Machine element or mechanism – Control lever and linkage systems – Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-12
2001-08-21
Bucci, David A. (Department: 3682)
Machine element or mechanism
Control lever and linkage systems
Foot operated
Reexamination Certificate
active
06276228
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a bearing bracket arrangement for pedals in motor vehicles.
BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART
German specification DE 35 33 420 B1 discloses a bearing bracket arrangement for pedals in motor vehicles which comprises a first bearing bracket having its base fixed to a substantially vertical region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly of the motor vehicle which cooperates with a second, U-shaped, bearing bracket having its base fixed to a substantially horizontal region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly, in order to hold the pivot axle of the brake pedal in the two bearing brackets in a stable and pivotal manner.
If as a result of a frontal impact the substantially vertical region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly is displaced by the propulsion unit in the engine compartment, which has been displaced towards the rear, the two bearing brackets cooperate so that, as the first bearing bracket moves to the rear, the pivot axle of the pedal becomes uncoupled from the first bearing bracket and remains in its position in the second bearing bracket. This leads to the disadvantage that in moving to the rear the piston rod of the brake booster system, which engages below the pivot axle, applies a moment to the brake pedal which tends to pivot this pedal upwards and to the rear. However, such a movement is undesireable due to interference with the legs of the driver of the vehicle, which are situated in this region and in the case of a frontal impact are driven forwards.
It would therefore be desirable to provide a bearing bracket arrangement of the kind referred to which is designed so that in the event of a frontal impact and of a resulting deformation of the substantially vertical region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly the pedals are pivoted forward out of the region of the driver's legs, in order so far as possible to reduce the risk of injury.
SUMMARY OF TEE INVENTION
To this end the present invention provides a bearing bracket for pedals in motor vehicles comprising a first, optionally U-shaped, supporting bracket having its base fixed to a substantially vertical region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly and a second bearing bracket, preferably U-shaped, having its base fixed to a substantially horizontal region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly, wherein the pivot axle of the pedals, for example of a brake pedal, is held securely and pivotally, and wherein
the pedals, e.g. a brake pedal, are provided with a stop arm projecting upwardly above the pivot axle and cooperating with a rest stop which determines the rest position of the pedals,
the pivot axle of the pedals is pivotally mounted in bearing openings only in the second bearing bracket, and
the rest stop is located on the first supporting bracket.
As a result of the pedals having a stop arm which projects above their pivot axle and determines their rest position, and of the stop cooperating therewith being mounted on the first bearing bracket above the pivot axle, in the event of the substantially vertical region of the bulkhead/cowl panel assembly being displaced to the rear a force imposes a pivoting movement on the pedals which withdraws them forwardly away from the region of the driver's feet and legs.
The piston rod for the brake booster, which in the case of a brake pedal engages below the pivot axle of the pedal, is designed in such a way that under the influence of the force of the displacement of the brake booster to the rear and the forward pivoting movement of the pedals the piston rod is deformed out of the way.
REFERENCES:
patent: 3151499 (1964-10-01), Roe
patent: 6082219 (2000-07-01), Wolpert
patent: 6089119 (2000-07-01), Leboisne et al.
patent: 6101894 (2000-08-01), Tiemann et al.
patent: 6109164 (2000-08-01), Okahara et al.
patent: 6112616 (2000-09-01), Schonlau et al.
patent: 35-33-420-A1 (1985-09-01), None
Brown Gregory P.
Bucci David A.
Coughlin William J.
Ford Global Technologies Inc.
Johnson Vicky A.
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