundamentally required. (Features of the present disclosure)(First aspect)

[0304] According to a first aspect, a pedal device for a vehicle (80) is provided, comprising: a support body (10, 20) configured to be installed on a vehicle body (2) of the vehicle; a pedal (40) configured to oscillate relative to the support body and configured to be depressed by a human driver (81) of the vehicle from a predetermined actuation side of the pedal; and a reaction force generating mechanism (60) carried by the support body and arranged on a counter-operation side of the pedal opposite to the operation side of the pedal, the reaction force generating mechanism being configured to generate a reaction force against a depression force exerted on the pedal by the human driver, wherein: the reaction force generation mechanism includes: an elastic device comprising at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75, 85) elastically deformable in one direction (Dsa); a first holder (67, 74) in contact with the elastic device from a side in the one direction, which is a side on which the pedal is arranged, the first holder having a primary release stop (673, 749); and a second holder (68, 74) in contact with the elastic device from another side in the one direction which is a side opposite to the one side, the second holder having a secondary release stop (685, 747); the pedal is configured to restrict movement of the first holder toward the one side in the one direction to maintain a compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in the one direction when the pedal is in a non-depressed state in which the pedal is not depressed by the human driver; and when the pedal no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the first holder towards the one side in the one direction, the secondary release stop abuts the primary release stop in the one direction to restrict the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond a predetermined limit in the one direction towards the one side. (Second aspect)

[0305] According to a second aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to the first aspect, wherein the elastic device is maintained in the compressed and deformed state in the one direction even when the secondary release stopper is in contact with the primary release stopper. (Third aspect)

[0306] According to a third aspect, the pedal device according to the first aspect or the second aspect is provided, wherein the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one coil spring. (Fourth aspect)

[0307] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a first coil spring (65) and a second coil spring (66) which are coupled in series in a transmission path of the depression force and are elastically deformable in one direction; and the at least one elastic element corresponds to the first coil spring and / or the second coil spring. (Fifth aspect)

[0308] According to a fifth aspect, the pedal device according to the fourth aspect is provided, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises an intermediate holder (74) arranged in the transmission path of the depression force between the first coil spring and the second coil spring; and the intermediate holder is provided as one of: the first holder; the second holder; and another component which is different from the first holder and the second holder. (Sixth aspect)

[0309] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein both the first holder and the second holder are made of resin or metal. (Seventh aspect)

[0310] According to a seventh aspect, the pedal device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects is provided, wherein the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of holders (67, 68, 74), the plurality of holders being coupled in series via the at least one elastic element in a transmission path of the depression force and being relatively movable relative to one another in the one direction; the plurality of holders comprises the first holder and the second holder; a holder (67) on one side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest on one side in the one direction from the plurality of holders, and a holder (68) on the other side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest on the other side in the one direction from the plurality of holders, and one of the holder on the one side and the holder on the other side comprises an outer guide portion (69, 685) which is designed in a tubular shape extending in the one direction; and the other of the holder on one side and the holder on the other side comprises an inner guide portion (70, 673a) which is fitted into the outer guide portion so that the inner guide portion and the outer guide portion are relatively movable relative to each other in the one direction. (Eighth aspect)

[0311] According to an eighth aspect, the pedal device according to the seventh aspect is provided, wherein: the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one helical spring; and the outer guide portion is arranged on a radially inner side of the at least one coil spring. (Ninth aspect)

[0312] According to a ninth aspect, the pedal device according to the seventh aspect is provided, wherein: the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one helical spring; and the inner guide portion is arranged on a radially outer side of the at least one coil spring. (Tenth aspect)

[0313] According to a tenth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of holders (67, 68, 74), the plurality of holders being coupled in series via the at least one elastic element in a transmission path of the depression force and being relatively movable relative to one another in the one direction; the plurality of holders comprises the first holder and the second holder; the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a leaf spring (61) having one end portion (611) and another end portion (612); one end portion of the leaf spring is attached to the support body; and a holder (68) on the other side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest on the other side in one direction from the plurality of holders and is coupled to the other end portion of the leaf spring, so that the holder on the other side is not movable relative to the other end portion of the leaf spring. (Eleventh aspect)

[0314] According to an eleventh aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein: the primary release stop and the secondary release stop form a locking structure; and when the pedal no longer restricts the movement of the first holder towards the one side in the one direction and thus releases it, the secondary release stop restricts the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond the predetermined limit in the one direction towards the one side by means of the locking structure. (Twelfth aspect)

[0315] According to a twelfth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, wherein: the primary release stopper has a surface-forming portion (673c) on one side, the surface-forming portion on one side having a surface (673d) on one side facing the one side in the one direction; the secondary release stopper has a surface-forming portion (747c) on the other side having a surface (747d) on the other side, the surface on the other side being arranged relative to and overlapping the surface on the one side in the one direction on the one side, and thereby the surface on the other side is opposite to the surface on the one side; when the secondary release stop abuts the primary release stop in one direction, the surface on the other side abuts the surface on one side; both the first holder and the second holder have a corresponding shape that allows a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement between the first holder and the second holder; the predetermined relative rotation is defined as a relative rotation between the first holder and the second holder by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction (Dsc) about a central axis (Cs) of the elastic device extending in one direction, starting from a reference state in which the surface on one side and the surface on the other side are opposite to each other; and the predetermined relative movement is defined as a relative movement between the first holder and the second holder in the one direction, which is carried out such that the surface forming portion on one side, in a state in which the first holder and the second holder have relatively rotated by the predetermined angle in the circumferential direction from the reference state, moves relative to the surface forming portion on the other side from the other side to the one side in the one direction. (Thirteenth aspect)

[0316] According to a thirteenth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the pedal corresponds to a brake pedal. (Fourteenth aspect)

[0317] According to a fourteenth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein: the reaction force generation mechanism includes: a coil spring (66) on the other side, which is in contact with the second holder (74) from the other side in one direction and is elastically deformable in one direction; and a holder (68) on the other side which is in contact with the coil spring on the other side from the other side in one direction, the holder having a projection (70) on the other side; the pedal, in the non-depressed state of the pedal, restricts the movement of the first holder (67) toward the one side in the one direction to maintain the compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in the one direction and also a compressed and deformed state of the coil spring on the other side in the one direction; the second holder has an insertion hole (74a) extending in one direction through the second holder; the projection extends in one direction and is inserted through an interior of the coil spring on the other side on a radially inner side of the coil spring on the other side; the projection is inserted through the insertion hole in the non-depressed state of the pedal; and even if the pedal no longer restricts the movement of the first holder towards one side in one direction and thus releases it to extend the coil spring on the other side to a free length of the coil spring on the other side, the projection is inserted through the insertion hole. (Fifteenth aspect)

[0318] According to a fifteenth aspect, there is provided the pedal device according to the first aspect or the second aspect, wherein: the at least one elastic element corresponds to a first coil spring (65); and the reaction force generation mechanism includes: a second coil spring (66) which is in contact with the second holder (74) from the other side in one direction and is elastically deformable in one direction; and a holder (68) on the other side which is in contact with the second coil spring from the other side in one direction; the pedal, in the non-depressed state of the pedal, restricts the movement of the first holder (67) toward the one side in the one direction to maintain the compressed and deformed state of the first coil spring in the one direction and also a compressed and deformed state of the second coil spring in the one direction; an outer diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than an inner diameter of the second coil spring; a portion of the first coil spring in a radial direction (Dsr) of the first coil spring is arranged on an inner side of the second coil spring and overlaps with the second coil spring in the radial direction; the second holder has: a spring intermediate portion (741) configured in a tubular shape extending in one direction and disposed in the radial direction between the first coil spring and the second coil spring; an inner contact portion (742) extending inwardly from the spring intermediate portion in the radial direction and in contact with the first coil spring from the other side in the one direction; and an outer contact portion (743) extending outward from the spring intermediate portion in the radial direction and in contact with the second coil spring from one side in the one direction; the primary release stopper (673) has a surface-forming portion (673c) on one side, the surface-forming portion on one side having a surface (673d) on the one side facing the one side in the one direction and being arranged on an outer side of the first coil spring in the radial direction; the secondary release stop (747) has: a surface support portion (747a) on the other side, which is arranged in the radial direction on an outer side of the surface forming portion on the one side and extends from the outer contact portion toward the one side in the one direction; and a surface-forming portion (747c) on the other side having a surface (747d) on the other side, the surface on the other side being arranged relative to the surface on the one side and overlapping therewith in the one direction, whereby the surface on the other side is opposed to the surface on the one side, and the surface-forming portion on the other side protrudes inward from the surface support portion on the other side in the radial direction; and when the secondary release stop hits the primary release stop in one direction, the surface on the other side hits the surface on one side. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] JP 2022-85295

[0001] JP 2014-84091 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Pedal device for a vehicle (80), comprising: a support body (10, 20) configured to be installed on a vehicle body (2) of the vehicle; a pedal (40) configured to oscillate relative to the support body and configured to be depressed by a human driver (81) of the vehicle from a predetermined actuation side of the pedal; and a reaction force generating mechanism (60) carried by the support body and arranged on a counter-operation side of the pedal opposite to the operation side of the pedal, the reaction force generating mechanism being configured to generate a reaction force against a depression force exerted on the pedal by the human driver, wherein: the reaction force generation mechanism includes: an elastic device comprising at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75, 85) elastically deformable in one direction (Dsa); a first holder (67, 74) in contact with the elastic device from a side in the one direction, which is a side on which the pedal is arranged, the first holder having a primary release stop (673, 749); and a second holder (68, 74) in contact with the elastic device from another side in the one direction which is a side opposite to the one side, the second holder having a secondary release stop (685, 747); the pedal is configured to restrict movement of the first holder toward the one side in the one direction to maintain a compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in the one direction when the pedal is in a non-depressed state in which the pedal is not depressed by the human driver; and when the pedal no longer restricts and thus releases the movement of the first holder towards the one side in the one direction, the secondary release stop abuts the primary release stop in the one direction to restrict the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond a predetermined limit in the one direction towards the one side. [2] The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic device is maintained in the compressed and deformed state in the one direction even when the secondary release stopper is in contact with the primary release stopper. [3] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one coil spring. [4] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a first coil spring (65) and a second coil spring (66) which are coupled in series in a transmission path of the depression force and are elastically deformable in one direction; and the at least one elastic element corresponds to the first coil spring and / or the second coil spring. [5] Pedal device according to claim 4, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises an intermediate holder (74) arranged in the transmission path of the depression force between the first coil spring and the second coil spring; and the intermediate holder is provided as one of: the first holder; the second holder; and another component which is different from the first holder and the second holder. [6] The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein both the first holder and the second holder are made of resin or metal. [7] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of holders (67, 68, 74), the plurality of holders being coupled in series via the at least one elastic element in a transmission path of the depression force and being relatively movable relative to one another in the one direction; the plurality of holders comprises the first holder and the second holder; a holder (67) on one side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest in one direction from the plurality of holders on one side, and a holder (68) on the other side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest in one direction from the plurality of holders on the other side, and one of the holder on the one side and the holder on the other side comprises an outer guide portion (69, 685) which is designed in a tubular shape extending in the one direction; and the other of the holder on one side and the holder on the other side comprises an inner guide portion (70, 673a) which is fitted into the outer guide portion so that the inner guide portion and the outer guide portion are relatively movable relative to each other in the one direction. [8] Pedal device according to claim 7, wherein: the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one helical spring; and the outer guide portion is arranged on a radially inner side of the at least one coil spring. [9] Pedal device according to claim 7, wherein: the at least one elastic element (65, 66, 75) corresponds to at least one helical spring; and the inner guide portion is arranged on a radially outer side of the at least one coil spring. [10] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a plurality of holders (67, 68, 74), the plurality of holders being coupled in series via the at least one elastic element in a transmission path of the depression force and being relatively movable relative to one another in the one direction; the plurality of holders comprises the first holder and the second holder; the reaction force generating mechanism comprises a leaf spring (61) having one end portion (611) and another end portion (612); one end portion of the leaf spring is attached to the support body; and a holder (68) on the other side of the plurality of holders is positioned furthest on the other side in one direction from the plurality of holders and is coupled to the other end portion of the leaf spring, so that the holder on the other side is not movable relative to the other end portion of the leaf spring. [11] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the primary release stop and the secondary release stop form a locking structure; and when the pedal no longer restricts the movement of the first holder towards the one side in the one direction and thus releases it, the secondary release stop restricts the movement of the first holder relative to the second holder beyond the predetermined limit in the one direction towards the one side by means of the locking structure. [12] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the primary release stopper has a surface-forming portion (673c) on one side, the surface-forming portion on one side having a surface (673d) on one side facing the one side in the one direction; the secondary release stopper has a surface-forming portion (747c) on the other side having a surface (747d) on the other side, the surface on the other side being arranged relative to and overlapping the surface on the one side in the one direction on the one side, and thereby the surface on the other side is opposite to the surface on the one side; when the secondary release stop abuts the primary release stop in one direction, the surface on the other side abuts the surface on one side; both the first holder and the second holder have a corresponding shape that allows a predetermined relative rotation and a predetermined relative movement between the first holder and the second holder; the predetermined relative rotation is defined as a relative rotation between the first holder and the second holder by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction (Dsc) about a central axis (Cs) of the elastic device extending in one direction, starting from a reference state in which the surface on one side and the surface on the other side are opposite to each other; and the predetermined relative movement is defined as a relative movement between the first holder and the second holder in the one direction, which is carried out such that the surface forming portion on one side, in a state in which the first holder and the second holder have relatively rotated by the predetermined angle in the circumferential direction from the reference state, moves relative to the surface forming portion on the other side from the other side to the one side in the one direction. [13] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the pedal corresponds to a brake pedal. [14] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the reaction force generation mechanism includes: a coil spring (66) on the other side, which is in contact with the second holder (74) from the other side in one direction and is elastically deformable in one direction; and a holder (68) on the other side which is in contact with the coil spring on the other side from the other side in one direction, the holder having a projection (70) on the other side; the pedal, in the non-depressed state of the pedal, restricts the movement of the first holder (67) toward the one side in the one direction to maintain the compressed and deformed state of the elastic device in the one direction and also a compressed and deformed state of the coil spring on the other side in the one direction; the second holder has an insertion hole (74a) extending in one direction through the second holder; the projection extends in one direction and is inserted through an interior of the coil spring on the other side on a radially inner side of the coil spring on the other side; the projection is inserted through the insertion hole in the non-depressed state of the pedal; and even if the pedal no longer restricts the movement of the first holder towards one side in one direction and thus releases it to extend the coil spring on the other side to a free length of the coil spring on the other side, the projection is inserted through the insertion hole. [15] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: the at least one elastic element corresponds to a first coil spring (65); and the reaction force generation mechanism includes: a second coil spring (66) which is in contact with the second holder (74) from the other side in one direction and is elastically deformable in one direction; and a holder (68) on the other side which is in contact with the second coil spring from the other side in one direction; the pedal, in the non-depressed state of the pedal, restricts the movement of the first holder (67) toward the one side in the one direction to maintain the compressed and deformed state of the first coil spring in the one direction and also a compressed and deformed state of the second coil spring in the one direction; an outer diameter of the first coil spring is smaller than an inner diameter of the second coil spring; a portion of the first coil spring in a radial direction (Dsr) of the first coil spring is arranged on an inner side of the second coil spring and overlaps with the second coil spring in the radial direction; the second holder has: a spring intermediate portion (741) configured in a tubular shape extending in one direction and disposed in the radial direction between the first coil spring and the second coil spring; an inner contact portion (742) extending inwardly from the spring intermediate portion in the radial direction and in contact with the first coil spring from the other side in the one direction; and an outer contact portion (743) extending outward from the spring intermediate portion in the radial direction and in contact with the second coil spring from one side in the one direction; the primary release stopper (673) has a surface-forming portion (673c) on one side, the surface-forming portion on one side having a surface (673d) on the one side facing the one side in the one direction and being arranged on an outer side of the first coil spring in the radial direction; the secondary release stop (747) has: a surface support portion (747a) on the other side, which is arranged in the radial direction on an outer side of the surface forming portion on the one side and extends from the outer contact portion toward the one side in the one direction; and a surface-forming portion (747c) on the other side having a surface (747d) on the other side, the surface on the other side being arranged relative to the surface on the one side and overlapping therewith in the one direction, whereby the surface on the other side is opposed to the surface on the one side, and the surface-forming portion on the other side protrudes inward from the surface support portion on the other side in the radial direction; and when the secondary release stop hits the primary release stop in one direction, the surface on the other side hits the surface on one side.

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