Abstract: A bracket is rotatable between a neutral position and a direction indication position in response to an operation by a user. A ratchet is slidable between a position where the ratchet enters a rotating trajectory of a cancel cam mounted on a steering shaft of a vehicle and a position where the ratchet retracts from the rotating trajectory interlocking with rotation of the bracket. A first regulating member defines a guide groove that guides sliding of the ratchet that regulates displacement of the ratchet in a direction along the rotating trajectory. A second regulating member is provided on the ratchet and regulates displacement of the ratchet in a direction intersecting both a sliding direction of the ratchet and the direction along the rotating trajectory. A guide groove includes an open end which is opened toward the rotating trajectory.

Abstract: A direction indicator is configured to start blinking in response to an operation of a driver of a subject vehicle and automatically turn off after a first blinking time elapses. When the subject vehicle changes lanes in an automated or autonomous manner due to the operation of the driver, a control apparatus is used to extend the first blinking time to a second blinking time longer than the first blinking time and control the direction indicator to automatically turn off.

Abstract: A shift device includes: a shift mechanism that is provided with a shift body that is movable to change a shift position; at least one rotation section that is provided at the shift mechanism and that is rotated about a center axis line of the rotation section; at least one moving section that is provided at the shift mechanism and that is moved; and a detection body that detects a rotation position of the rotation section and detects a movement position of the moving section.

Abstract: An illuminated message display indicator system for vehicles is disclosed herein. There is to be one illuminated message display indicator system on each of the left and right side on the rear windshield of a vehicle. The illuminated message display indicator system communicates with the turning lever found inside of a vehicle wherein a driver uses the lever to indicate their intended turn direction. So, if a left turn is to be made, the illuminated message display indicator system found on the rear left windshield illuminates to display a message. The illuminated and displayed message may be customized per the choice of the user. This illuminated message display indicator system promotes manners and safer driving to reduce dangers on the road.

Abstract: In an auto cancel mechanism for a turn signal switch device, a click stop mechanism includes a click feeling-generating body formed from an elastic material and supported on a switch case, and a click pin supported on a switch actuator and resiliently pressed against the click feeling-generating body. Since the click feeling-generating body is formed integrally with an elastic stopper part disposed between a guide pin and a front end of a guide groove, the guide pin collides with the elastic stopper part without colliding with the front end of the guide groove, and noise generated by the collision is reduced. Moreover, since the elastic stopper part is formed integrally by utilizing the click feeling-generating body, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of components and the number of assembly steps.

Abstract: A bracket is rotatable between a neutral position and a direction indication position in response to an operation by a user. A ratchet is slidable between an entry position where the ratchet enters a rotating trajectory of a cancel cam mounted on a steering shaft of a vehicle and a retract position where the ratchet retracts from the rotating trajectory interlocking with rotation of the bracket. A cam surface forming protrusion is provided on the bracket, and includes a cam surface including a neutral holding portion that holds the ratchet at the retract position when the bracket is at the neutral position. A cam surface forming wall is fixed so as not to be interlocked with rotation of the bracket, and includes a cam surface including a portion that allows the ratchet to enter to the rotating trajectory when the bracket is rotated to the direction indication position.

Abstract: In a transmission controller for the open-loop and/or closed-loop control of the operation of an automatic or automated manual transmission of a motor vehicle, a shifting strategy of the transmission control unit controls the operation of the transmission in an open-loop and/or closed-loop manner based on driving status data and/or driver intention data. The shifting strategy of the transmission control unit influences a gear change from a current actual gear into a target gear based on available environmental data. In the event of a required down-shift from a current actual gear into a lower target gear, the transmission control unit is configured to take into account available information relating to a traffic light status, in particular relating to a change of a traffic light status of a relevant traffic light.

Abstract: A turn signal system for activating a turn signal of a vehicle includes an electronic control unit having a processor and a non-transitory computer readable memory including a machine-readable instruction set. The electronic control unit is communicatively coupled to one or more external vehicle environment sensors, a vehicle speed sensor, and a turn signal. The machine-readable instruction set causes the processor to determine a vehicle speed based on an output signal of the vehicle speed sensor, predict a vehicle turning maneuver based on one or more environment signals output by the one or more external vehicle environment sensors when the vehicle speed is below a threshold, and automatically activate the turn signal in response to predicting the vehicle turning maneuver.

Abstract: A vehicular lane change system includes a forward-viewing camera that has a field of view through the vehicle windshield that encompasses a road being traveled along by the vehicle. Responsive at least in part to processing of image data captured by the camera, a control determines the lane traveled by the vehicle. The control is operable to detect a lane change maneuver of the vehicle to a lane immediately adjacent to the lane traveled by the vehicle. Detection of the lane change maneuver is based at least in part on vehicle steering data and/or image processing of captured image data. Responsive to the control detecting the lane change maneuver of the vehicle when the driver of the vehicle has neglected to turn on an appropriate turn signal indicator of the vehicle, the control automatically turns on the turn signal indicator at the appropriate side of the vehicle.

Abstract: The vehicle control system includes a turning signal control unit configured to switch a turning signal of the vehicle between an off state and an on state according to the lane change control. The turning signal control unit maintains the turning signal in the on state until predetermined release conditions are satisfied when the lane change control in process is cancelled and the vehicle is switched to the manual driving mode.

Abstract: A vehicle visibility system. Implementations include a first front facing light element coupled to a vehicle on a first side of a center line of a vehicle and a second front facing light element coupled on a second side of the center line. The system includes a switch electrically coupled with the first and second front facing light elements and with an electrical power system. The first and second front facing light elements each include a controller and each are configured to alternately flash using the controller in response to receiving an electrical signal from the switch when the switch is in an activated position. When the first and second front facing light elements are alternately flashing, the visibility of the vehicle to oncoming traffic may be increased. The first and second front facing light elements are not coupled to a handlebar or caliper region of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a battery pack that is operably coupled to a battery charger. The method comprises: measuring voltage at a plurality of designated terminals of a first battery pack while the battery pack is coupled to the battery charger; determining how many of the designated terminals are connected to a reference voltage, such as battery positive; and identifying an attribute of the battery pack based on how many of the designated terminals are connected to the reference voltage.

Abstract: A turn signal switch device has a manipulation lever and a cancel lever that can advance and retract to and from the rotation path of a cancel protrusion, which is shaped like a sector and rotates together with a shaft. A cancel protrusion engaging part that engages a cancel protrusion is formed at the front end of the cancel lever. The cancel protrusion engaging part is disposed at a position offset from the lever body of the cancel lever in the axial direction of the shaft.

Abstract: A device to facilitate a user interface of a computer system utilizing breath includes a body, a user side inlet defined by the body to receive a fluid flow generated by a user, an exhaust opening defined by the body, a conduit positioned between the user side inlet and the one exhaust opening, at least one segment positioned inside the body and one or more contactors positioned to be intermittently in contact with the at least one segment. The contact may occur responsive to the fluid flow generated by the user. The device may include a sensor to react to a movement of the at least one segment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a steering-column switch unit (1) for a motor vehicle, having a driver part (7) to which an actuating lever (2) can be connected and which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (11) between an initial position and an actuated position, wherein the driver part (7) has an arm (20) which extends perpendicular to the pivot axis (11), in particular in the direction of a steering spindle, and which projects from a main body (16) of the driver part (7), on which arm there is arranged an electrical contact element (8) which, in the actuated position, can be electrically coupled to a further contact element, and having a resetting device (6) with a triggering element (10) which is designed for resetting the driver part (7), and thus the actuating lever (2), from the actuated position into the initial position, wherein the triggering element (10) is arranged on a side of the arm (20) situated opposite the electrical contact element (8).

Abstract: A speed limit value that is set for a road where a vehicle is travelling is used to limit a driving force of the vehicle. If a new speed limit value is acquired, which differs from a currently used speed limit value, and the vehicle is in a state where the driving force is limited based on the currently used speed limit value, a switching screen page enabling an occupant of the vehicle to input a switching instruction to switch the speed limit value used to limit the driving force is displayed. Then, if the occupant inputs the switching instruction in response to the switching screen page being displayed, the speed limit value used to limit the driving force is switched to the new speed limit value.

Abstract: Provided is a switch device including rotor members mounted so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis of a lever main body, knob members mounted so as to be integrally rotatable with the rotor members, the knob members including cam surfaces that face the cam surfaces of the rotor members with a gap therebetween, a movable contact member being movable in the longitudinal axis direction by a rotational operation of the rotor members and the knob members about the longitudinal axis, and a flexible substrate linearly disposed in the longitudinal axis direction in at least a movable range of the movable contact member, the flexible substrate including a contact portion, a contact terminal of the movable contact member being brought into contact with and separated from the contact portion in association with the movement in the longitudinal axis direction of the movable contact member.

Abstract: A manually operated switching device for a vehicle, with a switch lever and at least one touch-sensitive sensor device formed on the switch lever, which is designed for detecting an effect on a sensor surface of the sensor device that leaves the switch lever positionally unchanged and that triggers a switching signal, wherein an activation device is formed, with which the detecting state of the sensor device is activated as defined by the user.

Abstract: A switch device includes a knob member rotatably fitted to and supported by a middle serving as a fixing portion, and a rotor member integrally mounted to the knob member and rotatably supported by the middle. A rotation regulating portion that regulates a rotatable range of the knob member with respect to the middle and rotation sliding surfaces in a rotational axis direction of the middle and the knob member are collectively formed.

Abstract: Programmable devices and associated methods for alerting pedestrians and vehicle operators are provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for identifying a battery pack that is operably coupled to a battery charger. The method comprises: measuring voltage at a plurality of designated terminals of a first battery pack while the battery pack is coupled to the battery charger; determining how many of the designated terminals are connected to a reference voltage, such as battery positive; and identifying an attribute of the battery pack based on how many of the designated terminals are connected to the reference voltage.

Abstract: Ribs formed on two sides of a case are press-fitted into grooves formed in the holding faces of a holding member. Two case bodies constituting the case have rib divisions formed by dividing ribs in their longitudinal directions. Accordingly, the two case bodies are brought into contact with each other in a wide range on the divided surfaces of the rib divisions, the divided surfaces extending in the longitudinal directions. When the ribs are press-fitted into the grooves, the divided surfaces in contact with each other are brought into pressure-contact with each other in a wide range.

Abstract: A cam section includes a projection section projecting toward an enclosed space enclosed by an outer circumferential cam wall, an inner wall located radially inner to the outer circumferential cam wall, and a coupling cam wall for coupling ends of the outer circumferential cam wall and the inner wall.

Abstract: A steering apparatus includes a steering shaft, a steering column rotatably supporting the steering shaft, a bracket supporting the steering column to a vehicle body, a fixing mechanism for fixing a position of the steering column and releasing the steering column, and an operation lever fitted to the fixing mechanism to switch over by a sway thereof the fixing and releasing of the steering column, the steering apparatus being thus capable of adjusting the position of the steering column, wherein the operation lever is provided with an operating portion disposed on a more rear side of a vehicle than a swaying center of the operation lever, and an extended portion extending on a more front side of the vehicle than the swaying center of the operation lever and being provided with a weight member. The configuration can prevent the fixed steering column from being released by an impact load.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bearing assembly (2) of a steering column lever on a steering column part (1) of a motor vehicle, wherein the steering column lever is mounted on the steering column part (1) pivotably at least indirectly via a bearing (5, 9) having a main bearing point (26, 28) which is formed by a main bearing journal (4, 10) and a corresponding main bearing sleeve (20, 21). The bearing (5, 9) has an additional bearing journal (7, 11) which is arranged concentrically in relation to the main bearing journal (4, 10) and in particular has a smaller diameter than the main bearing journal (4, 10), wherein the additional bearing journal (7, 11) and a corresponding additional bearing sleeve (17, 23) form an additional bearing point (27, 29) of the bearing (5, 9), and wherein the main bearing point (26, 28) is formed with play and the additional bearing point (27, 29) without play.

Abstract: A cancelling drive member includes a biasing cam portion having a first biasing contact portion and a second biasing contact portion formed therein. A deflectable spring member that biases the cancelling drive member forward is provided. If the cancelling drive member rotates, an elastic pressure portion of the deflectable spring member is brought into contact with the first biasing contact portion. Thus, a forward biasing force and a returning force for rotation are effectively given from the deflectable spring member to the cancelling drive member.

Abstract: There is provided a switch unit which is downsized and which can reduce cost by eliminating a connector and an intermediate harness embedded in a body. A wiper switch and a light switch are attached to a steering column. Each of the wiper switch and the light switch includes a base portion which positions a stator portion of the steering column between each other, a housing portion projecting from the base portion along a periphery of the stator portion. A connector is housed in the housing portion. The connector of the wiper switch and the connector of the light switch are attached to the steering column with the connectors being directly connected together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a resetting device (6) for a steering-column switch unit (1) of a motor vehicle, having a triggering element (10) by means of which an actuating lever (2) of the steering-column switch unit (1) can be moved from an actuated position into an initial position, having an intermediate piece (22) on which the triggering element (10) is mounted so as to be pivotable about a pivot axis (35) between a rest position and a triggering position in which the actuating lever (2) can be moved into the initial position, wherein the triggering element (10) is furthermore mounted on the intermediate piece (22) so as to be displaceable in a sliding direction (28) perpendicular to the pivot axis (35), having a spring element (27) for generating a spring force which acts parallel to the sliding direction (28) and with which the triggering element (10) is arranged under preload on the intermediate piece (22), and having a switch override protection unit (32) with at least one switch override spring (33, 34

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunction switch for a vehicle and provides a multifunction switch for a vehicle in which a user may clearly and intuitively distinguish and recognize a rotating knob on a multifunction switch lever and an operating region of a corresponding rotation knob/mechanism which includes a symbol indicating a manipulating position of the rotating knob and which may enhance visibility that distinguishes respective operating regions of the multifunction switch lever and user convenience thereof. The multifunction switch includes a multifunction switch lever, a rotating knob mounted on the multifunction switch lever, and a lighting module for emitting light to the outside along an interface between a rotating knob operating region including a region where symbols indicating a rotating knob and an operating position of the rotating knob are marked and the rest of the operating regions adjacent to the rotating knob operating region.

Abstract: An on-vehicle lever switch includes a main body portion, a lever body, and a switch contact. The lever body includes a knob rockably held by the main body portion and protruding outward, a drive shaft extending in the direction along which the knob protrudes and being rotatably held in the knob, and a rotational operation portion fixed to the drive shaft. The switch contact is disposed at the main body portion, and carries out electrical connection by rocking or rotating of the lever body. The knob can be divided into two portions, a first knob portion and a second knob portion, along the extending direction. The first knob portion and the second knob portion are coupled to each other by a first member provided in the inner part of the first knob portion and a second member provided in the inner part of the second knob portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously operating the horn and light systems of a motorized vehicle is provided. The controller used to operate the systems can be a single controller that operates the horn when a certain range of pressure is applied to the controller and operates the horn and lights systems when a stronger pressure is applied. The system can include a dedicated horn operating system controller independent of the dual function controller to eliminate the need for differing pressures to operate the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously. Also disclosed are apparatuses and methods to coordinate a vehicle braking system with the vehicle horn and light systems to improve the reception of safety and/or emergency warnings.

Abstract: A turning direction indicator device includes an actuator that rotates by an operation of the operating lever, a cam body that shifts in a rearward direction approaching a cancel cam. The cam body is rotatable about a rotation axis, and shifts in the rearward direction when the actuator rotates. The cam body includes a rear wall surface opposite to the cancel cam. The rear wall surface has two end parts symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis. A spring elastically contacts the end parts to urge the cam body in the rearward direction. The spring also urges the cam body in a rotating direction about the rotation axis when the longitudinal axis of the cam body rotates. The turning direction indicator device suppresses a hitting noise produced by the cam body and a release element with such a simple structure, and operates reliably.

Abstract: A control switch for an associated vehicle has a control configured to selectively adjust operation of a predetermined vehicle function. The control is configured to rotate in a first direction a first rotational displacement to a first position. The predetermined vehicle function has a first operation through the first rotational displacement. The control is configured to rotate in the first direction a second rotational displacement larger than the first rotational displacement from the first position to a second position. The predetermined vehicle function has a second operation through the second rotational displacement.

Abstract: A turning direction indicator device includes an actuator that rotates by an operation of an operating lever so as to be positioned at neutral and operational positions, a cover that has a lower surface having a guide groove therein extending in a rearward direction toward the cancel cam, a cam body that has an upper surface sliding with respect to the lower surface of the cover, an urging spring that urges the cam body in the rearward direction, a release element that rotates together with the actuator, and a grease provided between the upper surface of the cam body and the lower surface of the cover. The cam body includes ridges projecting from the upper surface of the cam body. The turning direction indicator device suppresses a hitting noise produced by the cam body and the release element with such a simple structure, and operates reliably.

Abstract: A lever operation device includes a movable support member that supports a base portion of an operation lever such that the base portion is pivotable along a first operation plane, a housing that supports the movable support member such that the movable support member is pivotable along a second operation plane that is orthogonal to the first operation plane, an actuator holder attached to the base portion such that the actuator holder is rotatable along the second operation plane, a first actuator retained by the actuator holder, and a second actuator retained by the movable support member. The housing is provided with a first cam surface and a second cam surface on an inner wall surface thereof, the first actuator and the second actuator being in elastic contact with the first cam surface and the second cam surface, respectively.

Abstract: A lever switch device, includes a lever main body rotatably supported by a body around a predetermined rotation center axis, a first remote shaft rotatably incorporated in the lever main body, and comprising a first operating knob at one end and a first operation portion at another end for operating an operational object by a rotational operation of the first operating knob, a second remote shaft rotatably arranged in the lever main body with a coaxial structure with the first remote shaft, and includes a second operating knob at one end and a second operation portion at another end for operating an operational object by a rotational operation of the second operating knob. Rotation centers of the first and second operation portions are provided on the rotation center axis of the lever main body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for simultaneously operating the horn and light systems of a motorized vehicle is provided. The controller used to operate the systems can be a single controller that operates the horn when a certain range of pressure is applied to the controller and operates the horn and lights systems when a stronger pressure is applied. The system can include a dedicated horn operating system controller independent of the dual function controller to eliminate the need for differing pressures to operate the horn and light systems substantially simultaneously.

Abstract: A turning direction indicator device includes an actuator that rotates by an operation of the operating lever, a cam body that shifts in a rearward direction approaching a cancel cam. The cam body is rotatable about a rotation axis, and shifts in the rearward direction when the actuator rotates. The cam body includes a rear wall surface opposite to the cancel cam. The rear wall surface has two end parts symmetrical to each other with respect to the longitudinal axis. A spring elastically contacts the end parts to urge the cam body in the rearward direction. The spring also urges the cam body in a rotating direction about the rotation axis when the longitudinal axis of the cam body rotates. The turning direction indicator device suppresses a hitting noise produced by the cam body and a release element with such a simple structure, and operates reliably.

Abstract: A turning direction indicator device includes an actuator that rotates by an operation of an operating lever so as to be positioned at neutral and operational positions, a cover that has a lower surface having a guide groove therein extending in a rearward direction toward the cancel cam, a cam body that has an upper surface sliding with respect to the lower surface of the cover, an urging spring that urges the cam body in the rearward direction, a release element that rotates together with the actuator, and a grease provided between the upper surface of the cam body and the lower surface of the cover. The cam body includes ridges projecting from the upper surface of the cam body. The turning direction indicator device suppresses a hitting noise produced by the cam body and the release element with such a simple structure, and operates reliably.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of smart cars and automatic signaling of a vehicle's intent. The invention allows a driver to choose between manual or automatic signaling (turns, deceleration, acceleration) and a prominent feature is that the system is not cooperative and can be phased in over time, one car at a time and offer immediate benefits. Much of the prior art relating to newer automotive technologies relies on the use of cooperative technologies, such as transponders or beacons and the like, requiring all cars to equip in order to gain benefits. While this is technically achievable it is an institutional limitation, and therefore systems that do not rely on this extent of cooperation are more practical and can be introduced sooner. The invention has the capability of ensuring that many more cars on the road provide proper turn signals as well as acceleration and deceleration signals.

Abstract: An attachment structure includes a bracket that is arranged around a steering, a rotary connector device that has an engagement portion for being provisionally fixed to the bracket in a provisionally fixed state, and a combination switch that has a guide portion for being slidably retained to the bracket in the provisionally fixed state. The rotary connector device and the combination switch are completely fastened together with the bracket by a screw member from the provisionally fixed state.

Abstract: A single pole, double throw, self-canceling rotary switch for selectively coupling a first circuit to a second or a third circuit by rotating a rotary element to couple or decouple electrical contacts. The rotary switch includes first and second pawls pivotally attached to the rotary element and coupled to one another by a spring. Rotation of the rotary element causes a ramp cam to act on one of the pawls, causing it to pivot, and thereby causing the spring to exert a force on the other pawl, moving a tooth on the other pawl into the locus of rotation of a central shaft that includes a groove. Rotation of the central shaft in one direction has no effect on the position of the rotary element, but rotation of the central shaft in the other direction engages the groove and the tooth, causing the rotary element to decouple the contacts.

Abstract: A turn signal device for a vehicle for activating a turn signal in accordance with operation of an operation lever. The turn signal device includes a turning state detection unit, which detects a turning state of the vehicle. The turning state detection unit monitors a temporal change in the turning state of the vehicle after the turn signal is activated. The turning state detection unit deactivates the turning signal when detecting that the vehicle first turns in an activation direction of the turn signal, then turns in a direction opposite to the activation direction, and afterward turns again in the activation direction.

Abstract: A lever switch is provided, in which an arrangement of a push button is fixed with respect to an operation of a rotary ring to realize improvement in operation. A lever switch includes: a first shaft projecting from a base of a control means of a mobile unit; a plurality of push buttons provided at a distal end of the first shaft; a fixing-supporting part which fixes and supports a plurality of the push buttons for preventing a plurality of the push buttons from rotating relatively to the first shaft; and a rotary ring which is provided in the middle of the first shaft and is rotatable separately from a plurality of the push buttons, wherein when the rotary ring is operated, the rotary ring is rotated around the first shaft on a condition that a plurality of the push buttons are fixed and supported being prevented from rotating.

Abstract: A turn signal switch assembly is constructed having a switch stalk and junction box rotatably coupled using a shoulder bolt. The shoulder bolt has a shoulder area useful for allowing the switch stalk to rotate freely relative to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt is turned and tightened into at least one corresponding threaded aperture in the junction box, thereby mechanically coupling the switch stalk to the junction box. The threaded end of the shoulder bolt also extends past a surface of the junction box so that the threaded end is exposed. The threaded end is mechanically transformed by an orbital riveting device so as to act as a positive locking feature. The shoulder bolt thereafter secures the switch stalk to the junction box using the mechanical advantages of a threaded connection in combination with the positive locking feature of a riveted connection.

Abstract: In a turn signal control device for a vehicle having an automatic canceling function, a switch operating element is carried on a pivot shaft mounted in a fixed switch case so that the switch operating element can be returned and pushed-in between a returned position and a pushed-in position. The switch operating element is swingable at the returned position between a neutral position and a left-turn indicating position and a right-turn indicating position. The switch operating element is pushed-in to the pushed-in position by push-in operation at the returned position. The switch operating element is resiliently urged toward the neutral position and there turned position. A winker switch is operatively connected to the switch operating element so as to break the connection of a left-turn indicating means or a right-turn indicating means to a flasher unit in response to push-in of the switch operating element to the pushed-in position.

Abstract: A turn-signal switch for a motor vehicle, which has an adaptive cruise control, has, in addition to an OFF position and an ON position, at least one command position situated beyond the ON position, in which it outputs a command to the cruise control to modify the setpoint acceleration.

Abstract: A lever witch comprises first and second rotary levers arranged in outer and inner peripheries of the non-rotary lever, a base mounted in a tip end side of the non-rotary lever and a rotary knob supported by a tip end side of the second rotary lever and rotating together therewith. A through bore is formed in the base for penetrating in a lever rotational axis direction between the rotary knob and the first rotary lever, a pair of contact balls are provided in the through bore to be respectively arranged exposed to both ends of the through bore to put a coil spring between the pair of the contact balls, and detent convex is provided in a rotational direction in the rotary knob to be exposed to one end of the through bore and resiliently contact the contact ball, and a contact edge section is provided along a rotational direction in the first rotary lever to be exposed to the other end of the through bore and resiliently contact the contact ball.

Abstract: A self-contained turn signal indicator unit for signaling to the hearing impaired driver of a motor vehicle that the vehicle's turn signals are activated. The indicator unit is attached to the cover of the vehicle's steering column and produces a loud audible signal and a light signal when the turn signal lever is moved to the turning position. The circuitry includes a battery, a turn switch activated by movement of the turn signal lever, and a buzzer and a lamp. A volume control, operable by a user, controls the volume of the sound. An optional timed switch for turning off the circuit has a normally closed position and has an open position for a predetermined period of time after the turn switch is closed and remains closed.

Abstract: A turn signal switch device comprises a control lever that has a lever portion that projects from a base portion that has a shaft hole, and a shaft that has a head disposed at one end. The head has a larger diameter than that of the other portion of the shaft, and is inserted into the shaft hole so as to serve as a rotating shaft of the control lever. The device also comprises a holder that is formed of synthetic resin, has an opening into which the base portion is inserted, and supports the shaft such that the control lever can be tilted along one plane. The device further comprises a case that supports the holder such that the control lever and the holder can be integrally tilted along the other plane which substantially crosses the one plane at right angles. A ring-shaped concave groove that extends in a circumferential direction is provided at the other end of the shaft.