Radiant energy – Photocells; circuits and apparatus – Housings
Reexamination Certificate
1999-03-16
2001-08-07
Le, Que T. (Department: 2878)
Radiant energy
Photocells; circuits and apparatus
Housings
C250S231130, C439S164000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06271515
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to a column switch for a vehicle and, in particular, to a column switch having a base on a steering wheel of an automobile that is integral with an on-vehicle rotary connector that makes electrical connection between the steering wheel and the steering column.
2. Description of the Related Art
A conventional column switch assembly having a rotary connector is disclosed, for example, in Japanese Utility Model Preliminary Publication (KOKAI) No. 3-43053. This conventional column switch assembly includes a rotary connector having a spiral-coiled flat cable that makes electrical connection between a steering wheel of an automobile and a steering column, and a column switch having, for example, an operation lever for a direction indicator. The rotary connector and the column switch are separate items. The rotary connector has a lower housing secured on a base of the column switch and an upper housing secured to an underside of the steering wheel.
The conventional column switch assembly described above suffers from a problem that the base of the column switch and the housing of the rotary connector are separate items, requiring a large number of parts and man-hours for assembly. In addition, the construction requires a large mounting space.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a structure that serves as both a housing for a rotary connector and a base for a column switch, thereby reducing the number of parts and overall cost of the column switch and rotary connector assembly.
Additional objects, advantages and novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the following or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and attained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims.
In accordance with the present invention, in order to achieve the objects set forth above, a column switch is provided that has a rotary connector and a flexible flat cable in a spiral form accommodated in a housing of the rotary connector. The flexible cable is adapted to make electrical connection between a steering wheel side and a vehicle side. The housing includes a lower part defined by a base of the column switch, an upper part defined by a rotor having a cancel cam, and slits or reflectors formed on the housing for a steering angle sensor.
The base of the column switch has a hollow cylinder in the middle thereof through which a steering shaft is inserted, and an annular groove surrounding the hollow cylinder for accommodating the flat cable. The rotor has a resilient fastening strap and an accommodating section that covers the annular groove. The resilient fastening strap rotatably engages a fastening portion formed on the hollow cylinder.
In one embodiment, slits are formed in the lower peripheral end portion of the rotor, and the steering angle sensor has a detector disposed on the bottom of the annular groove. The detector includes a light-receiving element and a light emitting element.
In another embodiment, the rotor has a flange formed at a lower end thereof, and slits are formed in the flange. The steering angle sensor has a detector disposed on an inner wall of the annular groove. The detector includes a light-receiving element and a light-emitting element.
In another embodiment, the reflectors are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the rotor, and the steering angle sensor includes a detector disposed on an inner wall of the annular groove. The detector includes light-receiving/emitting elements therein.
The base of the column switch has a steering angle sensor and is formed with recesses on the left and right sides. The switch bodies of a turn signal switch and a wiper/washer switch or the like are fitted into the recesses. Each of the switch bodies has a connector on an underside thereof. The steering angle sensor is provided in a terminal block. The terminal block is secured to the base and has a first connector and a second connector, each of which fit into one of the connectors on the underside of the switch bodies.
The terminal block has a third connector incorporating terminals therein that are electrically connected to the connectors on the underside of the switch bodies, the detector of the steering angle sensor, and the flat cable.
In one embodiment, the switch bodies have the connectors on their undersides oriented substantially toward the recesses. In this embodiment, the terminal block has the first connector and second connector oriented outward so that the first and second connectors are in alignment with the connectors on the underside of the switch bodies.
In another embodiment, the switch bodies are formed with their connectors oriented downward. In this embodiment, the terminal block has the first connector and the second connector oriented upward so that the first and second connectors are in alignment with the connectors on the switch bodies.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5928018 (1999-07-01), Dumoulin
patent: 5971782 (1999-10-01), Masuda
patent: 13-43053 (1991-04-01), None
Kananen Ronald P.
Le Que T.
Niles Parts Co., Ltd.
Rader Fishman & Grauer
LandOfFree
Column switch for vehicles includes a flexible cable does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Column switch for vehicles includes a flexible cable, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Column switch for vehicles includes a flexible cable will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2550177