GB2538281A

GB2538281A - Vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control

Info

Publication number: GB2538281A
Application number: GB1508246.4A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Law Andrew
Original assignee: LODGESONS Ltd
Current assignee: LODGESONS Ltd
Priority date: 2015-05-14
Filing date: 2015-05-14
Publication date: 2016-11-16
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-14
Also published as: GB201508246D0; GB2538281B

Abstract

A vehicle direction indicator control comprises a receiver for communication with a remote auxiliary module and a databus which transmits steering wheel position information from a steering wheel angle sensor, an input in communication with an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights, and an output for enabling operation of the vehicle indicator lights. An input signal from the auxiliary module activates operation of left or right turn indicator lights and operation of the lights is cancelled when the steering wheel angle position information indicates that the steering wheel has returned to a position appropriate to cancel the lights. There is provided also apparatus comprising the aforedescribed control module and an auxiliary module for location remote from the control module and having a user interface operable to cause the auxiliary module to communicate with the control module for operation of direction indicator lights.

Description

VEHICLE DIRECTION INDICATOR AUXILLIARY CONTROL

This invention relates to a vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control and control system operable to enable a disabled driver to control the operation of the vehicle direction indicator lights without needing to use the conventional indicator stalk positioned on the steering column.

The conventional indicator stalk is moved from a rest position, usually upwards or downwards, to operate the vehicle direction indicator lights before executing a vehicle movement to the left or right. When the vehicle returns to an ahead direction the indicator lights almost invariably automatically self-cancel. That self-cancelling action typically is in consequence of a mechanical trip associated with the steering column and which operates a control switch to cancel the indicator lights upon rotation of the steering wheel to the straight ahead position.

For a disabled driver unable conveniently to operate the conventional indicator stalk it is well known to provide an auxiliary, remote control module which is operable to control the indicator lights. Typically, but not necessarily, any such remote control module is mounted on the steering wheel rim, for example as part of a ball or lollipop grip by means of which the disabled driver may rotate the steering wheel.

Although the known remote control modules operate successfully for initiating operation of direction indicators and for manually cancelling their operation, they do not usually provide a self-cancelling function. Without a self-cancelling function the disabled driver has the added demand on his or her concentration of needing manually to cancel operation of the indicator lights.

As will be readily understood, it is highly desirable to minimise any avoidable demands on the concentration of a driver and for that reason various attempts have been made to provide means for incorporating a self-cancelling function in a system in which the direction indicator lights are operated by a remote control module. That, however, is not easy to achieve.

One known technique for self cancelling is to secure sensors and magnets to the steering column but for many types of vehicle that is difficult and time consuming to install, or is not practical. As an alternative it is known also to provide a timer function whereby the operation of indicator lights is automatically cancelled after a pre-set time period. That, however, undesirably places a demand on the driver to ensure that operation of the indicator lights is re-initiated in any situation in which the indicator lights are required for safety reasons to be in operation for longer than the pre-set time period.

The present invention seeks to provide an improved vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control and apparatus and control system which closely replicates the self-cancelling function of the standard controls of the vehicle.

The invention seeks also to provide an auxiliary control and apparatus and control system which employs a remote control module suitable for mounting on a steering wheel rim, or for positioning elsewhere in the vehicle to be convenient for use by the vehicle driver, and which preferably is readily removable, or may be disabled, to enable the vehicle to be used either by a driver which requires the remote control facility or one that does not require the remote control facility for the indicator lights.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention a vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus comprises a control module and an auxiliary module for location remote from the control module for communication with the control module, the auxiliary module comprising a user interface operable to cause the auxiliary module to transmit a signal to the control module for operation of either left turn or right turn vehicle direction indicator lights, the control module comprising: a receiver for communication with the auxiliary module, a microprocessor, an input to receive steering wheel position information from a databus which, in use, transmits said information from a steering wheel angle sensor, an input to communicate with an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights, and an output for enabling operation of the vehicle indicator lights wherein in response to an input signal from the auxiliary module the microprocessor activates operation of the left or right turn indicator lights and in response to steering wheel information from the databus causes cancellation of operation of the vehicle direction indicator lights when the steering wheel angle position information indicates that the steering wheel has returned to a position appropriate to cause cancellation of operation of the indicator lights.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention there is provided a control module comprising: a receiver for communication with a remote auxiliary module, a microprocessor, an input to receive steering wheel position information from a databus which, in use, transmits said information from a steering wheel angle sensor, an input to communicate with an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights, and an output for enabling operation of the vehicle indicator lights wherein in response to an input signal from the remote auxiliary module the microprocessor activates operation of the left or right turn indicator lights and in response to steering wheel information from the databus causes cancellation of operation of the vehicle direction indicator lights when the steering wheel angle position information indicates that the steering wheel has returned to a position appropriate to cause cancellation of operation of the indicator lights.

The input may be provided to receive information from an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights.

There may be a common input to receive information from the databus and from the interconnection associated with the indicator lights control. Alternatively two separate inputs may be provided.

The databus may be of a type known per se such as a CANbus, Flexray or LINbus data transmission standard.

The auxiliary module may be of a kind securable to and more preferably also readily removable from the rim of a steering wheel. It may comprise a user interface in the form of a keypad and/or may be of a voice activated type. It may be operable to control other secondary functions such as operation of windscreen wipers and headlights.

The control module receiver may be comprised by a transceiver whereby the control module may send communications to the remote, auxiliary module, for example in respect of functions additional to direction indicators.

Communication between the auxiliary module and the control module may be effected wirelessly, for example by radio or infrared signals. Alternatively, and particularly, though not exclusively, in the case of a remote control module that is not mounted on a steering wheel a wired connection may be provided.

The control module preferably is configured such that information from an interconnection between the steering column indicator stalk and the indicator lights is effective to control operation of the indicator lights irrespective of whether or not the control module is in communication with an auxiliary module. Thus the microprocessor may be configured to effect cancellation of operation of the indicator lights only following a command from the auxiliary module to initiate operation of the indicator lights.

In an alternative arrangement, however, the control module may be configured such that the microprocessor responds only to a command from the auxiliary module to initiate operation of the indicator lights. Thus, for example, the control module may be provided with a relay or manually operable switch which in one position allows direct control of the indicator lights in response to operation of an indicator stalk and in the other position disables that direct control whereby the indicator lights are controllable solely by the auxiliary module and the self cancelling function provided by the microprocessor.

Accordingly the present invention further provides a control system for vehicle direction indicator lights wherein operation of the lights and self cancelling of their operation is effected in accordance with standard operation of the vehicle when in an non-adapted state and wherein additionally operation of the indicator lights is effected by means of an auxiliary module, said auxiliary module being a part of an auxiliary control apparatus arranged to employ an electronic signal from a steering wheel angle position sensor to provide a self cancelling function following operation of the indicator lights in response to a command from the auxiliary module.

A databus for connection between the vehicle direction indicator control and the vehicle direction indicator lights may be routed via the input and output of the control module. However, for example in the case of a control module provided with a relay or switch, the control module may connect with that interconnection without that interconnection being routed via the control module.

The present invention further provides a vehicle having a databus which is in communication with a steering wheel angle position sensor and with an interconnection between a factory fitted indicator light control and indicator lights, wherein the vehicle further comprises a control module of a type in accordance with the present invention and arranged in communication with said databus and said indicator light interconnection.

The present invention yet further provides a method of adapting a vehicle to enable vehicle direction indicator lights to be operated by an auxiliary module, said method comprising providing a control module of a type in accordance with the present invention and arranging it in communication with a databus which is in communication with a steering wheel angle position sensor and in communication with an interconnection between a factory fitted indicator light control and indicator lights.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows schematically parts of a vehicle steering wheel assembly in combination with a vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control assembly in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a view substantially similar to that of Figure 1 but in accordance with a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 3 is a view substantially similar to that of Figure 1 but in accordance with a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a view substantially similar to that of Figure 1 but in which the steering wheel assembly comprises switches in directly wired communication with indicator lights, and Figure 5 is a view substantially similar to that of Figure 3 but in which the steering wheel assembly comprises switches in directly wired communication with indicator lights.

Referring to Figure 1 a steering column 10 comprises, adjacent a steering wheel 11, a head region 12 which houses the conventional mechanisms associated with an indicator light stalk 13 linked to a mechanical self cancelling, mechanism and a wash/wipe control stalk 14.

The head region 12 also houses a conventional steering wheel angle position sensor 15. The sensor 15 employs a slit plate 16 that rotates in unison with the steering wheel and by means of an optical encoder results in a signal being sent to the vehicle ECU (not shown) via a databus 16.

The databus 16 also transmits signals responsive to operation of the indicator and wash/wipe stalks 13, 14.

In accordance with this embodiment of the invention a control module 20 is provided in proximity to the databus 16 and comprises input and output ports 21, 22 via which the databus is routed. The module 20 additionally is provided with a transceiver 23 for wireless communication with a remote keypad 24 which typically is part of a ball or lollipop control rotatably secured to the rim of the steering wheel 11.

The databus is routed through a signal modifier 25 provided within the control module 20 and which is in communication with a microprocessor 26 that also receives command signals from the transceiver 23.

The remote keypad acts as an auxiliary module and is operable to transmit to the control module a command signal calling for operation of the left or right turn indicator lights. That command signal then causes the microprocessor to send a signal through the databus section16b to initiate operation of the selected indicator lights. Additionally the microprocessor monitors steering wheel angle position information received via the databus section 16a to ensure that operation of the indicator lights is terminated when the steering wheel has turned sufficiently to a straight ahead position. Preferably the position at which the microprocessor acts to cancel the indicator lights is substantially the same as that caused by the mechanical self cancelling mechanism within the steering column head region 12.

Accordingly the indicator lights may be activated either by the stalk 13 or the keypad 24 and self cancelled either by the mechanical self-cancelling mechanism or by operation of the microprocessor.

It is not essential in the embodiment of Figure 1 that there is wireless communication with a remote keypad 24. In a modification of this embodiment the microprocessor of the control module 20 additionally or alternatively may be in wired communication with an auxiliary module 27 via a switch interface 28.

The second embodiment of the invention, (see Figure 2) relates to application of the invention to a vehicle having a databus 30 for the steering wheel angle position data and a separate databus 31 for direction indicator and other lights. In this arrangement only the databus 31 is routed through the control module 32. The other databus 30 is simply tapped into so as to provide the microprocessor with steering wheel angle information via connection 33. However, the microprocessor then functions in the same manner as in respect of the first embodiment to actuate and cancel indicator lights via the databus section 31a.

The third embodiment of the invention (see Figure 3) also relates to application of the invention to a vehicle having a databus 30 for the steering wheel angle position data and a separate databus 31 for direction indicator and other lights. In this case, however the connection 33 of the second embodiment is replaced by a secondary control module 40 that communicates wirelessly with the control module 41. Thus the microprocessor receives steering wheel angle position information via the radio transceiver 42 and not via a wired connection.

The fourth embodiment (see Figure 4) relates to application of the invention to a vehicle having a databus 50 for steering wheel angle position data and directly wired conductors 51 for communication between indicator and other lights and the control switches 52 on the head section 53 of the steering wheel.

In this application of the invention the control module 54 comprises a relay control module 55 instead of the signal modifier 25 of the embodiment of Figure 1. The relay control module comprises a set of relays 57 operable under the action of the microprocessor 56 to send a current to the respective indicator and other lights and also, in response to steering wheel angle data from the databus 50, to cancel current to the indicator light when cancelling of the indicator lights is appropriate.

In this embodiment of the invention the wired connection between the switches 52 and the lights is not cut, that being in contrast to the embodiment of Figure 1 in which the databus 16 is cut into two sections 16a and 16b and routed via the signal modifier 25.

The fifth embodiment (see Figure 5) relates to application of the invention to a vehicle which, as in the fourth embodiment, has a databus 50 for steering wheel angle position data and directly wired conductors 51 for communication between indicator and other lights and the control switches 52 on the head section 53 of the steering wheel.

However it differs from the fourth embodiment in that the databus is not in direct wired connection with the control module. Instead the databus communicates wirelessly with the control module 59 via a secondary control module 60 that is in wired connection with the databus 50.

From the foregoing it will be understood that the invention advantageously provides a self cancelling function in the case of a driver using a remote, auxiliary control, such a steering wheel mounted keypad, for operation of direction indicator lights. Furthermore the invention conveniently also allows other functions such as headlights to be controlled without use of the conventional steering wheel mounted stalk. ^

Claims

Claims 1. A vehicle direction indicator control module comprising: a receiver for communication with a remote auxiliary module, a microprocessor, an input to receive steering wheel position information from a databus which, in use, transmits said information from a steering wheel angle sensor, an input in communication with an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights, and an output for enabling operation of the vehicle indicator lights wherein in response to an input signal from the remote auxiliary module the microprocessor activates operation of the left or right turn indicator lights and in response to steering wheel information from the databus causes cancellation of operation of the vehicle direction indicator lights when the steering wheel angle position information indicates that the steering wheel has returned to a position appropriate to cause cancellation of operation of the indicator lights.
2. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 1 wherein the control module is configured such that information from an interconnection between a steering column indicator stalk and the indicator lights is effective to control operation of the indicator lights irrespective of whether or not the control module is in communication with an auxiliary module.
3. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the microprocessor is be configured to effect cancellation of operation of the indicator lights only following a command from the auxiliary module to initiate operation of the indicator lights.
4. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 1 wherein the control module is configured such that the microprocessor responds only to a command from the auxiliary module to initiate operation of the indicator lights.
5. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 4 wherein the control module is provided with at least one of a relay and a manually operable switch which in one position allows direct control of the indicator lights in response to operation of a steering column indicator stalk and in the other position disables that direct control whereby the indicator lights are controllable solely by the auxiliary module and the self cancelling function provided by the microprocessor.
6. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the control module receiver comprises by a transceiver whereby the control module is operable to send communications to the remote, auxiliary module.
7. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 6 wherein the transceiver is operable to send communications to the remote, auxiliary module in respect of functions additional to direction indicators.
8. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to any one of the preceding claims wherein communication between the auxiliary module and the control module is effected wirelessly.
9. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to any one of the preceding claims and comprising a common input to receive information from the databus and to connect with the interconnection associated with the indicator lights control.
10. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to any one of claim 1 to 8 and comprising two separate inputs to receive information from the databus and from the interconnection associated with the indicator lights control.
11. A vehicle direction indicator control module according to claim 1 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
12. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus comprising a control module and an auxiliary module for location remote from the control module for communication with the control module, the auxiliary module comprising a user interface operable to cause the auxiliary module to transmit a signal to the control module for operation of either left turn or right turn vehicle direction indicator lights, the control module comprising: a receiver for communication with the auxiliary module, a microprocessor, an input to receive steering wheel position information from a databus which, in use, transmits said information from a steering wheel angle sensor, an input in communication with an inter-connection between a vehicle direction indicator light control and vehicle direction indicator lights, and an output for enabling operation of the vehicle indicator lights wherein in response to an input signal from the auxiliary module the microprocessor activates operation of the left or right turn indicator lights and in response to steering wheel information from the databus causes cancellation of operation of the vehicle direction indicator lights when the steering wheel angle position information indicates that the steering wheel has returned to a position appropriate to cause cancellation of operation of the indicator lights.
13. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to claim 12 and comprising a control module according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
14. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to claim 12 or claim 13 wherein the auxiliary module is securable to the rim of a steering wheel.
15. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to claim 14 wherein the auxiliary module is readily removable from the rim of a steering wheel.
16. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 15 wherein the auxiliary module comprise a user interface in the form of a keypad.
17. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 16 wherein the auxiliary module comprise a user interface of a voice activated type.
18. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 17 wherein the auxiliary module is operable also to control a secondary function such as operation of windscreen wipers or headlights.
19. A vehicle direction indicator auxiliary control apparatus according to any one of claims 12 to 18 or a control module according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein communication is effected wirelessly between the control module and an auxiliary module.
20. An auxiliary control apparatus according to claim12 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
21. A control system for vehicle direction indicator lights wherein operation of the lights and self cancelling of their operation is effected in accordance with standard operation of the vehicle when in an non-adapted state and wherein additionally operation of the indicator lights can be effected by means of an auxiliary module, said auxiliary module being a part of an auxiliary control apparatus arranged to employ an electronic signal from a steering wheel angle position sensor to provide a self cancelling function following operation of the indicator lights in response to a command from the auxiliary module.
22. A control system according to claim 21 and substantially as hereinbefore described.
23. A vehicle having a databus which is in communication with a steering wheel angle position sensor and having an interconnection between a factory fitted indicator light control and indicator lights, wherein the vehicle further comprises a control module of a type in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11 and arranged in communication with said databus and said indicator light interconnection.
24. A method of adapting a vehicle to enable vehicle direction indicator lights to be operated by an auxiliary module, said method comprising providing a control module of a type in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 11, arranging it in communication with a databus which is in communication with a steering wheel angle position sensor and arranging it in communication with an interconnection between a factory fitted indicator light control and indicator lights.