Robert Boschgmbh

Ulrich Munz

Willi Gansert

Edgar Kuhn

Wolfgang Kurz

A plurality of threshold switches or comparators, at least two and preferably five to seven are provided to compare actual generator output voltage (u.sub.g) with respect to various threshold levels derived from battery voltage, and normal and abnormal and highly abnormal or excessive voltage conditions. Actual generator voltage is sensed by providing a separate set of rectifiers (14) connected to the generator (10) and providing output voltage signals representative only of the magnetism of the field--remanent or excited--and generator speed, independently of loading and battery voltage, to permit monitoring actual operation of the generator in relation to the connected network and battery. One (76) of the threshold switches or comparators is provided to inhibit energization of the field winding by the voltage regulator (20) if the voltage of the generator, as sensed, exceeds a predetermined level (eg. 18 V in a 12 V system), other threshhold switches providing malfunction indication upon concurrence of either excessive voltage, or undervoltage conditions at various test points within the generator-voltage regulator network system and combination.

Self-contained, particularly vehicular network with malfunction

A conventional on-off voltage regulator operates a set of power MOSFET switches interposed between the grounded terminal of the battery and each of the diodes of a bridge rectifier leading to that terminal. Each such switch is controlled through an individual circuit responsive to the regulator output and including an opto-electronic device controlling a thryistor which, in addition to being connected to control the MOSFET switch, also has a connection through a resistor and a diode to the other side of the rectifier diode switched by the MOSFET. The circuit greatly simplifies voltage regulation of a battery charging system using an alternator with a permanent magnet rotor.

Growing community of inventors

Kirchheim, Germany

Ulrich Munz