Patent ID: 7735393
Filing Date: 2010-06-15
Classification: B60T,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A brake pedal apparatus comprising: an operating pedal which is disposed pivotably about a first axis; a pivot member which is disposed pivotably about a second axis parallel to the first axis, and which is connected to the operating pedal via a link mechanism so as to be mechanically pivoted about the second axis in response to a depressing operation effected on the operating pedal, an output member which is to receive an output generated by pivot motion of the pivot member; and the link mechanism including (i) a first connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with first play existing between the first connecting link and at least one of the operating pedal and the pivot member, the first play being provided in a first side which is opposite to a side of the first connecting link to be engaged with at least one of the operating pedal and the pivot member when the operating pedal is depressed from the initial position of the operating pedal, and (ii) a second connecting link connecting the operating pedal and the pivot member with second play existing between the second connecting link and at least one of the operating pedal and the pivot member, the second play being provided in a second side which is the same as a side of the second connecting link to be engaged with at least one of the operating pedal and the pivot member when the operating pedal is depressed from the initial position of the operating pedal, wherein, in a first region before a characteristic switching point of a pedal stroke of the operating pedal, the pivot member is pivoted through the first connecting link, while a lever ratio is changed according to a first lever ratio characteristic that is dependent on connected positions in which the first connecting link is connected to the operating pedal and the pivot member, and wherein, in a second region beyond the characteristic switching point of the pedal stroke, the pivot member is pivoted through the second connecting link, while the lever ratio is changed according to a second lever ratio characteristic that is dependent on connected positions in which the second connecting link is connected to the operating pedal and the pivot member.