GB2174558A - Power supply for a boat or caravan - Google Patents

Power supply for a boat or caravan Download PDF

Info

Publication number
GB2174558A
GB2174558A GB08508100A GB8508100A GB2174558A GB 2174558 A GB2174558 A GB 2174558A GB 08508100 A GB08508100 A GB 08508100A GB 8508100 A GB8508100 A GB 8508100A GB 2174558 A GB2174558 A GB 2174558A
Authority
GB
United Kingdom
Prior art keywords
battery
mains
engine
refrigerator
supply
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
GB08508100A
Other versions
GB8508100D0 (en
Inventor
David Harold Sutton
Thomas Graham Fletcher
Kenneth Neal
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.)
Sutton & Gates
Original Assignee
Sutton & Gates
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 Sutton & Gates filed Critical Sutton & Gates
Priority to GB08508100A priority Critical patent/GB2174558A/en
Publication of GB8508100D0 publication Critical patent/GB8508100D0/en
Publication of GB2174558A publication Critical patent/GB2174558A/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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
    • H02J7/14—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle
    • H02J7/1423—Circuit arrangements for charging or depolarising batteries or for supplying loads from batteries for charging batteries from dynamo-electric generators driven at varying speed, e.g. on vehicle with multiple batteries
    • 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
    • H02J9/00—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting
    • H02J9/04—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source
    • H02J9/06—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems
    • H02J9/061—Circuit arrangements for emergency or stand-by power supply, e.g. for emergency lighting in which the distribution system is disconnected from the normal source and connected to a standby source with automatic change-over, e.g. UPS systems for DC powered loads
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60R—VEHICLES, VEHICLE FITTINGS, OR VEHICLE PARTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • B60R16/00—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for
    • B60R16/02—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements
    • B60R16/03—Electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for; Arrangement of elements of electric or fluid circuits specially adapted for vehicles and not otherwise provided for electric constitutive elements for supply of electrical power to vehicle subsystems or for
    • 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
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
    • 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
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
    • H02J2310/42—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle for ships or vessels
    • 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
    • H02J2310/00—The network for supplying or distributing electric power characterised by its spatial reach or by the load
    • H02J2310/40—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle
    • H02J2310/46—The network being an on-board power network, i.e. within a vehicle for ICE-powered road vehicles

Abstract

The supply has connections 3,7 to the ignition and battery circuits of an engine. When the ignition is switched on relay contacts 2 close so that the main battery charges an auxiliary battery 5 and also supplies a refrigerator circuit 8 via relay contacts 16. When a mains supply is available, the battery 5 can be charged therefrom via a transformer 13 and rectifier 14, and a relay coil 16 can be energised to change over its contacts 16 so that the refrigerator is supplied from the mains via a step-down transformer 15. In the absence of a mains supply and with the engine not running, the refrigerator runs on gas and power to other loads is provided by the auxiliary battery 5. A mains outlet socket 12 may also be provided, e.g. for a vacuum cleaner. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Control unit This invention relates to power supplies and the utilisation of mains rechargeable battery circuits.
In recent years caravans and boats have become much more sophisticated in the provision of appliances: whereas at one time gas lamps were individually lit it is now commonplace to have switched electrical lights, water pumps, radio, television, cassette players and the like all running from an electrical power source. The source of power may be a 12 volt battery or a mains coupling: sometimes the car or boat engine battery is used but this is generally undesirable and an auxiliary battery is used. There have been previous attempts at providing control units but these have been ungainly and have failed to satisfy all the requirements of 12 volt and mains supply and recharging of the auxiliary battery automatically upon start up of the engine or alternatively by a mains driven charging circuit.
The present invention is directed towards providing a control unit to satisfy the above criteria in a neat and compact form.
Accordingly the present invention provides a control unit for power supply to a boat or caravan comprising means for connection to the battery and ignition circuits of an engine, means for connection to an auxiliary battery and a relay that closes in response to operation of the ignition in order to connect the engine battery and auxiliary battery when the engine is running, and means preventing current flow from the auxiliary battery to the engine battery, the unit further comprising means for connection to a mains supply, a stepdown transformer and charging circuit for supplying power to the auxiliary battery, and a refrigerator supply circuit including a refrigerator relay that operates in response to mains supply to switch a connection for the refrigerator from the engine battery source to the stepped down mains source.
The invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention.
The unit shown in the drawing provides a connection between a car battery and ignition to a circuit that provides automatic charging of an auxiliary battery and power to a refrignator while the car engine is running. When the car engine is not running the auxiliary battery may be charged from a mains hook-up and there is also the option of operating the refrigerator from the mains supply and the provision of a 240 volt socket outlet. In the absence of a mains hook-up and no running car engine the unit provides power from the auxiliary battery and the refrigerator is disconnected and run on gas. Under these latter conditions periodic recharging of the auxiliary battery is required. The time taken to recharge depends on the state of the battery, a fully discharged battery requiring of the order of 45 minutes to recharge either by running the car engine or from a mains supply.However the rapid charging circuit enables a significant 'top up' charge to be made in only 5 minutes. Referring now in detail to the drawing the car ignition is connected by way of a suitable coupling through a relay coil so that as soon as the ignition is switched on a pair of normally open relays 2 are closed to complete connection between the car battery and the control unit. The first line 3 from the battery passes through a diode 4 to charge the auxiliary battery 5, and the caravan circitry is connected across the battery 5, the state of charge or charging process being indicated by a meter, although this may be replaced by a low level warning light.
Equalisation between the car and van batteries is prevented by diode 4. A second line 7 from the car battery supplies 12 volts to the refrigerator circuit 8. When the car engine is turned off the relays 2 return to the open state and the power supply along lines 3 and 7 ceases. In this state the van circuitry is powered from stored charge in the auxiliary battery 5.
If a 240V mains supply is available then terminals 9 of the control unit may be connected to mains. For safety an earth leakage circuit beaker 10 and mains circuit beaker 11 are connected to tor minals 9. The main supply is connected to a 240v output socket 12 which may be used for vacuum cleaners or other applicances. An isolation switch for socket 12 is provided A 240v supply is also provided to the primary winding of a step down trans former 13, the secondary winding being connected via a rectifying diode 14 to charge the battery 5.
The mains supply is also connected to the primary winding of a second step down transformer 15.
Across the primary winding of transformer 15 the coil 16 of a second relay is connected which activates switch contacts on the terminals of the refrigerator circuit 8 to disconnect the refrigerator circuit from the battery circuit and connect it across the secondary winding of transformer 15 so that the refringerator may be powered by steppeddown mains supply. An isolation switch 16 is provided to enable disconnection of the transformer 15 when the refrigerator is to be operated by gas.
In addition to the above features a thermal cut out is provided should overheating occur and a cartridge fuse is provided to protect the wising from faults in the secondary battery supply.
The housing may be made integrally with the interior of a caravan or boat or be installed subsequetly. Preferably display lights are provided to indicate the state of the isolation switches.
1. A control unit for power supply to a boat or caravan comprising means for connection to the battery and ignition circuits of an engine, means for connection to an auxiliary battery and a relay that closes in response to operation of the ignition in order to connect the engine battery and auxiliary battery when the engine is running, and means preventing current flow from the auxiliary battery to the engine battery, the unit futher comprising means for connection to a mains supply, a step
**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims (4)

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. SPECIFICATION Control unit This invention relates to power supplies and the utilisation of mains rechargeable battery circuits. In recent years caravans and boats have become much more sophisticated in the provision of appliances: whereas at one time gas lamps were individually lit it is now commonplace to have switched electrical lights, water pumps, radio, television, cassette players and the like all running from an electrical power source. The source of power may be a 12 volt battery or a mains coupling: sometimes the car or boat engine battery is used but this is generally undesirable and an auxiliary battery is used. There have been previous attempts at providing control units but these have been ungainly and have failed to satisfy all the requirements of 12 volt and mains supply and recharging of the auxiliary battery automatically upon start up of the engine or alternatively by a mains driven charging circuit. The present invention is directed towards providing a control unit to satisfy the above criteria in a neat and compact form. Accordingly the present invention provides a control unit for power supply to a boat or caravan comprising means for connection to the battery and ignition circuits of an engine, means for connection to an auxiliary battery and a relay that closes in response to operation of the ignition in order to connect the engine battery and auxiliary battery when the engine is running, and means preventing current flow from the auxiliary battery to the engine battery, the unit further comprising means for connection to a mains supply, a stepdown transformer and charging circuit for supplying power to the auxiliary battery, and a refrigerator supply circuit including a refrigerator relay that operates in response to mains supply to switch a connection for the refrigerator from the engine battery source to the stepped down mains source. The invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawing which shows a circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of the invention. The unit shown in the drawing provides a connection between a car battery and ignition to a circuit that provides automatic charging of an auxiliary battery and power to a refrignator while the car engine is running. When the car engine is not running the auxiliary battery may be charged from a mains hook-up and there is also the option of operating the refrigerator from the mains supply and the provision of a 240 volt socket outlet. In the absence of a mains hook-up and no running car engine the unit provides power from the auxiliary battery and the refrigerator is disconnected and run on gas. Under these latter conditions periodic recharging of the auxiliary battery is required. The time taken to recharge depends on the state of the battery, a fully discharged battery requiring of the order of 45 minutes to recharge either by running the car engine or from a mains supply.However the rapid charging circuit enables a significant 'top up' charge to be made in only 5 minutes. Referring now in detail to the drawing the car ignition is connected by way of a suitable coupling through a relay coil so that as soon as the ignition is switched on a pair of normally open relays 2 are closed to complete connection between the car battery and the control unit. The first line 3 from the battery passes through a diode 4 to charge the auxiliary battery 5, and the caravan circitry is connected across the battery 5, the state of charge or charging process being indicated by a meter, although this may be replaced by a low level warning light. Equalisation between the car and van batteries is prevented by diode 4. A second line 7 from the car battery supplies 12 volts to the refrigerator circuit 8. When the car engine is turned off the relays 2 return to the open state and the power supply along lines 3 and 7 ceases. In this state the van circuitry is powered from stored charge in the auxiliary battery 5. If a 240V mains supply is available then terminals 9 of the control unit may be connected to mains. For safety an earth leakage circuit beaker 10 and mains circuit beaker 11 are connected to tor minals 9. The main supply is connected to a 240v output socket 12 which may be used for vacuum cleaners or other applicances. An isolation switch for socket 12 is provided A 240v supply is also provided to the primary winding of a step down trans former 13, the secondary winding being connected via a rectifying diode 14 to charge the battery 5. The mains supply is also connected to the primary winding of a second step down transformer 15. Across the primary winding of transformer 15 the coil 16 of a second relay is connected which activates switch contacts on the terminals of the refrigerator circuit 8 to disconnect the refrigerator circuit from the battery circuit and connect it across the secondary winding of transformer 15 so that the refringerator may be powered by steppeddown mains supply. An isolation switch 16 is provided to enable disconnection of the transformer 15 when the refrigerator is to be operated by gas. In addition to the above features a thermal cut out is provided should overheating occur and a cartridge fuse is provided to protect the wising from faults in the secondary battery supply. The housing may be made integrally with the interior of a caravan or boat or be installed subsequetly. Preferably display lights are provided to indicate the state of the isolation switches. CLAIMS
1. A control unit for power supply to a boat or caravan comprising means for connection to the battery and ignition circuits of an engine, means for connection to an auxiliary battery and a relay that closes in response to operation of the ignition in order to connect the engine battery and auxiliary battery when the engine is running, and means preventing current flow from the auxiliary battery to the engine battery, the unit futher comprising means for connection to a mains supply, a step down transformer and charging circuit for supplying power to the auxiliary battery, and a refrigerator supply circuit including a refrigerator relay that operates in response to mains supply to switch a connection for the refrigerator from the engine battery source to the stepped down mains source.
2. A control unit according to claim 1 in which the refrigerator supply comprises a step down transformer.
3. A control unit according to claim 2 or claim 3 futher comprising a mains outlet socket.
4. A control unit substantially as herein before described with reference to the drawings.
GB08508100A 1985-03-28 1985-03-28 Power supply for a boat or caravan Withdrawn GB2174558A (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08508100A GB2174558A (en) 1985-03-28 1985-03-28 Power supply for a boat or caravan

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB08508100A GB2174558A (en) 1985-03-28 1985-03-28 Power supply for a boat or caravan

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
GB8508100D0 GB8508100D0 (en) 1985-05-01
GB2174558A true GB2174558A (en) 1986-11-05

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ID=10576813

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
GB08508100A Withdrawn GB2174558A (en) 1985-03-28 1985-03-28 Power supply for a boat or caravan

Country Status (1)

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GB (1) GB2174558A (en)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0408028A2 (en) * 1989-07-13 1991-01-16 Nec Corporation Apparatus for controlling a power supply of an electric machine in a vehicle
US5325038A (en) * 1991-06-10 1994-06-28 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Driving apparatus for controlling an electric load in a vehicle
GB2324212A (en) * 1997-04-09 1998-10-14 David Anthony Ryder Device for detecting pulse signature of a vehicle alternator
WO2002001695A1 (en) 2000-06-27 2002-01-03 Fujitsu Ten Limited Battery charging/discharging system
EP1519466A2 (en) * 2003-09-25 2005-03-30 Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk Ing. Harald Striewski GmbH System for power supply of an electric load of a vehicle
EP1914869A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-23 FIAT AUTO S.p.A. Device for the interconnection and the control of electrical systems of a vehicle

Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1054512A (en) * 1900-01-01
GB1100640A (en) * 1965-08-25 1968-01-24 Lucas Industries Ltd Power supply units for road vehicles
GB1251980A (en) * 1968-10-31 1971-11-03
GB1358056A (en) * 1971-08-13 1974-06-26 Yuasa Battery Co Ltd Battery charging equipment
US3829753A (en) * 1973-10-17 1974-08-13 Aichele Ass Inc Dual battery charger for vehicles
GB1448053A (en) * 1974-03-08 1976-09-02 Kinder B Electrical charging systems
US4010410A (en) * 1975-04-09 1977-03-01 Progressive Dynamics, Inc. Recreational vehicle converter-battery fast charging circuit
US4082992A (en) * 1977-01-18 1978-04-04 Day Oliver E Twin ignition and twin electrical start system for a vehicle
GB2001489A (en) * 1977-07-20 1979-01-31 Simmet Snc Power supply system for loads on motor vehicles
GB2026792A (en) * 1978-07-26 1980-02-06 Fiat Ricerche Electrical power supply equipment for motor vehicles
US4216385A (en) * 1977-11-10 1980-08-05 Sawafuji Electric Co., Ltd. AC/DC Power supply device
GB2136224A (en) * 1983-03-02 1984-09-12 Ford Motor Co Vehicle electrical system

Patent Citations (12)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1054512A (en) * 1900-01-01
GB1100640A (en) * 1965-08-25 1968-01-24 Lucas Industries Ltd Power supply units for road vehicles
GB1251980A (en) * 1968-10-31 1971-11-03
GB1358056A (en) * 1971-08-13 1974-06-26 Yuasa Battery Co Ltd Battery charging equipment
US3829753A (en) * 1973-10-17 1974-08-13 Aichele Ass Inc Dual battery charger for vehicles
GB1448053A (en) * 1974-03-08 1976-09-02 Kinder B Electrical charging systems
US4010410A (en) * 1975-04-09 1977-03-01 Progressive Dynamics, Inc. Recreational vehicle converter-battery fast charging circuit
US4082992A (en) * 1977-01-18 1978-04-04 Day Oliver E Twin ignition and twin electrical start system for a vehicle
GB2001489A (en) * 1977-07-20 1979-01-31 Simmet Snc Power supply system for loads on motor vehicles
US4216385A (en) * 1977-11-10 1980-08-05 Sawafuji Electric Co., Ltd. AC/DC Power supply device
GB2026792A (en) * 1978-07-26 1980-02-06 Fiat Ricerche Electrical power supply equipment for motor vehicles
GB2136224A (en) * 1983-03-02 1984-09-12 Ford Motor Co Vehicle electrical system

Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0408028A2 (en) * 1989-07-13 1991-01-16 Nec Corporation Apparatus for controlling a power supply of an electric machine in a vehicle
EP0408028A3 (en) * 1989-07-13 1992-08-12 Nec Corporation Apparatus for controlling a power supply of an electric machine in a vehicle
US5325038A (en) * 1991-06-10 1994-06-28 Nippondenso Co., Ltd. Driving apparatus for controlling an electric load in a vehicle
GB2324212A (en) * 1997-04-09 1998-10-14 David Anthony Ryder Device for detecting pulse signature of a vehicle alternator
WO2002001695A1 (en) 2000-06-27 2002-01-03 Fujitsu Ten Limited Battery charging/discharging system
EP1221752A1 (en) * 2000-06-27 2002-07-10 Fujitsu Ten Limited Battery charging/discharging system
EP1221752A4 (en) * 2000-06-27 2007-10-03 Fujitsu Ten Ltd Battery charging/discharging system
EP1519466A2 (en) * 2003-09-25 2005-03-30 Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk Ing. Harald Striewski GmbH System for power supply of an electric load of a vehicle
EP1519466A3 (en) * 2003-09-25 2007-12-19 Hobby-Wohnwagenwerk Ing. Harald Striewski GmbH System for power supply of an electric load of a vehicle
EP1914869A1 (en) * 2006-09-27 2008-04-23 FIAT AUTO S.p.A. Device for the interconnection and the control of electrical systems of a vehicle

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB8508100D0 (en) 1985-05-01

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