A vehicle is disclosed comprising a trailer connection receptacle 200. A magnetic switch 214 is coupled with the trailer connection receptacle housing 202 and aligned with a magnet 216 in a cap 204 of the housing while the cap is closed. A controller is configured to, in response to detecting an open position of the cap based on a state of the magnetic switch, periodically supply a voltage pulse less than an operating voltage across contacts 212 of the housing to detect continuity therebetween. In another embodiment, a connection system is disclosed, wherein the controller, upon detecting that the cover is open, modulates the voltage between housing contacts, and activates the receptacle based on the resistance between the contacts being within a predetermined range. A system is also disclosed comprising a plurality of receptacles, magnetic switches coupled to housings, and a plurality of caps containing magnets. The controller may inhibit the voltage pulse upon detecting that the cap is closed. The magnetic switch may be a reed switch.
Automatic trailer lighting control
2017-04-19
Patent
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
IPC: | G01R Messen elektrischer Größen , MEASURING ELECTRIC VARIABLES / B60D Fahrzeugverbindungen , VEHICLE CONNECTIONS / B60Q ARRANGEMENT OF SIGNALLING OR LIGHTING DEVICES, THE MOUNTING OR SUPPORTING THEREOF OR CIRCUITS THEREFOR, FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL , Anordnung von Signal- oder Beleuchtungsvorrichtungen, deren Einbau oder Halterung oder deren Schaltkreise bei Fahrzeugen allgemein |