Function

Also in this nearly invisible area of the vehicle weight is saved. Not as much as through using a thinner steel construction (above figure), but distinctly more by using synthetics. Whereby, of course the stability must be maintained. Also the mounting of the pedals has become more and more delicate. The layout shown above weighs 10% less, in comparison to the previous ones.

How it works

The largest leap in development has been made by the accelerator pedal, it is nowadays, hardly ever connected by a throttle cable to the engine compartment. It is the only pedal which delivers its data almost directly to the engine control module. This is why e.g., it can also be easily re-positioned on the other side for right-hand-drive countries. Perhaps its area of responsibility will extend still further, if it starts to vibrate when the distance to the vehicle in front is too small (tail-gating).The other two will probably be connected for still some time, either mechanically or hydraulically, with the clutch or the brake. Even if the brakes are not operated by Sensotronic Brake Control directly, the brake pedal generates pressure through a piston and cylinder. Even if the braking effect is strengthened artificially, the brake pedal is mostly there where the brake booster and the master brake cylinder are. Very seldom is the force diverted by a lever mechanism to the middle or to the other side, e.g., when there is a shortage of space.

The clutch pedal also keeps its connections. If it were to give its commands to a control device, it would become quite obsolete. On the other hand, that much effort and expenditure is not necessary, particularly in the case of a cable connection. Today almost all clutch pedal connections are self adjusting. Nonetheless, both left pedals are not free of the electrical system, indeed, for a long time now, they have been equipped with switches. The control device must know, for infinitely various reasons, whether one or both pedals are operated.Not shown here, is another possible pedal, which activates the hand-brake (parking brake). The foot can simply apply more force than the hand, and guarantees - particularly with disc- brakes on the parking brake - a secure hold. One disadvantage is that one must really drive off after releasing this brake, because e.g., with the manual gearbox, no third foot exists to press the brake pedal. However, also this problem is solved (like it almost always is) by the electronics in the form of the parking brake. Then this pedal disappears again. 06/09