WO2011144490A1 - Method and circuit for inverse polarity protection circuit for a jump-start terminal - Google Patents

Method and circuit for inverse polarity protection circuit for a jump-start terminal Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2011144490A1
WO2011144490A1 PCT/EP2011/057477 EP2011057477W WO2011144490A1 WO 2011144490 A1 WO2011144490 A1 WO 2011144490A1 EP 2011057477 W EP2011057477 W EP 2011057477W WO 2011144490 A1 WO2011144490 A1 WO 2011144490A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
polarity
switching
control element
switching control
switching element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2011/057477
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Joerg Einhorn
Original Assignee
Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh filed Critical Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh
Publication of WO2011144490A1 publication Critical patent/WO2011144490A1/en

Links

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J7/00—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries
    • H02J7/0029—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits
    • H02J7/0034—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries with safety or protection devices or circuits using reverse polarity correcting or protecting circuits
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H02—GENERATION; CONVERSION OR DISTRIBUTION OF ELECTRIC POWER
    • H02J—CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS OR SYSTEMS FOR SUPPLYING OR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRIC POWER; SYSTEMS FOR STORING ELECTRIC ENERGY
    • H02J1/00—Circuit arrangements for dc mains or dc distribution networks
    • H02J1/10—Parallel operation of dc sources
    • H02J1/122—Provisions for temporary connection of DC sources of essentially the same voltage, e.g. jumpstart cables

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle, the polarity-reversal protection circuit comprising a first switching element which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, and a first switching control element which is adapted to close the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity.
  • this polarity-reversal protection circuit comprises a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth, and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, and a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, and a third switching control element which is adapted to close the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, the third switching control element furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system.
  • polarity-reversal protection can be ensured in various ways.
  • mechanical devices may be provided which ensure that electrical connections cannot be produced with the incorrect polarity, such as an asymmetrically constructed plug which can be inserted only in one direction and thus prevents reversal of polarity of the connections.
  • electrical polarity-reversal protection it is ensured by means of suitable circuits and components, such as for example polarity-reversal protection diodes, that no damage is caused in the connected device when electrical voltages are applied with the incorrect polarity.
  • a diode may be connected in series with the supply voltage, so that the device no longer receives any current if the polarity is reversed.
  • a diode may be connected in parallel to the supply voltage.
  • a relay which switches the supply voltage through to the consumer with the aid of a diode may also be used.
  • these simple solutions cannot always be used. In a starter circuit of a vehicle, for example, the current is too high for a diode to be able to be connected in series with the supply voltage.
  • a battery of a first motor vehicle is discharged, that is to say there is insufficient power available, it is known to connect a battery of a second motor vehicle via the discharged battery in order to start the engine of the first vehicle.
  • Such a technique is generally known as jump-starting. If the battery of a motor vehicle is arranged not in the engine compartment but elsewhere in the vehicle, it has become conventional practice to provide jump-start connections in the engine compartment which can be connected to a battery of a second vehicle, should the battery of the first vehicle become discharged. If the second battery is not connected correctly to the jump-start connections, i.e. with the incorrect polarity, electrical components in the first vehicle may be damaged. This applies in particular to diodes which are connected to the generator of the first vehicle.
  • Laid-open German patent application DE 100 47 791 Al describes a polarity-reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle, wherein a switching element is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, with which element a means for detecting the polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal is associated, the otherwise open switching element being able to be closed by means of the means for detecting the polarity when the polarity is correct.
  • a polarity-reversal protection circuit makes it possible both to receive a jump-start from an external vehicle and to give a jump-start to an external vehicle.
  • the vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle which has broken down has to have a minimum residual vehicle system voltage available so that the diode is poled in the direction of flow and the relay contact closes. If on the other hand the vehicle system voltage has collapsed and does not have this residual vehicle system voltage available, the relay contact has to be closed manually in order to produce the electrical connection between the two vehicle electrical systems.
  • the weak battery must at least be strong enough to still be able to give out sufficient coil current to drive the power relay.
  • a power relay which has to carry a starter current of the order of several hundreds of amperes requires a correspondingly high control current through the coil, which may be up to 500 mA. If the battery is however too weak for this, not enough coil current flows to drive the relay. In such a case, the polarity-reversal protection described in the above mentioned patent application provides for the relay to have to be manually operated. If, however, the external battery is connected in reverse, damage may occur in the electrical devices.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit described therein comprises a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth, and which in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, and a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, the second switching control element and the second switching element being formed as an auxiliary relay, the second switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuits described in the laid-open patent applications DE 100 47 791 Al and DE 10 2007 052 847 Al reliably protect against damage to vehicle electrical system components in the event of reversal of polarity of the external vehicle electrical system both in the case of giving a jump-start and in the case of receiving a jump- start.
  • One disadvantage of both polarity-reversal protection circuits is however a latching effect which leaves the load relay still switched on via its own contacts, even if the jump- start operation is at an end and the jumper cable has been removed. The load relay can therefore possibly remain switched on for years. In this state, there is no longer any polarity-reversal protection, since the jump-start point and the vehicle's own electrical system remain electrically connected. Furthermore, during this time, the coil current of the load relay of the order of several hundred milliamperes flows permanently, which can completely discharge the battery during long-term parking.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the laid-open patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al furthermore comprises a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element, and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, and a third switching control element which is adapted to close the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, the third switching control element furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system.
  • the second auxiliary relay ensures that the latching of the polarity- reversal protection circuit is remedied after the removal of the jumper cable with the switching-off of the terminal 15.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the laid-open patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al has the disadvantage that it is not operational if, in the event of jump-starting vehicles, both vehicles have such a polarity-reversal protection circuit available. Namely, no connection is possible and therefore it is not possible to give or receive a jump-start.
  • the object of the present invention to devise a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle which permits a jump-start operation even if the two vehicles are equipped with such a polarity-reversal protection circuit. Furthermore, the object consists of devising a corresponding method for providing polarity- reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle.
  • a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle in accordance with the present invention comprises a first switching element which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, a first switching control element which is adapted to close the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity, a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element and in the closed state connects the
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and is adapted to cause, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and is adapted to cause, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element, a jump-start operation between two vehicles which have such a polarity-reversal protection circuit can take place.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises an evaluation unit for evaluating the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system, the evaluation unit furthermore being adapted to establish whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
  • the evaluation unit is a Zener diode which is connected in the reverse direction between the vehicle electrical system and earth.
  • the evaluation unit may consist of a comparator.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a fourth switching element which is adapted that the third switching control element in the closed state of the fourth switching element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, and a fourth switching control element which is adapted to close the fourth switching element if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
  • the fourth switching control element and the fourth switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay and the fourth switching control element furthermore comprising an NPN bipolar transistor, the fourth switching control element being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor and the vehicle electrical system, and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor being connected to the evaluation unit, so that the NPN bipolar transistor is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the fourth switching control element with electricity from the vehicle electrical system and closes the fourth switching element.
  • the fourth switching control element in the above-mentioned embodiment is described as an NPN bipolar transistor, a transistor of a different type may also be used, such as an N-channel field-effect transistor.
  • the fourth switching element and the fourth switching control element are formed as an NPN bipolar transistor, the third switching control element being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor and the vehicle electrical system, and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor being connected to the evaluation unit, so that the NPN bipolar transistor is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the third switching control element with electricity from the vehicle electrical system.
  • the second switching control element and the second switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the second switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
  • the second switching control element and the second switching element are formed as an NPN bipolar transistor.
  • the third switching control element and the third switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the third switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
  • the third switching control element is electrically connected to a point which is located between the second switching element and the third switching element, the third switching control element closing the third switching element if the second switching element is in the closed state.
  • the means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal comprises a first diode which is connected from the jump-start terminal in the direction of flow to the second switching control element and allows the current from the jump-start terminal through to the second switching control element only in the case of the predetermined polarity.
  • the first switching control element and the first switching element are formed as a power relay, the first switching element being formed as a contact of the power relay.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a disconnection means for disconnecting the jump-start terminal from the vehicle electrical system, the disconnection means being adapted to allow through the current from the jump-start terminal or vehicle electrical system which corresponds to the greater voltage of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal and the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system.
  • the disconnection means comprises a second diode and a third diode, the second diode being connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal to the first switching control element and the third diode being connected in the direction of flow from the vehicle electrical system to the first switching control element.
  • a method for providing polarity-reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle comprises the arranging of a first switching element between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, the detecting of a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, the closing, by a first switching control element, of the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity, the arranging of a second switching element between the first switching control element and earth, the second switching element in the closed state connecting the first switching control element to earth, the closing, by a second switching control element, of the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, the arranging of a third switching element between the first switching control element and the second switching element, the third switching element in the closed state connecting the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, the closing, by a third switching control element, of the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, and the opening
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and the method furthermore comprises the causing, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, of the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element.
  • Fig. 1 a view of a first embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 2 a view of a second embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 3 a view of a third embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention
  • Fig. 4 a view of a fourth embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention.
  • Fig. 5 a flow diagram which illustrates the conditions for carrying out a jump-start operation.
  • Fig. 1 shows a polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 for a jump-start terminal 1 in a motor vehicle.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 comprises a first switching element 3 which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system 2 of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal 1. Furthermore, the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 comprises a first switching control element 4 which controls the switching of the switching element 3.
  • the first switching control element 4 and the first switching element 3 are formed as a power relay.
  • the first switching element 3 in this case is formed as a contact of the power relay, and the switching control element 4 is formed as the coil of the power relay. The contact is open in the normal state.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a second switching element 6 and a third switching element 6', which are arranged between the first switching control element 4 and earth, the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' in the closed state connecting the first switching control element 4 to earth.
  • the polarity- reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a second switching control element 7 which controls the switching of the second switching element 6, and a third switching control element 7 which controls the switching of the third switching element 6'.
  • the third switching element 6' is arranged between the first switching control element 4 and the second switching element 6 and in the closed state connects the first switching control element 4 to earth via the second switching element 6.
  • the third switching control element 7' is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system 2 via the terminal 15 and is connected to a point which is located between the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6'.
  • the second switching control element 7 is formed as an auxiliary relay.
  • the second switching element 6 is formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay 7, the contact being open in the normal state.
  • the auxiliary relay 7 switches the second switching element 6 to conducting if a predetermined polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 is detected, i.e. if the polarity at the jump-start terminal 1 is correct, and the voltage at the jump-start terminal 1 is greater than a predetermined voltage.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a first diode 8 which is connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7.
  • the first diode 8 serves for detecting the polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 , in that the first diode 8 allows the current through from the jump-start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7 only if the polarity at the jump-start terminal 1 is correct.
  • the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' if two conditions are met. Firstly, the external battery must have the correct polarity at the jump- start terminal 1 , so that the first diode 8 is connected in the direction of flow from the jump- start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7 and the second switching element 6 is thus in the closed state. Further, the third switching control element 7' must be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), i.e. the ignition must be switched on. The third switching control element 7' opens the third switching element 6' if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system 2.
  • the third switching control element 7' is preferably a second auxiliary relay, in addition to the first auxiliary relay which comprises the second switching element 6.
  • the second auxiliary relay is connected such that coil current flows through the second auxiliary relay only when the first auxiliary relay is also switched on owing to a vehicle electrical system of the correct polarity at the jump-start terminal 1.
  • the vehicle's own electrical system 2 is not loaded with any coil current, neither from the 2 auxiliary relays nor from the power relay.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a second diode 5, which is connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal 1 to the first switching control element 4, and a third diode 9, which is connected in the direction of flow from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) to the first switching control element 4.
  • the second diode 5 and third diode 9 serve to disconnect the jump-start terminal 1 from the vehicle electrical system 2, and ensure that the first switching control element 4 is supplied by the greater voltage of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 and the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises an evaluation unit 1 1 for evaluating the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15).
  • the evaluation unit 1 1 is adapted to establish whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) is greater than a predetermined threshold value.
  • the evaluation unit 1 1 is intended to establish which vehicle should give a jump-start, since only this vehicle can switch its battery to the jump-start point without polarity checking without damage occurring.
  • the evaluation unit 1 1 establishes whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than 13 V.
  • the evaluation unit 1 1 is realised in the form of a Zener diode which is connected in the reverse direction between the vehicle electrical system 2 and earth.
  • the evaluation unit may consist of a comparator.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a pushbutton 10 which is arranged between the vehicle electrical system 2 and the Zener diode 1 1.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a fourth switching control element 13 and a fourth switching element 12, which are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element 12 being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
  • the fourth switching element 12 is inserted between a first point, which is arranged between the second diode 5 and the third diode 9, and a second point, which is arranged between the first diode 8 and the second switching control element 7.
  • the fourth switching control element 13 is furthermore driven by an NPN bipolar transistor 14.
  • the fourth switching control element 13 of the auxiliary relay is inserted between the vehicle electrical system 2 and the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 14.
  • the base of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth via the resistor Rl , and to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10 via the resistor R2.
  • the emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth.
  • the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
  • the fourth switching control element 13 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), and the fourth switching control element 13 closes the fourth switching element 12.
  • the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) via the third diode 9 and the closed switching element 12. This causes the second switching control element 7 to close the second switching element 6.
  • the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6'.
  • the first switching control element 4 upon the giving of a jump-start, is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 via the third diode 9, since the voltage at the terminal 15 is higher, and closes the first switching element 3.
  • the supply is effected via the second diode 5 from the external vehicle, since the voltage there is higher. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
  • the third switching control element 7' in the closed state of the fourth switching element 12 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15).
  • the fourth switching control element 13 closes the fourth switching element 12 if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been manually actuated.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 causes, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element 7 to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), so that the third switching element 6' is closed, which closes the first switching element 3.
  • the jump-start operation takes place.
  • the fourth switching control element in the above-mentioned embodiment is described as an NPN bipolar transistor, a transistor of a different type may also be used, such as an N-channel field-effect transistor.
  • FIG. 1 A second embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 according to the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 2.
  • the elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 correspond to the elements described in Fig. 1, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 in accordance with the second embodiment.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 comprises, as in the first embodiment, a fourth switching control element 13 and a fourth switching element 12, which are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element 12 being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 in accordance with the second embodiment differs from the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 in accordance with the first embodiment in that the fourth switching element 12 is arranged at a different point in the circuit.
  • the fourth switching element 12 is inserted between a point which is arranged between the third switching element 6' and the second switching element 6, and earth. If the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been manually actuated, the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6'. Since the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the external vehicle electrical system via the second diode 8 before the switching element 3 is switched in, the second switching control element 7 closes the second switching element 6.
  • the first switching control element 4 upon the giving of a jump-start, is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 via the third diode 9, since the voltage at the terminal 15 is higher, and closes the first switching element 3.
  • the supplying takes place via the second diode 5 from the external vehicle, since the voltage there is higher. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
  • FIG. 3 A third embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 according to the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 3.
  • the elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1 and 2 correspond to the elements described in Figs. 1 and 2, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment comprises, as in the first and second embodiment, a fourth switching control element and a fourth switching element which, in contrast to the first and second embodiments, are not formed as an auxiliary relay but as an NPN bipolar transistor 14.
  • the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected differently from in the first and second embodiments in Figs. 1 and 2.
  • the base of the NPN bipolar transistor 14, as in Figs. 1 and 2 is connected to earth via the resistor Rl and is connected via the resistor R2 to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10, the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to the point which is arranged between the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' .
  • the emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth.
  • the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the terminal 15 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been actuated.
  • the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' . Since the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the external vehicle electrical system via the second diode 8, the second switching control element 7 closes the second switching element 6.
  • the first switching control element 4 Since both the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' are closed, the first switching control element 4 is supplied with electricity either from the external vehicle electrical system (receiving of a jump-start) or from the terminal 15 (giving of a jump-start) via the second diode 5, and closes the first switching element 3. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
  • FIG. 4 A fourth embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 4.
  • the elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3 correspond to the elements described in Fig. 3, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment comprises, as in the third embodiment, a fourth switching control element and a fourth switching element in the form of an NPN bipolar transistor 6".
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment differs from the polarity- reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment in that the second switching element and second switching control element are not in the form of an auxiliary relay, but the NPN bipolar transistor 6" takes over this function.
  • the base of the NPN bipolar transistor 6 is connected to earth via the resistor Rl and is connected via the resistor R2 to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10, a fourth diode 15 being arranged between the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10.
  • the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 6" is connected to the third switching element 6'.
  • the emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 6" is connected to earth.
  • a resistor R3 is inserted between the first diode 8 and the base.
  • the NPN bipolar transistor 6" is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and pushbutton 10 has been actuated.
  • the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' .
  • the fourth switching element 6" and the third switching element 6' are closed, the first switching control element 4 is supplied with electricity either from the external vehicle electrical system (receiving of a jump-start) or from the terminal 15 (giving of a jump-start) via the second diode 5, and closes the first switching element 3. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
  • a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention described above permits jump-starting of vehicles which are both equipped with a polarity-reversal protection circuit, i.e. if both have an intelligent polarity- reversal protection switch.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit is switched on without checking the correct polarity. Any incorrect polarity cannot cause any damage.
  • the vehicle receiving the jump-start does not have a polarity-reversal protection circuit, then all the individual components are protected against reversal of polarity. If the vehicle receiving the jump-start is equipped with a polarity-reversal protection circuit, then the vehicle receiving the jump-start would not switch in in the event of a reversal of polarity.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit comprises a pushbutton 10 which only has to be actuated when giving a jump-start if no connection occurs between two vehicles, it is made possible for the polarity-reversal protection circuit to be switched on only on the vehicle giving the jump-start without checking the correct polarity, which permits the jump-start operation.
  • the polarity-reversal protection circuit is only switched on without checking polarity if the vehicle system voltage has reached the specified threshold value. This is only the case for the vehicle giving the jump-start, since the engine is running therein.
  • the pushbutton 10 offers the advantage that no additional cable installation is necessary.
  • the pushbutton 10 is simple for the user to operate since the user only has to actuate the pushbutton 10 in the exceptional case that no jump-start connection occurs.
  • Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram which illustrates the conditions for carrying out a jump-start operation. It is assumed that the non-external vehicle has a polarity-reversal protection circuit.
  • step SI the jump-start operation is initiated.
  • step S2 a differentiation is made between the case of giving and of receiving a jump-start. Steps S3 to S9 relate to the case of receiving a jump-start, whereas steps S3' to S9' relate to the case of giving a jump-start.
  • a polarity check takes place in step S4/S4'. If the polarity is correct, it is determined in step S5/S5' whether the vehicle giving the jump-start has a polarity-reversal protection circuit. If not, coupling of the vehicles and the jump-start are possible. If yes, then both vehicles are equipped with the polarity-reversal protection circuit and the pushbutton 10 is actuated in step S6/S6' in order to permit the jump-start. If the polarity is incorrect, it is determined in step S8/S8' whether the vehicle giving the jump-start has a polarity-reversal protection circuit. In both cases, coupling of the vehicles and the jump-start are not possible.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Emergency Protection Circuit Devices (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal (1) in a motor vehicle, comprising a first switching element (3) arranged between the vehicle electrical system (2) and the jump-start terminal (1), a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal (1), a first switching control element (4) adapted to control the first switching element (3), a second and third switching element (6, 6') operatively coupled to the first switching control element (4), a second and third switching control element (7, 7') adapted to control the second and third switching element (6, 6'), respectively in response to the detected polarity and a voltage applied by the vehicle electrical system (2). The polarity-reversal protection circuit comprises a pushbutton (10) adapted to cause closure of the second switching element (6), thereby closing the first switching element (3) if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than a predetermined threshold value.

Description

METHOD AND CIRCUIT FOR INVERSE POLARITY PROTECTION
CIRCUIT FOR A JUMP-START TERMINAL
The present invention relates to a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle, the polarity-reversal protection circuit comprising a first switching element which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, and a first switching control element which is adapted to close the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity. Furthermore, this polarity-reversal protection circuit comprises a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth, and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, and a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, and a third switching control element which is adapted to close the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, the third switching control element furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system.
Such a polarity-reversal protection circuit is known from laid-open German patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al . After a brief explanation of the principle of polarity- reversal protection, this polarity-reversal protection circuit will be described, and its advantages and disadvantages will be discussed, below.
It is known to associate a polarity-reversal protection with the individual electrical components in a motor vehicle, which are highly sensitive to electrical reversals of polarity. The polarity-reversal protection can be ensured in various ways. For example, mechanical devices may be provided which ensure that electrical connections cannot be produced with the incorrect polarity, such as an asymmetrically constructed plug which can be inserted only in one direction and thus prevents reversal of polarity of the connections. In the case of electrical polarity-reversal protection, it is ensured by means of suitable circuits and components, such as for example polarity-reversal protection diodes, that no damage is caused in the connected device when electrical voltages are applied with the incorrect polarity.
Several simple circuit variants may be provided. For example, a diode may be connected in series with the supply voltage, so that the device no longer receives any current if the polarity is reversed. Alternatively, a diode may be connected in parallel to the supply voltage. A relay which switches the supply voltage through to the consumer with the aid of a diode may also be used. However, these simple solutions cannot always be used. In a starter circuit of a vehicle, for example, the current is too high for a diode to be able to be connected in series with the supply voltage.
If a battery of a first motor vehicle is discharged, that is to say there is insufficient power available, it is known to connect a battery of a second motor vehicle via the discharged battery in order to start the engine of the first vehicle. Such a technique is generally known as jump-starting. If the battery of a motor vehicle is arranged not in the engine compartment but elsewhere in the vehicle, it has become conventional practice to provide jump-start connections in the engine compartment which can be connected to a battery of a second vehicle, should the battery of the first vehicle become discharged. If the second battery is not connected correctly to the jump-start connections, i.e. with the incorrect polarity, electrical components in the first vehicle may be damaged. This applies in particular to diodes which are connected to the generator of the first vehicle.
Laid-open German patent application DE 100 47 791 Al describes a polarity-reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle, wherein a switching element is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, with which element a means for detecting the polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal is associated, the otherwise open switching element being able to be closed by means of the means for detecting the polarity when the polarity is correct. Such a polarity-reversal protection circuit makes it possible both to receive a jump-start from an external vehicle and to give a jump-start to an external vehicle. However, the vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle which has broken down has to have a minimum residual vehicle system voltage available so that the diode is poled in the direction of flow and the relay contact closes. If on the other hand the vehicle system voltage has collapsed and does not have this residual vehicle system voltage available, the relay contact has to be closed manually in order to produce the electrical connection between the two vehicle electrical systems.
The weak battery must at least be strong enough to still be able to give out sufficient coil current to drive the power relay. A power relay which has to carry a starter current of the order of several hundreds of amperes requires a correspondingly high control current through the coil, which may be up to 500 mA. If the battery is however too weak for this, not enough coil current flows to drive the relay. In such a case, the polarity-reversal protection described in the above mentioned patent application provides for the relay to have to be manually operated. If, however, the external battery is connected in reverse, damage may occur in the electrical devices. Thus the polarity-reversal protection circuit published in the above mentioned patent application has the disadvantage that there is no longer any polarity-reversal protection if the battery of the external vehicle is discharged to too great an extent. The disadvantages associated with the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the above mentioned published patent application DE 100 47 791 Al are overcome by the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in published German patent application DE 10 2007 052 847 Al . The polarity-reversal protection circuit described therein comprises a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth, and which in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, and a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, the second switching control element and the second switching element being formed as an auxiliary relay, the second switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay. Thus a discharged battery of an external vehicle does not have to be able to give out the high control current of the power relay, but only the lesser control current which flows through the auxiliary relay described in this patent application. Since this control current amounts to a range of a few milliamperes, even a very weak battery of an external vehicle should be able to give out such a control current.
The polarity-reversal protection circuits described in the laid-open patent applications DE 100 47 791 Al and DE 10 2007 052 847 Al reliably protect against damage to vehicle electrical system components in the event of reversal of polarity of the external vehicle electrical system both in the case of giving a jump-start and in the case of receiving a jump- start. One disadvantage of both polarity-reversal protection circuits is however a latching effect which leaves the load relay still switched on via its own contacts, even if the jump- start operation is at an end and the jumper cable has been removed. The load relay can therefore possibly remain switched on for years. In this state, there is no longer any polarity-reversal protection, since the jump-start point and the vehicle's own electrical system remain electrically connected. Furthermore, during this time, the coil current of the load relay of the order of several hundred milliamperes flows permanently, which can completely discharge the battery during long-term parking.
In order to prevent this disadvantage, the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the laid-open patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al furthermore comprises a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element, and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, and a third switching control element which is adapted to close the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, the third switching control element furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system.
Thus, if a jump-start operation is at an end, initially all three relays, i.e. the power relay, the first and second auxiliary relays, remain switched on, since now also the first auxiliary relay is supplied by the vehicle's own electrical system when the generator is running via the contacts of the power relay. This latching effect is however remedied as soon as the ignition of the vehicle electrical system is switched off by the third switching control element. First of all, the second auxiliary relay, which is supplied with electricity by the vehicle's own electrical system, drops out. Then the power relay and finally the first auxiliary relay drops out. Thus the initial state is restored. Thereafter there is no more power consumption from the vehicle electrical system by the polarity-reversal protection circuit.
In the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the laid-open patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al , the second auxiliary relay ensures that the latching of the polarity- reversal protection circuit is remedied after the removal of the jumper cable with the switching-off of the terminal 15. Once the jump-start has taken place (giving or receiving) and the jumper cable has been removed, the latching of the load relay initially also persists, but as soon as the ignition, i.e. the terminal 15, is switched off by the vehicle electrical system, the second auxiliary relay opens and thus switches the power relay off. Thus the latching is reset and the polarity-reversal protection circuit is ready for use again for the next jump-start.
However, the polarity-reversal protection circuit described in the laid-open patent application DE 10 2008 018 065 Al has the disadvantage that it is not operational if, in the event of jump-starting vehicles, both vehicles have such a polarity-reversal protection circuit available. Namely, no connection is possible and therefore it is not possible to give or receive a jump-start.
It is therefore the object of the present invention to devise a polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle which permits a jump-start operation even if the two vehicles are equipped with such a polarity-reversal protection circuit. Furthermore, the object consists of devising a corresponding method for providing polarity- reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle.
This object is achieved by a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the independent Claim 1 , and a method for providing polarity-reversal protection in accordance with the independent Claim 15. Preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims. A polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle in accordance with the present invention comprises a first switching element which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, a first switching control element which is adapted to close the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity, a second switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and earth and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth, a second switching control element which is adapted to close the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, a third switching element which is arranged between the first switching control element and the second switching element and in the closed state connects the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, and a third switching control element which is adapted to close the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, the third switching control element furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system. The polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and is adapted to cause, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element.
Due to the fact that the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and is adapted to cause, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element, a jump-start operation between two vehicles which have such a polarity-reversal protection circuit can take place.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises an evaluation unit for evaluating the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system, the evaluation unit furthermore being adapted to establish whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
According to one advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the evaluation unit is a Zener diode which is connected in the reverse direction between the vehicle electrical system and earth. Alternatively, the evaluation unit may consist of a comparator.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a fourth switching element which is adapted that the third switching control element in the closed state of the fourth switching element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, and a fourth switching control element which is adapted to close the fourth switching element if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth switching control element and the fourth switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay and the fourth switching control element furthermore comprising an NPN bipolar transistor, the fourth switching control element being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor and the vehicle electrical system, and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor being connected to the evaluation unit, so that the NPN bipolar transistor is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the fourth switching control element with electricity from the vehicle electrical system and closes the fourth switching element.
Although the fourth switching control element in the above-mentioned embodiment is described as an NPN bipolar transistor, a transistor of a different type may also be used, such as an N-channel field-effect transistor.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the fourth switching element and the fourth switching control element are formed as an NPN bipolar transistor, the third switching control element being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor and the vehicle electrical system, and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor being connected to the evaluation unit, so that the NPN bipolar transistor is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the third switching control element with electricity from the vehicle electrical system.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second switching control element and the second switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the second switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
According to an alternative embodiment of the present invention, the second switching control element and the second switching element are formed as an NPN bipolar transistor.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the third switching control element and the third switching element are formed as an auxiliary relay, the third switching element being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
According to a further embodiment of the present invention, the third switching control element is electrically connected to a point which is located between the second switching element and the third switching element, the third switching control element closing the third switching element if the second switching element is in the closed state.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal comprises a first diode which is connected from the jump-start terminal in the direction of flow to the second switching control element and allows the current from the jump-start terminal through to the second switching control element only in the case of the predetermined polarity.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first switching control element and the first switching element are formed as a power relay, the first switching element being formed as a contact of the power relay. According to one embodiment of the present invention, the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a disconnection means for disconnecting the jump-start terminal from the vehicle electrical system, the disconnection means being adapted to allow through the current from the jump-start terminal or vehicle electrical system which corresponds to the greater voltage of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal and the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system.
According to one embodiment of the present invention, the disconnection means comprises a second diode and a third diode, the second diode being connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal to the first switching control element and the third diode being connected in the direction of flow from the vehicle electrical system to the first switching control element.
A method for providing polarity-reversal protection for a jump-start terminal in a motor vehicle in accordance with the present invention comprises the arranging of a first switching element between a vehicle electrical system of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal, the detecting of a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal, the closing, by a first switching control element, of the first switching element in the case of a predetermined polarity, the arranging of a second switching element between the first switching control element and earth, the second switching element in the closed state connecting the first switching control element to earth, the closing, by a second switching control element, of the second switching element in the case of the predetermined polarity, the arranging of a third switching element between the first switching control element and the second switching element, the third switching element in the closed state connecting the first switching control element to earth via the second switching element, the closing, by a third switching control element, of the third switching element if the third switching control element is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, which closes the first switching element, and the opening, by the third switching control element, of the third switching element if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system. The polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton and the method furthermore comprises the causing, by manual actuation of the pushbutton, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system is greater than a predetermined threshold value, of the third switching control element to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system, so that the third switching element is closed, which closes the first switching element.
The invention will be explained in greater detail below with reference to the configurations illustrated in the appended drawings. Similar or corresponding details of the polarity- reversal protection circuit according to the invention are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. These show:
Fig. 1 a view of a first embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 2 a view of a second embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 3 a view of a third embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 4 a view of a fourth embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with the present invention; and
Fig. 5 a flow diagram which illustrates the conditions for carrying out a jump-start operation.
A first embodiment of the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 1. Fig. 1 shows a polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 for a jump-start terminal 1 in a motor vehicle. The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 comprises a first switching element 3 which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system 2 of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal 1. Furthermore, the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 comprises a first switching control element 4 which controls the switching of the switching element 3.
According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the first switching control element 4 and the first switching element 3 are formed as a power relay. The first switching element 3 in this case is formed as a contact of the power relay, and the switching control element 4 is formed as the coil of the power relay. The contact is open in the normal state.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a second switching element 6 and a third switching element 6', which are arranged between the first switching control element 4 and earth, the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' in the closed state connecting the first switching control element 4 to earth. The polarity- reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a second switching control element 7 which controls the switching of the second switching element 6, and a third switching control element 7 which controls the switching of the third switching element 6'. The third switching element 6' is arranged between the first switching control element 4 and the second switching element 6 and in the closed state connects the first switching control element 4 to earth via the second switching element 6. The third switching control element 7' is electrically connected to the vehicle electrical system 2 via the terminal 15 and is connected to a point which is located between the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6'.
The second switching control element 7 is formed as an auxiliary relay. The second switching element 6 is formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay 7, the contact being open in the normal state. The auxiliary relay 7 switches the second switching element 6 to conducting if a predetermined polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 is detected, i.e. if the polarity at the jump-start terminal 1 is correct, and the voltage at the jump-start terminal 1 is greater than a predetermined voltage.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a first diode 8 which is connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7. The first diode 8 serves for detecting the polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 , in that the first diode 8 allows the current through from the jump-start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7 only if the polarity at the jump-start terminal 1 is correct.
The third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' if two conditions are met. Firstly, the external battery must have the correct polarity at the jump- start terminal 1 , so that the first diode 8 is connected in the direction of flow from the jump- start terminal 1 to the second switching control element 7 and the second switching element 6 is thus in the closed state. Further, the third switching control element 7' must be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), i.e. the ignition must be switched on. The third switching control element 7' opens the third switching element 6' if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system 2.
The third switching control element 7' is preferably a second auxiliary relay, in addition to the first auxiliary relay which comprises the second switching element 6. The second auxiliary relay is connected such that coil current flows through the second auxiliary relay only when the first auxiliary relay is also switched on owing to a vehicle electrical system of the correct polarity at the jump-start terminal 1. Thus in a normal case, i.e. no jump-start, the vehicle's own electrical system 2 is not loaded with any coil current, neither from the 2 auxiliary relays nor from the power relay.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention furthermore comprises a second diode 5, which is connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal 1 to the first switching control element 4, and a third diode 9, which is connected in the direction of flow from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) to the first switching control element 4. The second diode 5 and third diode 9 serve to disconnect the jump-start terminal 1 from the vehicle electrical system 2, and ensure that the first switching control element 4 is supplied by the greater voltage of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal 1 and the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2. The advantages of such a disconnection means will be explained in detail below.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention furthermore comprises an evaluation unit 1 1 for evaluating the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15). In particular, the evaluation unit 1 1 is adapted to establish whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) is greater than a predetermined threshold value. The evaluation unit 1 1 is intended to establish which vehicle should give a jump-start, since only this vehicle can switch its battery to the jump-start point without polarity checking without damage occurring. In particular, the evaluation unit 1 1 establishes whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than 13 V.
Preferably the evaluation unit 1 1 is realised in the form of a Zener diode which is connected in the reverse direction between the vehicle electrical system 2 and earth. Alternatively, the evaluation unit may consist of a comparator.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 according to this embodiment of the present invention furthermore comprises a pushbutton 10 which is arranged between the vehicle electrical system 2 and the Zener diode 1 1.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 furthermore comprises a fourth switching control element 13 and a fourth switching element 12, which are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element 12 being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay. The fourth switching element 12 is inserted between a first point, which is arranged between the second diode 5 and the third diode 9, and a second point, which is arranged between the first diode 8 and the second switching control element 7. The fourth switching control element 13 is furthermore driven by an NPN bipolar transistor 14. The fourth switching control element 13 of the auxiliary relay is inserted between the vehicle electrical system 2 and the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 14. The base of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth via the resistor Rl , and to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10 via the resistor R2. The emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth. The NPN bipolar transistor 14 is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value. Thus the fourth switching control element 13 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), and the fourth switching control element 13 closes the fourth switching element 12. Due to the fact that the fourth switching element 12 is closed, the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) via the third diode 9 and the closed switching element 12. This causes the second switching control element 7 to close the second switching element 6. Since the second switching element 6 is now closed, the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6'. This means that the first switching control element 4, upon the giving of a jump-start, is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 via the third diode 9, since the voltage at the terminal 15 is higher, and closes the first switching element 3. Upon the receiving of a jump-start, the supply is effected via the second diode 5 from the external vehicle, since the voltage there is higher. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
Thus the third switching control element 7' in the closed state of the fourth switching element 12 is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15). The fourth switching control element 13 closes the fourth switching element 12 if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been manually actuated. By manual actuation of the pushbutton 10, the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 causes, if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15) is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element 7 to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), so that the third switching element 6' is closed, which closes the first switching element 3. Thus the jump-start operation takes place.
Although the fourth switching control element in the above-mentioned embodiment is described as an NPN bipolar transistor, a transistor of a different type may also be used, such as an N-channel field-effect transistor.
A second embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 according to the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 2. The elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 1 correspond to the elements described in Fig. 1, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 in accordance with the second embodiment.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 according to the second embodiment comprises, as in the first embodiment, a fourth switching control element 13 and a fourth switching element 12, which are formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element 12 being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay. The polarity-reversal protection circuit 200 in accordance with the second embodiment differs from the polarity-reversal protection circuit 100 in accordance with the first embodiment in that the fourth switching element 12 is arranged at a different point in the circuit.
The fourth switching element 12 is inserted between a point which is arranged between the third switching element 6' and the second switching element 6, and earth. If the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been manually actuated, the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system 2 (terminal 15), and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6'. Since the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the external vehicle electrical system via the second diode 8 before the switching element 3 is switched in, the second switching control element 7 closes the second switching element 6. Since both the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' are closed, the first switching control element 4, upon the giving of a jump-start, is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 via the third diode 9, since the voltage at the terminal 15 is higher, and closes the first switching element 3. Upon the receiving of a jump-start, the supplying takes place via the second diode 5 from the external vehicle, since the voltage there is higher. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
A third embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 according to the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 3. The elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Figs. 1 and 2 correspond to the elements described in Figs. 1 and 2, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment comprises, as in the first and second embodiment, a fourth switching control element and a fourth switching element which, in contrast to the first and second embodiments, are not formed as an auxiliary relay but as an NPN bipolar transistor 14. In this case, the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected differently from in the first and second embodiments in Figs. 1 and 2. Whereas the base of the NPN bipolar transistor 14, as in Figs. 1 and 2, is connected to earth via the resistor Rl and is connected via the resistor R2 to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10, the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to the point which is arranged between the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' . As in Figs. 1 and 2, the emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 14 is connected to earth. The NPN bipolar transistor 14 is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the terminal 15 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and the pushbutton 10 has been actuated. Thus the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' . Since the second switching control element 7 is supplied with electricity from the external vehicle electrical system via the second diode 8, the second switching control element 7 closes the second switching element 6. Since both the second switching element 6 and the third switching element 6' are closed, the first switching control element 4 is supplied with electricity either from the external vehicle electrical system (receiving of a jump-start) or from the terminal 15 (giving of a jump-start) via the second diode 5, and closes the first switching element 3. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
A fourth embodiment of a polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the present invention is explained in detail below with reference to Fig. 4. The elements provided with the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3 correspond to the elements described in Fig. 3, and the description thereof will therefore be omitted in discussing the polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment.
The polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment comprises, as in the third embodiment, a fourth switching control element and a fourth switching element in the form of an NPN bipolar transistor 6". The polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment differs from the polarity- reversal protection circuit 300 in accordance with the third embodiment in that the second switching element and second switching control element are not in the form of an auxiliary relay, but the NPN bipolar transistor 6" takes over this function.
In the polarity-reversal protection circuit 400 in accordance with the fourth embodiment, the base of the NPN bipolar transistor 6", as in Fig. 3, is connected to earth via the resistor Rl and is connected via the resistor R2 to the series connection of the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10, a fourth diode 15 being arranged between the evaluation unit 1 1 and the pushbutton 10. The collector of the NPN bipolar transistor 6" is connected to the third switching element 6'. As in Fig. 3, the emitter of the NPN bipolar transistor 6" is connected to earth. A resistor R3 is inserted between the first diode 8 and the base. The NPN bipolar transistor 6" is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system 2 is greater than the predetermined threshold value and pushbutton 10 has been actuated. Thus the third switching control element 7' is supplied with electricity from the terminal 15 and the third switching control element 7' closes the third switching element 6' . Since both the fourth switching element 6" and the third switching element 6' are closed, the first switching control element 4 is supplied with electricity either from the external vehicle electrical system (receiving of a jump-start) or from the terminal 15 (giving of a jump-start) via the second diode 5, and closes the first switching element 3. Therefore a jump-start operation takes place.
The method of operation of the present invention will be described below. A polarity-reversal protection circuit in accordance with one of the embodiments of the present invention described above permits jump-starting of vehicles which are both equipped with a polarity-reversal protection circuit, i.e. if both have an intelligent polarity- reversal protection switch. In the case of a vehicle giving a jump-start, i.e. the vehicle which gives a jump-start and the battery of which has sufficient charge to switch on the main relay in the polarity-reversal protection circuit of the external vehicle, the polarity-reversal protection circuit is switched on without checking the correct polarity. Any incorrect polarity cannot cause any damage. In fact, if the vehicle receiving the jump-start does not have a polarity-reversal protection circuit, then all the individual components are protected against reversal of polarity. If the vehicle receiving the jump-start is equipped with a polarity-reversal protection circuit, then the vehicle receiving the jump-start would not switch in in the event of a reversal of polarity.
Due to the fact that the polarity-reversal protection circuit comprises a pushbutton 10 which only has to be actuated when giving a jump-start if no connection occurs between two vehicles, it is made possible for the polarity-reversal protection circuit to be switched on only on the vehicle giving the jump-start without checking the correct polarity, which permits the jump-start operation. As described above in relation to the four embodiments of the present invention, the polarity-reversal protection circuit is only switched on without checking polarity if the vehicle system voltage has reached the specified threshold value. This is only the case for the vehicle giving the jump-start, since the engine is running therein. The pushbutton 10 offers the advantage that no additional cable installation is necessary. The pushbutton 10 is simple for the user to operate since the user only has to actuate the pushbutton 10 in the exceptional case that no jump-start connection occurs.
Fig. 5 shows a flow diagram which illustrates the conditions for carrying out a jump-start operation. It is assumed that the non-external vehicle has a polarity-reversal protection circuit. In step SI, the jump-start operation is initiated. In step S2, a differentiation is made between the case of giving and of receiving a jump-start. Steps S3 to S9 relate to the case of receiving a jump-start, whereas steps S3' to S9' relate to the case of giving a jump-start.
A polarity check takes place in step S4/S4'. If the polarity is correct, it is determined in step S5/S5' whether the vehicle giving the jump-start has a polarity-reversal protection circuit. If not, coupling of the vehicles and the jump-start are possible. If yes, then both vehicles are equipped with the polarity-reversal protection circuit and the pushbutton 10 is actuated in step S6/S6' in order to permit the jump-start. If the polarity is incorrect, it is determined in step S8/S8' whether the vehicle giving the jump-start has a polarity-reversal protection circuit. In both cases, coupling of the vehicles and the jump-start are not possible.

Claims

1. A polarity-reversal protection circuit for a jump-start terminal (1) in a motor vehicle, the polarity-reversal protection circuit (10) comprising: a first switching element (3) which is arranged between a vehicle electrical system (2) of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal (1), a means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal (1), a first switching control element (4) which is adapted to close the first switching element (3) in the case of a predetermined polarity, a second switching element (6, 6") which is arranged between the first switching control element (4) and earth and in the closed state connects the first switching control element (4) to earth, and a second switching control element (7, 6") which is adapted to close the second switching element (6, 6") in the case of the predetermined polarity, the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprising the following: a third switching element (6') which is arranged between the first switching control element (4) and the second switching element (6, 6") and in the closed state connects the first switching control element (4) to earth via the second switching element (6, 6"), and a third switching control element (7') which is adapted to close the third switching element (6') if the third switching control element (7') is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2), which closes the first switching element (3), the third switching control element (7') furthermore being adapted to open the third switching element (6') if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system (2), characterised in that the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton (10) and is adapted to cause, by manual actuation of the pushbutton (10), if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the third switching control element (7') to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2), so that the third switching element (6') is closed, which closes the first switching element (3).
2. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to Claim 1, furthermore comprising an evaluation unit (11) for evaluating the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2), the evaluation unit (1 1) furthermore being adapted to establish whether the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
3. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to Claim 2, the evaluation unit (11) being a Zener diode which is connected in the reverse direction between the vehicle electrical system (2) and earth.
4. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 3, furthermore comprising a fourth switching element (12, 14, 6") which is adapted that the third switching control element (7') in the closed state of the fourth switching element (12, 14, 6") is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2), and a fourth switching control element (13, 14, 6") which is adapted to close the fourth switching element (12, 14, 6") if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than the predetermined threshold value.
5. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to Claim 4, the fourth switching control element (13, 14) and the fourth switching element (12) being formed as an auxiliary relay, the fourth switching element (12) being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay and the fourth switching control element (13, 14) furthermore comprising an NPN bipolar transistor (14), the fourth switching control element (13) being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor (14) and the vehicle electrical system (2), and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor (14) being connected to the evaluation unit (11), so that the NPN bipolar transistor (14) is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the fourth switching control element (13) with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2) and closes the fourth switching element (12).
6. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to Claim 4, the fourth switching element and the fourth switching control element being formed as an NPN bipolar transistor (14, 6"), the third switching control element (7') being inserted between the collector of the NPN bipolar transistor (14, 6") and the vehicle electrical system (2), and the base of the NPN bipolar transistor (14, 6") being connected to the evaluation unit (11), so that the NPN bipolar transistor (14, 6") is switched to conducting if the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than the predetermined threshold value, which supplies the third switching control element (7') with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2).
7. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 6, the second switching control element (7) and the second switching element (6) being formed as an auxiliary relay, the second switching element (6) being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
8. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 6, the second switching control element and the second switching element being formed as an NPN bipolar transistor (6").
9. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 8, the third switching control element (7') and the third switching element (6') being formed as an auxiliary relay, the third switching element (6') being formed as a contact of the auxiliary relay.
10. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 9, the third switching control element (7') being electrically connected to a point which is located between the second switching element (6, 6") and the third switching element (6'), the third switching control element (7') closing the third switching element (6') if the second switching element (6, 6") is in the closed state.
11. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 10, the means for detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal (1) comprising a first diode (8) which is connected from the jump-start terminal (1) in the direction of flow to the second switching control element (7, 6") and allows the current from the jump-start terminal (1) through to the second switching control element (7, 6") only in the case of the predetermined polarity.
12. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 11, the first switching control element (4) and the first switching element (3) being formed as a power relay, the first switching element (3) being formed as a contact of the power relay.
13. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to one of Claims 1 to 12, furthermore comprising a disconnection means for disconnecting the jump-start terminal (1) from the vehicle electrical system (2), the disconnection means being adapted to allow through the current from the jump-start terminal (1) or vehicle electrical system (2) which corresponds to the greater voltage of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal (1) and the voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2).
14. A polarity-reversal protection circuit according to Claim 13, the disconnection means comprising a second diode (5) and a third diode (9), the second diode (5) being connected in the direction of flow from the jump-start terminal (1) to the first switching control element (4) and the third diode (9) being connected in the direction of flow from the vehicle electrical system (2) to the first switching control element (4).
15. A method for providing polarity-reversal protection for a jump-start terminal (1) in a motor vehicle, the method comprising the following steps: arranging a first switching element (3) between a vehicle electrical system (2) of the motor vehicle and the jump-start terminal (1), detecting a polarity of the voltage applied to the jump-start terminal (1), closing, by a first switching control element (4), the first switching element (3) in the case of a predetermined polarity, arranging a second switching element (6, 6") between the first switching control element (4) and earth, the second switching element (6, 6") in the closed state connecting the first switching control element (4) to earth, and closing, by a second switching control element (7, 6"), the second switching element (6, 6") in the case of the predetermined polarity, the method furthermore comprising the following steps: the arranging of a third switching element (6') between the first switching control element (4) and the second switching element (6, 6"), the third switching element (6') in the closed state connecting the first switching control element (4) to earth via the second switching element (6, 6"), the closing, by a third switching control element (7'), of the third switching element (6') if the third switching control element (7') is supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2), which closes the first switching element (3), and the opening, by the third switching control element (7'), of the third switching element (6') if the electrical supply is switched off by the vehicle electrical system (2), characterised in that the polarity-reversal protection circuit furthermore comprises a pushbutton (10) and the method furthermore comprises the causing, by manual actuation of the pushbutton (10), if a voltage applied to the vehicle electrical system (2) is greater than a predetermined threshold value, of the third switching control element (7') to be supplied with electricity from the vehicle electrical system (2), so that the third switching element (6') is closed, which closes the first switching element (3).
PCT/EP2011/057477 2010-05-17 2011-05-10 Method and circuit for inverse polarity protection circuit for a jump-start terminal WO2011144490A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102010020746.2 2010-05-17
DE102010020746.2A DE102010020746B4 (en) 2010-05-17 2010-05-17 Polarity reversal protection circuit and method for providing reverse polarity protection

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2011144490A1 true WO2011144490A1 (en) 2011-11-24

Family

ID=44119020

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2011/057477 WO2011144490A1 (en) 2010-05-17 2011-05-10 Method and circuit for inverse polarity protection circuit for a jump-start terminal

Country Status (2)

Country Link
DE (1) DE102010020746B4 (en)
WO (1) WO2011144490A1 (en)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109390904A (en) * 2017-08-02 2019-02-26 罗伯特·博世有限公司 The method of reversed polarity protection circuit equipment and operation reversed polarity protection circuit equipment

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102017219659A1 (en) * 2017-11-06 2019-05-09 Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg Extended signaling option in a DALI system

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0993996A2 (en) * 1998-10-15 2000-04-19 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Jump start circuit for a vehicle battery
EP1067648A2 (en) * 1999-07-01 2001-01-10 Deere & Company Device, particularly a vehicle
WO2001024341A1 (en) * 1999-09-29 2001-04-05 Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag Method for safely coupling an external voltage network to a service voltage network and circuit configuration for carrying out said method
DE10047791A1 (en) 2000-09-18 2002-03-28 Volkswagen Ag Reverse polarity protection for separately-provided vehicle jump-starting terminal, only closes series switch if polarities are matched correctly
DE102007052847A1 (en) 2007-11-06 2009-05-14 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Inverse polarity protection circuit for external starting pin in motor vehicle, comprises two switching elements, which are arranged between on-board power supply of motor vehicle and external starting pin
DE102008018065A1 (en) 2008-04-09 2009-10-22 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Polarity reversal protection circuit for external source driven-starting pole in motor vehicle, has switching control element opening switching element when electrical supply is switched off by electrical system
US20100244766A1 (en) * 2010-02-23 2010-09-30 Alan Olsberg Low battery voltage alert system

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0993996A2 (en) * 1998-10-15 2000-04-19 Delphi Technologies, Inc. Jump start circuit for a vehicle battery
EP1067648A2 (en) * 1999-07-01 2001-01-10 Deere & Company Device, particularly a vehicle
WO2001024341A1 (en) * 1999-09-29 2001-04-05 Tyco Electronics Logistics Ag Method for safely coupling an external voltage network to a service voltage network and circuit configuration for carrying out said method
DE10047791A1 (en) 2000-09-18 2002-03-28 Volkswagen Ag Reverse polarity protection for separately-provided vehicle jump-starting terminal, only closes series switch if polarities are matched correctly
DE102007052847A1 (en) 2007-11-06 2009-05-14 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft Inverse polarity protection circuit for external starting pin in motor vehicle, comprises two switching elements, which are arranged between on-board power supply of motor vehicle and external starting pin
DE102008018065A1 (en) 2008-04-09 2009-10-22 Tyco Electronics Amp Gmbh Polarity reversal protection circuit for external source driven-starting pole in motor vehicle, has switching control element opening switching element when electrical supply is switched off by electrical system
US20100244766A1 (en) * 2010-02-23 2010-09-30 Alan Olsberg Low battery voltage alert system

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN109390904A (en) * 2017-08-02 2019-02-26 罗伯特·博世有限公司 The method of reversed polarity protection circuit equipment and operation reversed polarity protection circuit equipment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
DE102010020746B4 (en) 2015-11-19
DE102010020746A1 (en) 2011-11-17

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US6239515B1 (en) Circuit for the protection of electrical devices
US6765312B1 (en) Dual battery system
JP5311670B2 (en) Semiconductor precharge module
US8884460B2 (en) Emergency energy supply device for a hybrid vehicle
US10155449B2 (en) Battery power integration apparatus and HEV power system having the same
KR101755210B1 (en) Electric actuator with pre-heating
US6433442B1 (en) Method and apparatus for operating a safety device for motor vehicles
US6211577B1 (en) Jump start circuit for a vehicle battery
CN105612082B (en) Method and device for the voltage-controlled automatic disconnection of an electronic component or a battery cell
US20040066168A1 (en) Jump start and reverse battery protection circuit
US20130134936A1 (en) Vehicle battery charger
US20170179738A1 (en) Charging device and charging method for a high voltage battery of a motor vehicle
KR20140036233A (en) Apparatus and method for connecting multiple-voltage onboard power supply systems
US6201678B1 (en) High-voltage switch gear protection circuit
US20020130643A1 (en) Arrangement and method for protecting multiple voltage supply systems against voltage arc-over between different voltage planes and against pole reversal from the outside
CN107399287B (en) Vehicle power system for boost start
US20050264972A1 (en) Relay control device for a direct current electrical apparatus
KR20180115239A (en) Safety monitoring unit
CN114302830A (en) Battery system of a motor vehicle having a short-circuit device for triggering a fuse, method for operating a battery system, and motor vehicle
JP2011060614A (en) Battery pack
US10988028B2 (en) DC-to-DC voltage converter, voltage supply device, and diagnostic method for a DC-to-DC voltage converter
WO2011144490A1 (en) Method and circuit for inverse polarity protection circuit for a jump-start terminal
US20060232901A1 (en) Arrangement for protecting an electrical device
US20210194242A1 (en) Hazardous voltage pre-charging and discharging system and method
US20200169077A1 (en) Process for testing the operability of a circuit breaker device

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 11718994

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 11718994

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1