Cancel mechanism of turn indicator

Abstract

A cancel mechanism of a turn indicator includes a projection adapted to rotate along an outer circumference of a steering wheel shaft. A bracket is positioned around at least portions of the outer circumference of the shaft. The bracket is rotatable in a generally circumferential direction around the shaft between an inactive position and an active position. A ratchet, having a first and second end, is positioned with its first and second ends in slidable engagement with associated first and second ends of the bracket. The ratchet also includes a projection retaining portion for retaining the projection when the shaft is turned in a canceling direction thereby returning the bracket to the inactive position. A biasing mechanism biases the ratchet toward the bracket. When the bracket is positioned in the active position and the shaft is turned in a direction opposite to the canceling direction, the projection comes into contact with the ratchet (i) causing the first end of the ratchet to slide along the first end of the bracket in a generally radially outward direction relative to the shaft and (ii) causing the second end of the ratchet to slide along the second end of the bracket in a generally radially inward direction relative to the shaft, thereby allowing the projection to pass by the ratchet without substantially moving the bracket.