U.S. patent application number 10/308394 was filed with the patent office on 2003-06-12 for method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a trailer vehicle.
Invention is credited to Knosmann, Michael, Radtke, Matthias, Ruhnau, Gerhard, Weihe, Ulrich.
Application Number | 20030109971 10/308394 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 7708759 |
Filed Date | 2003-06-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030109971 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Knosmann, Michael ; et
al. |
June 12, 2003 |
Method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle
and a trailer vehicle
Abstract
A method and apparatus for data interchange between a tractor
vehicle and a trailer vehicle coupled thereto. A first electronic
device provided in or on the tractor vehicle is connected via a
data link to a second electronic device provided in or on the
trailer vehicle; the first and second electronic devices being
connected to sensors and/or actuators for controlling operating
functions of the vehicle allocated thereto and for measuring status
information. Initiated by an information request, the first
electronic device sends request data via the data link to the
second electronic device. The first electronic device receives
status information via the data link sent by the second electronic
device in response to the request data. The first electronic device
outputs, in a manner that can be correlated with the trailer
vehicle, the received status information by means of an output
device disposed on or in the tractor vehicle.
Inventors: |
Knosmann, Michael;
(Hannover, DE) ; Ruhnau, Gerhard; (Neustadt,
DE) ; Radtke, Matthias; (Hannover, DE) ;
Weihe, Ulrich; (Garbsen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP
919 Third Avenue
New York
NY
10022
US
|
Family ID: |
7708759 |
Appl. No.: |
10/308394 |
Filed: |
December 3, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
701/31.4 ;
280/400 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B60D 1/62 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
701/29 ;
280/400 |
International
Class: |
G06F 019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 11, 2001 |
DE |
101 60 750.4 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for data interchange between a tractor vehicle and a
trailer vehicle coupled thereto, the tractor vehicle including a
first electronic control and measurement device and an output
device, the trailer vehicle including a second electronic control
and measurement device, a data link connecting said first and
second electronic devices, each of said first and second electronic
devices being connected to at least one of a sensor and an actuator
for measuring status information of and controlling operating
functions for the vehicle associated therewith, the method
comprising the steps of initiating an information request and
transmitting request data via said data link from said first
electronic control and measurement device to said second electronic
control and measurement device, receiving status information in
said first electronic control and measurement device via said data
link transmitted by said second electronic control and measurement
device in response to said request data, and, utilizing said output
device, outputting from said first electronic control and
measurement device said status information received from said
second electronic control and measurement device such that said
status information is correlated with said trailer vehicle.
2. The method according to claim 1, wherein said request data is a
diagnostic command for requesting defect information in accordance
with United States Society of Automotive Engineers Standard SAE
J1587.
3. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of outputting
said status information received from said second electronic
control and measurement device is effected using a further output
device of said tractor vehicle allocated to said trailer
vehicle.
4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising the step of
outputting status information of said tractor vehicle utilizing
said output device.
5. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data link includes
a serial interface.
6. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data link includes
high-frequency transmission on voltage-supply lines.
7. The method according to claim 1, wherein said data link includes
a seven-way interface according to United States Society of
Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J560.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein said status information
includes information associated with a vehicle defect.
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein said information
associated with a vehicle defect includes information concerning a
defect developed in a brake system of at least one of said tractor
vehicle and said trailer vehicle.
10. The method according to claim 9, wherein said brake system is
an anti-lock braking system.
11. The method according to claim 8, wherein said information
associated with a vehicle defect includes the location and nature
of said defect.
12. The method according to claim 1, wherein said status
information includes information on the nature of a brake system of
said trailer vehicle.
13. The method according to claim 12, wherein said brake system of
said trailer vehicle is an anti-lock braking system.
14. The method according to claim 1, wherein said output device is
a warning lamp for warning an occupant of said tractor vehicle of a
vehicle defect.
15. The method according to claim 1, wherein said step of
initiating an information request is effected by actuating an
actuating element.
16. The method according to claim 15, wherein said actuating
element is a switch.
17. The method according to claim 15, wherein said actuating
element is a pushbutton.
18. The method according to claim 15, wherein said step of
outputting said status information received from said second
electronic control and measurement device is effected using a
further output device of said tractor vehicle allocated to said
trailer vehicle, and further comprising the step of outputting
status information of said tractor vehicle utilizing said output
device, wherein said step of actuating said actuating element
effects a connection between an electrical potential and at least
one of said output device and said further output device.
19. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step
of outputting status information of said tractor vehicle in
response to actuation of said actuating element.
20. The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step
of outputting status information of said tractor vehicle in
response to actuation of a further actuating element.
21. The method according to claim 19, further comprising the steps
of requesting status information of said tractor vehicle via a
first preselected actuation sequence of said actuating element and
requesting status information of said trailer vehicle via a second
preselected actuation sequence of said actuating element.
22. The method according to claim 1, wherein the step of outputting
said status information generates a blinking code.
23. The method according to claim 1, further comprising the steps
of establishing an output scheme for output of said status
information of both said tractor vehicle and said trailer
vehicle.
24. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step
of selecting within said output scheme for output of said status
information of said tractor vehicle a coding of said status
information of said trailer vehicle that is unambiguously
distinguishable from a coding of said status information of said
tractor vehicle.
25. The method according to claim 23, further comprising the step
of correlating said output status information with one of said
tractor vehicle and said trailer vehicle using information included
in said output scheme.
26. An apparatus for interchanging data in a tractor and trailer
vehicle combination, comprising a tractor vehicle and a trailer
vehicle coupled thereto, the tractor vehicle including a first
electronic control and measurement device and an output device, the
trailer vehicle including a second electronic control and
measurement device, a data link connecting said first and second
electronic devices, each of said first and second electronic
devices being connected to at least one of a sensor and an actuator
for measuring status information of and controlling operating
functions for the vehicle associated therewith, means for
initiating an information request and transmitting request data via
said data link from said first electronic control and measurement
device to said second electronic control and measurement device,
and means for receiving status information in said first electronic
control and measurement device via said data link transmitted by
said second electronic control and measurement device in response
to said request data, said output device adapted to output from
said first electronic control and measurement device said status
information received from said second electronic control and
measurement device such that said status information is correlated
with said trailer vehicle.
27. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said request data
is a diagnostic command for requesting defect information in
accordance with United States Society of Automotive Engineers
Standard SAE J1587.
28. The apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising a
further output device of said tractor vehicle allocated to said
trailer vehicle for outputting said status information received
from said second electronic control and measurement device.
29. The apparatus according to claim 28, wherein said output device
is adapted to output status information of said tractor
vehicle.
30. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said data link
includes a serial interface.
31. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said data link
includes means for high-frequency transmission on voltage-supply
lines.
32. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said data link
includes a seven-way interface according to United States Society
of Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J560.
33. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said status
information includes information associated with a vehicle
defect.
34. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said information
associated with a vehicle defect includes information concerning a
defect developed in a brake system of at least one of said tractor
vehicle and said trailer vehicle.
35. The apparatus according to claim 34, wherein said brake system
is an anti-lock braking system.
36. The apparatus according to claim 33, wherein said information
associated with a vehicle defect includes the location and nature
of said defect.
37. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said status
information includes information on the nature of a brake system of
said trailer vehicle.
38. The apparatus according to claim 37, wherein said brake system
of said trailer vehicle is an anti-lock braking system.
39. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said output device
is a warning lamp for warning an occupant of said tractor vehicle
of a vehicle defect.
40. The apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising an
actuating element for initiating an information request.
41. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said actuating
element is a switch.
42. The apparatus according to claim 40, wherein said actuating
element is a pushbutton.
43. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising a
further output device of said tractor vehicle allocated to said
trailer vehicle for outputting said status information received
from said second electronic control and measurement device, said
output device being utilized to output status information of said
tractor vehicle, and a connection formed between an electrical
potential and at least one of said output device and said further
output device effected by actuation of said actuating element.
44. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising means
for outputting said status information of said tractor vehicle in
response to actuation of said actuating element.
45. The apparatus according to claim 40, further comprising a
further actuating element for initiating the output of said status
information of said tractor vehicle.
46. The apparatus according to claim 44, wherein said actuating
element includes a first preselected actuation sequence programmed
therein for requesting status information of said tractor vehicle
and a second preselected actuation sequence programmed therein for
requesting status information of said trailer vehicle.
47. The apparatus according to claim 26, wherein said output device
is adapted to generate a blinking code.
48. The apparatus according to claim 26, further comprising means
for establishing an output scheme for output of said status
information of both said tractor vehicle and said trailer
vehicle.
49. The apparatus according to claim 48, further comprising means
for selecting within said output scheme for output of said status
information of said tractor vehicle a coding of said status
information of said trailer vehicle that is unambiguously
distinguishable from a coding of said status information of said
tractor vehicle.
50. The apparatus according to claim 48, wherein said output scheme
includes information for correlating said output status information
with one of said tractor vehicle and said trailer vehicle.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention is directed generally to a method and
associated apparatus for data interchange between a tractor vehicle
and a trailer vehicle in a tractor-trailer combination, especially
a full trailer or a semi-trailer.
[0002] EP 0 659 613 A1 discloses a truck tractor and semi-trailer
electrical communication system and method generally of the type
under consideration wherein details are provided on the type of
data interchange and on the configuration of a data link between
the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle. According to EP 0 659
613 A1, data interchange takes place efficiently, and the data
link, especially the plug connection contained therein, is
exploited as fully as possible.
[0003] Tractor vehicles and trailer vehicles are typically equipped
with electronic devices used for controlling the operating
functions of the particular vehicle. The electronic devices are
connected to sensors and actuators such that the control and
regulation functions are executed in response to signals from the
sensors and, in turn, actuation of the actuators. Conventional
brake-control systems, especially anti-lock brake systems, utilize
such arrangements, for example.
[0004] The electronic devices can exercise not only control of
operating functions for safety purposes, but also functions for
measurement of status information, such as information on the
status of the sensors and actuators. Accordingly, the electronic
devices executing such functions are referred to hereinafter as
control and measurement devices.
[0005] The sensor status information can be, for example, the
sensor signals themselves, variables derived therefrom, such as
information on mechanical adjustments, or even electrical signal
errors. The actuator status information can be, for example,
malfunctions or defects of the actuators or associated electrical
lines.
[0006] It is generally desirable to display the status information
of control and measurement devices of the tractor vehicle and
trailer vehicle in a simple and convenient manner. For this
purpose, the tractor vehicle can be equipped with a plug connection
into which a diagnostic instrument can be plugged. By the plug
connection, the diagnostic instrument can be connected to the
control and measurement device of the tractor vehicle via a line.
The status information of the tractor vehicle can then be sampled
and analyzed by suitable operation of the diagnostic
instrument.
[0007] For sampling and display of status information of the
trailer vehicle, the trailer vehicle can be equipped with a
separate plug connector into which the diagnostic instrument can be
plugged. Because the socket on the trailer vehicle is accessible
only from outside the vehicle, and, further, the socket may be
mounted in a poorly accessible location, sampling and analysis of
the status information of the trailer vehicle is time-consuming and
laborious.
[0008] Accordingly, it is desired to provide a method and apparatus
for sampling and displaying status information of a trailer vehicle
coupled to a tractor vehicle in a simple, convenient and
cost-efficient manner.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Generally speaking, in accordance with the present
invention, a method and associated system for sampling and
displaying status information of a trailer vehicle coupled to a
tractor vehicle is provided.
[0010] According to the present invention, the tractor vehicle
includes a first electronic control and measurement device and an
output device. The trailer vehicle includes a second electronic
control and measurement device. A data link connects the first and
second electronic devices, each of which are connected to sensors
and actuators for measuring status information of and controlling
operating functions for the vehicle associated therewith. The
method according to the present invention involves initiating an
information request, transmitting request data via the data link
from the first electronic control and measurement device to the
second electronic control and measurement device, receiving status
information in the first electronic device via the data link
transmitted by the second electronic device in response to the
request data, and, utilizing the output device, outputting from the
first electronic device the status information received from the
second electronic device such that the status information is
correlated with the trailer vehicle.
[0011] The present invention has the advantage that it can be
implemented with little complexity--without necessitating
additional data-transmission lines or input and output means, such
as switches or lights. In addition, by means of a short program
routine, the present invention can be simply integrated into the
control and measurement device of the tractor vehicle. Existing
control and measurement devices in trailer vehicles can be retained
without modification, thus assuring that tractor vehicles equipped
with a control and measurement device in accordance with the
apparatus and method of the present invention are compatible at all
times with trailer vehicles equipped with conventional control and
measurement devices. In particular, there is no need for additional
cables or outlets for display devices on the trailer vehicle. A
separate diagnostic instrument is also unnecessary.
[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a
diagnostic command as defined by United States Society of
Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J1587 (hereinafter, "SAE J1587")
for requesting defect information is used as the request data for
requesting status information. Thereby, the compatibility between
tractor vehicle and trailer vehicle can be further improved, since
communication between electronic control and measurement devices of
different manufacturers can also be achieved directly.
[0013] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the status information of the trailer vehicle can be output via a
separate output device disposed on or in the tractor vehicle and
allocated to the trailer vehicle. Thereby, the operator can easily
correlate the output status information to the respective vehicle,
or, in other words, to the tractor vehicle or to the trailer
vehicle. Special distinguishing features that would have to be
output via the output device and recognized and identified by the
operator are not necessary.
[0014] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
a first and a second output device are disposed in or on the
tractor vehicle. In this case, status information of the tractor
vehicle is output via the first output device and status
information of the trailer vehicle is output via the second output
device. This permits a simple distinction for correlation of the
status information to the respective vehicles.
[0015] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the data link contains a serial interface. Thereby, the
number of necessary transmission lines can be kept relatively small
by comparison with, for example, a parallel interface.
[0016] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
the data link includes high-frequency transmission on
voltage-supply lines. Thereby, there is no need for separate
data-transmission lines in the link between the tractor vehicle and
the trailer vehicle, since at least one of the voltage-supply
lines, preferably the line carrying the on-board system voltage, is
also used for data transmission by means of a modulated
high-frequency signal.
[0017] According to a still further embodiment of the present
invention, the data link comprises a seven-way interface according
to United States Society of Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J560
(hereinafter, "SAE J560"). This seven-way interface includes
electrical supply lines, for example for purposes such as the
lighting system of the trailer vehicle, and data lines. Thereby,
data transmission between tractor vehicle and trailer vehicle is
unified and the compatibility between these vehicles is further
improved.
[0018] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the status information contains defect information, especially for
defects that have developed in a brake system and/or an anti-lock
brake system. Thereby, a defect diagnosis can be performed
conveniently from the tractor vehicle, both for the tractor vehicle
and for the trailer vehicle. Defect location and repair is
simplified and accelerated.
[0019] According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention, the output device is a warning lamp, which serves to
warn vehicle occupants, especially the operator of the tractor
vehicle, if a defect has developed. This has the advantage that a
separate output device is not needed, since the warning lamp that
is provided in any case, especially for anti-lock brake systems,
can be used not only for the warning function but also for defect
diagnosis.
[0020] According to still another embodiment of the present
invention, an information request can be initiated by, for example,
an operator, through the agency of an actuating element, especially
a switch or a pushbutton. This permits simple initiation of the
information request without additional instruments.
[0021] According to a still further embodiment of the present
invention, the status information of the tractor vehicle as well as
the status information of the trailer vehicle can be output, a
common actuating element being provided for activation of the
output of status information of the tractor vehicle and for
initiation of the information request to the trailer vehicle.
Thereby, the need for a separate actuating element for activation
of the output of status information of the tractor vehicle can be
eliminated.
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention in which two
separate output devices are used for the status information of the
tractor vehicle and the status information of the trailer vehicle,
correlation of the status information is effected so as not to
overburden the operator. By simultaneous output of two instances of
status information on the output devices, the status information
can be output at staggered times, or in other words in a time
sequence.
[0023] In another embodiment of the present invention in which
there is provided not only a common actuating element but also a
single common output device, correlation of the status information
with the respective vehicle is achieved by enabling status
information of the tractor vehicle to be requested via a first
preselected actuation sequence of the common actuating element; and
status information of the trailer vehicle can be requested via a
second preselected actuation sequence.
[0024] According to another embodiment of the present invention,
the status information is output by means of a blinking code,
preferably via a light. Additionally, or alternatively, an acoustic
signaling device can be used. The blinking code is generated by
turning a signaling device on and off in a preselected pattern,
such that the operator can derive from the pattern a code that is
allocated uniquely to the information to be displayed.
[0025] According to another embodiment of the present invention, a
common output scheme for output of the status information is
defined for the tractor vehicle and the trailer vehicle. This has
the advantage that the operator need recognize and understand only
a single output scheme or a single blinking code, regardless of
which trailer vehicle is coupled to the tractor vehicle at the time
and regardless of whether a different output scheme may have been
specified by the respective manufacturer.
[0026] According to a further embodiment of the present invention,
there is selected within the output scheme of the tractor vehicle a
coding of the status information of the trailer vehicle that is
unambiguously distinguishable from the coding of the status
information of the tractor vehicle; the output scheme may also
contain information by means of which the output status information
can be correlated either with the tractor vehicle or with the
trailer vehicle. Thereby, the status information both of the
trailer vehicle and of the tractor vehicle can be output on a
common output device, in such a way that simple correlation of the
information is possible for the operator--eliminating the need for
a separate output device.
[0027] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to
provide a method and apparatus for data interchange between the
tractor and trailer(s) in a tractor-trailer combination that
overcomes the disadvantages associated with prior art methods and
arrangements.
[0028] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a
method and apparatus for sampling and displaying status information
of a trailer vehicle coupled to a tractor vehicle that is
cost-effective and minimizes instrumental complexity.
[0029] It is another object of the present invention to provide a
method and apparatus for data interchange that is easily integrated
into the control and measurement device of the tractor vehicle.
[0030] It is yet another object of the present invention to provide
a method and apparatus for data interchange that is fully
compatible with trailer vehicles equipped with conventional control
and measurement devices, thus avoiding the need to modify such
devices or provide additional equipment.
[0031] It is a still further object of the present invention to
provide a method and apparatus for data interchange that permits
vehicle status information to be easily correlated to the
respective vehicle (i.e., the tractor vehicle or the trailer
vehicle).
[0032] Still other objects and advantages of the present invention
will in part be obvious and will in part be apparent from the
specification.
[0033] The present invention accordingly comprises the various
steps and the relation of one or more of such steps with respect to
each of the others, and embodies features of construction,
combinations of elements, and arrangement of parts which are
adapted to effect such steps, all as exemplified in the following
detailed disclosure, and the scope of the invention will be
indicated in the claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0034] For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference is
made to the following description, taken in connection with the
accompanying drawings, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the parts of a tractor
vehicle and a trailer vehicle in accordance with the present
invention;
[0036] FIG. 2a is a timing diagram showing an actuation sequence
for activation of the output of status information of the tractor
vehicle or for initiation of an information request to the trailer
vehicle in accordance with the present invention;
[0037] FIG. 2b is a timing diagram showing an output scheme for
status information relating to activation of the output of status
information of the tractor vehicle or for initiation of an
information request to the trailer vehicle as shown in FIG. 2a in
accordance with the present invention;
[0038] FIGS. 3-4 show two alternative configurations of the
actuation sequence according to FIG. 2a; and
[0039] FIG. 5 shows an example of coding of information within the
output scheme.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0040] Referring now to the drawing figures where like reference
numbers are used for corresponding elements, FIG. 1 shows the parts
of a tractor vehicle 1 and of a trailer vehicle 2 to which the
present invention relates.
[0041] The parts disposed in or on tractor vehicle 1 include
electronics 3, which represents a first electronic control and
measurement device and which is used for controlling various
functions in tractor vehicle 1, for example for controlling an
anti-lock brake system 11 of the tractor vehicle. Electronics 3 is
connected via electrical lines 10 to a series of sensors and
actuators of brake system 11, such as wheel-speed sensors and
valves. Furthermore, electronics 3 is connected via a serial
interface 20 to an interface device 4 for bidirectional data
interchange.
[0042] Interface device 4, in turn, is connected via a line 18 to a
line 14 which carries the on-board system voltage of the tractor
vehicle and which is connected to the on-board system voltage
either directly or via an ignition switch. The interface device is
also connected, via a line 19, to a line 13 carrying the electrical
ground potential of the vehicle.
[0043] Electronics 3 is also connected, via a line 16, to line 13
carrying the vehicle ground potential and, via a line 17, to line
14 carrying the on-board system voltage.
[0044] A first warning lamp 6 serving as a first output device for
output of information of tractor vehicle 1 and a second warning
lamp 7 serving as a second output device for output of information
of trailer vehicle 2 are also connected to electronics 3 via
electrical lines. Warning lamps 6, 7 are additionally electrically
connected to line 14 carrying the on-board system voltage. It
should be understood that other signaling devices such as buzzers
or loudspeakers or even other optical signaling devices can be used
in lieu of warning lamps 6, 7.
[0045] A first pushbutton 8 is connected to that terminal of
warning lamp 6 that is connected to electronics 3 to serve as a
first actuating element. Pushbutton 8 can be actuated to connect
the terminal of warning lamp 6 connected to electronics 3 to the
vehicle ground potential.
[0046] A second pushbutton 9 is connected to that terminal of
warning lamp 7 that is connected to electronics 3 to serve as a
second actuating element. Pushbutton 9 can be actuated to connect
the terminal of warning lamp 7 connected to electronics 3 to the
vehicle ground potential.
[0047] Lines 13 and 14 serving as the voltage supply, as well as
further lines represented in FIG. 1 by a line 15, are connected,
within the tractor vehicle, to a terminal element 5 to which there
is allocated, in the manner of a plug connection, a terminal
element 25 within the trailer vehicle. Within trailer vehicle 2
there are connected, at terminal element 25, lines 33, 34 and 35,
which are allocated to lines 13, 14 and 15, respectively, and which
relay the supply voltage as well as the other signals from the
tractor vehicle to the trailer vehicle. In trailer vehicle 2, line
33 therefore carries the electrical ground potential of the tractor
vehicle and line 34 carries the on-board system voltage of the
tractor vehicle.
[0048] Trailer vehicle 2 is equipped with trailer electronics 23
which is a second electronic control and measurement device used
for controlling various functions of the trailer vehicle, such as
an anti-lock brake system 31 of the trailer vehicle. Trailer
electronics 23 is connected via lines 30 to sensors and actuators
of brake system 31. Trailer electronics 23 is also electrically
connected via a line 37 to line 34 which carries the on-board
system voltage, and via a line 36 to line 33 which carries the
vehicle ground potential.
[0049] Furthermore, trailer electronics 23 is connected to an
interface device 24 via a serial interface 21. Interface device 24
is connected via a line 38 to line 34, and via a line 39 to line
33.
[0050] After electronics 3, 23 are turned on, that is, after the
ignition of tractor vehicle 1 is turned on, each automatically
begins with a check of the respective brake system 11, 31 connected
to it. If electronics 3 of tractor vehicle 1 recognizes a defect in
brake system 11, it turns on warning lamp 6, which is connected
thereto, to communicate a possible impairment of the function of
brake system 11 of tractor vehicle 1 to the vehicle operator.
[0051] Also, if trailer electronics 23 recognizes a defect in brake
system 31 of trailer vehicle 2, the operator of tractor vehicle 1
will be warned of a possible impairment of brake system 31. For
this purpose, trailer electronics 23 is connected to electronics 3
via a data link, which includes serial interfaces 20, 21,
serial-interface devices 4, 24, lines 18, 38, terminal elements 5,
25 and the segments of lines 14, 34 connecting lines 18, 38 to
terminal elements 5, 25.
[0052] Data link 4, 5, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 34, 38 ensures
transmission of information via voltage-supply lines 14, 18, 34, 38
by means of high-frequency transmission. For this purpose, the
respective interface module 4, 24 converts the information received
from the respective electronics 3, 23 via serial interfaces 20, 21
to a high-frequency signal, which it sends out on its respective
voltage-supply line 18, 38. On the receiving side, the
high-frequency signal is converted by the respective interface
module 4, 24 back to a conventional digital signal, which is
transmitted via serial interfaces 20, 21 to the respective
receiving electronics 3, 23.
[0053] The nature of conversion and high-frequency transmission is
explained in greater detail in SAE J560, which United States
standard is incorporated herein by reference. In particular, a PLC4
interface can be used advantageously.
[0054] In the event of recognition of a defect in trailer brake
system 31, trailer electronics 23 sends a defect signal to
electronics 3 via data link 4, 5, 14, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 34, 38.
Thereupon electronics 3 turns on warning lamp 7, which is provided
for signaling defects in trailer brake system 31.
[0055] In an expansion of the defect-signaling function described
above, electronics 3, 23 are each preferably programmed to perform
a detailed analysis and diagnosis of the respective defect. In this
way, it is possible to output not only currently existing defects
but also defects that have developed during previous operation of
the tractor and trailer vehicles and that have been stored by the
respective electronics 3, 23 in a non-volatile memory.
[0056] For output of defect status information, it is advantageous
to use either warning lamp 6 alone or in combination with warning
lamp 7. For this purpose, the respective warning lamp 6, 7 is
activated according to a defined output scheme such that the
vehicle operator can derive status information based on the
blinking pattern or code of warning lamp 6, 7. For activation of
the output of status information, the operator actuates at least
one of the actuating elements 8, 9 according to an actuation
sequence that is preselected, for example, by a certain time or
according to a certain time sequence.
[0057] If actuating elements 8, 9 and output devices 6, 7 are
provided in the tractor vehicle, to correlate the activation of
defect output and the output of defects with respect to tractor
vehicle 1 and trailer vehicle 2, the status information of
electronics 3 is preferably output on output device 6 by actuation
of actuating device 8 and the status information of trailer
electronics 23 is preferably output on output device 7 by actuation
of actuating element 9.
[0058] If only one actuating element 8 is present, however, the
status information of both electronics 3, 23 can be output
simultaneously or staggered in time; the status information of
electronics 3 being output on output device 6 and the status
information of trailer electronics 23 being output on output device
7. When one actuating element 8 is used, different actuation
sequences can be employed, on the basis of which electronics 3 can
then recognize whether the status information of electronics 3 or
of trailer electronics 23 is to be output. Examples of different
actuation sequences will be explained in greater detail hereinafter
with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.
[0059] For the case that only one output device 6 is utilized,
different output schemes for the status information of electronics
3 on the one hand and of trailer electronics 23 on the other hand
can be used so that the vehicle operator can recognize which status
information is being output. Also, a unified output scheme for the
status information of both electronics 3, 23 can be used, in which
case, as the distinguishing feature, within the common output
scheme, information is provided, preferably in the form of a
blinking code sequence, by means of which the output status
information can be correlated with respect to tractor vehicle 1 or
trailer vehicle 2.
[0060] A combination of the foregoing embodiments can also be
advantageously employed. It should be appreciated that the present
invention can be implemented cost-effectively, especially when a
single actuating element 8 and a single output device 6 are
used.
[0061] Referring now to the timing diagrams shown in FIGS. 2a and
2b, an example of the output scheme (FIG. 2b) will be explained in
terms of its time relationship to the actuation sequence (FIG. 2a)
for activation of the output of status information of tractor
vehicle 1 or for initiation of an information request to trailer
vehicle 2. On the ordinates of the respective diagrams there are
marked the values "0" and "1" which represent digital variables.
The value "0" represents an unactuated actuating element 8, 9 or a
darkened warning lamp 6, 7; the value "1" represents an actuated
actuating element 8, 9 or a lighted warning lamp 6, 7.
[0062] Pushbutton 8, for example, is depressed at a time 22 and
released again at a time 41. This results in an actuation sequence
40. After time 41, there is no further actuation (phase 42). By
virtue of the preferred arrangement depicted in FIG. 1, actuation
sequence 40 causes lamp 6 to light because of the connection to
ground potential via pushbutton 8. The lighting of lamp 6 initiated
by pushbutton 8 is illustrated by means of the dashed line 55 in
FIG. 2b (in contrast to the lighting of lamp 6 initiated by
electronics 3 as discussed below and illustrated by solid lines in
FIG. 2b).
[0063] Electronics 3 recognizes actuation sequence 40 and, at time
41 or shortly thereafter, begins to output status information
according to a preselected output scheme (FIG. 2b). The output
scheme comprises a first blinking-code block 43, a first pause 44,
a second blinking-code block 45, a second pause 46, a third
blinking-code block 47 and subsequent turning-off (phase 48) of
lamp 6. Within a blinking code block 43, 45, 47, lamp 6 is actuated
for a preselected number of blinking pulses. The preselected number
of blinking pulses corresponds to a defined code for the status
information to be output. During pauses 44, 46 and phase 48, lamp 6
is darkened.
[0064] Blinking-code blocks 43, 45, 47 contain status information
FC1, FC2, FC3 which can include not only information concerning
recognized defects, but also information concerning the type of
brake system in question, for example, the tractor-vehicle brake
system or the trailer brake system, or the number of existing
wheel-speed sensors and brake-pressure control valves as well as
other information. Preferably, information for correlating output
status information FC1, FC2, FC3 either with tractor vehicle 1 or
trailer vehicle 2 is also provided. Also, information concerning
the location of a defect (e.g., "left rear wheel, inlet valve")
and/or information concerning the nature of the defect (e.g., short
circuit, cable break or even implausible signal) is desirably
provided. SAE J1587, which is incorporated herein by reference, can
provide guidance for coding of defect information in blinking-code
blocks 43, 45, 47.
[0065] If electronics 3 outputs defect information stored in
trailer electronics 23 in response to a request by the operator,
electronics 3 sends a defined command via data link 4, 5, 14, 18,
20, 21, 24, 25, 34, 38 to trailer electronics 23, by which defect
information can be requested. Preferably, diagnostic commands for
requesting defects according to SAE J1587 are used as the command.
Trailer electronics 23 responds to such a command with status
information FC1, FC2, FC3, which is sent via data link 4, 5, 14,
18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 34, 38 to electronics 3 and then output
thereby, possibly after data conversion.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 3, there is shown an embodiment of
actuation sequence 40 in which there is provided a single,
uninterrupted actuation of pushbutton 8 between times 22 and
41.
[0067] Another embodiment of an actuation sequence for initiation
of the information request to trailer vehicle 2, for example, is
shown in FIG. 4. Therein, an actuation sequence 49, 50, 51 includes
a first actuating block 49 between times 22 and 41, a subsequent
pause 50 and a second actuating block 41. In this way, the
respective actuating element 8, 9 is actuated twice, for a
relatively short time in each case, with a pause between the two
actuations.
[0068] Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown an example of the
coding of information in blinking-code blocks 43, 45, 47. Within
such blinking-code blocks, the respective lamp 6, 7 is turned on
for a preselected number of blinking pulses 52 during a preselected
period of time, short pauses 53 being interposed between blinking
pulses 52. Preferably, the duration chosen for a blinking pulse 52
is equal to the length of a pause 53. During the remaining time 54
within the selected period of time, that is, after the last
blinking pulse, the respective lamp 6, 7 is darkened. Thereby, a
uniform interval is created between blinking-code blocks 43, 45,
47, thus offering the operator a suitable pattern for reading the
status information FC1, FC2, FC3.
[0069] Accordingly, the present invention provides a method and
apparatus for sampling and displaying status information of a
trailer vehicle coupled to a tractor vehicle in a simple,
convenient and cost-efficient manner.
[0070] It will thus be seen that the objects set forth above, among
those made apparent from the preceding description, are efficiently
attained and, since certain changes may be made in carrying out the
above method and in the constructions set forth without departing
from the spirit and scope of the invention, it is intended that all
matter contained in the above description or shown in the
accompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not
in a limiting sense.
[0071] It is also to be understood that the following claims are
intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the
invention herein described and all statements of the scope of the
invention which, as a matter of language, might be said to fall
therebetween.
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