brake light control device

Abstract

Brake light control device, comprising: a brake light switch (20) which is configured to output a signal according to an operating state of a brake pedal in a vehicle; a vehicle battery (10) configured to supply an electric current to a brake light (70) to enable the brake light (70) to emit light; and a stop signal module (31) wherein an input of the stop signal module (31) is connected to an external controller (50) which is configured to output a signal for on / off control of the brake light (70), wherein the brake light (70) is directly connected to an output of the stop signal module (31); wherein the vehicle battery (10) and the brake light switch (20) are connected to the input of the stop signal module (31) to supply the electrical current to the brake light (70) directly and selectively according to the operating state of a brake pedal; wherein the stop signal module (31) is set up to generate the signal for the on / off control of the brake light (70) according to external input signals using a multiplexer without a separate microprocessor.

Description

BACKGROUND(a) Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to a brake light control device. It relates in particular to a brake light control device with a simple circuit arrangement, which can eliminate various limitations such as cost, durability and malfunctions due to typical complicated circuits and the use of mechanical contact relays. (b) State of the art

[0002] It is essential for a driver to maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front while driving to prevent the possibility of a car accident. Especially with vehicles traveling at high speeds, the distance between vehicles changes rapidly and constantly due to fluctuations in their relative speeds. Therefore, the driver of a following vehicle should pay attention to the vehicle in front for signs that it is about to brake or (sometimes abruptly) stop.

[0003] For this purpose, brake lights, which illuminate when a brake pedal is pressed, are provided at the rear of a vehicle. The light emitted by the brake lights warns a driver following behind to maintain a safe distance by indicating that the brake pedal is being pressed.

[0004] To turn a brake light on or off in response to the brake pedal being pressed, a switch is required that is activated / deactivated at a contact point by the pedal's movement. Therefore, a brake light switch is provided near the vehicle's brake pedal to switch an electrical current from a battery on or off in response to the pedal's operation.

[0005] Fig. Figure 1 shows a view depicting a circuit arrangement of a typical brake light control device, which includes a brake light switch 20 that is switched on / off according to the actuation of a brake pedal. In the brake light control device, when a driver actsuates a brake pedal, the brake light switch 20 is switched on, and the electrical current from a battery 10 is supplied to the brake light 70, which represents a final load.

[0006] On / off signals from the brake light switch 20 can also be input into various control units 60 such as an engine control unit (ECU) or an electronic stability program (Electric Stability Control - ESC), so that the braking intentions of a driver, i.e., actuation of a brake pedal, can be reproduced in various control units of a vehicle.

[0007] Modern vehicles are equipped with an emergency stop signal system (ESS system), a downhill brake control system (DBC system) for slowly descending a hill at a predetermined speed, and a hill start assist control system (HAC system) to prevent a vehicle from rolling backward while stopped on a hillside.

[0008] Since ESS, DBC, and HAC systems relate to the braking of a vehicle, the function of the brake lights 70 is controlled according to the function (on / off) of the ESS, DBC, and HAC systems. Because the ABS ECU or the ESC ECU is involved in controlling the ESS system, a signal corresponding to the operating state (on / off) of the ESS is, for example, applied to the brake light control device by the ABS ECU or the ESC ECU.

[0009] Since the ESC-ECU is involved in the control of the DBC and HAC, a signal according to the operating state (On / Off) of the DBC and HAC is similarly applied to the brake light control device by the ESC-ECU.

[0010] More precisely, a plurality of relays 41 and 42, which are switched on / off by a signal according to the operating state of the ESS, DBC, and HAC—i.e., a relay control signal from an external control unit (ABS / ESC ECU)—are arranged in the brake light control device, so that the illumination state of the brake light 70 can be controlled by the operating state of the ESC, DBC, and HAC. In this case, each of the relays 41 and 42 is connected to an output of an electronic stop signal relay module, which switches an electrical current from a battery on / off according to a signal from the brake light switch 20, and optionally supplies a battery current, supplied by the electronic stop signal relay module 30 according to the operating state signal (relay control signal) of the ESS, DBC, and HAC of the ABS ECU and ESC ECU, which represent brake-related control units, to the brake lights 70 as a load.

[0011] As in Fig. As shown in Figure 1, relays 41 and 42 can comprise an ESS relay and a DBC / HAC relay in a typical brake light control device. One contact of each of the corresponding relays 41 and 42 is connected to an output of the electronic stop signal relay module 30 to switch the electrical current from a battery on / off, and an exciter of this is connected to an output of the external control 50, such as the ABS ECU and the ESC ECU.

[0012] However, the brake light control device, as it is set up above, has the limitations described below.

[0013] First, multiple mechanical relays 41 and 42 are used, and a complex wiring setup is required to connect the contact relays 41 and 42 to the electronic stop signal relay module 30, the corresponding control units (ABS ECU and ESC ECU) 50, and the brake lights. This increases the cost of parts and manufacturing. Furthermore, the use of multiple mechanical contact relays 41 and 42 introduces limitations in terms of durability, damage, and relay malfunction. Additionally, the complexity of the wiring setup and the increased length of the required wiring also limit operational reliability and stability.

[0014] From KR 10 2010 0 023 487 A, a brake light control device is known, comprising: a brake light switch configured to output a signal according to an operating state of a brake pedal in a vehicle; a vehicle battery configured to supply an electric current to a brake light to enable the brake light to emit light; and a stop signal module, wherein an input of the stop signal module is connected to an external control (50) configured to output a signal for on / off control of the brake light, wherein the brake light is directly connected to an output of the stop signal module.

[0015] US Patent 2009 / 0045931A1 discloses a vehicle deceleration warning device that is activated immediately when a driver intends to decelerate. The vehicle deceleration warning device comprises an ignition monitoring module, a first microprocessor module, a wireless transmit module, a wireless receive module, a second microprocessor module, and a display control module. The ignition monitoring module receives an ignition signal and forwards it to the first microprocessor module. The first microprocessor module performs a calculation by using the ignition signal to generate a control signal. The control signal is then transmitted wirelessly to the second microprocessor module.Finally, the second microprocessor module controls the display control module to generate a display control signal for a display device, such as a brake light and a warning light, in order to produce a warning light that indicates the deceleration of the vehicle.

[0016] US Patent 2010 / 0066528A1 describes an automatic vehicle brake light flashing system for identifying extreme braking force positions. This system comprises multiple brake lights connected to a G-force sensor. A power source transmits a braking force signal to the G-force sensor only when the brake switch is activated during vehicle braking. The G-force sensor determines a G-force value inside the vehicle only after receiving the braking force signal. A processor generates corresponding brake light signals and transmits them to the brake lights, causing them to flash at different frequencies upon automatic reception of the appropriate brake light signals.These frequencies may include: rapidly flashing brake lights for handbrake maneuvers / sudden stops; moderately slow flashing brake lights for medium-force braking maneuvers; regularly illuminated brake lights for light braking maneuvers; and continuously flashing emergency warning lights for front and rear impacts.

[0017] DE 199 20 096 B4 provides a device for controlling the brake lights in a vehicle with a braking system designed for external power actuation, comprising a control unit for controlling the vehicle brakes and a brake light switch located in the area of ​​a brake pedal, which is connected to a control unit for controlling at least one brake light. The control unit is coupled to the control unit and supplies it with signals such that, when the externally actuated braking system is in operation, the at least one brake light can be activated under first, predetermined vehicle operating conditions, even without actuating the brake light switch, and can be deactivated under second, predetermined vehicle operating conditions.

[0018] Furthermore, DE 602 15 858 T2 discloses a method for analyzing the switching on and off of the hazard warning lights of a vehicle, which includes a brake computer, a brake pedal and an accelerator pedal, hazard warning lights, an actuator for the hazard warning lights and an analysis module that extracts information about the speed and, if applicable, the acceleration of the vehicle from the internal parameters of the brake computer.

[0019] The information disclosed above in this background section is intended only to improve the understanding of the background of the invention and may therefore contain information that does not constitute the prior art already known to a person skilled in the art in this country. OVERVIEW OF THE REVELATION

[0020] The purpose of the present disclosure is to provide a brake light control device with improved reliability and stability of operation, which can be set up in a simple manner with regard to the circuitry and wiring, and can reduce costs, increase durability and decrease the probability of malfunction due to what is found in the typical complicated circuit arrangements which employ a plurality of mechanical contract relays.

[0021] The problem is solved by a brake light control device with the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are found in the dependent claims.

[0022] In one embodiment, the present invention provides a brake light control device comprising: a brake light switch that outputs a signal according to the operating state of a brake pedal in a vehicle; a vehicle battery that supplies an operating current to a brake light; and a stop signal module in which an external controller, which outputs a signal for on / off control of the brake light, is connected to an input, and the brake light is directly connected to an output. The vehicle battery and the brake light switch are connected to the input of the stop signal module to supply the electrical current to the brake light directly and selectively according to the operating state of a brake pedal, and the stop signal module is configured to apply the on / off control signal to the brake light according to external input signals using a multiplexer without a separate microprocessor.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the stop signal module may comprise: a semiconductor switch that selectively supplies current from the vehicle battery to the brake light according to an on / off switching of the current from the vehicle battery; and a switch driver circuit unit that applies a switch driver signal to switch the semiconductor switch on / off based on signals from the brake light switch and the external control.

[0024] In another preferred embodiment, the stop signal module can be provided in a single unit comprising: a terminal section with input / output terminals for connecting to and from the brake light switch, the battery, the external control unit, and the brake light; a printed circuit board with mounted electronic components forming the switch driver circuit and the semiconductor switch; and a housing configured to accommodate the circuit board and with the terminal section mounted on one side thereof.

[0025] In yet another preferred embodiment, the external control can be a control that outputs a signal according to an operating state of at least one of an emergency braking warning flasher system to warn the driver of unexpected braking, a hill descent control system to slowly drive the vehicle down a hill at a predetermined speed, and a hill start control system to prevent a vehicle from rolling backward while stationary uphill.

[0026] Further embodiments and configurations of the invention are explained below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The above and further features of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to certain exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, which below serve only for illustration and are therefore not limiting to the present invention, and wherein: Fig. Figure 1 shows a diagram illustrating a circuit arrangement of a typical brake light control device; Fig. Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating a circuit arrangement of a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram representing a circuit connection state of a stop signal module in a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention; Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram illustrating the control state of a brake light according to signals from the external controls (ESC-ECU and ABS-ECU) and a brake light switch; and Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show diagrams representing a stop signal module in a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] The reference symbols shown in the drawings include a reference to the following structural elements, as explained below: 10 batteries 20 brake light switches 30 electronic stop signal relay module 31 Stop signal module 31a Housing 32 Input (input port) 33 Switch driver circuit unit 34 semiconductor switches 35 internal circuitry 36 Output (Output port) 37 Connection part 38 circuit boards 41 ESS relays 42 DBC / HAC relays 50 external controller 51 ABS-ECU 52 ESC-ECU 60 external control 70 brake light

[0029] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are not necessarily to scale and represent a somewhat simplified depiction of various illustrative features of the principles of the invention. The specific design features of the present invention, as disclosed herein, including, for example, specific dimensions, orientations, installation locations, and shapes, are partly determined by the application specifically provided for this purpose and the working environment.

[0030] In the figures, the reference numerals refer to the same or equivalent parts of the present invention throughout the individual figures of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Reference will now be made in detail to the various embodiments of the present invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and described below. Although the invention is described in connection with exemplary embodiments, it should be noted that the present description is not intended to limit the invention to those exemplary embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover not only the exemplary embodiments, but also a wide variety of alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and further embodiments that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

[0032] It should be noted that the term "vehicle" or "vehicle-" or other equivalent terms as used herein include motor vehicles in general, such as passenger cars including sports utility vehicles (SUVs), buses, trucks, various utility vehicles, watercraft including a variety of boats and ships, aircraft and the like, and include hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, hydrogen-powered vehicles and other vehicles powered by alternative fuels (for example, fuel derived from sources other than petroleum). As referenced herein, a hybrid vehicle is a vehicle that has two or more sources of propulsion, such as both gasoline-powered and electric-powered vehicles.

[0033] Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] The present application relates to a brake light control device. It relates in particular to a brake light control device which, compared to the prior art, can be set up in a simple manner by means of a stop signal module in which a brake light switch, which outputs a signal according to the operating state of a brake pedal, a vehicle battery, which supplies electrical current to a brake light, and an external control unit, which outputs a signal for on / off control of the brake light, are connected to an input, and the brake light, which represents a final load, is connected to an output and the stop signal module.

[0035] The stop signal module can be configured to selectively supply battery current to a brake light as a load according to on / off signals from a brake light switch and signals from external controllers (ABS-ECU and ESC-ECU), and can be modularized in a signal product that includes a mechanical contact relay function.

[0036] When the stop signal module, which is provided in a single unit, is used in the circuit of a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention, the circuit arrangement of the brake light control device can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the wiring and circuit arrangement can be carried out more easily on a vehicle assembly line.

[0037] By using the above invention, costs can be reduced, durability can be increased, and malfunctions due to the use of a typical complicated circuit arrangement and a plurality of mechanical contact relays can be sufficiently eliminated to improve the durability and stability of operation.

[0038] Fig. Figure 2 shows a diagram illustrating a circuit arrangement of a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the brake light control device can include a stop signal module 31, which replaces the complicated circuit setup such as the wiring and a mechanical contact switch between a battery 10, a brake light switch 20, an external control unit 50 and a brake light 70.

[0039] In the stop signal module 31, the battery 10, the brake light switch 20, and the external control unit 50 can be arranged on one input side, and one output is directly connected to the brake light. The external control unit 50 can be a controller for outputting a signal according to the operating state of at least one ESS, DBC, and HAC.

[0040] For example, the external control unit 50 can include an ABS ECU and an ESC ECU.

[0041] A separate external control unit 60, such as an engine ECU, an SMK module, or an ESC ECU, can also be connected to a separate output of the stop signal module 31, so that the on / off signals of the brake light 70 can be supplied separately. The stop signal module 31 can be configured to forward the on / off signals of the brake light switch 20 to the engine ECU, the SMK module, or the ESC ECU 60, so that a driver's intention to brake, i.e., the operating state of a brake pedal, can be reflected in various control units of a vehicle. For this purpose, a separate output can be provided in the stop signal module 31 to output signals to the engine ECU, the SMK module, or the ESC ECU 60.

[0042] Fig. Figure 3 shows a diagram illustrating a circuit connection state of a stop signal module in a brake light control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The output of battery 10 can be connected to a first input 32 (i.e., the input terminal 1 in Fig. 3) of the stop signal module 31 to supply operating current to the brake light. The signal output of the brake light switch 20 or the signal output of the external control unit 50 can also be connected to the inputs.

[0043] In Fig. The output of the brake light switch 20 can be connected to a second input 32 (i.e., input terminal 4) of the stop signal module 31, and inputs 2, 6, and 7 of the stop signal module 31 can be connected to the signal output of the ABS ECU 51 and the ESC ECU 52, so that signals (on / off signals of operation) can be input according to the operating state of the ESS. The stop signal module 31 can also include a ground (i.e., ground terminal 8) for grounding a vehicle body. A third output (i.e., output terminal 3) for outputting the on / off signals input from the brake light switch 20 can be connected to separate external controllers 60, such as the engine ECU, the SMK module, and the ESC ECU.

[0044] Furthermore, the brake light, which represents a load, can be connected to an output 5 of the stop signal module 31. The stop signal module 31, comprising a total of eight inputs / outputs 31 and 36, is in Fig. Figure 3 illustrates the internal structure of the stop signal module 31. The stop signal module 31 can comprise a circuit arrangement for selectively switching the current from the battery 10 on and off according to signals from the external control unit 50 and the brake light switch 20. The stop signal module 31 can include a semiconductor switch 34, which selectively supplies battery current to the brake light according to an on / off switching of the current from the battery; a switch driver circuit unit 33, which applies a switch driver signal to switch the semiconductor switch 34 on and off based on signals from external control units (ABS ECU and ESC ECU) 50, 51, and 52 with respect to the control of the brake light 70 and the brake light switch 20; and an internal circuit 35, which includes further electronic components (e.g., a capacitor) for suppressing overvoltage / peak current, electromagnetic waves, and radio interference.

[0045] The semiconductor switch 34 can include an intelligent power switch capable of replacing fuses and relays in vehicles, and common semiconductor switches such as MOSFETs and IGBTs. The switch driver circuit unit 33 can be configured to generate on / off signals (high / low signals) according to external input signals using a multiplexer (MUX) without a separate Micom. The switch driver circuit unit 33 can output switch driver signals to turn the semiconductor switch 34 on / off according to the input signals (high / low signals) applied by the brake light switch 20 and the external control unit 50.

[0046] The battery current can, for example, be connected to a collector of the semiconductor switch 34, and the output of the switch driver circuit unit 33 can be connected to the gate of the semiconductor switch 34. In this case, when the semiconductor switch 34 is switched on / off according to a switch driver signal (i.e., gate driver signal) applied by the switch driver circuit unit 33, the battery current can optionally be supplied to the brake light 70.

[0047] Fig. Figure 4 shows a diagram representing the illumination state of a brake light when a semiconductor switch is turned on / off according to signals from external controls (the ESC-ECU or the ABS-ECU) and a brake light switch. Fig. 4A represents an on / off control state of the brake light according to an input signal (i.e., the signal from brake light switch 20) in a vehicle in which the ESC-ECU controls the ESS and the HAC / DBC, and Fig. 4B represents the on / off control state of the brake light according to an input signal (a signal from the ECU) in a vehicle in which the ABS ECU controls the ESS.

[0048] The circuit arrangement for controlling the switching on / off of the semiconductor switch and the switching on / off of the brake light, i.e., the circuit of the switch-driver circuit unit, can be configured in various ways so that the control state is as shown in Fig. 4A or Fig. 4B is shown according to the input signals.

[0049] In Fig. 4A, when the ESS is switched off and the brake light switch is in an on state, the brake light switches off. Even though the brake light switch is in an off state when the HAC / DBC switches on, the brake light also switches on accordingly.

[0050] In Fig. 4B, if the ESS switches on in a state where the brake light switch is in an on state, the brake light may consequently be switched off.

[0051] Alternatively, the stop signal module 31 can include a battery power source, an input terminal 32 into which signals from an external control unit 50 and a brake light switch 20 are input, an output terminal 36 for supplying an electrical current to a brake light, and output signals to a separate external control unit 60. Such an arrangement of the stop signal module 31 is described in Fig. Shown 5 to 7.

[0052] Fig. Figures 5 and 6 show perspective views and a sectional view, respectively, depicting the entire exterior of the embodiment of the present invention. Fig.Figure 7 shows a perspective view depicting a connector and terminals separated from a housing, and a printed circuit board. The stop signal module 31 can include a connector on one side of a housing 31a. The connector 37 can accommodate terminals (input / output terminals) 32 and 36 for an external connection. The housing 31a can accommodate a printed circuit board (PCB) 38 with mounted electronic components forming the switch driver circuit unit and the semiconductor switch, along with internal circuitry. Terminals 32 and 36 of the connector 37 can be connected to a connector on the PCB 38.

[0053] Accordingly, a battery and external controllers, such as the ABS ECU and the ESC ECU, which represent input elements, a brake light and a separate external controller, such as the engine ECU, which represent output elements, and a separate external connector, which is connected to the vehicle body's ground connection, are connected to the connector of the stop signal module, and the stop signal module and the corresponding input / output elements are electrically connected to each other. In this way, by using a stop signal module in which a battery, a brake light switch, and an external controller can be connected to the input side, and a brake light to the output side, the circuit arrangement of a brake light control device can be simplified compared to the prior art.

[0054] In particular, since the stop signal module can be set up in a single unit capable of replacing a typical ESS relay and DBC / HAC relay by incorporating a semiconductor switch and a switch driver circuit unit, simplification of the circuit layout, ease of wiring and circuit arrangement work, and cost savings can be achieved.

[0055] In this way, a brake light control device can utilize a stop signal module. Within the stop signal module, a brake light switch, which outputs a signal according to the operating state of the brake pedal, a vehicle battery, which supplies an electrical current to a brake light, and an external controller, which outputs a signal for on / off control of the brake light, can be connected to an input. The brake light, representing a final load, can be connected to an output and the stop signal module. The stop signal module can, in particular, incorporate a mechanical relay function. Consequently, the entire circuit arrangement of the brake light control device can be simplified compared to the prior art, and the wiring and circuit layout can be implemented more easily.

[0056] Costs can also be saved due to the use of a simple circuit arrangement, and limitations regarding durability and malfunction due to the use of a typical complicated circuit arrangement and a plurality of mechanical contact relays can be sufficiently eliminated to improve the reliability and stability of operation and the quality of vehicles.

Claims

[1] Brake light control device comprising: a brake light switch (20) which is configured to output a signal according to an operating state of a brake pedal in a vehicle; a vehicle battery (10) configured to supply an electric current to a brake light (70) to enable the brake light (70) to emit light; and a stop signal module (31) wherein an input of the stop signal module (31) is connected to an external controller (50) which is configured to output a signal for on / off control of the brake light (70), wherein the brake light (70) is directly connected to an output of the stop signal module (31); wherein the vehicle battery (10) and the brake light switch (20) are connected to the input of the stop signal module (31) to supply the electrical current to the brake light (70) directly and selectively according to the operating state of a brake pedal; wherein the stop signal module (31) is set up to generate the signal for the on / off control of the brake light (70) according to external input signals using a multiplexer without a separate microprocessor. [2] Brake light control device according to claim 1, wherein the stop signal module (31) comprises: a semiconductor switch (34) configured to selectively supply an electric current from the vehicle battery (10) to the brake light (70) according to an on / off switching of the current from the vehicle battery (10); and a switch driver circuit unit (33) which is configured to provide a switch driver signal to turn the semiconductor switch (34) on / off based on the signals from the brake light switch (20) and the external control (50). [3] Brake light control device according to claim 2, wherein the stop signal module (31) is arranged in a single unit, comprising: a connection part (37) with input / output terminals for connecting the brake light switch (20), the vehicle battery (10), the external control unit (50) and the brake light (70); a printed circuit board (38) with mounted electronic components forming the switch driver circuit unit (33) and the semiconductor switch (34); and a housing (31a) which accommodates the circuit board (38) and to which the connection part (37) is mounted laterally. [4] Brake light control device according to claim 1, wherein the external control (50) is configured to output a signal according to an operating state of at least one of an emergency brake warning flasher system to warn of unexpected braking, a hill descent control system to slowly drive the vehicle down a hill at a predetermined speed, and a hill start control system to prevent a vehicle from rolling backward while stationary uphill.

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