Method, control device and computer program for operating a pedal of an electric pedal assembly for a vehicle, and pedal assembly, vehicle and computer-readable medium

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method, a control device and a computer program for operating a pedal of an electric pedal assembly for a vehicle, and to a pedal assembly, a vehicle and a computer-readable medium. The method according to the invention comprises receiving an operating mode signal which represents a main function mode or an operating function mode of the pedal assembly (100), receiving an actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit (120), transmitting a driving function signal if the operating mode signal represents a main function mode, and transmitting an operating function signal if the operating mode signal represents an operating function mode. The driving function signal is designed to fulfil the driving function assigned to the driving operation of the vehicle, and the operating function signal is designed to fulfil an operating function assigned to the non-driving operation of the vehicle. The operating function brings about a physical movement of at least one vehicle element.

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Method, control device and computer program for operating a pedal of an electric pedal assembly for a vehicle, as well as pedal assembly, vehicle and computer-readable medium

[0003] The present invention relates to a method, a control device and a computer program for operating a pedal of an electric pedal arrangement for a vehicle, as well as a pedal arrangement, a vehicle and a computer-readable medium, in particular for a so-called brake-by-wire pedal or a drive-by-wire accelerator pedal.

[0004] Electric pedal assemblies that lack a mechanical connection to the respective actuating elements, such as the brake unit or throttle valve, may become increasingly important in the future. With such electric pedal assemblies, such as an electric brake or accelerator pedal, a functional check before use is essential to ensure the driver can safely and reliably operate all the desired functions of the electric pedal assembly.

[0005] An exemplary state of the art is known from JP 6 186 694 B2, which discloses a vehicle information usage system in which a pinball game displayed on the screen can be controlled by means of the brake pedal.

[0006] The present invention is essentially based on the objective of extending the functions of a pedal in an electric pedal arrangement in order to at least partially increase the driving comfort of the vehicle.

[0007] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1, a control device according to claim 10, a pedal arrangement according to claim 12, a vehicle according to claim 13, a computer program according to claim 14, and a computer-readable medium according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are specified in the dependent claims.The present invention is essentially based on the idea of ​​extending the function of a pedal of an electric pedal arrangement, which as its main function fulfills a function associated with the operation of the vehicle, such as decelerating or accelerating the vehicle, by means of the pedal further enabling the effect of a physical movement of at least one vehicle element, such as a side mirror, an air conditioning system or a vehicle flap, such as a front flap, a tailgate, a side door or a sunroof, or of a non-vehicle element, such as opening a garage door or activating lighting outside the vehicle, such as a garage light.This allows the pedal of the electric pedal assembly to fulfill a secondary function in addition to its main function, which can at least partially increase the driving comfort of the vehicle.

[0008] Consequently, according to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for operating a pedal of an electric pedal assembly for a vehicle is disclosed. The electric pedal assembly comprises the pedal and a pedal actuation unit operatively connected to the pedal, which is configured to generate an actuation signal when the pedal is actuated, which is representative of the actuation of the pedal. The electric pedal assembly is configured to operate in a primary operating mode, in which the pedal is configured to be actuated by a driver's foot to effect a driving function assigned to a driving operation of the vehicle, and in a secondary operating mode, in which the pedal is configured to be actuated by a driver's foot to effect an operating function assigned to a non-driving operation of the vehicle.The method according to the invention comprises receiving an operating mode signal representative of the main operating mode or control function mode of the pedal assembly, receiving an actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit, sending a driving function signal if the operating mode signal is representative of a main operating mode, and sending a control function signal if the operating mode signal is representative of a control function mode. The driving function signal is configured to perform the driving function assigned to the vehicle's operation, and the control function signal is configured to perform a control function assigned to the vehicle's non-operation. The control function effects the physical movement of at least one vehicle element or a non-vehicle element.

[0009] Consequently, the operating mode signal indicates whether the pedal is to be operated in main function mode or in operating function mode. The driver can actively switch between these operating modes, for example, using a switch located in the vehicle. Alternatively or additionally, the vehicle can automatically switch to the respective operating mode, for example, based on driving conditions. For instance, it may be preferable for the pedal arrangement to automatically switch to operating function mode when the vehicle is deactivated, i.e., when stationary and / or parked.Additionally or alternatively, according to the invention, the pedal arrangement can be switched to the operating function mode during autonomous ferry operation of the vehicle, since the vehicle is operated autonomously and consequently the pedal can be used in other ways, in particular for operating the at least one vehicle element.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pedal has a pedal force sensor configured to generate a pedal force signal that is representative of a pedal force applied externally to the pedal. In such a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further includes receiving a pedal force signal from the pedal force sensor and sending an actuation signal by means of the pedal actuation unit when the received pedal force signal indicates a pedal force that exceeds a predetermined pedal force threshold. In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pedal assembly further includes a pedal position sensor configured to generate a pedal position signal that is representative of the actual position of the pedal.In such a preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises receiving a pedal position signal from the pedal position sensor and sending an actuation signal by means of the pedal actuation unit when the received pedal position signal indicates a change in pedal position that exceeds a predetermined pedal position change threshold. In particular, the pedal travel distance resulting from pedal actuation can be determined based on the received pedal position signal. If the pedal travel distance exceeds a predetermined pedal travel threshold, the pedal can be designated as "actuated" and the actuation signal can be generated.

[0011] In such preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention, it can be ensured that an actuation signal is only sent from the pedal actuation unit when the pedal has been at least partially actuated. For example, this can also ensure that an actuation signal is only sent when the driver's foot exerts a predetermined minimum force on the pedal in the form of the predetermined pedal force threshold and is therefore in contact with the pedal at all, or when the driver's foot has moved the pedal by at least the predetermined pedal position change threshold.

[0012] Preferably, the driving function signal indicates a quantity required to perform the driving function and / or the operating function signal indicates a quantity required to perform the operating function. This allows the driver's intended action to be derived from the detected intensity of the pedal actuation. For example, the intensity of the pedal actuation can indicate how strongly the vehicle should decelerate or accelerate, depending on whether the pedal is a brake pedal or an accelerator / power pedal. Similarly, evaluating the intensity of the pedal actuation can indicate the driver's intention to adjust, for example, a side mirror of the vehicle.

[0013] In a further preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the operating mode signal is at least partially representative of the vehicle's operating state. It is particularly preferred if the operating mode signal is representative of the main function mode when the vehicle is in an activated operating state, or of the control function mode when the vehicle is in a deactivated operating state.

[0014] An activated operating state can be distinguished from a deactivated operating state, for example, by the speed of the vehicle, the wheel speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle, the state of the parking brake, the prevailing driving mode, geofencing, key recognition, smartphone recognition, or the state of the vehicle's ignition.

[0015] Consequently, as already mentioned, the vehicle can automatically recognize, based on the operating conditions, which function should be assigned to the pedal, namely whether the pedal arrangement should be operated in main function mode or operating function mode.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention, the pedal actuation unit is selected to generate the actuation signal based on an actuation pattern of the pedal. In particular, the actuation pattern describes the intensity and frequency of the pedal actuation. For example, a distinction can be made between single and multiple actuations of the pedal, thereby enabling different actuation signals to effect different main operating modes and operating modes. Similarly, the actuation pattern can evaluate the speed of the pedal actuation and the pedal force exerted on the pedal force sensor in order to detect different requests made by the driver via the pedal.

[0017] Preferably, the at least one vehicle element is at least one of the following: a seat of the vehicle and / or a window of the vehicle and / or a flap of the vehicle, such as a front flap, tailgate, side door, sunroof, fuel filler flap or loading flap of the vehicle, and / or an air conditioning pump of the vehicle and / or a side mirror of the vehicle and / or a spoiler of the vehicle.Furthermore, at least one vehicle element may be a steering wheel, a fan for reducing window fogging, a heating element such as a seat heater, a steering wheel heater, a recirculating air heater and / or a window heater, a parking brake, a vehicle lighting system such as dipped beam and / or main beam, an electrically folding trailer hitch, a windshield wiper, a cleaning system for, for example, vehicle cameras, vehicle headlights and / or vehicle mirrors, a tire pressure monitoring system, a chassis height control system, a door lock, a window lock, an automatic seat folding mechanism, a pedal mechanism and / or an activation or deactivation of the vehicle alarm system.

[0018] Preferably, the at least one non-vehicle element is an element or function located externally to the vehicle that can be controlled by means of the pedal. For example, the at least one non-vehicle element includes a garage door, driveway or garage lighting, a front door, a house alarm system, a house window and / or a charging station that can be controlled by means of the pedal, such as a charging robot.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the method according to the invention further comprises receiving a seat occupancy signal, which is representative of an occupied driver's seat of the vehicle, and determining that the driver's seat of the vehicle is occupied, at least partially based on the received seat occupancy signal. The pedal of the electric pedal assembly for the vehicle is then operated when an occupied driver's seat has been determined based on the received seat occupancy signal.

[0020] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a control device is disclosed which is configured to carry out a method according to the invention for operating a pedal of an electric pedal arrangement for a vehicle.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the control device according to the invention comprises a first control device section for performing the step of receiving the operating mode signal, a second control device section for performing the step of receiving the actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit, a third control device section for performing the step of sending a driving function signal, and a fourth control device section for performing the step of sending an operating function signal.

[0022] According to a further aspect of the present invention, an electric pedal arrangement for a vehicle is disclosed, comprising a pedal pivotably mounted on the vehicle, designed to be actuated by the foot of a driver of the vehicle, a pedal actuation unit operatively connected to the pedal, designed to generate an actuation signal when the pedal is actuated, which is representative of an actuation of the pedal, and a control device according to the invention.

[0023] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a vehicle with an electric pedal arrangement according to the invention is disclosed.

[0024] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer program is disclosed which includes instructions which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to execute a method according to the invention for operating a pedal of an electric pedal arrangement for a vehicle.

[0025] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a computer-readable medium is disclosed on which the computer program according to the invention is stored.

[0026] Further advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent to the person skilled in the art by carrying out the teaching described herein and by examining the single accompanying drawing, in which:

[0027] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric pedal arrangement according to the invention with one pedal for a vehicle, and

[0028] Fig. 2 shows an exemplary flowchart of a method according to the invention for operating the electric pedal arrangement according to the invention of Fig. 1,

[0029] Within the scope of this disclosure, an "electric pedal arrangement" comprises a pedal that is mechanically decoupled from the corresponding vehicle components. The pedal may be a brake pedal, an accelerator pedal (such as a gas pedal or current pedal), a clutch pedal, or a parking brake pedal. In particular, an electric pedal arrangement according to this disclosure eliminates mechanical coupling devices, such as cables, hydraulic systems, pneumatic systems, or the like, which establish a mechanical coupling between the pedal and the respective vehicle component. The pedal may preferably be a so-called break-by-wire brake pedal, in which the pedal movement is converted into an electrical signal that is provided to the actuator for the brake shoes, which in turn generates the desired braking force.Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "vehicle operation" encompasses any operation of the vehicle that is related to the proper and desired driving of the vehicle. This includes, in particular, a desire to accelerate or decelerate the vehicle, which the driver can express by operating a pedal of an electric pedal arrangement for the vehicle. Similarly, within the scope of this disclosure, the term "non-vehicle operation" encompasses any operation or function of the vehicle that is not related to the proper and desired driving of the vehicle. Rather, in a "non-vehicle operation," the pedal may perform a control function, meaning that the pedal can be used to control a physical movement of a vehicle element or non-vehicle element that is not related to the vehicle operation.

[0030] Within the scope of this disclosure, the term "physical movement" of an element encompasses actual movement. This includes adjusting a side mirror as well as controlling electronics, such as an electrical switch or relay used to activate or deactivate a heating device or lighting system. However, it specifically excludes images that change graphical representations on a display or entertainment system of the vehicle.

[0031] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of an electric pedal assembly 100 according to the invention, comprising a pedal 110 for a vehicle. In addition to the pedal 110, the electric pedal assembly 100 includes a pedal actuation unit 120 (see dashed line in Fig. 1) operatively connected to the pedal 110, which is configured to adjust the position of the pedal 110 between a predetermined first end position and a predetermined second end position. The predetermined first and second end positions of the pedal 110 describe, in particular, the mechanical end positions of the pivotable pedal 110. Thus, the maximum pivoting range of the pedal 110 is defined by the predetermined first end position and the predetermined second end position. However, it is self-evident to those skilled in the art that an actuation pivoting range of the pedal 110 can also be smaller than the maximum pivoting range of the pedal 110.By appropriately controlling the pedal actuation unit 120, the (virtual) actuation range of the pedal 110 can be set as desired, so that the actuation swivel range end positions are different from the predetermined first and second end positions.

[0032] The pedal 110 has a pedal element 112 which is pivotably mounted on a pedal attachment 111. The pivoting movement of the pedal 110, in particular of the pedal element 112, is indicated by arrow 113 in Fig. 1. The pedal 110 is also equipped with a pedal force sensor 114, which is configured to generate a pedal force signal that is representative of a force exerted externally on the pedal 110. For example, the pedal force sensor 114 can detect the force exerted on the pedal 110 by the driver's foot 10.

[0033] The pedal actuation unit 120, which is operatively connected to the pedal 110, consists of a pedal actuator 122. The actuator 122 is configured to exert a pedal actuator force on the pedal 110, corresponding to the pedal actuator operating parameters such as electrical voltage and / or electrical current and / or rotor position and / or characteristics of the pedal actuator 112 itself, such as resistances, inductances, or temperature, to move the pedal 110. For this purpose, the pedal actuation unit 120 also includes a gear unit 124, which comprises a spindle 123. The spindle 123 is configured to move a spindle element 125 translationally when rotated (see arrow 127 in Fig. 1). An actuating element 121 is attached to the spindle element 125 and is coupled to the pedal 110 on the opposite side.The mechanics of the electric pedal assembly 100 are thus achieved by a translational drive of the spindle element 125 by the pedal actuator 122, which, due to the joints on the spindle element 125 and the pedal 110, is converted into a pivoting movement (see arrow 113 in Fig. 1) of the pedal 110. The pedal actuation unit 120, in particular the pedal actuator 122, is designed to move the pedal 110 according to a predetermined target pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve. A "pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve" describes a curve in a diagram in which the pedal force is plotted against the respective pedal position. Thus, the pedal actuation unit 120 can be configured to adjust the actuation feel of the pedal 100 as desired according to the target pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve. The adjustment can be force-based or position-based.In force-based control, the pedal position is adjusted by means of the pedal actuation unit 120 according to the pedal force applied by the driver to the pedal 110. In displacement-based control, the pedal actuation unit 120 adjusts the pedal actuator force according to the respective pedal position, which is detected by the pedal position sensor 130 and is in turn influenced by the driver of the vehicle by pressing the pedal 110.

[0034] The pedal actuation unit 120 further comprises a power electronics unit 126 and a pedal actuation control unit 128. The pedal actuation control unit 128 is designed in particular to control the operation of the pedal actuation unit 120, especially the pedal actuator 122.

[0035] The pedal actuation unit 120 can further include a return mechanism (not shown) configured to return the pedal 110 to a predetermined initial position in a force-free state, such as when the vehicle is deactivated. The return mechanism can, for example, be in the form of a spring-damper system. The return mechanism can also be configured to adjust the initial position of the pedal 110 as desired, so that it defines an actuation pivot range end position of the pedal 110. This actuation pivot range end position of the pedal 110, as the initial position, is in turn adjustable according to a driver's preference. The pedal assembly 100 of Fig. 1 further includes a pedal position sensor 130 configured to generate a pedal position signal that is representative of the actual position of the pedal 100 between the predetermined first end position and the predetermined second end position.The pedal position sensor 130 can, for example, be an angle sensor that detects the angle between the mounting element 111 and the pedal element 112, from which the actual position of the pedal 110 can be determined. Alternatively or additionally, a linear position sensor can be provided to detect the linear position of the spindle element 125, from which the position of the pedal 110 can be derived. Alternatively or additionally, an angle sensor can be provided to detect the angle between the spindle 123 and the actuating element 121 or to detect the angle between the actuating element 121 and the pedal element 112, from which the pedal position can again be derived. Alternatively or additionally, parameters of the pedal actuator 122, such as the motor position of the pedal actuator 122, can also be taken into account to determine the pedal position.

[0036] The pedal assembly 100 further comprises a first limiting element 140, which is configured to mechanically limit the movement of the pedal 110 beyond the predetermined first end position. In particular, when the pedal 110 is moved towards the first limiting element 140, the latter can come into contact with the pedal 110 and thus mechanically limit any further movement of the pedal 110. Similarly, the pedal assembly 100 has a second limiting element (not shown), which is configured to mechanically limit the movement of the pedal 110 beyond the predetermined second end position. In particular, when the pedal 110 is moved towards the second limiting element 140, the latter can come into contact with the pedal 110 and thus mechanically limit any further movement of the pedal 110.

[0037] The pedal assembly 100 of Fig. 1 further comprises a control device 160, which is designed to control the pedal actuation unit 120. The control device 160 can communicate with the pedal actuation control 128. Alternatively, the pedal actuation control 128 can be integrated into the control device 160.

[0038] The control device 160 can have several control device sections, such as a first control device section 161, a second control device section 162, a third control device section 164, a fourth control device section 166, a fifth control device section 168 and a sixth control device section 169, which will be discussed in more detail below with reference to Fig. 2.

[0039] The control device 160 can include a processor or arithmetic unit and memory. Alternatively, the control device 160 can be the processor or arithmetic unit connected to the memory. The processor can be a central processing unit (CPU). The processor can also be another general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or another programmable logic device, a discrete gate or transistor logic device, a discrete hardware component, or the like. The general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, or the processor can be any conventional processor or the like.

[0040] The memory comprises, but is not limited to, a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read-Only Memory (ROM), a Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), or a Portable Read-Only Memory (e.g., CD-ROM). The memory is configured to store associated program instructions and associated data. With reference to Fig. 2, an exemplary flowchart of a method according to the invention for operating the electrical pedal arrangement 100 of Fig. 1 is shown.

[0041] The method of Fig. 2 starts at step 200 and then proceeds to step 210, in which the control device 160, in particular the first control device section 161, receives an operating mode signal that is representative of the main operating mode or control function mode of the pedal assembly 100. In particular, the operating mode signal can be received from a higher-level vehicle control device, which sends the operating mode signal to the control device 160, in particular the first control device section 161, based on an input from the vehicle driver or on the prevailing operating state of the vehicle. For example, the vehicle driver can select the desired operating mode, that is, the main operating mode or control function mode of the pedal assembly 100, by pressing a switch in the vehicle.Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to use vehicle parameters to determine whether the pedal arrangement 100 can be operated in a main function mode or in an operating function mode. This can be done, for example, by evaluating the vehicle speed, the wheel speed of at least one wheel of the vehicle, the engine status, the parking brake status, or the status of autonomous ferry operation in order to decide whether the pedal arrangement 100 should be operated in a main function mode or in an operating function mode.

[0042] In a subsequent step 220, it is determined whether the operating mode signal indicates the main function mode or the operating function mode of the pedal assembly 100. If step 220 determines that the operating mode signal is representative of the main function mode of the pedal assembly 100, the method proceeds to step 230, in which it is determined whether the pedal actuation unit 120 detects an actuation of the pedal 110 or not. The method remains in step 230 until the pedal actuation unit 120 detects an actuation of the pedal 110. For this purpose, the control device 160, in particular the fifth control device section 168, can receive and evaluate the pedal force signal from the pedal force sensor 114. Additionally or alternatively, the control device 160, in particular the sixth control device section 169, can receive and evaluate the pedal position signal from the pedal position sensor 130.

[0043] If, in step 230, it is detected that the pedal actuation unit 120 has registered an actuation of the pedal 110, the procedure proceeds to step 240, in which the control device 160, in particular the second control device section 162, receives a corresponding actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit 120. Simultaneously, or in a separate step not shown, a quantity required to fulfill the driving function can be determined based on the received actuation signal. This can again be done using the received pedal force signal and / or the received pedal position signal.

[0044] In a subsequent step 250, a driving function signal is sent by means of the control device 160, in particular by means of the third control device section 164, which is configured to fulfill the driving function assigned to the ferry operation of the vehicle, before the procedure is terminated in step 290. If, for example, an actuation of the pedal 110 is detected in step 230, indicating the driver's wish to decelerate the vehicle, then in steps 240 and 250, the amount of deceleration of the vehicle can be determined, and then a brake actuator unit of the vehicle can be controlled accordingly by means of the sent driving function signal.

[0045] However, if step 220 determines that the operating mode signal is representative of the operating function mode of the pedal arrangement 100, the procedure proceeds to step 260, where, analogous to step 230, it is determined whether an actuation of the pedal 110 has been detected. The procedure remains in step 260 until an actuation of the pedal 110 has been detected.

[0046] If, in step 260, it is determined that pedal 110 has been actuated, the procedure proceeds to step 270, in which the control device 160, in particular the second control device section 162, again receives an actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit 120. Simultaneously or in a separate step not shown, the quantity of pedal 110 actuation is then evaluated again in order to derive the request to perform the vehicle's operating function while not driving.

[0047] In a subsequent step 280, the control device 160, in particular the fourth control device section 166, sends the operating function signal, which is designed to fulfill an operating function assigned to the non-driving operation of the vehicle, before the procedure is again terminated in step 290.

[0048] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is possible for the pedal actuation unit 120 to adjust the actuation feel of the pedal 100 depending on the received operating mode signal. Thus, the pedal actuation unit 120 can be configured to move the pedal 110 in the main operating mode according to a predetermined first target pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve, and in the operator operating mode to move the pedal 110 according to a predetermined second target pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve, which differs from the predetermined first target pedal force-pedal position characteristic curve.

[0049] The control function causes the physical movement of at least one vehicle element. This element can be a control function assigned to non-driving operations, such as a side mirror or the vehicle's air conditioning pump. Specifically, it is not intended to control graphical displays or images on the vehicle's infotainment system. Rather, the pedal function is to be extended to control not only acceleration and deceleration, but also other vehicle functions, such as seat adjustment, opening flaps, and adjusting the volume, which in turn causes the speakers to move physically.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Method for operating a pedal (110) of an electric pedal assembly (100) for a vehicle, wherein the electric pedal assembly (100) comprises the pedal (110) and a pedal actuation unit (120) operatively connected to the pedal (110), the pedal actuation unit being configured to generate an actuation signal representative of the actuation of the pedal (110) when the pedal (110) is actuated, wherein the pedal assembly (100) is configured to operate in a primary operating mode in which the pedal (110) is configured to be actuated by a foot (10) of the driver to effect a driving function assigned to a ferry operation of the vehicle, and in a secondary operating mode in which the pedal (110) is configured to be actuated by a foot (10) of the driver to effect an operating function assigned to a non-ferry operation of the vehicle, wherein the method comprises: Receiving an operating mode signal that is representative of the main function mode or operating function mode of the pedal arrangement (100), Receiving an actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit (120), Sending a driving function signal when the operating mode signal is representative of a main function mode, wherein the driving function signal is configured to fulfill the driving function assigned to the ferry operation of the vehicle, and Sending an operating function signal when the operating mode signal is representative of an operating function mode, wherein the operating function signal is configured to perform an operating function assigned to the non-ferry operation of the vehicle, wherein the operating function causes a physical movement of at least one vehicle element or a non-vehicle element.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the pedal (110) has a pedal force sensor (114) configured to receive a pedal force signal. generate a force that is representative of a pedal force applied externally to the pedal (110), wherein the method further comprises: Receiving a pedal force signal from the pedal force sensor (114), and Sending an actuation signal via the pedal actuation unit (120) when the received pedal force signal indicates a pedal force that exceeds a predetermined pedal force threshold.

3. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal arrangement (100) further comprises a pedal position sensor (100) configured to generate a pedal position signal that is representative of the actual position of the pedal (110), wherein the method further comprises: Receiving a pedal position signal from the pedal position sensor (110), and Sending an actuation signal via the pedal actuation unit (120) when the received pedal position signal indicates a change in the actual position of the pedal (110) that exceeds a predetermined pedal position change threshold.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the driving function signal indicates a quantity to fulfill the driving function and / or wherein the operating function signal indicates a quantity to fulfill the operating function.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating mode signal is at least partially representative of the operating state of the vehicle.

6. Method according to claim 5, wherein the operating mode signal is representative of the main function mode when the vehicle is in an activated operating state, or of the operating function mode when the vehicle is in a deactivated operating state.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pedal actuation unit (120) is configured to generate the actuation signal based on an actuation pattern of the pedal (110).

8. Method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one vehicle element is at least one of the following elements: a seat of the vehicle, and / or a window of the vehicle, and / or a flap of the vehicle, such as a front flap, tailgate, side door, sunroof, fuel filler flap or charging flap of the vehicle, and / or an air conditioning pump of the vehicle, and / or a side mirror of the vehicle, and / or a spoiler of the vehicle.

9. Method according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: receiving a seat occupancy signal that is representative of an occupied driver's seat of the vehicle, and Determine that the driver's seat of the vehicle is occupied, at least partially based on the received seat occupancy signal, wherein the operation of the pedal (110) of the electric pedal assembly (100) for the vehicle takes place when an occupied driver's seat has been determined.

10. Control device (160) configured to perform the steps of the method according to any of the preceding claims.

11. Control device (160) according to claim 10, comprising: a first control device section (161) for Executing the step of receiving the operating mode signal, a second control device section (162) for performing the step of receiving the actuation signal from the pedal actuation unit (120), a third control device section (166) for performing the step of sending a driving function signal, and a fourth control device section (168) for performing the step of sending an operating function signal.

12. Pedal arrangement (100) for a vehicle, comprising: a pedal (110) pivotably mounted on the vehicle, designed to be actuated by the foot of a driver of the vehicle, a pedal actuation unit (120) operatively connected to the pedal (110), designed to generate an actuation signal when the pedal (110) is actuated, which is representative of the actuation of the pedal (110), and a control device (160) according to one of claims 10 and 11.

13. Vehicle with a pedal arrangement according to claim 12.

14. Computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by a computing unit, cause the computing unit to execute a method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

15. Computer-readable medium on which the computer program according to claim 14 is stored.

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