Pedal device

Abstract

A pedal device according to the present invention comprises: a pedal that has a pedal part, a lever part which rotates when the pedal part is depressed by an operator, and a lever protrusion (16) which protrudes from the lever part; a first elastic member (61) that is deformed by a force from the pedal when the lever part rotates; a first holder (71) that faces the lever protrusion (16) in the deformation direction of the first elastic member (61) and supports the first elastic member (61); a second elastic member (62) that is supported on the side of the first holder (71) opposite from the first elastic member (61) and is deformed by the force from the pedal when the lever part rotates; and a second holder (72) that faces the first holder (71) in the deformation direction of the second elastic member (62) and supports the second elastic member (62). When the lever part rotates, the first holder (71) and the second holder (72) come into contact before the first holder (71) and the lever protrusion (16) come into contact.

Description

Pedal device CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based on Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-113025, filed on July 15, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to a pedal device.

[0003] As described in Patent Document 1, a pedal simulator is known that includes a brake pedal, an actuating rod, a cylinder, a piston, multiple springs, and multiple spring seats. The actuating rod is connected to the brake pedal. The actuating rod is inserted into the cylinder. The piston is provided within the cylinder so as to receive the force of the actuating rod. Multiple springs are connected in series in multiple stages within the cylinder so as to support the piston. Multiple spring seats are arranged within the cylinder so as to support each spring.

[0004] Patent No. 6204658

[0005] In a pedal simulator such as that described in Patent Document 1, when the brake pedal is depressed, a piston comes into contact with a spring seat. This contact between the piston and the spring seat generates noise. Furthermore, since the spring seat is provided inside the cylinder, the size of the spring seat is relatively small. As a result, the mass of the spring seat is relatively small. Therefore, the frequency of the noise generated when the piston comes into contact with the spring seat tends to be high. Therefore, the noise generated when the piston comes into contact with the spring seat tends to be unpleasant for the brake pedal operator.

[0006] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a pedal device that suppresses unpleasant sounds generated when a pedal is depressed.

[0007] According to one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a pedal device comprising: a pedal portion that is stepped on by an operator; a lever portion that rotates around a rotation axis when the pedal portion is stepped on by the operator; and a lever convex portion protruding from the lever portion; a first elastic member that deforms due to force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates, thereby generating a reaction force against the operator's pedaling force; a first holder that faces the lever convex portion in the deformation direction of the first elastic member and supports the first elastic member; a second elastic member that is supported on the first holder on the side opposite the first elastic member and that deforms due to force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates, thereby generating a reaction force against the operator's pedaling force; and a second holder that faces the first holder in the deformation direction of the second elastic member and supports the second elastic member; and when the lever portion rotates, the first holder comes into contact with the second holder before the first holder comes into contact with the lever convex portion.

[0008] As a result, when the first holder and the lever protrusion come into contact, the lever protrusion comes into contact with the first holder and the second holder combined together. Furthermore, the mass of the first holder and the second holder combined together is the sum of the masses of the first holder and the second holder. Therefore, the mass of the object that the lever protrusion comes into contact with is greater than that of the first holder alone. Therefore, the frequency of the sound generated when the lever protrusion and the first holder come into contact is prevented from becoming high. This prevents the vehicle driver from feeling uncomfortable.

[0009] FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a brake-by-wire system in which a pedal device of a first embodiment is used. FIG. 5 is a side view of the pedal device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a portion IV in FIG. 3. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the pedal device when the pedal section is depressed. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating mechanism of a pedal device of a second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating mechanism of a pedal device of a third embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating mechanism of a pedal device of a fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating mechanism of a pedal device of a fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a reaction force generating mechanism of a pedal device of a sixth embodiment.

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following embodiments, identical or equivalent parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

[0011] (First embodiment) A pedal device of this embodiment suppresses unpleasant noise generated when a pedal is depressed. This pedal device is used, for example, as a brake pedal in a brake-by-wire system that controls the brakes of a vehicle. First, this brake-by-wire system will be described.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 1, the brake-by-wire system 150 includes wheel cylinders 131 to 134, an ECU 110, a brake circuit 120, and a pedal device 1.

[0013] The wheel cylinders 131 to 134 are disposed on the respective wheels of the vehicle, and brake pads (not shown) are attached to the wheel cylinders 131 to 134, respectively.

[0014] The ECU 110 includes a first ECU 111 and a second ECU 112. The first ECU 111 includes a microcomputer, a drive circuit, and the like (not shown). The first ECU 111 controls a first brake circuit 121 of a brake circuit 120 (described below) based on a signal from a pedal device 1 (described below). The second ECU 112 includes a microcomputer, a drive circuit, and the like (not shown). The second ECU 112 controls a second brake circuit 122 of the brake circuit 120 (described below) based on a signal from the pedal device 1 (described below).

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

[0016] Here, for the purpose of describing the pedal device 1 below, the front-to-rear direction of the vehicle is referred to as the vehicle front-to-rear direction Da. The top-to-bottom direction of the vehicle is referred to as the vehicle vertical direction Db. The left-to-right direction of the vehicle is referred to as the vehicle left-to-right direction Dc. The front in the vehicle front-to-rear direction Da is referred to as the front of the vehicle. The rear in the vehicle front-to-rear direction Da is referred to as the rear of the vehicle. The top in the vehicle vertical direction Db is referred to as the top of the vehicle. The bottom in the vehicle vertical direction Db is referred to as the bottom of the vehicle. The left in the vehicle horizontal direction Dc is referred to as the left side of the vehicle. The right in the vehicle horizontal direction Dc is referred to as the right side of the vehicle.

[0017] As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the pedal device 1 includes a pedal 10, a stroke sensor 30, a housing 40, and a reaction force generating mechanism 60.

[0018] 2 and 3, the pedal 10 is operated by being depressed by the driver of the vehicle. The driver of the vehicle corresponds to the operator.

[0019] Specifically, the pedal 10 has a pedal portion 12, a lever portion 14, a lever protrusion 16, and a lever flange 18. The pedal portion 12 is stepped on by the driver. The lever portion 14 is connected to the pedal portion 12. When the pedal portion 12 is stepped on by the driver, the lever portion 14 rotates around a rotation axis O. The lever protrusion 16 is connected to the front side of the vehicle of the lever portion 14. Furthermore, the lever protrusion 16 protrudes in the vehicle forward direction from the boundary with the lever portion 14. The lever flange 18 is connected to the lever protrusion 16. Furthermore, the lever flange 18 protrudes from the boundary with the lever protrusion 16 in a direction perpendicular to the protruding direction of the lever protrusion 16.

[0020] The stroke sensor 30 is disposed on, for example, the rotation axis O of the lever portion 14. The stroke sensor 30 also includes a magnet, a yoke, a Hall element, and other elements (not shown). The stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the lever portion 14, thereby detecting the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10. The stroke sensor 30 outputs signals corresponding to the detected rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112. While the stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 by using a Hall element, this is not a limitation. The stroke sensor 30 may also detect the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal 10 by using an MR element (not shown). MR stands for Magneto-Resistive. The stroke amount is, for example, the amount of movement of the pedal portion 12 in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da.

[0021] As shown in FIG. 3 , the housing 40 has a housing bottom 42 , a housing cylindrical portion 44 , a panel mounting portion 46 , a panel bolt 48 , and a housing restriction portion 50 .

[0022] The housing bottom 42 extends in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da and the vehicle transverse direction Dc. The rotation axis O of the lever portion 14 and the stroke sensor 30 are attached to the housing bottom 42. The housing bottom 42 also supports a portion of the lever portion 14 so that the lever portion 14 can rotate about the rotation axis O. The housing bottom 42 also supports the stroke sensor 30.

[0023] The housing tubular portion 44 is connected to an end of the housing bottom portion 42 in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Furthermore, the housing tubular portion 44 extends downward from the boundary with the housing bottom portion 42. The housing tubular portion 44 also houses a part of the lever portion 14, the stroke sensor 30, and a reaction force generating mechanism 60 (described later).

[0024] The panel mounting portion 46 is connected to the front and upper end of the housing bottom portion 42. The panel mounting portion 46 extends upward from the boundary with the housing bottom portion 42. The panel mounting portion 46 is connected to the front and lower end of the tubular housing portion 44. The panel mounting portion 46 extends downward from the boundary with the tubular housing portion 44. The panel mounting portion 46 has holes formed therein. Panel bolts 48 are inserted through the holes in the panel mounting portion 46 and through holes in the vehicle's dash panel 200. This secures the housing 40 to the dash panel 200. The dash panel 200 is a partition wall separating the interior of the vehicle from the outside of the vehicle, such as an engine compartment, and is sometimes referred to as a bulkhead. The exterior of the vehicle contains not only the vehicle engine, but also components such as the vehicle's battery and air conditioning system.

[0025] The housing restriction portion 50 is connected to the inner surface of the housing tubular portion 44 located on the vehicle front side. Furthermore, the housing restriction portion 50 protrudes from the inner surface of the housing tubular portion 44 in the vehicle rear direction.

[0026] As shown in FIG. 4 , the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes a first elastic member 61 , a first holder 71 , a second elastic member 62 , a second holder 72 , and a third elastic member 63 .

[0027] The first elastic member 61 is, for example, a coil spring. Furthermore, when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12, one end of the first elastic member 61 is in contact with the lever flange 18 and is thereby supported by the lever flange 18. Furthermore, when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12, the first elastic member 61 is elastically deformed, and is compressed in this example. When the driver steps on the pedal 12 and the lever 14 rotates, the first elastic member 61 is elastically deformed by the force from the pedal 10, thereby generating a reaction force against the driver's pedal force. Note that, although the first elastic member 61 is in contact with the lever flange 18 when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12, this is not limiting. When the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12, the first elastic member 61 and the lever flange 18 may be separated from each other, and thus the first elastic member 61 and the lever flange 18 may not be in contact with each other. Furthermore, here, the first elastic member 61 is elastically deformed when the driver is not stepping on the pedal portion 12, but it does not have to be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the first elastic member 61 when the driver is not stepping on the pedal portion 12 is defined as the free length.

[0028] The first holder 71 is made of, for example, resin, and includes a first support portion 710 and a holder restricting portion 712. While the first holder 71 is made of resin, it is not limited to this and may be made of, for example, metal.

[0029] The first support portion 710 is formed, for example, in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Furthermore, the first support portion 710 is in contact with the other end of the first elastic member 61, thereby supporting the first elastic member 61.

[0030] The holder restricting portion 712 is connected to the first support portion 710. The holder restricting portion 712 protrudes from the boundary with the first support portion 710 in the vehicle rear direction. The holder restricting portion 712 is disposed inside the first elastic member 61. As a result, the holder restricting portion 712 restricts movement of the first elastic member 61 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. The holder restricting portion 712 faces the lever convex portion 16 in the deformation direction of the first elastic member 61. Therefore, the first holder 71 faces the lever convex portion 16 in the deformation direction of the first elastic member 61. The deformation direction of the first elastic member 61 corresponds to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da.

[0031] The second elastic member 62 is, for example, a coil spring. The second elastic member 62 is arranged in series with the first elastic member 61. One end of the second elastic member 62 is in contact with a portion of the first support portion 710 opposite the first elastic member 61, thereby being supported by the portion of the first support portion 710 opposite the first elastic member 61. The second elastic member 62 is elastically deformed and compressed when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12. When the driver steps on the pedal 12 and rotates the lever portion 14, the second elastic member 62 elastically deforms due to the force from the pedal 10, thereby generating a reaction force against the driver's pedal force. Note that the second elastic member 62 is elastically deformed when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12, but may not be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the second elastic member 62 when the driver is not stepping on the pedal 12 is referred to as the free length.

[0032] The second holder 72 is made of, for example, resin, and further includes a second support portion 720, a holder tubular portion 722, and a third support portion 723. Note that, although the second holder 72 is made of resin, it is not limited to this and may be made of, for example, metal or the like.

[0033] The second support portion 720 is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da and is also formed in an annular shape. The second support portion 720 faces the first support portion 710 in the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. Therefore, the second holder 72 faces the first holder 71 in the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. The deformation direction of the second elastic member 62 corresponds to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da.

[0034] The holder tubular portion 722 is connected to the inside of the second support portion 720 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction Da. Furthermore, the holder tubular portion 722 is formed in a tubular shape that extends in the vehicle front direction from the boundary with the second support portion 720.

[0035] The third support portion 723 is connected to the holder tube portion 722 on the opposite side to the second support portion 720. The third support portion 723 is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle front-rear direction Da. The third support portion 723 is in contact with the other end of the second elastic member 62, thereby supporting the other end of the second elastic member 62.

[0036] The third elastic member 63 is, for example, a coil spring. The third elastic member 63 is arranged in series with the first elastic member 61 and the second elastic member 62. One end of the third elastic member 63 is supported by the second support portion 720 by contacting the second support portion 720. The other end of the third elastic member 63 is supported by the housing tubular portion 44 by contacting the housing tubular portion 44. The housing tubular portion 44 and the holder tubular portion 722 are disposed inside the third elastic member 63. This restricts movement of the third elastic member 63 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. When the driver does not step on the pedal portion 12, the third elastic member 63 is elastically deformed (compressed in this example). When the driver steps on the pedal portion 12 and rotates the lever portion 14, the third elastic member 63 elastically deforms due to the force from the pedal 10, thereby generating a reaction force against the driver's pedal force. Here, the third elastic member 63 is elastically deformed when the driver is not stepping on the pedal portion 12, but it does not have to be elastically deformed. In this case, the length of the third elastic member 63 when the driver is not stepping on the pedal portion 12 is defined as the free length.

[0037] Here, the elastic modulus of the first elastic member 61 is defined as a first elastic modulus k1. The elastic modulus of the second elastic member 62 is defined as a second elastic modulus k2. The elastic modulus of the third elastic member 63 is defined as a third elastic modulus k3. The elastic modulus is a physical quantity that represents the resistance to deformation.

[0038] The first elastic modulus k1 is greater than the second elastic modulus k2. The third elastic modulus k3 is greater than the first elastic modulus k1. Therefore, the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 have a relationship k2<k1<k3.

[0039] Furthermore, the shortest distance in the deformation direction of the first elastic member 61 from the lever protrusion 16 to the first holder 71 when the pedal portion 12 is not depressed by the driver is defined as a first distance L1. The shortest distance in the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62 from the first holder 71 to the second holder 72 when the pedal portion 12 is not depressed by the driver is defined as a second distance L2.

[0040] The second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance L1, that is, L2<L1.

[0041] The brake-by-wire system 150 is configured as described above. Next, the operation of the pedal device 1 will be described.

[0042] When the driver of the vehicle depresses the pedal portion 12, the lever portion 14 rotates around the rotation axis O together with the pedal portion 12. As a result, force from the pedal portion 12 is transmitted to the first elastic member 61 via the lever flange portion 18, causing the first elastic member 61 to be compressed. The force from the pedal portion 12 is also transmitted to the first holder 71. As a result, the first holder 71 moves toward the front of the vehicle, causing the second elastic member 62 to be pressed by the first support portion 710 and compressed. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5 , before the lever protrusion 16 contacts the first support portion 710 of the first holder 71, the first support portion 710 of the first holder 71 and the second support portion 720 of the second holder 72 come into contact with each other. That is, after the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 come into contact with each other, the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact with each other. Furthermore, the force from the pedal portion 12 is transmitted to the second holder 72. As a result, the second holder 72 moves toward the front of the vehicle, and the third elastic member 63 is pressed against the second support portion 720 and compressed. Therefore, a reaction force is generated by a restoring force generated by the compression of the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63. This reaction force enables the pedal device 1 to obtain a reaction force similar to that obtained when the pedal 10 is connected to the master cylinder 126, i.e., when a reaction force is obtained by hydraulic pressure, even though the mechanical connection between the pedal 10 and the master cylinder 126 is eliminated.

[0043] At this time, the stroke sensor 30 detects the rotation angle of the lever portion 14, thereby detecting the rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal portion 12. The stroke sensor 30 also outputs the detected rotation angle and stroke amount of the pedal portion 12 to the first ECU 111 and the second ECU 112.

[0044] At this time, the first ECU 111 rotates the motor 123, for example, by supplying power to the motor 123. This drives the gear mechanism 125, which moves the master piston 127. As a result, the hydraulic pressure of the brake fluid supplied from the reservoir 124 to the master cylinder 126 increases. This increased hydraulic pressure is supplied to the second brake circuit 122.

[0045] Furthermore, the second ECU 112 supplies power to, for example, a solenoid valve (not shown) of the second brake circuit 122. This opens the solenoid valve of the second brake circuit 122. As a result, the brake fluid supplied to the second brake circuit 122 is supplied to each wheel cylinder 131 to 134. As a result, the brake pads attached to the wheel cylinders 131 to 134 rub against the corresponding brake discs. This brakes each wheel, causing the vehicle to decelerate. At this time, the second ECU 112 may perform ABS control, VSC control, collision avoidance control, regenerative cooperative control, and the like, based on signals from the stroke sensor 30 and signals from other electronic control devices (not shown). Note that ABS stands for Anti-lock Braking System, and VSC stands for Vehicle Stability Control.

[0046] When the driver stops pressing the pedal 12, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 are pushed back toward the rear of the vehicle by the restoring force of the second elastic member 62 and the third elastic member 63. The lever flange 18 is also pushed back by the restoring force of the first elastic member 61. Therefore, the position of the pedal 10 returns to the initial position when the driver is not pressing the pedal 12.

[0047] The pedal device 1 operates as described above. The pedal device 1 reduces the unpleasantness of the sound generated when the pedal 10 is depressed. Next, the reduction of the unpleasantness of the sound generated when the pedal 10 is depressed will be described.

[0048] Here, contact between the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 generates a sound. Furthermore, since the first holder 71 is accommodated in the housing 40, the size of the first holder 71 is relatively small. As a result, the mass of the first holder 71 is relatively small. For this reason, the frequency of the sound generated when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact tends to be high. Therefore, the sound generated when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact tends to be unpleasant for the driver of the vehicle.

[0049] 5, when the lever portion 14 rotates, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 come into contact with each other before the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact with each other. In other words, when the lever portion 14 rotates, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 come into contact with each other, and then the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact with each other.

[0050] As a result, when the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact, the lever protrusion 16 comes into contact with the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 combined together. Furthermore, the mass of the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 combined together is the sum of the masses of the first holder 71 and the second holder 72. Therefore, the mass of the object that the lever protrusion 16 comes into contact with is greater than that of the first holder 71 alone. Therefore, the frequency of the sound generated when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact is prevented from becoming high. This prevents the driver of the vehicle from feeling uncomfortable.

[0051] Furthermore, the area of ​​the contact surface between the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 is smaller than the area of ​​the contact surface between the first holder 71 and the lever portion 14. Therefore, since the area of ​​the contact surface between the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 is relatively small, the impact force when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact is small. Therefore, the sound pressure of the sound generated when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact is reduced. Furthermore, since the area of ​​the contact surface between the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 is relatively small, the area of ​​the portion where the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 slide when they come into contact is reduced. This reduces wear on the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 that occurs when the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact.

[0052] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 of the first embodiment also provides the following effects.

[0053] [1] The second elastic modulus k2 is smaller than the first elastic modulus k1, i.e., k2<k1. In other words, the first elastic modulus k1 is larger than the second elastic modulus k2.

[0054] As a result, the second elastic modulus k2 is relatively small, and the first holder 71 can easily move toward the second holder 72. Therefore, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 can easily come into contact with each other before the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact with each other.

[0055] Furthermore, because the first elastic modulus k1 is relatively large, the lever convex portion 16 does not move easily toward the first holder 71. Therefore, the speed of the lever convex portion 16 when it comes into contact with the first holder 71 is smaller than when the first elastic modulus k1 is smaller than the second elastic modulus k2. Therefore, the impact force when the first holder 71 and the lever convex portion 16 come into contact is smaller. Therefore, the sound pressure of the sound generated when the lever convex portion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact is smaller.

[0056] [2] The second distance L2 is smaller than the first distance L1, i.e., L2<L1. In other words, the first distance L1 is larger than the second distance L2.

[0057] This makes the distance between the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 relatively large. Therefore, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 are more likely to come into contact with each other before the first holder 71 and the lever protrusion 16 come into contact with each other.

[0058] Second Embodiment The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the configuration of the first elastic member 61. The rest of the second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0059] In the first embodiment, there is one first elastic member 61. In contrast to this, in the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 6, there are two first elastic members 61. Furthermore, the two first elastic members 61 are arranged in parallel.

[0060] In this case, the second elastic modulus k2 is smaller than twice the first elastic modulus k1, i.e., k2<2×k1, so that the elastic modulus between the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 is smaller than the combined elastic modulus between the lever protrusion 16 and the first holder 71.

[0061] The pedal device 1 of the second embodiment is configured as described above. The second embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, in the second embodiment, two first elastic members 61 are provided. Therefore, the lever convex portion 16 is less likely to move toward the first holder 71. As a result, the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 are more likely to come into contact with each other before the first holder 71 and the lever convex portion 16 come into contact with each other. Furthermore, the speed of the lever convex portion 16 when the first holder 71 and the lever convex portion 16 come into contact with each other is slower than when there is only one first elastic member 61. Therefore, the impact force when the first holder 71 and the lever convex portion 16 come into contact with each other is smaller. Therefore, the sound pressure of the sound generated when the lever convex portion 16 and the first holder 71 come into contact with each other is reduced. Note that the number of first elastic members 61 is not limited to two and may be three or more.

[0063] Third Embodiment In the third embodiment, the configuration of the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 is different from that of the first embodiment. The rest of the third embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.

[0064] In the first embodiment, when the driver steps on the pedal portion 12, the contact surface between the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. In contrast, in the third embodiment, when the driver steps on the pedal portion 12, the contact surface between the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62.

[0065] 7, the surface of the first support portion 710 of the first holder 71 that faces the second support portion 720 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. Furthermore, the surface of the second support portion 720 of the second holder 72 that faces the first support portion 710 is inclined at an angle corresponding to the inclination angle of the first support portion 710.

[0066] The pedal system 1 of the third embodiment is configured as described above. The third embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0067] Furthermore, in the third embodiment, the contact surface between the first support portion 710 and the second support portion 720 is inclined with respect to the direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. As a result, the area of ​​the contact surface between the first support portion 710 and the second support portion 720 is larger when the length of the second elastic member 62 in the direction perpendicular to the deformation direction is fixed compared to when the contact surface is perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. This reduces the impact force when the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 come into contact. This reduces the sound pressure of the sound generated when the first holder 71 and the second holder 72 come into contact.

[0068] Fourth Embodiment In the fourth embodiment, the configurations of the housing 40, the first holder 71, and the second holder 72 are different from those of the first embodiment. In addition, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 further includes a guide member 80. Other than these, the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.

[0069] 8, a hole is formed in the housing restriction portion 50. Furthermore, a hole that communicates with the hole in the housing restriction portion 50 is formed in the part of the housing tubular portion 44 that is connected to the housing restriction portion 50.

[0070] The first holder 71 includes a first guide portion 714 in addition to the first support portion 710 and the holder restricting portion 712. The first guide portion 714 is formed in a cylindrical shape and extends in the vehicle forward direction from the side of the first support portion 710 opposite the holder restricting portion 712.

[0071] The third support portion 723 of the second holder 72 is formed in a plate shape extending in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da and is also formed in an annular shape. The second holder 72 also includes a second guide portion 724 in addition to the second support portion 720, the holder tubular portion 722, and the third support portion 723.

[0072] The second guide portion 724 is connected to the inside of the third support portion 723 in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Da. Furthermore, the second guide portion 724 is formed in a cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle rear direction from the boundary with the third support portion 723. The second guide portion 724 is inserted into a hole in the first guide portion 714. This restricts the movement of the first guide portion 714 and the second guide portion 724 relative to each other in the direction perpendicular to the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Da. Furthermore, because the first guide portion 714 and the second guide portion 724 extend in the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Da, the inner surface of the first guide portion 714 and the outer surface of the second guide portion 724 slide against each other along the vehicle fore-and-aft direction Da.

[0073] The guide member 80 is formed of, for example, metal. The guide member 80 is formed, for example, in a cylindrical shape extending in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. One end of the guide member 80 is inserted into holes in the housing tubular portion 44 and the housing restricting portion 50. The other end of the guide member 80 is inserted into a hole in the second guide portion 724. This restricts the movement of the second guide portion 724 and the guide member 80 relative to each other in a direction perpendicular to the vehicle longitudinal direction Da. Furthermore, because the second guide portion 724 and the guide member 80 extend in the vehicle longitudinal direction Da, the inner surface of the second guide portion 724 and the outer surface of the guide member 80 slide against each other along the vehicle longitudinal direction Da.

[0074] The pedal device 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured as described above. The fourth embodiment also provides the same effects as the first embodiment.

[0075] Fifth Embodiment The fifth embodiment is a combination of the second and fourth embodiments. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 9, the number of first elastic members 61 is two. Other than this, the fifth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. The fifth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0076] Sixth Embodiment The sixth embodiment is a combination of the third and fourth embodiments. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10 , the surface of the first support portion 710 facing the second support portion 720 is inclined with respect to a direction perpendicular to the deformation direction of the second elastic member 62. Furthermore, the surface of the second support portion 720 facing the first support portion 710 is inclined at an angle corresponding to the inclination angle of the first support portion 710. Other than these, the sixth embodiment is the same as the fourth embodiment. The sixth embodiment also achieves the same effects as the fourth embodiment.

[0077] (Other Embodiments) The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and appropriate modifications can be made to the above-described embodiments. Furthermore, it goes without saying that in each of the above-described embodiments, elements constituting the embodiments are not necessarily essential, except when expressly stated as essential or when considered to be clearly essential in principle.

[0078] In each of the above embodiments, the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 are coil springs. However, the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 are not limited to being coil springs and may be made of, for example, rubber.

[0079] In each of the above embodiments, the number of the second elastic member 62 and the third elastic member 63 is one. However, the number of the second elastic member 62 and the third elastic member 63 is not limited to one, and may be two or more.

[0080] In each of the above embodiments, the deformation directions of the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 are linear directions. However, the deformation directions of the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 are not limited to linear directions and may be curved directions. For example, the deformation directions of the first elastic member 61, the second elastic member 62, and the third elastic member 63 may be rotational directions about an axis extending in the vehicle left-right direction Dc.

[0081] In each of the above embodiments, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 includes the third elastic member 63. However, the reaction force generating mechanism 60 does not necessarily need to include the third elastic member 63. In this case, the housing 40 does not include the housing restricting portion 50. Furthermore, the second holder 72 is fixed to the housing tubular portion 44 by, for example, screws or the like.

[0082] In the fourth to sixth embodiments, the first guide portion 714 is formed in a cylindrical shape, the second guide portion 724 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and the guide member 80 is formed in a columnar shape. Alternatively, the first guide portion 714 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, the second guide portion 724 may be formed in a columnar shape, and the guide member 80 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the first guide portion 714 may be formed in a columnar shape, the second guide portion 724 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the guide member 80 may be formed in a cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the first guide portion 714 may be formed in a columnar shape, the second guide portion 724 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the guide member 80 may be formed in a columnar shape. Alternatively, the first guide portion 714 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, the second guide portion 724 may be formed in a cylindrical shape, and the guide member 80 may be formed in a cylindrical shape.

[0083] In each of the above embodiments, the pedal portion 12 and the lever portion 14 are integrated. Also, the lever portion 14 and the lever protrusion 16 are separate bodies. However, the pedal portion 12, the lever portion 14, and the lever protrusion 16 may be integrated. Furthermore, the lever portion 14 and the lever protrusion 16 may be integrated, and the pedal portion 12 may be separate bodies from the lever portion 14 and the lever protrusion 16. Also, the pedal portion 12, the lever portion 14, and the lever protrusion 16 may be separate bodies.

[0084] The above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0085] (Aspects of the present disclosure) [Aspect 1] A pedal device comprising: a pedal (10) having a pedal portion (12) that is stepped on by an operator; a lever portion (14) that rotates around a rotation axis (O) when the pedal portion is stepped on by the operator; and a lever convex portion (16) that protrudes from the lever portion; a first elastic member (61) that generates a reaction force against the pedaling force of the operator by being deformed by a force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates; a first holder (71) that faces the lever convex portion in the deformation direction of the first elastic member and supports the first elastic member; a second elastic member (62) that is supported on the first holder on the side opposite to the first elastic member and that deforms by a force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates, thereby generating a reaction force against the pedaling force of the operator; and a second holder (72) that faces the first holder in the deformation direction of the second elastic member and supports the second elastic member. A pedal device in which, when the lever portion rotates, the first holder and the second holder come into contact before the first holder and the lever convex portion come into contact. [Aspect 2] The pedal device of Aspect 1, in which the elastic modulus (k2) of the second elastic member is smaller than the elastic modulus (k1) of the first elastic member. [Aspect 3] The pedal device of Aspect 1 or 2, in which a distance (L2) from the first holder to the second holder in the deformation direction of the second elastic member when the pedal portion is not depressed is smaller than a distance (L1) from the lever convex portion to the first holder in the deformation direction of the first elastic member when the pedal portion is not depressed. [Aspect 4] The pedal device of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, in which the pedal portion, the lever portion, and the lever convex portion are integrated. [Aspect 5] The pedal device of any one of Aspects 1 to 3, in which the lever portion and the lever convex portion are separate.

Claims

1. A pedal device comprising: a pedal (10) having a pedal portion (12) stepped on by an operator, a lever portion (14) that rotates around a rotation axis (O) when the pedal portion is stepped on by the operator, and a lever protrusion (16) protruding from the lever portion; a first elastic member (61) that generates a reaction force against the pedaling force of the operator by being deformed by a force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates; a first holder (71) that faces the lever protrusion in the deformation direction of the first elastic member and supports the first elastic member; a second elastic member (62) that is supported on the first holder on the side opposite to the first elastic member and that deforms by a force from the pedal when the lever portion rotates, thereby generating a reaction force against the pedaling force of the operator; and a second holder (72) that faces the first holder in the deformation direction of the second elastic member and supports the second elastic member. When the lever portion rotates, the first holder and the second holder come into contact with each other before the first holder and the lever protrusion come into contact with each other.

2. The pedal device according to claim 1, wherein the elastic modulus (k2) of the second elastic member is smaller than the elastic modulus (k1) of the first elastic member.

3. A pedal device as described in claim 1, wherein the distance (L2) in the deformation direction of the second elastic member from the first holder to the second holder when the pedal portion is not depressed is smaller than the distance (L1) in the deformation direction of the first elastic member from the lever convex portion to the first holder when the pedal portion is not depressed.

4. A pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the pedal portion, the lever portion and the lever protrusion are integrated into one unit.

5. A pedal device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the lever portion and the lever protrusion are separate bodies.

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