Patent ID: 6528899
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: B60R,H02J

Abstract:
A power supply network apparatus in a vehicle having a battery mounted at a position remote from an engine compartment of the vehicle, said apparatus comprising:a plurality of power supply centers disposed at locations dispersed about the vehicle, including, a first power supply center which is disposed near a dashboard of the vehicle, detects conditions of at least a key-switch of the vehicle and provides a power supply for loads situated about a passenger compartment near a center portion of the vehicle, and a second power supply center which is disposed within said engine compartment, controls a power supply to a starter motor of the vehicle, and provides a power supply for loads situated about said engine compartment, at a front portion of the vehicle; a power bus for supplying electric power from said battery to said first power supply center, supplying electric power from said first power supply center to said second power supply center and supplying electric power from said second power supply center to said starter; and a communication line connected between said first and second power supply centers for sending and receiving signals between them; wherein said second power supply center includes a control circuit module and a fuse relay block portion, said control circuit module comprising a control portion, an input/output connector portion and an output driver portion, and said fuse relay block portion being electrically connected to said input/out connector portion of said control circuit module; said first power supply center detects when said key-switch is positioned at a starter position, and supplies a starter position detecting signal to said control portion of said control circuit module via said communication line; and in response to receipt of said starter position detecting signal, said control portion drives said output driver portion to turn on electricity to a starter relay of said fuse relay block portion, whereby said second power supply center supplies electric power to said starter through a relay contact and a fuse.