AU2017203621B1 - Control module for an alternator - Google Patents

Control module for an alternator Download PDF

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Publication number
AU2017203621B1
AU2017203621B1 AU2017203621A AU2017203621A AU2017203621B1 AU 2017203621 B1 AU2017203621 B1 AU 2017203621B1 AU 2017203621 A AU2017203621 A AU 2017203621A AU 2017203621 A AU2017203621 A AU 2017203621A AU 2017203621 B1 AU2017203621 B1 AU 2017203621B1
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AU
Australia
Prior art keywords
terminal
bridge
control module
voltage source
control
Prior art date
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Active
Application number
AU2017203621A
Inventor
Hung-Chih Chang
Muditha Upul Bandara Etipola
Min-Yu Tsai
Chih-Hua Yu
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Victory Industrial Corp
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Victory Industrial Corp
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 Victory Industrial Corp filed Critical Victory Industrial Corp
Priority to AU2017203621A priority Critical patent/AU2017203621B1/en
Priority to CN201810342479.5A priority patent/CN108983743B/en
Priority to TW107113006A priority patent/TWI656724B/en
Publication of AU2017203621B1 publication Critical patent/AU2017203621B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B23/00—Testing or monitoring of control systems or parts thereof
    • G05B23/02—Electric testing or monitoring
    • G05B23/0205—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults
    • G05B23/0218—Electric testing or monitoring by means of a monitoring system capable of detecting and responding to faults characterised by the fault detection method dealing with either existing or incipient faults
    • G05B23/0221—Preprocessing measurements, e.g. data collection rate adjustment; Standardization of measurements; Time series or signal analysis, e.g. frequency analysis or wavelets; Trustworthiness of measurements; Indexes therefor; Measurements using easily measured parameters to estimate parameters difficult to measure; Virtual sensor creation; De-noising; Sensor fusion; Unconventional preprocessing inherently present in specific fault detection methods like PCA-based methods

Abstract

Abstract The invention is related to a control module for an alternator. The control module comprises an operating circuit and a bridge for switching between two modes. The bridge can be a 5 screw, a pin, a switch, a wire or a connector that switches between modes so that the control module can be used with two types of electronic devices, such as ECUs.

Description

The invention is related to a control module for an alternator. The control module comprises an operating circuit and a bridge for switching between two modes. The bridge can be a screw, a pin, a switch, a wire or a connector that switches between modes so that the control module can be used with two types of electronic devices, such as ECUs.
2017203621 30 May 2017
CONTROL MODULE FOR AN ALTERNATOR
Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention is related to a control module, particularly a control module for an alternator of a vehicle.
Background of the Invention [0002] An engine control unit (ECU) in a vehicle is a type of electronic control unit that controls a series of actuators in an engine to ensure optimal engine performance. It reads information, such as information on an alternator, from a multitude of sensors within the engine bay, for properly controlling the vehicle. The information on an alternator includes a control signal for controlling the flow of electrical power generated from the alternator to a battery. Known ECUs includes two types: one is without a pull-up resistor such as the electronic device 91 shown in Fig. 1 and the other is with a pull-up resistor such as the electronic device 92 having the pull-up resistor 93 shown in Fig. 2. Consequently, conventional control modules for providing information to ECUs correspondingly include two types: a control module 1 with an internal pull-up resistor 113 as shown in Fig. 1 and a control module 2 without an internal pull-up resistor as shown in Fig. 2.
[0003] Please refer to Fig. 1. The conventional control module 1 used for an alternator o (not shown) of a vehicle comprises an operating circuit 11. The operating circuit 11 comprises an output terminal 1M, a control transistor 111 and a first resistor 113. The output terminal 1M is electrically coupled to an electronic device 91. The control transistor 111 has a first end 111a electrically coupled to the output terminal 1M, a second end 111b electrically coupled to a ground GND via a ground terminal IE and a third end 111c for receiving a
5 control signal so that control transistor 111 controls the electric current passing through. The first resistor 113 (a pull-up resistor) is electrically coupled to a first voltage source BT1 at the
2017203621 30 May 2017 one end and electrically coupled to the first end 11 la of the control transistor 111 and the output terminal 1M at the other end.
[0004] Please refer to Figs. 1 and 2. The electronic device 91 (ECU) is used with the control module 1 with an internal pull-up resistor 113 while the electronic device 92 (ECU) having the pull-up resistor 93 is used with the control module 2 without an internal pull-up resistor. Under each of the arrangements in Figs. 1 and 2, a single pull-up resistor (either the internal pull-up resistor 113 or the pull-up resistor 93) is involved. Under the arrangement of
Fig. 1, the control transistor 111 controls the current from the first voltage source BT1 through the first resistor 113 to the ground GND and the electronic device 91 (the ECU) can retrieve information from the output terminal 1M.
[0005] Please refer to Fig. 2. The conventional control module 2 used for an alternator (not shown) of a vehicle comprises an operating circuit 21. The operating circuit 21 comprises an output terminal 2M, a control transistor 211 and is without an internal resistor.
The output terminal 2M is electrically coupled to an electronic device 92. The control transistor 211 has a first end 211a electrically coupled to the output terminal 2M, a second end 211b electrically coupled to a ground GND via a ground terminal 2E and a third end lc for receiving a control signal so that the control transistor 211 controls the electric current passing through. The electronic device 92 includes a second resistor 93 (a pull-up resistor) electrically coupled to the output terminal 2M of the conventional control module 2
0 at one end and a second voltage source BT2 at the other end. Under the arrangement of Fig.
2, the control transistor 211 controls the current from the second voltage source BT2 through the second resistor 93, and the output terminal 2M to the ground GND. Consequently, the electronic device 92 (the ECU) can retrieve information from the output terminal 2M.
[0006] Thus, for different types of ECUs, different control modules 1, 2 need to be
5 separately used. That is, control module suppliers require additional production lines to
2017203621 13 Jun2018 manufacture different types of control modules and additional storage spaces for storing said different types of control modules.
[0007] In view of the above, there is a need in the trade to design a control module which can be used with two different types of ECUs (e.g., electronic devices 91, 92). [0007a] Any discussion of documents, devices, acts or knowledge in this specification is included to explain the context of the invention. It should not be taken as an admission that any of the material formed part of the prior art base or the common general knowledge in the relevant art on or before the priority date of the claims herein. [0007b] Comprises/comprising and grammatical variations thereof when used in this specification are to be taken to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.
Summary of the Invention [0008] In accordance with the present invention, there is provided a control module for an alternator, comprising:
an operating circuit comprising:
an output terminal, electrically coupled to an electronic device; a control transistor, having a first end electrically coupled to the output terminal and a second end electrically coupled to a ground for receiving a control signal to control the current through the control transistor;
a first bridge terminal, electrically coupled to a first voltage source; a second bridge terminal, electrically coupled to the first end of the control transistor; and
2017203621 13 Jun2018 a first resistor, electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the first bridge terminal or electrically coupled between the second bridge terminal and the first end of the control transistor; and a bridge, operable to selectively electrically connect the first bridge terminal with the second bridge terminal based on whether the electronic device includes a second resistor electrically coupled to the output terminal and a second voltage source;
wherein when the bridge electrically connects the first bridge terminal with the second bridge terminal, the control transistor controls the current from the first voltage source through the first resistor, the first bridge terminal, and the second bridge terminal to the ground.
Brief Description of The Drawings [0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit view of a conventional control module having an internal pull-up resistor for an alternator.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit view of another conventional control module for an alternator, used with an engine control unit (ECU) having a pull-up resistor.
3a
2017203621 30 May 2017 [0011] FIG. 3 A is a schematic circuit view of a control module for an alternator of one embodiment of the present invention in an internal pull-up mode.
[0012] FIG. 3B is a schematic circuit view of the control module for an alternator of the embodiment of the present invention in an external pull-up mode.
[0013] FIG. 3C is a schematic circuit view of a control module for an alternator of another embodiment of the present invention in an internal pull-up mode.
[0014] FIG. 4A is a schematic perspective view of the frame of the control module of one embodiment of the present invention having a screw as a bridge.
[0015] FIG. 4B is a schematic perspective view of the frame of the control module of the embodiment of the present invention with the screw detached.
[0016] FIG. 4C is a schematic rear view of the frame of the control module of the embodiment of the present invention.
[0017] FIG. 4D is a schematic top view of the frame of the control module of the embodiment of the present invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention [0018] The characteristics, subject matter, advantages, and effects of the present invention are detailed hereinafter by reference to the embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings. It is understood that the drawings referred to in the following description are intended only for purposes of illustration and do not necessarily o show the actual proportion and precise arrangement of the embodiments. Therefore, the proportion and arrangement shown in the drawings should not be construed as limiting or restricting the scope of the present invention.
[0019] Please refer to Figs. 3A and 3B. The control module 3 of this embodiment is used for an alternator (not shown), preferably an alternator of a vehicle. The control module 3
5 comprises an operating circuit 31 and a bridge 33. The operating circuit 31 comprises an
2017203621 30 May 2017 output terminal 3M, a control transistor 311, a first bridge terminal 3 A, a second bridge terminal 3B and a first resistor 313. The output terminal 3M is electrically coupled to an electronic device 91 as shown in Fig. 3A or another electronic device 92 as shown in Fig, 3B.
The control transistor 311 has a first end 311a electrically coupled to the output terminal 3M and a second end 311b electrically coupled to a ground GND and a third end 311c for receiving a control signal for controlling the current passing through the control transistor
311. The first bridge terminal 3 A is electrically coupled to a first voltage source BT1. The second bridge terminal 3B is electrically coupled to the first end 31 la of the control transistor
311. The first resistor 313 is electrically coupled between the first voltage source BT1 and the first bridge terminal 3 A. The first resistor 313 is a pull-up resistor. The bridge 33 is operable to electrically connect the first bridge terminal 3A with the second bridge terminal
3B. In an alternative embodiment, the first resistor 313 is electrically coupled between the second bridge terminal 3B and the first end 31 la of the control transistor 311 as shown in Fig.
3C.
[0020] Please refer to Fig. 3 A. Where the control module 3 is used with an electronic device 91 having no pull-up resistor, a user uses the bridge 33 to electrically connect the first bridge terminal 3 A with the second bridge terminal 3B so that the control module 3 is in an internal pull-up mode. When the bridge 33 electrically connects the first bridge terminal 3 A with the second bridge terminal 3B, the control transistor 311 controls the current from the o first voltage source BT1 through the first resistor 313, the first bridge terminal 3A, and the second bridge terminal 3B to the ground GND. The electronic device 91 retrieves information from the output terminal 3M.
[0021] Please refer to Fig. 3B. Where the control module 3 is used with an electronic device 92 having a second resistor 93 therein, the second resistor 93, which is a pull-up
5 resistor, is electrically coupled to the output terminal 3M of the control module 3 at one end
2017203621 30 May 2017 and a second voltage source BT2 at the other end. In use, a user disconnects the bridge 33 from the first bridge terminal 3A and the second bridge terminal 3B so that the control module 3 enters into an external pull-up mode. Under this circumstance, the first bridge terminal 3 A and the second bridge terminal 3B are not electrically connected together with the bridge 33, and the control transistor 311 controls the current from the second voltage source BT2 through the second resistor 93, and the output terminal 3M to the ground GND.
[0022] In view of the above, with such a bridge design, the control module 3 can be used with either the electronic device 91 having no pull-up resistor, or the electronic device having a pull-up transistor. With such control module 3, users need not purchase and suppliers need not provide two different types of conventional control modules 1 and 2 for two types of electronic devices 91, 92.
[0023] Please refer to Figs. 3A to 3C. The control module 3 further comprises a ground terminal 3E for electrically connecting the control transistor 311 to the ground GND and a voltage source terminal 3B+ electrically coupled to the first bridge terminal 3A for electrically connecting the first bridge terminal 3 A with the first voltage source BT1.
[0024] Please refer to Figs. 3 A to 4D. In a preferred embodiment, the control module 3 comprises a frame 35 and a circuit board 37. The frame 35 accommodates the circuit board therein. The control transistor 311 is disposed on the circuit board 37. As shown in Figs.
4A to 4D, the first bridge terminal 3A, the second bridge terminal 3B, the first resistor 313 o (not shown), the output terminal 3M, the ground terminal 3E and the voltage source terminal
3B+ are disposed on the frame 35.
[0025] Preferably, the frame 35 comprises an output contact 35M, which electrically connects the first end 31 la of the control transistor 311 on the circuit board 37 with the output terminal 3M and the second bridge terminal 3B on the frame 35.
2017203621 30 May 2017 [0026] Preferably, the frame 35 comprises a ground contact 35E, and the ground contact
35E electrically connects the second end 31 lb of the control transistor 311 on the circuit board 37 with the ground terminal 3E on the frame 35.
[0027] The bridge 33 used in the control module 3 can be a screw, a pin, a switch, a wire or a connector. In one embodiment, the bridge 33 is a screw as shown in Fig. 4A, and the frame 35 correspondingly has a threaded hole 350 as shown in Fig. 4B disposed between the first bridge terminal 3A and the second bridge terminal 3B. When the screw (the bridge 33) is screwed into the threaded hole 350, the first bridge terminal 3A is electrically connected with the second bridge terminal 3B via the screw (the bridge 33).
o [0028] In one embodiment, the electronic devices 91, 92, to which the control module 3 is electrically connected, are engine control units (ECUs) for a vehicle. The control module 3 is used for providing information to the ECU for controlling a vehicle via the output terminal
3M. In this embodiment, the first voltage source ΒΊΤ or the second voltage source BT2 is electrically connected to a battery of the vehicle or other power sources from the vehicle, which provides electrical power. In this embodiment, the control signal received by the control transistor 311 via the third end 311c relates to a signal for controlling the flow of electrical power generated from the alternator to the battery of the vehicle.
[0029] Accordingly, the control module 3 can be used with two typical types of ECUs (i.e., the electronic devices 91, 92) which include or do not include the second resistor 93.
o With the design of control module 3, the cost and labor for manufacturing and storing two types of control modules can be obviously reduced and the mistake of using a control module for an incompatible system can be avoided.
[0030] The foregoing embodiments are illustrative of the technical concepts and characteristics of the present invention so as to enable a person skilled in the art to gain
5 insight into the contents disclosed herein and to implement the present invention accordingly.
2017203621 30 May 2017
However, it is understood that the embodiments are not intended to restrict the scope of the present invention. Hence, all equivalent modifications to and variations of the disclosed embodiments made without departing from the spirit and principle of the present invention should fall within the scope of the appended claims.
2017203621 13 Jun2018

Claims (12)

  1. What is claimed is:
    1. A control module for an alternator, comprising: an operating circuit comprising:
    an output terminal, electrically coupled to an electronic device; a control transistor, having a first end electrically coupled to the output terminal and a second end electrically coupled to a ground for receiving a control signal to control the current through the control transistor;
    a first bridge terminal, electrically coupled to a first voltage source; a second bridge terminal, electrically coupled to the first end of the control transistor; and a first resistor, electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the first bridge terminal or electrically coupled between the second bridge terminal and the first end of the control transistor; and a bridge, operable to selectively electrically connect the first bridge terminal with the second bridge terminal based on whether the electronic device includes a second resistor electrically coupled to the output terminal and a second voltage source;
    wherein when the bridge electrically connects the first bridge terminal with the second bridge terminal, the control transistor controls the current from the first voltage source through the first resistor, the first bridge terminal, and the second bridge terminal to the ground.
  2. 2. The control module according to claim 1, wherein when the electronic device includes the second resistor electrically coupled to the output terminal and a second voltage source, and the first bridge terminal and the second bridge terminal are not
    2017203621 13 Jun2018 electrically connected together with the bridge, the control transistor controls the current from the second voltage source through the second resistor, and the output terminal to the ground.
  3. 3. The control module according to claim 2, wherein the control module further comprises a ground terminal for electrically connecting the control transistor to the ground.
  4. 4. The control module according to claim 3, wherein the control module further comprises a voltage source terminal electrically coupled to the first bridge terminal for electrically connecting the first bridge terminal to the first voltage source.
  5. 5. The control module according to claim 4, wherein the control module comprises a frame and a circuit board, the frame accommodates the circuit board, the control transistor is disposed on the circuit board, and the first bridge terminal, the second bridge terminal, the first resistor, the output terminal, the ground terminal and the voltage source terminal are disposed on the frame.
  6. 6. The control module according to claim 5, wherein the frame comprises an output contact and the output contact electrically connects the first end of the control transistor on the circuit board to the output terminal and the second bridge terminal on the frame.
  7. 7. The control module according to claim 5, wherein the frame comprises a ground contact and the ground contact electrically connects the second end of the control transistor on the circuit board to the ground terminal on the frame.
    2017203621 13 Jun 2018
  8. 8. The control module according to claim 5, wherein the bridge is a screw, a pin, a switch, a wire or a connector.
  9. 9. The control module according to claim 8, wherein the frame has a threaded hole disposed between the first bridge terminal and the second bridge terminal, and when the screw is screwed into the threaded hole, the first bridge terminal is electrically connected with the second bridge terminal via the screw.
  10. 10. The control module according to claim 2, wherein the electronic device is an engine control unit (ECU).
  11. 11. The control module according to claim 2, wherein the first voltage source and the second voltage source are electrically connected to the battery of the vehicle or other power sources from the vehicle.
  12. 12. The control module according to claim 1, wherein the control signal relates to a signal for controlling the flow of an electrical power generated from the alternator to a battery of a vehicle.
    VICTORY INDUSTRIAL CORPORATION
    WATERMARK INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PTY LTD
    P43038AU00
    1/4
    2017203621 30 May 2017
    GND
    FIG. 1
    GND
    FIG. 2
    - 1 2/4
    2017203621 30 May 2017
    GND
    FIG. 3A
    FIG. 3B
    GND
    - 2 3/4
    2017203621 30 May 2017
    GND
    FIG. 3C
    35M
    FIG. 4A
    - 3 2017203621 30 May 2017
    4/4
    35M
    FIG. 4B
    3B+
    3E
    3B+
    FIG. 4D
AU2017203621A 2017-05-30 2017-05-30 Control module for an alternator Active AU2017203621B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2017203621A AU2017203621B1 (en) 2017-05-30 2017-05-30 Control module for an alternator
CN201810342479.5A CN108983743B (en) 2017-05-30 2018-04-17 Control module for alternator
TW107113006A TWI656724B (en) 2017-05-30 2018-04-17 Control module for alternator

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2017203621A AU2017203621B1 (en) 2017-05-30 2017-05-30 Control module for an alternator

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
AU2017203621B1 true AU2017203621B1 (en) 2018-07-26

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ID=62947697

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
AU2017203621A Active AU2017203621B1 (en) 2017-05-30 2017-05-30 Control module for an alternator

Country Status (3)

Country Link
CN (1) CN108983743B (en)
AU (1) AU2017203621B1 (en)
TW (1) TWI656724B (en)

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2284982A1 (en) * 2009-08-07 2011-02-16 Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. Discharge circuit for smoothing capacitor of DC power supply
US20120139615A1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-07 Christian Zimmermann Control device for a motor vehicle having an input equipped for processing signals of different types of sensors

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JPH09130989A (en) * 1995-10-31 1997-05-16 Honda Motor Co Ltd Controlling device for aliternator
JP2857704B2 (en) * 1996-02-14 1999-02-17 本田技研工業株式会社 Alternator output switching control device
TWI412660B (en) * 2004-02-18 2013-10-21 Yamaha Motor Co Ltd Saddle type vehicle, and engine controlling apparatus and idle stop canceling method for the saddle type vehicle
JP4826565B2 (en) * 2007-09-18 2011-11-30 株式会社デンソー Charging system and vehicle power generation control device
TWI399316B (en) * 2010-02-02 2013-06-21 Sentec E & E Co Ltd Locomotive dumping device
CN102891646B (en) * 2012-09-28 2014-05-14 浙江达可尔汽车电子科技有限公司 Method for controlling intelligent alternating current generator for vehicle
CN203275981U (en) * 2013-05-10 2013-11-06 腾达航勤设备(上海)有限公司 Airplane ground power supply controller
JP2015105060A (en) * 2013-12-02 2015-06-08 株式会社デンソー Power supply switch circuit
CN106458118B (en) * 2014-05-12 2018-09-28 株式会社自动网络技术研究所 The supply unit of motor vehicle
TWI617736B (en) * 2015-10-29 2018-03-11 三陽工業股份有限公司 Method for controlling and protecting power generation after switching off power of a vehicle
AU2016200433B1 (en) * 2016-01-27 2017-04-27 Victory Industrial Corporation Control module for an alternator

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2284982A1 (en) * 2009-08-07 2011-02-16 Hitachi Automotive Systems, Ltd. Discharge circuit for smoothing capacitor of DC power supply
US20120139615A1 (en) * 2010-12-02 2012-06-07 Christian Zimmermann Control device for a motor vehicle having an input equipped for processing signals of different types of sensors

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN108983743A (en) 2018-12-11
TWI656724B (en) 2019-04-11
TW201902113A (en) 2019-01-01
CN108983743B (en) 2020-06-30

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