Automotive circuit protection device and automotive circuit device with this automotive circuit protection device

Abstract

Automotive circuit protection device, which is electrically connected to a power terminal (2) and a load terminal (3) and comprises: a pre-regulator unit (10) that sets a maximum voltage value; and a maintenance discharge unit (20) which is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit (10), wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) allows a maintenance current from the power connection to pass through and absorbs the maintenance current, wherein the pre-regulator unit (10) limits the highest voltage of the maintenance discharge unit (20) as the highest voltage value, wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) contains a transistor (Q1), wherein the transistor (Q1) is a bipolar transistor, characterized by the fact that the transistor (Q1) is an NPN transistor, and The pre-regulator unit (10) includes a Zener diode (D1) and a first resistor (R1), wherein the first resistor (R1) is electrically connected to and between a positive electrode of the current terminal and a positive electrode of the Zener diode (D1), wherein a negative electrode of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically grounded and electrically connected to a negative electrode of the current terminal, wherein a base of the transistor (Q1) is electrically connected between the first resistor (R1) and the positive electrode of the Zener diode (D1), and wherein a collector of the transistor (Q1) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal and a positive electrode of the load terminal, wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) further includes a second resistor (R2), wherein the second resistor (R2) is electrically grounded, wherein the second resistor (R2) is electrically connected to an emitter of the transistor (Q1), a negative electrode of the load terminal and the negative electrode of the Zener diode (D1), wherein at least one luminaire (31) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal and the positive electrode of the load terminal, and wherein the at least one luminaire (31) is electrically directly connected to the first resistor (R1).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a motor vehicle circuit protection device and a motor vehicle circuit device with this motor vehicle circuit protection device. State of the art

[0002] German patent application DE 10 2020 210 254 A1 discloses an electronic load for installation in the power supply of a vehicle lamp and essentially shows a protective device according to the preamble of claim 1. Document WO 2014 / 094016 A2 discloses an LED module with a circuit that can represent a load when a constant current or a constant voltage is applied during a start-up phase. Documents DE 10 2018 123 969 A1 and US 2014 / 0111107 A1 relate to further driver designs for LED lamps.

[0003] Vehicle switches or batteries often generate leakage currents due to accidental contact, short circuits, or excessive humidity, which can cause the headlights to flicker or the engine to run intermittently. The conventional solution to this leakage current problem is to connect a number of resistors in parallel with the switch or battery. However, connecting resistors in parallel increases the voltage and current, generating a significant amount of heat, causing the entire component to overheat. Furthermore, connecting resistors in parallel has disadvantages such as high cost and bulk.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a novel and progressive automotive circuit protection device and an automotive circuit device incorporating this automotive circuit protection device to solve the problems mentioned above. Object of the invention

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a vehicle circuit protection device and a vehicle circuit device with this vehicle circuit protection device, which has leakage current protection, a small circuit space and a large adjustable range, and can stabilize the voltage and reduce heat.

[0006] This problem is solved by the automotive circuit protection device according to claim 1, which is electrically connected to a power connection and a load connection and comprises: a pre-regulator unit that sets a maximum voltage value; and a trickle discharge unit that is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit, wherein the trickle discharge unit allows a trickle current from the power connection to pass through and absorbs the trickle current, and wherein the pre-regulator unit limits the maximum voltage of the trickle discharge unit as the maximum voltage value. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0007] This problem is further solved by the automotive circuit device according to the invention, which has the aforementioned automotive circuit protection device, wherein the automotive circuit device further comprises the power connection and a load unit, wherein the load unit contains the load connection and the automotive circuit protection device, wherein the automotive circuit protection device is connected between the power connection and the load connection. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention, Fig. 2 a circuit diagram of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Ways to implement the invention

[0008] The following embodiments serve only to illustrate the possible implementation of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the invention.

[0009] Fig. 1 and Fig.Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The automotive circuit protection device 1 of the present invention is electrically connected to a power connection 2 and a load connection 3. The automotive circuit protection device 1 comprises a pre-regulator unit 10 and a trickle discharge unit 20.

[0010] The pre-regulator unit 10 sets a maximum voltage value. This maximum voltage value can be selected according to requirements (e.g., a change in the pre-regulator unit's specifications). The float discharge unit 20 is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit 10. The float discharge unit 20 allows a float current from the power supply to pass through and absorbs (consumes) this current (like an abnormal leakage current). The pre-regulator unit 10 limits the maximum voltage of the float discharge unit 20 to its maximum voltage value. Regardless of the size of the external power source (such as the power supply 2), the float discharge unit 20 can be stabilized within this limited current consumption. For example, if the maximum voltage value is 5 V and the power supply 2 provides 3 V, a 3 V current will be supplied.If power input 2 has a 12V supply, the voltage is limited to 5V and a 5V current is supplied. This prevents leakage current. Furthermore, the circuit offers the advantages of a small circuit footprint, a large adjustable range, etc., and can stabilize the voltage and reduce heat generation.

[0011] The trickle discharge unit 20 contains a transistor Q1. Transistor Q1 can generally be a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) or a metal oxide half-field effect transistor (MOSFET). According to the invention, transistor Q1 is a bipolar junction transistor (BJT) with precise voltage and current levels. The pre-regulator unit 10 contains a Zener diode D1. In other exemplary embodiments, it can also include a current switch or any circuit for generating reference voltage levels. One terminal of the Zener diode D1 is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal 2 and the base of transistor Q1. The other terminal of the Zener diode D1 is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the current terminal 2 and the emitter of transistor Q1, thus keeping the cost low and allowing the trickle discharge unit 20 to be limited to the highest voltage value.

[0012] The pre-regulator unit 10 further includes a first resistor R1. The first resistor R1 is connected in series with the Zener diode D1. The base of transistor Q1 is electrically connected between the first resistor R1 and the Zener diode D1. The first resistor R1 is also electrically connected between the collector and base of transistor Q1. More precisely, the positive electrode of the Zener diode D1 is electrically connected between the current terminal 2 and the load terminal 3. The negative electrode of the Zener diode D1 is electrically connected between the first resistor R1 and the base of transistor Q1. In this way, the first resistor R1 can be used to provide a partial voltage and allow the trickle discharge unit 20 to be continuously switched on and in a trickle state. The resistance value of the pre-regulator unit 10 can be changed according to requirements.Therefore, the resistance value and the voltage value of the present invention can be adjusted according to the requirements, so that the invention can stabilize the current absorption by means of the stable voltage and resistance.

[0013] The trickle discharge unit 20 also contains a second resistor R2. The second resistor R2 is connected in series with transistor Q1. One terminal of the second resistor R2 is electrically connected to Zener diode D1 and electrically to the negative electrode of load terminal 3. The other terminal of the second resistor R2 is electrically connected to the emitter of transistor Q1. The second resistor R2 can absorb the trickle current. The pre-regulator unit 10 limits the second resistor such that the highest voltage across the second resistor R2 is less than the highest voltage value. Transistor Q1 can absorb some or all of the trickle current. The second resistor R2 can also absorb trickle current. This absorption of current means the consumption of the trickle current. This prevents the trickle current (such as leakage current) from flowing to load terminal 3.

[0014] The trickle discharge unit 20 and the pre-regulator unit 10 are grounded. In this embodiment, a ground voltage DGND is electrically connected between the second resistor R2 and the Zener diode D1. More precisely, the ground voltage DGND is electrically connected between transistor Q1 and the Zener diode D1 to equalize the potential between the trickle discharge unit 20 and the pre-regulator unit 10.

[0015] The present invention provides a further automotive circuit device comprising the aforementioned automotive circuit protection device 1. The automotive circuit device further comprises the power connection 2 and a load unit 30. The load unit 30 is, for example, a vehicle lamp or a power drive device (motor). The load unit 30 contains the load connection 3 and the automotive circuit protection device 1. The power connection 2 is arranged outside the load unit 30. The automotive circuit protection device 1 is connected in series with the power connection 2 and the load connection 3. In this embodiment, the load unit 30 further comprises at least one light source 31. The at least one light source 31 is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit 10 or the trickle discharge unit 20. The light source 31 is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit 10.In other embodiments, the load unit contains two light sources, one a high beam and the other a low beam, which are electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit or the trickle discharge unit. It is also possible for both light sources to be either a low beam or a high beam. Therefore, the volume is small and the design simple, allowing for integration into the load unit.

[0016] Load terminal 3 could be, for example, a driver board for a vehicle lamp, a driver board for a motor, or a control circuit for other power sources. Power terminal 2 could be, for example, a vehicle electrical system such as a power supply battery, a circuit breaker, and the like. The circuit breaker is used to open or close the circuit between power terminal 2 and load terminal 3.

[0017] When the trickle discharge unit 20 detects a current (such as the low current consumed at low voltage) during operation, it begins to absorb and consume the trickle current from the current terminal 2. The pre-regulator unit 10 is used to stabilize the voltage and resistance. The current flows from the positive to the negative terminal. By limiting the maximum voltage value, the trickle discharge unit 20 can continuously absorb and consume the current. In this way, the trickle discharge unit 20 can be connected to a load within a defined voltage range to absorb the abnormal leakage current (trickle current) in the circuit.

[0018] In summary, the automotive circuit protection device of the present invention, through its pre-regulator unit, can equip the trickle discharge unit with a load within a defined voltage range to absorb abnormal leakage current on the circuit. Thus, the invention features leakage current protection, a small circuit footprint, a large adjustable range, and can stabilize the voltage and reduce heat. The automotive circuit protection device of the present invention is water-resistant and provides waterproof leakage current protection. Reference symbol list 1 Automotive circuit protection device 2 power connections 3 Load connection 10 Pre-regulator unit 20 Maintenance discharge unit 30 load units 31 light sources D1 Zener diode R1 first resistor R2 second resistor Q1 Transistor DGND grounding voltage

Claims

[1] Automotive circuit protection device, which is electrically connected to a power terminal (2) and a load terminal (3) and comprises: a pre-regulator unit (10) that sets a maximum voltage value; and a maintenance discharge unit (20) which is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit (10), wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) allows a maintenance current from the power connection to pass through and absorbs the maintenance current, wherein the pre-regulator unit (10) limits the highest voltage of the maintenance discharge unit (20) as the highest voltage value, wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) contains a transistor (Q1), wherein the transistor (Q1) is a bipolar transistor, characterized by , that the transistor (Q1) is an NPN transistor, and The pre-regulator unit (10) includes a Zener diode (D1) and a first resistor (R1), wherein the first resistor (R1) is electrically connected to and arranged between a positive electrode of the current terminal and a positive electrode of the Zener diode (D1), wherein a negative electrode of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically grounded and electrically connected to a negative electrode of the current terminal, wherein a base of the transistor (Q1) is electrically connected between the first resistor (R1) and the positive electrode of the Zener diode (D1), and wherein a collector of the transistor (Q1) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal and a positive electrode of the load terminal, wherein the maintenance discharge unit (20) further includes a second resistor (R2), wherein the second resistor (R2) is electrically grounded, wherein the second resistor (R2) is electrically connected to an emitter of the transistor (Q1), a negative electrode of the load terminal and the negative electrode of the Zener diode (D1), wherein at least one luminaire (31) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal and the positive electrode of the load terminal, and wherein the at least one luminaire (31) is electrically directly connected to the first resistor (R1). [2] Automotive circuit protection device according to claim 1, characterized by, that one terminal of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected to the positive electrode of the current terminal (2) and the base of the transistor (Q1), wherein the other terminal of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected to the negative electrode of the current terminal (2) and the emitter of the transistor (Q1). [3] Automotive circuit protection device according to claim 2, characterized by , that the first resistor (R1) is connected in series with the Zener diode (D1). [4] Automotive circuit protection device according to claim 3, characterized by, that the second resistor (R2) is connected in series with the transistor (Q1), wherein one terminal of the second resistor (R2) is electrically connected to the Zener diode (D1) and electrically connected to the negative electrode of the load terminal (3), wherein the other terminal of the second resistor (R2) is electrically connected to the emitter of the transistor (Q1), wherein the second resistor (R2) can absorb the float current, wherein the pre-regulator unit (10) limits the second resistor such that the highest voltage across the second resistor (R2) is less than the highest voltage value. [5] Automotive circuit protection device according to claim 1, characterized by , that the maintenance discharge unit (20) and the pre-regulator unit (10) are grounded. [6] Automotive circuit protection device according to claim 4, characterized by, that a ground voltage (DGND) is electrically connected between the second resistor (R2) and the Zener diode (D1), wherein the positive electrode of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected between the current terminal (2) and the load terminal (3), wherein the negative electrode of the Zener diode (D1) is electrically connected between the first resistor (R1) and the base of the transistor (Q1). [7] Automotive circuit device comprising the automotive circuit protection device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the automotive circuit further comprises the power connection (2) and a load unit (30), wherein the load unit (30) includes the load connection (3) and the automotive circuit protection device (1), wherein the automotive circuit protection device (1) is connected between the power connection (2) and the load connection (3). [8] Automotive switching device according to claim 7, characterized by, that the load unit (30) further includes the at least one light source (31), wherein the at least one light source (31) is electrically connected to the pre-regulator unit (10) or the maintenance discharge unit (20).

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