Road implement, system and method for auxiliary brake lighting for road implements and heavy vehicles

Abstract

The present invention relates to a road implement comprising an auxiliary brake lighting system, an auxiliary brake lighting system for road implements for heavy vehicles used for cargo transport, and a method for auxiliary brake lighting for road implements and heavy vehicles, which allows activation of an additional lighting device arranged on the rear fairing of the implement or heavy vehicle, used as a safety item. The invention aims to overcome drawbacks of the prior art with regard to the arrangement of auxiliary brake lighting, in order to enable durable use thereof, by arranging it in the rear fairing of road implements and heavy vehicles, thereby increasing safety during braking, in that an additional warning signal is activated whenever the brakes are actuated by the driver.

Description

[0001] ROAD IMPLEMENT, SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR AUXILIARY BRAKE LIGHTING FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES

[0002]

[0001] This invention patent describes a road implement comprising an auxiliary brake lighting system, an auxiliary brake lighting system for road implements for heavy vehicles used for cargo transport, and an auxiliary brake lighting process for road implements and heavy vehicles, which allows the activation of an additional lighting device located on the rear fairing of the implement or heavy vehicle, used as a safety item. The invention aims to solve the problems of the art regarding the arrangement of auxiliary brake lighting in order to allow its durable use, placing it on the rear fairing of road implements and heavy vehicles for cargo transport, in order to increase safety during braking, insofar as an additional warning signal is activated whenever the brakes are applied by the driver.

[0003] State of the Art:

[0004]

[0002] The road implements referred to in this document are trailers and semi-trailers used for the transport of cargo, forming, together with the tractor unit, a combination of cargo vehicles or road vehicles. In all cases, the lighting at the rear of the vehicles includes the mandatory brake light, which aims to signal that the vehicle is braking, i.e., reducing its speed. Brake lights are generally installed in pairs at the rear of vehicles, generally mandatory for all categories.

[0005]

[0003] In situations of rain, mist or fog, the visibility of the vehicle braking is impaired, increasing the chances of accidents, and vehicles in the vicinity may be put at risk, as the driver does not have full visibility of the rear of the vehicle. This factor, combined with the lack of signaling on vehicles on highways, frequently results in rear-end collisions, which can have serious consequences.

[0006]

[0004] In some passenger vehicles, auxiliary brake lighting devices are added, activated together with the automatic brake lighting, generally located next to the rear window or next to the trunk lid.As an example of this type of application, there is the document PIO 106553-0, filed on 12 / 28 / 2001, entitled Improvements Introduced in Auxiliary Rear Brake Indicator Lights for Road Motor Vehicles, which describes a light designed to be fixed directly to the inner face of the rear window, containing a thin translucent film that contacts the glass, this film preferably being rectangular in shape, and possibly displaying designs and inscriptions that form an advertising message, on top of this film being positioned a thin plate of the same shape and dimensions, with one of its edges having a row of light-emitting diodes ("LEDs") powered by two thin wires connected to the electrical switch controlled by pressing the brake pedal.

[0005] Document PI9816140-7 filed by SAITO on 07 / 17 / 1998 describes a Magneto Sensor with Device for Activating Electrical and Electronic Devices and for Activating Brake Lights or Brake Type Lights Before Braking, which describes a system for activating the auxiliary brake light before braking where the magneto sensor, when the heel is removed from the support when braking, a lever hangs by the weight of the box with the magneto touching the box lid and circulates through the wire, turning on the auxiliary brake warning light.

[0007]

[0006] With regard to road implements and heavy vehicles used for cargo transport, the application of auxiliary brake lighting is generally known to be located next to the cargo box, for example, at its upper end in van-type bodies. In all known cases, the arrangement of the auxiliary brake lighting proved inadequate as it interfered in some way with the cargo box, hindering the operation of the doors and / or lids, or suffered constant damage due to the movement of the implement or cargo, requiring replacement. In some cases where the auxiliary brake lighting occupied the entire width of the implement, it proved inadequate for the user, as it caused glare, hindering the visualization of the vehicle's other signaling lights, that is, it did not fulfill its purpose and also interfered with the visualization of other safety lights.

[0008]

[0007] In the search for the state of the art, therefore, no documents and / or references were found that present or suggest a solution regarding the application of an auxiliary braking light located on the rear fairing in vehicles used to improve safety in cargo transportation, so the solution proposed here has novelty and inventive activity.

[0009] Inventive Concept:

[0010]

[0008] Thus, the present invention was developed with the objective of solving the problems of the prior art, regarding allowing the continuous and efficient use of auxiliary brake lighting by road implements and heavy vehicles for cargo transport, from its placement on the rear fairing. As a result, there is greater safety since the auxiliary brake lighting located on the rear fairing of the implement or vehicle serves as an auxiliary warning in all braking situations, whether the vehicle is performing maneuvers or traveling on highways.

[0011]

[0009] Said auxiliary lighting comprises at least one lighting device fixed to the rear fairing of the vehicle, in a centralized manner, preferably close to the upper face of the fairing. The rear fairing is understood to be the rear part of the vehicle or semi-trailer where the other mandatory lighting is installed, such as lights: reverse indicator lights, brake lights and turn lights.

[0012]

[0010] The aforementioned auxiliary brake lighting device preferably has light-emitting diodes (LEDs) arranged internally within the device, which emit a preferably continuous illuminated line.

[0013]

[0011] Thus, the main objectives are: a) to signal, through at least one auxiliary light line emitted by a device installed on the rear fairing of the road implement or heavy vehicle, in all braking situations; b) to allow the lighting device to be placed on the rear fairing, this being a suitable location for use, where the device does not interfere with the cargo box, solving one of the problems of the state of the art; c) to promote greater safety during traffic and maneuvers for other vehicles and people in the vicinity of the implement / vehicle, especially at night and in situations of low visibility, such as rain and fog, during maneuvers carried out in parking lots, warehouses or other locations, or even during urban traffic.

[0014]

[0012] For this purpose, the present auxiliary brake lighting system is associated with the system that controls the brake lights already existing in the implement / vehicle and also with the braking system of the same, so that at least one lighting device located on the rear fairing is activated in order to reinforce signaling in all braking situations.

[0015]

[0013] The present auxiliary brake lighting system will be activated automatically whenever the braking system, to which it is also associated, is activated.

[0016]

[0014] In a first object, the present invention presents a road implement comprising an auxiliary brake lighting system associated with the brake light actuation system and the brake system, connected in parallel to the electrical power supply system of said brake lights and also connected in parallel to the vehicle's braking system, the lighting device being disposed in the rear fairing.

[0017]

[0015] In a second object, the present invention provides an auxiliary brake lighting system associated with the drive system of the brake lights of road implements or heavy vehicles and the braking system, comprising at least one lighting device located on the rear fairing, preferably continuous, interconnected to at least one means of receiving parameters, where the lighting device is activated or deactivated depending on the parameters received.

[0018]

[0016] In a third object, the present invention presents a process for auxiliary brake lighting for road implements and heavy vehicles, which comprises receiving parameters, from which the activation or deactivation of the auxiliary brake lighting device located on the rear fairing of the road implement is carried out, in addition to identifying possible failures or malfunctions in the lighting devices.

[0019]

[0017] In all cases, the lighting device of the auxiliary brake lighting system must be located on the rear fairing that houses the taillights, so as to emit light without interfering with the visibility of the taillights or license plate light, and must also comply with other applicable regulations.

[0020] Summary:

[0021]

[0018] The Road Implement comprises an auxiliary brake lighting system associated with the system that controls the brake lights and the braking system, connected in parallel to the electrical power supply system of the brake lights and the electrical power supply system of the brake system, with the lighting device located on the rear fairing.

[0022]

[0019] The auxiliary brake lighting system comprises at least one lighting device located on the rear fairing of a road implement and at least one means of receiving parameters, wherein at least one auxiliary brake lighting device is switched on or off depending on the parameters received. The auxiliary brake lighting system is connected in parallel to the electrical power supply system of the brake lights and in parallel to the braking system, and at least one lighting device located on the rear fairing that houses the vehicle's taillights.

[0023]

[0020] The auxiliary brake lighting process for road implements and heavy vehicles comprises at least one of the following steps: receiving parameters, activating at least one auxiliary brake lighting device, and deactivating at least one auxiliary brake lighting device, wherein the activation and deactivation steps of the side safety lighting device depend on the parameters received by the parameter receiving step.

[0024] Field of Application:

[0021] The present invention is situated in the fields of mechanical engineering and electrical engineering related to safety lighting systems applied to road implements and heavy vehicles used for cargo transportation.

[0025] Advantages:

[0026]

[0022] The present invention has the following advantages:

[0027] • Because the lighting device is located on the rear fairing, there is no interference with the cargo box, which means it can be installed on various types of implements or vehicles for transporting cargo;

[0028] • Due to the placement of the auxiliary brake light on the rear fairing, it has greater durability, as it is less susceptible to damage resulting from the movement of the implement or the load;

[0029] • Also, because the lighting device is centrally located on the rear fairing, it is easy and practical to install and maintain (replace) in case of damage due to cargo handling, and it also ensures that it does not obscure the other signaling lights on the vehicle;

[0030] • By increasing the rear signaling of road implements indicating braking situations, especially trailers and semi-trailers, and vehicles for transporting cargo, greater safety is ensured in the vicinity of the vehicle on highways, or even in normal urban traffic, especially at night or in adverse weather conditions;

[0031] • Similarly, it ensures better safety in maneuvering situations, whether at gas stations, loading and unloading warehouses, or any other maneuvering situation, as it is possible to more clearly visualize the braking of the trailer or semi-trailer or the combination of cargo vehicles;

[0032] • In cases where heavy vehicles are used in agriculture, along with harvesters or other agricultural implements, the fact that braking is better visualized by auxiliary lighting also ensures better safety conditions during maneuvers and for others involved;

[0033] • Because the auxiliary brake lighting system is linked to the brake lights and the braking system, its automatic use can be guaranteed whenever the driver applies the brakes.

[0034] Illustrations

[0035]

[0023] In order to facilitate research and provide understanding of the present patent, as set forth in the report, according to a basic and preferred embodiment developed by the applicant, reference is made to the attached illustrations, which form part of and support this descriptive report where, the:

[0036] FIG. 01 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a road implement containing an auxiliary brake lighting device installed in the central part of the fairing, as an example;

[0037] FIG. 02 - presents a perspective view of the rear fairing of a road implement containing an auxiliary brake lighting device installed in its central part, as an example;

[0038] FIG. 03 - shows a front view of the rear fairing of a road implement containing an auxiliary brake lighting device installed in its central part, as an example;

[0039] FIG. 04 - shows a front view of the rear of a road implement containing an auxiliary brake lighting device installed in the central part of the fairing, as an example;

[0040] FIG. 05 - shows a perspective view of the rear of a road implement containing three auxiliary brake lighting devices installed on the fairing, as an example;

[0041] FIG. 06 - presents a perspective view of the rear fairing of a road implement containing three auxiliary brake lighting devices, as an example;

[0042] FIG. 07 - shows a front view of the rear fairing of a road implement containing three auxiliary brake lighting devices, as an example;

[0043] FIG. 08 - shows a front view of the rear of a road implement containing three auxiliary brake lighting devices installed on the fairing, as an example.

[0044] Description:

[0045]

[0024] As a first object, the road implement comprises at least one auxiliary brake lighting system associated with the system that controls the brake lights and the system that controls the braking, both already existing in the implement. Said auxiliary brake lighting system is preferably connected in parallel to an electrical power supply system that controls the brake lights and in parallel to the electrical power supply system that controls the driver's brake actuation.

[0046]

[0025] In one possible embodiment, the present invention also includes the association of the road implement with other road implements, resulting in a combination of road implements, such as road trains, double trailers, triple trailers, among others, in which at least the road implement located last or at the rear of the combination contains the lighting system described in this document.

[0047]

[0026] In one possible embodiment, the present invention also includes the application of the auxiliary rear safety delineation lighting system in heavy vehicles used for cargo transport, where the cargo box is positioned on the vehicle chassis, such as, for example, trucks.

[0048]

[0027] In one possible embodiment, the lighting devices (1) that make up the auxiliary brake lighting system may be fixed using any means of support on the rear fairing, provided that it is centered and in a location that provides visibility of the auxiliary brake lighting defined herein.

[0049]

[0028] The auxiliary safety brake lighting system will be activated automatically whenever the vehicle's brake is applied by the driver, through parameter processing.

[0050]

[0029] The drive mechanism for the auxiliary brake lighting system may be housed in the tractor unit to which the road implement is attached, in the road implement itself, or in the heavy vehicle (truck).

[0051]

[0030] The means for processing the parameters for automatic activation may be housed in the tractor vehicle, in the cargo vehicle or in at least one of the road implements.

[0052]

[0031] In this way, the road implement or heavy vehicle is capable of emitting a beam of light from a lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing, preferably continuous, which has its lighting intensity increased when the brake is applied by the driver. The said emission is obtained by at least one lighting device.

[0053]

[0032] As a second object, the auxiliary brake lighting system is associated with a road implement, which in turn is associable with a tractor vehicle or another road implement, or associated with a heavy vehicle, and comprises:

[0054] - at least one lighting device (1) emitting a preferably continuous line, located on the rear fairing, connected to

[0055] - at least one means of receiving parameters, where the lighting device is switched on or off depending on the parameters received.

[0056]

[0033] The aforementioned means of receiving parameters receives at least one parameter from among: electric current, wireless signal, radio wave, mechanical stimulus, GPS, or a combination of the foregoing as well as equivalents thereof.

[0057]

[0034] The auxiliary brake lighting system is associated with the brake light drive system and the vehicle's braking system, connected in parallel to the brake light power supply system and also in parallel to the braking power supply system. That is, the auxiliary brake lighting system can be activated when the taillights are on or off.

[0058]

[0035] Automatic activation occurs based on at least one parameter received regarding the driver's brake activation, where the auxiliary brake lighting device is activated or deactivated depending on the parameters received.

[0059]

[0036] In one possible embodiment, the auxiliary brake lighting system may also comprise electrical sensors, magnetic sensors, or other sensors, as well as a combination thereof.

[0060]

[0037] The system of the present invention can be powered electrically by the battery of the tractor vehicle, the heavy vehicle, or by an autonomous power source that powers the system electrically independently of it, located on the implement, the tractor vehicle or the heavy vehicle.

[0061]

[0038] In a third object, the present invention presents a process for auxiliary brake lighting for road implements which, in turn, is associable with a tractor vehicle or other road implement, and for heavy vehicles, which comprises receiving parameters from which the activation or deactivation of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing is performed, in addition to identifying possible failures or malfunctions thereof. Said process comprises at least one of the following main steps:

[0062] - receiving parameters,

[0063] - activation of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device located on the rear fairing,

[0064] - Disabling at least one auxiliary brake lighting device located on the rear fairing, where the activation and deactivation steps of the auxiliary brake lighting device depend on the parameters received by the parameter receiving step.

[0065]

[0039] The activation and deactivation step of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device located on the rear fairing, as well as some of the additional steps defined above, occurs as a result of the parameter received in the parameter reception step.

[0066]

[0040] In the parameter reception stage, at least one parameter is received from the following: electrical current, wireless signal, radio wave, mechanical stimulus, GPS, or a combination of the above, as well as equivalents thereof. These parameters may be received from the road implement, the tractor unit, or the heavy vehicle.

[0067]

[0041] In the activation stage of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1), said activation occurs when the parameter receiving stage receives a signal that commands the electrical power supply to said device. In the same way, in the deactivation stage of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device, said activation occurs when the parameter receiving stage receives a signal that commands the interruption of the electrical power supply to said device, at which point it is switched off.

[0068]

[0042] In all the above options, the auxiliary brake lighting system must not interfere with the usual brake lighting system or license plate lighting of the vehicles.

[0069]

[0043] The descriptions above are given by way of example and are not limiting to the scope of the invention, and adaptations are permitted to incorporate knowledge of the art relating to the subject matter.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. ROAD IMPLEMENT characterized by comprising an auxiliary brake lighting system associated with the system that controls the brake lights and the braking system, the lighting device being located (1) on the rear fairing.

2. ROAD IMPLEMENT, according to claim 1, characterized in that the auxiliary brake lighting system is connected in parallel to the electrical power supply system of the brake lights and to the electrical power supply system of the brake system.

3. AUXILIARY BRAKE LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES characterized by comprising: a) at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing; and b) at least one means of receiving parameters whereby at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1) is switched on or off depending on the parameters received.

4. A BRAKE AUXILIARY LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES according to claim 3 is characterized by being connected in parallel to the electrical power supply system of the brake lights and to the electrical power supply system of the brake system.

5. A BRAKE AUXILIARY LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES according to claim 3 is characterized by receiving at least one actuation parameter from the braking system of the tractor and road implement assembly or the heavy vehicle.

6. AUXILIARY BRAKE LIGHTING PROCESS FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES characterized by comprising at least one of the following steps: receiving parameters, a) activation of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing, b) deactivation of at least one auxiliary brake lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing, wherein the activation and deactivation steps of the auxiliary brake lighting device (1) located on the rear fairing depend on the parameters received by the parameter receiving step.

7. A PROCESS FOR AUXILIARY BRAKE LIGHTING FOR ROAD IMPLEMENTS AND HEAVY VEHICLES according to claim 6 is characterized by the fact that the parameter receiving stage receives at least one activation parameter from the braking system of the tractor and road implement assembly or the heavy vehicle.

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