GB2525406A

GB2525406A - Adjustable control system for a caravan mover system

Info

Publication number: GB2525406A
Application number: GB1407170.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Jonathan Mark Harrison
Original assignee: Purple Line Ltd
Current assignee: Purple Line Ltd
Priority date: 2014-04-23
Filing date: 2014-04-23
Publication date: 2015-10-28
Also published as: GB2526682A; GB201407170D0; GB201506880D0; GB2526682B

Abstract

The adjustable control system 10 for caravan moving systems, comprises a control unit 12, a remote control 14, power means16, and connecting cables 18 to connect caravan movers 20 to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system. The control unit comprises a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode. In the first operational mode the adjustable control system controls two caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and in a second operational mode the adjustable control system controls two caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan. Furthermore, the adjustable control system has a second configuration comprising two control units operated by a single hand control device wherein each control unit controls a pair of caravan movers on a quad system of a twin axle caravan. Each control unit controls a caravan mover on a first side of the caravan and a second caravan mover on a second side of the caravan. The control units are arranged to operate in the second operational mode.

Description

ADJUSTABLE CONTROL SYSTEM

FOR A CARAVAN MOVER SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an adjustable control device for a caravan mover system, including an adjustable controller device and a method of controlling a caravan mover system.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Caravans are generally unpowered vehicles which are designed to be coupled to and then moved by a powered vehicle, for example a car, a van etc. Once at a site, the caravan is unhitched from the car and the caravan is moved on to a pitch.

The driver can try to manoeuvre the caravan directly on to the pitch but this is probably not possible due to the confined spaces and surrounding obstacles.

Since caravans are unpowered, it is possible for a person or group of people to manually push and/or pull the caravan to the pitch. Alternatively, a drive system such as a caravan mover can be used to move the caravan on to the pitch.

A caravan mover generally comprises a motor which is controlled by the user.

The caravan mover includes a roller which is selectively pressed against or removed from the outer tread of the wheel of the caravan. Typically, a caravan mover includes a drive roller which is brought into contact with the outer tread of a wheel of the caravan. A motor is arranged to rotate the drive roller which, through contact with the outer tread of the wheel, thereby rotates the wheel of the caravan.

The caravan generally includes a caravan mover on one or two opposed wheels on an axle. Accordingly, through the selected movement of each caravan mover for the respective caravan wheels, the caravan can be arranged to be independently moved forwards or backwards and can be turned in either direction.

The caravan movers are generally controlled by a single control system in order for the user to have a single operating device to control the movement of each caravan mover provided on the caravan. For example, a caravan may have a single axle with two wheels with two caravan movers associated with each caravan wheel. These two caravan movers are then controlled by a control system which enables the user to control both caravan movers. In an alternative system, a caravan may have a twin or double axle with four wheels being independently driven by separate caravan movers. In this set up, a control system is required that enables the user to control the movement of the four caravan movers.

A caravan that is provided with a double axle having four wheels may be controlled by two caravan movers. Alternatively, the four wheeled caravan may have four caravan movers. Once the caravan movers have been installed, the required control system can then be installed in order to control the movement of the caravan.

In addition, the caravan movers may be selected depending upon the size of the caravan. For example, a larger caravan will require more powerful caravan movers to be installed. Again, once the relevant size of caravan mover has been selected and installed on the caravan, the correct control system can then be installed.

Overall for optimum set up and installation, an installer will require access to several different caravan movers (for example, small, large, single axle, dual axle) together with the control device for each configuration (for example, small single, small double, small quad, large single, large double, large quad). Accordingly, the installation may be delayed whilst the correct components are sourced for the installation. Alternatively, an installer must retain significant stock in order to ensure that all the correct components are available.

It is the aim of the present invention to overcome at least one problem associated with the prior art, whether referred to herein or otherwise.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the adjustable control system comprising: a control unit; a user operated actuating device; power means; and connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system; the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the control unit comprising a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.

Preferably the caravan moving system comprises a first caravan mover mounted on a first side of a caravan and a second caravan mover mounted on a second side of the caravan.

In the first operational mode (for a single axle caravan), the first caravan mover is arranged to be moved in a forwards direction whilst the second caravan mover is arranged to remain static or reversed in order to cause the caravan to turn.

In the second operational mode (for a twin axle caravan), the first caravan mover is arranged to move in a forward direction whilst the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at a predetermined proportion (percentage) of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

Preferably in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at greater than 5% or greater than 10% or greater than 15% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

Preferably in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at less than 50% or less than 30% or less than 25% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

More preferably in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at substantially 20% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

Preferably in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to simultaneously move forwards continuously at a lesser speed than the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

The adjustable control system may comprise a second configuration comprising two control units for use with a twin axle caravan having four caravan movers, wherein the first control unit and the second control both operate in the second operational mode.

Preferably the first control unit and the second control unit are both simultaneously controlled by a single user operated actuating device.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a control unit for an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the control unit being in communication with a user operated actuating device, the control unit comprising connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system and the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the control unit comprising a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.

Preferably the selection means is controlled by a user operating the actuating device.

According to a third aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the adjustable control system comprising: a control unit; a user operated actuating device; power means; and connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system; the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the method comprising selecting an operational mode for the control unit wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the drawings that follow, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted on a single axle caravan with two caravan movers mounted in front of the associated wheels; Figure 2a is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a twin axle caravan showing two caravan movers mounted in front of the front wheels and caravan movers mounted behind the rear wheels; Figure 2b is a schematic plan view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention mounted to a twin axle caravan in a quad configuration showing four caravan movers mounted in front of the front wheels and caravan movers mounted behind the rear wheels; Figure 3 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a user operated remote control actuating device; and Figure 4 is a schematic view of a preferred embodiment of the present invention connected to two caravan movers on a single axle of a caravan.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As shown in Figure 1, Figure 2a, Figure 2b and Figure 4, the preferred embodiment of an adjustable control system 10 for caravan moving systems can be adjusted such that a single control system can be used to control different caravan moving systems having different numbers and different types of caravan movers. In particular, the adjustable control system can control two caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan or two caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan or four caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan (quad system).

The adjustable control system 10 for caravan moving systems comprises a control unit 12, a user operated actuating device 14, power means 16 and connection means to enable connecting cables 18 to connect a plurality of caravan movers 20 to the control unit 12 in order for the caravan movers 20 to be controlled by the control system 10.

The control unit 12 comprises input means to enable power cables 22 from the battery 16 to supply power to the control unit 16. The control unit 12 also comprises output means to enable connecting power cables 18 to deliver the selected power from the control unit 12 to the relevant caravan movers 20. The caravan movers 20 comprise standard caravan movers 20 and these are conventionally mounted adjacent to a respective wheel of a caravan. Each caravan mover 20 has a driven roller which is moved into and out of engagement with the outer tread of the wheel such that the rotation of the driven roller causes the wheel of the caravan to be driven. In this way the caravan can be moved and controlled by independent movement and/or braking or the caravan wheels.

The control unit 12 comprising a first selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode. In the first operational mode the adjustable control system controls two caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and in a second operational mode the adjustable control system controls two caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan. Furthermore, the adjustable control system has a second configuration comprising two control units operated by a single hand control device wherein each control unit controls a pair of caravan movers on a quad system of a twin axle caravan. Each control unit controls a caravan mover on a first side of the caravan and a second caravan mover on a second side of the caravan. The control units are arranged to operate in the second operational mode.

The present invention can be used with different caravan movers from different manufacturers and suppliers. In this way, a company may need to store less stock rather than having to keep dedicated control units for each and every type and number of caravan mover.

The adjustable control system 10 is therefore custom ised for the particular set up of caravan movers 20 required by the end user.

The adjustable control system 10 comprises a first switching means in order for the system to be switched between at least a first mode and second mode. In the first mode, the adjustable control system 10 may be connected to a caravan mover system comprising two caravan movers 20 on opposing ends of a single axle of a caravan (as shown in Figure 1). In a second mode, the adjustable control system may be used to control two caravan movers 20 each being mounted on an end of an axle of a twin axle caravan (as shown in Figure 2a). As shown in Figure 2b, in a second configuration, two control units operate in the second mode and a single control device may be used to control four caravan movers in an all wheel (quad) drive system wherein four caravan movers are independently controlled and each are located on an end of an axle within a twin axle caravan.

The adjustable control system 10 for caravan moving systems, the adjustable control system comprises a control unit 12, a user operated actuating device 14, power meansl6, and connection means to enable connecting cables 18 to connect a plurality of caravan movers 20 to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system. The control unit 12 comprises input means to receive power from the power means 16 and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers 20 connected by the connecting cables 18.

The control unit 12 comprises a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system 10 controls caravan movers 20 mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit 12 controls caravan movers 20 mounted on a twin axle caravan.

In the second operational mode (for a twin axle caravan), the first caravan mover is arranged to move in a forwards direction whilst the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at a predetermined proportion (percentage) of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

Specifically, in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at substantially 20% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

In the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to simultaneously move forwards continuously at a lesser speed than the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.

The adjustable control system comprises a second configuration comprising two control units for use with a twin axle caravan having four caravan movers, wherein the first control unit and the second control both operate in the second operational mode. The first control unit and the second control unit are both simultaneously controlled by a single user operated actuating device.

The first and second mode s s&ected by a user using the hand hed device 14.

For example, to enable the first mode (single-axle mode), initially only 2 of the 3 batteries are inserted into the battery compartment of the handset. A specific button (button 55) is held down, as shown in Figure 3 and, at the same time, the final battery is installed. The handset will sound single beeps. The electronics will now operate in single-axle mode. To enable the second mode (twin-axle mode), the above procedure is repeated except a different button (button 57) is held down, as shown in Figure 3, as the final battery is inserted. The handset will sound double beeps. The electronics will now operate in twin-axle mode. This mode is used for twin-axle caravan installations that use two or four motors.

Finally when operating a full four motor twin-axle system, only one handset 14 is used to communicate with both control units 12. The handset 14 will need to be paired or linked to both control units 12. Initially the reset button 64 is pressed and the green LED will flash for 10 seconds. The power button on the handset is then pressed twice whilst the Control Unit's LED is still flashing. The green LED will then be on without flashing. The remote control and the first control unit 12 are now paired. This procedure is repeated with the second control unit 12.

The present invention provides new software and electronic hardware for caravan movers 20. The electronics in the present invention are designed to work in aD seasons and can adapt to work wfth all types of caravans from smaD to large and with singie axle and twin axie caravans. This present invention provides adaptive technobgy whch means that it is no longer necessary to know the weight and number of axles that a caravan has before specifying the correct mover 20.

The present invention utilises software helps to make the present invention suitable for use with, and integration nto, a variety of different caravan mover systems.

The software is embedded within a motherboard located in the control unit 12 and a handset 14. This adjustable contro system can be retro fitted to any existing caravan mover. The control system incorporates embedded technology for use with a caravan mover system.

As shown in Figure 4, the wiring diagram (and Table A -see below) depicts the wiring route when installing the motor units in front of the wheels/axle and towards the A' frame. Alternatively, the control system can be used in a configuration for fitment of the motor units to the rear of the axle. If the system incorporates the fitting of two sets of motors onto a twin-axle caravan to form a full system then both Table A & Table B wiring is utilised (see Figure 2b).

Table A

FRONT OF AXLE FITTING

Motor A Positive (+) cable to terminal 1 Motor A Negative (-) cable to terminal 2 Motor B Positive (+) cable to terminal 3 Motor B Negative (-) cable to terminal 4

Table B

REAR OF AXLE FITTING

Motor A Positive (+) cable to terminal 4 Motor A Negative (-) cable to terminal 3 Motor B Positive (+) cable to terminal 2 Motor B Negative (-) cable to terminal 1 The ends of the motor cables 18 are marked for both motor units using cable markers. The cables for the left and the right motor should have the same length.

The cables are routed and positioned to avoid any loops.

The motor cables 18 are routed along the underside of the caravan floor, inside supplied cable trunking through a drilled hole. This protects the electrical cables against sharp edges and dirt. A combination of P-clips is used to secure the motor cables 18, where appropriate.

The cable trunking is secured to the chassis or under body of the caravan using P-clips and screws.

Once the motor cables 18 are through the drilled hole next to the control unit 12, the cables 18 are cut, ensuring that the cables 18 are the same length.

Approximately 5 mm of the insulation is then cut from the ends of the motor cables 18. Spade connectors are fixed to the ends of the cables 18 by using crimping pliers. A secure and good quality connection on each cable 18 is essential.

The connectors are attached to the terminals on the control unit 12 (see Figure 4).

The battery cables 22 are routed from the battery 16 to the control unit 12.

Depending on regulatory requirements, which vary depending on the location, it may be necessary to install an in-line fuse between the positive battery cable and the control unit 12 as well as utilising heavier gauge cabling between the battery 16, isolation switch and control unit 12 when installing a four motor system.

A power isolation switch 24 is also installed in-line between the control unit 12 and the battery 16. If available, the ideal location for the isolator switch 24 is inside the battery compartment. There is usually a space to the side of the battery 16 near the mains power connection for the placement of the isolator switch 24.

Essentially, the isolation switch 24 needs to be in a location that is easily accessible in the event that the mover needs to be switched off in case of any emergency.

The isolation switch 24 is installed between the battery 16 and the control unit 12 on the positive (+) cable. Two 8mm battery terminal connectors are used to link the cable to the switch terminals. Nuts and bolts are provided to mount the switch but any suitable type may be used. The system may be supplied with trunking (11) to protect the cables against sharp edges. The trunking may be attached with P-clips and P-clip screws. The battery cables are connected to the existing battery terminals (red = positive, black = negative). Two types of battery terminal connector may be provided with the system for use as appropriate.

The installer should make sure that the Positive (+) and Negative (-) connections are not reversed. An incorrect connection (reverse polarity) will result in damage to the control unit 12.

The cables are cut to an appropriate length and approximately 5 mm of the insulation from the ends is removed. Spade connectors are then fixed by using crimping pliers. A secure and good quality connection on each cable is essential.

Finally, connect the battery cables 22 to the control unit 12. Installation of the adjustable control system is then complete.

In some embodiments, the caravan mover system may have two motor units 20. In general they are mounted in front of the axle of the caravan/trailer. Both units are identical but cannot be switched. The caravan mover may comprise an ENDURO caravan mover or F-GO caravan mover supplied by Purple Line Limited. These types of mover will be used for the purpose of the following description of the operation of the present invention.

In order to engage the rollers of the caravan mover 20, the end socket of an engagement tool is fitted on the relevant spindle on the right or left drive unit.

The engagement tool is positioned parallel to the ground and then the tool is rotated through approximately 180° degrees. To engage the rollers, the tool is always rotated towards the tyre, irrespective of which side the user is operating the engagement from.

The engagement mechanism utilises a simple over-centre cam that pushes the rollers onto the tyres and then locks into place automatically. If the mover has been installed correctly, at exactly 20mm away from the tyres when disengaged, the amount of force provided onto the tyre by the roller will be sufficient for most circumstances of use.

To disengage the rollers, the tool is simply refitted onto one of the spindles and rotated away from the tyre. There may be a small amount of resistance initially as the cam is disengaged from its locked position. A spring will then do the rest of the work and pull the roller away from the tyre and into the fully disengaged position.

In an alternative engagement mechanism, the rollers are engaged onto the caravan's tyres using either (i) an appropriate power drill with an engagement drill adapter or (ii) a universal joint adapter and the caravan's corner steady tool.

The engagement tool is fitted onto the engagement spindle on either side of the mover. Depending on which side it is connected, the spindle needs to be turned clockwise or anti-clockwise so that the roller moves towards the caravan's wheels.

There is an indicator on the side of each motor unit 20 which has two vertical lines.

The marker on the plastic side cover needs to point within the two lines, which should provide adequate grip and traction for most situations of use.

Once the marker points within the two line zone, the caravan's handbrake can be released.

As shown in Figure 3, the remote control handset 14 is powered by three AAA' 1.SV batteries, and is activated by double-pressing the power button 50. Once activated a green LED 51 will illuminate and the directional controls can now be used. If the handset has not been used for a period of 60 seconds then it will automatically switch itself off.

The operation of the buttons on the handset 14 is as follows: button 51 = on (press button twice within one second, green LED illuminates) button 52 = caravan forwards (both wheels rotate in forwards direction); button 53 = caravan reverse (both wheels rotate in reverse direction); button 54 = caravan left forwards (right wheel rotates in forwards direction); button 55 = caravan right forwards (left wheel rotates in forwards direction); button 56 = caravan left reverse (right wheel rotates in reverse direction); and button 57 = caravan right reverse (left wheel rotates in reverse direction).

In addition, the left forward' 54 and right reverse' 57 buttons or right forward' 55 and left reverse' 56 buttons may be pressed at the same time to turn the caravan around on its own axis (without moving forward or backward). This function is disabled when the electronics are in twin-axle mode.

When a directional button on the handset is pressed, the mover will start slowly and normal speed will be reached within 2.5 seconds.

The electronic control unit 12, which is mounted inside the caravan, is responsible for controlling the caravan mover.

The control unit 12 has three LED's 61, 62, 63 and one recessed button 64, as shown in Figure 4. The function of these is as follows: Green LED 61 -this will illuminate when receiving the signal. The LED will flash if the remote control 14 is out of range (the maximum range is 100 metres -without obstruction).

Blue LED 62 -This will illuminate if the temperature of the control unit is too high, or if the battery voltage is too low or too high.

The Red LED 63 will specify the error as follows: Red LED -Voltage too low clOV: LED will flash twice slowly.

Voltage too high >1 5V: LED will flash fast 5 times.

Electric current is too high (»=120A): LED will constantly flash.

Temperature is too high >80C: LED is on permanently.

Reset button 64 -This only needs to be used when replacing a remote control handset. This helps to pair the handset 14 to the control unit 12.

When the control unit 12 is connected to power, it will perform a self-test automatically. The three LED5 61, 62, 63 will illuminate for 0.2 seconds, and turn off, which means there is no error and the unit is functioning correctly.

As a safety feature the control unit 12 will switch off automatically if no button is pressed within 60 seconds. The control unit 12 will also turn off automatically if the mover is working constantly in one direction for longer than three minutes.

The following procedure depends on whether the control unit 12 is being used for a single axle or twin axle caravan: To enable Single-Axle Mode: Install only 2 of the 3 AAA' batteries into the battery compartment of the handset.

Hold down button 55 as shown in Figure 3 and, at the same time, install the final battery. The handset will sound single beeps.

The electronics will now operate in single-axle mode.

To enable Twin-Axle Mode: Repeat the above procedure but hold down button 57 as shown in Figure 3. The handset will sound double beeps. The electronics will now operate in twin-axle mode. This mode is used for twin-axle caravan installations that use two or four motors.

When operating a full four motor twin-axle system, only one handset 14 is used to communicate with both control units 12. The handset 14 will need to be paired or linked to both control units 12 using the following procedure: Press the reset button 64, the green LED will flash for 10 seconds. Press the power button on the handset twice whilst the Control Unit's LED is still flashing.

The green LED will then be on without flashing. The remote control and the first control unit 12 are now paired. Repeat this procedure with the second control unit 12.

It is, of course, impossible for a twin-axle caravan to be manoeuvred in the same way as a single-axle as the turning circle is greatly increased compared to a single-axle caravan. Also, the amount of different manoeuvres required to locate/park your caravan is increased. However, the advanced electronics of the present invention take care of the manoeuvring whilst also taking care of the caravan.

For example, when the caravan is turning, the motors provide lower rotational speed on one side to help enable direction change. This enables the caravan to manoeuvre with minimal tyre scrub' or being dragged along the ground, which can cause undue stresses on its tyres, wheel hubs and chassis.

It is also a possibility that when operating a two motor twin-axle system, on very uneven ground, one of the wheels driven by the mover will not make adequate contact to continue progress. If this occurs, the caravan should be moved in a different direction until adequate traction is regained.

The basic operation of the present invention will now be described. Firstly, both rollers are engaged. This may only need to be done on one side of your caravan since the other side will automatically follow via the cross actuation bar (if relevant).

The battery power isolation switch 24 is then turned on and the handbrake is released.

The mover is activated by double-clicking the power button 50 on the remote control 14. The LED 51 on the remote control will illuminate. The movements can then be chosen according to the symbols shown on the remote control 14.

As soon as the buttons are released the caravan will stop. The mover moves at one speed after the initial soft-start'. The speed can increase a little when going downhill and decrease a little when going uphill. Generally, the mover is more efficient when reversing the caravan up an incline.

After manoeuvring, the mover is deactivated by double-clicking the power button on the remote control 14 again. The LED 51 on the remote control will turn off.

The handbrake first is applied and the drive rollers are disengaged from the tyres.

The battery power isolation switch 24 is then turned off.

The remote control should be stored in a safe place (out of reach of children or other unauthorised people).

It is possible to position the caravan's hitch exactly over a stationery cars tow ball using the mover.

The button controls on the remote control can be used to bring the caravan to the car. It is better to reach the tow ball with several shod trips" rather than trying to do it in one "trip". When the hitch is right above the tow ball of the vehicle, the hitch is lowered to the ball and engaged in the normal way using the jockey wheel. The caravan is hitched in the normal way ready for towing. The rollers are released from the caravan's tyres. The caravan cannot be towed with the mover engaged and both rollers should be fully disengaged.

To prevent the battery from becoming totally discharged during long periods of inactivity it should be disconnected and recharged before using again. The rollers of the drive units should be checked regularly to ensure that they are free of any dirt, or debris that may have been picked up from the road.

The distance between the rollers and the tyres should be checked regularly. In the neutral (fully disengaged) position this should be 20 mm.

When the caravan is stored for an extended period of time (over winter for example) it is recommended to remove the leisure battery from the caravan. The battery should be kept charged to ensure it is in good condition for the next time it is to be used.

One advantage of the present invention is that with this system is that it switches remotely on the handset 14 from the different modes, which means the motherboard doesn't need to be accessible in order to make the switch.

In addition, it is possible to link two boards (two control units) together in order that they work from one handset for the full system. In particular, two control units can be simultaneously operated together on a single handset, which runs a four motor system on a twin axle caravan. This is particularly useful for heavy twin axle caravans that require more power or tighter turning circles The present invention can be used with twin axle systems and quad systems.

Single motor systems for twin axles are less powerful than quad systems. With quad systems the power is on all four wheels which means that the turning circle is much tighter than a twin axle with one set of motors.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the adjustable control system comprising: a control unit; a user operated actuating device; power means; and connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system; the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the control unit comprising a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.
2. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to Claim 1, in which, in the first operational mode (for a single axle caravan), the first caravan mover is arranged to be moved in a forwards direction whilst the second caravan mover is arranged to remain static or reversed in order to cause the caravan to turn.
3. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to Claim 1 or Claim 2, in which, in the second operational mode (for a twin axle caravan), the first caravan mover is arranged to move in a forwards direction whilst the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at a predetermined proportion (percentage) of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.
4. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at greater than 5% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.
5. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at less than 50% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.
6. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to also move forwards at substantially 20% of the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.
7. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, in the second operational mode, the second caravan mover is arranged to simultaneously move forwards continuously at a lesser speed than the speed of the first caravan mover in order to cause the caravan to turn.
8. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, the adjustable control system comprises a second configuration comprising two control units for use with a twin axle caravan having four caravan movers, wherein the first control unit and the second control both operate in the second operational mode.
9. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to any preceding claim, in which, the first control unit and the second control unit are both simultaneously controlled by a single user operated actuating device.
10. A control unit for an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the control unit being in communication with a user operated actuating device, the control unit comprising connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system and the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the control unit comprising a selection means to enable a user to select an operational mode wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.
11. A control unit for an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems according to Claim 10 in which the selection means is controlled by a user operating the actuating device.
12. A method of providing an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems, the adjustable control system comprising: a control unit; a user operated actuating device; power means; and connection means to enable connecting cables to connect a plurality of caravan movers to the control unit in order for the caravan movers to be controlled by the control system; the control unit comprising input means to receive power from the power means and output means to output power to a plurality of caravan movers connected by the connecting cables; the method comprising selecting an operational mode for the control unit wherein, in a first operational mode, the adjustable control system controls caravan movers mounted on a single axle caravan and, in the second operational mode, the control unit controls caravan movers mounted on a twin axle caravan.
13. An adjustable control system for caravan moving systems substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
14. A control unit for an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.
15. A method of providing an adjustable control system for caravan moving systems substantially as herein described, with reference to, and as shown in, any of the accompanying Figures.