Vehicle light switch apparatus

• US 4,057,742 A
• Filed: 03/19/1976
• Issued: 11/08/1977
• Est. Priority Date: 03/19/1976
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Ernest W. Binegar
• Original Assignee: Ernest W. Binegar
• Inventors: Binegar, Ernest W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schaefer, Robert K.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Ginsburg, Morris
• Application Number:
  US05/668,706
• Time in Patent Office: 599 Days
• Field of Search: 307/10 LS, 307/10 R, 315/82
• US Class Current: 307/10.8
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 1/143 combined with another condition, e.g. using vehicle recognition from camera images or activation of wipers
• CPC Class Codes: B60Q 2300/312 Adverse weather
• CPC Class Codes: B60S 1/08 electrically driven conjoint control of windscreen wiper motor and liquid supply of windscreen washer B60S1/482; conjoint control of windscreen wiper motor and means for cleaning parts o parts other than windscreens or front windows B60S1/56, B60S1/58, B60S1/606
• CPC Class Codes: H02G 3/00 Installations of electric cables or lines or protective tubing therefor in or on buildings, equivalent structures or vehicles installations of bus-bars H02G5/00; overhead installations H02G7/00; installations in or on the ground H02G9/00

Abstract

A system for automatically turning on vehicle road lights responsive to the operation of the vehicle windshield wipers. The vehicle windshield wiper switch is connected by an electrical circuit to the road light switch of the vehicle. A first diode circuit connects the windshield wiper switch to the headlight actuation position of the road light switch so that a diode allows the headlight switch to override the vehicle light connection through the windshield wiper switch. A second diode circuit is connected to the first diode circuit and prevents the headlights from being disengaged through the windshield wiper switch when the parking lights are actuated. Heavier wiring between the battery and the ignition and between the ignition and the windshield wiper switch is required along with a heavier fuse and an auxiliary switch disengaging the windshield wiper headlight circuit when desired.

Claims

1. A system for automatically turning on vehicle lights responsive to the operation of the vehicle windshield wipers comprising in combination:

a vehicle windshield wiper switch located in a vehicle;

vehicle light switch means having a headlight switch and parking light switch;

a first circuit connecting said windshield wiper switch to said headlight switch of said vehicle light switch means;

a first diode located in said first circuit for operatively disengaging said first circuit responsive to actuation of said headlight switch;

a second circuit coupled between said first circuit and said parking light switch of said vehicle light switch means; and

a second diode located in said second circuit for operatively disengaging said second circuit without disengaging said first circuit when said vehicle light switch means is connected to said parking light switch whereby said vehicle windshield wiper switch controls said vehicle lights unless over-ridden by said headlight switch.

2. The system in accordance with claim 1 in which said first diode is a power diode for handling a heavier amperage than said second diode.

3. The apparatus in accordance with claim 2 in which said first diode is rated for at least 15 amps and said second diode is rated for at least 5 amps.

4. The apparatus in accordance with claim 1, in which a conductor between the vehicle windshield wiper switch and ignition is a conductor rated to handle the additional load of the vehicle lights.

5. The apparatus in accordance with claim 4 in which a conductor connecting the vehicle battery source to the ignition for said windshield wipers is a heavier conductor for handling the additional load of the vehicle lights.

6. The apparatus in accordance with claim 5 in which a fuse is located between the vehicle windshield wiper switch and the windshield wipers.

7. The system in accordance with claim 1 in which an override switch is located in said first circuit for disabling said first and second circuits.