Patent ID: 7584683
Filing Date: 2009-09-08
Classification: B60T,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A brake pedal apparatus for a vehicle, comprising: an operating pedal supported by a support member pivotably about a first axis, to be depressed by an operator of the vehicle; a pivot member supported by the support member pivotably about a second axis parallel to the first axis, mechanically connected to the operating pedal and pivotable about the second axis when the operating pedal is depressed to be pivoted about the first axis; an output member for receiving an output generated upon pivotal motion of the pivot member; first and second working levers supported by the support member pivotably about the second axis relative to the pivot member; first and second connecting devices mechanically connecting the respective first and second working levers to the operating pedal, and causing the respective first and second working levers to be pivoted according to respective different lever-ratio characteristics when the operating pedal is depressed to be pivoted; a clutch member supported by the pivot member, and positionable in any one of a first connecting position, a second connecting position and an intermediate position between the first and second connecting positions, the clutch member connecting the first working lever to the pivot member and disconnecting the second working lever from the pivot member while positioned in the first connecting position, the clutch member connecting the second working lever to the pivot member and disconnecting the first working lever from the pivot member while positioned in the second connecting position, the clutch member connecting both of the first and second working levers to the pivot member being positioned in the intermediate connecting position; a load reaction lever connected to the output member, and supported by the pivot member pivotably relative to the pivot member about a third axis that is parallel to the second axis, the load reaction lever held in a reference position by a biasing force of a first biaser and pivoted together with the pivot member so as to generate the output received by the output member, the load reaction lever being pivotable to a switching position against the biasing force of the first biaser when a reaction force of the output member exceeds a predetermined switching load, and the load reaction lever positioned in the switching position being pivotable together with the pivot member so as to generate the output; and a clutch switching mechanism which positions the clutch member in the first connecting position while the load reaction lever is held in the reference position, and which cooperates with the load reaction lever to move and position the clutch member in the second connecting position when the load reaction lever is pivoted to the switching position.