CA2049653A1 - Trailer flasher - Google Patents
Trailer flasherInfo
- Publication number
- CA2049653A1 CA2049653A1 CA 2049653 CA2049653A CA2049653A1 CA 2049653 A1 CA2049653 A1 CA 2049653A1 CA 2049653 CA2049653 CA 2049653 CA 2049653 A CA2049653 A CA 2049653A CA 2049653 A1 CA2049653 A1 CA 2049653A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- trailer
- hazard
- panel
- plug
- signal lights
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Landscapes
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
(2) ABSTRACT
Motor vehicles are normally equipped to flash signal lights in hazard mode when the vehicle hazard switch is activated.
Trailers by means of plug-in connections to their associated tow vehicles, simulate the hazard signal by flashing stop /
signal lights in unison. In instances when the tow vehicle is disabled or otherwise disconnected, hazard signal flash ability is lost. In stand alone situations hazard signalling of the trailer may be needed or desired, to minimize a potential traffic hazard condition. This device, terminating in a matching tow vehicle socket, accepts the trailer's 12 V
circuits plug, to utilize the trailer,s own battery power source, to energize the stop / signal lights in "hazard"
mode. If desired the device may otherwise be constructed on a panel and installed permanently.
Motor vehicles are normally equipped to flash signal lights in hazard mode when the vehicle hazard switch is activated.
Trailers by means of plug-in connections to their associated tow vehicles, simulate the hazard signal by flashing stop /
signal lights in unison. In instances when the tow vehicle is disabled or otherwise disconnected, hazard signal flash ability is lost. In stand alone situations hazard signalling of the trailer may be needed or desired, to minimize a potential traffic hazard condition. This device, terminating in a matching tow vehicle socket, accepts the trailer's 12 V
circuits plug, to utilize the trailer,s own battery power source, to energize the stop / signal lights in "hazard"
mode. If desired the device may otherwise be constructed on a panel and installed permanently.
Description
~$~3 (3) DISCLOSURE
SPECIFICATION
This invention relates to a device to control and operate trailer stop--signal lights in warning "hazard" mode, by utilizing the trailer`s own battery power source.
Automobiles are normally equipped to Elash let and right stop-signal lights simultaneously, and continually on and of~, when the vehicle`s hazard switch is activated.
Commercial and RV travel trailers, by virtue of their plug in lead connected to an associated tow vehicle, si~ulate the flashing of stop, signal and hazard light operation of that of the tow vehicle.
l`n instances when the tow vehicle is disabled or otherwise disconnected from the trailer, the control and operation of stop-signal-hazard lights is lost.
The trailer then, can without haæard warning lights, if stopped on roadside or other precarious position, become a potential road hazard to oncoming traffic.
This device assembled in a small utility box or case~ and carried as an accessory, can when plugged on to the trailer's multi-lead connector, ~lash stop/signal lights in normal hazard flashing mode. It can also be made-up in modified form in a panel box, and be installed permanently.
It can then be switched on when "hazard" flashing is needed.
If desired, the trailer cIearance lights can also be turned on without benefit of tow vehicle connection.
g ~ 3 TRAILEE~-FLASH PLUG-ON ACCESSORY DEVICE
GENERAL DE5CRIPTION (Reference: fig-l) This version of the trailer-flash device is made-up in a 4 5/8 s~uare x 2 1/4 inch plastic enclosure box (1~. A
standard trailer connection socke-t such as the ~argman/Pollak 77 7-way receptacle (2), is mounted on one side, so as to provide easy connection to a trailer's 12-V
circuits plug when desired.
A switch (3) and socket (4), are both mounted on the box.
The switch ~3), enables the clearance light circuit if desired. (5witch designated Sw-1 in fig-2) The socket ~4) provides means to connect auxiliary front hazard lights if desired. (Socket designated J2 in fig-2) CIRCUI'r DESCRIPTION
This description refers to fig-2, and the solid state i t ~ f -3 c rcu1 o lg a.
When the trailer 12-Volt circuits plug is connected to the device, a nominal 12 volts, normally at pin-4 of the trailer pluy, is in turn connected to pin 4 of the device receptacle Jl, applying 12 V to point "Al' of the flash circuit. Output from the flasher is connected to pins 5 and 6 of Jl, (and also to J2 the auxiliary jack). Pins 5 and 6 in the trailer plug are connected to the stop/signal lights, thereby providing haz~rd flashing automatically when the device is plugged on.
The 555 IC timer circuit being common and standard, is described briefly here for the purpose of completeness only.
C1 charges exponentially via Rl and Dl until it reaches the threshold level at 555 IC pin 6. The IC's internal circuit forces discharge pin-7 to go low. C1 then discharges via R2 and D2. The output at pin-3 rises and falls in square wave form thereby keying K1 on and off in unison with the charge and discharge cycles of Cl. Output from the flasher is connected to pins 5 and 6, the left and right, stop/signal lights.
If desired, the flasher of Eig-3b or ig-3c may be substituted for the 555 IC circuit of fig-3a.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS (Ref. ~igs 4, 5 and 6) This model utilizes a 555-timer-IC and control relay. It is built on a 4 5/8 x 2 inch 18 gauge aluminum sheet (5). A
printed circuit board (RS ~76-159A) (6) contains the IC and its associated components. This, along with the relay socket is mounted on the aluminum strip.
Mark and drill the aluminum strip as dimensioned in fig-9.
Using a 1.5 inch hole saw, cut out hole centred at "A".
SPECIFICATION
This invention relates to a device to control and operate trailer stop--signal lights in warning "hazard" mode, by utilizing the trailer`s own battery power source.
Automobiles are normally equipped to Elash let and right stop-signal lights simultaneously, and continually on and of~, when the vehicle`s hazard switch is activated.
Commercial and RV travel trailers, by virtue of their plug in lead connected to an associated tow vehicle, si~ulate the flashing of stop, signal and hazard light operation of that of the tow vehicle.
l`n instances when the tow vehicle is disabled or otherwise disconnected from the trailer, the control and operation of stop-signal-hazard lights is lost.
The trailer then, can without haæard warning lights, if stopped on roadside or other precarious position, become a potential road hazard to oncoming traffic.
This device assembled in a small utility box or case~ and carried as an accessory, can when plugged on to the trailer's multi-lead connector, ~lash stop/signal lights in normal hazard flashing mode. It can also be made-up in modified form in a panel box, and be installed permanently.
It can then be switched on when "hazard" flashing is needed.
If desired, the trailer cIearance lights can also be turned on without benefit of tow vehicle connection.
g ~ 3 TRAILEE~-FLASH PLUG-ON ACCESSORY DEVICE
GENERAL DE5CRIPTION (Reference: fig-l) This version of the trailer-flash device is made-up in a 4 5/8 s~uare x 2 1/4 inch plastic enclosure box (1~. A
standard trailer connection socke-t such as the ~argman/Pollak 77 7-way receptacle (2), is mounted on one side, so as to provide easy connection to a trailer's 12-V
circuits plug when desired.
A switch (3) and socket (4), are both mounted on the box.
The switch ~3), enables the clearance light circuit if desired. (5witch designated Sw-1 in fig-2) The socket ~4) provides means to connect auxiliary front hazard lights if desired. (Socket designated J2 in fig-2) CIRCUI'r DESCRIPTION
This description refers to fig-2, and the solid state i t ~ f -3 c rcu1 o lg a.
When the trailer 12-Volt circuits plug is connected to the device, a nominal 12 volts, normally at pin-4 of the trailer pluy, is in turn connected to pin 4 of the device receptacle Jl, applying 12 V to point "Al' of the flash circuit. Output from the flasher is connected to pins 5 and 6 of Jl, (and also to J2 the auxiliary jack). Pins 5 and 6 in the trailer plug are connected to the stop/signal lights, thereby providing haz~rd flashing automatically when the device is plugged on.
The 555 IC timer circuit being common and standard, is described briefly here for the purpose of completeness only.
C1 charges exponentially via Rl and Dl until it reaches the threshold level at 555 IC pin 6. The IC's internal circuit forces discharge pin-7 to go low. C1 then discharges via R2 and D2. The output at pin-3 rises and falls in square wave form thereby keying K1 on and off in unison with the charge and discharge cycles of Cl. Output from the flasher is connected to pins 5 and 6, the left and right, stop/signal lights.
If desired, the flasher of Eig-3b or ig-3c may be substituted for the 555 IC circuit of fig-3a.
CONSTRUCTION DETAILS (Ref. ~igs 4, 5 and 6) This model utilizes a 555-timer-IC and control relay. It is built on a 4 5/8 x 2 inch 18 gauge aluminum sheet (5). A
printed circuit board (RS ~76-159A) (6) contains the IC and its associated components. This, along with the relay socket is mounted on the aluminum strip.
Mark and drill the aluminum strip as dimensioned in fig-9.
Using a 1.5 inch hole saw, cut out hole centred at "A".
2 ~ 5 ~
(6) Drill the four 1/8 inch smaller holes. Use a 1 3/8 hole saw ~ith centre at "B", cut ou-t -the space Eor the relay mounting pl~te and snap-in socket.
With a file or o-ther tool carefully shape hole A (fig-4) to accept the PC board, as shown in the figure. Attach the board using 1~8" pop rivets or 4-qO screws. Attach the relay base plate ar~d relay socket in the space shown.
Remove the cover from the plastic box instrument case. Drill a pilot hole centered 1.77 inches or 4.5 cm in from the left side and up 1 1/16 inch or 2.7 cm. Use a hole saw to enlarge the hole to Eit the 7-way socket. File a slot to match the keyway.
Remove the cable clamp from the rear of the 7-way trailer socket. Connect ~i8 stranded leads to pins 1, 3, 5 and 6 and a 1~16 stranded lead to pin 4. Reassemble the socket and mount it in the hole prepared, ~ith four 10-32 stainless screws. The other end of these leads will be connected to the points A, B, C and D as shown in fig-1 and - fig-3a.
Follow the diagram of fig-3a. Mount the IC socket in the centre of the board with pins 1,2,3 4 toward the relay socket. Insert the components choosing the pads that match the IC pins and connections, Rl,R2 and Dl are located on the side opposite the relay~ Cl i5 positiuned on the relay side of ICl.
Make connections to board pads usin~ # 20 tinned wire. Note that lead ~#16 stranded wire) from pin-4 of the 7-way socket is connected to the relay socket common terminals. ~umber 20 wire is routed from that point to the PC board.
The diodes D3 and D4 of fig-3a may be omitted in this plug in version. When and if Kl is a double pole relay, the isolated contacts may be separately connected to terminals C and D.
PART5 LIST (Ref: fig-1 and fig-3a) Jl ~ ~argman/Pollak 77 7-way receptacle socket J2 - Switchcraft L11 jack SW1 - SPST 10 A Toggle switch K1 - Relay PB KlOPllD15 12V
C1 - 15 uF 50 V electrolytic capacitor C2 - 0.02 uF axial lead capacitor Dl D2 D3 -- lA 50 V silicon diode D3 D4 - 5A 50 V silicon diode IC-1 - 555 Timer IC c/w DIP socket Rl R2 - 56K ohm 1/2 watt resistor Plastic case - Hammond 15glUSBK
PC board ~ Radio Shack 276-159A
Relay mounting strip - Potter & Brumfield 37D633 Relay socket P&B 27E~88 Slide the aluminum strip containing the PC board and relay into the slots molded in the plastic case (1). Connect leads frorn Jl 7-way socket to relay socket and chassis yround. Also connect those to to SW1 and J2.
After testing, replace the cover previously removed.
( ~ ) CONSTRUCTION DETAILS - Ph.NErl VERSION, TRAILER-FLASH
An alternate form of the device may be made-up as a panel (see fig-7), allowing for permanent installation if desired.
A Hammond 1414 PH series box with sub-panel (8) houses and supports the components.
Mount the components shown inside the dotted line of Eig 8 on the sub-panel (8). Wire connections as per fig-8 to terminal board TBl (8), which provides a convenient interface between the panel proper and the associated leads to trailer plug and lights. The bracket tl0) is formed from a 2 x 6 inch piece of 16 gauge aluminum, bent to support the switches. Solder the #16 TEW wire leads to the switch terminals. Crimp lug spades are used to make connection to the barrier strip TBl.
Note that TB1-7 is energized via D1 when Sl Hazard flash is on, and via D2 when S2 Tail/clearance s~itch is on. This is an advisory circuit to the tow ~ehicle via Pl-7. Its purpose is to advise that panel is "ON", should the pluy be reconnected to tow vehicle when the panel is not turned "OFF". To derive benefit of this feature, a warning light, other or audible indicator should be installed in the tow vehicle.
The connections to Pl as shown are by popular adoption, a near standard. They may however by choice, be diEEerent in some installations, in which case wiring changes should be made, to comply with either standard~
PARTS LIST (Ref: fig-7 and Eig-8) Pl - Bargman 7-way plug or equivalent connector.
TBl - Cinch 192-8 or equivalent barrier terminal.
F1 - 10 A fuse ~ Buss 3823 or equivalent holder.
Sl - 3PDT 10 A switch S2 - SPST 10 A switch D1 D2 - 3A 50 V diode D3 - 8 A 50 V diode Flasher - See fig-3 NB: Flashers are optional types.
Fig-3a is solid state timer with relay.
Fig-3b and fig-3c are conventional automotive types. Tridon HD13 or dual contact flashers readily separate left-right circuits at rest.
Panel - Hammond 1414PHH4 or equivalent box with sub panel.
This specific model of the panel shown in fig-(7) utilizes an automotive style plug-in (fig-3c) flasher (11). If desired, the solid state 555 timer IC circuit made on the aluminum strip described previously (P 4), may be substituted.
(6) Drill the four 1/8 inch smaller holes. Use a 1 3/8 hole saw ~ith centre at "B", cut ou-t -the space Eor the relay mounting pl~te and snap-in socket.
With a file or o-ther tool carefully shape hole A (fig-4) to accept the PC board, as shown in the figure. Attach the board using 1~8" pop rivets or 4-qO screws. Attach the relay base plate ar~d relay socket in the space shown.
Remove the cover from the plastic box instrument case. Drill a pilot hole centered 1.77 inches or 4.5 cm in from the left side and up 1 1/16 inch or 2.7 cm. Use a hole saw to enlarge the hole to Eit the 7-way socket. File a slot to match the keyway.
Remove the cable clamp from the rear of the 7-way trailer socket. Connect ~i8 stranded leads to pins 1, 3, 5 and 6 and a 1~16 stranded lead to pin 4. Reassemble the socket and mount it in the hole prepared, ~ith four 10-32 stainless screws. The other end of these leads will be connected to the points A, B, C and D as shown in fig-1 and - fig-3a.
Follow the diagram of fig-3a. Mount the IC socket in the centre of the board with pins 1,2,3 4 toward the relay socket. Insert the components choosing the pads that match the IC pins and connections, Rl,R2 and Dl are located on the side opposite the relay~ Cl i5 positiuned on the relay side of ICl.
Make connections to board pads usin~ # 20 tinned wire. Note that lead ~#16 stranded wire) from pin-4 of the 7-way socket is connected to the relay socket common terminals. ~umber 20 wire is routed from that point to the PC board.
The diodes D3 and D4 of fig-3a may be omitted in this plug in version. When and if Kl is a double pole relay, the isolated contacts may be separately connected to terminals C and D.
PART5 LIST (Ref: fig-1 and fig-3a) Jl ~ ~argman/Pollak 77 7-way receptacle socket J2 - Switchcraft L11 jack SW1 - SPST 10 A Toggle switch K1 - Relay PB KlOPllD15 12V
C1 - 15 uF 50 V electrolytic capacitor C2 - 0.02 uF axial lead capacitor Dl D2 D3 -- lA 50 V silicon diode D3 D4 - 5A 50 V silicon diode IC-1 - 555 Timer IC c/w DIP socket Rl R2 - 56K ohm 1/2 watt resistor Plastic case - Hammond 15glUSBK
PC board ~ Radio Shack 276-159A
Relay mounting strip - Potter & Brumfield 37D633 Relay socket P&B 27E~88 Slide the aluminum strip containing the PC board and relay into the slots molded in the plastic case (1). Connect leads frorn Jl 7-way socket to relay socket and chassis yround. Also connect those to to SW1 and J2.
After testing, replace the cover previously removed.
( ~ ) CONSTRUCTION DETAILS - Ph.NErl VERSION, TRAILER-FLASH
An alternate form of the device may be made-up as a panel (see fig-7), allowing for permanent installation if desired.
A Hammond 1414 PH series box with sub-panel (8) houses and supports the components.
Mount the components shown inside the dotted line of Eig 8 on the sub-panel (8). Wire connections as per fig-8 to terminal board TBl (8), which provides a convenient interface between the panel proper and the associated leads to trailer plug and lights. The bracket tl0) is formed from a 2 x 6 inch piece of 16 gauge aluminum, bent to support the switches. Solder the #16 TEW wire leads to the switch terminals. Crimp lug spades are used to make connection to the barrier strip TBl.
Note that TB1-7 is energized via D1 when Sl Hazard flash is on, and via D2 when S2 Tail/clearance s~itch is on. This is an advisory circuit to the tow ~ehicle via Pl-7. Its purpose is to advise that panel is "ON", should the pluy be reconnected to tow vehicle when the panel is not turned "OFF". To derive benefit of this feature, a warning light, other or audible indicator should be installed in the tow vehicle.
The connections to Pl as shown are by popular adoption, a near standard. They may however by choice, be diEEerent in some installations, in which case wiring changes should be made, to comply with either standard~
PARTS LIST (Ref: fig-7 and Eig-8) Pl - Bargman 7-way plug or equivalent connector.
TBl - Cinch 192-8 or equivalent barrier terminal.
F1 - 10 A fuse ~ Buss 3823 or equivalent holder.
Sl - 3PDT 10 A switch S2 - SPST 10 A switch D1 D2 - 3A 50 V diode D3 - 8 A 50 V diode Flasher - See fig-3 NB: Flashers are optional types.
Fig-3a is solid state timer with relay.
Fig-3b and fig-3c are conventional automotive types. Tridon HD13 or dual contact flashers readily separate left-right circuits at rest.
Panel - Hammond 1414PHH4 or equivalent box with sub panel.
This specific model of the panel shown in fig-(7) utilizes an automotive style plug-in (fig-3c) flasher (11). If desired, the solid state 555 timer IC circuit made on the aluminum strip described previously (P 4), may be substituted.
Claims (6)
1. A plug-in device which utilizes a trailer's battery power to energize a light flasher contained therein.
2. A wired in panel which utilizes a trailer's battery power to energize a light flasher contained therein.
3. The device in claim 1 unique in that when the trailer 12-volt multi-plug is connected to it, hazard mode flashing, powered by the trailer's own battery, occurs automatically.
4. The pulsed power output from the device in claim 1 or from the panel in claim 2 being coupled to the trailer's existing stop/signal lights circuitry may in addition to its intended 'hazard' use; be used to test check and verify for normal light and circuit operation.
5. In the panel of claim 2, diodes, transistor junctions, switch or relay contacts decouple the tow vehicle's signalling circuits, preventing interaction, in cases when the trailer plug might be connected.
6. In the panel of claim 2, an advisory override circuit is provided to indicate hazard mode and / or optional clearance/tail lights operation, as warning, should the trailer plug be connected when the panel is switched on.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2049653 CA2049653A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Trailer flasher |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2049653 CA2049653A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Trailer flasher |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2049653A1 true CA2049653A1 (en) | 1993-02-22 |
Family
ID=4148228
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2049653 Abandoned CA2049653A1 (en) | 1991-08-21 | 1991-08-21 | Trailer flasher |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2049653A1 (en) |
-
1991
- 1991-08-21 CA CA 2049653 patent/CA2049653A1/en not_active Abandoned
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| EEER | Examination request | ||
| FZDE | Dead |