Pedal device and vehicle having such pedal device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedal device (1) for controlling functions in a vehicle and a vehicle having such a pedal device (1). The pedal device (1) includes a pedal (2) selectively switchable between a working position (2A) and a rest position (2B) and an actuator (3). A first end (3a) of the actuator (3) is connected to the pedal (2). The actuator (3) is movable between a first position (3A) and a second position (3B), thereby enabling the switching of the pedal (2) between the working position (2A) and the rest position (2B). The pedal device (1) also includes a force device (4). A second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is connected to the force device (4). The force device (4) is arranged to act on the actuator (3) to move between the first position (3A) and the second position (3B).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a pedal device for a vehicle and a vehicle including such a pedal device. The pedal device enables a user to control vehicle functions, such as braking and / or acceleration. The pedal arm can selectively switch between a working position and a stationary position. When the pedal arm is in the working position, the user of the vehicle can use the pedal. When the pedal is in the stationary position, the pedal is prevented from being used by the user, and when the pedal is already installed in the vehicle, the vehicle's automatic driving system can control the functions. Background Technology

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are intelligent vehicles equipped with autonomous driving technology. This technology allows the vehicle to reach its destination even when the user / driver is not directly driving it—that is, operating the steering wheel, accelerator pedal, brakes, etc. Recently, the development of autonomous vehicles has progressed rapidly.

[0003] For autonomous vehicles, users can choose a manual driving mode where the user directly drives the vehicle, or an autonomous driving mode where the vehicle drives itself to its destination even when the user does not drive it directly.

[0004] In Autopilot mode, pedals such as the accelerator and / or brake pedals are not used. However, when they are located in the space under the user's seat, they may obstruct the user. This obstruction can be quite unpleasant, as the user may want to stretch out their legs for a comfortable rest when in Autopilot mode.

[0005] Furthermore, when a user operates the pedals during Autopilot mode, the vehicle controller is configured to determine that the user is terminating Autopilot mode and intends to drive the autonomous vehicle directly, thereby terminating control for Autopilot. When a user stretches out their leg to rest, there is a risk that they may touch the pedal, which the vehicle controller could interpret as the user terminating Autopilot mode. To avoid these problems as defined above, various foldable pedals are known, in which the pedals can be folded away when in Autopilot mode.

[0006] For example, US10906514 describes an upright, foldable brake pedal for a vehicle. The brake pedal includes a pedal housing into which the pedal is inserted when not in use. A linear motor and plunger are coupled to the pedal and arranged to switch the pedal between a retracted state where it is inoperable and a popped-out state where it is ready for use. A high-load spring module, including first and second springs that provide resistance, helps the user feel that he or she is using the brake pedal rather than the accelerator pedal.

[0007] Another example is described in US2020317617, which describes a suspension pedal in a vehicle. The pedal is operable between an active position and a retracted position. Gears and worm gears, racks and pinions, or similar devices are arranged to the pedal arm and move the pedal between the active and retracted positions.

[0008] Both of the aforementioned structures are quite complex, including components such as springs and gear and worm gear mechanisms. They are costly, unreliable, and require control and maintenance. Therefore, an improved structure is needed for the pedal mechanism, which can move the pedal from its operating position to a stationary or retracted position when the vehicle is to be used in autonomous driving mode. Such an improved structure must be cost-effective and reliable for long-term use. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of embodiments of the present invention is to adjust, regulate, and control functions in a vehicle in a cost-effective, reliable, and safe manner. Another object of the embodiments is to provide a pedal device that, when installed in a vehicle, can reliably move between a working position and a stationary position (i.e., a retracted position) when the vehicle is in autonomous driving mode. This is achieved by the pedal device and vehicle according to the present invention.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a pedal device for controlling functions in a vehicle, wherein the pedal device includes an attachment means for attachment within the vehicle interior and includes a pedal arm having a first end pivotally connected to the attachment means and a second free end with a pedal, the pedal arm being selectively movable between a working position and a rest position. When the pedal device is installed within the vehicle interior and the pedal is in the working position, a vehicle user can use the pedal for function control, and when the pedal is in the rest position, user use of the pedal is prevented. The pedal device also includes an actuator having a first end and a second end opposite to the first end, wherein the first end of the actuator is connected to the pedal arm.

[0011] The pedal device also includes a force device, wherein a second end of the actuator is connected to the force device. The force device is arranged to move the actuator between a first position and a second position, thereby acting on the pedal connected to the actuator to switch between a working position and a rest position.

[0012] The pedal mechanism can use common pedal arms and actuators found in ordinary vehicles. By moving the actuator between a first position and a second position, the pedal mechanism can be adjusted between a working position and a rest position, achieving a cost-effective, reliable, and safe pedal mechanism.

[0013] When the pedal arm is in a stationary position and the pedal device is installed in the vehicle, the vehicle's functions can be controlled automatically.

[0014] According to the second aspect, a vehicle is provided that includes a pedal device according to the first aspect. Attached Figure Description

[0015] The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is described in the context of its use in a vehicle.

[0016] Figure 1 A side view of the pedal device according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in the working position and the rest position.

[0017] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 The image shows a side view of the pedal, which is only in its working position here.

[0018] Figure 3 A side view of another embodiment of a pedal device with an alternative type of force mechanism is shown, the pedal device being shown in its operating position.

[0019] Figure 4 A side view of another embodiment of a pedal device with an alternative type of force mechanism is shown, the pedal device being shown in its operating position.

[0020] Figure 5 A side view of another embodiment of a pedal device with a different pedal arm structure is shown, the pedal device being shown in its operating position.

[0021] Figure 6 A side view of another embodiment of a pedal device with yet another pedal arm structure is shown, the pedal device being shown in its rest position and also in its working position.

[0022] Figure 7 A side view of another embodiment of the pedal device is shown, depicting the pedal device in its rest position and its operating position.

[0023] Figure 8a A side view of another type of pedal device in its working position is shown.

[0024] Figure 8b A side view of another type of pedal device in its resting position is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The following provides a detailed description of a pedal device 1 for adjusting, regulating, and controlling functions in a vehicle according to the present invention. The vehicle to which the pedal device is installed is an autonomous driving type, wherein in a first position, i.e., the working position, the user can control and drive the vehicle, and in a second position, i.e., the stationary position, the vehicle itself performs driving and operational operations with decision-making, such as braking and steering.

[0026] like Figures 1 to 7 The pedal device 1 shown according to an embodiment of the invention includes a pedal arm 2 having a first end 2a pivotally connected to an attachment device 2.1 for attachment within a vehicle and a free end / second end 2b having a pedal 2c. The pedal arm 2 is pivotable or rotatable about a pivot axis defined by the position where the first end 2a is pivotally connected to the attachment device 2.1. The pedal arm 2 is selectively switchable between a working position 2A and a rest position 2B. In the working position 2A, when the pedal device 1 is installed in the vehicle and ready for use, the user, i.e., the driver of the vehicle, can manipulate the pedal arm by, for example, pressing the pedal 2c with his / her foot to pivot the pedal arm 2 about its pivot axis. By pushing the pedal 2c, when the pedal device is installed in the vehicle, the user activates functions for adjusting, regulating, and controlling functions in the vehicle (e.g., braking or accelerating the vehicle). In the rest position 2B of the pedal arm 2, the pedal 2c is retracted and cannot be touched by the user's foot. Alternatively, the pedal 2c cannot be pressed down by the user, i.e., the pedal arm 2 cannot rotate about its pivot axis. Figure 1 , Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the diagram, pedal arm 2 is shown in both the working position 2A and the resting position 2B. Figures 2 to 5 In the diagram, the pedal is only shown in the working position 2A. Figure 1 and Figures 5 to 7 Plane B is also shown, representing the location of the floor, wall, or ceiling that defines the space in which the driver is situated when the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle. For example, in Figure 1 In the diagram, plane B represents the floor of the space, and in this example, when the pedal is in the rest position 2B, the pedal 2c is directly above the floor.

[0027] Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 7 The first possible design of pedal arm 2 is described, while Figure 5 and Figure 6 Two other possible designs for the pedal arm 2 are described. The first and the other two possible designs have the aforementioned technical features required for operation in and similarly in the pedal device 1 according to the invention. Figures 1 to 5 and Figure 7Embodiments of upright pedals are described, where, after the pedal arm 2 has been installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is standing on its wheels on a level surface, the pedal arm 2 points in an upward direction, counting from the first end 2a toward the second end 2b. On the other hand, Figure 6 An embodiment of the suspension pedal is described, wherein after the pedal arm 2 has been installed in the vehicle and the vehicle is standing on its wheels on a level surface, the pedal arm 2 points in a downward direction counting from the first end 2a toward the second end 2b.

[0028] exist Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, the attachment device 2.1 for the pedal arm 2 is arranged to be attached to the vehicle by means of a rigid portion X (e.g., a metal plate) fixedly connected to the pedal assembly. The rigid portion X is then to be installed in the vehicle chassis. Figures 1 to 7 In one embodiment, the attachment device 2.1 includes a pivot pin 2.1b, wherein the center of the pivot pin 2.1b defines a pivot axis. When the pedal 2c is operated by a user, for example, pushed by the user's foot, the pedal arm 2 rotates about the pivot pin 2.1b.

[0029] Furthermore, the pedal device 1 includes an actuator 3 and a force device 4. The actuator 3 may have an elongated shape. A first end 3a of the actuator 3 is pivotally attached to the pedal arm 2. A second end 3b of the actuator 3 is connected to the force device 4. The second end 3b of the actuator is opposite to the first end 3a of the actuator. The first end 3a of the actuator 3 is pivotally attached to the pedal arm 2 at a position between the first end 2a and the second end 2b of the pedal arm 2. In one embodiment, the first end 3a of the actuator 3 is pivotally attached to the pedal arm 2 at a position closer to the first end 2a than to the second end 2b of the pedal arm 2. The pivotal attachment of the actuator 3 to the pedal arm 2 can be implemented as a pivot pin 2d of the pedal arm 2.

[0030] When the pedal device 1 is installed in a vehicle, the actuator 3 is connected to a system for controlling vehicle functions, such as a system for accelerating or braking the vehicle, so that when the pedal arm 2 is in the operating position 2A, the vehicle functions are controlled according to the user's operation of the pedal arm 2. When the pedal 2c is pressed down, the actuator 3 is compressed relative to the compressive force exerted by the user on the pedal 2c, and the vehicle function, i.e., braking or acceleration, can be performed relative to the compressive force. This system for controlling vehicle functions is not part of the present invention and is not shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0031] Actuator 3 can be connected to a hydraulically driven accelerator or braking system. Actuator 3 can also be connected to an electrically driven accelerator or braking system. Actuator 3 may thus include a brake simulator or accelerator simulator that provides a feel for the hydraulic pedal function of pedal arm 2 when the user operates pedal arm 2. The movement of pedal arm 2 can then be sensed by a sensor (not shown) that sends a signal to the electrical system to control vehicle functions, such as acceleration or braking, based on the sensor's sensing.

[0032] As described above, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is connected to the force device 4. The force device 4 is arranged to force the actuator 3 to move or switch between a first position 3A and a second position 3B by transmitting force. Figure 1 and Figure 7 Both positions show the actuator 3 in the first position 3A and the second position 3B. Figure 1 This can be seen from the two drawn second ends 3b of the actuator. Figures 2 to 5 Only the actuator 3 in the first position 3A is shown. Figure 6 Only the actuator 3 in the second position 3B is shown, while the pedal arm 2 is shown in the working position 2A and the rest position 2B.

[0033] Because actuator 3 is connected to pedal arm 2 at its first end 3a, movement of actuator 3 between the first position 3A and the second position 3B forces pedal arm 2 to switch between working position 2A and rest position 2B. Actuator 3 is arranged such that it has a defined length from its first end 3a to its second end 3b when not pressed. When force device 4 moves actuator 3 from the second position 3B to the first position 3A and thus moves pedal arm 2 from rest position 2B to working position 2A, pedal arm 2 is pushed in a direction away from force device 4. When force device 4 moves actuator 3 from the first position 3A to the second position 3B and thus moves pedal arm 2 from working position 2A to rest position 2B, pedal arm 2 is pulled in a direction toward force device 4. When pedal arm 2 is in working position 2A, pedal arm 2 can be pushed by the user's foot and remains in the working position. Force device 4 changes pedal arm 2 between working position 2A and rest position 2B by moving actuator 3. When pedal arm 2 is in its rest position 2B, the user cannot move pedal arm 2 by pushing pedal 2c because pedal arm 2 is physically retracted at that time. Therefore, when pedal arm 2 is retracted, the user will have more space for their feet in the pedal area inside the vehicle.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the force device 4 includes a motor, preferably electrically driven. In one embodiment, the motor (e.g. Figure 2 The motor shown in the embodiment can be a rotary motor 4.1 capable of moving forward and backward. According to another embodiment, the motor (e.g. Figure 3 The motor shown in the embodiment can be a linear motor 4.2. Figure 4 In another embodiment shown, the force device 4 includes a manually operable force transmission lever 4.3. According to one embodiment, a user can press a button, which triggers a signal to the force device 4 to begin operation.

[0035] exist Figures 2 to 4 In the illustrated embodiment, the pedal device 1 has a force transmission pivot 6 connected to a force device 4. The pedal device 1 also has a lever 7. The force transmission pivot 6 and lever 7 are acted upon by the force device 4 to move the actuator 3 between a first position 3A and a second position 3B. The second end 3b of the actuator 3 is connected to the force transmission pivot 6 via the lever 7. The lever 7 has a first end firmly attached to the force transmission pivot 6 and an opposing second end rotatably attached to the second end 3b of the actuator 3. In use, the force device 4 causes the lever 7 to rotate about the force transmission pivot 6, thereby allowing the second end 3b of the actuator 3 to move between the first position 3A and the second position 3B.

[0036] exist Figure 2 In this embodiment, the rotary motor 4.1 rotates the force transmission pivot 6 (e.g., a shaft). Because the first end of the rod 7 is firmly attached to the force transmission pivot 6, the rotation of the force transmission pivot 6 causes the rod to rotate about the pivot 6, and the rod 7 lifts the second end 3b of the actuator 3. Depending on the direction of rotation of the rotary motor 4.1, the rod 7 rotates clockwise or counterclockwise about the pivot 6, thereby moving the actuator 3 between its first position 3A and second position 3B, respectively.

[0037] exist Figure 3 In this embodiment, the linear motor 4.2 is capable of moving forward and backward. The linear motor 4.2 may be arranged in a straight line with the actuator 3. The linear motor 4.2 is connected to the second end of the lever 7 and is arranged to act on the lever 7 with pulling and pushing forces respectively, causing the lever 7 to rotate about the pivot 6 and causing the second end 3b of the actuator 3 to rotate about the force transmission pivot 6 between a first position 3A and a second position 3B.

[0038] exist Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the force transmission rod 4.3 is connected to the second end of the rod 7 and arranged to interact with... Figure 3 Similar to the embodiments described above, push and pull forces are applied to the lever 7. The force transmission lever 4.3 can be operated, for example, by a user of the vehicle (directly or indirectly via any kind of actuation function) by pushing or pulling the force transmission lever 4.3.

[0039] According to an embodiment, the force device 4 is adapted to determine when the actuator 3 is in the second position 3B, and when the force device 4 determines that the actuator 3 is in the second position 3B, the force device 4 is adapted to stop the movement of the actuator 3 from the first position 3A to the second position 3B. Furthermore, the force device 4 is adapted to determine when the actuator 3 is in the first position 3A, and when the force device 4 determines that the actuator 3 is in the first position 3A, the force device 4 is adapted to stop the movement of the actuator 3 from the second position 3B to the first position 3A. The force device may be equipped with a stop function for determining these positions. In the case where the force device is a motor, the motor may have a preset first motor position (rotational position of rotary motor 4.1 or linear position of linear motor 4.2) corresponding to the first position 3A of the actuator 3, such that when the motor detects that it is in the first motor position, it also knows that the actuator 3 is in its first position 3A. Alternatively, a position sensor that senses, for example, the position of the second end 3b of the actuator 3 can be used to determine when the actuator is in the first position 3A. Similarly, the second position 3B of the actuator 3 can be detected.

[0040] according to Figures 1 to 6 In another embodiment shown, the pedal device 1 includes a first physical stop support 5a, which is arranged to hold the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when the actuator is in the first position 3A and to stop the movement of the actuator 3 from the second position 3B to the first position 3A. The pedal device may also include a second physical stop support 5b, which is arranged to hold the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when the actuator is in the second position 3B and to stop the movement of the actuator 3 from the first position 3A to the second position 3B. Both the first physical stop support 5a and the second physical stop support 5b are fixedly connected to a rigid portion X of the pedal device 1, which is fixedly connected to the chassis of the vehicle when the pedal device 1 is inserted into the vehicle.

[0041] According to an embodiment, each physical stop support 5a / 5b includes a notch 5c, see, for example... Figure 1 and Figure 2 The notch 5c defines a resting surface for the second end 3b of the actuator 3. When the second end 3b of the actuator 3 rests in the notch 5c of the first physical stop support 5a, the actuator 3 is in the first position 3A. Similarly, when the second end 3b of the actuator 3 rests in the notch 5c of the second physical stop support 5b, the actuator 3 is in the second position 3B. The second end 3b of the actuator 3 can be designed such that it slides into the corresponding notches 5c of the first physical stop support 5a and the second physical stop support 5b when the force device 4 is moved. Since the operating position 2A of the pedal arm 2 is the position where the user operates the pedal arm 2, the first physical stop support 5a is subjected to a force from the user's foot.

[0042] As described above, when the pedal arm 2 is in the rest position 2B, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is in its second position 3B. According to... Figures 1 to 6 In one embodiment, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is further away from the attachment device 2.1 of the pedal arm 2 when the actuator 3 is in the second position 3B than when the actuator 3 is in the first position 3A. Figure 1 As shown, when the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is in the position of Figure 1 In the first position 3A, represented by the first physical stop support 5a, the distance L1 between the second end 3b of the actuator 3 and the attachment device 2.1 of the pedal arm 2 is less than when the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is in the first position 3A. Figure 1 The distance L2 between the second end 3b of the actuator 3 and the attachment device 2.1 of the pedal arm 2 in the second position 3B, represented by the second physical stop support 5b.

[0043] according to Figures 1 to 6 In the illustrated embodiment, the force device 4 is arranged to move the actuator 3 between its first position 3A and its second position 3B by moving the second end 3b of the actuator 3 from a first location at the rigid portion X to a second location at the rigid portion X, the second location being further away from the attachment device 2.1 than the first location. This is another way of explaining why the distance L1 is shorter than the distance L2 mentioned above.

[0044] When a pedal device is installed in a vehicle, a common arrangement is in the space in front of the driver, in front of the user's legs when seated. The pedal of the pedal device can then be operated by the driver's foot. The pedal device can be installed in the floor, ceiling, or wall of a part of the vehicle that forms this space. The pedal can be in a more or less upright position from the bottom area of ​​the space, or it can be suspended from the top area. All of these arrangements are possible for this pedal device 1. Figure 6 The pedal device 1 according to the invention is shown in the suspended position. Figure 6 In this embodiment, the actuator is in its second position 3B, with the pedal arm 2 in a rest position 2B, and the pedal 2c is close to or even flush with plane B mounted in the vehicle. In this embodiment of the suspended pedal, plane B can be a wall of the vehicle's interior space. All other figures show the upright pedal assembly 1.

[0045] When the pedal assembly 1 is installed in the vehicle and the second end 3b of the actuator 3 moves from its first position 3A to its second position 3B, the pedal arm 2 moves toward the force device 4 to a rest position 2B. In this rest position 2B, the pedal arm 2 is retracted away from the driver's foot, thus providing more space for the driver's foot. The pedal assembly 1 is preferably installed in the vehicle such that, in the rest position 2B, the pedal 2c is slightly higher than, flush with, or even lower than plane B. Plane B may be, for example, the floor, carpet, or other structure attached to the interior of the vehicle.

[0046] The force device 4 is preferably attached to the rigid part X. Alternatively, when the pedal device 1 has been inserted into the vehicle, the force device can be attached to the vehicle chassis.

[0047] Figure 7 An alternative is shown in which the movement of the actuator between its first position 3A and its second position 3B is not performed by changing the position of the second end 3b of the actuator relative to the attachment device 2.1, as in Figures 1 to 6 As described in the embodiment. Instead, in this embodiment, the pedal device 1 further includes linkages 8a, 8b, with the second end 3b of the actuator 3 fixedly disposed on the linkages 8a, 8b, and the positions of the linkages 8a, 8b are changed by moving the second end 8b2 of the linkages 8a, 8b between a first linkage position 8A and a second linkage position 8B. In other words, in the first position 3A and the second position 3B of the actuator, the actuator 3 is connected to the same position of the linkages 8a, 8b with its second end 3b, but the positions of the linkages 8a, 8b are changed. The linkages 8a, 8b include a first linkage arm 8a and a second linkage arm 8b, with the attachment device 2.1 fixedly disposed on the first linkage arm 8a. When the pedal device 1 is installed in a vehicle, the first end 8a1 of the first linkage arm 8a is rotatably disposed to a portion of the vehicle chassis. The second end of the first link arm 8a, opposite to the first end 8a1, is rotatably connected to the first end of the second link arm 8b via a link 8c. The second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b, opposite to its first end, is connected to a force device 4. The force device 4 is arranged to move the second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b between its first link device position 8A and its second link device position 8B, thereby moving the actuator 3 between its first position 3A and its second position 3B. Figure 7 In the example, the second end 8b2 of the second linkage arm 8b is further away from the attachment device 2.1 when it is in the second linkage position 8B than when it is in the first linkage position 8A. Figure 7The diagram shows different parts that move in position when the linkage moves between the first linkage position 8A and the second linkage position 8B, and these parts have been given different annotations, such that when in the first linkage position, the part is labeled ' and when in the second linkage position, the same part is labeled "'. For example, actuator 3 is referred to as 3' when in the first linkage position and as 3" when in the second linkage position. Furthermore, in Figure 7 In this embodiment, the second end 3b of the actuator is always (i.e., in the first linkage position 8A and the second linkage position 8B) connected to the same position on the first linkage arm 8a. Figure 7 In one embodiment shown, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is located or fixed to a stop 5a, which is fixedly arranged to the first linkage arm 8a in both the first linkage position and the second linkage position. The pedal device 1 may further include a block 9 to be fixedly arranged to the chassis of the vehicle. The block 9 has a first stop or recess 9a and a second stop or recess 9b, wherein when in the first linkage position 8A, the second end 8b2 of the second linkage arm 8b is to be located in the first stop or recess 9a, and when in the second linkage position 8B, the second end 8b2 of the second linkage arm 8b is to be located in the second stop or recess 9b. The first stop or recess 9a is closer to the attachment device 2.1 than the second stop or recess 9b.

[0048] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A pedal device is described, comprising a pedal arm 12 and a linkage 18a, 18b including a first linkage arm 18a and a second linkage arm 18b. The pedal arm 12 has a first end 12a rotatably attached to the first linkage arm 18a. The pedal arm also includes a free end 12b. This pedal device can be used as an accelerator pedal. The pedal arm 12 can be in a position... Figure 8a The first position shown (also known as the working position) and Figure 8b The second position shown is also referred to as the rest position. For use as an accelerator pedal device, the pedal device has an actuation function 14 that, when the pedal device is installed in the vehicle, senses a fixed pressure applied by the driver to the pedal arm 12, and when the pedal device is in the operating position, the actuation function 14 controls the vehicle's acceleration function compared to the fixed pressure applied to the pedal arm 12. Therefore, in the operating position, the pedal arm 12 can be pressed against a first linkage arm 18a, which rotates about a rotatable attachment attached to a first end 12a of the pedal arm 12. The actuation function 14, for example, causes one end of the actuator to... Figure 7 The embodiment is similarly and securely connected to the first link arm 18a.

[0049] When pedal arm 12 is in Figure 8b In the stationary position shown (which is the automatic driving mode), the actuation function 14 is arranged not to react to any pressure applied to the pedal arm 12 by the driver. Furthermore, in the second position, the pedal arm is retracted away from the driver's foot, such that when the pedal device is installed in the vehicle, the pedal arm 12 is more or less flush with a plane, which may be the floor or wall of the vehicle's cabin.

[0050] Linkage devices 18a and 18b are used in the working position of pedal arm 12 ( Figure 8a ) and stationary position ( Figure 8b The pedal arm 12 moves between the two links. A first link arm 18a has a first end 18a1, which is arranged to be rotatably mounted to the vehicle chassis when the pedal assembly is installed in the vehicle. The first link arm 18a has a second end 18a2 opposite to its first end 18a1, and the second end 18a2 is pivotally connected to the first end 18b1 of a second link arm 18b. The second link arm 18b also has a second end 18b2 opposite to its first end 18b1.

[0051] By the first linkage position ( Figure 8a ) and the position of the second linkage device ( Figure 8b The second end 18b2 of the second linkage arm 18b moves between its working position and its rest position.

[0052] The pedal device also includes a force device 15, which is similar to Figures 1 to 7 The force device 4 is described in the embodiment. The second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is connected to the force device 15. The force device 15 is arranged such that the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is in its first link device position ( Figure 8a ) and the position of its second linkage device ( Figure 8b The pedal arm 12 moves between its working position and its rest position.

[0053] In the example of Figure 8, the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is further away from the first end 18a1 of the first link arm 18a in the second link assembly position than in the first link assembly position.

[0054] Figure 8a and Figure 8b A first stop 17a and a second stop 17b are also shown, the first stop 17a indicating that when the pedal assembly is in the first linkage position ( Figure 8a When the second link arm 18b is in position, the second stop 17b indicates the location of the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b. Figure 8bWhere is the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b located at? The stops 17a and 17b can be physical stops or functional stops, depending on the type and purpose of the stop. Figures 1 to 7 The methods described in the above embodiments are similar.

[0055] The pedal device according to the invention is to be placed inside a vehicle for use. When purchasing and transporting the pedal device, it can be considered a standalone unit; however, when installed inside the vehicle, its full functionality becomes readily available. Installation in a vehicle may require different accessories and adjustments, but this is handled by the specialized vehicle manufacturer.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the contents shown in the above description or the accompanying drawings, but can be modified in several ways within the inventive concept set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A pedal device (1) for controlling a function of a vehicle, the pedal device including an attachment device (2.1) for attachment inside the vehicle and including a pedal arm (2) having a first end (2a) pivotally connected to the attachment device (2.1) and a second free end (2b) with a pedal (2c), the pedal arm (2) being selectively switchable between a working position (2A) and a rest position (2B), wherein, When the pedal device (1) is installed in the vehicle and the pedal arm (2) is in the working position (2A), the user of the vehicle can use the pedal arm (2) for functional control by pushing the pedal (2c) to pivot the pedal arm (2), and when the pedal arm (2) is in the rest position (2B), the user is prevented from using the pedal arm (2), and the pedal device (1) also includes an actuator (3) and a force device (4), wherein the actuator (3) has a first connection to the pedal arm (2). The pedal assembly includes an end (3a) and a second end (3b) connected to the force device (4), wherein the force device (4) is arranged to move the actuator (3) between a first position (3A) and a second position (3B), thereby switching the pedal arm (2) between the working position (2A) and the rest position (2B). The pedal assembly also includes a rigid part (X) to be attached to the interior of the vehicle, wherein the attachment device (2.1) is fixedly arranged on the rigid part (X), wherein the force device (4) is arranged to move the actuator (3) between the first position (3A) and the second position (3B). The second end (3b) of (3) moves from a first location at the rigid part (X) to a second location at the rigid part (X) to move the actuator (3) between its first position (3A) and its second position (3B), the second location being further away from the attachment device (2.1) than the first location, wherein the pedal device (1) has a force transmission pivot (6) connected to the force device (4) and has a rod (7), wherein the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is connected via the rod (7) to the attachment device (2.1). The force transmission pivot (6) is described, thereby the force device (4) is arranged such that the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) moves between its first location and its second location, wherein the first end of the rod (7) is firmly attached to the force transmission pivot (6), and the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is rotatably attached to the second end of the rod (7), such that when the rod (7) is rotated by the force device (4), the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is able to move between its first location and its second location.

2. The pedal device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the pedal device comprises: A first physical stop support (5a) is arranged to hold the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when the actuator is in the first position (3A) and to stop the movement of the actuator (3) from the second position (3B) to the first position (3A); and / or a second physical stop support (5b) is arranged to hold the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when the actuator is in the second position (3B) and to stop the movement of the actuator (3) from the first position (3A) to the second position (3B).

3. The pedal device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The distance (L1) between the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) and the attachment device (2.1) of the pedal arm (2) when in the first position (3A) is less than the distance (L2) between the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) and the attachment device (2.1) of the pedal arm (2) when in the second position (3B).

4. The pedal device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The force device (4) is adapted to determine when the actuator (3) is in the second position (3B), and the force device (4) is adapted to stop the movement of the actuator (3) from the first position (3A) to the second position (3B) when the force device determines that the actuator (3) is in the second position (3B), and / or wherein, The force device (4) is adapted to determine when the actuator (3) is in the first position (3A), and the force device (4) is adapted to stop the movement of the actuator (3) from the second position (3B) to the first position (3A) when the force device (4) determines that the actuator (3) is in the first position (3A).

5. A vehicle comprising at least one pedal device (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

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