DE102015103279B4 - Autonomous vehicle with reconfigurable interior - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle (100) comprising:a passenger compartment (105); and a steering wheel (115) disposed in the passenger compartment (105) and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position, characterized by a first air cushion (225) integrated in the steering wheel (115), the first air cushion (225) is configured for use during an impact when the steering wheel (115) is in the operating position; and in that the vehicle (100) includes a second air cushion (230) disposed in a lintel above the windshield near the driver's seat (110) and configured for use during impact when the steering wheel (115) is stowed position.

Description

GENERAL STATE OF THE ART

Autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly sophisticated. As the sophistication advances, less passenger interaction will be required of the autonomous vehicle. Ultimately, autonomous vehicles will no longer require any passenger interaction beyond selecting a destination, freeing passengers to focus on tasks unrelated to driving. Autonomous vehicles can also be equipped with air cushions, so-called airbags. Vehicles with lift cushions are approximately in FR 2 861 657 A1 , EP 2 617 607 A1 , US 2008 / 0 040 004 A1 , DE 10 2011 009 665 A1 and US 2008 / 0157 510 A1 disclosed.

The object underlying the invention is to provide a vehicle with a reconfigurable interior; and provided with air cushions.

The object is achieved according to the invention by a vehicle with the features of claim 1 and a vehicle with the features of claim 4. The dependent claims indicate advantageous embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

• Show it: 1 an exemplary autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 2 a block diagram of an example system implemented in the autonomous vehicle 1 can be used;
• 3A and 3B an exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 4 an exemplary passenger compartment in which an air cushion is arranged between rows of seats;
• 5 a second exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 6 a third exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 7 a fourth exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 8th a fifth exemplary passenger compartment of an autonomous vehicle with a reconfigurable interior;
• 9 a top view of the exemplary vehicle with selectively activated air cushions.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An example autonomous vehicle includes a steering wheel located in a passenger compartment. The steering wheel is configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position. In the event of an impact, a first air cushion is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the operating position and a second air cushion is configured to deploy when the steering wheel is in the stowed position. The vehicle may further include autonomous driving sensors and an autonomous controller that receives signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors (e.g., sensors for driving the vehicle in an autonomous mode) and controls at least one vehicle subsystem for operating the vehicle in the autonomous mode according to the received signals.

The figures show exemplary views of an autonomous vehicle 100 with a reconfigurable interior. The vehicle may take many different forms and include multiple and/or alternative components and devices. Although an example vehicle is shown, the example components shown are not intended to be limiting. Indeed, additional or alternative components and/or implementations may be used. In addition, the components shown in the figures are not necessarily to scale.

As in 1 shown, the vehicle 100 has a passenger compartment 105 which is arranged inside the vehicle 100. The passenger compartment 105 may include any portion of the vehicle 100 in which passengers may sit during operation of the vehicle 100. Additionally, the passenger compartment 105 may include seats 110 and controls that allow a driver to control the operation of the vehicle 100. Examples of controls may include a steering wheel 115, an accelerator pedal 120, a brake pedal 125, etc. Although shown as a sedan in the drawings, the vehicle 100 may be any passenger or industrial vehicle, such as a car, a truck, a sports car, a taxi, a bus, etc.

2 is a block diagram of an example system 130 that may be used in the autonomous vehicle 100. As illustrated, the system 130 includes a user interface device 135, autonomous driving sensors 140, an autonomous mode controller 145, and a seat motor 150.

The user interface device 135 can be used to present information to a user, such as: B. a driver, during the Operation of the vehicle 100 can be configured. Furthermore, the user interface device 135 may be configured to receive user input. Therefore, the user interface device 135 may be disposed in the passenger compartment 105 of the vehicle 100. In some possible approaches, the user interface device 135 may include a touch-sensitive display screen.

The autonomous driving sensors 140 may include any number of devices for generating signals that assist in navigating the vehicle 100 while the vehicle 100 is operating in an autonomous (i.e., driverless) mode. Examples of autonomous driving sensors 140 include a radar sensor, a lidar sensor, a camera, and the like. The autonomous driving sensors 140 help the vehicle 100 to “see” the road and vehicle surroundings and to avoid various obstacles while the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode.

The autonomous mode controller 145 may be configured to control one or more subsystems 155 while the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode. Examples of subsystems 155 that may be controlled by the autonomous mode controller 145 may include a braking subsystem, a suspension subsystem, a steering subsystem, and a powertrain subsystem. The autonomous mode controller 145 may control each or more of these subsystems 155 by issuing signals to the control units associated with the subsystems 155. The autonomous mode controller 145 may control the subsystems 155 based, at least in part, on signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors 140.

The seat motors 150 may be configured to control the position and/or orientation of one or more seats 110 in the passenger compartment 105. Each engine 150 can be connected to only one seat 110. Alternatively, a single motor 150 may be used to move multiple seats 110, including an entire row of seats 110. The motor 150 may be operated according to the control signal output from the user interface device 135. For example, the user interface device 135 may receive commands from the driver or another passenger indicating a desire for one or more seats 110 to occupy a particular configuration. The motor 150 can automatically adjust the seats 110 in the desired configuration, including one or more predetermined configurations defined by a seat memory system. The engine 150 may be configured to apply one of the predetermined configurations based on the person in the seat 110. The seat occupant can z. B. can be identified by sensors that are arranged in the passenger compartment 105. If the seat occupant is unknown, the motor 150 may move the seat 110 to a standard configuration. Examples of different configurations of the seat 110 are described in more detail below. For example, the motor 150 may cause the seat 110 to rotate, fold, fold, slide, tilt, etc.

Regarding 3A and 3B the passenger compartment 105 has a number of seats 110 and a central console 160. The seats 110 may include one or more bucket seats, driver seats, bench seats, sectional bench seats, or the like. Further, the seats 110 may be arranged in rows, including first row, second row, and in some cases third row (see e.g. 8th ) be divided. The first row may generally refer to the row closest to the front of the vehicle 100. One or more seats 110, such as the first row seats 110, may be moved from a forward-facing position to a rear-facing position while the vehicle is stationary or while the vehicle is moving so that passengers in the vehicle 100 face each other sit when the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode.

One way to move the seats 110 from the forward-facing position to the rearward-facing position may be to rotate the seat 110. The seat 110 is rotatable about an axis 175A that extends generally vertically from a floor of the vehicle 100 and through a center of the seat 110. The rotation of the seat 110 may occur automatically when the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode or the vehicle is parked. Furthermore, the seat 110 can be rotated manually, e.g. B. by removing or repositioning the seat 110 or rotating the seat 110 about the axis 175A.

Alternatively, a part of the seat 110 such as a rear section 165 ( 5 ) relative to another part of the seat 110, such as. B. the lower section 170 ( 5 ). 3A to 3B show how the rear section 165 can rotate with respect to an axis 175B defined by the lower section 170. That is, the rear portion 165 of the seat 110 may include one or more arms 180 rotatably attached to a frame 185 of the lower portion 170. When the rear portion 165 has been rotated to a rearward-facing position, the lower portion 170 may be angled toward the front of the vehicle 100 as shown. The Movement of seat 110 from the forward-facing position to the rear-facing position and vice versa can be done manually or by the motor 150 (not in 3A and 3B shown) when the vehicle 100 is stationary or operating in autonomous mode. Different ways to realign the seats are described for illustrative purposes only. Other suitable ways to realign the seats while the vehicle is stationary or moving in autonomous mode may alternatively be used.

As in 3B As shown, a seat belt 205 may be disposed on each seat 110 (only the driver's seat is shown for clarity) and the seat belt 205 may be configured to move with the movement of the seat 110. Therefore, the orientation of the seat belt 205 may be fixed with respect to the orientation of the seat 110. Furthermore, the seat belt 205 may be separate from other parts of the vehicle 100. Therefore, the position of the seat belt 205 does not hinder the realignment of the seat 110. In some possible approaches, the seat belt 205 may include an inflator and belt-integrated air cushion 210. The belt-integrated air cushion 210 can be used with one or more other air cushions 190 ( 4 ) are triggered in the event of an impact. The belt-integrated air cushion 210 can be triggered regardless of the orientation of the seat 110. In some implementations, the belt-integrated air cushion 210 may be configured to deploy only when the seat 110, e.g. B. is directed backwards. Therefore, the inflator and belt-integrated air cushion 210 in the seat belt 205 may be deactivated when the seat 110 is in a forward-facing orientation.

A locking mechanism (not shown) may prevent the seat 110 from moving to the rearward-facing position and vice versa. The locking mechanism can be unlocked manually by the user or automatically, e.g. B. from the motor 150 or another device. The original position of the seat 110 is in 3A shown, and 3B shows one of the seats 110 in a rearward-facing position.

The console 160 disposed between the two front seats 110 may be configured to slide toward the front of the vehicle 100 when one or both front row seats 110 are in the rearward-facing position. Alternatively, the console 160 may slide to the rear of the vehicle 100 to a position between the first and second rows of seats 110. In this manner, when one or more seats 110 in the first row are oriented in a rearward-facing position, the center console 160 may function for use as a table for the first row and/or second row passengers. Rearward movement of the center console 160 may also facilitate realignment of the seats 110 moving between forward and rearward orientations, e.g. B. Rotary movements. In other words, the entire console 160 may move toward a center of the passenger compartment 105 to allow one or more of the seats 110 to change orientation. In some implementations, the console 160 may be configured to be rotatable. The console 160 can z. B. by lifting the console 160 using a hinge and by either pushing or rotating the console 160 out of the way of the seats 110 or using a stepper motor. Therefore, the console 160 can be repositioned so as not to disturb the realignment of the seats 110 or the passenger legs while the seats 110 change orientation. 3A shows the console 160 in its original position, while 3B shows the console 160 moved away from the front of the vehicle 100.

The console 160 may include an integrated computing device 215, which may include a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, and the like. In 3A the computing device 215 is shown as a laptop computer in the closed position. Operation of the computing device 215 may be limited to passengers in the passenger seat or rear seats when the vehicle 100 is operating in manual mode. For example, the operation of the computing device 215 may be controlled by the relative orientation of the computing device 215 with respect to the vehicle 100. The computing device 215 may be mounted such that selective rotational movement of the computing device 215 with respect to the vehicle 100 is possible. When the vehicle 100 is operating in the autonomous mode, the computing device 215 may be available to all passengers. The computing device 215 may be integrated into the vehicle's electrical system, e.g. B. via a dock station that is integrated into the console 160. Therefore, in some cases, computing device 215 may be removable from console 160. The computing device 215 may be configured to implement one or more telecommunications protocols, such as, but not limited to, Ethernet, Bluetooth®, or Wi-Fi. The computing device 215 may be connected to the console 160 or another component in the passenger compartment 105, for example. B. restrict the movement of the computing device 215 while the vehicle 100 is in operation.

Regarding 4 can an air cushion 190 in the passenger compartment 105 between the first and the second row of seats 110 may be arranged. The air cushion 190 may be deployed as a result of an impact while the vehicle 100 is operating in the autonomous mode and/or non-autonomous mode. The air cushion 190 may be shaped so that a single air cushion can be used for all passengers, including rear-facing passengers sitting in the first row and forward-facing passengers sitting in the second row, or more than one Air cushions can be used. Although the seats are 110 4 shown separately, the seats 110 may include bench seats or divided bench seats that form a complete row, as shown in 5 and 6 shown.

5 and 6 show a passenger compartment 105 with two rows of bench seats 110. In 5 the first row is arranged in a rearward-facing position and the second row is arranged in a forward-facing position. Although not in 5 shown, the front bench 110 can have armrests 180 and a frame 185 like those in 3 shown to move the front seat 110 to the rearward-facing position. Therefore, the rear portion 165 of the seat 110 may be configured to rotate about the axis 175B (see 3 ) defined by the lower portion 170 for moving to the rearward-facing position. Rotating the rear portion 165 about the axis 175B and toward the front of the passenger compartment 105 may cause the seat 110 to be placed in the rearward-facing position while the rear portion 165 rotates about the axis 175B and rotating away from the Front of the passenger compartment 105 can cause the seat 110 to be placed in the forward-facing position (see solid line 6 ). Furthermore, the steering wheel 115 can be z. B. by moving the steering wheel 115 towards the instrument panel 195 to create space for the front seats 110 to move to the instrument panel 195 and to increase the foot space between the front and second row seats 110 when the front seats 110 are moved point to the back. In some possible implementations, the steering wheel 115 may be collapsible to facilitate storage of the steering wheel 115 or to provide more space for the seats 110 and/or passengers while the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode (see 9 ).

Furthermore, as described above, the computing device 215 may be integrated into the steering wheel 115 instead of the console 160 when the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode (see 3A) . The steering wheel 115 may therefore have a docking station for receiving the computing device 215. Alternatively, the computing device 215 can be implemented directly in the steering wheel 115, which makes recording e.g. B. a touch-sensitive display screen 220 in the steering wheel 115 can include.

Alternatively, with reference to 6-8 the front row of seats 110 can be folded forward in the passenger compartment 105 about another axis 175C which is defined by the lower portion 170 of each seat 110. The seats 110 can be folded and z. B. can be stowed under the instrument panel 195, which can be arranged at the front of the passenger compartment 105. In one possible approach, the folded seats 110, including the driver's seat and the front passenger seat, may slide along the rails 200 disposed on the floor in the passenger compartment 105 to an area below the instrument panel 195. 6 shows an example in which the front row has a bench 110 and 7 and 8th show examples in which the front row includes adjacent bucket seats 110 (ie, a driver's seat and a front passenger seat). The engine 150 (see 2 ) can be used to fold the seats 110 and/or move the seats 110 to the location under the instrument panel 195. Furthermore, the motor 150 can return one or more seats 110 to their original position and/or orientation.

To accommodate the seats 110 under the instrument panel 195, one or more components located in the passenger compartment 105, such as. B. the accelerator pedal 120 and the brake pedal 125 (see 1 ) can be moved further towards the front of the passenger compartment 105. Furthermore, the steering wheel 115 can be moved to create space for the driver's seat 110 to slide under the instrument panel 195. The pedals 120, 125 may be deactivated when the vehicle 100 is operating in autonomous mode and/or when the pedals 120, 125 are stowed to prevent accidental activation. The pedals 120, 125 may be reactivated when they are no longer stowed and/or when the vehicle 100 is no longer operating in autonomous mode. In some possible approaches, another row of seats 110, such as the second row of seats or third row of seats (see 8th ) can be moved forward when the first row seats 110 are stowed under the instrument panel 195. Alternatively or additionally, the third row can be z. B. tilt so that a rear section 165 and a lower section 170 are substantially aligned with one another.

9 shows a top view of an exemplary vehicle 100 with a steering wheel 115 used for moving from an operating position (solid line) to a stowed position (dotted line). chelted line) is configured. The steering wheel 115 can be placed in the operating position at any time when necessary for the operation of the vehicle 100, e.g. B. when the vehicle 100 is operated in a non-autonomous or partially autonomous mode. The steering wheel 115 may be in the stowed position when the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode. In the stowed position, the steering wheel may be positioned under the instrument panel 195, providing additional legroom or room for the driver to move the driver's seat 110 to the rearward-facing position. The steering wheel 115 may be configured to return to the operating position before the vehicle 100 is operated in a non-autonomous mode or a partially autonomous mode in which the driver uses the steering wheel 115.

A first air cushion 225 integrated in the steering wheel 115 is configured to deploy during an impact that occurs while the steering wheel 115 is in the operating position. However, while the steering wheel 115 is in the stowed position, the first air cushion 225 is ineffective during impact, even when the driver's seat 110 faces forward. Therefore, a second air cushion 230 positioned in a lintel above the windshield near the driver's seat 110 is deployed during an impact when the steering wheel 115 is in the stowed position.

A processing device 235, which may be integrated with the autonomous controller, is configured to selectively activate the first air bag 225 or the second air bag 230 based on whether the steering wheel 115 is in the operating position or in the stowed position. When the steering wheel 115 is in the operating position, the processing device 235 may activate the first air cushion 225 and deactivate the second air cushion 230. Therefore, in the event of an impact, the first air cushion 225 is deployed, but the second air cushion 230 is not. When the steering wheel 115 is in the stowed position, the processing device 235 may activate the second air cushion 230 and deactivate the first air cushion 225 so that only the second air cushion 230 is deployed in the event of an impact, but not the first air cushion 225.

The processing device 235 may further take into account whether the driver's seat 110 is facing forward or backward. When facing forward, the processing device 235 may activate either the first air cushion 225 or the second air cushion 230 according to the conditions previously explained. When directed rearward, the processing device 235 may deactivate both the first air cushion 225 and the second air cushion 230.

In general, the computer systems and/or devices such as the user interface device 135, the autonomous mode controller 145, and the processing device 235 may employ a variety of computer operating systems, such as: B. Versions or variants of the Ford SYNC® operating system, Microsoft Windows® operating system, Unix operating system (e.g., the Solaris® operating system distributed by Oracle Corporation of Redwood Shores, California), AIX UNIX operating system Operating system distributed by International Business Machines of Armonk, New York, Linux operating system, Mac OS X and iOS operating system distributed by Apple Inc. of Cupertino, California, and Android operating system distributed by, but not limited to, the Open Handset Alliance. Examples of computing devices include, but are not limited to, a computer workstation, server, personal computer, notebook, laptop or portable computer or other computer system and/or device.

The computing devices generally contain computer-executable instructions, which instructions may be executed by one or more computing devices such as those listed above. Computer-executable instructions may be compiled or interpreted by computer programs that may use several different programming languages and/or technologies, such as, but not limited to, Java™, C, C++, Visual Basic, Java Script, Perl, etc., alone or in combination. In general, a processor (e.g. a microprocessor) receives instructions e.g. B. from memory, a computer-readable medium, etc. and executes those instructions, thereby performing one or more processes, which may include one or more of the processes described herein. Such instructions and other data may be stored and transmitted using various computer-readable media.

A computer-readable medium (also processor-readable medium) comprises a non-transitory (e.g., tangible) medium that is involved in providing data (e.g., instructions) that can be read by a computer (e.g., a processor of a computer). Such a medium may take many forms, such as, but not limited to, non-volatile media and volatile media. Non-volatile media can include, for example, optical and magnetic drives and other persistent storage. Volatile media can, for example include a dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically forms a main memory. Such instructions may be transmitted by one or more transmission media, including coaxial cables, copper wire and fiber optics, including the wires comprising a system bus coupled to a processor of a computer. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk, a flexible drive, a magnetic tape, any other magnetic media, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical media, punched cards, punched tape and other physical media with punch patterns, a RAM, a PROM , an EPROM, a FLASH EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, or any other medium that a computer can read.

In some examples, system elements may be implemented as computer-readable instructions (e.g., software) on one or more computing devices (e.g., servers, PC, etc.) stored on computer-readable media associated therewith (e.g., drives, storage, etc.). A computer program product may include such instructions stored on computer-readable media to perform the functions set forth herein.

With reference to the processes, systems, procedures, heuristics, etc. described herein, it will be understood that although the steps of such processes, etc. have been described herein as occurring in a particular sequence, such processes with the steps described in one may be performed in any order other than that described herein. It will be further understood that certain steps could be performed simultaneously, that additional steps could be added, or that certain steps described herein could be omitted. In other words, the descriptions of processes provided herein are provided for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments and are not to be construed in any way as limiting the claims.

1. A. Fahrzeug, umfassend:
   • einen Fahrgastraum;
   • ein Lenkrad, das in dem Fahrgastraum angeordnet ist und zum Bewegen von einer Betriebsposition zu einer verstauten Position konfiguriert ist,
   • ein erstes Luftkissen, das zum Einsatz während eines Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition befindet; und
   • ein zweites Luftkissen, das zum Einsatz während des Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet.
2. B. Fahrzeug nach A, wobei das erste Luftkissen in dem Lenkrad integriert ist.
3. C. Fahrzeug nach A, wobei das zweite Luftkissen in einem Sturz integriert ist.
4. D. Fahrzeug nach A, ferner umfassend eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung, die zum selektiven Aktivieren des ersten Luftkissens und/oder des zweiten Luftkissens basierend darauf, ob sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition oder der verstauten Position befindet und ob ein Fahrersitz in eine Fahrzeugvorwärtsrichtung weist, konfiguriert ist.
5. E. Fahrzeug nach A, ferner umfassend eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung, die zum Deaktivieren des ersten und des zweiten Luftkissens konfiguriert ist, wenn der Fahrersitz nach hinten weist und das Fahrzeug in einem autonomen Modus betrieben wird.
6. F. Fahrzeug nach A, ferner umfassend eine Instrumententafel, wobei das Lenkrad zum Verstauen unter der Instrumententafel konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet.
7. G. Fahrzeug nach A, wobei das erste Luftkissen deaktiviert ist, während sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet.
8. H. Fahrzeug nach A, wobei das zweite Luftkissen deaktiviert ist, während sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition befindet.
9. I. Fahrzeug nach A, wobei das Lenkrad zum Bewegen in die verstaute Position konfiguriert ist, wenn das Fahrzeug in einem autonomen Modus betrieben wird.
10. J. Fahrzeug nach I, wobei das Lenkrad zum Bewegen aus der verstauten Position zu der Betriebsposition konfiguriert ist, bevor das Fahrzeug in einem nicht autonomen Modus betrieben wird.
11. K. Fahrzeug, umfassend:
    • autonome Fahrsensoren;
    • eine autonome Steuerung, die zum Empfangen von Signalen konfiguriert ist, die von den autonomen Fahrsensoren erzeugt werden und zum Steuern mindestens eines Fahrzeuguntersystems gemäß den Signalen;
    • einen Fahrgastraum; und
    • ein Lenkrad, das in dem Fahrgastraum angeordnet ist und zum Bewegen von einer Betriebsposition zu einer verstauten Position konfiguriert ist,
    • ein erstes Luftkissen, das zum Einsatz während eines Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition befindet; und
    • ein zweites Luftkissen, das zum Einsatz während des Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet.
12. L. Fahrzeug nach K, wobei das erste Luftkissen in dem Lenkrad integriert ist.
13. M. Fahrzeug nach K, wobei das zweite Luftkissen in einem Sturz integriert ist.
14. N. Fahrzeug nach K, ferner umfassend eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung, die zum selektiven Aktivieren des ersten Luftkissens und/oder des zweiten Luftkissens basierend darauf, ob sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition oder der verstauten Position befindet, konfiguriert ist.
15. O. Fahrzeug nach N, wobei die Verarbeitungsvorrichtung in der autonomen Steuerung integriert ist.
16. P. Fahrzeug nach K, ferner umfassend eine Instrumententafel, wobei das Lenkrad zum Verstauen unter der Instrumententafel konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet.
17. Q. Fahrzeug nach K, wobei das erste Luftkissen deaktiviert ist, während sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet und wobei das zweite Luftkissen deaktiviert ist, während sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition befindet.
18. R. Fahrzeug nach K, ferner umfassend eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung, die zum Deaktivieren des ersten und des zweiten Luftkissens konfiguriert ist, wenn der Fahrersitz nach hinten weist und das Fahrzeug in einem autonomen Modus betrieben wird.
19. S. Fahrzeug nach K, wobei das Lenkrad zum Bewegen zu der verstauten Position konfiguriert ist, wenn das Fahrzeug in einem autonomen Modus betrieben wird, und aus der verstauten Position zu der Betriebsposition konfiguriert ist, bevor das Fahrzeug in einem nicht autonomen Modus betrieben wird.
20. T. Fahrzeug, umfassend:
    • autonome Fahrsensoren;
    • eine autonome Steuerung, die zum Empfangen von Signalen konfiguriert ist, die von den autonomen Fahrsensoren erzeugt werden und zum Steuern mindestens eines Fahrzeuguntersystems gemäß den Signalen;
    • einen Fahrgastraum;
    • ein Lenkrad, das in dem Fahrgastraum angeordnet ist und zum Bewegen von einer Betriebsposition zu einer verstauten Position konfiguriert ist,
    • ein erstes Luftkissen, das in dem Lenkrad integriert ist und das zum Einsatz während eines Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition befindet;
    • ein zweites Luftkissen, das in dem Sturz integriert ist und das zum Einsatz während des Aufpralls konfiguriert ist, wenn sich das Lenkrad in der verstauten Position befindet; und
    • eine Verarbeitungsvorrichtung, die zum selektiven Aktivieren des ersten Luftkissens und/oder des zweiten Luftkissens basierend darauf, ob sich das Lenkrad in der Betriebsposition oder der verstauten Position befindet, konfiguriert ist.

It is further described:

1. A. Vehicle comprising:
   • a passenger compartment;
   • a steering wheel disposed in the passenger compartment and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position,
   • a first air cushion configured for use during an impact when the steering wheel is in the operating position; and
   • a second air cushion configured for use during impact when the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
2. B. Vehicle according to A, whereby the first air cushion is integrated in the steering wheel.
3. C. Vehicle according to A, with the second air cushion integrated in a lintel.
4. D. The vehicle of A, further comprising a processing device configured to selectively activate the first air cushion and/or the second air cushion based on whether the steering wheel is in the operating position or the stowed position and whether a driver's seat faces a vehicle forward direction .
5. E. The vehicle of A, further comprising a processing device configured to deactivate the first and second air cushions when the driver's seat faces rearward and the vehicle is operated in an autonomous mode.
6. F. The vehicle of A, further comprising an instrument panel, wherein the steering wheel is configured to be stowed under the instrument panel when the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
7. G. Vehicle to A with the first air cushion deactivated while the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
8. H. Vehicle to A with the second air cushion deactivated while the steering wheel is in the operating position.
9. I. Vehicle according to A, with the steering wheel configured to move to the stowed position when the vehicle is operating in an autonomous mode.
10. J. The vehicle of I, wherein the steering wheel is configured to move from the stowed position to the operating position before operating the vehicle in a non-autonomous mode.
11. K. Vehicle, comprising:
    • autonomous driving sensors;
    • an autonomous controller configured to receive signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors and control at least one vehicle subsystem according to the signals;
    • a passenger compartment; and
    • a steering wheel disposed in the passenger compartment and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position,
    • a first air cushion configured for use during an impact when the steering wheel is in the operating position; and
    • a second air cushion configured for use during impact when the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
12. L. Vehicle according to K, whereby the first air cushion is integrated in the steering wheel.
13. M. Vehicle according to K, with the second air cushion integrated in a lintel.
14. N. Vehicle according to K, further comprising a processing device configured to selectively activate the first air cushion and/or the second air cushion based on whether the steering wheel is in the operating position or the stowed position.
15. O. Vehicle to N, where the processing device is integrated in the autonomous control.
16. P. The vehicle of K, further comprising an instrument panel, wherein the steering wheel is configured to be stowed under the instrument panel when the steering wheel is in the stowed position.
17. Q. Vehicle to K, with the first air cushion deactivated while the steering wheel is in the stowed position and with the second air cushion deactivated while the steering wheel is in the operating position.
18. R. Vehicle according to K, further comprising a processing device configured to deactivate the first and second air cushions when the driver's seat faces rearward and the vehicle is operated in an autonomous mode.
19. S. Vehicle according to K, wherein the steering wheel is configured to move to the stowed position when operating the vehicle in an autonomous mode and from the stowed position to the operating position before operating the vehicle in a non-autonomous mode.
20. T. Vehicle, comprising:
    • autonomous driving sensors;
    • an autonomous controller configured to receive signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors and control at least one vehicle subsystem according to the signals;
    • a passenger compartment;
    • a steering wheel disposed in the passenger compartment and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position,
    • a first air cushion integrated with the steering wheel and configured for use during an impact when the steering wheel is in the operating position;
    • a second air cushion integrated into the camber and configured for use during impact when the steering wheel is in the stowed position; and
    • a processing device configured to selectively activate the first air cushion and/or the second air cushion based on whether the steering wheel is in the operating position or the stowed position.

Claims (5)

Vehicle (100) comprising: a passenger compartment (105); and a steering wheel (115) disposed in the passenger compartment (105) and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position, characterized by a first air cushion (225) integrated in the steering wheel (115), the first air cushion (225) configured for use during an impact when the steering wheel (115) is in the operating position; and in that the vehicle (100) includes a second air cushion (230) disposed in a lintel above the windshield near the driver's seat (110) and configured for use during impact when the steering wheel (115) is stowed position. Vehicle (110) after Claim 1 , further comprising a processing device (235) for selectively activating the first air cushion (225) and / or the second air cushion (230) based on whether the steering wheel (115) is in the operating position or the stowed position and whether a driver's seat (110) is configured to point in a vehicle forward direction. Vehicle (100) after Claim 1 , further comprising a processing device (235) configured to deactivate the first and second air cushions (225, 230) when a driver's seat (110) faces rearward and the vehicle (100) is operated in an autonomous mode. Vehicle (100), comprising: autonomous driving sensors (140); an autonomous controller configured to receive signals generated by the autonomous driving sensors (140) and to control at least one vehicle subsystem according to the signals; a passenger compartment (105); and a steering wheel (115) disposed in the passenger compartment (105) and configured to move from an operating position to a stowed position, characterized by a first air cushion (225) configured for use during a crash when the Steering wheel (115) is in the operating position; a second air cushion (230) configured for use during impact when the steering wheel (115) is in the stowed position; and a processing device (235) adapted to selectively activate the first air cushion (225) or the second air cushion (230) is configured based on whether the steering wheel (115) is in the operating position or the stowed position. Vehicle (100) after Claim 4 , wherein the processing device (235) is integrated in the autonomous control.

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