GB415432A - Improvements in or relating to the charging of batteries from variable voltage generators - Google Patents

Abstract

415,432. Switching systems for batteries. ARMSTRONG, WHITWORTH, & CO. (ENGINEERS), Ltd., SIR W. G., WATKINS, D. J., and PLYER, D. C., Scotswood Works, Newcastle-on-Tyne. Feb. 23, 1933, No. 5593. [Class 38 (iv).] In a system of internal-combustion engine electric power transmission the charging circuit of a battery is so arranged that the battery is only connected to the generator when the motor is disconnected therefrom and the generator speed is sufficiently low to produce a predetermined maximum charging voltage, the generator voltage or a predetermined portion thereof being applied to the coil of a relay controlling contacts in the battery leads. In Fig. 1 the generator G is permanently connected across a coil 9 through a resistance 10. When the motor (not shown) is running a cam 7 rigidly secured to a change -over switch (not shown) for switching from the motor circuit to the battery circuit, holds up the arm 1 against the action of the spring 4 and maintains the battery circuit open at 2, 2, while the contacts 8 are closed and the coil 9 energised from the battery. When the motor circuit is opened the contacts 8 are opened and, when the generator voltage has fallen to a sufficiently low value the striker 6 is operated by the spring 11 against the pull of the core 9 and dislodges the spring loaded trigger 3 the charging circuit then closing at 2, 2. In Fig. 5 the charging circuit is opened and closed by a contactor controlled switch 2 which is operated through the contacts 14 by coils 9 and 12. When the motor circuit is closed contacts 8 are closed simultaneously by the change-over switch (not shown) and the coil 9 is energized from the battery to ensure that the switch 14 is open. When the motor circuit is broken the contacts 8 are opened by the change-over switch but the switch 14 is held open by the coil 9, which is fed through the resistance 10 from the generator, until the generator voltage has fallen to a sufficiently low charging value. The contacts 8 may be additionally controlled by the fuel supply regulating means so that they close at a predetermined minimum engine speed. The coil 12 provides protection against excessive charging current and is stated to provide reverse current protection. In a modification the coils 12 and 9 may act directly on the contacts 2 or the coil 9 may act on the contacts 2 and the coil 12 on contacts in a circuit in parallel with the contacts 8. The coil 12 may be omitted.