Pedal device for a vehicle

Abstract

This pedal device for a vehicle comprises: a pedal unit (11, 12, 13) which changes position by undergoing a pedal operation from a driver of the vehicle; a rubber member (16) which, when the pedal unit undergoes the pedal operation and changes position, is pressed by said pedal unit and produces a counterforce that resists the change in position of the pedal unit; and a restriction element (17a-17d) which, when the rubber member produces the counterforce, restricts the change in position of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-075565, filed on April 29, 2022, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. [Technical field]

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device for a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a stroke simulator in which a piston moves to compress and deform an elastic body, thereby generating a reaction force against the operation of a brake pedal. In this stroke simulator, a rubber damper or the like that is pressed by the piston inside a housing is used as a member for generating the reaction force. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2020-44925 A Summary of the Invention

[0005] According to the inventor's research, when an overload is applied to a rubber damper as described in Patent Document 1, the escape route for the rubber damper is narrow, so there is a risk that the rubber damper may be pinched between the housing and the piston and may be cut or damaged. This can occur not only with brake operation, but with all pedal operations in a vehicle. The present disclosure aims to reduce the possibility of damage to the rubber member that generates a reaction force in a pedal device.

[0006] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a pedal apparatus for a vehicle includes: a pedal unit that is displaced by receiving a pedal operation from a driver of the vehicle; a rubber member that is pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation and generates a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit; a restricting member that restricts the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member when the rubber member generates the reaction force. picture, A reaction force generating mechanism (15) is provided separately from the rubber member, which is pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation to generate a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit. do.

[0007] In this way, by providing a restricting member for restricting the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member, the restricting member restricts the displacement of the pedal unit even when an excessive load is applied to the rubber member. In other words, the restricting member protects the rubber member. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the rubber member is reduced.

[0008] The reference symbols in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between the component and specific components described in the embodiments described below. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a front view of a pedal device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a view taken along the arrow II in FIG. [Diagram 3] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 in an initial position. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a rubber member and a restricting member. [Diagram 5] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 2 when the pedal arm abuts against the restricting member. FIG. [Figure 6] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VI-VI in FIG. 5 when the pedal arm abuts against the restricting member. [Figure 7] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 in the initial position according to the second embodiment; [Figure 8] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III in FIG. 2 when the pedal arm abuts against a restricting member. [Figure 9] 9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX of FIG. 8. [Figure 10] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 in the initial position of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV of FIG. 2 when the pedal arm abuts against the restricting member. FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XII-XII of FIG. 11. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is an enlarged perspective view of a rubber member and a restricting member according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 in the initial position of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 in the initial position of the sixth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described. In the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for parts that are the same as or equivalent to those described in the preceding embodiments, and their description may be omitted. In addition, in the embodiments, when only some of the components are described, the components described in the preceding embodiments can be applied to the other parts of the components. In the following embodiments, each embodiment can be partially combined with each other, even if not specifically stated, as long as there is no particular problem with the combination.

[0011] (First embodiment) First, a first embodiment will be described. Figs. 1 to 6 show a pendant-type pedal device 1 for a vehicle according to this embodiment. This pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle and receives pedal operation (for example, depressing operation with a foot or the like, depressing back) by a driver of the vehicle. The pedal device 1 then outputs an operation amount signal according to the amount of pedal operation received to a brake control circuit (not shown). The brake control circuit controls a brake actuator (not shown, for example, an electric pump that adjusts hydraulic pressure in a hydraulic brake circuit) according to this operation amount signal. In this way, the pedal device 1 is a device for realizing a brake-by-wire system.

[0012] As shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the pedal device 1 includes a housing 10, a pedal pad 11, a pedal arm 12, a rotating shaft 13, a reaction force generating mechanism 15, a rubber member 16, restricting members 17a and 17b, a sensor 20, and the like.

[0013] The housing 10 is a casing that holds and accommodates the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12, the rotating shaft 13, the reaction force generating mechanism 15, the rubber member 16, the restricting members 17a, 17b, the sensor 20, etc. The pedal device 1 is installed in the vehicle by fixing the housing 10 to a dash panel or the like, which is a partition that separates the outside of the vehicle interior from the inside of the vehicle, with fastening members such as bolts (not shown). The vehicle top-bottom direction DR1, the vehicle front-rear direction DR2, and the vehicle width direction DR3 when the pedal device 1 is installed in the vehicle are as shown in Figures 1 and 2. In addition, the housing 10 is formed with a bearing portion (not shown) that rotatably supports the rotating shaft 13.

[0014] The pedal pad 11 is a plate-shaped member that receives a pedal operation by a driver of a vehicle. The pedal pad 11 is fixed to a pedal arm 12. The pedal arm 12 is made of a member such as a highly rigid resin, and is fixed to the pedal pad 11 at one end in the longitudinal direction and to a rotating shaft 13 at the other end.

[0015] The rotating shaft 13 is a rod-shaped member extending along the axis CL, and is journaled at both ends in the longitudinal direction by bearings (not shown) formed in the housing 10, thereby enabling the rotating shaft 13 to rotate about the axis CL relative to the housing 10. The axis CL extends roughly along the vehicle width direction DR3. Note that the bearings do not have to be formed integrally with the housing 10, but may be formed separately from the housing 10 and attached to the housing 10. The rotating shaft 13 may also be formed integrally with the pedal arm 12.

[0016] With this structure, when the driver operates the pedal by depressing or releasing the pedal pad 11, the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12, and the rotating shaft 13 swing together around the axis line CL in accordance with the type of pedal operation. The pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12, and the rotating shaft 13 constitute a pedal unit that rotates together in response to the driver's operation. The pedal unit may be formed as an integrated part as a whole, or the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12, and the rotating shaft 13 may be formed as separate bodies and then attached to each other.

[0017] The reaction force generating mechanism 15 is a mechanism that generates a force (i.e., a reaction force) that resists the pedal operation of depressing the pedal pad 11. As described above, since the pedal device 1 is used for brake-by-wire, the pedal pad 11 does not receive a reaction force from the master cylinder of the brake hydraulic circuit. A reaction force that replaces the reaction force from the master cylinder is generated by this reaction force generating mechanism 15. The reaction force generating mechanism 15 has one end attached to the bottom wall of the housing 10 and the other end attached to the pedal arm 12, is disposed between the bottom wall of the housing 10 and the pedal arm 12, and generates a reaction force when compressed. The reaction force generating mechanism 15 may be a metallic elastic member (for example, a spring such as a coil spring), a rubber elastic member, or a fluid damper.

[0018] When the pedal pad 11 is not subjected to a pedal operation, the pedal pad 11 is located at a predetermined initial position shown in Fig. 3. The reaction force generating mechanism 15 may bias the pedal arm 12 in the depressing direction whether the pedal pad 11 is subjected to a pedal operation or is in the initial position without receiving a pedal operation. The reaction force generating mechanism 15 may be connected to the housing 10 and the pedal arm 12 whether the pedal pad 11 is subjected to a pedal operation or is in the initial position without receiving a pedal operation.

[0019] The rubber member 16 is a member made of rubber that is pushed by the pedal unit displaced by a depression operation and generates a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit, thereby restricting and stopping the movement of the pedal unit. As shown in Figs. 2 to 4, the rubber member 16 is disposed on the side of the reaction force generating mechanism 15 with the pedal arm 12 as a reference. The rubber member 16 is also disposed on the opposite side of the rotation shaft 13 with the reaction force generating mechanism 15 as a reference. As shown in Figs. 3 and 4, the rubber member 16 is attached to the housing 10 by, for example, press-fitting or bonding. The end of the rubber member 16 on the pedal arm 12 side is exposed to the pedal arm 12.

[0020] The restricting members 17a and 17b are members that restrict the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the reaction force generating mechanism 15 and the rubber member 16 when the reaction force generating mechanism 15 and the rubber member 16 generate a reaction force against the pedal arm 12. The restricting members 17a and 17b are formed integrally with the housing 10.

[0021] The restricting member 17a is disposed on one side of the rubber member 16 in the vehicle width direction DR3, and the restricting member 17b is disposed on the other side of the rubber member 16 in the vehicle width direction DR3. In other words, the restricting members 17a and 17b do not surround the rubber member 16 from the entire periphery of the side surface of the rubber member 16 (i.e., the surface surrounding the surface that abuts against the pedal arm 12), but surround the rubber member 16 from only a portion of the circumferential direction.

[0022] The end portions of the restricting members 17a and 17b on the pedal arm 12 side are recessed with respect to the pedal arm 12 more than the end portion of the rubber member 16 on the pedal arm 12 side. That is, the rubber member 16 protrudes toward the pedal arm 12 more than the restricting members 17a and 17b. The restricting members 17a and 17b have higher rigidity than the rubber member 16. Specifically, the restricting members 17a and 17b have a higher Young's modulus than the rubber member 16. For example, the restricting members 17a and 17b may be made of resin or metal.

[0023] The sensor 20 detects the amount of depression of the pedal pad 11, i.e., the amount of displacement of the pedal unit, and outputs the detection result as a signal. The sensor 20 may be a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotating shaft 13 (rotary encoder, hall sensor, inductive sensor, etc.), or may be a sensor that detects the amount of displacement of the pedal unit by another method.

[0024] The operation of the pedal device 1 thus configured will be described below. When the driver performs pedal operation such as depressing and releasing the pedal pad 11, the rotating shaft 13 rotates about the axis line CL as the pedal pad 11 is displaced. Then, a signal corresponding to the rotation of the rotating shaft 13 is output from the sensor element 22b of the sensor 20. The output signal is input to a brake ECU (not shown), and the brake ECU controls the brake actuator based on the input signal so that a braking force corresponding to the rotational position of the rotating shaft 13 is applied to the wheels of the vehicle.

[0025] When a pedal operation is performed on the pedal device 1, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 expands and contracts. Specifically, when a pedal operation is performed while the pedal is depressed, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 contracts and generates a stronger reaction force, and when a pedal operation is performed while the pedal is released, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 expands and reduces the reaction force.

[0026] When a long stroke depression operation is performed on the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16 while the pedal unit is displaced in the depression direction while receiving the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 15. When the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16, the rubber member 16 generates an elastic force in the pedal arm 12 in the depressing direction. This elastic force, i.e., the reaction force, stops the movement of the pedal unit. At this time, if the force received by the pedal pad 11 due to the depression operation is within a predetermined range, the pedal arm 12 does not come into contact with the restricting members 17a, 17b and is separated therefrom.

[0027] However, if the pedal arm 12 is depressed with a force exceeding a predetermined range, after the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16, an overload is applied from the pedal arm 12 to the rubber member 16. As a result, the rubber member 16 is pushed by the pedal arm 12 and significantly deforms, and as shown in Figure 5, the pedal arm 12 moves until it comes into contact with the restricting members 17a, 17b.

[0028] When the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the restricting members 17a and 17b, the movement of the pedal arm 12 stops. Therefore, the rubber member 16 is prevented from being deformed any further. This reduces the possibility of the rubber member 16 being damaged, such as being cut or broken.

[0029] At this time, if there is no place for the rubber member 16 attempting to deform to escape, the rubber member 16 will be pushed by the pedal arm 12 and crushed excessively, which may result in damage to the rubber member 16. However, in this embodiment, as shown in Figures 4, 5, and 6, there is a space into which the rubber member 16 can escape, and the rubber member 16 is actually pushed by the pedal arm 12 and moves into that space. This reduces the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0030] More specifically, the initial rubber area is the area occupied by the rubber member 16 when the pedal unit is in the initial position as shown in Fig. 3. The circular dashed dotted line Q in Fig. 6 indicates that the inside is the initial rubber area. The restricted position is the position where the pedal unit is restricted by the restricting members 17a, 17b as shown in Fig. 5. The dashed dotted line P in Fig. 3 indicates the position of the surface of the pedal arm 12 on the side of the rubber member 16 when the pedal unit is in the restricted position.

[0031] The area where the pedal unit passes through from the initial position to the regulated position and the initial rubber area overlap is defined as an interference area H. In FIG.

[0032] The clearance space around the initial rubber region excluding the region occupied by the pedal unit in the regulating position is defined as the relief region X. In this embodiment, the relief region X between the regulating members 17a and 17b is not closed, but is open to the space outside the pedal device 1. Therefore, the volume of the relief region X is much larger than the volume of the interference region H. If the volume of the relief region X is larger than the volume of the interference region H, there is sufficient space for the rubber member 16 to deform and escape when it is strongly pressed by the pedal arm 12, thereby reducing the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0033] As described above, the restricting members 17a and 17b restrict the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member 16 when the rubber member 16 generates a reaction force. In this way, by providing the restricting members 17a and 17b that restrict the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member 16, the restricting members 17a and 17b restrict the displacement of the pedal unit even when an excessive load is applied to the rubber member 16. In other words, the restricting members 17a and 17b protect the rubber member 16. Therefore, the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16 is reduced.

[0034] (1) In addition, the volume of the relief area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H. This provides sufficient space for the rubber member 16 to deform and escape when it is strongly pressed by the pedal unit, reducing the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0035] (2) In addition, as shown in Figures 5 and 6, when the pedal unit is in the restricted position, the escape area X is a space that is open to the outside of the pedal device 1. This makes it easy to ensure a sufficient space for the rubber member 16 to deform and escape when it is strongly pressed by the pedal unit.

[0036] (3) The restricting members 17a and 17b are made of resin or metal. Therefore, the restricting members 17a and 17b can stop the pedal unit more strongly than the rubber member 16. If the restricting members 17a and 17b are made of metal, they can have higher rigidity and strength than if they were made of resin. If the restricting members 17a and 17b are made of resin, the impact noise generated when the pedal unit comes into contact can be reduced.

[0037] (4) Furthermore, of the three parts constituting the pedal unit, namely the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12, and the rotating shaft 13, the restricting members 17a and 17b come into contact with the pedal arm 12 which presses the rubber member 16, thereby restricting the displacement of the pedal unit. In this way, the part which presses the rubber member 16 and the part which comes into contact with the restricting members 17a and 17b are the same part, so that the number of parts can be reduced.

[0038] (5) In addition, the restricting members 17a and 17b come into contact with the pedal unit to restrict the displacement of the pedal unit. This reduces the load transmission path from the pedal unit, which is a member that receives the pedal force, to the restricting members 17a and 17b that restrict the pedal stroke. This in turn reduces the number of parts that need to be strengthened to withstand strong depression.

[0039] (6) Furthermore, the restricting members 17a and 17b are formed integrally with the housing 10. This configuration can reduce the load transmission path from the pedal unit that receives the pedal force to the fixed point on the vehicle via the restricting members 17a and 17b that restrict the pedal stroke. This in turn can reduce the number of parts that need to be strengthened to withstand strong depression.

[0040] Second embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 7, 8, and 9. In this embodiment, the restricting members 17a and 17b of the first embodiment are replaced with a restricting member 17c. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0041] The restricting member 17c is a member that restricts the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the reaction force generating mechanism 15 and the rubber member 16 when the reaction force generating mechanism 15 and the rubber member 16 generate a reaction force. The restricting member 17c is formed integrally with the housing 10. The restricting member 17c is a member that surrounds the rubber member 16 in an annular shape from the entire periphery of the side surface of the rubber member.

[0042] The end of the restricting member 17c on the pedal arm 12 side is recessed with respect to the pedal arm 12 more than the end of the rubber member 16 on the pedal arm 12 side. That is, the rubber member 16 protrudes toward the pedal arm 12 more than the restricting member 17c. The restricting member 17c has a higher rigidity than the rubber member 16. Specifically, the restricting member 17c has a higher Young's modulus than the rubber member 16. For example, the restricting member 17c may be made of resin or metal.

[0043] The operation of the pedal device 1 having such a configuration will be described below. When the force applied to the pedal pad 11 by the driver's depression operation is within a predetermined range, the operation is the same as that of the first embodiment. At this time, the restricting member 17c is maintained in a state where it does not contact the pedal arm 12.

[0044] When the pedal pad 11 is depressed with a force exceeding a predetermined range, the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16, and then an overload is applied from the pedal arm 12 to the rubber member 16. As a result, the rubber member 16 is pushed by the pedal arm 12 and significantly deforms, and as shown in FIG. 9, the pedal arm 12 moves until it comes into contact with the restricting member 17c.

[0045] When the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the restricting member 17c, the movement of the pedal arm 12 stops. Therefore, the rubber member 16 is prevented from being deformed any further. This reduces the possibility of the rubber member 16 being damaged, such as being cut or broken.

[0046] At this time, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, there is a space into which the rubber member 16 escapes, and the rubber member 16 actually moves to this space. This reduces the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16. To explain in more detail, the area occupied by the rubber member 16 when the pedal unit is in the initial position as shown in Fig. 7 is defined as the initial rubber area. The circular dashed dotted line Q in Fig. 9 indicates that the inside of this line is the initial rubber area. Also, the position where the pedal unit is restricted by the restricting member 17c as shown in Fig. 8 is defined as the restricting position. The dashed dotted line P in Fig. 7 indicates the position of the surface of the pedal arm 12 on the side of the rubber member 16 when the pedal unit is in the restricting position.

[0047] The area where the pedal unit passes through from the initial position to the regulated position and the initial rubber area overlap is defined as an interference area H. In FIG.

[0048] The gap around the initial rubber region excluding the region occupied by the pedal unit in the regulating position is defined as the relief region X. In this embodiment, as shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the relief region X surrounded by the regulating member 17c is a space enclosed by the regulating member 17c, the pedal arm 12, and the rubber member 16.

[0049] However, the volume of the relief area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H. Therefore, there is sufficient space for the rubber member 16 to deform and escape when it is strongly pressed by the pedal arm 12, reducing the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0050] (1) As described above, when the pedal unit is in the restricted position, the relief area X becomes a closed space. Even in this case, if the volume of the relief area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H as described above, the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16 is reduced. Note that the same effects can be obtained from the same configuration in this embodiment as in the first embodiment.

[0051] Third embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 to 12. This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the configuration of the reaction force generating mechanism 15, and further, the restricting members 17a and 17b are replaced with a restricting member 17d. The other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0052] The reaction force generating mechanism 15 of this embodiment has an elastic member 151 and a rod 152. The elastic member 151 is a member that generates a reaction force when compressed, such as a coil spring or a leaf spring. One end of the elastic member is attached to the housing 10, and the other end is attached to the rod 152.

[0053] The rod 152 has a higher Young's modulus than the rubber member 16. For example, the rod 152 may be made of resin or metal. The rod 152 is a member that transmits the pedal operation force received by the pedal pad 11 to the elastic member 151 and also transmits the reaction force of the elastic member 151 to the pedal arm 12. One end of the rod 152 is connected to the elastic member 151, and the other end is connected to the pedal arm 12. The rod 152 has a bottomed cylindrical shape in which a hole for receiving the restricting member 17d is formed.

[0054] The restricting member 17d is a rod-shaped member, one end of which is fixed to the housing 10, and the other end of which is inserted into the hole of the rod 152. The restricting member 17d has a higher Young's modulus than the rubber member 16. For example, the restricting member 17d may be made of resin or metal. With the restricting member 17d inserted into the hole of the rod 152, the rod 152 is capable of displacing in the longitudinal direction of the restricting member 17d using the restricting member 17d as a guide. In this way, the restricting member 17d and the rod 152 have a piston-cylinder relationship.

[0055] As in the first embodiment, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 may bias the pedal arm 12 in the depressing direction whether the pedal pad 11 is receiving a pedal operation or is in the initial position without receiving a pedal operation. The reaction force generating mechanism 15 may be connected to the housing 10 and the pedal arm 12 whether the pedal pad 11 is receiving a pedal operation or is in the initial position without receiving a pedal operation.

[0056] The following describes the operation of the pedal device 1 configured as above. A signal corresponding to the rotation of the rotary shaft 13 caused by the pedal operation is output, and the brake actuator is controlled based on the signal. The operation is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0057] When a pedal operation is performed on the pedal device 1, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 expands and contracts. Specifically, when a pedal operation is performed, the pedal arm 12 presses the rod 152, and the rod 152 presses the elastic member 151. As a result, the elastic member 151 contracts and generates a stronger reaction force, which is transmitted to the pedal arm 12 via the rod 152.

[0058] When a long stroke depression operation is performed on the pedal pad 11, the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16 while the pedal unit is displaced in the depression direction while receiving the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 15. When the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16, the rubber member 16 generates an elastic force in the return direction against the pedal arm 12. This elastic force, i.e., the reaction force, stops the movement of the pedal unit. At this time, if the force received by the pedal pad 11 due to the depression operation is within a predetermined range, the bottom of the hole of the rod 152 is separated from the tip of the restricting member 17d without coming into contact with it. Therefore, the rod 152 can be displaced further toward the elastic member 151.

[0059] However, if the pedal arm 12 is depressed with a force exceeding a predetermined range, after the pedal arm 12 comes into contact with the rubber member 16, an overload is applied from the pedal arm 12 to the rubber member 16. As a result, the rubber member 16 is pushed by the pedal arm 12 and significantly deforms, and the pedal arm 12 moves until the bottom of the hole in the rod 152 comes into contact with the tip of the restricting member 17d, as shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0060] When the bottom of the hole of the rod 152 abuts against the tip of the restricting member 17d, the movement of the pedal arm 12 is restricted by the restricting member 17d and stops. Therefore, the rubber member 16 is not deformed any further. This reduces the possibility of damage such as cutting or breaking the rubber member 16. At this time, the volume of the relief area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H, so there is a sufficient escape route for the rubber member 16 that is about to deform, just like in the first embodiment.

[0061] In this way, the restricting member 17d may be configured to come into contact with the reaction force generating mechanism 15 at a position away from the rubber member 16. The modification of the first embodiment as in this embodiment can also be applied to the second embodiment. Also, the same effects can be obtained from the same configuration in this embodiment as in the first and second embodiments.

[0062] (Fourth embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 13. This embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the manner in which the restricting members 17a and 17b are attached. Specifically, the restricting members 17a and 17b are formed separately from the housing 10, as shown in FIG. 13, unlike the first embodiment. For example, the restricting members 17a and 17b may be formed separately from the housing 10 and then fixed to the housing 10 by press-fitting, adhesion, welding, or the like.

[0063] (1) In this manner, the restricting members 17a and 17b of the present embodiment are formed as separate members from the housing 10 and are fixed to the housing 10. This makes it possible to reduce the load transmission path from the pedal unit that receives the pedal force to the fixed point on the vehicle via the restricting members 17a and 17b that restrict the pedal stroke. As a result, it is possible to reduce the number of parts that need to be strengthened to withstand strong depression.

[0064] In addition, it is easy to replace only the restricting members 17a and 17b while leaving the other parts as they are. Therefore, by replacing the restricting members 17a and 17b with those of a different height, the stroke range of the pedal unit can be easily adjusted.

[0065] The modifications to the first embodiment as in this embodiment are also applicable to the second and third embodiments. Also, the same effects can be obtained from the same configurations in this embodiment as in the first to third embodiments.

[0066] Fifth embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. In this embodiment, the configuration of the reaction force generating mechanism 15 is changed from that of the second embodiment, and the positions of the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c are changed. The other configurations are the same as those of the second embodiment.

[0067] 14, the reaction force generating mechanism 15 of this embodiment has a first holder 153, a first spring 154, a second holder 155, and a second spring 156. The first holder 153 is a member that is fixed to a surface of the pedal arm 12 on the bottom wall side of the housing 10 and has a protruding portion that protrudes in a direction away from the surface. In this specification, the bottom wall of the housing 10 is the wall of the housing 10 on the side to which the reaction force generating mechanism 15 is attached.

[0068] First spring 154 is, for example, a coil spring, and is disposed between first holder 153 and second holder 155 to expand and contract, with one end abutting first holder 153 and the other end abutting second holder 155. In the vicinity of first holder 153, first spring 154 extends so as to surround the protruding portion of first holder 153.

[0069] The second holder 155 is disposed between the first holder 153 and the bottom wall of the housing 10, and abuts the other end of the first spring 154 on its surface facing the first holder 153, and abuts the end of the second spring 156 on its surface facing the bottom wall of the housing 10.

[0070] The second spring 156 is, for example, a coil spring that is disposed between the second holder 155 and the bottom wall of the housing 10 and expands and contracts with one end abutting against the second holder 155 and the other end abutting against the bottom wall of the housing 10.

[0071] The rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c of this embodiment are disposed between the bottom wall and the second holder 155. The interference area H and the relief area X, which are the same as those of the second embodiment, are disposed facing the second holder 155. Note that the reference numerals indicating the interference area H and the relief area X are omitted in FIG. 14. The restricting member 17c may be formed separately from the housing 10 and fixed to the bottom wall of the housing 10, or may be formed integrally with the bottom wall. The relative positional relationship between the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c is the same as that of the second embodiment.

[0072] The operation of the pedal device 1 configured as above will be described below. When the driver depresses the pedal pad 11, the first holder 153 rotates together with the pedal pad 11 and the pedal arm 12 around the rotation shaft 13. As a result, the first holder 153 approaches the second holder 155 and the first spring 154 is compressed.

[0073] As the pedal pad 11 is further depressed, the protruding portion of the first holder 153 comes into contact with the second holder 155. As the pedal pad 11 is further depressed, the first holder 153, the first spring 154, and the second holder 155 move toward the rubber member 16 while the protruding portion of the first holder 153 remains in contact with the second holder 155. As a result, the first holder 153, the first spring 154, and the second holder 155 move closer to the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c, and the second spring 156 is compressed.

[0074] As the pedal pad 11 is further depressed, the second holder 155 comes into contact with the end of the rubber member 16 on the second holder 155 side. After this contact, an overload is applied to the rubber member 16 from the pedal pad 11 via the pedal arm 12, the first holder 153, and the second holder 155. As a result, the rubber member 16 is pushed by the second holder 155 and is significantly deformed, generating a reaction force. At this time, the rubber member 16 is indirectly pushed by the pedal arm 12 via the first holder 153 and the second holder 155.

[0075] In the first to third embodiments, the pedal arm 12 directly presses the rubber member 16, whereas in this embodiment, as described above, the pedal arm 12 indirectly presses the rubber member 16. However, in either case, the pedal arm 12 presses the rubber member 16 in the same way.

[0076] As the pedal pad 11 is further depressed, the second holder 155 moves until it abuts against the restricting member 17c. When the second holder 155 abuts against the restricting member 17c, the movement of the second holder 155, the first holder 153, and the pedal arm 12 stops. Therefore, the rubber member 16 is prevented from deforming any further. This reduces the possibility of damage such as breakage or breakage of the rubber member 16. In this way, when the rubber member 16 is generating a reaction force, the restricting member 17c restricts the displacement of the pedal arm 12.

[0077] At this time, there is an escape area X into which the rubber member 16 escapes, and since the volume of the escape area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H, the rubber member 16 actually moves there. This reduces the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0078] (1) As described above, the rubber member 16 is indirectly pressed by the pedal unit displaced in response to pedal operation via other components (i.e., the first holder 153, the first spring 154, and the second holder 155) to generate a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit. In this way, even when the rubber member 16 is indirectly pressed by the pedal unit, it is possible to obtain the same effect as when the rubber member 16 is directly pressed.

[0079] Furthermore, the same effects can be obtained from the same configuration in the present embodiment and the second embodiment. The restricting member 17c in the present embodiment may be replaced with the shapes shown in the restricting members 17a and 17b in the first embodiment. Furthermore, the first spring 154 and the second spring 156 may be replaced with elastic members other than springs.

[0080] Sixth embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 15. In this embodiment, the positions of the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c are changed from those in the second embodiment, and the shape of the housing 10 is partially changed. The other configurations are the same as those in the second embodiment.

[0081] The rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c in this embodiment are disposed on the bottom wall side of the housing 10 in the pedal arm 12. The interference area H and the relief area X, which are the same as those in the second embodiment, are disposed facing the bottom wall of the housing 10. Note that the reference numerals indicating the interference area H and the relief area X are omitted in FIG. 15. The restricting member 17c may be formed separately from the pedal arm 12 and fixed to the pedal arm 12, or may be formed integrally with the pedal arm 12. The relative positional relationship between the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c is the same as that in the second embodiment. Furthermore, the portion of the bottom wall of the housing 10 facing the rubber member 16 is a protruding portion 10a that protrudes toward the rubber member 16.

[0082] The operation of the pedal device 1 thus configured will be described below. When the driver depresses the pedal pad 11, the pedal pad 11, pedal arm 12, rubber member 16, and restricting member 17c rotate around the rotation shaft 13 so as to approach the protruding portion 10a as a whole. When the force applied to the pedal pad 11 by the driver is within a predetermined range, the restricting member 17c does not come into contact with the protruding portion 10a.

[0083] When the pedal pad 11 is depressed with a force exceeding a predetermined range, the rubber member 16 comes into contact with the protrusion 10a, and an overload is applied to the rubber member 16 from the protrusion 10a and the pedal arm 12. As a result, the rubber member 16 is pushed by the pedal arm 12 and the protrusion 10a, causing a large deformation and generating a reaction force, and further, the restricting member 17c moves together with the pedal arm 12 until it comes into contact with the protrusion 10a.

[0084] When the restricting member 17c comes into contact with the protruding portion 10a, the movement of the pedal arm 12 stops. Therefore, the rubber member 16 is prevented from being deformed any further. This reduces the possibility of the rubber member 16 being damaged, such as being cut or broken.

[0085] At this time, there is an escape area X into which the rubber member 16 escapes, and since the volume of the escape area X is larger than the volume of the interference area H, the rubber member 16 actually moves there. This reduces the possibility of damage to the rubber member 16.

[0086] As described above, the rubber member 16 and the restricting member 17c of this embodiment move integrally with the pedal arm 12, but are distinct from the pedal unit as components. Note that the same effects can be obtained from the same configuration in this embodiment and the second embodiment. Also, the restricting member 17c of this embodiment may be replaced with a shape such as that shown in the restricting members 17a and 17b of the first embodiment.

[0087] (Other embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment, and can be modified as appropriate. The above-mentioned embodiments are not unrelated to each other, and can be combined as appropriate, except when the combination is clearly impossible. In the above-mentioned embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly considered essential in principle. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when the number, numerical value, amount, range, etc. of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, they are not limited to the specific number, except when it is specifically stated that they are essential or when it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. In particular, when multiple values ​​are exemplified for a certain amount, it is also possible to adopt a value between the multiple values, except when it is specifically stated otherwise or when it is clearly impossible in principle. In the above-mentioned embodiments, when referring to the shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components, etc., they are not limited to the shape, positional relationship, etc., except when it is specifically stated or when it is limited to a specific shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle. In addition, the present disclosure also allows the following modifications and modifications within an equivalent range to the above-mentioned embodiments. Note that the following modifications can be independently selected to be applied or not applied to the above-mentioned embodiments. In other words, any combination of the modified examples described below can be applied to the above embodiment.

[0088] (Modification) In the above embodiment, the pedal device 1 is of a pendant type, but the pedal device 1 may be of a type other than the pendant type (for example, an organ type). In the above embodiment, the pedal device 1 has the sensor 20 and the reaction force generating mechanism 15 for implementing brake-by-wire, but the pedal device 1 may not have these and may be used in a hydraulic brake system. In the above embodiment, the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal, but it may be an accelerator pedal.

[0089] (Various viewpoints) [Point 1] A pedal device for a vehicle, comprising: a pedal unit (11, 12, 13) that is displaced by receiving a pedal operation from a driver of the vehicle; a rubber member (16) that is pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation and generates a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit; the pedal device further comprising: a restricting member (17a to 17d) that restricts the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member when the rubber member generates the reaction force. [Point 2] A pedal device as described in aspect 1, in which if the area occupied by the rubber member when the pedal unit is in its initial position and not subjected to pedal operation is defined as an initial rubber area, the volume of an interference area (H) where the area through which the pedal unit passes from the initial position to the regulated position where it is regulated by the regulating member overlaps with the initial rubber area, is greater than the volume of an interference area (H) where the initial rubber area overlaps with the area through which the pedal unit passes from the initial position to the regulated position where it is regulated by the regulating member. [Point 3] A pedal device according to aspect 2, wherein when the pedal unit is in the restricted position, the escape area is a space that is open to the outside of the pedal device. [Point 4] The pedal device according to aspect 2, wherein when the pedal unit is in the restricted position, the relief area becomes a closed space. [Point 5] The pedal device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein the regulating member is made of resin or metal. [Point 6] The pedal device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 5, wherein the regulating member abuts against a component that presses the rubber member among one or more components that constitute the pedal unit, thereby regulating displacement of the pedal unit. [Point 7] The pedal device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 6, wherein the regulating member abuts against the pedal unit to regulate displacement of the pedal unit. [Point 8] a housing (10) that holds the pedal unit, the rubber member, and the regulating member and is fixed to the vehicle; The pedal device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the restricting member is formed separately from the housing and fixed to the housing. [Point 9] a housing (10) that holds the pedal unit, the rubber member, and the regulating member and is fixed to the vehicle; The pedal device according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7, wherein the restricting member is integrally formed with the housing. [Point 10] A pedal device as described in any one of aspects 1 to 9, wherein the rubber member is indirectly pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation through other parts (153, 154, 155), thereby generating a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit.

Claims

1. A pedal device for a vehicle, comprising: a pedal unit (11, 12, 13) that is displaced by receiving a pedal operation from a driver of the vehicle; a rubber member (16) that is pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation and generates a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit; a restricting member (17a to 17d) that restricts the displacement of the pedal unit separately from the rubber member when the rubber member generates the reaction force, The pedal device further includes a reaction force generating mechanism (15) that is separate from the rubber member and is pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to pedal operation to generate a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein if an initial rubber area is defined as an area occupied by the rubber member when the pedal unit is in an initial position and not subjected to pedal operation, the volume of an interference area (H) where the area through which the pedal unit passes from the initial position to the regulated position where it is regulated by the regulating member overlaps with the initial rubber area, the volume of an escape area (X), which is the gap around the initial rubber area minus the area occupied by the pedal unit at the regulated position, is larger than the volume of an interference area (H) where the initial rubber area overlaps with the area through which the pedal unit passes from the initial position to the regulated position where it is regulated by the regulating member.

3. The pedal device according to claim 2 , wherein the relief area is a space that is open to the outside of the pedal device when the pedal unit is in the restricted position.

4. The pedal device according to claim 2 , wherein the relief area is a closed space when the pedal unit is in the restricted position.

5. 5. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is made of resin or metal.

6. 5. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member restricts displacement of the pedal unit by contacting a part that presses the rubber member among one or more parts that constitute the pedal unit.

7. 5. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member abuts against the pedal unit to restrict displacement of the pedal unit.

8. a housing (10) that holds the pedal unit, the rubber member, and the regulating member and is fixed to the vehicle; 5. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is formed separately from the housing and fixed to the housing.

9. a housing (10) that holds the pedal unit, the rubber member, and the regulating member and is fixed to the vehicle; 5. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the restricting member is formed integrally with the housing.

10. 5. A pedal device as described in claim 1, wherein the rubber member is indirectly pushed by the pedal unit displaced in response to the pedal operation through other parts (153, 154, 155), thereby generating a reaction force against the displacement of the pedal unit.

11. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein when a pedal operation is performed on the pedal unit, while the pedal unit is displaced in the operating direction while receiving a reaction force from the reaction force generating mechanism, the rubber member begins to generate an elastic force on the pedal unit in a direction opposite to the direction of displacement.

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