Pedal device

Abstract

A housing is fixed to a vehicle. A pedal arm (20) is provided on the housing such that it can rotate about an axis (CL) within a predetermined angular range, and this pedal arm has a pedal actuation element (21) located on the upper side of the vehicle above the axis (CL), which corresponds to a part that a driver steps on. A cover element (40) is provided on the pedal arm (20), and this cover element covers an area outside the housing (10) in which the pedal arm rotates and operates, that is, a front of the vehicle, a right side in one direction of the vehicle width, and a left side in the direction of the vehicle width, with respect to a pedal working area (23), wholly or partially.

Description

Cross-reference to related registrations

[0001] The present application is based on the Japanese patent application No. 2023-073557 filed on April 27, 2023, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical field

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device which is mounted on a vehicle. General state of the art

[0003] Upright pedal assemblies installed in vehicles are conventionally known. A pedal assembly described in patent document 1 comprises a support plate fixed to a vehicle floor, a pedal body rotatable about a pin provided on the support plate, and a cover element surrounding a section of the pedal body at the rear of the vehicle. The cover element prevents foreign objects, such as carpets, mats, and pebbles, from becoming trapped between a section of the pedal body at the rear of the vehicle and the vehicle floor. State-of-the-art publication; patent document

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP S64-50131 A Summary of the invention

[0005] However, in the pedal device described in patent document 1, there is an area between a section of the pedal body on the front of the vehicle and the vehicle floor that is not covered by the cover element. Therefore, if foreign objects, such as an empty can, become wedged between the floor and the section of the pedal body on the front of the vehicle, the pedal body cannot rotate, and the pedal body may become jammed.

[0006] One objective of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device which can prevent a pedal arm from becoming blocked due to the ingress of a foreign body.

[0007] According to one embodiment of the present disclosure, a stationary pedal device mounted on a vehicle comprises a housing fixed to the vehicle; a pedal arm provided such that it is rotatable within a predetermined angular range about a predetermined axis with respect to the housing, and which has a pedal actuation part as a part to be stepped on by a driver on the upper side of the vehicle above the axis; and a cover element provided on the pedal arm which wholly or partially covers an area outside the housing in which the pedal arm rotates and operates, corresponding to a vehicle front, a right side in a vehicle width direction and a left side in the vehicle width direction with respect to a pedal working area.

[0008] As explained above, if a foreign object of a size that makes it difficult to operate the pedal arm approaches the pedal assembly from the front, right, or left side of the vehicle in the vehicle's width direction, the cover element can prevent the foreign object from entering the pedal's working area. Thus, the pedal assembly can be protected from the pedal arm becoming blocked due to the intrusion of a foreign object into the pedal's working area.

[0009] A reference sign in parentheses, which is added to each component or the like, gives an example of a correspondence between a component or the like and a specific component or the like described in a subsequent embodiment. Brief description of the illustrations Fig. Figure 1 is a side view of a pedal device according to a first embodiment. Fig. 2 is an arrow view in one direction II of Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a sectional view along a line III-III of Fig. 2. Fig. Figure 4 is a sectional view of a fully depressed or actuated state of the pedal device according to the first embodiment. Fig. Figure 5 is a sectional view of a pedal device according to a second embodiment. Fig. Figure 6 is a sectional view of a pedal device according to a third embodiment. Fig. Figure 7 is a sectional view of the fully depressed state of the pedal device according to the third embodiment. Fig. Figure 8 is a sectional view of a pedal device according to a fourth embodiment. Fig. Figure 9 is a sectional view of a pedal device according to a fifth embodiment. Fig. 10 is an arrow view in one direction X from Fig. 9. Fig. Figure 11 is an enlarged view of Section XI in Fig. 9. Fig. 12 is a sectional view along a line XII-XII of Fig. 9. Fig. 13 is a representation of a part accordingly Fig. 10 in a pedal device according to a sixth embodiment. Fig. Figure 14 is a sectional view of a pedal device according to a seventh embodiment. Fig. 15 is a sectional view along a line XV-XV in Fig. 14. Fig. 16 is an arrow view in one direction XXVII of Fig. 14. Fig. 17 is a sectional view of a part accordingly Fig. 15 in a pedal device according to an eighth embodiment. Fig. Figure 18 is a side view of a pedal device according to a ninth embodiment. Fig. 19 is an arrow view in one direction XIX of Fig. 18. Fig. 20 is a representation of a part accordingly Fig. 19 in a pedal device according to a tenth embodiment. Fig. Figure 21 is a side view of a pedal device according to an eleventh embodiment. Fig. 22 is a sectional view along a line XXII-XXII of Fig. 21. Fig. Figure 23 is a side view of a pedal device according to a twelfth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a sectional view along a line XXIV-XXIV of Fig. 23. Fig. 25 is a sectional view of a part accordingly Fig. 24 in a pedal device according to a thirteenth embodiment. Embodiments for carrying out the invention

[0010] Embodiments of the present disclosure are now described with reference to the figures. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and explanations are provided for the same reference numerals. In each figure, the arrows indicate the front of the vehicle, the rear of the vehicle, the upper side of the vehicle, the lower side of the vehicle, the right side in the vehicle width direction, and the left side in the vehicle width direction when the pedal assembly is installed in the vehicle. An upper part of the vehicle may be associated with a direction of the sky when a component is mounted on the vehicle. (First embodiment)

[0011] The first embodiment is described with reference to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. 4 described. The first embodiment describes a brake pedal device as an example of a pedal device installed in a vehicle. The brake pedal device can, for example, be used in a brake-by-wire system. A brake-by-wire system is a system in which an electronic controller installed in the vehicle activates and controls a brake circuit to brake each wheel, based on electrical signals output by a sensor (not shown) provided in a brake pedal device.

[0012] As in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3 to Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pedal assembly is a vertical pedal assembly and comprises a housing 10, a pedal arm 20, a reaction force generation mechanism 30, and a cover element 40. A vertical pedal assembly refers to a configuration in which a pedal actuation part 21, as a portion of the pedal arm 20 that is actuated by a driver, is positioned in a direction towards the sky when mounted on the vehicle, that is, in an upper part of the vehicle relative to a pivot axis CL of the pedal arm 20. Furthermore, in the vertical pedal assembly, a portion of the pedal arm 20 that is located higher in the vehicle than the axis CL rotates in response to an increase in pedal force exerted by the driver on the pedal actuation part 21 and moves towards the floor or front wall of the vehicle.

[0013] The housing 10 is fixed to the floor or front wall of the vehicle by screws or other means not shown. The housing 10 has an interior space 11. The interior space 11 of the housing 10 accommodates a section of the pedal arm 20, a shaft or shaft element 22, the reaction force generation mechanism 30, and the like.

[0014] The housing 10 comprises an upper wall 12, a lower wall 13, a front wall 14, a rear wall 15, a right side wall 16, and a left side wall 17. The upper wall 12 corresponds to a wall of the housing 10 that faces upwards and rearwards in the vehicle, and the lower wall 13 corresponds to a wall of the housing 10 that faces downwards in the vehicle, that is, towards the floor or the front wall. The front wall 14 corresponds to a wall of the housing 10 that faces forwards and upwards in the vehicle, and the rear wall 15 corresponds to the wall of the housing 10 that faces rearwards. The right side wall 16 corresponds to a wall of the housing 10 that faces to the right side of the vehicle in the direction of the vehicle's width, and the left side wall 17 corresponds to a wall of the housing 10 that faces to the left side of the vehicle in the direction of the vehicle's width.

[0015] The housing 10 has an opening 18 in a section of the upper wall 12. The pedal device is configured such that it includes the pedal arm 20 and the reaction force generation mechanism 30, which can be attached and detached via the opening 18 in the housing 10.

[0016] The pedal arm 20 is inserted into the interior 11 of the housing 10 with its rear and lower portion inside the vehicle. It has a central portion that passes through the opening 18, and its front and upper portion is located outside the housing 10. The rear and lower portion of the pedal arm 20 inside the vehicle is rotatably connected to the housing 10 via a shaft element 22. The pedal arm 20 includes the pedal actuation element 21, located on an upper side of the vehicle above the axis CL, which is to be pressed by the driver.

[0017] Fig. Figure 1 shows a state in which the pedal force applied by the driver does not act on the pedal actuation part 21. In the following description, such a state is referred to as an "initial state". Fig. Figure 4, on the other hand, shows the pedal actuation part 21 at its closest approach to the housing 10, when the pedal force is applied by the rider. In the following description, such a state is referred to as a "fully depressed state". In the fully depressed state, the pedal arm 20 comes into contact with a stop 19 provided on the housing 10.

[0018] It should be noted that in Fig. The four positions of the pedal arm 20 and the cover element 40 in their initial state are represented by a single-point dashed line. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the pedal arm 20 rotates and moves within a predetermined angular range about a predetermined axis CL relative to the housing 10. In the first embodiment, the predetermined axis CL coincides with the axis CL of the shaft element 22. In the following description, a range in which the pedal arm 20 rotates and operates outside the housing 10 is referred to as the "pedal working range 23". Fig. 4 The pedal working area 23 is represented by a hatching of dashed lines.

[0019] Within the interior 11 of the housing 10, a reaction force generation mechanism 30 is provided on the side of the pedal arm 20 opposite the pedal actuation part 21. The reaction force generation mechanism 30 generates a reaction force to the pedal force exerted by the driver on the pedal arm 20. By providing the reaction force generation mechanism 30, the pedal assembly can provide the same reaction force as one in which the pedal arm 20 and a master cylinder are connected, even if the mechanical connection between the pedal arm 20 and the master cylinder is not present.

[0020] The reaction force generation mechanism 30 of the first embodiment is composed of a plurality of elastic elements to achieve desired pedal force characteristics. For example, the reaction force generation mechanism 30 comprises a first coil spring 31, a second coil spring 32, a third coil spring 33, a first holder 34, a second holder 35, a third holder 36, a central rod 37, and the like. The central rod 37 is fixed at one end to the lower wall 13 of the housing 10 and extends toward the pedal arm 20. The first holder 34 has an insertion hole 38 through which the central rod 37 is inserted. An inner wall of the insertion hole 38 of the first holder 34 and the central rod 37 slide against each other, and the first holder 34 can move back and forth in the direction in which the central rod 37 extends.An outer wall of the second holder 35 slides against the inner wall of the first holder 34, and the second holder 35 can also move back and forth in the direction in which the central rod 37 extends. The third holder 36 is fixed to a part of the pedal arm 20 opposite the pedal actuation part 21. The first coil spring 31 is arranged between the lower wall 13 of the housing 10 and the first holder 34. The second coil spring 32 is arranged between the first holder 34 and the second holder 35. The third coil spring 33 is arranged between the second holder 35 and the third holder 36. The first coil spring 31, the second coil spring 32, and the third coil spring 33 are all compression coil springs.

[0021] The cover element 40 is provided on the pedal arm 20 and covers all or part of the front of the vehicle, the right side (in the vehicle width direction), and the left side (in the vehicle width direction) with respect to the pedal working area 23. It should be noted that in the first embodiment, the cover element 40 covers a section or part of the front of the vehicle, the right side of the vehicle (in the vehicle width direction), and the left side (in the vehicle width direction) with respect to the pedal working area 23. Therefore, there are areas A and B of the pedal working area 23 of the pedal arm on the front of the vehicle and on the right and left sides of the vehicle (in the vehicle width direction) that are not covered by the cover element 40.

[0022] The cover element 40 is connected to the pedal arm 20 via a portion on one side of the pedal arm 20. The cover element 40, which is manufactured as a separate component from the pedal arm 20, can be connected to the pedal arm 20 or to the pedal actuation part 21. Alternatively, the cover element 40 can be integrally formed with the pedal arm 20 or the pedal actuation part 21.

[0023] Part or all of the material of the cover element 40 is made of resin, rubber, or an elastomer. The resin used as cover element 40 is a material that can be elastically deformed by the rider's pedaling force, such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Furthermore, the rubber or elastomer used as cover element 40 is also a material that deforms under normal pedaling force applied by the rider.

[0024] The cover element 40 comprises a front cover part 41, a right cover part 42, and a left cover part 43. The front cover part 41 corresponds to a section of the cover element 40 that points forward and upward in the vehicle. The right cover part 42 corresponds to a section of the cover element 40 that points to the right in the direction of the vehicle's width, and the left cover part 43 corresponds to a section of the cover element 40 that points to the left in the direction of the vehicle's width.

[0025] In the initial state, at least part of a section of the cover element 40 is located on the side of the housing 10, or a housing-side section of the cover element 40 is located on a lower side of the vehicle below the upper wall 12 of the housing 10. That is, the cover element 40 extends from the pedal arm 20 towards the housing 10, and at least part of the housing-side section of the cover element 40 covers an outer surface of the housing 10. In particular, part of the housing-side section of the front cover element 41 covers an outer surface of the front wall 14 of the housing 10. Part of the housing-side section of the right cover element 42 covers the outer surface of the right side wall 16 of the housing 10, and part of the housing-side section of the left cover element 43 also covers the outer surface of the left side wall 17 of the housing 10.The cover element 40 prevents foreign objects, such as empty cans large enough to obstruct the operation of the pedal arm 20, from entering the pedal working area 23. It should be noted that the section of the cover element 40 on the housing 10 side, or the housing-side section of the cover element 40, corresponds to a section of the cover element 40 which, in its initial state, faces the housing 10 in a normal direction to the front wall 14, the right side wall 16, or the left side wall 17.

[0026] The pedal device of the present embodiment described above exhibits the following effects. (1) In the first embodiment, the cover element 40 provided with the pedal device covers a section at the front of the vehicle, a section on the right side in the vehicle width direction, and a section on the left side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the pedal working area 23. According to the foregoing, if a foreign object of a size that makes it difficult to actuate the pedal arm 20 approaches the pedal device from the front of the vehicle, from the right or left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, the cover element 40 can prevent the foreign object from entering the pedal working area 23. Therefore, the pedal device can prevent the pedal arm 20 from being blocked by the foreign object entering the pedal working area 23. (2) In the first embodiment, the cover element 40 extends from the pedal arm 20 towards the housing 10, with at least part of the housing-side section of the cover element 40 covering the outside of the housing 10. Furthermore, in the pedal device described in patent document 1, a section of the cover on the underside of the vehicle and an element arranged on the floor are screwed together in such a configuration that the assembly steps for fixing the cover element 40 are increased. In contrast, in the first embodiment, without fixing the housing-side section of the cover element 40 to the housing 10 or to the floor, the ingress of foreign objects into the pedal working area 23 can be prevented by covering the outside of the housing 10 with at least a section of the cover element 40.Therefore, the pedal device of the first embodiment can reduce the number of steps required for the assembly of the cover element 40 compared to the configuration described in patent document 1. (3) In the first embodiment, part or all of the material of the cover element 40 is a resin, rubber, or elastomer that can be elastically deformed by the driver's pedal force. According to the foregoing, the cover element 40 can be deformed by the driver's pedal force even if a foreign object becomes trapped between the vehicle floor and the cover element 40, as the pedal arm 20 rotates and moves from its initial state to the fully depressed state. In this way, the pedal device can prevent the pedal arm 20 from becoming blocked due to the ingress of foreign objects. (Second embodiment)

[0027] The second embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that part of the configuration of a housing 10 differs from the corresponding configuration of the first embodiment. Accordingly, only parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the first embodiment are described here.

[0028] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 5, in the second embodiment, an opening 18 in the housing 10 towards the rear of the vehicle is larger than in the first embodiment. In particular, an inner edge 181 of the opening 18 is located further back on the rear side of the vehicle than the shaft element 22. In this way, a pedal arm 20 and a reaction force generation mechanism 30 can be easily inserted into an interior 11 of the housing 10 through the opening 18 of the housing 10 during assembly of the pedal assembly, so that they can be easily mounted on the housing 10.

[0029] The second embodiment of the pedal device comprises a shielding element 50, which blocks or closes a rear section of the opening 18 of the housing 10 on the rear side of the vehicle. The shielding element 50 is attached to an upper wall 12 or the rear wall 15 of the housing 10 after the pedal arm 20 and the reaction force generation mechanism 30 have been mounted in the interior 11 of the housing 10. In this way, the shielding element 50 blocks the rear of the vehicle at the opening 18, thus preventing foreign objects from entering the interior 11 through the opening 18.

[0030] The pedal device of the second embodiment described above can therefore achieve the same effects as the first embodiment. (Third embodiment)

[0031] The third embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. In the third embodiment, the configuration of a cover element 40 is partially modified with respect to the first and second embodiments, and the remaining configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments; therefore, only sections that differ from those of the first and second embodiments are described.

[0032] As in Fig. 6 and Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in the third embodiment, the cover element 40 has, in addition to a front cover part 41, a right cover part 42, and a left cover part 43, an upper cover part 44. The upper cover part 44 corresponds to a section of the cover element 40 that faces rearward and upward in the vehicle. A section of the upper cover part 44 that overlaps with a pedal arm 20 corresponds to the section that the driver steps on and is integrally coupled with a pedal actuation part 21. In other words, the cover element 40 and the pedal actuation part 21 are coupled as a single unit.

[0033] The cover element 40 covers the entire front of the vehicle, the right side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and the left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction with respect to a pedal working area 23. In the initial state, a section of the cover element 40 is located on the side of the housing 10, or a housing-side section of the cover element 40 is located below the upper wall 12 of the housing 10 in the vehicle. That is, the cover element 40 extends from the pedal arm 20 towards the housing 10, and a housing-side section of the cover element 40 covers the outside of a right side wall 16, a left side wall 17, and a front wall 14 of the housing 10. In particular, a housing-side section of the front cover element 41 covers the outside of the front wall 14 of the housing 10.A housing-side section of the right cover part 42 covers the outside of the right side wall 16 of the housing 10, and a housing-side section of the left cover part 43 covers the outside of the left side wall 17 of the housing 10.

[0034] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the cover element 40 extends beyond the opening 18 of the housing 10 on the rear side of the vehicle. In particular, the upper cover part 44, the right cover part 42, and the left cover part 43 of the cover element 40 extend beyond the opening 18 of the housing 10 on the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 6, in an initial state, the distance D1 in a vehicle vertical direction between a vehicle-rear section 441 of the cover element 40 and a rear-side inner edge 181 of the opening 18 of the housing 10 is greater than 0. Therefore, in the initial state, the vehicle-rear section 441 of the cover element 40 is positioned below the opening 18 in the vehicle. Note that the vehicle-rear section 441 of the cover element 40 corresponds to a vehicle-rear section 441 of the upper cover part 44, which is located on a rear side of the vehicle.

[0035] Furthermore, as in Fig. As shown in Figure 7, in a fully depressed state, the distance D2 in the vehicle's vertical direction between the rear-facing section 441 of the cover element 40 and the rear inner edge 181 of the opening 18 of the housing 10 is also greater than 0. Therefore, in the fully depressed state, the rear-facing section 441 of the cover element 40 is positioned below the opening 18 in the vehicle. In this way, the cover element 40 can prevent a foreign object from entering the interior 11 of the housing 10 through the opening 18, even if the foreign object falls, for example, from the driver's shoe sole. Furthermore, the cover element 40 can also prevent a foreign object from entering the pedal working area 23 and the opening 18 if the foreign object approaches the pedal assembly from the rear of the vehicle.

[0036] In addition to the effects similar to those of the first embodiment, the pedal device of the third embodiment described above can achieve the following effects. (1) In the third embodiment, the cover element 40 covers the entire front of the vehicle, the right side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, and the left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction with respect to the pedal working area 23. According to the foregoing, the cover element 40 can more reliably prevent the penetration of a foreign object into the pedal working area 23 when approaching the pedal device from the front of the vehicle, from the right or left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction. (2) In the third embodiment, the rear-facing section 441 of the cover element 40 is positioned lower in the vehicle than the opening 18, both in the initial state and in the fully depressed state. As described above, the cover element 40 can, for example, prevent a foreign object from entering the interior 11 of the housing 10 through the opening 18, even if the foreign object falls off the driver's shoe sole. Furthermore, the cover element 40 can also prevent a foreign object from entering the pedal working area 23 and the opening 18 if the foreign object approaches the pedal assembly from the rear of the vehicle. (Fourth embodiment)

[0037] The fourth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. The fourth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, except that part of the configuration of a housing 10 differs from the corresponding configuration of the third embodiment. Accordingly, only parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the third embodiment are described here.

[0038] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in the fourth embodiment, as in the second embodiment, an opening 18 in the housing 10 towards the rear of the vehicle is larger than in the third embodiment. In particular, an inner edge 181 of the opening 18 is located further back on the rear side of the vehicle than the shaft element 22. In this way, a pedal arm 20 and a reaction force generation mechanism 30 can be easily inserted into an interior space 11 of the housing 10 via the opening 18 of the housing 10 when the pedal assembly is mounted, thus enabling the pedal assembly to be easily mounted on the housing 10. It should be noted that the pedal assembly of the fourth embodiment does not include a shielding element 50 as described in the second embodiment.

[0039] In the same way as the third embodiment, the fourth embodiment also has the cover element 40, which extends beyond the opening 18 of the housing 10 on the rear side of the vehicle. In particular, an upper cover part 44, a right cover part 42, and a left cover part 43 of the cover element 40 extend beyond the opening 18 of the housing 10 on the rear side of the vehicle. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 8, in an initial state, the distance D3 in the vehicle vertical direction between a vehicle rear section 441 of the cover element 40 and an inner edge 181 of the opening 18 of the housing 10 on a rear side of the vehicle is greater than 0. Therefore, in the initial state, the vehicle rear section 441 of the cover element 40 is arranged in the vehicle below the opening 18.

[0040] Although not shown in the figure, in a fully depressed state, the distance in the vehicle's vertical direction between the rear-facing section 441 of the cover element 40 and the inner edge 181 of the opening 18 of the housing 10 on one side of the vehicle is also greater than 0. Therefore, in the fully depressed state, the rear-facing section 441 of the cover element 40 is positioned below the opening 18 inside the vehicle. In this way, the cover element 40 can prevent a foreign object from entering the interior 11 of the housing 10 through the opening 18, even if the foreign object falls, for example, from the driver's shoe sole. Furthermore, the cover element 40 can also prevent foreign objects from entering the pedal working area 23 and the opening 18 if the foreign objects approach the pedal assembly from the rear of the vehicle.

[0041] The pedal device of the fourth embodiment described above can also achieve the same effects as that of the first embodiment and the like. (Fifth embodiment)

[0042] The fifth embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. The fifth embodiment is similar to the third embodiment, except that part of the configuration of a cover element 40 differs from the corresponding configuration of the third embodiment. Accordingly, only parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the third embodiment are described here. In the specification, a gap may refer to a "width of a gap".

[0043] As in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 10, in the fifth embodiment, a gap between a section of a front cover part 41 on the side of the housing 10, or between a housing-side section of a front cover part 41 and a front wall 14 of the housing 10, is referred to in an initial state as "gap S1 between the front cover part 41 and the housing 10". In the initial state, a gap between the housing-side section of a right cover part 42 and a right side wall 16 of the housing 10 is referred to as "gap S2 between the right cover part 42 and the housing 10". In the initial state, a gap between the housing-side section of a left cover part 43 and a left side wall 17 of the housing 10 is referred to as "gap S3 between the left cover part 43 and the housing 10". As shown in Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, in the initial state a gap between a vehicle rear section 441 of an upper cover part 44 and an upper wall 12 of the housing 10 is referred to as a "gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10".

[0044] In the following explanation, the “gap S1 between the front cover part 41 and the housing 10”, the “gap S2 between the right cover part 42 and the housing 10”, the “gap S3 between the left cover part 43 and the housing 10” and the “gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10” can be collectively referred to as “gap S1-S4 between a housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10”.

[0045] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 9, a gap at a sliding section of the configuration in the housing 10, where the gap remains constant and unchanged according to a rotational movement of a pedal arm 20, is referred to as the “constant gap S5 in the housing 10”. Fig. For example, in Figure 9, a constant gap S5 between an inner wall of an insertion hole 38 of a first holder 34 and a central rod 37 is represented as the “constant gap S5 in the housing 10”.

[0046] In the fifth embodiment, the gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10 is smaller than the constant gap S5 in the housing 10. This limits the size of any foreign body that could penetrate the interior 11 of the housing 10 from the gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10 to being smaller than the constant gap S5 in the housing 10. Therefore, a blockage of a component forming the constant gap S5 in the housing 10 due to a foreign body becoming lodged within it is prevented.

[0047] Furthermore, as in Fig. Figure 9 shows a gap in a section of the configuration in the housing 10 in the initial state, where the gap changes in response to the rotational movement of the pedal arm 20, referred to as the “variable gap S6 in the housing 10”. Fig. Figure 9 shows the gap S6 between a second holder 35 and a third holder 36 as an example of the “variable gap S6 in the housing 10”. In the fifth embodiment, “the gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10” is smaller than “the variable gap S6 in the housing 10”. In this way, the size of a foreign body that can penetrate the interior 11 of the housing 10 from the “gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10” is limited to being smaller than the “variable gap S6 in the housing 10”. Therefore, blockage of a component forming the “variable gap S6 in the housing 10” due to a foreign body becoming lodged is prevented.

[0048] As in the Fig. 9 and Fig. As shown in Figure 12, a gap between the inner wall of the opening 18 of the housing 10 and the pedal arm 20 is designated as "gap S7 between the inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm 20". In the fifth embodiment, "gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10" is smaller than "gap S7 between the inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm 20". This limits the size of any foreign body that can penetrate from "gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10" into the pedal working area 23 to being smaller than "gap S7 between the inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm 20". This prevents the pedal arm 20 from becoming blocked due to a foreign body becoming lodged in "gap S7 between the inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm 20".

[0049] Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as in the Fig. 10 and Fig. As shown in Figure 11, the "gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10" is larger than the "gap S1 between the front cover part 41 and the housing 10", the "gap S2 between the right cover part 42 and the housing 10", and the "gap S3 between the left cover part 43 and the housing 10". In this way, foreign objects that have entered the pedal working area 23 through the "gap S1 between the front cover part 41 and the housing 10", the "gap S2 between the right cover part 42 and the housing 10", or the "gap S3 between the left cover part 43 and the housing 10" can be discharged through the "gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10".

[0050] As mentioned above, the "gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10" is smaller than the "constant gap S5 in the housing 10" or the "variable gap S6 in the housing 10". Therefore, it prevents a component forming the "constant gap S5 in the housing 10" or the "variable gap S6 in the housing 10" from becoming blocked due to a foreign object becoming lodged in it.

[0051] It should be noted that the "gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10" can be zero. In other words, the pedal assembly can have a configuration in which the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10 slide against each other. (Sixth embodiment)

[0052] The sixth embodiment is a modification example of the fifth embodiment. Fig. Figure 13, which is referred to in the explanation of the sixth embodiment, is a figure of a section accordingly. Fig. 10, which is referred to in the explanation of the fifth embodiment. As in Fig. As shown in Figure 13, in the sixth embodiment, a front wall 14 and a right side wall 16 of a housing 10 are connected by an inclined surface 51. Furthermore, the front wall 14 and a left side wall 17 of the housing 10 are also connected by the inclined surface 51. In this case, the gap S1-S4 described above, "between the housing-side section of a cover element 40 and the housing 10," comprises "a gap S8 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51." In the following description, "the gap S8 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51" is referred to as "a gap S8 between the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51."

[0053] The gap S8 between the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51 is smaller than the constant gap S5 in the housing 10. Furthermore, the gap S8 between the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51 is smaller than the variable gap S6 in the housing 10. The gap S8 between the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51 is smaller than the gap S7 between the inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm 20. The gap S8 between the cover element 40 and the inclined surface 51 is smaller than the gap S4 between the upper cover part 44 and the housing 10. In this way, the same effects can be achieved with the sixth embodiment as with the fifth embodiment. (Seventh embodiment)

[0054] The seventh embodiment of the present disclosure is described below. The seventh embodiment is similar to the first through sixth embodiments, except that part of the configuration of the housing 10 differs. Accordingly, only those parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the first through sixth embodiments are described here.

[0055] As in the Fig. 14, Fig. 15 to Fig. As shown in Figure 16, in the seventh embodiment, a housing 10 comprises a housing body 52 and rib-shaped sections 53, which project to the right and left from an outer wall of the housing body 52 in the direction of the vehicle's width. It should be noted that the housing body 52 comprises a lower wall 13, a front wall 14, a rear wall 15, a right side wall 16, and a left side wall 17. The rib-shaped section 53 comprises an upper wall 12.

[0056] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 16, in the housing body 52, a distance D4 between the left side wall 17 and the right side wall 16 at a position where a reaction force generation mechanism 30 is arranged in an interior space 11 is greater than a distance D5 between the left side wall 17 and the right side wall 16 at a position where the reaction force generation mechanism 30 is not arranged in the interior space 11. Therefore, the left side wall 17 and the right side wall 16 of the housing 10 are provided with steps 54 at positions which connect (i) a position where the reaction force generation mechanism 30 is arranged in the interior space 11, and (ii) a position where the reaction force generation mechanism 30 is not arranged in the interior space 11.

[0057] As in the Fig. 15 and Fig. As shown in Figure 16, the rib-shaped sections 53 are (i) the right side wall 16 of the housing 10, which projects to the right from a section on one side of the upper wall 12 in the vehicle width direction, and (ii) the left side wall 17 of the housing 10, which projects to the left from a section on the side of the upper wall 12 in the vehicle width direction. It should be noted that the rib-shaped section 53 can also be described as a section of the upper wall 12 that projects to the right and left of the housing body 52 in the vehicle width direction. The rib-shaped section 53 has an external shape that extends along a straight line in a forward-backward direction of the vehicle. Thus, the rib-shaped section 53 absorbs the steps 54 on the left side wall 17 and the right side wall 16 of the housing 10, thereby simplifying an external shape of the housing 10 on the side of the upper wall 12.The front cover part 41, the right cover part 42 and the left cover part 43, which are provided with the cover element 40, cover an outside of such a simply designed rib-shaped section 53.

[0058] In the seventh embodiment described above, the housing 10 has rib-shaped sections 53 that project to the right and left from the outer wall of the housing body 52 in the direction of the vehicle width. The gap S1-S4 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing 10 comprises a gap S9 between a housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the rib-shaped section 53. According to the foregoing, even if the housing body 52 has a complex shape, the rib-shaped section 53 forms the gap S9 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the rib-shaped section 53, while the cover element 40 is designed to have a simple shape.

[0059] A “gap S10 between a housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the housing body 52” is larger than “the gap S9 between the housing-side section of the cover element 40 and the rib-shaped section 53”. Therefore, it can be prevented that a foreign object is trapped or jammed in “the gap S9 between the housing-side section 10 of the cover element 40 and the rib-shaped section 53”. (Eighth embodiment)

[0060] The eighth embodiment is described below. The eighth embodiment is similar to the seventh embodiment, except that part of the configuration of the cover element 40 differs from the corresponding configuration of the latter. Accordingly, only those parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the seventh embodiment are described here.

[0061] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 17, in the eighth embodiment, a housing 10 also has rib-shaped sections 53. Furthermore, the cover element 40 has a cover-side rib-shaped section 45 that projects towards a housing body 52 at a point extending from the rib-shaped section 53 towards a lower side of the vehicle. The rib-shaped section 53 of the housing 10 and the cover-side rib-shaped section 45 overlap in the vertical direction of the vehicle, forming a labyrinthine structure. In this way, the eighth embodiment is configured to reliably prevent the ingress of foreign objects into a pedal working area 23. (Ninth embodiment)

[0062] The ninth embodiment is described below. The ninth embodiment is similar to the first through eighth embodiments, except that part of the configuration of the housing 10 differs from the corresponding configuration. Accordingly, only those parts that differ from the corresponding parts of the first through eighth embodiments are described here.

[0063] As in the Fig. 18 and Fig. As shown in Figure 19, in the ninth embodiment, a front wall 14 of a housing 10 has a slanted or inclined shape, with a left and a right section arranged at the rear of the vehicle in the direction of the vehicle's width, compared to a central section thereof. The front cover part 41 also has a slanted shape, with the left and right sections arranged at the rear of the vehicle in the direction of the vehicle's width, compared to the central section thereof.

[0064] In this way, as indicated by arrows M1, M2 and M3 in Fig. Figure 19 shows that when a foreign object FM approaches the pedal device from the front of the vehicle, it does not stop at the front wall 14 or at the front cover part 41 of the housing 10, but changes its rolling direction to the left or right in the direction of the vehicle's width. Therefore, the pedal device is able to prevent the ingress of foreign objects into the pedal working area 23. (Tenth embodiment)

[0065] The tenth embodiment is described below. The tenth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the ninth embodiment.

[0066] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 20, the front wall 14 of the housing 10 in the ninth embodiment has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle. The front cover part 41 also has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle.

[0067] In this way, as indicated by arrows M1, M2 and M3 in Fig. Figure 20 shows that when a foreign object FM approaches the pedal device from the front of the vehicle, it does not stop at the front wall 14 or at the front cover part 41 of the housing 10, but changes its rolling direction to the left or right in the direction of the vehicle's width. Therefore, the pedal device of the tenth embodiment achieves the same effects as the ninth embodiment. (Eleventh embodiment)

[0068] The eleventh embodiment is described below. Since the eleventh embodiment, with the exception of a configuration to which a sensor 55 and a sensor cover 56 are added, is identical to the first to tenth embodiments in terms of configuration, only the parts that differ from the first to tenth embodiments are described.

[0069] As in the Fig. 21 and Fig. As shown in Figure 22, the eleventh embodiment of the pedal device comprises a sensor 55 and a sensor cover 56. The sensor 55 is an angle sensor or a stroke sensor which detects a rotation angle of a pedal arm 20. As described in the first embodiment, the electrical signals output by the sensor 55 are transmitted to an electronic control device installed in the vehicle.

[0070] The sensor cover 56 is provided on the outer surface of a housing 10 and protects the sensor 55. The sensor cover 56 extends from the position where the sensor 55 is provided towards the top of the vehicle and covers an outer surface on one side of the housing 10 of the cover element 40. It should be noted that the sensor cover 56 covers an outer surface of a housing-side section of the cover element 40 in the state from the initial state to the fully depressed state. In particular, the sensor cover 56 covers the outer surface of the housing-side section of the right cover part 42. This prevents a foreign object from becoming trapped between the vehicle floor and the cover element 40 (especially the right cover part 42). Therefore, blockage of the pedal arm 20 due to the ingress of a foreign object can be prevented.It should be noted that the sensor cover 56 may be located on the left side of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction relative to the pedal assembly. (Twelfth embodiment)

[0071] The twelfth embodiment is described below. Since the twelfth embodiment is identical to the first to eleventh embodiments, except that the shape of the base is modified compared to the configuration of the first to eleventh embodiments, only parts that differ from the first to eleventh embodiments are described.

[0072] As in the Fig. 23 and Fig. As shown in Figure 24, in the twelfth embodiment, a housing 10 of the pedal assembly is fixed within a groove 3 provided in a floor 2 of the vehicle. A housing-side section of the cover element 40 is located inside the groove 3 provided in the vehicle floor 2 in the state from the initial state to the fully depressed state. This prevents a foreign object from becoming trapped between the vehicle floor 2 and the cover element 40. Blockage of a pedal arm 20 due to the ingress of a foreign object is thus avoided. (Thirteenth embodiment)

[0073] The thirteenth embodiment is described below. The thirteenth embodiment corresponds to a modification of the twelfth embodiment. As in Fig.As shown in Figure 25, in the thirteenth embodiment, a housing 10 of the pedal assembly is also fixed on the inside of a groove 3 provided on the floor 2 of the vehicle. A housing-side section of the cover element 40 is located inside the groove 3 on the floor 2 of the vehicle in a state ranging from the initial state to the fully depressed state. In the thirteenth embodiment, the groove 3 provided on the floor 2 of the vehicle is formed at a position between two projections 4 on the floor 2. The pedal assembly of the thirteenth embodiment described above can achieve the same effects as the twelfth embodiment. (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the embodiments described above, a brake pedal device is described as an example of a pedal device, but the pedal device may be an accelerator pedal device. (2) In each of the embodiments described above, a brake pedal assembly is described as an example of a pedal assembly used in a brake-by-wire system. However, the configuration is not limited to this. For example, a brake pedal assembly as an example of a pedal assembly can be used in a braking system in which a master cylinder and a brake pedal assembly are mechanically linked. In this case, the pedal assembly can be configured without the reaction force generation mechanism 30.

[0074] The present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above and may be modified appropriately. The embodiments described above, and parts thereof, are not insignificant to one another and may be appropriately combined, provided that the combination is not obviously impossible. The configuration element(s) of each of the above embodiments is / are not necessarily essential unless it is specifically stated that the element(s) is / are essential in the above embodiment, or unless the element(s) is / are obviously essential in principle.Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, when reference is made to numerical specifications such as the number, numerical value, quantity, area, and the like of the components of the embodiment, the present disclosure is not limited to the specific number, unless the numerical values ​​are expressly indispensable, the numerical values ​​are obviously and fundamentally limited to a specific number, or the like. Furthermore, in each of the embodiments described above, when reference is made to the shape, positional relationship, and the like of the components, the present disclosure is not limited to such a shape, positional relationship, and the like, except in the case where the components are specifically specified and in the case where the components are fundamentally limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, and the like. (Aspects of the present revelation)

[0075] The disclosure described above can, for example, be understood to have the following aspects. (Aspect 1)

[0076] A stationary pedal device to be mounted on a vehicle, the pedal device comprising: a housing (10) fixed to the vehicle; a pedal arm (20) provided such that it is rotatable within a predetermined angular range about a predetermined axis (CL) with respect to the housing, and having a pedal actuation part (21) as a part to be stepped on by a driver on a top of the vehicle above the axis; and a cover element (40) provided on the pedal arm and covering wholly or partially an area outside the housing in which the pedal arm rotates and operates, corresponding to a vehicle front, a right side in a vehicle width direction and a left side in the vehicle width direction with respect to a pedal working area (23). (Aspect 2)

[0077] In the pedal device according to aspect 1, the cover element comprises an upper cover part (44) which faces a rear and upper side of the vehicle. (Aspect 3)

[0078] In the pedal device according to aspect 1 or 2, the cover element extends from the pedal arm to the housing and at least part of a housing-side section of the cover element covers an outside of the housing. (Aspect 4)

[0079] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 3, the cover element covers the entirety of the front of the vehicle, the right side in the direction of the vehicle width and the left side in the direction of the vehicle width with reference to the pedal working area. (Aspect 5)

[0080] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 4, the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a vehicle-rear section (441) of the cover element is positioned in the vehicle below the opening. (Aspect 6)

[0081] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 5, the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and in a fully depressed state, in which the pedal actuation part is closest to the housing by a pedal force exerted on the pedal actuation part by the driver, a vehicle-rear section (441) of the cover element is positioned in the vehicle below the opening. (Aspect 7)

[0082] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 6, in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a constant gap (S5) of a sliding section of a configuration provided in the housing, wherein the constant gap does not change and remains constant due to a rotational movement of the pedal arm. (Aspect 8)

[0083] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 7, in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a variable gap (S6) of a section of a configuration in the housing in the initial state, wherein the variable gap changes in response to a rotational movement of the pedal arm. (Aspect 9)

[0084] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 8, the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a gap (S7) between an inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm. (Aspect 10)

[0085] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 9, the cover element comprises a front cover part (41) facing a front and upper side of the vehicle, a right cover part (42) facing a right side in the vehicle width direction, a left cover part (43) facing a left side in the vehicle width direction, and an upper cover part (44) facing a rear and upper side of the vehicle. In an initial state in which no pedal force is applied to the pedal actuation part by the driver, a gap (S4) between a vehicle rear-facing section (441) of the upper cover part and the housing is larger than a gap (S1, S2, S3) between (i) a housing-facing section of the front cover part, the right cover part, and the left cover part, and (ii) the housing.and smaller than (a) a variable gap (S6) of a section of a configuration in the housing in the initial state, wherein the variable gap changes in response to a rotational movement of the pedal arm, or (b) a constant gap (S5) of a sliding section of a configuration provided in the housing, wherein the constant gap does not change and remains constant as a result of a rotational movement of the pedal arm. (Aspect 11)

[0086] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 10, the housing comprises a housing body (52) and a rib-shaped section (53) which projects from an outer wall of the housing body to the right or left in a vehicle width direction, and a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing comprises a gap (S9) between the housing-side section of the cover element and the rib-shaped section of the housing. (Aspect 12)

[0087] In the pedal device according to aspect 11, the cover element comprises a rib-shaped section (45) which projects towards the housing body at a position extending from the rib-shaped section of the housing towards an underside of the vehicle, and the rib-shaped section of the housing and the rib-shaped section of the cover element overlap in a vertical direction of the vehicle, so that they configure a labyrinth structure. (Aspect 13)

[0088] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 12, a front wall (14) of the housing, which faces the front of the vehicle, has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle, and a front cover part (41) of the cover element, which faces the front of the vehicle, has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle. (Aspect 14)

[0089] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 12, a front wall (14) of the housing, which faces the front of the vehicle, has an inclined or sloping shape, in which left and right sections of the front wall are arranged in the vehicle width direction compared to a middle section thereof at the rear of the vehicle, and a front cover part (41) of the cover element, which faces the front of the vehicle, has an inclined shape, in which left and right sections of the front cover part are arranged in the vehicle width direction compared to a middle section thereof at the rear of the vehicle. (Aspect 15)

[0090] The pedal device according to any one of aspects 1 to 14 further comprises: a sensor (55) configured to detect a rotation angle of the pedal arm; and a sensor cover (56) provided on an outer surface of the housing and protecting the sensor. Additionally, the sensor cover covers an outer surface of a housing-side section of the cover element in every state from (i) an initial state in which the rider applies no pedal force to the pedal actuating element, to (ii) a fully depressed state in which the pedal actuating element is closest to the housing due to a pedal force applied to the pedal actuating element by the rider. (Aspect 16)

[0091] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 15, a housing-side section of the cover element is arranged in each state from (i) an initial state in which no pedal force is applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver, up to (ii) a fully depressed state in which the pedal actuating part is closest to the housing by a pedal force applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver, within a groove (3) provided on a floor (3) of the vehicle. (Aspect 17)

[0092] In the pedal device according to one of aspects 1 to 16, part of the cover element or the entire cover element is made of a material which is resin, rubber or an elastomer, so that it is elastically deformed by a pedal force of the rider. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] JP 2023-073557

[0001] JP S64-50131 A

[0004]

Claims

[1] A standing pedal assembly for mounting on a vehicle, the pedal assembly comprising: a housing (10) which is fixed to the vehicle; a pedal arm (20) which is provided such that it is rotatable within a predetermined angular range about a predetermined axis (CL) with respect to the housing, and a pedal actuation part (21) as a part which is to be stepped on by a driver, on a top of the vehicle above the axis; and a cover element (40) which is provided on the pedal arm and covers all or part of an area outside the housing in which the pedal arm rotates and operates, corresponding to a vehicle front, a right side in a vehicle width direction and a left side in the vehicle width direction with reference to a pedal working area (23). [2] Pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the cover element comprises an upper cover part (44) which faces a rear and upper side of the vehicle. [3] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover element extends from the pedal arm to the housing and at least a part of a housing-side section of the cover element covers an outside of the housing. [4] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover element covers the entirety of the front of the vehicle, the right side in the vehicle width direction and the left side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the pedal working area. [5] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and In an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a vehicle rear section (441) of the cover element is positioned in the vehicle below the opening. [6] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and in a fully depressed state, in which the pedal actuation part is closest to the housing by a pedal force exerted on the pedal actuation part by the driver, a vehicle rear section (441) of the cover element is positioned in the vehicle below the opening. [7] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a constant gap (S5) of a sliding section of a configuration provided in the housing, wherein the constant gap does not change and remains constant due to a rotational movement of the pedal arm. [8] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a variable gap (S6) of a section of a configuration in the housing in the initial state, wherein the variable gap changes in response to a rotational movement of the pedal arm. [9] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing includes an opening (18) which is provided in an upper wall (12) such that it opens towards the top of the vehicle, and In an initial state in which no pedal force is applied by the driver to the pedal actuation part, a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing is smaller than a gap (S7) between an inner wall of the opening and the pedal arm. [10] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cover element comprises a front cover part (41) which faces a front and upper side in the vehicle, a right cover part (42) which faces a right side in the direction of the vehicle's width, a left cover part (43) which faces a left side in the direction of the vehicle's width, and an upper cover part (44) which faces a rear and upper side in the vehicle, and In an initial state in which no pedal force is applied to the pedal actuation part by the driver, a gap (S4) between a vehicle-rear section (441) of the upper cover part and the housing is larger than a gap (S1, S2, S3) between (i) a housing-side section of the front cover part, the right cover part and the left cover part and (ii) the housing, and is smaller than (a) a variable gap (S6) of a section of a configuration in the housing in the initial state, wherein the variable gap changes in response to a rotational movement of the pedal arm, or (b) a constant gap (S5) of a sliding section of a configuration provided in the housing, wherein the constant gap does not change and remains constant as a result of a rotational movement of the pedal arm. [11] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing comprises a housing body (52) and a rib-shaped section (53) which projects from an outer wall of the housing body to the right or left in a vehicle width direction, and a gap (S1-S4, S8) between a housing-side section of the cover element and the housing, and a gap (S9) between the housing-side section of the cover element and the rib-shaped section of the housing. [12] Pedal device according to claim 11, wherein the cover element comprises a rib-shaped section (45) which projects towards the housing body at a position extending from the rib-shaped section of the housing towards an underside of the vehicle, and The rib-shaped section of the housing and the rib-shaped section of the cover element overlap in a vertical direction of the vehicle, so that they configure a labyrinth structure. [13] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a front wall (14) of the housing, which faces the front of the vehicle, has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle, and a front cover part (41) of the cover element, which faces the front of the vehicle, has a curved-convex shape towards the front of the vehicle. [14] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a front wall (14) of the housing, which faces the front of the vehicle, has an oblique shape, wherein left and right sections of the front wall are arranged in the vehicle width direction compared to a central section thereof at the rear of the vehicle, and a front cover part (41) of the cover element, which faces the front of the vehicle, has an oblique shape, in which left and right sections of the front cover part are arranged in the vehicle width direction compared to a middle section thereof on the rear of the vehicle. [15] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: a sensor (55) configured to detect a rotation angle of the pedal arm; and a sensor cover (56) which is provided on an outside of the housing and protects the sensor, wherein the sensor cover covers an outer surface of a housing-side section of the cover element in each state from (i) an initial state in which no pedal force is applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver, to (ii) a fully depressed state in which the pedal actuating part is closest to the housing due to a pedal force applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver. [16] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a housing-side section of the cover element is arranged within a groove (3) provided on a floor (3) of the vehicle in each state from (i) an initial state in which no pedal force is applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver, up to (ii) a fully depressed state in which the pedal actuating part is closest to the housing by a pedal force applied to the pedal actuating part by the driver. [17] Pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein part of the cover element or the entire cover element is made of a material which is resin, rubber or an elastomer, such that it is elastically deformed by a pedal force of the rider.

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