Apparatus for applying a reaction force to a pivotally supported pedal member upon depression thereof

An apparatus (10; 50; 60; 70; 80; 100; 110) for applying a reaction force to a pedal member (16) which is pivotably supported by a support shaft (14) and which is depressible to be pivoted about an axis of the support shaft. The apparatus includes: (a) a changeable reaction-force applying device (44; 64; 84; 102; 112) for applying the reaction force to the pedal member and changing the reaction force; and (b) a reaction-force controlling device (26; 52; 90) for controlling the changeable reaction-force applying device such that the reaction force is changed on the basis of a depressing stroke of the pedal member, according to a predetermined pattern of change of the reaction force.