JPH1170833A - Turn signal switch - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve the operating convenience in a turn signal switch to turn on a turn signal according to the operation of an operation lever. SOLUTION: In a turn signal switch 1, a control circuit 9 sets a cancel prepartion angle and a cancel angle as an absolute rotating angle from the rotating neutral position depending on a car speed signal given from a car speed sensor 10. And the control circuit 9 detects that a steering is rotated across the cancel preparation angle depending on a rotary angle signal given from a rotary angle sensor 11, and then, when it detects that the steering is rotated reversely to the cancel angle, a flashing turn signal 14 or 15 is put out. When the car speed is relatively large, the flashing turn signal 14 or 15 can be put out automatically even when the rotary angle of the steering is relatively small, by setting the cancel preperation angle relatively small.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a turn signal switch having control means for turning on a turn signal in response to an operation of an operation lever.

[0002]

Conventionally, in a turn signal switch of a motor vehicle, when a user turns an operation lever from an operation neutral position to a left turn position or a right turn position, a left turn signal or a right turn signal is provided. Is turned on (flashing). Then, when the user turns the steering to the cancel preparation angle in order to turn left or right, and then reversely rotates to the cancel angle, the operation lever is automatically returned from the left turn position or the right turn position to the operation neutral position, and the turn is performed. The signal automatically turns off (turns off).

In the conventional turn signal switch, since the operation lever is mechanically held / released at a left turn position or a right turn position, the cancel preparation angle and the cancel angle are fixed. Has become.

However, when the cancel preparation angle and the cancel angle are fixed as described above, there are the following problems. That is, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, generally, when turning left or right, the rotation angle of the steering wheel becomes relatively small, so that the steering wheel may not be turned to the cancel preparation angle.

[0005] In this case, even if the steering wheel is returned to the neutral position where the vehicle travels straight, the operation lever is not automatically returned from the left turn position or the right turn position to the operation neutral position, and the turn signal is not automatically turned off. In such a case, the turn signal is blinking contrary to the user's intention, and the user must return the operation lever to the operation neutral position by himself and turn off the turn signal. However, the operation was very troublesome.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has as its object to provide a configuration in which a turn signal is turned on in response to an operation on an operation lever, regardless of the vehicle speed, against the intention of the user. It is an object of the present invention to provide an easy-to-use turn signal switch that can avoid the situation where the turn signal is blinking.

[0007]

A turn signal switch according to the present invention comprises a control means for turning on a turn signal in response to an operation on an operation lever. Rotation angle detection means for detecting an absolute rotation angle from the rotation neutral position, wherein the control means sets a cancel preparation angle and a cancel angle based on the detection result of the speed detection means as an absolute rotation angle from the rotation neutral position. When the turn signal is turned on in response to an operation on the operation lever, the steering is rotated by the rotation angle detecting means beyond the cancel preparation angle and then reversely rotated to the cancel angle. It is characterized in that the turn signal is turned off when detecting that That (claim 1).

According to the turn signal switch having the above configuration, when the user operates the operation lever, the control unit turns on the turn signal. Then, when the user turns the steering wheel to make a left or right turn, the rotation angle detecting means detects that the steering wheel has been turned to a position beyond the cancel preparation angle, and thereafter, the steering is reversed to the cancel angle. When the rotation is detected, the control unit turns off the turn signal.

At this time, the cancel preparation angle and the cancel angle are set as absolute rotation angles from the rotation neutral position by the control means based on the detection result of the speed detection means. Therefore, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, the control unit sets the cancel preparation angle to a relatively small value, and sets the cancel angle accordingly. Thus, even when the steering rotation angle is relatively small, You can turn off the turn signal that is on. Thus, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the turn signal is turned on against the intention of the user.

In the turn signal switch having the above-mentioned structure, when the speed detected by the speed detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the control means sets a cancel return angle as a relative rotation angle based on the detected speed. And
The turn signal may be turned off when the rotation angle detecting means detects that the steering wheel has been rotated backward to the cancel return angle after the steering has been rotated (claim 2).

According to the turn signal switch having the above structure, when the user operates the operation lever, the control unit turns on the turn signal. Then, when the user turns the steering wheel to make a left or right turn, the rotation angle detecting means detects that the steering wheel has been rotated, and then detects that the steering wheel has been reversely rotated to the cancel return angle. Then, the control unit turns off the turn signal.

At this time, the cancel return angle is set by the control means as a relative rotation angle based on the speed detected by the speed detecting means. Therefore,
When the vehicle speed is extremely high, such as when driving on a highway, the control unit sets the cancel return angle to a relatively small value, so that the steering angle is extremely small, for example, when changing lanes.
After turning the steering wheel, a slight reverse rotation can turn off the turn signal that is on.

[0013]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS. First, FIG.
1 shows a plane view of a main part of a vehicle lever switch device including a turn signal switch 1 (see FIG. 1). 2, a bracket 3 is provided inside the body 2, and the bracket 3 is provided with the bracket 3 and the support shaft 4 as a center of rotation.
An operation lever 5 rotatable in the directions A1, A2 is provided.

The operating lever 5 is always held at an operation neutral position. When an urging force is applied in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. When it rotates and its urging force is released,
It returns to the operation neutral position. When an urging force is applied in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. 2, the operation lever 5 rotates around the support shaft 4 to the right-turn position, and when the urging force is released, the operation lever 5 moves to the operation neutral position. To return to. As described above, the turn signal switch 1 can be operated by rotating the operation lever 5 in the directions of arrows A1 and A2 in FIG. 2 about the support shaft 4 as the rotation center. I have.

The operation lever 5 is rotatable about a support shaft 6. By rotating the operation lever 5 about the support shaft 6, a dimmer switch ( (Not shown) can be operated. Further, a rotary operation shaft 8 that is rotatable in a direction around the axis (directions of arrows B1 and B2 in FIG. 2) by a knob 7 is inserted into the operation lever 5. By rotating, a light control switch (not shown) can be operated.

Next, an electrical configuration of the turn signal switch 1 will be described with reference to FIG. The control circuit 9 as a control means in the turn signal switch 1 is mainly composed of a microcomputer. The control circuit 9 is connected to a vehicle speed sensor 10 as speed detection means, a rotation angle sensor 11 as rotation angle detection means, and a changeover switch 12. The control circuit 9 is connected to a turn signal 14 for left turn and a turn signal 15 for right turn via an output circuit 13.

The vehicle speed sensor 10 detects the vehicle speed and outputs a vehicle speed signal corresponding to the detected vehicle speed to the control circuit 9. The rotation angle sensor 11 detects the rotation angle of the steering 16 in response to the user operating the steering 16 (see FIG. 3), and outputs a rotation angle signal corresponding to the rotation angle to the control circuit 9. It has become.

The changeover switch 12 switches the connection state in conjunction with the turning operation of the operation lever 5, and when the operation lever 5 is in the operation neutral position, the connection state is disconnected. When the control lever 5 is at the left turn position, the movable contact 12a and the fixed contact 12b are connected, and when the operation lever 5 is at the right turn position, the movable contact 1
2a and the fixed contact 12c are connected.

When the control circuit 9 detects that the operation lever 5 is turned to the left turn position and the movable contact 12a and the fixed contact 12b of the changeover switch 12 are connected, the output circuit 13 outputs a signal for left turn. A drive current is intermittently applied to the turn signal 14 to cause the left turn signal 14 to blink, the operation lever 5 is rotated to the right turn position, and the movable contact 12a and the fixed contact 12 of the switch 12 are turned.
When it is detected that the right turn signal c is connected, the drive circuit intermittently supplies a drive current to the right turn signal 15 from the output circuit 13 so that the right turn signal 15 blinks.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to FIG. First, the control circuit 9 includes a vehicle speed sensor 10
The vehicle speed is detected based on the vehicle speed signal given from the vehicle. When the detected vehicle speed is relatively low (for example, 20 km / h or less), the control circuit 9 sets the cancellation preparation angle (θ1) as an absolute rotation angle from the rotation neutral position as shown in FIG. A relatively large value is set, and the cancel angle (θ2) is set accordingly. Further, the control circuit 9 determines that the vehicle speed is relatively high (for example, 20 to 80 k / h).
In case m), as shown in FIG. 3B, the cancel preparation angle (θ1) is set relatively small, and the cancel angle (θ2) is set accordingly. Further, the control circuit 9
Means that the detected vehicle speed is extremely high (for example, 80 km / h)
In the above case, as shown in FIG. 3C, the cancel return angle (θ3) is set as the relative rotation angle.

Now, consider the case where the vehicle speed is relatively high (for example, 20 to 80 km / h). When the user rotates the operation lever 5 from the operation neutral position to the right turn position in order to make a right turn, for example, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, the movable contact 12a and the fixed contact 12c of the changeover switch 12 are connected. . Then, the control circuit 9 detects that the movable contact 12a and the fixed contact 12c of the changeover switch 12 are connected, applies a drive current intermittently to the right turn signal 15, and blinks the right turn signal 15. .

Next, when the user turns the steering 16 rightward (clockwise) from the neutral position, which is a straight traveling direction, the control circuit 9 controls the steering based on the rotation angle signal given from the rotation angle sensor 11. 16 rotation angles are detected. In this case, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, the rotation angle of the steering 16 is generally relatively small, but as described above, the cancel preparation angle (θ1) is set to be relatively small. Therefore, the steering 16 is rotated beyond the cancel preparation angle (θ1). At this time, the control circuit 9
Detects that the steering wheel 16 has been turned beyond the cancel preparation angle (θ1).

Next, when the user reversely rotates the steering 16 from that state to the neutral position, which is a straight traveling direction, in the left direction (counterclockwise direction), the control circuit 9 outputs the rotation angle given from the rotation angle sensor 11. The rotation angle of the steering 16 is detected based on the signal. In this case, the steering 16 is reversely rotated to the cancel angle (θ2). When the control circuit 9 detects that the steering 16 is reversely rotated to the cancel angle (θ2), the control circuit 9 outputs a right turn signal 15. Stop applying drive current,
The blinking right turn signal 15 is turned off.

As described above, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, the rotation angle of the steering wheel 16 is generally relatively small, but the control circuit 9 sets the cancel preparation angle (θ1) to a relatively small value. By doing so, the blinking right turn signal 15 can be automatically turned off.

On the other hand, when the vehicle speed is relatively low, the rotation angle of the steering wheel 16 is generally large. Therefore, as described above, by setting the cancel preparation angle (θ1) relatively large. , Turn signal 1
4 or 15 can be appropriately and automatically turned off.

Next, the vehicle speed is extremely high (for example, 80 k
m or more). When the vehicle speed is extremely high, for example, when the user is traveling on a highway,
When the operation lever 5 is turned to the right turn position to change lanes, the control circuit 9 causes the right turn signal 15 to blink. Then, when the user turns the steering wheel 16 slightly rightward from the neutral position, which is the straight traveling direction,
The control circuit 9 detects the rotation angle of the steering 16 based on the rotation angle signal given from the rotation angle sensor 11.

Next, when the user reversely rotates the steering wheel 16 slightly leftward from that state to a neutral position, which is a straight traveling direction, the control circuit 9 performs control based on the rotation angle signal given from the rotation angle sensor 11. The rotation angle of the steering 16 is detected. In this case, when the vehicle speed is extremely high, the rotation angle of the steering 16 is generally extremely small. However, as described above, the cancellation return angle (θ3) is set to a relatively small value. Is reversely rotated to the cancel return angle (θ3). Then, at this time, the control circuit 9
When it is detected that the steering wheel 16 has been reversely rotated to the cancel return angle (θ3), the right turn signal 15 is output.
Is stopped, and the right turn signal 15 is turned off.

As described above, when the vehicle speed is extremely high, the control circuit 9 sets the cancel return angle (θ3) instead of setting the cancel preparation angle (θ1) and the cancel angle (θ2). Even if the rotation angle of the steering wheel 16 is small, the blinking right turn signal 15 can be automatically turned off.

As described above, in the present embodiment, the control circuit 9 controls the cancel preparation angle (θ1) and the cancel angle (θ) based on the vehicle speed signal given from the vehicle speed sensor 10.
2) is set as the absolute rotation angle from the rotation neutral position,
Based on the rotation angle signal given from the rotation angle sensor 11, it is detected that the steering 16 has been rotated beyond the cancel preparation angle (θ1), and thereafter, the cancellation angle (θ
When the reverse rotation is detected up to 2), the blinking turn signal 14 or 15 is turned off.

Accordingly, when the vehicle speed is relatively high, the rotation angle of the steering wheel 16 is relatively small by setting the above-mentioned cancellation preparation angle (θ1) to be relatively small and setting the cancellation angle (θ2) accordingly. Even in this case, the blinking turn signal 14 or 15 can be automatically turned off. This makes it possible to avoid a situation in which the turn signal 14 or 15 is blinking against the user's intention, regardless of the vehicle speed, thereby improving the usability.

When the vehicle speed exceeds a predetermined value, the control circuit 9 sets the cancel return angle (θ3) as a relative rotation angle based on the vehicle speed signal given from the vehicle speed sensor 10 and sets the relative rotation angle. When it is detected that the steering 16 has been turned and then reversely turned to the cancel return angle (θ3) based on the rotation angle signal given from the sensor 11, the blinking turn signal 14 or 15 is turned off. It was configured as follows.

Therefore, when the vehicle speed is extremely high, for example, when the vehicle is traveling on a highway, the cancel return angle (θ3) is set to a relatively small value. However, the blinking turn signal 14 or 15 can be automatically turned off simply by turning the steering wheel 16 slightly in the reverse direction after turning the steering wheel 16. Thereby, usability can be further improved.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be modified or expanded as follows. The operation lever 5 is held at the left turn position or the right turn position. The turn signal 14 or 15 is turned off, and at the same time, the operation lever 5 is returned from the left turn position or the right turn position to the operation neutral position. You may.

[0034]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the turn signal switch of the first aspect, the control means changes the cancel preparation angle and the cancel angle from the rotation neutral position based on the detection result of the speed detection means. When the vehicle speed is relatively high, the cancel preparation angle is set to a relatively small value, and the cancel angle is set accordingly, so that the steering rotation angle is set to a relatively small value. Even in this case, the turned-on turn signal can be automatically turned off. Thereby, regardless of the vehicle speed, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the turn signal is turned on against the intention of the user, and it is possible to improve the usability.

According to the turn signal switch of the second aspect, when the control means detects that the speed detected by the speed detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value, the cancel return angle is set as a relative rotation angle based on the detected speed. When the vehicle speed is extremely high, for example, when traveling on a highway, the cancel return angle is set to a relatively small value, so that the steering angle is extremely small, for example, when changing lanes. However, turning the steering wheel and then slightly reversing it can automatically turn off the turn signal that is on. Thereby, usability can be further improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a main part of the lever switch device for a vehicle.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a cancel preparation angle, a cancel angle, and a cancel return angle.

[Explanation of symbols]

In the drawings, 1 is a turn signal switch, 5 is an operation lever, 9 is a control circuit (control means), 10 is a vehicle speed sensor (speed detection means), 11 is a rotation angle sensor (rotation angle detection means), and 14 is a left turn. A signal, 15 is a turn signal for turning right, and 16 is a steering wheel.

Claims (2)

[Claims] 1. A turn signal switch comprising control means for turning on a turn signal in response to operation of an operation lever, wherein a speed detection means for detecting a speed of a vehicle, and an absolute rotation angle of the steering wheel from a neutral position. The control means sets a cancel preparation angle and a cancel angle as absolute rotation angles from the rotation neutral position based on the detection result of the speed detection means, and performs an operation on the operation lever. When the turn signal is turned on in response to the turn signal, when the rotation angle detecting means detects that the steering is rotated beyond the cancel preparation angle and then reversely rotated to the cancel angle, the turn signal is output. Turn signal switch characterized by turning off. 2. The control means sets a cancel return angle as a relative rotation angle based on the detected speed when the speed detected by the speed detection means is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. 2. The turn signal switch according to claim 1, wherein the turn signal is turned off when it is detected that the steering is turned to the cancel return angle after the steering is turned.