Procedures for operating a motor vehicle and motor vehicle

Abstract

Method for operating a motor vehicle (1) operable with respect to its longitudinal guidance in an at least partially automated operating mode and a driver mode in which the longitudinal guidance is carried out by a driver (2), comprising a driver's seat (3) with a footwell (4) associated with the driver's seat (3) in which at least one pedal (5) influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) is arranged, and an air bag (6) inflatable by an inflation device (7) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the air bag (6) is operated at different times in a stowed state in which it is not inflated and in an inflated state in which it serves as a footrest, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Recording driving information indicating whether the motor vehicle (1) is currently operating in at least partially automated mode or in driver mode, - Evaluating an inflation condition whose fulfillment depends on driving information, - Inflation of the air bag (6) by the inflation device (7) when the inflation condition is met, wherein the motor vehicle (1) used has the characteristics, - that, on the one hand, the airbag (6) is attached to and / or in an end wall (16) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein the airbag (6) expands substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag (6) is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) on both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) only on the side facing the front of the motor vehicle, or - that, on the other hand, the airbag (6) is attached to and / or in a floor section (19) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein the airbag (6) expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle (1) when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein the airbag (6) in the inflated state is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for operating a motor vehicle. The invention also relates to a motor vehicle.

[0002] Autonomous driving, meaning automated longitudinal and lateral control, is currently gaining increasing importance in motor vehicles. Often, motor vehicles are only operated automatically in certain driving situations. This means that, on the one hand, they can be driven and controlled by a driver like conventional vehicles, and on the other hand, particularly depending on the situation, at least some of the control activities otherwise performed by the driver can be automatically or autonomously taken over by, for example, a control unit of a driver assistance system.

[0003] Motor vehicle pedals, such as the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals, are typically designed to enable the driver to control the vehicle. Conversely, these pedals usually serve no function during autonomous driving and therefore take up unnecessary space, particularly in the footwell.

[0004] Against this background, KR 10 2017 0 137 427 A proposes that the pedals be covered by a rigid, pivoting cover during the phase in which the vehicle is operated autonomously. The cover prevents the driver from unintentionally operating the pedals.

[0005] However, dirt in the footwell can impair the functionality of the cover.

[0006] From DE 10 2017 007 579 A1 a vehicle is known with a support device arranged in the area of ​​a driver's footwell, which is transferred from a rest position to an active position, for example automatically and based on the driver's seating position when autonomous driving operation is detected, in particular by filling a volume of the support device with gas.

[0007] Another inflatable footrest for a driver of a motor vehicle is known from US 4 955 658 A.

[0008] The object of the invention is to provide a footwell concept that is improved compared to known systems, can increase driver comfort and is in particular largely insensitive to soiling of the footwell.

[0009] According to the invention, the problem is solved by a method for operating a motor vehicle that can be operated in an at least partially automated operating mode and a driver mode in which the longitudinal guidance is provided by a driver, wherein the motor vehicle comprises a driver's seat with a footwell associated with the driver's seat in which at least one pedal influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle is arranged, and an air bag that is inflatable by an inflation device of the motor vehicle, wherein the air bag is operated at different times in a stowed state in which it is not inflated and in an inflated state in which it serves as a footrest, wherein the method comprises the following steps: - Recording driving information indicating whether the vehicle is currently operating in at least partially automated mode or in driver mode, - Evaluating an inflation condition whose fulfillment depends on driving information, - Inflation of the air bag by the inflation device when the inflation condition is met.

[0010] Furthermore, the inventive method provides that the motor vehicle used has the following features: - that, on the one hand, the airbag is attached to and / or in a front wall of the motor vehicle that delimits the footwell, wherein the airbag expands substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the footplate of at least one pedal with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle only from the side facing the front of the motor vehicle, or - that, on the other hand, the airbag is attached to and / or in a floor section of the motor vehicle that defines the footwell, wherein the airbag, when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the or a tread surface of the at least one pedal with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle from both sides.

[0011] In at least partially automated operating mode, it is typically not necessary for the pedals to be accessible to the driver. For example, in Autonomy Level 4 or higher, as defined by the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE International), the driver is not required to operate the pedals, particularly the accelerator, brake, and / or clutch pedals, since at these levels of autonomy dynamic driving tasks such as longitudinal control (i.e., controlling the vehicle's acceleration and braking) and monitoring the driving environment are performed automatically, without any further input from the driver. Therefore, when the vehicle is in at least partially automated operating mode, the airbag is preferably inflated and can be comfortably used by the driver as a footrest.

[0012] In contrast, the preferred method is to stow the airbag in such a way that it is neither visible nor accessible to the driver. In this stowed state, the driver can therefore reach and operate the pedals with their feet without restriction.

[0013] In other words, the recorded driving information relates to whether the driver is currently controlling the vehicle, i.e., whether the vehicle is in driver mode, or whether the vehicle is currently being driven at least partially automatically, i.e., whether the vehicle is in at least partially automated operating mode. Provided the inflation condition is met, which is particularly the case when the vehicle is currently in at least partially automated operating mode, the airbag is inflated by the inflation device and unfolds, allowing the driver to use the inflated airbag as a comfortable footrest, as mentioned previously, since they do not need to operate the pedals anyway.

[0014] Since, compared to the case where a footrest is provided by complicated mechanisms, such as a pivoting mechanism of rigid components or the like, the unfolding of the air bag during inflation is a comparatively simple process, the system according to the invention is significantly less susceptible to malfunctions in the event of possible contamination by, for example, dust, pebbles or other debris in the footwell.

[0015] The inflation of the airbag is particularly advantageous immediately after switching from driver mode to at least semi-automated operating mode.

[0016] Preferably, a control unit of the motor vehicle can be configured to evaluate the inflation condition. In particular, it is conceivable that the control unit constitutes part of a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle and thus also controls the autonomous driving of the motor vehicle.

[0017] The inflation device used to inflate the airbag can be, for example, an electrically operated pump or compressor, which, when the inflation condition is met, operates at a substantially constant pumping output for a fixed time interval. This time interval is expediently adapted to the time the pump needs to inflate the airbag from its stowed state to its fully inflated state. A pump with variable output is also conceivable for this purpose.

[0018] The airbag is preferably made of a suitable foldable and / or stretchable material such as a plastic, in particular an elastomer, or the like. The airbag may also have a reinforcing element on one side, the foot end. The foot end is the side of the airbag that, when inflated, faces the rider and thus forms the contact surface with the rider's feet when the airbag is used as a footrest. The reinforcing element may, for example, be a layer of leather attached to the surface of the airbag, an additional layer of plastic, or the like. Similarly, the foot end of the airbag may be reinforced compared to the other sides, for example, by having a greater wall thickness.

[0019] In the method according to the invention, it can be provided that, upon fulfillment of a takeover condition, the airbag is first deflated from the inflated state to the stowed state by the inflation device or a deflation device, after which the system switches from the at least semi-automated operating mode to the driver mode. In other words, the inflated airbag, which can be used as a footrest, can be deflated back to the stowed state when it is necessary for the driver to be able to reach and operate the pedal with their feet again due to an impending switch from the at least semi-automated operating mode to the driver mode.

[0020] The takeover condition can therefore be fulfilled, in particular, when a switch from autonomous operating mode to driver mode is imminent, i.e., will occur within a period of, for example, 5 seconds to a few minutes. The point at which the airbag begins to deflate from its inflated state to its stowed state should be chosen so that, at the moment the switch from at least semi-automated operating mode to driver mode takes place, the airbag is completely deflated. Otherwise, the pedal might not be able to be pressed in time at the start of driver mode without the airbag interfering or obstructing it.

[0021] Switching from at least partially automated operating mode to driver mode may be necessary spontaneously, particularly at a time when the driver is not necessarily expecting it. This can occur, for example, if the driver assistance system detects a problem affecting the at least partially automated driving operation, thus requiring driver intervention within a short time or even immediately. Since the takeover condition is also met in this case, and the airbag is therefore transferred from its inflated state to its stowed state, a haptic warning, perceptible through the driver's feet, can be advantageously provided, as the driver feels the footrest suddenly fold away and release the pedal.Thus, moving the airbag from its inflated state to its stowed state means that, in addition to any visual and / or audible warning signals, the driver is alerted that intervention in the driving process is necessary and imminent. Furthermore, it is conceivable that if a problem occurs with the at least partially automated driving system immediately before the airbag is moved from its inflated to its stowed state, the inflation mechanism will operate for a very brief period, particularly less than one second, to further intensify the warning effect for the driver by delivering a short, sudden impulse from the airbag to the driver's feet.

[0022] The takeover condition can also be met if, for example, an input from the driver via a designated control element indicates a desired change from at least partially automated operating mode to driver mode. This can be the case, for instance, if the vehicle can generally be operated in at least partially automated mode, but the driver nevertheless wishes to drive manually due to boredom, enjoyment of driving, or similar reasons.

[0023] The evaluation of the acceptance condition can be carried out, for example, by a control unit of the motor vehicle.

[0024] The inflation device, which may be designed as a pump or compressor, can be configured to deflate the airbag from its inflated state to its stowed state by drawing the air out of the airbag. Alternatively, or in addition, the airbag can be deflated from its inflated state to its stowed state by a deflation device, which may also be designed as a pump.

[0025] To move the airbag from the inflated state to the stowed state, a valve can be provided which is designed as part of the inflation device or as the deflation device or as part of the deflation device, wherein the valve is opened when the acceptance condition is met, wherein atmospheric pressure prevails in particular on the side of the valve facing away from the airbag, causing air to flow out of the airbag and thereby bringing it into the stowed state.

[0026] With the valve open, the airbag can be returned from its inflated state to its deflated state by means of a restoring force. This restoring force can be applied by a restoring element coupled to the airbag on one side and to a fixed component of the vehicle on the other. Additionally or alternatively, the elasticity of the airbag, which in this case is made of an elastomer, can also be used. In principle, however, the restoring element can also be any suitable electromechanical actuator.

[0027] Advantageously, footrest information can be recorded indicating whether the airbag is inflated or stowed. The inflation condition is only met or can only be met if the airbag is stowed and the vehicle is in at least semi-automated operating mode, and / or the takeover condition is only met or can only be met if the airbag is inflated. This advantageously ensures that the inflation condition, and consequently any activation of the inflation device to inflate the airbag, does not occur if the airbag is already inflated. Similarly, the takeover condition is not met, and consequently the inflation or deflation device is not activated, if the airbag is already stowed.

[0028] Furthermore, it can be provided that a preset value entered by a driver regarding the desired firmness and / or expansion of the airbag in the inflated state is recorded, whereby the pressure within the airbag, and thus the desired firmness and / or expansion, is adjusted depending on the preset value. Here, the pressure within the airbag represents an adjustable parameter that corresponds to the firmness of the airbag and / or its expansion into the footwell of the vehicle. The pressure within the airbag can preferably be adjusted by the duration for which the inflation device is operated, particularly with a substantially constant pump output, or by adjusting the pump output.If the inflation device includes a valve and / or the deflation device includes a valve or is designed as a valve, the pressure can also be adjusted by opening the valve for a predetermined period. Thus, the pressure within the airbag is parameterized based on the duration of operation of the inflation device or the duration of opening of any valve. However, it is equally conceivable that a sensor could detect the current pressure within the airbag, and the pressure within the airbag could then be adjusted accordingly.

[0029] Regarding the adjustment of the airbag's expansion and pressure, it is possible to make ergonomic adjustments to the driver's physical characteristics, similar to the lumbar support adjustment already found in driver's seats. It is conceivable that the driver could specify the desired values ​​via a control input, or that pre-stored, particularly driver-specific, default values ​​could be used.

[0030] The pressure inside the airbag can be regulated by a control loop. This involves evaluating a measured value of the current pressure, for example from a pressure sensor, and then controlling the inflation and / or deflation device to regulate the pressure inside the airbag based on this value.

[0031] In the method according to the invention, it can also be provided that the airbag is inflated when a collision of the motor vehicle is detected and / or an imminent collision of the motor vehicle is predicted. In this case, the airbag synergistically not only assumes the function of a footrest but also acts as a foot airbag, providing the driver with additional protection in a crash situation. Collision detection can be achieved, for example, by an impact or acceleration sensor of the motor vehicle generating a corresponding signal, which is evaluated, for example, by the control unit in order to send a corresponding control command to the inflation device or to another inflation device, such as an explosive device or the like, that enables the sudden inflation of the airbag.In this case, the airbag serves as a foot airbag. A signal generated by a distance sensor, particularly a radar sensor, can be used, for example, to detect an imminent collision of the vehicle.

[0032] The invention also relates to a motor vehicle. The features described for the method according to the invention, along with the aforementioned advantages, are transferable to the motor vehicle according to the invention, and vice versa.

[0033] The motor vehicle according to the invention comprises a driver's seat with a footwell associated with the driver's seat, in which at least one pedal influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle is arranged, an airbag inflatable by an inflation device of the motor vehicle, and a control device, wherein the control device or a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle is configured to carry out the longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle at least semi-automatically in an at least semi-automated operating mode, wherein the control device is configured to evaluate an inflation condition and, upon fulfillment of the inflation condition, to control the inflation device in such a way that the inflation device inflates the airbag and thus brings it from a stowed state to an inflated state in which the airbag serves as a footrest, wherein the inflation condition depends on detected driving information indicatingwhether the motor vehicle is currently being operated in at least partially automated operating mode or in a driving mode in which longitudinal control is provided by a driver.

[0034] Furthermore, the motor vehicle according to the invention is provided to - that, on the one hand, the airbag is attached to and / or in a front wall of the motor vehicle that delimits the footwell, wherein the airbag expands substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the footplate of at least one pedal with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle only from the side facing the front of the motor vehicle, or - that, on the other hand, the airbag is attached to and / or in a floor section of the motor vehicle that defines the footwell, wherein the airbag, when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the or a tread surface of the at least one pedal with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle from both sides.

[0035] In the motor vehicle according to the invention, it can also be provided that the control device is configured to evaluate a detected takeover condition, wherein the takeover condition is fulfilled when a change from the at least partially automated operating mode to the driver mode is imminent, and upon fulfillment of the takeover condition, the inflation device or a deflation device is controlled in such a way that the inflation device or the deflation device moves the air bag from the inflated state to the stowed state.

[0036] It can be designed so that, starting from the attachment point of the airbag, the inflated airbag extends rearward along the vehicle's longitudinal axis and / or upwards along the vehicle's vertical axis into the footwell at least as far as the pedal's tread. This advantageously prevents the driver from reaching the tread when inflated, thus preventing unintentional pedal activation. From the driver's perspective, the pedals are virtually invisible or completely enveloped by the airbag, with the inflated airbag, which can be used as a footrest, now occupying the footwell in place of the pedals.

[0037] In one of the embodiments of the invention, the airbag is attached to and / or in a front wall of the motor vehicle that defines the footwell, and the airbag extends substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle when transitioning from the stowed state to the inflated state. In the stowed state, the airbag is therefore located in the front area of ​​the footwell and extends substantially horizontally to the rear when transitioning to the inflated state.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the airbag, when inflated, is arranged adjacent to the pedal surface or a footplate with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle on both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle only on the side facing the front of the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable that, when inflated, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the pedal surface or a footplate with respect to the vertical axis of the motor vehicle only on the side facing the underbody of the motor vehicle. In other words, in this case, the airbag has a recess, in particular a cuboid one, in the area where the pedal is located, the dimensions of which can be adapted to the dimensions of the pedal or the footplate, thereby forming a receiving space for the pedal on or in the airbag.

[0039] If multiple pedals are provided in the footwell, the geometric features of the airbag described above can be implemented multiple times, i.e., separately for each pedal. In particular, this means that the airbag extends into the area or areas between the pedals when inflated. Alternatively, if multiple pedals are provided in the footwell, they can also be housed in a common space with the geometric features described above, in which case the airbag does not extend into the area or areas between the pedals.

[0040] In one of the embodiments of the invention, the airbag is attached to and / or within a floor section of the motor vehicle that defines the footwell, wherein the airbag expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle during the transition from the stowed state to the inflated state. In other words, the airbag is located in the lower area of ​​the footwell in the stowed state and unfolds substantially upwards, that is, in particular perpendicular to the floor, during the transition to the inflated state.

[0041] In this embodiment of the invention, it is further provided that the airbag, when inflated, is arranged adjacent to the pedal's tread surface on both sides with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle and / or on both sides with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle. It is also conceivable that, when inflated, the airbag is arranged adjacent to the pedal's tread surface only on the side facing the vehicle floor with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis. Here, too, a recess, particularly cuboid in shape, is provided in the airbag in which the pedal or the pedal's tread surface is arranged when the airbag is inflated.

[0042] Even if multiple pedals are provided in the footwell, the geometry described above can be implemented separately for each pedal on the airbag. In this case, too, the airbag extends between the pedals and their respective footplates. Alternatively, it can be provided that several pedals are accommodated in a common recess of the airbag when it is inflated. Figuratively speaking, the airbag in this case has a trough- or basin-like geometry.

[0043] According to the invention, it can also be provided that the airbag, when inflated, exerts a force on the pedal, particularly from below and elastically. This advantageously ensures that the pedal can only be operated with a corresponding effort and deformation of the inflated airbag, thus preventing unintentional pedal operation.

[0044] To move the airbag from its stowed state to its inflated state and vice versa, a guide element, such as at least one guide rail or the like, can be provided in the footwell. The airbag is guided along this guide element during deployment and deflation by means of an engagement element, for example, attached to or molded onto the airbag and engaging with the guide element. In this case, the airbag has only a single degree of freedom for deployment and stowage, thus preventing tilting or uneven deployment and stowage.

[0045] Although the airbag can be attached directly to the front or bottom section of the footwell, a suitable storage compartment located in or integrated into the footwell, which can be opened and closed, for example, by a flap, is conceivable for this purpose. Alternatively, instead of a flap, the storage compartment can be limited externally by the foot end of the airbag when the airbag is stowed. The foot end of the airbag thus serves as a support surface for the feet when the airbag is inflated and forms a final element of the storage compartment facing the footwell when the airbag is stowed.

[0046] In the motor vehicle according to the invention, it can further be provided that the inflation device comprises a valve and / or the deflation device is or comprises a valve or a further valve, wherein the valve and / or the further valve is an electromechanical valve that is open in a de-energized state and thus causes the airbag to be moved or remain in the stowed state. In particular, it is conceivable that the pressure on the side of the valve facing away from the airbag corresponds to atmospheric pressure, whereby the airbag preferably empties automatically when the valve is opened and is thereby brought into the stowed state.Should the motor vehicle or a component be in a faulty condition, for example, if the voltage of the vehicle's electrical system supplying the valve collapses, the resulting de-energized state of the valve causes it to open automatically, thus moving the airbag into the stowed position and releasing the pedal for the driver, who may need to take over control of the vehicle temporarily.

[0047] Preferably, the airbag is coupled to at least one restoring element, wherein the restoring element applies a restoring force to the airbag, which seeks to bring the airbag into the stowed state. The restoring element is advantageously coupled to the airbag on one side and to a fixed component of the vehicle on the other. This allows the airbag to be moved from the inflated state to the stowed state preferably solely by means of the restoring force, thus saving the need for additional electromechanical components. In particular, opening a valve may be sufficient to initiate the movement of the airbag into the stowed state. The restoring element can, for example, be an elastic element, especially an elastic spring.

[0048] However, the reset element can alternatively or additionally be an actuator. It is conceivable that the actuator is part of the draining device or the draining device itself.

[0049] The motor vehicle according to the invention may further be provided with at least one control element connected to the control unit for detecting a driver's operating action, wherein the control unit is configured to detect operating information relating to the occurrence of the operating action, and the fulfillment of the inflation condition and / or a stow condition additionally depends on the operating information. This enables the driver to bring the airbag, in particular from the deflated state to the stowed state, by means of a corresponding operating action. This can be the case, for example, if the driver does not want to use the footrest in at least partially automated operating mode and instead wants to drive manually. The control element can, for example, be designed as a control button, a touchscreen, or the like.

[0050] Furthermore, the motor vehicle according to the invention may be provided with a control element or another control element of the motor vehicle for detecting a preset value entered by the driver regarding a desired firmness and / or extent of the airbag in the inflated state, wherein the control device is configured to actuate the inflation device and / or a deflation device such that the pressure within the airbag, and thus the desired firmness and / or extent, is adjusted depending on the preset value. The control device may also be configured to generate the preset value itself, for example, based on driver-specific preset values ​​that are stored in a suitable database, particularly within the motor vehicle.

[0051] Further advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the exemplary embodiments described below and from the drawings. These schematically illustrate: Fig. 1 a first embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein an air bag is in the stowed state, Fig. 2 the motor vehicle Fig. 1, where the air bag is inflated, Fig. 3 a flowchart of an embodiment of the method according to the invention, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 a section of the motor vehicle from Fig. 1, where the airbag is in its stowed state, Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 a section of the motor vehicle from Fig. 1, where the air bag is inflated, Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 a section of a second embodiment of the motor vehicle according to the invention, wherein the airbag is in the stowed state, and Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. A section of the motor vehicle from the Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, with the air bag inflated.

[0052] Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. The motor vehicle 1 comprises a driver's seat 3 provided for a driver 2, with a footwell 4 associated with the driver's seat 3. Two pedals 5, namely an accelerator pedal and a brake pedal, are arranged in the footwell 4, by way of example. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 For the sake of clarity, only one of the two pedals 5 is shown. The motor vehicle 1 also includes an airbag 6 and an inflation device 7 for inflating the airbag 6.

[0053] A control device 8 of the motor vehicle 1 is configured to perform the longitudinal control of the motor vehicle 1 at least partially automatically when the motor vehicle 1 is in an at least partially automated operating mode, in particular in an autonomous driving mode. The motor vehicle 1 is therefore designed to be operated in a driving mode in which the longitudinal control of the motor vehicle 1 is performed by the driver 2, as well as in the at least partially automated operating mode in which the longitudinal control of the motor vehicle 1 is performed by the control device 8 or, more generally, by a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle 1.

[0054] In the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 further shows a three-dimensional coordinate system for defining the spatial directions with respect to the motor vehicle 1, wherein the x-axis points rearward in the direction of the vehicle's longitudinal axis, the y-axis upwards in the direction of the vehicle's vertical axis and the z-axis in the direction of the vehicle's transverse axis.

[0055] The inflatable airbag 6 can be put into a stowed state and into an inflated state, whereby in Fig. 1 of the airbag 6 in stowed state and in Fig. Figure 2 shows the airbag 6 in its inflated state. When the airbag 6 is stowed, it is located, particularly when folded, outside or at the edge of the footwell 4, so that the pedals 5 are easily accessible and operable for the driver 2. When the airbag 6 is inflated, it extends into the footwell 4 in such a way that the driver 2 can comfortably use it as a footrest. Although details regarding this will be explained later, the pedals 5 of the vehicle 1 are arranged in a recess of the airbag 6, so that the driver can no longer easily reach or operate the pedals 5 with their feet.

[0056] The inflation device 7 moves the airbag 6 from its stowed state to its inflated state and vice versa. For this purpose, the control device 8 is configured to transmit a control command to the inflation device 7, causing the airbag 6 to inflate or stow. Alternatively, the inflation of the airbag 6 can be achieved by a separate deflation device instead of the inflation device 7.

[0057] In Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to the invention, relating to the method described in the Fig. 1 and Fig. Figure 2 shows motor vehicle 1. The procedure is started in step S1. In step S2, driving information is acquired indicating whether motor vehicle 1 is currently operating in at least partially automated mode or in driver mode. Since, in the present embodiment, the control unit 8, which is part of a driver assistance system for motor vehicle 1, is provided for autonomous driving in at least partially automated mode, the driving information is acquired by evaluating whether the driver assistance system is currently active and controlling motor vehicle 1, or whether the driver is currently controlling motor vehicle 1 and it is therefore in driver mode.

[0058] In the next step S3 of the procedure, an inflation condition is evaluated, the fulfillment of which depends on the driving information. The inflation condition is fulfilled, in particular, if the vehicle 1 is operated in at least partially automated mode. In this case, it is typically not necessary for the driver 2 to operate the pedals 5, which is why access to the pedals 5 by the driver 2's feet 9 is also not absolutely necessary. If the inflation condition is not fulfilled, the procedure is terminated or restarted in step S1.

[0059] If, on the other hand, the inflation condition is met, the air bag 6 is inflated in step S4 by the inflation device 7, which is exemplified as an electrically operated air pump. The air bag 6 is thus transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state. As can be seen in particular in Fig. As can be seen in section 2, this allows the driver to comfortably use the airbag 6 to rest their feet 9. In other words, the airbag 6 can be used as a footrest in this case.

[0060] In step S4, the control device 8, which is connected to the inflation device 7 for this purpose, generates a control command which, in the example, causes the inflation device 7, which has an essentially constant pumping power, to be operated for a predetermined, fixed period of time, whereby the air bag 6 is fully inflated from its stowed state, in which it is expediently emptied as far as possible, and thus unfolds into the footwell 4.

[0061] In the next step S5 of the procedure, a takeover condition is evaluated. The takeover condition is fulfilled, in particular, when a switch from at least partially automated operating mode to driver mode is to take place. This can be the case, for example, if problems arise concerning the at least partially automated operating mode, requiring rapid intervention by the driver 2. Furthermore, the takeover condition can be fulfilled if an input is made by the driver 2, for example via a control element 10 designed as a touchscreen, indicating that the driver 2 wishes to change the airbag 6 from the inflated state to the stowed state. The control element 10 is advantageously located in the area of ​​a console 11 of the vehicle 1, which can therefore be easily reached by the driver 2 while driving.

[0062] If the acceptance condition is met, the process continues in step S6, in which the airbag 6 is moved from the inflated state to the stowed state. If the acceptance condition is not met, the airbag 6 remains inflated and the process continues in step S5.

[0063] The deflation of the airbag 6 in step S6 is carried out by the inflation device 7, which thus moves the airbag 6 from the inflated state to the stowed state, after which the system switches from the at least semi-automated operating mode to the driver mode. In driver mode, it is typically necessary for the driver 2 to be able to reach and operate the pedals 5, in particular with their feet 9. Moving the airbag 6 from the inflated state to the stowed state can also be accomplished by the separate deflation device, which can be designed as a valve, include a valve, or be designed as an air pump, in particular an electric one.

[0064] In the illustrated embodiment, the airbag 6 is moved from the inflated state to the stowed state by opening a valve 12 of the inflation device 7. While the valve 12 is in contact with the interior of the airbag 12 on one side, atmospheric pressure prevails on the other side of the valve 12. A control command generated by the control device 8 and transmitted to the inflation device 7 when the acceptance condition is met causes the valve 12 to open, so that the air contained in the airbag 6 escapes from the airbag 6 into the environment, thereby moving the airbag 6 from the inflated state to the stowed state. It is equally conceivable that, for this purpose, the air contained in the airbag 6 is pumped out, particularly by the inflation device 7.

[0065] To ensure that air escapes from the airbag when the valve 12 is open, a return element 13 is connected on one side to the airbag 6 and on the other side to a component fixed to the vehicle 1, such as the body or a part of the interior trim. The return element 13 is, for example, designed as an elastic spring. The return element exerts a restoring force on the airbag 6, which seeks to return the airbag 6 to its stowed state. In other words, when the airbag 6 is moved from its stowed state to its inflated state, the return element 13 is tensioned, and the energy stored in this tension is used when the valve 12 is opened to return the airbag 6 from its inflated state back to its stowed state.

[0066] Valve 12 is an example of an electromechanical air valve that is open when de-energized. This ensures that if a component of the vehicle 1 malfunctions and causes valve 12 to de-energize, valve 12 opens automatically, thereby moving or leaving the airbag 6 in its stowed state. This is particularly useful if the malfunction requires the driver 2 to take control of the vehicle 1 as quickly as possible and therefore operate the pedals 5.

[0067] Alternatively, an elastic element such as an elastomer band or the like, or an actuator, particularly an electromechanical one, could be used as the restoring element 13. The air bag 6 itself can also serve as a restoring element instead of a separate restoring element 13. This can be achieved, for example, by making the air bag 6 from an elastic material, such as an elastomer, so that it is tensioned during inflation.

[0068] Parallel to the procedural steps just described, the following takes place, as described in the Fig. As indicated by process step S7, a continuous evaluation is performed to determine whether a collision of motor vehicle 1 has been detected and whether an imminent collision of motor vehicle 1 is predicted. A collision of motor vehicle 1 can be indicated by a corresponding signal from an acceleration sensor 14 of motor vehicle 1, which is connected to the control unit 8. An imminent collision, on the other hand, is indicated by a corresponding signal from a distance sensor 15, which is exemplified as a radar sensor and is also connected to the control unit 8.

[0069] If a collision involving motor vehicle 1 is detected or an imminent collision is predicted, the airbag 6 is inflated in step S8 of the procedure and thus serves as a foot airbag, further increasing the safety of the driver 2. Although the inflation of the airbag 6 in step S8 can be carried out by the inflation device 7, a pyrotechnic device can alternatively be provided for this purpose, so that a sudden or explosive deployment of the airbag 6 occurs in a crash situation.

[0070] In the motor vehicle 1, it is further provided that the driver 2 can specify a desired firmness and / or expansion of the airbag 6 via the control element 10 (or alternatively, another control element of the motor vehicle). This specified value is evaluated by the control unit 8, which then sends a control command to the inflation device 7 to adjust the pressure within the airbag 6. This command causes the pressure within the airbag 6 to be set according to the specified value entered by the driver 2. This is made possible by the fact that the pressure within the airbag 6 correlates with the firmness of the airbag 6 and its expansion into the footwell 4.

[0071] The pressure is adjusted via the inflation device 7, for example, by setting the duration for which the inflation device 7 inflates the air bag 6. This can also be done even when the air bag 6 is already inflated. In this case, a further increase in the pressure within the air bag 6 results, for example, in an increase in the firmness of the air bag 6 or a greater expansion into the footwell 4. Similarly, the pressure within the air bag 6 can be reduced by opening the valve 12, which causes air to escape from the air bag 6 and thus reduces the pressure. It is also conceivable that the pump output of the inflation device 7 is adjusted accordingly based on the preset value.

[0072] In the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows a detailed view of the motor vehicle 1, in which the pedals 5 and the airbag 6 can be seen in particular. While in Fig. 4 shows a side view of these components. Fig. 5 a front view, that is, a view along the vehicle's longitudinal axis of these components. The airbag 6 is located in the Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 in the stowed state. It is particularly evident here that the airbag 6 is attached to an end wall 16, which defines the footwell 4. In the Fig. 6 and Fig. 7 is the same detailed view as in the Fig. 4 and Fig. Figure 5 shows, however, the airbag 6 is inflated. For clarity, other components of the motor vehicle 1 are shown in the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7 not shown.

[0073] As from the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. As can be seen from Figure 7, the airbag 6 moves rearward from its attachment point with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis, i.e., in the positive x-direction. When inflated, the airbag 6 extends further rearward into the footwell 4 with respect to the vehicle's longitudinal axis than both pedal surfaces 17 of the pedals 5, each pedal comprising a pedal surface 17 and a pedal lever 18. This ensures that the driver 2 can no longer easily reach or operate the pedals 5 with their feet 9 when the airbag 6 is inflated.

[0074] For each of the pedals 5, the airbag 6, when inflated, is adjacent to the respective footplate 17 on both sides with respect to the transverse axis of the vehicle (i.e., the z-direction), and on the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the x-axis) only on the side facing the front of the vehicle 1, and on the vertical axis of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the y-axis) only on the side facing the floor of the vehicle 1. By way of example, the airbag 6 thus forms a recess for each of the pedals 5 in which the respective pedals 5 are received when the airbag 6 is inflated. It is also conceivable that all pedals 5 are received in a larger recess of the airbag 6 compared to the illustrated embodiment.In the present embodiment, the air bag 6 therefore also extends into the space between the pedals 5 or the footplates 17.

[0075] The Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 essentially correspond to the Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. 7, wherein the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 relates to a second embodiment of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention. In principle, the provisions relating to the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. The features and advantages described in section 3 apply equally to the second embodiment of the motor vehicle 1, which is located in the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. 11 is shown.

[0076] The second embodiment differs from the one described in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, Fig. 5, Fig. 6 to Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the airbag 6 is not attached to the front wall 16 of the footwell 4, but instead to a floor section 19 of the motor vehicle 1 that delimits the footwell 4. Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 the airbag 6 is in the stowed state. How to get into the Fig. 10 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, where the airbag 6 is inflated, the airbag 6 extends upwards further into the footwell 4 with respect to the vehicle's vertical axis, i.e., with respect to the y-axis, than the footplates 17 of the pedals 5. This also means that the driver 2 cannot easily reach or operate the pedals 5 with their feet 9 when the airbag 6 is inflated. Therefore, when transitioning from the stowed state to the inflated state, the airbag 6 expands essentially along the vertical axis of the vehicle 1, i.e., in the positive y-direction.

[0077] As from the Fig. 8, Fig. 9, Fig. 10 to Fig. As can be seen in Figure 11, the airbag 6, when inflated, is arranged adjacent to the footplates 17 of the pedals 5 with respect to the transverse axis of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the z-axis) from both sides, with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the x-axis) from both sides, and with respect to the vertical axis of the vehicle 1 (i.e., the y-axis) only from the side facing the floor of the vehicle 1 or the floor section 19. A common recess is provided for the airbag 6, which in this case has a trough-shaped geometry. Here too, as in the first embodiment, the airbag 6, when inflated, can have recesses in which the pedals are arranged or, in effect, received.

[0078] In both illustrated embodiments of the motor vehicle 1, the airbag 6, when inflated, is in contact with the pedals 5 in such a way that the airbag 6 exerts an elastic force on the pedals from below or from the front. This further prevents the driver 2 from unintentionally operating the pedals 5.

[0079] Although in both embodiments of the motor vehicle 1 according to the invention the airbag 6 is attached externally to the front wall 16 or the floor section 19, alternatively, it can be provided that receiving or storage compartments are provided for receiving the airbag 6. These can, for example, be closed with a flap or be limited by one side of the airbag 6 when stowed.

[0080] As in particular from the Fig. 2, Fig. 6 and Fig.As can be clearly seen in Figure 10, the cross-section of the airbag 6 in the xy-plane has, for example, an essentially trapezoidal cross-section when the airbag 6 is inflated. The surface of the thus prismatic airbag 6 facing the feet 9 of the rider 2 is angled in space in such a way that the rider 2 can place his feet 9 in the most comfortable way possible without having to position them uncomfortably. Other geometric shapes of the airbag 6, such as a cuboid or the like, are of course equally conceivable.

Claims

[1] A method for operating a motor vehicle (1) that can be operated in at least a partially automated operating mode and a driver mode in which the longitudinal guidance is provided by a driver (2), comprising a driver's seat (3) with a footwell (4) associated with the driver's seat (3) in which at least one pedal (5) influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) is arranged, and an air bag (6) that is inflatable by an inflation device (7) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the air bag (6) is operated at different times in a stowed state in which it is not inflated and in an inflated state in which it serves as a footrest, the method comprising the following steps: - Recording driving information indicating whether the motor vehicle (1) is currently operating in at least partially automated mode or in driver mode, - Evaluating an inflation condition whose fulfillment depends on driving information, - Inflation of the air bag (6) by the inflation device (7) when the inflation condition is met, wherein the motor vehicle (1) used has the characteristics, - that, on the one hand, the airbag (6) is attached to and / or in an end wall (16) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein the airbag (6) expands substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag (6) is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) on both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) only on the side facing the front of the motor vehicle, or - that, on the other hand, the airbag (6) is attached to and / or in a floor section (19) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein the airbag (6) expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle (1) when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein the airbag (6) in the inflated state is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by , that in the motor vehicle (1) used it is further provided that the air bag (6) in the inflated state is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the vertical axis of the motor vehicle (1) only on the side facing the motor vehicle floor. [3] Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that upon fulfillment of a takeover condition the airbag (6) is first moved from the inflated state to the stowed state by the inflation device (7) or a deflation device, after which the system switches from the at least semi-automated operating mode to the driver mode. [4] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that a preset value entered by the driver (2) regarding a desired hardness and / or extent of the airbag (6) is detected in the inflated state, whereby the pressure inside the airbag (6) and thus the desired hardness and / or extent is adjusted depending on the preset value. [5] Method according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the airbag (6) is inflated when a collision of the motor vehicle (1) is detected and / or an imminent collision of the motor vehicle (1) is predicted. [6] Motor vehicle comprising a driver's seat (3) with a footwell (4) associated with the driver's seat (3) in which at least one pedal (5) influencing the driving operation of the motor vehicle (1) is arranged, an air bag (6) inflatable by an inflation device (7) of the motor vehicle (1) and a control device (8), wherein the control device (8) or a driver assistance system of the motor vehicle (1) is configured to carry out the longitudinal guidance of the motor vehicle (1) at least semi-automatically in an at least semi-automated operating mode, wherein the control device (8) is configured to evaluate an inflation condition and, when the inflation condition is met, to control the inflation device (7) such that the inflation device (7) inflates the air bag (6) and thus brings it from a stowed state to an inflated state in which the air bag (6) serves as a footrest,wherein the inflation condition depends on a detected driving information indicating whether the motor vehicle (1) is currently being operated in at least partially automated operating mode or in a driver mode in which longitudinal control is carried out by a driver (2), - wherein, on the one hand, the airbag (6) is attached to and / or in an end wall (16) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein, when transitioning from the stowed state to the inflated state, the airbag (6) expands substantially along the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1), wherein, in the inflated state, the airbag (6) is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) on both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) only on the side facing the front of the motor vehicle, or - wherein, on the other hand, the air bag (6) is attached to and / or in a floor section (19) of the motor vehicle (1) which defines the footwell (4), wherein the air bag (6) expands substantially along the vertical axis of the motor vehicle (1) when being transferred from the stowed state to the inflated state, wherein the air bag (6) in the inflated state is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the transverse axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides and / or with respect to the longitudinal axis of the motor vehicle (1) from both sides. [7] Motor vehicle according to claim 6, characterized by , that the airbag (6) in the inflated state is arranged adjacent to the or a footplate (17) of the at least one pedal (5) with respect to the vertical axis of the motor vehicle (1) only on the side facing the motor vehicle floor. [8] Motor vehicle according to claim 6 or 7, characterized by, that, starting from a mounting point of the airbag (6), the airbag (6) in the inflated state extends rearward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vehicle and / or upwards with respect to the vertical axis of the vehicle at least as far into the footwell (4) as a tread surface (17) of the at least one pedal (5). [9] Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by that the inflation device (7) comprises a valve (12) and / or the deflation device is or comprises a valve or a further valve, wherein the valve (12) and / or the further valve is an electromechanical valve which is open in a de-energized state and thus causes the air bag (6) to be moved or left in the stowed state. [10] Motor vehicle according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by, that the air bag (6) is coupled to at least one restoring element (13) of the motor vehicle (1), wherein the restoring element (13) applies a restoring force to the air bag (6) which seeks to bring the air bag (6) into the stowed state. [11] Motor vehicle according to claim 10, characterized by , that the restoring element (13) is an actuator or an elastic element, in particular an elastic spring.

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