Turn signal systems and methods

• US 9,834,137 B2
• Filed: 06/15/2016
• Issued: 12/05/2017
• Est. Priority Date: 07/21/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: KOSTAL of America
• Original Assignee: KOSTAL of America
• Inventors: Hoskins, Steven R., Tefend, Michael F.
• Primary Examiner(s): GIRMA, FEKADESELASS
• Application Number:
  US15/183,327
• Publication Number:
  US 20160288701A1
• Time in Patent Office: 538 Days
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/343 Manually actuated switching arrangements therefor hand actuated multifunction switches B60Q1/1461; B60Q1/40 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/40 having mechanical, electric or electronic automatic return to inoperative position
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 9/00 Arrangement or adaptation of signal devices not provided for in one of main groups B60Q1/00 - B60Q7/00 , e.g. haptic signalling
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 6/00 Tactile signalling systems, e.g. personal calling systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08G 1/166 for active traffic, e.g. moving vehicles, pedestrians, bikes

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided pertaining to a turn signal. AUTO CANCEL of a turn signal may be performed electrically, eliminating cancelling pawls and undesirable noise emanating from such pawls as they click against conventional structure in predominantly mechanical turn signal systems. An electromagnetic brake may dampen or prevent turn signal stalk movement if an object is in a blind spot of a vehicle. Such brake may be released or canceled electronically and quietly.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a turn signal stalk, comprising:

determining with a controller whether a turn signal stalk is being activated toward a turn signal position;

determining whether an object is in a blind spot by sensing signals sent from one or more sensors directly or indirectly to the controller;

determining whether a warning signal is required to be supplied directly or indirectly by the controller to the turn signal stalk;

determining whether the turn signal lever has reached a turn signal position for a turn signal function;

setting a timer for a predetermined period of time;

monitoring a steering wheel rotation signal sensor to determine whether the turn signal function requires cancelling;

determining whether the predetermined period of time has elapsed; and

reducing an electromagnetic brake by the controller, thereby allowing the turn signal stalk to return to a neutral position in a controlled manner.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said warning signal is generated in response to one or more predetermined conditions within said predetermined period of time.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the controller energizes said electronic brake and generates said warning when an object is detected in said blind spot.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein detecting whether an object is in the blind spot comprising detecting a signal sent from a crash avoidance system through a vehicle bus.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said warning is a tactile warning generated with said electromagnetic brake.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said warning is a tactile warning preventing movement of the turn signal lever.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said warning is a tactile warning of ratcheting resistance to movement of said turn signal lever.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said turn signal function is cancelled based upon degrees of rotation of said steering wheel.