US5687066A — Power converter with overvoltage protection

Claim 1

Independent Claim 140 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter, for protecting said switch and said energy storage component from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter reaches a predetermined limit by reducing the voltage applied to said switch from said AC\DC converter when the output of said AC\DC converter reaches said predetermined limit.

Claim 2

Dependent Claim 140 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter, for protecting said switch and said energy storage component from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter reaches a predetermined limit by reducing the voltage applied to said switch from said AC\DC converter when the output of said AC\DC converter reaches said predetermined limit.

Claim 3

Dependent Claim 38 words

The switched power converter of claim 1, wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit includes a first capacitor, wherein the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit is the voltage level of said first capacitor.

Claim 4

Dependent Claim 66 words

The switched power converter of claim 2, wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit further includes: a transformer connectable to an AC power source for reducing noise present in the AC power provided by the AC power source; and a rectifier connected between said transformer and said first capacitor for rectifying the output of said transformer to provide DC power that is filtered by said first capacitor.

Claim 5

Dependent Claim 41 words

The switched power converter of claim 2, wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit further includes a second capacitor connected in parallel with said first capacitor, and a third capacitor connected in parallel with both said first capacitor and said second capacitor.

Claim 6

Dependent Claim 48 words

The switched power converter of claim 1 and further including a circuit board, wherein said switched power supply, said controller, and said overvoltage protection circuitry are provided on said circuit board, and wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit includes an ON\OFF indicator light mounted on said circuit board.

Claim 7

Dependent Claim 17 words

The switched power converter of claim 5, wherein said ON\OFF indicator light is a light emitting diode.

Claim 8

Dependent Claim 26 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 1 and further including a current sensor for detecting a current level associated with said energy storage component.

Claim 9

Dependent Claim 208 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 10

Dependent Claim 208 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 11

Dependent Claim 192 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuit includes: a zener diode having an anode, and a cathode, which is connected to the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit; a first resistor connected to the anode of said zener diode; a second resistor connected to said first resistor and ground; and a diode having an anode connected between said first and second resistors and a cathode connected to an input terminal of said controller.

Claim 12

Dependent Claim 192 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuit includes: a zener diode having an anode, and a cathode, which is connected to the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit; a first resistor connected to the anode of said zener diode; a second resistor connected to said first resistor and ground; and a diode having an anode connected between said first and second resistors and a cathode connected to an input terminal of said controller.

Claim 13

Dependent Claim 29 words

The switched power converter of claim 9, wherein said diode is reverse-biased until the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a threshold level.

Claim 14

Dependent Claim 43 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 1, wherein said switched power supply includes a feedback circuit, said feedback circuit coupled between an output of said switched power supply and said controller and said controller generating control signals applied to said switch.

Claim 15

Dependent Claim 29 words

The power converter as defined in claim 11, wherein said feedback circuit includes an optical coupler providing isolation between said controller and said output of said switched power supply.

Claim 16

Dependent Claim 36 words

The power converter as defined in claim 12, wherein said feedback circuit further includes a compensation circuit coupled to said optical coupler, said compensation circuit compensating for variations in the operating characteristics of said optical coupler.

Claim 17

Dependent Claim 181 words

A switched power converter circuit for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit; a current sensor for detecting a current level associated with said energy storage component; and a voltage feedback circuit coupled to said output of said switched power supply and generating a voltage feedback signal having a level related to the voltage at said switched power supply, wherein said sensed current level is compared to an output of said voltage feedback signal.

Claim 18

Dependent Claim 181 words

A switched power converter circuit for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit; a current sensor for detecting a current level associated with said energy storage component; and a voltage feedback circuit coupled to said output of said switched power supply and generating a voltage feedback signal having a level related to the voltage at said switched power supply, wherein said sensed current level is compared to an output of said voltage feedback signal.

Claim 19

Dependent Claim 31 words

The switched power converter circuit as defined in claim 14, wherein said switch of said switched power supply is switched off when said sensed current level exceeds said voltage feedback signal.

Claim 20

Dependent Claim 198 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having a capacitor; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level of said capacitor of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level of said capacitor and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 21

Dependent Claim 198 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having a capacitor; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level of said capacitor of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level of said capacitor and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 22

Dependent Claim 64 words

The switched power, converter of claim 16, wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit further includes: a transformer connectable to an AC power source for reducing noise present in the AC power provided by the AC power source; and a rectifier connected between said transformer and said capacitor for rectifying the output of said transformer to provide DC power that is filtered by said capacitor.

Claim 23

Dependent Claim 39 words

The switched power converter of claim 16, wherein said AC\DC converter input circuit further includes a second capacitor connected in parallel with said capacitor, and a third capacitor connected in parallel with both said capacitor and said second capacitor.

Claim 24

Dependent Claim 182 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having a capacitor; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level of said capacitor of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuit includes: a zener diode having an anode, and a cathode, which is connected to said capacitor; a first resistor connected to the anode of said zener diode; a second resistor connected to said first resistor and ground; and a diode having an anode connected between said first and second resistors and a cathode connected to an input terminal of said controller.

Claim 25

Dependent Claim 182 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having a capacitor; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to an output of said AC\DC converter input circuit, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level of said capacitor of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuit includes: a zener diode having an anode, and a cathode, which is connected to said capacitor; a first resistor connected to the anode of said zener diode; a second resistor connected to said first resistor and ground; and a diode having an anode connected between said first and second resistors and a cathode connected to an input terminal of said controller.

Claim 26

Dependent Claim 29 words

The switched power converter of claim 19, wherein said diode is reverse-biased until the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit reaches a threshold level.

Claim 27

Dependent Claim 220 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter being connectable to an electric generator and producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having input terminals for coupling to the output terminals of an electric generator; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to said switched power supply, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level output from the electric generator reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 28

Dependent Claim 220 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter being connectable to an electric generator and producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch, at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage, and an AC\DC converter input circuit having input terminals for coupling to the output terminals of an electric generator; a controller generating a switching control signal for controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component; and overvoltage protection circuitry, connected to said switched power supply, for protecting said switched power supply from damage resulting when a voltage level output from the electric generator reaches a predetermined limit, wherein said overvoltage protection circuitry is further connected to an input terminal of said controller, said overvoltage protection circuitry protects said switched power supply from damage in cooperation with said controller where said overvoltage protection circuitry senses the voltage level at the output of said AC\DC converter input circuit and applies a voltage to the input terminal of said controller and, in response to the voltage applied to the input terminal, said controller controls said switch to discontinue supplying energy to said at least one energy storage component.

Claim 29

Dependent Claim 184 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch and at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage; a current sensor for detecting a current level associated with said energy storage component; a controller for generating a switching control signal having a variable duty cycle, said controller controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component by varying the duty cycle of the switching control signal and applying the switching control signal to said switch; and a duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit coupled to an output of said controller for receiving the switching control signal and establishing a current limit level based upon the duty cycle of the switching control signal, wherein said controller selectively varies the duty cycle of said switching control signal based upon a comparison of said sensed current level with said current limit level established by said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit.

Claim 30

Dependent Claim 184 words

A switched power converter for a recreational vehicle, said switched power converter producing a stable DC output voltage at a power converter output for connection to a battery, the power converter comprising: a switched power supply including a switch and at least one energy storage component producing a regulated, stable DC voltage; a current sensor for detecting a current level associated with said energy storage component; a controller for generating a switching control signal having a variable duty cycle, said controller controlling said switch to selectively supply energy to said at least one energy storage component by varying the duty cycle of the switching control signal and applying the switching control signal to said switch; and a duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit coupled to an output of said controller for receiving the switching control signal and establishing a current limit level based upon the duty cycle of the switching control signal, wherein said controller selectively varies the duty cycle of said switching control signal based upon a comparison of said sensed current level with said current limit level established by said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit.

Claim 31

Dependent Claim 38 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 22, wherein said controller shortens the duty cycle of the switching control signal when the sensed current level exceeds the current limit level established by said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit.

Claim 32

Dependent Claim 59 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 22 and further including a voltage feedback circuit coupled to an output of said switched power supply and generating a voltage feedback signal having a level related to the voltage at said switched power supply output, wherein said sensed current level is compared to the level of said voltage feedback signal.

Claim 33

Dependent Claim 100 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 24, wherein said controller varies the duty cycle of the switching control signal based upon the comparison of said sensed current level with the level of said voltage feedback signal when the level of said voltage feedback signal does not exceed the current limit level established by said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit, and wherein said controller varies the duty cycle of the switching control signal based upon the comparison of said sensed current level with the current limit level when the level of said voltage feedback signal exceeds the current limit level.

Claim 34

Dependent Claim 42 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 25, wherein said controller includes a comparator having a first input terminal coupled to said current sensor and a second input terminal coupled to said voltage feedback circuit and said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit.

Claim 35

Dependent Claim 37 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 26, wherein said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit includes a capacitor that is charged to a voltage level that is related to the duty cycle of the switching control signal.

Claim 36

Dependent Claim 37 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 26, wherein said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit includes a zener diode coupled between said second input terminal of said comparator and ground for establishing an absolute current limit level.

Claim 37

Dependent Claim 112 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 28, wherein said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit further includes a capacitor that is charged to a voltage level that is related to the duty cycle of the switching control signal, wherein said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit establishes the current limit level at the absolute current limit of said zener diode when the voltage level of said capacitor is greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of said zener diode and establishes the current limit level at a current level corresponding to the voltage level of said capacitor when the voltage level of said capacitor is greater than the reverse breakdown voltage of said zener diode.

Claim 38

Dependent Claim 37 words

The switched power converter as defined in claim 22, wherein said duty-cycle-controlled current limiting circuit includes a capacitor that is charged to a voltage level that is related to the duty cycle of the switching control signal.

Annuity Stage	Window Opens	Payment Deadline	Surcharge Period Until	Estimated Fee	Status
3.5 Years (Year 4)	2000-11-10	2001-05-12	2001-11-11	$2000.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8)	2004-11-10	2005-05-12	2005-11-11	$3760.00	Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12)	2008-11-10	2009-05-12	2009-11-11	$7700.00	Window Closed / Lapsed

Power converter with overvoltage protection

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