Patent ID: 6752038
Filing Date: 2004-06-22
Classification: B60T,G05G,Y10T

Abstract:
A system for releasing a pedal of a motor vehicle in the event of a frontal impact, the system including:a pedal comprising a first, inner element which is pivoted to a support structure mounted on a front portion of a body of the motor vehicle about a first axis and is connected to a control rod for operation of a device to be controlled by the pedal; a second, outer element which forms a lower lever portion for operation by the driver and an upper portion articulated to the inner element about a second axis positioned beneath the first axis; and coupling means for releasably connecting the said first and second elements to each other; and a stop member mounted on a portion of a passenger compartment of the motor vehicle in a position located behind the pedal and at a distance therefrom; the system being arranged to assume two operating conditions: a first, normal operating condition, in which the first and second elements of the pedal are coupled to each other by the coupling means so as to swivel as a single piece about the said first axis; and a second operating condition, resulting from a frontal impact of the motor vehicle, in which rearward displacement of the pedal larger than the distance between the pedal and the stop member causes the coupling means to be released by the stop member and the second element to be allowed to swivel about the second axis with respect to the first element.