This invention relates to a device for charging the battery of a motor vehicle.
The battery of a motor vehicle is a DC source which is charged by the magneto or alternator of the vehicle. As the magneto or alternator current is AC, it needs to be rectified and regulated to charge the battery. Moreover, in such cases, the battery can be charged only if the vehicle is driven, or the engine is ON, since it is only then that the magneto or alternator can generate electricity. Besides, the state of charge of the battery depends on the speed of the vehicle or the duration over which the engine is ON. Due to the above-mentioned reasons battery charging poses problems,

especially, for motor vehicles which are sparingly used or driven at low speeds. The charging of the battery is also related to the duration and frequency of use of the lighting and other loads connected to the motor vehicle.
For better battery charging of vehicles, higher efficiency magnetos or alternators can be used by which even at low rpm, such magnetos or alternators provide high output. High efficiency regulators and rectifiers can be used for converting the AC output of such high efficiency magnetos or alternators to DC. However, implementation of the above two solutions requires redesigning of the charging system of the vehicle. To eliminate the above problems we have proposed a device enabling charging of the

battery by an arrangement which supplements the conventional system.
The device for charging the battery of a motor vehicle, according to this invention, comprising an AC generator; a rectifier and regulator, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the said generator, the output end of said rectifier and regulator being connected to the battery, characterized by a socket the output end of which is connected to the battery; an adaptor, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the socket, the input end of the adaptor for connection to AC power mains for supplying AC power to said socket through the said adaptor.

This invention will now be described with reference to the single Figure in the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, and not by way of limitation, one of possible embodiments of the device proposed herein.
The embodiment will be seen to have an AC generator, namely, a magneto or alternator (G). The, magneto or alternator is driven by power derived from the vehicle while running or when the engine is ON. A rectifier and regulator F are comprised in the device and these are connected to the battery B. Thus, while the vehicle runs, the generator G generates alternating current which is rectified and regulated by the said rectifier and regulator F and then supplied to the battery B for charging.

The device also comprises a socket (C) through which the battery B can be charged. To charge the battery (B) an adaptor (D), which converts AC voltage to the required DC voltage is comprised in the said device. The said adaptor is connected to the socket and is intended for connection to AC power supply mains E. With this arrangement the battery B can be charged even when the engine of the vehicle is not running and without disturbing the conventional electric connections meant for charging the battery.
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It will be appreciated that various other embodiments of the device proposed herein are possible without departing from the scope and ambit of this invention.

We Claim:
1. A device for charging the battery of a motor vehicle comprising an AC generator; a rectifier and regulator, the input end of which is connected to the output end of the said generator, the output end of said rectifier and regulator being connected to the battery, characterized by a socket the output end of which is connected to the battery; an adaptor, the output end of which is connected to the input end of the socket, the input end of the adaptor for connection to AC power mains for supplying AC power to said socket through the said adaptor.
2. A device for charging the battery of a motor vehicle substantially as herein

described with reference to, and as illustrated in, the accompanying drawings. Dated this the 17thday of feburary 2009