Patent ID: 7387048
Filing Date: 2008-06-17
Classification: G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A pedal device for use by an operator, the pedal device comprising: a base; a pedal plate supported by the base in an inclinable manner and depressible in a depression direction by the operator; an urging mechanism for applying an urging force urging the pedal plate in a direction opposite to the depression direction, the urging mechanism includes a pressing member, which is engaged with and disengaged from the pedal plate, and a resilient member for urging the pedal plate in a predetermined direction with the pressing member when the pressing member is engaged with the pedal plate; a force release mechanism for releasing the pedal plate from the urging force applied by the urging mechanism; the force release mechanism includes a contact portion for contacting the pressing member, the contact portion contacting the pressing member against the urging force of the resilient member to release the pedal plate from the urging force of the urging mechanism; the force release mechanism includes a first pivot portion pivoted by the operator, and the contact portion contacts the pressing member when the first pivot portion is pivoted; a holding mechanism for switching the pedal plate between a state in which the pedal plate is held in an operable manner by applying a frictional resistance force resisting operation of the pedal plate and a state in which the frictional resistance force to operation of the pedal plate is released and the urging force of the urging mechanism is applied to the pedal plate; the holding mechanism includes a held portion, integrally pivotable with the pedal plate, and a holder for holding the held portion, and the pedal plate is held in the operable manner when the holder holds the held portion with a predetermined frictional resistance force to apply the frictional resistance force resisting operation of the pedal plate, the held portion is cylindrical and has an axis coinciding with the pivot of axis of the pedal plate, the holder surrounds the outer surface of the held portion and includes a gap, and the holding mechanism further includes a pressing mechanism for pressing the holder to narrow the gap of the holder and for producing the frictional resistance force when the pressing mechanism is operated.