Signal light automatic cancel mechanism with axially operable dial

Abstract

A steering assembly for an automobile includes a housing having a signaling portion and defining a shaft housing; a steering shaft including a cancel rib that rotates about an axis of rotation within the shaft housing; a trunnion that rotates about a trunnion axis within the signaling portion of the housing to define a neutral position and right and left turn positions; a toggle including a cancel member that axially rotates relative to one of the trunnion or the signaling light control mechanism housing. The cancel member is axially offset from the cancel rib within the shaft housing when in the neutral position. The cancel member is axially aligned with the cancel rib within the shaft housing when in one of the right or left turn positions. Selective engagement of the cancel rib with the cancel member axially toggles the toggle to the neutral position.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to turn signal control mechanisms for vehicles and, more particularly, to a turn signal control mechanism for vehicles having an automatic cancel mechanism including an axially operable cancel paddle that is rotatable about an axis of rotation of a drive shaft. BACKGROUND

[0003] Automobiles typically include a turn signal cancel mechanism that cooperates with a steering column to effect automatic cancellation when the steering column is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction of the turn indicated by the turn signal. The mechanism cooperates with various biasing mechanisms that hold the turn signal control lever in either a right turn position or a left turn position to reset the steering position back to a neutral position when the steering column is rotated in a direction opposite to the direction selected by the handle. SUMMARY

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a steering assembly for a vehicle includes a turn signal control mechanism housing having a signaling portion and defining a shaft housing, a steering shaft including a cancel rib rotatable within the shaft housing about an axis of rotation, a trunnion rotatable within the signaling portion of the turn signal control mechanism housing about a trunnion axis to define a neutral position and right and left turn positions, and a paddle including a cancel member. The paddle is axially and rotationally operable relative to one of the trunnion or the turn signal control mechanism housing. The cancel member is axially offset from the cancel rib within the shaft housing when in the neutral position. The cancel member is axially aligned with the cancel rib within the shaft housing to selectively engage the cancel rib when in one of the right and left turn positions. Selective engagement of the cancel rib with the cancel member axially indexes the paddle to the neutral position.

[0005] According to another aspect of the present invention, a steering assembly for a vehicle includes a steering shaft rotatable about an axis of rotation and including a cancel rib, a turn signal control mechanism housing having an inner shaft rim that surrounds the steering shaft and the cancel rib, a trunnion rotationally coupled to the turn signal control mechanism housing and rotatable about a trunnion axis, and a paddle axially and rotationally operable relative to the trunnion and the turn signal control mechanism housing and including a cancel member that extends through the inner shaft rim to selectively engage the cancel rib in right and left turn positions. The cancel member extends through the inner shaft rim to be axially offset from the cancel rib at a rest position of the cancel rib that passes by the cancel member.

[0006] According to another aspect of the present application, a signal light canceling mechanism includes a housing having an inner shaft rim surrounding a rotational axis and can surround a steering shaft and a canceling member rotatably mounted about the rotational axis; a trunnion rotatably coupled to the signal light control mechanism housing and rotatable about a trunnion axis; a paddle including a biasing projection slidably engaged with an axial positioning surface of the housing and a guide projection extending through a guide hole of the trunnion. The biasing projection and the guide projection are axially and rotatably mounted about a rotational axis that is parallel to the trunnion axis. The paddle includes a canceling member extending through the inner shaft rim toward the rotational axis. The canceling member is selectively engageable with the canceling rib in a steering position and axially offset from the canceling rib in a rest position of the canceling member.

[0007] According to another aspect of the present application, a steering assembly for an automobile includes a steering shaft having a rotational axis and including a canceling rib; a signal light control mechanism housing surrounding the steering shaft and including a right turn interface and a left turn interface; a trunnion rotatably coupled to the signal light control mechanism housing and rotatably mounted about a trunnion axis relative to the signal light control mechanism housing between a zero position and right and left turn positions; a handle rotatably coupled to the signal light control mechanism housing by the trunnion; a paddle selectively and alternately releasing the handle and the trunnion from one of the right and left turn positions and having a canceling member extending out of an inner edge of the signal light control mechanism housing toward the steering shaft; and a spring biasing the paddle away from the trunnion in a direction parallel to the rotational axis. Operating the handle in a first direction can slide the paddle away from the trunnion along the rotational axis through the right turn interface and selectively fix the paddle in the right turn position within a path of the canceling rib. Operating the steering wheel in a clockwise rotational direction can engage the canceling rib of the steering shaft with the canceling member and slidably move the paddle away from the right turn position along the rotational axis through the right turn interface. The trunnion returns to the zero position between the right and left turn positions. Operating the handle in a second direction can slide the paddle away from the trunnion along the rotational axis through the left turn interface and selectively fix the paddle in the left turn position within a path of the canceling rib. Operating the steering wheel in a counterclockwise rotational direction can engage the canceling rib of the steering shaft with the canceling member and slidably move the paddle away from the left turn position along the rotational axis through the left turn interface. The trunnion returns to the zero position between the right and left turn positions.

[0008] The above and other aspects, objects and features of the present application will become understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the following detailed description, claims and abstract. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings:

[0010] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a steering assembly including aspects of a signal light control mechanism assembly (including aspects of a paddle) showing the paddle in a central rest position and the handle in a zero position.

[0011] Figure 2 is Figure 1 is a bottom perspective view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown.

[0012] Figure 3 is Figure 2 is a bottom plan view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown.

[0013] Figure 4 is Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown taken along line IV-IV.

[0014] Figure 5 is Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown taken along line V-V.

[0015] Figure 6 is Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown taken along line VI-VI.

[0016] Figure 7 is Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown.

[0017] Figure 8 is Figure 2 is another exploded perspective view of the signal light control mechanism assembly shown.

[0018] Figure 9 shows Figure 6 the signal light control mechanism assembly shown in a right turn position.

[0019] Figure 10 shows Figure 5 the signal light control mechanism assembly shown in a right turn position.

[0020] Figure 11 shows Figure 4 the signal light control mechanism assembly shown in a right turn position.

[0021] Figure 12 shows Figure 9 the signal light control mechanism assembly shown in a right turn position under bypass conditions.

[0022] Figure 13 shows Figure 9 the signal light control mechanism assembly shown in a right turn position, showing the cancel rib disengaged from the cancel member, returning the signal light control mechanism assembly to zero position, and the paddle returning to the rest position.

[0023] Figure 14 is Figure 13Cross-sectional view of the signal light control mechanism assembly taken along line XIV-XIV showing the dial return center stop and at rest position.

[0024] Figure 15 is shown in a left turn position. Figure 6 The signal light control mechanism assembly is shown in a left turn position.

[0025] Figure 16 is shown in a left turn position. Figure 4 The signal light control mechanism assembly is shown in a left turn position.

[0026] Figure 17 is shown in a left turn position. Figure 15 The signal light control mechanism assembly is shown in a left turn position under bypass conditions.

[0027] Figure 18 is shown in a left turn position. Figure 15 The signal light control mechanism assembly is shown in a left turn position showing the cancel rib in engagement with the cancel member returning the signal light control mechanism assembly to zero and the dial to the at rest position.

[0028] Figure 19 is Figure 18 Cross-sectional view of the signal light control mechanism assembly taken along line XIX-XIX showing the dial return center stop and at rest position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The terms "upper," "lower," "right," "left," "rear," "front," "vertical," "horizontal," and derivatives thereof shall relate to the application as oriented in the Figure 1 illustrated and described. However, it is to be understood that the application can assume various alternative orientations and, accordingly, such

[0030] As Figures 1-19As shown, reference numeral 10 generally refers to a turn signal control mechanism assembly for use in a steering assembly 12 of an automobile. The steering assembly 12 includes a steering shaft 14 having an axis of rotation 16. The steering shaft 14 is connected to and rotates with a clock spring 18 (also forming a part of the turn signal control mechanism assembly 10). A turn signal control mechanism housing 20 surrounds the steering shaft 14. The turn signal control mechanism assembly 10 also includes a cancel mechanism 48 having the clock spring 18. The turn signal control mechanism housing 20 includes a signaling portion 50 defining a right turn interface 22 and a left turn interface 24. A turn signal handle 26 is rotatably coupled to the signaling portion 50 of the turn signal control mechanism housing 20 by a trunnion 28 that is rotatably engaged with the turn signal control mechanism housing 20. The trunnion 28 is rotatably disposed relative to the turn signal control mechanism housing 20 to define a right turn position 30 and a left turn position 32 in order to actuate the turn signal cancel mechanism 48. A paddle 34 is selectively and alternately actuated to a rest position 66 to return the turn signal handle 26 and the trunnion 28 from one of the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32 (depending on the selection of the user of the automobile) to a zero position 68. The paddle 34 includes a cancel member 36 that extends beyond an inner rim 38 of the turn signal control mechanism housing 20. The inner rim 38 surrounds the steering shaft 14 and the clock spring 18. Accordingly, the cancel member 36 extends at least partially into a shaft housing 40 defined by the turn signal control mechanism housing 20.

[0031] A spring 42 in the turn signal control mechanism assembly 10 biases the paddle 34 axially 44 away from the trunnion 28 parallel to the axis of rotation 16 of the steering shaft 14. Accordingly, the paddle 34 is axially movable relative to the steering shaft 14. Accordingly, the paddle 34 is rotatably movable relative to the trunnion 28 and the turn signal control mechanism housing 20, which facilitates the transfer of load from the clock spring 18 through the paddle 34. The transfer of load causes the paddle 34 to move the turn signal handle 26 from the locked right turn position 30 and the left turn position 32, respectively. In some aspects of the device, the spring 42 can also be biased in a rotational direction 46 toward the rest position 66. By rotating the paddle 34, a bypass engagement can also be achieved between the clock spring 18 and the cancel member 36 of the paddle 34. The bypass engagement allows the clock spring 18 to bypass the cancel member 36 without resetting the turn signal handle 26 to the zero position 68. It typically occurs when the steering wheel is turned in the same direction as the direction indicated by the turn signal handle 26.

[0032] Referring again to Figures 1-14When the handle 26 is operated in the first rotational direction 60, the tab 34 can be engaged with the right interface 22. The right interface 22 cooperates with the axial positioning surface 106 and the spring 42 to bias the tab 34 away from the trunnion 28 in the axial direction 44 in which the rotational axis 16 lies. This operation of the tab 34 selectively positions the tab 34 and the trunnion 28 in the right turn position 30, which places the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 in the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18. In addition, the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is operated primarily in the axial direction 44 that is parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. The cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is also operated in the rotational direction 46 that causes the tab engagement portion 142 to remain in tangential contact with the right interface 22. This selectively engages the cancellation member 36 with the cancellation rib 18 in the right turn position 30. Correspondingly, operating the tab 34 and the cancellation member 36 in the axial direction 44 causes the cancellation member 36 to move in and out of the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14.

[0033] When the handle 26 is operated in the first rotational direction 60, the tab 34 can be engaged with the right interface 22. The right interface 22 cooperates with the axial positioning surface 106 and the spring 42 to bias the tab 34 away from the trunnion 28 in the axial direction 44 in which the rotational axis 16 lies. This operation of the tab 34 selectively positions the tab 34 and the trunnion 28 in the right turn position 30, which places the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 in the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18. In addition, the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is operated primarily in the axial direction 44 that is parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. The cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is also operated in the rotational direction 46 that causes the tab engagement portion 142 to remain in tangential contact with the right interface 22. This selectively engages the cancellation member 36 with the cancellation rib 18 in the right turn position 30. Correspondingly, operating the tab 34 and the cancellation member 36 in the axial direction 44 causes the cancellation member 36 to move in and out of the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14.

[0034] When the handle 26 is operated in the first rotational direction 60, the tab 34 can be engaged with the right interface 22. The right interface 22 cooperates with the axial positioning surface 106 and the spring 42 to bias the tab 34 away from the trunnion 28 in the axial direction 44 in which the rotational axis 16 lies. This operation of the tab 34 selectively positions the tab 34 and the trunnion 28 in the right turn position 30, which places the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 in the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18. In addition, the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is operated primarily in the axial direction 44 that is parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. The cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 is also operated in the rotational direction 46 that causes the tab engagement portion 142 to remain in tangential contact with the right interface 22. This selectively engages the cancellation member 36 with the cancellation rib 18 in the right turn position 30. Correspondingly, operating the tab 34 and the cancellation member 36 in the axial direction 44 causes the cancellation member 36 to move in and out of the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14.

[0035] Referring again to Figures 1-8 and Figures 15-19If the handle 26 is operated in the second (typically counterclockwise) direction 80, the tab 34 can be brought into engagement with the left-hand interface 24. This engagement causes the tab 34 to ride against the axial positioning surface 106. The spring 42 then causes the tab 34 to be deflected away from the trunnion 28 in the axial direction 44 of the rotational axis 16 by the axial positioning surface 106. This movement selectively positions the tab 34 and the trunnion 28 into the left-hand turning position 32, which places the cancellation member 36 in the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18. If the steering wheel is operated in the first (typically clockwise) rotational direction 64, the vehicle wheels are returned from the left-hand turning condition to the straight-ahead condition, which causes the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14 to engage the cancellation member 36, which in turn causes the tab 34 to slide against the left-hand interface 24 and typically away from the left-hand interface. This causes the trunnion 28 and handle 26 assembly to be pushed out of the stable left-hand turning position 32 and returned to the zero position 68. In doing so, the axial positioning surface 106 helps the tab 34 to be deflected toward the trunnion 28 in the axial direction 44 of the rotational axis 16 to the rest position 66. In the rest position 66, the trunnion 28 and handle 26 are in the zero position 68 between the right-hand turning position 30 and the left-hand turning position 32. In addition, the tab 34 is in the rest position 66 with the cancellation member 36 deflected away from the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18.

[0036] In addition, if the steering wheel is operated in the counterclockwise rotational direction 82 while the tab 34 and the trunnion 28 are in the left-hand turning position 32, the vehicle wheels are operated in the left-hand turning condition, which causes the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14 to engage the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34. This engagement causes the tab 34 to rotate in the clockwise direction and no longer contact the left-hand interface 24. The cancellation member 36 is still in slidable contact with the cancellation rib 18 by the spring 42, but no longer exerts any force to cause the tab 34 to move to the rest position 66 or the trunnion 28 or handle 26 to rotate to the zero position 68. The cancellation rib 18 no longer contacts the cancellation member 36 after rotating past the cancellation member, and the tab 34 rotates back in the counterclockwise direction to re-contact the left-hand interface 24.

[0037] As Figures 1-19As shown, the paddle 34 includes a guide protrusion 100 that extends through the guide hole 102 of the trunnion 28, which axially guides the paddle 34 along the axial direction 44 relative to the trunnion 28. In addition, the guide hole 102 also guides the paddle 34 to rotate about a rotational direction of travel 108. As described above, the spring 42 of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 biases the paddle 34 away from the trunnion 28, such that the canceling member 36 of the paddle 34 is biased toward the operating path 62 of the canceling rib 18 to interfere therewith. The paddle 34 also includes a biasing protrusion 104 that is slidably engaged with an axial positioning surface 106 of the signal light control mechanism housing 20. The engagement of the biasing protrusion 104 with the axial positioning surface 106, in combination with the spring 42, defines the axial direction 44 of travel of the paddle 34 relative to the signal light control mechanism housing 20 and the trunnion 28. That is, the biasing force 124 of the spring 42 continuously biases the paddle 34 away from the trunnion 28.

[0038] Referring again to Figures 4-19 , the engagement of the biasing protrusion 104 with the sloped surface of the axial positioning surface 106 at least partially overcomes the biasing force 124 of the spring 42 to allow the paddle 34 to approach and recede from the trunnion 28 along the axial direction 44 that is parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. Through the above-described arrangement, the guide protrusion 100 and the biasing protrusion 104 of the paddle 34 also define the rotational direction of travel 108 of the paddle 34 relative to the guide hole 102 of the trunnion 28 and the axial positioning surface 106 of the signal light control mechanism housing 20. In some aspects of the described device, the spring 42 can surround the guide protrusion 100 to bias the paddle 34 away from the trunnion 28 and toward the axial positioning surface 106. The axial positioning surface 106 is a sloped surface to define the right turn stop 90, the left turn stop 92, and the center stop 132. In addition, the axial positioning surface can include an outer boundary wall 150 to retain the biasing protrusion 104 within the region of the axial positioning surface 106.

[0039] The described axial and rotational direction of travel of the paddle 34 can maintain the canceling member 36 of the paddle 34 in the path of the canceling rib 18 in either the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, or can axially offset the canceling member 36 from the canceling rib 18 in the rest position 66. The described axial and rotational direction of travel is generally parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. The biasing protrusion 104 and the guide protrusion 100 axially and rotationally travel along the axial positioning surface 106 when the handle 26 and the trunnion 28 are manipulated. During the combined travel, the rotational direction of travel 108 is always parallel to the rotational axis of the steering shaft 14. The guide hole 102 of the trunnion 28 also maintains the guide protrusion 100 in a fixed position relative to the trunnion 28. Accordingly, the paddle 34 axially and rotationally travels along and about the rotational direction of travel 108 through the guide protrusion 100 when the trunnion 28 is manipulated about the trunnion axis 110. The axial component of this travel of the paddle 34 can be manipulated by the spring 42 in combination with the axial positioning surface 106 of the signal light control mechanism housing 20.

[0040] Referring again to Figures 1-8 , Figure 13 and Figure 18 , the spring 42 is typically a compression spring 42 having a first leg 120 engaged with the trunnion 28 and a second leg 122 engaged with the paddle 34. The compression spring 42 can exert an axial biasing force 124 biasing the paddle 34 toward the signal light control mechanism housing 20. Additionally, the compression spring 42 can operate at least partially as a torsion spring 42. In this case, operation of the paddle 34 can rotationally impart a torsional force 126 on the first leg 120 of the compression spring 42 relative to the second leg 122 of the compression spring 42. Accordingly, the second leg 122 of the compression spring 42 imparts a torsional force 126 biasing the paddle 34 toward the rest position 66 via spring torque. Simultaneously, the biasing force 124 biases the paddle 34 away from the trunnion 28 toward the axial positioning surface 106 of the signal light control mechanism housing 20.

[0041] That is, as the paddle 34 is operated toward the rest position 66, the biasing tab 104 is operated along the axial positioning surface 106 against the biasing force 124. The spring 42 is expected to continue to exert the biasing force 124 biasing the paddle 34 away from the signal light control mechanism housing 20. As the paddle 34 is moved toward the rest position 66, the axial positioning surface 106 further operates against the biasing force 124 of the spring 42 to operate the paddle 34 toward the rest position 66 closer to the trunnion 28 of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10. In the case of a compression spring 42 exerting the biasing force 124, the compression spring 42 can flex to accommodate rotational operation of the paddle 34 and impart the torsional force 126. The torsional force 126 is typically exerted only when the paddle 34 is operated away from the rest position 66 and the first leg 120 is rotated relative to the second leg 122 about the rotational operation axis 108.

[0042] As shown, the axial positioning surface 106 can include detents 130 defining the right turn position 30 and the left turn position 32 of the paddle 34 relative to the signal light control mechanism housing 20 and corresponding to the positions. Additionally, a central detent 132 can define the rest position 66 of the paddle 34. It is understood that the axial positioning surface 106 can include a continuous smooth surface defining the rest position 66, the right turn position 30, and the left turn position 32 of the paddle 34. Accordingly, the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 is expected to operate smoothly and continuously between the positions as the components described herein are operated.

[0043] According to various aspects of the device, the right and left interface 22, 24 cooperate with the handle 26 and trunnion 28 to operate the paddle 34 between the rest position 66 and the right and left turn positions 30, 32. According to various aspects of the device, the right and left interface 22, 24 can be part of a slider 140. Alternatively, the right and left interface 22, 24 can be defined by components that extend from or are disposed within the signal light control mechanism housing 20. The slider 140 engages corresponding engagement portions 142 of the paddle 34 to cause the paddle 34 to move in the rotational direction 46 and the axial direction 44 relative to the signal light control mechanism housing 20 and the trunnion 28. The paddle 34 has an engagement portion 142 on each side, which correspond to the right and left interface 22, 24, respectively.

[0044] Referring again to Figures 1-19 The signal light control mechanism assembly 10 includes a detent surface 170 that selectively retains the handle 26 in the zero position 68, which generally corresponds to the rest position 66 of the paddle 34 in the cancel mechanism 48. The detent surface 170 also includes components that selectively retain the handle 26 in the locked right and left turn positions 30, 32. The handle 26 also includes a spring-loaded handle tab 174 that interacts with the detent surface 170 to create a locking force. The cancel mechanism 48 overcomes the locking force created by the handle tab 174 and the detent surface 170 in the locked right and left turn positions 30, 32 to selectively return the handle 26 from the right and left turn positions 30, 32 to the zero position 68. In the zero position 68, a center interface 172 of the detent surface 170 cooperates with a center detent 132 of the bias tab 104 and the axial positioning surface 106 to retain the paddle 34 in the rest position 66. When the handle 26 is moved to the right or left turn positions 30, 32, the bias tab 104 of the paddle 34 moves into the right or left detent 90, 92, respectively.

[0045] As previously described, when the cancel rib 18 engages the cancel mechanism 36, the bias tab 104 is moved away from the right or left detent 90, 92. At the same time, the guide tab 100 engages the guide hole 102 of the trunnion 28 to push the trunnion 28 away from the corresponding right or left turn position 30, 32. The bias force created between the handle tab 174 and the center interface 172 of the detent surface 170 then returns the trunnion 28 and the handle 26 to the zero position 68.

[0046] As described herein, when the cancel member 36 engages the cancel rib 18, the guide tab 100 of the paddle 34 is biased back into the center stop 132 that defines the rest position 66 of the paddle 34. In the rest position 66, the retaining force of the stop surface 170 slides the handle tab 174 of the stop surface 170 from the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32 back to the center interface 172. This allows the handle 26 and the trunnion 28 to return to the zero position 68 that corresponds to the rest position 66 of the cancel mechanism 48. The application of the cancel mechanism 48 as described herein allows the paddle 34 and the trunnion 28 to form a compact structure. This is accomplished by moving the cancel member 36 of the paddle 34 axially 44 between the rest position 66 and the right turn position 30 and the left turn position 32.

[0047] Referring now to Figure 13 and Figure 18 In the event that the slider 140 includes the right turn interface 22 and the left turn interface 24, and the steering wheel is operated in a direction opposite the illustrated turn direction, the cancel rib 18 engages the cancel member 36 if the handle 26 of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 is held in the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 is expected to withstand the compression member or abuse load that can be affected by this action. The spring arm 144 of the slider 140 provides a pre-load that resists displacement of the slider 140 when the cancel mechanism 48 is typically operated. The pre-load of the slider 140 provides sufficient priority to move the paddle 34 toward the center stop 132. This results in the handle 26 and the trunnion 28 returning to the zero position 68 from the locked right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32. In the event of an abuse load to the cancel mechanism 48, the handle 26 is held in the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, the engagement of the cancel rib 18 with the cancel member 36 is absorbed by moving the slider 140 out of position, away from the spring load of the slider 140, to prevent damage to the signal light control mechanism assembly 10. The compression member or abuse load overcomes the pre-load of the spring arm 144. In this manner, the spring arm 144 deflects to absorb the force caused by the compression member or abuse load. The outer boundary wall 150 of the axial positioning surface 106 also helps to keep the biasing tab 104 within the axial positioning surface 106 in the above compression conditions and other unqualified or abuse loads that the paddle 34 and other components of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 can be subjected to.

[0048] As Figures 1-19As shown, the tab 34 can be disengaged from the rest position 66 by operating the tab 34 of the signal control mechanism assembly 10 to move the tab 34 axially away from or toward the driver in a direction parallel to the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14 to disengage the cancellation member 36 from the cancellation rib 18. The design of the signal control mechanism assembly 10 includes an automatic cancellation mechanism in which the tab 34 interacts with the cancellation rib 18 on the steering shaft 14. In addition, the tab 34 can be disengaged or placed in the rest position 66, the right turn position 30, or the left turn position 32 by moving the tab 34 axially relative to the trunnion 28 and the signal control mechanism housing 20. The signal control mechanism assembly 10 uses a combination torsion and compression spring 42 to bias the tab 34 away from the trunnion 28 and toward the signal control mechanism housing 20 and the rest position 66. As described above, the signal control mechanism housing 20 includes an axial positioning surface 106 along which the biasing tab 104 of the tab 34 slides. The axial positioning surface 106 has a peak 160 that includes a center stop 132. When the signal handle 26 is in the zero position 68, the center stop 132 forces the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 to move away from and axially offset from the cancellation rib 18 along the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14. When the signal handle 26 is moved from the zero position 68 to indicate the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, the axial positioning surface 106 includes a corresponding valley 162. In the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, the valley 162 allows the cancellation member 36 of the tab 34 to move axially toward the working path 62 of the cancellation rib 18.

[0049] According to various aspects of the device, the tab 34 can be biased toward or away from the driver (depending on the position of the signal control mechanism assembly 10 relative to the steering shaft 14). Accordingly, the terms "right turn" or "left turn" are used in the drawings and description with the understanding that the opposite orientation can also be used (depending on the design of the vehicle).

[0050] According to various aspects of the device, the paddle 34 is axially movable relative to the steering shaft 14 to place the cancellation member 36 in the path 62 of the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14. Accordingly, the paddle 34 containing the cancellation member 36 is always extended into the shaft housing 40 of the steering shaft 14. However, when the signal light handle 26 is in the center neutral position 68, the cancellation rib 18 of the paddle 34 is not engaged with the cancellation member 36 due to the cancellation member 36 being out of the path of the cancellation rib 18. When the handle 26 is moved into the right turn position 30 or the left turn position 32, the trunnion 28 is moved relative to the signal light control mechanism housing 20 to axially move the paddle 34 to place the cancellation member 36 in the path 62 of the cancellation rib 18 of the steering shaft 14. The axial movement of the paddle 34 allows for a more compact assembly of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10. Another advantage of the above-described arrangement is that it is not sensitive to the radial misalignment of the rotational axis 16 of the steering shaft 14 and the central axis of the handle 26 and the trunnion 28 of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10, which is typically perpendicular or oblique to the rotational axis 16.

[0051] According to various aspects of the device, the important interface of the signal light control mechanism assembly 10 is between the paddle 34 and the right turn interface 22 and the left turn interface 24, between the paddle 34 and the axial positioning surface 106, and between the paddle 34 and the cancellation rib 18, but in addition to these important interface relationships, there are other important interface relationships. The interface relationships between the above-described components define the cancellation mechanism 48 that releases the trunnion 28 and the handle 26 from the right turn position 30 and the left turn position 32. It should be understood that the positions of the paddle 34, the right turn interface 22 and the left turn interface 24, and the axial positioning surface 106 can be modified to various combinations and arrangements on the trunnion 28 and the signal light control mechanism housing 20 without departing from the intended interface relationships of the paddle 34, the right turn interface 22 and the left turn interface 24, and the axial positioning surface 106. Accordingly, the above-described components can be located on the trunnion 28 and the signal light control mechanism housing 20 in various combinations and arrangements.

[0052] It should be understood that various changes and modifications to the foregoing can be made which fall within the scope of the present application. It should be further understood that the application resides in the claims hereinafter presented, both literally and in equivalents.

Claims

1. A steering assembly for an automobile, the steering assembly comprising: The housing of the signal light control mechanism has a signal transmitting part and defines the shaft housing; Steering shaft, which has a canceled rib that rotates about a rotation axis within a shaft housing; The trunnion rotates around its axis within the signal transmitting section of the signal light control mechanism housing to define the zero position, as well as the right and left turns. as well as A paddle having a canceling member, wherein the paddle operates axially and rotatably relative to one of the trunnion or signal light control mechanism housing to define a rotational axis of operation, wherein the canceling member, when in the zero position, is within the housing and axially offset from a canceling rib, the canceling rib operating along the rotational axis of the steering shaft, and wherein the canceling member, when in one of the right-turn or left-turn positions, is within the housing and axially aligned to selectively engage with the canceling rib, wherein the selective engagement of the canceling rib with the canceling member axially moves the paddle to the zero position.

2. The steering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The paddle is slidably engaged with the axial positioning surface of the signal light control mechanism housing, wherein the axial positioning surface axially guides the paddle between the stationary position corresponding to the zero position and the right turn and left turn positions.

3. The steering assembly according to claim 2, further comprising: The right-turn and left-turn interfaces selectively engage with the intervention portion of the paddle, wherein the right-turn and left-turn interfaces cooperate with the axial positioning surface and the trunnion to rotate the paddle between the rest position and the right-turn and left-turn positions.

4. The steering assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces extend from the housing of the signal light control mechanism.

5. The steering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, When operating the paddle shifter between the zero position and the right and left positions, the rotation axis should be parallel to at least one of the trunnion axis and the steering axis rotation axis.

6. The steering assembly according to claim 2, wherein, The spring causes the paddle to deflect off the trunnion and toward the axial positioning surface.

7. The steering assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The spring is configured as a guide protrusion surrounding the lever, wherein the guide protrusion extends through a guide hole.

8. The steering assembly according to claim 6, wherein, The axial positioning surface is an inclined surface that defines the right turn stop and the left turn stop corresponding to the right turn position and the left turn position, respectively.

9. The steering assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The axial positioning surface includes a central stop corresponding to the rest position, wherein the central stop is axially offset from the right-turn stop and the left-turn stop.

10. The steering assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The paddle includes an offset protrusion aligned with the axis of rotation and slidably operable via an axially locating surface.

11. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the paddle is in the right turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member is coordinated with the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the right turn interface, causing the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the right turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

12. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the paddle is in the left turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member, and the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the left turn interface, cause the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the left turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

13. The steering assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The handle extends from the trunnion and rotates around the trunnion axis between the zero position and the right and left positions.

14. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, by rotating the trunnion to the right position, the intervention part of the paddle is deviated from the right-turn interface, and the offset protrusion of the paddle is shifted from the center stop to the right-turn stop to define the right-turn position.

15. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, by rotating the trunnion to the left, the intervention part of the paddle is deviated from the left-turn interface, and the offset protrusion of the paddle is shifted from the center stop to the left-turn stop to define the left-turn position.

16. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, The right-turn interface and the left-turn interface are part of a slider that engages with the paddle in a sliding manner.

17. The steering assembly of claim 16, wherein, The slider includes a spring arm that absorbs non-standard loads applied to the lever.

18. The steering assembly of claim 10, wherein, The axial positioning surface is surrounded by an outer boundary wall, which allows the offset protrusion to maintain a sliding engagement with the axial positioning surface and prevents the offset protrusion from moving laterally outside the axial positioning surface.

19. The steering assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces are connected to the housing of the signal light control mechanism.

20. The steering assembly according to claim 3, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces are integrally formed with the housing of the signal light control mechanism.

21. The steering assembly of claim 7, wherein, The guide protrusion extends through the housing of the turn signal control mechanism, at least in the stationary position.

22. The steering assembly according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The trunnion includes a guide hole that accommodates a lever that defines the axis of rotation.

23. The steering assembly according to any one of claims 1-21, wherein, The housing of the signal light control mechanism includes a guide hole that accommodates a lever that defines the axis of rotation.

24. A steering component for an automobile, comprising: A steering shaft that rotates about a rotation axis, wherein the steering shaft includes a canceled rib; The signal light control mechanism housing has its inner shaft edge surrounding the steering shaft and cancellation ribs; The trunnion, which is rotatably coupled to the housing of the signal light control mechanism and rotates about the trunnion axis; and A paddle that operates axially and rotatably relative to the trunnion and signal light control mechanism housing, wherein the paddle includes a canceling member that extends through the inner shaft edge and selectively engages with a canceling rib in a right-turn and left-turn position, wherein the canceling member extends through the inner shaft edge and is axially offset from the canceling rib in a rest position where the canceling rib passes around the canceling member, the canceling rib operating along the axis of rotation of the steering shaft.

25. The steering assembly of claim 24, wherein, The paddle is slidably engaged with an axially locating surface disposed on one of the trunnion or the housing of the signal light control mechanism, wherein the axially locating surface axially guides the paddle between a rest position and a right-turn and a left-turn position.

26. The steering assembly of claim 25, further comprising: The right-turn and left-turn interfaces selectively engage with the intervention part of the paddle, wherein the right-turn and left-turn interfaces cooperate with the axial positioning surface, the signal light control mechanism housing and the trunnion to rotate the paddle between the rest position and the right-turn and left-turn positions.

27. The steering assembly of claim 26, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces are coupled to the housing of the signal light control mechanism.

28. The steering assembly of claim 27, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces are coupled to the trunnion.

29. The steering assembly of claim 26, wherein, When operating the paddle shifter between the stationary position and the right and left turn positions, the rotational axis of the paddle shifter shall be parallel to at least one of the trunnion axis and the steering axis rotational axis.

30. The steering assembly of claim 25, wherein, The spring causes the paddle to deflect off the trunnion and toward the axial positioning surface.

31. The steering assembly of claim 30, wherein, The spring is configured to surround a guide protrusion of the lever, wherein the guide protrusion extends through a guide hole in the trunnion.

32. The steering assembly of claim 26, wherein, The axial positioning surface is an inclined surface that defines the right turn stop and the left turn stop corresponding to the right turn position and the left turn position, respectively.

33. The steering assembly of claim 32, wherein, The axial positioning surface includes a center stop corresponding to the rest position, wherein the center stop is axially offset from the right-turn stop and the left-turn stop.

34. The steering assembly of claim 29, wherein, The paddle includes an offset protrusion that is aligned with the axis of rotation and slidably movable along an axially positioned surface.

35. The steering assembly of claim 34, wherein, When the paddle is in the right turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member is coordinated with the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the right turn interface, causing the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the right turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

36. The steering assembly of claim 34, wherein, When the paddle is in the left turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member, and the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the left turn interface, cause the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the left turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

37. The steering assembly of claim 24, wherein, The handle extends from the trunnion and rotates around the trunnion axis between the zero position, the right turn position, and the left turn position, which correspond to the rest position of the paddle.

38. The steering assembly of claim 37, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, by rotating the trunnion to the right position, the paddle is shifted from the center stop to the right stop to define the right turn position, wherein the axial positioning surface guides the cancellation member into the path of the cancellation rib.

39. The steering assembly of claim 37, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, by rotating the trunnion to the left position, the paddle is shifted from the center stop to the left stop to define the left turn position, wherein the axial positioning surface guides the cancellation member into the path of the cancellation rib.

40. The steering assembly of claim 34, wherein, The intervention section is coupled to a slider that selectively engages with the paddle.

41. The steering assembly of claim 40, wherein, The slider includes a spring arm that absorbs non-standard loads applied to the lever.

42. The steering assembly of claim 34, wherein, The axial positioning surface is surrounded by an outer boundary wall, which keeps the offset protrusion slidably engaged with the axial positioning surface and prevents the offset protrusion from moving laterally out of the axial positioning surface.

43. The steering assembly of claim 31, wherein, The guide protrusion extends through the housing of the signal light control mechanism, at least in the resting position.

44. A signal light cancellation mechanism, comprising: A housing having an inner axial edge surrounding a rotation axis, wherein the inner axial edge is configured to enclose a steering shaft and a cancellation member that rotate about the rotation axis; The trunnion, which is rotatably coupled to the housing of the signal light control mechanism and rotates about the trunnion axis; and A paddle having a biased protrusion slidably engaged with an axially locating surface of the housing and a guide protrusion extending through a trunnion guide hole, wherein the biased protrusion and the guide protrusion are axially rotatable about a rotation axis parallel to the trunnion axis, wherein the paddle includes a cancellation member extending through an inner shaft edge and toward the rotation axis, wherein the cancellation member is configured to selectively engage with a cancellation rib in a steering position, and the cancellation member is further configured to axially deviate from the cancellation rib in a rest position, the cancellation rib operating along the rotation axis of the steering shaft and bypassing the cancellation member.

45. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 44, wherein, The paddle is slidably engaged with the axial positioning surface of the housing, wherein the axial positioning surface axially guides the cancellation member between the rest position and the right-turn and left-turn positions.

46. ​​The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 45, further comprising: The right-turn and left-turn interfaces selectively engage with the intervention part of the paddle, wherein the right-turn and left-turn interfaces cooperate with the axial positioning surface and the trunnion to rotate the paddle between the rest position and the right-turn and left-turn positions.

47. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 46, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces extend from the housing.

48. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 44, wherein, When operating the paddle shifter between the stationary position and the right and left turns, the axis of rotation should be parallel to at least one of the trunnion axis and the axis of rotation.

49. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 44, wherein, A spring is used to deflect the paddle off the trunnion and towards the axial positioning surface.

50. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 49, wherein, The spring is positioned as a guide protrusion surrounding the lever, wherein the guide protrusion extends through a guide hole.

51. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 44, wherein, The axial positioning surface is an inclined surface that defines the right turn stop and the left turn stop corresponding to the right turn position and the left turn position, respectively.

52. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 51, wherein, The axial positioning surface includes a center stop corresponding to the rest position, wherein the center stop is axially offset from the right-turn stop and the left-turn stop.

53. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 46, wherein, The paddle includes an offset protrusion that is aligned with the rotation axis and slidably operates along an axially positioned surface.

54. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 53, wherein, When the paddle is in the right turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member and the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the right turn interface cause the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the right turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

55. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 53, wherein, When the paddle is in the left turn position, the engagement between the cancel rib and the cancel member, and the engagement between the paddle's intervention part and the left turn interface, cause the paddle's offset protrusion to deviate from the left turn stop and deviate towards the center stop, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position.

56. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 44, wherein, The handle extends from the trunnion and rotates about the trunnion axis between the zero position, the right turn position, and the left turn position, which correspond to the rest position of the paddle.

57. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 56, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, the trunnion is rotated to the right to move the paddle from the center stop to the right stop to define the right turn position.

58. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 53, wherein, When the trunnion is in the zero position, the trunnion is rotated to the left to move the paddle from the center stop to the left stop to define the left turn position.

59. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 53, wherein, The right-turn and left-turn interfaces are coupled to a slider, wherein the slider is coupled to a housing, and wherein the slider includes a spring arm that absorbs non-standard loads applied to the paddle.

60. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to claim 53, wherein, The axial positioning surface is surrounded by an outer boundary wall, which keeps the offset protrusion slidably engaged with the axial positioning surface and prevents the offset protrusion from moving laterally out of the axial positioning surface.

61. The signal light cancellation mechanism according to any one of claims 44-60, wherein, The guide protrusion extends through the housing at least in the resting position.

62. A steering component for an automobile, comprising: A steering shaft having a rotation axis, the steering shaft including a cancellation rib that operates along the rotation axis of the steering shaft; A signal light control mechanism housing that surrounds the steering shaft, the housing including a right-turn interface and a left-turn interface; A trunnion coupled to a housing of a signal light control mechanism, wherein the trunnion rotates relative to the housing of the signal light control mechanism about an axis of the trunnion between a zero position and a right-turn position and a left-turn position; The handle is rotatably coupled to the housing of the signal light control mechanism via the trunnion; A paddle that selectively and alternately releases the handle and trunnion from either a right-turn or left-turn position, the paddle having a cancellation member extending from the inner edge of the signal light control mechanism housing and extending toward the steering axis; as well as A spring causes the paddle to deflect off the trunnion in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, wherein... Operate the handle in the first direction to operate the paddle through the right-turn interface, causing it to deviate from the trunnion along the axis of rotation, so as to selectively fix the paddle in the right-turn position and within the path of the cancel rib; The steering wheel is operated in a clockwise direction to engage the cancellation rib of the steering shaft with the cancellation member. The paddle shifter is slidably operated through the right-turn interface to deviate from the right-turn position along the rotation axis, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position, which is between the right-turn position and the left-turn position. Operate the handle in the second direction to operate the paddle via the left-turn interface, causing it to deviate from the trunnion along the axis of rotation, so as to selectively fix the paddle in the left-turn position and within the path of the cancel rib; and The steering wheel is operated in a counterclockwise direction to engage the cancellation rib of the steering shaft with the cancellation member. The paddle shifter is slidably operated through the left-turn interface to deviate from the left-turn position along the rotation axis, wherein the trunnion returns to the zero position, which is between the right-turn and left-turn positions.

63. The steering assembly of claim 62, wherein, The paddle includes a guide protrusion that extends through the trunnion and axially guides the paddle's movement relative to the trunnion.

64. The steering assembly of claim 63, wherein, The paddle includes a biased protrusion that engages with an axially locating surface of the housing, wherein the engagement of the biased protrusion with the axially locating surface, in conjunction with a spring, defines the axial movement of the paddle relative to the housing and the trunnion.

65. The steering assembly of claim 64, wherein, The guide protrusion and the offset protrusion also define the rotational axis of the paddle.

66. The steering assembly of claim 65, wherein, The spring is a compression spring having a first leg engaging with the housing and a second leg engaging with the paddle, wherein the compression spring is positioned to apply a biasing force that deflects the paddle toward the housing.

67. The steering assembly of claim 66, wherein, The axial positioning surface includes various stops that define the right turn position and the left turn position.

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