EP4341764A1

EP4341764A1 - Pedal device and vehicle having such a pedal device

Info

Publication number: EP4341764A1
Application number: EP22744851.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mahdi AMIRIAN
Original assignee: CJ Automotive AB
Current assignee: CJ Automotive AB
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2022-07-07
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Also published as: WO2023282837A1; CN117355809A

Abstract

The present invention relates to a pedal device (1 ) to be used for control of functions in a vehicle and a vehicle having such a pedal device (1). The pedal device (1 ) comprises a pedal (2) selectively switchable between a working position (2A) and a resting position (2B), and an actuator (3). The actuator (3) is connected with its first end (3a) to the pedal (2). The actuator (3) is moveable between a first position (3A) and a second position (3B) affecting the switching of the pedal (2) between the working position (2A) and the resting position (2B). The pedal device (1 ) further comprises 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 affect the actuator (3) to move between the first position (3A) and the second position (3B).

Description

PEDAL DEVICE AND VEHICLE HAVING SUCH A PEDAL DEVICE

Technical field

[0001 ] The present invention relates to a pedal device for a vehicle and a vehicle comprising such a pedal device. The pedal device makes it possible for a user to control functions of the vehicle such as braking and/or accelerating. A pedal arm is selectively switchable between a working position and a resting position. When the pedal arm is in the working position, a user of the vehicle can use the pedal. When the pedal is in the resting position the pedal is blocked from being used by the user and an autonomous system of the vehicle can control the functions, when the pedal has been installed in the vehicle.

Background art

[0002] Autonomous vehicles are smart vehicles with autonomous driving technologies for which the smart vehicles reach destinations by themselves even when a user/driver does not directly drive the vehicle, i.e. operate steering wheels, accelerator pedals, brakes, and the like. Recently, development of autonomous vehicles is progressing rapidly.

[0003] For autonomous vehicles, it is possible to either select a manual driving mode in which the user directly drives the vehicle, or to select an autonomous driving mode in which the vehicle travels by itself to a destination even when the user does not directly drive the autonomous vehicle.

[0004] In the autonomous driving mode, pedals, such as the acceleration pedal and/or the brake pedal are not in use. However, as they are located in a space below a user's seat they may be hindering to the user. Such hindering may be very annoying as the user may want to comfortably rest by extending his or her feet when in the autonomous driving mode.

[0005] Furthermore, when the user operates the pedals during the autonomous driving mode, a vehicle controller is configured to determine that the user terminates the autonomous driving mode and wants to directly drive the autonomous vehicle, terminating control for the autonomous driving. When the user extends his or her feet for resting, there is a risk that he/she touches the pedals, which the vehicle controller may interpret as the user terminating the autonomous driving mode. In order to avoid such problems as defined above, different foldable pedals are known, in which the pedals may be folded away when in autonomous driving mode.

[0006] For example, US10906514 describes a standing foldable brake pedal in a vehicle. This brake pedal includes a pedal housing into which the pedal is inserted when not in use. A linear motor and a plunger are coupled to the pedal arranged to switch the pedal between a hidden state, in which the pedal is inoperable, and a popped-up state, in which the pedal is ready to be used. A high load spring module including first and second springs that provide resistance is helping the user to sense that he or she is using the brake pedal and not the accelerator pedal.

[0007] Another example is described in US2020317617 which describes a hanging pedal in a vehicle. The pedal is operable between a use position and a stowed position. A gear tooth and a worm wheel, rack and pinion or similar arrangement is arranged to the pedal arm and moves the pedal between the use and stowed positions.

[0008] Both above constructions are rather complicated, involving parts such as springs, and tooth and worm arrangements. They are costly and non-reliable and need control and service. Consequently, there is a need of an improved construction for a pedal device that can move a pedal from a working position to a resting or stowed-away position when the vehicle is to be used in an autonomous driving mode. Such an improved construction needs to be cost-efficient and reliable for long-term use.

Summary of invention

[0009] An object of embodiments of the present invention is to adjust, regulate and control functions in the vehicle, in a cost-efficient, reliable and secure way. Another object of embodiments is to provide a pedal device, which when installed in a vehicle can be reliably moved between a working position and a resting position, aka stowed-away position, when the vehicle is in an autonomous driving mode. This is achieved by a pedal device and a vehicle according to the appended claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the present invention relates to a pedal device to be used for control of functions in a vehicle, where the pedal device comprises an attaching device for attachment inside a vehicle and a pedal arm having a first end pivotably connected to the attaching device and a second free end having a pedal, the pedal arm being selectively movable between a working position and a resting position. When the pedal device is installed inside a vehicle and the pedal is in the working position, a user of the vehicle can use the pedal for the control of functions, and when the pedal is in the resting position, the pedal is blocked from being used by the user. The pedal device further comprises an actuator having a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, where the first end of the actuator is connected to the pedal arm.

[0011 ] The pedal device further comprises a force device, where the second end of the actuator is connected to the force device. The force device is arranged for moving the actuator between a first position and a second position, and by that affecting the pedal connected to the actuator to switch between the working position and the resting position.

[0012] The pedal device may use a common pedal arm and a common actuator that can be found in regular vehicles. By regulating the pedal device between a working position and a resting position, by movement of the actuator between a first position and a second position, a cost-efficient, reliable and secure pedal device is achieved.

[0013] The functions of a vehicle can, when the pedal arm is in the resting position and the pedal device is installed in the vehicle, be autonomously controlled.

[0014] According to a second aspect, a vehicle is provided that comprises a pedal device according to the first aspect. Brief description of drawings

[0015] The invention is now to be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. The invention is described when being placed for use in a vehicle.

[0016] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a pedal device according to an embodiment of the invention in both working position and resting position.

[0017] Fig. 2 shows an opposite side view of the pedal shown in fig.1 , here only in its working position.

[0018] Fig. 3 shows a side view of another embodiment of a pedal device having an alternative type of force device, the pedal device being shown in its working position.

[0019] Fig. 4 shows a side view of another embodiment of a pedal device having another alternative type of force device, the pedal device being shown in its working position.

[0020] Fig. 5 shows a side view of another embodiment of a pedal device having another pedal arm construction, the pedal device being shown in its working position.

[0021 ] Fig. 6 shows a side view of another embodiment of a pedal device having yet another pedal arm construction, the pedal device being shown in its resting position and partly also in its working position.

[0022] Fig. 7 shows a side view of another embodiment of a pedal device, the pedal device being shown in its resting position as well as in its working position.

[0023] Figs. 8a shows a side view of another type of pedal device in its resting position.

[0024] Fig. 8b shows a side view of the other type of pedal device in its working position. Description of embodiments

[0025] In the following, a detailed description is given of a pedal device 1 according to the invention used for adjusting, regulating, and controlling functions in a vehicle. The vehicle in which the pedal device is intended to be installed is of the autonomous type, where in a first position, aka working position, a user can control and drive the vehicle, and in a second position, aka resting position, the vehicle itself does the driving with decision-making and operating different operations, such as braking and steering.

[0026] The pedal device 1 according to embodiments of the invention as described in figs. 1-7 comprises a pedal arm 2 having a first end 2a pivotably connected to an attaching device 2.1 for attachment inside a vehicle and a second free end 2b having a pedal 2c. The pedal arm 2 is pivotable or rotatable around a pivot axis defined by where the first end 2a of the pedal arm 2 is pivotably connected to the attaching device 2.1. The pedal arm 2 is selectively switchable between a working position 2A and a resting position 2B. In the working position 2A, when the pedal device 1 is mounted in a vehicle and ready to be used, a user, i.e. the driver of a vehicle, can manipulate the pedal arm by e.g. pressing the pedal 2c using his/her foot, to have the pedal arm 2 pivot around its pivot axis. By the user pushing the pedal 2c, when the pedal device is installed in a vehicle, the user is activating functions for adjusting, regulating, and controlling functions in the vehicle such as braking or accelerating the vehicle. In the resting position 2B of the pedal arm 2, the pedal 2c is retracted and cannot be reached by the foot of the user. Alternatively, the pedal 2c cannot be depressed by the user, i.e the pedal arm 2 cannot rotate around its pivot axis. In figs. 1 , 6 and 7, the pedal 2 is shown both in the working position 2A and in the resting position 2B. In figs. 2-5, the pedal is only shown in the working position 2A. The figs. 1 and 5-7 also shows a plane B, which symbolizes a position of a floor, wall or ceiling defining a space where the driver of the vehicle is situated, when the pedal device 1 has been mounted into a vehicle. In for example in fig. 1 , the plane B symbolizes a floor of this space and the pedal 2c is in this example situated immediately above this floor when the pedal is in the resting position 2B. [0027] Figures 1-4 and 7 describes a first possible design of the pedal arm 2 whereas figures 5 and 6 describe two other possible designs of the pedal arm 2. The first as well as the two other possible designs have the described technical features needed to work in a pedal device 1 according to this invention and work in a similar way. Figs. 1-5 and 7 each describe a standing pedal embodiment, i.e. where the pedal arm 2 is to point in an upwards direction counting from the first end 2a towards the second free end 2b after the pedal arm 1 has been mounted into a vehicle and the vehicle stands on its wheels on a horizontal surface. Fig. 6 on the other hand describes a hanging pedal embodiment, i.e. where the pedal arm 2 is to point in a downwards direction counting from the first end 2a towards the free end 2b after it has been mounted into a vehicle and the vehicle stands on its wheels on a horizontal surface.

[0028] In the embodiments of figs. 1 -6, the attaching device 2.1 for the pedal arm 2 is arranged for attachment to a vehicle by being fixedly connected to a rigid part X of the pedal device, such as a metal sheet. The rigid part X is then to be installed in a chassis of a vehicle. In the embodiments of figs. 1-7, the attaching device 2.1 comprises a pivot pin 2.1b, where the center of the pivot pin 2.1b defines the pivot axis. When the pedal 2c is manipulated by the user, e.g., pushed by the foot of the user, the pedal arm 2 rotates around the pivot pin 2.1 b.

[0029] Further, the pedal device 1 comprises an actuator 3 and a force device 4. The actuator 3 may have an elongate shape. A first end 3a of the actuator 3 is pivotably 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 the first end 3a of the actuator. The first end 3a of the actuator 3 is pivotably 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 pivotably attached to the pedal arm 2 at a position closer to the first end 2a than the second end 2b of the pedal arm 2. The pivotable attachment of the actuator 3 to the pedal arm 2 may be realized 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 a function of a vehicle such as for accelerating or braking the vehicle so that, depending on the manipulating of the user of the pedal arm 2 when the pedal arm 2 is in working position 2A, the function of the vehicle is controlled. When the pedal 2c is depressed, the actuator

3 is compressed in relation to the compression force of the user onto the pedal 2c, and the function of the vehicle, i.e. braking or accelerating, can be performed in relation to the compression force. This system for controlling a function of a vehicle is not part of the invention and is not shown in the figures.

[0031 ] The actuator 3 can be connected to a hydraulic driven accelerator or brake system. The actuator 3 can be connected to an electric driven accelerator or brake system. The actuator 3 can then comprise a brake simulator or an accelerator simulator, which provides a feel of hydraulic pedal function of the pedal arm 2 when the user manipulates the pedal arm 2. Then the movement of the pedal arm 2 may be sensed by a sensor, not shown in the figures, which sends a signal to an electric system for controlling a function of a vehicle, e.g., affecting an acceleration or a brake of the vehicle, in dependence on the sensing of the sensor.

[0032] As mentioned, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is connected to the force device 4. The force device 4 is arranged, by transferring force, to force the actuator 3 to move, or switch, between a first position 3A and a second position 3B. Figs. 1 and 7 each shows the actuator 3 in both the first position 3A and the second position 3B. In fig. 1 this can be seen from the two drawn second ends 3b of the actuator. Figs. 2-5 each shows the actuator 3 in the first position 3A only.

Fig. 6 shows the actuator 3 in the second position 3B only, whereas the pedal arm 2 is shown both in the working position 2A and the resting position 2B.

[0033] As the actuator 3 is connected with its first end 3a to the pedal arm 2, the movement of the actuator 3 between the first position 3A and the second position 3B forces the pedal arm 2 to switch between the working position 2A and the resting position 2B. The actuator 3 is arranged so that it has a defined length from its first 3a to its second end 3b when not being depressed. When the force device

4 is moving the actuator 3 from the second position 3B towards the first position 3A and consequently the pedal arm 2 from the resting position 2B towards the working position 2A, the pedal arm 2 is pushed in a direction away from the force device 4. When the force device 4 moves the actuator 3 from the first position 3A towards the second position 3B and thereby the pedal arm 2 from the working position 2A towards the resting position 2B, the pedal arm 2 is pulled in a direction towards the force device 4. When the pedal arm 2 is in the working position 2A, the pedal arm 2 can be pushed by the foot of the user and still be in the working position. It is the force device 4 that alters the pedal arm 2 between the working position 2A and the resting position 2B by moving the actuator 3. When the pedal arm 2 is in its resting position 2B, the user will not be able to move the pedal arm 2 by pushing the pedal 2c, as the pedal arm 2 then is physically retracted. The user will hereby get more space for the feet inside the vehicle, in the pedal area, as the pedal arm 2 is retracted.

[0034] According to an embodiment, the force device 4 comprises a motor, preferably electric driven. The motor may in one embodiment, such as the one shown in the embodiment of fig. 2, be a rotation motor 4.1 capable of running both forwards and backwards. According to another embodiment, such as the one shown in the embodiment of fig. 3, the motor may be a linear motor 4.2. In another embodiment, shown in fig 4, the force device 4 comprises a manually manipulatable force transmission lever 4.3. According to an embodiment, the user can push a button that triggers a signal to be sent to the force device 4 to start working.

[0035] In the embodiments shown in figs. 2-4, the pedal device 1 has a force transmitting pivot 6 connected to the force device 4. The pedal device 1 further has a lever 7. The force transmitting pivot 6 and the lever 7 are affected by the force device 4 to move the actuator 3 between the first position 3A and the second position 3B. The second end 3b of the actuator 3 is connected to the force transmitting pivot 6 via the lever 7. The lever 7 has a first end firmly attached to the force transmitting pivot 6, and an opposite second end rotatably attached to the second end 3b of the actuator 3. When in use, the force device 4 rotates the lever 7 around the force transmitting pivot 6 whereby the second end 3b of the actuator 3 can be moved between the first and second positions 3A and 3B. [0036] In the embodiment of fig, 2, the rotation motor 4.1 rotates the force transmission pivot 6, e.g. a shaft. As the first end of the lever 7 is firmly attached to the force transmission pivot, rotation of the force transmission pivot 6 rotates the lever around the pivot 6 and the lever 7 lifts the second end 3b of the actuator 3. Depending on the rotation direction of the rotation motor 4.1 , the lever 7 is either rotated clockwise or counterclockwise around the pivot 6, whereby the actuator 3 is moved between its first and second positions 3A and 3B, respectively.

[0037] In the embodiment of fig. 3, the linear motor 4.2 is capable of running both forwards and backwards. The linear motor 4.2 may be arranged in line with the actuator 3. The linear motor 4.2 is connected to the second end of the lever 7 and arranged to act on the lever 7 with a pulling and pushing force, respectively, so that the lever 7 rotates around the pivot 6 and moves the second end 3b of the actuator 3 in a rotational movement around the force transmission pivot 6 between the first position 3A and the second position 3B.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in fig 4, the force transmission lever 4.3 is connected to the second end of the lever 7 and arranged to act on the lever 7 with a pushing and pulling force, in a similar manner as for the embodiment of fig. 3. The force transmission lever 4.3 may be manipulated, for example by the user of the vehicle pushing or pulling the force transmission lever 4.3, either directly or indirectly via any kind of actuating function.

[0039] According to an embodiment, 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 moving of the actuator 3 from the first position 3A to the second position 3B when the force device 4 determines that the actuator 3 is in the second position 3B. Further, 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 moving 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. The force device may be equipped with stop functions for determining those positions. In case the force device is a motor, the motor may have a preset first motor position (rotation position for the rotation motor 4.1 or a linear position for the linear motor 4.2) that corresponds to the first position 3A of the actuator 3, so that when the motor detects it is in the first motor position, it also knows that the actuator 3 is in its first position 3A.AIternatively, a position sensor sensing e.g. the position of the second end 3b of the actuator 3 may be used for determining when the actuator is in the first position 3A. In a similar way, the second position 3B of the actuator 3 can be detected.

[0040] According to another embodiment, which is shown in figs. 1-6, the pedal device 1 comprises a first physical stop support 5a, arranged to hold the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when the actuator is in the first position 3A and to stop the moving of the actuator 3 from the second position 3B to the first position 3A. The pedal device may also comprise a second physical stop support 5b arranged to hold the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when the actuator is in the second position 3B and to stop the moving of the actuator 3 from the first position 3A to the second position 3B. The first and second physical stop supports 5a, 5b are each securely connected to the rigid part X of the pedal device 1 , which rigid part X is securely connected to the chassis of a vehicle when the pedal device 1 has been inserted into a vehicle. X.

[0041] According to an embodiment, each physical stop support 5a/5b, comprises a notch 5c, see e.g., fig. 1 and fig. 2. The notch 5c defines a resting face 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 may be designed in such way that it slides into the respective notch 5c of the first and second physical stop support 5a, 5b when moved by the force device 4. Since the working position 2A of the pedal arm 2 is the position where the user manipulates the pedal arm 2, the first stop support 5a is exposed to forces from the foot of the user.

[0042] As mentioned, when the pedal arm 2 is in the resting position 2B, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is in its second position 3B. According to the embodiments of fig. 1 -6, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is further away from the attaching 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. As shown in fig. 1 , a distance L1 between the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when in the first position 3A, in fig. 1 represented by the first physical stop support 5a, and the attaching device 2.1 of the pedal arm 2 is shorter than a distance L2 between the second end 3b of the actuator 3 when in the second position 3B, in fig. 1 represented by the second physical stop support 5b, and the attaching device 2.1 of the pedal arm 2.

[0043] According to an embodiment shown in figs. 1-6, the force device 4 is arranged for moving 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 part W to a second location at the rigid part W which second location is further away from the rigid part W than the first location. This is another way of explaining that the distance L1 discussed above is shorter than the distance L2.

[0044] When installed in a vehicle, placement of pedal devices in common is in a space in front of the driver of the vehicle, in front of the legs of the user when the user is seated. A pedal of the pedal device can then be worked on by a driver’s foot. The pedal device can be installed in a floor, a ceiling, or a wall of the part of the vehicle forming this space. The pedal can be in a more or less upright position from the bottom area of the space or can hung from the top area. All these placements are possible for this invention, for this pedal device 1. Figure 6 shows a pedal device 1 according to this invention being in a hanging position. In figure 6, the actuator is in its second position 3B, in which the pedal arm 2 is in position 2B, in which the pedal 2c is situated close to or even flush with the plane B, which being installed in a vehicle. The plane B in this embodiment of hanging pedals may be the wall of the internal space of the vehicle. All other figures show standing pedal devices 1.

[0045] When the pedal device 1 has been installed in a vehicle and the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is moved from its first position 3A to its second position 3B, the pedal arm 2 is moved towards the force device 4 into the resting position 2B. In this resting position 2B of the pedal arm 2, the pedal arm 2 is retracted away from the driver’s feet, whereby the resting position 2B gives more space for the driver^'s feet. The pedal device 1 is preferably installed in a vehicle so that in the resting position 2B, the pedal 2c is slightly above, in level with or even under the plane B. Plane B may for example be a flooring, carpet or other construction attached inside the vehicle.

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

[0047] Figure 7 shows an alternative in which the movement of the actuator between its first position 3A and its second position 3B is performed not by changing the position of the second end 3b of the actuator in relation to the attaching device 2.1 as in the embodiments described in figs. 1-6. Instead, in this embodiment, the pedal device 1 further comprises a link arrangement 8a, 8b onto which the second end 3b of the actuator 3 is securely arranged and the position of the link arrangement 8a, 8b is changed by moving a second end 8b2 of the link arrangement 8a, 8b between a first link arrangement position 8A and a second link arrangement position 8B. In other words, the actuator 3 is connected with its second end 3b to the same position of the link arrangement 8a, 8b in both the first and the second position 3A, 3B of the actuator, but the position of the link arrangement 8a, 8b is changed. The link arrangement 8a, 8b comprises a first link arm 8a onto which the attaching device 2.1 is securely arranged and a second link arm 8b. A first end 8a1 of the first link arm 8a is to be rotatably arranged to a part of the chassis of the vehicle, when the pedal device 1 is mounted into a vehicle. A second end of the first link arm 8a opposite the first end 8a1 is rotatably arranged to a first end of the second link arm 8b by a link 8c. A second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b opposite its first end is connected to the 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 arrangement position 8A and its second link arrangement position 8B when moving the actuator 3 between its first position 3A and its second position 3B. In the example of fig. 7, the second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b is further away from the attaching device 2.1 when in the second link arrangement position 8B than in the first link arrangement position 8A. In fig. 7, the different parts that are moved in position when moving between the first link arrangement position 8A and the second link arrangement position 8B are shown and have been given different notions, so that when in the first link arrangement position that part has been given notion ‘ and when in the second link arrangement position the same part has been given notion ", for example, the actuator 3 when in the first link arrangement position is called 3’ and when in the second link arrangement position is called 3”. Further, in the embodiment of fig. 7, the second end 3b of the actuator is connected to the same position on the first link arm 8a all the time, that is in both the first and the second link arrangement position 8A, 8B.

In one embodiment, which is shown in fig. 7, the second end 3b of the actuator 3 lies in, or is secured to, a stop 5a securely arranged to the first link arm 8a in both the first and second link arrangement position. The pedal device 1 may further comprise a block 9, which is to be securely arranged to the chassis of the vehicle. The block 9 has a first stop or notch 9a in which the second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b is to be situated when in the first link arrangement position 8A and a second stop or notch 9b in which the second end 8b2 of the second link arm 8b is to be situated when in the second link arrangement position 8B. The first stop or notch 9a is situated closer to the attachment device 2.1 than the second stop or notch 9b.

[0048] Figs. 8A and 8B describe a pedal device having a pedal arm 12 and a link arrangement 18a, 18b comprising a first link arm 18a and a second link arm 18b. The pedal arm 12 has a first end 12a rotatably attached to the first link arm 18a. The pedal arm further comprises a free end 12b. This pedal device may function as an accelerator pedal device. The pedal arm 12 can be in a first position, aka working position, which is shown in fig. 8A and a second position, aka resting position shown in fig 8B. For functioning as an accelerator pedal device, the pedal device has actuating functions 14 for sensing quantitative pressure on the pedal arm 12 by a driver, when the pedal device is installed in a vehicle, and to control accelerating functions of the vehicle in comparison to the quantitative pressure on the pedal arm 12, when the pedal device is in the working position. In the working position, the pedal arm 12 can therefore be pressed towards the first link arm 18a rotating around its rotatable attachment with its first end 12a. The actuating functions 14 are connected to the link arm 18a, for example by having one end of an actuator firmly connected to the link arm 18a, in a similar way as for the embodiment of fig. 7.

[0049] When the pedal arm 12 is in the resting position shown in fig. 8B, which is the autonomous driving mode, the actuating functions 14 are arranged not to react on any pressure exerted by the driver on the pedal arm 12. Still further, in the second position, the pedal arm is stowed away from the driver^'s feet, so that when the pedal device has been installed in a vehicle, the pedal arm 12 is more or less flush with a plane, which may be a floor or wall of a driving compartment of the vehicle.

[0050] The link arrangement 18a, 18b is used for moving the pedal arm 12 between its working position (fig. 8a) and its resting position (fig 8b). The first link arm 18a has a first end 18a1 that is arranged to be rotatably arranged to a chassis of the vehicle, when the pedal device is mounted into a vehicle. The first link arm 18a has a second end 18a2 opposite its first end 18a1 , which second end 18a2 is pivotably linked to a first end 18b1 of the second link arm 18b. The second link arm 18b further has a second end 18b2 opposite its first end 18b1.

[0051 ] By moving the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b between a first link arrangement position (fig. 8a) and a second link arrangement position (fig. 8B), the pedal arm 12 is moved between its working position and its resting position.

[0052] The pedal device further comprises a force device 15, similar to the force device 4 described in the embodiments of figs. 1-7. The second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is connected to the force device 15. The force device 15 is arranged to move the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b between its first link arrangement position (fig. 8a) and its second link arrangement position (fig. 8b) whereby the pedal arm 12 is moved between its working position and its resting position. [0053] In the example of fig. 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 arrangement position than in the first link arrangement position.

[0054] Figs. 8a and 8b also show a first stop 17a symbolizing where the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is situated when the pedal device is in the first link arrangement position (fig. 8a) and a second stop 17b symbolizing where the second end 18b2 of the second link arm 18b is situated when the pedal device is in the second link arrangement position (fig. 8b). The stops 17a, 17b may be physical stops or stop functions in a similar way as described for the above embodiments of figs. 1-7.

[0055] A pedal device according to this invention is to be placed inside a vehicle to be used. The pedal device can be seen as a separate device when buying and handling it, but full function of the pedal device will be at hand when the pedal device is installed inside a vehicle. Different attachments and adjustments may be needed for installing into a vehicle but that is in the hands of professional vehicle builders.

[0056] The present invention is not limited by the description above or what is shown in the figures but can be modified in several ways within the inventive idea stated in the attached set of claims.

Claims

1. A pedal device (1 ) to be used for control of functions of a vehicle, as braking and/or accelerating, the pedal device comprising an attaching device (2.1) for attachment inside a vehicle, and a pedal arm (2) having a first end (2a) pivotably connected to the attaching device (2.1) and a second free end (2b) having a pedal (2c), the pedal arm (2) being selectively switchable between a working position (2A) and a resting position (2B), where, when the pedal device (1) is mounted in a vehicle, and the pedal arm (2) is in the working position (2A), a user of the vehicle can use the pedal arm (2) for the control of functions, by pushing the pedal (2c) for pivoting the pedal arm (2) and, when the pedal arm (2) is in the resting position (2B), the pedal arm (2) is blocked from being used by the user, and the pedal device (1 ) further comprises an actuator (3) and a force device (4), where the actuator (3) has a first end (3a) connected to the pedal arm (2) and a second end (3b) connected to the force device (4), and where the force device (4) is arranged for moving 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 resting position (2B).

2. Pedal device according to claim 1 , further comprising a rigid part (X) to be attached inside a vehicle, onto which rigid part (X) the attachment device (2.1) is securely arranged, wherein the force device (4) is arranged for moving 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 part (X) to a second location at the rigid part (X) which second location is further away from the rigid part (X) than the first location.

3. Pedal device (1 ) according to claim 2, where the pedal device (1 ) has a force transmitting pivot (6) connected to the force device (4), and a lever (7), where the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is connected to the force transmitting pivot (6) via the lever (7), whereby the force device (4) is arranged to move the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) between its first and second location.

4. Pedal device (1 ) according to claim 3 where a first end of the lever (7) is firmly attached to the force transmitting pivot (6), and the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) is rotatably attached to a second end of the lever (7) so that the second end (3b) of the actuator (3, 31 ) can be moved between its first and second locations as the lever (7) is rotated by the force device (4).

5. Pedal device (1 ) according to any of claims 1 -4, comprising a first physical stop support (5a), arranged to hold the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when the actuator is in the first position (3A) and to stop the moving of the actuator (3) from the second position (3B) to the first position (3A) and/or a second physical stop support (5b) arranged to hold the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when the actuator is in the second position (3B) and to stop the moving of the actuator (3) from the first position (3A) to the second position (3B).

6. Pedal device (1 ) according to any of claims 2-5 wherein a distance (L1 ) between the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when in the first position (3A) and the attaching device (2.1) of the pedal arm (2) is shorter than a distance (L2) between the second end (3b) of the actuator (3) when in the second position (3B) and the attaching device (2.1) of the pedal arm (2).

7. Pedal device according to claim 1 , further comprising a link arrangement comprising a first link arm (8a) having a first end (8a1) to be rotatably attached inside a vehicle, onto which first link arm (8a) the attachment device (2.1) is securely arranged, the link arrangement further comprising a second link arm (8b) having a first end rotatably interconnected with a second end of the first link arm (8a) opposite its first end (8a1), wherein the force device (4) is arranged for moving the actuator (3) between its first position (3A) and its second position (3B) by moving a second end (8b2) of the second link arm (8b) between a first and a second link arrangement position (8A, 8B).

8. Pedal device according to claim 7, further comprising a first physical stop support (5a), arranged to hold the second end (8b2) of the second link arm (8b) when the actuator is in the first position (3A) and to stop the moving of the actuator (3) from the second position (3B) to the first position (3A) and/or a second physical stop support (5b) arranged to hold the second end (8b2) of the second link arm (8b) when the actuator is in the second position (3B) and to stop the moving of the actuator (3) from the first position (3A) to the second position (3B).

9. Pedal device (1 ) according to any of claims 1 -5 or 7 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 moving 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 moving 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).

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

9.