JP2002087230A - Pedal support device of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent a large collision load from acting on a foot of a driver via an operation pedal at collision time of an automobile. SOLUTION: An intermediate member 7d is supported by a pedal bracket 5 for supporting the operation pedal 4, and when the operation pedal 4 retreats by a collision of the automobile, a retreat of a midpoint of the operation pedal 4 is checked via the intermediate member 7d by a stopper member 6, and an abutting point of the operation pedal 4 on the intermediate member 7d is arranged farther when viewed from a pivotal fulcrum of the operation pedal 4 than an abutting point 21 of the stopper member 6 on the intermediate member 7d so that a pedal part 4a of the operation pedal 4 moderately moves forward at collision.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a device for supporting an operation pedal disposed behind a dash panel of an automobile.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a vehicle collides with an obstacle ahead,
The front of the car body collapses while absorbing the collision energy,
The engine disposed in the engine room moves backward while pressing the master cylinder of the brake device located on the rear side. Since a brake pedal located at the rear of the dash panel is connected to the master cylinder via a rod, the brake pedal is also pushed and retreated with the retraction of the master cylinder. Therefore, at the time of this collision, a collision load acts on the driver's foot that is stepping on the brake pedal, causing a large kickback, and causing a problem that the driver's knee is impacted.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-43073 discloses that a reinforcing member (a vehicle body component) of an instrument panel disposed rearward of a suspension type vehicle pedal is provided with a stopper member (a pressing member). Is projected forward, and a vehicle pedal that retreats due to a collision hits the stopper member. The position where the vehicle pedal contacts the stopper member is below the pivot point. Therefore, when the vehicle pedal hits the stopper member, it rotates about the pivot point and the tip pedal moves forward, thereby reducing the collision load acting on the driver's foot.

[0004]

The instrument panel reinforcing member provided with the above-mentioned stopper member is usually arranged at the same height as or higher than the pivot point of the operation pedal. Therefore, in order to apply the stopper member below the pivot point of the operation pedal, the stopper member must be projected forward and downward from the reinforcing member. However, as the downward inclination angle increases, the tension force (resistance force) of the stopper member against the collision load rearward decreases, so that if the tension force is to be secured, the inclination angle of the stopper member must be reduced. As a result, the stopper member must be brought into contact with the pivot point of the operation pedal.

When the stopper member is brought into proximity to the pivot point of the operation pedal, the amount of forward swing of the operation pedal when the pivot point moves backward increases. In this case, the operation pedal hits the lower part of the dash panel which is retreated by the collision of the vehicle, and the retraction of the lower part of the dash panel itself may become a load input to the instrument panel reinforcing member via the operation pedal and the stopper member. Therefore, there is a problem that the reinforcing member cannot withstand a collision load and the instrument panel is retracted with respect to the driver's upper body.

A rod (for example, a push rod of a master cylinder in the case of a brake pedal) is usually connected to the operation pedal. When an automobile collides, a collision load is applied to the operation pedal via the rod. May enter. In this case, if the contact position of the stopper member with respect to the operation pedal is closer to the pivot point than the load input point from the rod, even if the operation pedal abuts the stopper member, the rod will resist and swing forward. Will be hindered.

Further, in order to apply the stopper member to a portion relatively far from the pivot point of the operation pedal, it is conceivable to provide a vehicle body component supporting the stopper member at a low position. Invite,
The space under the driver's feet is reduced.

Therefore, the present invention does not greatly affect the layout around the operation pedal, and causes the operation pedal to retreat excessively and cause a large load to act on the driver's foot at the time of the collision of the vehicle. To prevent a large collision load from being input from the dash panel to the support member of the stopper member by swinging forward.

[0009]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides an intermediate member between the operation pedal and the stopper member, and the intermediate member appropriately sets a stop point of the operation pedal by the stopper member. It can be selected in any position.

That is, the invention according to claim 1 comprises a pedal bracket fixed to a dash panel of an automobile and disposed behind the dash panel, and an operation pedal supported by the pedal bracket so as to swing back and forth. A rod connected to the operation pedal and operated by the operation pedal; and a pedal bracket of the operation pedal when the operation pedal is retracted by a predetermined amount or more together with the pedal bracket. And a stopper member for preventing the intermediate point between the support point and the tip pedal portion from retracting, comprising an intermediate member disposed between the operation pedal and the stopper member. The intermediate member contacts the stopper member when the operation pedal is retracted by a predetermined amount together with the pedal bracket. A stopper abutting portion, and a pedal receiving portion that supports the stopper member and receives the intermediate point of the operation pedal so as not to retreat, and the pedal receiving portion is configured such that the pedal abutment is viewed from a supporting point of the operation pedal. The intermediate member is disposed farther than the portion, and the intermediate member further prevents the pedal receiving portion from supporting the stopper member to prevent the operation pedal intermediate point from retreating. The stopper abutment portion and the pedal receiving portion are provided on the pedal bracket so as to move forward relative to the pedal bracket.

Therefore, according to the present invention, the operating pedal retreats toward the passenger compartment together with the dash panel and the pedal bracket at the time of the collision of the vehicle, but when the operating pedal retreats by a predetermined amount, the stopper abutting portion of the intermediate member becomes the stopper member. While the intermediate point of the operating pedal is received by the pedal receiving portion of the intermediate member. When the pedal bracket further retreats from this state, the stopper contact portion and the pedal receiving portion move forward relative to the pedal bracket, and the operation pedal is displaced so that the pedal portion moves forward.

Thus, in the case of the present invention, the backward movement of the intermediate point of the operating pedal is not stopped directly by the stopper member but is stopped by the intermediate member.
While the stopper member is arranged near the pivot point of the operation pedal, the position where the stopper member prevents the operation pedal from retreating can be moved away from the pivot point, and the operation pedal moves forward when the pedal bracket retreats. Excessive rocking can be avoided. For this reason,
It is possible to prevent a large collision load from being input to the stopper member via the operation pedal and the intermediate member from the dash panel and the operation pedal hitting the retracted dash panel, and the vehicle body component supporting the stopper member is provided to the driver. This is advantageous in preventing backward retreat.

Further, since the intermediate member is provided to set the retraction preventing point of the operation pedal as described above, the retraction preventing point is located farther from the pivot point than the connecting point of the rod to the operation pedal. Therefore, even when a collision load is transmitted from the rod to the operation pedal, the pedal portion side of the operation pedal can be moved forward by the intermediate member and the stopper member.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle pedal support apparatus according to the first aspect, the pedal receiving portion of the intermediate member swings back and forth around the support point of the operation pedal with respect to the pedal bracket. It is characterized in that it is a stopper that regulates the amount of swinging backward when performing

That is, the intermediate member works together with the stopper member to prevent the intermediate point of the operation pedal from retreating at the time of collision of the vehicle. However, the present invention further provides the operation pedal when the intermediate member does not collide with the vehicle. Is designed to function as a return stopper when the rocker swings rearward. Therefore, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to separately provide a return stopper, which is advantageous in preventing an increase in the number of components.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the pedal support device for an automobile according to the second aspect, the pedal bracket includes a pair of opposing side walls supporting both ends of a support shaft of the operation pedal, and the both side walls. And a rear wall connecting the rear edges thereof, and the front side of the both side walls is open, and the intermediate member is provided with an opposing side wall and a connecting wall connecting the front edges of the both side walls or the rear edges. A member having a U-shaped cross section, the member being disposed in contact with the front surface of a rear wall of the pedal bracket, wherein the stopper abutting portion and the pedal receiver are provided on a connecting wall of the intermediate member. And a fitting portion to which a part of the stopper member is fitted when the stopper contact portion comes into contact with the stopper member is provided.

That is, when the intermediate member is also used as the return stopper as described above, when a load is applied rearward to the intermediate member from the operation pedal during a non-collision of the vehicle, the intermediate member is not affected by the rearward load. When the intermediate member comes into contact with the stopper member and receives a reaction force forward in the event of a vehicle collision, the intermediate member is moved forward so that the pedal portion of the operation pedal can be moved forward. It is necessary to be deformed or moved. That is, the intermediate member needs to be provided on the pedal bracket so as to be strong when receiving a force backward and weak when receiving a force forward.

Therefore, in the present invention, the rigidity of the intermediate member is increased by forming the intermediate member into a U-shape in cross section, and the rear portion of the intermediate member is brought into contact with the rear wall of the pedal bracket so that the intermediate member can be operated during a non-collision of the vehicle. When receiving a force backward from the pedal, support it with a pedal bracket to prevent it from deforming or moving backward.When receiving a force forward from the stopper member in the event of a car collision, block it with the pedal bracket. Instead, it can be deformed or moved forward.

In the present invention, the connecting wall of the intermediate member is
When the stopper abutting portion contacts the stopper member, a fitting portion is provided in which a part of the stopper member is fitted.
The engagement of the intermediate member from the stopper member during the collision of the automobile is prevented by the fitting, and the stopper member and the intermediate member are advantageous in moving the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle pedal support device according to the second aspect, the pedal bracket is provided with a pair of side walls opposed to each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle body supporting both ends of a support shaft of the operation pedal. An upper wall connecting the upper edges of the side walls, and a rear wall bending downward from the rear edge of the upper wall and connecting the rear edges of the side walls. The intermediate member is open, the side wall facing the vehicle body left-right direction, an upper wall disposed above the both side walls, and a bent front end or a rear edge of the upper wall extends downward and A connecting wall connecting front edges or rear edges of both side walls, wherein the connecting wall is provided with the stopper contact portion and the pedal receiving portion, and is in contact with the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket. And the upper wall of the intermediate member is While that is coupled to the upper wall of the Tsu door,
Both side walls of the intermediate member are connected to each other so as to be disengaged when a load equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on the both side walls of the pedal bracket.

Therefore, in the case of this invention, similarly to the invention according to claim 2, the intermediate member is supported by the rear wall of the pedal bracket when receiving a force rearward from the operation pedal during a non-collision of the vehicle. Therefore, while the rearward deformation or movement is prevented, when the stopper member is pressed relatively forward during the collision of the vehicle, the side wall of the intermediate member and the side wall of the pedal bracket are disconnected from each other. It becomes easy to deform or move forward, which is advantageous in moving the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle pedal support device according to the fourth aspect, the side wall of the intermediate member is provided at a position above a connecting portion to the side wall of the pedal bracket. A fragile portion is provided so that a lower portion of the intermediate member below the corresponding portion is bent forward when the connecting wall of the intermediate member is pressed relatively forward so that the connection is released. It is characterized by.

Therefore, in the case of the present invention, when the intermediate member is relatively pressed forward by the stopper member at the time of collision of the vehicle, the lower portion thereof is easily bent forward by the fragile portion. This is advantageous in moving the pedal portion side of the pedal forward.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the vehicle pedal support device according to the second aspect, the pedal bracket is provided with a pair of side walls opposed to each other in a lateral direction of the vehicle body that support both ends of a spindle of the operation pedal. A rear wall connecting the rear edges of the side walls, the front sides of the side walls are open, and the intermediate member includes a side wall facing the vehicle body in the left-right direction,
A connecting wall connecting the front edges or the rear edges of the both side walls, the connecting wall being provided with the stopper abutting portion and the pedal receiving portion, and abutting against the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket. Disposed in a state, the both side walls of the intermediate member,
It is connected at a plurality of points vertically disposed on both side walls of the pedal bracket, and at other connection points except for the connection point arranged at the uppermost side, the intermediate member is relatively moved by a force of a predetermined value or more. It is characterized by being weakly coupled so as to be disengaged from the pedal bracket when pressed forward.

Therefore, in the case of the present invention, similarly to the invention according to claim 2, the intermediate member is supported by the rear wall of the pedal bracket when receiving a force rearward from the operation pedal during a non-collision of the vehicle. Therefore, while the rearward deformation or movement is prevented, when the stopper member is pressed relatively forward during the collision of the vehicle, the weak connection between the side wall of the intermediate member and the side wall of the pedal bracket is released. Therefore, in a state where the intermediate member is supported on the pedal bracket by the strong coupling portion disposed on the uppermost side, the intermediate member is easily deformed or swung forward, and in moving the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward. It will be advantageous.

[0026]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a stopper abutting portion that abuts against the stopper member and a pedal receiving portion that receives an intermediate point of the operating pedal between the operating pedal and the stopper member. When the pedal bracket further retreats from a state in which the pedal receiving portion supports the stopper member to prevent the operation pedal intermediate point from retreating, the stopper contact portion and the pedal receiving portion are attached to the pedal bracket. Relative to the front, and furthermore, since this pedal receiving portion is disposed farther than the stopper contact portion when viewed from the support point of the operation pedal, the layout of the operation pedal and its peripheral members is made difficult. In the event of a car collision, the tip pedal portion of the operation pedal can be reliably and appropriately moved to the front, causing a large collision with the driver's foot. Weight can be prevented from being affected.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the pedal receiving portion of the intermediate member regulates the amount of backward swing when the operation pedal swings back and forth about the support point with respect to the pedal bracket. This is advantageous for preventing an increase in the number of parts.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the intermediate member has a U-shaped cross section and is disposed in contact with the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket.
Since the stopper contact portion is provided with a fitting portion to which a part of the stopper member is fitted when contacting the stopper member, the intermediate member is strong when receiving a force rearward from the operation pedal during a non-collision of the automobile, When the vehicle receives a force relatively forward from the stopper member at the time of a collision of the vehicle, it becomes weak, and without impairing the function as the return stopper, the pedal portion side of the operation pedal is combined with the stopper member at the time of the vehicle collision. Since the intermediate member can be moved forward and the intermediate member is prevented from coming off from the stopper member in the event of a collision of the vehicle, it is advantageous in swinging the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the intermediate member is disposed in contact with the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket, and the upper wall of the intermediate member is connected to the upper wall of the pedal bracket. Since both side walls of the intermediate member are connected to both side walls of the pedal bracket such that the intermediate member is released when the intermediate member is relatively pressed forward by a force of a predetermined value or more, the intermediate member is operated by the operating pedal when the vehicle is not in a collision. While effectively acting as a return stopper, the intermediate member is easily deformed or moved forward in the event of a vehicle collision, which is advantageous in moving the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, by providing the intermediate member with the weak portion, the intermediate member is lower than the weak portion of the intermediate member when the intermediate member is relatively pressed forward by the stopper member. Since the portion is bent forward, it is advantageous to move the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the intermediate member is disposed in contact with the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket, and is disposed above and below the side walls of the intermediate member and both side walls of the pedal bracket. Of the plurality of connection points provided, the connection force of the other connection points except for the connection point arranged at the uppermost position has been reduced, so that the intermediate member effectively works as a return stopper of the operation pedal when the vehicle is not in a collision. In the event of an automobile collision, the intermediate member can be easily deformed or moved forward, which is advantageous in moving the pedal portion side of the operation pedal forward.

[0032]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment 1> FIG. 1 shows the overall configuration of the present embodiment. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a dash panel that separates an engine room 2 and a vehicle room 3 at the front of the vehicle. A brake pedal 4 as an operation pedal which is depressed by a driver sitting in a driver's seat (not shown) is disposed behind the dash panel 1, that is, at a lower front end of the vehicle compartment 3.

The brake pedal 4 is supported by a pedal bracket 5 fixed to the upper part of the dash panel 1, and a stopper member 6 acting on the brake pedal 4 at the time of a collision of an automobile is provided at the back of the brake pedal 4. I have. The pedal bracket 5 supports a movable member 7 that acts between the brake pedal 4 and the stopper member 6 at the time of a collision of the vehicle. The movable member 7 functions as a bracket that supports the brake switch 9 and a return stopper that regulates the amount of backward movement of the brake pedal 4 when the vehicle does not collide. Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

A master back 10 is provided on the front side of the dash panel 1, and the pedal bracket 5 is provided on the rear side. The pedal bracket 5 and the master back 10 are fixed to the dash panel 1 by a fastening member 11. Have been. The pedal bracket 5 extends obliquely upward toward the rear of the vehicle body, and has an upper end detachably fastened to the cowl panel 12 constituting the vehicle body together with the movable member 7.
The movable member 7 and the fastening structure will be described later in detail.

The brake pedal 4 is provided with a pedal portion 4b which is stepped on by a driver at the lower end of a pedal arm 4a. The upper end of the pedal arm 4a is attached to the pedal bracket 5 by a support shaft 13 extending in the vehicle width direction. It is pivoted and can swing back and forth. The pedal arm 4a is attached to the dash panel 1 from the master back 10.
And a push rod 15 extending rearward is connected via a connecting member 16 described later. An instrument panel frame 14 extending in the vehicle width direction as a vehicle body component is disposed behind the upper end of the brake pedal 4, and the stopper member 6 is slightly lowered from the frame 14 toward the front of the vehicle body. It extends slightly.

The cowl panel 1 of the pedal bracket 5
As shown in FIG. 2, the upper end portion fastened to the upper end 2 has an upper wall 5a and left and right side walls 5b, and has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section. On the other hand, the movable member 7 includes an upper wall 7a, a front wall 7b, left and right side walls 7c connecting the upper wall 7a and the front wall 7b, and a pedal arm 4a and a stopper member 6 fixed to the side wall 7c. And an intermediate member 7d extending slightly downward and slightly obliquely rearward. Accordingly, similarly to the pedal bracket 5, the upper end of the movable member 7 has a substantially inverted U-shaped cross section due to the upper wall 7a and the left and right side walls 7c. The intermediate member 7d and the stopper member 6 are in a relationship substantially orthogonal to each other, and the tip of the stopper member 6 faces the back surface of the intermediate member 7d.

Then, the upper wall 5a of the pedal bracket 5
Each of the upper walls 7a of the movable member 7 is formed with slits 17 corresponding to upper and lower sides which are opened forward.
The cowl panel 12 and the pedal bracket 5 and the movable member 7 are fastened by bolts 19 passing through the slits 17. Therefore, when the pedal bracket 5 and the movable member 7 receive a pressing force of a predetermined value or more toward the rear,
When the bolt 19 comes off from the slit 17, the fastening to the cowl panel 12 is released. Also,
The side wall 7c of the movable member 7 is the side wall 5b of the pedal bracket 5.
Is pivotally supported by a support shaft 13 of the brake pedal 4. Therefore, the movable member 7 is mounted on the cowl panel 12.
When the connection is released, it is possible to swing back and forth around the support shaft 13.

The movable member 7 has a stopper abutting portion 21 which abuts on the stopper member 6 at the time of a collision of the vehicle, and a connection disconnecting portion 22 which abuts on the connecting member 16 and disconnects the connection between the brake pedal 4 and the push rod 15.
And a pedal receiving portion 23 that supports the stopper member 6 to support the intermediate point of the brake pedal 4 so as not to retreat.

That is, the back surface of the intermediate member 7d of the movable member 7 facing the stopper member 6 is
1 are formed. A portion of the intermediate member 7 d below the stopper contact portion 21, in other words, the brake pedal 4
The brake switch 9 is mounted at a position farther from the stopper abutting portion 21 when viewed from the support shaft 13. Furthermore, this brake switch mounting position is the brake pedal 4
Than the connection position of the push rod 15 with respect to the support shaft 13
It is far away from you. Then, the brake pedal 4 is set so as to face the brake switch 9.
The switch member 24 is attached to the pedal arm 4a via a bracket 25. In this embodiment, the brake switch mounting portion of the intermediate member 7d forms the pedal receiving portion 23.

A connecting / disconnecting portion 22 is formed on the front wall 7b of the movable member 7. First, the connection structure between the brake pedal 4 and the push rod 15 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, a large diameter flange-like connection portion 15a is integrally formed at the rear end of the push rod 15. On the other hand, a pedal side rod 2
The joint part 27 at the rear end of the unit 6 is connected by a connecting pin 29 in the horizontal direction. At the front end of the pedal-side rod 26, a flange-shaped connecting portion 26a having the same diameter as the connecting portion 15a is integrally formed. The two connecting portions 15 a and 26 a are concentrically butted against each other and held by the connecting member 16.

The connecting member 16 is, as shown in FIG.
A pair of half-shaped collars 30, 30 made of resin or the like, which cover the connecting portions 15a, 26a in the abutted state so as to sandwich the connecting portions 15a, 26a from both sides in the diameter direction, and are externally fitted to the two collars 30, 30. Connecting the two collars 30, 30 to the connecting portions 15a, 26
a. Each color 30
The corresponding connecting portions 15a and 26a
An inward flange portion 30a is formed to cover the rear surface of the first member and prevent detachment of both connecting portions 15a and 26a.

The restraining member 31 includes the collars 30, 30.
And a flange portion 31b that protrudes outward from the front end of the cylindrical portion 31a.
The cylindrical portion 31a is externally fitted to the collars 30, 30 so as to slide out of the collars 30, 30 when a predetermined force or more is applied forward in the axial direction. 30 is the release of the connection
The rods 15 and 26 are disconnected from 5a and 26a.

On the other hand, the front wall 7b of the movable member 7
As shown in FIG. 5, an inverted U-shaped cutout portion 7e that opens downward is formed, and the periphery of the cutout portion 7e constitutes a connection disconnection portion 22. That is, the width D of the cutout portion 7e is equal to the width of the restricting member 31.
And the flange portion 31 is larger than the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion 31a.
The connecting and disconnecting portion 22 is loosely fitted to the cylindrical portion 31a and disposed on the back of the flange portion 31b. Accordingly, the connection / disconnection portion 22 of the movable member 7 is connected to the flange portion 31 b of the restraining member 31.
When the restraining member 31 falls forward from the collars 30, 30, the brake pedal 4
And the push rod 15 are disconnected.

When the vehicle collides, the movable member 7 retreats relative to the cowl panel 12 and separates from the cowl panel 12, but the intermediate member 7d becomes longer than the relative retreat distance of the movable member 7 required for this. Stopper contact part 2 on the back
The positional relationship between the intermediate member 7d and the stopper member 6 is set such that the distance between the intermediate member 1 and the distal end surface of the stopper member 6 is slightly larger. That is, at the time of collision of the automobile, the stopper contact portion 21 comes into contact with the stopper member 6 after the movable member 7 comes off the cowl panel 12.

When the brake pedal 4 swings rearward and the brake switch 9 contacts the switch member 24 and turns on (or off), the flange 31b of the restraining member 31 disconnects and connects the movable member 7. The brake pedal 4, the movable member 7, and the connecting member 1 are positioned so as to face each other with a slight gap (see FIG. 1).
6 are determined.

The bracket 25 supporting the switch member 24 of the brake pedal 4 is an L-shaped member as shown in FIG. Member 24 is attached. The forward bending strength of the side protrusion of the bracket 25 is determined by the brake switch 9 and the switch when the brake pedal 4 swings rearward around the support shaft 13 and the brake switch 9 is turned on (or off). It is set so as to be larger than the contact load with the member 24 and smaller than the force required to detach the restraining member 31 from the collar 30.

Next, the operation of the pedal support device will be described.

When the vehicle is not in a collision, the brake pedal 4
When the pedal is depressed, it swings forward around the support shaft 13, and accordingly the push rod 15 moves forward, the stepping force is doubled by the master back 10 and transmitted to the master cylinder, and the brake pressure from the master cylinder is applied to the vehicle. The braking force is transmitted to the wheel cylinder of the wheel and acts on the wheel. When the depression force on the brake pedal 4 is released, the brake pedal 4
Is returned and the switch member 24 comes into contact with the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 7d, so that the non-braking state is detected, and that the brake pedal 4 swings further backwards. Receiving part 2
Blocked at 3.

When the vehicle collides with an obstacle ahead with the brake pedal 4 depressed, the front part of the vehicle body is crushed, and the engine retreats accordingly, and is pushed by the engine, and the master cylinder, master back 10 and pedal bracket 5 are pushed. And the movable member 7 retreats to the cabin side together with the dash panel 1. Since the pedal bracket 5 and the movable member 7 are fastened to the cowl panel 12 so as to be detachable rearward, the pedal bracket 5 and the movable member 7 are separated from the cowl panel 12 by the retreat. When the movable member 7 comes off the cowl panel 12, the support shaft 13
Around the center.

When the pedal bracket 5 and the movable member 7 further retreat together with the brake pedal 4, the intermediate member 7
The stopper contact portion 21 d contacts the stopper member 6.
When the push rod 15 is pushed backward with the retraction of the master back 10 and the brake pedal 4 swings backward, the switch member 24 of the brake pedal 4 comes into contact with the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 7d. In this state, the stopper contact portion 21 contacts the stopper member 6. Even when the brake pedal 4 is not pushed rearward by the push rod 15, the movable member 7 swings forward about the support shaft 13 when the stopper contact portion 21 hits the stopper member 6, so that the switch of the brake pedal 4 is switched. The contact member 24 and the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 7d come into contact with each other.

When the pedal bracket 5 further retreats in a state where the stopper contact portion 21 of the intermediate member 7d is in contact with the stopper member 6 and the switch member 24 of the brake pedal 4 is in contact with the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 7d. ,
That is, when the support shaft 13 further retreats, the bracket 25 of the switch member 24 bends forward as shown by the arrow in FIG. Thereby, as shown in FIG.
Pivots forward with respect to the brake pedal 4, that is, the connection / disconnection portion 22 of the movable member 7 moves forward and hits the flange portion 31 b of the restraining member 31 of the connection member 16. As a result, the restraining member 31 is prevented from retreating following the brake pedal 4, so that the restraining member 31 slides relatively forward and separates from the collar 30, and the connection between the brake pedal 4 and the push rod 15 by the connecting member 16. Comes off.

Therefore, the pedal bracket 5, ie,
When the support shaft 13 is further retracted, the brake pedal 4
Since the backward movement of the intermediate point is prevented by the stopper member 6 via the intermediate member 7d, the pedal portion 4b swings so as to move forward around the support shaft 13, and a large collision with the driver's foot occurs. Loads are avoided.

In this case, the stopper abutment portion 21 of the intermediate member 7d and the stopper member 6 abut at a relatively high position close to the support shaft 13 of the brake pedal 4, but the intermediate member 7d The contact with the pedal receiving portion 23 is at a relatively lower position separated from the support shaft 13 below the stopper contact position. Therefore, the amount of forward swing of the brake pedal 4 when the support shaft 13 is retracted by a predetermined distance is smaller than when the brake pedal 4 directly contacts the stopper member 6.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the lower end of the brake pedal 4 from hitting the lower part of the dash panel 1 which retreats in the event of a collision, so that the brake pedal 4, the intermediate member 7 d and the stopper member 6 can be separated from the lower part of the dash panel 1. A large collision load is prevented from being input to the frame 14 of the instrument panel via the vehicle, and the instrument panel is prevented from retreating toward the driver.

On the other hand, since the stopper member 6 can be arranged at a relatively high position as described above, the stopper member 6
Of the instrument panel frame 14 in the forward direction from the instrument panel frame 14 can be made nearly horizontal, that is,
The forward descending inclination angle of the stopper member 6 can be reduced, which is advantageous in securing a tension force for preventing the intermediate member 7d and the brake pedal 4 from retreating.

In the above embodiment, when the L-shaped bracket 25 of the switch member 24 is bent, the movable member 7 is brought into contact with the switch member 24 of the brake pedal 4 and the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 7d. Is allowed to swing forward, in other words, the brake pedal 4 is allowed to swing backward relative to the movable member 7. Such swing allowing means is shown in FIG. What is shown can also be adopted.

The switch member 24 is supported on the side surface of the pedal arm 4a of the brake pedal 4 by biasing the switch member 24 in the direction of projecting rearward by an elastic body (coil spring) 33. That is, the switch member 24 is provided at the rear end of a rod 35 extending in the front-rear direction, and the rod 35 movably penetrates front and rear flanges of a U-shaped bracket 36 having a web fixed to the side surface of the pedal arm 4a. are doing. Between the front and rear flanges of the bracket 36, a coil spring as an elastic body 33 is interposed between the spring receiver 37 fixed to the rod 35 and the front flange of the bracket 36 in a compressed state.

Therefore, when a force equal to or more than a predetermined value acts forward, the switch member 24 moves forward against the bias of the elastic body 33. Accordingly, as in the case of the L-shaped bracket 25, the brake pedal 4 is moved rearward relative to the movable member 7 in a state where the switch member 24 of the brake pedal 4 and the brake switch 9 of the movable member 7 are in contact with each other. Swinging is allowed.

The biasing force of the elastic body 33 is applied to the brake switch 9 and the switch member 24 when the brake pedal 4 swings rearward around the support shaft 13 and the brake switch 9 is turned on (or off). Is set to be larger than the contact load and smaller than the force required to detach the restraining member 31 from the collar 30.

<Embodiment 2> FIG.
And FIG. In the above embodiment, the intermediate member 7d is connected to the main body of the movable member 7 and provided.
In this example, the intermediate member 35 is connected to the pedal bracket 5 and disposed between the brake pedal 4 and the stopper member 6.
Hereinafter, a specific description will be given.

As shown in FIG. 9, the pedal bracket 5 has a pair of side walls 5b, 5b which support both ends of the support shaft 13 of the brake pedal 4 and are opposed to each other in the lateral direction of the vehicle body.
an upper wall 5a connecting the upper edges of the first and second side walls 5b, 5b, and extending downward from the rear edge of the upper wall 5a while being bent;
And a rear wall 5c connecting the rear edges thereof. The front sides of both side walls 5b, 5b of the pedal bracket 5 are open. A slit 17 similar to that of the first embodiment is formed in the upper wall 5a so as to be detachably coupled to the cowl panel 12 rearward. As shown in FIG.
An extended portion extending forward from the side wall 5b is fixed to the upper part of the dash panel 1 as in the first embodiment.

The intermediate member 35 includes side walls 35b, 35b opposed to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle body, an upper wall 35a disposed above the side walls 35b, 35b, and a lower portion bent from the rear edge of the upper wall 35a. A rear wall (connecting wall) 35c extending and connecting the rear edges of the side walls 35b, 35b is provided, and the portions of the side walls 35b, 35b and the rear wall 35c have a U-shaped cross section. A similar slit 17 corresponding to the slit 17 of the pedal bracket 5 is formed in the upper wall 35a.

The intermediate member 35 is disposed such that its upper wall 35a contacts the lower surface of the upper wall 5a of the pedal bracket 5, and then the wall 35c contacts the front surface of the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5. I have. The upper wall 5a, 35a of the pedal bracket 5 and the intermediate member 35 are strongly connected to each other by welding, and the left and right side walls 5b, 35b are weakly connected at one point 35f by spot welding. I have. The weak connection between the side walls 5b and 35b by the spot welding at the connection point 35f causes the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35 when a load equal to or more than a predetermined value acts forward.
Is removed from the side wall 5b of the pedal bracket 5.

The side walls 35b, 35b of the intermediate member 35
Is not connected to the upper wall 35a, and between the side edge of the upper wall 35a and the side walls 35b, 35b, the upper wall 35a and the rear wall 3
Triangular notch 35 reaching the end of the bend at the boundary with 5c
d, 35d are formed. This notch 35d, 35
d, when the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35 is pressed relatively forward so that the connection between the side walls 5b, 35b is released, the lower side of the intermediate member 35 with the bent portion as a fulcrum. The side walls 35b, 35b and the rear wall 35c are formed with fragile portions that are easily bent forward.

Thus, the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35 extends below the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5, and
A stopper contact portion 21 that contacts the stopper member 6 when the brake pedal 4 retreats by a predetermined amount together with the pedal bracket 5 in the downwardly extending portion, and does not retreat at an intermediate point of the brake pedal 4 with the stopper member 6 as a support. Receiving portion 23 is provided.

The arrangement of the stopper abutting portion 21 and the pedal receiving portion 23 is the same as that of the first embodiment, but the fitting portion (hole) is formed in the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35 as shown in FIG.
The third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a stopper abutment portion 21 is formed on the periphery (in this embodiment, the right and left rear surfaces of the fitting portion 35e). That is, the stopper member 6 extends forward from the frame 14 of the instrument panel similarly to the first embodiment, but has a protrusion 6a protruding forward at the tip.
In the event of an automobile collision, the protrusion 6a of the stopper member 6 fits into the fitting portion 35e of the intermediate member 35, and the periphery of the protrusion 6a contacts the stopper contact portion 21. In addition,
In FIG. 9, reference numeral 36 denotes a mounting hole for the brake switch 9.

Therefore, also in the case of the present embodiment, the first embodiment
Similarly, when the depressing force on the brake pedal 4 is released during a non-collision of the vehicle, the brake pedal 4 returns to detect that the brake switch 9 of the intermediate member 35 is in the non-braking state, and the pedal of the intermediate member 35 is released. The receiving portion 23 functions as a return stopper for the brake pedal 4.

At this time, the intermediate member 35 is attached to the rear wall 35c.
Is in contact with the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5,
The return force of the brake pedal 4 is the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35.
Through the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5.
That is, the intermediate member 35 has a fragile portion formed by the notch 35d at its upper portion, but is prevented from being deformed or moved rearward by the return force of the brake pedal 4 by the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5.

In the event of an automobile collision, the intermediate member 35 is connected to the dash panel 1, the pedal bracket 5, and the brake pedal 4
At the same time, the protrusion 6a of the stopper member 6 fits into the fitting portion 35e of the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35, and the stopper contact portion 21 of the intermediate member 35 contacts the stopper member 6. Therefore, the fitting of the intermediate member 35 to the stopper member 6 is prevented.

When the intermediate member 35 contacts the stopper member 6 at the time of a collision, a relatively forward pressing force (reaction force) acts on the intermediate member 35, but the intermediate member 35 is in contact with the side wall 5 b of the pedal bracket 5. When a load equal to or more than a predetermined value acts on a weak connection point 35f with the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35, the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35
Get off. Further, a weak portion formed by a notch 35d is formed at the upper end of the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35, and the front side of the intermediate member 35 is not closed by the pedal bracket 5, so that the side wall 35b comes off. The side wall 35b and the rear wall 35c of the intermediate member 35 are bent forward with relatively weak force using the bent portion at the upper end of the rear wall as a broken line. Thereby, the pedal portion 4b of the brake pedal 4 can be moved forward.

Further, even when the push rod 15 becomes resistant to the forward swing of the brake pedal 4, the brake pedal 4 by the pedal receiving portion 23 of the intermediate member 35 can be used.
Is located farther than the connection position of the push rod 15 with respect to the brake pedal 4 when viewed from the support shaft 13, which is advantageous in swinging the brake pedal 4 forward against the push rod 15. . Even if the pushing force of the push rod 15 is large and the upper part of the dash panel 1 and the pedal bracket 5 and the brake pedal 4 substantially form a rigid body, the intermediate member 3
Since the receiving position of the brake pedal 4 by the pedal receiving portion 23 is lower than the position at which the push rod 15 is connected to the brake pedal 4, even if the upper portion of the brake pedal 4 retreats together with the pedal bracket 5 and the like. , The lower portion of the brake pedal 4, that is, the pedal portion 4b
The side can be prevented from retreating and moved forward.

In this embodiment, the intermediate member 35 is provided with the rear wall 35c as a connecting wall. However, instead of the rear wall 35c, the left and right side walls 35b, 35
It is also possible to provide a front wall connecting the front edges of b with each other and to continue the upper edge of the front wall to the upper wall 35a.

<Embodiment 3> This embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.
1 and FIG. 12, the form of the intermediate member 35 and its support structure for the pedal bracket 5 are shown in the second embodiment.
The other points are basically the same as those of the second embodiment.

That is, the intermediate member 35 has side walls 35b, 35b opposed to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and the side walls 35b, 35b.
A front wall (connecting wall) 35c connecting front edges of 35b is provided, and the portions of the side walls 35b, 35b and the front wall 35c have a U-shaped cross section. This intermediate member 35 is
b, 35b are connected to the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5 by the upper rear edge.
It is arranged in a state in contact with the front surface of the.

Then, the intermediate member 35 is connected to the side walls 35b,
Support shafts 37, 37 whose upper end portions extend in the left-right direction of the vehicle body
Thus, the pedal bracket 5 is swingably coupled to upper ends of the side walls 5b, 5b of the pedal bracket 5. Also, the side walls 35b, 35
U-shaped slit 3 opened rearward in the middle of b
5g, 35g are formed, and the intermediate member 35 is moved forward to the lower ends of the side walls 5b, 5b of the pedal bracket 5 by set screws 38, 38 extending in the left-right direction of the vehicle body passing through the U-shaped slits 35g, 35g. It is detachably connected.

That is, when the intermediate member 35 is pressed forward by a moment greater than a predetermined value, the set screw 38 comes out of the U-shaped slit 35g, so that the set screw 38 is connected to the side wall 5b of the pedal bracket 5 by the set screw 38. , And can swing back and forth about the support shaft 37 at the upper end.

The front wall 35c of the intermediate member 35 extends below the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5, and the second embodiment is different from the first embodiment.
Similarly to the above, the brake pedal 4
A stopper abutment portion 21 for abutting against the stopper member 6 when the vehicle is retracted by a predetermined amount together with the pedal bracket 5, a pedal receiving portion 23 for supporting the intermediate point of the brake pedal 4 with the stopper member 6 as a support so as not to retreat, A fitting portion (hole) 35e into which the protrusion 6a of the member 6 is fitted;
A mounting hole 36 for the brake switch 9 is provided.

Therefore, also in the case of the present embodiment, the second embodiment
Similarly to the above, when the vehicle does not collide, the pedal receiving portion 23 of the intermediate member 35 functions as a return stopper of the brake pedal 4, but this return force is received by the rear wall 5c of the pedal bracket 5 via the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35. And the intermediate member 3
5 is prevented from being deformed rearward by the return force.

Further, when the intermediate member 35 comes into contact with the stopper member 6 and receives a pressing force (reaction force) which is relatively directed forward when the vehicle collides, the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35 and the side wall 5b of the pedal bracket 5 The connection by the set screw 38 is released. As a result, the intermediate member 35 swings forward about the support shaft 37 at the upper end of the side wall 35b, so that the pressing force of the stopper member 6 is transmitted from the pedal receiving portion 23 to the intermediate point of the brake pedal 4. Thus, the pedal portion 4b of the brake pedal 4 can be moved forward.

In this embodiment, the upper end of the side wall 35b of the intermediate member 35 is pivotally supported on the upper end of the side wall 5b of the brake pedal 5, but these upper ends are rigidly connected to each other to be lower. The intermediate member 35 may be bent forward at the weak portion by providing a weak portion to the intermediate member 35 when a force acts forward from the stopper member 6 on the intermediate member 35.

In this embodiment, the front wall 35c is provided as a connecting wall on the intermediate member 35. Instead, a rear wall connecting the rear edges of the left and right side walls 35b, 35b may be provided. .

Also, in the second and third embodiments, similarly to the first embodiment, the brake pedal 4 and the push rod 1
5 is detachably connected by a connecting member 16, a connecting / disconnecting portion is extended from the intermediate member 35, and after the connection between the brake pedal 4 and the push rod 15 is released, the intermediate member 35 is connected to the stopper member 6. A forward pressing force may be applied to the brake pedal 4 via the brake pedal.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a partially sectional side view showing a non-collision state of an automobile pedal support device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a fastening portion of the pedal bracket and the movable member to the cowl panel of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a structure of a connecting portion between the brake pedal and the push rod of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the connecting member of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing the relationship between the connecting member and the connecting and disconnecting portion of the movable member according to the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an exemplary sectional view showing a structure for supporting the switch member on the brake pedal according to the embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional side view showing the state of the pedal support device of the embodiment at the time of an automobile collision.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing another example of a structure for supporting a switch member on a brake pedal.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing a part of the pedal support device for a vehicle according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention in a non-collision state.

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a part of the pedal support device.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing a part of a pedal support device for an automobile according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention in a non-collision state.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a part of the pedal support device.

[Description of Signs] 1 Dash panel 2 Engine room 3 Car room 4 Brake pedal (operation pedal) 4a Pedal arm 4b Pedal part 5 Pedal bracket 5a Upper wall 5b Side wall 5c Rear wall 6 Stopper member 7 Movable member 7d Intermediate member 9 Brake switch (Operation pedal switch) 12 Cowl panel (body member) 13 Support shaft 14 Frame (body member) 15 Push rod 16 Connection member 21 Stopper contact part 22 Connection / disconnection part 23 Pedal receiving part 35 Intermediate member 35a Upper wall 35b Side wall 35c Connecting wall 35d Notch (fragile part) 35e Fitting part

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A pedal bracket fixed to a dash panel of an automobile and disposed behind the dash panel; an operation pedal supported by the pedal bracket so as to swing back and forth; A rod operated by the operation pedal, a support point for the operation bracket with respect to the pedal bracket, and a tip pedal portion, which are disposed behind the operation pedal and which are retracted by a predetermined amount or more together with the pedal bracket. A stopper member for preventing the intermediate point from retreating, comprising: an intermediate member disposed between the operation pedal and the stopper member; and A stopper contact portion that contacts the stopper member when the pedal is retracted by a predetermined amount together with the pedal bracket; And a pedal receiving portion for receiving the intermediate point of the operation pedal so as not to retreat with the support member as a support, wherein the pedal receiving portion is disposed farther than the stopper contact portion as viewed from the support point of the operation pedal. The intermediate member may further include a stopper contact portion and a pedal support when the pedal bracket retreats from a state in which the pedal receiving portion supports the stopper member to prevent the operation pedal intermediate point from retreating. A pedal support device for an automobile, wherein a portion is provided on the pedal bracket so as to move forward relative to the pedal bracket. 2. The pedal support device for an automobile according to claim 1, wherein the pedal receiving portion of the intermediate member moves backward when the operation pedal swings back and forth about a support point for the pedal bracket. A pedal support device for an automobile, which is a stopper that regulates a swing amount of the vehicle. 3. The pedal support device for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the pedal bracket connects a pair of opposing side walls supporting both ends of a support shaft of the operation pedal and rear edges of the side walls. A rear wall, and the front side of each of the side walls is open; and the intermediate member has a cross-section including a facing side wall and a connecting wall connecting the front edge or the rear edge of the both side walls. A stopper member and a pedal receiving portion are provided on a connecting wall of the intermediate member, the stopper member being in contact with the front surface of a rear wall of the pedal bracket. A pedal support device for an automobile, characterized in that a fitting portion is provided for fitting a part of the stopper member when the stopper contact portion contacts the stopper member. 4. The pedal support device for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the pedal bracket has a pair of side walls opposed to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle body that support both ends of a support shaft of the operation pedal. An upper wall connecting the edges, and a rear wall bent downward from the rear edge of the upper wall and connecting the rear edges of the side walls, and the front sides of the side walls are open; The intermediate member includes a side wall facing the vehicle body in the left-right direction, an upper wall disposed above the both side walls, and a bent front end or a rear edge of the upper wall, extending downward and connecting the front edges of the side walls. Or a connecting wall connecting the rear edges, and the connecting wall is provided with the stopper abutting portion and the pedal receiving portion, and is disposed in a state of abutting on the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket. The upper wall of the intermediate member is connected to the upper wall of the pedal bracket. The pedal support device for a motor vehicle, wherein both side walls of the intermediate member are detachably connected to both side walls of the pedal bracket when a load equal to or more than a predetermined value acts forward. 5. The pedal support device for an automobile according to claim 4, wherein the side wall of the intermediate member is located at a position above a connection portion to the side wall of the pedal bracket so that the connection between the side walls is released. A vulnerable portion is provided for allowing a lower portion of the intermediate member to bend forward when the connecting wall of the intermediate member is relatively pressed forward. Pedal support device. 6. The pedal support device for an automobile according to claim 2, wherein the pedal bracket has a pair of side walls opposed to each other in the left-right direction of the vehicle body that support both ends of a support shaft of the operation pedal. A rear wall connecting the edges, the front sides of the side walls are open, and the intermediate member is connected to the side wall facing in the left-right direction of the vehicle body and connects the front edges or the rear edges of the side walls. With a wall,
The connecting wall is provided with the stopper contact portion and the pedal receiving portion, and is disposed so as to contact the front surface of the rear wall of the pedal bracket. The intermediate member is connected at a plurality of points vertically arranged on the wall, and other than the connection point disposed at the uppermost position, the intermediate member is pressed relatively forward with a force of a predetermined value or more. A pedal support device for a motor vehicle, wherein the pedal support device is weakly coupled so as to be detached from the pedal bracket.