Method for preventing undesirable movement of a trailer coupled to a towing vehicle

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for preventing unwanted movement of a trailer coupled to a tow vehicle. One method includes obtaining sensor data via one or more tow vehicle sensors indicating movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer; and, in response to an indication of movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer, automatically activating a trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer.

Description

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods and systems for braking a trailer attached to a vehicle, particularly to automatic braking and / or user-controlled braking for a specific period of time.

[0002] Many vehicles are equipped to tow a trailer that is selectively coupled to the vehicle. Some of these vehicles have features to control the brake signal sent to the trailer to generate braking force through the trailer brakes. This requires a trailer brake controller, which is either original equipment on a vehicle or can be added as an aftermarket product. While driving, the trailer brake controller allows the driver to adjust the strength of the signal sent to the trailer brakes to suit operating conditions. If no signal is sent to the trailer brakes—i.e., if the trailer brakes are not receiving power—the trailer brakes will not brake the trailer.

[0003] Therefore, if a driver or other person is not in the driver's seat to apply the trailer brakes, the trailer brakes will be inoperable. This situation can be undesirable under certain conditions. For example, the vehicle and trailer may be parked on a steep incline, so the vehicle's parking brake cannot provide sufficient stopping force to prevent unwanted movement. In addition, when loading a vehicle onto the trailer, the normal force of the tow vehicle's rear tires may be reduced due to the forces of the towed vehicle on the trailer. In fact, the tow vehicle's rear tires may be lifted off the ground surface. As a result, the tow vehicle's brakes may be ineffective in preventing longitudinal movement of the tow vehicle and trailer.

[0004] Accordingly, it is desirable to provide improved methods and systems for activating braking of a trailer coupled to a vehicle. The methods and systems can provide for automatic trailer braking when movement of the trailer and / or the towing vehicle is detected. Additionally or alternatively, the methods and systems can enable user-controlled trailer braking. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics of the present disclosure will be apparent from the following detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background.

[0005] DE 10 2020 126 627 A1 discloses that a trailer brake gain in a towing configuration of a towing vehicle and a trailer can be determined by providing a processor with information about the rotation of the trailer wheels. The processor provides trailer brake control signals with a plurality of different trailer brake gain ratings. The processor determines the trailer brake gain based on the trailer wheel rotation information corresponding to the plurality of different trailer brake gain ratings.

[0006] DE 10 2013 103 068 A1 discloses a method for automatically braking a trailer of a towing vehicle-trailer combination. The towing vehicle has a friction brake, characterized by monitoring the trailer using an electronic monitoring and control device to determine whether the trailer is decelerating in the direction of travel, and monitoring the friction brake system of the towing vehicle using the electronic monitoring and control device to determine whether a braking request signal is being fed into the friction brake of the towing vehicle due to a braking request. If no braking request signal is being fed into the friction brake system of the towing vehicle and if the detected deceleration (dV_rad / dt, a) of one trailer exceeds a predetermined limit, a trailer brake is automatically activated by the electronic monitoring and control device.

[0007] US 2016 / 0 009 288 A1 discloses a method for estimating the road gradient of a trailer. The method includes calculating the road gradient beneath a trailer vehicle based on a difference between a first estimated mass and a second estimated mass.

[0008] DE 10 2011 118 169 A1 discloses a method for automatically controlling the braking system of a trailer vehicle, which can be rolled along a roadway by a towing vehicle assigned to the trailer vehicle, by means of an electronic control device. At least one of the following input variables: a) the rolling speed (v) of the trailer vehicle, b) the distance (s) traveled by the trailer vehicle from a starting time, or c) the distance (d) of the trailer vehicle from the towing vehicle is received and evaluated in the electronic control device. Controlled by the electronic control device, the braking force of the trailer vehicle's brakes is automatically increased if the electronic control device determines that at least one of the input variables reaches or exceeds a predetermined limit value.

[0009] In one embodiment, a method for preventing unwanted movement of a trailer coupled to a tow vehicle is provided. The method includes obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors of the tow vehicle indicating movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer; and, in response to an indication of movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer, automatically activating a trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer.

[0010] The method further comprises loading a towed vehicle onto the trailer, wherein obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors of the towing vehicle indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer is performed during loading of the towed vehicle onto the trailer.

[0011] The method includes determining that the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle, determining whether the tow vehicle is off or on, determining that the tow vehicle is in a park position or in a neutral position, determining whether the sensor data is within calibratable values, activating a parking brake of the tow vehicle if the parking brake is not engaged.

[0012] In certain embodiments of the method, obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors of the towing vehicle indicative of movement of the towing vehicle and / or the trailer includes obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors of the towing vehicle indicative of movement of the towing vehicle or rotation of a front wheel of the towing vehicle.

[0013] In certain embodiments of the method, obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors of the tow vehicle indicative of movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer includes obtaining sensor data from an inertial measurement unit (IMU).

[0014] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises communicating to a vehicle operator a warning that the trailer brake has been automatically activated.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the method further includes automatically deactivating the trailer brake after a predetermined period of time.

[0016] In certain embodiments of the method, the automatic activation of the trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer further comprises the automatic activation of a parking brake of the towing vehicle.

[0017] In certain embodiments of the method, the towing vehicle is in park position and is OFF (switched off).

[0018] In certain embodiments of the method, the towing vehicle is in park position and is ON (switched on).

[0019] In certain embodiments of the method, a control module determines that the tow vehicle and / or the trailer is moving and commands activation of the trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer.

[0020] In certain embodiments of the method, the control module determines that the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle; determines whether the tow vehicle is OFF (powered off) or ON (powered on); determines that the tow vehicle is in a park position or a neutral position; determines whether the sensor data is within calibratable values; and activates a trailer brake power module to activate the trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer.

[0021] In certain embodiments of the method, the control module activates a parking brake of the towing vehicle when the parking brake is not activated.

[0022] In certain embodiments of the method, the control module activates the trailer brake independently without manual input.

[0023] In another embodiment, a system for braking a trailer connected to a tow vehicle is provided. The system includes a trailer brake that prevents rotation of the trailer's wheels, the trailer brake being off when not energized; a trailer brake power module coupled to the trailer brake for selectively energizing the trailer brake; and a switch operable by an operator to activate the trailer brake power module to selectively energize the trailer brake for a selected period of time.

[0024] In certain embodiments of the system, the switch is remote from the towing vehicle.

[0025] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises one or more sensors of the tow vehicle configured to receive sensor data indicative of movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer; and a control module configured to determine whether the trailer brake is activated, to determine whether the tow vehicle and / or the trailer is moving based on the sensor data, and to automatically activate the trailer brake power module to selectively energize the trailer brake for a selected period of time when the trailer brake is not activated and the tow vehicle and / or the trailer is moving.

[0026] In certain embodiments, the system further comprises one or more sensors of the tow vehicle configured to receive sensor data indicative of movement of the tow vehicle and / or the trailer; a control module, the control module configured to determine that the trailer is connected to the tow vehicle; determine whether the tow vehicle is OFF (powered off) or ON (powered on); determine whether the tow vehicle is in a park position or a neutral position; determine whether the trailer brake is activated; determine whether the sensor data is within calibratable values; and activate the trailer brake performance module to activate the trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer for a selected period of time.

[0027] In certain embodiments of the system, the control module is configured to provide the operator with a warning that the trailer brake has been automatically activated.

[0028] In another embodiment, a vehicle is provided and includes a vehicle body configured to be coupled to a trailer having a trailer brake; one or more sensors configured to receive sensor data for the vehicle; a processor coupled to the one or more sensors and configured to determine that the trailer is connected to the vehicle; determine whether the vehicle is OFF (powered off) or ON (powered on); determine whether the vehicle is in a park or neutral position; determine whether the trailer brake is engaged; determine from the sensor data whether the vehicle and / or trailer are moving; engage the trailer brake to prevent movement of the trailer for a selected period of time; and communicate an alert that the trailer brake has been automatically engaged to a vehicle operator.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the vehicle further includes a manual switch operable by the vehicle operator to activate the trailer brake for a specified period of time.

[0030] The present disclosure will now be described in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like numerals indicate like elements and wherein: Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram of a vehicle-trailer system, according to example embodiments; Fig. 2 is a schematic representation of a vehicle-trailer system with various parameters, according to example embodiments; Fig. 3 a flowchart of a method for braking the trailer of the vehicle-trailer system of the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, according to exemplary embodiments.

[0031] With reference to Fig. 1, certain features of a vehicle-trailer system 28 are illustrated in functional block diagram form, including a vehicle 20 and a trailer 22. It will be appreciated that the vehicle 20 is configured to be used as a towing vehicle for towing a trailer, such as the trailer 22. In various embodiments, the vehicle 20 is an automobile. The vehicle 20 may be any of a number of different types of automobiles, such as a sedan, station wagon, cargo van, truck, or sport utility vehicle (SUV), and may be two-wheel drive (2WD) (i.e., rear-wheel drive or front-wheel drive), four-wheel drive (4WD), or all-wheel drive (AWD), and / or various other types of vehicles in certain embodiments. In certain embodiments, the vehicle 20 may also include another type of mobile platform.

[0032] In various embodiments, the trailer 22 may include any number of different types of trailers and / or other types of mobile platforms that are coupled to the vehicle 20 and move along with the vehicle 20, for example. As shown in Fig. 1, the trailer 22 includes, in various embodiments, among other features, a plurality of wheels 56, a body 58, a braking system 60, and trailer brakes 114. The trailer brakes 114 may be of any suitable design. For example, the trailer brakes 114 may be electric or electro-hydraulic. Although the trailer 22 is illustrated with four wheels 56, the number of wheels 56 may vary in various embodiments.

[0033] The trailer 22 can be releasably coupled to the vehicle 20 by a connector 25 for travel over a roadway. The connector 25 can be configured as one of various types, including a fifth wheel, a drawbar, a hitch, a ball hitch, a gooseneck, etc. As used herein, the term "vehicle" can refer to a base vehicle, such as the vehicle 20, that tows a towed vehicle "trailer," such as the trailer 22. The term tow vehicle or tow vehicle can also refer to the vehicle 20 that performs the towing. In embodiments, a motorized automobile can serve as the vehicle 20 that pulls the trailer 22 in a vehicle-trailer system 28. The trailer 22 is shown for illustrative purposes and can be any mobile device towed by the vehicle 20, e.g.,a boat trailer, a camping trailer, a utility trailer, a special type of mobile equipment, etc.

[0034] As in Fig. 1, the vehicle 20 includes a body 62 disposed on or integrated with a chassis. The body 62 substantially encloses other components of the vehicle 20. The vehicle 20 also includes a plurality of wheels 64. The wheels 64 are each pivotally connected to the chassis near a corner of the body 62 to facilitate movement of the vehicle 20. In one embodiment, the vehicle 20 includes four wheels 64, although this may vary in other embodiments (e.g., for trucks and certain other vehicles).

[0035] A drive system 68 is installed in the vehicle 20, which drives the wheels 64, for example, via the axles 66, 67. In certain embodiments, the drive system 68 includes a propulsion system 70. In certain embodiments, the propulsion system 70 includes a powerplant 72, such as an internal combustion engine and / or an electric motor / generator, coupled to a transmission 65. In certain embodiments, the drive system 68 may vary, and / or two or more drive systems 68 may be used. For example, the vehicle 20 may also have any combination of different types of propulsion systems 70, such as a gasoline or diesel-powered internal combustion engine, a flex-fuel vehicle engine (i.e., a mixture of gasoline and alcohol), an engine powered by a gaseous compound (e.g., hydrogen and / or natural gas), an internal combustion / electric motor hybrid engine, and an electric motor.

[0036] As in Fig. 1, in various embodiments, the vehicle 20 also includes a braking system 78. In exemplary embodiments, the braking system 78 controls the deceleration of the vehicle 20 using an actuator 82, which may be controlled via inputs from a driver, for example, via a brake pedal as actuator 82, and in certain embodiments via automatic control by a control system 84. The braking system 78 includes brakes, such as brake 85, at each of the wheels 64. Further, the vehicle 20 may include sensors 55 to obtain sensor data indicative of the movement or non-movement of the vehicle 20. The sensors 55 may be, for example, inertial measurement units (IMUs). The sensors 55 may monitor the rotation of the wheels 64, for example, the rotation of the rear wheels 64 and / or the rotation of the front wheels 64.

[0037] As in Fig. 1, in various embodiments, the vehicle 20 also includes a steering system 80. In exemplary embodiments, the steering system 80 controls the steering of the vehicle 20 via an actuator 86, e.g., with inputs from a steering wheel 88 (e.g., in conjunction with a steering column coupled to the axle 66 and / or the wheels 64), controlled via inputs provided by a driver, and in certain embodiments, via automatic control via the control system 84.

[0038] In the Fig. 1, the control system 84 is coupled to various systems, including the braking system 78 and the steering system 80 of the vehicle 20, as well as the braking system 60 of the trailer 22.

[0039] In various embodiments, the control system 84 may also be coupled to one or more other systems and / or components of the vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22 and includes a control module or controller 90 and an automatic braking module 91. As shown in Fig. 1, the controller 90 and the automatic braking module 91 are part of or comprise a computer system 92. It is clear that the controller 90 is independent of the Fig. 1. The controller 90 may be configured as any number of controllers and / or microcontrollers that communicate with each other. The automatic braking module 91 may be integrated into the controller 90 or separate from the controller 90 and coupled to it and to the trailer braking system 60.

[0040] As in Fig. 1, the controller 90 is coupled to various devices and systems of the vehicle 20, such as the braking system 78 and the steering system 80. The controller 90 can receive information from various sources, process that information, and provide control commands based thereon to achieve results such as the operation of the vehicle 20 and its systems, including the braking system 78. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 90 includes a processor 94 and a memory device 96 and is connected to a memory device 98. The processor 94 performs the computational and control functions of the controller 90 and can include any type of processor or multiple processors, individual integrated circuits such as a microprocessor, or any suitable number of integrated circuits and / or circuit boards that cooperate to perform the functions of a processing unit.During operation, the processor 94 may execute one or more programs and use data, each of which may be contained in the storage device 98, and as such, the processor 94 controls the general operation of the controller 90 in performing the processes described herein, such as the processes and methods described in more detail below.

[0041] The storage device 96 may be any suitable type of memory. For example, the storage device 96 may include volatile and non-volatile memory in read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), and keep-alive memory (KAM). KAM is persistent or non-volatile memory that can be used to store various operating variables while the processor 94 is powered off. The storage device 96 may be implemented using any number of known storage devices such as PROMs (programmable read-only memory), EPROMs (erasable PROMs), EEPROMs (electrically erasable PROMs), flash memory, or other electrical, magnetic, optical, or combination storage devices capable of storing data, some of which represent executable instructions used by the controller 90.In the illustrated embodiment, the storage device 96 may store the above-mentioned programs together with one or more stored values ​​of the data, for example, for short-term data access.

[0042] The storage device 98 stores data, e.g., for long-term data access for use in the automatic control of the vehicle 20 and its systems. The storage device 98 may be any suitable type of storage device, including direct access storage devices such as hard disk drives, flash systems, floppy disk drives, and optical drives. The storage device 98 comprises a non-transitory, computer-readable medium configured to store programs and data, e.g., about parameters of the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22. In an exemplary embodiment, the storage device 98 comprises a source from which the storage device 96 obtains the programs that carry out one or more embodiments of one or more methods of the present disclosure.In another exemplary embodiment, the programs may be stored and / or otherwise accessed directly in the storage device 96. The programs represent executable instructions used by the controller 90 in processing information and controlling the vehicle 20 and its systems, including the braking system 78. While the components of the control system 84 are illustrated as part of one and the same system, it should be understood that in certain embodiments, these features may encompass multiple systems. Furthermore, in various embodiments, the control system 84 may be comprised, in whole or in part, of and / or coupled to various other vehicle devices and systems, such as, but not limited to, the propulsion system 70 and / or other systems of the vehicle 20.

[0043] While this exemplary embodiment is described in the context of a fully functional computer system, those skilled in the art will recognize that the mechanisms of the present disclosure may be distributed as a program product having one or more types of non-transitory, computer-readable, signal-bearing media used to store the program and its instructions and to effect its distribution, such as a non-transitory, computer-readable medium carrying the program and having computer instructions stored therein for causing a computer processor (such as processor 94) to perform and execute the program. Such a program product may take a variety of forms, and the present disclosure applies equally regardless of the particular type of computer-readable, signal-bearing medium used to effect distribution.Examples of signal-bearing media include writable media such as floppy disks, hard disks, memory cards, and optical discs, as well as transmission media such as digital and analog communication links. In certain embodiments, cloud-based storage and / or other technologies may also be used. It will also be appreciated that the computer system 92 of the controller 90 may otherwise be different from the one shown in FIG. Fig. 1 may differ from the embodiment shown.

[0044] The controller 90 is coupled to various actuators, including actuators 82, 86 and the drive system 70. The controller 90 is also coupled to various sensors that sense observable conditions of the vehicle-trailer system 28. In this embodiment, the sensor devices include, among others, a brake sensor 100, e.g., a pedal position sensor, a steering angle sensor 102, an acceleration sensor, e.g., an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 55, and a torque demand sensor 105, e.g., at the accelerator pedal or throttle. Optionally, the measurement devices may include a trailer load sensor 111. The IMU 55 may include accelerometers and gyroscopes, which may be in electronic form, to enable motion, position, and navigation sensing across a range of degrees of freedom.For example, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) can be used to detect translational movements such as sway, heave, wobble, and rotational movements such as roll, pitch, and yaw.

[0045] In various embodiments, the IMU 55 measures inertial measurement data and / or related parameters of the vehicle 20, which may include motion, acceleration, and an incline or grade on which the vehicle 20 is located. In certain embodiments, the optional trailer load sensor 111 may measure the force at the connector 25, e.g., between the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20.

[0046] In various embodiments, the controller 90 is connected to, among other things, the sensors, the braking system 78 of the vehicle 20, and the braking system 60 of the trailer 22. For example, the trailer 22 may be electrically coupled to the vehicle 20 via a connector 110, e.g., a multi-pin electrical connector. In certain embodiments, the controller 90 may also be coupled to the steering system 80, the drive system 70, and / or one or more other systems, devices, and / or components of the vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22.

[0047] As shown, the controller 90 may receive the brake pedal input or vehicle brake pressure from the brake sensor 100 as sensor data input for the trailer brake controller.

[0048] In various embodiments, the controller 90 receives sensor data, processes the sensor data, and controls braking of the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22 (via the vehicle braking system 78 and the trailer braking system 60, respectively) based on the processing of the sensor data, as described further below.

[0049] It is pointed out that in Fig. 1, the controller 90 is described as an integrated controller that controls both the vehicle brakes 85 and the trailer brakes 114. In some embodiments, the control of the vehicle brakes 85 and the trailer brakes 114 may be performed by separate control systems.

[0050] In Fig. 2, the vehicle-trailer system is shown schematically, with the vehicle 20 connected to the trailer 22 and parked on a roadway 24. As shown, the vehicle 20 is stationary, with an emergency brake or parking brake 85 (see Fig. 1) on the rear wheels 64 (see Fig. 1) prevents movement of the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22. A normal force 203 is directed from the vehicle 20 onto the roadway 24 at the rear wheel.

[0051] As in Fig. 2, a second vehicle 200, ie a vehicle to be towed or a towed vehicle, is driven onto a ramp and onto the trailer 22. As a result, a normal force 212 is directed from the towed vehicle 200 onto the ramp of the trailer 22. As a result, the trailer 22 can turn around its wheels 56 (see Fig. 1) in the direction of the arrow 201 and apply a force 202 to the towing vehicle 20 at the connecting piece 25 (see Fig. 1) that is opposite to the normal force 203. At the same time, the towed vehicle 200 can exert a longitudinal force 213 on the trailer 22.

[0052] If the longitudinal force 213 is greater than the maximum braking force 204 of the vehicle 20, the towed vehicle 200 causes the trailer 22 and the towing vehicle 20 to move in the longitudinal direction.

[0053] In addition, the application of force 202 to vehicle 20 reduces the frictional force between vehicle 20 and road surface 24, thereby reducing maximum braking force 204. In certain cases, force 202 may be sufficient to lift the rear wheels of vehicle 20 from road surface 24, so that braking force 204 is zero.

[0054] The embodiments presented here activate the trailer brakes 114 (see Fig. 1) to prevent longitudinal movement of the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20, e.g., when a vehicle 200 is being loaded onto the trailer 22. In certain embodiments, the controller 90 automatically activates the trailer brakes 114, e.g., when movement of the vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22 is detected. In other embodiments, a user can manually activate the trailer brakes 114, for example, by transmitting a signal to the controller 90. While certain embodiments are described herein with respect to an active loading situation, it should be understood that the automatic and / or manually controlled parking brake systems and methods are not limited to use during the loading of a vehicle onto the trailer. Rather, the systems and methods may be employed any time when deceleration of the trailer is desired to prevent unwanted movement.

[0055] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the controller 90 may receive sensor data, e.g., from the IMUs 55, that the front wheels 64 are rotating, indicating movement of the vehicle 20. It should be noted that the rotation of the front wheels 64 may more accurately indicate vehicle movement than the rotation of the rear wheels 64, since the rear wheels 64 may be off the road surface 24 and not rotating despite the longitudinal movement of the vehicle 20. Within the controller 90, emergency trailer parking brake activation logic 250 may receive the sensor data and determine whether the vehicle 20 has moved, is moving, or is about to move.

[0056] The emergency trailer parking brake activation logic 250 may transmit a signal to an internal trailer brake controller 260. The internal trailer brake controller 260, in turn, may activate the trailer brake power module 270. When activated, the trailer brake power module 270 supplies power to the trailer brakes 114. When the vehicle parking brake 85 is not activated, the system activates both the trailer brakes 114 and the vehicle parking brakes 85. In certain embodiments, each trailer brake 114 is applied with 100% of the braking power of the trailer brake 114. In other embodiments, each trailer brake 114 is applied with a partial activation sufficient to prevent movement of the trailer 22.

[0057] As a result, the trailer brakes 114 exert a braking force 205 on the trailer 22 that is greater than the longitudinal force 213 exerted on the trailer 22 by the towed vehicle 200. Although the rear axle of the vehicle 20 may be raised due to the force 202 even after the trailer brakes 114 are applied, the vehicle brakes are no longer needed because the trailer brakes 114 are sufficient to hold the vehicle 20 and the trailer 22 in position. Furthermore, there is no risk of the trailer wheels 56 being lifted from the road surface 24 by the forces of the towed vehicle 200.

[0058] It should be noted that the trailer brake power module 270 draws power from the battery of the vehicle 20. Therefore, the trailer brakes 114 may eventually drain the battery and become disabled due to a lack of power. Furthermore, prolonged activation of the trailer brakes 114 may also damage the trailer brake power module 270. To avoid draining the battery and / or damaging the trailer brake power module 270, the controller 90 may activate the trailer brake power module 270 only for a specific period of time. Further, the controller 90 may transmit a signal to a user interface 290 indicating that the trailer brakes 114 have been automatically activated for the set period of time.

[0059] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, another mode of operation is provided. In particular, a user may use the user interface 290 to activate the trailer brakes 114 for a set or predetermined period of time. The user may activate the trailer brakes 114 from a remote position, i.e., from a position external to the towing vehicle 20. Alternatively, the user may also apply the trailer brakes 114 from the driver's seat of the vehicle 20. However, the user is not required to remain in the driver's seat of the vehicle 20, as the trailer brakes 114 are activated for a set period of time and do not require constant application, such as holding a brake in a depressed position. The user interface 290 may include a driver interface in the towing vehicle 20, a mobile phone application located on the user's mobile device or phone.The user interface 290 may comprise a software switch or soft switch or a physically actuatable switch, ie, a hard switch.

[0060] As in Fig. 2, the user may transmit a signal from the user interface 290 to the internal trailer brake controller 260. The internal trailer brake controller 260, in turn, may activate the trailer brake power module 270. When activated, the trailer brake power module 270 supplies power to the trailer brakes 114. Again, the trailer brake power module 270 may supply power to the trailer brakes 114 for a specific or selected period of time. Such a mode of operation allows a single user to load a vehicle 200 onto the trailer 22, as it is not necessary for a second person to be present in the tow vehicle 20 during the activation of the trailer brakes 114.

[0061] Although in Fig. 2 depicts a level road surface 24 and a loading operation, the system and methods described herein are not limited to use on level road surfaces 24 or to loading operations. For example, when parked on an incline, the parking brake of the vehicle 20 may not be sufficient to prevent movement of the trailer 22 and the vehicle 20. Therefore, the controller 90 may automatically activate the trailer brakes 114 when movement is detected, or a user may use the user interface 290 to activate the trailer brakes 114 for a specified period of time.

[0062] With cross-reference to Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a method for preventing unwanted movement of a trailer 22 coupled to a tow vehicle 20 is shown. The method includes loading a towed vehicle 200 onto the trailer 22; while loading the towed vehicle 200 onto the trailer 22, obtaining sensor data about the tow vehicle 20 indicative of movement of the tow vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22; and, in response to an indication of movement of the tow vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22, automatically activating a trailer brake 114 to prevent movement of the trailer 22. In the method, the sensor data indicates rotation of a front wheel 64 of the tow vehicle 20. In the method, the sensor data may be obtained from an inertial measurement unit (IMU) 55. The method may further include alerting or notifying a vehicle operator that the trailer brake has been automatically activated.The warning may be delivered via the user interface 290, e.g., via the Driver Information Center (DIC), via a touchscreen, via a key fob, or via a mobile software application, e.g., a phone "app." Additionally or alternatively, the warning may be delivered by flashing the vehicle lights or by activating the vehicle horn. The method may further include automatically deactivating the trailer brake 114 after a predetermined period of time. The method may further include warning or notifying the vehicle operator that the trailer brake is being deactivated.

[0063] In certain embodiments, the method may be performed when the tow vehicle is in park or neutral and is turned off (OFF) or when the tow vehicle is in park or neutral and is turned on (ON).

[0064] In certain embodiments, the controller 90 determines that the tow vehicle 20 and / or the trailer 22 is moving and commands activation of the trailer brake 114 to prevent movement of the trailer 22.

[0065] With reference to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, a system for braking a trailer 22 connected to a parked tow vehicle 20 includes a trailer brake 114 that prevents rotation of the wheels 64 of the trailer 22. The trailer brake 114 is OFF, or in an OFF or disabled state, when not energized, and is ON, or in an ON or activated state when energized. The system includes a trailer brake power module 270 connected to the trailer brake to selectively energize the trailer brake. The system includes a switch 290 operable by an operator to activate the trailer brake power module 270 to selectively energize the trailer brake 114 for a selected period of time. As described above, the switch 290 may be remote from the tow vehicle 20 or located within the tow vehicle 20.

[0066] In Fig.Figure 3 illustrates an algorithm 300 for the control module 90 for automatically applying the trailer brakes 114. As illustrated, the algorithm 300 begins with the start-up procedure 301.

[0067] At query 310, algorithm 300 queries whether trailer 22 is connected to vehicle 20. If not, algorithm 300 may wait at operation 311.

[0068] If algorithm 300 determines that trailer 22 is connected to vehicle 20, the algorithm proceeds to query 320. The connection between trailer 22 and vehicle 20 can be detected, for example, by the decreasing voltage due to the electrical resistance of the trailer circuit.

[0069] At query 320, algorithm 300 queries whether vehicle 20 is OFF. If so, vehicle 20 is OFF, and algorithm 300 proceeds to query 330.

[0070] At query 330, algorithm 300 queries whether the vehicle is moving, i.e., whether undesirable vehicle movement is detected. If so, vehicle 20 is moving, and algorithm 300 proceeds to operation 340.

[0071] In certain embodiments, at query 330, algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle is moving by comparing sensor data with stored or calibratable values. For example, the sensor data may be provided by an IMU, and at query 330, the algorithm determines whether the IMU acceleration data is greater than a stored value.

[0072] At operation 340, the algorithm 300 activates the trailer brake power module. Activation of the trailer brake power module may result in operation 350: stopping the movement of the trailer and vehicle by setting the trailer brake duty cycle, e.g., to 100% or to a partial activation sufficient to prevent movement of the trailer 22; activating the trailer brake 114; activating the vehicle parking brake 85 if it is not active; alerting the user, e.g., via DIC, touchscreen, flashing, honking, or via a mobile app; waiting for the user to deactivate the trailer brake for a calibratable maximum period of time; and, if the user does not deactivate the trailer brake during the calibratable maximum period of time, deactivating the trailer brake after the calibratable maximum period of time.It is noted that the algorithm may determine the calibratable maximum time period based on the remaining power in the vehicle power supply, i.e., the battery, and based on the power consumption of the trailer brake and / or based on the limitation of the time period to avoid damage to the trailer brake power module 270.

[0073] If the algorithm 300 determines from the query 330 that the vehicle 20 is not moving, the algorithm 300 may restart with the query 310.

[0074] If the algorithm 300 determines at query 320 that the vehicle 20 is not turned off, the algorithm 300 proceeds to query 360.

[0075] At query 360, algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle transmission is in park or neutral. If so, the vehicle transmission is in park or neutral, and algorithm 300 proceeds to query 370.

[0076] At query 370, algorithm 300 queries whether the vehicle is moving, i.e., whether undesirable vehicle movement is detected. If so, vehicle 20 is moving, and algorithm 300 proceeds with operation 340 described above.

[0077] In certain embodiments, at query 370, algorithm 300 determines whether the vehicle is moving by comparing sensor data to stored or calibratable values. For example, the sensor data may be provided by an IMU, and at query 370, the algorithm determines whether the IMU acceleration data is greater than a stored value. Alternatively, the sensor data may be provided by a sensor for determining the vehicle's front wheel rotation or rear wheel speed. In either case, the sensor data is compared to stored or calibratable values ​​to determine whether the vehicle is moving.

[0078] If the algorithm determines from query 370 that the vehicle is not moving, the algorithm 300 may restart with query 310.

[0079] If the algorithm 300 determines from query 360 that the vehicle transmission is not in the park position and not in the neutral position, the algorithm 300 may restart with query 310.

[0080] Thus, the algorithm 300 enables the automatic and independent activation of a trailer brake without manual input.

Claims

[1] A method (300) for preventing unwanted movement of a trailer (22) coupled to a towing vehicle (20), the method (300) comprising: Obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) indicating movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22); and in response to an indication of movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22), automatically activating (340) a trailer brake (114) to prevent movement of the trailer (22), Loading a towed vehicle (200) onto the trailer (22); wherein obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) indicating a movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22) is carried out during loading of the towed vehicle (200) onto the trailer (22), Determining (310) that the trailer (22) is connected to the towing vehicle (20); Determining (320) whether the towing vehicle (20) is switched off or switched on; Determining (360) that the towing vehicle (20) is in a parked position or in a neutral position; Determining (370) whether the sensor data is within calibratable values; Activating a parking brake (85) of the towing vehicle (20) when the parking brake (85) is not activated. [2] The method (300) of claim 1, wherein obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) indicative of movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22) comprises obtaining sensor data about one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) indicative of movement of the towing vehicle (20) or rotation of a front wheel (64) of the towing vehicle (20). [3] The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising: Transmitting (350) a warning to the driver that the trailer brake (114) has been automatically activated. [4] The method (300) of claim 1, further comprising: Automatic deactivation of the trailer brake (114) after a certain period of time. [5] The method (300) of claim 1, wherein automatically activating the trailer brake (114) to prevent movement of the trailer (22) further comprises automatically activating a parking brake (85) of the towing vehicle (20). [6] A system (28) for braking a trailer (22) connected to a towing vehicle (20), the system (28) comprising: a trailer brake (114) configured to prevent rotation of wheels (56) of the trailer (22), the trailer brake (114) being de-energized (OFF); a trailer brake power module (270) coupled to the trailer brake (114) for selectively supplying energy to the trailer brake (114); and a switch (290) operable by an operator to activate the trailer brake power module (270) to selectively energize the trailer brake (114) for a selected period of time, one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) configured to receive sensor data indicating a movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22); a control module (90), wherein the control module (90) is designed: to determine that the trailer (22) is connected to the towing vehicle (20); to determine whether the towing vehicle (20) is switched off (OFF) or switched on (ON); to determine whether the towing vehicle (20) is in a parking position or in a neutral position; to determine whether the trailer brake (114) is activated; to determine whether the sensor data are within calibratable values; and to activate the trailer brake power module (270) to activate the trailer brake (114) to prevent movement of the trailer (22) for a selected period of time, wherein obtaining sensor data via one or more sensors (55) of the towing vehicle (20) indicating movement of the towing vehicle (20) and / or the trailer (22) is performed during loading of a towed vehicle (200) onto the trailer (22). [7] The system (28) of claim 6, wherein the control module (90) is configured to provide the operator with a warning that the trailer brake (114) has been automatically activated.

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