GB2499205A - Trailer sensors - Google Patents
Trailer sensors Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2499205A GB2499205A GB201202124A GB201202124A GB2499205A GB 2499205 A GB2499205 A GB 2499205A GB 201202124 A GB201202124 A GB 201202124A GB 201202124 A GB201202124 A GB 201202124A GB 2499205 A GB2499205 A GB 2499205A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- sensor system
- movement sensor
- caravan
- trailer
- alert
- 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- Withdrawn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
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
- B60Q9/004—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle using wave sensors
- B60Q9/006—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle using wave sensors using a distance sensor
-
- 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
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
- B60Q9/004—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle using wave sensors
-
- 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
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/002—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle
- B60Q9/007—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for parking purposes, e.g. for warning the driver that his vehicle has contacted or is about to contact an obstacle providing information about the distance to an obstacle, e.g. varying sound
-
- 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
- B60Q9/00—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling
- B60Q9/008—Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00, e.g. haptic signalling for anti-collision purposes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W30/00—Purposes of road vehicle drive control systems not related to the control of a particular sub-unit, e.g. of systems using conjoint control of vehicle sub-units, or advanced driver assistance systems for ensuring comfort, stability and safety or drive control systems for propelling or retarding the vehicle
- B60W30/18—Propelling the vehicle
- B60W30/18009—Propelling the vehicle related to particular drive situations
- B60W30/18036—Reversing
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/93—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S15/931—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2300/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of vehicle
- B60W2300/14—Trailers, e.g. full trailers, caravans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60W—CONJOINT CONTROL OF VEHICLE SUB-UNITS OF DIFFERENT TYPE OR DIFFERENT FUNCTION; CONTROL SYSTEMS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR HYBRID VEHICLES; ROAD VEHICLE DRIVE CONTROL SYSTEMS FOR PURPOSES NOT RELATED TO THE CONTROL OF A PARTICULAR SUB-UNIT
- B60W2420/00—Indexing codes relating to the type of sensors based on the principle of their operation
- B60W2420/54—Audio sensitive means, e.g. ultrasound
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
- B60Y—INDEXING SCHEME RELATING TO ASPECTS CROSS-CUTTING VEHICLE TECHNOLOGY
- B60Y2200/00—Type of vehicle
- B60Y2200/10—Road Vehicles
- B60Y2200/14—Trucks; Load vehicles, Busses
- B60Y2200/147—Trailers, e.g. full trailers or caravans
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D59/00—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like
- B62D59/04—Trailers with driven ground wheels or the like driven from propulsion unit on trailer
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
- G01S15/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of acoustic waves, e.g. sonar systems
- G01S15/88—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications
- G01S15/93—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes
- G01S15/931—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles
- G01S2015/937—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles sensor installation details
- G01S2015/938—Sonar systems specially adapted for specific applications for anti-collision purposes of land vehicles sensor installation details in the bumper area
Abstract
The present invention provides a movement sensor system 10 for a trailer and, in particular, a caravan 11. The movement sensor system 10 comprises a number of proximity sensors 12 which are mounted along the rear bumper of the caravan 11. The proximity sensors 12 are in accordance with proximity parking sensors which are mounted on the bumpers of cars in car parking sensors. The movement sensor system 10 includes independent power supply means 40 which is mounted within the caravan 11 which thereby ensures that the movement sensing system 10 is independent from the power generally supplied from the towing vehicle and enables the present invention to be fully operational whilst the caravan 11 is unhitched from the towing vehicle.
Description
Trailer Sensors
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
5
The present invention relates to a movement sensor system for trailers, an assembly comprising a motor and a movement sensor system and a method of sensing obstacles whilst moving a trailer. In particular, the present invention relates to a movement sensor system for caravans, an assembly comprising a 10 caravan mover and a movement sensor system and a method of sensing obstacles whilst moving a caravan using a caravan mover.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
15 Parking sensors are commonly used on powered vehicles and, in particular cars. These parking sensors comprise proximity sensors which are mounted along the rear bumper of the car. The sensors alert the driver to unseen obstacles during parking manoeuvres. The alert may include an audible alarm and/or a visual alarm on the dash board. Such sensors may also be fitted to the front bumper of a 20 vehicle to further aid the driver in parking manoeuvres.
The parking sensor and the alert mechanism are all electrically powered from the car battery. When towing a trailer such as a caravan, a connector may be provided in order to electrically power any parking sensors that may be mounted to 25 the rear of the caravan. Accordingly, whilst the caravan is hitched to the car the caravan has proximity sensors which will alert the driver whilst the driver is performing a parking manoeuvre with the trailer hitched to the car.
The towing of trailers can introduce further problems when it comes to parking and 30 manoeuvring the trailer. In particular, the driver may not be able to see directly behind the rear of the caravan and this makes the reversing of caravans even more hazardous.
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The manoeuvring of a caravan onto a final pitch may be completed by a helper who directs the driver. Accordingly, such a helper can warn the driver of unseen obstacles. Alternatively, the caravan can be unhitched from the caravan and a 5 caravan mover can be used. A caravan mover comprises a powered motor which can move the caravan independently whilst it is unhitched from the vehicle. The caravan mover includes a remote control unit which enables the user to move around a caravan whilst moving the caravan into position. Accordingly, the user is generally able to see all around the caravan whilst using such a caravan mover.
10
It is the aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art referred to herein or otherwise.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
15
According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a movement sensor system for a trailer comprising a plurality of proximity sensors which are arranged, in use, to be mounted to a rear portion of a trailer, the movement sensor system including independent power means which provides power solely to the 20 trailer including the movement sensor system, the movement sensor system further comprising alarm means for emitting an alert when an obstacle is detected within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors, the movement sensor system comprising control means for controlling the sensors and the alarm means.
25 Preferably the trailer comprises a caravan.
The movement sensor system may comprise trailer driving means or trailer movement means.
30 The movement sensor system may comprise caravan driving means which may comprise a caravan mover.
-3-
Preferably the movement sensor system comprises two caravan movers. The first caravan mover may be arranged to drive/move a first wheel of the caravan and the second caravan mover may be arranged to drive/move the second wheel of the caravan. Preferably the drive of the first caravan mover is independent of the 5 drive of the second caravan mover such that the first wheel and second wheel can be independently moved and controlled.
The or each caravan mover may comprise a 12 volt motor.
10 The caravan driving means may comprise a control device. The control device may include communication means in order to communicate with a remote control unit. Preferably the remote control unit enables a user to drive the caravan in a forwards direction and/or a reverse direction and/or enable the caravan to turn in either direction. Preferably the communication means comprises a wireless 15 system.
The system may comprise a first array of proximity sensors mounted to a first external surface of the caravan. The system may comprise a second array of proximity sensors mounted to a second external surface of the caravan.
20
The first array of proximity sensors and/or the second array of proximity sensors may comprise four individual proximity sensors.
The or each sensor may comprise an electromagnetic sensor.
25
The or each sensor may comprise an ultrasonic sensor.
The independent power supply may comprise a 12 volt direct current power supply.
30
The independent power supply may comprise a 12 volt battery.
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The independent power supply may comprise a leisure battery.
The movement sensor system may comprise control means comprising a sensor control unit. The sensor control unit may obtain and analyse data obtained from 5 the proximity sensors.
The movement sensor system may comprise alarm means including alert means.
The alert means may comprise an audible alert device. The audible alert device 10 may be mounted to the caravan. The audible alert device may be provided on the remote control unit.
The alert means may comprise a visual alert device. The visual alert device may be mounted to the caravan. The visual alert device may be provided on the 15 remote control unit.
Preferably the alert means provide a signal which signifies the extent of the proximity of an obstacle such that an obstacle at a relatively close distance can be distinguished from an obstacle at a relatively far distance.
20
The alert means may also provide feedback on the position of the obstacle relative to the caravan, i.e. near to a particular corner or close to the centre of the rear bumper etc.
25 The movement sensor system may comprise an actuator. The actuator may comprise a power isolation switch. The power isolation switch may simultaneously connect or disconnect power to the sensor control unit and the caravan driving system.
30 The actuator may require a key to operate the actuator.
The movement sensor system may comprise secondary power supply means
-5-
which may comprise a supply of power from a powered vehicle and more preferably from a vehicle towing the trailer/caravan. The secondary power supply means may be arranged to supply power to the system whilst the caravan is being towed by the vehicle and then the independent power supply is arranged to 5 supply power to the system when the caravan is unhitched (unsecured/disconnected) from the vehicle.
The movement sensor system may comprise secondary power supply means connection means which enables a supply of power from a powered vehicle.
10
Preferably the secondary power supply means is arranged to supply power to the system whilst the caravan is being towed by the vehicle and then the independent power supply is arranged to supply power to the system when the caravan is unhitched from the vehicle.
15
The movement sensor system may comprise a first alert device to provide an alarm from the proximity sensors when the system is being powered from the independent power supply and a second alert device to provide an alarm from the proximity sensors when the system is being powered from the secondary power 20 supply.
The first alert device may be mounted to the caravan and the second alert device may be mounted within the vehicle.
25 The first alert device may be mounted in a control unit for a caravan mover and the second alert device may be mounted within the vehicle.
The first alert device and/or the second alert device may be mounted in a portable unit.
30
According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a trailer movement assembly comprising trailer driving means and a movement sensor
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system, the movement sensor system comprising a plurality of proximity sensors which are arranged, in use, to be mounted to a rear portion of a trailer, the movement sensor system including independent power means which provides power solely to the trailer including the movement sensor system, the movement 5 sensor system further comprising alarm means for emitting an alert when an obstacle is detected within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors, the movement sensor system comprising control means for controlling the sensors and the alarm means.
10 The assembly may comprise a caravan to which the assembly is mounted.
According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of sensing obstacles whilst moving a trailer comprising mounting a plurality of sensors to a rear portion of the trailer, providing an independent power supply 15 within the trailer in order to supply power to a movement sensor system mounted within the trailer, the method comprising sensing an obstacle within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors and emitting an alert using alarm means in order to indicate the presence of the obstacle to a user.
20 The method may comprise unhitching the trailer from a powered vehicle which has been used to tow the trailer to a destination.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
25 The present invention will now be described, by way of example only with the reference to the drawings that follow, in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a caravan with movement sensors secured thereto and a drive system mounted therein.
30
Figure 2 is a schematic drawing of a preferred embodiment of an assembly comprising a movement sensor system and a drive mechanism for a caravan.
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DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
As shown in Figure 1, the present invention provides a movement sensor system 5 10 for a trailer and, in particular, a caravan 11. The movement sensor system 10 comprises a number of proximity sensors 12 which are mounted along the rear bumper of the caravan 11. The proximity sensors 12 are in accordance with proximity parking sensors which are mounted on the bumpers of cars in car parking sensors.
10
The movement sensor system 10 includes independent power supply means 40 (caravan/trailer 12 V battery or a leisure battery) which is mounted within the caravan 11 which thereby ensures that the movement sensing system 10 is independent from the power generally supplied from the towing vehicle and 15 enables the present invention to be fully operational whilst the caravan 11 is unhitched from the towing vehicle.
Generally, a power linkage mechanism is used to connect a power supply from the car battery in order to supply power to the lights etc of the caravan 11. However, 20 with the present invention, such a linkage would only enable parking sensors to be operational whilst the caravan 11 was fully hitched and connected to the car.
In many situations, it is not possible to have the caravan 11 hitched to the car and in such situations, it would not usually be possible to utilise parking sensors on the 25 rear bumper of a caravan. Accordingly, the present invention provides a new system 10 for enabling a user to be in full control of the movement of a caravan 11 using a caravan mover 20, 22 (caravan drive mechanism) whilst also receiving real time objective feedback of the position of the caravan 11 relative to any obstacles. This may be particularly useful when moving a caravan 11 into a 30 garage having restricted space within the walls and this would conventionally be achieved simply by a user or users guessing the distance between the caravan 11 and the walls.
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It can be seen in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 that the proximity sensors 12 are solely mounted to the rear of the caravan 11 but in other embodiments, the proximity sensors 12 may also be mounted to the front of the caravan 11 and/or to 5 the sides of the caravan 11. In some embodiments, a first array of proximity sensors 12 may be mounted along the rear bumper of the caravan whilst a second array of proximity sensors 12 may be mounted on the front facing surface of the caravan 11.
10 As shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, the present invention also provides an assembly comprising a caravan mover system which includes a first caravan mover 20 to drive a first wheel 21 of the caravan 11 and the second caravan mover 22 to drive a second wheel 23 of the caravan 11. Each caravan mover 20, 22 enables independently controlled movement of the respective wheels 21, 23. 15 The caravan driving system comprises a caravan/trailer manoeuvring system including 12 V motors.
The caravan movers 20, 22 are known and essentially include an electrically powered motor which drives a roller which is selectively engaged with the 20 respective wheel 21, 23 of the caravan 11.
The system includes control means in the form of a control unit 30 (a parking proximity sensor control unit) together with alert means 32 (beeper/audible alert). The control unit 30 monitors and analyses the data obtained from the proximity 25 sensors 12. The proximity sensors 12 may comprise electromagnetic parking sensors, ultrasonic parking sensors or any other suitable sensor. In particular, the proximity sensors 12 detect obstacles and can detect the relative position of such obstacles to the caravan 11. This enables the system 10 to detect if the caravan 11 is approaching or moving away from such obstacles.
30
The control unit 30 senses if a detected obstacle is within a predetermined distance of the proximity sensors 12 and/or an outer surface of the caravan 11. If
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an obstacle is detected within the predetermined distance or range, then the control unit 30 communicates this to the alert means 32. The alert means 32 comprises an alarm which may include an audible alert mounted to the caravan 11. Alternatively, the alarm means may comprise a visual alert, (for example, a 5 light emitting alarm) and/or an audible alert mounted to the caravan 11 and/or to the remote control unit.
The alarm means thereby provides a feedback mechanism to the controller whilst manoeuvring the caravan 11 with the caravan movers 20, 22 under the operation 10 of the remote control unit (not shown). This system warns the user or indicates how close the caravan 11 is to an obstacle and, for example, the alert means 32 may be arranged to signal or indicate how close the obstacle is to the caravan 11. For example, the audible alert 32 may comprise a periodic beep and the spacing between such beeps may reduce as the caravan 11 approaches the obstacle until 15 the beep changes to a continuous tone to signify a particularly close distance which may be set by the control means 30.
The movement sensor system 10 includes an independent power supply 40 which is separate from, and independent to, any power supply which may be selectively 20 supplied from the towing vehicle. In particular, the present invention enables the system 10 to be fully operational whilst the caravan 11 is unhitched from the towing vehicle. Accordingly, the proximity sensors 12 enable the caravan 11 to be moved using the caravan movers 20, 22 and to provide feedback to the user regarding the proximity of the caravan 11 to any obstacles which may be in its 25 path. One specific advantage of this system 10 is that the system enables the caravan 11 to be manoeuvred into a garage or to be manoeuvred adjacent to close walls whilst unhitched from a towing vehicle. In such situations, the proximity sensors 12 are fully operational at all times.
30 The caravan movers 20, 22 are linked to a caravan mover control device 50 (caravan/trailer manoeuvring system control unit) which is mounted to the caravan 11. The caravan mover control device 50 and the caravan movers 20, 22 are also
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linked to the independent power supply 40 mounted to the caravan 11.
Furthermore, the assembly of the present invention includes a switch 60 (battery isolation switch) comprising a battery isolation switch 60 which simultaneously 5 switches on or off the power from the independent power supply 40 to the control unit 30 and the control device 50. The switch 60 may require the insertion and actuation of a specific key 61 in order to make the system and/or assembly operational. This switch 60 may be located at a suitable location on the caravan 11. This switch 60 prevents the caravan movers 20, 22 and/or the proximity 10 sensors 12 being operational and may be used to turn the system 10 and assembly off whilst the caravan 11 is being towed by a car. Whilst being towed by a car, there is no requirement to have the caravan movers 20, 22 operational and this could be catastrophic to the assembly if they were to become operational whilst being towed. Similarly, the operation of the proximity sensors 12 may not 15 be required whilst the caravan 11 is hitched since the driver may not hear or see any alert produced by the proximity sensors 12 since the alert means are located on or mounted to the caravan 11.
In summary, the present invention provides a reverse parking sensor that operates 20 from a separate power source not the car battery. In a preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a reverser parking sensor for a caravan that is operated when the power source to the caravan mover is switched on (possible by an isolation switch). The power source in this instance will be the caravan leisure battery.
25
In some embodiments, the invention can also switch from being an independent reverse parking device when used with the caravan mover (working from the caravan leisure battery) to being a conventional reverser parking device when attached to the car (working from the car battery). In these embodiments, the 30 power supply is simply switched from the independent power to supply to the car battery through a connector and by operating an isolator switch. The alert means for such embodiment must comprise an alert device which is mounted for the
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driver whilst in the driving seat. For example, the alert device may be mounted to the dashboard of the car or may be mounted to a portable unit which can be taken into the interior of the car. It will be appreciated that the car battery will only need to supply power to the proximity sensors/proximity sensor control unit and not to 5 the caravan movers. The caravan movers are not used or required when the towing car is hitched to the caravan. In this configuration, the proximity sensors act as normal parking sensors and any parking sensors mounted on the rear bumper of the car may be switched off. When the caravan is unhitched and the power connector is disconnected from the caravan, the power to the movement 10 sensor system is then provided by the independent power supply mounted within the caravan 11. In one embodiment, the system may have a plurality of alert devices. For example, a first alert device may be mounted within the car and may be used when the car is towing the caravan such that the first alert device act as a conventional paring sensor alert with the alert relating to the rear of the caravan 15 rather than the rear of the car. The system may then have a second alert device which acts as an alarm when the caravan is unhitched and is being moved under the power of the caravan movers. This second alert device may be mounted to the caravan or may be provided in the caravan mover (remote) control unit.
20
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Claims (32)
1. A movement sensor system for a trailer comprising a plurality of proximity sensors which are arranged, in use, to be mounted to a rear portion of a trailer, the
5 movement sensor system including independent power means which provides power solely to the trailer including the movement sensor system, the movement sensor system further comprising alarm means for emitting an alert when an obstacle is detected within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors, the movement sensor system comprising control means for controlling the sensors 10 and the alarm means.
2. A movement sensor system according to Claim 1 in which the trailer comprises a caravan.
15
3. A movement sensor system according to Claim 1 or Claim 2 in which the movement sensor system comprises trailer driving means.
4. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the movement sensor system comprises caravan driving means comprising a caravan
20 mover.
5. A movement sensor system according to Claim 4 in which the movement sensor system comprises two caravan movers.
25
6. A movement sensor system according to Claim 5 in which the first caravan mover is arranged to drive a first wheel of the caravan and the second caravan mover is arranged to drive/move the second wheel of the caravan and wherein the drive of the first caravan mover is independent of the drive of the second caravan mover such that the first wheel and second wheel can be independently moved 30 and controlled.
7. A movement sensor system according to any one of Claim 4 to Claim 6 in
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which the caravan driving means may comprise a control device and wherein the control device includes communication means in order to communicate with a remote control unit.
5
8. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the movement sensor system comprises a first array of proximity sensors mounted to a first external surface of the caravan.
9. A movement sensor system according to Claim 8 in which the movement 10 sensor system comprises a second array of proximity sensors mounted to a second external surface of the caravan.
10. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the or each proximity sensor comprises an electromagnetic sensor.
15
11. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the or each proximity sensor comprises an ultrasonic sensor.
12. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the 20 independent power supply comprises a 12 volt direct current power supply.
13. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the independent power supply comprises a 12 volt battery.
25
14. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the independent power supply comprises a leisure battery.
15. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the movement sensor system comprises alarm means including alert means.
30
16. A movement sensor system according to Claim 15 in which the alert means may comprise an audible alert device.
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17. A movement sensor system according to Claim 16 in which the audible alert device is mounted to the caravan.
5
18. A movement sensor system according to any one of Claim 15 to Claim 17 in which the alert means comprises a visual alert device.
19. A movement sensor system according to Claim 18 in which the visual alert device is mounted to the caravan.
10
20. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the movement sensor system comprises an actuator comprising a power isolation switch.
15
21. A movement sensor system according to Claim 20 in which the power isolation switch simultaneously connects or disconnects power to the sensor control unit and the caravan driving system.
22. A movement sensor system according to Claim 20 or Claim 21 in which the 20 actuator requires a key to operate the actuator.
23. A movement sensor system according to any preceding claim in which the movement sensor system comprise secondary power supply connection means which enables a supply of power from a powered vehicle.
25
24. A movement sensor system according to Claim 23 in which the secondary power supply means is arranged to supply power to the system whilst the caravan is being towed by the vehicle and then the independent power supply is arranged to supply power to the system when the caravan is unhitched from the vehicle.
30
25. A movement sensor system according to Claim 24 in which the movement sensor system comprises a first alert device to provide an alarm from the proximity
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sensors when the system is being powered from the independent power supply and a second alert device to provide an alarm from the proximity sensors when the system is being powered from the secondary power supply.
5
26. A movement sensor system according to Claim 25 in which the first alert device is mounted to the caravan and the second alert device is mounted within the vehicle.
27. A movement sensor system according to Claim 25 in which the first alert 10 device is mounted in a control unit for a caravan mover and the second alert device is mounted within the vehicle.
27. A movement sensor system according to Claim 25 in which the first alert device and/or the second alert device is mounted in a portable unit.
15
28. A trailer movement assembly comprising trailer driving means and a movement sensor system, the movement sensor system comprising a plurality of proximity sensors which are arranged, in use, to be mounted to a rear portion of a trailer, the movement sensor system including independent power means which
20 provides power solely to the trailer including the movement sensor system, the movement sensor system further comprising alarm means for emitting an alert when an obstacle is detected within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors, the movement sensor system comprising control means for controlling the sensors and the alarm means.
25
29. A method of sensing obstacles whilst moving a trailer comprising mounting a plurality of sensors to a rear portion of the trailer, providing an independent power supply within the trailer in order to supply power to a movement sensor system mounted within the trailer, the method comprising sensing an obstacle
30 within a predetermined range of the proximity sensors and emitting an alert using alarm means in order to indicate the presence of the obstacle to a user.
- 16 -
30. A movement sensor system for a trailer substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
31. A trailer movement assembly comprising trailer driving means and a 5 movement sensor system substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
32. A method of sensing obstacles whilst moving a trailer substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying
10 Figures.
•.'????.• INTELLECTUAL
*.*. .V PROPERTY OFFICE
17
Application No: GB 1202124.2 Examiner: MarkBoylin
Claims searched: 1-29 Date of search: 13 June 2012
Patents Act 1977: Search Report under Section 17
Documents considered to be relevant:
Category
Relevant to claims
Identity of document and passage or figure of particular relevance
X
1,8-19
US 2005/0128060 A1
Rennick et al. - See figures and paragraph [0033]
Categories:
X
Document indicating lack of novelty or inventive
A
Document indicating technological background and/or state
step
of the art.
Y
Document indicating lack of inventive step if
P
Document published on or after the declared priority date but
combined with one or more other documents of
before the filing date of this invention.
same category.
&
Member of the same patent family
E
Patent document published on or after, but with priority date
earlier than, the filing date of this application.
Field of Search:
x
Search of GB, EP, WO & US patent documents classified in the following areas of the UKC :
Worldwide search of patent documents classified in the following areas of the IPC
B60Q
The following online and other databases have been used in the preparation of this search report
EPODOC, WPI
International Classification:
Subclass
Subgroup
Valid From
B60Q
0009/00
01/01/2006
Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201202124A GB2499205A (en) | 2012-02-08 | 2012-02-08 | Trailer sensors |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201202124A GB2499205A (en) | 2012-02-08 | 2012-02-08 | Trailer sensors |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201202124D0 GB201202124D0 (en) | 2012-03-21 |
| GB2499205A true GB2499205A (en) | 2013-08-14 |
Family
ID=45896766
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB201202124A Withdrawn GB2499205A (en) | 2012-02-08 | 2012-02-08 | Trailer sensors |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2499205A (en) |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050128060A1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2005-06-16 | Mark Rennick | Universally usable object detection system and method |
-
2012
- 2012-02-08 GB GB201202124A patent/GB2499205A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050128060A1 (en) * | 2003-11-19 | 2005-06-16 | Mark Rennick | Universally usable object detection system and method |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201202124D0 (en) | 2012-03-21 |
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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) |