Trafficators

Winker were mechanical or solenoid operated direction indicator lamps on automobiles and are considered the forerunner of the blinker. They were admitted, for example, in the Federal Republic of Germany to 1963 for new vehicles.

History

As early as 1906 had the former vehicle factory professional association, founded jointly with the General Berliner Omnibus AG a driving and Technical College. It was placed on accident prevention very great value. Some special traffic accidents prompted the BG in 1912 to propose a technical innovation in the passenger transport industry. It was not until 1922, until a functional direction indicator was built as Armwinker by Eugen Zipperle and August Nagel, who was, however, moved by Bowden cables. A utility model protection they received in 1924 for the Armwinker with housing. In the early 1920s took the road especially in big cities like Berlin by the ever increasing number of cars, buses and trams. Alfred Schwarz led 1927 the first electric oscillating Armwinker. Robert Bosch built in 1925 as the first electrical additionally illuminated direction indicators. Here, the driver no longer needed partially releasing the stiff steering wheel and hold the arm from the side window when he wanted to turn. This precursor of the blinker could be lit by electricity. This Winker, also known as Autowink, swung to and fro in signaling and was considered safe because the driver now, if he wanted to turn right, for example, could give a direction sign.

In the Federal Republic of Germany was required by law that until July 1, 1963 all car about 4 meters long and 1.6 meters wide are equipped with flashing lights on the front and back. For many conversion kits were offered, often expanded the unused Winker and the openings were sealed with matching covers. In the Austrian and Bavarian region of Winker is called " Reibndeita " where Reibn is a dialect term for curve and Deita is derived from Deuter.

Nowadays, the use of Winkers is not banned in Germany; However, it must first be the "normal" direction indicator, just the turn signals are activated. Permission is granted to support its function in addition to lowering the Winkers. At the still occasionally visible Winker activity, often of vintage cars such as the Volkswagen Beetle or the VW Transporter. There is a relay for installation in the vehicle electrical system, which combines both in one: the indicator is on; additionally extends its respective slot of the Winker up and flashes in the upper position.

Even today, called in Luxembourg direction indicator Winker.

For rules of traffic by police officers or firefighters, there is a so-called Winkerkelle.