DESC:TURN INDICATOR SWITCH WITH INTEGRATED FLASHER UNIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a turn indicator switch for automotive vehicles including two wheeled and three wheeled vehicles. More specifically, the present invention relates to the construction, assembly and operation of a control switch wherein an electronic flasher unit is integrated with the turn indicator switch.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Generally vehicles are provided with various control switches for providing safe driving to the rider as well as to other riders. One such important control switch is a turn indicator switch which is also known as a blinker switch, winker switch. Figure 1 shows a vehicle with existing turn indicator switch (1). The turn indicator switch activates the indicator bulbs (2) provided at the front left, front right, rear left and rear right sides of the vehicle to indicate other drivers or pedestrians of the direction in which the rider is intending to turn his vehicle.

For turn indication, the indicator bulbs have to glow intermittently upon activation of turn indicator switch by the rider. In other words, the indicator bulbs have to be switched ON and OFF alternatively at some constant frequency in order to give an indication to other vehicles about the intended left or right turn. In other words, the indicator bulbs required to wink at constant frequency. Referring to Figure 1, in order to implement the winking or intermittent ON/OFF of the indicator bulbs (1), the turn indicator switch is connected to a flasher unit (3). The flasher unit converts the direct current (DC) from the battery (4) of the vehicle to a pulsating direct current so as to achieve the winking by indicator bulbs upon activation. In the existing configuration, the flasher unit is mounted under the seat or near battery or under fuel tank of the two wheeled vehicle (such as motorcycle) as shown in Figure 1. The turn indicator switch is mounted on the handle-bar of the vehicle and the flasher unit is connected by means of a wiring harness with the turn indicator switch. A wiring harness (5) is required to be extended from DC power source to the flasher unit (input for flasher) and from the flasher unit (6) to the turn indicator switch (output from flasher) on the handle bar of the vehicle. The DC power supply received at input of the flasher unit is converted as pulsating DC of predetermined frequency by the flasher unit and pulsating DC is supplied by output of the flasher unit to the turn indicator switch via wiring harness.

In addition, the flasher unit is supposed to be mounted/ installed in a vehicle in a particular direction. The flasher unit is customized to work adequately only when hung over in the vehicle in a particular direction, i.e. the flasher unit cannot be placed in any direction in the vehicle other than the direction predefined. Moreover, in the existing configuration the flasher unit is easily accessible by vibrations of the vehicle which may tamper the performance of the flasher unit. In the existing configuration, the flasher unit is mounted using rubber mounts/dampers to dampen the vibrations. This makes the mounting/ installation of the flasher unit tedious and costly.

Therefore, there exists a need to develop a cost effective yet accurate control system/switch for activation of the turn indicator bulbs upon actuation of the indicator switch by the rider.

SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a turn indicator switch for vehicle, comprising a housing body comprising an interior region and exterior region. The switch of the present invention also comprises a knob assembly mounted on the housing body and movable to a left position and a right position about a central position. A flasher unit is accommodated in a pocket in the housing body. The flasher unit comprises an input for receiving a DC power supply from a DC power source of the vehicle and an output for providing a flasher output or intermittent DC power supply. The switch is provided with an input and output terminals. The input terminal is disposed in the housing body and electrically connected to the input of the flasher unit and the DC power source of the vehicle thereby electrically connecting the flasher unit with the DC power source. The output terminals comprising primary and secondary output terminals disposed in the interior region of the housing body. The primary output terminal is electrically connected to the output of the flasher unit and the secondary output terminals are electrically connected with the indicator bulbs of the vehicle. The knob assembly comprises a moving contact disposed in the interior region of the housing body so as to make contact between the a primary output terminal and first or second secondary output terminals on actuation of the knob assembly to the left position and the right position about the central position, thereby supplying the intermittent DC power supply outputted by the flasher unit to the indicator bulbs.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will be readily understood from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying figures of the drawings. The figures together with a detailed description below, are incorporated in and form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrate the embodiments and explain various principles and advantages but not limiting the scope of the invention. In the accompanying drawings,

Figure 1 shows a vehicle with existing turn indicator switch.
Figure 2 shows front panel of the vehicle body.
Figures 3(a)-(b) illustrate a turn indicator switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 shows interior of the housing body, and input/output terminals of the turn indicator switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 5(a)-(b), 6(a)-(b) and 7(a)-(b), illustrate actuation of the knob assembly in left and right direction according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 illustrates an exploded view of the turn indicator switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram showing electrical connection of the turn indicator switch of the present invention with the power supply and with the left and right indicator bulbs.
Figure 10(a)-(c) illustrate a turn indicator switch according to other embodiments of the present invention.
Figure 11 shows a vehicle with the turn indicator switch according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

Therefore, the main object of the present invention is to provide a turn indicator switch integrated with a flasher unit.

Other object of the present invention is to provide an integrated turn indicator switch with flasher unit without changing the switch cutout (without increasing the size of the switch for handlebar switches or without changing the cutout window of the Vehicle panel for Panel Switches and Modular Switches).

Other objects of the present invention will be clear from the description of the present invention.

Whiletheinventionissusceptibletovariousmodificationsandalternativeforms, specific embodiment thereof has been shown by way of example in the figures and will be described in detail below. It should be understood, however that it is not intended to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternative falling with in the spirit and the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Before describing in detail the various embodiments of the present invention it may be observed that the novelty and inventive step that are in accordance with the present invention resides in the construction of turn indicator control switch. It is to be noted that a person skilled in the art can be motivated from the present invention and modify the various constructions of turn indicator control switch. However, such modification should be construed within the scope and spirit of the invention.

Accordingly, the drawings are showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having benefit of the description herein.

The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including” or any other variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that an assembly, mechanism, setup, that comprises a list of components does not include only those components but may include other components not expressly listed or inherent to such assembly, mechanism or setup. In other words, one or more elements in turn indicator control switch or assembly proceeded by “comprises” does not, without more constraints, preclude the existence of other elements or additional elements in the assembly or mechanism. The following paragraphs explain present invention and the same may be deduced accordingly.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a turn indicator switch for vehicle, comprising:
a housing body comprising an interior region and exterior region;
a knob assembly mounted on the housing body and movable to a left position and a right position and center push position about a central position;
a flasher unit being accommodated in a pocket in the housing body; the flasher unit comprises:
an input for receiving a DC power supply from a DC power source of the vehicle;
an output for providing a flasher output or intermittent DC power supply;
an input terminal disposed in the housing body and electrically connected to the input of the flasher unit and the DC power source of the vehicle there by electrically connecting the flasher unit with the DC power source;
a primary output terminal, disposed in the interior region of the housing body and electrically connected to the output of the flasher unit;
a first secondary output terminal and a second secondary output terminal are disposed in the interior region of the housing body and electrically connected with the indicator bulbs of the vehicle;
a moving contact secured with the knob assembly and disposed in the interior region of the housing body so as to make contact between the a primary output terminal and first or second secondary output terminals on actuation of the knob assembly to the left position and the right position about the central position, there by supplying the intermittent DC power supply outputted by the flasher unit to the indicator bulbs.

In an embodiment of the present invention the housing body is provided with one or more snap locks on the exterior region for securing the said housing body with a mounting panel of the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention the pocket comprises side walls disposed in the interior region of the housing body, forming a hollow region sized to receive and accommodate the flasher unit.

In still another embodiment of the present invention the knob assembly is pivotally mounted on the housing body.

In yet another embodiment of the present invention the input terminal and the primary and secondary output terminals are flat shaped terminals; and in that the input terminal and the primary output terminal is connected with the input and output of the flasher unit, respectively.

In a further embodiment of the present invention the input terminal and the primary and secondary output terminals are rivet shaped terminals; and in that the input terminal and the primary output terminal is connected by means of electric wire with the input and output of the flasher unit.

In a further more embodiment of the present invention the input terminal is connected with the power supply by tapping out an electrical connection from wiring harness of other control switches disposed on the vehicle.

In another embodiment of the present invention the knob assembly comprises a carrier sub-assembly disposed in the interior region of the housing body having a substantially rigid frame connected to the knob assembly by means of a connecting pin and the moving contact is mounted on the carrier sub-assembly.

In one more embodiment of the present invention the frame of the carrier sub-assembly has a cross section diverging from the connecting pin.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a turn indicator switch for two wheeled or three wheeled vehicles such as motorcycle etc. The turn indicator switch of the present invention includes a flasher unit thereby mitigating the requirement of extension of wiring harness from the flasher unit to the turn indicator switch. In an embodiment, the turn indicator switch of the present invention is a turn indicator switch which is integrated with a flasher unit.

The following description describes the present invention with reference to Figures 2 to 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 shows front panel of the vehicle body. As can be observed from Figure 2, the front panel of the vehicle body is disposed on the handle bar of the vehicle and includes a left side portion, a right side portion and a central portion. The left side and right side potions of the front panel may be used for mounting modular type control switches. The central portion of the front panel is used for mounting head light and other indicators such as speedometer, odometer, fuel tank level indicator, turn indicator etc.

Detail A of Figure 2 shows left side portion of the front panel of the vehicle body. As shown in Detail A of Figure 2, the modular type control switches including turn indicator switch, Horn switch, Head light function switch are mounted on the left side portion of the front panel of the vehicle body.

Figures 3(a)-(b) and Figure 4, illustrate a turn indicator switch (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figures 3(a)-(b) and Figure 4 illustrate a control switch or turn indicator switch (100) which modular type. The term ‘modular type’ referred herein can be defined as a type of switches which can be directly mounted on the front panel of the vehicle body disposed on the handle bar.

Referring to Figures 3(a)-(b) and Figure 4, the turn indicator switch comprises a housing body (101) having an interior region (101a) and an exterior region (101b). The interior region(101a) of the housing (100) is provided with a pivot (102) for mounting a knob assembly (110) which can move pivotally about axis of pivot (102)in left and right direction about a central position. The exterior region (101b) of the housing body (101) is provided with plurality of snap locks (103) for securing the housing body (101) of the turn indicator switch (100) with the front panel of the vehicle which can be provided with suitable means to cooperate with the snap locks (103).

As shown in Figure 4, the turn indicator switch (100) comprises an input terminal (104) and a primary output terminal (105). The turn indicator switch (100) also comprises a first and second secondary output terminal (106 and 107). The input terminal (104) and the primary and secondary output terminals (105, 106 and 107) are fixed contacts and disposed in the interior region (101a) of the housing body (101). The term ‘fixed contact’ herein refers to a contact or terminal which is a stationary part. The input and output terminal may be formed of any suitable geometry. The housing body (101) is provided with a connector member (108) for extending the electrical connection of input terminal (104) and secondary output terminals (106, 107) with the power source and the indicator bulbs respectively.

In an embodiment, the turn indicator switch is integrated with a flasher unit (120). For this purpose, a hollow pocket (109) is formed in the interior region of the housing body (101). The pocket (109) comprises side walls disposed in the interior region (101a), forming a hollow region sized to receive and accommodate a flasher unit (120). The side walls may be formed adjacent to peripheral wall of the housing body (101) in the interior region (101a). The flasher unit (120) is an electronic flasher unit, which is configured to receive a DC power supply and provides pulsating DC which can be supplied to operate the indicator bulbs through the turn indicator switch (100).

Referring to Figure 4, the input terminal (104) of the turn indicator switch (100) is connected with an input of the flasher unit (120). The primary output terminal (105) of the turn indicator switch is connected with an output of the flasher unit (120). The contact between the primary output terminal (105) and the secondary output terminals (106, 107) may be made by a moving contact (119). The moving contact (119) may be movable by the knob assembly (110) to form contacts between the primary output terminal (105) and secondary output terminals (106, 107) alternatively.

The power source for example a battery may be connected with the input terminal (104) which is connected to the input of the flasher unit (120)so the power may be supplied to the flasher unit (120) through the input terminal (04). As explained in the previous paragraph, the flasher unit (120) receives the DC power from the battery and provides a flasher output or pulsating DC power at the output of the flasher unit. The term ‘flasher output’ or ‘pulsating DC’ herein refers to intermittent power supply which provides the winking effect at a constant frequency of the indicator bulbs of the vehicle for turn indicator function.

The output of the flasher unit is connected with the primary output terminal (105) through which the intermittent DC power can be supplied to the indicator bulbs through the secondary output terminals (106, 107).

Referring to Figure 4, a 12 volts DC power supply from a distantly located power source such as battery etc. in the vehicle may be connected to the input terminal (104) for providing a power supply to the flasher unit (120). As shown in Figure 2, the left side portion of the front panel is also provided with other control switches such as Horn and Head light switch which are connected with a power supply by a wiring harness. The power supply to the input terminal (104) of the turn indicator switch (100) can be tapped out from the wiring harness of other control switches such as Horn and Head light switches disposed at the left side portion of the front panel. The term ‘tapped out’ or ‘tapping out’ herein refers deriving an electrical connection from already existing electric line or electrical wiring harness. In other words, there is not requirement of laying a separate or additional wiring harness from the power source to the turn indicator switch.

Referring to Figures 4-8, the knob assembly (110) having a knob (111) comprising a stem portion (111b) extending from the exterior region (101b) to the interior region (101a) of the housing body (101) and a button portion (111a) rigidly connected with an end of the stem portion (111b) and disposed in the exterior region (101b) of the housing body (101). The stem portion (111b) of the knob assembly (110) is pivotally connected to the housing body by the pivot (102). In an embodiment, the stem portion is provided with a trough (112) for receiving the pivot (102) extending from the interior section of the housing body (101) for pivotally connecting the knob assembly (110) with the housing body (101). Other end of the stem portion (111b) which is disposed in the interior region (101a) of the housing body (101) is provided with a spring loaded ball (113). For this purpose, the end of the stem portion (111b) may be provided is formed as fork shaped end for accommodating the spring loaded ball (113). The stem portion (111b) of the knob assembly (110) is supported on a support plate (117) disposed in the interior region (101a) of the housing body (101) such that the spring loaded ball (113)is sandwiched between the support plate (117) and the stem portion (111b). The support plate (117) is provided with V shaped edge or periphery on which the spring loaded ball (113) on the stem portion (111b) is supported. The spring loaded ball (113) is movable on the V shaped edge formed on the support plate (117). The trough (112) is elongated along the direction of length of the stem portion (111b) so as to allow movement in the longitudinal direction. The term ‘longitudinal direction’ herein refers to a direction transverse to the direction of pivotal movement of the knob (111) in the same plane. The fork shape end of the stem portion (111b) is sized to as to allow the movement of the knob assembly (110) in the longitudinal direction. The housing may be provided with a cover or closure (101’) for closing the housing. The flasher unit may be formed by mounting a flasher element on PCB with other suitable electrical/electronic components. The PCB assembly (PCB) mounting the flasher element thereby forming a flasher unit may be accommodated in the pocket of the housing.

It can be clearly understood from the above paragraph that the knob (111) is movable about a central position to a left position and to a right position, Also, the knob (111) is movable in the longitudinal direction which is perpendicular, in the same plane, to the direction of the movement of the knob is left and right direction.

Referring to Figures 5-8, the knob assembly (110) comprises a carrier sub-assembly disposed in the interior region (101a) of the housing body having a substantially rigid frame (114) connected to the knob assembly (110) by means of a connecting pin (115). The stem portion (111b) of the knob (111) is provided with a slot for receiving the connecting pin (115) of the carrier sub-assembly for coupling the carrier sub-assembly with the stem portion (111b). The carrier sub-assembly when assembled in the knob assembly (110) may be seated below the stem portion (111b). The carrier sub-assembly is supported in the housing body (101) by means of a spring loaded ball (116) resting against a detent surface (118) formed in the interior region (101a) of the housing body (101). The detent surface (118) is provided with plurality of detents corresponding to the right position, left position, and a central position of the knob. The spring loaded ball (116) moves on the detents formed on the detent surface (118) to the right and left of a central position. The carrier sub-assembly comprises a moving contact (119) which is mounted on the frame (114) of the carrier assembly at a position so that the moving contact (119) faces the fixed contacts i.e. the primary and secondary output terminals (105, 106 and 107). The moving contact (119) is mounted on the frame (114) of carrier sub-assembly under a force of a spring (121) to ensure positive contact between the moving contact (119) and the fixed contacts (105, 106 and 107). The moving contact (119) remains in contact with the primary output terminal(105). When the knob moves to the left or right positions, the moving contact comes in contact with the first or second secondary output terminal (106 or 107) thereby making electrical connections between the primary output terminal (105) and first or second secondary output terminal (106 or 107). The input/output terminals and moving contact may be made of any suitable material which is electrically conductive. The moving contact (119) is plate type structure having at least two dimples one of which will be in contact with the primary output terminal (105) while the other may be available to come in contact with the first or second output terminals (106 or 107), alternatively.

Referring to Figure 5-7, the frame (114) of the carrier sub-assembly has a cross section diverging from the connecting pin. As shown in Figure 4, the detent surface (118) may be formed adjacent to the pocket (109) for accommodating the flasher unit (120), and the terminals are disposed at a location adjacent to the pocket (109). The divergent section of the frame of the carrier sub-assembly enables mounting of the spring loaded ball (116) for supporting the carrier sub-assembly on the detent surface (118) and supporting the moving contact (119)in the region of primary and secondary terminals so that the moving contact (119)is reachable to the output terminals, respectively.

Referring to Figures 5-7, the first secondary output terminal(106) and the second secondary output terminal(107) are adapted to make electrical contacts with the primary output terminal (105) for receiving the flasher output and supplying the same to the left and right indicator bulbs of the vehicle for turn indicator function. As explained in previous paragraphs, the electrical connections between the primary output terminal(105) and first or second secondary output terminals (106 and 107) can be made by the moving contact (119)based on the actuation of the knob assembly (110) in the left or right direction.

Referring to Figures 5(a)-(b), when the knob assembly (110) is actuated in the left direction from the central position the carrier assembly moves on the detent surface (118). The moving contact (119) moves to form contact between the primary output terminal (105) and the first secondary output terminal (106) thereby providing intermittent power supply for activating Left side indicator bulb of the vehicle. Referring to Figure 6(a)-(b), when the knob assembly (110) is actuated in the right direction from the central position the carrier assembly moves the detent surface (118). The moving contact (119) thus moves to form contact between the primary output terminal (105) and the second secondary output terminal (107) thereby providing intermittent power supply, received from the flasher unit, for activating the right side indicator bulb of the vehicle. Referring to Figures 7(a)-(b), when the knob assembly (110) is in central position i.e. in un-actuated condition, the moving contact (119) remains in contact with none of the secondary output terminals (106, 107). In an embodiment, the knob assembly (110) may be mounted on the housing body (101) by a resilient means such a torsion spring (130) for biasing the knob assembly (110) towards the central position. Upon actuation of the knob assembly (110) by an actuation force in the left or right direction from the central position, the knob assembly (110) can move to the left and right positions and can return to its original central position upon removal of the actuation force. However, the carrier subassembly remains in left or right position after auto-return of the knob assembly (110) to the central position. This enables the activation of the indicator bulbs even after the auto-return of the knob assembly (110) to the central position. To deactivate the turn indicator bulbs, the knob assembly (110) is required to be pushed forward in the longitudinal direction which forces the carrier sub-assembly to move onto the detent corresponding to the central position of the knob assembly (110).

Referring to Figure 8, the output terminals (105, 106 and 107) are fixed to the housing body (101) and may be insert-molded with the housing body (101). The interior region (101a) of the housing body (101) may be closed by a cover 48 after assembling the carrier assembly and the knob assembly. The housing body (101) is provided with a pocket (109) for receiving and accommodating the flasher unit (120). After receiving the flasher unit (120) in the pocket (109) of the housing body (101), the pocket (109) may be closed by suitable means such a PVC tape (126).

Figure 9 illustrates a schematic diagram showing electrical connection of the turn indicator switch of the present invention with the power supply and with the left and right indicator bulbs.

Previous paragraphs describe the invention with reference to modular type control switch. However, the present invention also provide other types of control switches such as handle bar switches or panel switches etc.

Figure 10(a) shows a handle bar type turn indicator switch according to another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Figure 10(a), the turn indicator switch (200) comprises an input terminal (204) which is formed by way of electric wiring and connected to input of the flasher unit (220). The flasher unit (220) can be accommodated in interior region (201a) of a housing body (201). The primary and secondary output terminals (205, 206 and 207) may be formed by means rivets and electrical connections between the primary output terminal (205) and output of the flasher unit may be made by means of electric wiring. The electrical connections from the secondary output terminals may be extended by wiring harness.
Figure 10(b) and (c) show a panel type turn indicator switch according to another embodiment of the present invention. The panel type turn indicator switch (300) comprises input terminal and output terminal by means of rivets as illustrated in case of handle bar switch shown in figure 10(a). A PCB holder (302) can be accommodated in interior region (301a) of a housing body (301). The electrical connections from the secondary output terminals may be extended by wiring harness.

Figure 11 shows a vehicle with the turn indicator switch according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in figure 11, the flasher unit is integrated with the control switch (1000) mounted on the handle bar or in the region near the handle bar. Hence, the location of the flasher unit is not easily accessible by the vehicle’s vibrations which improve performance and operating life cycle of the flasher unit. Since the flasher unit is integrated with the turn indicator switch (1000), there is no special location or direction need to be defined in the vehicle for mounting the flasher unit. Furthermore, requirement of additional installation procedure (such as rubber mounting etc.) for mounting flasher unit in the vehicle is eliminated in the present invention.
,CLAIMS:1. A turn indicator switch for vehicle, comprising:
a housing body comprising an interior region and exterior region;
a knob assembly mounted on the housing body and movable to a left position and a right position about a central position;
a flasher unit being accommodated in a pocket in the housing body; the flasher unit comprises:
an input for receiving a DC power supply from a DC power source of the vehicle;
an output for providing a flasher output or intermittent DC power supply;
an input terminal disposed in the housing body and electrically connected to the input of the flasher unit and the DC power source of the vehicle thereby electrically connecting the flasher unit with the DC power source;
a primary output terminal, disposed in the interior region of the housing body and electrically connected to the output of the flasher unit;
a first secondary output terminal and a second secondary output terminal are disposed in the interior region of the housing body and electrically connected with the indicator bulbs of the vehicle;
a moving contact secured with the knob assembly and disposed in the interior region of the housing body so as to make contact between the a primary output terminal and first or second secondary output terminals on actuation of the knob assembly to the left position and the right position about the central position, thereby supplying the intermittent DC power supply outputted by the flasher unit to the indicator bulbs.

2. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1wherein the housing body is provided with one or more snap locks on the exterior region for securing the said housing body with a mounting panel of the vehicle.

3. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pocket comprises side walls disposed in the interior region of the housing body, forming a hollow region sized to receive and accommodate the flasher unit.
4. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob assembly is pivotally mounted on the housing body.

5. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input terminal and the primary and secondary output terminals are flat shaped terminals; and in that the input terminal and the primary output terminal is connected with the input and output of the flasher unit, respectively.

6. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input terminal and the primary and secondary output terminals are rivet shaped terminals; and in that the input terminal and the primary output terminal is connected by means of electric wire with the input and output of the flasher unit.

7. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the input terminal is connected with the power supply by tapping out an electrical connection from wiring harness of other control switches disposed on the vehicle.

8. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 1, wherein the knob assembly comprises a carrier sub-assembly disposed in the interior region of the housing body having a substantially rigid frame connected to the knob assembly by means of a connecting pin and the moving contact is mounted on the carrier sub-assembly.

9. A turn indicator switch as claimed in claim 8, wherein the frame of the carrier sub-assembly has a cross section diverging from the connecting pin.