Abstract: A rotation transmitting mechanism for a steering wheel for use in an automobile. A rotational member of a coupling device has projections extending radially inwardly, while a cancel cam has corresponding U-shaped cutouts to receive the projections, respectively. Each projection has a tapered section tapering off to a bottom end thereof. A peripheral face forming each U-shaped cutout is rounded so that an outer surface of the cylindrical cancel cam is connected with an inner surface by a rounded perhipheral face forming the cutout.

Abstract: A switch apparatus comprises an arm which is rotated by a rotational force added to an operation knob and thus linearly drives a contact holder through an engagement portion so as to change over contacts points. The engagement portion is received in a groove formed in the contact holder and has surfaces which hold the center line in the radial direction of the arm, each surface having a circular arc form with a center substantially in the same place at a position equi-distance on either side of the center line so that the change in movement of the contact holder with the change in rotational angle of the arm is substantially constant.

Abstract: The switch device of the present invention includes an actuator member operated by linear movement in a first direction. An angularly movable member angularly moves in response to the linear movement of the actuator member. The direction of angular movement of the angularly movable member is reversed each time the actuator member is moved an additional distance. A first switch is switched between one state and the other each time the direction of angular movement of the angularly movable member is reversed. A cam member is angularly movable in response to the linear movement of the actuator member in the first direction. The cam members includes an operation portion for moving one of two opposed contacts of a second switch relative to the other to turn on the second switch. When the cam member is angularly moved, the operating portion is movable a distance smaller than a distance of linear movement of the actuator member.

Abstract: A cancelling mechanism for a turning signal automatically returns an operation lever which has been operated in order to indicate the turning direction of a vehicle to a neutral position by the rotation of a steering shaft in the direction opposite from that in which the operation lever is operated. The cancelling mechanism includes a bracket for supporting the operation lever. The bracket is rotated from the neutral position to a right turn position or a left turn position by the pivot of the operation lever. The cancelling mechanism also includes a member for transferring to the bracket the rotary force of a cancelling cam rotated by the rotation of the steering shaft in the direction opposite from that in which the bracket is rotated so as to return the bracket to the neutral position. An elastic member is provided between the bracket and the transfer member. In consequence, the durability of the cancelling mechanism is improved.

Abstract: An apparatus for returning a turn indicator operating lever to the neutral position in response to the turning of a steering wheel includes engagement pieces which abut against a canceling cam rotated in response to the turning of the steering wheel for the purpose of returning the operating lever to the neutral position. The engagement pieces are disposed on the one side of a steering shaft where the operating lever is disposed. It is therefore possible for various kinds of elements such as sensors to be disposed on the other side of the steering shaft.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to an improved lever switch arrangement for use in a motor vehicle and the like, in which positions of a control lever are clearly indicated through illumination particularly at night for improved operability, while the illumination of the control lever positions is also utilized to display the state of functionings of switch members incorporated in the control lever.

Abstract: A switch assembly for use in a vehicle including a body carrying a turn indicator switch and a dimmer and passing switch, a rotatable member rotatably mounted on the body for actuating the turn indicator switch, and a bifurcated lever having first and second arms. The first arm is pivotally connected to the rotatable member for pivotal movement of the lever in a direction perpendicular to the direction of rotation of the rotatable member and the second arm is provided in association with the dimmer and passing switch so that rotation of the lever together with the rotatable member controls the turn indicator switch and the pivotal movement of the lever controls the dimmer and passing switch. A plurality of vertical and horizontal notches are formed in a face between the first and second arms for the engagement with a pin mounted in the body to hold the lever in the pivoted and rotated positions.