Pedal device

Abstract

To provide a pedal device for suppressing intrusion of foreign matters into an elastic member.SOLUTION: A pedal device 1 includes a pedal 10 for rotating centering around a rotary shaft O by stepping-down of an operator, an elastic member of a reaction force generation mechanism 60 for generating reaction force to the stepping-down of the operator by being deformed by force from the pedal 10 when the pedal 10 is rotated, a housing 40 for supporting the pedal to make the pedal rotatable and forming a housing space 412 being a space for housing the elastic member, and a support member 80 for supporting the elastic member. The housing 40 has an opening part 418 forming an opening space 420 being a space defined by being opened in one direction, the opening space 420 communicates with the housing space 412, and the elastic member is surrounded by the housing 40 and the support member 80 because the support member 80 closes the opening space 420 due to the connection of the housing 40 and the support member 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device. ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a pedal device comprising: a pedal (10) that rotates around a rotation axis (O) when pressed by an operator; elastic members (60, 72) that deform due to the force from the pedal when the pedal rotates, thereby generating a reaction force to the operator's pressing force; a housing (40) that supports the pedal so that the pedal can rotate and forms a housing space (412) which is a space in which the elastic members are housed; and a support member (80) that supports the elastic members, wherein the housing has an opening (418) that forms an opening space (420) which is a space partitioned by opening in one direction, the opening space is in communication with the housing space, and the support member closes the opening space because the housing and the support member are connected, so the elastic members are surrounded by the housing and the support member. The elastic member is positioned within the housing space. It is a pedal device.

[0007] This prevents the elastic member from being exposed to the outside of the pedal device, and the housing and support member prevent foreign matter from entering the elastic member from the outside of the pedal device. As a result, the entry of foreign matter into the elastic member is suppressed.

[0008] The reference numerals in parentheses attached to each component indicate an example of the correspondence between that component and the specific components described in the embodiments described later. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the pedal device of the first embodiment when it is mounted on a vehicle. [Figure 2] A diagram illustrating the configuration of a brake-by-wire system using a pedal device. [Figure 3] Side view of the pedal device. [Figure 4] Cross-sectional view of the pedal mechanism. [Figure 5] Figure 4 shows a cross-sectional view along the VV line. [Figure 6] Enlarged view of section VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7] Enlarged view of part VII of FIG. 4. [Figure 8] Enlarged view of part VIII of FIG. 4. [Figure 9] Cross-sectional view showing deformation of the first housing extension and the second housing extension of the pedal device. [Figure 10] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the second embodiment. [Figure 11] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the third embodiment. [Figure 12] Cross-sectional view showing rotation of the housing of the pedal device. [Figure 13] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 14] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the fifth embodiment. [Figure 15] Cross-sectional view taken along line XV-XV of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the sixth embodiment. [Figure 17] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the seventh embodiment. [Figure 18] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the eighth embodiment. [Figure 19] Cross-sectional view showing rotation of the support member of the pedal device. [Figure 20] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the ninth embodiment. [Figure 21] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the tenth embodiment. [Figure 22] Cross-sectional view taken along line XXII-XXII of FIG. 21. [Figure 23] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the eleventh embodiment. [Figure 24] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the twelfth embodiment. [Figure 25] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the thirteenth embodiment. [Figure 26] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the fourteenth embodiment. [Figure 27] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the fifteenth embodiment. [Figure 28] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the sixteenth embodiment. [Figure 29] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the seventeenth embodiment. [Figure 30] Figure 29 shows a cross-sectional view along the line XXX-XXX. [Figure 31] Cross-sectional view of the pedal device of the 18th embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, parts that are the same or equivalent to each other will be denoted by the same reference numeral, and their descriptions will be omitted.

[0011] (First Embodiment) The pedal device 1 of this embodiment is used, for example, as a brake pedal in a brake-by-wire system 150 that controls the brakes of a vehicle 6 shown in Figure 1. First, this brake-by-wire system 150 will be described.

[0012] The brake-by-wire system 150, as shown in Figure 2, comprises wheel cylinders 131-134, an ECU 110, a brake circuit 120, and a pedal device 1.

[0013] Wheel cylinders 131-134 are located on each wheel of the vehicle 6. Brake pads (not shown) are also attached to each wheel cylinder 131-134.

[0014] The ECU110 includes a first ECU111 and a second ECU112. The first ECU111 includes a microcontroller and drive circuits (not shown). The first ECU111 controls the first brake circuit 121 of the brake circuit 120 (described later) based on signals from the pedal device 1 (described later). The second ECU112 includes a microcontroller and drive circuits (not shown). Furthermore, the second ECU112 controls the second brake circuit 122 of the brake circuit 120 (described later) based on signals from the pedal device 1 (described later).

[0015] The brake circuit 120 includes a first brake circuit 121 and a second brake circuit 122. The first brake circuit 121 includes a reservoir 124, a motor 123, a gear mechanism 125, and a master cylinder 126. The reservoir 124 stores brake fluid. The motor 123 drives the gear mechanism 125. The gear mechanism 125 reciprocates the master piston 127 of the master cylinder 126 in the axial direction of the master cylinder 126. The second brake circuit 122 includes a solenoid valve (not shown). The second brake circuit 122 controls the hydraulic pressure of each wheel cylinder 131-134 by opening and closing the solenoid valve in response to a control signal from the second ECU 112.

[0016] Here, in order to explain the pedal device 1 below, as shown in Figure 1, the front-rear direction of the vehicle 6 will be referred to as the vehicle front-rear direction Da. The top-down direction of the vehicle 6 will be referred to as the vehicle up-down direction Db. The left-right direction of the vehicle 6 will be referred to as the vehicle left-right direction Dc. The front in the vehicle front-rear direction Da will be referred to as the vehicle front. The rear in the vehicle front-rear direction Da will be referred to as the vehicle rear. The upper part in the vehicle up-down direction Db will be referred to as the vehicle upper part. The lower part in the vehicle up-down direction Db will be referred to as the vehicle lower part. The left side in the vehicle left-right direction Dc will be referred to as the vehicle left side. The right side in the vehicle left-right direction Dc will be referred to as the vehicle right side.

[0017] As shown in Figures 2 to 9, the pedal device 1 comprises a pedal 10, a stroke sensor 30, a housing 40, a reaction force generating mechanism 60, and a support member 80.

[0018] The pedal 10 is operated by being pressed by the driver of the vehicle 6. Specifically, the pedal 10 has a pedal portion 12, a lever portion 14, a lever projection 16, and a lever flange portion 18.

[0019] As shown in Figures 3, 4, and 9, the pedal portion 12 is pressed by the driver. The lever portion 14 is connected to the pedal portion 12. Also, as shown in Figures 3 to 5 and 9, the lever portion 14 rotates around the axis of rotation O when the pedal portion 12 is pressed by the driver. As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, the lever projection 16 is connected to the front side of the lever portion 14 and protrudes forward from the boundary with the lever portion 14. The lever flange portion 18 is connected to the lever projection 16 and protrudes from the boundary with the lever projection 16 in a direction perpendicular to the projection direction of the lever projection 16.

[0020] As shown in Figures 2 to 4 and Figure 9, the stroke sensor 30 is positioned, for example, on the rotation axis O of the lever portion 14. The stroke sensor 30 also includes a magnet, a yoke, a Hall element, etc. By detecting the rotation angle of the lever portion 14, the stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10. Furthermore, the stroke sensor 30 outputs signals corresponding to the detected rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112. The stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 by having a Hall element, but is not limited to this, and may also detect the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 by having an MR element, etc. MR stands for Magneto Resistive. The stroke amount is, for example, the amount of movement of the pedal portion 12 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da.

[0021] The housing 40 supports the pedal 10 so that it can rotate. The housing 40 is formed in a bottomed cylindrical shape and accommodates a part of the lever portion 14, the stroke sensor 30, and the reaction force generating mechanism 60 described later. Specifically, as shown in Figures 2 to 7 and Figure 9, the housing 40 has a lever support portion 402, a rear wall 404, a left side wall 406, a right side wall 408, a bottom wall 410, a housing space 412, a pedal opening 414, and a pedal opening space 416. The housing 40 also has a mechanism opening 418, a mechanism opening space 420, a first housing extension portion 422, a first housing claw portion 424, a second housing extension portion 426, and a second housing claw portion 428.

[0022] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the lever support portion 402 extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's lateral direction Dc. The lever support portion 402 is also fitted with the rotation axis O of the lever portion 14 and the stroke sensor 30. Furthermore, the lever support portion 402 supports a portion of the lever portion 14 so that it can rotate around the rotation axis O, and also supports the stroke sensor 30.

[0023] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the rear wall 404 is the wall of the housing 40 on the vehicle's rear side. The rear wall 404 is also connected to the vehicle's rear portion of the lever support 402.

[0024] As shown in Figure 5, the left side wall 406 is the left-side wall of the housing 40. The left side wall 406 is also connected to the left-side portion of the lever support 402. Furthermore, the left side wall 406 is connected to the left-side portion of the rear wall 404.

[0025] The right-side wall 408 is the wall of the housing 40 on the right side of the vehicle. The right-side wall 408 is also connected to the right-side portion of the lever support 402. Furthermore, the right-side wall 408 is connected to the right-side portion of the rear wall 404.

[0026] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the lower wall 410 is the wall of the housing 40 on the lower side of the vehicle. The lower wall 410 is also connected to the lower part of the left wall 406. Furthermore, the lower wall 410 is connected to the lower part of the right wall 408.

[0027] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the right side wall 408, and the bottom wall 410.

[0028] As shown in Figures 4 and 9, the pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left wall 406, the lower end of the right wall 408, and the rear end of the bottom wall 410.

[0029] The pedal opening space 416 is formed by the pedal opening 414. The pedal opening space 416 communicates with the housing space 412 in the vehicle vertical direction Db, and also communicates with the external space of the housing 40 in the vehicle vertical direction Db. Furthermore, a part of the lever portion 14 is inserted into the pedal opening space 416.

[0030] As shown in Figures 4, 5, and 9, the mechanism opening 418 is composed of the front end of the lever support portion 402, the front end of the left wall 406, the front end of the right wall 408, and the front end of the lower wall 410. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing the front of the vehicle.

[0031] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418. The mechanism opening space 420 is also in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Furthermore, the mechanism opening space 420 is a space for housing the reaction force generating mechanism 60, which will be described later, in the housing space 412.

[0032] The first housing extension 422, the first housing claw portion 424, the second housing extension 426, and the second housing claw portion 428 constitute a snap fit.

[0033] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9, the first housing extension 422 is connected to the front and upper end of the mechanism opening 418, in this case, to the front end of the lever support portion 402. The first housing extension 422 also extends forward from the front end of the lever support portion 402.

[0034] The first housing claw portion 424 is connected to the part of the first housing extension portion 422 opposite to the lever support portion 402. Furthermore, the first housing claw portion 424 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first housing extension portion 422 extends. For example, the first housing claw portion 424 extends upward from the first housing extension portion 422.

[0035] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, the second housing extension 426 is connected to the front and lower end of the mechanism opening 418, specifically to the front end of the lower wall 410. The second housing extension 426 also extends forward from the front end of the lower wall 410.

[0036] The second housing claw portion 428 is connected to the side of the second housing extension portion 426 opposite to the lower wall 410. Furthermore, the second housing claw portion 428 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second housing extension portion 426 extends. For example, the second housing claw portion 428 extends downward from the second housing extension portion 426 towards the vehicle.

[0037] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 generates a reaction force in response to the driver's pedaling force applied to the pedal portion 12. Specifically, as shown in Figure 8, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a first holder 61, a second holder 62, a guide member 63, a first elastic member 71, a second elastic member 72, and a third elastic member 73.

[0038] The first holder 61 is formed of, for example, resin. The first holder 61 also includes a first support portion 610, a holder projection 612, and a first guide portion 614. Although the first holder 61 is formed of resin, it is not limited to this and may be formed of, for example, metal.

[0039] The first support portion 610 is formed in the shape of a plate, for example, extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. The holder projection 612 is connected to the first support portion 610 and protrudes from the first support portion 610 toward the rear of the vehicle. The first guide portion 614 is formed in the shape of a cylinder, for example, extending toward the front of the vehicle from the side of the first support portion 610 opposite to the holder projection 612.

[0040] The second holder 62 is formed of, for example, resin. The second holder 62 also includes a second support portion 620, a second guide portion 622, a third guide portion 623, and a third support portion 626. Although the second holder 62 is formed of resin, it is not limited to this and may be formed of, for example, metal.

[0041] The second support portion 620 is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, and is also formed in an annular shape.

[0042] The second guide portion 622 is connected to the outside of the second support portion 620 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, and is formed in a cylindrical shape that extends toward the rear of the vehicle from the boundary with the second support portion 620. A part of the first guide portion 614 is inserted into the hole in the second guide portion 622. This restricts the movement of the first guide portion 614 and the second guide portion 622 in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Furthermore, because the first guide portion 614 and the second guide portion 622 extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, the outer surface of the first guide portion 614 and the inner surface of the second guide portion 622 slide along the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da.

[0043] The third guide portion 623 is connected to the inside of the second support portion 620 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, and is formed as a bottomed cylindrical shape extending toward the rear of the vehicle from the boundary with the second support portion 620.

[0044] The third support portion 626 is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, and is also formed in an annular shape. Furthermore, the third support portion 626 is connected to the side of the second guide portion 622 opposite to the second support portion 620, and is therefore positioned further rearward than the second support portion 620. In addition, a part of the first guide portion 614 is inserted into the hole in the third support portion 626.

[0045] The guide member 63 is made of, for example, metal. Furthermore, the guide member 63 is cylindrical in shape, extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. Additionally, a portion of the guide member 63 is inserted into the holes of the second support portion 620 and the third guide portion 623. This restricts the movement of the third guide portion 623 and the guide member 63 in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Also, because the third guide portion 623 and the guide member 63 extend in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da, the inner surface of the third guide portion 623 and the outer surface of the guide member 63 slide along the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da.

[0046] The first elastic member 71, the second elastic member 72, and the third elastic member 73 are arranged in series here. Specifically, the first elastic member 71 is, for example, a coil spring and elastically deforms in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. A third guide portion 623 is arranged inside the first elastic member 71. This restricts the movement of the first elastic member 71 in the vehicle vertical direction Db. Furthermore, the first elastic member 71 is supported by the first support portion 610 and the second support portion 620 by contacting them. When the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, the first elastic member 71 is elastically deformed and, in this case, compressed. Note that, while the first elastic member 71 is elastically deformed when the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver here, it is not limited to this and may not be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the first elastic member 71 is its free length.

[0047] The second elastic member 72 is, for example, a coil spring and elastically deforms in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. The second elastic member 72 is supported by the second support portion 620 and the support member 80 described later, by contact with the third support portion 626 and the support member 80 described later. Furthermore, the second support portion 620, the second guide portion 622 and the support member 80 described later are arranged inside the second elastic member 72. This restricts the movement of the second elastic member 72 in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. When the second elastic member 72 is projected toward the first elastic member 71 in the vehicle's vertical direction Db, the projected second elastic member 72 and the first elastic member 71 overlap. Also, when the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, the second elastic member 72 is elastically deformed and, in this case, compressed. In this case, the second elastic member 72 is elastically deformed when the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, but it is not limited to this, and may not be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the second elastic member 72 is its free length.

[0048] The third elastic member 73 is, for example, a coil spring and is elastically deformable in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. The third elastic member 73 is supported by the first support portion 610 by being in contact with it. Furthermore, a holder projection 612 is positioned on the inside of the third elastic member 73. This restricts the movement of the third elastic member 73 in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. When the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, a part of the lever projection 16 is inserted into the inside of the third elastic member 73, causing the third elastic member 73 to be in contact with the lever flange portion 18. At this time, the third elastic member 73 is elastically deformed and, in this case, compressed. Note that, while the third elastic member 73 is elastically deformed when the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, it is not limited to this and may not be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the third elastic member 73 is its free length. Furthermore, while the third elastic member 73 and the lever flange 18 are in contact when the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, this is not limited to this. When the pedal portion 12 is not pressed by the driver, the third elastic member 73 and the lever flange 18 may be separated, resulting in no contact between the third elastic member 73 and the lever flange 18.

[0049] The support member 80 supports the reaction force generating mechanism 60. The support member 80 is attached to the dash panel 200 of the vehicle 6, as shown in Figure 1. The dash panel 200 is a partition separating the vehicle's exterior 7 (such as the engine compartment) from the interior 8, and is sometimes called a bulkhead. The exterior 7 contains not only the vehicle's engine, but also, for example, the vehicle's battery and air conditioning system.

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Figures 4 to 9, the support member 80 has a support portion 800, a panel hole 802, a panel bolt 804, an elastic member restricting portion 806, a first guide member hole 811, a second guide member hole 812, a first member hole 821, and a second member hole 822.

[0051] The support portion 800 is formed of metal in the shape of a plate, for example, extending in the vertical direction Db and the horizontal direction Dc of the vehicle. The support portion 800 also supports the portion of the second elastic member 72 opposite to the third support portion 626. While the support portion 800 is formed of metal, it is not limited to this. For example, the support portion 800 may be formed of resin.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the panel hole 802 is formed in the support portion 800. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 and the holes in the dash panel 200. In this way, the support member 80 is attached to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0053] The elastic member restricting portion 806 is connected to the support portion 800 and protrudes in the rearward direction of the vehicle from the boundary with the support portion 800. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 8, the elastic member restricting portion 806 is positioned inside the second elastic member 72. As a result, the movement of the second elastic member 72 in the vertical direction Db of the vehicle is restricted.

[0054] As shown in Figures 4, 5, 8, and 9, the first guide member hole 811 is formed in the support portion 800. The second guide member hole 812 is formed in the elastic member restricting portion 806 and communicates with the first guide member hole 811. A portion of the guide member 63 is inserted into both the first guide member hole 811 and the second guide member hole 812. This fixes the support member 80 and the guide member 63 together.

[0055] As shown in Figures 4, 6, and 9, the first member hole 821 is formed in the upper part of the support portion 800 on the vehicle side. The first member hole 821 is a through hole extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. However, the first member hole 821 is not limited to being a through hole. For example, the first member hole 821 may be a bottomed hole. In this case, the first member hole 821 may be molded, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0056] Here, as shown in Figure 9, when the first housing claw portion 424 is inserted into the first member hole 821, the first housing extension portion 422 undergoes elastic deformation. Furthermore, when the support member 80 and the housing 40 are brought closer together, as shown in Figure 4, the shape of the first housing extension portion 422 returns to its original state, and the first housing extension portion 422 is inserted into the first member hole 821. At this time, the first housing claw portion 424 and the support portion 800 come into contact. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged. Note that the dash panel 200 has a recess formed in it that corresponds to the shape of the first housing claw portion 424, so that the first housing claw portion 424 does not come into contact with the dash panel 200.

[0057] As shown in Figures 4, 7, and 9, the second member hole 822 is formed in the lower part of the support portion 800 on the vehicle side. The second member hole 822 is a through hole extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. However, the second member hole 822 is not limited to being a through hole. For example, the second member hole 822 may be a bottomed hole. In this case, the second member hole 822 may be molded, for example, by a 3D printer.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 9, when the second housing claw portion 428 is inserted into the second member hole 822, the second housing extension portion 426 undergoes elastic deformation. When the support member 80 and the housing 40 are brought closer together, as shown in Figure 4, the shape of the second housing extension portion 426 returns to its original state, and the second housing extension portion 426 is inserted into the second member hole 822. At this time, the second housing claw portion 428 and the support portion 800 come into contact. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged. Note that the dash panel 200 has a recess formed in it that corresponds to the shape of the second housing claw portion 428, so that the second housing claw portion 428 does not come into contact with the dash panel 200.

[0059] Furthermore, since the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Also, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0060] As described above, the brake-by-wire system 150 is configured as described. Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 8.

[0061] When the driver of vehicle 6 presses the pedal portion 12, the lever portion 14 rotates together with the pedal portion 12 around the rotation axis O. As a result, the force from the pedal portion 12 is transmitted to the third elastic member 73 via the lever flange portion 18, causing the third elastic member 73 to be compressed. The force from the pedal portion 12 is also transmitted to the first holder 61. As a result, the first holder 61 moves in the forward direction of the vehicle, causing the outer surface of the first guide portion 614 to slide against the inner surface of the second guide portion 622 along the forward direction of the vehicle, and the first elastic member 71 to be compressed by being pressed against the first support portion 610. Furthermore, the force from the pedal portion 12 is transmitted to the second holder 62. As a result, the second holder 62 moves in the forward direction of the vehicle, causing the inner surface of the third guide portion 623 to slide against the outer surface of the guide member 63 along the forward direction of the vehicle, and the second elastic member 72 to be compressed by being pressed against the third support portion 626. Therefore, a reaction force is generated by the restoring force produced when the first elastic member 71, the second elastic member 72, and the third elastic member 73 are compressed. Due to this reaction force, the pedal device 1 can obtain the same reaction force as when it is connected to the master cylinder 126, i.e., when a hydraulic reaction force is obtained, even though the mechanical connection between the pedal 10 and the master cylinder 126 has been eliminated.

[0062] At this time, the stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the lever portion 14, thereby detecting the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal portion 12. The stroke sensor 30 also outputs the detected rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal portion 12 to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112.

[0063] At this time, the first ECU 111 rotates the motor 123 by supplying power to it, for example. This drives the gear mechanism 125, causing the master piston 127 to move. As a result, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid supplied from the reservoir 124 to the master cylinder 126 increases. This increased hydraulic pressure is supplied to the second brake circuit 122.

[0064] Furthermore, the second ECU 112 supplies power to, for example, a solenoid valve (not shown) of the second brake circuit 122. This opens the solenoid valve of the second brake circuit 122. As a result, the brake fluid supplied to the second brake circuit 122 is supplied to each wheel cylinder 131-134. Consequently, the brake pads attached to the wheel cylinders 131-134 rub against the corresponding brake discs. Thus, each wheel is braked, and the vehicle 6 decelerates. At this time, the second ECU 112 may perform ABS control, VSC control, collision avoidance control, and regenerative braking coordinated control, etc., based on signals from the stroke sensor 30 and signals from other electronic control devices (not shown). ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System. VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control.

[0065] Then, when the driver of vehicle 6 stops pressing the pedal portion 12, the restoring force of the first elastic member 71 and the second elastic member 72 pushes the first holder 61 and the second holder 62 back toward the rear of the vehicle. As a result, the outer surface of the first guide portion 614 slides along the rear of the vehicle with the inner surface of the second guide portion 622, and the inner surface of the third guide portion 623 slides along the rear of the vehicle with the outer surface of the guide member 63. In addition, the restoring force of the third elastic member 73 pushes the lever flange portion 18 back. Therefore, the position of the pedal 10 returns to the initial position when the pedal portion 12 is not being pressed by the driver of vehicle 6.

[0066] In this manner, the pedal device 1 operates. This pedal device 1 prevents foreign matter from entering the elastic member. Next, we will explain how this prevention of foreign matter intrusion occurs.

[0067] In the devices described in Patent Document 1 and International Publication No. 2019-210945, the pedal is attached to a pedal housing. These devices also include a spring as an elastic member and a spring housing. The spring generates a reaction force by elastically deforming when the pedal is pressed. The spring housing supports the spring. Furthermore, the spring housing is attached to the outside of the pedal housing, and a portion of the spring is exposed to the outside of the spring housing. Therefore, the spring is exposed to the outside of the device. This makes it easy for foreign matter such as dust and moisture to enter the spring from outside the device. As a result, the deformation of the spring is easily inhibited.

[0068] In contrast, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment comprises a pedal 10, a second elastic member 72 of a reaction force generating mechanism 60, a housing 40, and a support member 80. The pedal 10 rotates around a rotation axis O when pressed by the driver of the vehicle 6. The second elastic member 72 deforms due to the force from the pedal 10 when the pedal 10 rotates, thereby generating a reaction force to the driver's pedaling force. The housing 40 supports the pedal 10 so that it can rotate and also forms a housing space 412. The second elastic member 72 is housed in the housing space 412. The support member 80 supports the second elastic member 72. Note that the driver of the vehicle 6 corresponds to the operator.

[0069] Furthermore, the housing 40 has a mechanism opening 418. The mechanism opening 418 forms a mechanism opening space 420. The mechanism opening space 420 is a space partitioned by the mechanism opening 418 opening in the direction of the vehicle's front. The mechanism opening space 420 is also in communication with the housing space 412. In addition, because the housing 40 and the support member 80 are connected, the support member 80 closes the mechanism opening space 420, and the second elastic member 72 is surrounded by the housing 40 and the support member 80. Note that the vehicle's front direction corresponds to one direction.

[0070] As a result, the second elastic member 72 is prevented from being exposed to the outside of the pedal device 1, and the intrusion of foreign matter from the outside of the pedal device 1 toward the second elastic member 72 is prevented by the housing 40 and the support member 80. Therefore, the intrusion of foreign matter into the second elastic member 72 is suppressed.

[0071] Furthermore, since the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is enclosed by the housing 40 and the support member 80, it becomes more difficult for people to tamper with the pedal device 1 or disassemble it. Therefore, such tampering and disassembly are suppressed.

[0072] Furthermore, the first embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0073] [1-1] The second elastic member 72 is a coil spring. As a result, the effect of temperature on the elastic modulus of the second elastic member 72 is relatively small. In addition, the second elastic member 72 has relatively high oil resistance, solvent resistance, and chemical resistance. Therefore, the second elastic member 72 is less prone to deterioration, resulting in the generation of a stable reaction force.

[0074] [1-2] The housing 40 is located on the passenger compartment 8 side of the dash panel 200. The dash panel 200 corresponds to the partition wall separating the passenger compartment 8 from the outside 7 of the vehicle 6. In addition, the mechanism opening 418 opens toward the front of the vehicle. The direction toward the front of the vehicle corresponds to the direction from the housing 40 toward the dash panel 200.

[0075] This makes it easier to attach the pedal device 1 to the dash panel 200. Specifically, the support member 80 is positioned between the housing 40 and the dash panel 200, connecting the housing 40 and the support member 80 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. Then, without reversing the pedal device 1, the pedal device 1 can be attached to the dash panel 200 while maintaining its orientation. This makes it easier to attach the pedal device 1 to the dash panel 200. Consequently, assembly of the pedal device 1 and the dash panel 200 becomes easier. Therefore, the assembly cost of the pedal device 1 is reduced.

[0076] [1-3] The housing 40 has a first housing extension 422, a first housing claw 424, a second housing extension 426, and a second housing claw 428. The first housing extension 422 and the second housing extension 426 extend from the mechanism opening 418 toward the front of the vehicle. The first housing claw 424 is connected to the first housing extension 422 and extends upward from the first housing extension 422 toward the vehicle. The second housing claw 428 is connected to the second housing extension 426 and extends downward from the second housing extension 426 toward the vehicle. The first housing extension 422 and the second housing extension 426 correspond to extensions. The first housing claw 424 and the second housing claw 428 correspond to claws. The upward and downward directions correspond to directions that intersect with the direction in which the extensions extend.

[0077] Furthermore, the support member 80 has a first member hole 821 and a second member hole 822. The first housing extension 422 is inserted into the first member hole 821. The second housing extension 426 is inserted into the second member hole 822. In addition, the first housing claw portion 424 and the second housing claw portion 428 are in contact with the support member 80, thereby engaging the housing 40 and the support member 80. This makes it easier to hold the housing 40 and the support member 80 together. Note that the first member hole 821 and the second member hole 822 correspond to member spaces.

[0078] [1-4] The first housing extension 422 deforms when the first housing claw 424 is inserted into the first member hole 821. The second housing extension 426 also deforms when the second housing claw 428 is inserted into the second member hole 822.

[0079] This makes it easier to insert the first housing extension 422 into the first member hole 821 in a single action without using jigs or other fixtures. Similarly, it makes it easier to insert the second housing extension 426 into the second member hole 822 in a single action without using jigs or other fixtures. Therefore, assembly of the housing 40 and the support member 80 becomes easier. In addition, since there is no need to use jigs or other fixtures, the assembly cost of the pedal device 1 is reduced.

[0080] Furthermore, since it is no longer necessary to fix the housing 40 and the support member 80 using bolts or the like, the number of parts in the pedal device 1 is reduced. In addition, the cost of the pedal device 1 is reduced as a result of the reduction in the number of parts in the pedal device 1.

[0081] [1-5] The support member 80 has a support portion 800 and an elastic member restricting portion 806. The support portion 800 supports the second elastic member 72. The elastic member restricting portion 806 extends from the support portion 800 in the deformation direction of the second elastic member 72. The elastic member restricting portion 806 also restricts the movement of the second elastic member 72 in the vehicle vertical direction Db. The vehicle vertical direction Db corresponds to the direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 72.

[0082] This makes it easier for the second elastic member 72 to stand upright relative to the support portion 800. As a result, the second elastic member 72 is easier to insert into the mechanism opening space 420. Consequently, assembly of the housing 40 and the support member 80 becomes easier.

[0083] [1-6] The support member 80 supports one end of the second elastic member 72. The pedal device 1 also includes a second holder 62. The second holder 62 has a third support portion 626 and a second guide portion 622. The third support portion 626 supports the other end of the second elastic member 72. The second guide portion 622 extends from the third support portion 626 in the direction of deformation of the second elastic member 72. The second guide portion 622 also restricts the movement of the second elastic member 72 in the vehicle vertical direction Db. The third support portion 626 corresponds to the member support portion. The second guide portion 622 corresponds to the member restricting portion.

[0084] This makes it easier for the second elastic member 72 to stand upright. As a result, the second elastic member 72 is easier to insert into the mechanism opening space 420. Therefore, it becomes easier to assemble the housing 40 and the support member 80.

[0085] (Second Embodiment) In the second embodiment, as shown in Figure 10, the shapes of the first housing extension 422, the first housing claw portion 424, the second housing extension 426, and the second housing claw portion 428 differ from those of the first embodiment. Also, the shapes of the first member hole 821 and the second member hole 822 differ from those of the first embodiment. Other than these differences, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0086] The first housing extension 422 is connected to the front and left-side end of the mechanism opening 418, in this case, to the front end of the left wall 406. The first housing extension 422 also extends forward from the front end of the left wall 406. Furthermore, the first housing extension 422 is inserted into a first member hole 821 formed at a position corresponding to the first housing extension 422.

[0087] The first housing claw portion 424 is connected to the side of the first housing extension portion 422 opposite to the left wall 406. The first housing claw portion 424 also extends from the first housing extension portion 422 toward the left of the vehicle. Furthermore, the first housing claw portion 424 is in contact with the support portion 800. As a result, the support portion 800 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, and the support member 80 is engaged with the housing 40.

[0088] The second housing extension 426 is connected to the front and right-hand end of the mechanism opening 418, specifically to the front end of the right-side wall 408. The second housing extension 426 also extends forward from the front end of the right-side wall 408. Furthermore, the second housing extension 426 is inserted into a second member hole 822 formed at a position corresponding to the second housing extension 426.

[0089] The second housing claw portion 428 is connected to the side of the second housing extension portion 426 opposite to the right side wall 408. The second housing claw portion 428 also extends from the second housing extension portion 426 toward the right of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second housing claw portion 428 is in contact with the support portion 800. As a result, the support portion 800 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, and the support member 80 is engaged with the housing 40. Furthermore, because the support portion 800 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0090] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the second embodiment is configured as described above. This second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0091] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12, the shapes of the second housing claw portion 428 and the second member hole 822 differ from those of the first embodiment. Otherwise, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0092] The second housing claw portion 428 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the vehicle's left-right direction Dc. The second housing extension portion 426 and the second housing claw portion 428 are inserted into the second member hole 822. Furthermore, the second member hole 822 is formed in a shape and size that allows the housing 40 to rotate around the axis of the second housing claw portion 428.

[0093] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the third embodiment is configured as described. This third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the third embodiment also provides the effects described below.

[0094] [2] The second housing claw portion 428 is connected to the second housing extension portion 426 and rotates about an axis extending in the vehicle left-right direction Dc. When the second housing claw portion 428 rotates, the housing 40 rotates about the axis of the second housing claw portion 428, causing the first housing claw portion 424 to be inserted into the first member hole 821. The first housing extension portion 422 corresponds to the first extension portion. The first housing claw portion 424 corresponds to the first claw portion. The second housing extension portion 426 corresponds to the second extension portion. The second housing claw portion 428 corresponds to the second claw portion. The vehicle left-right direction Dc corresponds to a direction perpendicular to one direction.

[0095] This allows the housing 40 to be assembled with the support member 80 by rotating the housing 40. Therefore, the degree of freedom in assembling the housing 40 and the support member 80 is improved.

[0096] (Fourth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, as shown in Figure 13, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a right side wall 408. Also, the shapes of the housing space 412, pedal opening 414, mechanism opening 418, and mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the shapes of the first housing extension 422, first housing claw 424, second housing extension 426, and second housing claw 428 differ from those of the first embodiment. In addition, the support member 80 further has a support member extension 830. Furthermore, the shapes of the first member hole 821 and second member hole 822 differ from those of the first embodiment. Other than these, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0097] The front wall 430 is the wall of the housing 40 that faces forward of the vehicle. The front wall 430 is connected to the front part of the lever support 402, the front part of the left wall 406, and the front part of the lower wall 410. Here, a panel hole 802 is formed in the front wall 430, and the front wall 430 is located further forward of the vehicle than the support 800. For this reason, the panel hole 802 is not formed in the support 800. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 in the front wall 430 and the holes in the dash panel 200. In this way, the housing 40 is attached to the dash panel 200. In this way, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0098] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the bottom wall 410, and the front wall 430.

[0099] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left side wall 406, and the rear end of the lower wall 410.

[0100] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the right-side end of the lever support 402, the right-side end of the rear wall 404, the right-side end of the lower wall 410, and the right-side end of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing to the right of the vehicle. Note that the right direction of the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0101] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle left-right direction Dc.

[0102] The first housing extension 422 is connected to the front and right-hand end of the mechanism opening 418, specifically to the right-hand end of the front wall 430. The first housing extension 422 also extends to the right of the vehicle from the right-hand end of the front wall 430.

[0103] The first housing claw portion 424 is connected to the side of the first housing extension portion 422 opposite to the front wall 430. The first housing claw portion 424 also extends from the first housing extension portion 422 in the direction of the front of the vehicle.

[0104] The second housing extension 426 is connected to the rear and right-hand end of the mechanism opening 418, specifically to the right-hand end of the rear wall 404. The second housing extension 426 also extends to the right of the vehicle from the right-hand end of the rear wall 404.

[0105] The second housing claw portion 428 is connected to the second housing extension portion 426 on the side opposite to the rear wall 404. The second housing claw portion 428 also extends from the second housing extension portion 426 in the direction of the rear of the vehicle.

[0106] The support member extension 830 is connected to the right-side portion of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is made of metal and is a plate-like structure extending in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and vertical direction Db. The support member extension 830 is made of metal, but is not limited to that. For example, the support member extension 830 may be made of resin.

[0107] The first member hole 821 is formed in the support member extension 830 instead of being formed in the support portion 800. Furthermore, the first member hole 821 extends in the vehicle's left-right direction Dc. The first housing extension 422 is inserted into the first member hole 821. The first housing claw portion 424 and the support member extension 830 are in contact. As a result, the support member extension 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0108] The second member hole 822 is formed in the support member extension 830 instead of being formed in the support portion 800. Furthermore, the second member hole 822 extends in the vehicle's left-right direction Dc. The second housing extension 426 is inserted into the second member hole 822. The second housing claw portion 428 and the support member extension 830 are in contact. As a result, the support member extension 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0109] Furthermore, since the support member extension 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support member extension 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Also, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support part 800, is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0110] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured. This fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the housing 40 may have a right wall 408 instead of a left wall 406. In this case, for example, the housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the right wall 408, the lower wall 410, and the front wall 430. The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the left-side end of the lever support portion 402, the left-side end of the rear wall 404, the left-side end of the lower wall 410, and the left-side end of the front wall 430. In this case, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing the left direction of the vehicle. The left direction of the vehicle corresponds to one direction. Furthermore, the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the left-side portion of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the first housing extension 422 extends from the left-side end of the front wall 430 toward the left of the vehicle. In addition, the second housing extension 426 extends from the left-side end of the rear wall 404 toward the left of the vehicle. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0111] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, as shown in Figures 14 and 15, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a lower wall 410. Also, instead of the support member 80 not having panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804, the housing 40 has panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804. Furthermore, the shapes of the housing space 412, the mechanism opening 418, and the mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the first embodiment. Also, the shapes of the first housing extension 422, the first housing claw 424, the second housing extension 426, and the second housing claw 428 differ from those of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the support member 80 has a support member extension 830. Also, the shapes of the first member hole 821 and the second member hole 822 differ from those of the first embodiment. Other than these, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0112] The front wall 430 is connected to the front-facing portion of the lever support portion 402, the front-facing portion of the left wall 406, and the front-facing portion of the right wall 408. A panel hole 802 is also formed in the front wall 430. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0113] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the right side wall 408, and the front wall 430.

[0114] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left wall 406, and the lower end of the right wall 408.

[0115] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the lower end of the left wall 406, the lower end of the right wall 408, and the lower part of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing downwards towards the vehicle. Note that downwards towards the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0116] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle vertical direction Db.

[0117] The first housing extension 422 is connected to the left-side end of the mechanism opening 418, specifically to the lower-side end of the left-side wall 406. The first housing extension 422 also extends downward from the lower-side end of the left-side wall 406.

[0118] The first housing claw portion 424 is connected to the side of the first housing extension portion 422 opposite to the left wall 406. The first housing claw portion 424 also extends from the first housing extension portion 422 toward the left of the vehicle.

[0119] The second housing extension 426 is connected to the vehicle-side end of the mechanism opening 418, in this case, to the vehicle-side end of the right-side wall 408. The second housing extension 426 also extends downward from the vehicle-side end of the right-side wall 408.

[0120] The second housing claw portion 428 is connected to the side of the second housing extension portion 426 opposite to the right wall 408. The second housing claw portion 428 also extends from the second housing extension portion 426 toward the right of the vehicle.

[0121] The support member extension 830 is connected to the lower part of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's lateral direction Dc.

[0122] The first member hole 821 is formed in the support member extension 830 instead of the support portion 800. The first member hole 821 is a hole that extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Furthermore, the first housing extension 422 is inserted into the first member hole 821. The first housing claw portion 424 and the support member extension 830 are in contact. As a result, the support member extension 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418 and the support member 80 and housing 40 are engaged.

[0123] The second member hole 822 is formed in the support member extension 830 instead of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the second member hole 822 extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. The second housing extension 426 is inserted into the second member hole 822. The second housing claw portion 428 and the support member extension 830 are in contact. As a result, the support member extension 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0124] Furthermore, since the support member extension 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support member extension 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Also, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support part 800, is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0125] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the fifth embodiment is configured as described. This fifth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0126] (Sixth Embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Figure 16, the support member 80 has a first member extension 841, a first member claw 851, a second member extension 842, and a second member claw 852 instead of the first member hole 821 and the second member hole 822. Also, the housing 40 does not have a first housing extension 422, a first housing claw 424, a second housing extension 426, and a second housing claw 428. Instead, the housing 40 has a first housing hole 431, a second housing hole 432, a third housing hole 433, and a fourth housing hole 434. Other than these, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0127] The first member extension 841, the first member claw portion 851, the second member extension 842, and the second member claw portion 852 constitute a snap fit.

[0128] Specifically, the first member extension 841 is connected to the upper part of the support 800. Furthermore, the first member extension 841 extends from the upper part of the support 800 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0129] The first member claw portion 851 is connected to the part of the first member extension 841 opposite to the support portion 800. Furthermore, the first member claw portion 851 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the first member extension 841 extends. For example, the first member claw portion 851 extends upward from the first member extension 841.

[0130] The second member extension 842 is connected to the lower part of the support 800. The second member extension 842 also extends from the lower part of the support 800 toward the rear of the vehicle.

[0131] The second member claw portion 852 is connected to the second member extension portion 842 on the side opposite to the support portion 800. Furthermore, the second member claw portion 852 extends in a direction intersecting the direction in which the second member extension portion 842 extends. For example, the second member claw portion 852 extends downward from the second member extension portion 842 towards the vehicle.

[0132] The first housing hole 431 and the second housing hole 432 are formed in the lever support portion 402. The first housing hole 431 is a hole that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. The second housing hole 432 communicates with the first housing hole 431. Furthermore, the second housing hole 432 is a through hole that extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Note that the second housing hole 432 is not limited to being a through hole. For example, the second housing hole 432 may be a bottomed hole.

[0133] Here, when the first member claw portion 851 is inserted into the first housing hole 431, the first member extension portion 841 undergoes elastic deformation. Furthermore, when the support member 80 and the housing 40 are brought closer together, the shape of the first member extension portion 841 returns to its original state, and the first member extension portion 841 is inserted into the first housing hole 431. At this time, the first member claw portion 851 is inserted into the second housing hole 432, and the first member claw portion 851 and the lever support portion 402 come into contact. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0134] The third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434 are formed in the lower wall 410. The third housing hole 433 is a hole that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. The fourth housing hole 434 communicates with the third housing hole 433. Furthermore, the fourth housing hole 434 is a through hole that extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Note that the fourth housing hole 434 is not limited to being a through hole. For example, the fourth housing hole 434 may be a bottomed hole.

[0135] Furthermore, when the second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the third housing hole 433, the second member extension portion 842 undergoes elastic deformation. When the support member 80 and the housing 40 are brought closer together, the shape of the second member extension portion 842 returns to its original state, and the second member extension portion 842 is inserted into the third housing hole 433. At this time, the second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the fourth housing hole 434, and the second member claw portion 852 comes into contact with the lower wall 410. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0136] Furthermore, since the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Also, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0137] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the sixth embodiment is configured as described. This sixth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment. Furthermore, the sixth embodiment also provides the effects described below.

[0138] [3-1] The support member 80 includes a support portion 800, a first member extension portion 841, a first member claw portion 851, a second member extension portion 842, and a second member claw portion 852. The support portion 800 supports the second elastic member 72. The first member extension portion 841 extends from the support portion 800 in the direction of the rear of the vehicle. The first member claw portion 851 is connected to the first member extension portion 841 and extends from the first member extension portion 841 in the direction of the upward direction of the vehicle. The second member extension portion 842 extends from the support portion 800 in the direction of the rear of the vehicle. The second member claw portion 852 is connected to the second member extension portion 842 and extends from the second member extension portion 842 in the direction of the downward direction of the vehicle. The first member extension portion 841 and the second member extension portion 842 correspond to extension portions. The first member claw portion 851 and the second member claw portion 852 correspond to claw portions. The direction towards the rear of the vehicle corresponds to the opposite direction to one of the other directions. The directions towards the top and bottom of the vehicle correspond to the directions that intersect with the direction in which the extension extends.

[0139] Furthermore, the housing 40 has a first housing hole 431, a second housing hole 432, a third housing hole 433, and a fourth housing hole 434. The first member extension 841 is inserted into the first housing hole 431. The first member claw portion 851 is inserted into the second housing hole 432. The second member extension 842 is inserted into the third housing hole 433. The second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the fourth housing hole 434. In addition, the first member claw portion 851 and the second member claw portion 852 are in contact with the housing 40, thereby engaging the housing 40 and the support member 80. This makes it easier to hold the housing 40 and the support member 80 together. The first housing hole 431 and the third housing hole 433 correspond to the first space. The second housing hole 432 and the fourth housing hole 434 correspond to the second space.

[0140] [3-2] The first member extension 841 deforms when the first member claw portion 851 is inserted into the first housing hole 431. The second member extension 842 deforms when the second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the second housing hole 432.

[0141] This makes it easier to insert the first member extension 841 into the first housing hole 431 in a single action. Also, it makes it easier to insert the second member extension 842 into the third housing hole 433 in a single action. Therefore, it becomes easier to assemble the housing 40 and the support member 80.

[0142] Furthermore, since it is no longer necessary to fix the housing 40 and the support member 80 using bolts or the like, the number of parts in the pedal device 1 is reduced. In addition, the cost of the pedal device 1 is reduced as a result of the reduction in the number of parts in the pedal device 1.

[0143] (Seventh Embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, as shown in Figure 17, the shapes of the first housing hole 431, the second housing hole 432, the third housing hole 433, and the fourth housing hole 434 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Also, the shapes of the first member extension 841, the first member claw portion 851, the second member extension 842, and the second member claw portion 852 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Other than these differences, it is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0144] The first housing hole 431 and the second housing hole 432 are formed in the left side wall 406. In addition, the second housing hole 432 extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle instead of the vertical direction Db of the vehicle.

[0145] The third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434 are formed in the right side wall 408. In addition, the fourth housing hole 434 extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle instead of the vertical direction Db of the vehicle.

[0146] The first member extension 841 is connected to the left-side portion of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the first member extension 841 extends from the left-side portion of the support portion 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the first member extension 841 is inserted into the first housing hole 431.

[0147] The first member claw portion 851 extends from the first member extension portion 841 toward the left side of the vehicle. The first member claw portion 851 is also inserted into the second housing hole 432 and is in contact with the left side wall 406. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0148] The second member extension 842 is connected to the right-side portion of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the second member extension 842 extends from the right-side portion of the support portion 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. Additionally, the second member extension 842 is inserted into the third housing hole 433.

[0149] The second member claw portion 852 extends to the right of the vehicle from the second member extension portion 842. The second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the fourth housing hole 434 and is in contact with the right side wall 408. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged. Furthermore, because the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0150] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the seventh embodiment is configured as described above. This seventh embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0151] (Eighth embodiment) In the eighth embodiment, as shown in Figures 18 and 19, the housing 40 does not have the third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434. Also, the shape of the second member claw portion 852 differs from that of the sixth embodiment. Other than these differences, it is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0152] The second member claw portion 852 is formed in a cylindrical shape having an axis extending in the vehicle's left-right direction Dc. Furthermore, a portion of the second member claw portion 852 is inserted into holes (not shown) formed in the left wall 406 and holes (not shown) formed in the right wall 408. In addition, the second member claw portion 852 is supported by the left wall 406 and the right wall 408 so as to be rotatable about the axis extending in the vehicle's left-right direction Dc.

[0153] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the eighth embodiment is configured as described. This eighth embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, the eighth embodiment also provides the effects described below.

[0154] [4] The second member claw portion 852 is connected to the second member extension portion 842 and rotates about an axis extending in the vehicle left-right direction Dc. When the second member claw portion 852 rotates, the support member 80 rotates about the axis of the second member claw portion 852, thereby inserting the first member claw portion 851 into the first member hole 821. The first member extension portion 841 corresponds to the first extension portion. The first member claw portion 851 corresponds to the first claw portion. The second member extension portion 842 corresponds to the second extension portion. The second member claw portion 852 corresponds to the second claw portion. The vehicle left-right direction Dc corresponds to a direction perpendicular to one direction.

[0155] This allows the housing 40 and the support member 80 to be assembled by rotating the support member 80. Therefore, the degree of freedom in assembling the housing 40 and the support member 80 is improved.

[0156] (Ninth Embodiment) In the ninth embodiment, as shown in Figure 20, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a right side wall 408. Also, the shapes of the housing space 412, pedal opening 414, mechanism opening 418, and mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, the support member 80 further has a support member extension 830. Also, the shapes of the first housing hole 431, second housing hole 432, third housing hole 433, and fourth housing hole 434 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Furthermore, the shapes of the first member extension 841, first member claw portion 851, second member extension 842, and second member claw portion 852 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Other than these, it is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0157] The front wall 430 is connected to the front-facing portion of the lever support portion 402, the front-facing portion of the left wall 406, and the front-facing portion of the lower wall 410. Note that a panel hole 802 is formed in the front wall 430, and the front wall 430 is located further forward than the support portion 800. Therefore, the support portion 800 does not have a panel hole 802. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 in the front wall 430 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0158] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the bottom wall 410, and the front wall 430.

[0159] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left side wall 406, and the rear end of the lower wall 410.

[0160] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the right-side end of the lever support 402, the right-side end of the rear wall 404, the right-side end of the lower wall 410, and the right-side end of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing to the right of the vehicle. Note that the right direction of the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0161] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle left-right direction Dc.

[0162] The support member extension 830 is connected to the right-side portion of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's vertical direction Db.

[0163] The first housing hole 431 and the second housing hole 432 are formed in the front wall 430 on the right side of the vehicle. The first housing hole 431 extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle. The second housing hole 432 communicates with the first housing hole 431 and extends in the front-rear direction Da of the vehicle.

[0164] The third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434 are formed in the rear wall 404 on the right side of the vehicle. The third housing hole 433 extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle. The fourth housing hole 434 communicates with the third housing hole 433 and extends in the front-rear direction Da of the vehicle.

[0165] The first member extension 841 is connected to the vehicle-front portion of the support member extension 830. Furthermore, the first member extension 841 extends from the vehicle-front portion of the support member extension 830 toward the left of the vehicle. Additionally, the first member extension 841 is inserted into the first housing hole 431. Note that the direction toward the left of the vehicle corresponds to the opposite direction to the other direction.

[0166] The first member claw portion 851 extends from the first member extension portion 841 in the direction toward the front of the vehicle. The first member claw portion 851 is also inserted into the second housing hole 432 and is in contact with the front wall 430. As a result, the support member extension portion 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0167] The second member extension 842 is connected to the rear-side portion of the support member extension 830. Furthermore, the second member extension 842 extends from the rear-side portion of the support member extension 830 toward the left side of the vehicle. Additionally, the second member extension 842 is inserted into the third housing hole 433.

[0168] The second member claw portion 852 extends from the second member extension portion 842 in the direction of the rear of the vehicle. The second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the fourth housing hole 434 and is in contact with the rear wall 404. As a result, the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418 and the support member 80 is engaged with the housing 40. Furthermore, because the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, the support member extension portion 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0169] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the ninth embodiment is configured. This ninth embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment. In the ninth embodiment, the housing 40 may have a right wall 408 instead of a left wall 406. In this case, for example, the housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the right wall 408, the lower wall 410, and the front wall 430. The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the left-side end of the lever support portion 402, the left-side end of the rear wall 404, the left-side end of the lower wall 410, and the left-side end of the front wall 430. In this case, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing the left side of the vehicle. The left side of the vehicle corresponds to one direction. Furthermore, the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the left-side portion of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the first housing hole 431 and the second housing hole 432 are formed in the front wall 430 on the left side of the vehicle. In addition, the third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434 are formed in the rear wall 404 on the left side of the vehicle. Furthermore, the first member extension 841 extends from the front side of the support member extension 830 toward the right of the vehicle. Furthermore, the second member extension 842 extends from the rear side of the support member extension 830 toward the right of the vehicle. The direction toward the right of the vehicle corresponds to the opposite direction from one direction. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0170] (Tenth embodiment) In the tenth embodiment, as shown in Figures 21 and 22, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a lower wall 410. Also, instead of the support member 80 not having panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804, the housing 40 has panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804. Furthermore, the shapes of the housing space 412, the mechanism opening 418, and the mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. In addition, the support member 80 further has a support member extension 830. Furthermore, the shapes of the first housing hole 431, the second housing hole 432, the third housing hole 433, and the fourth housing hole 434 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Also, the shapes of the first member extension 841, the first member claw portion 851, the second member extension 842, and the second member claw portion 852 differ from those of the sixth embodiment. Other than these, it is the same as the sixth embodiment.

[0171] The front wall 430 is connected to the front-facing portion of the lever support portion 402, the front-facing portion of the left wall 406, and the front-facing portion of the right wall 408. A panel hole 802 is also formed in the front wall 430. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0172] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the right side wall 408, and the front wall 430.

[0173] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left wall 406, and the lower end of the right wall 408.

[0174] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the lower end of the left wall 406, the lower end of the right wall 408, and the lower part of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing downwards towards the vehicle. Note that downwards towards the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0175] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle vertical direction Db.

[0176] The support member extension 830 is connected to the lower part of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's lateral direction Dc.

[0177] The first housing hole 431 and the second housing hole 432 are formed in the lower part of the left side wall 406 of the vehicle. The first housing hole 431 extends in the vertical direction Db of the vehicle. The second housing hole 432 communicates with the first housing hole 431 and extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle.

[0178] The third housing hole 433 and the fourth housing hole 434 are formed in the lower part of the right side wall 408 of the vehicle. The third housing hole 433 extends in the vertical direction Db of the vehicle. The fourth housing hole 434 communicates with the third housing hole 433 and extends in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle.

[0179] The first member extension 841 is connected to the left-side portion of the support member extension 830. Furthermore, the first member extension 841 extends upward from the left-side portion of the support member extension 830. Additionally, the first member extension 841 is inserted into the first housing hole 431. Note that the upward direction corresponds to the opposite direction to one direction.

[0180] The first member claw portion 851 extends from the first member extension portion 841 toward the left side of the vehicle. The first member claw portion 851 is also inserted into the second housing hole 432 and is in contact with the left side wall 406. As a result, the support member extension portion 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, and the support member 80 and the housing 40 are engaged.

[0181] The second member extension 842 is connected to the right-side portion of the support member extension 830. Furthermore, the second member extension 842 extends upward from the right-side portion of the support member extension 830. Additionally, the second member extension 842 is inserted into the third housing hole 433.

[0182] The second member claw portion 852 extends to the right of the vehicle from the second member extension portion 842. The second member claw portion 852 is inserted into the fourth housing hole 434 and is in contact with the right side wall 408. As a result, the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418 and the support member 80 is engaged with the housing 40. Furthermore, because the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the mechanism opening 418, the support member extension portion 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0183] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the tenth embodiment is configured as described above. This tenth embodiment also provides the same effects as the sixth embodiment.

[0184] (11th embodiment) In the 11th embodiment, as shown in Figure 23, the housing 40 does not have the first housing extension 422, the first housing claw portion 424, the second housing extension 426, and the second housing claw portion 428. Also, the support member 80 does not have the first member hole 821 and the second member hole 822. Other than these, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0185] In the 11th embodiment, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da by adhesive, welding, or the like. Specifically, the support portion 800 is connected to the vehicle's front end of the lever support portion 402, the vehicle's front end of the left wall 406, the vehicle's front end of the right wall 408, and the vehicle's front end of the lower wall 410 by adhesive, welding, or the like to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. As a result, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Furthermore, the second elastic member 72 supported by the support portion 800 is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0186] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 11th embodiment is configured as described above. This 11th embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0187] (12th embodiment) In the twelfth embodiment, as shown in Figure 24, the housing 40 has a front wall 430, panel holes 802, and panel bolts 804. The support member 80 does not have panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804. Other than these, it is the same as the eleventh embodiment.

[0188] In the twelfth embodiment, the support portion 800 is inserted into the mechanism opening space 420 by press-fitting or the like. As a result, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Specifically, the support portion 800 is connected to the vehicle front end of the lever support portion 402 and the vehicle front end of the lower wall 410. In addition, the support portion 800 is connected to the vehicle front end of the left wall 406 and the vehicle front end of the right wall 408. As a result, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. Furthermore, the second elastic member 72 supported by the support portion 800 is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0189] The front wall 430 is connected to the front end of the lever support portion 402. The front wall 430 also extends upward from the front end of the lever support portion 402. Furthermore, the front wall 430 is connected to the front end of the lower wall 410. The front wall 430 also extends downward from the front end of the lower wall 410.

[0190] The panel hole 802 is formed in the front wall 430. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. As a result, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0191] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 12th embodiment is configured as described above. This 12th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 11th embodiment.

[0192] (13th Embodiment) In the 13th embodiment, as shown in Figure 25, the housing 40 further includes a first front wall 471, a second front wall 472, and a panel hole 802. Also, the form of the support member 80 differs from that of the first embodiment. Other than these differences, it is the same as the first embodiment.

[0193] The first front wall 471 extends upward from the first housing extension 422. Furthermore, a step corresponding to the shape of the first front wall 471 is formed in the upper part of the support portion 800. As a result, the support portion 800 and the first front wall 471 are in contact in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da.

[0194] The second front wall 472 extends downward from the second housing extension 426. Furthermore, a step corresponding to the shape of the second front wall 472 is formed in the lower part of the support portion 800. As a result, the support portion 800 and the second front wall 472 are in contact in the longitudinal direction Da of the vehicle.

[0195] Furthermore, the panel holes 802 in the housing 40 are formed in the first front wall 471 and the second front wall 472, and are formed in positions corresponding to the panel holes 802 in the support member 80. Therefore, the panel holes 802 in the housing 40 and the panel holes 802 in the support member 80 are in communication. In addition, panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel holes 802 in the housing 40, the panel holes 802 in the support member 80, and the holes in the dash panel 200. As a result, the housing 40 and the support member 80 are fixed together, and the support member 80 is attached to the dash panel 200. Therefore, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0196] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 13th embodiment is configured as described above. This 13th embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0197] (14th Embodiment) In the 14th embodiment, as shown in Figure 26, the housing 40 further has housing fixing holes 490. The support member 80 further has member fixing holes 890. The pedal device 1 further includes a fixing member 90. Furthermore, the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are not bonded or welded. Other than these, it is the same as the 11th embodiment.

[0198] The housing fixing holes 490 are formed in the mechanism opening 418. Specifically, the housing fixing holes 490 are formed in the front end of the lever support portion 402 and the front end of the lower wall 410. The housing fixing holes 490 also extend in the longitudinal direction Da of the vehicle.

[0199] The component fixing holes 890 are formed in the upper and lower parts of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the component fixing holes 890 are formed in positions corresponding to the housing fixing holes 490. Therefore, the component fixing holes 890 are in communication with the housing fixing holes 490.

[0200] The fixing member 90 is a bolt or the like, and is inserted into the housing fixing hole 490 and the member fixing hole 890. This connects the support part 800 to the mechanism opening 418 and fixes the housing 40 to the support member 80. Furthermore, because the support part 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support part 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support part 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40. Note that to prevent the fixing member 90 from contacting the dash panel 200, the head of the fixing member 90 and a portion of the threaded portion of the fixing member 90 are inserted into the member fixing hole 890. Also, a portion of the threaded portion of the fixing member 90 is inserted into the housing fixing hole 490.

[0201] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 14th embodiment is configured as described. This 14th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 11th embodiment. Furthermore, the 14th embodiment also provides the effects described below.

[0202] [5] The housing 40 further has housing fixing holes 490. For example, the housing fixing holes 490 are formed in the mechanism opening 418. The support member 80 further has member fixing holes 890. The member fixing holes 890 communicate with the housing fixing holes 490. The pedal device 1 also further includes a fixing member 90. The fixing member 90 fixes the housing 40 and the support member 80 by being inserted into the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890.

[0203] As a result, the holding force between the housing 40 and the support member 80 is greater compared to when the housing 40 and the support member 80 are held together by a snap fit or the like. Therefore, the support member 80 is less likely to come off the housing 40 compared to when the housing 40 and the support member 80 are held together by a snap fit or the like.

[0204] (15th Embodiment) In the 15th embodiment, as shown in Figure 27, the positions of the housing fixing hole 490, the member fixing hole 890, and the fixing member 90 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. Other than this, it is the same as the 14th embodiment.

[0205] The housing fixing holes 490 are formed at the front end of the left wall 406 and the front end of the right wall 408. Furthermore, the housing fixing holes 490 extend in the longitudinal direction Da of the vehicle.

[0206] The component fixing holes 890 are formed in the support portion 800 on the left and right sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, the component fixing holes 890 are formed in positions corresponding to the housing fixing holes 490. Therefore, the component fixing holes 890 are in communication with the housing fixing holes 490.

[0207] Therefore, since the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890 are formed on the left and right sides of the vehicle, the fixing member 90 is located on the left and right sides of the vehicle. The fixing member 90 is also inserted into the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890. This connects the support portion 800 to the mechanism opening 418 and fixes the housing 40 to the support member 80. Furthermore, because the support portion 800 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0208] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 15th embodiment is configured as described above. This 15th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 14th embodiment.

[0209] (16th Embodiment) In the 16th embodiment, as shown in Figure 28, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a right side wall 408. Also, the shapes of the housing space 412, the pedal opening 414, the mechanism opening 418, and the mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. Furthermore, the support member 80 has a support member extension 830. Also, the positions of the housing fixing hole 490, the member fixing hole 890, and the fixing member 90 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. Aside from these differences, it is the same as the 14th embodiment.

[0210] The front wall 430 is connected to the front-facing portion of the lever support portion 402, the front-facing portion of the left wall 406, and the front-facing portion of the lower wall 410. Note that a panel hole 802 is formed in the front wall 430, and the front wall 430 is located further forward than the support portion 800. Therefore, the support portion 800 does not have a panel hole 802. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 in the front wall 430 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0211] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the bottom wall 410, and the front wall 430.

[0212] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left side wall 406, and the rear end of the lower wall 410.

[0213] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the right-side end of the lever support 402, the right-side end of the rear wall 404, the right-side end of the lower wall 410, and the right-side end of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing to the right of the vehicle. Note that the right direction of the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0214] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle left-right direction Dc.

[0215] The support member extension 830 is connected to the right-side portion of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's vertical direction Db.

[0216] The housing fixing holes 490 are formed at the right-side end of the front wall 430 and the right-side end of the rear wall 404. Furthermore, the housing fixing holes 490 extend in the left-right direction Dc of the vehicle.

[0217] The component fixing holes 890 are formed in the vehicle front and vehicle rear portions of the support member extension 830. Furthermore, the component fixing holes 890 are formed in positions corresponding to the housing fixing holes 490. Therefore, the component fixing holes 890 are in communication with the housing fixing holes 490.

[0218] Therefore, since the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890 are formed on the front and rear sides of the vehicle, the fixing member 90 is located on the front and rear sides of the vehicle. The fixing member 90 is also inserted into the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890. This connects the support member extension 830 to the mechanism opening 418 and fixes the housing 40 to the support member 80. Furthermore, because the support member extension 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support member extension 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72, supported by the support part 800, is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0219] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 16th embodiment is configured as described above. This 16th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 14th embodiment. In the 14th embodiment, the housing 40 may have a right wall 408 instead of a left wall 406. In this case, for example, the housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the right wall 408, the lower wall 410, and the front wall 430. The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the left-side end of the lever support portion 402, the left-side end of the rear wall 404, the left-side end of the lower wall 410, and the left-side end of the front wall 430. In this case, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing the left direction of the vehicle. The left direction of the vehicle corresponds to one direction. Furthermore, the support member extension portion 830 is connected to the left-side portion of the support portion 800. Furthermore, the housing fixing holes 490 are formed at the left-side end of the front wall 430 and the left-side end of the rear wall 404. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0220] (17th Embodiment) In the 17th embodiment, as shown in Figures 29 and 30, the housing 40 has a front wall 430 instead of a lower wall 410. Also, instead of the support member 80 not having panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804, the housing 40 has panel holes 802 and panel bolts 804. Furthermore, the shapes of the housing space 412, pedal opening 414, mechanism opening 418 and mechanism opening space 420 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. In addition, the support member 80 has a support member extension 830. Also, the positions of the housing fixing hole 490, member fixing hole 890 and fixing member 90 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. Other than these, it is the same as the 14th embodiment.

[0221] The front wall 430 is connected to the front-facing portion of the lever support portion 402, the front-facing portion of the left wall 406, and the front-facing portion of the right wall 408. A panel hole 802 is also formed in the front wall 430. Panel bolts 804 are inserted into the panel hole 802 and the holes in the dash panel 200. This attaches the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. Thus, the pedal device 1 is attached to the dash panel 200.

[0222] The housing space 412 is a space partitioned by the lever support portion 402, the rear wall 404, the left side wall 406, the right side wall 408, and the front wall 430.

[0223] The pedal opening 414 is composed of the lower end of the rear wall 404, the lower end of the left wall 406, and the lower end of the right wall 408.

[0224] The mechanism opening 418 is composed of the lower end of the left wall 406, the lower end of the right wall 408, and the lower part of the front wall 430. Therefore, the mechanism opening 418 opens facing downwards towards the vehicle. Note that downwards towards the vehicle corresponds to one direction.

[0225] The mechanism opening space 420 is formed by the mechanism opening 418 and is in communication with the housing space 412 in the vehicle vertical direction Db.

[0226] The support member extension 830 is connected to the lower part of the support member 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape that extends in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle's lateral direction Dc.

[0227] The housing fixing holes 490 are formed at the lower end of the left wall 406 and the lower end of the right wall 408. Furthermore, the housing fixing holes 490 extend in the vertical direction Db of the vehicle.

[0228] The component fixing holes 890 are formed in the support member extension portion 830 on the left and right sides of the vehicle. Furthermore, the component fixing holes 890 are formed in positions corresponding to the housing fixing holes 490. Therefore, the component fixing holes 890 are in communication with the housing fixing holes 490.

[0229] Therefore, since the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890 are formed on the lower and left sides of the vehicle and the lower and right sides of the vehicle, the fixing member 90 is located on the lower and left sides of the vehicle and the lower and right sides of the vehicle. The fixing member 90 is also inserted into the housing fixing holes 490 and the member fixing holes 890. As a result, the support member extension 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected and the housing 40 and the support member 80 are fixed together. Furthermore, because the support member extension 830 and the mechanism opening 418 are connected, the support member extension 830 closes the mechanism opening space 420. In addition, the second elastic member 72 supported by the support part 800 is inserted into the housing space 412. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0230] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 17th embodiment is configured as described above. This 17th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 14th embodiment.

[0231] (18th embodiment) In the 18th embodiment, as shown in Figure 31, the support member 80 has a support member extension 830. Also, the positions of the housing fixing hole 490, the member fixing hole 890, and the fixing member 90 differ from those of the 14th embodiment. Other than these differences, it is the same as the 14th embodiment.

[0232] The support member extension 830 is connected to the lower part of the support 800. The support member extension 830 is also formed of metal in a plate shape and extends from the lower part of the support 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. Furthermore, the support member extension 830 is located below the lower wall 410 and is in contact with the lower wall 410. The support member extension 830 may also be located above the lower wall 410.

[0233] The housing fixing hole 490 is formed in the lower wall 410. The housing fixing hole 490 extends in the vehicle's vertical direction Db. The member fixing hole 890 is formed in the support member extension 830 and is located at a position corresponding to the housing fixing hole 490. Therefore, the member fixing hole 890 communicates with the housing fixing hole 490. Consequently, since the housing fixing hole 490 and the member fixing hole 890 are formed on the lower side of the vehicle, the fixing member 90 is located on the lower side of the vehicle. The fixing member 90 is inserted into the housing fixing hole 490 and the member fixing hole 890. This connects the support member extension 830 and the lower wall 410, and fixes the housing 40 and the support member 80. Furthermore, the support portion 800 closes the mechanism opening space 420. The second elastic member 72, supported by the support portion 800, is inserted into the housing space 412 and the mechanism opening space 420. As a result, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is housed in the housing space 412 and is surrounded by the support member 80 and the housing 40.

[0234] As described above, the pedal device 1 of the 18th embodiment is configured as described above. This 18th embodiment also provides the same effects as the 14th embodiment. In the 18th embodiment, the support member extension 830 may extend from the upper part of the support 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the support member extension 830 is in contact with the lever support 402. Furthermore, the housing fixing hole 490 is formed in the lever support 402. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0235] Furthermore, the support member extension 830 may extend from the left side of the support portion 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the support member extension 830 is in contact with the left side wall 406. In addition, the housing fixing hole 490 is formed in the left side wall 406. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0236] Furthermore, the support member extension 830 may extend from the right-side portion of the support member 800 toward the rear of the vehicle. In this case, the support member extension 830 is in contact with the right-side wall 408. In addition, the housing fixing hole 490 is formed in the right-side wall 408. This configuration is also acceptable.

[0237] (Other embodiments) This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, and modifications can be made to these embodiments as appropriate. Furthermore, it goes without saying that, in each of the embodiments described above, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential, except in cases where they are explicitly stated to be particularly essential or where they are clearly considered essential in principle.

[0238] In each of the above embodiments, the pedal device 1 is used as a brake pedal in a brake-by-wire system 150 that controls the brakes of the vehicle 6. However, the pedal device 1 is not limited to being used as a brake pedal. For example, the pedal device 1 may be used as an accelerator pedal to accelerate the vehicle 6.

[0239] In the embodiments described above, a reaction force is generated by the restoring force produced when the first elastic member 71, the second elastic member 72, and the third elastic member 73 are compressed, but the embodiments are not limited to this. For example, by changing the arrangement of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, a reaction force may be generated by the restoring force produced when the first elastic member 71, the second elastic member 72, and the third elastic member 73 are stretched. Also, the coil springs of the first elastic member 71, the second elastic member 72, and the third elastic member 73 are equally spaced coil springs, but the embodiments are not limited to this, and conical coil springs, unequal-spaced coil springs, etc., may be used.

[0240] In each of the above embodiments, the pedal device 1 is a suspended type device, but is not limited to this, and may be an organ type device. In the case of an organ type device, the part of the pedal 10 that is in front of the rotation axis O of the vehicle rotates toward the dash panel 200 in response to an increase in the driver's pressing force applied to the pedal 10.

[0241] In each of the above embodiments, the brake-by-wire system 150 generates hydraulic pressure in the brake fluid flowing through the brake circuit 120 by the master cylinder 126. However, the system is not limited to generating hydraulic pressure in the brake fluid flowing through the brake circuit 120 by the master cylinder 126. For example, hydraulic pressure may be generated in the brake fluid flowing through the brake circuit 120 by a hydraulic pump.

[0242] The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0243] (Features of the present invention) [Claim 1] A pedal device, A pedal (10) that rotates around a rotation axis (O) when pressed by the operator, Elastic members (60, 72) that deform due to the force from the pedal when the pedal rotates, thereby generating a reaction force to the operator's pedaling force, A housing (40) that supports the pedal so that it can rotate and forms a housing space (412) which is a space in which the elastic member is housed, A support member (80) that supports the elastic member, Equipped with, The housing has an opening (418) that forms an opening space (420) which is a space partitioned by opening in one direction, The aforementioned opening space is in communication with the housing space, A pedal device in which the housing and the support member are connected, and the support member closes the opening space, thereby enclosing the elastic member between the housing and the support member. [Claim 2] The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring. [Claim 3] The housing is located on the side of the passenger compartment of the vehicle (6) that separates the outside (7) of the passenger compartment from the inside (8) of the passenger compartment. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned one direction is the direction from the housing toward the partition wall. [Claim 4] The housing further includes extensions (422, 426) extending from the opening in one direction, and claws (424, 428) connected to the extensions and extending from the extensions in a direction intersecting the direction in which the extensions extend. The support member has member spaces (821, 822) into which the extension portion is inserted. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the claw portion is in contact with the support member, thereby engaging the housing and the support member. [Claim 5] The pedal device according to claim 4, wherein the extension portion deforms when the claw portion is inserted into the member space. [Claim 6] The extension is a first extension (422), The aforementioned claw portion is the first claw portion (424), The housing further includes a second extension (426) extending from the opening in one direction, and a second claw (428) connected to the second extension and rotating about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, The pedal device according to claim 5, wherein when the second claw rotates, the housing rotates about the axis of the second claw, thereby inserting the first claw into the member space. [Claim 7] The support member further comprises a support portion (800) that supports the elastic member, extension portions (841, 842) extending from the support portion in a direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction, and claw portions (851, 852) connected to the extension portions and extending from the extension portions in a direction intersecting the direction in which the extension portions extend. The housing has a first space (431, 433) into which the extension is inserted, and a second space (432, 434) that communicates with the first space and into which the claw is inserted. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the claw portion is in contact with the housing, thereby engaging the housing and the support member. [Claim 8] The pedal device according to claim 7, wherein the extension portion deforms when the claw portion is inserted into the first space. [Claim 9] The extension is a first extension (841), The aforementioned claw portion is the first claw portion (851), The support member further includes a second extension (842) extending from the support portion in a direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction, and a second claw portion (852) connected to the second extension and rotating about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned one direction. The pedal device according to claim 8, wherein when the second claw rotates, the support member rotates about the axis of the second claw, thereby inserting the first claw into the first space. [Claim 10] The housing further has housing fixing holes (490), The support member further has a member fixing hole (890) that communicates with the housing fixing hole, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a fixing member (90) that is inserted into the housing fixing hole and the member fixing hole to fix the housing and the support member. [Claim 11] The pedal device according to claim 10, wherein the housing fixing hole is formed in the opening. [Claim 12] The support member has a support portion (800) that supports the elastic member and a restricting portion (806) that extends from the support portion in the direction of deformation of the elastic member. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10, or 11, wherein the restricting portion restricts the movement of the elastic member in a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the elastic member. [Claim 13] The support member supports one end of the elastic member, The pedal device further comprises a holder (62) having a member support portion (626) that supports the other end of the elastic member, and a member restricting portion (622) that extends from the member support portion in the direction of deformation of the elastic member. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, 10 to 12, wherein the member restricting portion restricts the movement of the elastic member in a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the elastic member. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0244] 10 pedals 40 Housing 412 Housing Space 418 Mechanism opening 420 Mechanism opening space 60 Reaction force generation mechanism 71 First elastic member 72 Second Elastic Member 80 Support member

Claims

1. A pedal device, A pedal (10) that rotates around a rotation axis (O) when pressed by the operator, Elastic members (60, 72) that deform due to the force from the pedal when the pedal rotates, thereby generating a reaction force to the operator's pedaling force, A housing (40) that supports the pedal so that it can rotate and forms a housing space (412) which is a space in which the elastic member is housed, A support member (80) that supports the elastic member, Equipped with, The housing has an opening (418) that forms an opening space (420) which is a space partitioned by opening in one direction, The aforementioned opening space is in communication with the housing space, Because the housing and the support member are connected, the support member closes the opening space, and the elastic member is surrounded by the housing and the support member. The elastic member is a pedal device located in the housing space.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic member is a coil spring.

3. The housing is located on the side of the vehicle compartment of the partition wall (200) that separates the outside (7) of the vehicle compartment from the inside (8) of the vehicle compartment. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the aforementioned one direction is the direction from the housing toward the partition wall.

4. The housing further includes extensions (422, 426) extending from the opening in one direction, and claws (424, 428) connected to the extensions and extending from the extensions in a direction intersecting the direction in which the extensions extend. The support member has member spaces (821, 822) into which the extension portion is inserted. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the claw portion is in contact with the support member, thereby engaging the housing and the support member.

5. The pedal device according to claim 4, wherein the extension portion deforms when the claw portion is inserted into the member space.

6. The extension is a first extension (422), The aforementioned claw portion is the first claw portion (424), The housing further includes a second extension (426) extending from the opening in one direction, and a second claw (428) connected to the second extension and rotating about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the one direction, The pedal device according to claim 5, wherein when the second claw rotates, the housing rotates about the axis of the second claw, thereby inserting the first claw into the member space.

7. The support member further comprises a support portion (800) that supports the elastic member, extensions (841, 842) extending from the support portion in a direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction, and claw portions (851, 852) connected to the extensions and extending from the extensions in a direction intersecting the direction in which the extensions extend. The housing has a first space (431, 433) into which the extension is inserted, and a second space (432, 434) that communicates with the first space and into which the claw is inserted. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the claw portion is in contact with the housing, thereby engaging the housing and the support member.

8. The pedal device according to claim 7, wherein the extension portion deforms when the claw portion is inserted into the first space.

9. The extension is a first extension (841), The aforementioned claw portion is the first claw portion (851), The support member further includes a second extension (842) extending from the support portion in a direction opposite to the aforementioned one direction, and a second claw portion (852) connected to the second extension and rotating about an axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the aforementioned one direction. The pedal device according to claim 8, wherein when the second claw rotates, the support member rotates about the axis of the second claw, thereby inserting the first claw into the first space.

10. The housing further has housing fixing holes (490), The support member further has a member fixing hole (890) that communicates with the housing fixing hole, The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a fixing member (90) that is inserted into the housing fixing hole and the member fixing hole to fix the housing and the support member.

11. The pedal device according to claim 10, wherein the housing fixing hole is formed in the opening.

12. The support member has a support portion (800) that supports the elastic member and a restricting portion (806) that extends from the support portion in the direction of deformation of the elastic member. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the restricting portion restricts the movement of the elastic member in a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the elastic member.

13. The support member supports one end of the elastic member, The pedal device further comprises a holder (62) having a member support portion (626) that supports the other end of the elastic member, and a member restricting portion (622) that extends from the member support portion in the direction of deformation of the elastic member. The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the member restricting portion restricts the movement of the elastic member in a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the elastic member.

Images