Daimler-Benz Ag

Mercedes-Benz Aktiengesellschaft

Dieter Braunig

Axel Willikens

Jurgen Dietz

Monitoring of trailer indicator lights includes a flasher pulse generator provided for generating, upon the switching on of a direction signalling switch, fixed pulse frequencies which can be changed over as a function of deviations of the load connected to the flasher pulse generator from its nominal load. The monitoring is carried out without requiring a change over of the flasher pulse generator to a 'trailer mode' of operation. When the trailer is electrically connected, and upon the failure of one of the trailer indicator lights which are to be switched on and operated via a separate voltage supply at the frequency of the flasher pulse generator, one of the indicator lights of the towing vehicle is isolated from the electrical load of the flasher pulse generator. As a result of this simulated light failure, the frequency generated by the flasher pulse generator is changed over the imminent generation of a control signal to the vehicle driver. Because the isolated indicator light is actually intact, it continuous to be operated via an auxiliary switching device and is automatically switched on. The vehicle driver can therefore clearly recognize that a trailer indicator light has failed.

Method and device for monitoring direction indicator lights of a vehicle

The present invention relates to an end connector for coupling at least two shielded cables having a plurality of cores, i.e., insulated wires, in such a way that the cables and the cores of the cables are insulated from one another at the connection point. An insulating body defines one or more insulating chambers into which the cables are guided. Desired cores of the cables are electrically coupled at end connection points of the insulating chambers. A cap is coupled to the insulating body to cover the coupled cores. The cap has a metallic outer surface and a hole. The shields of the cables are guided through the hole and electrically coupled to the outer surface.

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Stuttgart, Germany

Dieter Braunig