Abstract: An electrically driven motor vehicle has current collectors for pickup from a dual-pole power transmission line device. A device determines the voltages between a vehicle chassis and the current collectors. The device is a bridge circuit with two equal voltage divider resistors connected in series between the two current collectors and a bridge shunt resistor electrically connected to a center tap between the voltage divider resistors and to the vehicle chassis, or the device has two voltage measurement devices for determining a voltage between the first current collector and the vehicle chassis and a voltage between the second current collector and the vehicle chassis. There is also described a method for operating the motor vehicle and a system with the motor vehicle and a dual-pole power transmission line device.

Abstract: A circuit (20, 50) for voltage stabilization in an onboard power supply (10), particularly for motor vehicles, which is electrically connected between the onboard power supply (10) to be stabilized and a first energy store (E1) is disclosed. The circuit (20, 50) includes a diode element (24) which contains a plurality of semiconductor switches (34) connected in parallel. The circuit (20, 50) also includes a pilot and control circuit (33). The control circuit (33) determines the level of a current flowing through the diode element (24) and controls the semiconductor switches (34) of the diode element (24) on the basis of the determined current level. The circuit (20, 50) includes a second energy store (E2) which is electrically connected to the diode element (24) and to the onboard power supply (10).

Abstract: The invention relates to a circuit (20, 50) for voltage stabilization in an onboard power supply (10), particularly for motor vehicles, which is electrically connected between the onboard power supply (10) to be stabilized and a first energy store (E1). The circuit (20, 50) comprises a diode element (24) which contains a plurality of semiconductor switches (34) connected in parallel, a pilot and control circuit (33) which determines the level of a current flowing through the diode element (24) and controls the semiconductor switches (34) of the diode element (24) on the basis of the determined current level, and a second energy store (E2) which is electrically connected to the diode element (24) and to the onboard power supply (10).

Abstract: For controlling a multi-stage load with pulsewidth modulation (PWM), the individual stages have normally separately applied thereto load currents which are clocked in a phase-shifted mode so as to avoid load peaks. An output stage for PWM control of a load stage with a delay circuit which, in addition to the load current modulated by a PWM input signal, supplies a PWM output signal that is delayed by a predetermined fraction of the period duration relative to the PWM input signal. The output stage can especially be realized by integrating the delay circuit together with the actual power semiconductor switch and an associated monitoring and control circuit in a single component. By cascading such output stages, a controller for phase-shifted PWM control of multi-stage loads, which is independent of a precise time base, can be realized in a simple manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical system, comprising a generator, a battery, a high-capacity capacitor and a power distributor for controllably supplying energy to individual load circuits of the motor vehicle. The generator, the battery and the high-capacity capacitor are connected in parallel. The electrical connection line between the battery and the power distributor has a cross-section of less than 10 mm2 if the line is less than 2 m long while having a cross-section of less than 40 mm2 if the line is more than 2 m long.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electronic battery safety switch which facilitates a reliable and reversible disconnection of the motor vehicle on-board network from the battery. For this purpose an electronic solid-state switch is used which facilitates an unlimited number of switching cycles. The solid-state switch electrically disconnects the motor vehicle on-board network and the battery with the application of a crash signal or an overcurrent signal or when the ignition is switched off. With a parked vehicle an impermissibly high idle current and a discharge of the battery can be reliably prevented in an effective and simple manner. If the current flows from the on-board network in the direction of the battery, then the solid-state switch is switched actively conducting. Thus, damage to the switch in the inverse mode can be prevented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a motor vehicle electrical system, comprising a generator, a battery, a starter and a high-capacity capacitor for storing electric energy for the starting process of a motor vehicle engine. The electrical system further comprises a voltage transformer and an interrupter which are connected in parallel between the capacitor and the battery and are controlled for preparing a starting process of the motor vehicle engine in such a way that the voltage transformer transforms the voltage of the battery into a larger voltage and the interrupter interrupts the electrical connection between the battery and the capacitor.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: An overheating protection system for a control unit includes an interrupter element, which, in its initial position defined with respect to a circuit board, electrically connects the opposite facing ends of at least one track on the circuit board, and an actuating element which is activated with the overheating of the transistor, and which on actuation against the interrupter element takes effect and releases it at least so far from the tract that the electrical connection is interrupted. A preassembled actuating unit for the interrupter element of the overheating protection is comprises an accommodation housing, in which an actuating element is accommodated and which can be brought into interaction with the interrupter element and which is held releasably by a one-piece latching element formed on the accommodation housing under pretension. An electrical heating device with a control unit protected against overheating is also provided.

Abstract: An electric heating device as supplemental heating for motor vehicles includes as the heating elements power transistors directly mounted on the printed circuit board. For efficient removal of the dissipation heat from the power transistors the latter are in direct contact on their underside with a cooling element via openings in the printed circuit board. In order to simplify manufacture, the cooling elements are formed in two pieces: the heat conducting disk with a small thermal mass insertable into the opening of the printed circuit board, and the cooling body which can be connected to that heat-conducting element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating apparatus, particularly as an additional heater for an automotive vehicle, and to a control circuit for an electric heating apparatus that permits a substantially independent operation of the additional heater. The heating power control takes place via a temperature sensor integrated into the additional heater and limit values stored in the control circuit before.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electric heating device as supplemental heating for motor vehicles where the damper register and the control unit are integrated into one structural unit. For controlling the heating elements of the damper register power transistors directly mounted on the printed circuit board are provided. For efficient removal of the dissipation heat from the power transistors the latter are in direct contact on their underside with a cooling element via openings in the printed circuit board. In order to simplify manufacture, the cooling elements are formed in two pieces: the heat-conducting disk with a small thermal mass insertable into the opening of the printed circuit board, and the cooling body which can be connected to that heat-conducting element.

Abstract: An ion flow measurement glow plug with an electrical terminal for the ignition current of a heating element which is located in a glow tube on an end which is directed to the combustion space of an engine block. The glow tube is located in a plug housing, insulated relative to the latter, and the plug housing is electrically connected to the engine block. At a terminal-side area of the plug, a solid-state switch is integrated or modulalry arranged, which is triggered by a control signal, as a result of which the second terminal of the heating element is switched to the engine block (ground) via the plug housing.

Abstract: Ionic current measurement glow plug with electrical terminal for the glow current of a heating element which is located on the combustion space side in a glow tube, the glow tube being located in a plug housing, insulated relative to the latter, and the plug housing being electrically connected to the engine block (ground), in the terminal-side area of the plug a diode (15) being integrated or modularly located between the glow plug body (4) and the series circuit consisting of a glow tube and a heating element.

Abstract: The proposed device is fitted on vehicles equipped with pneumatic tires and is used for monitoring tire pressure. The device comprises: a pressure measurement sensor on each of the wheels (2) being monitored; a transmitter mounted next to each pressure measurement sensor which emits signals carrying the pressure data obtained from the pressure measurement sensor, and a receiver for those signals fitted on the vehicle chassis. An antenna (5a, 6a, 7a, 8a) is arranged next to each wheel (2) as the receiver. The antennae are connected to a common receiving and monitoring circuit (15, 17).

Abstract: A glow plug comprises a heating rod with an inner heater coil and optionally at least one control coil, the heating rod being insulated from the glow plug body and is provided with a plug-type or screw terminal for the power supply voltage. Furthermore, the terminal (4) has an electronic component (6), preferably a chip, with a terminal (7) connected to the power supply voltage, a terminal (8) connected to the glow tube (1.3) and a terminal (9) connected to the body (3). The electronic component (6) is designed as a control element for switching the functioning of the glow plug between a heating function and a sensing function for measuring the ion flow in the combustion space area in proximity to the heating rod (1).

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring tire pressure on automobiles, having an arrangement (1), intended for installation into a wheel, made up of a pressure sensor, a transmitter, and a circuit for operating the pressure sensor and transmitter, and having a battery (2) which supplies the circuit with power via a power supply line (3), the arrangement (1) and the battery (2) being located in a sealed housing (9). Located in the power supply line (3) is an electronic switch (4) which has a control electrode (5) and is nonconductive when the control electrode (5) is connected to ground.

Abstract: A method of operating a device for monitoring vehicle-tire pressures and indicating changes in pressure by radio, which is arranged in the valve of the pneumatic tire and contains a power source; a pressure sensor; an analog/digital converter for digitizing the pressure signal obtained from the pressure sensor; a memory for storing the pressure signal; a transmitter; a comparator, in particular in a module with a microprocessor, which compares the pressure signal with a previously stored comparison pressure signal, generates a signal if the deviation of the pressure signal from the comparison pressure signal exceeds a threshold, and activates the transmitter, which thereupon transmits a datum regarding the detected deviation to a receiver arranged in the vehicle; and a timing switch which activates the device at time intervals for a measurement and comparison operation and otherwise keeps it deactivated for purpose of power conservation.

Abstract: A method for operating devices on wheels having pneumatic tires to signal the tire pressure, i.e. the air pressure in the pneumatic tire, in which a pressure sensor measures the tire pressure at regular intervals, and an analysis circuit compares the tire pressure readings with a reference pressure and, in the event of deviations of the tire pressure reading from the reference pressure which exceed a threshold value .DELTA.p, transmits by radio, to an indicating device arranged separately from the wheel, a signal reporting the deviation, such that the device meets its energy needs from an electrical battery. Radio operation is discontinued as long as the pressure measured by the pressure sensor is below a preselected second pressure threshold, in particular a preselected absolute pressure value.

Abstract: Electric low current signals are transmitted through two-wire circuits having coaxial connectors which are closed by windings that are coupled transformer-like to the coaxial connectors. This arrangement allows transmission of control signals for electric power consuming devices within automobile doors, low frequency audio signals, and electrical power to power the electric consumers. All signals are transmitted on a common data cable. Control signals are in binary coded form, modulated onto a carrier signal, as are modulated, low frequency audio signals. The signals are demodulated in a door module and separated according to frequency. The low frequency audio signals are amplified and transmitted to a loudspeaker. The control signals are processed by a microprocessor controller in conjunction with switching units that create corrective actions for the power consuming devices located in the door.