JPS61132441A - Steering arm switch for direction indicator of automobile - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a casing which at least partially surrounds a steering spindle and which is pivotable about an axis of rotation from a central rest position to an operating position located on either side of the steering spindle via a switching lever. A steering arm switch comprising a switching member held in a casing and a device provided to enable return of the switching member and to prevent breakage of components involved in the return operation, comprising: The switching element is provided with a spring-loaded resting element for holding it in various positions, and further includes a driving mechanism with which the device can be deflected against the spring force, and a spring-loaded stop element attached thereto. On the contrary, it can be rotated around another axis of rotation,
The present invention relates to a steering arm switch for a turn signal of a motor vehicle, consisting of a return member cooperating with a return cam at the steering spindle.

Steering arm switches of this type are subject to a number of requirements that are apparently contradictory in themselves. Switching on (switching on) is done manually, while switching off (off), ie, back off, can be done either manually or automatically by reversing the steering device. At this time, however, with a fixed switching lever, the closing position must be maintained despite the reverse rotation of the steering device.
Even if the steering device is rotated in the direction corresponding to the switch-on position, it must not have a negative effect on returning the steering device.

A series of switches are known that meet these requirements.

In these known switches, however, the number of individual elastic means was required to be quite large in order to ensure that the necessary requirements could be met. Moreover, the actuation and return of such switches, in order to ensure that a precise resting position is achieved against external influences, requires considerable force, which can cause considerable wear and tear. It is a powerful thing.

The object of the present application is to create a steering arm switch for a turn signal of a motor vehicle, in which the necessary requirements are reliably met with relatively few elastic means, and in which the forces acting on the rest member are kept relatively small. That is.

Furthermore, by a particularly advantageous development of the individual components, and by a particularly well arranged arrangement of the components relative to one another, it is possible to achieve a steering arm switch that is as durable as possible and meets the expectations for a long service life, so that the switch can In particular, there is also the issue of ensuring that the device is configured with a small number of parts.

These problems are solved by the means stated in the claims.

A switch designed to solve this problem has the particular advantage that, due to its simple and uncomplicated construction, and in particular because it uses relatively few elastic means, it is particularly inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. Moreover, the spring force transmitted to the rest member by the elastic means can be kept particularly low even though the switch lever is securely in the rest position, which is expected to prolong the life of the overall switch. This will have an extremely positive effect.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

As is clear from FIG. 1, the steering arm switch provided for indicating the direction of travel of the motor vehicle is essentially designed as a switching element 2 in an end region pivotably held in a switch casing 25; The switching lever consists of a switching lever 1 that is movable from a central resting position to an operating position located on both sides thereof and can be held in a predetermined position via a stopping means (snap stopping means), a driving mechanism 4, and a return member 3. It consists of a device attached to the element and electrical contact means, which are only shown attached to the switching element 2 for the sake of simplicity.

The resting means are on the one hand a resting roller 6 acting on a pressure spring 50 mounted in a storage chamber 8 at the free end of the switching element 2, which is pivotable about a pin 7, and on the other hand a concave-convex curve. It consists of. A sliding element 9 is arranged between the resting roller 6 and the helical pressure spring 5, which on the one hand holds the resting roller 6 rotatably via a bearing location and on the other hand supports the helical pressing force. It is supported against the spring 5. Two wings 4a, 4. are subordinated to this resting roller 6 and are provided on both sides of the finger-shaped return member 3. At the entraining mechanism 4 consisting of b,
The concavo-convex curve in the further part 10 which overlaps the two wings at a certain distance is formed by the wing leg end surfaces 4a', 4b' formed as concave-convex curved areas, and the wing 48'l4b. ” and the similarly uneven curved area 10a+ 10b+ of the portion 10 that can be inserted into the casing 25.
and an end face with IQc. Wings 4a, 4 arranged on both sides of the return finger 3
b is shaped therein and is held rotatably by means of a pin 11.12 seated in a recess in the housing 25, the pin 11.12 having a wing leg with a concave and convex curve area; It is located near the body end surfaces 4a and 4b. Approximately opposite the bins 11.12, projections 18.14 are arranged on the wings 4a I 4b, which projections serve as fixing points for the sinusoidal springs 15 that connect the two wings 4a, 4b to each other. It is something. A sinusoidal spring 15 joins the wing corners 4c, 4d, located opposite the wing leg end faces 4a, 4b, to a return finger 3 cooperating with a zero spring 16. On the one hand, this zero-shaped spring is inserted into the notch 17 provided in the return finger 3.
On the other hand, it is fastened to a fastening point 18 on the switch housing 25 and presses the return finger 3 in the direction of the steering spindle.

In the rest position, the switching lever 1 rests on the uneven curve area 10C via the resting roller 6 of the switching member 2. When the driver moves the switching lever 1 in the direction of the switching position shown in the figure, the pause roller 6 moves out of the uneven curve area 10C formed as a notch against the spring force of the helical pressing spring 5. The wing 4 is moved and has an uneven curve area 10a which is formed as a switching slope.
It is moved towards the rounded corner 19 of a. The resistance at the switching lever 1, which can be sensed for the driver, signals to the driver the expected operating position (driving lane change flashing activation).

If the driver now releases the switching lever 1, this lever automatically returns to its rest position.

If the driver moves the switching lever 1 further against resistance in the direction of the switching position shown, the switching lever 1 finally reaches its one rest operating position. In this rest operating position (driving direction indicator blinking action), the rest roller 6 is subordinate to the rest point 4a'' of the concavo-convex curve 4a'. It can be returned to its rest position.

In the case of automatic return of the switching lever 1, the reverse rotation of the handle serves to effect the return. In the rest position, the return finger 3 releases its stroke in the direction of the steering spindle 22 for the return finger 3 subjected to its retracted force, and the return finger 3 assumes an advanced position;
The position is defined by an elongated hole in the casing 25, in which the rotation axis 23 of the return finger 3 engages. When the steering wheel is turned in the bending direction by moving the switching lever 1 into the rest operating position of one of the switching levers shown, the steering spindle 22 moves in the opposite direction to the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. A return cam 24 on the steering spindle 22 then rotates the return finger 3 about its axis of rotation 23 in the following way, i.e. the wing 4b rotates around its pin 12 with a sine-curved spring 1.
Resisting the spring force of the figure 5 and figure 6 springs 16, the switching lever 1 is sometimes affected and the return cam 24 moves back to the return finger 3.
Rotate it so that it deviates just enough to go beyond. When the return cam 24 finally passes the return finger 3, the sine curve spring 15 and the figure six spring 16 act to cause the return finger 3 to assume its advanced position again.

After turning the curve, when the steering wheel rotates in the opposite direction, the steering spindle 22 rotates together with its return cam 24 in the direction of the arrow shown. The return cam 24 is the return finger 3
When engaged with the cam, the cam moves the wing 4a mainly against the spring force of the helical pressing spring 5 around the pin 11 as follows:
That is, the concave and convex curve area provided on the wing leg end surface 4a is rotated so that it returns to the inclined position. This uneven curve area and switching slope 10a which became a return slope.
The resting roller 6, which is receiving the spring force of the helical pressure spring 5 along K, moves into the notch 1QcO of the uneven curve. The switching lever 1 is therefore again in its rest position.

The switching lever 1 is in one of its illustrated rest operating positions, and if the driver holds the switching lever 1 during the steering return after a turn, the return finger 3
must be able to deviate from the return cam 24 on the steering spindle 22, so that damage is less likely to occur (prevention of breakage). When the return cam 24 rotates the return finger 3 around its rotation axis 23 in this position, the return finger 3 resists the spring force of the rotary pressing spring 5 and rotates the return cam 24 when the wing 4a is held in the switching member 2. Turn around the pin 11 until it can pass the return finger 3. When the return cam 24 completely passes the return finger 3, the figure six spring 16 and the sine curve spring 15 bring the return finger 3 back into its advanced position.

When the switching lever 1 is moved from its rest position to the other working position (not shown) or from there to the static position, it follows a movement sequence similar to that of the command lever.

Next, another embodiment based on FIGS. 2 and 3 will be described.

As is clear from these figures, the steering arm switch has a switch casing 101 similar to the first embodiment.
A switching member 103, which is pivotably mounted in the switching member 102 and connected to the switching lever 102, and a device 104, which ensures the driving and retracting functions and which is attached to the switching member 103, are connected to the switching lever 102 and are not shown for the sake of simplicity. and electrical connection means subordinated to member 103. The switching element 103 can be moved by means of the switching lever 102 from a central rest position to an active position located on either side of it, with the switching element 10
3 and the switching lever 102 can be held in a predetermined operating position via detent means.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 shows the switch in the rest position. Switching member 1 combined with switching lever 102
03 is rotatably supported in the upper part of the switch casing and in the lower part of the switch casing by means of a projection 105 shaped thereon. At the end of the switching element 103 facing the switching lever 102, a triangular switching part 106 is arranged, which cooperates with a pin 107 provided on the base body 104a of the device 104. This device 104 itself has an end 104 facing towards the steering spindle 108.
b in the form of fingers, on the one hand to the projections 109a, 109b of the device 104 and on the other hand to the projections 110a, 110b of the switch casing.
Two helical tension springs 1lla and 1llb fixed to
The finger-shaped end is attached to the steering spindle 108
It is subordinated to the return cam 108a located at. End 104 of device 104 opposite steering spindle 108
c is designed in the form of a fork, the teeth 104 c'+ 104 c'' of both forks having a projection 'fr 1 shaped on the inner surface of the sliding elements 113a, 118b.
12a and 112b. The switching element 103 has a recess 114 formed as a guide groove, which is arranged at right angles to the main direction of extension of the switching lever 102 and in which a sliding member 118a, ], 1
3b and a pivot pressure spring 115 provided for resting and returning the switch. On the one hand, the sliding member 113a
, 113b includes a storage chamber 113 for the helical pressure spring 115.
a'+118 b', on the other hand, movable rest members 116a, 116b, which are designed as rest rollers, are rotatably fixed to sliding members 118a, ], 13b.

Fixed rests 117a, 117b are associated with the movable rests 116a, 116b, which are designed as two concave and convex curves formed in the switch housing 101 and arranged opposite each other. . The uneven curves 117a, 117b of the spiral pressure spring 15
Pausing rollers 1], 6a, 116b receiving the spring force of
are collaborating.

In the rest position of the switch shown in the drawing, both rest rollers 116g, 116b have concave and convex curves 11.7a, 1.
It is located within V-shaped notches 118a and 118b of 17b. When the operator operates the switching lever 102 in the direction of the arrow, the switching member 103 is thereby moved into the projection 1050 supported in the upper and lower parts of the switch casing.
be passed around. While rotating the switching member 103, the stop roller 116a moves along one leg of the V-shaped notch 118a provided with the step 119a, and stops the stop roller 1.
16b moves against the spring force of the helical pressing spring 115 against the other leg of the V-shaped notch 118b. The more the switching lever 102 is moved in the direction of the arrow, the more the pivoting pressure spring 115 is compressed and the greater the resistance to movement in this direction is. 119a of one of the legs, the driver notices a clearly perceptible pressure point which signals to the driver the expected activation position (driving lane change flashing activation). If the driver now releases the switching lever 102, this lever will automatically return to its rest position.

If the switching lever 102 is moved further in the direction of the arrow against a clearly perceptible resistance, the rest roller 116a moves beyond the step 119a of one leg and the rest roller 1
16b moves beyond the branching point 120b of the other leg of the figure-7 notch 118b of the uneven surface lines 117a, 117b, and the resting roller 116b then comes into contact with the rear of the branching point 120b. The device 104 assumes its forward position, since the triangular switching section 106 releases the stroke for the device under the spring force of both helical tension springs 1lla, 1llb. The switch is therefore in one rest operating position. (Driving direction indicator blinking activated)
. From this one rest operating position, the switching lever 102 can be returned to the rest position either manually or automatically.

During automatic operation of the switch lever 102, the reverse rotation of the knob serves to effect the return. In the rest position the device 104 is in its retracted position. When the switch lever 102 is moved in the direction of the arrow by the driver, the triangular switching section 106 located at the switching member 103
releases the stroke for the device 104, which is under the spring force of both helical tension springs 1lla, 1llb, in the direction of the steering spindle =22-108, and the device 104 assumes one of its forward positions. The position of the device 1 is defined by a slot in the lower part of the casing, into which the device 1 is placed.
04 pin 107 is engaged. When the steering wheel is turned in the bending direction after the switching lever 02 has been moved to its one rest operating position, the steering spindle 108 moves clockwise. A return cam 108a provided on the steering spindle 108 moves the device 104 to its pin 107.
around both helical tension springs 111a, 11
], b, the switching lever 102 is turned to such an extent that the return cam 108a can pass over the finger-shaped end 104b of the device 104 without being influenced by the entraining mechanism 104. When the return cam 108a finally moves past the finger-like end 104b, both helical tension springs 1
lla, 1llb act to cause the device 104 to again assume its forward position.

When the steering wheel returns after turning a curve, the steering spindle 108 rotates counterclockwise together with its return cam 108a. When the return cam 108a then engages the finger-like end 104b of the device 104, the device is rotated about its pin 107. Through this process, the fork-shaped teeth 104C'' extend from the sliding member 113b]12
b, and displaces this member against the spring force of the helical pressure spring 115. The device 104 has its pin 107
The further the sliding member 113b is rotated, the more the sliding member 113b
It is slid against the spring force of the helical pressure spring 115, which increases the spring force acting on the rest roller 116a,
Then, the resting roller] 16b acts to move away from the resting curve. Since the resting roller 116a is working again to return to the lowest point of the V-shaped notch 118a of the uneven curve 17a, the switching member 03 reaches the direction of the rest position and the return cam 108a of the device 104 finger-shaped end] 04b in the direction of the rest position. The switch will then automatically assume its rest position again.

In order to avoid damage if the switching lever 102 is in one of its above-mentioned operating positions and the driver holds the switching lever 102 during the return of the steering wheel after turning a curve, The device 104 is connected to a steering spindle with its finger-like end 104b]0
It must be able to deviate from the return cam 108a located at 8. (Prevents breakage). In this state, the return cam 108a rotates the device 104 about its pin 107, so that the fork-like teeth 104C"
slides against the spring force of the helical pressure spring 115 in cooperation with the protrusion 112b of the sliding member 113b. When the return cam 108a completely moves over the finger-like end 104b, both helical tension springs 1lla, 1l
lb brings the device 104 back to its advanced position.

It goes without saying that a similar movement sequence takes place in this embodiment when the switching lever 102 is moved from its rest position to a further operating position or vice versa.

-2・,5-

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 schematically shows an embodiment of a steering arm switch for an automobile turn signal according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the second embodiment with the upper part of the casing removed, and FIG. 3 shows a sectional view taken along line A--A in FIG. Reference numbers in the drawing: 2.103... Switching member; 3... Returning member (returning finger): 4.104... Entraining mechanism (returning device): 5, 115 --- Elastic means (pressing spring): 6.
116a, 116b...Pause rollers: 7.105-
Py: 9.113a, 113b...Sliding member: 22.108...Steering spindle: 2
4.108a...Return cam.

Claims (15)

[Claims] (1) A casing that at least partially surrounds the steering spindle, and a switching member held within the casing so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation from a central rest position to an operating position located on either side of the casing via a switching lever. and a device provided to enable the switching member to return and to prevent breakage of components involved in the return operation, the switching member having various A resting member is provided which is spring-loaded to hold it in position and further includes an entraining mechanism by which said device can be deflected against the spring action, and an entrainment mechanism associated therewith that is capable of deflecting the device against the spring action about another axis of rotation. In the case of a steering arm switch for a direction indicator of a motor vehicle, which can be swiveled forward and consists of a return member cooperating with a return cam at the steering spindle, said device is designed and arranged to be break-resistant. one or more elastic means (
5) A steering arm switch for a direction indicator of an automobile, characterized in that it is dependent on item 5) so as to prevent breakage. (2) The entraining mechanism (4) of the device is provided on both sides of the return member (3), and has two wings (4a, 4
b), both wings (4a, 4b) are connected to each other via a spring (15), which spring is connected to one corner (4c, 4d) of each wing (4a, 4b).
) are joined to the return member (3), and the wing leg end faces (4) facing both these corners (4c, 4d)
A steering arm switch according to claim 1, characterized in that a', 4b') are formed as regions belonging to the rest member of the rest uneven curve. (3) The rest unevenness curve is the wing leg end surface (4a',
4b') and the rest uneven curve area (10a, 10b, 10
Steering arm switch according to claim 2, characterized in that it consists of a resting concave-convex curved section (10) insertable into the switch casing (25) with c). (4) Wings formed as rotation bearings (4a, 4b
) are arranged in the area of the resting points (4a'', 4b'') of the wing leg end surfaces (4a', 4b') formed as the area of the resting concavo-convex curve. A steering arm switch according to claim 2, characterized in: (5) The switching member (2) is provided with a helical pressing spring (5) as an elastic means for stopping, returning, and preventing breakage, and the spring extends in the longitudinal direction of the switching member (2).
Steering arm switch according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it is held in a recess (8) of the steering arm switch. (6) Spring (15) connecting both wings (4a, 4b)
) is formed as a sinusoidal spring, which spring is held in projections (13, 14) on the wings (4a, 4b). Steering arm switch according to one of the terms. (7) Claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the return member (3) is formed as a return finger.
Steering arm switch according to one of the terms. (8) Steering arm switch according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the rest member (6) that engages with the rest unevenness curve is designed as a rest roller. (9) A casing that at least partially surrounds the steering spindle, and a switching member held within the casing so as to be pivotable about an axis of rotation from a central rest position to an operating position located on either side of the casing via a switching lever. and a device provided to enable the switching member to return and to prevent breakage of the components involved in the return operation, the switching member being configured to be able to move it to various positions. a spring-loaded resting member is attached thereto for holding the device in place, and an entraining mechanism is attached thereto, the device being deflectable against the spring force about another axis of rotation. It is pivotable and consists of a return element cooperating with a return cam at the steering spindle, the device being constructed and arranged in such a way that it is break-proof, i.e. provided for resting and returning. In a steering arm switch for a direction indicator of an automobile, which is dependent on one or more elastic means provided with the elastic means so as to prevent breakage, the steering arm switch is attached to the switching member (103) and is connected to the driving mechanism. A steering wheel for a direction indicator of a motor vehicle, characterized in that a device (104) consisting of a return member is integrally formed and is dependent on a pressure spring (115) provided for returning and resting the switch. arm switch. (10) the device (104) is formed in the form of a finger at the end (104b) facing towards the steering spindle (108) and in the form of a fork at the end (104c) opposite the steering spindle; Furthermore, a pin (1
at least one elastic means (111) which is rotatably and slidably supported in a slot in the upper part of the casing via (07) and serves to position the device;
Steering arm switch according to claim 9, characterized in that it is dependent on. (11) Claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the pressure spring (115) is formed as a spiral pressure spring and is disposed in the notch (114) of the switching member (103). Steering arm switch by section. (12) The notch (114) is the switching lever (102)
12. The steering arm switch according to claim 11, wherein the steering arm switch extends perpendicularly to the main direction of extension of the steering arm switch. (13) There are two movable rest members (116a, 116b) that engage with two rest members (117a, 117b) formed as uneven curves and fixed in position, these movable rest members each having a cutout (114). ) respectively one sliding member (113a, 11
Steering arm switch according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it is designed as a rest roller which is arranged for rotational movement at point 3b). (14) The concavo-convex curves (117a, 117b) provided on the switch casing (101) are arranged facing each other and are formed as follows, that is, at least one side is formed in the actuated position of the switch. Pausing roller (1
16a, 116b) are uneven curves (117a, 117b)
14. Steering arm switch according to claim 13, characterized in that it is configured to be dependent on one of the return slopes belonging to . (15) The sliding members (113a, 113b) are arranged in storage chambers (113a', 113) for the helical pressing springs (115), respectively.
b') and resting rollers (116a, 116b).
), the end of the sliding member facing the device (104) is provided with shaped lugs (112a, 112b) juxtaposed with the forked end (104c) of the device (104) A steering arm switch according to claim 13 or 14.