GB2565748A - Vehicle warning light system - Google Patents
Vehicle warning light system Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2565748A GB2565748A GB1708611.7A GB201708611A GB2565748A GB 2565748 A GB2565748 A GB 2565748A GB 201708611 A GB201708611 A GB 201708611A GB 2565748 A GB2565748 A GB 2565748A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- vehicle
- input
- lights
- control unit
- light
- 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.)
- Granted
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
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/32—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating vehicle sides, e.g. clearance lights
-
- 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
- B60Q1/0029—Spatial arrangement
- B60Q1/0035—Spatial arrangement relative to the vehicle
-
- 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
-
- 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
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/2607—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic comprising at least two indicating lamps
-
- 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
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/30—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating rear of vehicle, e.g. by means of reflecting surfaces
- B60Q1/305—Indicating devices for towed vehicles
-
- 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
- B60Q1/26—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic
- B60Q1/34—Arrangement of optical signalling or lighting devices, the mounting or supporting thereof or circuits therefor the devices being primarily intended to indicate the vehicle, or parts thereof, or to give signals, to other traffic for indicating change of drive direction
-
- 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
- B60Q1/0029—Spatial arrangement
- B60Q1/0041—Spatial arrangement of several lamps in relation to each other
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
Abstract
A vehicle light system has light modules 10 (fig 3) mounted along opposite sides of the vehicle, and rear light modules 12. The side modules display white and amber whereas the rear modules display red and white. A control unit 40 powered by the vehicle has a speed input from a GPS 48 or tachograph, causes the amber lights to be turned on below a predetermined speed (e.g. 18mph) and turned off at higher speeds. A directional input from left and right indicator circuits of the vehicle enables the amber lights to flash on a corresponding side of vehicle when the vehicle is turning. A reversing input from a reversing light circuit of the vehicle turns the white lights on and inhibits the amber lights. The rear red lights are on when the vehicle's side lights are on. If both directional inputs are activated, the amber lights are turned off. The control unit 40 is in a housing (figs 6-8) with connectors for chains of light modules.
Description
VEHICLE WARNING LIGHT SYSTEM
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a warning light system for vehicles, particularly but not exclusively, goods or freight vehicles and their trailers, bulk transportation vehicles, tipping trucks and the like.
BACKGROUND
The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive form of vehicle light system which can be used to supplement the usual vehicle lights for the benefit of the driver, other road users, pedestrians and bystanders.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
When viewed from one aspect the present invention proposes a vehicle light system which includes a plurality of light modules, each having white and amber lights, to be mounted along opposite sides of the vehicle.
- 2 The invention also provides a control unit for controlling the light modules.
In a preferred embodiment the control unit has:
- a speed input to inform the control unit about the speed of a moving vehicle in which the system is installed,
- a power input to receive power from the vehicle,
- a directional input from left and right indicator circuits of the vehicle, and
- a reversing input from a reversing light circuit of the vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment the control unit is arranged to control the light modules such that the amber lights are on below a predetermined speed as provided by the speed input and off above the predetermined speed.
In a preferred embodiment a directional input from the left or right indicator circuit causes the amber lights to flash on a corresponding side of vehicle.
In a preferred embodiment, when the reversing input signals that the vehicle is reversing the white lights are turned on and the amber lights are turned off.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having white and amber lights and a directional input which causes the amber lights on one side of the vehicle to flash while the amber lights on the opposite side of the vehicle are turned off.
- 3 The invention also provides a vehicle light system having white and amber lights and a control unit which includes a flasher unit to drive the amber lights in response to a directional input from a left or right indicator circuit of the vehicle.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having white and amber lights, and when a directional input signals that both directional inputs are activated the amber lights are turned off.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having light modules with input and output connectors at opposite ends whereby the light modules can be connected in a chain.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having white and amber lights and a control unit, and speed input is provided by a GPS receiver within the control unit.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having white and amber lights and a control unit, and speed input is provided by a tachograph within the vehicle.
The invention also provides a vehicle light system having rear light modules with red and white lights and in which the white lights in the rear light modules are always on when the reversing input signals that the vehicle is reversing.
- 4 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:
Figure 1 is a side view of a vehicle provided with a vehicle light system;
Figure 2 is a rear view of the same vehicle;
Figure 3 is a general view of a light module of the vehicle light system;
Figure 4 is a side view of the light module as mounted on the vehicle;
Figure 5 is a schematic block diagram of the vehicle light system;
Figure 6 is a front view of an electronic control unit of the vehicle light system;
Figure 7 is a right hand side view of the electronic control unit; and
Figure 8 is a bottom view of the electronic control unit.
- 5 DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring firstly to Fig.s 1 and 2, a vehicle 1 has a cab 2 with an engine, and a rear transport portion 4. The vehicle may be a rigid or an articulated vehicle wherein the rear portion 4 is a separate trailer which can be detached from the cab 2. In this embodiment, the trailer 4 has a chassis 5 provided with wheels 6, which supports a tipping body 7 in which various loads may be carried.
The vehicle 1 is provided with a vehicle warning light system which may be installed entirely within the trailer 4. The warning light system includes side light modules 10 which are installed along both sides of the vehicle. The side light modules are conveniently fitted to the trailer chassis 5 above the level of the wheels 6 but below the trailer body 7. The modules 10 are spaced along the length of the trailer, as shown. As can be seen in Fig. 2, additional rear light modules 12 can be installed at the rear of the vehicle, mounted to suit customer requirements. In the case of tipping vehicles such as this the rear light modules 12 may be installed at spaced positions across the top of the trailer body as shown, but not necessarily so. They could also be installed on the chassis for example.
One of the light modules 10 and 12 is shown in Fig.s 3 and 4. Each light module comprises an elongate body 20 mounted between a pair of end fittings 22. The body 20 comprises upper
- 6 and lower LED light strips 23 and 24. The upper light strip 23 provides a white light whereas the lower strip 24 provides an amber light in the case of the side light modules 10 or a red light in the case of the rear light modules 12. The end fittings 22 are substantially identical, each having upper and lower mounting flanges 26 and a 4-way connector 28. The two connectors both provide identical electrical connections, as follows:
28.1 Red/amber light supply
28.2 Red/amber earth
28.3 White light earth
28.4 White light supply
The connectors 28 are wired through so that power input can be from either end, and in addition, the light modules can be connected in a chain with the output from one light module providing the power input to the next module in the chain. Three chains of modules are wired, one at the left side of the vehicle, one at the right side, and a third at the rear (when provided). In order to direct the light downwards the light modules may be secured to the vehicle using stainless steel angled mounting brackets 30 as shown in Fig. 4, or using wedge-shaped spacers for example.
Referring to Fig. 5, all the light chains 10 and 12 are connected to an electronic control unit 40 which may be mounted in any convenient position on the vehicle. The electronic control unit 40 incorporates a microcontroller 47 and an optional in-build GPS receiver 48. As an alternative to a GPS receiver the control unit
- 7 may be connected to the vehicle tachograph. The microcontroller controls all the functions of the light system, as explained below. The vehicle's speed is calculated by the GPS receiver or taken from the tachograph and sent to the microcontroller. The electronic control unit also incorporates a dedicated flasher module 49. Input connections are taken to the microcontroller from the vehicles left and right turn indicator circuits and from the reversing light circuit. When the rear light modules 12 are used the red lights are connected to the vehicle's side light circuit. The warning light system is powered from the vehicles ignition circuit.
From zero speed up to a predetermined speed, typically less than 18 mph but not necessarily, the amber lights in the side light modules 10 are permanently on at both sided of the vehicle. Once the predetermined speed is exceeded the amber lights switch off, but they automatically come on again if the vehicle speed drops below the predetermined level. When the turn indicator circuit for either side of the vehicle is triggered, indicating a left or right turn, the amber lights on the corresponding side of the vehicle flash to warn other road users of the manoeuvre. The amber lights are operated by the flasher unit 49 of the electronic control unit so that they flash in a different pattern to the vehicle's turn indicator lights, which is considered better for attracting attention. The amber lights on the opposite side of the vehicle stay switched off, again to highlight the manoeuvre.
If the vehicle's hazard lights are used both of the vehicles turn indicator circuits are activated simultaneously. When this occurs
- 8 the control unit 40 does not illuminate the amber lights on either side of the vehicle. This is for two reasons: firstly it can cause confusion when loading or unloading, and secondly, in certain European countries the use of hazard lights in prohibited on moving vehicles on the highway.
When the vehicle performs a reversing manoeuvre the amber lights do not function, and the white lights are switched on down both sides and at the rear of the vehicle. This surrounds the entire rear and sides of the vehicle with white light which gives the driver a clear virtual daylight view during this potentially dangerous manoeuvre.
The red lights on the rear of the vehicle are illuminated whenever the vehicle's side lights are on.
Referring to Fig.s 6 to 8, the control unit 40 has an impact-resistant waterproof plastic housing 41 provided with integral mounting brackets 42 and ten integral Super Seal connectors 45. The connectors 45 provide two input connectors and nine output output connectors for driving the chains of light modules 10 and 12. The connections to the various connectors 45 are as follows:
IN:
This is a 6-way connector providing various inputs, which are routed via a vehicle-specific wiring harness to the electrical circuits of the vehicle, as follows:- 9 ΡΙΝΙ VEHICLE IGNITION CIRCUIT
PIN2 GROUND
PIN3 LEFT INDICATOR
PIN4 RIGHT INDICATOR
PIN5 BATTERY POSITIVE
PIN6 REVERSE LIGHTS
AUX IN:
PIN7 GPS ANTENNA or TACHOGRAPH SIGNAL
PIN8 GROUND
Rl:
PIN9 IGNITION OUT
PIN1O GROUND
PIN11 LEFT INDICATOR MODULE OUTPUT
PIN12 REVERSE
R2:
PIN13 RIGHT SIDE AMBER LIGHTS
PIN14 GROUND
PIN15 GROUND
PIN16 WHITE LIGHTS
- 10 AUX OUT (2 sockets):
PIN17 FLASH OUTPUT UNDER. SPEED
PIN18 GROUND
PIN19 FLASH OUTPUT UNDER SPEED
PIN20 GROUND
SM2:
PIN21 BATTTERY POSITIVE
PIN22 GROUND
SMI:
PIN23 IGNITION STRAIGHT THROUGH
PIN24 GROUND
L2:
PIN25 L/H AMBER LIGHTS
PIN26 GRUND
PIN27 GROUND
PIN28 WHITE LIGHTS
- 11 LI:
PIN29 L/H INDICATOR. CIRCUIT
PIN30 GROUND
PIN31 L/H INDICATOR
PIN32 GROUND
The connection to the vehicles ignition circuit is used to power the warning light system. The direct battery connection is fed straight through so that it is available to power any external systems when the ignition is off. The two AUX output connectors provide ignition circuit and battery outputs so that they are available if required.
The vehicle light system is easy to install and provides useful additional warning features for drivers and others in the vicinity of the vehicle.
Whilst the above description places emphasis on the areas which are believed to be new and addresses specific problems which have been identified, it is intended that the features disclosed herein may be used in any combination which is capable of providing a new and useful advance in the art.
Claims (15)
1. A vehicle light system which includes a plurality of light modules, each having white and amber lights, to be mounted along opposite sides of the vehicle, and a control unit for controlling the light modules, the control unit having:
- a speed input to inform the control unit about the speed of a moving vehicle in which the system is installed,
- a power input to receive power from the vehicle,
- a directional input from left and right indicator circuits of the vehicle, and
- a reversing input from a reversing light circuit of the vehicle;
wherein the control unit is arranged to control the light modules such that the amber lights are on below a predetermined speed as provided by the speed input and off above the predetermined speed, a directional input from the left or right indicator circuit causes the amber lights to flash on a corresponding side of vehicle, and when the reversing input signals signal that the vehicle is reversing the white lights are turned on and the amber lights are turned off.
2. A vehicle light system according to Claim 1 in which, when the directional input causes the amber lights on one side of the vehicle to flash, the amber lights on the opposite side of the vehicle are turned off.
3.
A vehicle light system according to Claim 1 or 2 in which
- 13 the control unit includes a flasher unit to drive the amber lights in response to a directional input from the left or right indicator circuit.
4. A vehicle light system according to any preceding claim in which, when both directional inputs are activated, the amber lights are turned off.
5. A vehicle light system according to any preceding claim in which each light module has an input and output connectors at opposite ends whereby the light modules on each side of the vehicle can be connected in a chain.
6. A vehicle light system according to any preceding claim in which the speed input is provided by a GPS receiver within the control unit.
7. A vehicle light system according to any of Claims 1 to 5 in which the speed input is provided by a tachograph within the vehicle.
8. A vehicle light system according to any preceding claim which includes rear light modules having red and white lights.
9. A vehicle light system according to Claim 7 or 8 in which the white lights in the rear light modules are always on when the reversing input signals that the vehicle is reversing.
10. A control unit for a vehicle light system which includes a plurality of light modules, each having white and amber lights, to be mounted along opposite sides of the vehicle, the control unit having:
- a speed input to inform the control unit about the speed of a moving vehicle in which the system is installed,
- a power input to receive power from the vehicle,
- a directional input from left and right indicator circuits of the vehicle, and
- a reversing input from a reversing light circuit of the vehicle;
wherein the control unit is arranged to control the light modules such that the amber lights are on below a predetermined speed as provided by the speed input and off above the predetermined speed, a directional input from the left or right indicator circuit causes the amber lights to flash on a corresponding side of vehicle, and when the reversing input signals signal that the vehicle is reversing the white lights are turned on and the amber lights are turned off.
11. A control unit according to Claim 10 in which, when the directional input causes the amber lights on one side of the vehicle to flash, the amber lights on the opposite side of the vehicle are turned off.
12. A control unit according to Claim 10 or 11 which includes a flasher unit to drive the amber lights in response to a directional input from the left or right indicator circuit.
13. A control unit according to Claim 10, 11 or 12 in which, when both directional inputs are activated, the amber lights are turned off.
14. A control unit according to any of Claims 10 to 13 in which the speed input is provided by a GPS receiver within the control unit.
15. A control unit according to any of Claims 10 to 13 in which the speed input is provided by a tachograph within the vehicle.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1708611.7A GB2565748B (en) | 2017-05-30 | 2017-05-30 | Vehicle warning light system |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GB1708611.7A GB2565748B (en) | 2017-05-30 | 2017-05-30 | Vehicle warning light system |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
GB201708611D0 GB201708611D0 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
GB2565748A true GB2565748A (en) | 2019-02-27 |
GB2565748B GB2565748B (en) | 2021-09-01 |
Family
ID=59271055
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
GB1708611.7A Active GB2565748B (en) | 2017-05-30 | 2017-05-30 | Vehicle warning light system |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
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GB (1) | GB2565748B (en) |
Families Citing this family (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN113734039B (en) * | 2020-05-29 | 2024-04-19 | 常州星宇车灯股份有限公司 | Lamp with reversing warning function and control method thereof |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
US7048419B1 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2006-05-23 | Joseph Rodriguez | Auxiliary trailer lighting system |
CN201901064U (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-20 | 大连理工大学 | Intelligent control device for LED high-mounted stop lamp based on CAN (Controller Area Network) bus |
JP2014201298A (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-27 | 株式会社国広商事 | Attention calling device for large-size vehicle |
-
2017
- 2017-05-30 GB GB1708611.7A patent/GB2565748B/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
US7048419B1 (en) * | 2004-08-09 | 2006-05-23 | Joseph Rodriguez | Auxiliary trailer lighting system |
CN201901064U (en) * | 2010-12-30 | 2011-07-20 | 大连理工大学 | Intelligent control device for LED high-mounted stop lamp based on CAN (Controller Area Network) bus |
JP2014201298A (en) * | 2013-04-10 | 2014-10-27 | 株式会社国広商事 | Attention calling device for large-size vehicle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
GB2565748B (en) | 2021-09-01 |
GB201708611D0 (en) | 2017-07-12 |
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