• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    Abstract A direction indicator control module (2) configured to control the operation of aplurality of direction indicator lamps (4) of a vehicle (6). The indicator controlmodule (2) is configured to receive a direction indicator signal (8) generated by adirection indicator input unit (10) and that includes information of an activation of adirection indicator input member (12), wherein the information includes directioninformation and type of activation comprising manually or automatically activatedminor activations. The indicator control module (2) is configured to receive avehicle length information signal (14) including information representing theoverall length of the vehicle (6), or information such that the overall length of thevehicle may be determined. lf a minor activation information is received thedirection indicator control module (2) is configured to determine a minor activationtime period during which time period the direction indicator lamps (4) of thevehicle (6) should blink in an intended direction, wherein the minor activation timeperiod is variable and being dependent upon the overall length of the vehicle, andto control the direction indicator lamps (4) to blink in the intended direction duringthe minor activation time period. (Figure 3)
    公开号:SE1550766A1
    申请号:SE1550766
    申请日:2015-06-09
    公开日:2016-12-10
    发明作者:Schlüter Ortwin；Karlsson Stefan
    申请人:Scania Cv Ab；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    A direction indicator control module Technical field The present disclosure relates to a direction indicator control module and amethod in relation to the module, for vehicles and in particular for a cargo vehicleprovided with a trailer.
    BackgroundSo-called “Comfort direction indication” is a function which is very common at passenger cars, meaning that a fixed number of direction indicator blinks will betriggered by a short manoeuvring tap or impulse of the direction indicator lever.This function is mainly used when the vehicle is changing lanes or exiting aroundabout. ln the following some documents representing the technical field directionindicator systems will be discussed.
    EP-2017125 relates to a turn indicator system for a motor vehicle which includesan electrical control unit (ECU) which deactivates operation of turn indicatorswhen the steering angle signal falls to second predetermined value.
    US-5528218 discloses an electronic self-cancelling turn signal device for a motorvehicle, especially semi-tractor-trailer, that enables vehicle driver to make wide orsweeping turn maneuver in indicated direction by initially turning vehicle indirection opposite to indicated direction and then executing indicated turn withoutcancelling indicated turn signal.
    WO-95/33633 relates to a programmable indicator signaling circuit for a motorvehicle provided with means for generating individual or driver defined durationsof lever-off turn signaling with respect to application of "taps" to vehicle's signallever which is connected to monitoring and timing control circuit US-5790017 discloses a vehicle turn signal control system of left and right turnsignal indicators that energizes right or left turn signal indicator selectively basedon position of turn signal switch lever and toggle switches. 2 DE-102013009986 relates to a signaling device for a vehicle provided withvariable adjustable flashing lines, where each line is adjusted during firstmovement of steering lever and where a number of flashing pulses is executedduring second movement of steering lever.
    US-2010/0013624 relates to a multi-function turn signal arrangement for e.g.passenger cars, provided with a controller, where a routine is adapted to cancelblinking of directional signals upon receiving a signal indicating that the steeringwheel has remained in position for predetermined period of time.
    DE-19950851 discloses a direction indication arrangement for a vehicle towing atrailer. Detectors are provided for detecting a trailer being towed.
    The inventors have identified a security issue in relation to longer vehicles andespecially in relation to increase the possibility for drivers of other vehicles,cyclists and also pedestrians to clearly observe the intention of the longer vehicle.An overall object of the present invention is to achieve an improved directionindicator control module configured to control the operation of direction indicatorlamps of a vehicle. A particular object is to improve the safety when driving longervehicles specifically when changing lanes or exiting roundabouts.
    SummaryThe above-mentioned object is achieved by the present invention according to the independent claims.
    Preferred embodiments are set forth in the dependent claims.
    According to a first aspect the present invention relates to a direction indicatorcontrol module configured to receive a vehicle length information signal includinginformation representing the overall length of the vehicle, or information such thatthe overall length of the vehicle may be determined. Provided a minor activationinformation is received, often denoted a comfort direction indication, the directionindicator control module is configured to determine a minor activation time periodduring which time period the direction indicator lamps of the vehicle should blink in 3 an intended direction, wherein the minor activation time period is variable andbeing dependent upon the overall length of the vehicle, and to control the directionindicator lamps to blink in the intended direction during the minor activation timeperiod. The minor activation time period is longer for a vehicle having a trailer coupled to it, in comparison when no trailer is present.
    According to a second aspect the present invention relates to a method in adirection indicator control module. The method comprises: - receiving a vehicle length information signal including information representingthe overall length of the vehicle, or information such that the overall length of thevehicle may be determined, - receiving a minor activation information, - determining a minor activation time period during which time period the directionindicator lamps of the vehicle should blink in an intended direction, wherein theminor activation time period is variable and being dependent upon the overalllength of the vehicle, and - controlling the direction indicator lamps to blink in the intended direction during the minor activation time period.
    Thus, the number of blinks of the directions indicator lamps of a vehicle isdependent upon the overall length of the vehicle. Thereby, during a minoractivation , i.e. a comfort direction indication, of the direction indicator inputmember an improved safety is achieved, in particular for longer vehicles, e.g. for atruck provided with a trailer.
    Brief description of the drawinds Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle provided with a direction indicatorcontrol module according to the present invention.
    Figure 2 is a schematic illustration of a vehicle with a trailer provided with adirection indicator control module according to the present invention.
    Figure 3 is a block diagram schematically illustrating the direction indicator controlmodule according to the present invention. 4 Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the method according to the presentinvenflon.
    Detailed descriptionThroughout the detailed description the same or similar items will have the same reference signs.
    With references to figures 1 and 2 a direction indicator control module 2 isprovided that is configured to control the operation of the direction indicators 4 ofa vehicle 6, including the direction indicators 4 of a trailer if a trailer is coupled tothe vehicle (see figure 2). The expression “trailer“ should be interpreted broadly asany object coupled to the vehicle that influences the overall length of the vehicle.The vehicle may be any vehicle where the overall length may be changed, eitherby coupling or uncoupling e.g. a trailer. The vehicle may be a cargo vehicle, acargo vehicle including a trailer, a semi-trailer or other suitable vehiclecombination. ln figure 3 a schematic block diagram illustrates the direction control module 2and units connected to the module. The indicator control module 2 is configured toreceive a direction indicator signal 8 generated by a direction indicator input unit10 and that includes information of an activation of a direction indicator inputmember 12. The indicator input member 12 may be a direction indicator lever thatmay be conventionally arranged in relation to the steering wheel, e.g. at the leftside thereof. The direction indicator input member 12 may also be embodied asvarious buttons, e.g. at the steering wheel.
    The information of the direction indicator signal 8 includes direction informationand type of activation comprising manually or automatically activated minoractivations, which will be further explained below.
    Normally three distinct positions of the direction indicator input member 12 areavailable; a normal position where no direction indicator lamps is activated, i.e. nolamp is blinking, a left indication position which is normally reached by moving the 5 indicator lever downwards a predetermined angle (e.g. 5-15 degrees), and a rightindication position which is normally reached by moving the indicator leverupwards a predetermined angle (e.g. 5-15 degrees). The direction indicator leverremains in its left or right indication position until it is automatically (e.g. when aturn is completed and the steering wheel has returned to a position for drivingstraight ahead) or manually returned to the normal position.
    The direction indicator input unit is thus configured to perform its “normal”operation, i.e. when set in any of the fixed left or right indication positions it willascertain that a corresponding direction indication signal 8, i.e. including directioninformation if the intention is to turn left or right, will be available for the directionindicator control module that in turn will control activation of the left or rightindicator lamps to be active, i.e. blinking.
    According to the present invention the direction indicator input unit 10 is alsoconfigured to receive a minor activation in either direction from the directionindicator input member, i.e. a left minor activation and a right minor activation. Bya minor activation is meant a slight tap or impulse on the direction indicator inputmember 12 in the intended direction, e.g. upwards if the intention to generate aminor activation signal to the right, and downwards if the intention is to generate aminor activation signal to the left, and naturally in the opposite directions invehicles where the direction indicator input member 12 instead is positioned at theright side of the steering wheel. lf the input member 12 is a lever the minor activation is activated by a slightmovement upwards or downwards of the lever, not so far that any of the fixed leftor right indication positions is reached, but enough for a minor activation sensingunit (not shown) to sense the activation. The indicator input member 12 ispreferably spring-loaded such that it automatically returns to its normal positionafter a minor activation. This minor activation function is often used in cars, whereit sometimes is referred to as a “comfort direction indication”.
    A general definition of a manually activated minor activation action is that it ismanually activated, e.g. by a slight tap of the indicator lever, and automatically 6 timed out irrespectively of the position of the steering wheel, and without anymanual interference.
    As an alternative, the minor activation may be automatically activated. Thisalternative may be applicable if the vehicle is about to change Ianes and noindicator lamp is activated. ln that case e.g. the steering wheel angle may bemeasured and if the angle is greater than a predetermined angle, e.g. 3-5degrees, a minor activation signal is generated. Furthermore, the automaticactivation may also be triggered by input signals from e.g. a lane assist system, orother systems. ln accordance with the present invention the indicator control module 2 isconfigured to receive a vehicle length information signal 14 including informationrepresenting the overall length of the vehicle 6, or information such that the overalllength of the vehicle may be determined by the control module 2. The overalllength of the vehicle includes the total length of the vehicle itself, or the totallength of the vehicle including one or many trailers coupled to the vehicle.
    There are numerous ways to detect that a trailer has been connected to a vehicle.According to one example, an electrical indication of an electrical oircuit includingdirection indicator lamps of the trailer is performed by supplying short currentpulses and then detect if the circuit of the trailer is completed which indicates thatthe trailer is coupled. lt is also possible to use a backwards directed camera that covers the area behindthe vehicle. By proper analysis of the images obtained by the camera it is possibleto determine if a trailer has been connected.
    Another example is to detect if the fifth wheel is used, or if specific couplingappliances is used for the connection of the trailer.
    Still another way is to detect if the braking system of the trailer is connected to thebraking system of the vehicle.
    The direction indicator module is provided with a memory unit where informationof the length of the vehicle may be stored. The length of the trailer is consideredknown, e.g. by storing information of different lengths of trailers and identifying the 7 type of trailer and then use the corresponding length. As an alternative,information is received from the operator when the trailer is coupled, or it is onlyintended that one type of trailer, having a specified length, should be coupled to aparticular vehicle. ln the event that a minor activation information is received the direction indicatorcontrol module 2 is configured to determine a minor activation time period duringwhich time period the direction indicator lamps 4 of the vehicle 6 should blink in anintended direction, and that the minor activation time period is variable and beingdependent upon the overall length of the vehicle. Then the control modulecontrols the direction indicator lamps 4 to blink in the intended direction during theminor activation time period. Thus, the minor activation time period is allowed toautomatically expire, irrespectively of a position of a steering wheel, and without any manual interference.
    Advantageously, the length of the activation time period is dependent upon theoverall length of the vehicle such that the time period length increases with thelength of the vehicle.
    The module is configured to determine the minor activation time period such that ifthe overall length of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined length the minoractivation time period comprises X blinks, e.g. the case where a trailer isconnected to the truck, and if the overall length of the vehicle is equal or less thanthe predetermined length the minor activation time period comprises Y blinks,wherein X > Y.
    The predetermined length may be in the range of 10-15 meters. lf no trailer isconnected Y may e.g. be 3-5 and if a trailer is connected X may e.g. be 5-7. lnone example a minor activation results in 3 blinks if no trailer is connected and if atrailer is connected 5 blinks.
    Typically the time period between the start of consecutive blinks is about 1.5seconds. 8 According to one embodiment, the control module 2 is configured to determine theminor activation time period such that if the overall length of the vehicle is greaterthan a predetermined length the minor activation time period is A seconds, and ifthe overall length of the vehicle is equal or less than the predetermined length theminor activation time period is B seconds, wherein A > B. Preferably A is in therange of (1 .5 - 2.5) times B. B is typically in the range of 3-5 seconds.
    With references to figure 4 the present invention also relates to a method in adirection indicator control module configured to control the operation of a pluralityof direction indicator lamps of a vehicle.
    The method comprises: - receiving, in the indicator control module, a direction indicator signal generatedby a direction indicator input unit and that includes information of an activation of adirection indicator input member. The information includes direction informationand type of activation comprising manually or automatically activated minoractivations.
    The method further comprises: - Receiving a vehicle length information signal including information representingthe overall length of the vehicle, or information such that the overall length of thevehicle may be determined.
    - Fieceiving a minor activation information.
    - Determining a minor activation time period during which time period the directionindicator lamps of the vehicle should blink in an intended direction, wherein theminor activation time period is variable and being dependent upon the overalllength of the vehicle.
    - Controlling the direction indicator lamps to blink in the intended direction duringthe minor activation time period. The minor activation time period is allowed toautomatically expire, irrespectively of a position of a steering wheel, and withoutany manual interference. 9 Specifically, the length of the activation time period is dependent upon the overalllength of the vehicle such that the time period length increases with the length ofthe vehicle.
    The method comprises determining the minor activation time period such that ifthe overall length of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined length the minoractivation time period comprises X blinks, and if the overall length of the vehicle isequal or less than said predetermined length the minor activation time periodcomprises Y blinks, wherein X > Y. This is further outlined above in connectionwith the description of the control module.
    And according to a further embodiment, the method comprises determining theminor activation time period such that if the overall length of the vehicle is greaterthan a predetermined length the minor activation time period is A seconds, and ifthe overall length of the vehicle is equal or less than said predetermined lengththe minor activation time period is B seconds, wherein A is in the range of (1 .5 -2.5) times B. This embodiment is also further outlined above.
    The present invention also comprises a computer program P (see figure 2)wherein the computer program P comprises a computer program code to cause adirection indicator control module as disclosed above, or a computer connected tothe module, to perform the method which also has been disclosed above. lnaddition a computer program product, is provided, comprising a computerprogram code stored on a computer-readable medium to perform the methodbeing disclosed above, when the computer program code is executed by a controlmodule defined above, or by a computer connected to that module.
    More particularly, the direction indicator control module may further include aprocessing unit and a memory unit. The processing unit may be made up of oneor more Central Processing Units (CPU). The memory unit may be made up ofone or more memory units. A memory unit may include a volatile and/or a non-volatile memory, such as a flash memory or Random Access Memory (RAM). Thememory unit comprises the computer program P including the computer programcode to cause the control module, or a computer connected to the control module, lO to perform any of the method steps described above. The direction indicatorcontrol module may be an Electronic Control Unit (ECU).
    The present invention is not limited to the above-described preferred embodiments. Various alternatives, modifications and equivalents may be used.
    Therefore, the above embodiments should not be taken as limiting the scope ofthe invention, which is defined by the appending claims.
    权利要求:
    Claims (14)
    [1] 1. A direction indicator control module (2) configured to control theoperation of a plurality of direction indicator lamps (4) of a vehicle (6), the indicator control module (2) is configured to receive a direction indicator signal(8) generated by a direction indicator input unit (10) and that includes informationof an activation of a direction indicator input member (12), wherein the informationincludes direction information and type of activation comprising manually orautomatically activated minor activations, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said indicator control module (2) is configured toreceive a vehicle length information signal (14) including information representingthe overall length of the vehicle (6), or information such that the overall length ofthe vehicle may be determined, and if a minor activation information is received the direction indicator controlmodule (2) is configured to determine a minor activation time period during whichtime period the direction indicator lamps (4) of the vehicle (6) should blink in anintended direction, wherein the minor activation time period is variable and beingdependent upon the overall length of the vehicle, and to control the directionindicator lamps (4) to blink in the intended direction during the minor activationtime period.
    [2] 2. The direction indicator control module (2) according to claim 1,wherein the length of said activation time period is dependent upon the overalllength of the vehicle such that the time period length increases with the length ofthe vehicle.
    [3] 3. The direction indicator control module (2) according to claim 1 or 2,wherein said module is configured to determine said minor activation time periodsuch that if the overall length of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined lengththe minor activation time period comprises X blinks, and if the overall length of thevehicle is equal or less than said predetermined length the minor activation timeperiod comprises Y blinks, wherein X > Y. l2
    [4] 4. The direction indicator control module (2) according to any of claims1-3, wherein said module is configured to determine said minor activation timeperiod such that if the overall length of the vehicle is greater than a predeterminedlength the minor activation time period is A seconds, and if the overall length ofthe vehicle is equal or less than said predetermined length the minor activationtime period is B seconds, wherein A > B.
    [5] 5. The direction indicator control module according to any of claims 1-4,wherein the overall length of the vehicle includes the total length of a truck and atrailer.
    [6] 6. The direction indicator control module according to any of claims 1-5,wherein said minor activation time period is allowed to automatically expire,irrespectively of a position of a steering wheel, and without any manual interference.
    [7] 7. A method in a direction indicator control module (2) configured tocontrol the operation of a plurality of direction indicator lamps (4) of a vehicle (6),the method comprises: - receiving, in said the indicator control module, a direction indicator signalgenerated by a direction indicator input unit and that includes information of anactivation of a direction indicator input member, wherein the information includesdirection information and type of activation comprising manually or automaticallyactivated minor activations, c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said the method further comprises: - receiving a vehicle length information signal including information representingthe overall length of the vehicle (6), or information such that the overall length ofthe vehicle may be determined, - receiving a minor activation information, - determining a minor activation time period during which time period the directionindicator lamps of the vehicle should blink in an intended direction, wherein theminor activation time period is variable and being dependent upon the overall 13 length of the vehicle,- controlling the direction indicator lamps to blink in the intended direction duringthe minor activation time period.
    [8] 8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the length of saidactivation time period is dependent upon the overall length of the vehicle such thatthe time period length increases with the length of the vehicle.
    [9] 9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein said methodcomprises determining said minor activation time period such that if the overalllength of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined length the minor activationtime period comprises X blinks, and if the overall length of the vehicle is equal orless than said predetermined length the minor activation time period comprises Yblinks, wherein X > Y.
    [10] 10. The method according to any of claims 7-9, wherein said methodcomprises determining said minor activation time period such that if the overalllength of the vehicle is greater than a predetermined length the minor activationtime period is A seconds, and if the overall length of the vehicle is equal or lessthan said predetermined length the minor activation time period is B seconds,wherein A > B.
    [11] 11. The method according to any of claims 7-10, wherein the overalllength of the vehicle includes the total length of a truck and a trailer.
    [12] 12. The method according to any of claims 7-11,wherein said minoractivation time period is allowed to automatically expire, irrespectively of a position of a steering wheel, and without any manual interference.
    [13] 13. A computer program P, wherein said computer program P comprisesa computer program code to cause a direction indicator control module accordingto any of claims 1-6, or a computer connected to said module, to perform the 14 method according to any of claims 7-12.
    [14] 14. A computer program product comprising a computer program codestored on a computer-readable medium to perform the method according to any ofthe claims 7-12, when the computer program code is executed by a directionindicator control module according to any of claims 1-6, or by a computer connected to said module.
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    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR102016010957A2|2016-12-27|
    SE539851C2|2017-12-19|
    DE102016006637A1|2016-12-15|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    US5528218A|1992-07-22|1996-06-18|Grote Industries, Inc.|Electronic self-canceling turn signal device|
    US5486809A|1994-06-06|1996-01-23|Wadlington, Jr.; Ben|Lever-tap-activated timed turn signaling|
    US5790017A|1996-08-26|1998-08-04|Berryhill; Paul J.|Vehicle turn signal control system and method|
    JP4038898B2|1998-10-21|2008-01-30|アンデン株式会社|Direction indicator for vehicle towing trailer and trailer connection determination circuit used for direction indicator|
    WO2008082435A2|2006-12-31|2008-07-10|Mack Trucks, Inc.|Turn signal devices with self cancelling feature|
    GB2451085A|2007-07-17|2009-01-21|Agco Gmbh|Long vehicle turn indicators|
    DE102013009986A1|2013-06-14|2013-12-19|Daimler Ag|Signaling device for vehicle, has variable adjustable flashing lines, where each line is adjusted during first movement of steering lever and number of flashing pulses is executed during second movement of steering lever|US11203287B2|2018-06-28|2021-12-21|Paccar Inc|Camera-based automatic turn signal deactivation|
    法律状态:
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    SE1550766A|SE539851C2|2015-06-09|2015-06-09|A direction indicator control module|SE1550766A| SE539851C2|2015-06-09|2015-06-09|A direction indicator control module|
    BR102016010957A| BR102016010957A2|2015-06-09|2016-05-13|direction indicator control module|
    DE102016006637.7A| DE102016006637A1|2015-06-09|2016-06-02|Turn signal control module|
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