GB2297440A - Vehicle reverse indicator - Google Patents
Vehicle reverse indicator Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2297440A GB2297440A GB9501769A GB9501769A GB2297440A GB 2297440 A GB2297440 A GB 2297440A GB 9501769 A GB9501769 A GB 9501769A GB 9501769 A GB9501769 A GB 9501769A GB 2297440 A GB2297440 A GB 2297440A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- control device
- rear indicator
- switching means
- lights
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Withdrawn
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q—ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Q1/00—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor
- B60Q1/02—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments
- B60Q1/22—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to illuminate the way ahead or to illuminate other areas of way or environments for reverse drive
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Description
VESICLE REVERSE INDICATOR
The present invention relates to a vehicle reverse indicator and is concerned particularly, although not exclusively, with a vehicle reverse indicator for a towing, or towed vehicle.
When a modern motor vehicle reverses, a light is activated at the rear of the vehicle to indicate that the vehicle is reversing or is about to reverse. In addition, large commercial vehicles often employ an audible indication during a reversing manoeuvre1 to alert pedestrians and other motorists that the vehicle is reversing and that the driver thereof may not be aware of their presence.
When a towed vehicle such as a trailer or caravan reverses, the reversing indicator light on the towed vehicle is commonly activated by an electrical connection with the towing vehicle.
However, the reversing light alone may not provide sufficient indication to nearby pedestrians or other motorists. Hazard lights may be employed during a reversing manoeuvre to provide an additional indication, but the driver must remember to activate these manually, whereas the reversing light is activated automatically by means of a switch on the vehicle gearbox, which is closed when a reverse gear is selected.
In addition, the driver of a towing vehicle may be inconvenienced during a reversing manoeuvre due to reflection of the towing vehicle's reversing light on the front surface of the towed vehicle, thereby impairing the driver's rearward vision during the manoeuvre. This problem is especially noticeable when the towed vehicle is of a pale or bright colour, which is the case for most modern caravans.
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control device for controlling the activation of lights of a first vehicle, wherein in use, when a reverse gear of the vehicle is selected, the control device is arranged to activate one or more rear indicator lights of the vehicle.
Preferably, the control device is arranged, in use, to active one or more rear indicator lights of the vehicle at the same time as a reversing light of the vehicle is activated.
Preferably, in use, when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected, the control device is arranged to activate two rear indicator lights of the first vehicle.
Preferably, the control device is arranged, in use, to inhibit activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator lights of a first vehicle when the first vehicle is engaged with a second vehicle, which second vehicle is arranged to be towed by the first vehicle.
The control device may be arranged, in use, to inhibit the activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator lights of a first vehicle by manual closing of a switch, when the first vehicle is towably engaged with a second vehicle.
Alternatively, the control device may be arranged, in use, to inhibit the activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator of a first vehicle automatically by detecting engagement of a second vehicle with the first vehicle, which second vehicle is arranged to be towed by the first vehicle.
In a preferred arrangement, the control device is provided with first switching means, which first switching means is sensitive to the selection of a reverse gear of the first vehicle, such that selection of a reverse gear of a first vehicle activates the first switching means which then enables the control device.
Preferably, the control device is provided with a second switching means, which second switching means is switchable between a first configuration in which it inhibits activation of a reversing light of the first vehicle and/or one or more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle when the first vehicle is towably engaged with a second vehicle, and a second configuration in which it does not so inhibit activation of the said lights of the first vehicle.
The second switching means may be manually switched between the first and second configurations.
Alternatively or additionally, the second switching means may be automatically switched between the first and second configurations when a second vehicle is towably engaged with the first vehicle.
The first and/or second switching means may comprise one or more electromagnetic relays.
Alternatively or additionally, the first and second switching means may comprise a solid state device.
Preferably, the control device is arranged, in use, to provide an audible indication inside a cabin of the first vehicle, when one or more rear indicator lights of the first or second vehicle are functioning.
The audible indication may be arranged to vary according to whether all or some of the lights of the second vehicle are functioning.
The control device preferably comprises an electrical circuit which may be located in a housing. The control device may be arranged, in use, to be mounted on or inside a first vehicle.
Preferably, the control device is provided with electrical connection terminals arranged, in use, to be electrically connected to existing circuits of a first vehicle.
The invention also includes a method of controlling the lights of a first vehicle, the method comprising activating by a control device one or more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected.
The method may comprise automatically activating one or more rear indicator lights of a second vehicle, operatively engaged to be towed by the first vehicle, when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected.
Preferably, the method includes inhibiting activation of a reversing light and/or one more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle, when a second vehicle is operatively engaged to be towed by the first vehicle, automatically or manually.
The invention may also include any combination of the features or limitations referred to herein.
The invention may be carried into practice in various ways, but an embodiment will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a basic circuit diagram of a control device for controlling the lights of a vehicle;
Figure 2 is a version of the circuit of Figure 1 with the addition of a first type of electrical connection to a trailer;
Figure 3 is a version of the circuit of Figure 1 with the addition of first and second types of electrical connection to a trailer;
Figure 4 is an alternative embodiment of the circuit of Figure 1;
Figure 5 is an alternative embodiment of the circuit of Figure 2; and
Figure 6 is an alternative embodiment of the circuit of Figure 3.
Referring particularly to Figure 1, this shows generally at 10 a control device for controlling the operation of reversing lights and rear indicator lights of a vehicle (not shown). The device 10 comprises a flasher unit 11, a first relay 12, a second relay 13 and an electronic buzzer 14. Around the periphery of the device 10, which is located in a housing are electrical connection terminals a to m. In use, the device 10 is mounted inside a motor vehicle (not shown) towards the rear of the vehicle. Terminal a is connected to the vehicle chassis to provide an earth connection. Terminal b is connected to the existing wire in the vehicle which normally is connected to the vehicle's reversing light.
Terminal c is connected to a power supply, normally the vehicle battery, and terminals d and e are respectively connected to the existing wires in the vehicle which provide power to the left and right indicator lights of the vehicle.
Terminals h and i are respectively connected to the left and right rear indicator lights of the vehicle.
Terminal m is connected to the reversing light of the vehicle.
In the basic form of the circuit shown in Figure 1, the control of the rear left and right indicators and reversing light of the vehicle is performed by the device as follows.
When any gear of the vehicle other than reverse is selected, relay contact 15 of the first relay 12 is open and contacts 16 and 17 of the first relay 12 are closed.
Because relay contact 15 is open, no power is provided to the flasher unit 11. Since contacts 16 and 17 are closed, the rear indicators operate as normal when activated by a driver.
When reverse gear is selected by the driver, the reversing light (connected to terminal m) is then activated, and relay 12 is switched, which closes contact 15 and opens contacts 16 and 17. This in turn then activates the left and right rear indicators, connected respectively to terminals h and i, via power from the flasher unit 11 through diodes D1 and D2. The effect therefore is that when reverse is selected, the reversing light of the vehicle is activated and both rear indicators begin to flash, providing an extra visual indication that the vehicle is reversing or is about to do so. In addition, when reverse gear is selected the buzzer 14, which is mounted inside the housing of the device, and therefore inside the vehicle, is also activated to provide an audible indication to the driver that the rear indicator lights are activated.If the said rear indicators are not operational, the behaviour of buzzer 14 is modified in the following way. If one of the rear indicator lights fails, buzzer 14 will adopt an altered frequency of buzzing, and if both rear indicators fail, the buzzer 14 will not function. This warns the driver that a bulb failure or other fault has occurred.
Whilst the device has benefits when used in a single vehicle, it provides greater advantages when used with a towed vehicle such as a caravan or trailer.
Figure 2 shows the basic form of circuit of Figure 1 with the addition of connections for a caravan/trailer (not shown). In this configuration, the caravan/trailer is fitted with a simple electrical connection, commonly known in the United Kingdom as a 12N connection, which when connected to the towing vehicle, permits normal operation of the rear road lights of the caravan/trailer, such as the brake lights, indicators and rear lights.
In this embodiment, terminals 1 and f are connected together. The operation of the device 10 is as described in relation to Figure 1, with the exception that if a push button 18 is depressed by the driver, after reverse gear is selected, then relay 13 is activated. This causes contacts 19, 20 and 21 of relay 13 to switch. When contact 19 switches, power is provided to terminal g in preference to terminal h. Terminal g is, in use, connected to the 12N connection of the caravan/trailer and acts to provide power to the left rear indicator of the caravan/trailer.
The result of this is that the rear left indicator of the trailer is activated, whilst the rear left indicator of the towing vehicle, which is connected to terminal h, in inhibited.
Similarly, the switching of contact 20 activates the right rear indicator of the trailer through terminal i and inhibits the right rear indicator of the towing vehicle.
In addition, the switching of contact 21 inhibits activation of the reversing light of the towing vehicle.
The advantage of this is that when a trailer or caravan is towably engaged with the towing vehicle, the rear indicator lights and reversing lights of the towing vehicle are suppressed and cannot therefore reflect from the front of the trailer/caravan, which would impair the rear vision of the driver.
Figure 3 shows the circuit of Figure 1 in a further configuration, in which the towing vehicle is engaged with a trailer/caravan having an additional electrical connection, commonly known in the United Kingdom as a 12S connection. This type of electrical connection is used to provide auxiliary electrical power to the trailer/caravan to operate a reversing light of the trailer/caravan, as well as other 12 volt electrical appliances therein.
The operation of the circuit of Figure 3 is substantially the same as that of Figure 2, with the exception that because of the 12S circuit, terminals k and f of the device are permanently connected together when the towing vehicle is engaged with the trailer/caravan.
This obviates the need for the driver to depress a push button to activate relay 13, which instead becomes activated automatically when a reverse gear is selected.
In addition, in this configuration a connection is made to terminal k of a reversing light of the trailer/caravan which reversing light is therefore activated automatically when a reverse gear is selected.
Figures 4, 5 and 6 show variants respectively, of the circuits of Figures 1, 2 and 3 in which a sensing device 22 is connected between terminals g and h and between terminals i and i. In normal use (i.e. in forward direction of travel), the sensing device 22 senses whether the rear indicator lights of the trailer/caravan, in the case of Figures 5 and 6, are operational. When either left or right indication is activated, the sensing device 22 activates buzzer 14 signalling operation of the caravan/trailer indication lights. If the said rear indicators are not operational, perhaps because a bulb has failed, the sensing device 22 will not operate buzzer 14.
This warns the driver that a bulb failure or other fault has occurred.
The embodiments of the invention detailed above provide an extra warning for pedestrians or other road users that a vehicle is reversing. This is especially useful when the vehicle is engaged with a trailer or caravan as the driver may be unsighted. In addition, the driver's rearward vision is not impaired by reflection of the lights of the towing vehicle from the towed vehicle, since the rear lights of the towing vehicle are inhibited, either manually or automatically, according to the embodiment of the invention.
Claims (20)
1. A control device for controlling the activation of lights of a first vehicle, wherein in use, when a reverse gear of the vehicle is selected, the control device is arranged to activate one or more rear indicator lights of the vehicle.
2. A control device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to activate one or more rear indicator lights of the vehicle at the same time as a reversing light of the vehicle is activated.
3. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein in use, when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected, the control device is arranged to activate two rear indicator lights of the first vehicle.
4. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to inhibit activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator lights of a first vehicle when the first vehicle is engaged with a second vehicle, which second vehicle is arranged to be towed by the first vehicle.
5. A control device as claimed in any preceding claims, wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to inhibit the activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator lights of a first vehicle by manual closing of a switch, when the first vehicle is towably engaged with a second vehicle.
6. A control device as claimed in any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to inhibit the activation of a reversing light and/or one or more rear indicator of a first vehicle automatically by detecting engagement of a second vehicle with the first vehicle, which second vehicle is arranged to be towed by the first vehicle.
7. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control device is provided with first switching means, which first switching means is sensitive to the selection of a reverse gear of the first vehicle, such that selection of a reverse gear of a first vehicle activates the first switching means which then enables the control device.
8. A control device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the control device is provided with a second switching means, which second switching means is switchable between a first configuration in which it inhibits activation of a reversing light of the first vehicle and/or one or more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle when the first vehicle is towably engaged with a second vehicle, and a second configuration in which it does not so inhibit activation of the said lights of the first vehicle.
9. A control device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the second switching means may be manually switched between the first and second configurations.
10. A control device as claimed in claim 8 or 9, wherein the second switching means may be automatically switched between the first and second configurations when a second vehicle is towably engaged with the first vehicle.
11. A control device as claimed in any of claims 7 to 10, wherein the first and/or second switching means comprises one or more electromagnetic relays.
12. A control device as claimed in any of claims 8 to 11, wherein the first and second switching means comprises a solid state device.
13. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to provide an audible indication inside a cabin of the first vehicle, when one or more rear indicator lights of the first or second vehicle are functioning.
14. A control device as claimed in claim 13, wherein the audible indication is arranged to vary according to whether all or some of the lights of the second vehicle are functioning.
15. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control device is arranged, in use, to be mounted on or inside a first vehicle.
16. A control device as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the control device is provided with electrical connection terminals arranged, in use, to be electrically connected to existing circuits of a first vehicle.
17. A method of controlling the lights of a first vehicle, the method comprising activating by a control device one or more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected.
18. A method as claimed in claim 17, wherein the method comprises automatically activating one or more rear indicator lights of a second vehicle, operatively engaged to be towed by the first vehicle, when a reverse gear of the first vehicle is selected.
19. A method as claimed in claim 17 or 18, wherein the method includes inhibiting activation of a reversing light and/or one more rear indicator lights of the first vehicle, when a second vehicle is operatively engaged to be towed by the first vehicle, automatically or manually.
20. A control device or a method substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9501769A GB2297440A (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-01-30 | Vehicle reverse indicator |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9501769A GB2297440A (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-01-30 | Vehicle reverse indicator |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB9501769D0 GB9501769D0 (en) | 1995-03-22 |
| GB2297440A true GB2297440A (en) | 1996-07-31 |
Family
ID=10768795
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB9501769A Withdrawn GB2297440A (en) | 1995-01-30 | 1995-01-30 | Vehicle reverse indicator |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2297440A (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2342513A (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2000-04-12 | Ramesh Seetaram Shanbhag | Vehicle motion warning system |
| WO2003018356A1 (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-06 | Am Group Aps | Electronic alarm system for preventing collision between the rear end of a car and a trailer connected to the car when backing |
| CN103085713A (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-05-08 | 孟祥玉 | Intelligent alarm device capable of preventing infants from being retained and choked in school bus and used for electronic product |
| CN105857212A (en) * | 2016-04-14 | 2016-08-17 | 重庆长安汽车股份有限公司 | Warning and rescuing system and method for condition that child is trapped in car |
| CN106218503A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2016-12-14 | 深圳贝莱尼健康科技有限公司 | Intelligent vehicle-carried child's guarding device, intelligent vehicle-carried child's safety-protection system and method for work thereof |
Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB755076A (en) * | 1953-08-17 | 1956-08-15 | Daimler Benz Ag | Improvements relating to lighting installations for motor vehicles |
| GB1111844A (en) * | 1964-11-11 | 1968-05-01 | Prisk Developments Ltd | An audible/visual reversing alarm |
| US4013966A (en) * | 1975-10-16 | 1977-03-22 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Fm rf signal generator using step recovery diode |
| WO1987001342A1 (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1987-03-12 | Ross Robert G Sr | Coasting and backup warning light for motor vehicle |
| CA2048350A1 (en) * | 1990-09-06 | 1992-03-07 | Evan Leon Hopkins | Brake and turn signal adaptor for trailers |
| US5109214A (en) * | 1980-04-14 | 1992-04-28 | Heidman Jr William A | Vehicle directional signal switch with lane changing position interconnecting to flashing lamps on left and right side rear view mirrors and flashing brake lamps in reverse |
-
1995
- 1995-01-30 GB GB9501769A patent/GB2297440A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (6)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB755076A (en) * | 1953-08-17 | 1956-08-15 | Daimler Benz Ag | Improvements relating to lighting installations for motor vehicles |
| GB1111844A (en) * | 1964-11-11 | 1968-05-01 | Prisk Developments Ltd | An audible/visual reversing alarm |
| US4013966A (en) * | 1975-10-16 | 1977-03-22 | The United States Of America As Represented By The Secretary Of The Navy | Fm rf signal generator using step recovery diode |
| US5109214A (en) * | 1980-04-14 | 1992-04-28 | Heidman Jr William A | Vehicle directional signal switch with lane changing position interconnecting to flashing lamps on left and right side rear view mirrors and flashing brake lamps in reverse |
| WO1987001342A1 (en) * | 1985-09-09 | 1987-03-12 | Ross Robert G Sr | Coasting and backup warning light for motor vehicle |
| CA2048350A1 (en) * | 1990-09-06 | 1992-03-07 | Evan Leon Hopkins | Brake and turn signal adaptor for trailers |
Cited By (7)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2342513A (en) * | 1998-10-06 | 2000-04-12 | Ramesh Seetaram Shanbhag | Vehicle motion warning system |
| WO2003018356A1 (en) * | 2001-08-30 | 2003-03-06 | Am Group Aps | Electronic alarm system for preventing collision between the rear end of a car and a trailer connected to the car when backing |
| CN103085713A (en) * | 2011-11-29 | 2013-05-08 | 孟祥玉 | Intelligent alarm device capable of preventing infants from being retained and choked in school bus and used for electronic product |
| CN105857212A (en) * | 2016-04-14 | 2016-08-17 | 重庆长安汽车股份有限公司 | Warning and rescuing system and method for condition that child is trapped in car |
| CN105857212B (en) * | 2016-04-14 | 2018-03-02 | 重庆长安汽车股份有限公司 | A kind of children are stranded in-car warning and rescue system and method |
| CN106218503A (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2016-12-14 | 深圳贝莱尼健康科技有限公司 | Intelligent vehicle-carried child's guarding device, intelligent vehicle-carried child's safety-protection system and method for work thereof |
| CN106218503B (en) * | 2016-08-19 | 2018-11-23 | 深圳贝莱尼健康科技有限公司 | Intelligent vehicle-carried children's guarding device, intelligent vehicle-carried children's security system and its working method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB9501769D0 (en) | 1995-03-22 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |