CN101501738A

CN101501738A - Trailer alarm

Info

Publication number: CN101501738A
Application number: CNA2007800136847A
Authority: CN
Inventors: K·D·斯科特
Original assignee: Master Lock Co LLC
Current assignee: Master Lock Co LLC
Priority date: 2006-04-17
Filing date: 2007-04-05
Publication date: 2009-08-05

Abstract

A trailer/cargo alarm detects the proximity of trailer or cargo attached to a vehicle with an alarm system. If the trailer/cargo is moved out of proximity of the vehicle, the alarm system issues an alert. The proximity of the trailer or cargo may be detected, for example, by detecting the presence of the trailer lighting within the vehicle's electrical circuit, by dedicated hardwired sensors, or wireless detection apparatus.

Description

Trailer alarm

The cross reference of related application

[0001] this non-provisional application requires the U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.60/792 that is entitled as " TrailerAlarm " of submission on April 17th, 2006,549 rights and interests, under this provisional application and situation that the application does not conflict, incorporate whole disclosures of this provisional application into this paper by reference.

Technical field

[0002] the present invention relates to vehicle alarming system and with the alarm of the attached trailer of vehicle.

Background technology

[0003] trailer can be designed to be connected in or otherwise to attach to this vehicle that can the traction trailer of truck, sport vehicle or other.Trailer can be designed to a large amount of heavy article of traction, and therefore, trailer often delivers valuable article.For example, trailer is through being usually used in tow boats, automobile, all-terrain vehicle (ATV), motorcycle and commodity.Such goods and article often betransported through very long distance.During such stroke, stop the driver and to have a rest when spending the night or having a meal, vehicle and the trailer of attached delivery valuables unattended through regular meeting.Such situation can make trailer and goods be stolen easily.

[0004] trailer itself also may be valuables.A lot of trailers are designed to special-purpose, for example tow boats or a pair of hydroplane device (wave runner), and therefore, described trailer may be relatively costly.Ships and light boats or hydroplane device often are pulled to the lake or other such waters, unload and come into operation from trailer.This makes vehicle unattended with the trailer that is connected in this vehicle, and becomes the potential target of stealing.

[0005] people wish to develop and design the new method and the device of the goods that can stop stealing trailer or the delivery of this trailer.This method and apparatus can provide bigger security to guard against unwarranted moving trailer and goods thereof.

Description of drawings

[0006] illustrate embodiments of the invention in the accompanying drawings, described accompanying drawing comprises in this manual and constitutes the part of this instructions, and described embodiment is used for illustrating principle of the present invention with explanation of the present invention.Drawings and detailed description are used for limiting the scope of the present invention or appended any claim anything but.On the contrary, embodiments of the invention are only described in accompanying drawing and explanation, and the other embodiments of the invention of Miao Shuing are not included by disclosure of the present invention.

[0007] Fig. 1 is the synoptic diagram according to an embodiment of alarm provided by the invention;

[0008] Fig. 2 is the synoptic diagram of circuit of trailer illuminator that attaches to the alarm of Fig. 1;

[0009] Fig. 3 is the synoptic diagram according to another embodiment of alarm provided by the invention;

[0010] Fig. 4 is the synoptic diagram according to another embodiment of alarm provided by the invention;

[0011] Fig. 5 is the functional-block diagram of the alarm that provides according to one embodiment of present invention;

[0012] Fig. 6 is a process flow diagram of roughly having drawn the method for the degree of approach that is used to detect goods and towing vehicle according to one embodiment of present invention;

[0013] Fig. 7 is the circuit theory diagrams of the alarm of constructing according to one embodiment of present invention.

Embodiment

[0014] the preferred embodiments of the present invention have only been described in detailed description of the present invention, never are used for limiting the scope of claim.In fact, more more wide in range as claim and the described the present invention of instructions than preferred embodiment, and be not subjected to the restriction of preferred embodiment, the term in the claim has its prevailing implication.

[0015] the present invention and disclosure thereof relate to the goods stolen method and apparatus of trailer to prevent that trailer or trailer from delivering that protection is connected with towing vehicle.This method and apparatus is designed to detect when trailer or goods separate with towing vehicle.In addition, described method and apparatus can be designed to warn car owner or other people described trailer or goods to separate with towing vehicle.In one embodiment, this warning can be taked the form of audible alarm, for example siren.

[0016] present invention resides in the embodiment that detects when trailer and towing vehicle break away from, and trailer leave towing vehicle limit apart from the time embodiment that detects.In addition, present invention resides in goods when trailer removes or goods leave towing vehicle or trailer limit apart from the time embodiment that detects.

[0017], schematically illustrates out an one exemplary embodiment of the present invention with reference to figure 1.The trailer 10 that carries cargo is connected to towing vehicle 12.Trailer 10 is connected to towing vehicle 12 at jointing 14 places, and described jointing 14 comprises and is connected in articulating ball (hitch ball) and being connected in the connector of trailer 10 of towing vehicle 12.In the one exemplary embodiment of Fig. 1, the goods of delivery is ships and light boats 16 on trailer 10.Though shown goods is ships and light boats, described goods can be many kinds of article, for example, and commodity, all-terrain vehicle (ATV) and automobile etc.Towing vehicle 12 comprises four tires 18, and trailer 10 comprises two tires 20.

[0018] alarm 22 attaches to towing vehicle 12.As shown, alarm 22 is installed to the bottom surface of the car body of towing vehicle 12.Should be appreciated that alarm 22 can be positioned at the many alternative location on towing vehicle 12 or the trailer 10, for example, the bottom surface of trailer 10 or in the main cabin of towing vehicle 12.

[0019] vehicle 12 and trailer 10 all are equipped with illuminator.This system is the safety equipment of vehicle and trailer.The rear portion that these systems are included in vehicle or trailer is used to remind the driver of surrounding vehicles to note the direction signal lamp and the brake lamp of turning, slowing down or stopping.In addition, these illuminators comprise that the driver that allows surrounding vehicles is more clearly visible the lamp that travels (running light) of towing vehicle or trailer when driving at dusk or night.When trailer attached to towing vehicle, the goods of trailer or trailer delivery may be covered the back light of vehicle.In order to reduce the possibility of this danger, the illuminator of trailer is typically connected to the illuminator of towing vehicle.This connects the signal of permission trailer illuminator detection from the towing vehicle illuminator, and this allows the back light of trailer suitably to send signal when towing vehicle brakes or turns.

[0020] the trailer illuminator with provide being connected of Vehicular illumination system with warning system integral body be attached in this connection may.Refer again to Fig. 1, vehicle wiring 24 is electrically connected to on-vehicle battery 26 left rear light 28 and the right rear light 30 of towing vehicle 12.Vehicle wiring 24 provides electric power from battery 26 to back light 28 and 30.Vehicle wiring 24 also transmits signal and gives back

light

28 and 30 to order described

lamp

28 and 30 to glimmer when the driver reinstates signal for turn, perhaps lights when the driver depresses brake pedal.

[0021] alarm wiring 32 is electrically connected to alarm 22 with back light 28 and 30.This connection can offer alarm 22 from on-vehicle battery 26 with electric power, and command signal is passed to alarm 22.Usually only when vehicle motor moves, electric power offered back light 28 and 30.In view of the foregoing, even on-vehicle battery 26 is directly connected to alarm 22 to guarantee when engine does not move also to be that alarm 22 provides electric power.Randomly, alarm battery 34 can be installed to vehicle 12 and thinks that alarm 22 provides another power supply.When can being cut off in the connection between on-vehicle battery 26 exhaustion or on-vehicle battery 26 and the alarm 22, alarm battery 34 provides electric power for alarm 22.For security purpose, alarm battery 34 can integral body be attached in the alarm 22, makes being connected under the situation about not detecting between alarm battery 34 and the alarm 22 can not be cut off.

[0022] the trailer illuminator comprises left rear light 36, right rear light 38, left side lamp 40, starboard light 42.Trailer wiring 44 is electrically connected to alarm 22 with

trailer lights

36,38,40,42.Because Vehicular illumination system and trailer illuminator all are connected to alarm 22, so alarm 22 can pass to the trailer illuminator from Vehicular illumination system with command signal, thereby correctly lights trailer back

light

36,38 and side lamp 40,42.For example, when the driver of vehicle 12 reinstated the left-hand bend signal, this signal arrived the left tail lamp 36 of trailer 10 then through Vehicular illumination system, through alarm arrival trailer illuminator, made described lamp 36 flickers will turn left with indication vehicle 12.This Same Way is applicable to that the driver reinstates the right-hand bend signal, depresses brake pedal and reinstates the lamp etc. that travels.

[0023] trailer does not have independently power supply usually, and must obtain electric power from towing vehicle.The trailer illuminator can allow alarm 22 that electric power is passed to the trailer illuminator from Vehicular illumination system with being connected of alarm 22, thereby provides electric power for

trailer lights

36,38,40,42.Perhaps,

trailer lights

36,38,40,42 can provide electric power by the on-vehicle battery 26 that is directly connected to alarm 22.By directly providing electric power via alarm 22 to the trailer illuminator, do not have extra electrical load and be applied on the Vehicular illumination system by

trailer lights

36,38,40,42 from battery 26.This layout can guarantee that the load of Vehicular illumination system remains in its scope of design.

[0024] illuminator can have at least two types.In one type, single bulb or filament both be used for direction signal lamp and also be used for brake lamp, and in second type, the bulb of two separation or filament are used for direction signal lamp and brake lamp.If Vehicular illumination system is different with the trailer illuminator and incompatible, alarm 22 can be arranged in adjusted signal is sent to the conversion before of trailer illuminator from the signal of Vehicular illumination system so.

[0025] by utilizing alarm 22 that the trailer illuminator is connected to Vehicular illumination system, alarm 22 detects in the time of can being arranged in trailer 10 disengagings or leaving towing vehicle 12 or determines.Be schematically shown as Fig. 2, four attachment plugs 46 are attached to the trailer illuminator.Described plug 46 is set up the physical connection between trailer illuminator and the alarm 22.The trailer illuminator comprises that three circuit that are connected to described plug and one are electrical ground.Plug 46 has the

tie point

48,50,52,54 of four

separation.Tie point

48,50,52,54 can be a series of four pins or a series of four sockets, and alarm 22 comprises corresponding pairing socket or pin respectively simultaneously.

[0026] alarm 22 can detect and assess described three circuit by

tie point

48,50,52,54.First tie point 48 electrically contacts with first circuit that leads to right rear light 38; Second tie point 50 electrically contacts with the second circuit that leads to left rear light 36; The 3rd tie point 52 with not only led to

back light

36 and 38 but the tertiary circuit that leads to

side lamp

40 and 42 electrically contact; The 4th tie point 54 with electrically contact electrical ground.Described first circuit is used for being reinstated or detent is lighted right rear light 38 when being depressed at the right-hand bend signal.Described second circuit is used for being reinstated or detent is lighted left rear light 36 when being depressed at the left-hand bend signal.Described tertiary circuit is used for lighting whole four

taillights

36,38,40,42 when the lamp that travels is opened.

[0027] alarm 22 can be arranged to monitor continuously or sample periodically first, second or the

3rd tie point

48,50,52, thus determine that trailer illuminator circuit is closure or disconnects.Ifs circuit is closed, and alarm 22 is not taked action so.Ifs circuit disconnects, and alarm 22 gives the alarm so.

[0028] if trailer 10 breaks away from towing vehicle 12 and leaves 12 1 sections substantive distances of towing vehicle, the trailer illuminator is just separated with alarm 22 so.When the trailer illuminator is separated with alarm 22, every circuit in three circuit all will disconnect.In case alarm 22 detects open circuit, this alarm just can send audible alarm and just moved by unwarranted people to warn described trailer so.If plug 46 breaks away from alarm, the warning wiring 44 that the trailer illuminator is connected to alarm 22 is cut off, and other similar situation perhaps takes place, and so described circuit will disconnect.

[0029] alarm 22 can be designed to allow circuit to disconnect one short relatively period and not make alarm 22 send audible alarm.Can select this time period to consider owing to the vibration during driving, to the physical impacts of various parts or the caused temporary transient open circuit of other noise situation in the electrical system.For example, alarm 22 can be designed to per ten milliseconds to circuit sampling, has only and just trigger audible alarm during twice continuous sampling when circuit disconnects.The described time period only is exemplary; Yet this time period should enough lack, thereby prevents the rapid disconnection of plug of unwarranted people 46 and replace described plug 46 with the device that can duplicate closed circuit on first, second and the

3rd tie point

48,50,52.

[0030] alarm 22 can be designed so that car owner and other authorized people can enable and inactive alarm 22.Enable and an exemplary method of inactive alarm is by means of the wireless remote control device, for example, use the key chain of infrared signal or radio signal.Perhaps, keyboard can be installed on the towing vehicle 12 or in the passenger carriage and be connected to alarm 22, thereby allows the car owner to input password to reinstate or to remove alarm 22.In addition, when running into some vehicle or transport vehicle situation, for example open the door, warning system can be stopped using automatically.

[0031] alarm 22 is described as and sends audible alarm when circuit disconnects.This method for warming is exemplary.Any method of people warning car owner or the vehicle near all comprises in the present invention.For example, visual cautionary is a modification of the present invention as herein described, such as the flash of light or the wireless information of the mobile phone that sends to the car owner, pager or other this device.

[0032] can increase the goods of attachment device with delivery on the further protection trailer 10.As shown in Figure 3, sensor 56 can attach to other goods of ships and light boats 16 or trailer 10 deliveries.When independent use, sensor 56 can be installed on the article in the wagon box of bicycle rack, goods transport vehicle or light truck.Sensor 56 is by sensor wiring 58 and sensing head 60 and alarm 22 electric connections.The circuit between sensing head 60 and the sensor 56 is supported in described sensor wiring.The sensor wiring can one be attached in the structure of vehicle, trailer, bicycle rack or goods transport vehicle.Sensing head 60 is similar to plug mentioned above 46, because this sensing head 60 provides tie point, it is closure or disconnection that alarm 22 can detect the circuit that leads to sensor 56 by described tie point.Can comprise additional sensor (not shown) or sensor characteristics, for example proximity sensor or vibration transducer, thereby detect alternatively to sensing head 60 or additional sensor the touching of attached goods.Ifs circuit disconnects, and perhaps proximity sensor or vibration transducer are triggered, and alarm 22 just can send the audible signal that goods leaves towing vehicle so.Described sensor can comprise the feature of additional power supply adaptor 57, and this power supply adaptor 57 provides battery power receptacle for use of lamp etc.

[0033] if unwarranted people attempts to remove ships and light boats 16 or remove trailer 10 from towing vehicle 12 from trailer 10, sensor 56 just may remove or sensor wiring 58 has been cut off or breaks away from sensing head 60 from ships and light boats 16 so.Any of these actions all makes the circuit between sensing head 60 and the sensor 56 disconnect.Alarm 22 is configured to detect such open circuit.In an one exemplary embodiment, sensor 56 can be the mechanical switch with two positions.When sensor 56 attaches to ships and light boats 16, describedly attachedly make described switch push primary importance, this primary importance allows from sensing head 60 to sensor 56 closed circuit.If sensor 56 breaks away from ships and light boats 16, so described switch moves to the second place, and this second place does not allow to form circuit between sensing head 60 and sensor 56.

[0034] Fig. 4 schematically draws out an alternative embodiment of the invention.Embodiment shown in Figure 4 understands for example whether the goods be used to detect trailer 10 or trailer 10 deliveries leaves the wireless system of the distance of towing vehicle 12 1 paragraph qualifications.Be similar to mentioned abovely, alarm 70 directly is attached to on-vehicle battery 26 and thinks that this alarm provides electric power.Comprised that alarm battery 34 is alarm 70 provides standby power supply to lose under the situation about being connected with on-vehicle battery 26 at alarm.Yet, replace being connected to vehicle 12 and trailer 10 illuminator be that alarm 70 is connected to radio frequency (RF) transmitter 72 that is attached to towing vehicle 12 equally.Radio-frequency transmitter 74 is fixed in trailer 10, and radio-frequency transmitter 76 is fixed in goods.Radio frequency sending set 72 emissions are used for by radio-

frequency transmitter

74 and 76 signals that receive.Radio-

frequency transmitter

74 and 76 is configured such that when receiving such signal, the part of this signal that

receiver

74 and 76 will be detected by transmitter 72 with regard to reflected back.

[0035] receiver whether receive from the signal of transmitter and with a part of reflected back transmitter of this signal by the intensity of signal and the distance decision between receiver and the transmitter.The intensity that is transmitted is adjustable to set the ultimate range that transmitter and receiver can separate, and transmitter still receives the reflected signal from receiver simultaneously.

[0036] in this one exemplary embodiment, the signal that is sent by transmitter 72 is adjustable to set the ultimate range that trailer 10 or goods can leave towing vehicle 12, and transmitter 72 still receives the reflected signal from

receiver

74 and 76 simultaneously.For example, make trailer 10 or goods in the scope of 12 20 feet of distance towing vehicles if the signal that is produced by transmitter 72 can be set, then the receiver 74 on the

trailer

10 and 76 and goods only can received signal and give transmitter 72 with this signal reflex.If transmitter 72 does not detect the reflected signal from trailer receiver 74 or goods receiver 76, alarm 70 will send audible alarm and leave towing vehicle 12 with warning trailer 10 or goods so.

[0037] alarm 70 can be arranged to command transmitter 72 and transmit periodically to receiver 74 and 76.For example, transmitter can per ten milliseconds sends signals, if transmitter 72 does not receive reflected signal during the emission continuously at twice, then this transmitter gives the alarm.

[0038], should be appreciated that any amount of receiver can be positioned on any amount of cargo item though the mode that attaches to a cargo item with a receiver illustrates and described this embodiment.Transmitter and alarm can be arranged to detect any cargo item and leave towing vehicle.In addition, which concrete cargo item transmitter, receiver and alarm can be arranged to discern and leave towing vehicle.In addition, transmitter can be placed on trailer or the goods, and receiver can be placed on the towing vehicle.In this arrangement, if receiver does not receive predetermined transmitting, alarm just sends audible alarm so.

[0039] each embodiment of the present invention can randomly comprise and prevents that unwarranted people from forbidding the feature of warning system.Such feature is alarm to be set detect when the electric power that flows to

alarm

22 and 70 from on-vehicle battery 26 stops.Unwarranted people may cut off on-vehicle battery 26 and

alarm

22 and 70 be connected in

attempt forbidding alarm

22 and 70 process.The

alarm

22 and 70 that can randomly be equipped with reserve battery 34 or rechargeable power supply detects at described

alarm

22 and 70 and can send audible alarm when electric power from battery 26 stops and being touched with

warning alarm

22 and 70.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a block scheme of roughly drawing the alarm component that can be used for forming warning system 100.First and

second alarm component

110 and 120 are placed in the communication line 135, and this telecommunication circuit 135 covers the presumptive area that limits approximated position nearer relatively between towing vehicle (not shown) and trailer or the goods (not shown).One in first and second alarm component is connected to towing vehicle, and another in the described parts is connected to trailer or goods.One of described parts (110 among Fig. 5) comprise detection circuitry 115, and whether this Circuits System 115 is configured to detect another alarm component and is present in the telecommunication circuit.Certainly, a plurality of alarm component can be used in will many trailers or goods by the warning system protection on.The alarm mechanism that symbolically is shown as siren 130 in Fig. 5 is connected to one of described alarm component, and in response to enabling appreciable alarm from the alerting signal of this alarm component.

[0041] as mentioned above, alarm component can be connected to form telecommunication circuit 135 by wiring harness, and this wiring harness can be the special-purpose wiring harness between alarm unit and the sensor, perhaps also can be as the connecting line of the pilot lamp on the trailer.In this case, the detection signal in process between the described parts can be measuring current or the voltage that sends between alarm unit on the towing vehicle and the pilot lamp on the trailer.Alarm component can be placed in the radio communication circuit, and this radio communication circuit is tuned to and covers presumptive area to form telecommunication circuit 135.In this case, alarm component can be radio frequency sending set and/or receiver, and signal can be the radio frequency transmission amount.

[0042], roughly draws the method 150 of the warning system that is used for application drawing 5 with reference to figure 6.160, described parts are positioned in the telecommunication circuit.170, detection signal is used for determining whether whole parts are in the described circuit.If all parts are not in described circuit, so 180, alerting signal is sent to alarm mechanism, for example the siren among Fig. 5.

[0043] though only illustrate and described a sensor, should be appreciated that any amount of sensor can be used for the present invention and is attached to any amount of cargo item.Sensing head can be arranged to comprise any amount of tie point that is communicated with any amount of sensor, and allows alarm to detect the single good article of trailer delivery or removing of entire cargo article.

[0044] Fig. 7 is the basic circuit diagram of alarm circuit 200, and this alarm circuit 200 is between vehicle wiring harness and trailer lights optical receptacle.The input connector 210 of six pins is configured to link to each other with the siren signal line of adding with the vehicle wiring harness of standard.Input connector 210 provides circuit path for cell voltage (BATT+), ground wire (GND), siren connecting line (SIREN) and right modulating signal (RIGHT), left modulating signal (LEFT), stop light signal (STOP) and taillight signal (TAIL).Four pin trailer lamp line Shu Bingwei ground wires (Gnd), taillight signal (T-TAIL), the right side/stop light signal (T-RIGHT/STOP) and a left side/stop light signal (T-LEFT/STOP) that the out connector 220 of four pins is configured to acceptance criteria provide circuit path.Alarm 200 receives five input signals on six pins in the input connectors 210 and these conversion of signals is four output signals that transmitted by out connector 220 and the siren actuation signal that sends vehicle via the siren signal connecting line in the input connector 210 to.

[0045] alarm 200 comprises regulating circuit, and this regulating circuit marks with Reference numeral 222 generally.Regulating circuit input is from the cell voltage of vehicle harness with reference to ground, and with surge protector 225 regulating cell voltages with generation V _p, V _pAs the input of the high voltage in the alarm 200.Voltage regulator 224 input V _pAnd generation V _Cc, V _Cc5 volts of supply voltages as the integrated circuit in the alarm 200.Another parts relevant with voltage are to produce V in alarm _PpVoltage pwm (width modulation) controller 230, V _PpInput as controlling alarm microprocessor 228.

[0046] 228 inputs of controlling alarm microprocessor are from the right side (RIGHT), a left side (LEFT), parking (STOP) and taillight (TAIL) signal RA0, RA1, RA2, the RA4 of input connector 210.According to these signals, the controlling alarm microprocessor produces taillight, the right side/parking and a left side/stop light signal RC1, RC2, RC3 and siren actuation signal RA5, described signal RC1, RC2, RC3 export to the trailer wiring harness by out connector 220, and described signal RA5 sends to input connector 210 and Che Nei siren (not shown) by circuit.These control signals input to the driver IC 226 that can handle the power level that needs the driving-trailer lamp.

[0047] whether controlling alarm microprocessor senses trailer wiring harness uses totally and correctly is installed in the out connector 220 with 242,248,252 sensing circuits that mark.The mode of operation of these three sensing circuits is similar, only describes the sensing circuit 242 related with the right side/stop tail lamp below in detail.When the trailer wiring harness correctly is installed in the out connector 220, and do not require the right side/parking trailer lights light time, sensing circuit 242 is in state shown in Figure 7.Contact 246 makes cell voltage ground connection by resistance 245 via out connector/trailer wiring harness.Owing to there is resistance in circuit path, therefore under this state, the undercurrent that is produced is to light the trailer right side/stop light.If there is no described wire harness does not just have the passage of ground connection, so electric current will can not flow so.After the trailer wiring harness is installed, the sub-fraction electric current that is produced by cell voltage flows through shunting regulating circuit 247, this shunting regulating circuit 247 produces signal voltage for the microprocessor input end that is labeled as RC0, and this signal voltage is in the correct installation that does not need the right side/parking trailer lights light time indication trailer wiring harness.

[0048] when microprocessor 228 is exported the signal that require to activate the right side/parking trailer lights on RC1, driver IC 226 with passage ground connection so that V _pCause the electric current that flows through control coil 243.Exist electric current can impel contact 246 to move downward in this control coil 243 and do not connect resistance 245 to connect direct current channel.This will cause that higher levels of electric current flows through out connector 220 and trailer wiring harness, thereby light the right side/parking trailer lights.The sub-fraction electric current will flow through regulating circuit 247 thinks that microprocessor input end RC0 produces input voltage.This signal RC0 will verify on the right side/whether described trailer wiring harness was correctly installed when the parking trailer lights need be lighted.The sensing circuit that is used for a left side/stop light 248 that it will be apparent for a person skilled in the art that other is operated sensing circuit 242 described modes to be similar to the sensing circuit 252 that is used for taillight.

[0049] if be in any moment when reinstating state, is shown as open-circuit condition, so just on circuit RA5, provides siren actuation signal from input voltage RC0, the RC4 of sensing circuit or any among the RC5 at microprocessor.This siren actuation signal flows through the siren driving circuit 260 that comprises siren oxide-semiconductor control transistors 262.The base stage that this siren actuation signal flows to transistor 262 to be connecting this transistor, and makes V _pOn siren signal line by input connector output, thereby enable siren in the vehicle.Like this, except appropriate signals is provided for trailer lights, the correct status and the installation of microprocessor senses trailer wire harness, and when described wire harness is not correctly installed, provide siren to enable output.

[0050] though specifically describe in conjunction with one exemplary embodiment in this article and illustrate various aspects of the present invention, in a lot of unshowned alternate embodiments, can realize described various aspects individually or with the various combinations of described embodiment and the mode of sub-combinations thereof.Unless be explicitly excluded in this article, combination that all are such and sub-combinations thereof all should fall within the scope of the present invention.In addition, though may describe each alternate embodiment in this article about various aspects of the present invention and feature, for example alternative material, structure, structure, method and apparatus etc., but no matter described alternate embodiment is at present known or forms subsequently that this description should not be complete or detailed the enumerating to available alternate embodiment.Within the scope of the invention, those skilled in the art can be easily with the one or more additional embodiments that are used in aspect of the present invention, design or the feature, even such embodiment is not in this article by clearly open.In addition, even features more of the present invention, design or aspect may be described as preferred embodiment and method in this article, not necessary or do not need but this description will not hint this feature, unless this feature is clearly stated.In addition, can comprise that exemplary or representational numerical value and scope understand the present invention with auxiliary, still, such numerical value and scope should not understood with restrictive implication, have only when being offered some clarification on, and described numerical value and scope are only critical numerical value or scope.

Claims

1. trailer alarm that uses for towing vehicle, described towing vehicle has one or more automobiles indicator lamps and light is enabled Circuits System, described light is enabled Circuits System and is produced the light optionally light described one or more automobiles indicator lamps and enable signal, wherein, described trailer comprises the one or more trailer pilot lamp corresponding to described one or more automobiles indicator lamps, and described alarm comprises:

Alarm unit, described alarm unit are connected to described towing vehicle and are arranged in first circuit, and light is enabled signal and flow through described first circuit between described vehicle and described trailer, and described alarm unit comprises:

Be configured to receive the alarm input end that described light is enabled signal;

Be configured to described light is enabled the alarm output terminal that signal is exported to described trailer pilot lamp; With

The alarm circuit system, described alarm circuit system configuration one-tenth is enabled signal with the light of input and is passed to described alarm output terminal; Whether detection exists described trailer pilot lamp in described first circuit; And when not detecting described trailer pilot lamp, provide alerting signal; And

With the alarm mechanism that described alarm circuit system is communicated with, described alarm mechanism is configured to receive described alerting signal and provides one or more appreciable alarms in response to described alerting signal.

2. trailer alarm according to claim 1, it is characterized in that also comprising: be arranged on the sensor in the second circuit, the sensor signal flows through described second circuit between described alarm circuit system and described sensor, wherein, described alarm circuit system configuration becomes to detect whether there is described sensor in described second circuit, and alerting signal is provided when described sensor is not in described circuit.

3. trailer alarm according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described alarm mechanism is a sense of hearing siren.

4. trailer alarm according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described alarm circuit system comprises one or more voltage sensors, the voltage that described voltage sensor sensing produces when electric current flows through described trailer pilot lamp.

5. trailer alarm according to claim 1, it is characterized in that, described alarm circuit system comprises the detection signal generator, described detection signal generator sends signal by described first circuit to described trailer pilot lamp, and monitors one or more circuit response parameters and whether have described trailer pilot lamp to detect in described first circuit.

6. trailer alarm according to claim 1 is characterized in that, described alarm circuit system and alarm power supply electric connection.

7. trailer alarm according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described alarm power supply is the on-vehicle battery that electric power is provided for described towing vehicle.

8. trailer alarm according to claim 6 is characterized in that, described alarm power supply is the alarm battery that is positioned at described alarm unit.

9. trailer alarm according to claim 1, it is characterized in that comprising: optionally place the alarm of trailer detecting pattern or standby mode to enable mechanism described alarm, in described trailer detecting pattern, described alarm circuit system detects whether there is described trailer pilot lamp, in described standby mode, described alarm circuit system can not attempt to detect whether have described trailer pilot lamp.

10. method that detects the degree of approach of trailer and towing vehicle, described towing vehicle has one or more automobiles indicator lamps and light is enabled Circuits System, described light is enabled Circuits System and is produced the light optionally light described one or more automobiles indicator lamps and enable signal, wherein, described trailer comprises the one or more trailer pilot lamp corresponding to described one or more automobiles indicator lamps, and described method comprises:

Alarm unit is installed to described towing vehicle, and wherein, described alarm unit comprises the alarm circuit system that is positioned at first circuit, and light is enabled signal and flow through described first circuit between described vehicle and described trailer;

Whether detection exists described trailer pilot lamp in described first circuit; And

Alerting signal is provided when not detecting described trailer pilot lamp in described first circuit.

11. method according to claim 10, it is characterized in that, by sending trailer pilot lamp detection signal via described first circuit and monitoring at least one circuit parameter the step whether described trailer pilot lamp of described detection exists is carried out in the response of described detection signal.

12. method according to claim 11 is characterized in that, in response to described trailer pilot lamp not the detection in described first circuit carry out the described step that alerting signal is provided.

13. method according to claim 12 is characterized in that, the described step of alerting signal that provides is delayed, and making does not provide described signal before the detection in described first circuit in twice of generation or more continuous described trailer pilot lamp.

14. the trailer alarm for the towing vehicle use, described alarm comprises:

Be installed to first alarm component of the goods of described towing vehicle delivery;

Be installed to second alarm component of described towing vehicle, wherein, described first and second alarm component are arranged in the telecommunication circuit that covers presumptive area;

Detection circuitry, described detection circuitry are configured to detect whether there are described first and second alarm component in described telecommunication circuit, and alerting signal is provided when not detecting one of described first and second alarm component; And

With the alarm mechanism that described detection circuitry is communicated with, described alarm mechanism is configured to receive described alerting signal and provides one or more appreciable alarms in response to described alerting signal.

15. trailer alarm according to claim 14, it is characterized in that, described first alarm component is the sensor that comprises the complete mechanism of circuit, when described sensor is installed on the described goods, the complete mechanism of described circuit is activated so that described telecommunication circuit is complete, wherein, when described sensor was not installed on the described goods, described telecommunication circuit was imperfect.

16. trailer alarm according to claim 15 is characterized in that, the complete mechanism of described circuit is a switch, and when described sensor was installed on the described goods, described switch was pushed into make-position.

17. trailer alarm according to claim 15, it is characterized in that, described telecommunication circuit is the wiring harness between described sensor and described second alarm component, wherein, described second moving-member is configured to by producing through the sensor signal of described telecommunication circuit and monitoring one or more circuit parameters the response of described detection signal is detected described sensor.

18. trailer alarm according to claim 14, it is characterized in that, described telecommunication circuit is a radio communication circuit, wherein, described first alarm component is a radio-frequency transmitter, described radio-frequency transmitter is configured to reflect back by the part of described telecommunication circuit with the transmission quantity that received, wherein, described second alarm component is a radio frequency sending set, when described first alarm component was present in the described telecommunication circuit, described radio frequency sending set was launched radio frequency detected transmission amount periodically and is received the part of the described detected transmission amount that is reflected.

19. trailer alarm according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described alarm mechanism is a sense of hearing siren.

20. trailer alarm according to claim 15 is characterized in that, described detection circuitry comprises one or more voltage sensors, the voltage that described voltage sensor sensing produces when electric current flows through described sensor.

21. trailer alarm according to claim 14, it is characterized in that comprising: optionally place the alarm of alarm mode or standby mode to enable mechanism described alarm, in described alarm mode, described detection circuitry detects whether there are described first and second alarm component, in described standby mode, described detection circuitry can not attempt to detect whether have described alarm component.

22. trailer alarm according to claim 14, it is characterized in that, the described first alarm component involving vibrations sensor, when described vibration transducer is installed on the described goods, described vibration transducer is activated so that described telecommunication circuit is complete, wherein, when described vibration transducer detected vibration, described vibration transducer disconnected described telecommunication circuit.

23. trailer alarm according to claim 14, it is characterized in that, described first alarm component comprises proximity sensor, when described proximity sensor is installed on the described goods, described proximity sensor is activated the degree of approach with the contiguous alarm component of sensing, thereby makes described telecommunication circuit complete, wherein, when described sensor no longer detected the degree of approach of alarm component of described vicinity, described proximity sensor disconnected described telecommunication circuit.

24. trailer alarm according to claim 14 is characterized in that, described first alarm component comprises the cell voltage supply socket.

25. the method for the degree of approach of goods that detects trailer delivery and towing vehicle, described method comprises:

First alarm component is connected to described goods;

Second alarm component is installed to described towing vehicle, wherein, described second alarm component comprises the alarm circuit system, described alarm circuit system is positioned at the first signal communication circuit that covers the zone that is adjacent to described towing vehicle, and is configured to handle the detection signal that flows in the described first signal communication circuit;

Whether detection exists described first alarm component in described first telecommunication circuit; And

Alerting signal is provided when not detecting described first alarm component in described first telecommunication circuit.

26. method according to claim 25, it is characterized in that, the described first signal communication circuit is a radio communication circuit, wherein, the step that detects described first alarm component is by carrying out from the transmission of wireless signals amount of described first alarm component according to preset program(me) monitoring and reception, wherein, providing the step of alerting signal is to carry out by produce alerting signal when not receiving the one or more first alarm component working transmission that is ranked continuously.

27. method according to claim 25, it is characterized in that, the described first signal communication circuit is the wiring harness that is connected between described first and second alarm component, wherein, the step that detects described first alarm component is by the production part detection signal, by monitoring at least one signal communication circuit parameter the response of described parts detection signal is carried out.

28. method according to claim 27, it is characterized in that the step of monitoring at least one signal communication circuit parameter is to carry out by the pressure drop that sensing produces between described first and second alarm component when electric current flows through described first and second alarm component.