CLIAMS:1. A signaling device for a vehicle comprising:
a door switch operatively associated with a door of the vehicle to sense open/closed position of the door;
a controller in communication with the door switch;
an actuator housed on the vehicle and in communication with the controller, the actuator having a telescopically extendible arm adapted to extend based on the signal from the controller;
a connecting linkage hingedly mounted on the actuator, the connecting linkage being connected to the extendible arm of the actuator; and,
a signal display member connected to an end portion of the connecting linkage such that the signal display member moves between a closed and an open position thereof with respect to the vehicle based on the telescopic movement of the extensible arm.

2. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1 comprises a plurality of indication members, in electrical communication with controller, adapted to provide audio-visual indication in response of a door-open signal from the controller.

3. The signaling device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the plurality of indication members include plurality of flashers.

4. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon sensing of opening of the door signals, the controller signals the actuator to retract the extendible arm, thereby moving the signal display member to the open position thereof.

5. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon sensing the closing of the door signals, the controller signals the actuators to release the extendible arm, thereby allowing the signal display member to rest in the closed position thereof.

6. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the actuator is a solenoid actuator.

7. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1 comprises a mounting bracket mounted to roof of the vehicle body for housing the actuator.

8. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the connecting linkage includes
a first set of connecting links pivotally connected to the free end of the actuator,
a second set of connecting links connected to the first set of connecting links, and
a third set of connecting links having a first end portion hingedly supported on the mounting bracket, an intermediate portion connected to end portion of the second set of connecting links, and a second end portion carrying the signal display member,
such that upon actuation, the actuator retracts the second set of connecting links through the first set of connecting links whereby third set of connecting links tilt to move the signal display member with respect to the vehicle.

9. The signaling device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the third set of connecting links have an L-shaped profile.

10. The signaling device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the signal display member is a stop signal plate.

11. The signaling device for a vehicle as claimed in claim 1 includes a power source connected with the actuator, the switch and the controller.
,TagSPECI:TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to vehicles, and relates more particularly to an apparatus for signaling an activity by a vehicle such as opening of a door.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE
During vehicle movement from one location to another the vehicles are often required to stop over, for example, for unloading/loading goods or for allowing passengers to board or de-board the vehicle. During such stopping, it is required that the vehicle gives an indication to trailing vehicles and travelers. Such indication may be in the form of illumination of the indicator lights. Likewise, it is also required that when a vehicle door opens, an indication be given to trailing vehicles and travelers. This feature is often called a “Stop Signal mechanism,” used globally in school vans and buses. Generally, as a stop signal mechanism, the vehicles with two tilt-open doors are fitted with a stop signal arm attached to the door itself. Therefore when the door tilt opens, the stop signal arm gets projected out. Simultaneously, the turn indicators also start flashing. However, this stop signal arm fails to serve the purpose of indication on vehicles having sliding doors.

In light of foregoing discussion it is necessary to develop an apparatus for signaling an activity by a vehicle such as opening of a door to overcome the problems stated above.

OBJECTS OF THE DISCLOSURE
One object of the present disclosure is to provide a safe, simple, easy to manufacture and reliable signaling device for a vehicle.

Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a stop signaling device for vehicles having sliding doors.

Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a stop signaling device that uses motorized actuator that gets signals from a door switch.

Further objects and features of the disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The signaling device for a vehicle includes a door switch operatively associated with a door of a vehicle to sense position of the door with respect to the vehicle; a controller in communication with the door switch; an actuator housed on the vehicle and in communication with the controller, the actuator having a telescopically extendible arm adapted to extend based on the signal from the controller; a connecting linkage hingedly mounted on the actuator, the connecting linkage being connected to the extendible arm of the actuator; and, a signal display member connected to an end portion of the connecting linkage such that the signal display member moves between a closed and an open position thereof with respect to the vehicle based on the telescopic movement of the extensible arm.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a vehicle having a signaling device, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the signaling device mounted on the vehicle, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 illustrates another perspective view of the signaling device, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded perspective view of the signaling device, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 illustrates schematic views of the positions of the signaling device, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 illustrates perspective views of the positions of the signaling device, in accordance to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE
Referring now to figures 1 to 6, wherein the showings are for the purpose of illustrating a preferred embodiment of the disclosure only, and not for the purpose of limiting the same.

As shown in FIG 1, which is a perspective view of a vehicle 100, a signaling device 10 (also referred to as “stop signal mechanism” or simple “stop signal”) is mounted on the vehicle 100. The vehicle 100 may include, but is not limited to, a school, a city transport bus and the like, having one or more sliding door 12. The sliding door 12 may be there for allowing access to the passengers, drivers, goods and the like, and the sliding door 12 may be present at right, left or at any other side of the vehicle. The sliding door 12 may be manually or power operated, and may have single or multiple door panels. The door panels of the sliding door 12, like a conventional sliding door are adapted to slide with respect to the vehicle 100.

Referring now to FIG. 2, the signaling device 10 is mounted on the vehicle 100 at a position proximate to the opening for the door 12. However, in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure, the signaling device 10 may be mounted elsewhere on the vehicle 100 without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

The signaling device 10 (also referred to as “vehicle activity signaling device 10”) includes a door switch 14. The door switch 14, best shown in FIG. 1, is operatively associated with the door 12 of the vehicle 100. Accordingly, the door switch 14 is adapted to sense the position of the door 12 with respect to the vehicle 100. A controller 15 is in communication with the door switch 14. The communication of the controller 15 to the door switch 14 may, in one embodiment, be through a wiring harness.

An actuator 16 is housed on the vehicle 100. In one embodiment, the actuator 16 is mounted on a mounting bracket 19 on the vehicle 100. The actuator 16 is in communication with the controller. In one embodiment, the actuator 16 is in communication with the controller through a wiring harness 32. The actuator 16 includes a telescopically extendible arm 18. The extendible arm 18 is adapted to extend longitudinally. The extendible arm 18 moves based on the signal received from the controller. In one embodiment, the actuator is a solenoid actuator.
A connecting linkage 20 is hingedly mounted on the actuator 16. More particularly, the connecting linkage 20 has an end connected to the extendible arm 18 of the actuator.

A signal display member 22 (also referred to as a “stop signal plate”) is connected to an opposite end portion of the connecting linkage 20. The signal display member 22 moves with respect to the vehicle between a closed (FIG. 6a) and an open (FIG 6b) position thereof based on the telescopic movement of the extensible arm of the actuator. The closed and open positions of the signal display member 22 are best illustrated in FIG. 6A and 6B. In one embodiment, the signal display member 22 includes a visual impression e.g. STOP.

The stop switch 14 upon sensing the opening of the door signals the controller 15. The controller 15 then signals the actuator 16 to retract the extendible arm thereby moving the signal display member to the open position thereof.

Further, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the vehicle activity signaling device 10 further includes a plurality of illuminating members 24 in electrical communication with controller. The plurality of illuminating members 24 are adapted to illuminate in response of a door open signal from the controller. The plurality of illuminating members is plurality of flashers, turn indicator lights and the like. A rechargeable battery 34 is electrically connected with the actuator, the switch and the controller. The rechargeable battery is electrically connected with the actuator, the switch and the controller.

Referring now to FIG. 4, which illustrates an exploded view of the signaling device 10, the connecting linkage 20 includes a first set of connecting links 26 (also referred to as “link 1”) pivotally connected to the free end of the actuator 16. A second set of connecting links 28 (also referred to as “link 2”) is connected to the first set of connecting links. A third set of connecting links 30 has a first end portion hingedly supported on the mounting bracket, an intermediate portion connected to end portion of the second set of connecting links, and a second end portion carrying the signal display member 22. Further, the third set of connecting links 30 have an L-shaped profile, connected to the mounting bracket and the second set of connecting links pin 23 and 25.
During utilization of the vehicle activity signaling device 10, the contact of the sliding door switch closes when the sliding door is opened and vice versa. When the sliding door is opened, an active low signal from the switch signals the stop signal controller and flasher. The stop signal controller generates a positive voltage pulse of 400 m-seconds duration to operate the motorized actuator and pull its plunger in. This causes the stop flap to open up. The active low signal from the sliding door switch to the hazard warning input of the flasher causes all the turn indicators to flash continuously. Thus the stop flaps opens and simultaneously turn-indicators start flashing with the sliding door opened.

Similarly, when the sliding door is closed, the switch contacts open. This causes the stop signal controller to generate a negative voltage pulse of 400 m-seconds duration to operate the motorized actuator in reverse direction and push its plunger out. This causes the stop flap to close. The opening of sliding door switch contact also stops the flashing of all turn indicators.

As per one embodiment of the present illustrated in FIG. 5, the connecting linkage includes 3 links, which are interconnected through pins (Points). The Link 1 is connected to solenoid at point `a’ and other point is connected to Link 2 by pin, this pin represent by Point `b’. Second point of Link 2 is connected to Link 3 by pin & this pin is represented by Point `c’, Stop plate is mounted to another point of Link 3 with pivoting pin as shown. This is a fixed pin represent by point `d’. During vehicle running condition, this mechanism is always in closed condition (FIG. 6A). Linkages operated in only when the vehicle stops and door is opened.

In open condition, actuator is operated electromechanically and the travel of the actuator is 21 mm. Link 1 & 2 move linearly backward and link 3 rotates 90 deg at pivot point ‘d.’ Since the link 3 is connected to the stop signal plate 22, this plate is open at 90 deg (FIG. 6b) and it gives signal to other motorist.

Diodes are used to prevent undesired activation of the stop signal controller by Hazard warning switch and door switches used for driver door, co-driver door and tail gate respectively. The Flasher and stop signal controller are provided with battery supply to meet the regulatory requirement of stop signal function irrespective of ignition ON/ OFF.

The foregoing description is a specific embodiment of the present disclosure. It should be appreciated that this embodiment is described for purpose of illustration only, and that numerous alterations and modifications may be practiced by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all such modifications and alterations be included insofar as they come within the scope of the disclosure as claimed or the equivalents thereof.

Referral Numerals:

Reference Number Description
100 Vehicle
10 Signaling device
12 Sliding door
14 Door switch
16 Actuator
18 Extendible arm
20 Connecting linkage
22 Signal display member
24 illuminating members
26 First set of connecting links
28 Second set of connecting links 28
30 Third set of connecting links
32 Wiring harness
15 Controller
19 Mounting bracket
34 Battery