Attachment power supply

Abstract

An add-on power supply unit for a vehicle, and in particular a motorcycle, to be fed from the on-board electrical system for supplying a mobile phone and / or a navigation system and / or another USB device with a useful DC voltage that differs from the voltage of the on-board electrical system, comprising a housing - preferably designed to be watertight - and a first electrical connection (2) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end, and a second electrical connection (3) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end, for connection to the on-board electrical system fed by a generator of the vehicle at any desired location, comprising an inverter (16) which generates a specific useful DC voltage from the on-board electrical system voltage, and comprising an electrical connection leading out of the housing, via which the useful DC voltage can be taken off,ideally via a female plug, usually a USB plug, built into the housing, wherein a voltage limiter is arranged within the housing, which is electrically connected between the first and second terminals (2, 3) and protects the inverter (16) against overvoltage, in the form of at least one short-circuit path which always becomes conductive when the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals (2, 3) exceeds a certain limit value and whose electrical resistance is selected such that the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals (2, 3) drops to an amount which is harmless for the inverter (16).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an add-on power supply for a vehicle and in particular a motorcycle. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

[0002] Nowadays, there is a widespread desire for external electrical devices, such as a navigation device, a mobile phone, and the like, to be powered by a motorcycle while driving. For example, to operate the navigation device while driving, or to provide charging power, as in the case of a mobile phone. For this, the motorcycle must provide power.

[0003] A generator is used to generate electricity in a motorcycle. Especially in older or very light motorcycles such as scooters, mopeds, and even classic cars, generators are often installed that deliver a speed-dependent, inconsistent voltage, which leads to voltage fluctuations. This can become particularly critical, especially on scooters that have only a few consumers, if one of the consumers, such as the main headlight, fails. If the external electrical device is then connected to the generator, the voltage fluctuations can lead to a temporary failure of the external electrical device or, in the worst case, even damage to the external electrical device.

[0004] DE 10 2014 111 879 A1 describes a resettable circuit protection system for a vehicle. DE 103 38 161 A1 describes a voltage processing device for a motor vehicle. DE 10 2018 000 578 A1 describes an electrical coupling of a motor vehicle's electrical system to a charging station. US 2018 / 0288843 A1 describes an LED driver circuit with current limitation. DE 33 95 224 A1 relates to an on-board battery charger and describes the use of thyristors instead of a power transistor. DE 10 2013 016 046 A1 describes an operating and / or display system on a vehicle. THE TASK OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide an add-on power supply unit which can be quickly and easily retrofitted to a motorcycle or other vintage vehicle and which prevents a temporary failure or even damage to the external electrical device and does not fail itself in the event of overvoltages. THE INVENTIVE SOLUTION

[0006] A solution according to the invention consists, on the one hand, of an add-on power supply with the features of claim 1.

[0007] The solution according to the invention is an add-on power supply unit for a vehicle, in particular a motorcycle, which is to be fed from the on-board electrical system.

[0008] An add-on power supply within the meaning of the invention is understood to mean a power supply that is not a functional component of the vehicle electrical system, so that the vehicle electrical system is fully functional regardless of whether the add-on power supply is installed or not.

[0009] Ideally, the add-on power supply is designed so that it can be retrofitted in a wide variety of locations within the vehicle, wherever continuous power is available, at least when the vehicle's electrical system is switched on, and the necessary physical installation space is available. Typically, the housing of the add-on power supply has tabs or through-holes for screwing and / or an area with double-sided adhesive tape for gluing, or attachment points for subsequent attachment with clamps, bands, or cable ties.

[0010] The add-on power supply according to the invention, with regard to its output useful voltage, is suitable for directly supplying a mobile phone and / or a navigation system and / or another USB device and / or another DC voltage consumer with a useful DC voltage that differs from the voltage of the vehicle's electrical system. It has a preferably waterproof housing that houses its components. Ideally, the components are encapsulated in the housing. The add-on power supply further has a first electrical connection (2) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end, and it additionally has a second electrical connection (2) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end. The said connections serve for connection to the vehicle's electrical system, fed by a generator of the vehicle, at any desired location.

[0011] The add-on power supply according to the invention further comprises an inverter (i.e. a transformer and / or electronic voltage converter) with the aid of which a specific useful direct voltage is generated from the vehicle electrical system voltage.

[0012] The useful DC voltage is delivered via an electrical connector leading out of the housing, through which it can be directly taken from the mobile phone, navigation device, or other USB device (or, in other words, low-voltage consumer) being powered. For this purpose, ideally, at least one female connector, usually a USB connector, is built into the housing. Ideally, two such connectors are provided.

[0013] According to the invention, a voltage limiter is arranged within the housing, electrically connected between the first and second terminals (2, 3) and protecting the inverter from overvoltage. This voltage limiter has the form of at least one short-circuit path, which is always switched on when the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals exceeds a certain limit. The electrical resistance of the short-circuit path is selected such that the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals drops to a level that is harmless to the inverter.

[0014] The solution just described can be distinguished by the fact that it additionally comprises one or more electronic components of the type described below, such as one or more thyristors and / or a Zener diode and / or one or more transistor switches for connecting the thyristors and / or a rectifier bridge that is installed in such a way that it allows both direct current and alternating current supply. Further details on this will follow shortly.

[0015] Independently of the solution described above, protection is also claimed for another solution according to the invention, both alone, independently of the solution described above, and in combination with it.

[0016] This second solution consists of an add-on power supply for a motorcycle with a first and a second electrical terminal for connection to an AC circuit supplied with electrical energy by a generator of the motorcycle. It has a voltage limiter arranged between the first and second terminals.

[0017] In addition, it has a rectifier bridge connected to the electrical terminals, with a first circuit connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge.

[0018] In this first circuit, a transistor is arranged, the gate of which is controlled by a Zener diode. The Zener diode is arranged in a second circuit connected in parallel with the rectifier bridge. The Zener diode blocks voltages below approximately 12 V, in particular below or equal to 9 V, and ideally below or equal to 6 V.

[0019] At least one third circuit is connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge, wherein at least one voltage smoothing component, in particular an electrolytic capacitor, is arranged in the third circuit.

[0020] An inverter is arranged at the output of the rectifier bridge, in particular in the form of an electrical or electronic transformer, which plays a key role in providing the useful DC voltage.

[0021] These measures ensure that the applied voltage is less dependent on the loads supplied by the generator. The fluctuation between approximately 3 V and 40 V in conventional generators can be compensated for by the add-on power supply according to the invention, especially if, for example, a load such as a light bulb fails and the other loads, such as light bulbs, then have to make do with the higher voltage. This means that the dependence of the generator's power output on the speed of the combustion engine is not directly transferred to the external electrical device being supplied with power. FURTHER OPTIONAL DESIGN OPTIONS

[0022] From a protection law perspective, both of the solutions mentioned so far are particularly advantageous if they also have at least one of the following features: The thyristors advantageously work in opposite directions. Each thyristor effectively cuts off the voltage, especially unwanted high voltage peaks.

[0023] Preferably, a conductive thyristor shorts the path in which the thyristor is located. It is particularly advantageous if the conductive thyristor limits the power flowing through it using its internal resistance and ultimately "burns" it away. This ensures that the voltage between the points from which the inverter is supplied drops to a non-critical level, preventing damaging voltages or voltage spikes from reaching the inverter. The thyristor is conveniently controlled by a transistor.

[0024] A semiconductor component is advantageously used for power limitation. The semiconductor component is preferably a MOSFET, in particular a power MOSFET. The semiconductor component is expediently arranged in the rectifier bridge.

[0025] The gate of the transistor that switches it on is conveniently located between a first ohmic resistor and a second ohmic resistor.

[0026] A Zener diode is advantageously inserted between the transistors. The Zener diode is advantageously blocked at voltages below approximately 12 V. This ensures that there is no voltage at the gate of the transistor if the voltage is below approximately 12 V. This ensures that the voltage does not fall below approximately 12 V. The Zener diode advantageously opens at a voltage above approximately 12 V. This creates a partial voltage between the first and second resistors, which opens the gate of the transistor, advantageously causing one path of the transistor to become conductive via a third ohmic resistor and a fourth ohmic resistor. This creates a proportional voltage drop between the third and fourth ohmic resistors, which then provides the voltage needed to turn on the thyristor.

[0027] Electrolytic capacitors, or Elko for short, are useful for smoothing the voltage.

[0028] Advantageously, an inverter is provided. The inverter is preferably structurally similar, in particular structurally identical, to an electronic transformer, or transformer for short. The inverter expediently generates an output voltage of approximately 5 V from any input voltage, in particular from input voltages of at least approximately 1 V, preferably at least approximately 2 V, particularly preferably at least approximately 3 V and at most approximately 15 V, preferably at most approximately 12 V, and particularly preferably 6 V. Expediently, the electronic transformer is only sensitive to a higher input voltage such as approximately 15 V, preferably approximately 12 V, particularly preferably approximately 6 V. This higher input voltage is expediently counteracted by the series circuit.

[0029] The inverter advantageously supplies a direct current with a voltage of approximately 5 V. This allows it to supply electricity to standardized external electrical devices in particular.

[0030] Preferably, a plug, in particular a USB plug and / or a lightning plug for connecting to an electrical terminal device, is arranged at the output of the inverter.

[0031] It is advisable to install a circuit breaker or a circuit breaker button between the inverter output and the plug. The latter only interrupts the line when and as long as it is held down. It has the following function: Some mobile phones interrupt charging as soon as a low voltage occurs or the voltage drops briefly while plugged in. To avoid having to plug and unplug the mobile phone to restart the charging process, especially while driving, a button or switch is provided. This allows the driver to briefly turn the phone off and on again, simulating a plugging and unplugging, while the charging process continues on the mobile phone.

[0032] In this case, it is particularly advantageous if the add-on power supply has its own housing which only encloses its components and is preferably completely sealed off from the environment. The housing can have the further features already mentioned above in connection with claim 1. The housing can offer at least one fastening point which enables the add-on power supply to be fastened to the handlebars of the motorcycle, in particular in an area which can be reached with a finger without having to wrap one's hand around it. Such a "fastening point" can be, for example, a clamp or a projection for the particularly captive fastening of a cable tie or also a thin strap or rope or wire rope with which the add-on power supply can be fastened to the handlebar.

[0033] It is particularly useful to have a light source, particularly an LED, on the button. This light source can then indicate whether charging current is flowing. This allows the driver to quickly and easily determine whether the external electrical device is receiving power and whether pressing the switch or button is necessary to restart the charging process.

[0034] It is advantageous to arrange two power limiters between the first and second connection, which work in opposite directions.

[0035] It is advantageous for at least one of the power limiters, in particular all of them, to be a thyristor, which in particular dissipates power via its own resistance.

[0036] The invention preferably comprises a motorcycle with an attached power supply.

[0037] Ideally, the add-on power supply should include at least one cable splitter and, in particular, at least one power thieve to connect its power cable to the vehicle's electrical system. What a power thieve is is well known and can otherwise be looked up on Wikipedia on the day of registration. This allows for quick and easy retrofitting, ensuring good electrical contact.

[0038] The light source is advantageously mounted so that it is visible to the rider while riding. In particular, the light source is positioned on the handlebars, for example, near the speedometer.

[0039] The add-on power supply according to the invention does not necessarily have to be limited to the application and embodiment described above. In particular, the add-on power supply according to the invention may have a number of individual elements, components, and units that differs from the number stated herein to fulfill a functionality described herein.

[0040] Further advantages will become apparent from the following description of the drawings. Exemplary embodiments are illustrated in the invention. The drawings, the description, and the claims contain numerous features in combination, which can also be considered individually and combined to form further meaningful combinations. LIST OF FIGURES

[0041] It shows Fig. 1 a circuit diagram of the add-on power supply according to the invention in a first embodiment, Fig. 2 a circuit diagram of the add-on power supply according to the invention in a second embodiment, Fig. 3 a circuit diagram of the add-on power supply according to the invention in a third embodiment, and Fig. 4 a circuit diagram of the add-on power supply according to the invention in a fourth embodiment. EXAMPLES OF IMPLEMENTATION

[0042] In Fig. The circuit diagram 1 of the add-on power supply shown in Figure 1 schematically shows the interconnection of the electrical components of the add-on power supply for a first embodiment.

[0043] The add-on power supply comprises a first electrical connection 2 and a second electrical connection 3. The two electrical connections 2 and 3 are intended for connecting the add-on power supply to the electrical system of a motorcycle, vintage car, or vintage truck (not shown). In the following, we will only refer to "motorcycle" as a representative. The term "on-board electrical system" either describes an electrical system in the literal sense or is understood broadly and then only includes a so-called "ignition plate."

[0044] The motorcycle's generator provides the motorcycle with power. The generator usually produces alternating current, which, especially in very simple vehicles, is sometimes fed into the vehicle's electrical system, which may be extremely simple. In more sophisticated vehicles, the current is rectified before being fed into the electrical system.

[0045] However, the add-on power supply is preferably equipped so that it can be powered equally with alternating or direct current.

[0046] The first terminal 2 is electrically connected to the second terminal 3 via a first voltage or power limiter 4 and a second voltage or power limiter 5. The first power limiter 4 is connected in parallel with the second power limiter 5. In the exemplary embodiment, the power limiters 4 and 5 are thyristors that operate in opposite directions. As soon as the thyristors are switched on, they short-circuit the paths between the electrical terminals 2 and 3 and dissipate the electrical power via their own internal resistance. The thyristors thus limit the electrical power.

[0047] A rectifier bridge 6 is connected to the electrical terminals 2, 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the rectifier bridge 6 comprises four thyristors, with the circuit connected to the electrical terminals 2, 3 being connected in parallel to the first power limiter 4 and the second power limiter 5.

[0048] A first circuit comprising a transistor 7 is connected to the outputs of the rectifier bridge 6. The gate of the transistor 7 is controlled by a Zener diode 8. The Zener diode 8 is arranged in a second circuit connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge 6. The Zener diode 8 blocks at voltages below approximately 12 V, although voltages such as approximately 15 V or approximately 6 V can also be advantageous. As soon as the Zener diode 8 blocks, no voltage is present at the gate of the transistor 7 and the gate of the transistor 7 is closed. If the voltage rises above the blocking voltage of approximately 12 V - or advantageously 15 V or 6 V - then a partial voltage is present at the gate, wherein the partial voltage represents part of the blocking voltage and the partial voltage is formed by the first ohmic resistor 9 and the second ohmic resistor 10 connected in series with the Zener diode 8 in the second circuit.

[0049] In the first circuit, a third ohmic resistor 11 and a fourth ohmic resistor 12 are connected downstream of transistor 8, with a path branching off between the first and second ohmic resistors 11, 12 and establishing an electrical connection to the electrical terminals 2, 3. A third power limiter 13 and a fourth power limiter 14 are arranged in the path, each of which is a thyristors in the exemplary embodiment. The third power limiter 13 is connected to the electrical circuit of the first power limiter 4. The fourth power limiter 14 is connected to the electrical circuit of the second power limiter 5. If a partial voltage is applied to the gate, the gate opens.As a result, a path of the transistor 7 via the third ohmic resistor 11 and the fourth ohmic resistor 12 is conductive, which leads to a proportional voltage drop between the third and fourth ohmic resistors 11, 12, so that the voltage is present here to switch on the thyristors 13, 14.

[0050] At the output of the rectifier bridge 6, several voltage-smoothing components 15, in this example electrolytic capacitors, are connected in parallel to the first and second electrical circuits. The electrolytic capacitors, or electrolytic capacitors for short, serve to smooth the voltage.

[0051] An electronic inverter 16, or transformer, is connected to the output of the rectifier bridge 6. The electronic transformer is capable of generating the desired transformer output voltage of approximately 5 V from any input voltage between approximately 3 V, preferably approximately 1 V, 2 V, or 4 V, and approximately 12 V, preferably approximately 15 V or approximately 6 V. The electronic transformer is sensitive to excessively high input voltage, which is prevented by the circuit described above.

[0052] A connector 17 is arranged at the output of the inverter 17, which in the exemplary embodiment is designed as a USB connector. Alternatively, the connector 17 can also be designed as a Lightning connector or the like. The connector 17 serves to electrically connect an electrical terminal device not shown in the figures, such as a mobile navigation system, a mobile phone, or the like.

[0053] In the exemplary embodiment, a button 18 is provided between the output of inverter 16 and plug 17. Some mobile phones will not continue charging if there is too much voltage or if the voltage is temporarily lost while plugged in. To solve this problem, button 18 allows the driver to interrupt the power supply to the mobile phone, thereby suggesting that the phone is plugged in and unplugged, so that the mobile phone begins charging again after button 18 is pressed. A light source 19, in particular a light bulb, an LED, or the like, is provided in the area of ​​button 18. The light source 19 indicates whether current is flowing via button 18, so that the driver knows whether the mobile phone is charging.

[0054] The add-on power supply can be connected to a vehicle (not shown), in particular a motorcycle. For this purpose, cable splitters (not shown), so-called current thieves, are conveniently attached to the electrical connections 2, 3. These electrically connect the electrical connections 2, 3 to the cables of the AC circuit of the motorcycle's generator (not shown in the figures).

[0055] The button 18 is mounted on the motorcycle in such a way that it can be operated by the rider while driving. A suitable location for the button 18 is, for example, the handlebars of the motorcycle.

[0056] Instead of the push button 18, a bridge can also be provided. The bridge is, in particular, electrically conductive. In this case, the bridge can completely replace the push button 18. Preferably, the bridge is designed such that the bridge is easily removable, and in particular, it can be replaced by the push button 18 instead of the bridge. Particularly advantageously, the circuit is initially provided with the bridge, and the bridge is replaced by the push button 18, particularly when the circuit is installed in the housing.

[0057] The light source 19 is mounted on the motorcycle in such a way that it is visible to the rider while driving. A suitable position for the light source (19) is, for example, the handlebars, for example, in the area of ​​the speedometer.

[0058] The Fig. 2 diagram 20 shown differs from that shown in Fig. 1 essentially in that only a first power limiter 4 is arranged between the first electrical terminal 2 and the second electrical terminal 3. The second electrical power limiter 5 is omitted. Furthermore, the third and fourth power limiters 13, 14 are omitted. The path from the output of the transistor 7 via the third ohmic resistor 11 is connected directly to the circuit of the first electrical terminal 2.

[0059] The Fig. 3 shown circuit diagram 21 differs from that shown in Fig. 2 shown circuit diagram 20 in that the Fig. 3, the inverter 16' can be designed as an oscillator, DC regulator, colloquially power supply or the like.

[0060] The Fig. 4 shown circuit diagram 22 differs from that shown in Fig. 1 shown circuit diagram 1 essentially in that instead of the Fig. 1 shown power limiters 4, 5 in the form of thyristors of the type Fig. 4 is used. In the exemplary embodiment, the semiconductor component 23 is designed as a MOSFET, in particular as a power MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor). The semiconductor component 23 is optimized for conducting and blocking large electrical currents, in particular up to several hundred amperes, and voltages, in particular up to approximately 1000 volts.

[0061] The semiconductor component 23 is in the circuit variant according to Fig. 4 arranged in the rectifier bridge 6.

[0062] Same reference numerals in the Fig.1 to 4 correspond to identical components. In addition to the above, the content of the German utility model with the file number 20 2018 002 139.3 is an integral part of the present invention, so the complete content of the German utility model with the file number 20 2018 002 139.3 is also the complete content of this invention. List of reference symbols: 1 First circuit diagram 2 First electrical connection 3 Second electrical connection 4 First power limiter 5 Second power limiter 6 Rectifier bridge 7 transistors 8 Zener diodes 9 First ohmic resistance 10 Second ohmic resistance 11 Third ohmic resistance 12 Fourth ohmic resistance 13 Third power limiter 14 Fourth power limiter 15 Stress-smoothing component 16 inverters 17 plugs 18 buttons 19 light bulbs 20 Second circuit diagram 21 Third circuit diagram 22 Fourth circuit diagram 23 semiconductor component

Claims

[1] Add-on power supply unit for a vehicle, and in particular a motorcycle, to be fed from the on-board power supply system for supplying a mobile phone and / or a navigation system and / or another USB device with a useful DC voltage that differs from the voltage of the on-board power supply system, with a housing - preferably designed to be watertight - and a first electrical connection (2) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end, and a second electrical connection (3) leading out of the housing, preferably in the form of a plug or a free cable end, for connection to the on-board power supply system fed by a generator of the vehicle at any desired point, with an inverter (16) which generates a specific useful DC voltage from the on-board power supply system voltage, and with an electrical connection leading out of the housing, via which the useful DC voltage can be taken off,ideally via a female plug, usually a USB plug, built into the housing, wherein a voltage limiter is arranged within the housing, which is electrically connected between the first and second terminals (2, 3) and protects the inverter (16) against overvoltage, in the form of at least one short-circuit path which always becomes conductive when the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals (2, 3) exceeds a certain limit value and whose electrical resistance is selected such that the voltage between the first and second electrical terminals (2, 3) drops to an amount which is harmless for the inverter (16). [2] Add-on power supply, preferably according to claim 1, for a motorcycle with a first electrical connection (2) and a second electrical connection (3) for connection to an alternating current circuit supplied with electrical energy by a generator of the motorcycle, with a power limiter (4, 5) arranged between the first and second connections (2, 3), with a rectifier bridge (6) connected to the electrical connections (2, 3), with a first circuit connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge (6), wherein a transistor (7) whose gate is controlled by a Zener diode (8) is arranged in the first circuit, wherein the Zener diode (8) is arranged in a second circuit connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge (6), wherein the Zener diode (8) blocks voltages of less than approximately 15 V, in particular approximately 12 V, advantageously approximately 6 V, wherein at least a third circuit is connected in parallel to the rectifier bridge (6),wherein a voltage smoothing component (15) is arranged in the third circuit, and wherein an inverter (16) is arranged at the output of the rectifier bridge (6). [3] Add-on power supply according to claim 1, characterized by that the inverter (16) generates a direct current with a voltage of approximately 5 V. [4] Add-on power supply according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that a plug (17), in particular a USB plug, a lightning plug, or the like, for connecting to an electrical terminal device is arranged at the output of the inverter (16). [5] Add-on power supply according to claim 4, characterized by that a button is arranged between the output of the inverter (16) and the plug (17). [6] Add-on power supply according to claim 5, characterized by that a light-emitting means (19), in particular a light-emitting diode, is arranged on the button (18), and that the light-emitting means (19) indicates whether current is flowing via the button (18). [7] Add-on power supply according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that two power limiters (4, 5) which operate in opposite directions are arranged between the first and second electrical connection (2, 3). [8] Add-on power supply according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that at least one of the, in particular all, power limiters (4, 5) is a thyristor, which in particular dissipates power via its own resistance. [9] Add-on power supply according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the add-on power supply is a USB charger for supplying power to mobile devices in two-wheeled vehicles. [10] Motorcycle with an add-on power supply according to one of claims 1 to 9. [11] Motorcycle according to claim 10, characterized by that the electrical connections (2, 3) of the add-on power supply are each electrically connected to the cables of the AC circuit of the motorcycle via a so-called current thief. [12] Motorcycle according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the button (18) is mounted according to claim 5 or 6, that the button (18) can be operated by a driver while driving, in particular that the button (18) is arranged on the handlebars of the motorcycle, and that the lighting means (19) according to claim 6 is mounted such that the lighting means (19) can be seen by the driver while driving, in particular that the lighting means (19) is arranged on the handlebars, for example in the area of ​​the speedometer.

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