Power plant support device for a vehicle

U.S. Patent Number: 5740876

Abstract: A power plant support device for a vehicle which includes a releasable first mount and second mount. The first mount has a releasing mechanism which releases a connection to the power plant upon an impact force larger than a predetermined impact force. The second mount rotatably supports the power plant and is located below the center of gravity of the power plant, but it has enough endurance to support against the predetermined impact force. When a front collision of the vehicle occurs and the power plant receives an impact force larger than the predetermined impact force, the connection between the first mount and the power plant is released and the power plant rotates about the second mount, so that the power plant moves away from a lower dash panel of the passenger compartment. Thus, the degree of crush of a framework of the vehicle increases and a larger shock can be absorbed.

Inventors: Shimose; Yoshifumi (Kanagawa Pref., JP); Matsuura; Yasuki (Kanagawa Pref., JP)

Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Kanagawa, JP)

Application Number: 08/166,982

Issued: 1998-04-21

Expired: 2006-04-21

Classes: 180/232 ; 180/300; 248/638

Field of search: 180/232,274,298,299,300 280/732 248/646,638

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