EP3408148A1

EP3408148A1 - Vehicle safety device

Info

Publication number: EP3408148A1
Application number: EP17701920.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Nigel ARMSTRONG
Original assignee: Vision Techniques (group) Ltd
Current assignee: Vision Techniques (group) Ltd
Priority date: 2016-01-29
Filing date: 2017-01-24
Publication date: 2018-12-05
Also published as: AU2017212027A1; WO2017129963A1; GB201601634D0

Abstract

A vehicle safety device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to stop said vehicle in an emergency. The device (100) comprises an activation module (102) and a control module (101). The activation module is adapted to receive an activating input from said user and then send an activating signal to the control module. The control module is adapted to receive the activating signal from the activation module and then send an engagement signal to a braking system. The engagement signal causes the braking system to engage and therefore slow the vehicle to a stop. The device may be particularly useful in situations where a driver becomes unable to control the vehicle adequately, for example due to the sudden onset of an illness or injury. A vehicle comprising such a device and a method of slowing a vehicle to a stop are also described.

Description

Vehicle Safety Device

Field

The present invention relates to a device or method for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle. The present invention also relates to a vehicle comprising such a device, for example a large commercial vehicle. In particular the invention relates to a device or method for automatically applying a braking system of a vehicle, for example a large commercial vehicle, to prevent said vehicle moving uncontrollably, for example when a driver of said vehicle is incapacitated.

Background Known vehicles, for example motor vehicles, require skilled input from a driver to maintain the safe operation of such vehicles. Without the driver's skilled input such vehicles may move uncontrollably. Such uncontrolled movement has a high potential to cause accidents. Such accidents may cause serious damage to the vehicle, serious damage to property and most importantly may cause serious injury to the driver or other road users or bystanders. When the vehicle is a large commercial vehicle, the damage and injury that may be caused in the situation described above may be much more severe. For example, large commercial vehicles such as waste collection vehicles which operate in highly populated built-up areas can cause catastrophic damage to property and cause fatal injuries to bystanders, as happened in Glasgow in December 2014 where six pedestrians were killed by a waste collection vehicle after a driver suffered a sudden health problem which compromised his ability to control the vehicle.

Large commercial vehicles, for example lorries (also know as trucks), light goods vehicles, heavy goods vehicles, waste collection vehicles (also known as dustbin lorries or garbage trucks), buses and coaches, are fitted with air brake systems (also known as compressed air brake systems). Such air brake systems comprise a spring which biases a disc, drum or pad brake to an engaged position. Air pressure in the air brake system has to be maintained at a certain level to hold the brake in a disengaged position against the bias of the spring. When such a large commercial vehicle is parked, the air brake system has to be intentionally engaged by a user, for example a driver, to prevent the vehicle moving when parked on an inclined surface. Summary Of The Invention

The safety of a vehicle in motion, for example a large commercial vehicle, depends on the driver's ability to control said vehicle. When a driver's ability to control a vehicle is reduced whilst driving the vehicle, for example if the driver experiences a sudden illness or injury, then the vehicle may move uncontrollably.

This uncontrolled movement may cause one or more of several types of accident. Firstly, the vehicle may become damaged if it hits an obstacle or runs off a road. Secondly, the vehicle may cause damage to property and/or serious injury to a person hit by the vehicle. Thirdly, another person may attempt to enter the moving vehicle in order to gain control of the vehicle and in doing so suffer serious injury, for example if the person falls under the wheels of the vehicle during the attempt to enter the vehicle.

These accidents may be more serious when the vehicle is a relatively large and relatively heavy vehicle, for example a large commercial vehicle of the types described above. Such vehicles when moving uncontrollably are liable to cause very serious damage to the vehicle itself and to property hit by the vehicle and/or cause very serious or fatal injury to persons hit by the vehicle or to a person attempting to enter the vehicle. The risk of such accidents occurring should be minimised.

Some large commercial vehicles, particularly waste collection vehicles, are operated by a crew (or team) of people comprising at least one person other than the driver. In circumstances when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving, it can be difficult for another member of the crew operating the vehicle to take control of the vehicle and/or bring the vehicle to a controlled stop in order to prevent the accidents discussed above, at least in part because all the controls of such vehicles are usually arranged to be readily accessible to the driver only. It may be one aim of the present invention, amongst others, to provide a device, vehicle or method that addresses at least one disadvantage of the prior art, whether identified here or elsewhere, or to provide an alternative to existing devices, vehicles or methods.

For instance it may be an aim of the invention to provide a device, vehicle or method which reduces the risk of accidents caused by vehicles moving uncontrollably. In particular it may be an aim of the present invention to provide a device, vehicle or method which prevents a vehicle moving when a driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving, in at least some circumstances, and therefore prevent serious accidents. In particular it may be an aim of the present invention to provide a device, vehicle or method which enables a user other than a driver of said vehicle to slow and/or stop a vehicle, for example when a driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving.

According to aspects of the present invention, there is provided a device, vehicle or method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

Throughout this specification, the term "comprising" or "comprises" means including the component(s) specified but not to the exclusion of the presence of other components.

Whenever appropriate, depending upon the context, the use of the term "comprises" or "comprising" may also be taken to encompass or include the meaning "consists essentially of" or "consisting essentially of", and may also be taken to include the meaning "consists of" or "consisting of".

The optional features set out herein may be used either individually or in combination with each other where appropriate and particularly in the combinations as set out in the accompanying claims. The optional features for each aspect or exemplary embodiment of the invention as set out herein are also to be read as applicable to any other aspect or exemplary embodiments of the invention, where appropriate. In other words, the skilled person reading this specification should consider the optional features for each exemplary embodiment of the invention as interchangeable and combinable between different exemplary embodiments.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle, the device comprising an activation module and a control module; wherein the activation module is adapted to: receive an activating input from said user; and send an activating signal to the control module when said user provides said activating input; wherein the control module is adapted to: receive said activating signal from the activation module when said user provides said activating input; and send an engagement signal to a braking system in said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module, to engage said braking system to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Suitably the device of this first aspect slows and/or stops the vehicle to which the device is attached when the activation module is activated by a user other than the driver of said vehicle. Although it is intended to be activated by a user other than the driver, it may be possible for the driver of said vehicle to activate the device.

Preferably the device enables a user other than a driver of said vehicle to slow said vehicle to a stop, preferably safely to a stop, suitably to a stop in a controlled manner. Said user other than a driver of said vehicle may be a passenger who may typically sit inside said vehicle on a seat adjacent to said driver; or may be a member of a crew, which includes said driver, who are operating said vehicle, for example a large commercial vehicle such as a waste collection vehicle. Such crew members may typically ride inside said vehicle on seats adjacent to a driver's seat, for example a seat beside a driver's seat or on seats behind a driver's seat.

The activation module is adapted to receive an activating input from said user. Suitably the activation module is adapted to receive a manual activating input from said user. The activation module may comprise a button, switch, lever, pull cord or touch pad which can receive an activating input from said user, for example a manual input from said user to activate the button, switch, lever, pull cord or touch pad. In some embodiments the activation module may be voice activated and therefore be adapted to receive a vocal activating input from said user. Preferably the activation module comprises a button, suitably a push button, suitably a large push button which may be activated by said user to operate the device.

The activation module is adapted to send an activating signal to the control module when said user provides said activating input. The activating signal may be in the form of an electrical signal sent from the activation module to the control module. Suitable electronic arrangements which may achieve this function are known in the art.

The control module is adapted to receive said activating signal from the activation module when said user provides said activating input. Suitable adaptations and arrangements of the control module which may provide this function are known in the art. The control module is also adapted to send an engagement signal to a braking system in said vehicle when the control module receives an activating signal from the activation module to engage said braking system to slow and/or stop said vehicle. Suitable electronic arrangements which may enable the control module to send said engagement signal to the braking system are known in the art. By engaging a braking system in said vehicle we mean that the braking system is put into a state which slows the vehicle, preferably to a stop. The vehicle then preferably remains stopped with the braking system engaged, preferably fully engaged.

The inventors have found that the device when fitted to a vehicle, for example a large commercial vehicle, can reduce the risk of accidents caused by the vehicle moving uncontrollably, for example when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving, by allowing a user other than a driver of said vehicle to activate a braking system.

The user other than the driver of the vehicle may be able to recognise when a driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced, for example if the driver experiences the sudden onset of an illness and/or becomes unresponsive and/or allows the vehicle to perform an unsafe manoeuvre, for example mounting a roadside kerb. Once the user other than the driver of the vehicle has recognised that the driver's ability to control the vehicle has reduced, the user may then activate the device and cause the vehicle to slow, preferably to a stop in a safe manner.

Without the device fitted, when a vehicle moves uncontrollably, for example when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving, a user other than a driver of said vehicle would find it very difficult to gain control of the vehicle and/or bring the vehicle to a safe controlled stop.

Therefore the device may increase the safety of a vehicle fitted with the device. The device when fitted to vehicles may reduce the number of accidents caused by such vehicles moving uncontrollably. The device when fitted to a vehicle may prevent accidents caused by the driver's ability to control the vehicle being reduced whilst the vehicle is moving.

Vehicles in which the device is suitable for use include motor vehicles. Suitably said vehicle is a motor vehicle. Said vehicle may be an automobile. Said vehicle may be large commercial vehicle, for example a lorry, a light goods vehicle, a heavy goods vehicle, a waste collection vehicle, a bus or a coach. Suitably said vehicle is a lorry. Suitably said vehicle is a waste collection vehicle.

The seriousness of accidents caused by a driver losing the ability to control a vehicle increases with the size and/or weight of the vehicle. Therefore the device of this first aspect is particularly advantageous when used in a large commercial vehicle, in particular when used in a lorry or a waste collection vehicle.

Suitably the control module is adapted to send a disengagement signal to an accelerator of said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module to at least partially disengage said accelerator. Suitably said disengagement signal disengages said accelerator. Suitably said disengagement signal fully disengages said accelerator.

Suitable electronic arrangements for allowing the control module to send a disengagement signal to an accelerator of said vehicle are known in the art.

The inventors have found that when using a device of this first aspect which is adapted to send said disengagement signal to an accelerator of said vehicle, said vehicle can be slowed or stopped and therefore brought under control more effectively by at least partially disengaging the accelerator.

The inventors have also found that in some instances when a driver's ability to control a vehicle is reduced, for example when the driver has a seizure, the driver may involuntarily press down on the vehicle's accelerator pedal causing the vehicle to accelerate or at least maintain driving power to the vehicle's wheels. This pressing down on the accelerator pedal would counteract the stopping function of the emergency brake application provided by the device and therefore the device being adapted to send a disengagement signal to the accelerator ensures the accelerator does not counteract the emergency stop, providing a further improvement in safety as the stopping process becomes more effective and/or the stopping distance of the vehicle in such an emergency is reduced.

Suitably the disengagement signal fully disengages said accelerator. By the accelerator being disengaged we mean to refer to a state of the accelerator (or throttle) which causes an engine of said vehicle to idle at a minimum RPM set for said engine and/or for little or no driving power to be supplied to the vehicle's wheels.

The control module may be adapted to send said disengagement signal by communicating with an electronic control system in said vehicle. For example the control module may be adapted to send said disengagement signal by communicating with said vehicle's body builder module, for example using a standard speed control pin socket. A body builder module is an interface panel fitted to a vehicle by the manufacturer which allows a vehicle fitter (also known as a vehicle body builder) to provide auxiliary functions to the vehicle through the interface when adapting the vehicle for a specific use, for example for use as a waste collection vehicle. Suitable communication routes, protocols and associated hardware and/or software required are known in the art.

Suitably the activation module is arranged inside said vehicle.

Suitably the activation module is arranged inside said vehicle within reach of said user other than said driver of said vehicle, suitably within reach of a user sitting on a passenger seat of said vehicle. Suitably the activation module is arranged on the dashboard of said vehicle. Suitably the activation module is arranged at a central position within said vehicle. Suitably such central positioning of the activation module allows the activation module to be manually activated by a user sitting in any seat within the vehicle. Suitably the activation module is arranged within arm's reach of a user sitting in any seat within the vehicle, suitably when said user is wearing a seat belt.

The activation module being arranged inside said vehicle allows a user other than the driver who is inside the vehicle to have access to the activation module in order to activate the device, for example in case of the driver's ability to control the vehicle being reduced.

Suitably the activation module is arranged inside said vehicle and the activation module is adapted to receive a manual activating input from said user.

The device may comprise more than one activation module. Each activation module may be located in said vehicle near to where a crew member would sit when travelling in said vehicle. For example one activation module may be located within reach of a user sitting on a passenger seat of said vehicle beside a driver's seat and one activation module may be located within reach of a user sitting on a passenger of said vehicle behind a driver's seat.

In such embodiments, the device may be activated by either activation module.

In such embodiments the device may be activated by a user (or crew member) sitting either on a passenger seat beside or behind a driver's seat, or may be activated by any one of several different users (or crew members) sitting on different passenger seats in said vehicle. Suitably an activation module is arranged on the outside of said vehicle. The activation module arranged on the outside of said vehicle may be the only activation module present in the device or it may be a further activation module.

Suitably an activation module is arranged on the outside of the vehicle near to where a user other than the driver, for example a crew member operating said vehicle, would be standing in order to operate said vehicle. For example the activation module may be arranged on the outside of said vehicle at the rear of said vehicle. Suitably the activation module is arranged on the outside of said vehicle at a height that could be easily reached by a user.

The inventors have found that the activation module arranged on the outside of the vehicle allows a crew member who is not inside the vehicle to activate the device and or stop the vehicle, in case of the driver's ability to control the vehicle being reduced.

Suitably in some embodiments the device comprises an activation module arranged inside said vehicle and an activation module arranged on the outside of said vehicle.

The control module is adapted to send an engagement signal to a braking system in said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module, to engage said braking system to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Suitably said engagement signal is adapted to engage said braking system in a pulsed braking operation.

Pulsed braking may be known in the art as cadence braking. Suitably said pulsed braking operation prevents the wheels of said vehicle from locking and therefore may prevent said vehicle from skidding uncontrollably after said braking system is engaged.

The inventors have found that when the engagement signal engages the brakes of the braking system in a pulsed braking operation that the vehicle can be brought to a more controlled stop than if the braking system were to be fully engaged by the engagement signal. Suitably said braking system is a parking brake system.

Suitably the braking system which the control module is adapted to engage is a parking brake.

Suitably said braking system is an air brake system.

The device of this first aspect may comprise a brake module adapted to: receive said engagement signal from the control module; and engage said braking system in said vehicle when the brake module receives said engagement signal to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Therefore the control module may be adapted to send said engagement signal to the brake module when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module to engage said braking system to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

When the braking system is an air brake system, for example a parking brake which is an air brake system, the brake module may be adapted to engage the air brake system by depressurising the air brake system. The brake module may comprise a valve for controlling air pressure in said braking system. By engage the air brake system by depressurising the air brake system we mean that the brake module can be activated by the control module to reduce the air pressure in the air brake system sufficiently to allow the air brake to move to a state which prevents the vehicle from moving, for example through the action of a spring which biases a brake pad towards contact with a brake drum, the brake pad previously being held in a disengaged state against the bias of the spring by the high pressure in the air brake system.

The inventors have found that the brake module, when activated, depressurising the air brake system provides a rapid engagement of the air brake system to slow and/or stop the vehicle.

The brake module may comprise a valve for releasing air pressure from the air brake system when the brake module is activated, for example a dump valve (also known as a blow off valve) arranged in a pneumatic circuit of the air brake system before an air brake control valve. Suitable valves are known in the art.

Suitably the brake module and said engagement signal are adapted to engage the air brake system by depressurising the air brake system in a pulsed manner to provide a pulsed braking operation. A pulsed braking operation may be achieved by a pulsed engagement signal sent from the control module to the brake module, producing a pulsed depressurisation of the air brake system wherein between periods of depressurisation the air brake system is re-pressurised. During the periods of depressurisation the air brake system will be engaged, for example through the action of a spring biasing a brake pad against a brake drum, and during periods of re-pressurisation the air brake system will be disengaged, for example by the air brake system re-pressurising sufficiently for the air pressure in the system to lift a brake pad off a brake drum against the bias of a spring.

Such a pulsed braking operation may bring the vehicle to a controlled, safe stop. Suitably the control module is adapted to send a signal to an alarm module to produce an audible warning when said user provides said activating input.

Suitably the control module is adapted to send a signal to an alarm module to produce an audible warning when the device engages said braking system in said vehicle. Suitably the device comprises an alarm module.

Alternatively the alarm module may be a separate entity which the device is arranged in communication with.

The alarm module suitably comprises a speaker to produce said audible warning.

Suitably said audible warning involves an alert to any other crew members operating the vehicle and/or bystanders and/or pedestrians nearby that said vehicle is involved in an emergency stopping procedure. The other crew members operating the vehicle and/or bystanders and/or pedestrians may then take appropriate action to protect themselves from the vehicle.

By audible warning we mean a sound emitted by the alarm module which is sufficiently loud to be heard by a person outside the vehicle who may be at risk of being struck by the vehicle, suitably whilst the vehicle's engine is running.

Said alarm module or speaker may be incorporated into said vehicle, for example during manufacture of said vehicle, for example as part of said vehicle's electronic control system and/or reversing warning system. Suitable alarm modules or speakers for use with the device are known in the art.

Suitably the control module is adapted to send a signal to produce a visible warning when said user provides said activating input.

The device may comprise a warning light adapted to illuminate when the control module sends said engagement signal to said braking system in said vehicle. Alternatively the warning light may be a separate entity which the device is arranged in communication with or may be incorporated into said vehicle, for example during manufacture of said vehicle, for example as a hazard light, a work light or a strobe light which some large commercial vehicles are fitted with.

Such a warning light may alert any other crew members operating the vehicle and/or bystanders and/or pedestrians nearby that said vehicle is involved in an emergency stopping procedure. The other crew members operating the vehicle and/or bystanders and/or pedestrians may then take appropriate action to protect themselves from the vehicle. Suitably the device is adapted to communicate with an electronic control system in said vehicle to send said engagement signal to said braking system and optionally to send said disengagement signal to said accelerator.

By electronic control system we mean the electrical vehicle management system which may be connected to the vehicle's accelerator and any speaker or warning light present, for example.

The inventors have found the device being adapted to communicate with an electronic control system in said vehicle facilitates the fitting of the device to an existing vehicle. This means the device and its fitting can be provided in a more cost effective manner than would otherwise be possible.

Suitably the device comprises at least one connection port to facilitate communication of the device with said electronic control system in said vehicle. Suitably the device comprises a housing. Suitably the housing comprises the at least one connection port and the control module. Suitably the housing is adapted to allow placement of the housing in a vehicle, suitably on or under a dashboard in said vehicle, for example the housing suitably has a size and shape to allow such placement without obstructing a driver or passenger.

Suitably the device comprises a reset module adapted to restore the device to an active mode after the device has been activated, for example by a crew member, once an emergency situation has passed or has been dealt with by the device operating to slow and/or stop the vehicle.

By active mode we mean a mode whereby the device is ready to be activated by a user to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Suitably the reset module is adapted to move the device from an engaged mode to an active mode when the reset module is activated. By engaged mode we mean a mode whereby the device has been activated by a user to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Suitably the reset module disengages said braking system, via the brake module if present, when the reset module is activated.

The reset module may comprise a switch, for example a push button which must be actuated by a user before the reset module moves the device from an engaged mode to an active mode.

The reset module may require a key to allow the device to be reset and therefore allow the continued normal operation of the vehicle. The reset module may require an input, for example via a telecommunication signal, from a remote location. For example the reset module may require an input from a remote location where a person overseeing the operation of several devices of the present invention is present and who must give permission for the device to be reset and therefore allow the continued normal operation of the vehicle.

The reset module may require an engine of said vehicle to be switched off and then on again to allow the device to be reset and therefore allow the continued normal operation of the vehicle.

The reset module may provide the advantage of preventing the device being easily overridden by a user which would compromise the improvement in safety provided by the device when fitted to a vehicle. The device may comprise a status light. The device may comprise an active status light which informs a user that the device is in an active mode. The active status light may be, for example, a green light.

The device may comprise an engaged status light which informs a user that the device is in an engaged mode. The engaged status light may be, for example, a red light. Suitably the device comprises an active status light, an engaged status light and a reset module which must be activated by a user in order to restore the device to an active mode from an engaged mode and in doing so switch off the engaged status light and switch on the active status light.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vehicle comprising a device according to the first aspect.

The suitable features and advantages of the vehicle of this second aspect are as described above in relation to the first and aspect.

Suitably the vehicle is a large commercial vehicle.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of slowing and/or stopping a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) detecting an activating input from a person other than a driver of said vehicle; and b) engaging a braking system in said vehicle when said activating input is detected to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

Suitably the steps of the method are carried out in the order step a) followed by step b). Suitably the method is carried out by a device according to the first aspect. Suitably the method comprises step c) of at least partially disengaging an accelerator of said vehicle when said activating input is detected to slow and/or stop said vehicle. Suitably step c) is carried out after step a) and is carried out simultaneously with step b).

Suitably the method of this third aspect is carried out when the driver is incapacitated. The inventors have found that performing the method in relation to a vehicle, for example a large commercial vehicle, can reduce the risk of accidents caused by the vehicle moving uncontrollably, for example when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving, by allowing a user other than a driver of said vehicle to activate a braking system. In the absence of the method, a vehicle may move uncontrollably when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced whilst the vehicle is moving and may cause one or more of the accidents discussed above.

Therefore performing the method may improve the safety of a vehicle. The method when performed on or by a vehicle may reduce the number of accidents caused by a driver's ability to control a vehicle being reduced whilst the vehicle is moving. The method when performed on or by a vehicle may prevent accidents caused by a driver's ability to control a vehicle being reduced whilst the vehicle is moving.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle, the device comprising an activation module, a control module and a brake module; wherein the activation module is adapted to: receive an activating input from said user; and send an activating signal to the control module when said user provides said activating input; wherein the control module is adapted to: receive said activating signal from the activation module when said user provides said activating input; and send an engagement signal to the brake module when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module; wherein the brake module is adapted to: receive said engagement signal from the control module; and engage a braking system in said vehicle when the brake module receives said engagement signal to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle, the device comprising an activation module, a control module and a brake module; wherein the activation module is adapted to: receive an activating input from said user; and send an activating signal to the control module when said user provides said activating input; wherein the control module is adapted to: receive said activating signal from the activation module when said user provides said activating input; send an engagement signal to the brake module when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module; and send a disengagement signal to an accelerator of said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module to at least partially disengage said accelerator; wherein the brake module is adapted to: receive said engagement signal from the control module; and engage a braking system in said vehicle when the brake module receives said engagement signal to slow and/or stop said vehicle. The suitable features and advantages of the device of the fourth and fifth aspects are as described above in relation to the first aspect.

According to the present invention, there is provided a device, vehicle or method substantially as described herein, and/or a device, vehicle or method substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying Figures and/or a device, vehicle or method substantially as shown in the accompanying Figures. Brief Description Of The Drawings

For a better understanding of the invention, and to show how example embodiments may be carried into effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a device of the first aspect of the present invention. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a vehicle of the second aspect of the present invention.

Figure 3 is a flow diagram representing the method of the third aspect of the present invention.

Detailed Description Of The Example Embodiments

Figure 1 shows device (1 00) adapted to enable a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle, for example when the driver's ability to control the vehicle is reduced. The device (1 00) comprises a control module (101 ), an activation module (102), an accelerator connector (103), a brake module (104), an alarm module (105), a light connector (106) and a reset module (107).

The control module (101 ) comprises the connections shown by the dotted lines for sending and receiving signals in order for the device (100) to perform its function. The device (100) comprises activation module (102) connected to the control module (101 ) so that the activation module (102) can send an activating signal to the control module (101 ) when a user activates the activation module (102). The activation module (102) comprises a large red push button (not shown) which can be activated by a user pressing down upon the button, for example using a hand. The control module (101 ) is adapted to receive the activating signal from the activation module (102). The control module (101 ) is connected to the accelerator connector (103) which in use is inserted into a vehicle's body builder module so that a disengaging signal can be sent from the control module (101 ) to the accelerator, in order to disengage the accelerator. The accelerator connector (103) is a connector which co-operates with a standard speed control pin of the vehicle's body builder module. In some vehicles a digital high input would be required to send the disengagement signal to the accelerator through the standard speed control pin of the vehicle's body builder module. In other vehicles a digital low input would be required. The device (1 00) is adapted to allow adjustment of the control module (101 ) by a technician fitting the device (100) to a vehicle to provide either a digital high or a digital low signal as required to disengage the accelerator in that particular vehicle. The control module (101 ) is connected to the brake module (104). The bake module (104) comprises a pressure dumping solenoid valve, for example a 1 /4 inch BSP, 3-port, NO, 3/2, 1 exhaust, 10 bar pressure rated solenoid dump valve, for fitting to a pneumatic circuit of a parking brake system in order for the brake module (104) to perform its intended function of applying the parking brake of the vehicle when the device is activated. The control module (1 01 ) is connected to the alarm module (105). Alarm module (105) comprises a speaker for producing an audible warning when the device is activated.

The control module (101 ) is connected to the light connector (106). The light connector (106) allows the control module to be connected to the electronic system of the vehicle which controls the hazard, working or strobe lights of the vehicle. The light connector (106) is a connector which co-operates with the switching system of the vehicle's hazard, working or strobe lights.

The control module (101 ) is connected to the reset module (107). The reset module (107) comprises a key switch which must be turned by a user in order for the reset module (107) to return the device from an engaged mode to an active mode, in which active mode the control module allows the parking brake system of the vehicle to be disengaged and allows the accelerator to be engaged.

Figure 2 shows vehicle (200) fitted with device (100). The vehicle (200) is a heavy goods vehicle comprising an air brake system, an electronic control system and a body builder module. The accelerator connector (103, not shown) is connected to the vehicle's body builder module (not shown) to enable the control module (101 ) of the device (100) to control the accelerator of the vehicle (200), when the device (100) is activated.

Brake module (104) as described above in relation to Figure 1 is fitted to the pneumatic circuit of the vehicle's air brake system between a park brake lever and an air control shuttle valve which provides air pressure to the park brake actuators. The bake module (104) comprises a solenoid dump valve arranged to depressurise the pneumatic circuit when activated by the control module (101 ).

The activation module (102) is arranged on the dashboard of the vehicle (200) adjacent to a passenger seat. In use, when the device (1 00) is connected to a suitable vehicle (200) comprising a parking brake which is an air brake system, for example a large commercial vehicle such as a waste collection vehicle, the device is switched on when a key is turned in the key switch on the reset module (107). The device (100) is then in an active mode. If a user other than the driver notices that the driver's ability to control the vehicle (200) has reduced, for example by a sudden onset of illness, then the user can press the button on the activation module (102). Pressing the button causes the activation module (1 02) to send an activating signal to the control module (101 ). When the control module (101 ) receives the activating signal, the device (100) moves from the active mode to the engaged mode. An engagement signal is then sent to the brake module (104) and a disengagement signal is sent to the accelerator of the vehicle through the accelerator connector (103). The disengagement signal causes the accelerator to be disengaged until little or no driving power is being supplied to the vehicle's wheels. The engagement signal sent to the brake module (104) is a pulsed signal which causes the solenoid valve of the brake module (104) to periodically open and close which repeatedly depressurises then re-pressurises the parking brake system and therefore causes the parking brake to be applied in a pulsed manner (cadence braking) until the vehicle (200) has stopped. The pulse length and the frequency of the pulsed engagement signal may be adjusted by a technician fitting the device to a vehicle to provide the maximum braking effect whilst preventing the vehicle's wheels locking and the vehicle skidding. The type and weight of a particular vehicle may be taken into account by the technician when adjusting the pulsed engagement signal to provide an optimum emergency braking process for that vehicle.

Pressing the button also causes the activation module (102) to send signals to the alarm module (105) and to the lights of the vehicle (e.g. hazard lights, work lights or strobe lights) through the light connector (106). This provides both an audible and a visible warning to anyone near the vehicle, for example other crew members, bystanders, pedestrians and other road users so they may be alerted to the emergency situation and take appropriate action to protect themselves whilst the device (100) slows and stops the vehicle (200).

Once the vehicle (200) has been brought to a stop in a safe and controlled manner by the device (100), the device (1 00) remains in an engaged mode until the reset module (107) has been actuated by a user. When a user recognises that the emergency situation has passed or has been dealt with and normal operation of the vehicle is appropriate, the user may insert a key into the key switch and turn said key. This causes the reset module (107) to move the device (100) back from the engaged mode to the active mode wherein the control module (101 ) allows the parking brake system of the vehicle to be disengaged and allows the accelerator to be engaged, therefore allowing the normal use of the vehicle once more. The alarm module (105) and the lights of the vehicle are also deactivated by this reset process.

In tests to simulate common emergency circumstances wherein a driver's ability to control the vehicle has been reduced, the vehicle (200) was successfully slowed to a stop in a controlled manner without the wheels of the vehicle locking, after a user pressed the button on the activation module (102). Also, the device (100) successfully prevented the vehicle from moving until the reset module (107) had been activated as described above.

In these tests a waste collection vehicle travelling at 46 miles per hour on a wet road surface was brought to a complete stop in a distance of approximately four lengths of the vehicle without the wheels locking and the vehicle skidding/sliding.

The example embodiments described above may reduce the risk of a vehicle causing serious harm to persons or property when a driver of the vehicle loses the ability to control the vehicle, by engaging a braking system, and optionally disengaging the accelerator, when a user activates the device.

It is expected that the rate of fatal injuries caused by a driver becoming unable to control a vehicle will decrease significantly if the device, vehicle and/or method of the example embodiments are widely adopted/used, in particular by operators and/or manufacturers of large commercial vehicles.

In summary, the present invention provides a vehicle safety device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to stop said vehicle in an emergency. The device comprises an activation module and a control module. The activation module is adapted to receive an activating input from said user and then send an activating signal to the control module. The control module is adapted to receive the activating signal from the activation module and then send an engagement signal to a braking system. The engagement signal causes the braking system to engage and therefore slow the vehicle to a stop. The device may be particularly useful in situations where a driver becomes unable to control the vehicle adequately, for example due to the sudden onset of an illness or injury. A vehicle comprising such a device and a method of slowing a vehicle to a stop are also provided.

Although a few preferred embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications might be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined in the appended claims. Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1 . A device for enabling a user other than a driver of a vehicle to slow and/or stop said vehicle, the device comprising an activation module and a control module; wherein the activation module is adapted to: receive an activating input from said user; and send an activating signal to the control module when said user provides said activating input; wherein the control module is adapted to: receive said activating signal from the activation module when said user provides said activating input; and send an engagement signal to a braking system in said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module to engage said braking system to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

2. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the control module is adapted to send a disengagement signal to an accelerator of said vehicle when the control module receives said activating signal from the activation module to at least partially disengage said accelerator.

3. The device according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the activation module is arranged inside said vehicle.

4. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein an activation module is arranged on the outside of said vehicle.

5. The device according to claim 3 or claim 4, wherein the activation module is adapted to receive a manual activating input from said user.

6. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said engagement signal is adapted to engage said braking system in a pulsed braking operation.

7. The device according to claim 1 , wherein the activation module is arranged inside said vehicle and wherein said engagement signal is adapted to engage said braking system in a pulsed braking operation.

8. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said braking system is a parking brake system.

9. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein said braking system is an air brake system.

10. The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device comprises a brake module adapted to: receive said engagement signal from the control module; and engage said braking system in said vehicle when the brake module receives said engagement signal to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

1 1 . The device according to any preceding claim, wherein the device is adapted to communicate with an electronic control system in said vehicle to send said engagement signal to said braking system and optionally to send said disengagement signal to said accelerator.

12. A vehicle comprising a device according to any one of claims 1 to 1 1 .

13. A method of slowing and/or stopping a vehicle, the method comprising the steps of: a) detecting an activating input from a person other than a driver of said vehicle; and b) engaging a braking system in said vehicle when said activating input is detected to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method comprises step c) at least partially disengaging an accelerator of said vehicle when said activating input is detected to slow and/or stop said vehicle.

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, wherein the driver is incapacitated.