Control apparatus for a vehicle

Abstract

A control apparatus for a vehicle, the control apparatus comprising a pedal arm 1 being moveable between a first resting position (Fig. 2A) and a second depressed position (Fig. 2B) following application of a force. A mount 15 for the pedal arm constrains the pedal arm along a displacement path as it moves between the first and second positions following application of the force. The application may also provide a dual control apparatus in which a transmission means (13 Fig. 3) is connected at a first end to the pedal arm and at a second end to a second pedal arm where movement of the first pedal arm causes corresponding movement of the second pedal arm. The mount may comprise rollers 3, 4, 5 on which the pedal arm is moveable.

Description

[0009] Particular aspects and embodiments are set out in the appended claims.

[0010] Viewed from a first aspect, there is provided a control apparatus for a vehicle. The control apparatus comprises at least one pedal arm, the pedal arm being movable between a first resting position and a second depressed position following application of a force; and a mount for the at least one pedal arm. The mount constrains the pedal arm along a displacement path as it moves between the first and second positions. Following application of the force, the pedal arm is configured to move along the displacement path.

[0011] The term 'control apparatus' is intended to mean the control or pedal system in a vehicle which is operated by a driver for activating the clutch, brake and accelerator. In this way, following application of the force, rather than pivoting about a point, the entirety of the pedal arm travels along the displacement path. As a result of this, the rear part of the control apparatus is tapered and therefore takes up less space in the driver's footwell. Furthermore, the mount and pedal arm may be designed such that as the pedal is depressed, it follows the shape of the footwell. The control apparatus is therefore customisable based on the vehicle into which it is to be installed. For example, the shape of the pedal arm or the shape or design of the mount can be altered to change the displacement path. Thus the control apparatus can be altered to suit a wide range of pedal arc radii typically found in most vehicles.

[0012] The control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention is therefore able to provide the same arc of movement of pedal arms as in existing control apparatuses but with a smaller assembly. Therefore, the control apparatus is better suited for vehicles where there are greater space constraints. The control apparatus may be installed in a vehicle during manufacture and connected directly to the clutch, braking or acceleration system using a drive-by-wire system, incorporating linear or rotational sensors for example or by linking to hydraulic cylinders connected to the related actuators in the vehicle.

[0013] The mount may comprise first, second and third rollers, wherein the pedal arm is moveable on the three rollers. The use of rollers enables the pedal arm to move smoothly into the mount as it is depressed. The pedal arm can therefore translate along the displacement path in the mount due to rotation of the rollers.

[0014] In another example, a clock spring or torsion spring may be fitted into one of the rollers. In this way, when the force is removed from the pedal arm, the sprung roller returns it to the resting position.

[0015] One or more of the rollers may comprise teeth which maybe configured to interact with teeth on the pedal arm. In this way, the roller acts as a gear and positively engages with the pedal. This results in the roller having to move at predetermined rotation. The gear teeth may be used in combination with an internal clock or torsion spring within the roller to ensure the rotation force can be effectively transferred to the pedal without slipping. Using a geared pedal arm also allows the roller to be used with a rotation sensor to accurately detect pedal position, should that be required in some applications.

[0016] The first and second rollers may be located above the at least one pedal arm when it is in use and the third roller may be located below the at least one pedal arm when it is in use. Thus the pedal arm is fully supported on its upper and lower side.

[0017] Each of the rollers may have a different diameter. For example, the third roller may have the largest diameter. This is because the third roller may also act as a pulley for a cable when the control apparatus is used as a dual control apparatus. The third roller is therefore sized based on the required minimum bend radius of the cable. The first roller may be smallest in order to prevent it interfering with the path of the pedal arm and the pedal pad. As will be discussed later, the first roller and its shaft provides a tensioning effect whereas most of the load supplied to the pedal is supported by the second and third rollers. As a result of this, the first roller is not required to be as large as the other two as it will not experience the same loading. In another example where the control apparatus has more than one pedal arm, each pedal arm may be moveable on different rollers with different sizes. In this way, the arc of movement of each pedal arm may be different. The arc of the pedal arm may also be altered by changing the curvature of the pedal arm.

[0018] Each of the rollers may have the same diameter. This may be used when the control system is used as a rod operated dual control system.

[0019] The mount may comprise a frame portion, wherein each roller may comprise a shaft, and wherein shafts of two of the rollers may be fixed to the frame portion and wherein one of the shafts is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The mount may additionally comprise a tension spring, wherein a first end of the spring may be attached to the moveable shaft and a second end of the spring may be attached to one of the two fixed rollers. The shaft which is moveable with respect to the frame portion may extend through a hole in the frame portion and float within the hole. In this way, when the tension spring is attached, the moveable shaft is held in place within the hole. The use of the tensioned shaft and roller therefore allows any clearances due to manufacturing tolerances to be removed. Excessive clearances could also be removed by permitting any of the rollers to move relative to the others by applying a force from a compression or torsion spring or an elastomer, or by providing mechanical adjustment at the point of assembly.

[0020] In other examples, more than three rollers may be used. For example, four rollers may be used above the pedal arm and five rollers below it. Greater or fewer rollers than this may be used.

[0021] The at least one mount may comprise a rail. The at least one pedal arm may be attached to the rail and configured to move along the rail. In this way, a rail can be manufactured with the desired curvature to control the displacement path of the pedal arm. The connection of the pedal arm to the rail prevents the pedal arm becoming misaligned and jamming.

[0022] The rail may be curvilinear in shape. This facilitates movement of the pedal arm along a curved displacement path in order to mimic movement of the pedals in the driver's side. This ensures that the feeling of depressing the pedals is the same as when driving the vehicle so increases safety.

[0023] The displacement path may be defined by a slot extending along the at least one pedal arm, wherein the at least one mount may comprise a pin configured to move within the slot as the at least one pedal arm is moved between the first and second positions. In this way, the shape of the displacement path can be easily controlled due to the shape of the slot. The interaction of the slot and the pin enables the pedal arm to move smoothly in the control apparatus.

[0024] The mount may comprise two frame portions, one on each side of the at least one pedal arm. In another example, the mount may comprise a single frame portion. The single frame portion may support the pedal arm or arms by having the roller shafts attached to it. Alternatively, the single frame portion may have the rail attached to it or pin to move in the slot of the pedal arm.

[0025] The mount may comprise upper and lower guides, wherein the at least one pedal arm may be slidable between the upper and lower guides as it travels along the displacement path. The guides may be made of a low friction material. For example, the guides may be made of or coated in nylon, acetal or PTFE coated steel.

[0026] The pedal arm may be curved, straight or may have a first straight portion and a second curved portion. Different designs of pedal arms may be used depending on the type of vehicle into which the vehicle control apparatus is to be installed and the shape of the passenger footwell. For example, the shape of the pedal may be chosen so that the pedal arc of movement matches the shape of the footwell into which it is being installed. The shape of the pedal may also be altered based on customer preference.

[0027] The control apparatus may comprise two or three pedal arms.

[0028] The control apparatus may be for installation in a vehicle as a dual control apparatus. For example, the control apparatus may be installed in a heavy goods vehicle, car or any other vehicle on the passenger side of the vehicle. In this way, it can be used to operate the driver's side pedals.

[0029] According to a second aspect, a vehicle comprising the control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention is provided. The control apparatus may be a dual control apparatus. Thus, it may be used in the footwell of the passenger side of the vehicle for controlling movement of the pedals in the driver's side. The vehicle may be a heavy goods vehicle.

[0030] The vehicle may comprise a footwell, wherein the dual control apparatus may be installed at an angle to a floor of the footwell. This may be done by using an interface plate, stand offs or extensions. Thus a secure mounting system is provided which optimises the way in which the pedals are presented to the operator. The footwell may be on the passenger side or the driver's side. When used on the passenger side, orienting the control apparatus means it can be fitted under the trim in the footwell. Furthermore, by positioning it at an angle to the footwell floor, the displacement path more closely mimics that of pedals on the driver's side.

[0031] According to a third aspect of the invention, a dual control apparatus is provided comprising the control apparatus of the first aspect of the invention. The dual control apparatus additionally comprises a transmission means comprising a first end attachable to the at least one pedal arm and a second end configured to be attached to a corresponding pedal of a driver, wherein movement of the pedal arm into the second position causes movement of the corresponding pedal of the driver.

[0032] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a dual control apparatus for a vehicle. The dual control apparatus comprises at least one pedal arm, the pedal arm being movable between a first resting position and a second depressed position following application of a force; and a mount for the at least one pedal arm. The mount constrains the pedal arm along a displacement path as it moves between the first and second positions. The dual control apparatus additionally comprises a transmission means comprising a first end attachable to the at least one pedal arm and a second end configured to be attached to a corresponding pedal of a driver. Following application of the force, the pedal arm is configured to move along the displacement path. Movement of the pedal arm into the second position causes movement of the corresponding pedal of the driver.

[0033] In this way, in the third and fourth aspects of the invention, following application of the force, rather than pivoting about a point, the entirety of the pedal arm travels along the displacement path. As a result of this, the rear part of the dual control apparatus is tapered so that it can fit in the footwell of a heavy goods vehicle (or other vehicle) without altering the footwell shape. The pedal arm then follows the shape of the footwell as it is depressed. The dual control apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention is therefore able to provide the same arc of movement of pedal arms as in existing dual control apparatuses but with a smaller assembly. Therefore, the dual control apparatus is better suited for vehicles such as HGVs where there are greater space constraints.

[0034] The mount may comprise first, second and third rollers, wherein the pedal arm may be moveable on the three rollers. The use of rollers enables the pedal arm to move smoothly into the mount as it is depressed. The pedal arm can therefore translate along the displacement path in the mount due to rotation of the rollers.

[0035] In another example, a clock spring or torsion spring may be fitted into one of the rollers. In this way, when the force is removed from the pedal arm, the sprung roller returns it to the resting position.

[0036] One or more of the rollers may comprise teeth which maybe configured to interact with teeth on the pedal arm. In this way, the roller acts as a gear and positively engages with the pedal. This results in the roller having to move at predetermined rotation. The gear teeth may be used in combination with an internal clock or torsion spring within the roller to ensure the rotation force can be effectively transferred to the pedal without slipping. Using a geared pedal arm also allows the roller to be used with a rotation sensor to accurately detect pedal position, should that be required in some applications.

[0037] The first and second rollers may be located above the at least one pedal arm when it is in use and the third roller may be located below the at least one pedal arm when it is in use. Thus the pedal arm is fully supported on its upper and lower side.

[0038] Each of the rollers may have a different diameter. For example, the third roller may have the largest diameter. This is because the third roller may also act as a pulley for a cable when the control apparatus is used as a dual control apparatus. The third roller is therefore sized based on the required minimum bend radius of the cable. The first roller may be smallest in order to prevent it interfering with the path of the pedal arm and the pedal pad. As will be discussed later, the first roller and its shaft provides a tensioning effect whereas most of the load supplied to the pedal is supported by the second and third rollers. As a result of this, the first roller is not required to be as large as the other two as it will not experience the same loading.

[0039] Each of the rollers may have the same diameter. This may be used when the control system is used as a rod operated dual control system.

[0040] The mount may comprise a frame portion, wherein each roller may comprise a shaft, and wherein shafts of two of the rollers may be fixed to the frame portion and wherein one of the shafts is moveable with respect to the frame portion. The mount may additionally comprise a tension spring, wherein a first end of the spring may be attached to the moveable shaft and a second end of the spring may be attached to one of the two fixed rollers. The shaft which is moveable with respect to the frame portion may extend through a hole in the frame portion and float within the hole. In this way, when the tension spring is attached, the moveable shaft is held in place within the hole. The use of the tensioned shaft and roller therefore allows any clearances due to manufacturing tolerances to be removed.

[0041] In other examples, more than three rollers may be used. For example, four rollers may be used above the pedal arm and five rollers below it. Greater or fewer rollers than this may be used.

[0042] The at least one mount may comprise a rail. The at least one pedal arm may be attached to the rail and configured to move along the rail. In this way, a rail can be manufactured with the desired curvature to control the displacement path of the pedal arm. The connection of the pedal arm to the rail prevents the pedal arm becoming misaligned and jamming.

[0043] The rail may be curvilinear in shape. This facilitates movement of the pedal arm along a curved displacement path in order to mimic movement of the pedals in the driver's side. This ensures that the feeling of depressing the pedals is the same as when driving the vehicle so increases safety.

[0044] The displacement path may be defined by a slot extending along the at least one pedal arm, wherein the at least one mount may comprise a pin configured to move within the slot as the at least one pedal arm is moved between the first and second positions. In this way, the shape of the displacement path can be easily controlled due to the shape of the slot. The interaction of the slot and the pin enables the pedal arm to move smoothly in the dual control apparatus.

[0045] The mount may comprise two frame portions, one on each side of the at least one pedal arm. In another example, the mount may comprise a single frame portion. The single frame portion may support the pedal arm or arms by having the roller shafts attached to it. Alternatively, the single frame portion may have the rail attached to it or pin to move in the slot of the pedal arm.

[0046] The mount may comprise upper and lower guides, wherein the at least one pedal arm may be slidable between the upper and lower guides as it travels along the displacement path. The guides may be made of a low friction material. For example, the guides may be made of or coated in nylon, acetal or PTFE coated steel.

[0047] The pedal arm may be curved, straight or may have a first straight portion and a second curved portion. Different designs of pedal arms may be used depending on the type of vehicle into which the vehicle control apparatus is to be installed and the shape of the passenger footwell.

[0048] The dual control apparatus may comprise two pedal arms. For example, these may be connected to the clutch and brake or the brake and accelerator on the driver's side to allow an instructor to safely operate the clutch and brake or the brake and accelerator. Alternatively, the dual control apparatus may comprise three pedal arms. For example, these may be connected to the clutch, brake and accelerator on the driver's side to allow an instructor to safely operate the accelerator, clutch and brake.

[0049] The transmission means may comprise a cable, wherein the cable may extend around the third roller such that as the pedal arm is depressed, the third roller acts as a pulley. By using the third roller as a pulley, it has a dual function. This avoids the need of having an additional pulley in the system.

[0050] The transmission means may be instead be a rod, wherein movement of the pedal arm between the first position and the second position is configured to cause the corresponding pedal of the driver to be depressed.

[0051] The third roller may comprise a groove around its circumference, wherein the cable may be configured to sit within the groove. In this way, the cable is prevented from slipping on the roller and becoming detached.

[0052] The cable may be removeably attached to the at least one pedal arm by a pin. In this way, the pin can be removed to detach the cable from the pedal arm and the pedal arm removed from the apparatus.

[0053] Other aspects will also become apparent upon review of the present disclosure, in particular upon review of the Brief Description of the Drawings, Detailed Description and Claims sections. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0054] Examples of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0055] Figures 1A and IB show isometric views of a dual control apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention in a resting and depressed position respectively;

[0056] Figure 2A and 2B show side views of the dual control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention in a resting and depressed position respectively;

[0057] Figure 3A and 3B show side views of the dual control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention with a cable schematically shown in a resting and depressed position respectively;

[0058] Figure 4 shows a front view of the dual control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0059] Figure 5 shows a top view of the dual control apparatus according to the first aspect of the invention;

[0060] Figure 6 shows a schematic drawing of a cross section of the footwell of a heavy goods vehicle;

[0061] Figure 7 shows an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention;

[0062] Figure 8 shows an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention;

[0063] Figure 9 shows an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention;

[0064] Figures 10A to 10C show an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention;

[0065] Figures 11A to 11C show an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention; and

[0066] Figures 12A to 12B show an alternative arrangement for a pedal arm and mount according to the invention.

[0067] While the disclosure is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific example approaches are shown by way of example in the drawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood however that the drawings and detailed description attached hereto are not intended to limit the disclosure to the particular form disclosed but rather the disclosure is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention.

[0068] As used in this specification, the words "comprises", "comprising", and similar words, are not to be interpreted in an exclusive or exhaustive sense. In other words, they are intended to mean "including, but not limited to".

[0069] It will be recognised that the features of the above-described examples of the disclosure can conveniently and interchangeably be used in any suitable combination. It will also be recognised that the invention covers not only individual embodiments but also combinations of the embodiments that have been discussed herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The present teaching relates particularly, but not exclusively, to a control apparatus or a dual control apparatus for use in automotive vehicles.

[0071] Each of figures 1 to 5 show the dual control apparatus according to the invention. As would be understood by the one skilled in the art, the apparatuses shown in figures 5 could equally be used as control apparatuses for operating a clutch, brake and accelerator on a driver's side of a vehicle. This will be discussed further later.

[0072] Figures 1A and IB shows a dual control apparatus for a vehicle. The dual control apparatus of figure 1 has two pedal arms 1, each with pedal pad 2. The pedal pads 2 are used by the operator to actuate the dual control apparatus and consequently the driver's side pedals. Figure 1A shows the pedal arms 1 in a first resting position whereas figure IB shows the pedal arms 1 in a second depressed or activated position.

[0073] In other examples, the dual control apparatus may comprise more or less than two pedal arms 1. For example, the dual control apparatus may comprise one or three pedal arms 1. Each pedal arm 1 is configured to be attached to a corresponding pedal on the driver's side of the vehicle by a transmission means (not shown in this figure). For example, where there are three pedal arms 1 in the dual control apparatus, these may be connected to the clutch, brake and accelerator on the driver's side. Where there are only two pedal arms 1 as shown in figure 1, these are connected to the clutch and brake or the brake and accelerator.

[0074] The transmission means may be in the form of a rod or a cable. These transmission means are known in the art. The figures show a cable operated dual control apparatus. As would be understood by the skilled person, the invention could equally be used with a rod operated dual control apparatus.

[0075] The dual control apparatus as shown in figure 1 comprises a mount 15. The mount comprises two frame portions 11, each attached to a base 12. In other examples, a single frame portion 11 may be used. The mount 15 additionally comprises rollers or pulleys 3, 4, 5 located on shafts 8, 9, 10 respectively and able to rotate with respect to their respective shafts. First and second shafts 8, 9 and their respective rollers 3, 4 are located above the pedal arm 1 and third shaft 10 and its respective roller 5 is located below the pedal arm 1.

[0076] As can best be seen in figure 5, the pedal arms are formed of two portions joined together, with a gap being formed between the two. Each of the rollers 3,4, 5 comprises a protruding portion 3a, 4a, 5a which sits inside the pedal arm in the gap and two side portions 3b, 4b, 5b which are configured to contact the edges of the two portions of the pedal arm. The side portions 4b are configured to roll along the edges of the two portions of the pedal arm as it is depressed. In this way, the pedal provides a track along which the rollers can move. In another example, the interacting profile of the pedal and roller could be reversed, i.e. so that the pedal arm is located within a slot on the roller.

[0077] In figure 1A, the pedal arms 1 are in the first resting position. The pedal arms 1 are moveable within the mount 15 on rollers or pulleys 3, 4, 5. Each pedal arm 1 has its own set of three rollers; first rollers 3, second rollers 4, and third rollers 5. The pedal arms 1 are then moveable along a displacement path from the first resting position to the second depressed position. The positioning of the first and second shafts 8, 9 and first and second rollers above 3, 4 above the pedal arms 1 and the third shaft 10 and its respective third roller 5 below the pedal arms 1 constrains the pedal arms 1 as they move along the displacement path.

[0078] The second and third shafts 9, 10 are fixed to the frame portion. For example, ends of the shafts 9, 10 may protrude through the frame portion 11 and be fixed in place by nuts. The first shaft 8 is moveable with respect to the frame portion 11. For example, the first shaft 8 may be inserted through a hole in the frame portions 11 and may be floating within the hole. A shaft tension spring 7 connects ends of the floating first shaft 8 with the fixed third shaft 10 and is located outside of the frame. The shaft tension spring 7 tensions the first shaft 8 downwards within the hole in the frames 11. This removes any clearances due to manufacturing tolerances.

[0079] Figures 1A and IB additionally show a cable guide wheel 6. This facilitates the 90 degree turn in the cable before entering a cable fitting (not shown).

[0080] Figure 2A and 2B show side views of the dual control apparatus of figures 1A and IB. Figure 2A shows the pedal arms 1 in the first resting position whereas figure 2B shows the pedal arms 1 in the second depressed or activated position.

[0081] Figure 3A and 3B show side views of the dual control apparatus of figure 1 with the closest part of the frame 11 removed. A schematic sketch of the cable 13 is shown in this figure. From this, it is possible to see how the cable is attached to pedal arm 1 using a pin 14.

[0082] The cable 13 extends around the top of the third roller 5 in a grooved central section 16. This can be seen in figure 1A. In this way, the third roller 5 acts as a pulley for the cable 13. The cable 13 then wraps around cable guide wheel 6. From there, the cable 13 enters a cable fitting (not shown) and extends to the driver's side for attachment to a corresponding pedal arm. Although not show in this figure, each pedal arm 1 has its own cable 13 for attachment to a corresponding pedal arm on the driver's side. Although the figures show the cable running centrally to the pedal arm, it could also run within a slot to one side of the pedal.

[0083] Figure 3A shows the pedal arms 1 in the first resting position whereas figure 3B shows the pedal arms 1 in the second depressed or activated position. As can be seen from these figures, as the pedal is depressed, the end of the pedal arm 1 to which the cable 13 is connected is moved away from the third roller 5. This increases the length of the cable on the dual control apparatus side and therefore causes the corresponding pedal on the driver's side to which the other end of the cable is attached to be depressed.

[0084] As can be seen from this figure, third roller 5 has a larger diameter than second roller 4 which in turn has a larger diameter than the first roller 3. The larger diameter of the third roller helps keep the pedal arm 1 captive.

[0085] Figures 4 and 5 show front and top views respectively of the dual control apparatus of figures 1 to 4.

[0086] Although all of the figures show the dual control apparatus of the invention, it would be understood by the skilled person that the configurations shown in these figures could equally be used as a control apparatus on a driver's side of the vehicle. When used in this way, the cable 13 and cable guide wheel 6 would be removed. The apparatus when installed as a control apparatus in a vehicle would have three pedal arms for operating as the clutch, brake and accelerator in a manual vehicle or two pedal arms for operating as a brake and accelerator on an automatic vehicle. When used as a control apparatus on a driver's side in a vehicle, the pedals may be connected directly to the clutch, braking or acceleration system using a drive-by-wire system, incorporating linear or rotational sensors for example or by linking to hydraulic cylinders connected to the related actuators in the vehicle.

[0087] Alternatively, the control apparatus may be incorporated as a single additional pedal on the driver's side. This may be where it is desired to incorporate a left side accelerator into a vehicle for a mobility conversion in addition to the existing pedals. Although each of figures 1 to 5 show two pedal arms, when used in this way, a single pedal arm may be incorporated. When an additional pedal is added for mobility conversions, this is usually activated by a switch to enable the car to be used with conventional OEM controls or the additional, alternative position, controls.

[0088] Figure 6 shows a schematic drawing of a footwell 17 of an HGV truck. The left hand side of this drawing is adjacent the passenger seat and the right hand side is distal from the passenger seat. As can be seen from this drawing, the footwell is tapered in cross section as it moves away from the passenger. The dual control apparatus as set out in the present invention tapers towards the rear. As the pedal is depressed, it follows the contour of the footwell 17.

[0089] As has been discussed, the embodiment shown in figures 1 to 5 show the pedal arms 1 being supported by rotatable rollers as they move along the displacement path. In other examples, different solutions may be used for translating the pedal arms 1 along the displacement path. These will now be discussed.

[0090] Figure 7 shows curvilinear rails 18. Rails 18 such as these may have a connecting part 19 connected to the pedal arm 1. In this way, the pedal arm can be moved along a fixed displacement path.

[0091] Figure 8 shows a pedal arm 1 moving between multiple smaller rollers 20. These rollers 20 may be inserted into holes in the frame portions 11 (not shown) in such a way that they are able to rotate as the pedal is moved over them. Thus, the diameter of the holes into which they are inserted must be larger than the diameter of the rollers 20 so that the rollers 20 are able to rotate.

[0092] Figure 9 shows a pedal arm 1 moving between three rollers 21 with the same diameter.

[0093] Figures 10A to 10C show a schematic diagram of an alternate design of the mount. The two frame portions 11 comprise two elongate connecting members 22 extending between them. The pedal arm comprises an elongate slot 23 running along its length. In this way, when the pedal arm 1 is depressed, it is able to move along the displacement path due to the connecting members 22 moving along the slot as the arm 1 translates.

[0094] Figures 11A to 11C show a variation of figures 10A to 10C. In this arrangement, slots 24 are formed in the walls of the frame portions 11. The pedal arm 1 then comprises two guiding members 25 which travel in the slots 24. In this way, when the pedal arm 1 is depressed, it is able to move along the displacement path due to the guiding members 25 moving along the slots 24 as the arm 1 translates.

[0095] Figures 12A and 12B show a still further variation of the mount design. In this example, the mount comprises upper and lower low friction guides 26, Tl. The at least one pedal arm is slidable between the upper and lower guides as it travels along the displacement path. Figure 12A shows the pedal arm 1 in its resting position before it is depressed and figure 12B shows the position of the pedal arm 1 with respect to the upper and lower low friction guides 26, 27 following depression.

[0096] The various embodiments described herein are presented only to assist in understanding and teaching the claimed features. These embodiments are provided as a representative sample of embodiments only, and are not exhaustive and / or exclusive. It is to be understood that advantages, embodiments, examples, functions, features, structures, and / or other aspects described herein are not to be considered limitations on the scope of the invention as defined by the claims or limitations on equivalents to the claims, and that other embodiments may be utilised and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the claimed invention. Various embodiments of the invention may suitably comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of, appropriate combinations of the disclosed elements, components, features, parts, steps, means, etc., other than those specifically described herein. In addition, this disclosure may include other inventions not presently claimed, but which may be claimed in future. Furthermore, as would be understood, all figures only indicative. The logos shown in the figures are not required for achieving the functionality of the invention.

Claims

1. A control apparatus for a vehicle, the control apparatus comprising:at least one pedal arm, the pedal arm being movable between a first resting position and a second depressed position following application of a force; anda mount for the at least one pedal arm, wherein the mount constrains the pedal arm along a displacement path as it moves between the first and second positions;wherein, following application of the force, the pedal arm is configured to move along the displacement path.

2. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises first, second and third rollers, wherein the pedal arm is moveable on the three rollers.

3. The control apparatus of claim 2, wherein, in use, the first and second rollers are located above the at least one pedal arm and the third roller is located below the at least one pedal arm.

4. The control apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the rollers has a different diameter.

5. The control apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the rollers has the same diameter.

6. The control apparatus of any of claims 2 to 5, wherein one of the rollers comprises a clockspring or torsion spring.

7. The control apparatus of any of claims 2 to 6, wherein one or more of the rollers comprisesteeth configured to interact with teeth on the pedal arm.

8. The control apparatus of any of claims 2 to 7, wherein the mount comprises a frame portion, wherein each roller comprises a shaft, and wherein shafts of two of the rollers are fixed to the frame portion and wherein one of the shafts is moveable with respect to the frame portion.

9. The control apparatus of claim 8, wherein the mount additionally comprises a tension spring, wherein a first end of the spring is attached to the moveable shaft and a second end of the spring is attached to one of the two fixed rollers.

10. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises a rail, wherein the at least one pedal arm is attached to the rail and configured to move along the rail.

11. The control apparatus of claim 10, wherein the rail is curvilinear in shape.

12. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the displacement path is defined by a slot extending along the at least one pedal arm, wherein the mount comprises a pin configured to move within the slot as the at least one pedal arm is moved between the first and second positions.

13. The control apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the mount comprises two frame portions, one on each side of the at least one pedal arm.

14. The control apparatus of claim 13, wherein each frame portion comprises a slot, wherein the pedal arm comprises at least two guiding members located in the slot of each frame portion and configured to move along the slots as the pedal arm moves along the displacement path.

15. The control apparatus of claim 1, wherein the mount comprises upper and lower guides, wherein the at least one pedal arm is slidable between the upper and lower guides as it travels along the displacement path.

16. The control apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pedal arm is curved.

17. The control apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the pedal arm is straight.

18. The control apparatus of any of claims 1 to 17, wherein the pedal arm comprises a first straightportion and a second curved portion.

19. The control apparatus of any preceding claim comprising two pedal arms.

20. The control apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18 comprising three pedal arms.

21. The control apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the control apparatus is for installationin a vehicle as a dual control apparatus.

22. A vehicle comprising the control apparatus of claims 1 to 21.

23. The vehicle of claim 22, wherein the control apparatus is a dual control apparatus.

24. The vehicle of claim 23, wherein the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle.

25. The vehicle of any of claims 22 to 24 comprising a footwell, wherein the dual control apparatus is installed at an angle to a floor of the footwell.

26. A dual control apparatus comprising the control apparatus of any of claims 1 to 18, the dual control apparatus additionally comprising:a transmission means comprising a first end attachable to the at least one pedal arm and a second end configured to be attached to a corresponding pedal of a driver, wherein movement of the pedal arm into the second position causes movement of the corresponding pedal of the driver.

27. A dual control apparatus for a vehicle, the dual control apparatus comprising:at least one pedal arm, the pedal arm being movable between a first resting position and a second depressed position following application of a force;a mount for the at least one pedal arm, wherein the mount constrains the pedal arm along a displacement path as it moves between the first and second positions; anda transmission means comprising a first end attachable to the at least one pedal arm and a second end configured to be attached to a corresponding pedal of a driver,wherein, following application of the force, the pedal arm is configured to move along the displacement path;wherein movement of the pedal arm into the second position causes movement of the corresponding pedal of the driver.

28. The dual control apparatus of claim 27, wherein the mount comprises first, second and third rollers, wherein the pedal arm is moveable on the three rollers.

29. The dual control apparatus of claims 28, wherein the transmission means comprises a cable, wherein the cable extends around the third roller such that as the pedal arm is depressed, the third roller acts as a pulley.

30. The dual control apparatus of claim 27, wherein the third roller comprises a groove around its circumference, wherein the cable is configured to sit within the groove.

31. The dual control apparatus of claim 29 or 30, wherein the cable is removeably attached to the at least one pedal arm by a pin.

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