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

• US 6,039,142 A
• Filed: 06/26/1997
• Issued: 03/21/2000
• Est. Priority Date: 06/26/1996
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Original Assignee: DaimlerChrysler AG (Mercedes-Benz Group AG)
• Inventors: Eckstein, Lutz, Reichelt, Werner
• Primary Examiner(s): Hurley, Kevin
• Assistant Examiner(s): Fischer, Andrew J.
• Application Number:
  US08/883,502
• Time in Patent Office: 999 Days
• Field of Search: 180/333, 74/471 XY, 200/6 A, 273/148 B, 338/128, 244/234
• US Class Current: 180/333
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 26/02 of initiating means or elements
• CPC Class Codes: B62D 1/12 Hand levers
• CPC Class Codes: G05G 2009/04766 providing feel, e.g. indexing means, means to create counterforce

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.

Claims

1. Motor vehicle having an operating arrangement for controlling longitudinal and transverse movement of the motor vehicle, the operating arrangement comprising a single arcuate operating element articulateably arranged in a lower region of a driver'"'"'s seat pivotally about a transverse control axis perpendicular to a vehicle transverse direction and configured to control the transverse movement, and configured to be moveable in a longitudinal vehicle direction to control the longitudinal longitudinal movement, wherein the element extends from the seat region upwards, on at least one side of the driver'"'"'s seat, laterally past a seat cushion of the driver'"'"'s seat and terminates in an end handle.

2. The motor vehicle having an operating element arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operating is U-shaped and extends upwards on both sides of the driver'"'"'s seat so as to have each upwardly extending portion terminating in the end handle.

3. The motor vehicle having an operating arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operating element extends upwardly from a floor region of the motor vehicle curving towards a longitudinal center of the driver'"'"'s seat on only one side thereof such that, in a state of the vehicle engine being switched off, the operating element is operatively arranged to be moved into an end position facing away from the longitudinal center of the seat.

4. The motor vehicle having an operating element arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the operating element is articulated on a driver'"'"'s seat subassembly in which the driver'"'"'s seat is longitudinally displaceable relative to the operating element.

5. The motor vehicle having an operating arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the operating element has a U-shaped configuration, the legs of which extend upward on both sides of the driver'"'"'s seat so as to have each upwardly extending portion terminating in a handle.

6. The motor vehicle operating according to claim 4, wherein the operating element extends upwards and towards a longitudinal center of the driver'"'"'s seat on only one side thereof such that, in a state of the vehicle engine being switched off, the operating element is operatively arranged to be moved into an end position facing away from the longitudinal center of the seat.