GB2384913A

GB2384913A - Switching apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2384913A
Application number: GB0202237A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Leslie Earl Scott
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2002-01-31
Filing date: 2002-01-31
Publication date: 2003-08-06
Also published as: GB0202237D0

Abstract

A switching apparatus for use in the ignition system of an automobile comprises a switching member 4 , a first contact position 9 in which the switching member is connected to an ignition system, and a second contact position 10 in which the switching member is disconnected from the ignition system. The switching member 4 is adapted to be displaced between the first and second positions 9, 10 in response to an external impact to the automobile.

Description

SWITCHING APPARATUS The present invention relates to a switching apparatus, in particular those used in automobiles.

In recent years motorway accidents involving multiple automobiles have become increasingly common. Motorways are designed to enable drivers to drive safely at speed. However, even in adverse driving conditions such as snow, fog, mist, heavy rain and standing water drivers are often reluctant to reduce their speed and leave a sufficient distance between travelling vehicles.

Thus, in low visibility or treacherous driving conditions there is a relatively high risk that if one vehicle skids on the driving surface or crashes into another the cars behind will be unable to stop or slow down in time to reduce the impact or prevent further collisions.

These multiple collisions tragically often involve multiple fatalities and severe injuries due to the speed at which vehicles usually travel on motorways. An example of such an accident occurred in November 1999 on the M6 motorway in England. This multiple pile-up involved thirty vehicles and six people were burnt to death after their vehicles burst into flames after impact.

A drawback with existing automobiles is that after impacts such as crashes the driver is often in a state of shock, concussed, injured or dead. Thus, the driver is often unable to turn off their automobile after an impact and automobiles do not automatically cut-out upon impact. This means that vehicles which have crashed into a vehicle or vehicles in front of it may plow onwards increasing the damage to those forward vehicles compounding the damage and often trapping drivers in their vehicles. Moreover, the fact that the engine is still running means that petrol is still being fed to a hot and damaged engine which often leads to fires resulting in tragedies of the kind mentioned above.

An object of the present invention is therefore to mitigate against the drawbacks of existing automobiles discussed above.

According to the present invention there is provided a switching apparatus for use in an ignition system of an automobile, said switching apparatus comprising:

a switching member which can be pivotally displaced between first and second contact positions in response to an external impact to the automobile ; in which the switching member is connected to the ignition system in the first contact position and is disconnected from the ignition system in the second contact position.

Such a switching apparatus can be used to isolate the engine of an automobile after an impact.

The impact throws the switch between the two contact positions cutting off the engine thereby preventing the automobile from travelling too great a distance after the initial impact and preventing further fuel being delivered to the engine. This prevents excess fuel being pumped to the engine thereby reducing the risk of fire. The present invention therefore offers a relatively cheap, simple mechanical means of cutting off the ignition system of a vehicle in the event of a crash.

Conveniently, a circuit between the ignition system of the automobile and a power supply is completed when the switching member is in the first contact position. This allows the engine to run whilst the switching member is in the first contact position.

In preferred embodiments, the switching member is secured in the first contact position by magnets. Magnets hold the switching member in contact with the ignition system during normal operation yet allow the switching member to be freed after an impact to the automobile. The momentum of the impact carries the switching member to the second position.

Conveniently, a circuit between a hazard lighting system of the automobile and the power supply is completed when the switching member is in the second contact position. Throwing the switch towards contact with a hazard lighting system gives following drivers earlier warning of an accident ahead. Hazard lights flashing can be seen further away than back lights and instantly warn drivers of impending danger thereby giving them time to decelerate. Following a collision at speed on the motorway, the driver may be in shock, injured or even in some circumstances dead and may be unable to switch on the hazard warning lights to warn other drivers of the accident ahead of them. The present invention is therefore designed to activate hazard warning lights automatically in the event of a collision.

In preferred embodiments, the switching member is secured in the second contact position by magnets. The magnets attract the switching member once it has been released from the first contact position and hold it in place in the second contact position.

Conveniently, the switching apparatus further comprises an override switch which can be displaced between a first position in which electrical power is fed by the power supply to the switching member and a second position in which the switching member is electrically isolated from the power supply. The override switch therefore acts as an immobiliser switch. Turning off the power to the switching member even if it is in the first contact position prevents the cars ignition system from operating.

The system could be easily obtained from a car accessory shop and the owner of the vehicle can fit it anywhere in the vehicle so that only they know the whereabouts of the system. For example, the switching apparatus could be located under the dashboard side panel, under the seat or even in the boot. Many cars are fitted with expensive immobilizers that are simply fitted on the dashboard. Thus, it is relatively straightforward for thieves to jump the live wire from the immobilizer to the ignition switch. However, by placing the system of the present invention in a location known only to the vehicle owner helps to make car theft more difficult.

Preferably, the switching apparatus is contained within an integral box. This allows the switching system to be mounted in a convenient location in an automobile.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following drawings in which: Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a switching apparatus of a first embodiment of the present invention in which the switching member is in contact with an ignition system; Figure 2 illustrates a plan view of the switching apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a switching apparatus of Figure I in which the switching member is between the contact position of the ignition circuit and the contact position of a hazard lighting system; Figure 4 illustrates a plan view of the switching apparatus of Figure 3; Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a switching apparatus of Figure I in which the switching member is shown in contact with a hazard lighting system; Figure 6 illustrates a plan view of the switching apparatus of Figure 5; and Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a switching apparatus of a second embodiment of the present invention in which the switching member is in contact with an ignition system.

The switching apparatus of the present invention as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6 consists of a casing 1 which can mounted to a part of a vehicle 2 by four screws 3. The casing has a front face 1A which, in use, faces towards the front of the vehicle and a rear face IB. The casing may be made from a suitable non-conducting material such as polyethylene.

A switching member 4 is pivotally supported by a pair of screws 5 which are secured in opposing sides of the casing 1. The switching member 4 is made of a conducting material such as a metal and has an inverted T-shape. The switching member 4 is connected to a live power supply (not shown) by wire 6 which passes through a switch 7 and then through a further wire 8 to the switching member. The switching member is therefore a live member in normal use.

The switching member 4 may be pivoted between a pair of electrical contacts 9,10 located respectively on electrically isolated supports 11, 12 which are secured to the sides of the casing 1. The electrical contacts 9,10 are formed from circular studs of magnetic material which secure the switching member 4 in physical contact with the contacts 9,10.

Figures 1 and 2 illustrate the normal driving operation. The switching member 4 passes power through the electrical contact 9 which forms part of the ignition circuitry (not shown) and is

held there magnetically. The power to the ignition circuitry passes through a wire 13. The switch 7 therefore acts as an immobilizer. If switch 7 is turned to the off position the circuit between the power supply and the ignition circuit is broken preventing the car being driven away by a thief.

During normal driving the switching member sits in the orientation shown in Figure 1 with power passing through the switch 7 to the ignition circuitry. In the event of the vehicle suffering a collision with another vehicle, the switching member 4 is released from the contact 9 and is propelled (leftwards as shown in Figures 3 and 4) to take up contact with the other electrical contact 10. The breaking of the ignition circuit cuts off the engine and thus the fuel supply to the engine. Moreover, upon contacting with the electrical contact 10 shown on the left hand side in the Figures 5 and 6 the switching member 4 powers up a hazard lighting system through wire 14. Thus, the impact of the collision has the effect of automatically turning on the hazard lights of the vehicle.

In a second embodiment of the present invention as shown in Figure 7 the power supply may be connected directly to the switching member 4 by a wire 6. The electrical connection between the contact 9 of the ignition circuit and the switch 7 is provided by a short wire 15. The output from switch 7 is then taken to the ignition system by a further wire 16.

In either embodiment if the vehicle is drivable after a collision the ignition circuit may be reactivated by simply mechanically pulling the switching member away from the contact 10 that forms part of the hazard light warning system towards the contact 9 which forms part of the ignition circuitry.

Claims

Claims: 1. A switching apparatus for use in an ignition system of an automobile, said switching apparatus comprising: a switching member which can be pivotally displaced between first and second contact positions in response to an external impact to the automobile; in which the switching member is connected to the ignition system in the first contact position and is disconnected from the ignition system in the second contact position.
2. A switching apparatus according to claim 1 in which a circuit between the ignition system of the automobile and a power supply is completed when the switching member is in the first contact position.
3. A switching apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 in which the switching member is secured in the first contact position by magnets.
4. A switching apparatus according to claim 2 or 3 in which a circuit between a hazard lighting system of the automobile and the power supply is completed when the switching member is in the second contact position.
5. A switching apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the switching member is secured in the second contact position by magnets.
6. A switching apparatus according to any preceding claim which further comprises an override switch which can be displaced between a first position in which electrical power is fed by the power supply to the switching member and a second position in which the switching member is electrically isolated from the power supply.
7. A switching apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the switching apparatus is contained within an integral box.
8. An automobile including a switching apparatus as claimed in claim 1.

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9. A switching apparatus as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.