EP2128959A1 - Voltage adapter - Google Patents

Abstract

The adapter has electrical connectors (14, 16) electrically connected with a bi-directional voltage converter (18) using a relay (22). The electrical connectors are provided for a battery (10) and a mobile radio terminal (12) to be coupled. Electrical potential and/or electrical voltage of the electrical connectors to be connected are determined. A voltage converter (24) is provided with a boost converter (32), a buck converter (34) and/or a voltage multiplier, and comprises a direct current (DC)/DC converter (30). An independent claim is also included for a method for energy-technical coupling of electrical devices.

Description

The present invention relates to a voltage adapter for power engineering coupling of electrical devices that are operated with different electrical voltages. Moreover, the invention relates to a method for energy-related coupling of electrical devices that are operated with different electrical voltages.

Voltage adapters of the generic type are used to convert electrical energy of a certain predetermined shape in a certain other predetermined form, so as to achieve an energy-related adjustment, with the achieved that the electrical energy can pass from one device to another device. Accordingly, coupling within the meaning of this invention is to be understood as an energy-technical coupling, for example for the purpose of a power supply, the production of a power-technical redundancy or the like. Such devices are, for example, electrical power supplies, with which electrical energy from a public power grid such as the 230 volt AC mains, is removed, and is converted by means of electronic units into a DC electrical voltage of predetermined height. Such power supplies are known in the art in a variety of ways, their size being determined inter alia by external environmental conditions and the power to be converted.

Meanwhile, in addition, a variety of facilities in the form of electronic small appliances in use that relate to their energy supply partly from electrical energy storage such as batteries, batteries and the like or from power supplies, in which case, in particular, the power adapters are mentioned. Such small devices can, for example, mobile devices, PDAs, mobile computers such as laptop's or like, electronic toys and more. Domestic appliances such as network routers, separate receivers for television sets, remote controls and the like are to be understood in the sense of this application under small appliances. Common to all small devices is that they must be supplied with electrical energy as an electrical device with a fixed supply voltage, usually a DC voltage, in order to be able to ensure their intended function. For this reason, a variety of power supplies, batteries and batteries are in use to meet the most diverse requirements with respect to the voltage of such devices can be realized. So it is not only distracting, that for each small appliance its own, often device-specific power supply is to provide that provides the corresponding, fixed voltage, but it is also disadvantageous in the use of batteries and accumulators that the intended function of the device or the small appliance is adapted to sizes and electrical properties of the energy storage. Even slight deviations can impair the intended operation. This requires a high level of logistics, since the most varied devices for the energy supply of the plurality of devices or small devices are to be provided. It would be desirable to bring about an improvement here.

Accordingly, the invention has for its object to provide an adapter which makes it possible to couple devices with each other, which are not intended for mutual coupling, for example, because they are intended for operation with different electrical voltages.

As a solution, the present invention proposes a voltage adapter for energy-related coupling of electrical devices which are operated with different electrical voltages, with an electrical connection for each device to be coupled, a bidirectional voltage converter, an electrical switching device, by means of which the electrical connection is at least one of the devices to be coupled is electrically connectable to the voltage converter, an evaluation and control unit and with means with which the electrical potential and / or the electrical voltage of the connection to be connected can be determined.

For the first time, the invention thus proposes, by connecting a voltage adapter, a coupling between the devices such as small electronic devices and the like as well as other electronic devices, such as electrical energy storage, for example in the form of rechargeable batteries or the like. As a user of the small appliance, it is therefore no longer necessary to comply with exact battery specifications. The voltage adapter here provides a remedy by allowing it, the To detect voltages of the respective connected devices in any way and make a particular automatically adjustable corresponding voltage adjustment. In this way, an energy flow can be achieved, which allows a proper function, for example, the small appliance or the like, although the electrical device to be connected with this in the form of energy storage or the like for the intended operation without the voltage adapter, that is, a direct coupling, unsuitable is. For example, it may be provided that an accumulator of a mobile radio terminal is replaced by another accumulator, which deviates in terms of its electrical properties of the battery originally used in the mobile device. The voltage adapter is interposed between the electrical devices to be coupled, in which it provides its own electrical connection for each device to be coupled. As a rule, one electrical connection has two contacts, one for a positive potential and one for a negative electrical potential or one for a zero potential and one for a phase potential. Such connections may be formed, for example in the form of plug contacts, spring contacts, connectors, screw or the like. Of course, additional contacts may be provided at an electrical connection, such as when two or more voltages are to be connected instead of an electrical voltage.

The voltage adapter has a bidirectional voltage converter, with which an energy flow between the devices to be coupled in both directions is possible. For this purpose, the voltage converter is electrically connected or connectable to the electrical connections of the voltage adapter. The voltage converter is bidirectional, that is, it allows a flow of energy in each direction, usually two directions are provided. Of course, an energy flow with more than two connected devices can also have several directions of the energy flows, in particular in different directions. This is advantageous, for example, if a power supply of several small devices is provided. The bidirectionality can be achieved for example by two unidirectional voltage transformers electrically decoupled from each other in parallel, the voltage transformers allowing an energy flow in opposite directions. The voltage transformers can for this purpose have corresponding control means, so that a direction of the energy flow can be controlled in a predeterminable manner. The control means may consist in an electronic control.

To ensure safe operation of the voltage adapter, electrical switching means in the form of electrical switching contacts or electronic switches such as transistors or the like are preferably provided, with which at least one electrical connection from the bidirectional voltage converter can be switched off. This is Especially advantageous if, for example, in a small appliance, a battery to be replaced and another battery is to be used, which differs in terms of their electrical properties of the previous or device-specific battery. By the electrical switching means can be achieved that when connecting the voltage adapter to the new battery, this is initially separated from the voltage converter, so that it can be adjusted to the new voltage. For this purpose, the voltage adapter has measuring means with which the electrical potential and / or the electrical voltage of the connection to be connected can be determined. The measuring means are in signal communication with the evaluation and control unit so that the evaluation and control unit determine the voltages and electrical potentials present at the terminals and output corresponding control commands, inter alia, to the voltage transformer, for example via a control connection or the like. Of course, control functions, for example for measuring equipment, the voltage converter or the like, may also be provided. Likewise, diagnostic functions, in particular self-diagnostic functions can be provided. In the aforementioned example, the exchanged battery is thus first detected by the measuring means whose electrical voltage and the voltage converter is set to this voltage by means of the evaluation and control unit. For this purpose, the measuring means transmit the determined electrical potential and / or the electrical voltage in the form of measured values to the evaluation and control unit. The evaluation and control unit may be in the form of an analog and / or digital controller. This provides appropriate control commands to the voltage converter, which then makes the appropriate settings. The measuring means may be, for example, conventional voltage measuring means or the like. For example, voltage measuring bridges, voltage measuring dividers, field strength sensors or the like are possible.

The voltage adapter can also be equipped to bridge electrical potential differences between the devices to be coupled. This is useful, for example, when an electrical device is connected with its reference potential on one phase of a public network, whereas another electrical device, which is to be coupled with the former, is at a zero potential. In this way, a wide field of application can be tapped, whereby the user friendliness can be significantly improved. In particular, mention should be made here of the many possible combinations of electrical devices, in particular in the areas of the electrical power supply of devices, preferably small devices. Thus, it can be achieved that only a single energy supply source is required for different small appliances. Among other things, this is particularly user-friendly because the user of such Device no longer has to pay attention to which power source he uses to power his device. Preferably, a reverse polarity protection can be provided. In particular, the frequently occurring sources of danger with regard to the polarity reversal connection and the like can be avoided in this way. For use with alternating voltage, a synchronization unit can be provided, with which a secure connection of the voltage adapter to the device can be achieved. The operational safety of the facilities can be significantly improved.

According to one embodiment of the invention, the voltage converter comprises a DC / DC converter. By means of the DC / DC converter, a simple voltage conversion is possible. The DC / DC converter makes it possible to achieve effective conversion of the voltages with low resources, with high efficiency and low costs. Incidentally, DC / DC converters are characterized in that they allow a wide input voltage range at a predefinable output voltage. In this way, a high reliability can be achieved because primary-side voltage fluctuations can be compensated by appropriate control of the DC / DC converter. On the secondary side, that is to say on the output side, a substantially constant voltage is therefore available for the connected device. Of course, this also makes it possible to place higher demands on the supply side of energy supply devices, so that interference suppression measures can be made simpler and less expensive.

According to a development, it is proposed that the voltage converter has a step-up converter, a step-down converter and / or a voltage multiplier. In this way, simple and proven circuit concepts can be used, which allow a cost-voltage adapter.

It proves to be particularly advantageous if the voltage adapter has a galvanic separation unit. This embodiment allows a substantial independence of reference potentials of the electrical equipment to be coupled. The galvanic separation unit can be formed for example by a transformer, capacitors, resistor combinations or combinations thereof. Accordingly, safety extra-low voltages can be achieved in a particularly cost-effective manner, in which particularly high demands are made with regard to electrical safety. Preferably, the galvanic separation unit is at least partially part of the voltage converter.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that a direction of the energy flow is adjustable. Thus it can be provided that the energy flow only into a single given direction takes place. In addition, an adjustment can be given, so that the direction of energy flow can be reversed. This is advantageous, for example, when connecting a rechargeable battery to a small appliance, which is to be charged electrically at regular intervals via the small appliance. The setting can be done manually, for example. For this purpose, a corresponding switch can be provided, with which the direction of the energy flow can be specified. Of course, the direction of the energy flow can also be adjusted depending on other external conditions. Thus, it can be provided that insertion of a charger to the device to be coupled causes a changeover of the direction of the energy flow, for example, by a mechanical contact is actuated when plugging. The user therefore has control over which direction the energy flow takes. In particular, a polarity of the connected electrical devices may be different. In this case, the voltage adapter makes a corresponding change in the power engineering coupling. The voltage adapter can have measuring means with which a polarity measurement can be carried out in addition to a voltage measurement. The voltage adapter is further adjusted in polarity.

According to one embodiment, it is proposed that the switching means comprise a transistor, in particular a bipolar transistor, a field-effect transistor such as a FET, a MOSFET and / or an IGBT. The aforementioned switching means in common is that they are controllable on the one hand with low energy consumption and on the other hand are suitable for use at high clock frequencies. Namely, the use of high clock frequencies makes it possible, as is known, to make the components small. Despite high clock frequencies can be achieved with the aforementioned switching means a high efficiency. This proves to be advantageous not only in terms of energy consumption per se, but also in terms of heat loss generated, so that a high operating temperature range of the device can be achieved with a small size.

Particularly advantageously, the voltage adapter has a current regulation and / or a current limitation. This makes it possible to largely avoid overloading the other device to be coupled, even in the event of interference in one of the devices to be coupled. This can be achieved by a current limitation, wherein in addition to the current detection and a temperature detection can be provided. In addition, overload conditions due to thermal overload can be taken into account. A current control proves to be particularly advantageous if, for example, one of the devices to be coupled is formed by an accumulator. As is known, it is advantageous for rechargeable batteries to charge them according to a predetermined charging characteristic in order to maintain their operational readiness as long as possible and to maintain a high current rating Charging efficiency to achieve. Thus, a corresponding suitable current control can be provided for such devices. The current control and / or the current limit can be configured adjustable. The adjustment may preferably be provided by the evaluation and control unit.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the adapter has a filter means. The filter means can not only serve to meet the requirements in terms of electromagnetic compatibility, but it can also cause an extensive disturbance-related decoupling of the devices and the voltage adapter with each other. The reliability of the operation of the devices can be further improved.

Furthermore, it is advantageous if the voltage adapter has a display unit. The display unit can serve to indicate the different operating states of the adapter. For example, the functional readiness, the direction of energy flow, the voltages, the current or the like may be displayed. Other sizes that are advantageous for the operation of the adapter or one of the devices can also be displayed. Preferably, the voltage adapter has an input unit. The input unit may be formed, for example, only in the form of a switch or in the form of a keyboard. The input unit can be used, for example, to specify the direction of energy flow or else to set specific voltage values of the devices, as will be explained below. The flexibility of the voltage adapter can be further improved.

According to a development, it is proposed that the coupling has capacitive, inductive and / or resistive means. The coupling can be formed for example by capacitors, inductors, in particular transformers or the like. Of course, alternatively or additionally, electrical resistances are also considered as resistive means with which a coupling can be achieved. The inductive means can be formed just in Hochsetzstellern and Tiefsetzstellern also only by a single inductance, whereby a structurally simple circuit can be achieved. Transformers prove to be particularly advantageous if in addition to the adaptation, a galvanic isolation is desired.

According to a further embodiment, it is proposed that the voltage adapter has a portable housing. In this way it is possible to carry the adapter and to connect as needed with the devices to be coupled. Preferably, the housing is compact and lightweight, allowing one-handed operation to be achieved. The adapter can be in small bags, especially of garments be carried along so that it is always available when needed. This allows to achieve a high flexibility of the adapter. The voltage adapter can therefore be provided not only for a single combination of devices to be coupled, but it can also be connected, if necessary, with other devices to be coupled in order to achieve a corresponding energy coupling. Preferably, the housing has small dimensions for this purpose. The dimensions may be comparable to those of a button cell, a dongle or the like, for example. This has the advantage that the voltage adapter can be easily carried and at any time can be connected as needed with the devices to be coupled. The voltage adapter may have multi-function connector, with which it is connectable to different electrical devices. The flexibility can be further improved. In addition, a compact and small design allows the cost of the power adapter to be further reduced. But the flexibility in terms of the use of the voltage adapter are small dimensions of advantage. For example, it may be provided that, in the case of accumulator-operated small appliances, the voltage adapter is additionally installed in the battery compartment, so that operation of the small appliance with different accumulators or even with batteries is made possible. This is particularly advantageous when traveling, if appropriate type-specific batteries and batteries are not available. The dimensions can be in the range of a few centimeters and depending on the power even in the range of a few millimeters, for example. This also allows the voltage adapter to be integrated in at least one of the devices to be coupled. Separate housings can be simplified in this way. In addition, of course, even with appropriate integration option, the housing of the voltage adapter completely eliminated.

Preferably, the housing has a handle with which it can be manually operated with the corresponding devices to be coupled. Thus, an easy handling by users can be achieved.

The invention further proposes a method for the energy-related coupling of electrical devices which are operated with different electrical voltages, wherein a voltage adapter connected to the devices to be coupled is used, with which electrical equipment is taken from a device, converted and supplied to a further device is determined, wherein the voltages and / or the electrical potentials of the connected devices are determined, the voltage adapter is set to the voltages and / or the electrical potentials and an energy flow between the devices is made.

The method according to the invention makes it possible to adapt devices to be coupled in terms of voltage and / or potential, so that an energy exchange between the devices is made possible. The method allows an energy flow in both the one direction and in the opposite direction. First, the voltages and / or the electrical potentials of the connected devices are determined, for example, in which the electrical voltages are measured by means of suitable sensors. The measured values are used to set the voltage adapter to the voltages of the devices to be coupled, so that a trouble-free, intended operation can be achieved. Then, the electrical connection between the devices to be coupled is established via the connected voltage adapter and allows an energy flow.

Preferably, the energy flow takes place in a predeterminable direction. This is advantageous for example when using batteries as one of the devices to be coupled, in which an energy flow towards the battery should be avoided in order to avoid dangerous conditions. The predeterminable direction can be set, for example, manually or fixedly predefinable.

In addition, it can be provided that the direction of the energy flow automatically sets. This embodiment proves to be advantageous, inter alia, if, for example, one of the devices to be coupled is formed by an accumulator. The variability with regard to the direction of the energy flow then allows the energy to be taken from the accumulator as well as supplied. Of course, it is expedient here if an automatic adjustment of the direction of the energy flow takes place. This can be achieved, for example, by detecting slight voltage fluctuations in the energy supply of the device to be coupled in the form of a small appliance, for example in order to determine the connection of a charging device. If a charger in operation is detected, the direction of energy flow is reversed by reversing the current in the voltage adapter in the direction of the accumulator. In this way, the accumulator can be automatically charged as soon as a charger is connected to the small device. In addition, an electromechanical detection of a charger may be provided, for example by means of switches, relays or the like.

According to a development, it is proposed that the electrical potential and / or the voltage be determined automatically. In this way, the user side no further activities are required to ensure proper operation of the voltage adapter with the electrical equipment to be coupled. It only need the electrical connections of the electrical equipment to be coupled with the Voltage adapters are manufactured. This then automatically determines the appropriate parameters and sets its voltage converter on it.

Moreover, it is advantageous if the determination of the electrical potential and / or the electrical voltage is repeated. In this way, an increased reliability can be ensured, in particular even if one of the electrical devices to be coupled is exchanged for one that may have other electrical parameters. The determination can take place in fixed or predefinable time intervals.

The method is particularly advantageous when a DC voltage is used. As a result, a corresponding conversion can be achieved with particularly simple means.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the DC voltage be smoothed and / or filtered. The smoothing can be formed for example by means of chokes, capacitors, or networks thereof, which may also contain electrical resistances. By a well-smoothed DC voltage, a reliable function of the electrical equipment to be coupled can be achieved. Incidentally, the same applies, moreover, to filtering which, in addition to the aforementioned components, may also include structural measures, for example shielding, metallic housings and the like. The filtering makes it possible to achieve or improve requirements with regard to electromagnetic compatibility. The reliability of the function can be further improved.

It proves particularly advantageous if a DC / DC conversion is used. Modern DC / DC converters are characterized by great compactness at low cost and high efficiency. Particularly advantageous is their use in the use of DC voltages, so that no further inverter or the like are needed.

To reduce interference between the devices to be coupled and the voltage adapter with each other and also to the outside, it can be provided that a variable clock frequency is used. The clock frequency is a frequency of a clocked voltage converter control signal which is used to actuate switching means for the purpose of voltage conversion. The clock frequency can be variable. The clock frequency for the voltage converter can be selected, for example, adjustable. Thus, appropriate adjusting means may be provided with which the clock frequency can be adjusted continuously. Of course, different discrete values for the clock frequency can be provided, which allow, with simplified setting options, a variation of the Clock frequency to allow. In order to improve the interference behavior, it may further be provided that the clock frequency is additionally provided with a modulation in order, for example, to reduce interference spectra and the like. The electromagnetic compatibility can be further improved.

According to one embodiment, it can be provided that a test signal is applied to the electrical device to be coupled. For example, electrical parameters of the device can be determined which make it possible to set the voltage adapter optimally with regard to the electrical device. The test signal can be formed for example by a voltage pulse, by connecting a resistor or the like.

In addition, it may be provided that an electrical potential and / or a voltage of a further electrical device is fixed. For example, it may be provided that the voltage adapter is set to the electrical voltage of a battery connected to it. This has the advantage that the accumulator with the voltage adapter can be monitored at the same time. Alternatively it can of course be provided that the electrical voltage of the other device to be coupled is fixed, for example, the electrical voltage of a small appliance. This allows an energy flow between the devices to be coupled to be automatically determined via the voltage adapter.

It is also suggested that the direction of the energy flow be changed. This is particularly advantageous when one of the connected devices to be coupled is formed by an accumulator and is to be changed automatically between a state of charge and a discharge state. This is, for example, the intended operation with accumulator-operated small appliances, whereby the application of the voltage adapter can be further improved. The change of the direction of the energy flow preferably takes place automatically, so that no intervention in the energy change is required on the user side. Especially in the intended wide field of application in the small appliance sector, this proves to be advantageous, so that the user side no extensive knowledge of usable batteries are required.

In a further embodiment, it is proposed that characteristic data of at least one device to be coupled be stored in the voltage adapter. This allows the voltage adapter to be optimally adapted to the device to be coupled without manual inputs or adjustments being required. The intended operation can be further improved.

Furthermore, it is proposed that the voltage adapter be electronically detectable Identification of at least one device to be coupled detected. Thus, not only the presence of an identifiable device can be detected, but the voltage adapter can make the appropriate settings even without manual intervention, so that a direct operation of the device to be coupled can be achieved without further measurements or the like would be required.

It proves particularly advantageous if the identification comprises operating parameters of the device to be coupled. This simplifies the adjustment of the voltage adapter, wherein in the voltage adapter itself no information about operating parameters of the device must be present. He can take these automatically from the identification of the device to be coupled and make appropriate settings. The flexibility of the voltage adapter can be further improved.

Further advantages and features can be found in the following description of exemplary embodiments. Substantially identical components are designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, with respect to the same features and functions to the description of the embodiment in FIG. 1 directed. The drawings are schematic drawings and are merely illustrative of the following embodiment.

Fig.1

ein Prinzipschaltbild eines Spannungsadapter gemäß der Erfindung,

Fig.2

schematisch eine Seitenansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Spannungsadapters,

Fig.3

eine weitere Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Spannungsadapters mit einem bidirektionalen DC/DC-Wandler in einem schematischen Prinzipschaltbild,

Fig.4

ein schematisches Prinzipschaltbild für eine Ausgestaltung eines erfindungsgemäßen Spannungsadapters mit einem DC/DC-Wandler im Gegentaktbetrieb und

Fig.5

ein schematisches Prinzipschaltbild für eine Abwandlung des Spannungsadapters nach Fig. 4.

Show it:

Fig.1

a schematic diagram of a voltage adapter according to the invention,

Fig.2

schematically a side view of a voltage adapter according to the invention,

Figure 3

1 shows a further embodiment of a voltage adapter according to the invention with a bidirectional DC / DC converter in a schematic circuit diagram,

Figure 4

a schematic block diagram for an embodiment of a voltage adapter according to the invention with a DC / DC converter in push-pull operation and

Figure 5

a schematic block diagram for a modification of the voltage adapter according to Fig. 4 ,

FIG. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a voltage adapter according to the invention with a first terminal 16 and a second terminal 14, wherein at the first terminal 16, an accumulator 10 is connected and the second terminal 14, the power supply of a mobile terminal 12. In the present case serves Voltage adapter for coupling two devices provided for DC voltage. In the present case, the mobile terminal 12 is to be operated instead of the lithium-ion accumulator usually used by means of a lead-acid battery. In the present case, the lead-acid storage battery 10 is designed for a rated voltage of 6 volts, where it is provided against the mobile terminal for an operating voltage of 3.6 volts. The adaptation is now carried out by means of a voltage adapter 50 according to the invention, which detects the voltage of the accumulator and reduces to the desired voltage of the mobile terminal 12. For this purpose, the voltage adapter 50 has a voltage converter 18. The voltage converter 18 in turn has a boost converter 32 and a buck converter 34. The boost converter 32 and the buck converter 34 are alternatively used for a suitable voltage conversion and are driven by an evaluation and control unit 24 accordingly. Parallel to the voltage converter 18, which is designed here as a unidirectional voltage converter, a second, not shown substantially identical voltage converter is provided which is provided for an energy flow in the reverse direction. The following explanations apply equally to both voltage transformers, with only the fact that the energy flow takes place in the opposite direction. By suitable means, here essentially end coupling diodes 52, 54, 56, 58, the voltage transformers are electrically coupled to one another.

The terminals 14, 16 are electrically first connected to relays 20, 22, with which the terminals 14, 16 can be electrically separated from the voltage converter 18. For this purpose, the relays 20, 22 are controlled by the evaluation and control unit 24 accordingly. Alternatively, electronic switches could be used instead of the relays. Of course, the voltage converter may have a high operating voltage range, so that the separation function of the relays 20, 22 can be saved. At the beginning of commissioning, the relays 20, 22 are in the interrupted state, so that the terminals 14, 16 are not connected to the voltage converter 18. The voltage converter 18 is deactivated in this state.

Both between the relay 20 and the terminal 16 and between the relay 22 and the terminal 14 each have a voltage tap is provided, which is coupled to voltage sensors 26, 28. These measure the respective voltage at the terminals 14, 16 and forward a corresponding signal to the evaluation and control unit 24 on. In this way, the evaluation and control unit 24 receives information regarding the voltage applied to the terminals 14, 16 electrical voltages.

The boost converter 32 consists inter alia of the NPN transistor 68 and the coil 42 in conjunction with the diode 72. By driving the transistor 68 via a line 66 through the evaluation and control unit 24, the transistor is periodically switched on and off with a clock signal , with a clock frequency of present in the range of about 48 kHz. As a result, the known Hochsetzstellprinzip is realized. The boost converter is switched on via a transistor 76 which can be driven by the evaluation and control unit 24. The boost converter 32 generates a higher output voltage than the input voltage.

Parallel to the boost converter 32, a buck converter 34 is arranged, which is alternatively provided to generate voltages lower than the input voltage at the terminal 16. For this purpose, a PNP transistor 70 is provided, which is connected in series with a coil 44 and a freewheeling diode 74. The transistor 70 is driven by the evaluation and control unit 24 via a line 64 corresponding to the transistor 68. In the case of the Tiefsetzstellens the buck converter 34 is activated by the evaluation and control unit 24, whereas the boost converter 32 is deactivated, namely, the transistors 68, 76 are turned off. In the opposite case, the transistor 76 is permanently switched on and the transistor 68 is controlled by the evaluation and control unit 24 clocked, whereas the transistor 70 is permanently switched off. In this way, can be switched as needed between Hochsetzstellen and Tiefsetzstellen by the evaluation and control unit 24.

In the present case, a Tiefsetzstellen is required because the electrical voltage of the accumulator 10 is higher than the allowable supply voltage of the mobile terminal 12. The transistors 76 and 68 are therefore off. Only the transistor 70 is actuated in a clocked manner, so that an energy flow from the accumulator 10 through the voltage adapter 50 to the mobile radio terminal 12 is made possible. On the secondary side, a filter 36 is provided, which is formed in the present case of two capacitors and a resistor in π-circuit technology. The filter is used to smooth the converted voltage and to suppress interference. From the filter 36, the power via the relay 22 and the terminal 14 to the mobile station 12 is provided.

If the mobile radio terminal 12 is now connected to a charger (not shown), the voltage rise at the terminal 14, which is caused thereby, is detected by the voltage sensor 28 and reported to the evaluation and control unit 24. This now deactivates the buck converter 34 so that the energy flow from the accumulator 10 to the mobile terminal 12 is interrupted. It is now the second voltage converter is not shown, namely the boost converter, which corresponds to the boost converter 32 of the voltage converter 18. In this way one becomes achieved reverse energy flow, so that electrical energy from the mobile station 12 via the terminal 14 and the relay 32 reaches the boost converter and is converted from there into a charging voltage for the accumulator 10, which is provided by the boost converter via the relay 20 and the terminal 16. In this way, the accumulator 10 can be charged. If a voltage drop is again detected at the connection 14 because the charger is switched off by the mobile radio terminal 12, then the boost converter is deactivated and an energy supply of the mobile radio terminal 12 from the accumulator 10 takes place by activating the step-down converter 34 in the manner described above. The energy flow is in turn reversed.

If now the accumulator 10 is replaced by another accumulator, for example an accumulator with a rated voltage of 3 volts, this change is detected by the voltage sensor 26 and reported accordingly to the evaluation and control unit 24. The evaluation and control unit 24 first detects the disconnection of the accumulator 10 and turns off the relay 20, so that the terminal 16 is disconnected from the voltage converter 18. At the same time the voltage converter 18 is turned off, as described above. Now that the new accumulator is connected to the terminal 16, the voltage is detected by the voltage sensor 26 and reported accordingly to the evaluation and control unit 24. This sets cycle times and cams accordingly, so that the voltage converter 18 can be operated as intended. Thereafter, the relay 20 is turned on and the conversion operation can begin by the voltage converter 18 is activated. Since the voltage of the accumulator is now smaller than the supply voltage required for the mobile radio terminal 12, the boost converter 32 is activated as described above. The charging process of the accumulator takes place substantially, as already described above for the accumulator 10, but instead of the boost converter, a step-down converter is activated, since the voltage of the mobile terminal 12 is smaller than that of the accumulator. In essence, reference is made to the preceding parts of the description.

The evaluation and control unit 24 is further electrically connected to an alphanumeric display 40 and an input keyboard 38. About the input keyboard 38, it is possible to set the power flow direction fixed. In addition, a voltage can be fixed for one of the terminals 14, 16. In the present case this is the voltage of the mobile station at the terminal 14. In this way, it is possible that the evaluation and control unit 24 automatically detects when the mobile station 12 is in charging mode. Thus, the evaluation and control unit 24, the charge of the accumulator 10, as described above, automatically cause. Of course, it may also be predetermined that the evaluation and control unit 24 is automatically initialized at a first startup, that is, at the terminal 14, a nominal voltage determined and based on their control and regulation. The initialization phase can be activated either manually or on a first power up. The manual activation can be done for example by pressing a key of the input keyboard 38.

Not shown is also a current limit, with which it is ensured that both the voltage adapter 50 and the connected devices in the form of the accumulator 10 and the mobile terminal 12 can not be overloaded. The current limitation also serves as a reverse polarity protection, which ensures that a maximum allowable current can not be exceeded. In addition, of course, a separate current limit can be provided, which has a shutdown of the voltage converter 18 results in exceeding a maximum allowable current result and a corresponding message on the alphanumeric display 40 reproduces. By pressing a button, a restart of the evaluation and control unit 24 can be initiated. This is preferably done after removing the reverse polarity.

FIG. 2 In the present case, the voltage adapter 50 has a housing 46, which has a tongue-shaped extension 76, which is integrally formed at one end on the housing 46 and at its opposite end has a right angle bent tab 78. Housing 46, extension 76 in conjunction with tab 78 form a receiving space for the accumulator 10. At the tab 76 and the housing 46 contacts of the terminal 16 are formed, which in the present case are formed by spring contacts. Opposite to the contacts of the terminal 16 contacts 46 of the terminal 14 are formed on the tab 78 and the housing 46, which are also designed as spring contacts. The housing in conjunction with the extension 76 and the tab 78 is dimensioned such that it can be inserted into the accumulator compartment of the mobile radio terminal 12 (not shown). The electronics of the voltage adapter 50 is formed in a highly integrated manner in thick film technology, wherein the semiconductor chips of the semiconductor are applied directly to a substrate. In the present case, the chokes are also applied as SMD components on the substrate. The entire electronics are present in an area of about 1 cm ² . On the front and on the back of the housing 46 grip portions 48 are formed, which allow the housing 46 to securely grasp and place. The outer dimensions of the housing 46 are about 1cm x 1cm x 5cm. They can vary depending on the application

In this way, the voltage adapter 50 is easy to retrofit. Its compact design also makes it possible to carry the voltage adapter 50 permanently, see above for example, when traveling and the like. In this way, independence from specific fuels and the like can be achieved. Should an accumulator in the mobile terminal become defective, it is possible by means of the voltage adapter 50 to connect the mobile terminal 12 with an alternative accumulator in order to restore the operational readiness. This is advantageous above all else when replacement parts specified by the manufacturer are not available.

Of course, the invention also offers the possibility to integrate the voltage adapter 50 in one of the devices to be coupled. Optionally, this can simplify or even save a housing.

In FIG. 3 a further embodiment of a voltage adapter according to the invention with a bidirectional DC / DC converter is shown. FIG. 3 shows a simplified block diagram in which only the intended function providing essential elements are shown. The dashed area comprises the elements of a voltage adapter 112, which is provided for energy-related coupling of a rechargeable battery 80 as a first electrical device and an electrical device 108 as a second electrical device. The voltage adapter 112 has a terminal pair 114 to which the accumulator 80 is connected with its two terminals. In addition, the voltage adapter 112 has a terminal pair 116 in order to be able to contact two terminals of the electrical device 108. In the present case, the voltage adapter 112 is designed to couple energy-technically two electrical devices 80, 108 of the same polarity.

Both the terminal pair 114 and the terminal pair 116 are each connected via unspecified lines with voltage measuring sensors 92, 94, with which the electrical voltage of the respective terminal pair 114, 116 can be determined. Via signal lines 98, 100, the voltage measuring sensors 92, 94 are in signal communication with a controller 96 which continuously evaluates the signals of the voltage measuring sensors 92, 94 in the present case and uses them for control purposes.

With the terminal pairs 114, 116 2-pole switches 82, 110 are connected, which allow a galvanic separation of the respective terminal pair 114, 116 of the other electronic circuit of the voltage adapter 112. The 2-pole switches 82, 110 are controlled by the controller 96 so that the controller 96 can detect the respective terminal voltages on the terminal pairs 114, 116 before activating the 2-pole switches 82, 110 to determine that they are within a permissible range Operating range for the voltage adapter 112 are. That way you can hazardous states, reverse polarity and the like can be determined. If a corresponding error detection by evaluation of the signals of the voltage measuring sensors 92, 94 before, the corresponding 2-pole switch 82, 110 is not turned on and output a fault message via an optical display, not shown.

If, on the other hand, the ascertained values for the electrical voltages at the terminal pairs 114, 116 lie in the respective permissible operating ranges, the controller 96 causes the switching on of the respective 2-pole switches 82, 110. In this way, the electronics of the voltage adapter 112 is then electrically connected to the respective electrical devices 80, 108.

In the present, simplified representation according to FIG. 3 an electronics between the 2-pole switches 82, 110 is provided, which causes the power engineering coupling. In the present case, this includes an inductance 84, a bipolar transistor 86 and a freewheeling diode 88, a MOSFET switching transistor 90, two capacitors 102, 104 and an electrical resistor 106. Both the bipolar switching transistor 86 and the MOSFET switching transistor 90 are connected via control lines 118, 120 controlled by the controller 96. In the present case, the transistors 86, 90 operate in switching operation and are clocked by the controller 96 respectively switched on or off. The duty cycle controls the energy flow with regard to the direction as well as the amount of energy or the power. In detail, the energy-related coupling proceeds as follows:

In the present embodiment, it is provided that the electrical terminal voltage of the accumulator 80 is smaller than the electrical operating voltage of the electrical device 108. In order to now promote energy from the accumulator 80 to the electrical device 108, the voltage adapter 112 operates as a DC / DC converter in Hochsetzstellmodus , For this purpose, the bipolar switching transistor 86 is controlled via the control line 118 clocked by the controller 96. The emitter of the bipolar switching transistor 86 is passed through the controller 96 so that its current can be monitored. In contrast, the MOSFET switching transistor 90 is kept in the off state via the control line 120.

The present circuit utilizes a characteristic of the MOSFET switching transistor 90, namely a parasitic inverse diode, which is usually present due to the manufacturing principle of the MOSFET switching transistor 90. This diode is used for rectification in the present embodiment. With the bipolar switching transistor 86, the inductance 84 is switched substantially parallel to the accumulator 80 in the on state, whereupon a linearly increasing current flow is the result. When the bipolar switching transistor 86 is turned off, the current flow through the Inductance 84 maintained and enforced by the parasitic diode of the MOSFET switching transistor 90 in the capacitor 102. As a result, the capacitor 102 is charged accordingly. The further capacitor 104 and the resistor 106 connected thereto together with the capacitor 102 form a π-filter, which smoothes the electrical voltage obtained in this way. This is then supplied from the capacitor 104 via the 2-pole switch 110 and the terminals 116 of the electrical device 108. Two measuring lines 122, 124 connected to the resistor 106 serve to detect the electric current supplied by the voltage adapter 112 to the electrical device 108. For this purpose, the differential voltage of the two measuring lines 122, 124 is evaluated accordingly and determined via the ohmic law of the electric current. The current is not a pure direct current, but superimposed by vibrations due to the transducer. In the meantime an averaging is provided. Of course, an effective value measurement as well as a pure polarity measurement in conjunction with the rms measurement can be provided next to it. Of course, with the resistor 106, the maximum allowable current flow is monitored so that dangerous conditions due to overload can be avoided.

In the case of energy transport from the electrical device 108 to the accumulator 80, the circuit operates as follows:

The bipolar switching transistor 86 is held in the locked state via the control line 118. Instead, the MOSFET switching transistor 90 is correspondingly clocked via the control line 120 in the switching mode. When switched on, a current flows from the capacitor 102 via the MOSFET switching transistor 90 and the inductor 84 in the accumulator 80. If now the MOSFET switching transistor 90 is switched off via the control line 120, the current flow through the inductor 84 is maintained in the accumulator 80 , wherein the circuit via the freewheeling diode 88 is closed. The current continues to flow until the energy content of the inductance 84 has been used up. Thereafter, the MOSFET switching transistor 90 is turned on again. In this way, the accumulator 80 can be charged by energy from the electrical device 108, although the power delivering voltage is greater than the accumulator voltage.

In the latter case, the voltage adapter 112 works as a buck converter. Thus, at the terminals 114, the voltage is lower than at the terminals 116. To monitor the current flow of the MOSFET switching transistor 90, measuring lines 126, 128 are provided, which are connected to the controller 96. In this case, an effect of the MOSFET switching transistor 90 is used, namely that this behaves in the on state as a low resistance. From the voltage drop across the MOSFET switching transistor 90 can therefore the instantaneous current flow be determined. For this purpose, the differential voltage of the measuring lines 126, 128 is evaluated by the controller 96.

By selecting the duty cycle between the on time and the off time of the bipolar switching transistor 86 and the MOSFET switching transistor 90, the respective average current flow can be adjusted. This allows the accumulator 80 to be optimally controlled with respect to its characteristic data.

The controller 96 is capable of responding to changes in the electrical device 108 and the accumulator 80, respectively. If, for example, the electrical voltage at the electrical device 108 increases, for example because it is connected to a network-fed supply device, this voltage increase can be detected and the controller 96 automatically reverses the energy delivery direction, so that now the accumulator 80 is supplied with power from the electrical device 108 is supplied to the charge.

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of a bidirectional converter, which is based on the push-pull principle in this embodiment. Functionally, however, this circuit essentially works like the one to FIGS. 1 and 3 described converter. This embodiment provides for a permanent installation, in which an accumulator 132 is to be coupled, in terms of energy, with an accumulator arrangement 134 consisting of a plurality of individual accumulators connected in series with each other. On the power engineering side there is a galvanic isolation through a transformer 130. This has windings 144, 146 on the primary side and windings 148, 150 on the secondary side, which are each connected in series. The winding sense is in the drawing FIG. 4 marked by a dot in each case. Each winding is controlled individually via a MOSFET switching transistor 136, 138, 140, 142. The monitoring means indicated in the preceding examples are omitted here for the sake of clarity and the avoidance of repetitions. In detail, this circuit works as follows:

To promote energy from the accumulator 132 to the accumulator assembly 134, the MOSFET switching transistors 136, 138 are driven by the controller 152 alternately, in push-pull. Accordingly, the windings 144, 146 are energized. This turns correspondingly transformed at the windings 148, 150 and is connected via the parasitic diodes (see description of the embodiment of FIG FIG. 3 ) of the MOSFET switching transistors 140, 142 rectified. A current flow then leads to the accumulator arrangement 134 via a throttle 154. The accumulator arrangement 134 is thus charged by the accumulator 132. For this purpose, the MOSFET switching transistors 140, 142 are held by the controller 152 in the off state. Will now be Power supply 156 connected in parallel with accumulator arrangement 134 is switched on, and energy is fed into accumulator arrangement 134, so that its electrical voltage increases slightly, which is detected by controller 152. This disables the previously in differential mode MOSFET switching transistors 136, 138 and instead activates the MOSFET switching transistors 140, 142 also in push-pull operation. These switch the voltage to the corresponding secondary windings 148, 150 of the transformer 130, which set on the primary side of the transformer 130 to the windings 144, 146 corresponding voltages, which are rectified via the parasitic diodes of the MOSFET switching transistors 136, 138 and the accumulator 132 are supplied. In this way, the accumulator 132 is charged.

Of course, also in this circuit, the respective state of the individual switching transistors 136, 138, 140, 142 is continuously monitored by the controller 152. Incidentally, reference is made to the corresponding embodiments of the preceding embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a modification of the circuit according to FIG. 4 in which the secondary voltage of the transformer 130 is connected in series with the input voltage on the primary side with the windings 144, 146. This results in a better efficiency.

The exemplary embodiments illustrated in the figures merely serve to explain the invention and are not restrictive of it. Thus, the circuit design as well as the dimensions of the voltage adapter can vary as needed without departing from the spirit of the invention. The invention is not only suitable for mobile terminals, but also in a variety of other small electronic devices that are connected to energy storage such as batteries, batteries and the like. An adaptation of power supplies can be achieved with the voltage adapter 50 in which, for example, the power supply forms one of the devices to be coupled and the device a second.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

accumulator

12

mobile radio terminal

14

Second connection

16

First connection

18

DC converter

20

relay

22

relay

24

Evaluation and control device

26

voltage sensor

28

voltage sensor

30

DC / DC converter

32

Boost converter

34

Buck converter

36

filter

38

input keyboard

40

Alphanumeric display

42

Kitchen sink

44

Kitchen sink

46

casing

48

grip area

50

voltage adapter

52

diode

54

diode

56

diode

58

diode

60

cables

62

cables

64

cables

66

cables

68

NPN Transistor

70

PNP Transistor

72

diode

74

diode

76

transistor

78

flap

80

accumulator

82

2-pole switch

84

inductance

86

bipolar switching transistor

88

Freewheeling diode

90

MOSFET switching transistor

92

Voltage measuring sensor

94

Voltage measuring sensor

96

control

98

signal line

100

signal line

102

capacitor

104

capacitor

106

resistance

108

electrical device

110

2-pole switch

112

voltage adapter

114

Terminal pair

116

Terminal pair

118

control line

120

control line

122

Measurement line

124

Measurement line

126

Measurement line

128

Measurement line

130

transformer

132

accumulator

134

accumulator

136

MOSFET switching transistor

138

MOSFET switching transistor

140

MOSFET switching transistor

142

MOSFET switching transistor

144

winding

146

winding

148

winding

150

winding

152

control

154

throttle

156

power Supply

Claims (15)

Voltage adapter for power engineering coupling of electrical devices (10, 12), which are operated with different electrical voltages, with an electrical connection (14, 16) for each device to be coupled (10, 12), with a bidirectional voltage converter (18), with an electrical switching means (20, 22), by means of which the electrical connection (14, 16) of at least one of the devices to be coupled (10, 12) is electrically connectable to the voltage converter (18), with an evaluation and control unit (24) and with measuring means (26, 28) with which the electrical potential and / or the electrical voltage of the connection (14, 16) to be connected can be determined. Adapter according to claim 1, characterized in that the voltage converter (24) comprises a DC / DC converter (30). Adapter according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the voltage converter (24) comprises a step-up converter (32), a step-down converter (34) and / or a voltage multiplier. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by a galvanic separation unit. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that a direction of the energy flow is adjustable. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by a current control and / or current limiting. Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by an input unit (38). Adapter according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by a portable housing (46). Method for energy-related coupling of electrical devices that are operated with different electrical voltages, wherein a connected to the devices to be coupled voltage adapter is used with which a device electrical energy taken, converted and fed to another device, the voltages and / or the electrical potentials the connected devices are determined, the voltage adapter is set to the voltages and / or the electrical potentials and an energy flow is established between the devices. A method according to claim 9, characterized in that the energy flow takes place in a predeterminable direction. A method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that automatically adjusts the direction of the energy flow. Method according to one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that a test signal is given to the device to be coupled. Method according to one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that an electrical potential and / or a voltage of another device to be coupled is fixed. Method according to one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the direction of the energy flow is changed. Method according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized in that the voltage adapter detects an electronically detectable identification of at least one device to be coupled.

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