Operating element arrangement with articulated arcuate operating element for controlling motor vehicle longitudinal and transverse movement

US6039142A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• Daimlerchrysler AG · US

Inventors

• Lutz Eckstein · Stuttgart, DE
• Werner Reichelt · Jeffery Road, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Jun 26, 1997
• Grant date: Mar 21, 2000
• Expiry date: Jun 26, 2017

Classification

• Technology area (CPC G): Physics
• CPC primary: G05G2009/04766
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The operating element is arcuate and is articulated in a lower driver's seat region pivotably about a transverse control axis located on the longitudinal side of the vehicle for controlling the transverse movement of the vehicle. The element is also movable in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle for controlling the vehicle longitudinal movement. The element extends upwards from the lower seat region, on at least one side of the driver's seat, laterally past the adjacent seat cushion and terminates in a end handle. This arrangement provides an ergonomically favorable and reliable operating element so as to dispense with a steering wheel, a brake and accelerator pedal assembly.