GB1391494A - Installation for operating flashing indicator and monitoring devices in vehicles - Google Patents

Abstract

1391494 Signalling apparatus on vehicles; amp failure alarms SWF-SPEZIALFABRIK FUER AUTOZUBEHOER GUSTAV RAU GmbH 4 Sept 1972 [18 Dec 1971] 40864/72 Headings G4Q and G4N An installation forming part of a motor vehicle includes direction indicator and monitoring lamps arranged to be lit intermittently by signals from a common, constant frequency pulse generator in the form of an integrated circuit, frequency stabilized oscillator, the signals being connectible to some or all of the lamps via relays and switches. In the embodiment shown the pulse-generator 10 comprises a piezoelectric resonator 11 and is connected to operate a clock 24, a time-switch 25 for controlling vehicle heating, and directionindicator flasher lamps BL, BR. The flasher lamp circuit includes an AND-gate afforded by resistors R1, R2 the latter of which so energized from the vehicle ignition when contacts 202 of the direction-indicator switch 20 (which also has lamp-connection contacts 201) are closed. The AND-gate when open, transmits pulses from the terminal A, via relay transistor 23, to a current-sensitive switch 22 having an indicator pilot lamp KBL connected thereto. When either or both lamps BL or BR fail, the reduced load serves to operate the lamp KBL in a pulsating manner. The closed contacts 201 conduct the pulses passing through the switch 22 to the indicator lamps BL, BR. All lamps BL and BL can be flashed simultaneously from the generator 10 when an emergency flasher switch 21 is operated. In another embodiment (Fig. 2, not shown) the pulses from generator 10 are supplied to the flasher lamp circuit via relays, one of which has its contacts connected in the circuit of the indicator pilot lamp. This relay is constructed so as to remain closed while a full-load pulsating current is passing through its energizing winding, but the open and close in synchronism with the pulses when either or both flasher lamps fail. The pulse generator may also be connected to indicate non-use of a seat-belt, or failure of brake circuits (Fig. 3, not shown). Lamp failure alarm.-In series with direction indicator lamps BL, BR is a monitoring relay K (Fig. 2). As long as both lamps BL or BR function, current through the relay K is large enough to operate it. The relay has a delayed release so that it stays in an operated condition while the lamp circuit carries pulsing current. However, if the lamp current is reduced by failure of a lamp BL or BR, the delay effect is no longer sufficient to maintain relay operation and it thus operates in synchronism with the current pulses whereby the monitoring lamp KBL is pulsed due to opening and closing of the relay contacts K.