Motor vehicle with an adjustment device arranged in the footwell and method for controlling the longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle

Abstract

Motor vehicle (2) with an adjustment device (3) arranged in a footwell (1) of the motor vehicle (2) and operable by a driver with at least one foot for setting a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle (2), and with a control device which is designed to detect the request and, depending on the detected request, to output control signals for implementing the request, where the setting device (3) is designed as a touchpad (4) with a touch-sensitive operating surface (10), so that the request can be set by touching the operating surface (10) with at least one foot, characterized in that a) the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has a common operating zone (13) for acceleration and braking, and the control device is designed to subject an input made by the driver with at least one foot at the common operating zone (13) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one acceleration pattern (21) and one braking pattern (24), and - after detecting the acceleration pattern (21), to output control signals for accelerating the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the braking pattern (24), to output control signals for braking the motor vehicle (2), and / or b) the control device is designed to subject an input which the driver makes with at least one foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one first and one second pattern (15, 18, 21, 24) and - after detecting the first pattern (15, 21), to output control signals for increasing the acceleration of the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the second pattern (18, 24), to output control signals for increasing a braking force of the motor vehicle (2), and / or c) the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has an operating zone (13c) associated with a clutch of the motor vehicle (2), and the control device is designed to output control signals for opening the clutch after receiving an input made by the driver with at least one foot at this operating zone (13c), and / or d) the control device is designed to determine a number of operating zones (13) to be provided within the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) depending on a received data value, and / or e) the touchpad (4) has a haptic device which is designed to apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and thereby provide haptic feedback (20) to the driver.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle having an adjustment device arranged in a footwell of the motor vehicle, operable by a driver with at least one foot, which is designed to set a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle, and having an electronic control device configured to detect the request and, depending on the detected request, to output control signals for implementing the request. The invention also relates to a method for controlling the longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle by means of an adjustment device arranged in the footwell.

[0002] In this case, the focus is on controlling the longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle, specifically a passenger car. To control the speed of a motor vehicle, pedals are typically used in the driver's footwell, which can be operated with the driver's feet. The number of pedals used varies depending on the type of transmission used: an automatic transmission uses an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, while a manual transmission also uses a clutch pedal. The pedals represent an overall adjustment device by means of which a requirement for accelerating or braking the motor vehicle can be set.The current position of the pedals and thus the set request is detected by sensors. Depending on the detected request, control signals are sent to the corresponding control units of the vehicle to implement the set request regarding acceleration or braking. When the brake pedal is pressed, control signals are sent to a brake control unit; when the accelerator pedal is pressed, control signals are sent to an engine control unit.

[0003] Such a motor vehicle with an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal located in the footwell is known, for example, from document DE 10 2007 003 740 A1. An operating device for determining a setpoint from the actuation of a control element is known from document DE 102 29 749 B4.

[0004] State-of-the-art technology also includes motor vehicles specifically designed for disabled persons. Instead of the aforementioned pedals, additional steering column switches can be used, for example, to control the vehicle's longitudinal direction. In this case, the speed is adjusted with the hands, not the feet.

[0005] It is the object of the invention to show a way in which the setting of the requirement for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle can be carried out particularly conveniently in a motor vehicle of the type mentioned at the beginning.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a motor vehicle and by a method having the features according to the respective independent patent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent patent claims, the description, and the figures.

[0007] A motor vehicle according to the invention comprises an adjustment device arranged in a footwell of the motor vehicle, operable by a driver with at least one foot, which serves to set a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle. The motor vehicle also comprises a control device designed to detect the request and, depending on the detected request, to output control signals for implementing the request, in particular to output them to at least one control unit of the motor vehicle. According to the invention, the adjustment device is designed as a touchpad with a touch-sensitive operating surface, so that the request is set by touching the operating surface with at least one foot.

[0008] As an alternative to conventional pedals, it is proposed that the adjustment device located in the footwell—especially one permanently installed—be designed as a touchpad or touch panel, whose touch-sensitive operating surface can be touched with the foot to adjust the acceleration and / or braking request. With such a touchpad, the request can be adjusted particularly conveniently. Configuring the adjustment device as a touchpad also has the advantage that its functionality can be expanded compared to conventional pedals. For example, additional functions can be controlled using the touchpad.The use of a touchpad in the footwell thus enables the control of additional functions with the feet, which can be particularly advantageous for disabled people, especially when the mobility of the arms or hands is restricted and operating steering column switches is therefore cumbersome. However, the use of a touchpad in the footwell can also prove particularly advantageous for disabled people in general with regard to setting the acceleration and / or braking request. Depending on the specific mobility restriction, the touchpad can be configured in such a way that the request can also be set by a disabled person without much effort. While with conventional pedals a minimum amount of force is always required to operate the pedals, a touchpad can, for example,be configured so that small movements with the foot are sufficient to set the desired acceleration and / or braking force.

[0009] The detection of contact with the touch-sensitive surface of the touchpad can be carried out in a variety of ways. For example, the touchpad can be a capacitive touchpad, in which a large number of capacitors determine the position at which the surface is touched with the foot. However, it is also possible to design the touchpad as a resistive touchpad, which reacts to pressure applied to the surface, temporarily connecting two electrically conductive layers.

[0010] The motor vehicle preferably includes a position adjustment device designed to adjust the position of the touchpad in the footwell. This allows the position of the touchpad in the footwell to be adapted to the individual anatomical characteristics of the driver. Each driver can adjust the touchpad to their own optimal position.

[0011] For example, the position adjustment device can comprise a pivot bearing by means of which the touchpad is mounted in the footwell so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis, namely in particular about a pivot axis running in the transverse direction of the vehicle. Additionally or alternatively, the position adjustment device can also comprise a guide bearing by means of which the touchpad is arranged so as to be displaceably guided in the footwell along a guide direction, in particular the vehicle's longitudinal direction. The guide bearing can also be designed such that the touchpad can be displaced back and forth in a straight line along the guide direction. In this way, the position of the touchpad in the footwell can be adjusted with a wide variety of degrees of freedom and thus adapted to the size of the driver.

[0012] The touch-sensitive control surface can be divided into any number of functionally separate control zones assigned to different functions. For example, a single control zone can be provided where inputs can be made for all functions, or at least two such control zones can be provided that are functionally separate from each other and thus assigned to different functions. If at least two control zones are provided, the control surface can be divided either mechanically or by circuitry by providing multiple touch fields, or virtually or by software using the control device.This means that the at least two operating zones can be provided independently of one another in terms of circuitry, so that the touchpad has at least two touch fields that are independent of one another in terms of hardware, or the control device can divide the touch-sensitive operating surface into at least two operating zones in terms of software and thus virtually, so that these different operating zones can basically be designed as desired during operation using the control device.

[0013] Regardless of the type of division, various designs can be provided: If the touch-sensitive operating surface is divided into at least a first and a second operating zone, the first operating zone can be used to set the acceleration request, while the second operating zone can be assigned to the braking function. After receiving an input that the driver makes by touching the first operating zone with at least one foot, the control device can provide control signals based on which the motor vehicle is accelerated. Accordingly, after receiving an input that the driver makes with at least one foot on the second operating zone, the control device can output control signals which then cause the motor vehicle to brake. Similar to conventional pedals, the first operating zone assigned to the acceleration function can be arranged on the right side of the second operating zone, which is assigned to the braking function.In this way, it is possible to control the longitudinal movement of the vehicle in the usual way, but without having to operate mechanical pedals.

[0014] Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the touch-sensitive operating surface has a common operating zone for acceleration and braking. In a special embodiment, this common operating zone can also be the only operating zone of the operating surface, so that the operating surface has exclusively a single operating zone. With such a common operating zone, the distinction between an acceleration request on the one hand and a braking request on the other hand is preferably made using predetermined patterns, in particular using movement patterns that can be input by a sliding movement of the foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface. In other words, the control device can subject an input that the driver makes with at least one foot on the common operating zone to pattern recognition with regard to at least one acceleration pattern and one braking pattern.If the acceleration pattern is recognized, control signals can be output to accelerate the vehicle. If, however, the braking pattern is recognized by the control device, the latter control signals can be sent to a brake control unit, which actuates a braking system of the vehicle based on the received control signals. The following patterns are merely examples: A sliding movement of the foot on the common operating zone forward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction can be assigned to an acceleration request; a sliding movement backward in the vehicle's longitudinal direction can, in turn, trigger control signals that cause the vehicle to brake. Control of the longitudinal movement of the vehicle is therefore particularly intuitive and requires little effort on the part of the driver.

[0015] Regardless of the number of control zones provided, a first pattern for increasing the acceleration and a second pattern for increasing the braking force of the motor vehicle are preferably specified. If the driver makes an input with their foot on the touch-sensitive control surface, the control device can subject this input to pattern recognition with regard to the first and second patterns. Upon recognition of the first pattern, it can output control signals for increasing the acceleration of the motor vehicle, and upon recognition of the second pattern, it can output control signals for increasing the braking force. Thus, the driver can also specify the strength of the acceleration or deceleration of the motor vehicle without much effort using the touchpad.

[0016] Particularly in a motor vehicle with a manual transmission, it can be provided that the touch-sensitive operating surface has an operating zone assigned to a clutch of the motor vehicle. The control device can be designed to output control signals for opening the clutch after receiving an input that the driver makes with at least one foot at this operating zone. Said operating zone can in particular be provided separately from the operating zones assigned to the acceleration function and the braking function. The operating zone of the clutch can in particular be arranged on the left side of the operating zone assigned to the braking function. In this embodiment, the clutch of the motor vehicle can be opened particularly easily and intuitively by touching the corresponding operating zone, for example with the left foot, whereby no particular force is required on the part of the driver.

[0017] The touchpad can also be used to implement an emergency braking function, which is used for emergency braking of the motor vehicle. After triggering this emergency braking function, the control device can, for example, send control signals to the brake control unit, which, based on the control signals, causes the motor vehicle to stop immediately or at least to reduce its speed significantly. The following embodiments can be provided for implementing the emergency braking function on the touchpad: Firstly, a corresponding pattern can be specified for the emergency braking function, such as a strong, simultaneous touch of the touch-sensitive control surface with both feet. The control device checks the driver's inputs to determine whether the predetermined pattern is being entered on the control surface and, upon receiving this pattern, generates control signals for emergency braking of the motor vehicle.Alternatively, the touch-sensitive control surface can also be provided with an operating zone specifically assigned to the emergency braking function. Then, upon receiving an input from the driver with their foot in this operating zone, the control device can output control signals for emergency braking of the vehicle. Such an emergency braking function serves a safety purpose and can be activated particularly quickly using the touchpad.

[0018] As already explained, the control device can provide any number of functionally independent, virtual operating zones within the touch-sensitive operating surface using software. In one embodiment, the number of operating zones to be provided is determined depending on a data value received by the control device. This data value can be entered into the control device, for example, during the production process, so that the number of operating zones is determined in the production process by appropriate programming of the control device. This has the advantage that identical touchpads can be provided for different vehicle types and the touch-sensitive operating surface can be designed for each vehicle by appropriate programming of the control device.This means that there is no need to develop and manufacture different touchpads for different types of vehicles, which eliminates the need to provide different touchpads with the associated disadvantages in terms of development and manufacturing costs.

[0019] By entering appropriate data values ​​into the control unit, the geometric shape and / or size and / or arrangement of the operating zones within the touch-sensitive control surface can be specified in addition to the number of operating zones. This configuration can also be performed during the manufacturing process.

[0020] It is also possible for the driver to enter the specified data value into the control device, allowing the driver to configure the control zones themselves. For this purpose, an operating device can be provided in the motor vehicle, for example, by means of which the driver can define the number and / or size and / or geometric shape and / or arrangement of the control zones within the touch-sensitive control surface.

[0021] It is advantageous if the touchpad has a haptic device that can apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface and thereby provide haptic feedback to the driver. This makes operation of the touchpad even more intuitive. For example, the driver can be informed via the haptic device about the accuracy of their inputs on the touchpad. This embodiment proves particularly advantageous when the aforementioned operating zones are defined virtually and thus there are no visual boundaries between the respective operating zones on the touchpad. Appropriate haptic feedback can reliably support the driver in orienting themselves within the touch-sensitive operating surface.

[0022] The haptic device can be used, for example, to demonstrate the configuration of the operating zones within the operating surface to the driver when the motor vehicle is started up. When the motor vehicle is started up, the control device can output a request signal to the driver via an output device, requesting them to touch a predetermined operating zone of the operating surface. Such a request signal can be output, for example, using a display on which the entire touch-sensitive operating surface is graphically represented and the operating zone in question is visually highlighted. After receiving an input that the driver makes in response to the request signal by touching the predetermined operating zone, the control device can control the haptic device to provide haptic feedback, by means of which the driver is informed that the specified operating zone has been correctly actuated.This ensures that the driver knows the current configuration of the touchpad even if the individual operating zones of the touchpad are not visually marked.

[0023] If at least one operating zone is defined within the touch-sensitive operating surface, haptic feedback can be provided during operation of the vehicle even if the driver touches the operating zone at its edge rather than in the center. The driver can be informed of such an incorrect touch of the operating zone via the haptic device, for example, by continuously providing haptic feedback until the driver correctly places their foot back in the center of the operating zone. This can prevent incorrect operation.

[0024] If the driver touches the edge of the operating zone and haptic feedback is output, the control device can check the direction in which the driver moves their foot in response to the haptic feedback. In other words, the control device detects the direction of movement of the foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface. If it is detected that the foot is moving away from the edge towards the inside of the operating zone or towards the center of the operating zone, the strength of the haptic feedback can be reduced, in particular steadily or continuously with the distance of the foot from the edge of the operating zone. If, on the other hand, it is detected that the foot is moving towards the outside of the operating zone, the strength of the haptic feedback can be increased. In this case, the driver is prompted to move their foot back towards the inside of the operating zone and operate the touchpad correctly. It proves convenient if the touchpad has at least one control zone, via which the driver can activate and / or deactivate an additional function that is independent of the longitudinal guidance of the vehicle. For example, by touching such a control zone, an infotainment system and / or a (seat) heater and / or a windshield wiper of the vehicle can be activated or deactivated.

[0025] In one embodiment, the touchpad can have a support area adjacent to the touch-sensitive operating surface, which serves to support at least one foot when operating the touchpad. This makes operating the touchpad particularly convenient.

[0026] A method according to the invention is used to control the longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle by means of an adjustment device arranged in a driver-side footwell of the motor vehicle. By actuating the adjustment device with at least one foot, a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle is set. A control device detects the request and, depending on the detected request, outputs control signals for implementing the request. A touchpad with a touch-sensitive operating surface is used as the adjustment device, and the request is set by touching the operating surface with at least one foot.

[0027] The preferred embodiments presented with reference to the motor vehicle according to the invention and their advantages apply accordingly to the method according to the invention.

[0028] Further features of the invention emerge from the claims, the figures, and the description of the figures. All features and combinations of features mentioned above in the description, as well as the features and combinations of features mentioned below in the description of the figures and / or shown alone in the figures, can be used not only in the respective specified combination, but also in other combinations or even on their own.

[0029] The invention will now be explained in more detail using individual preferred embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective view of a footwell of a motor vehicle with an adjustment device according to an embodiment of the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of the footwell according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 to 13 show schematic representations of adjustment devices in the form of a touchpad according to different embodiments; and Fig. 14 to 35 show a schematic top view of a touchpad, with different configurations of the touchpad being explained in more detail.

[0031] In Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a footwell 1 of a motor vehicle 2, namely in the exemplary embodiment of a passenger car. The driver's side footwell 1 is designed without pedals and therefore does not contain any pedals as used in conventional motor vehicles for longitudinal guidance. Instead, an adjustment device 3 in the form of a touchpad 4 is arranged in the footwell 1, by means of which the longitudinal movement of the motor vehicle 2, i.e. the speed or movement of the motor vehicle 2 in the vehicle's longitudinal direction x, can be controlled. The touchpad 4 is therefore used to set an acceleration request and a braking request and is operated with the driver's feet. The touchpad 4 is attached to a floor 5 of the footwell 1 and arranged at an angle to the floor 5.

[0032] Referring to Fig. 2, the position of the touchpad 4 in the footwell 1 can be adjusted by the driver themselves. For example, a pivot bearing can be provided for this purpose, via which the touchpad 4 can be pivoted in both directions about a pivot axis 7 running in the vehicle transverse direction y, as shown by the arrow 6. This allows the angle between the touchpad 4 and the floor 5 to be adjusted. Additionally or alternatively, a guide bearing can also be provided, by means of which the touchpad 4 can be moved back and forth in the footwell 1 along a guide direction 8. This allows the distance of the touchpad 4 from the driver's seat to be adjusted.

[0033] With further reference to Fig. 1, next to the touchpad 4, and more precisely on its left side, is a plate-like support element 9 on which the driver can rest his or her left foot. This support element 9 can also be integral and thus formed in one piece with the touchpad 4.

[0034] The touchpad 4 is designed in the form of a plate or panel. It has a touch-sensitive operating surface 10, which faces the driver of the motor vehicle 2. The operating surface 10 can be a flat surface or, alternatively, it can be curved, for example, convex or concave. Various embodiments of the touchpad 4 are described in the Fig. 7 to 13. According to Fig. 7, the touchpad 4 or the operating surface 10 can be flat and thus planar. A convex design of the operating surface 10 around the vehicle's longitudinal axis x is Fig. 8 shown. Fig. 9 shows a concave design of the control surface 10 around the x-axis. According to Fig. 10, the operating surface 10 can be convex with respect to the y-axis. If required, a free-surface shape of the operating surface 10 can also be Fig. 11, i.e. a curved configuration with different radii of curvature. As further shown in Fig. 12, the operating surface 10 can be designed with a double curvature around the y-axis. Finally, a concave design around the y-axis according to Fig. 13 possible.

[0035] The touchpad 4 can also have at least two separate and mechanically or circuit-technically separated touch fields 4a, 4b, as shown in the Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 6. The touch panels 4a, 4b can be arranged next to each other in the vehicle transverse direction y. They can be attached to the floor 5 independently of each other, so that the position of the touch panels 4a, 4b in the footwell 1 can be individually adjusted. According to the Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, the two touch fields 4a, 4b can be individually pivoted around the pivot axis 7. While in the embodiment according to Fig. 3 this pivot axis 7 runs at one end of the touch fields 4a, 4b in the area of ​​the floor 5, the pivot axis 7 extends in the embodiment according to Fig. 4 also in the vehicle transverse direction y, but approximately centrally through the two touch fields 4a, 4b.

[0036] According to a further embodiment described in Fig. As illustrated in Figure 6, the two touch panels 4a, 4b are immobile and thus arranged stationary relative to the floor 5 in the footwell 1 and are firmly connected to one another. Between the touch panels 4a, 4b there is a web 11 in the form of a ridge, which extends beyond the operating surface 10 and points towards the driver.

[0037] Another embodiment of the touchpad 4 is shown in Fig. 5. Here, the touchpad 4 is formed in one piece and is pivotably mounted in the footwell 1 about a pivot axis 12, which runs perpendicular to the pivot axis 7 and lies in the xz plane.

[0038] The touchpad 4 can be a resistive or a capacitive touchpad. However, the invention is not limited to such touchpads, and the detection of the touch on the operating surface 10 can, in principle, be implemented in any desired manner. The detection of the touch occurs by means of an electronic control device (not shown in detail in the figures), which can, for example, also be integrated into the touchpad 4 itself. This control device receives the inputs that the driver makes with his feet on the operating surface 10 and generates corresponding control signals, which then cause the motor vehicle 2 to accelerate or brake.

[0039] In all of the embodiments described above, it can be provided that the touch-sensitive operating surface 10 is divided into several operating zones by means of the control device's software. The number, geometric shape, and size of these operating zones are preferably determined during the manufacturing process by entering corresponding data values ​​into the control device, thus programming it. In terms of hardware, identical touchpads 4 can thus be manufactured for a wide variety of vehicle types, and only the configuration of the operating zones can be individually configured by appropriate programming of the control device.

[0040] Referring now to Fig. 14, for example, three rectangular operating zones 13a, 13b, 13c can be defined within the touch-sensitive operating surface 10. The operating zones 13a, 13b, 13c are arranged distributed in the vehicle transverse direction y, with a first operating zone 13a serving to set the acceleration request, a second operating zone 13b arranged between the two other operating zones 13a, 13c serving to set the braking request, and the third operating zone 13c serving to disengage the clutch of the motor vehicle 2. By touching the first operating zone 13a with the foot, the motor vehicle 2 can thus be accelerated, while touching the middle second operating zone 13b causes the motor vehicle 2 to brake. When changing gear, the third operating zone 13c is touched, which in turn causes the clutch to disengage.

[0041] Such a configuration of the operating zones 13a, 13b, 13c as shown in Fig. 14, proves to be advantageous in motor vehicles 2 with a manual transmission. However, if an automatic transmission is used, the third operating zone 13c can be omitted, and only two operating zones 13a, 13b can be defined within the operating surface 10, as shown in Fig. 15 are shown schematically. The first operating zone 13a is assigned to setting the acceleration request, while the second operating zone 13b is used to set the braking request.

[0042] A further development of the Touchpad 4 according to Fig. 15 is in Fig. 17. Here, in addition to the first and second operating zones 13a, 13b, three further operating zones 13d are provided, for example, which are assigned to various additional functions, such as an infotainment system, seat heating, a windshield wiper, and the like.

[0043] It is also possible to define a single operating zone 13 within the touch-sensitive operating surface 10, as shown in Fig. 16 is shown schematically. Both the acceleration request and the braking request can be set here by touching the operating zone 13. To distinguish between the acceleration request on the one hand and the braking request on the other, the inputs made by the driver are subjected to pattern recognition. Predetermined patterns are stored in the control device 10, with which the patterns entered by the driver are compared. These are described in more detail below.

[0044] It should be noted at this point that the control zones 13 shown in the figures are only virtual and are not visually marked or highlighted on the control surface 10. The configuration of the control zones 13 is communicated to the driver by other means, such as a separate display.

[0045] Referring now to the Fig. 18 to 23, a possible operating mode of the touchpad 4 or a possible control of the longitudinal movement of the motor vehicle 2 is shown below using the example of the configuration according to Fig. 15 (automatic transmission). It is initially assumed that the motor vehicle 2 is stationary. If the driver now touches the first operating zone 13a, as shown in Fig. 18 with 14, the motor vehicle 2 is initially accelerated with a relatively low acceleration. This acceleration can be increased by entering a predetermined pattern at the first operating zone 13a. Such a pattern can, for example, involve the driver performing a sliding movement with his foot at the operating zone 13a in a forward direction, as shown in Fig. 19 is indicated by 15. The acceleration is increased as long as the driver moves his foot according to the arrow 15. If the movement is now stopped and the foot is placed stationary within the operating zone 13a, as in Fig. 20 is designated 16, the speed of the motor vehicle is kept constant. Acceleration can be reduced accordingly by moving the foot in the opposite direction. It can also be provided that after releasing the touchpad 4, the motor vehicle 2 enters coasting mode.

[0046] A braking process can be as follows: If the motor vehicle 2 is moving at a constant speed or the foot is at a fixed point in the operating zone 13a, as shown at 16 in Fig. 21, the braking process can be initiated by the driver taking his foot off the operating zone 13a and touching the second operating zone 13b, as shown in Fig. 22 is indicated by 17. The motor vehicle 2 is now braked with a constant braking force. The braking force can also be increased by entering a predetermined pattern at the second operating zone 13b, for example, when the driver performs a sliding movement with his foot in a rearward direction. Such a pattern is shown in Fig. 23 with 18. The braking force is increased as long as the driver moves his foot in the control zone 13b. Accordingly, the braking force can be reduced by moving the foot in the opposite direction.

[0047] An emergency braking function can also be activated using the touchpad 4: For example, if the driver touches the first operating zone 13a, as in Fig. 24 with 16, and the motor vehicle 2 is thus moving at a constant speed, the emergency braking can be initiated, for example, if the driver simultaneously strongly touches the two operating zones 13a, 13b with both feet, ie the operating zone 13a with the right foot and the operating zone 13b with the left foot. This double contact is in Fig. 25 is designated 19. However, it is also possible to specify a different pattern for emergency braking than the double touch 19.

[0048] The emergency braking can be activated by simultaneously touching the control surface 10 with both feet, regardless of how many control zones 13 are present. Simultaneous touching of the control surface 10 with both feet is also possible with a single control zone 13 (see Fig. 16) trigger the emergency braking function.

[0049] If the emergency braking function is activated, a haptic feedback 20 can be provided to the driver by means of a haptic device of the touchpad 4, as shown in Fig. 26. This haptic feedback 20 then signals that the emergency braking has been activated.

[0050] Referring now to the Fig. 27 to 29, a possible control of the longitudinal movement of the motor vehicle 2 by means of a single operating zone 13 (cf. Fig. 16). The control of the longitudinal movement is carried out here with the help of patterns which are entered in the operating zone 13. If the motor vehicle 2 is stationary, it can be accelerated by the driver selecting an acceleration pattern 21 according to Fig. 27, namely performing a sliding movement with his foot in a forward direction. During this movement, the acceleration can be continuously increased and kept constant after the movement has stopped. With another pattern 22 according to Fig. 28, namely with a sliding movement of the foot in a left direction, a speed control can be activated so that the motor vehicle 2 moves at a constant speed. If the foot is then moved in a right direction according to a further pattern 23, this speed control can be deactivated. By entering a braking pattern 24 according to Fig. 29 can be used to transmit control signals to a brake control unit, which then cause the vehicle 2 to brake. The braking force can be continuously increased as long as the driver moves his foot backward. After stopping the movement, the braking force is maintained constant. Here, too, cruise control can be activated by entering pattern 22 or deactivated again by entering pattern 23.

[0051] When starting up the motor vehicle 2, the driver is first shown the configuration of the operating zones 13. With reference to Fig. 30, the available operating zones 13a', 13b' can be displayed on a display 25 as an output device. With the aid of a request signal 26 - here in the form of an optical highlighting of the operating zone 13a' - the driver is prompted to touch the first operating zone 13a of the touchpad 4. If this operating zone 13a is touched in response to the request signal 26, a haptic feedback 20 is output to the driver, as shown in Fig. 31 is shown schematically. The haptic feedback 20 thus signals that the correct operating zone 13a has been activated. The same is then repeated for all other available operating zones, in the present embodiment, for the second operating zone 13b. According to Fig. 32, a haptic feedback 20 is also generated for this operating zone 13b when the driver touches the same operating zone 13b in response to a corresponding request signal 26.

[0052] The existing haptic device can also be used to warn the driver if he does not touch the respective operating zone 13 correctly, for example in an edge area. Such a warning is now referred to the Fig. 33 to 35. If, for example, the driver touches the operating zone 13a in an edge area 27 so that the foot also covers an outer edge 28, a haptic feedback 20 is provided. The control device then checks the direction in which the driver moves his foot. If the foot is moved towards the inside of the operating zone 13a, the strength of the haptic feedback 20 is reduced, as shown in Fig. 34 is indicated schematically. If the edge 28 is released again or if the foot is within the operating zone 13a at a predetermined distance from the edge 28, the haptic feedback is completely deactivated, as in Fig.35. However, if the control device detects that the foot is moving outside the operating zone 13a, the strength of the haptic feedback 20 is increased.

Claims

[1] Motor vehicle (2) with an adjusting device (3) arranged in a footwell (1) of the motor vehicle (2) and operable by a driver with at least one foot for setting a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle (2), and with a control device which is designed to detect the request and, depending on the detected request, to output control signals for implementing the request, where the setting device (3) is designed as a touchpad (4) with a touch-sensitive operating surface (10), so that the request can be set by touching the operating surface (10) with at least one foot, characterized by , that a) the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has a common operating zone (13) for acceleration and braking, and the control device is designed to subject an input made by the driver with at least one foot at the common operating zone (13) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one acceleration pattern (21) and one braking pattern (24), and - after detecting the acceleration pattern (21), to output control signals for accelerating the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the braking pattern (24), to output control signals for braking the motor vehicle (2), and / or b) the control device is designed to subject an input which the driver makes with at least one foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one first and one second pattern (15, 18, 21, 24) and - after detecting the first pattern (15, 21), to output control signals for increasing the acceleration of the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the second pattern (18, 24), to output control signals for increasing a braking force of the motor vehicle (2), and / or c) the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has an operating zone (13c) associated with a clutch of the motor vehicle (2), and the control device is designed to output control signals for opening the clutch after receiving an input which the driver makes with at least one foot at this operating zone (13c), and / or d) the control device is designed to determine a number of operating zones (13) to be provided within the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) depending on a received data value, and / or e) the touchpad (4) has a haptic device which is designed to apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and thereby provide haptic feedback (20) to the driver. [2] Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 1, characterized by a position adjustment device for adjusting the position of the touchpad (4) in the footwell (1). [3] Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 2, characterized by that the position adjustment device comprises: - a pivot bearing, by means of which the touchpad (4) is pivotably mounted in the footwell (1) about a pivot axis (7, 12), in particular a pivot axis (7) running in the vehicle transverse direction (y), and / or - a guide bearing, by means of which the touchpad (4) is arranged in the footwell (1) so as to be displaceable along a guide direction (8), in particular the vehicle longitudinal direction (x). [4] Motor vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has at least a first and a second operating zone (13a, 13b) and the control device is designed to - after receiving an input which the driver makes with at least one foot at the first operating zone (13a), to output control signals for accelerating the motor vehicle (2) and - after receiving an input which the driver makes with at least one foot at the second operating zone (13b), to output control signals for braking the motor vehicle (2). [5] Motor vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that - the control device is designed to subject an input made by the driver with at least one foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) to a pattern recognition with regard to a pattern (19) associated with an emergency braking function and, after recognition of this pattern (19), to output control signals for emergency braking of the motor vehicle (2), and / or - the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has an operating zone (13) assigned to the emergency braking function and the control device is designed to output control signals for emergency braking of the motor vehicle (2) after receiving an input which the driver makes with at least one foot in this operating zone (13). [6] Motor vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the touchpad (4) has the haptic device which is designed to apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and thereby provide haptic feedback (20) to the driver, and the control device is designed to output a request signal (26) to touch a predetermined operating zone (13) of the operating surface (10) to the driver by means of an output device (25) when the motor vehicle (2) is started up, and to control the haptic device to provide haptic feedback (20) after receiving an input which the driver makes in response to the request signal (26) by touching the predetermined operating zone (13). [7] Motor vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that the touchpad (4) has the haptic device which is designed to apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and thereby provide haptic feedback (20) to the driver, and at least one operating zone (13) is defined within the touch-sensitive operating surface (10), and the control device is designed to control the haptic device to provide haptic feedback (20) after receiving an input which the driver makes by touching an edge region (27) of the operating zone (13). [8] Motor vehicle (2) according to claim 7, characterized by that the control device is designed to detect a direction of movement of the foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and - if the foot moves away from the edge area towards the interior of the operating zone (13), to reduce the strength of the haptic feedback (20), and / or - if the foot moves towards outside the operating zone (13), increase the strength of the haptic feedback (20). [9] Motor vehicle (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the touchpad (4) has at least one operating zone (13d) for activating and / or deactivating an additional function independent of acceleration and braking. [10] Method for controlling the longitudinal movement of a motor vehicle (2) by means of an adjusting device (3) arranged in a footwell (1) of the motor vehicle (2), wherein a request for acceleration and / or braking of the motor vehicle (2) is set by actuating the adjusting device (3) with at least one foot, and wherein the request is detected by means of a control device and control signals for implementing the request are output depending on the detected request, where a touchpad (4) with a touch-sensitive operating surface (10) is used as the setting device (3) and the request is set by touching the operating surface (10) with at least one foot, characterized by , that a) the control device is designed to subject an input which the driver makes with at least one foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one first and one second pattern (15, 18, 21, 24) and - after detecting the first pattern (15, 21), to output control signals for increasing the acceleration of the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the second pattern (18, 24), to output control signals for increasing a braking force of the motor vehicle (2) and / or b) the control device is designed to subject an input which the driver makes with at least one foot on the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) to a pattern recognition with regard to at least one first and one second pattern (15, 18, 21, 24) and - after detecting the first pattern (15, 21), to output control signals for increasing the acceleration of the motor vehicle (2) and - after detecting the second pattern (18, 24), to output control signals for increasing a braking force of the motor vehicle (2), and / or c) the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) has an operating zone (13c) associated with a clutch of the motor vehicle (2), and the control device is designed to output control signals for opening the clutch after receiving an input which the driver makes with at least one foot at this operating zone (13c), and / or d) the control device is designed to determine a number of operating zones (13) to be provided within the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) depending on a received data value, and / or e) the touchpad (4) has a haptic device which is designed to apply a force to the touch-sensitive operating surface (10) and thereby provide haptic feedback (20) to the driver.

Images