Pedal device

Abstract

To suppress a defect caused by entry of foreign matters into a housing of a pedal device.SOLUTION: A pedal device according to the invention enables suppressing a defect caused by foreign matters in a configuration thereof in which: an orifice end lower range Ru obtained by extending an internal orifice end 10c downward in a vehicle direction within a housing 10 in a vehicle vertical direction Db does not overlap a rotation angle sensor 79 and sliding parts whose regions mutually sliding along with a swing motion of a pedal 40; the orifice end lower range Ru does not overlap mechanism specific parts of a reaction force generation mechanism 60c, whose portions which are adjacent to each other via a gap Cb are mutually displaced along with the swing motion of the pedal 40, either, thereby, foreign matters entering the housing 10 through an insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 hardly reach the rotation angle sensor 79, swing parts, or mechanism specific parts.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a pedal device provided in a vehicle.

Background Art

[0002] As this type of pedal device, for example, a pedal device for a vehicle described in Patent Document 1 has been conventionally known. The pedal device described in Patent Document 1 is an organ-type pedal device. The pedal device includes a pedal that is depressed by a driver, a housing that supports the pedal so as to be swingable, a return spring housed in the housing, a rocker arm that presses the return spring, and a power transmission element.

[0003] And the power transmission element transmits the driver's depressing force applied to the pedal from the pedal to the rocker arm. Therefore, the power transmission element is rotatably connected to each of the pedal and the rocker arm in a state of being inserted through an insertion hole formed in the housing. And at the connection portion between the power transmission element and the rocker arm, the power transmission element and the rocker arm slide and contact with each other along with the swinging motion of the pedal, and the connection portion is located directly below the insertion hole of the housing in the vehicle-mounted state.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] As described above, in the pedal device of Patent Document 1, the sliding portion where the power transmission element and the rocker arm slide against each other (i.e., the connecting portion between the power transmission element and the rocker arm) is located directly below the insertion hole in the housing. Therefore, foreign matter and water that enter the housing through the insertion hole can easily reach this sliding portion. When foreign matter and water adhere to the sliding portion, there is a high possibility that malfunctions such as excessive wear or seizing of parts will occur at that sliding portion. The inventors found the above as a result of their detailed investigation.

[0006] In view of the above, the present invention aims to provide a pedal device that can suppress malfunctions caused by the intrusion of foreign matter into the housing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the pedal device described in claim 1 is: An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing around the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is located inside the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver in accordance with the pedal's oscillating motion, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located inside the housing, connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes an elastic body to flex in response to the pedaling force received from the pedal, It includes a connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part work in conjunction, The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting part is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner open end is the pedal device is a car In the predetermined state in which they are mounted on both sides, they face downwards or diagonally downwards. The upper and lower direction in the above predetermined state is the predetermined state upper and lower direction (D b) The through-hole is positioned such that the lower opening range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the line does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the pedal's swinging motion, and the specific mechanism parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other via a gap (Cb) in accordance with the pedal's swinging motion. 、 Regardless of the position of the pedal within its range of motion (Rp), the connecting portion is formed such that the lower range (Rw) of the flow portion, obtained by extending the flow portion (222a) through the insertion hole of the connecting portion downward along a predetermined vertical direction, does not overlap with the sensor, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion.

[0008] In this way, even if, for example, the above-mentioned sensor is installed inside the housing, foreign objects that enter the housing through the insertion hole are less likely to reach the sensor. The same applies when the above-mentioned sliding part is installed inside the housing, and when the above-mentioned mechanism-specific part is installed inside the housing.

[0009] Therefore, even if the sensor, sliding parts, and mechanism-specific parts are provided within the housing, it is possible to suppress malfunctions such as excessive wear or sticking between parts caused by foreign matter entering the housing.

[0010] In addition, in some cases, each element in the application documents may be denoted by a reference numeral in parentheses. In this case, the reference numeral merely indicates one example of the correspondence between the element and the specific configuration described in the embodiments described later. Therefore, the present invention is not limited in any way by the notation of reference numerals. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0011] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram showing a vehicle equipped with a pedal device in the first embodiment. [Figure 2]In the first embodiment, it is a schematic diagram showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-pressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, and it is a cross-sectional view showing the pedal device in a cross-section perpendicular to the pedal axis. [Figure 3] In the first embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section III-III of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] In the first embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section IV-IV of FIG. 2. [Figure 5] In the first embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section V-V of FIG. 2, and it is a view showing the cross-section of the arc-shaped portion of the connecting member. [Figure 6] In the first embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the maximum pressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, and it is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 7] In the first embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-pressed state in the attitude of the storage state, and it is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 8] In the same cross-section as FIG. 2, it is a cross-sectional view showing the lower range of the flowing-down portion formed in the housing. [Figure 9] In the same cross-section as FIG. 6, it is a cross-sectional view showing the lower range of the flowing-down portion formed in the housing. [Figure 10] In the same cross-section as FIG. 7, it is a cross-sectional view showing the lower range of the flowing-down portion formed in the housing. [Figure 11] In the second embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-pressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, and it is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 12] In the third embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-pressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, and it is a figure corresponding to FIG. 2. [Figure 13] In the fourth embodiment, it is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a cross-section corresponding to the cross-section V-V of FIG. 2, and it is a figure corresponding to FIG. 5. [Figure 14] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-depressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 15] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section of FIG. XVII-XVII of FIG. 14 and also showing the housing in cross-section. [Figure 16] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-depressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section of FIG. XVII-XVII of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-depressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section of FIG. XIX-XIX of FIG. 18. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-depressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 21] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section of FIG. XXI-XXI of FIG. 20. [Figure 22] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the schematic configuration of the pedal device when the pedal is in the non-depressed state in the attitude of the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to FIG. 2. [Figure 23] FIG. 29 is a cross-sectional view schematically showing the cross-section of FIG. XXIII-XXIII of FIG. 22.

MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0012] 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 are denoted by the same reference numerals in the drawings.

[0013] (First Embodiment) As shown in Figure 1, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment is a device mounted on a vehicle 80 and is operated by the force applied by the driver 81, who is an occupant of the vehicle 80. This pedal device 1 is provided on the vehicle 80 as a brake pedal device for performing braking operations to stop the vehicle 80.

[0014] More specifically, the vehicle 80 in Figure 1 employs a brake-by-wire system 82, and pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device used in that brake-by-wire system 82. The brake-by-wire system 82 is a system that drives the brake pads of each wheel via a brake circuit using hydraulic pressure generated by a master cylinder through drive control by an electronic control device 83 mounted on the vehicle 80, based on an electrical signal output from pedal device 1.

[0015] The electronic control unit 83 in Figure 1 has the configuration of an in-vehicle microcomputer, equipped with a CPU, RAM, ROM, non-volatile rewritable memory, etc. (not shown). In other words, the electronic control unit 83 reads and executes a computer program stored in the ROM or non-volatile rewritable memory, which are non-transitional physical recording media. When this computer program is executed, the method corresponding to the computer program is executed.

[0016] Note that the arrows at both ends in Figures 1 and 3 indicate the orientation of the vehicle 80 on which the pedal device 1 is mounted. Specifically, the vehicle longitudinal direction Da, which is the front-to-back direction of the vehicle 80, the vehicle vertical direction Db, which is the up-and-down direction of the vehicle 80, and the vehicle width direction Dc, which is the width direction of the vehicle 80 (in other words, the left-to-right direction of the vehicle 80), are indicated by the arrows at both ends. These directions Da, Db, and Dc are intersecting directions, or more precisely, perpendicular directions to each other.

[0017] Furthermore, in this description of the embodiment, the front side in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle direction front side, and the rear side in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da is also referred to as the vehicle direction rear side. Also, the upper side in the vehicle vertical direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle direction upper side, and the lower side in the vehicle vertical direction Db is also referred to as the vehicle direction lower side.

[0018] As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the pedal device 1 comprises a housing 10, a rotating shaft 16, bearings 18 and 19, a connecting member 22, a transmission member 24, a pedal 40, a reaction force generating mechanism 60, and a rotation angle sensor 79. The pedal device 1 is an organ-type pedal device. In Figure 2, and the corresponding figure described later, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is marked with dot-shaped hatching.

[0019] An organ-type pedal device 1 refers to a configuration in which the portion of the pedal 40 that is pressed by the driver 81 is positioned on the upper side in the vehicle direction relative to the pivot center CL of the pedal 40 (in other words, on the upper side in the vertical direction when mounted on a vehicle). In the organ-type pedal device 1, the pedal 40 swings so that the upper end of the pedal 40 in the vehicle direction is displaced downward or forward in the vehicle direction as the force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40 increases. The pivot center CL of the pedal 40 is the rotation center in the swinging motion of the pedal 40. In this description of the embodiment, the pivot center CL of the pedal 40 is also referred to as the pedal axis CL. The axial direction of this pedal axis CL coincides with the vehicle width direction Dc.

[0020] When the pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle 80, the housing 10 is fixed to a part of the vehicle body 801 (for example, the floor or the dashboard). In other words, the vehicle mounting state is also the state in which the housing 10 is fixed to the vehicle 80. The housing 10 is a non-rotating member that is fixed to the vehicle body 801 and does not rotate. For example, the housing 10 is fixed to a part of the vehicle body 801 by bolting or the like.

[0021] Furthermore, the floor, which is part of the vehicle body 801, constitutes the floor of the passenger compartment, and the dash panel is a partition wall that separates the outside of the passenger compartment, such as the engine compartment of the vehicle 80, from the inside of the passenger compartment. In addition, the vehicle longitudinal direction Da mentioned above is also the longitudinal direction of the pedal device 1 when mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle vertical direction Db is also the vertical direction of the pedal device 1 when mounted on the vehicle, and the vehicle width direction Dc is also the width direction of the pedal device 1 when mounted on the vehicle.

[0022] The housing 10 is composed of, for example, one or more components and functions as a support for the pedal 40 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60, etc. Since the housing 10 is, in other words, a housing enclosure, a housing space 10a is formed inside the housing 10 as an internal space. In this embodiment, the rotating shaft 16, bearings 18 and 19, a part of the connecting member 22, a transmission member 24, the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and a rotation angle sensor 79 are arranged inside the housing space 10a.

[0023] Furthermore, the housing 10 has a through-hole 10b through which the connecting portion 222 of the connecting member 22, described later, is inserted. This through-hole 10b is formed as a through-hole that penetrates a part of the outer wall covering the housing space 10a on the upper side in the vehicle direction of the housing 10. The through-hole 10b has an inner opening end 10c that opens toward the inside of the housing 10. This inner opening end 10c is angled downward in the vehicle direction and is open to the housing space 10a.

[0024] The rotating shaft 16 is composed of a shaft member that extends in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, with the pedal axis CL as its center. The rotating shaft 16 is inserted into a cylindrical rotating shaft support part 13 that is integrally fixed to the housing 10, and is supported by the rotating shaft support part 13 so as to be rotatable around the pedal axis CL. In other words, the rotating shaft 16 is supported so as to be rotatable (or, to put it another way, so as to swing) relative to the housing 10. Furthermore, since the rotating shaft 16 is connected to the pedal 40 by a connecting member 22, it rotates integrally with the pedal 40 around the pedal axis CL as the pedal 40 swings. Therefore, the rotating shaft 16 functions as a pedal support part for rotatably supporting the pedal 40 relative to the housing 10.

[0025] More specifically, a pair of bearings 18 and 19 are fitted inside the rotating shaft support portion 13, and these bearings 18 and 19 are arranged side by side with a gap in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL. The rotating shaft 16 is fitted inside the pair of bearings 18 and 19 and is rotatably supported by the rotating shaft support portion 13 via these bearings 18 and 19.

[0026] Therefore, the bearings 18 and 19 each have bearing sliding surfaces 18a and 19a, which are sliding surfaces formed on the inside of the bearings 18 and 19. The rotating shaft 16 has rotating shaft sliding surfaces 16a and 16b, which are sliding surfaces that slide opposite to the bearing sliding surfaces 18a and 19a. These bearing sliding surfaces 18a and 19a and the rotating shaft sliding surfaces 16a and 16b each correspond to sliding parts that slide against each other in conjunction with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40.

[0027] The rotation angle sensor 79 is a type of sensor that detects physical quantities related to the oscillating motion of the pedal 40, and specifically, it is a sensor that detects the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 16. In other words, the rotation angle sensor 79 detects the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 16 and outputs an electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 16 to the electronic control device 83 (see Figure 1). Since the pedal 40 and the rotation shaft 16 are fixed to each other and rotate together, the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 16 is the same as the rotation angle of the pedal 40. In this embodiment, the rotation angle sensor 79 is attached to the rotation shaft support part 13.

[0028] For example, a contact-type sensor may be used as the rotation angle sensor 79, but in this embodiment, a non-contact type sensor using a Hall IC or magnetoresistive element is used. Therefore, the rotation angle sensor 79 has a detected object 791 that is fixed to the rotation shaft 16 and rotates integrally with the rotation shaft 16, and a sensor body 792 that includes an electrical element that outputs an electrical signal corresponding to the rotation angle of the detected object 791. This sensor body 792 is fixed to the rotation shaft support part 13.

[0029] The connecting member 22 has a pedal mounting portion 221 and a connecting portion 222 which are integrally formed. Since this connecting member 22 is for transmitting the pedaling force from the driver 81 and supporting the pedal 40, it is made of a highly rigid metal or resin.

[0030] The pedal mounting portion 221 is fixed to the back surface 40b of the pedal 40, which is the side of the pedal 40 opposite to the tread surface 40a that receives the pressing force from the driver 81, for example by bolting.

[0031] The connecting portion 222 extends from the pedal mounting portion 221. The connecting portion 222 is interposed between the pedal 40 and the transmission member 24, connecting the pedal 40 and the transmission member 24 through the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10. This causes the pedal 40 and the transmission member 24 to move in conjunction. In detail, the pedal 40 and the transmission member 24 rotate together around the pedal axis CL. For example, the connecting portion 222 is fixed to the transmission member 24 by welding or bolting.

[0032] Furthermore, the connecting portion 222 is also interposed between the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 16, connecting the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 16. As a result, the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 16 rotate together around the pedal axis CL. In short, the pedal 40, the connecting member 22, the rotating shaft 16, and the transmission member 24 are fixed to each other and rotate together around the pedal axis CL.

[0033] In detail, the connecting portion 222 has a housing portion 223 arranged within the housing space 10a and an arc-shaped portion 224 that connects the housing portion 223 and the pedal mounting portion 221.

[0034] The housing portion 223 is positioned within the housing space 10a regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its range of motion Rp. A through hole 223b is formed in one end 223a of the housing portion 223, and the rotating shaft 16 is fixed to the end 223a of the housing portion 223 with the shaft fitted into the through hole 223b. The housing portion 223 has another end located on the opposite side from the end 223a, and this other end is connected to the arc-shaped portion 224. In the non-depressed state (in other words, the released state) when the driver 81 is not pressing down on the pedal 40, the other end of the housing portion 223 is located on the front and upper side in the vehicle direction relative to the end 223a.

[0035] As shown in Figures 2 and 4, the connecting portion 222 is fixed to the transmission member 24 at the receiving portion 223 of the connecting portion 222.

[0036] The arc-shaped portion 224 extends to form an arc shape centered on the pedal axis CL when viewed in a direction along the pedal axis CL. The arc-shaped portion 224 is connected to the pedal mounting portion 221 at one end and to the housing portion 223 at the other end. The arc-shaped portion 224 moves in the circumferential direction Dpc of the pedal axis CL while passing through the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 as the pedal 40 swings.

[0037] For example, in a cross-section perpendicular to the arc shape of the arc-shaped portion 224 (specifically, the cross-section in Figure 5), the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion 224 is a rectangular shape extending in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL.

[0038] As shown in Figure 2, the pedal 40 is positioned on the upper side in the vehicle direction relative to the housing 10 and is operated by the driver 81 by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing 10. The pedal 40 is connected to the housing 10 via a connecting member 22 and a rotating shaft 16, and is supported so as to be able to swing around the pedal axis CL relative to the housing 10.

[0039] In this embodiment, the pedal device 1 is a brake pedal device, and therefore the pedal 40 is a brake pedal. The pedal 40 has a substantially flat plate shape and has a tread surface 40a formed on one side in the thickness direction of the pedal 40 and a pedal back surface 40b formed on the other side in the thickness direction of the pedal 40. For example, the pedal 40 is made of a highly rigid metal or resin to receive the pedaling force from the driver 81.

[0040] The pedal 40 swings around the pedal axis CL when the driver 81 presses down on the tread surface 40a from one side in the thickness direction of the pedal 40. Therefore, one side in the thickness direction of the pedal 40 is, in other words, the operating side of the pedal 40, which is the side that the driver 81 presses down on. Conversely, the other side of the pedal 40, which is opposite to the operating side of the pedal 40, is, in other words, the non-operating side, which is opposite to the operating side of the pedal 40.

[0041] When the pedal 40 is not pressed down, it is positioned diagonally with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da. Specifically, the pedal 40 is positioned diagonally such that its upper end is forward and upward in the vehicle direction relative to its lower end. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, when the pedal 40 is pressed down to its maximum extent by the driver 81, it approaches a horizontal position compared to the unpressed state, but the position of the pedal 40 remains diagonally such that its upper end is forward and upward in the vehicle direction relative to its lower end.

[0042] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the pedal 40 oscillates around the pedal axis CL within a limited, predetermined range of rotation angle Rp, which is less than one full rotation, in response to the driver 81's pressing operation. More specifically, the range of motion Rp in the oscillating motion of the pedal 40 is the range from the minimum rotation position to the maximum rotation position of the pedal 40. That is, when the pedal 40 is not pressed down, the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is at the minimum rotation position, and when the pedal 40 is pressed down to its maximum, the rotation angle of the pedal 40 is at the maximum rotation position.

[0043] Figure 2 shows the pedal device 1 when pedal 40 is not depressed, that is, when pedal 40 is in a released state and no force is being applied by the driver 81. In contrast, Figure 6 shows the pedal device 1 when pedal 40 is in the fully depressed state. The pedal 40 shown by the dashed line in Figure 2 represents the same position as the pedal 40 shown in Figure 6.

[0044] For example, within the above-mentioned range of motion Rp, the pedal 40 swings such that the upper end of the pedal 40 is displaced forward and downward in the vehicle direction as the pedaling force applied by the driver 81 from the tread surface 40a side increases. In short, as the pedaling force applied by the driver 81 increases, the pedal 40 gradually tilts from the position shown in Figure 2 and swings towards the position shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Conversely, as the force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40 decreases, the pedal 40 swings due to the action of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, causing the upper end of the pedal 40 to be displaced towards the rear and upward in the direction of the vehicle. In short, as the force applied by the driver 81 decreases, the pedal 40 swings to approach an upright position, although it remains in a tilted position (more specifically, to approach the position shown in Figure 2).

[0046] Regarding the positional relationship between the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 16, the rotating shaft 16 is positioned on the pedal back surface 40b side relative to the pedal 40, and is spaced apart from the pedal 40. The housing 10 and the reaction force generating mechanism 60 are also positioned on the pedal back surface 40b side relative to the pedal 40.

[0047] In this embodiment, the minimum rotational position of the pedal 40 is defined, for example, by the connecting member 22 abutting against a release stopper (not shown). The maximum rotational position of the pedal 40 is defined by the pedal mounting portion 221 of the connecting member 22 abutting against a depressed stopper 11. For example, the depressed stopper 11 is fixed to the housing 10 and is positioned on the outer wall of the housing 10 that covers the housing space 10a on the upper side in the vehicle direction, towards the front side in the vehicle direction.

[0048] The reaction force generating mechanism 60 generates a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver 81 to the pedal 40, in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40. Specifically, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a plurality of elastic springs 61, 62, and 63, a plurality of holding members 66, 67, and 68 that hold the springs 61, 62, and 63 in an expandable and contractible state, and a guide shaft 69. In the reaction force generating mechanism 60, the plurality of springs 61, 62, and 63 are compressed by the pedaling force applied to the pedal 40, thereby generating a reaction force in response to that force, in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40.

[0049] More specifically, the multiple springs 61, 62, and 63 refer to the first spring 61, the second spring 62, and the third spring 63, and the multiple retaining members 66, 67, and 68 refer to the first retaining member 66, the second retaining member 67, and the third retaining member 68. The reaction force generating mechanism 60 is attached to a mechanism mounting portion 101, which is part of the bottom of the housing 10 that covers the housing space 10a on the lower side in the vehicle direction.

[0050] The guide shaft 69 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is formed by extending in a rod shape around the mechanism axis Cs which extends in the direction normal to the mechanism mounting portion 101. The guide shaft 69 has a base end 691 provided on one side of the axial direction Dsa (i.e., mechanism axial direction Dsa) of the mechanism axis Cs, and is fixed to the mechanism mounting portion 101 of the housing 10 at its base end 691.

[0051] The first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 are coil springs, and are arranged in a position that allows them to expand and contract in the axial direction Dsa of the mechanism. Furthermore, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 are arranged around or approximately around the mechanism axis Cs. The first spring 61 has a larger diameter than the second spring 62, and the second spring 62 has a larger diameter than the third spring 63.

[0052] In the unpressed position of the pedal 40, the second spring 62 is positioned on the other side of the mechanism axial direction Dsa relative to the first spring 61, with a portion of the second spring 62 inserted inside the first spring 61. The third spring 63 is also positioned on the other side of the mechanism axial direction Dsa relative to the second spring 62. The mechanism mounting portion 101 of the housing 10 abuts against the first spring 61 from one side of the mechanism axial direction Dsa.

[0053] The first retaining member 66 is provided between the first spring 61 and the second spring 62, and contacts the first spring 61 from the other side in the axial direction Dsa of the mechanism, and contacts the second spring 62 from one side in the axial direction Dsa of the mechanism. The second retaining member 67 is provided between the second spring 62 and the third spring 63, and contacts the second spring 62 from the other side in the axial direction Dsa of the mechanism, and contacts the third spring 63 from one side in the axial direction Dsa of the mechanism.

[0054] Furthermore, the third retaining member 68 is provided on the other side of the second retaining member 67 in the mechanism axial direction Dsa, and is positioned to sandwich the third spring 63 between it and the second retaining member 67. That is, the third retaining member 68 abuts against the third spring 63 from the other side in the mechanism axial direction Dsa.

[0055] In this way, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 are connected in series in the force transmission path. Therefore, when the driver's 81 pedal force is applied to the third retaining member 68, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 are compressed, thereby generating a reaction force to the driver's 81 pedal force.

[0056] The transmission member 24 is a pedal force transmission unit that transmits the pedal force of the driver 81 from the connecting member 22 to the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and is connected to the reaction force generating mechanism 60. Therefore, the transmission member 24 causes the multiple springs 61, 62, and 63 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 to bend in response to the pedal force of the driver 81 received from the pedal 40.

[0057] Specifically, the transmission member 24 has a member base 241 and a member tip 242. The member base 241 is fixed to the housing portion 223 of the connecting member 22. In addition, the third holding member 68 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is fixed to the member tip 242. When viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL, the member tip 242 is located on the opposite side of the member base 241 from the rotation axis 16 side.

[0058] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, in the reaction force generating mechanism 60, the first holding member 66 has a first outer cylindrical portion 661 and a second outer cylindrical portion 662 formed by extending around the mechanism axis Cs. A guide shaft 69, which serves as a first inner insertion portion, is inserted inside the first outer cylindrical portion 661. The first outer cylindrical portion 661 and the guide shaft 69 slide against each other as the first spring 61 expands and contracts. This allows the first spring 61 to expand and contract smoothly in the mechanism axial direction Dsa. The first outer cylindrical portion 661 has a sliding surface 661a on its inner circumference, and the guide shaft 69 has a sliding surface 69a that slides against the sliding surface 661a of the first outer cylindrical portion 661. In other words, the first outer cylindrical portion 661 and the guide shaft 69 constitute the first guide portion 701, which guides the first spring 61 so that it expands and contracts in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. That is, the first guide portion 701 restricts the posture of the first spring 61 while allowing it to expand and contract in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. Restricting the posture of the first spring 61 means, for example, preventing the first spring 61 from being tilted with respect to the mechanism axis Cs.

[0059] Furthermore, the second retaining member 67 has a second inner insertion portion 671 that is formed by extending around the mechanism axis Cs. This second inner insertion portion 671 is inserted inside the second outer cylindrical portion 662 of the first retaining member 66. The second outer cylindrical portion 662 and the second inner insertion portion 671 slide against each other as the second spring 62 expands and contracts. This allows the second spring 62 to expand and contract smoothly in the mechanism axial direction Dsa. The second outer cylindrical portion 662 has a sliding surface 662a on its inner circumference, and the second inner insertion portion 671 has a sliding surface 671a that slides against the sliding surface 662a of the second outer cylindrical portion 662. In other words, the second outer cylindrical portion 662 and the second inner insertion portion 671 constitute the second guide portion 702, which guides the second spring 62 so that it expands and contracts in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. That is, the second guide portion 702 restricts the posture of the second spring 62 while allowing it to expand and contract in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. Restricting the posture of the second spring 62 means, for example, preventing the second spring 62 from being tilted with respect to the mechanism axis Cs.

[0060] The sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, and 671a of the guide shaft 69, the first outer cylindrical portion 661, the second outer cylindrical portion 662, and the second inner insertion portion 671, respectively, correspond to sliding parts that slide against each other in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40.

[0061] Furthermore, in each of the springs 61, 62, and 63 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, a gap Cb is formed between the wires of the springs 61, 62, and 63, and the parts located on either side of this gap Cb move closer together or further apart as the pedal 40 swings. Therefore, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 each correspond to specific parts of the mechanism of this disclosure in which adjacent parts of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, separated by the gap Cb, are displaced from each other as the pedal 40 swings.

[0062] As shown in Figures 2 and 6, the inner opening end 10c of the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 opens into the housing space 10a, facing downwards in the vehicle direction or diagonally downwards in the vehicle direction, when mounted on a vehicle. This is also the case when the pedal device 1, which will be described later, is stored (see Figure 7).

[0063] Here, let's consider the lower opening range Ru obtained by extending the inner opening end 10c downward in the vehicle direction along the vehicle's vertical direction Db within the housing 10. In this case, the lower opening range Ru is located at a distance L1 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da with respect to the rotation axis 16, and at a distance L2 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction Da with respect to the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0064] Therefore, for example, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 shown in Figure 2, the lower end range Ru of the opening does not overlap with any of the rotation angle sensor 79, the rotation shaft sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, and the bearing sliding surfaces 18a, 19a. Furthermore, this lower end range Ru of the opening does not overlap with any of the multiple sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a provided on the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63. This is also true in the maximum depressed state of the pedal 40 shown in Figure 6.

[0065] In other words, no matter where the pedal 40 is located within its range of motion Rp, the lower opening area Ru does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63. To put it another way, the lower opening area Ru is positioned at a distance from the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63. The insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 is positioned in this manner. In Figures 2, 6, and the corresponding figures described later, the lower opening area Ru is marked with dot-shaped hatching.

[0066] Furthermore, the above-mentioned lower opening end range Ru is true not only when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, but also when it is stored, as shown in Figure 7. That is, in the storage state shown in Figure 7, the lower opening end range Ru does not overlap with any of the rotation angle sensor 79, the rotation shaft sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, and the bearing sliding surfaces 18a, 19a. Moreover, this lower opening end range Ru does not overlap with any of the multiple sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a provided on the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63.

[0067] In the storage state of the pedal device 1 described above, the vertical direction of the pedal device 1 is not necessarily the same as the vehicle's vertical direction Db. Therefore, the lower opening end range Ru changes depending on the posture of the pedal device 1, and the lower opening end range Ru in the storage state is defined as the range obtained by extending the inner opening end 10c downwards within the housing 10 along the vertical direction D1b in the storage state. Furthermore, the storage state of the pedal device 1 does not mean that the pedal device 1 is temporarily placed on a desk or the like, but rather, for example, that the pedal device 1 is held in the same posture for a certain period of time by packaging material or a jig. In the storage state of the pedal device 1, for example, the pedal 40 is in a non-pressed state.

[0068] Furthermore, the storage state and the vehicle-mounted state of the pedal device 1 are collectively referred to as the predetermined state in which the pedal device 1 is stored or mounted on the vehicle 80. Also, the vertical direction in the vehicle-mounted state, which corresponds to the vehicle's vertical direction Db, and the vertical direction D1b in the storage state are collectively referred to as the predetermined state's vertical direction.

[0069] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the connecting portion 222 is formed taking into account that water flows down through the connecting portion 222 due to gravity and enters the housing space 10a. Specifically, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40 shown in Figure 8, the predetermined lower range Rw of the flow portion does not overlap with any of the rotation angle sensor 79, the rotation shaft sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, and the bearing sliding surfaces 18a, 19a. Moreover, this lower range Rw of the flow portion does not overlap with any of the multiple sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63 provided on the reaction force generating mechanism 60. This is also true in the maximum depressed state of the pedal 40 shown in Figure 9.

[0070] In other words, no matter where the pedal 40 is in its range of motion Rp, the lower flow portion range Rw does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63. To put it another way, the lower flow portion range Rw is positioned at a distance from each of the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63. The connecting portion 222 is formed in this manner.

[0071] The aforementioned lower flow area Rw is the area obtained by extending the flow area 222a, which is the area in the connecting portion 222 where water flows down the connecting portion 222 due to gravity, along the vehicle's vertical direction Db, within the housing 10. In other words, the flow area 222a can be described as the portion of the inclined surface of the connecting portion 222 that extends continuously downward from the portion inside the through hole 10b. In Figures 8 and 9, and the corresponding figures described later, the lower flow area Rw is hatched with dots, and the range of the flow area 222a is shown with a thick dashed line.

[0072] Furthermore, the above-mentioned lower flow area range Rw is true not only when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, but also when the pedal device 1 is stored, as shown in Figure 10. That is, in the storage state shown in Figure 10, the lower flow area range Rw does not overlap with any of the rotation angle sensor 79, the rotation shaft sliding surfaces 16a, 16b, and the bearing sliding surfaces 18a, 19a. Moreover, this lower flow area range Rw does not overlap with any of the multiple sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a and the first to third springs 61, 62, 63 provided on the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0073] In the storage state of the pedal device 1 described above, the lower flow area Rw is also defined using the vertical direction D1b in the storage state, similar to the lower opening end area Ru described above. That is, the lower flow area Rw in the storage state is defined as the range obtained by extending the flow area 222a, through which water flows from the insertion hole 10b of the connecting portion 222 due to gravity, downward along the vertical direction D1b within the housing 10.

[0074] In the pedal device 1 configured as described above, when the driver 81 applies pedaling force to the pedal 40, the pedal 40, the rotating shaft 16, the connecting member 22, and the transmission member 24 oscillate around the pedal axis CL, as shown in Figures 2 and 6. More specifically, the pedal 40, the rotating shaft 16, the connecting member 22, and the transmission member 24 oscillate around the pedal axis CL such that the upper end of the pedal 40 is displaced forward and downward in the vehicle direction. In short, the pedal 40 performs an oscillating motion that changes its posture from a non-pressed state to a fully pressed state.

[0075] At this time, the rotation angle sensor 79 provided on the pedal device 1 outputs an electrical signal indicating the rotation angle of the rotation shaft 16 to the electronic control unit 83 (see Figure 1). The electronic control unit 83 drives and controls the brake circuit included in the brake-by-wire system 82 (see Figure 1) to generate the hydraulic pressure (e.g., oil pressure) necessary for braking the vehicle 80, and uses that hydraulic pressure to drive the brake pads to decelerate or stop the vehicle 80.

[0076] Furthermore, in the oscillating motion of the pedal 40 as it changes its posture from a non-depressed state to a fully depressed state, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 are compressed more as the pedal 40 oscillates from the non-depressed state to the fully depressed state.

[0077] The pedal device 1 of this embodiment, as described above, provides the following effects.

[0078] According to this embodiment, when the pedal device 1 is mounted in a vehicle, in the non-depressed state of the pedal 40, the lower opening end range Ru shown in Figure 2 does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79 and the sliding parts that slide against each other in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40. Furthermore, the lower opening end range Ru does not overlap with the specific parts of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 that are displaced from each other by a gap Cb in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40. This is the same even in the maximum depressed state of the pedal 40 shown in Figure 6, and also in the storage state of the pedal device 1.

[0079] Therefore, foreign objects that enter the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b are unlikely to reach the rotation angle sensor 79. The same applies to the sliding parts and mechanism-specific parts provided inside the housing 10.

[0080] Therefore, when the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding part, or the mechanism-specific part is provided inside the housing 10, it is possible to suppress malfunctions such as excessive wear or sticking of parts caused by water or foreign matter entering the housing 10. Furthermore, it is possible to design the pedal device 1 to be highly robust against the intrusion of water or foreign matter into the housing 10.

[0081] (1) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the lower flow portion range Rw shown in Figure 8 does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion. This is true regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its movable range Rp, and is also true when the pedal device 1 is stored.

[0082] Therefore, it is possible to prevent water that enters the housing 10 via the connecting portion 222 from entering the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion.

[0083] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 shown in Figure 2 correspond to the mechanism-specific parts that are away from the lower opening end range Ru and the lower flow portion range Rw. The sliding surfaces 69a, 661a, 662a, and 671a of the guide shaft 69, first outer cylindrical portion 661, second outer cylindrical portion 662, and second inner insertion portion 671 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 correspond to the sliding parts that are away from the lower opening end range Ru and the lower flow portion range Rw. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions in the reaction force generating mechanism 60 caused by water or foreign matter that has entered the housing 10.

[0084] (3) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the bearing sliding surfaces 18a and 19a and the rotating shaft sliding surfaces 16a and 16b shown in Figure 3 correspond to the sliding parts that are far from the lower opening end range Ru and the lower flow portion range Rw, respectively. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions in the rotating shaft 16 caused by water or foreign matter that enters the housing 10.

[0085] (4) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the lower opening end range Ru shown in Figures 2 and 6 does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion. This is true regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its movable range Rp.

[0086] Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions caused by water or foreign matter entering the housing 10 under various conditions of the vehicle 80, such as when the pedal 40 is pressed down when the vehicle is stopped, or when the pedal 40 is released while the vehicle is in motion.

[0087] (5) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the arc-shaped portion 224 of the connecting member 22 extends to form an arc shape centered on the pedal axis CL. Therefore, it is easier to reduce the gap that occurs around the arc-shaped portion 224 in the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10, thereby creating a structure in which foreign objects are less likely to enter the housing 10 from the insertion hole 10b.

[0088] (Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the differences from the first embodiment described above will be mainly explained. Furthermore, parts that are the same as or equivalent to the above embodiment will be omitted or simplified in their description. The same applies to the descriptions of the embodiments described later.

[0089] As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment, the transmission member 24 is connected to the connecting member 22, but is not fixed to the connecting member 22. The transmission member 24 is provided as a separate axis different from the pedal axis CL and swings around a transmission member axis C1 that is parallel to the pedal axis CL, in conjunction with the connecting member 22. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment. The transmission member axis C1 is located on the opposite side of the mechanism axis Cs from the pedal axis CL when viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL.

[0090] Specifically, in the connecting member 22 of this embodiment, a link groove 223d is formed in the other end 223c of the receiving portion 223, which is located on the opposite side from the one end 223a. The link groove 223d is cut in a direction intersecting the circumferential direction Dpc of the pedal axis CL, and penetrates the other end 223c in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL. The link groove 223d is located on the opposite side of the mechanism axis Cs from the transmission member axis C1, and in the radial direction of the pedal axis CL, it is located between the rotation axis 16 and the transmission member axis C1.

[0091] The transmission member 24 in this embodiment is arranged within the housing space 10a, similar to the first embodiment, but instead of the member base 241 and member tip 242 (see Figure 2) of the first embodiment, it has a supported portion 243 and an arm portion 244.

[0092] The supported portion 243 has an outer peripheral sliding surface 243a. This outer peripheral sliding surface 243a is a sliding surface that forms an arc shape centered on the transmission member axis C1 in a cross section perpendicular to the transmission member axis C1, and extends radially outward from the transmission member axis C1 and in the axial direction of the transmission member axis C1.

[0093] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 includes a transmission member support portion 12 that pivotably supports the supported portion 243 of the transmission member 24 with respect to the housing 10, with respect to the transmission member axis C1. The transmission member support portion 12 is positioned in the housing space 10a and fixed to the housing 10. The transmission member support portion 12 has an inner circumferential sliding surface 12a.

[0094] The inner circumferential sliding surface 12a is a sliding surface that forms an arc shape centered on the transmission member axis C1 in a cross section perpendicular to the transmission member axis C1, and extends radially inward from the transmission member axis C1 and in the axial direction of the transmission member axis C1. The outer circumferential sliding surface 243a of the supported portion 243 is in contact with the inner circumferential sliding surface 12a so as to be able to slide against the inner circumferential sliding surface 12a in the circumferential direction of the transmission member axis C1. Furthermore, in order for the transmission member support portion 12 to resist the reaction force of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, the inner circumferential sliding surface 12a of the transmission member support portion 12 includes a surface facing one side in the mechanism axial direction Dsa.

[0095] The arm portion 244 of the transmission member 24 extends from the supported portion 243 toward the link groove 223d of the housed portion 223. The arm portion 244 has a link shaft 245 fixed to the tip portion of the arm portion 244 on the link groove 223d side. This link shaft 245 has a cylindrical shape parallel to the pedal axis CL and is fitted into the link groove 223d. The link groove 223d allows the link shaft 245 to move within the link groove 223d in the direction of its depth.

[0096] Furthermore, the third retaining member 68 is fixed to the arm portion 244 at a position between the link shaft 245 and the transmission member axis C1, when viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL. The arm portion 244 is in contact with the third retaining member 68 from the other side in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. Therefore, the arm portion 244 can push the reaction force generating mechanism 60 from the other side to the one side in the mechanism axis direction Dsa.

[0097] With this configuration, when the pedal 40 is pressed down, for example from a non-pressed state, the pedal 40 rotates around the pedal axis CL so that it approaches the maximum pressed state, and at the same time, the connecting member 22 rotates together with the pedal 40. As a result, the housing portion 223 of the connecting member 22 rotates the arm portion 244 around the transmission member axis C1 so as to displace the link shaft 245 to one side in the mechanism axis direction Dsa. Consequently, the arm portion 244 displaces the third holding member 68 to one side in the mechanism axis direction Dsa, thereby compressing the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and generating a reaction force against the pedaling force of the driver 81.

[0098] As can be seen from the operation described above, the receiving portion 223 of the connecting member 22 and the arm portion 244 of the transmission member 24 interlock the connecting member 22 and the transmission member 24, thus constituting a link mechanism 25 that interlocks the members. Of this link mechanism 25, the other end 223c of the receiving portion 223 in which the link groove 223d is formed, and the link shaft 245 slide against each other in accordance with the swinging motion of the pedal 40, and therefore correspond to the sliding portion described above.

[0099] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the inner circumferential sliding surface 12a of the transmission member support portion 12 and the outer circumferential sliding surface 243a of the supported portion 243 also slide against each other in conjunction with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40, and therefore correspond to the sliding portion mentioned above.

[0100] In this embodiment, as described above, the number of relevant sliding parts has increased compared to the first embodiment, but the positional relationship between the sliding parts and the lower opening end range Ru is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, when the pedal device 1 is mounted in a vehicle, the lower opening end range Ru does not overlap with the sliding parts when the pedal 40 is not pressed down. This is the same even when the pedal 40 is pressed down to its maximum extent and when the pedal device 1 is stored.

[0101] Furthermore, the positional relationship between the sliding portion and the lower range Rw of the flow portion (see Figures 8 to 10) is the same as in the first embodiment. That is, when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, the lower range Rw of the flow portion does not overlap with the sliding portion. This is true regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its movable range Rp, and it is also true when the pedal device 1 is stored.

[0102] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the inner circumferential sliding surface 12a of the transmission member support portion 12 and the outer circumferential sliding surface 243a of the supported portion 243 correspond to the sliding portion. The positional relationship between the sliding portion and the lower range Ru of the opening end, and the positional relationship between the sliding portion and the lower range Rw of the flow portion are as described above. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions caused by water or foreign matter entering the housing 10 from occurring in the rotational movement of the transmission member 24.

[0103] (2) Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the other end 223c of the housing portion 223 in which the link groove 223d is formed, and the link shaft 245, both of which are sliding parts of the link mechanism 25. Therefore, it is possible to suppress malfunctions in the link mechanism 25 caused by water or foreign matter that enters the housing 10.

[0104] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0105] (Third embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the second embodiment described above.

[0106] As shown in Figure 12, in this embodiment, the rotating shaft 16 that rotatably supports the pedal 40 is located outside the housing 10. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the second embodiment.

[0107] Specifically, in this embodiment, the pedal device 1 includes a rotating shaft support portion 26 fixed to the housing 10. The pedal mounting portion 221 of the connecting member 22 extends along the pedal 40 to the lower end of the pedal 40 or its vicinity. The rotating shaft 16 is fitted into a fitting hole in the lower end portion 221a of the pedal mounting portion 221 and into a fitting hole provided in the portion of the rotating shaft support portion 26 located outside the housing 10.

[0108] The rotating shaft 16 is fixed to either the lower end 221a of the pedal mounting portion 221 or the rotating shaft support portion 26, and slides relative to the other in accordance with the driver 81's pressing operation on the pedal 40. Similar to the first embodiment, the rotating shaft 16 extends in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL and is formed in a cylindrical shape. In this way, the pedal 40 of this embodiment is connected to the housing 10 via the rotating shaft 16 so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis CL.

[0109] Furthermore, since the rotating shaft 16 in this embodiment is located outside the housing 10, a through hole 223b (see Figure 3) is not formed at one end 223a of the housing portion 223 of the connecting member 22, and the housing portion 223 is not connected to the rotating shaft 16. The housing portion 223 is connected to the arc-shaped portion 224 at one end 223a. In other words, the connecting portion 222 of the connecting member 22 connects the pedal 40 and the transmission member 24, but does not connect the pedal 40 and the rotating shaft 16.

[0110] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the second embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the second embodiment.

[0111] Although this embodiment is a modified version based on the second embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the first embodiment described above.

[0112] (Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0113] Figure 13 shows a cross-section perpendicular to the arc shape of the arc-shaped portion 224 included in the connecting member 22. In this embodiment, the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion 224 is a concave shape from one side to the other along the cross-section Di in one direction in Figure 13. For example, the direction of this one direction Di is perpendicular to the axial direction of the pedal axis CL.

[0114] Furthermore, the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 has a shape that follows the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion 224. For example, the insertion hole 10b is formed to provide a gap of equal width around the arc-shaped portion 224.

[0115] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, in the cross-section of Figure 13, the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion 224 is recessed from one side to the other in one direction Di along its cross-section. Therefore, the hole width Wh of the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 can be narrowed in one direction Di while ensuring sufficient strength of the arc-shaped portion 224. As a result, it becomes easier to prevent foreign objects from entering the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b.

[0116] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0117] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with the second or third embodiment described above.

[0118] (Fifth embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0119] As shown in Figures 14 and 15, in this embodiment, similar to the first embodiment, the third holding member 68 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is fixed to the tip portion 242 of the transmission member 24. However, the shape of the tip portion 242 differs from that of the first embodiment. Note that Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the XV-XV section of Figure 14, but in Figure 15, the housing 10 is also shown in cross-sectional view in the same orientation as the XV-XV section.

[0120] Specifically, in this embodiment, the tip portion 242 of the transmission member 24 is configured as a widened portion that is wider than the reaction force generating mechanism 60 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL (i.e., in the vehicle width direction Dc). For example, the tip portion 242 is wider than the reaction force generating mechanism 60 around the entire circumference of the mechanism axis Cs. The tip portion 242, as a widened portion, is positioned within the housing 10 so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism 60 on the upper side in the vehicle direction. This is the same regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its movable range Rp, and is the same whether the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle or stored.

[0121] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the transmission member 24 has a member tip portion 242 which is a widened portion that is wider in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL than the reaction force generating mechanism 60. The member tip portion 242 is positioned in the housing 10 so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism 60 on the upper side in the vehicle direction. Therefore, foreign objects that enter the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 are less likely to enter the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0122] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0123] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0124] (Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0125] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a mechanism protection member 27, which is configured as a separate component from the transmission member 24. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment.

[0126] Specifically, the mechanism protection member 27 of this embodiment has a widened portion 271 and a cylindrical portion 272. The widened portion 271 is fixed to the tip portion 242 of the transmission member 24 together with the third holding member 68 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0127] Furthermore, the widened portion 271 has a disc shape that intersects with the mechanism axis Cs and is wider than the reaction force generating mechanism 60 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL (i.e., in the vehicle width direction Dc). For example, the widened portion 271 is wider than the reaction force generating mechanism 60 around the entire circumference of the mechanism axis Cs. The widened portion 271 is positioned within the housing 10 so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism 60 on the upper side in the vehicle direction. This is the same regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its range of motion Rp, and is the same whether the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle or stored.

[0128] The cylindrical portion 272 of the mechanism protection member 27 has a cylindrical shape that extends from the peripheral edge of the widened portion 271 toward one side in the mechanism axial direction Dsa. For example, when the pedal 40 is not pressed down, a part of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, such as the third retaining member 68 and the third spring 63, is contained inside this cylindrical portion 272.

[0129] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the widened portion 271 of the mechanism protection member 27 is wider in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL than the reaction force generating mechanism 60. The widened portion 271 is fixed to the tip portion 242 of the transmission member 24 and is positioned in the housing 10 so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism 60 on the upper side in the vehicle direction. Therefore, foreign objects that enter the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b of the housing 10 are less likely to enter the reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0130] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0131] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the second to fourth embodiments described above.

[0132] (Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0133] As shown in Figures 18 and 19, the transmission member 24 has a lower mounting portion 246. The member base portion 241 of the transmission member 24 is included in this lower mounting portion 246. Note that in Figure 18, the lower mounting portion 246 of the transmission member 24 is not shown in cross-section.

[0134] The lower mounting portion 246 is positioned so as to overlap the inner opening end 10c of the insertion hole 10b on the lower side in the vehicle direction, regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its range of motion Rp. The lower mounting portion 246 has a pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end 10c. These inclined surfaces 246a and 246b are provided on both sides of the lower mounting portion 246 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL (i.e., in the vehicle width direction Dc).

[0135] Furthermore, the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b extend to the edges 246c and 246d of the lower positioning portion 246 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, respectively, and are inclined so that they are positioned lower in the vehicle direction as they approach the edges 246c and 246d.

[0136] Furthermore, the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b are not limited to the lower arrangement portion 246, but extend to the tip portion 242 of the transmission member 24. For example, the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b are provided along the entire length of the transmission member 24 when viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL. Therefore, the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b extend around the third holding member 68 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and the third holding member 68 is positioned between the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b.

[0137] The arrangement and shape of the lower section 246 and the pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b described above are the same not only when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle but also when it is stored.

[0138] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the lower mounting portion 246 of the transmission member 24 is positioned so as to overlap the inner opening end 10c of the insertion hole 10b on the lower side in the vehicle direction. The lower mounting portion 246 has a pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end 10c. The pair of inclined surfaces 246a and 246b extend to the edges 246c and 246d of the lower mounting portion 246 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, respectively, and are inclined so as they approach the edges 246c and 246d, they are positioned on the lower side in the vehicle direction.

[0139] Therefore, if a foreign object EB enters the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b, for example due to gravity, the foreign object EB will move along the slopes 246a and 246b, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 19, and will be biased towards both ends of the vehicle width direction Dc at the bottom 10e of the housing space 10a. As a result, it becomes difficult for the foreign object EB that has fallen to the bottom 10e of the housing space 10a to reach the reaction force generating mechanism 60, which is located approximately in the center of the vehicle width direction Dc in the housing space 10a.

[0140] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0141] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0142] (Eighth embodiment) Next, an eighth embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the first embodiment described above.

[0143] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the pedal device 1 of this embodiment includes a transmission mounting member 28, which is configured as a separate component from the transmission member 24. In this respect, this embodiment differs from the first embodiment.

[0144] Specifically, the transmission mounting member 28 is positioned inside the housing 10 and fixed to the transmission member 24. When viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL, the transmission mounting member 28 extends along the entire length of the transmission member 24, following the transmission member 24.

[0145] Furthermore, the transmission mounting member 28 has a lower positioning portion 281. This lower positioning portion 281 is positioned so as to overlap the inner opening end 10c of the insertion hole 10b on the lower side in the vehicle direction, regardless of the position of the pedal 40 within its movable range Rp. Note that in Figure 20, the lower positioning portion 281 of the transmission mounting member 28 is not shown in cross-section.

[0146] The lower mounting portion 281 has a pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end 10c. These inclined surfaces 281a and 281b are provided on both sides of the lower mounting portion 281 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL (i.e., in the vehicle width direction Dc).

[0147] Furthermore, the pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b extend to the edges 281c and 281d of the lower positioning portion 281 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, respectively, and are inclined so that they are positioned lower in the vehicle direction as they approach the edges 281c and 281d.

[0148] Furthermore, the pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b are not limited to the lower mounting portion 281, but extend along the entire length of the transmission mounting member 28 when viewed in the direction along the pedal axis CL. Consequently, the pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b extend to the area around the third retaining member 68 of the reaction force generating mechanism 60, and the third retaining member 68 is positioned between the pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b.

[0149] The arrangement and shape of the lower section 281 and the pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b described above are the same not only when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle but also when it is stored.

[0150] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the lower mounting portion 281 of the transmission member 28 fixed to the transmission member 24 is positioned so as to overlap the inner opening end 10c of the insertion hole 10b on the lower side in the vehicle direction. The lower mounting portion 281 has a pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end 10c. The pair of inclined surfaces 281a and 281b extend to the edges 281c and 281d of the lower mounting portion 281 in the axial direction of the pedal axis CL, respectively, and are inclined so as they approach the edges 281c and 281d, they are positioned on the lower side in the vehicle direction.

[0151] Therefore, if a foreign object EB enters the housing 10 through the insertion hole 10b, the foreign object EB will move along the slopes 281a and 281b, as shown by the dashed arrows in Figure 21, and will be biased towards both ends of the vehicle width direction Dc at the bottom 10e of the housing space 10a. As a result, it becomes difficult for the foreign object EB that has fallen to the bottom 10e of the housing space 10a to reach the reaction force generating mechanism 60, which is located approximately in the center of the vehicle width direction Dc in the housing space 10a.

[0152] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the first embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the first embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the first embodiment.

[0153] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the first embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the second to sixth embodiments described above.

[0154] (Ninth Embodiment) Next, the ninth embodiment will be described. This embodiment will primarily describe the differences from the seventh embodiment described above.

[0155] As shown in Figures 22 and 23, the housing 10 has a plurality of lower communication holes 10d. For example, these lower communication holes 10d are formed in the bottom portion 102 that constitutes the bottom of the housing 10 when the pedal device 1 is mounted in a vehicle. Therefore, the lower communication holes 10d open toward the upper or diagonally upper side in the vehicle direction with respect to the housing space 10a, and open toward the lower or diagonally lower side in the vehicle direction with respect to the outside of the housing 10. The lower communication holes 10d connect the bottom portion 10e located on the lower side in the vehicle direction within the housing space 10a with the outside of the housing 10.

[0156] Furthermore, the multiple lower communication holes 10d of the housing 10 are arranged side by side with intervals between them in the vehicle width direction Dc, and are slit-shaped, extending in the vehicle front-rear direction Da. When the pedal device 1 is mounted on the vehicle, the housing 10 is attached to the vehicle side in such a way that these multiple lower communication holes 10d are not blocked by external parts around the housing 10.

[0157] (1) As described above, according to this embodiment, the housing 10 has a lower communication hole 10d, which connects the bottom 10e of the housing space 10a with the outside of the housing 10. Therefore, water and foreign matter that enter the housing space 10a can be easily discharged to the outside of the housing 10 through the lower communication hole 10d, and it is possible to prevent the accumulation of water and foreign matter in the housing space 10a.

[0158] Except as described above, this embodiment is the same as the seventh embodiment. In this embodiment, the effects obtained from the configuration common to the seventh embodiment can be obtained in the same way as in the seventh embodiment.

[0159] Although this embodiment is a modification based on the seventh embodiment, it is also possible to combine this embodiment with any of the first to sixth or eighth embodiments described above.

[0160] (Other embodiments) (1) In each of the embodiments described above, the pedal device 1 is used as a brake pedal device, but this is just one example. For example, the pedal device 1 may be used as an accelerator pedal device operated to adjust the output of the drive source of the vehicle 80. Furthermore, the pedal device 1 can also be various devices operated by the driver 81 with their feet.

[0161] (2) In each of the embodiments described above, a rotation angle sensor 79 is provided inside the housing 10 as shown in Figure 3, but this is just one example. For example, the pedal device 1 does not need to be equipped with a rotation angle sensor 79.

[0162] Alternatively, the pedal device 1 may be equipped with various physical quantity sensors that detect physical quantities related to the driver's 81 pressing operation on the pedal 40, in addition to or instead of the rotation angle sensor 79, and these physical quantity sensors may be provided within the housing 10. In such a case, when the pedal device 1 is mounted in a vehicle, it is preferable that the lower opening end range Ru and the lower flow portion range Rw do not overlap with the physical quantity sensors when the pedal 40 is not pressed. This is true even when the pedal 40 is fully pressed and when the pedal device 1 is stored.

[0163] (3) In each of the embodiments described above, for example as shown in Figure 2, the pedal device 1 does not have a cam mechanism that interlocks members via a cam, but the pedal device 1 may have such a cam mechanism and the cam mechanism may be provided inside the housing 10. In such a case, when the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle, it is preferable that the lower opening end range Ru and the lower flow portion range Rw do not overlap with the sliding portion of the cam mechanism that slides in conjunction with the oscillating motion of the pedal 40 when the pedal 40 is not pressed down. This is the same even when the pedal 40 is pressed down to its maximum extent and when the pedal device 1 is stored.

[0164] (4) In the first embodiment described above, the posture of the pedal device 1 when mounted in the vehicle is as shown in Figure 2, but it is also acceptable for it to be in a different posture from that shown in Figure 2, for example, tilted relative to the posture shown in Figure 2.

[0165] The same can be said for the posture of the pedal device 1 in storage. That is, the posture of the pedal device 1 in storage is as shown in Figure 7, but it is also acceptable for it to be in a different posture from that shown in Figure 7, for example, tilted relative to the posture shown in Figure 7.

[0166] (5) In each of the embodiments described above, for example as shown in Figure 2, the elastic body of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 is specifically the first to third springs 61, 62, and 63, which are coil springs, but this is just one example. For example, the elastic body of the reaction force generating mechanism 60 may be not a coil spring, but rather, for example, rubber or an air spring.

[0167] (6) In the first embodiment described above, as shown in Figures 2, 6, and 7, the lower opening range Ru does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion, whether the pedal device 1 is mounted on a vehicle or in storage. However, this is just one example. For example, the fact that the lower opening range Ru does not overlap with the rotation angle sensor 79, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion may be realized in one state (vehicle mounted) and not in the other. The same applies to the lower flow portion range Rw.

[0168] (7) The present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above and can be implemented in various modified forms. Furthermore, the embodiments described above are not unrelated to each other and can be combined as appropriate, except in cases where the combination is clearly impossible.

[0169] Furthermore, it goes without saying that, in each of the above embodiments, the elements constituting the embodiment are not necessarily essential unless explicitly stated to be particularly essential or unless they are clearly considered essential in principle. Also, in each of the above embodiments, when numerical values ​​such as the number, numerical values, quantities, or ranges of the components of the embodiment are mentioned, the embodiment is not limited to those specific numbers unless explicitly stated to be particularly essential or unless it is clearly limited to a specific number in principle. Also, in each of the above embodiments, when the material, shape, positional relationship, etc. of the components are mentioned, the embodiment is not limited to those material, shape, positional relationship, etc. unless explicitly stated or unless it is clearly limited to a specific material, shape, positional relationship, etc. in principle.

[0170] (Features of the present invention) [Claim 1] An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is disposed within the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver to the pedal in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located within the housing, is connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes the elastic body to flex in response to the pedaling force received from the pedal, The system includes a connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part work in conjunction with each other. The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting portion is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner opening end faces downward or diagonally downward when the pedal device is stored or mounted on the vehicle. The through hole is positioned such that the lower opening end range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the predetermined vertical direction (Db, D1b) in the predetermined state does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, and the mechanism-specific parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other via a gap (Cb) in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal. [Claim 2] The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein, regardless of the position of the pedal within the range of motion (Rp) of the pedal, the connecting portion is formed such that the lower range (Rw) of the flow portion obtained by extending the flow portion (222a) of the connecting portion, through which water flows down from the insertion hole in the connecting portion due to the action of gravity, downward along the predetermined vertical direction, does not overlap with the sensor, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion. [Claim 3] The reaction force generating mechanism has coil springs (61, 62, 63) as elastic bodies, The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the coil spring corresponds to the mechanism-specific part. [Claim 4] The pedal device according to claim 3, wherein the reaction force generating mechanism has guide portions (701, 702) that restrict the posture of the coil spring while allowing the expansion and contraction of the coil spring. [Claim 5] The reaction force generating mechanism comprises coil springs (61, 62, 63) as elastic bodies, outer cylindrical portions (661, 662), and inner insertion portions (671, 69) inserted into the outer cylindrical portions. The outer cylindrical portion and the inner insertion portion slide against each other as the coil spring expands and contracts. The coil spring corresponds to the specified part of the mechanism, The pedal device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the sliding surfaces (69a, 661a, 662a, 671a) of the outer cylindrical portion and the inner insertion portion correspond to the sliding portion. [Claim 6] The pedal support portion (16) is located within the housing, is pivotably supported relative to the housing, and rotates integrally with the pedal, The aforementioned connecting portion not only connects the pedal and the force transmission portion, but also connects the pedal and the pedal support portion. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the part of the pedal support that slides in conjunction with the swinging motion of the pedal (16a, 16b) corresponds to the sliding part. [Claim 7] The pedal force transmission unit has a supported portion (243) within the housing that is pivotably supported relative to the housing around a different axis (C1) than the pedal axis, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the part of the supported portion that slides in conjunction with the swinging motion of the pedal (243a) corresponds to the sliding portion. [Claim 8] The housing is provided with a link mechanism (25) that interlocks the components, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the part of the link mechanism that slides in conjunction with the oscillating motion of the pedal (223c, 245) corresponds to the sliding part. [Claim 9] The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the insertion hole is positioned such that the lower part of the opening end does not overlap with the sensor, the sliding part, and the mechanism-specific part, regardless of the position of the pedal within the range of motion (Rp) of the pedal. [Claim 10] The connecting portion has an arc-shaped portion (224) that moves in the circumferential direction (Dpc) of the pedal axis while passing through the insertion hole in accordance with the swinging motion of the pedal, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the arc-shaped portion extends to form an arc shape centered on the pedal axis. [Claim 11] The pedal device according to claim 10, wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the arc shape of the arc-shaped portion, the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion is concave from one side to the other in one direction (Di) along the cross-section. [Claim 12] The pedal force transmission section has a widened section (242) that is wider in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis than the reaction force generating mechanism, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the widened portion is arranged within the housing so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism on the upper side in the vertical direction in the predetermined state. [Claim 13] It is configured as a separate component from the aforementioned pedal force transmission section, and includes a widened section (271) that is wider in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis than the reaction force generating mechanism, The widened portion is fixed to the pedal force transmission portion and is arranged within the housing so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism on the upper side in the vertical direction in the predetermined state, according to any one of claims 1 to 11. [Claim 14] The pedal force transmission section has a lower positioning section (246) that is positioned to overlap the lower side of the inner opening end, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (246a, 246b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (246c, 246d) of the lower mounting portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be located lower as it approaches the edge. [Claim 15] It comprises a lower mounting portion (281) which is configured as a separate component from the pedal force transmission portion and fixed to the pedal force transmission portion, and is positioned within the housing so as to overlap the inner opening end on the lower side, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (281a, 281b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (281c, 281d) of the lower mounting portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be located lower as it approaches the edge. [Claim 16] The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the housing has a lower communication hole (10d) that connects the bottom portion (10e) located on the lower side of the internal space (10a) of the housing to the outside of the housing. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0171] 1 Pedal device 10 Housing 10b Through hole 10c inner open end 24 Transmission member (pedal force transmission part) 40 pedals 60 Reaction force generation mechanism 222 Connecting part CL pedal axis Ru lower end range

Claims

1. An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is provided within the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver to the pedal in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located within the housing, connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes the elastic body to flex in response to the pedal force received from the pedal, The system includes a connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part work in conjunction with each other. The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting portion is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner opening end faces downward or diagonally downward when the pedal device is mounted on the vehicle in a predetermined state. The insertion hole is positioned such that the lower opening end range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the predetermined vertical direction (Db), which is the vertical direction in the predetermined state, does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, and the mechanism-specific parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, separated by a gap (Cb). A pedal device in which, regardless of the position of the pedal within its range of motion (Rp), the connecting portion is formed such that the lower range (Rw) of the flow portion obtained by extending the flow portion (222a) of the connecting portion, through which water flows down from the insertion hole by gravity along the connecting portion, downward along the predetermined vertical direction, does not overlap with the sensor, the sliding portion, and the mechanism-specific portion.

2. The reaction force generating mechanism has coil springs (61, 62, 63) as elastic bodies, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the coil spring corresponds to the mechanism-specific part.

3. The pedal device according to claim 2, wherein the reaction force generating mechanism has guide portions (701, 702) that restrict the posture of the coil spring while allowing the expansion and contraction of the coil spring.

4. The reaction force generating mechanism comprises coil springs (61, 62, 63) as elastic bodies, outer cylindrical portions (661, 662), and inner insertion portions (671, 69) inserted into the outer cylindrical portions. The outer cylindrical portion and the inner insertion portion slide against each other as the coil spring expands and contracts. The coil spring corresponds to the specified part of the mechanism, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the sliding surfaces (69a, 661a, 662a, 671a) of the outer cylindrical portion and the inner insertion portion correspond to the sliding portion.

5. The pedal support portion (16) is located within the housing, is pivotably supported relative to the housing, and rotates integrally with the pedal. The aforementioned connecting portion not only connects the pedal and the force transmission portion, but also connects the pedal and the pedal support portion. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the pedal support that slides in conjunction with the swinging motion of the pedal (16a, 16b) corresponds to the sliding portion.

6. An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is provided within the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver to the pedal in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located within the housing, connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes the elastic body to flex in response to the pedal force received from the pedal, A connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part move in conjunction, The system includes a pedal support portion (16) which is disposed within the housing, is pivotably supported relative to the housing, and rotates integrally with the pedal, The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting portion is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner opening end faces downward or diagonally downward when the pedal device is mounted on the vehicle in a predetermined state. The insertion hole is positioned such that the lower opening end range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the predetermined vertical direction (Db), which is the vertical direction in the predetermined state, does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, and the mechanism-specific parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, separated by a gap (Cb). The aforementioned connecting portion not only connects the pedal and the force transmission portion, but also connects the pedal and the pedal support portion. A pedal device in which the parts of the pedal support that slide in conjunction with the swinging motion of the pedal (16a, 16b) correspond to the sliding parts.

7. The pedal force transmission unit has a supported portion (243) within the housing that is pivotably supported relative to the housing around a different axis (C1) than the pedal axis, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the portion of the supported portion that slides in conjunction with the swinging motion of the pedal (243a) corresponds to the sliding portion.

8. The housing is provided with a link mechanism (25) that interlocks the members, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the part of the link mechanism that slides in conjunction with the oscillating motion of the pedal (223c, 245) corresponds to the sliding part.

9. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the insertion hole is positioned such that the lower part of the opening end does not overlap with the sensor, the sliding part, and the mechanism-specific part, regardless of the position of the pedal within the range of motion (Rp) of the pedal.

10. The connecting portion has an arc-shaped portion (224) that moves in the circumferential direction (Dpc) of the pedal axis while passing through the insertion hole in accordance with the swinging motion of the pedal. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the arc-shaped portion extends to form an arc shape centered on the pedal axis.

11. The pedal device according to claim 10, wherein in a cross-section perpendicular to the arc shape of the arc-shaped portion, the cross-sectional shape of the arc-shaped portion is concave from one side to the other in one direction (Di) along the cross-section.

12. The pedal force transmission section has a widened section (242) that is wider in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis than the reaction force generating mechanism, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the widened portion is arranged within the housing so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism on the upper side in the vertical direction in the predetermined state.

13. It is configured as a separate component from the aforementioned pedal force transmission section, and includes a widened section (271) that is wider in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis than the reaction force generating mechanism, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the widened portion is fixed to the pedal force transmission portion and is arranged within the housing so as to overlap the reaction force generating mechanism on the upper side in the vertical direction in the predetermined state.

14. The pedal force transmission section has a lower positioning section (246) that is positioned to overlap the lower side of the inner opening end, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (246a, 246b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (246c, 246d) of the lower positioning portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be positioned lower as it approaches the edge.

15. An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is provided within the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver to the pedal in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located within the housing, connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes the elastic body to flex in response to the pedal force received from the pedal, The system includes a connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part work in conjunction with each other. The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting portion is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner opening end faces downward or diagonally downward when the pedal device is mounted on the vehicle in a predetermined state. The insertion hole is positioned such that the lower opening end range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the predetermined vertical direction (Db), which is the vertical direction in the predetermined state, does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, and the mechanism-specific parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, separated by a gap (Cb). The pedal force transmission section has a lower positioning section (246) that is positioned to overlap the lower side of the inner opening end, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (246a, 246b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (246c, 246d) of the lower mounting portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be positioned lower as it approaches the edge.

16. It comprises a lower mounting portion (281) which is configured as a separate component from the aforementioned pedal force transmission portion and fixed to the pedal force transmission portion, and is positioned within the housing so as to overlap the lower side with respect to the inner opening end, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (281a, 281b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (281c, 281d) of the lower positioning portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be positioned lower as it approaches the edge.

17. An organ-type pedal device (1) installed in a vehicle (80), Housing (10) and A pedal (40) is connected to the housing so as to be able to swing about the pedal axis (CL), and is operated by the driver (81) by pressing it from the opposite side of the housing, A reaction force generating mechanism (60) is provided within the housing and includes elastic bodies (61, 62, 63) that generate a reaction force in response to the pedaling force applied by the driver to the pedal in accordance with the oscillating motion of the pedal, A pedal force transmission unit (24) is located within the housing, connected to the reaction force generating mechanism, and causes the elastic body to flex in response to the pedal force received from the pedal, The system includes a connecting part (222) that connects the pedal and the force transmission part so that the pedal and the force transmission part work in conjunction with each other. The housing has an insertion hole (10b) through which the connecting portion is inserted. The insertion hole has an inner opening end (10c) that opens toward the inside of the housing, The inner opening end faces downward or diagonally downward when the pedal device is mounted on the vehicle in a predetermined state. The insertion hole is positioned such that the lower opening end range (Ru) obtained by extending the inner opening end downward along the predetermined vertical direction (Db), which is the vertical direction in the predetermined state, does not overlap with the sensor (79), the sliding parts (16a, 16b, 18a, 19a, 69a, 661a, 662a, 671a, 12a, 243a, 223c, 245) whose parts slide against each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, and the mechanism-specific parts (61, 62, 63) of the reaction force generating mechanism whose adjacent parts are displaced from each other in accordance with the rocking motion of the pedal, separated by a gap (Cb). Furthermore, the pedal device is It comprises a lower mounting portion (281) which is configured as a separate component from the aforementioned pedal force transmission portion and fixed to the pedal force transmission portion, and is positioned within the housing so as to overlap the lower side with respect to the inner opening end, The lower arrangement portion has inclined surfaces (281a, 281b) provided on the side opposite to the inner opening end, The pedal device wherein the inclined surface extends to the edge (281c, 281d) of the lower positioning portion in the axial direction (Dc) of the pedal axis, and is inclined to be positioned lower as it approaches the edge.

18. The pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the housing has a lower communication hole (10d) that connects the bottom portion (10e) located on the lower side of the internal space (10a) of the housing to the outside of the housing.

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