WO2006108925A1

WO2006108925A1 - Arrangement for mounting driving control device to vehicle

Info

Publication number: WO2006108925A1
Application number: PCT/FI2006/050149
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jukka Tala; Aki Tala; Janne Saarinen
Original assignee: Easy-D Oy
Priority date: 2005-04-15
Filing date: 2006-04-12
Publication date: 2006-10-19
Also published as: FI20055176A0; EP1874577A1; FI20055176A; FI118421B; EP1874577A4

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for mounting a driving control device to a vehicle, and to a driving control device. The invention also relates to a mounting piece for the driving control device. The lower ends of the operating bars (2, 6) of the driving control device (1) may be attached to the pedals (4, 8) of the vehicle, and the upper ends thereof may be supported in the transverse direction with the mounting piece (14). The mounting piece comprises a pliable attachment strap (17) that may be tightened around the steering column (15) with a mechanical tightening mechanism.

Description

ARRANGEMENT FOR MOUNTING DRIVING CONTROL DEVICE TO VEHICLE

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a method for mounting a driving control device to a vehicle, the driving control device comprising a first operating bar and a second operating bar, and the method comprising attaching the lower end of the first operating bar to a brake pedal, attaching the lower end of the second operating bar to an accelerator pedal, supporting the operating bars at least at one support point with at least one transverse support such that the upper ends of the operating bars retain their position in the transverse direction during operation, supporting the operating bars with a mounting piece to a steering column of the vehicle and attaching the mounting piece to the steering column of the vehicle by means of a pliable attachment strap.

[0002] The invention also relates to a driving control device comprising a first operating bar having a first attaching means for attachment to a brake pedal of a vehicle; a second operating bar having a second attaching means for attachment to an accelerator pedal of a vehicle; at least one transverse support for supporting the operating bars at least at one point transversely; and at least one mounting piece for attaching the transverse support to the vehicle structure, the mounting piece comprising at least one pliable attachment strap that can be arranged around the steering column of the vehicle.

[0003] The invention further relates to a mounting piece for the driving control device, the mounting piece comprising support means for supporting the operating bars of the driving control device transversely, and attaching means for attachment to a vehicle, the attachment means including at least one pliable attachment strap that can be arranged around the steering column of the vehicle.

[0004] For disabled persons there have been developed various driving control systems by means of which it is possible to drive a vehicle using only the hands. The known solutions have a drawback that it is difficult and time-consuming to mount the driving control system to the vehicle. Moreover, it takes a skilled mechanic to mount the system and changes are often required in the cabin structures of the vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved method for mounting a driving control device to a vehicle and a driv- ing control device. A further object is to provide a novel and improved mounting piece wherewith the driving control device can be attached to the vehicle.

[0006] The method of the invention is characterized by tightening an attachment strap around the steering column with a mechanical tightening mechanism.

[0007] The device of the invention is characterized by comprising at the first end of the attachment strap a mechanical tightening mechanism by which the second end of the attachment strap may be pulled for tightening the attachment strap around the steering column.

[0008] The mounting piece of the invention is characterized in that the pliable attachment strap comprises a mechanical tightening mechanism for tightening the attachment strap around the steering column.

[0009] The basic idea of the invention is that the operating bars of the driving control device are supported with the mounting piece to the steering column of the vehicle. Around the steering column there is arranged a pliable attachment strap that attaches into place a support that supports the upper portions of the operating bars in the transverse direction.

[0010] The basic idea of the invention is also that in connection with the attachment strap there are quick-locking means, whereby the mounting piece can be attached to and detached from the vehicle quickly and easily without tools and anybody is able to carry out the mounting. In addition, the attachment strap is tightened around the steering column with a mechanical tightening mechanism.

[0011] The invention has an advantage that the mounting piece can be attached to the vehicle quickly and even without any tools. In addition, thanks to the pliable attachment strap the mounting piece can be attached to most vehicles without having to make any changes in the vehicle structures and without having to cause damage in any way to the cabin structures.

[0012] The basic idea of an embodiment of the invention is that at a first end of the attachment strap there is a tightening loop through which the other end of the strap can be arranged. Tightening is carried out by pulling the other end of the strap. By means of the tightening loop it is possible to increase the tightening force. In addition, the force needed for locking the other end of the strap may be lower.

[0013] The basic idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the length and the angular position of the support may be adjusted. Hence, the driving control device can be adjusted for vehicles and drivers of different sizes. In addition the position and accessibility of the driving control device may be adjusted to suit every driver's own habits.

[0014] The basic idea of an embodiment of the invention is that at least a portion of the attachment strap inner surface comprises material that is softer than the rest of the strap structure, which may protect the steering column and increase friction.

[0015] The basic idea of an embodiment of the invention is that the outermost portion of the support comprises openings for the operating bars. In connection with the openings there are bearings for allowing the bars to move longitudinally on a bearing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Some embodiments of the invention are described in greater detail in connection with the attached drawings, in which

Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a driving control device and mounting thereof to a vehicle;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a second mounting arrangement seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle steering column;

Figure 3 is a schematic view of a third mounting arrangement seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle steering column;

Figure 4 is a schematic view of a fourth mounting arrangement seen in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the vehicle steering column.

[0017] For the sake of clarity, some embodiments of the invention are presented in a simplified manner in the figures. Like reference numerals refer to like parts in the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The driving control device 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a first operating bar 2, the lower part 2a of which can be detachably mounted to a brake pedal 4 by means of a first attaching means 3, and in the upper part 2b of which bar 2 there is a first handle 5 for moving the bar 2 in the longitudinal direction A. The device 1 also comprises a second operating bar 6, the lower part 5a of which can be detachably mounted to an accelerator pedal 8 by means of a second attaching means 7. In the upper part 6b of the second operating bar 6 there is a second handle 9, by means of which it is possible to move the bar 6 in the longitudinal direction B. Thus, one can brake the vehicle by pressing the first operating bar 2 downwardly with the hand, and correspondingly, one can accelerate the vehicle by pressing the second operating bar 6 downwardly with the hand. The first handle 5 may be designed such that it allows a firm hold for transmitting a sufficient force to the brake pedal 4. The second handle 9 may be designed such that it can be pressed with a thumb or a palm of a hand while retaining the hold on the steering wheel 16.

[0019] The attaching means 3, 7 may comprise attachment plates 10a and 10b, between which a pedal 4 may be pressed with a screw, an eccentric clamp or a similar tightening means. Naturally, the attaching means 3, 7 may also apply other kinds of fasteners and components required in attachment. At the junction of the attaching means 3, 7 and the bar 2, 6 there may be a link 11 , such as a ball joint, which enables, first, the bar 2, 6 being set in a desired position in the vehicle and, second, the mutual movement of the bar 2, 6 and the pedal 4, 8 when the pedal 4, 8 is pressed down.

[0020] The bars 2, 6 may be solid bars or tubes made of metal, such as steel, or some other suitable material. It is essential that the bars 2, 6 are able to transmit longitudinal forces reliably for the operation of the pedals 4, 8. The length of the bars 2, 6 may be adjustable. Thus, the bars 2, 6 may consist of two or more partly interfitting bar portions. By mutually adjusting the bar portions it is possible to set a desired bar length and thereafter the bar portions may be locked with a locking means 13. The bars 2, 6 may further be set at their shortest position or detached completely from one another, for instance, for storage or transportation in a non-installed state. By the locking means 13 it is possible to provide, for instance, a shape locking or a corresponding locking that is able to transmit the required forces between the bar portions in all circumstances.

[0021] The driving control device 1 also comprises a mounting piece 14, by means of which the operating bars 2, 6 may be supported to the steering column 15 of the vehicle such that the bars 2, 6 are well within the driver's reach. The mounting piece 14 may comprise a pliable attachment strap 17 that can be arranged around the steering column 15. To the pliable attachment strap 17 there may be attached a support 18 having one or more support portions 19, 20. The support portion 19, 20 may comprise an opening through which the operating bar 2, 6 may be fitted. In connection with the opening there may be a bearing 21 , such as a sliding-bearing bushing made of plastic material, which allows the bar 2, 6 to move in the longitudinal direction, but which supports it in the transverse direction. The support 18 may be made of metal plate, obtained by bending, for instance, or it may be made of reinforced plastic. During the use the support 18 is not subjected to any considerable forces, because it is only intended for supporting the upper ends 2b, 6b of the operating bars 2, 6. The attachment strap 17 may be, for instance, a woven structure of fibre material or it may be a moulded strap of plastic material. The attachment strap 17 may be dimensioned to extend well around the steering column 15 of most car makes. The attachment strap 17 may comprise locking means 22, by which the strap can be tightened at a desired point of the steering column 15 and locked into place. Because the attachment strap 17 is pliable, it may be arranged around the steering columns 15 of different shapes. In addition, the attachment strap 17 may be arranged, when necessary, for instance obliquely around the steering column 15, if the controls or devices in the vicinity of the steering column 15 prevent it from being fitted perpendicularly to the central axis of the steering column 15. On the inner surface of the attachment strap 17 there may be elastic or like relatively soft material, whereby as the strap is tightened sufficient friction may be generated between the strap and the steering column, which keeps the mounting piece 14 firmly in place. Further, because the inner surface of the strap 17 is relatively soft, it will not scratch or otherwise damage the vehicle.

[0022] On the outer surface of the attachment strap 17 there may be, at least on the end portions thereof, self-adhesive portions 23, which enable quick fastening of the attachment strap 17 without any tools. The self- adhesive portions 23 may comprise two components, the first of which may comprise a large number of small loops, and the second component may comprise a large number of small hooks. When these self-adhesive components are arranged and pressed one against the other, the hooks penetrate into the loops and thus interlock the components. The self-adhesive components may be detached from one another by pulling them apart in a direction that is opposite to the mounting direction. The self-adhesive material 23 of this type is able to receive well longitudinal forces of the strap 17. Alternatively the self- adhesive material 23 may also be based on an attachment mechanism other than the above-mentioned hooks and loops.

[0023] The mounting piece 14 of Figure 1 can be turned and attached in a desired position in relation to the central axis of the steering column 15, i.e. the attachment point may be selected in the direction C shown in the figure. Further, distance of the attachment point may be set suitable in the longitudinal direction of the steering column 15, i.e. in the direction D shown in the figure. It is still possible to adjust the support portion 20 in relation to the link 24 in the direction E, whereby the mutual position of the bars 2, 6 and the handles 5, 9 can be adjusted depending on the vehicle and the driver's habits.

[0024] Figure 2 shows an alternative mounting piece 14, in which the length of the support 20 can be adjusted in the direction F. In this manner it is possible to adjust the distance of a broadening at the distal end of the support 20 and openings 25a and 25b therein from the steering wheel 16. It is further possible to arrange a link 26 between the support 20 and the attachment strap 17, which link enables the whole support 20 being turned in the direction G. Alternatively, in the portion of the distal end of the support 20 there may be a link 27 that enables adjustment of the location of the openings 25a and 25b. It also shows in Figure 2 that the inner portion of the of the first end 17a of the attachment strap 17 may include a first self-adhesive component 23a and the outer portion of the second end 17b of the attachment strap 17 may include a second self-adhesive component 23b. Naturally, it is possible to arrange the self-adhesive components 23a and 23b to extend to a longer portion than the strap ends, for instance, such that the first self-adhesive component 23a extends from the first end 17a of the attachment strap 17 to the support 18 and the second self-adhesive component 23b extends from the second end 17b of the attachment strap 17 to the support 18.

[0025] Figure 3 shows a third application, in which the first end of the attachment strap 17 comprises a tightening loop 28 or the like, through which the second end 17b of the attachment strap 17 may be fitted. The second end 17b of the strap may be tightened by pulling it through the tightening loop 28. In this manner the force used for tightening makes it possible to double the attachment force exerted on the portion of the strap 17 around the steering column 15. After tightening the second end 17b of the strap 17 is locked such that it will not be able to slide back through the tightening loop 28. The locking of the strap 17 may be carried out by means of the self-adhesive components 23a, 23b, for instance. Alternatively, the locking may be based on a clasp, a quick-locking means provided with suitable shape-locking means or a clamp between which the second end 17b of the strap may be pressed.

[0026] Figure 4 shows an application, in which the tightening strap 17 may be tightened around the steering column 15 by means of a mechanical tightening mechanism 29, such as a ratchet mechanism. Further, the support portions 19, 20 may be turned separately in relation to the links 30 and 31 in the direction G. In addition, the support portions 19, 20 may be lengthened and shortened, for instance, telescopically in the direction F. At the distal ends of the support portions 20 there may be bushings 32 and 33, in which there may be provided openings 25a and 25b. In connection with the openings 25a, 25b there may be suitable bearing bushings 21. On the inner surface of the attachment strap 17, at least on some portion, there may further be soft material 34 such as rubber, foamed plastic or the like, which protects the surface of the steering column 15 and increases the friction between the strap and the steering column 15.

[0027] The mounting piece 14 and the operating bars 2, 6 may be provided with prearranged points that will buckle in case of a collision. Thus the components of the driving control device 1 will not harm the driver if he or she impacts with them.

[0028] A mechanical tightening mechanism may be attached within the first end area of the pliable attachment strap. The outer surface of the second end of the attachment strap may comprise teeth, grooves, apertures or a like shaped surface, which the mechanical tightening mechanism may affect. A toothed outer surface may extend for a predetermined distance towards the first end of the strap. The tightening mechanism may include a transmission means corresponding to the toothed outer surface of the attachment strap and by affecting the transmission means it is possible to move the strap in the longitudinal direction to achieve a tightening effect. The mechanical tightening mechanism may also include locking means for preventing the mutual motion of the strap and the tightening mechanism.

[0029] In some cases the features presented in this document may be used as such, irrespective of other features. On the other hand, features presented in this document may be combined, where necessary, so as to provide various combinations.

[0030] The drawings and the relating description are only intended to illustrate the inventive idea. The details of the invention may vary within the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for mounting a driving control device to a vehicle, the driving control device (1) comprising a first operating bar (2) and a second operating bar (6), and the method comprising attaching the lower end (2a) of the first operating bar (2) to a brake pedal (4) of a vehicle, attaching the lower end (6a) of the second operating bar (6) to an accelerator pedal (8), supporting the operating bars (2, 6) at least at one support point with at least one transverse support (18) such that the upper ends (2b, 6b) of the operating bars (2, 6) retain their position in the transverse direction during operation, supporting the operating bars (2, 6) with a mounting piece (14) to a steering column (15) of the vehicle and attaching the mounting piece (14) to the steering column (15) of the vehicle by means of a pliable attachment strap (17), characterized by tightening the attachment strap (17) around the steering column (15) with a mechanical tightening mechanism (29).

2. The method of claim 1, characterized by attaching the mounting piece (14) detachably without tools to the steering column (15) of the vehicle.

3. A driving control device comprising: a first operating bar (2) having a first attaching means (3) for attachment to a brake pedal (4) of a vehicle; a second operating bar (6) having a second attaching means (7) for attachment to an accelerator pedal (8) of a vehicle; at least one transverse support (18) for supporting the operating bars (2, 6) at least at one point transversely; and at least one mounting piece (14) for attaching the transverse support (18) to the vehicle structure, the mounting piece (14) comprising at least one pliable attachment strap (17) that can be arranged around the steering column (15) of the vehicle, characterized by comprising: at the first end (17a) of the attachment strap (17) a mechanical tightening mechanism (29), by which the second end (17b) of the attachment strap can be pulled for tightening the attachment strap (17) around the steering column (15).

4. The driving control device of claim 3, characterized in that the length of the support (18) is adjustable, whereby the distance of the operating bars (2, 6) from the steering column (15) is adjustable.

5. The driving control device of claim 3 or 4, characterized in that in connection with the support (18) there is at least one link (24, 26, 27, 30, 31 ) for adjusting the mutual position of the upper ends (2b, 6b) of the operating bars (2, 6).

6. A mounting piece for the driving control device comprising support means (18, 19, 20) for supporting the operating bars (2, 6) of the driving control device (1) in the transverse direction, and attaching means for attachment to the vehicle, the attaching means including at least one pliable attachment strap (17) that may be arranged around the steering column (15) of the vehicle, characterized in that the pliable attachment strap (17) comprises a mechanical tightening mechanism (19) for tightening the attachment strap around the steering column (15).