JPH09286289A - Automobile charging apparatus for battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an automobile charging apparatus for a battery, which is capable of charging a lead acid battery, available in an autocamp as a power source, without taking care of such a fact that a car-mounting battery is going to exhaustion. SOLUTION: A lead acid battery 3 separately installed is connected to an on-vehicle battery 2 of an automobile via a relay 4', connecting this relay 4' to an ignition switch 11 as well. Thus, when this ignition switch 11 is turned to ON, the relay 4' connects the on-vehicle battery 2 to the lead acid battery 3 as well as when the ignition switch is turned to OFF, the relay 4' opens both these batteries 2 and 3, making the lead acid battery 3 interlock with the operation of an engine, and thereby charging is made so as to be carried out with an alternator 12. Then, a charing current is made so as not to flow to the storage battery 3 from the battery 2 at a time when the engine is stopped, and thus this automobile charging apparatus, capable of carrying of the charging to the storage battery 3 without taking case of such a fact that the on-vehicle battery 2 is going to exhaustion, is provided.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a battery charging apparatus for a vehicle for charging a lead storage battery provided separately from an on-vehicle battery as a power source at an auto campsite or the like while driving.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, along with the widespread use of leisure vehicles such as four-wheel drive vehicles, outdoor leisure such as auto-camping using cars has become popular.

Therefore, in order to be able to spend comfortably outdoors, various lighting fixtures that can be used with an in-vehicle battery,
Refrigerator, TV, video, DC / AC inverter ...
・ Many different electric appliances are sold.

By the way, such an electric appliance has a plug which fits into a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, and the plug is fitted into a cigarette lighter socket inside the vehicle and is connected to an in-vehicle battery for use. At that time, in order to prevent the vehicle battery from running out (over discharge), it is used with the engine idling.

However, in such a method of use, the engine must always be operated, and there are problems of noise and exhaust gas. In addition, there is a problem that the plug cannot be used in a place away from the car because the plug has to be used by fitting it into a cigarette lighter socket in the car.

[0006] Therefore, as one method of solving these problems, a method of using a lead-acid battery similar to the on-vehicle battery in the vehicle in addition to the on-vehicle battery can be considered.

That is, it is a method in which the storage battery is loaded in a vehicle and carried, and the storage battery is used as a power source on site.

In this way, the above-mentioned device can be used without worrying about the on-board battery going down without operating the engine. At that time, if the connection between the storage battery and the vehicle-mounted battery is detachable, the battery can be carried around and can be used in a place away from the vehicle.

At this time, if the storage battery is connected in parallel with the vehicle-mounted battery and is charged and used while traveling to the campsite, the labor of charging can be saved.

[0010]

However, in the charging method in the above method, the lead-acid battery for charging is simply connected in parallel with the on-vehicle battery. Therefore, when the engine is stopped in this state, for example, the battery is fully charged. If not, that is, in a normal state where the terminal voltage of the storage battery is lower than that of the on-vehicle battery, the charging current will flow out from the on-vehicle battery unless the connection with the on-vehicle battery is immediately released. Therefore, there is a problem in that the capacity may be reduced and the start of the engine may be hindered.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to prevent a charging current from flowing out of the battery when the engine is stopped and to charge a lead storage battery used at leisure destinations such as auto camps while the vehicle is running. It is to provide a charging device for a vehicle.

[0012]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention adopts a configuration in which a vehicle-mounted battery and a lead-acid battery are connected via a switch means for holding the connected state only while the engine is operating. When the engine is started, the lead-acid battery is connected to the on-vehicle battery to be charged, and when the engine is stopped, the connection to the on-vehicle battery is released (claim 1).

At this time, the switch means has a plug fitted in the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, and the on-vehicle battery and the lead storage battery are connected to the engine by the current or voltage from the plug fitted in the cigarette lighter socket. It is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the connection state is maintained only during operation. In this way, the cigarette lighter socket is energized in tandem with the ignition key of the car, and the energization causes the switch means to connect the lead acid battery to the in-vehicle battery when the engine starts and when the engine stops. In addition, the connection with the in-vehicle battery can be released (claim 2).

At this time, it is also possible to employ a structure in which a diode is provided which allows a current to flow from the on-vehicle battery only in the direction of the lead-acid battery for charging. When the voltage is high, it is possible to prevent the backflow of the current during charging and prevent damage to the vehicle-mounted battery and the alternator for charging the vehicle-mounted battery (claim 3).

Further, at this time, it is also possible to adopt a structure in which a socket is provided in the lead acid battery for charging, and in this case, since it is possible to connect to an electric appliance through the socket with one touch, for example, The electric appliance can be conveniently used (Claim 4).

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a battery charging device 1 for a vehicle according to the first embodiment.

This vehicle charging device 1 includes a lead-acid battery (hereinafter referred to as a storage battery) 3 provided separately from a vehicle-mounted battery 2 and a switch means 4 for connecting the storage battery 3 and the vehicle-mounted battery 2.
It consists of

The storage battery 3 is similar to the on-vehicle battery 2. In this case, as shown in FIG. 1, the installation location is the trunk room 5 so that the room can be widely used.

The storage battery 3 is, as shown in FIG.
A mouth cigarette lighter socket 6 is attached and the socket 6 is connected to an electrode 7.

Therefore, by using the socket 6, a variety of electric appliances such as various lighting appliances, a refrigerator, a television, a video, a DC / AC inverter, etc., which can be used in the on-vehicle battery 2, are connected. And can be used.

A terminal 8 for connection is attached to the electrode 7, and is detachably connected to one end of an electric power cable 9 connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 2 by the terminal 8. .

On the other hand, the other end of the cable 9 is connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 2, and a switch means 4 for connecting the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and the storage battery 3 is provided in the middle of the cable 9.

In the case of this form, the switch means 4 is
As shown in FIG. 3, in the normally open contact relay 4 ', the exciting coil 10 of the relay 4'is the ignition switch 1 of the vehicle.
It is connected to 1.

Therefore, when the ignition switch 11 is turned on and the engine is started, the exciting coil 1
A current flows to 0, and the contact of the relay 4'is closed. On the contrary, when the ignition switch 11 is turned off and the engine is stopped, the current flowing to the exciting coil 10 is cut off, the contact of the relay 4 ′ is opened, and the connection between the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and the storage battery 3 is released. There is.

At this time, the vehicle-mounted battery 2 is connected to the alternator 12 as is well known, and the alternator 12 is adapted to generate power by the operation of the engine. That is, the storage battery 3 is charged with the electric current generated by the alternator 12 only while the engine is operating, as shown in FIG.

When the cable 9 is provided with a diode 13 as shown in FIG. 3 and the storage battery 3 is connected to the cable 9, for example, when the storage battery 3 has a higher voltage than the vehicle-mounted battery 2, Since the current flows backward from the storage battery 3 toward the vehicle-mounted battery 2, this can be prevented and, for example, the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and the alternator 12 that charges the vehicle-mounted battery 2 can be prevented from being damaged.

This embodiment is configured as described above, and in this vehicle charging device 1, the storage battery 3 is arranged in the trunk room 5 and connected to the power cable 9 before departure such as auto camping. Then, when the ignition switch 11 is turned on to start the engine, a current flows through the exciting coil 10 of the relay 4'and the contacts are closed. Therefore, the storage battery 3 and the in-vehicle battery 2
Are connected, and charging is started from the alternator 12 connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 2.

That is, the storage battery 3 is constantly charged by the alternator 12 while traveling. At this time,
For example, even if the storage battery 3 is sufficiently charged and the voltage is higher than the vehicle-mounted battery 2, the diode 13
However, it is possible to prevent the reverse flow of the current flowing from the storage battery 3 toward the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and prevent the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and the alternator 12 from being damaged by the backward current.

On the other hand, when the ignition switch 11 is turned off at the destination, the exciting coil 1 of the relay 4 '
The current flowing to 0 is cut off, the contacts are opened, and the connection between the vehicle-mounted battery 2 and the storage battery 3 is released.

Therefore, for example, even when the storage battery 3 is not fully charged during traveling and the voltage is lower than that of the on-vehicle battery 2, the charging current does not flow from the on-vehicle battery 2 to the storage battery 3 after the vehicle is stopped, which hinders the start of the engine. Can be prevented from coming.

When using the rechargeable battery 3 thus charged, the rechargeable battery 3 is connected to the cable 9 from the trunk room 5.
Disconnect from and take out and use.

At this time, the storage battery 3 is provided with a cigar lighter socket 6 for branching. By using this socket 6, for example, various lighting fixtures, warm refrigerators, TVs,
Since it is possible to connect an electric appliance such as a video ..., it can be easily connected to the electric appliance with one touch, which is very convenient and easy to use.

Further, since the storage battery 3 can be carried around, various lighting fixtures, a refrigerator, a television, a video, etc. can be connected and used even if the camping place is away from the car.

At this time, if a voltmeter or a timer is attached between the cigarette lighter socket 6 for branching the storage battery 3 and the terminal 8 as shown in FIG. The capacity of the storage battery 3 can be estimated, and ON / OFF of an electric appliance connected to the storage battery 3 can be controlled by the timer T to prevent the storage battery 3 from being consumed unnecessarily.

In this way, the storage battery 3 can be charged by the alternator 12 only when the engine is running, and the charging current can be prevented from flowing from the vehicle battery to the storage battery when the engine is stopped.

Next, as a second embodiment, FIGS.
In addition, the switch means 4 described in the first embodiment has the plug 21 inserted into the cigarette lighter socket 20 of the vehicle.
The following shows that the in-vehicle battery 2 and the storage battery 3 can be held in the connected state in association with the operation of the engine by the current or the voltage from. And in this one,
By doing so, it is possible to realize the battery vehicle charging apparatus 1'according to the present invention without much modification to the existing vehicle.

That is, this automobile charging device 1'is
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the plug portion 2 fitted in the cigarette lighter socket 20 provided in the instrument panel in the vehicle.
It comprises switch means 4 having 1.

As shown in FIG. 5, the switch means 4 comprises a plug portion 21 and a relay housing portion 22. The plug portion 21 is a cigarette lighter socket 20.
A contact point 14 and a contact point 15 are provided on the tip and side of a cylindrical shape to be fitted into the plug, and have the same shape as the plug used in the electric appliance. The storage unit 22 is a box type, and the relay 4'is incorporated therein.

In the relay 4 ', the exciting coil 10 is connected to the contacts 14 and 15 of the plug portion 21, and the power cable 9 is connected to the relay contact operated by the exciting coil 10.

As shown in FIG. 6, one of the power cables 9 is connected to the on-vehicle battery 2, and the other is connected to the storage battery 3 by attaching the connection terminal 8.

Therefore, the switch means 4 has the relay 4 '.
Turns on the connection between the on-vehicle battery 2 and the storage battery 3.
・ It can be turned off.

At this time, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, a light emitting diode 25 is provided in the housing, and the light emitting diode 25 is connected in parallel with the exciting coil 10 so that the light emitting diode 25 lights up as an indicator during charging. I am doing it.

Further, as shown in FIG. 6, the cable 9 is provided with a diode 13 as in the case of the first embodiment. For example, when the storage battery 3 has a higher voltage than the on-vehicle battery 2. , Storage battery 3 to in-vehicle battery 2
The current can be prevented from flowing backward.

The storage battery 3 is the same as that described in the first embodiment, and the connection terminal 8 is attached to the electrode 7. The terminal 8 is detachably connected to a connection terminal provided at one end of the power cable 9.

This embodiment is configured as described above, and in this vehicle charging device 1 ', the switch means 4 is arranged inside the vehicle, and the power cable 9 connected to the switch means 4 is connected to the engine room and the trunk room 5. Wire to. At this time, the wiring can be installed without much modification to an existing vehicle by using a cable insertion hole or the like for inserting a wire harness provided in the body.

After wiring in this manner, the storage battery 3
Is placed in the trunk room 5 and is connected to the cable 9 to connect the plug portion 21 of the switch means 4 to the cigarette lighter socket 2 when departing for auto camping, for example.
Plug in 0. Then, when the ignition switch 11 is turned on and the engine is started, as shown in FIG. 5, the cigarette lighter socket 20 is connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 2 in cooperation with the ignition switch 11.
Connected to Therefore, the relay 4'of the switch means 4 operates to connect the storage battery 3 to the vehicle-mounted battery 2, and the storage battery 3 is charged with electric power from the alternator 12 connected to the vehicle-mounted battery 2. That is, the storage battery 3 is charged by the alternator 12 while traveling.

At this time, for example, even when the storage battery 3 is sufficiently charged and the voltage thereof is higher than that of the vehicle-mounted battery 2, the diode 13 can prevent the backflow of the current flowing from the storage battery 3 to the vehicle-mounted battery.

When the ignition switch 11 is turned off at the destination, the cigarette lighter socket 20 is de-energized and the relay 4'of the switch means 4 is opened to connect the on-vehicle battery 2 and the storage battery 3 to each other. It will be canceled.

Therefore, the storage battery 3 is not fully charged,
Even when the voltage is lower than the vehicle-mounted battery 2, the charging current can be prevented from flowing from the vehicle-mounted battery 2 to the storage battery 3.

When the storage battery 3 is used, the storage battery 3 is taken out from the trunk room 5 by disconnecting the connection with the cable 9 and is used for branching the taken-out storage battery 3 as described in the first embodiment. The socket 6 may be used by connecting various devices such as a lighting device, a refrigerator, a television, and a video.

As described above, in this device, the rechargeable battery 3 is charged by the alternator 12 only when the engine is running. Therefore, the charging current does not flow out from the on-vehicle battery 2 while the vehicle is stopped, and the engine is started. It can be done without any problems.

When a cigar lighter is used, it can be used as usual by removing the switch means 4 from the cigar lighter socket 20.

By using the cigarette lighter socket 20 as described above, even if the switch means 4 is not directly connected to the ignition switch 11, the charging current does not flow from the vehicle battery to the storage battery when the engine is stopped. Because it can be used, it is ideal for mounting on existing vehicles.

In the above embodiment, the relay is used as the switch means, but the switch means is not limited to this, and for example, a semiconductor switch (transistor, FET) or the like may be used as the switch means. You may comprise.

[0056]

According to the present invention, the alternator configured as described above holds the switch means for connecting the on-vehicle battery and the lead storage battery in the connected state only during the operation of the engine, and interlocks the storage battery with the operation of the engine. In order to prevent charging current from flowing from the vehicle battery to the storage battery when the engine is stopped,
For example, it is possible to provide a battery charging device for a vehicle that can perform charging of a lead storage battery, which is optimal as a power source for an auto camp, etc., without having to worry about the on-board battery going dead.

Particularly, in the case where the switch means holds the on-vehicle battery and the storage battery in the connected state in conjunction with the operation of the engine by the current or voltage from the plug inserted into the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle, Even if the switch means is not connected to the ignition switch, it is possible to prevent the charging current from flowing from the vehicle-mounted battery to the storage battery when the engine is stopped, which is suitable for mounting on an existing vehicle.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the lead storage battery according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the first embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a switch means according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Battery Car Charging Device (First Embodiment) 1'Battery Car Charging Device (Second Embodiment) 2 Vehicle Battery 3 Lead Acid Battery 4 Switch Means 4'Relay 9 Power Cable 21 Plug Part 22 Storage Part

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A vehicle charging apparatus for charging a lead storage battery mounted separately from an on-vehicle battery as a power source when an electric appliance is used while a vehicle is stopped, while the vehicle-mounted battery and the lead storage battery are operated by an engine. A battery charging device for a vehicle, which is connected via a switch means for keeping the connection state only inside. 2. The switch means has a plug fitted in a cigarette lighter socket of a vehicle, and the on-vehicle battery and the lead storage battery are operated only when the engine is in operation by the current or voltage from the plug fitted in the socket. The battery charging device for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the battery charging device is held in a connected state. 3. The battery charging apparatus for a vehicle according to claim 1, further comprising a diode that allows a current to flow only from the vehicle-mounted battery toward a lead storage battery for charging. 4. The battery charger for a vehicle according to claim 1, wherein the lead-acid battery for charging is provided with a socket.