System comprising an automotive fuse and an A/D converter

• US 7,929,267 B2
• Filed: 03/23/2005
• Issued: 04/19/2011
• Est. Priority Date: 03/25/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Original Assignee: Audi AG (Volkswagen AG)
• Inventors: Biberger, Christian, Tumm, Hardo, Hoch, Dietmar
• Primary Examiner(s): Leja; Ronald W
• Application Number:
  US10/593,708
• Publication Number:
  US 20090115401A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,218 Days
• Field of Search: 361/103, 361/104
• US Class Current: 361/104
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 2085/0266 Structural association with a measurement device, e.g. a shunt
• CPC Class Codes: H01H 85/0241 Structural association of a fuse and another component or apparatus switches with built-in fuses H01H9/10, spark-gap arresters H01H85/44, transformers and inductances H01F27/402, capacitors H01G2/14, lamps H01K1/66, semiconductors H01L23/5256 or H01L23/62
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/0201 Thermal arrangements, e.g. for cooling, heating or preventing overheating
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 1/18 Printed circuits structurally associated with non-printed electric components H05K1/0201, H05K1/023, H05K1/0243, and H05K1/16 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10121 Optical component, e.g. opto-electronic component
• CPC Class Codes: H05K 2201/10181 Fuse

Abstract

The invention relates to a system which comprises an automotive fuse and an A/D converter. Conventional systems comprising an automotive fuse and an A/D converter are designed such that a measured value is generated at the automotive fuse, which value is then amplified and passed on to the A/D converter via a long signal line. The novel space-saving system is characterized in that the A/D converter is located in close vicinity to the automotive fuse. The automotive fuse supplies the non-amplified, analog measured value for the input of the A/D converter. Signal transmission is carried out digitally via a bus system. It is especially advantageous if all components are housing in a common housing. Signal transmission is then carried out digitally via a bus system. The inventive system is suitable for use in data bus systems of vehicles.

Claims

1. A module for interrupting at least one electrical circuit of a separate unit of a motor vehicle in an overload condition, comprising:

a housing mountable on said vehicle having input means operatively connectable to said circuit and output means;

a fuse disposed in said housing electrically connected to said input means; and

an analog/digital converter disposed in said housing electrically interconnecting said fuse and said output means.

2. A module according to claim 1 including a processor disposed in said housing operatively interconnecting said analog/digital converter and said output means.

3. A module according to claim 2 including means disposed in said housing for sensing temperature in the vicinity of said fuse, operatively connected to said processor for compensation purposes.

4. A module according to claim 1 wherein said input means is connectable to one of a group consisting of control and function devices.

5. A module according to claim 1 wherein said output means is connectable to a data bus.

6. A module according to claim 1 wherein said input means of said housing is insertable in a socket provided on said vehicle.

7. A system comprising:

at least one of a group consisting of electrically operable control and function devices mounted on a motor vehicle;

a separate module providing a housing mounted on said vehicle, having an input operatively connectable to said one device, and an output;

a fuse disposed in said housing electrically connected to said input means;

an analog/digital converter disposed in said housing electrically interconnecting said fuse converter and said output; and

a data bus operatively connecting said output and a remote processor.