DE102013215202B4 - Turn signal switch and procedure for resetting a turn signal switch - Google Patents

Abstract

Flasher switch for a vehicle, comprising an actuating lever (2) and a magnetically actuated locking device (3), the actuating lever (2) being deflectable from a zero position (O) into at least one switching position (L, R) and the locking device (3) to it is designed to hold the operating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) and to release it therefrom, the operating lever (2) being held magnetically in its deflected switching position (L, R), characterized in that the The locking device (3) has a permanent magnet (12) for holding the actuating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) and at least one electromagnet (9, 10) for releasing the actuating lever (2) from its deflected switching position (L, R) ) having.

Description

The invention relates to a turn signal switch for a vehicle according to the features in the preamble of claim 1 and a method for dynamically resetting a turn signal switch for a vehicle according to the features in the preamble of claim 6.

Turn signal switches are used to operate a direction indicator. Particularly in the case of two-lane motor vehicles with a steering wheel, these are regularly designed as steering column switches. Steering column switches are generally used for the convenient and, in particular, safe operation of frequently used functions of a vehicle. These are devices with at least one actuating lever, which acts on a switch connected to it. The desired function can be switched by manipulating the operating lever.

To ensure good accessibility, steering column switches are usually arranged in the area of the person driving the vehicle. Here, their attachment to the steering column of the vehicle between the dashboard and the steering wheel is preferred. In this position, turn signal switches are often combined with other steering column switches, which are used, for example, to actuate a windshield wiper or a control device for the speed of the vehicle (cruise control).

In the rest position of the turn signal switch, its actuating lever is in an essentially horizontal zero position. From this zero position, the actuating lever can be deflected into at least one of usually two opposite switching positions if necessary. The direction indicator is activated accordingly by the respective deflection. The actuating lever is mechanically locked in its respective switching position towards the end position of the possible deflectability. To subsequently deactivate the direction indicator, the locking of the actuating lever can be released either manually or mechanically by turning the steering wheel.

Since the direction indicator is mostly used to indicate an upcoming or current change of direction, turn signal switches are coupled to the steering angle of the steering wheel. This enables the actuating lever to be automatically reset when it is deflected out of the curve. The reset is done mechanically. For this purpose, the turn signal switch includes an adjusting ring coupled to the steering wheel, in which a locking device can at least partially engage. As soon as the expected steering lock has taken place, the reset of the steering wheel is used to release the locking engagement by the rotating adjusting ring. As a result, the operating lever springs back from its deflected switching position to the zero position and the direction indicator is deactivated.

With small steering movements, the movement angle of the adjusting ring may not be sufficient to release the locking device from the switch position.

The DE 10 2006 052 108 A1 suggests a dynamically resettable turn signal switch. The turn signal switch comprises an actuating lever which can be deflected from a zero position into two opposite switching positions. Furthermore, a locking device is provided with a locking pin which engages in particular in the respective switching position in the recess of an adjusting ring. As a result, the turn signal switch can be operated in the usual way and coupled to the steering angle of the steering wheel. In order to enable a dynamic reset of the turn signal switch, an additional, magnetic actuation of the locking device is shown. For this purpose, the locking pin is made of metal and surrounded by a coil. After a fixed interval from locking the actuating lever, an electrical current is temporarily passed through the coil. Due to the magnetic field building up, the locking pin is pulled back, which releases the locking of the actuating lever. As a result, the operating lever springs back to its zero position and the direction indicator is deactivated.

The magnetically actuated locking device enables the actuating lever to be reset, which can now also take place independently of the respective steering angle of the steering wheel. In this way, for example, other road users are not irritated by a direction indicator that is active without a reason or even impeded in driving their own vehicle.

Furthermore, for example, from the DE 28 49 686 A1 a turn signal switch with an operating lever and a magnetically actuated locking device known.

The DE 38 00 759 A1 discloses an electronic switch with an actuating device which ensures stable switching positions by the interaction of an electromagnet with a permanent magnet provided in the actuating device.

Another actuating device for motor vehicle turn signal systems is in the DE 2 119 008 A described.

A reset device for a manually operated electrical switch in a motor vehicle discloses the DE 100 39 135 A1 .

Recent developments in steering systems provide dynamic steering angles or steering angles which are intended to improve the handling of the vehicle. Here, the steering angle of the steerable wheels can be changed independently of the respective steering angle. In other words, such systems no longer provide the usual linear translation of the steering wheel rotation on the articulated wheels, but change the translation dynamically depending on the respective driving situation. In a parking situation, for example, the steering angle of the wheels can be significantly increased compared to the specification via the steering wheel in order to enable maneuvering of the vehicle with the least possible steering effort. In this way, tight driving maneuvers can be carried out with just a small turn of the steering wheel without the need for reaching around. In contrast, this can also improve stability at high speeds by converting any steering movement into a steering lock of the articulated wheels only to a small extent.

Since this means that there is no longer any linearity between the steering angle on the steering wheel and the actual steering angle of the articulated wheels, this has a direct impact on the correct resetting of the turn signal switch. In view of the turn signal switch, which is still mechanically coupled to the steering angle, the design and operation of such a turn signal switch therefore still offer room for improvement, particularly with a view to upcoming steering systems.

Against this background, the object of the present invention is to improve a turn signal switch of the type shown above in such a way that, despite dynamically changing translations between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the steering angle of the articulated wheels, it can be correctly reset dynamically. Furthermore, a method for actuating a turn signal switch is to be demonstrated, by means of which its dynamic resetting is made possible independently of a dynamically changing translation between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the steering angle of the articulated wheels.

According to the invention, the objective part of this task is solved in a turn signal switch with the features of claim 1. The procedural part of this task is solved within the scope of the invention with the features of claim 6. Advantageous developments of the solutions presented are the subject of the respective subclaims.

Hereinafter, a turn signal switch for a vehicle is presented, which includes an operating lever and a locking device. The locking device can be actuated magnetically, so that the actuating lever of the turn signal switch can be deflected from a zero position into at least one switching position. Said locking device is designed to hold the actuating lever in its deflected switching position when necessary and to release it. According to the invention, the actuating lever is magnetically held in its deflected switching position.

In contrast to the turn signal switches known in the prior art, the idea of the invention dispenses with the use of a mechanical lock. Mechanical locking devices for turn signal switches usually comprise an adjusting ring with a locking curve and a locking pin corresponding to the adjusting ring. Depending on the configuration, to reset the actuating lever, either the locking pin is taken along by the rotating adjusting ring or prevented from returning by a recess in the adjusting ring.

The resultant advantage can be seen in the fact that the actuation lever is now completely mechanically independent of the respective steering angle of the steering wheel. In this way, the holding and releasing of the actuating lever can take place independently of a dynamically changing translation of the steering angle on the steering wheel and steering lock on the articulated wheels. In this way, the actuating lever can be released from its switching position, although the steering movement on the steering wheel, which is not yet sufficient for a turn signal switch known in the prior art, has taken place. Conversely, the actuating lever can also be held magnetically even though the rotation already carried out on the steering wheel would have already deactivated a turn signal switch known in the prior art.

Deactivating the turn signal switch is understood in the present case to mean that the actuating lever springs back from its locked switching position back into its zero position with simultaneous switching off of the direction indicator, which previously also gave the blinking signals.

By holding the actuating lever magnetically in its switching position, various structural embodiments are now conceivable for such an implementation:

For example, the turn signal switch can be held in its deflected switching position by means of a magnetic field, which is switched off, weakened or removed in relation to a means generating the magnetic field, if necessary. In other words, the actuating lever can be held in its deflected switching position by an electromagnet or a permanent magnet, for example.

If an electromagnet is used, it can simply be switched off to release the actuating lever and thus to deactivate the turn signal switch. Conversely, this can be switched on when the actuating lever is deflected from its zero position into the switch position. As an alternative to this, the electromagnet can be continuously switched on, it being switched off temporarily only to release the actuating lever from its switching position.

Switching the electromagnet on or off is understood here to mean the generation of a temporary magnetic field via the electromagnet as required.

When using a permanent magnet, this can be pivoted away from its switching position, for example, to release the actuating lever. Alternatively, this can also be withdrawn until the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is no longer sufficient to hold the actuating lever in its switching position.

The magnetic field basically requires an opponent attracted by the magnetic field to hold the actuating lever. Permanent magnet and said opponent can also be shielded from one another, for example, by separating them temporarily between them in such a way that the holding force of the magnetic field is reduced to such an extent that the turn signal switch is deactivated. The partition can also have a wedge shape, for example, in order to separate the permanent magnet and the opponent from each other until a sufficient holding effect between the permanent magnet and the opponent is no longer possible.

In a particularly preferred embodiment it is provided that the locking device can have a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet is intended to hold the actuating lever in its deflected switching position. In this way, an extremely simple construction of the turn signal switch is advantageously made possible in order to keep the actuating lever in its switching position mechanically independent of the respective steering angle of the steering wheel. In addition, a simple manual release of the actuating lever from its switching position is guaranteed. To do this, only the magnetic force of the magnetic field of the permanent magnet has to be overcome. Since the actuating lever is preferably deflected around an axis of rotation, a corresponding lever arm results for the actuating lever being able to be released without much effort. At the same time, the magnetic force of the permanent magnet can be set such that the actuating lever is held securely in its deflected switching position even when it is touched only lightly and in particular when the vehicle is shaken.

An advantageous development of the basic concept of the invention provides that the locking device can have at least one electromagnet. By using an electromagnet, the advantages of the permanent magnet are combined with a mechanically independent release of the actuating lever. For example, the actuating lever can already be released by switching off the electromagnet holding the actuating lever in its deflected switching position, as a result of which the turn signal switch is deactivated as a whole. The extremely simple and durable construction of a turn signal switch designed in this way should also be mentioned in this context. The consistently mechanically independent mode of operation also enables maintenance-free and low-wear operation of the turn signal switch in relation to its actuating lever, which can be used over time.

The consequent development of the inventive concept also provides for a particularly preferred combination of electromagnet and permanent magnet in a continuation. For example, the electromagnet can have a metallic core. In this context it is provided that the permanent magnet can correspond to the metallic core. In this way, the holding force required to hold the actuating lever in its deflected switching position can be provided by the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet, which acts on the core of the electromagnet.

For this purpose, the permanent magnet and the electromagnet, in particular the core of the electromagnet in the zero position of the actuating lever, for example, must be spaced so far apart that there is not a sufficient holding force between them. The core of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet can then be displaced relative to one another by the deflection of the actuating lever. The approximation increases the effect of the magnetic field on the holding force between the core of the electromagnet and the permanent magnet. At least in the end position of the deflected actuating lever, the holding force should then be so great that the actuating lever is held in its switching position. In addition to the approximation required for this The remaining distance between the permanent magnet and the core of the electromagnet can of course also have a touching contact between the core and the permanent magnet in the end position of the actuating lever.

The combined arrangement of the permanent magnet and the electromagnet with its core results in advantages such that, for example, the holding force can be increased in the end position of the actuating lever. The permanent magnet thus has a magnetic field, which brings about a corresponding holding force. An additional magnetic field can then be generated when the electromagnet is switched on. The connected magnetic field can be aligned in such a way that there is an additional attractive force between the permanent magnet and the electromagnet.

It is also conceivable that the permanent magnet is used here as a means for actuating a reed switch. For example, the reed switch can be used to switch on the electromagnet. The magnetic field of the permanent magnet is consequently not used or not primarily used to hold the actuating lever in its switching position, but rather serves to activate the holding magnetic field by the electromagnet.

The electromagnet can preferably have a core made of a ferromagnetic material. Ferromagnetic materials are characterized by the fact that they are capable of spontaneous magnetization. In addition, a ferromagnetic core is attracted to both a magnetic north pole and a south pole, which is particularly advantageous with regard to the use of the permanent magnet. Permanent magnets have at least one north pole and one south pole. When the core is formed by a ferromagnetic material, its alignment is therefore irrelevant, since the required attraction with respect to the ferromagnetic core is basically present.

Furthermore, the core made of a ferromagnetic material can be used as an electromagnet, in particular as a holding magnet, by the arrangement of a coil of a conductor for electric current that rotates around it. The core serves as a yoke to strengthen and guide the magnetic field generated by the coil. The ferromagnetic material can preferably be iron.

In the context of the invention, it is considered to be particularly advantageous if the permanent magnet is arranged on the actuating lever. In contrast, the at least one electromagnet, in particular its core, is then spaced apart from the permanent magnet. By deflecting the actuating lever, the permanent magnet arranged thereon is brought closer to the core of the electromagnet. This arrangement enables a simple construction of the actuating lever, since it can only be combined with the maintenance-free permanent magnet. In this respect, there is no need for any routing and supplying for conductors in order to supply the electromagnet with the required electrical current. In particular against the background that the aim is to deflect the actuating lever without resistance, the arrangement of the permanent magnet on the actuating lever should be preferred. In addition, any conductors are not exposed to a permanent mechanical load due to bending or even tension, as might arise when the electromagnet is arranged on the actuating lever.

A total of two electromagnets can be provided as the preferred further development. The basic idea here is the fact that the turn signal switches regularly have at least two locked positions of their actuating lever. When using two electromagnets, the permanent magnet can advantageously be arranged between the two electromagnets. The permanent magnet should be arranged in such a way that it is approachable to one of the electromagnets in the two mostly opposite switching positions of the actuating lever.

The zero position is preferably a middle position, and the actuating lever can then be deflected into two opposite switching positions and can be folded over between them. For example, the permanent magnet can advantageously be arranged on a section of the actuating lever, as a result of which, as part of the deflection of the actuating lever, one of the electromagnets can be approached and at the same time removed from the other.

According to a particularly advantageous further development of the invention, the electromagnet can be designed for the temporary generation of a magnetic field which is oriented in such a way that it repels the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In this way, the magnetic field that can be generated by the electromagnet can not be used to hold the actuating lever in its switching position, but rather to release it from its locked switching position.

The advantage here is the use of the permanent magnet to hold the actuating lever in its switching position, while the electromagnet is to be switched on to release the actuating lever. Especially in combination with the presence of two electromagnets and the arrangement of the permanent magnet on the actuating lever between the two electromagnets, a highly functional system for the turn signal switch according to the invention is created. In this case, the respective core of the electromagnet is preferably used in order to enable the actuating lever to be held in one of its deflected switching positions by the holding force of the permanent magnet acting on it.

Regardless of the respective steering angle of the steering wheel, the actuating lever can then be released from its switching position by switching on at least the corresponding electromagnet. In this case, the actuating lever can be spring-loaded, for example, so that it is displaced back to the zero position after being released from its locking by the spring force. A suitable resetting of the actuating lever is thus established via a suitable control, which can take place independently of the respective steering angle of the steering wheel.

The indicator switch shown above enables the dynamic actuation lever to be reset dynamically, despite the dynamically changing translation between the steering angle of the steering wheel and the steering angle of the articulated wheels. By consistently dispensing with mechanically contacting parts of the presently magnetically designed locking device, a complete decoupling of the return of the actuating lever from the steering movements on the steering wheel of the vehicle is achieved. In particular, the combination of the two electromagnets and the permanent magnet arranged between them on the actuating lever enables a simple structure which enables permanent maintenance-free operation.

In the present case, a simple possibility for releasing the actuating lever from its respective switching position has been created, which only requires the temporary passage of an electrical current flow to the respective electromagnet. Thanks to the mechanical decoupling, the turn signal switch according to the invention manages with a small number of components in order to realize the dynamic return of the actuating lever.

Furthermore, the invention also provides a method for resetting a turn signal switch for a vehicle, as explained in more detail below:

For this, it is first assumed that the turn signal switch comprises an actuating lever and a magnetically actuated locking device. The actuating lever is preferably designed such that it can be deflected from a zero position into at least one switching position. The locking device is intended to hold the actuating lever in its deflected switching position or to release it from it, if necessary. According to the invention, the actuating lever is held magnetically in its deflected switching position.

The advantages and possibilities resulting in particular from the proposed measure of holding the actuating lever magnetically have already been explained in connection with the indicator switch according to the invention shown above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made here to the previous explanations, which are to be regarded as further explanations of the method according to the invention. This also applies to the more detailed configurations of the method according to the invention explained below.

In order to allow the actuating lever to be held magnetically in its switching position, the locking device can preferably have a permanent magnet. In this way, the actuating lever is held in its deflected switching position in an advantageous manner via a magnetic field of the permanent magnet.

Particularly preferably, the locking device can have at least one electromagnet, which is provided for the temporary generation of a magnetic field. The magnetic field which can be generated is advantageously oriented such that it is repulsively opposed to the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet. In this way, the actuating lever can then be released from its deflected switching position by the temporary magnetic field of the electromagnet.

Further refinements of the turn signal switch or the method for operating a turn signal switch can result from a technically expedient combination of one or more features and measures shown in the previous description and are expressly claimed within the scope of the invention. Further characterizations and specifications of the invention may arise in particular in connection with the figures described below, which are also considered and claimed as part of the invention.

• 1 eine schematische Darstellung eines erfindungsgemäßen Blinkerschalters.

The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the drawing. It shows:

• 1 a schematic representation of a turn signal switch according to the invention.

Out 1 goes the schematic structure of a turn signal switch according to the invention 1 forth. The turn signal switch 1 is not shown in detail Way intended for use in a vehicle, especially in a motor vehicle. In this arrangement, it serves to actuate a direction indicator, also not shown in detail.

As can be seen, the turn signal switch includes 1 first an operating lever 2nd and locking device 3rd . The operating lever 2nd is on a structural axis 4th with a base plate 5 the turn signal switch 1 connected. In this arrangement, the operating lever 2nd within a swivel range 6 around the axis 4th deflectable around, being from a first end position 7 to a second end position 8th is deflectable.

In the first end position 7 is the operating lever 2nd in a left switch position L , which can be selected with reference to the direction indicator (not shown) for a change of direction to the left. A zero position is shown here O of the operating lever 2nd , at which the operating lever 2nd exactly between the first end position 7 and the second end position 8th is aligned. To the first end position 7 of the operating lever 2nd opposite second end position 8th the operating lever is located 2nd in a right switch position R . The right switch position R can be selected with reference to the direction indicator, which is not shown in more detail, if a change of direction to the right is or is to be made.

Around the operating lever 2nd To lock in its respective switching position, the locking device 3rd two electromagnets 9 , 10th on which on the base plate 5 the turn signal switch 1 are arranged. There are said electromagnets 9 , 10th so on the base plate 5 positioned that a section 11 of the operating lever 2nd between the two electromagnets 9 , 10th is arranged. In or on the section 11 of the operating lever 2nd is a permanent magnet 12th arranged, which in its position between the two electromagnets 9 , 10th corresponds with these. Especially in the two switch positions L , R of the operating lever 2nd is the permanent magnet 12th one of the two electromagnets 9 , 10th approximated or at least partially in touching contact with it.

Regarding the representation of 1 is a first electromagnet 9 at the bottom of the base plate 5 arranged so that this is the permanent magnet 12th in the right switch position R of the operating lever 2nd is approximated. In contrast, there is a second electromagnet 10th above the operating lever 2nd arranged, this the permanent magnet 12th in the left switch position L of the operating lever 2nd is approximated. The permanent magnet has 12th a north pole N and a south pole S , the South Pole S the first electromagnet 9 and the North Pole N the second electromagnet 10th is facing.

Looking at the two electromagnets 9 , 10th it can be seen that these each have a core 13 , 14 and one the respective core 13 , 14 in the form of a winding surrounding coil 15 , 16 exhibit. The respective core is present 13 , 14 formed by a ferromagnetic material to pass through one of each of the coils 15 , 16 electrical current flowing through it to be spontaneously magnetized. The respective coils are for this 15 , 16 via electrical conductors 17th in the form of cables with a control unit 18th connected.

For a dynamic reset of the operating lever 2nd of the turn signal switch according to the invention 1 the actuating lever 2nd initially from its zero position O in one of the two switch positions L , R deflect. In the respective switch position L , R is the section 11 of the operating lever 2nd with the permanent magnet 12th one of the two electromagnets 9 , 10th approximated so far that the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet 12th a holding force on the respective core 13 , 14 of the corresponding electromagnet 9 , 10th exercises. As a result, the operating lever remains 2nd in its respective deflected switching position L , R because it is magnetically in this by the permanent magnet 12th is held.

To release the operating lever 2nd from its switch position L , R is now via the control unit 18th an electrical current through the appropriate conductor 17th on the respective electromagnet 9 , 10th headed. As a result, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 12th opposite temporary magnetic field generated, which on the North Pole N or the South Pole S of the permanent magnet 12th repulsive. As a result, the holding force between the permanent magnet 12th and the respective core 13 , 14 overcome and the permanent magnet 12th repelled. As a result, the operating lever 2nd around the structural axis 4th pivoted back to return to its zero position O to get.

When the respective electromagnet is switched on or off 9 , 10th is done by the control unit 18th given. The corresponding signal can depend on the speed of the vehicle, the starting position of the articulated wheels and the elapsed time since the actuation lever was deflected 2nd in one of its switch positions L , R be dependent.

Reference list

1 -

Turn signal switch

2 -

Lever from 1

3 -

Locking device from 1

4 -

Axis on 5

5 -

Base plate from 1

6 -

Swivel range from 2nd

7 -

first end position of 2nd

8th -

second end position of 2nd

9 -

first electromagnet 5

10 -

second electromagnet 5

11 -

Section of 2nd

12 -

Permanent magnet 2nd

13 -

Core of 9

14 -

Core of 10th

15 -

Coil of 9

16 -

Coil of 10th

17 -

Head between 15 , 16 and 18th

18 -

Control unit

Claims (6)

Indicator switch for a vehicle, comprising an actuating lever (2) and a magnetically actuated locking device (3), the actuating lever (2) being deflectable from a zero position (O) to at least one switching position (L, R) and the locking device (3) is designed to hold the operating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) and to release from it, the operating lever (2) being magnetically held in its deflected switching position (L, R), characterized in that the Locking device (3) has a permanent magnet (12) for holding the actuating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) and at least one electromagnet (9, 10) for releasing the actuating lever (2) from its deflected switching position (L, R ) having. Turn signal switch after Claim 1 , characterized in that the electromagnet (9, 10) has a core (13, 14), the permanent magnet (12) corresponding to the core (13, 14) in such a way that the holding force required to hold the actuating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) by the permanent magnetic field of the permanent magnet (12), which acts on the core (13, 14). Turn signal switch according to one of the Claims 1 or 2nd , characterized in that the permanent magnet (12) is arranged on the actuating lever (2). Turn signal switch according to one of the Claims 1 to 3rd , characterized in that two electromagnets (9, 10) are provided, the permanent magnet (12) being arranged between the two electromagnets (9, 10) such that the permanent magnet (12) in two opposite switching positions (L, R) of the Actuating lever (2) is approachable to one of the electromagnets (9, 10). Turn signal switch according to one of the Claims 2 to 4th , characterized in that the at least one electromagnet (9, 10) or the two electromagnets (9, 10) is or are designed for the temporary generation of a magnetic field, the magnetic field which can be generated being oriented such that it corresponds to a magnetic field of the permanent magnet ( 12) is repulsively opposed. Method for resetting a turn signal switch (1) for a vehicle, in particular according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 5 comprising an actuating lever (2) and a magnetically actuated locking device (3), the actuating lever (2) being deflectable from a zero position (O) to at least one switching position (L, R) and by the locking device (3) in its deflected switching position (L, R) can be held or released from it, characterized in that the locking device (3) has a permanent magnet (12), the actuating lever (2) in its deflected switching position (L, R) via a magnetic field of the permanent magnet ( 12) is held and the locking device (3) further comprises at least one electromagnet (9, 10) for the temporary generation of a magnetic field repelling the magnetic field of the permanent magnet (12), the actuating lever (2) being replaced by the temporary magnetic field of the electromagnet (9, 10) is released from its deflected switching position (L, R).

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