FR2785859A1 - STEERING COLUMN SWITCH INCLUDING SWITCH ELEMENT AND OPERATING LEVER - Google Patents

Abstract

This steering column switch (1) comprises a switch element (2) arranged in the area of the steering column and an operating lever (3), the switch element (2) having a housing part (6 ) serving to house the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3), the housing part (6) being accessible from the outside through an insertion opening (7). The proximal part (4) of the operating lever maneuver (3) can be fixed in the housing part (6) by means of a snap-in connection.

Description

The present invention relates to a co-switch

  steering line comprising a switch element

  placed in the area of the steering column and an operating lever, the switch element comprising a housing part serving to accommodate the proximal part of the operating lever, the housing part being accessible from

  the exterior by an introduction opening.

  The invention further relates to an operating lever.

  For a steering column switch, the switch

  steering column tor being provided with a switch element which is arranged in the area of the steering column and which comprises a housing part serving to accommodate the proximal part of the operating lever, the part

  of housing being accessible from the outside through an opening

introduction ture.

  Finally, the invention also relates to an element of com-

  mutator for a steering column switch,

  the switch element being provided with a housing part

  used to accommodate the proximal part of a lever

  work and the housing part being accessible from

  the exterior by an introduction opening.

  Such steering column switches are de-

  then long known in the state of the art. They are

  arranged in the area of the steering column of a vehicle

  hicle and allow to control different functions of the vehicle without having to raise the hands of the management on this occasion. Known steering column switches are used, for example, to operate an installation of flashing lights, a wiper installation or a generator of optical or acoustic signals, for the passage between the code lights and the main beam, when controlling a speed control system or when activating or deactivating a voice command for

  different vehicle functions.

  According to the state of the art, the operating lever is fixed to the switch element and the steering column switch, assembled in the finished state, is fixed in the area of the vehicle steering column and integrated

2 2785859

  by circuit technology in vehicle control.

  Mounting the steering column switch during

  vehicle manufacturing is possible without much problem.

  However, an after-the-fact mounting of the switch on the co-

  lonne of direction of the vehicle is only possible by asking for very important means. The reason is in the

  restricted conditions of place in the field of co-

  lonne of direction and in the multiplicity of connections

  electrical and mechanical that pass through the column.

  The retrofit equipment of a di-column switch

  rection to control additional functions of the

  It is therefore only possible by requesting

extremely important means.

  When certain vehicle functions (command

  voice of a telephone, a car radio or a navigation system

  vigation), which are only fitted in the vehicle as

  optional equipment, are controlled by means of a

  additional steering column mutator, it pre-

  For the mounting of the additional switch, there is a demand for considerable resources in terms of time and labor. The reason is that the entire manufacturing process of the steering column must be reorganized

  and suitable for mounting the switch. An assembly of the switches

  steering column guarders known in all vehicles

  and activation of the switches only in vehicles

  cules which benefit from the corresponding optional equipment

  laying does not count since an inactive switch would be inconvenient in the area of the steering column and would bring the driver of the vehicle

  to be considerably distracted.

  Aforementioned drawbacks of the state of the art,

  the result is a problem which forms the basis of the present invention.

  tion, consisting in making and developing a switch

  steering column, of the type defined in the introduction,

  Less that it can be assembled, within the framework of the manufacture of the vehicle and by asking for reduced means in time and

  in work, in the field of selected steering columns

  and that it can be retrofitted by requiring reduced resources in time and

job.

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  To solve this problem, the invention proposes, in part

  both of the steering column switch of the defined type

  in the introduction, that the proximal part of the lever

  noeuvre can be fixed in the housing part by means of an interlocking engagement. In a particularly advantageous manner, in the steering column switch according to the invention, the switch element can already be mounted at the factory in

  the area of the steering column. In the case of vehicles

  cules for which a steering column switch is provided, the operating lever is then fixed afterwards in the housing part of the switch element. The retrofitting of the operating lever is facilitated, in accordance with the invention, by means of engagement elements. The interlocking engagement allows first of all to mount the operating lever by requesting reduced means in time and labor. Secondly, interlocking engagement nevertheless constitutes a secure and permanent connection which can be subject to

  forces of different orientations.

  The mounting of the switch element is part of the manufacturing process for the steering column and

  can therefore take place by requesting special means

  significantly reduced in time and labor. The costs in ma-

  the switch element are very low compared to the costs required for retrofitting or

  mounting only in vehicle steering columns

  selected vehicles. It follows that the mounting of

  the switch element in all direction columns

  tion of a specific type of vehicle, even those in the-

  which is not provided for a steering column switch

  tion, is much more cost-effective than retrofitting or retrofitting only

  in the steering columns of selected vehicles.

  In accordance with the invention, it has been found that the problem underlying the invention is solved in a particularly advantageous manner by the fact that the switch

  of the steering column is made up of at least two parts.

  A cost-effective switch part is located in the steering column at the factory,

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  this part to receive the rest of the switch

in a quick and simple way.

  According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed that the interlocking engagement between the proximal part of the operating lever and the housing part of the switch element is produced so as to be inseparable. By inseparable connection within the meaning of the present invention means a connection which

  cannot be separated without damaging the shift lever

  switch and / or switch element or cannot

  be without the use of appropriate separation tools.

  According to a preferred form of implementation of the pre-

  invention, it is proposed that the proximal part of the operating lever and the housing part have corresponding guide elements which guide the proximal part of the operating lever from a position

  introduction, in which the proximal end of the

  operating lever is arranged in the insertion opening, up to a fixing position in which the operating lever is fixed in the

  switching. It is thus possible that constant

  an immobilization of the operating lever on the element

  switch in a position normally provided. The po-

  normally provided position of the operating lever on the co-

  lonne of direction is important, so that the lever of ma-

  noeuvre can absorb the maneuvering forces exerted on it. In the case of an operating lever which is not

  not oriented as expected, damage to the

  may occur, particularly in the area of the

  connection between the proximal part of the lever

  work and the housing part of the switching element

  tor. Advantageously, the first guide elements are produced in the proximal part of the operating lever in the form of at least one guide slot, the guide slot receiving the second guide elements in

  guiding them from the insertion position to the po-

fixing position.

  Preferably, the second guide elements are re-

  aligned in the form of a stop rod arranged in a way

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  essentially transverse in the housing part.

  During the introduction of the proximal part of the lever

  operation in the housing part of the switching element

  tator, the stop rod is received by the guide slot while being guided from the insertion position to the fixing position. This embodiment constitutes

  long-lasting and secure guidance of the shift lever

  operation in the switch element.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the proximal part of the operating lever is made in the form of a hollow cylinder and two guide slots, which are rotated by an angle of 180 degrees relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, are

made in the hollow cylinder.

  Preferably, each guide slot has a

  part of the insertion slot, extending in a

  substantially axial, which is connected to a slot part

  of attachment extending essentially tangentially

  tielle. The movement used to immobilize the

  operation in the switch element can therefore be de-

  composed of an axial insertion movement and a rotary fixing movement. The fixing movement makes it possible to immobilize the proximal part of the operating lever

  in the housing part of the switch element.

  Advantageously, the fixing slot part

  tion extends, at an angle of about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, from the insertion slot portion to the end of the insertion slot portion

  fixation. The fixing movement therefore consists of a ro-

  tation of a 90 degree angle of the operating lever in

the switching element.

  To securely immobilize the shift lever

  operation in the switch element by means of the fixing movement, it is proposed, in accordance with the invention, that

  the distance between the proximal end of the operating lever

  vre and the fixing slot portion increases from the insertion slot portion to the end of the fixing slot portion. The fastening movement therefore allows the operating lever to be pulled deeper into the switch element. In the accommodation part of

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  the switch element, preferably a plug is provided

  tee resting on which the proximal end of the operating lever is strongly pushed back by means of the fixing movement. Thereby, the operating lever is held tightly in the switch element. According to an advantageous development of the invention, it is proposed, as end-of-travel safety, that the

  part of the fixing slot is connected to a recess,

  swam at the end of the fixing slot part, at the

  means of which the distance between the proximal end of the

  maneuvering sink and the fixing slot part re-

  duit. In the fixing position, once the fixing movement has been completed, the second guide elements

  snap into this recess. The stop bearing on the-

  which the proximal end of the operating lever is re-

  thrust allows the second guide elements to be held in the recess and for separation of the lever

maneuver is prevented.

  Alternatively or in addition, it is proposed, according to

  an advantageous development, which the solidarity to initiate

  it includes a locking plate which is dis-

  laid in the housing part in an essential way-

  transverse and can be moved axially, which is subjected, by means of a spring element, to an axial elastic force directed towards the insertion opening and

  which, in the fixing position, snaps into slots

  corresponding dements arranged at the end

proximal of the operating lever.

  Advantageously, the slit parts

  guide slots constitute the recesses

  elements at the proximal end of the lever

  maneuver. Thus, during the introduction of the shift lever

  operating in the switch element, the guide slots serve to guide the operating lever into a normally provided fixing position. In the fixing position of the operating lever, once the insertion movement and

  the fixing movement completed, the guide slots are

  wind, with the interlocking elements of the lo-

  safety, limit switch.

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  Following an advantageous development, it is expected that

  the housing part includes a stop bearing on the

  which the spring element pushes the latching plate back into a rest position in which the proximal part of the operating lever is disposed at

  the outside of the housing part.

  Advantageously, the stop is produced under

  the shape of the stopper rod arranged in a substantially

  partially transverse in the housing part. Befor-

  ference, the stop rod extends in an essential way-

  perpendicular to the interlocking plate.

  To have the assurance that the operating lever can only be fixed on the steering column in a single position, it is proposed, according to an advantageous development, that as introduction safety, at least one projection, provided at the location of the proximal part of the operating lever or in the housing part of

  the switch element cooperates in a respective manner

  associated, with at least one recessed receiving part

  corresponding trice formed in the housing part or at the location of the proximal part of the operating lever. The projection and the housing part are adapted to each other in such a way that the proximal part of the operating lever can only be introduced in one position.

  single in the housing part of the switching element

tor.

  Advantageously, a recessed part received

  is carried out, at the place of the opening

  of introduction, in the interior wall of the part of lo-

  and a projection is made on the outer wall of the proximal part of the operating lever, in such a way that, when the proximal part is introduced into the housing part, the recessed receiving part

receives the projection.

  To be sure that the insertion safety does not prevent a rotary fixing movement of the operating lever in the switch element, it is proposed,

  in accordance with the invention, that the recessed part receives

  trice extends over approximately 90 degrees of angle around the longitudinal axis of the housing part. It is clear that the

8 2785859

  receiving setback extends in the direction of

rotation of the operating lever.

  Another possibility of end-of-travel safety can, in accordance with the invention, be obtained by the fact that the projection has another recessed part which, in the fixing position, cooperates with another projection

  performed in the receiving setback.

  To ensure that there is no play in the operating lever,

  vre fixed in the switch element, it is proposed,

  before an advantageous development of the invention, that the pa-

  inner king of the housing part has a flange part which widens in a cone shape towards the insertion opening and which, in the fixing position, cooperates with a cone-shaped flange part produced on the outer wall of the proximal part of the operating lever. During the rotary fixing movement, due to the fixing slit parts extending at an angle, the cone-shaped flange part of the operating lever is pushed back against the

  cone-shaped rim part of the housing part

  is lying. The cooperation of the cone-shaped parts allows a positioning without play of the operating lever in

the switch element.

  To obtain greater robustness of the solidarity

  between the operating lever and the switching element

  to be able to transmit maneuvering forces

  larger from the operating lever to the switching element

  tor, it is proposed that the proximal part of the

maneuver either in metal.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide

  cer an operating lever, of the type defined in the introduction,

  so that it can be securely and reliably attached

  ble, requiring reduced time and labor, on an ele

  switch located in the area of the column

direction.

  To achieve this object, the invention proposes, starting from the operating lever of the type defined in the introduction, that

  the proximal part of the operating lever includes pre-

  better interlocking elements which, when the near part

  male of the operating lever is introduced in the part of

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  housing, cooperates with second, corresponding engagement elements formed in the housing part, in such a way that the proximal part of the operating lever can be fixed in the housing part by means of an interlocking engagement. According to an advantageous development, it is proposed that the first interlocking elements be produced in the form of recesses in which the second, corresponding interlocking elements are hooked in a way

  inseparable when the proximal part of the operating lever

  vre is introduced into the housing part.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the part

  proximal of the operating lever comprises first elements

  guide elements which cooperate with second, corresponding guide elements, produced in the housing part and guide the proximal part of the operating lever from an insertion position, in which the proximal end of the operating lever is disposed in the introduction opening, into a fixing position in which the operating lever is fixed in the switching element. Preferably, the first guide elements are produced in the proximal part of the operating lever in the form of at least one guide slot which receives the second guide elements by guiding them from the position

  from introduction to the fixing position.

  Advantageously, the proximal part of the

  maneuvering sink is made in the form of a hollow cylinder,

  while two guide slots, which are staggered in

  180 degree angle to each other

  around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, are

placed in the hollow cylinder.

  According to a preferred embodiment, each guide slot comprises an insertion slot part,

  extending essentially axially, which extends

  rope to a fixing slot part extending in a

  essentially tangential.

  Preferably, the fixing slot part extends,

  at an angle of about 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis

  e 2785859 nal of the hollow cylinder, of the insertion slot part

  to the end of the fixing slot part.

  Advantageously, the distance between the proximal end of the operating lever and the fixing slot part increases from the insertion slit part to the end of the fixing slit part.

  Preferably, the fixing slot part is connected

  cord to a recess, formed at the end of the fixing slot part, by means of which the distance between the proximal end of the operating lever and the part of

fixing slot is reduced.

  According to a preferred embodiment, at least one projection is made on the proximal part of the operating lever and it cooperates, as a safety

  introductory, with at least a recessed receiving part

  corresponding trice formed in the housing part.

  Advantageously, a projection is made on

  the outer wall of the proximal part of the lever

  work, in such a way that, during the introduction of the proximal part into the housing part, it engages in a recessed receiving part formed in the inner wall of the housing part at the place of

the opening of introduction.

  Advantageously, as a variant of se-

  end-of-travel safety device or as other end-of-travel safety device, the projection has another recessed part which, in the position for fixing the operating lever,

  another projection made in the recessed recess

trice of the housing part.

  To give assurance that there is no play between the operating lever and the switch element when the proximal part of the operating lever is fixed in the

* housing part of the switch element, it is pro-

  placed, in accordance with the invention, that on the outer wall

  of the proximal part of the operating lever, there is made a part forming a cone-shaped flange which, in the fixing position of the operating lever, cooperates

  with a corresponding rim part which is made

  seated on the inner wall of the housing part and which it widens in a cone shape towards the introduction opening.

  Advantageously, the proximal part of the

maneuvering sink is made of metal.

  Another object of the present invention is to arrange and develop a switch element, of the type defined in the introduction, such that an operating lever can be fixed in a safe and reliable manner, requiring

  reduced time and labor, in the switching element

tor.

  To achieve this object, the invention proposes, starting from the switch element of the type defined in the introduction,

  that the housing part of the switch element has

  carries second interlocking elements which, when the proximal part of the operating lever is introduced into the housing part, cooperates with first, corresponding interlocking elements, produced on the proximal part of the operating lever, so that the proximal part of the operating lever can be fixed in the

  part of the accommodation by means of an interlocking

  dearly. According to an advantageous development, it is proposed that the second interlocking elements be produced under

  forms at least one projection which engages in a manner

  separable in the first interlocking elements.

  According to a preferred embodiment, the part of

  housing has second guide elements which cooperate

  return with first, corresponding guide elements, of the proximal part of the operating lever and guide the proximal part of the operating lever from a position

  introduction, in which the proximal end of the

  operating lever is arranged in the insertion opening, up to a fixing position in which the operating lever is fixed in the

switch.

  Preferably, the second guide elements are re-

  aligned in the form of a stop rod arranged essentially transversely in the housing part, while the first guide elements receive the

12 2785859

  stop rod guiding it from the insertion position

  up to the fixing position.

  Advantageously, the housing part comprises

  takes an interlocking plate which is arranged in a substantially transverse manner, which is subjected, by means of a spring element, to an axial elastic force directed towards the insertion opening and which, in the fixing position , snaps into corresponding recesses at the location of the proximal end

of the operating lever.

  Advantageously, the housing part comprises

  carries a stop bearing on which the forming element

  sort pushes back the locking plate, in a posi-

  resting position in which the proximal part of the lever

  maneuver is arranged outside the housing part

  is lying. Preferably, the stopper is produced in the form of the stopper rod arranged in a substantially transverse manner in the housing part. Preferably, the

  stop rod extends in a substantially perpetual manner

  the interlocking plate.

  A preferred form of implementation of this

  invention is set out below in detail with reference to the

  sins. We see: in Figure 1, a steering column switch

  according to the invention, in perspective view and in repre-

  burst feeling; in Figure 2, the steering column switch according to the invention of Figure 1, in perspective view and in the assembled state; in FIG. 3, a switch element of the steering column switch according to the invention, of which

  the introduction opening is closed by means of a covering cap; and, in Figure 4, a section through the switch

column of

  Figure 2 direction by line IV-IV.

  In FIG. 1, a steering column switch according to the invention is generally designated by the

  reference 1. Switch 1 comprises a switching element

  tor 2, arranged in the area of a steering column

  of a vehicle (not shown), and an operating lever 3.

13 2785859

  The operating lever 3 is shown in Figure 1 uni-

  only in partial view. The partial view shows the part

  proximal 4 of the operating lever 3 and the start of an element

  lever 5. There is provided, arranged at the end of the lever element 5, an operating element (not shown

  felt) by means of which the driver of the vehicle can

  cer an operating force on the operating lever 3.

  In the area of the steering column of types

  finished vehicles, it is arranged, in the workshop

  cation, at least one switch element 2. A housing part 6 of cylindrical shape is produced in the switch element 2, this housing part being accessible from the outside by an insertion opening 7. The housing part 6 is used to accommodate the proximal part 4 of the lever

  maneuver 3. It is provided, made on the com-

  mutator 2 around the introduction opening 7, a collar

  tab 8 which, when the switch element 2 is available

  dried in the steering column, closes the envelope of the co-

  lonne direction coming from the same level as this.

  The insertion opening 7 of the switch element 2 arranged in the steering column is first covered by means of a covering cap 9 (see FIG. 3). The

  cover cap 9 has a head 10, the over-

  outer face closes the flange 8 of the switching element

  coming from the same level as this one. The cap of

  cover 9 is fixed in a separable manner in the

  housing 6 of the switch element 2. The covering cap 9 has, on the edge of the head 10, a

  slot-shaped recess (not shown). It is possible

  ble to insert a fingernail or a suitable tool, for example a phase control element, into the recess and remove the cap 9 from the housing part

6 of switch element 2.

  If necessary, the cap can be removed

  cover 9 of the housing part 6 and cover

  thus berate the insertion opening 7. The proximal part 4 of the operating lever 3 is then introduced into

  the introduction opening 7 and it is fixed in a manner

  separable in the housing part 6 by means of a soli-

  darisation with interlocking. The solidarity to snap-

la4 2785859

  ment includes an interlocking plate 11 which is

  laid essentially transversely in the

  housing part 6 and that it is possible to move axia-

  lement. The interlocking plate 11 is subjected, by means of a spring element 12, to an axial elastic force directed towards the insertion opening 7. The spring element 12 is produced in the form of a compression spring . In addition, interlocking interlocking

  comprises a stop rod 13, arranged in a substantially

  transversely, bearing on which the spring element 12 pushes the latching plate 11 back, in a rest position in which the proximal part 4 of the operating lever 3 is arranged outside the housing part 6. The stop rod 13 is fixed, with clamping, in two openings 14 of the switch element 2. The stop rod 13 extends essentially

  perpendicular to the locking plate 11.

  The proximal part 4 of the operating lever 3 is

  shaped like a hollow cylinder. Two guide slots 15 are formed in the hollow cylinder of the proximal part 4, these guide slots being offset in rotation with respect to each other by 180 degrees of angle around the axis

  longitudinal of the hollow cylinder. While the shift lever

  work 3 is introduced into the switch element 2, the stop rod 13 is received in the guide slots 15. As a result, the proximal part 4 of the operating lever 3 is guided from an insertion position, into in which the proximal end 16 of the lever 3 is disposed in the insertion opening 7, as far as a fixing position in which the lever 3 is fixed in the element

switch 2.

  Each guide slot 15 has an insertion slot portion 17 which extends in an essentially axial manner and which is connected to a fixing slot portion 18 which extends in an essentially tangential manner. The fixing slot part 18 extends, from the insertion slot part 17 to the end of the fixing slot part, over approximately 90 degrees of angle around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder of the proximal part 4. The distance from the fixing slot part 18

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  the proximal end 16 of the lever 3 increases by the portion

  introduction 17 to the end of the fixing part

tion 18.

  A recessed receiving part 19 is produced on the inner wall of the housing part 6 in the region of the introduction opening 7 (see FIG. 4). A projection 20 is produced on the outer wall of the proximal part 4 of the lever 3. When the proximal part is introduced

  4 in the housing part 6, the recessed part receiving

  trice 19 receives the projection 20. The recessed part 19

  extends over approximately 90 degrees of angle around the long axis

  tudinal of the housing part 6. The projection 20 has another recessed part 21 which, in the fixing position, cooperates with another projection 22 produced in the

  recessed part 19 and serves as end-of-travel security.

  The inner wall of the housing part 6 has a flange part 23 which widens in a cone shape towards the insertion opening 7. A corresponding cone-shaped flange part 24 is produced on the outer wall of the proximal part 4 of the operating lever 3. When the proximal part 4 of the lever 3

  is fixed in the housing part 6 of the switching element

  2, the rim part 23 and the flange part 24 cooperate in such a way that the operating lever 3 is fixed without play in the switch element 2. To fix the operating lever 3 in the switch 2, lever 3 is first oriented relative to

  the switch element 2, as shown in Figure 1.

  At this time, it is important that the insertion slot portions 17 are oriented so as to face the stop rod 13. It is then possible to introduce the

  lever 3 in the axial direction in the housing part-

  switch 6 of switch element 2. At this point, the

  insertion slot portions 17 receive the bu-

  tee 13 in a guided manner. It is also important that the projection 20 of the proximal part 4 of the part in

  receiving withdrawal 19 from the housing part 6 or orient

  tee in order to face the recessed part 19 of the

  housing part 6 and that, during the introduction of the

16 2785859

  through 3 in the switch element 2, the recessed receiving part 19 can receive the projection 20. Due to the introduction of the lever 3 in the axial direction, the engagement plate 11 is, from the end proximal 16 of the lever 3, raised from the stop rod 13 against the force of the spring element 12 and

  pushed back inside the housing part 6.

  As soon as the stop rod 13 has reached the end of the

  insertion slot parts 17, it is possible to re-

  Alise an offset in rotation of the lever 3 in the housing part 6 in an anti-clockwise direction. During the rotational movement, the fixing slot portions 18 receive the stop rod 13 in a guided manner. Furthermore, the projection 20 is offset in rotation in the receiving recessed part 19. During the rotational movement, the engagement plate 11

  continues to be inserted inside the lodge part

  ment 6 under the effect of the proximal end 16 of the lever 3.

  As soon as at the end of the rotational movement, the rod

  stop 13 has reached the end of the fixing slot parts

  tion 18, the insertion slot portions 17 are located exactly opposite the latching plate 11. Under

  the effect of the force of the spring element 12, the plate

  interlocking pin 11 is then pushed back into the

  introductory slot ties 17. This is how it looks

  nière, between the interlocking plate 11 and the parts

  introduction slot 17, a latching interlocking

  ment, carried out in an inseparable way, which prevents

  setting in rotation of the operating lever. Furthermore, by engagement, the second recessed part 21 of the projection

  is engaged, in the fixing position, with the

  projection 22 of the receiving recessed part 19. FIG. 2 represents the steering column switch 1

  according to the invention in the assembled state.

  The particular arrangement of the proximal part 4 of the

  lever 3 and the housing part 6 of the control element

  mutator 2 allows, in the first place, quick and uncomplicated fixing of the operating lever 3 in the element of

  switch 2. Second, thanks to the particular arrangement

  link, relatively high operating forces can

17 2785859

  be transmitted by the lever 3 to the switch element 2, without resulting in damage to the part

  proximal 4 or the housing part 6.

18 2785859

Claims (43)

  1. Steering column switch (1) comprising a switch element (2) arranged in the area of the steering column and an operating lever (3), the switch element (2) comprising a housing part ment (6) used to accommodate the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3), the housing part (6) being accessible   from the outside through an introduction opening (7), charac-   terized in that the proximal part (4) of the lever   work (3) can be fixed in the housing part (6)   by means of an interlocking engagement.   2. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connection to   interlocking is carried out so as to be inseparable.   3. Steering column switch (1) according to the   claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the proxi-   male (4) of the operating lever (3) and the housing part (6) have corresponding guide elements which guide the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) from an insertion position, in which the proximal end (16) of the operating lever (3) is disposed in the insertion opening (7), until in a fixing position in which the operating lever (3) is fixed   in the switching element (2).   4. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the first elements   guide are made in the proximal part (4) of the   operating sink (3) in the form of at least one guide slot (15), the guide slot (15) receiving the second guide elements by guiding them from the position   from introduction to the fixing position.   5. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the second guide elements are produced in the form of a stop rod (13) arranged in a substantially transverse manner in the housing part (6).   6. Steering column switch (1) according to the   claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the proxi-   male (4) of the operating lever (3) is made in the form of a hollow cylinder and in that two guide slots (15), which 19 2785859   are rotated by an angle of 180 degrees relative to each other around the longitudinal axis of the cylinder   hollow, are made in the hollow cylinder.   7. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that each guide slot (15) has an insertion slot part (17),   extending essentially axially, which extends   rope to a fixing slot part (18) extending   in an essentially tangential way.   8. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the slot portion of   attachment (18) extends over an angle of about 90 degrees   rotation of the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, of the part   introduction slot (17) to the end of the fixing slot tie (18).   9. Steering column switch (1) according to the   claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the distance between-   the proximal end (16) of the operating lever (3) and the fixing slot part (18) increases from the insertion slot part (17) to the end of the part fixing slot (18).   10. Next steering column switch (1)   one of claims 7 to 9, characterized in that the   fixing slot part (18) is connected to a recess, formed at the end of the fixing slot part (18), by means of which the distance between the proximal end (16) of the operating lever (3) and the fixing slot part (18) is reduced.   11. Next steering column switch (1)   one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the   interlocking interlocking includes a plate   latching (11) which is arranged in the part of lo-   gement (6) essentially transversely and can be moved axially, which is subjected, by means of a spring element (12), to an axial elastic force directed towards the insertion opening (7) and which ,   in the fixing position, snaps into recesses   corresponding elements arranged at the end   proximal (16) of the operating lever (3). 2785859   12. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the insertion slot parts (17) of the guide slots (15) constitute the recesses formed at the location of the proximal end ( 16) of the operating lever (3). 13. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the housing part (6) has a bearing bearing on which the spring element (12) pushes the plate   latching (11), in a rest position in the   which the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3)   is arranged outside the housing part (6).   14. Steering column switch (1) according to the   claim 13, characterized in that the stop is made   placed in the form of the stop rod (13) arranged with a   essentially transverse in the housing part ment (6).   15. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the stop rod (13) extends in a manner essentially perpendicular to the interlocking plate (11).   16. Next steering column switch (1)   one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that   as an insertion safety device, at least one projection (20), provided at the location of the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) or in the housing part (6) of the switch element ( 2), cooperates, in a respectively associated manner, with at least one corresponding recessed receiving part (19) formed in the housing part (6)   or at the location of the proximal part (4) of the lever work (3).   17. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that a recessed receiving part (19) is produced, at the location of the insertion opening (7), in the interior wall of the housing part (6) and a projection (20) is formed on the outer wall of the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3), in such a way that, during the introduction of the   proximal part (4) in the housing part (6), the part   tie in receiving recess (19) receives the projection (20). 21 2785859   18. Steering column switch (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the recessed receiving part (19) extends over approximately 90 degrees of angle around   of the longitudinal axis of the housing part (6).   19. Steering column switch (1) according to the   claim 18, characterized in that the projection (20) comprises   carries another recessed part (21) which, in the fixing position, cooperates with another projection (22) made   in the receiving recessed part (19).   20. Next steering column switch (1)   one of claims 1 to 19, characterized in that the   inner wall of the housing part (6) has a rim part (23) which widens in a cone shape towards the insertion opening (7) and which,   in the fixing position, cooperates with a form-   mant cone-shaped collar (24) formed on the outer wall of the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3). 21. Next steering column switch (1)   one of claims 1 to 20, characterized in that the   proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) is in the middle tal.   22. Operating lever (3) for a co-switch   steering column (1), the steering column switch   tion (1) being provided with a switch element (2) which is arranged in the area of the steering column and which comprises a housing part (6) serving to accommodate the proximal part (4) of the operating lever ( 3), the part   housing (6) being accessible from the outside by an or-   introduction groove (7), characterized in that the part   proximal (4) of the operating lever (3) comprises pre-   better interlocking elements which, when the near part   male (4) of the operating lever (3) is introduced into the housing part (6), cooperates with second, corresponding engagement elements, formed in the housing part (6), in such a way that the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) can be fixed in the part of   housing (6) by means of an interlocking is lying. 22 2785859   23. Operating lever (3) according to claim 22, characterized in that the first engagement elements are produced in the form of recesses in   which the second engagement elements, correspond to   heavy, cling inseparably when the   proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) is intro   pick in the housing part (6).   24. Operating lever (3) according to claim 22   or 23, characterized in that the proximal part (4) of the   maneuvering sink (3) comprises first guide elements   dage which cooperate with second, corresponding guide elements, produced in the housing part (6) and guide the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) from an insertion position, in which the proximal end (4) of the operating lever (3) is arranged in the insertion opening (7), until in a fixing position in which the operating lever (3) is fixed   in the switching element (2).   25. Operating lever (3) according to claim 24, characterized in that the first guide elements   are made in the proximal part (4) of the lever   work (3) in the form of at least one guide slot (15) which receives the second guide elements by guiding them from   the insertion position to the fixing position tion.   26. operating lever (3) according to claim, characterized in that the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) is in the form of a hollow cylinder and in that two guide slots (15), which are offset in rotation by an angle of 180 degrees to each other around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, are made in the hollow cylinder.   27. Operating lever (3) according to claim   26, characterized in that each guide slot (15) comprises   carries a substantially axially extending insertion slot portion (17) which connects to a substantially extending attachment slot portion (18) essentially tangential.   28. Operating lever (3) according to claim 27, characterized in that the fixing slot part 23 2785859   (18) extends, at an angle of approximately 90 degrees around the longitudinal axis of the hollow cylinder, from the insertion slot part (17) to the end of the insertion part fixing slot (18).   29. Operating lever (3) according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that the distance between the proximal end (16) of the operating lever (3) and the fixing slot part (18) increases by the part introduction slot (17) to the end of the part of fixing slot (18).   30. Operating lever (3) according to one of the claims   cations 27 to 29, characterized in that the fixing slot part (18) is connected to a recess, formed at the end of the fixing slot part (18), by means   from which the distance between the proximal end (16) of the   operating sink (3) and the fixing slot part (18) is reduced.   31. Operating lever (3) according to one of the claims   cations 22 to 30, characterized in that at least one projection (20) is formed on the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) and in that it cooperates, as security   introductory, with at least a recessed receiving part   corresponding trice (19) formed in the housing part (6). 32. operating lever (3) according to claim 31, characterized in that a projection (20) is formed on the outer wall of the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3), in such a way that , during the introduction of the proximal part (4) into the housing part (6),   it engages in a receiving setback (19) met   swam in the inner wall of the housing part (6)   at the location of the introduction opening (7).   33. Operating lever (3) according to claim 32, characterized in that the projection (20) has another recessed part (21) which, in the position for fixing the   operating lever (3), receives another projection (22)   aligned in the recessed receiving part (19) of the housing tie (6).   34. Operating lever (3) according to one of the claims   cations 22 to 33, characterized in that, on the outer wall 24 2785859   lower part of the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3), a cone-shaped flange part (24) is produced which, in the fixing position of the operating lever (3), cooperates with a part forming corresponding rim (23) which is produced on the inner wall of the housing part (6) and which widens in the form of   cone towards the insertion opening (7).   35. Operating lever (3) according to one of the claims   cations 22 to 34, characterized in that the proximal part   (4) of the operating lever (3) is made of metal.   36. Switch element (2) for a steering column switch (1), the switch element (2) being   provided with a housing part (6) serving to house the part   proximal tie (4) of an operating lever (3) and the part   housing (6) being accessible from the outside by an or-   insertion groove (7), characterized in that the housing part (6) of the switch element (2) has second engagement elements which, when the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3 ) is introduced in   the housing part (6), cooperate with first elements   corresponding interlocking elements made on the   proximal tie (4) of the operating lever (3), so that the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) can be   fixed in the housing part (6) by means of a fastening risation by engagement.   37. Switch element (2) according to claim 36, characterized in that the second engagement elements are produced in the form of at least one   projection which engages inseparably in the pre- better interlocking elements.   38. Switch element (2) according to claim 36 or 37, characterized in that the housing part (6) comprises second guide elements which cooperate with   first guide elements, corresponding, of the   proximal tie (4) of the operating lever (3) and guide the   proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) of a posi-   introduction, in which the proximal end (16) of the operating lever (3) is disposed in the introduction opening (7), until in a position of 2785859   fixing in which the operating lever (3) is fixed   in the switch element (2).   39. Switch element (2) according to claim 38, characterized in that the second guide elements are produced in the form of a stop rod (13) arranged in a substantially transverse manner in the housing part (6) , while the first guide elements receive the stop rod (13) by guiding it from the position   from introduction to the fixing position.   40. Switch element (2) according to one of the resents   dications-36 to 39, characterized in that the housing part   (6) includes a locking plate (11) which is   laid in an essentially transverse manner, which is subjected, by means of a spring element (12), to an axial elastic force directed towards the insertion opening (7) and which, in the fixing position, s '' engages in corresponding recesses in   the location of the proximal end (16) of the operating lever   glass (3) 41. Switch element (2) according to claim, characterized in that the housing part (6) has a bearing bearing on which the spring element (12) pushes the latching plate (11), in a rest position in which the proximal part (4) of the operating lever (3) is arranged outside the housing part (6).   42. Switch element (2) according to claim 41, characterized in that the stopper is produced under the   shape of the stopper rod (13) arranged in a substantially   partially transverse in the housing part (6).   43. Switch element (2) according to claim 42, characterized in that the stop rod (13) and extends in a substantially perpendicular manner the plate engagement (11). 26 2785859   List of references 1 steering column switch 2 switch element 3 operating lever.   4 proximal part lever element 6 housing part 7 insertion opening 8 flange 9 head cover cap 11 locking plate 12 spring element 13 stop rod 14 guide slot opening 16 proximal end 17 introduction slot part 18 part of fixing slot 19 part recessed receiving protrusion 21 other part recessed 22 other protrusion 23 part forming cone-shaped rim 24 part forming flange cone-shaped