WO2009158731A1 - Appareil et procédé d’identification de présence d’un véhicule - Google Patents

Appareil et procédé d’identification de présence d’un véhicule Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2009158731A1
WO2009158731A1 PCT/ZA2009/000059 ZA2009000059W WO2009158731A1 WO 2009158731 A1 WO2009158731 A1 WO 2009158731A1 ZA 2009000059 W ZA2009000059 W ZA 2009000059W WO 2009158731 A1 WO2009158731 A1 WO 2009158731A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
vehicle
storage device
light
light emitting
electrical energy
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/ZA2009/000059
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Petrus Arnoldus Taljaard
Original Assignee
Petrus Arnoldus Taljaard
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Petrus Arnoldus Taljaard filed Critical Petrus Arnoldus Taljaard
Publication of WO2009158731A1 publication Critical patent/WO2009158731A1/fr
Priority to ZA2010/09192A priority Critical patent/ZA201009192B/en

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
    • B60Q1/30—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
    • B60Q1/30—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
    • 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
    • B60Q1/56—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 illuminating registrations or the like, e.g. for licence plates

Definitions

  • the invention relates to an apparatus for, and a method of, identifying the presence of a vehicle.
  • a motor vehicle travelling along a road can break down at any time.
  • emergency procedures should be implemented, for example by moving the vehicle to an area adjacent the road and marking the presence of the vehicle using reflective components such as breakdown triangles, or by activating hazard lights of the motor vehicle.
  • a person, typically an occupant of the vehicle has to initiate these actions. User intervention is therefore required.
  • cables are used to connect electronic circuitry of the trailer to the truck.
  • Electrical signals which are generated by a driver of the truck, such as when braking, signalling or switching on lights, are communicated from the truck to the trailer along the cabling. If there is a defective electrical connection e.g. cable damage, or if there is no electrical connection between the trailer and the truck, such signals are not transferred to the trailer. This could lead to dangerous conditions especially when the motor vehicle is driven at night or in low light conditions.
  • the present invention attempts, at least in a preferred embodiment, to address at least partly the aforementioned problems.
  • the invention provides a vehicle which includes an outwardly facing surface, a first light emitting source on the surface, an electrical energy storage device, a mechanism for generating electrical energy which is stored in the storage device, an ambient light sensor, and a controller which, in response to a signal from the sensor that the ambient light level is below a predetermined value, causes the electrical storage device to be connected to, and thereby energize, the first light emitting source.
  • the outwardly facing surface may be at any position on the vehicle and is preferably at a rear of the vehicle.
  • the storage device is preferably a rechargeable battery.
  • the electrical energy generating mechanism may include at least a solar panel, a wind-driven generator, or any other suitable device.
  • the first light emitting source includes at least one light emitting diode.
  • the controller may monitor the level of electrical energy in the storage device and may disconnect the device from the mechanism when the level of stored energy inside the device is greater than a predetermined value.
  • the controller is microprocessor based.
  • the controller can be used to pulse or otherwise vary the operation of the light source, or to vary the colour of light from the source, thereby to make the presence of the light source more noticeable.
  • the invention also extends to a method of identifying the presence of a motor vehicle which includes the steps of generating electricity, storing the generated electricity in a storage device, monitoring the light intensity adjacent the vehicle, and activating a first light emitting source using power drawn from the storage device when the light intensity falls below a predetermined value.
  • the electricity may be derived from an alternator or generator on or associated with, the motor vehicle. Alternatively or additionally use is made of a solar panel, a wind-driven generator, or both devices, to generate the electricity.
  • the method may include the steps of monitoring the level of electrical energy in the storage device and discontinuing the storing of electricity in the storage device when the level of energy in the device is above a predetermined level.
  • the first light emitting source should only be activated if the vehicle is stationary, at least for a predetermined time period. This may be achieved by the use of a suitable vehicle motion sensor.
  • auxiliary light source which is activated under low light conditions if the vehicle is moving, and which optionally is not activated if the vehicle is stationary.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of components of the apparatus of Figure 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 illustrates flow diagrams of operating steps performed by the apparatus
  • Figure 4 is a rear view of a motor vehicle on which the apparatus of Figure 1 has been incorporated;
  • Figure 5 is a perspective view of a variation of an apparatus according to the invention.
  • FIG. 1 of the accompanying drawings shows apparatus 10 according to the invention.
  • Figure 2 is a block diagram of the apparatus which includes an electrical energy storage device or battery 12, an electrical energy generator such as a solar panel 16 which includes a number of solar cells, a controller 18, a light sensor 20, a motion sensor 21 , a first light emitting source 22 and an auxiliary light emitting source 23.
  • an electrical energy storage device or battery 12 an electrical energy generator such as a solar panel 16 which includes a number of solar cells
  • a controller 18 a light sensor 20, a motion sensor 21 , a first light emitting source 22 and an auxiliary light emitting source 23.
  • the first light source and the auxiliary light source are distinguishable eg. the auxiliary light source may be relatively weak and it may essentially be used so that, when energized, it provides a visible indication that the apparatus is functioning properly.
  • the first light source may, as is evident from the following description, be configured, eg. to flicker or be suitably coloured, to provide a highly visible signal to road users of the presence of the vehicle, under particular conditions.
  • the apparatus has a housing 24 which is attached at a first end 26 to supporting structure (not shown) and has at an opposed second end 28 a mouth 30 which leads to a cavity 32 which is located inside the housing.
  • a lid 34 is sealingly engaged with the mouth using any suitable technique.
  • the light sensor 20 is mounted at any suitable position on the apparatus 10 to reduce the likelihood that the operation of the apparatus can incorrectly influence operation of the light sensor.
  • the iight sensor is mounted to a side wall 38 of the housing but the light sensor could alternatively be mounted to the support structure a predetermined distance away from the apparatus.
  • the invention is not limited in this regard.
  • the first light source 22 and the auxiliary iight source 23 may include different lenses, not shown, which may be coloured, for example red, and which are used to disperse light produced by the LEDs.
  • the controller 18 is microprocessor based and electrically connects the battery 12, the solar panel 16, the light sensor 20, the motion sensor 21 , the first light source 22 and the auxiliary light source 23 to one another.
  • the level of energy stored in the battery is determined by using standard components, not shown, which can either be incorporated into the battery or into the circuitry of the controller.
  • Figure 3 shows two flow diagrams 4OA and 4OB which respectively depict different operating steps which are carried out during use of the apparatus 10.
  • the flow diagram 4OA relates to the charging of the battery 12 and the flow diagram 4OB shows operating steps while monitoring the ambient light intensity.
  • step 42 Electrical energy is generated, while there is sufficient sunlight, by the solar panel 16.
  • the controller 18 determines the level of electrical energy stored in the battery 12 (step 42) and a value 44 is produced in respect thereof. This value is then compared against a control value which is stored in memory, not shown, of the control unit to determine whether the battery is sufficiently charged (step 46). If the battery is not sufficiently charged, the controller determines whether the battery is being discharged (step 48). If this is not the case, the battery is connected to the solar panel so that electrical energy generated by the solar panel is used to charge the battery (step 50).
  • the steps taken in flow diagram 4OA are carried out substantially on a continuous basis thereby ensuring, at least to some extent, that the level of electrical energy stored in the battery is kept at a maximum when the apparatus 10 is not in use.
  • the battery 12 could be charged by means of a conventional generator or alternator, driven by an engine used in or associated with the motor vehicle.
  • the solar panel is then used to provide an additional energy source for charging the battery.
  • Another possibility is to use a wind-driven generator or alternator 17 in place of, or in addition to, the solar panel.
  • the light sensor 20 determines the ambient light intensity (step 52).
  • a signal 54 is generated by the light sensor which is communicated to the controller 18 which uses the signal to determine whether it is dark enough (step 56) for the auxiliary light source 23 to be activated (step 57).
  • the controller compares the signal to a control value stored in the memory of the controller to detect if the ambient light intensity has fallen below a predetermined level. If the ambient light intensity is below the predetermined level the auxiliary light source is activated. If the auxiliary light source should not be active but, in fact is active (step 60), the controller deactivates the auxiliary light source so that the electrical energy stored in the battery is not unnecessarily consumed (step 53).
  • the vibration sensor 21 connected to the controller 18 acts as a sensor to detect movement of a vehicle on which the apparatus is installed.
  • the sensor is positioned on a body of the vehicle or the apparatus 10 and reacts to vibrations which are caused by the movement of the vehicle.
  • the controller 18 If the controller does not receive signals from the sensor for a predetermined period of time the steps as illustrated in the flow diagram 4OB, are initiated.
  • the auxiliary light source 23 is activated (step 57) and if the controller 18 does not receive signals 58 from the vibration sensor 21 for a predetermined period of time (step 59) the first light source is activated and optionally the auxiliary light source is deactivated (step 53). If the first light source should not be active but, in fact is active, the controller deactivates the first light source so that the electrical energy stored in the battery is not unnecessarily consumed (step 62). The auxiliary light source, only, is then activated.
  • a manually operated switch 51 is connected to the controller 18 and is used to manually activate the light source, if the light source is in an inoperative state, or to manually deactivate the light source, if the light source is in an operative state.
  • the light sensor 20 is configured so that the voltage of a signal produced by the sensor is indicative of the intensity of the ambient light. This signal is transmitted continuously or intermittently. Alternatively the light sensor can be configured to send a signal to the controller when the ambient light intensity has fallen below a predetermined vaiue. In this case the controller will not compare the signal to a control value stored in the memory of the controller.
  • Figure 4 shows the apparatus 10 mounted to a motor vehicle 64 which includes a trailer 64A with an outwardly facing surface 66 at a rear end 68 of the vehicle.
  • the apparatus is one of a number of similar devices which are mounted to the surface 66.
  • the apparatus is dimensioned so that it can readily be positioned between existing iight components 70 and a reflector 72 which are located on the surface 66.
  • the apparatus 10 energizes the light source 22 when the ambient light intensity falls below a predetermined level thereby to indicate the presence of the vehicle to other road users.
  • Figure 5 shows a modified apparatus 10A.
  • Reference numerals used in the apparatus 10 are used to designate like components of the apparatus 10A. Oniy those aspects of the apparatus 10A required for an understanding of the variation will be described in greater detail hereinafter.
  • First and second light emitting sources 74 and 76 are spaced by a predetermined distance from respective opposed sides 78 and 80 of a housing 24A.
  • a conduit 82 is used to connect a respective light source to a respective side.
  • Almost the entire surface area of a second end 28A of the housing is covered with a solar panel 16A thereby maximising the electrical energy which can be generated by the apparatus.
  • the light sensor 2OA is mounted to the housing at the second side.
  • a length 84 of the conduit 82 is chosen so that the light sources 74 and 76 will be positioned close to respective sides 86 and 88 of the vehicle 64 after the apparatus has been installed on the outwardly facing surface 66.
  • the housing is also relatively small in dimension so that the apparatus does not unnecessarily obstruct the reflector 72.
  • the apparatus 10A may also include an auxiliary light source of the kind described in relation with the apparatus.
  • the incorporation of the apparatus on at least a rearwardiy facing surface of a vehicle has the following benefits: no user intervention is required for the activation of the light source of the apparatus in low light conditions, electrical energy used to power the light source is generated by the solar panel which means that the operation of the light source is not dependent on the proper functioning of cabling which extends from the truck to the trailer, and the energy source used to power the light source of the apparatus is recharged using the solar panel so that the operation of the apparatus is not dependent on an electrical connection existing between the apparatus and the truck.
  • the emitted light can be pu ⁇ sed or varied in colour, or both techniques can be used, to make the presence of the light, and hence of the vehicle, more noticeable.
  • the invention provides an apparatus which can be used to identify the presence of a vehicle without requiring assistance from an occupant or a driver of the vehicle.
  • the level of energy stored in an electrical storage device associated with the apparatus is kept at a maximum using electrical energy generated from sunlight.
  • Energy efficient lights are used to increase the amount of time for which the apparatus can remain operative.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un appareil d’identification de présence d’un véhicule dans des conditions de faible éclairage (10) qui comprend une première source d’émission de lumière (22), une source d’émission de lumière (23) auxiliaire, un mécanisme de production d’énergie électrique (14), un dispositif de stockage d’énergie électrique (12), un capteur de lumière ambiante (20) et un dispositif de commande (18) qui alimente ou désactive électriquement la première lumière (22) et la source lumineuse (23) auxiliaire indépendamment en réponse au niveau de lumière ambiante et du mouvement du véhicule.
PCT/ZA2009/000059 2008-06-23 2009-06-22 Appareil et procédé d’identification de présence d’un véhicule WO2009158731A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA2010/09192A ZA201009192B (en) 2008-06-23 2010-12-21 Apparatus for and a method of identifying the presence of a vehicle

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ZA200801612 2008-06-23
ZA2008/01612 2008-06-23

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2009158731A1 true WO2009158731A1 (fr) 2009-12-30

Family

ID=41075803

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/ZA2009/000059 WO2009158731A1 (fr) 2008-06-23 2009-06-22 Appareil et procédé d’identification de présence d’un véhicule

Country Status (2)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2009158731A1 (fr)
ZA (1) ZA201009192B (fr)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2951115A1 (fr) * 2009-10-13 2011-04-15 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Dispositif de generation d'energie electrique a cellules photovoltaiques pour vehicule
ITVI20100226A1 (it) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-06 Gianluca Frasson Dispositivo di illuminazione autonomo per la segnalazione della posizione di un veicolo
WO2014159873A1 (fr) * 2013-03-13 2014-10-02 ACCO Brands Corporation Étiquette de proximité pour véhicules

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002077518A1 (fr) * 2001-03-22 2002-10-03 Lumimove, Inc. Systeme lumineux integre
WO2006050199A2 (fr) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-11 Podd George O Dispositif a film lumineux
US20070258262A1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-08 Michael Hanyon Independent, self-contained readable-panel lighting system
DE202008001111U1 (de) * 2008-01-25 2008-04-03 Chu, Haw-Hui, Tanzih Stromloses Nachtlicht

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2002077518A1 (fr) * 2001-03-22 2002-10-03 Lumimove, Inc. Systeme lumineux integre
WO2006050199A2 (fr) * 2004-10-29 2006-05-11 Podd George O Dispositif a film lumineux
US20070258262A1 (en) * 2006-05-03 2007-11-08 Michael Hanyon Independent, self-contained readable-panel lighting system
DE202008001111U1 (de) * 2008-01-25 2008-04-03 Chu, Haw-Hui, Tanzih Stromloses Nachtlicht

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR2951115A1 (fr) * 2009-10-13 2011-04-15 Peugeot Citroen Automobiles Sa Dispositif de generation d'energie electrique a cellules photovoltaiques pour vehicule
ITVI20100226A1 (it) * 2010-08-05 2012-02-06 Gianluca Frasson Dispositivo di illuminazione autonomo per la segnalazione della posizione di un veicolo
WO2014159873A1 (fr) * 2013-03-13 2014-10-02 ACCO Brands Corporation Étiquette de proximité pour véhicules
GB2519898A (en) * 2013-03-13 2015-05-06 Acco Brands Corp Proximity tag for vehicles

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ZA201009192B (en) 2012-08-29

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