Patent GB-211164-A (GB)
Title: Direction indicator for vehicles
IPC: H01H35/12
Filed: 1924-02-11
Abstract: 211,164. Junghans, H. Feb. 10, 1923, [Convention date]. Void [Published under Sect. 91 of the Act]. Retarding and time limit devices; centrifugal action; mercury interrupters.-Stopping and turning signalling - apparatus for vehicles comprises visible or acoustic signals operated by hand pushes and cancelled automatically by pendulum switches on change of direction or speed of the vehicle or operated entirely by pendulum switches. Figs. 1 and 4 show the switch mechanism associated with the right-hand luminous signal. The circuit of the luminous signal is completed by a corresponding push button through an electromagnet which closes a retaining circuit and holds on the signal circuit after the release of the push. Included in the signal circuit is a pivoted switch 7 which breaks the circuit when the turn of the vehicle is executed. The switch 7 comprises a tube pivoted on a bar 11 and carrying a steel ball 8 adapted to contact with the tube and an insulated contact 10. Instead of the ball 8, mercury may be used. The tube is held normally in the tilted position shown, by the point 14 of a quadrant 15 which is connected to a pendulum 16. When the vehicle is turned to the right, centrifugal force moves the pendulum 16 and ball 8 in the direction of the arrows, whereby the switch 7 is released from the point 14 and is tilted by the ball 8 which moves out of contact with the contact, 10 and so breaks the signal circuit. On completion of the turn the switch is restored to the position shown by the pendulum 16. A similar switch for the left-hand signal is mounted on the back of the plate 11. The switch for operating the " stop " signal is of similar construction but is mounted in the direction of travel and is operated by inertia. To preserve the vertical dispositions of the entire switch mechanism the bar 11 is pivotally mounted at its upper edge and carries a heavy pendulum 22 which co-operates with a brake 25 to render the switch insensitive to ordinary vibrations. The pendulum rod 23 is located in a guide 24, Fig. 4, and operates when swung in one direction escapement mechanism 30 through gear wheels 27, 28 and a pawl lever 26. Similar brake mechanism is located at the opposite side of the rod 23 to control a swing in the other direction. Alternatively, a single brake mechanism with a rotary vane is employed. Fig. 7 shows a modified form of switch mechanism. In this form one pendulum is used for both turning signals. A weight 36 is carried on a pendulum rod 35 which is pivoted at 34 and carries two arms 39, 40. Flat springs 45, 46 normally bridge the pairs of contacts 41, 43, 42, 44 which are included in the respective signal circuits. The signal circuit is completed by a push button and when the turn is executed the circuit is broken when the corresponding spring is moved out of contact by one or other of the arms 39, 40 on the pendulum rod 35. A stud 47 on the weight 36 engages a forked driver 48 for a braking vane 51. An acoustic signal is given when one or other of the springs 53, 54 is forced into contact with the corresponding stop 37 by the pendulum. A switch of similar construction for operating the " stop " signal is arranged in the direction of travel.