SAFETY TRIPOD APPARATUS FOR VEHICLE

Provided is a safety tripod apparatus for a vehicle. The safety tripod apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention includes a storage tank that stores a compressed gas, a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank, a control unit that controls opening or closing of the valve, a tube connected to the valve and expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the valve, and a signpost connected to one end of the tube. Accordingly, a safety accident can be prevented from occurring due to manual installation of a safety tripod.

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Description
CLAIM FOR PRIORITY

This application claims priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2013-0009344 filed on Jan. 28, 2013 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

1. Technical Field

Example embodiments of the present invention relate to a safety tripod apparatus, and more specifically, to a safety tripod apparatus for a vehicle for automatically installing a safety tripod for a vehicle.

2. Related Art

In general, when a vehicle stops on a road due to an accident or malfunction, a safety tripod is used to inform a driver of a vehicle approaching from the rear of such a situation. When a safety tripod of the related art is installed, a driver gets out of a vehicle, moves from the vehicle to a point tens of meters behind the vehicle, and installs the safety tripod. In particular, when the safety tripod is installed on a highway in a manner as described above, there is a problem in that a safety accident is highly likely to occur due to vehicles driven at high speeds.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, example embodiments of the present invention are provided to substantially obviate one or more problems due to limitations and disadvantages of the related art.

Example embodiments of the present invention provide a safety tripod apparatus for a vehicle for automatically installing a safety tripod for a vehicle using air pressure or oil pressure.

In some example embodiments, a safety tripod apparatus includes a storage tank that stores a compressed gas; a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank; a control unit that controls opening or closing of the valve; a tube connected to the valve and expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the valve; and a signpost connected to one end of the tube.

Here, the opening or closing of the valve may be controlled by a control signal received from the control unit.

Here, the valve may be a solenoid valve.

Here, the valve may be mechanically connected to the control unit, and the opening or closing of the valve may be controlled by the mechanical connection.

Here, the control unit may include a switch or a lever that controls the opening or closing of the valve.

Here, the control unit may further include a cover located above the switch or the lever.

Here, the switch or the lever may be located in at least one place of a dashboard, a door, and a trunk of a vehicle.

Here, a reflective film may be attached to an outer surface of the tube or a fluorescent material may be applied to the outer surface of the tube.

Here, the signpost may be formed of a flexible material to be expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the tube.

Here, the storage tank, the valve, the tube, and the signpost may be located in a trunk or a bumper of a vehicle.

In other example embodiments, a safety tripod apparatus includes a generation unit that applies pressure to fluid to generate a flow of the fluid; a tube connected to the generation unit and expanded by the fluid flowing from the generation unit; and a signpost connected to one end of the tube.

Here, the fluid may be a gas, and the generation unit may include a compressor that compresses the gas; a storage tank connected to the compressor and storing the gas compressed by the compressor; a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank; and a control unit that controls operations of the compressor and the valve.

Here, the fluid may be oil, and the generation unit may include a storage tank that to stores the oil; a pump connected to the storage tank and suctioning the oil from the storage tank to generate a flow of the oil; a valve connected to the pump and controlling the flow of the oil generated by the pump; and a control unit that controls operations of the pump and the valve.

Here, a reflective film may be attached to an outer surface of the tube or a fluorescent material may be applied to the outer surface of the tube.

Here, the signpost may be formed of a flexible material to be expanded by the fluid flowing through the tube.

In still other example embodiments, a safety tripod apparatus includes a generation unit that generates energy for operating an actuator according to a user's request; the actuator connected to the generation unit and operating based on the energy; a foldable connection unit connected to the actuator and unfolded or folded according to an operation of the actuator; and a signpost connected to one end of the foldable connection unit.

Here, the generation unit may include a compressor that compresses a gas; a storage tank connected to the compressor and storing the gas compressed by the compressor; a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank; and a control unit that controls operations of the compressor and the valve.

Here, the generation unit may include a storage tank that stores oil; a pump connected to the storage tank and suctioning the oil from the storage tank to generate a flow of the oil; a valve connected to the pump and controlling the flow of the oil generated by the pump; and a control unit that controls operations of the pump and the valve.

Here, the actuator may include a motor that controls an operation of the foldable connection unit.

Here, a reflective film may be attached to one surface of the foldable connection unit or a fluorescent material may be applied to the one surface of the foldable connection unit.

According to the present invention, since the safety tripod for a vehicle can be to automatically installed using air pressure or oil pressure, the safety tripod can be rapidly and easily installed, and a safety accident can be prevented from occurring due to manual installation of the safety tripod.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the present invention will become more apparent by describing in detail example embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an operation state of the safety tripod apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a generation unit of a pneumatic scheme in a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a generation unit of a hydraulic scheme in a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an operation state of a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

 DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein. However, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for to purposes of describing example embodiments of the present invention, however, example embodiments of the present invention may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to example embodiments of the present invention set forth herein.

Accordingly, while the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof are shown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the invention to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout the description of the figures.

It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “connected” to another element, it can be directly connected or connected to the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly connected” to another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (i.e., “between” versus “directly between”, “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent”, etc.).

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises”, “comprising,”, “includes” and/or “including”, when used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. It will be further understood that terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaning that is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a safety tripod apparatus 100 according to an example embodiment of the present invention may include a storage tank 110, a valve 120, a control unit 130, a tube 140 and a signpost 150. The storage tank 110 may store a compressed gas (e.g., air), and the compressed gas may flow into the tube 140 and the signpost 150 through the valve 120.

The valve 120 may be located between the storage tank 110 and the tube 140, and may have one end connected to the storage tank 110 and the other end connected to the tube 140. The valve 120 may control a flow of the gas flowing from the storage tank 110 to the tube 140. Here, a mechanical valve or an electronic valve (e.g., a solenoid valve) may be used as the valve 120.

The storage tank 110 and the valve 120 may be located in a lower space of the vehicle, such as a lower space of an engine room, a lower indoor space of the vehicle, a lower space of a trunk, or the like. The storage tank 110 and the valve 120 may be located at adjacent places. Installation positions of the storage tank 110 and the valve 120 are not limited thereto and may be in a variety of positions.

The control unit 130 may control an operation of the valve 120 based on a user's request. The control unit 130 may include a lever, a push-button switch or the like. For example, when the control unit 130 includes the lever, the lever and the valve 120 may be mechanically connected to and interworked with each other, and the valve 120 may be opened or closed according to an operation state of the lever. That is, when the lever moves to a previously set position, the valve 120 may be opened to allow the compressed gas to flow from the storage tank 110 to the tube 140 and the signpost 150.

Meanwhile, when the control unit 130 includes the push-button switch, the push-button switch may provide a control signal to the valve 20 according to a user's request, and the valve 20 may be opened or closed according to the control signal. For example, when the push-button switch is pressed for its contacts to be closed, the control signal may be generated and the generated control signal may be provided to the valve 120. The valve 120 may be opened by the control signal, and accordingly, the gas may flow from the storage tank 110 to the tube 140 and the signpost 150.

The control unit 130 may be located at a place that a user's hand cannot easily reach in order to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally. For example, the control unit 130 may be located in at least one of a dashboard, a door and a trunk of the vehicle. The control unit 130 may include a cover, and the cover may be located above the lever or the push-button switch. Since this configuration causes the user to first open the cover and then manipulate the control unit 130, it is possible to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally.

Here, the safety tripod apparatus 100 may further include a line filter (not shown), a drier (not shown), and an air pressure adjustment unit (not shown). The line filter, the drier and the air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the storage tank 110 and the valve 120.

The line filter may be located between the storage tank 110 and the drier, and may have one end connected to the storage tank 110 and the other end connected to the drier. The line filter may remove foreign matters contained in the gas flowing from the storage tank 110 and may provide the gas from which the foreign matters have been removed to the drier.

The drier may be located between the line filter and the air pressure adjustment unit, and may have one end connected to the line filter and the other end connected to the air pressure adjustment unit. The drier may remove moisture contained in the gas flowing from the line filter, and may provide the gas from which the moisture has been removed to the air pressure adjustment unit.

As the drier, an absorption drier, a low-temperature drier, an adsorption drier or the like may be used. The absorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a chemical method (i.e., chemical action between a desiccant and the moisture), the low-temperature drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a method of lowering the temperature of a dew point, and the adsorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a physical method (i.e., adsorption action between a desiccant and the moisture).

The air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the drier and the valve 120, and may have one end connected to the drier and the other end connected to the valve 120. The air pressure adjustment unit may adjust a compression state of the gas flowing from the drier, and may provide the gas whose compression state has been adjusted to the valve 120.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an operation state of the safety tripod apparatus according to an example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the tube 140 may be located between the valve 120 and the signpost 150 and may have one end connected to the signpost 150 and the other end (i.e., an inlet 142) connected to the valve 120. The tube 140 may be formed of a flexible material and may have a rod shape. The tube 140 may be expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the valve 120.

The tube 140 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 141 formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the tube 140, or a fluorescent material 141 formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the tube 140.

The signpost 150 may be connected to one end of the tube 140, and move by an expansion length when the tube 140 is expanded. The signpost 150 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 151 formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the signpost 150, or a fluorescent material 151 formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the signpost 150.

Meanwhile, the signpost 150 may be formed of a flexible material, and may have a space that is formed therein and into which a gas can flow. The gas flowing from the storage tank 110 to the tube 140 flows into the space formed inside the signpost 150, and accordingly the signpost 150 is expanded.

The tube 140 and the signpost 150 may be installed in a lower portion of the vehicle, a trunk, a rear bumper, or the like. Installation positions of the tube 140 and the signpost 150 are not limited thereto and may be in a variety of positions.

FIG. 2(a) illustrates a state before the safety tripod is installed. Since there is no gas inside the tube 140, the tube 140 may be present in a folded state or a rolled state. FIG. 2(b) illustrates a state after the safety tripod is installed. The tube 140 is present in an expanded state due to the gas that has flowed into the tube 140. As the tube 140 is expanded, the signpost 150 is moved by an expansion length.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, a safety tripod apparatus 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention may include a generation unit 160, a tube 140 and a signpost 150. The generation unit 160 may apply pressure to a gas to generate a gas flow, or may apply pressure to an oil to generate an oil flow. The tube 140 may be expanded by the gas flowing by the gas flow, or may be expanded by the oil flowing by the oil flow. The signpost 150 may be connected to one end of the tube 140.

The generation unit 160 may generate the gas flow based on a pneumatic scheme. Hereinafter, the generation unit 160 of the pneumatic scheme will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the generation unit of the pneumatic scheme in the safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, the generation unit 160 of the pneumatic scheme may include a compressor 161, a storage tank 162, a pneumatic valve 163 and a control unit 164.

The compressor 161 may compress a gas and provide the compressed gas to the storage tank 162. Here, a reciprocating compressor that is a positive displacement compressor (e.g., a piston compressor or a diaphragm compressor), a rotary compressor (e.g., a screw compressor or a vane compressor) or the like may be used as the compressor 161, or a centrifugal compressor that is a turbo compressor, an axial flow compressor or the like may be used.

The storage tank 162 may be located between the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163, and may have one end connected to the compressor 161 and the other end connected to the pneumatic valve 163. The storage tank 162 may receive a compressed gas from the compressor 161 and store the received compressed gas. The compressed gas stored in the storage tank 162 may flow into the tube 140 and the signpost 150 through the pneumatic valve 163.

Here, the safety tripod apparatus 100 may further include a rear cooler (not shown). The rear cooler may be located between the compressor 161 and the storage tank 162, and may have one end connected to the compressor 161 and the other end connected to the storage tank 162. The rear cooler may cool the gas compressed by the compressor 161 to remove moisture contained in the gas, and may provide the gas from which the moisture has been removed due to cooling to the storage tank 162.

The pneumatic valve 163 may be located between the storage tank 162 and the tube 140 and may have one end connected to the storage tank 162 and the other end connected to the tube 140. The pneumatic valve 163 may control a flow of the gas flowing from the storage tank 162 to the tube 140. Here, the pneumatic valve 163 may include a direction control valve (not shown) for controlling a direction of the gas, a flow control valve (not shown) for maintaining a constant flow of the gas, a pressure control valve (not shown) for maintaining constant pressure of the gas, and the like.

The compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be located in the lower space of the vehicle, such as a lower space of an engine room, a lower indoor space of the vehicle, or a lower space of a trunk. Further, the compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be located at adjacent places. Installation positions of the compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 are not limited thereto and may be a variety of positions.

Here, the safety tripod apparatus 100 may further include a line filter, a drier, and an air pressure adjustment unit. The line filter, the drier and the air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163.

The line filter may be located between the storage tank 162 and the drier and may have one end connected to the storage tank 162 and the other end connected to the drier. The line filter may remove foreign matters contained in the gas flowing from the storage tank 110 and provide the gas from which the foreign matters have been removed to the drier.

The drier may be located between the line filter and the air pressure adjustment unit and may have one end connected to the line filter and the other end connected to the air pressure adjustment unit. The drier may remove moisture contained in the gas flowing from the line filter, and may provide the gas from which the moisture has been removed to the air pressure adjustment unit.

As the drier, an absorption drier, a low-temperature drier, or an adsorption drier may be used. The absorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a chemical method, the low-temperature drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a method of lowering the temperature of a dew point, and the adsorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a physical method.

The air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the drier and the pneumatic valve 163 and may have one end connected to the drier and the other end connected to the pneumatic valve 163. The air pressure adjustment unit may adjust a compression state of the gas flowing from the drier, and may provide the gas whose compression state has been adjusted to the pneumatic valve 163.

The control unit 164 may control an operation of the compressor 161, the pneumatic valve 163 or the like based on a user's request. For example, when installation of the safety tripod is requested by the user, the control unit 164 may control the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163 (operate the compressor 161 and open the pneumatic valve 163) so that the gas stored in the storage tank 162 flows into the tube 140 and the signpost 150. In addition, the control unit 164 may control the direction control valve of the pneumatic valve to control a direction of the gas, may control the flow control valve of the pneumatic valve to maintain a constant flow of the gas, and may control the pressure control valve of the pneumatic valve to maintain constant pressure of the gas.

The control unit 164 may be located at a place that a user's hand cannot easily reach in order to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally. For example, the control unit 164 may be located in at least one of a dashboard, a door and a trunk of the vehicle. The control unit 164 may include a lever or a push-button switch for controlling operations of the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163. In this case, the control unit 164 may further include a cover located above the lever or the push-button switch. Since this configuration causes the user to first open the cover and then manipulate the control unit 164, it is possible to prevent the control unit 164 from being manipulated unintentionally.

The control unit 164 may include a general purpose processor or a dedicated processor, a memory and the like. The control of the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be performed by the processor. Here, the processor may refer to a CPU (Central Processing Unit).

Meanwhile, the generation unit 160 may generate a flow of oil based on a hydraulic scheme. Hereinafter, the generation unit 160 of a hydraulic scheme will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating the generation unit of a hydraulic scheme in a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the generation unit 160 of a hydraulic scheme may include a storage tank 166, a hydraulic pump 167, a hydraulic valve 168 and a control unit 169. The storage tank 166 may store oil and may cool the stored oil.

The hydraulic pump 167 may be located between the storage tank 166 and the hydraulic valve 168 and may have one end connected to the storage tank 166 and the other end connected to the hydraulic valve 168. The hydraulic pump 167 may suction the oil from the storage tank 166 to generate a flow of the oil. A positive displacement pump may be used as the hydraulic pump 167. For example, a gear pump (e.g., an external gear pump or an internal gear pump), a vane pump (e.g., an unbalanced vane pump or a balanced vane pump), a piston pump, or the like may be used.

The hydraulic valve 168 may be located between the hydraulic pump 167 and the tube 140 and may have one end connected to the hydraulic pump 167 and the other end connected to the tube 140. The hydraulic valve 168 may control the flow of oil generated by the hydraulic pump 167. Here, the hydraulic valve 168 may include a direction control valve for controlling a direction of the oil (not shown), a flow control valve for maintaining a constant flow of the oil (not shown), a pressure control valve for maintaining constant pressure of the oil (not shown), and the like.

The storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be located in the lower space of the vehicle, such as a lower space of an engine room, a lower indoor space of the vehicle, a lower space of a trunk, or the like. Further, the storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be located at adjacent places. Installation positions of the storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 are not limited to these spaces and may be in a variety of positions.

The control unit 169 may control an operation of the hydraulic pump 167, the hydraulic valve 168 or the like based on a user's request. For example, when installation of the safety tripod is requested by the user, the control unit 169 may control the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 (i.e., operate the hydraulic pump 167 and open the hydraulic valve 168) to allow the oil to flow into the tube 140 and the signpost 150. In addition, the control unit 164 may control the direction control valve of the hydraulic valve to control a direction of the oil, may control the flow control valve of the hydraulic valve to maintain a constant flow of the oil, and may control the pressure control valve of the hydraulic valve to maintain constant pressure of the oil.

The control unit 169 may be located at a place that a user's hand cannot easily reach in order to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally. For example, the control unit 169 may be located in at least one of a dashboard, a door and a trunk of the vehicle. The control unit 169 may include a lever or a push-button switch for controlling operations of the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168. In this case, the control unit 169 may further include a cover located above the lever or the push-button switch. Since this configuration causes the user to first open the cover and manipulate the control unit 169, it is possible to prevent the control unit 169 from being unintentionally manipulated.

The control unit 169 may include a general purpose processor or a dedicated processor, a memory and the like, and the control of the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be performed by the processor. Here, the processor may refer to a CPU.

The tube 140 may be expanded by the gas flowing through the pneumatic valve 163 or may be expanded by the oil flowing through the hydraulic valve 168. The tube 140 may be formed of a flexible material and may have a rod shape. The one end of the tube 140 may be connected to the signpost 150, and the other end of the tube 140 may be connected to the pneumatic valve 163 or the hydraulic valve 168.

The tube 140 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 141 (see FIG. 2) formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the tube 140 or a fluorescent material 141 (see FIG. 2) formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the tube 140.

The signpost 150 may be connected to one end of the tube 140, and move by an expansion length when the tube 140 is expanded. The signpost 150 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 151 (see FIG. 2) formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the signpost 150 or a fluorescent material 151 (see FIG. 2) formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the signpost 150.

Meanwhile, the signpost 150 may be formed of a flexible material, and may have a space that is formed therein and into which the gas or the oil can flow. The gas or oil flowing from the storage tank 110 to the tube 140 flows in the space formed inside the signpost 150 and accordingly the signpost 150 is expanded.

The tube 140 and the signpost 150 may be installed in a lower portion of the vehicle, a trunk, a rear bumper or the like. Installation positions of the tube 140 and the signpost 150 are not limited thereto and may be in a variety of positions.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 6, a safety tripod apparatus 100 according to another example embodiment of the present invention may include a generation unit 160, an actuator 170, a foldable connection unit 180, and a signpost 150. The generation unit 160 may generate energy for operating the actuator according to a user's request, and the energy may refer to energy by pressure of a gas or energy by pressure of oil. Further, the generation unit 160 may provide electric energy for operating the actuator to the actuator. The actuator 170 may operate with a gas flowing according to a gas flow, may operate with oil flowing according an oil flow, or may operate with the electric energy. That is, the actuator 170 may include a cylinder, and the cylinder may operate with air pressure or oil pressure. Further, the actuator 170 may further include a motor, and the cylinder may operate with an operation of the motor. The foldable connection unit 180 may be unfolded or folded according to an operation of the actuator 170. The signpost 150 may be connected to one end of the foldable connection unit 180.

The generation unit 160 may generate the flow of the gas based on a pneumatic scheme. A specific configuration of the generation unit 160 of the pneumatic scheme is the same as that in FIG. 4 described above.

That is, the generation unit 160 of the pneumatic scheme may include a compressor to 161, a storage tank 162, a pneumatic valve 163 and a control unit 164. The compressor 161 may compress a gas and may provide the compressed gas to the storage tank 162. Here, as the compressor 161, a reciprocating compressor that is a positive displacement compressor (e.g., a piston compressor or a diaphragm compressor), a rotary compressor (e.g., a screw compressor or a vane compressor) or the like may be used, or a centrifugal compressor that is a turbo compressor, an axial flow compressor or the like may be used.

The storage tank 162 may be located between the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163, and may have one end connected to the compressor 161 and the other end connected to the pneumatic valve 163. The storage tank 162 may receive the compressed gas from the compressor 161 and store the received compressed gas. The compressed gas stored in the storage tank 162 may flow into the actuator 170 through the pneumatic valve 163.

Here, the safety tripod apparatus 100 may further include a rear cooler, and the rear cooler may cool the gas to remove moisture contained in the gas. The rear cooler may be located between the compressor 161 and the storage tank 162, and may have one end connected to the compressor 161 and the other end connected to the storage tank 162. The rear cooler may cool the gas compressed by the compressor 161 to remove moisture contained in the gas, and may provide the gas from which the moisture has been removed due to cooling to the storage tank 162.

The pneumatic valve 163 may be located between the storage tank 162 and the actuator 170, and may have one end connected to the storage tank 162 and the other end connected to the actuator 170. The pneumatic valve 163 may control the flow of the gas flowing from the storage tank 162 to the actuator 170. Here, the pneumatic valve 163 may include a direction control valve for controlling a direction of the gas, a flow control valve for maintaining a constant flow of the gas, a pressure control valve for maintaining constant pressure of the gas, and the like.

The compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be located in a lower space of the vehicle, such as a lower space of an engine room, a lower indoor space of the vehicle, or a lower space of a trunk. Further, the compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be located at adjacent places. Installation positions of the compressor 161, the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163 are not limited thereto and may be in a variety of positions.

Here, the safety tripod apparatus 100 may further include a line filter, a drier, and an air pressure adjustment unit. The line filter, the drier and the air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the storage tank 162 and the pneumatic valve 163.

The line filter may be located between the storage tank 162 and the drier, and may have one end connected to the storage tank 162 and the other end connected to the drier. The line filter may remove foreign matters contained in the gas flowing from the storage tank 110, and provide the gas from which foreign matters have been removed to the drier.

The drier may be located between the line filter and the air pressure adjustment unit, and may have one end connected to the line filter and the other end connected to the air pressure adjustment unit. The drier may remove moisture contained in the gas flowing from the line filter, and may provide the gas from which the moisture has been removed to the air pressure adjustment unit.

As the drier, an absorption drier, a low-temperature drier, an adsorption drier or the like may be used. The absorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a chemical method, the low-temperature drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a method of lowering temperature of a dew point, and the adsorption drier can remove the moisture contained in the gas using a physical method.

The air pressure adjustment unit may be located between the drier and the pneumatic valve 163 and may have one end connected to the drier and the other end connected to the pneumatic valve 163. The air pressure adjustment unit may adjust a compression state of to the gas flowing from the drier, and may provide the gas whose compression state has been adjusted to the pneumatic valve 163.

The control unit 164 may control operation of the compressor 161, the pneumatic valve 163 or the like based on a user's request. For example, when installation of the safety tripod is requested by the user, the control unit 164 may control the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163 (i.e., operate the compressor 161 and open the pneumatic valve 163) to allow the gas stored in the storage tank 162 to flow into the actuator 170. In addition, the control unit 164 may control the direction control valve of the pneumatic valve to control a direction of the gas, may control the flow control valve of the pneumatic valve to maintain a constant flow of the gas, and may control the pressure control valve of the pneumatic valve to maintain constant pressure of the gas.

The control unit 164 may be located at a place that a user's hand cannot easily reach in order to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally. For example, the control unit 164 may be located in at least one of a dashboard, a door and a trunk of the vehicle. The control unit 164 may include a lever or a push-button switch for controlling operations of the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163. In this case, the control unit 164 may further include a cover located above the lever or the push-button switch. Since this configuration causes the user to first open the cover and then manipulate the control unit 164, it is possible to prevent the control unit 164 from being manipulated unintentionally.

The control unit 164 may include a general purpose processor or a dedicated processor, a memory and the like, and the control of the compressor 161 and the pneumatic valve 163 may be performed by the processor. Here, the processor may refer to a CPU.

Meanwhile, the generation unit 160 may generate a flow of oil based on a hydraulic scheme, and a specific configuration of the generation unit 160 of a hydraulic scheme is the same as that in FIG. 5 described above.

The generation unit 160 of a hydraulic scheme may include a storage tank 166, a hydraulic pump 167, a hydraulic valve 168 and a control unit 169. The storage tank 166 may store oil and may cool the stored oil.

The hydraulic pump 167 may be located between the storage tank 166 and the hydraulic valve 168, and may have one end connected to the storage tank 166 and the other end connected to the hydraulic valve 168. The hydraulic pump 167 may suction the oil from the storage tank 166 to generate a flow of the oil. A positive displacement pump may be used as the hydraulic pump 167. For example, a gear pump (e.g., an external gear pump or an internal gear pump), a vane pump (e.g., an unbalanced vane pump or a balanced vane pump), a piston pump or the like may be used.

The hydraulic valve 168 may be located between the hydraulic pump 167 and the actuator 170, and may have one end connected to the hydraulic pump 167 and the other end connected to the actuator 170. The hydraulic valve 168 may control a flow of the oil generated by the hydraulic pump 167. Here, the hydraulic valve 168 may include a direction control valve for controlling a direction of the oil, a flow control valve for maintaining a constant flow of the oil, a pressure control valve for maintaining constant pressure of the oil, and the like.

The storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be located in a lower space of the vehicle, such as a lower space of an engine room, a lower indoor space of the vehicle, a lower space of a trunk, or the like. Further, the storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be located at adjacent places. Installation positions of the storage tank 166, the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 are not limited thereto and may be in a variety of positions.

The control unit 169 may control an operation of the hydraulic pump 167, the hydraulic valve 168 or the like based on a user's request. For example, when installation of the safety tripod is requested by the user, the control unit 169 may control the hydraulic pump to 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 (i.e., operate the hydraulic pump 167 and open the hydraulic valve 168) to allow the oil to flow into the actuator 170. In addition, the control unit 169 may control the direction control valve of the hydraulic valve to control a direction of the oil, may control the flow control valve of the hydraulic valve to maintain a constant flow of the oil, and may control the pressure control valve of the hydraulic valve to maintain constant pressure of the oil.

The control unit 169 may be located at a place that a user's hand cannot easily reach in order to prevent the control unit 130 from being manipulated unintentionally. For example, the control unit 169 may be located in at least one of a dashboard, a door and a trunk of the vehicle. The control unit 169 may include a lever or a push-button switch for controlling operations of the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168. In this case, the control unit 169 may further include a cover located above the lever or the push-button switch. Since this configuration causes the user to first open the cover and then manipulate the control unit 169, it is possible to prevent the control unit 169 from being unintentionally manipulated.

The control unit 169 may include a general purpose processor or a dedicated processor, a memory and the like, and the control of the hydraulic pump 167 and the hydraulic valve 168 may be performed by the processor. Here, the processor may refer to a CPU.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view illustrating an operation state of the safety tripod apparatus according to another example embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, the foldable connection unit 180 may be located between the actuator 170 and the signpost 150, and may have one end connected to the signpost 150 and the other end connected to the actuator 170. The foldable connection unit 180 may be formed through a connection of a plurality of bars. That is, a center of one bar center and a center of the other bar may form one structure through a hinge connection, and the foldable connection unit 180 may be formed through a hinge connection between such structures. Here, the structure may have an X-figure shape.

The foldable connection unit 180 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 181 formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the foldable connection unit 180, or a fluorescent material 181 formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the foldable connection unit 180.

The signpost 150 may be connected to one end of the foldable connection unit 180, and move by an unfolding length when the foldable connection unit 180 is unfolded. The signpost 150 may be formed of at least one of a material that reflects light and a material that emits light according to excitement of light. Further, a reflective film 151 formed of a material that reflects light may be attached to one surface of the signpost 150, or a fluorescent material 151 formed of a material that emits light according to excitement of light may be applied to the one surface of the signpost 150.

FIG. 7(a) illustrates a state before the safety tripod is installed. The foldable connection unit 180 may be present in a completely folded state. FIG. 7(b) illustrates a state after the safety tripod is installed. The foldable connection unit 180 may be present in a completely unfolded state. That is, in the safety tripod apparatus 100 of the pneumatic scheme, when a request to install the safety tripod is made by the user, the control unit 164 may operate the compressor 161 to generate the compressed gas and may open the pneumatic valve 163 to allow the compressed gas to flow into the actuator 170. The actuator 170 operates based on the compressed gas and applies pressure to the foldable connection unit 180. Accordingly, the foldable connection unit 180 is unfolded.

Meanwhile, in the safety tripod apparatus 100 of the hydraulic scheme, when a request to install the safety tripod is made by the user, the control unit 169 may operate the to hydraulic pump 167 to generate a flow of oil and may open the hydraulic valve 168 to allow the oil to flow into the actuator 170. The actuator 170 operates based on the oil and applies pressure to the foldable connection unit 180. Accordingly, the foldable connection unit 180 is unfolded.

While the example embodiments of the present invention and their advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations may be made herein without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A safety tripod apparatus comprising:

a storage tank that stores a compressed gas;
a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank;
a control unit that controls opening or closing of the valve;
a tube connected to the valve and expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the valve; and
to a signpost connected to one end of the tube.

2. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the opening or closing of the valve is controlled by a control signal received from the control unit.

3. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve.

4. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the valve is mechanically connected to the control unit, and the opening or closing of the valve is controlled by the mechanical connection.

5. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit includes a switch or a lever that controls the opening or closing of the valve.

6. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the control unit further includes a cover located above the switch or the lever.

7. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the switch or the lever is located in at least one place of a dashboard, a door, and a trunk of a vehicle.

8. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a reflective film is attached to an outer surface of the tube or a fluorescent material is applied to the outer surface of the tube.

9. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signpost is formed of a flexible material to be expanded by the compressed gas flowing through the tube.

10. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the storage tank, the valve, the tube, and the signpost are located in a trunk or a bumper of a vehicle.

11. A safety tripod apparatus comprising:

a generation unit that applies pressure to fluid to generate a flow of the fluid;
a tube connected to the generation unit and expanded by the fluid flowing from the generation unit; and
a signpost connected to one end of the tube.

12. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fluid is a gas, and the generation unit includes:

a compressor that compresses the gas;
a storage tank connected to the compressor and storing the gas compressed by the compressor;
a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank; and
a control unit that controls operations of the compressor and the valve.

13. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the fluid is oil, and the generation unit includes:

a storage tank that stores the oil;
a pump connected to the storage tank and suctioning the oil from the storage tank to generate a flow of the oil;
a valve connected to the pump and controlling the flow of the oil generated by the to pump; and
a control unit that controls operations of the pump and the valve.

14. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 11, wherein a reflective film is attached to an outer surface of the tube or a fluorescent material is applied to the outer surface of the tube.

15. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the signpost is formed of a flexible material to be expanded by the fluid flowing through the tube.

16. A safety tripod apparatus comprising:

a generation unit that generates energy for operating an actuator according to a user's request;
the actuator connected to the generation unit and operating based on the energy;
a foldable connection unit connected to the actuator and unfolded or folded according to an operation of the actuator; and
a signpost connected to one end of the foldable connection unit.

17. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the generation unit includes:

a compressor that compresses a gas;
a storage tank connected to the compressor and storing the gas compressed by the compressor;
a valve connected to the storage tank and controlling a flow of the compressed gas stored in the storage tank; and
a control unit that controls operations of the compressor and the valve.

18. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the generation unit includes:

a storage tank that stores oil;
a pump connected to the storage tank and suctioning the oil from the storage tank to generate a flow of the oil;
a valve connected to the pump and controlling the flow of the oil generated by the pump; and
a control unit that controls operations of the pump and the valve.

19. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 16, wherein the actuator includes a motor that controls an operation of the foldable connection unit.

20. The safety tripod apparatus according to claim 16, wherein a reflective film is attached to one surface of the foldable connection unit or a fluorescent material is applied to the one surface of the foldable connection unit.

Patent History
Publication number: 20140209011
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 17, 2013
Publication Date: Jul 31, 2014
Applicant: Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute (Daejeon)
Inventor: Electronics & Telecommunications Research Institute
Application Number: 13/844,990
Classifications
Current U.S. Class: 116/63.0P
International Classification: E01F 9/014 (20060101);