Trailer signal converter.

TRAILER SIGNAL CONVERTER

CROSS REFERENCE WITH RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to provisional US patent application No. 61 / 771,616 entitled trailer signal converter, filed on March 1, 2013, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is generally concerned with a signal converter and more particularly, with an improved trailer signal converter for interconnection with a towing vehicle.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Towed vehicles, such as trailers, have brake signals that operate based on the braking signals of the towing vehicle. As is well known in the art, the braking signals of the towing vehicle are electrically connected to the braking system of the towed vehicle, such as via an electric adapter or the like. Normally, the towing vehicle signaling system has a signal lamp and a brake lamp, which are put into operation by at least two separate filaments. However, most trailer signal systems usually combine directional and braking signals in a single lamp with a single filament. Thus, an adapter or circuits are often required in order to interconnect the signal system of the towing vehicle with the signal system of the towed vehicle or trailer.

Towing vehicles of older models, such as delivery vans, normally use a switch on the brake pedal to activate the brake lights. The switch is configured to send a signal, such as a 12-volt signal, to the vehicle's braking system or lighting controls. A towed vehicle can be interconnected with the towing vehicle's lighting signals, either directly or through a converter, to provide signals to the lights of the towed vehicle.

Trailer brake controllers are sometimes post-market devices that are designed to interface with the braking system of a towing vehicle and provide braking signals and lighting signals to a towed vehicle. Such trailer brake controllers commonly include manual control to apply the brakes of the towed vehicle. When such an action is performed, the lights of the towed vehicle must be activated. To activate the lights, trailer brake controllers are often configured to apply a voltage to the signal wire (wire) of the brake pedal switch. As described above, this signal activates the brake lights of the towing vehicle, which in turn activates the brake lights of the towed vehicle. Towed vehicle brake lights are commonly the jointly activated directional signal lights.

Newer model towing vehicles have replaced the brake pedal switch with a pedal position sensor. The pedal position sensor does not use the same 12 volt signal that was previously used with the pedal switch, but instead uses a signal that lacks low impedance and voltage to drive the input of the lamp trailer brake controller brake. Then, the sensor signal is used as input to a controller in the towing vehicle. This new design poses a problem for brake controllers, in that they are no longer able to receive the brake lamp signal when the tow vehicle brakes are applied.

In addition, in older model vehicles, the pedal's 12 volt signal was apt to be used to drive the brake lights on the towing vehicle directly and therefore was also able to drive the trailer lights through a relay output. . However, in newer model vehicles the pedal position sensor does not provide an appropriate output to operate the lights and is not easily accessible. This new design poses a problem for brake controllers, in that they are no longer able to communicate the appropriate signal when manual brake controls are applied.

Some tow vehicle manufacturers have provided an alternative access point to the brake light input signal. However, this output may not have the low impedance required to drive the brake light input of the brake controller. In addition, the alternative access point does not provide any means for the brake controller to operate the brake lights of the towing or towed vehicle.

In certain jurisdictions, alternative wiring and lighting systems are used to signal trailer braking. For example, in some countries, the trailer vehicle brake lights include both an amber light to indicate a turn signal and a red light to indicate a brake or stop signal. Therefore, it is also required that a converter must be capable of emitting signals both to turn on the directional signal light and the brake signal light on each side of the trailer.

Therefore, an improved solution is needed.

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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A trailer signal converter is generally provided. The signal converter includes a plurality of inputs, including a first directional light signal from the towing vehicle, a second directional light signal from the towing vehicle and a trailer brake signal. The trailer signal converter also includes one or more output signals to the tow vehicle.

In one embodiment, the trailer signal converter is configured to interface with a two-wire system in the trailer. The output signals may include a first directional light signal output from the tow vehicle and a second directional light signal output from the tow vehicle. The trailer signal converter may be configured to turn on both the first and second directional lights of the tow vehicle, when both the first and second directional signals of the towing vehicle are on and the trailer brake signal is off or when the trailer brake signal is on and both the first and second directional signals of the towing vehicle are off. In addition, the trailer signal converter may be configured to flash the first directional light of the tow vehicle and turn on the second directional light of the vehicle j

Trailer, when the trailer brake signal is on and the first directional signal of the towing vehicle is blinking and the second directional signal of the towing vehicle is off.

In one embodiment, the trailer signal converter is configured to interface with a three-wire system in the trailer. The output signals may include a first brake light output and a second brake light output. The first and second brake light outputs can activate at any time the brake control signal of the brake controller is on.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The operation of the invention can be better understood by reference to the following detailed description, taken in connection with the following illustrations, wherein:

Figure 1 illustrates a diagram of components of a trailer lighting and brake system.

Figure 2 illustrates a component diagram of a

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Trailer signal converter with a three-wire output scheme.

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The invention has been described above and obviously, modifications and alterations will be presented to others,

<td>after reading</td><td>and understanding of this specification. The</td>

<td>claims</td><td>which follow are intended to include all</td>

<td>modifications and</td><td>alterations to the extent that they are inside</td>

of the scope of the claims or equivalents thereof.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While the invention is described herein with reference to various modalities, it should be clear that the invention should not be limited only to the modalities disclosed or discussed. The description of the embodiments herein is illustrative of the invention and should not limit

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stop of a tow vehicle. The system can include several components, as described below. The components may be standard components in a towing vehicle, such as a truck or automobile or post-market components configured to be integrated with the components of a towing vehicle.

The system includes a brake controller 10 configured to operate the brakes of a vehicle or trailer or trailer. The brake controller 10 can be a post-market brake controller 10 installed in the towing vehicle or can be integrated with the braking system of a towing vehicle. Whether integrated or postmarket, the brake controller 10 can provide a brake output signal to the brakes of the towed vehicle or trailer.

In one embodiment, the brake output signal may be a pulse width modulated (PWM) signal sent to the trailer brakes. Trailer brakes can be electric brakes configured to receive a PWM signal. The PWM signal may vary in duty cycle depending on the braking power to be applied by the trailer brakes. For example, a signal with an increased duty cycle may provide increased brake power with respect to a signal with a shorter duty cycle.

The brake controller 10 may be configured to receive a signal from a brake pedal 12 of the towing vehicle. Specifically, the brake controller 10 can receive a signal from a pedal position switch 14 located near the brake pedal. The pedal position switch 14 can emit a signal when pedal 12 is depressed at a preset distance. The signal can be a low energy, low voltage signal.

The brake controller 10 can receive the input signal of the pedal position switch 14 and output the PWM brake output signal to the trailer brakes. The duty cycle of the PWM brake output signal may be based on any appropriate factors, such as acceleration, deceleration, speed, position of the brake pedal and any other parameters.

The brake controller 10 can be connected to a brake control plug 16 in the towing vehicle. The brake control plug 16 can be interconnected with the towing vehicle and include both inputs of the towing vehicle and outputs of the brake controller 10. As shown, the brake control plug 16 can provide an energy input signal 18, such as a 12 volt signal, from the battery of the towing vehicle 20. The brake control plug 16 may also include a ground signal 22 and a brake output signal 24. The brake output signal 24 may be a discrete signal, such as a 12-volt signal or a PWM signal.

The brake controller 10 may include a manual trailer brake activation, such as a button or lever. The button or lever connection can activate the trailer brakes without activating the tow vehicle brakes. When the handbrake button is depressed, the brake controller 10 can activate the brake output signal 24.

The signal 24 may then be the trailer brakes, sent to the trailer to connect independently of any braking signal applied to the trailer vehicle brakes.

The towing vehicle may include a braking signal connector, such as a 7-pin connector 26.

The 7-pin connector 2 6 may include a plurality of wires (wires) for carrying signals from the towing vehicle, including a right directional stop / stop and a left directional exit / stop 30 of the vehicle.

The towing vehicle can drive the right and left / stop directional output signals 28, 30 and consequently, these signals cannot be operated by the brake controller 10. Because the brake controller 10 no longer has access to directly drive the stop lights on the towing or towed vehicle, an additional component may be required in order to initiate the trailer brake light, in response to the activation of the handbrake.

In one embodiment, the towing vehicle can provide a right / stop directional light output 28 and a left / stop directional light output 30, to provide signals to a trailer with a 2-wire system with combined directional and stop lights. In one embodiment, the towing vehicle can provide outputs of right directional light, left directional light and brake light, to provide signals to a trailer with a 3-wire system, which has a brake light and directional light in each rear light. For each configuration, the taillights may require an additional component to initiate proper lighting when manual brake activation is applied.

In one embodiment, the system may include a signal converter 32. The signal converter 32 may be configured to receive inputs from both the vehicle and the brake controller 10 and drive the signal light outputs to the trailer. The signal converter 32 can be configured to receive inputs from both the vehicle and the brake controller and actuate the right and left directional light / brake signals to trailers with a two-wire connection (wires). Alternatively, the signal converter 32 may be configured to operate the separate directional and brake lights in a three-wire system (wires). For example, the signal converter 32 may be configured to operate the brake lights, while the right and left directional light signals are passed through

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cut or spliced ​​before they reach the 7-pin connector. The signal wires 28, 30 can then be connected and used as inputs to the signal converter 32. In one embodiment, the right and left / brake directional signals 28, 30 can pass through the converter, instead of being cut or spliced. .

In order to drive the trailer brake lights, the signal converter 32 must also receive a signal from the brake controller 10 indicating when the handbrake is activated. One solution is to run a wire from the brake controller 10, often located in the car cabin, to the signal converter 32, often located near the rear of the vehicle.

Alternatively, the signal converter 32 can use the brake signal output 24 of the brake controller as an input.

For example, the signal converter can access the output of the brake signal in the 7-pin connector

26. In one embodiment, the wire (wire or line) 24 of the brake output signal may be spliced ​​to provide both a signal to the trailer brakes and an input to the signal converter 32, in response to the activation of the handbrake. of the brake controller.

The signal converter 32 may be configured to read and decode the PWM signal of the brake output signal 24. For example, the signal converter 32 may be programmed with pre-set thresholds or duty cycle intervals, to determine when the PWM input signal is in a stop condition. In one embodiment, the signal converter 32 can be programmed to read a braking condition when the duty cycle of the brake output signal 24 is between 7% and 97%. However, it will be appreciated that the signal converter of the trailer 32 can apply any appropriate duty cycle threshold or interval in determining a braking condition.

With reference to the circuit diagram of Figure 1, the signal converter 32 may be configured to selectively output the right and left / stop directional output signals 34, 36, as required in a two-wire configuration (or wires). When only the right directional signal / stop 28 or only the left directional signal / stop 30 is on (such as blinking) and the handbrake is not activated, the signal converter 32 can act as a step for the left directional signals and right / stop 28, 30 to turn on or flash the left and right directional output signals / stop 34, 36. When both of the left and right / stop directional signals 28.30 are on and the handbrake is not activated, the signal converter 32 can also act as a step for the left and right directional signals / stop 28,

30.

When the parking brake is activated, signal converter 32 receives a signal indicating that the parking brake is activated. The signal converter 32 will turn on the right and left / stop directional signals 28, 30 at any time when the handbrake is activated, unless one of the directional signals is activated. If a directional signal is activated, then the side of the directional signal will flash both on the vehicle and on the trailer, while the opposite light will remain active only on the trailer.

When the brake control signal 24 is activated and both the directional signals of the right and left towing vehicle 28, 30 are on, the signal converter of the trailer 32 can flash the directional lights of the left and right tow vehicle. Alternatively, when the brake control signal 24 is activated and both the directional signals of the right and left towing vehicle 28, 30 are on, the trailer signal converter 32 can keep the directional lights of the left and right towing vehicle on.

In an embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the signal converter 32 may be configured to interconnect with a three-wire system. For example, the signal converter 32 may be configured to control separate stop lights 38, in addition to the right and left directional signal lights 34, 36.

Figure 3 illustrates a signal converter 32 having a plurality of inputs and a single output. Entries can be received from the towing vehicle and issued to the 7-pin connector 26 on the towed vehicle that connects to the trailer. The wires or wires on the input side of the signal converter 32 may include directional signals from the right and left towed vehicle 28,

30, the brake signal and brake light 25, also as a rear light signal, reverse signal and a ground signal.

While Figure 3 illustrates only two wires or wires connected as inputs to the signal converter

32, it will be appreciated that the signal converter can be configured to receive any number of signals as inputs or all signals as inputs.

The signal converter 32 can act as a step for any signals other than the inputs described below and can send the signals to the trailer. In addition, the signal converter can act as an insulator for all signals, to provide protection against overcurrent, short circuit and over temperature.

In the three-wire system, the signal converter 32 can act as a step for the directional signal of the right vehicle 28 and directional signal of the left vehicle 30. In other words, each time the directional signal of the right towed vehicle 28 is on, the directional signal of the right trailer 34 will be on and each time the directional signal of the left towed vehicle is on, the directional signal of the left trailer 36 will be on. The right and left stop light signals 38, 40 will come on every time the brake signal 24 is on. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 3, the directional signals of the right and left towed vehicle 28, 30 can run directly through the 7-pin connector 26, instead of inputs to the signal converter 32, as illustrated in the figure 3.

The signal converter 32 may include two input signals, that is, the trailer brake signal 24 and a brake light signal 25. As described above, the trailer brake signal may come from the trailer brake controller. 10 and may be a PWM signal. The signal converter of the trailer 32 can apply a threshold

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Signal of the towing vehicle brake light. The brake light signal 25 can be turned on each time the brakes of the towing vehicle are applied.

The signal converter 32 can actuate the brake light signal 38 based on the brake signal of the trailer 24 and the rear light signal 25. When either the brake signal 5 of the trailer 24 or brake light signal 25 are on, the signal converter can turn on the brake light signal 38. Furthermore, when both the brake signal of the trailer 24 and the brake light signal 25 are on, the signal converter can turn on the light signal of the brake 10 38.

The invention has been described above and modifications and alterations will be presented to others after reading and understanding this specification. The following claims are intended to include all modifications and alterations to the extent that they are within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.