Abstract: Disclosed herein are two techniques, neutral point switching and field voltage boost, that will increase the output of today's 12 volt automotive electrical systems in vehicle idle conditions solely by the addition of circuitry. Neutral point switching enables the flow of a third harmonic current, which does not normally flow at low speeds, but only at high speed. Boosting the field voltages can be obtained by integrating a field voltage boost circuit and voltage regulator to increase the field voltage, and consequently the field current, above the level obtained from the battery. Furthermore, the transient response of the alternator to a change in load is improved by temporarily increasing the field voltage above the level needed to sustain the load. These two techniques are compatible, and thus may be implemented together, or may be implemented independently. No changes to a standard alternator are required to accommodate the proposed additional circuitry.

Abstract: The vehicle generator regulating apparatus includes a switching device operating to allow a field current to flow into a field coil of the vehicle generator from a vehicle battery when applied with a voltage signal, a drive circuit applying the voltage signal to the switching device when supplied with a control signal, and a control circuit supplying the control signal to the drive circuit when the output voltage is detected to be not above a predetermined voltage. The drive circuit includes a charge pump circuit stepping up a DC voltage supplied from the battery to generate the voltage signal by repeatedly performing a cycle of charging and discharging multiple capacitors in synchronization with an oscillation signal from an oscillator circuit. The drive circuit is configured to lower the frequency of the oscillation signal when the vehicle generator is in a low power output state.

Abstract: The invention is based on a method for detecting slip in the driving of generator or starter-generator systems. The alternators of these systems are equipped with electronic control components such as pulse-width-modulated inverters or rectifier bridges. The drive torque of the alternator is transferred to this by means of a belt drive of an internal combustion engine. When slip is detected in a comparison step (3), to which speed-dependent input variables (1, 2) are forwarded, the maximum transferrable drive torque is determined in a torque limiting step (18, 20), and a closed-loop control (23) adjusts the generator output power to said maximum transferrable drive torque.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a variety of different electrical system topologies intended to mitigate the impact of large intermittent loads on a 12 volt vehicle power distribution system. In some embodiments the intermittent load is disconnected from the remainder of the system and the voltage supplied to this load is allowed to fluctuate. In other embodiments, the voltage to critical loads is regulated independently of the voltage supplied to the remainder of the system. The different topologies described can be grouped into three categories, each corresponding to a different solution technique. One approach is to regulate the voltage to the critical loads. A second approach is to isolate the intermittent load that causes the drop in system voltage. The third approach is to use a different type of alternator that has a faster response than the conventional Lundell wound field machine.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to determining and controlling the appropriate moment at which a combined starter/alternator should transition from start-up mode to alternator/generator mode following an IC engine start-up sequence. The method relies on starter/alternator motor phase voltage or motor phase current monitoring to establish the timing of the transition.

Abstract: A voltage regulator for an automotive alternator includes a switching transistor that controls an amount of field current supplied to a field coil of the alternator. The switching transistor is controlled in an ON-OFF fashion, and output voltage of the alternator is always monitored by a detector circuit that detects disconnection in a circuit for charging an on-board battery with the output voltage. It is determined that the disconnection occurred when a difference between the output voltage at a time when the switching transistor is turned off and the output voltage at a time when the switching transistor is turned on exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: A vehicular alternator failure determination apparatus is capable of making a failure determination accurately. The apparatus includes a maximum voltage detection part (1) for detecting a maximum voltage of an alternator commutating device which commutates an AC output of the alternator driven by an engine, a minimum voltage detection part (2) for detecting a minimum voltage of the alternator commutating device, a voltage difference calculation part (3) for detecting a difference voltage from outputs of the maximum and minimum voltage detection parts, and a failure determination part (4) which determines that the alternator is in a failure state, when an output of the voltage difference calculation part is equal to or greater than a prescribed voltage.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical protection of an electrical system includes a protection circuit for detecting when silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) or other control elements in an engine driven generator of a welding-type power source have failed. In such an apparatus, a shorted rectifying control element detection device has an input stage connected to an engine driven generator that supplies power for a welding-type process and a filtering stage to bandpass current signals acquired by the input stage from the engine driven generator. The apparatus further has an output stage connected to the filtering stage that at least indicates a fault condition if fundamental frequency components present in the current signals exceed a threshold.

Abstract: In a vehicle generator control which detects an abnormal operating condition of a generator of a vehicle, and includes a transistor which drives a charging lamp to emit a warning indication when such a condition is detected, with the value of a quantity indicative of the flow of current through the charging lamp drive transistor being compared with a reference value, and with the transistor being set in a non-conducting state if the reference value is exceeded, a succession of respectively decreasing reference values is periodically generated. A timing of an initial flow of current through the charging lamp is controlled to be synchronized with the start of such a succession, so that the peak value of an initial surge current which flows through the charging lamp drive transistor is compared with the highest reference value. Complete protection can thereby be established for the charging lamp drive transistor against a flow of short-circuit current which would exceed any of the reference values.

Abstract: A device and a method for the control of a generator, for example a claw-pole generator, with which the rectifier bridge connected to the generator can be temporarily short-circuited, as a result of which power is temporarily stored in the stator inductors, which results in higher phase voltages. Suitable selection of the control frequency for a transistor, which makes the short-circuiting of the diode bridge possible, allows an output voltage of the generator to be set to the desired voltage level which is clearly higher than the conventional vehicle electrical system voltage. The diode bridge itself can be replaced by controllable switching elements (transistors) and a voltage adjustment is implemented using suitable controls.

Abstract: Verification system logic operates PWM motor drivers for DC motors of a tape drive, and verifies the on time duty cycle period and offset of the PWM motor drivers; verifies DAC current reference and amplifier sense signals against thresholds; and verifies Hall sensor state sequence of the DC motors during rotation. If the verifications are successful, the logic rotates the DC motors, and, for each motor, verifies the time of acceleration at a desired torque; verifies a computed velocity based on a measured velocity to a reference velocity; and verifies an actual rotation rate to a computed velocity.

Abstract: Magnetic bodies for reducing electromagnetic wave noises are mounted to a battery voltage supplying terminal for supplying of an electric source power for the operation of circuits to an IC chip of a regulator or an internal electric source line for connection of the terminal to the regulator chip. The magnetic bodies are attached to an IG ON terminal for inputting into the regulator chip a voltage signal caused by opening and closing of an ignition switch or to an IG ON detection line for connection of the terminal to the regulator chip. A bypass capacitor is connected to a battery voltage detecting terminal for inputting a change of battery voltage into the regulator chip, or to an internal battery voltage detection line for connection of the terminal to a switching transistor control circuit unit.

Abstract: A voltage regulator having a single I/F terminal is disclosed. According to the teachings of the present invention, the I/F terminal of the present invention precludes the use of an I terminal alternator model and a separate F terminal model. The I/F terminal provides the function of both the I and F terminal which were heretofore provided in separate voltage regulator models.

Abstract: An AC generator control apparatus for automobiles includes a car battery charged by the rectified output from an AC generator for automobiles; a voltage regulator circuit for intermittently controlling the exciting current flowing through the field coil of the AC generator and adjusting the generated output voltage into a set value; and a set signal output unit for outputting to the voltage regulator circuit an output voltage value set signal of the AC generator depending on the detection results of various operation states of automobiles.

Abstract: A vehicle AC-generator controller includes a storage battery to be charged by a rectification output of an AC generator having a field coil, a voltage regulator for controlling an output voltage of the AC generator to a predetermined value by controlling a field current flowing through the field coil, an indicator lamp for indicating a power-generation state and a no-power generation state of the AC generator, an indicator-lamp driving element for turning on and off the indicator lamp, a power-supply driving element for driving power supply of the voltage regulator in accordance with a turn-on-lamp output of the indicator-lamp driving element, and a power-supply cutoff element for cutting off the power-supply driving apparatus by controlling the turn-on-lamp output to the ground potential when the AC generator is brought into the no-power-generation state.

Abstract: An alarm apparatus for a vehicle-onboard AC generator has an alarm function improved owing to detection of both output voltages of a pair of armature coils of the generator. The alarm apparatus includes an AC generator (1) driven by an engine of a motor vehicle and including a field coil (10) and a pair of armature coils (11, 12), a pair of rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A) for rectifying output voltages generated by the paired armature coils (11, 12), respectively, a battery (5) charged by rectified outputs of the paired rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A), a voltage regulator (3) for regulating the output voltages of the paired armature coils (11, 12) on the basis of either rectified output voltages of the rectifier circuits (21, 22; 21A, 22A) or a terminal voltage of the battery (5), and an alarm means (4A, 49) for generating an alarm when at least one of the output voltages of the paired armature coils (11, 12) deviates from a predetermined value (VR2).

Abstract: A regulator for a polyphase alternator for a motor vehicle, the regulator including detector means for detecting a voltage difference between the phase terminals of said alternator, which comprise at least one transistor circuit forming a current mirror whose two branches are connected at one end to respective ones of the two phase terminals and are connected at the other end to transistors forming current sources that supply said branches with currents of the same magnitude, those branches also having resistors of different resistances such that one of the transistors becomes non-conductive when a voltage difference in excess of a given threshold appears between the two phase terminals, said transistor becoming non-conductive giving rise to a change in the level of a logic output controlled by the voltage at a point on said branch between the current source transistor and the current mirror transistor.

Abstract: A regulator for a polyphase alternator for a motor vehicle, the regulator including detector means for detecting a voltage difference between the phase terminals that are to receive the phase voltages from said alternator, and means for detecting a trigger signal for triggering operation in an accelerated mode, wherein the means for detecting a trigger signal comprise means for detecting a particular level of the voltage or current on at least one of the phase terminals, and means for triggering accelerated mode operation when said voltage or current level is detected, and wherein the detector means for detecting a voltage difference between the phase terminals are suitable for detecting said voltage difference at the said current or voltage level on said phase terminal.

Abstract: A generator set testing system includes a generator set having generator set output signals indicative of generator set output characteristics, an automated load bank coupled to the generator set which imposes upon the generator set an electrical load, and an automated testing unit. The automated testing unit comprises a load bank control package for generating load bank control signals to control the electrical load, an output measurement apparatus for receiving the generator set output signals and further for generating processing signals in dependence thereupon, and a controller coupled to the load bank control package and to the output measurement apparatus. The controller receives the processing signals and generates test result signals in dependence on the processing signals and in dependence on prescribed analysis criteria, and further generates the load bank command signals in dependence on prescribed test criteria.

Abstract: A regulator for an alternator installed in a vehicle has a switching circuit in which a field current limiting transistor interruptibly controls a flow of current to a field coil of the alternator. A battery output voltage detection terminal is connected to the battery, and an alternator output voltage terminal is connected to the alternator. A diode connected to the battery output voltage detection terminal has a reverse recovery time of 20 ns-20 .mu.s, and a resistor is connected between the diode and the alternator output voltage terminal. A control circuit controls the switching circuit, in order to regulate the voltage at a connection point of the diode and the resistor so as to keep the voltage constant, and an alarm generating circuit illuminates a charge indicator lamp if the voltage at a junction of said diode and said resistor exceeds a reference voltage.

Abstract: An improved alternating current generator control apparatus for a vehicle which is capable of preventing a lamp driving transistor from being damaged due to an over-current by controlling the current of the lamp driving transistor connected to an L-terminal when reversely connecting the L-terminal and an S-terminal connected to an external connector.

Abstract: A power unit comprises an input mechanism for inputting kinetic energy as a rotary motion, a storing mechanism connected to the input mechanism for storing the kinetic energy as rotary motion, a first speed-regulating mechanism connected to the storing mechanism for increasing the speed of the rotary motion released from the storing mechanism, and a second speed-regulating mechanism connected to the first speed-regulating mechanism for braking the rotary motion to regulate the speed of the rotary motion. A converting mechanism is connected to the first speed-regulating mechanism for converting the rotary motion whose speed has been increased into electricity. A control circuit is connected to the converting mechanism for controlling the generated electricity, and a positive electrode output terminal and a ground electrode terminal are connected to the control circuit.

Abstract: A voltage regulation system for an automobile comprises a voltage regulator and a powertrain control module. The powertrain control module has a quartz crystal as its time base, while the voltage regulator has a less-expensive, though more environmentally robust resistive-capacitive (RC) oscillator. The voltage regulator and powertrain control module communicate between one another using pulse-width modulation. Drift in the frequency of the RC oscillator in the voltage regulator is recognized through the powertrain control module's measurement of the frequency of the signal sent by the voltage regulator. The powertrain control module adjusts the frequency of the signal it sends to the voltage regulator, assuring that the drift in frequency of the RC oscillator does not inhibit accurate PWM communications between the two devices.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide a charging generator 1 which can avoid occurrence of overvoltage due to failure of equipment, which comprises: an a.c. generator 10 having armature windings 10a, 10b, 10c and a field winding 10d for generating an a.c.; a rectifier 11 having a plurality of power zener diodes 11a-11f having an intrinsic breakdown voltage Vz for converting the a.c. output from the armature windings to a d.c.; a current inhibit means which receives the d.c. output from the rectifier via field winding 10d and inhibits a field current which flows through the field winding; a voltage detection means for detecting a voltage of the d.c. output from the rectifier; and a voltage regulator 13, which includes a protection control means for controlling the current inhibit means in accordance with a result of judgment which is larger between a detected value of the d.c. voltage and a predetermined protection cut-off voltage VB, for regulating the d.c.

Abstract: A generating apparatus includes a generator, a first and a second rectifiers, and a voltage regulator. The generator has three-phase star-connected armature windings which generate three-phase high-output voltage at phase-terminals and low-output voltage at a neutral point. The first rectifier is a three-phase full-wave rectifier connected between the phase-winding and a high-voltage load, and the second rectifier is a diode connected between the neutral point and a low-voltage load with a battery. The regulator regulates the high output voltage to energize the high-voltage load and, at the same time, the low-output voltage to become an optimum voltage level for charging battery. MOSFETs may be used for the first rectifier to short-circuit the armature windings thereby supplying them with leading currents which are respectively ahead of the high-output voltages, so as to increase the generator output power.

Abstract: A control voltage setting circuit 31 provides one of a pair of control voltages when one of a pair of command signals are transmitted from an upper control unit 4 which is disposed outside the alternator. The command signals correspond respectively to upper and lower desired output voltages of the alternator. A voltage regulation circuit 32 makes the alternator provide an alternator output voltage according to one of the control signal. When a pair of the command signals are generated alternately at a cycle shorter than a cycle decided by the response time of the alternator, the control voltage setting circuit 31 provides an alternating control signal so that the alternator 2 generates a middle voltage between the upper and lower desired voltages.

Abstract: Voltage of a terminal at a high impedance is set to a fixed voltage (2.5 V) by a constant current source and a resistor, and whether the voltage of the terminal is a fixed voltage which is between 3.5 V and 5.5 V or not is detected by comparators and a NOR circuit. A control signal is sent from an ECU to the terminal to turn on a switching transistor to lower a divided voltage so that the alternator generates a high voltage only when the voltage of the terminal is the special voltage, and generates normal voltage otherwise. In case of disconnection of the communication line or grounding of the communication line, or when the battery voltage is applied to the communication line, the voltage of the terminal does not become abnormal voltage but become the normal voltage. Thus, abnormal voltage may not applied to the battery.

Abstract: An improved alternator/starter testing device includes an electronic voltage regulator for regulating the output of an externally regulated alternator. A selectable load switch allows so-called "high output" alternators to be tested without damaging the voltage regulator. For certain types of internally regulated alternators, the testing device includes a meter disconnect circuit, coupled to an "energize" switch in the testing device, which operates to disconnect the testing meter during a period in which the energize switch is temporarily depressed to supply power to an internally regulated alternator under test, thus preventing misleading test results if a defective alternator is tested. Internal thermal circuit breakers are provided at strategic locations in the testing device to prevent internal circuit damage due to defective alternators and starters.

Abstract: When the rectified output of an AC generator is changed over to a charging battery or a vehicle electric load, the value of exciting current to be supplied to the AC generator is controlled for the object for changing-over with a simple arrangement.If the rectified output of the AC generator 1A is changed over to the battery 4 to be charged by the output change-over switch 71, a voltage regulator 3A regulates the exciting current flowing through the field coil 102 of the AC generator 1A by detecting the terminal voltage of the battery 4. If the rectified output of the AC generator 1A is changed over to the vehicle electric load 5, the voltage regulator 3A regulates the exciting current flowing through the field coil 102 of the AC generator 1A by detecting the voltage at the positive terminal 201 of the rectifier 2.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for limiting the voltage provided by a generator in the event of a regulator or field coil short circuit failure in an automotive vehicle. The voltage provided by the generator is sensed and a corresponding voltage level is generated. The voltage level is then compared to a predetermined voltage threshold. If the voltage level exceeds the predetermined voltage threshold, the high-side field coil switch is cycled by the controller so as to control the voltage provided by the generator. The electronic components of the vehicle are protected from over-voltage damage, and the battery is prohibited from overcharging.

Abstract: The battery charging apparatus includes a generator, main voltage regulator, an auxiliary voltage regulator, at least one consuming device and a protective circuit having circuit portions for recognizing and signalling faults via a charge control lamp. The generator output voltage is rectified with rectifier bridges containing Zener diodes. Voltage comparison to threshold values and logic circuitry for processing the comparison results are used to determine the presence of faults in the operation of the battery charging apparatus. The fault detection device detects conduction defects in the main voltage regulator and/or interruption in the generator excitation circuit. The logic circuitry determines whether simultaneously both a supplied voltage exceeds a threshold value and the main voltage regulator is turned on longer than a predetermined time interval to indicate its continuous operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an output from an AC generator for a vehicle is provided which enables wiring from an external control unit to a voltage regulator by using only one wiring line, and which is capable of adjusting an output voltage of the AC generator to a usual value in accordance with a duty ratio of a control signal supplied from the external control unit, and linearly controlling the generator output voltage to a desired value in relation to a change in the level of the control signal.

Abstract: A control device for an AC generator having an armature coil and a field coil includes a rectifier for rectifying an AC output of the AC generator, which is driven by an engine, to excite the field coil. A storage battery is adapted to be charged by the rectified output of the AC generator rectified by the rectifier for supplying power to the field coil when the engine is started. A switching element switches over a connecting condition of the storage battery in such a manner that the storage battery is connected through the rectifier to the field coil to supply power to the field coil when the engine is started, the switching element being connected to an AC output of the AC generator for supplying the AC output voltage of the AC generator as a drive voltage to the second switching element.

Abstract: An alternator testing device has a frame to which is secured an adjustable bracket for mounting an alternator. A housing, which is also secured to the frame includes a control panel and a testing circuit. The control panel permits the operator to configure the circuit to perform a series of tests to determine whether the alternator is functioning properly. These tests are conducted in a manner which replicates the operation of the alternator in a motor vehicle, rather than in a simulation.

Abstract: A charging generator having a self-diagnosis function includes a self-diagnosis circuit, a storage device and an output device. When an anomaly is detected, the charging generator with a self-diagnosis function stores data concerning at least one anomalous condition of the generator and the contents of the anomaly in the storage device, and outputs the anomalous data concerning the generator or the contents of the anomaly, which are stored in the storage device, by inputting a specific signal from the outside.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring an electrical-motor-driven device by injecting a high frequency carrier signal onto the power line current. The method is accomplished by injecting a high frequency carrier signal onto an AC power line current. The AC power line current supplies the electrical-motor-driven device with electrical energy. As a result, electrical and mechanical characteristics of the electrical-motor-driven device modulate the high frequency carrier signal and the AC power line current. The high frequency carrier signal is then monitored, conditioned and demodulated. Finally, the modulated high frequency carrier signal is analyzed to ascertain the operating condition of the electrical-motor-driven device.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an AC generator output controlling apparatus which can appropriately control the generating operation timing of an AC generator and which can prevent excessive load on an internal combustion engine due to the unnecessary generating operation of the AC generator. The output controlling apparatus has an AC generator driven by an internal combustion engine to generate an AC voltage, a rectifier for converting the generated AC voltage into a DC voltage, a battery charged by the converted DC voltage, and a charge control circuit for determining a duty for a field current supplied to a field coil of the AC generator from the battery on the basis of a voltage deviation between the charged DC voltage and a predetermined target voltage of the battery, and stopping the supply of the field current when the duty amount is lower than a predetermined value.

Abstract: A voltage regulator circuit 3A for a vehicular AC generator 1 includes, in addition to the conventional voltage detector and transistors, a bypass PNP transistor 315 for supplying base current to the power transistor 305 upon disconnection of the line A from the battery 4. When the engine is started and the AC generator i is driven, a small voltage is induced in the armature coil 101 due to the residual magnetism in the core of the field coil 102 even when the line A is disconnected from the battery 4. A smoothed voltage developed at the junction point between a resistor 312 and a capacitor 313 coupled serially between a phase of the armature coil 101 and ground turns on the NPN transistor 311, thereby grounding the base of the PNP transistor 315 through a resistor 314. The PNP transistor 316 is thus turned on, and the base current of the power transistor 305 is supplied through the PNP transistor 315 via the bypass line B.

Abstract: A voltage regulator 3 for controlling the output voltage of the AC generator 1 includes two voltage dividers having junction points J1 and J2 coupled to the zener diode 306 controlling the ON/OFF of the controlling transistor 309 and the power transistor 310. The voltage level at the junction point J1 is varied by means of the short-circuiting transistor 313 in response to the output of control transistor 401. Usually, the voltage at the junction point J1 is higher than the voltage at the junction point J2, and the output voltage of the AC generator 1 is controlled on the basis of the voltage at the junction point J1 to a normal and a reduced level in accordance with the output at the target voltage change-over terminal B. When quick charging is needed, however, the control transistor 402 is turned on to ground the junction point J1, such that the output voltage of the AC generator 1 is controlled to a higher level on the basis of the voltage at the junction point J2.

Abstract: A circuit for detecting the state of a switch, in particular the state of a key contact for activating a regulator circuit for regulating the voltage at which a battery is charged by an alternator, in which a first terminal of the key switch is connected to a DC source and a second terminal of the key switch is connected to the regulator circuit via a load such as a warning lamp, said load being switched ON and OFF by means of a component having a voltage drop.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling an AC generator in a vehicle, the AC generator including an exciting coil and driven by an engine to generate an AC output which is rectified and fed to a battery, includes a pilot-lamp switching transistor device constituted by a Darlington-connection of transistors, the pilot-lamp switching transistor device having a base and a collector for turning a pilot lamp on/off, the pilot lamp being fed with a current from the battery through a key switch, a resistor connected between the base and the collector of the pilot-lamp switching transistor, an initial exciting transistor for controlling a current for the initial excitation of the exciting coil by the battery, a voltage detection circuit for detecting a voltage of the battery, and a voltage detection circuit switching transistor for controlling a switching operation of the voltage detection circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus for protecting a synchronous generator from under-excitation, includes a limiter implemented as part of a microprocessor based voltage regulator. The limiter selectively characterizes one or more limiting parameters, such as, system stability, machine capability and loss of field protection, as straight line segments in the real/reactive power plane to provide versatile, easily modified limits on excitation.

Abstract: A monitoring circuit for an electrical generator for recharging a motor vehicle battery. The monitoring circuit includes a driver transistor, a field coil current sensor, and driver circuit. The collector-emitter path of the driver transistor is connected in series to the field coil of the generator and a direct current voltage source. The field coil current sensor provides a signal indicative of the current flowing in the field coil. The driver circuit drives the transistor as a function of the voltage produced by the generator and the signal provided by the field coil current sensor. The driver circuit includes a detector circuit and a processing and comparison circuit. The detector circuit is connected to a phase of the generator and provides a signal indicative of the generator's rotation speed.

Abstract: An automotive charging circuit fault detection circuit includes a pseudo stator-phase signal generator and a stator-phase existence circuit for determining if a stator-phase signal is below a predetermined threshold. A pseudo stator-phase signal control circuit selectively applies the pseudo stator-phase signal to replace the stator-phase signal when the stator-phase existence circuit determines that the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold. A voltage detector circuit continues the application of the pseudo stator-phase signal if an output voltage from the charging circuit is above a minimum voltage. A timer times a predetermined time the stator-phase signal is below the predetermined threshold to enable the voltage detection circuit, and a warning indicator provides a warning if the pseudo stator-phase signal is applied and if an output voltage from the charging circuit is below the minimum voltage.

Abstract: A double voltage alternator circuit having two alternators, each associated with one of two batteries connected in series, and two alternator excitation current control circuits each of which receives a d.c. voltage from an auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the corresponding alternator, also has a single warning lamp connected between that terminal of a first one of the batteries which is not directly connected in series to the other battery and (a) the auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with that other battery, through an avalanche diode which enables current to pass through the lamp when the voltage at its terminals is greater than a predetermined value, and (b) to the auxiliary rectifier bridge associated with the first battery, through a uni-directional circuit element such as a diode which prevents current from flowing between the two auxiliary rectifier bridges. The invention enables fault indication in a double voltage circuit to be given using a single lamp.

Abstract: A battery charging control apparatus for a vehicle generator comprises switching means for controlling a field current flowing through a field winding of the generator intermittently, voltage control means for controlling the switching means to increase the field current gradually in order to maintain a voltage of a battery to be charged at a first predetermined value when the battery voltage drops below the first predetermined value, generator output voltage detecting means for detecting an output voltage of the generator, charging abnormality warning means, which detects occurrence of charging abnormality, when the detected generator output voltage drops to assume a second predetermined value and below, which value is lower than the first predetermined value, and at the same time the battery voltage remains at the first predetermined value and below for a predetermined time, and which then turns on a charging abnormality warning lamp, and current increasing means which increases the field current to thereby

Abstract: A device for supplying voltage to at least one consuming device in a motor vehicle including two parallel generators, two voltage regulators associated with each of the generators, two batteries each connected with one of the voltage regulators, a starter switch connected with at least one of the batteries and the voltage regulators, a charge control lamp for signalling connected with the starter switch and the voltage regulators, switching device for electrically connecting and disconnecting the consuming device or devices, and devices for controlling the voltage regulators so that during starting the charge control lamp indicates starting and the switching device disconnects the consuming devices and if a defect occurs in either generator-voltage regulator system, the charge control light lights and the consuming device or devices is (or are) supplied with current, even if, for example, one of the generators fails.

Abstract: The invention relates to a regulator device for charging a battery by an alternator that delivers a rectified voltage including a ripple component. The device is of the type comprising a regulator circuit acting on the mean value of the rectified alternator voltage and a regulator circuit acting on the voltages of the positive peaks of the ripple component. The regulator circuits are powered by a stabilized voltage derived from the rectified alternator voltage and the device further comprises a power stage for controlling the excitation current of the alternator. According to the invention, the device further includes a regulator circuit acting on the values of the negative peaks of the ripple component. This regulator circuit is also powered by the stabilized voltage, and capable of causing the excitation current to be reduced whenever the voltage of the negative peaks falls below a given threshold.

Abstract: A control apparatus for an AC generator in which a storage battery 4 is connected to the field coil 102 of the generator, and through a rectifier 2 to the armature coil 101 of the generator to be charged thereby. A voltage regulator 3 is connected between the generator and the battery for controlling the current supply to the field coil, and includes a switch 306 connected in series with the field coil for turning the current supply on and off to control the output voltage of the generator. A detector 6A or 6B is connected between the armature coil and the battery and between the rectifier and the battery for detecting the operating state of the generator and attendantly operating an indicator 7.

Abstract: A detector circuit for detecting a phase signal of a polyphase alternator for a battery charge regulator in a motor vehicle. The circuit includes differential signal amplitude discriminator means for discriminating between at least one pair of phase signals delivered by the alternator. The circuit is applicable to multifunction or to dual-purpose battery charge regulators in motor vehicles.