JP2001352687A - Intelligent switch for battery - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a new and reformed intelligent switch for preventing discharging of a battery, and a new and reformed method of preventing the discharging of the battery. SOLUTION: This intelligent switch processes a voltage monitor, which includes a switch for turning on and off the battery current and supplies a voltage signal for indicating the voltage level of a battery, vibration sensor which supplies a vibration signal for indicating the vibration of a vehicle, a controller which switches-over a switch on receiving a voltage signal and a vibration signal, and a timer related to a plurality of voltage thresholds. This is used to keep an appropriate battery charge level in changing the loading condition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to switches. More particularly, it relates to a battery disconnect switch for preventing undesired battery discharge.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Rechargeable batteries used in providing initial energy to start motors in vehicles such as cars, trucks, buses, boats and most lawn mowers are well known. As is also well known, when the vehicle's engine starts running, a generator charges the battery and provides power to energize the vehicle's electrical loading. Electrical loading typically includes various lights, including safety lights and illumination lights, power accessories such as power door locks and windows, and appliances such as radios. When the vehicle's engine is not running, the generator does not generate power and the battery is the only power source. As most drivers experience, the engine is turned off and the load is disconnected from the battery, as in the case of a car, as if the headlights were still on after the engine was turned off. If not, there is a significant risk of battery discharge. In such cases, the battery has insufficient power to restart the vehicle's engine and may discharge to a level that could stall the driver. In addition, battery discharge can lead to sulfidation, thereby reducing battery life. Sulfidation is accompanied by extraordinary sulfate formed on the surface of the battery plate, which prevents the battery plate from being charged due to increased resistance.

Currently, disconnect switches are available to monitor the condition of the battery and to disconnect the battery from the vehicle's electrical load if the battery is discharging at a high or low rate after the engine has been turned off. . However, these devices have the disadvantage that once the battery is disconnected from the vehicle electrical load, the driver must manually reset the engine to start.

[0004]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the problems of the conventional switch, and has a new and improved intelligent switch for preventing battery discharge.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved method for preventing switch and battery discharge.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a new and improved intelligent switch which automatically resets itself after disconnection of the battery so that the driver can restart the vehicle.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a new and improved intelligent switch for preventing a battery from discharging under varying loading conditions.

[0007] In addition, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved intelligent switch for incorporation in a battery.

[0008]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention achieves such an object. An intelligent switch according to the present invention is connected to a battery and controls the flow of current from the battery. A switch configured to switch between a first state to prevent and a second state to allow the flow of current from the battery, and a voltage signal that is connected to the battery and that can display the voltage level of the battery. A voltage monitor with a configuration, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the vehicle and provides a vibration signal that can display it, and is connected to receive the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and the vibration of the vehicle is not detected and the battery The switch is in the first state when the voltage level is below a predetermined voltage threshold, and in the second state when vibration is detected regardless of the voltage level of the battery. And a control device configured to generate a control signal for switching the switch, so as to prevent undesired discharge of the vehicle battery. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the voltage monitor outputs a voltage signal detected by the control device when the voltage from the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold. In the first aspect, the control device is constituted by a central processing unit, and as in the fourth aspect, the control device is constituted by a microprocessor in the first aspect. As described in claim 5, in the description of claim 1, between the time when the voltage level of the battery falls below a predetermined threshold value and the time when the control signal is output from the control device. Giving a constant delay, the control signal oscillations is detected is characterized in that a timer circuit that is not output from the control unit, according to claim 6
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined delay is approximately 30 seconds, and as set forth in the seventh aspect, the switch is configured by a latching relay. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the seventh aspect, the control signal comprises a control pulse, and as in the ninth aspect, the first aspect of the present invention. Wherein the vibration sensor outputs a vibration signal due to the vibration of the vehicle,
As described in claim 10, in the description of claim 9,
The vibration sensor is constituted by a piezoelectric disk or a magnetic sensor, as described in claim 11,
A power management unit for supplying power to a voltage monitor, a vibration sensor, a control device, and a latching relay according to claim 7, wherein the power management unit is provided as described in claim 12. Wherein the predetermined voltage threshold is approximately 12.1 volts,
As described in claim 13, in the description of claim 1,
The battery consists of a plus terminal, intelligent
15. The battery according to claim 14, wherein the switch is connected to the positive terminal and is incorporated in the battery, and the first state and the battery are connected to the battery and prevent current flow from the battery. A switch configured to switch between a second state allowing current flow from the battery and a voltage connected to the battery and configured to provide a low voltage signal when the voltage from the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold. A monitor, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the vehicle and provides a vibration signal that can display it, and is connected to receive the low voltage signal and the vibration signal, and the first state when the vibration of the vehicle is not detected To
And a control device configured to generate a control signal for switching a switch to a second state when vibration is detected, wherein the control device is configured to prevent undesired discharge of a vehicle battery. .

[0009] A new and improved method of preventing battery discharge according to the present invention monitors the voltage level of the battery, provides a voltage signal indicative of the voltage level, and supplies a signal to the vehicle. Vibration is detected, a vibration signal indicating the vibration is detected, the voltage signal and the vibration signal are received, and the vibration of the vehicle is determined based on the voltage signal when the voltage level from the battery falls below a predetermined threshold voltage level. Generating a control signal that is a control signal based on vibration when not detected and that switches a switch to an initial state in order to prevent the flow of current from the battery;
It comprises the steps of generating another control signal to switch to the second state so that current can flow from the battery if the vibration is detected again, thereby causing an undesired discharge of the vehicle battery. It is characterized by preventing, as described in claim 16,
The method according to claim 15, further comprising the step of delaying the generation of the control signal after the voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold value. 20. The method according to claim 19, wherein the delay is approximately 30 seconds, and the switch according to claim 15 is configured by a latching relay. In addition, according to claim 18, the control signal is a control pulse, and as described in claim 20,
The predetermined voltage threshold value is about 12.1 volts.

Still another aspect of the intelligent switch according to the present invention includes a first state in which a battery is connected in a circuit and a current is prevented from flowing from the battery. A switch configured to switch between a second state allowing current to flow, and a voltage monitor connected to the battery and configured to provide a voltage signal indicative of a voltage level of the battery. And the vibration of the vehicle is detected,
A vibration sensor that supplies a vibration signal indicating the vibration, a voltage signal and a vibration signal, and a first state in which vehicle vibration is not detected after the battery voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold, and a vibration state. A control device configured to generate a control signal for switching a switch to a second state when a battery is detected, and a predetermined device in response to a battery voltage level falling below a predetermined voltage threshold. At least one timer configured to start counting the length of time and, after a predetermined length of time, ending, the control device generating said control signal for switching to a first state. 22. The method according to claim 21, wherein the battery of the rechargeable vehicle is prevented from undesirably discharging. , Wherein the control device comprises a microprocessor, wherein the battery comprises a positive terminal and the intelligent switch comprises a positive terminal in the battery as claimed in claim 23. According to a twenty-fourth aspect of the present invention, the switch is constituted by a latching relay, and the switch is constituted by a latching relay. Item 21 is characterized in that the vibration sensor is constituted by a piezoelectric disk or a magnetic sensor. As described in Item 26, according to Item 24, the voltage monitor, the vibration sensor, and at least one of the control device Characterized by having a timer and a latching relay,
According to a twenty-seventh aspect, in the twenty-first aspect, the battery is a battery for starting an engine of a vehicle, and as in the twenty-eighth aspect, the battery according to the twenty-first aspect, A first part for mainly starting the vehicle engine and a second part for mainly supplying electric power to the vehicle, and a voltage monitor is provided for the first and second battery parts. 30. The invention as claimed in claim 29, wherein the connected intelligent switch includes first and second switches connected in circuit with the top and second components, respectively. 28, wherein after the first battery component drops below the first predetermined voltage threshold, the first switch is turned off to an initial state if no vehicle vibration is detected. A first control signal for obtaining a second battery component voltage below a second predetermined voltage threshold lower than the first predetermined voltage threshold. When you go down,
Characterized in that it is configured to generate a second control signal for switching the second switch to the first state,
As in claim 30, the first and second predetermined voltage thresholds are each approximately 1
2.8 volts and 10.8 volts,
As in claim 31, the control device is configured with at least two of the predetermined voltage thresholds and an intelligent switch is associated with each of the predetermined voltage thresholds. Although having the one timer, the first of the timers is for counting a relatively long time length corresponding to a predetermined voltage threshold that is a relatively high predetermined voltage threshold, and The second of the timers is for counting a relatively short predetermined length of time corresponding to a relatively low predetermined voltage threshold, as described in claim 32,
34. The method according to claim 33, wherein the control device is configured to generate the control signal when one of the predetermined time lengths is measured to the end. 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the control device is configured with the five predetermined voltage thresholds and associated with a higher voltage threshold that is longer than a predetermined amount of time associated with the lower voltage threshold. 35. The method as recited in claim 34, including the one timer associated with each predetermined voltage threshold for the intelligent switch to measure a predetermined length of time taken. In the description, when the battery voltage level rises again above a predetermined voltage threshold associated with the timer, the measurement is stopped and the battery voltage level is associated with the timer. A timer for restarting the measurement when the voltage falls below a predetermined voltage threshold, wherein the timer restarts the measurement from where the measurement was stopped, and a time corresponding to the remaining length of the predetermined time associated with the timer. Wherein the timer is configured to measure the length of, and as described in claim 35, in the description of claim 21,
The at least one timer comprises a count down timer, wherein the predetermined time length is measured to the end according to claim 34, as described in claim 36, A control device is configured to generate the control signal.

In addition, another new and improved method of preventing battery discharge according to the present invention monitors the voltage level of the battery and provides a voltage signal indicative of the voltage level. Detects the vibration of the vehicle, supplies a vibration signal to display it, receives the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and when the voltage level from the battery drops below a predetermined threshold voltage level when there is no vibration of the vehicle. A control signal is generated based on a voltage signal that switches the switch to the first state in order to prevent the flow of current from the battery, and when the vibration is detected again, the switch is turned on so that the current can flow from the battery. Comprising the steps of generating another control signal for switching to the second state to prevent unwanted discharge of the vehicle's battery. The method according to claim 38, further comprising the step of causing a delay in the generation of the control signal after the voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold value. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein the step of delaying comprises increasing an initial predetermined amount of time when a voltage level from the battery drops below an initial predetermined threshold voltage level. When the voltage level from the battery drops below the second, relatively lower predetermined threshold voltage level before the control signal is generated and before the control signal is generated, the second relatively shorter predetermined time period is set. 40. The method according to claim 39, further comprising: starting a measurement.
, A control signal is generated when one of the predetermined time lengths is measured to the end.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS A preferred embodiment of the present invention is an intelligent switch that prevents unwanted discharge of a vehicle battery. Intelligent switches are
The battery includes a switch connected to the battery, the switch configured to switch between a first state that blocks current flow from the battery and a second state that allows current flow from the battery. The voltage monitor is connected to the battery and is configured to provide a voltage signal indicating a voltage level of the battery. The vibration sensor is configured to detect vibration of the vehicle and provide a vibration signal indicating the vibration. The control device receives the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and when the vibration of the vehicle is not detected and the voltage level of the battery is lower than the predetermined voltage threshold, the vibration is detected in the first state regardless of the voltage level of the battery. The case is connected to generate a control signal for switching the switch to the second state.

In a particular aspect of the invention, the voltage monitor is configured to output a voltage signal detected by the controller when the voltage from the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold.

In another aspect of the present invention, the control device includes:
A central processing unit, especially a microprocessor, provides a predetermined delay between when the voltage level falls below a predetermined threshold value and when a control signal is output from the control device, and when a vibration is detected, the control signal is transmitted from the control device. It consists of a timer circuit that is not output.

The battery includes a first component for primarily starting a vehicle engine and a second component for supplying power primarily to the vehicle electrical load and being connectable in parallel with the first component. A voltage monitor is connected to the battery components. An intelligent switch configured for use in connection with the battery,
It includes said first and second switches respectively connected in circuit with first and second battery components. The control device is configured to perform a first control for switching the first switch to the first state when the vehicle vibration is not detected and the voltage level of the battery components connected in parallel falls below the first predetermined voltage threshold. It is configured to generate a signal. The controller is configured to switch the second switch to the initial state when vehicle vibration is not detected and the voltage level of the second battery component drops below a second, relatively lower predetermined voltage threshold. Generate a second control signal.

In order to protect the battery from discharging under different drain conditions, the controller is configured with at least two predetermined current thresholds. The intelligent switch includes at least two timers associated with the predetermined voltage threshold. The first of the timers measures a relatively long predetermined time corresponding to a relatively high predetermined voltage threshold, and the second timer measures a relatively short predetermined time corresponding to a relatively low predetermined voltage threshold. Measure a predetermined time.

A control device having a plurality of voltage thresholds and a plurality of timers has the ability to more accurately measure the state of discharge of a battery. According to one aspect of the invention, the control device comprises five said predetermined voltage thresholds. The intelligent switch includes a timer associated with each predetermined voltage threshold for measuring a respective predetermined time, the length of which increases or decreases according to the corresponding voltage threshold.

Advantageously, the timer stops measuring when the battery voltage level rises above a predetermined voltage threshold, and provides a timer for the unmeasured portion of the battery voltage level for a predetermined length of time. Then, when the voltage falls below the predetermined voltage threshold again, the measurement is continued. The control device is configured to generate the control signal for switching the switch to the initial state when any of the predetermined lengths has been measured to the end.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a method for preventing undesired battery discharge for a vehicle comprises the following steps. Monitors the voltage level of the battery, supplies a voltage signal indicating the voltage level, detects vibration of the vehicle and supplies a vibration signal indicating it, receives the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and sets the voltage level from the battery to a predetermined voltage threshold A control signal based on a voltage signal when the voltage falls below, and a control signal based on the vibration signal when vehicle vibration is not detected, and control for switching a switch to a first state to prevent a flow of current from a battery. It comprises the steps of generating a signal and generating another control signal for switching the switch to the second state to allow current to flow from the battery if vibration is detected again. Further, the method includes the step of providing a first relatively long predetermined amount of time if the voltage level from the battery falls below an initial, relatively high predetermined threshold voltage level before the control signal is generated. Initiating the measurement and initiating a second, relatively short predetermined period of time when the voltage level from the battery drops below a second, relatively low predetermined threshold voltage level. Consists of The control signal is generated when a predetermined length of time is measured to the end. Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Referring to FIG. 1, an intelligent switch 10 is shown incorporated within a battery 12 via an internal switch box 13 and connected to a plus terminal 13A and a minus terminal 13B. Alternatively, however, the intelligent switch 10 could be replaced by a battery 12 such as an external switch box (not shown).
Can be connected to the battery 12 via an electric wire (also not shown). Although intelligent switch 10 is shown for use in connection with vehicle electrical system 14, such as a 12 volt system, the intelligent switch can be utilized with other suitable electrical systems that use batteries. Will be understood. The vehicle electrical system 14 includes cars, trucks,
It can be used with buses, watercraft, lawnmowers and the like.

Electrical system 14 transfers mechanical energy from a vehicle motor (not shown) to loading 18 of electrical system 14.
And a generator 16 that converts the electric energy into useful electric energy for applying energy to the electric power. The load 18 comprises an ignition system 20, headlights 22 and accessories 24. The ignition system 20 can include a main coil and a spark plug (both not shown), as is well known.
Accessories 24 may include additional electronic devices such as radios or GPS navigation systems.

Additionally, a starter 26 is provided for cranking a vehicle motor (not shown) in a well-known manner. The earth 28 includes the battery 12 and the generator 1
6. Complete the circuit between the load 18 and the starter 26.

Referring to FIG. 2, an intelligent switch according to the present invention is shown generally at 10.
The intelligent switch 10 is connected to the positive terminal 13A of the battery 12 via the switch 30, and includes a vibration detection unit 32, a control device 34, and a battery voltage monitor 36. The power management unit 38 controls the appropriate voltage and current with the switch 30, the vibration detection unit 32, the controller 34, and the battery voltage monitor 36.
Can be provided. The power management unit 38 includes a well-known regulator,
2 and connected to receive power from input 40.
The output 42 of the power management unit 38 is a line 44, respectively.
Power is supplied to the vibration detection unit 32, the controller 34 and the battery voltage monitor 36, as represented by 46 and 48. When an additional lead 49 is provided and the battery 12 discharges to a low voltage level and the switch 30 is open, the power management unit 38 functions via an additional power source such as the vehicle generator 16 (FIG. 1). Can be provided.

The battery voltage monitor 36 includes an input 50 from the battery 12, and in the preferred embodiment, the low voltage level of the battery 12 is approximately 12.1.
It functions to output a voltage signal on line 52 when it falls below a predetermined threshold of 0 volts. Battery voltage monitor
Any suitable device that fulfills the above functions may be used, but a voltage reference device sold by SCS Thomson is preferred. Battery voltage monitor 36 comprises, for example, a solid state circuit including a comparator and an analog-to-digital (A / D) converter.

The switch 30 is shown in an open state, and functions to switch between an open state and a closed state based on a control signal input via line 54.
It preferably comprises a FET latching relay. Upon receiving an electrical pulse, switch 30 is switched from one state to another and remains there until another electrical pulse is received. The latching relay is preferably an electric machine sold by Glory Win International Group.

The vibration sensing unit 32 is operable to sense and identify vibration while the vehicle is driving or while driving. In particular, the vibration sensing unit 32 senses vibration of an engine or the like while a vehicle door is open, a driver gets into the vehicle, and / or a running vehicle, and provides a vibration signal output via a line 56. If there is a vibration signal, it is desirable to indicate that vibration is being sensed. The vibration detection unit 32 may be composed of a device suitable for vibration detection, such as a piezoelectric disk or a magnetic sensor arranged to convert a mechanical force into electric energy. Examples of magnetic sensors useful in the practice of the present invention include, for example, magnetic field strength sensors for sensing vibrations within the strength of the magnetic field caused by physical vibration or movement of a magnet, or electromagnetic coupling that vibrates or moves individually. Includes a device for measuring vibrations in the mutual inductance between the coils.

The controller 34 receives inputs from both the battery voltage monitor 36 and the vibration sensing unit 32 and, for example, drives a MOSFET which sends a control signal in the form of an electrical control pulse to the switch 30 via line 54 to the switch 30. It preferably comprises a central processing unit, such as a microprocessor, programmed to output. Switch 3
Additional circuitry can be used to form or otherwise provide an appropriate control signal to zero. Control device 34
Preferably comprises a microprocessor manufactured by SCS Thomson, but instead the controller 34 comprises a solid-state electronic circuit comprising, for example, one or more comparators and / or one or more electronic gates other than the processor. It will be understood that it can also be.

[0028] Timer 58 can be optionally used to provide a delay of approximately thirty seconds, as discussed below. Although the timer 58 is in communication with the controller 34 via the communication line 60, it will be appreciated that the controller 34 may comprise an embedded timer. Furthermore,
When the control device comprises a microprocessor, the function of the timer can be given via firmware or the like.

In operation, the controller 34 controls the line 52
And input from the vibration sensing unit 32 via line 56. When the vehicle is stopped, the vibration detection unit 32 stops providing the vibration signal to the control device 34. When the voltage falls below a threshold voltage of approximately 12.1 volts, battery voltage monitor 52 provides a low voltage signal to controller 34.
The controller provides a control pulse to switch 30 after approximately a 30 second delay from timer 58. Thus, switch 30 changes from the closed state to the open state, preventing the flow of current from battery 12 to vehicle load 18 (FIG. 1). At this time, the control device 34 continuously monitors the vibration detection unit 32. Upon receiving a vibration signal from the vibration sensing unit, the controller 34 sends another control pulse that switches the switch 30 to the closed state to enable energy transfer from the battery 12 to the load 18 shown in FIG.

This intelligent switch 10
By protecting the battery 12 from damage due to discharge and cutting the battery 12 according to certain cutting criteria,
The battery 12 is used to ensure that it always has enough power to start the vehicle. The state of charge of the battery 12 is used as a disconnection criterion itself, and one of the methods for determining the state of charge is measurement of the output voltage of the battery 12. However, the output voltage is not directly proportional to the state of charge of the battery 12. In different loading states, the terminal voltage is different from the same charging state of the battery 12.

For example, in the case of a small load (discharge at 0.2 A) such as an in-car radio that consumes 50% of the battery capacity, the terminal voltage can be reduced to 12.4 V. On the other hand, for large loads such as headlights (discharge at 30 A) that consume 50% of the battery capacity, the terminal voltage is 1
It is reduced to 1.8V.

Using a single voltage threshold or reference level to disconnect the battery 12, for example 12.1V as described above, the remaining battery capacity will vary depending on different loading conditions. 1 with load of 0.2A
When set to a relatively high level, such as 2.4V, the remaining battery capacity after disconnection, as expected, is about 5
There is 0%, but with a load of 30A, the remaining battery capacity after disconnection is around 80%, indicating a premature disconnection of power for the user. On the other hand, if the voltage reference level is set to a relatively low level such as 11.8 V with a load of 30 A, the remaining battery capacity after disconnection is about 50% as expected,
At a load of 0.2 A, the battery will undergo significant discharge at the same terminal voltage.

Therefore, it is not practical to use a single voltage reference level to conserve battery capacity at 50% for various loading conditions after disconnection. It is desirable to use more than one or more voltage reference levels to supply different loading currents. In order to improve the implementation of the described embodiment, five voltage reference levels are preset in the controller 34, and furthermore, five countdown timers are provided for measuring different lengths of time. It is incorporated in the control device 34 according to the reference level. The length of the timer is longer for higher voltage reference levels. Typical battery 12
An example of a timer length associated with a loading current different from the voltage reference level setting for the model of is shown in FIG. 5, where the length of the timer is in the same order as the corresponding voltage threshold. Increase or decrease. It should be noted that such settings may vary for different capacity and / or different electrical loading batteries.

In operation, when the battery voltage drops below the voltage reference level, the corresponding timer starts counting down. When any of the five timers counts to zero, switch 30 disconnects battery 12.
The timer continues counting even if the battery voltage falls below the next lower voltage reference level.

In the situation where the battery 12 is being discharged at a loading current of 0.2 A, the battery voltage drops slowly. 11. Battery voltage is the first voltage reference level
When it drops below 4375V, the first timer starts counting down 22 hours. With the same discharge current (discharge rate), the battery 12 is disconnected by the switch 30 at the end of 22 hours. At this time, the maximum capacity is about 50
% Remains in the battery 12 as it is. It should be noted that the battery voltage is next lower by the end of 22 hours, ie, does not reach the second voltage reference level.

For example, in a different situation where the battery 12 is being discharged at a loading current of 1.0 A, the battery voltage drops faster than at a loading condition of 0.2 A. When the battery voltage falls below the initial voltage reference level, the 22 hour timer starts counting down. Due to the faster voltage drop rate, the battery voltage drops below the second voltage reference level of 12.3125V before the first timer expires. When the battery voltage falls below the second voltage reference level, the second timer starts counting down 5.5 hours. It should be noted that the first timer continues to count even after the second timer has started counting down. Even though the discharge current remains the same, the battery 12 will be disconnected at the end of 5.5 hours. At this time, about 50% of the maximum capacity remains in the battery 12 as it is.

When the discharge current of the battery is 3.3 A, the battery voltage is set to the third voltage reference level of 12.1875 V
When it falls below, the third timer starts counting down 24 minutes. When the timer expires, the battery 12 is disconnected, saving approximately 50% of the maximum capacity. When the discharge current is 10 A, when the battery voltage falls below the fourth voltage reference level 12.125 V, the fourth timer starts and counts down for 5 minutes, at the end of which the battery 12 is disconnected. When the battery voltage drops below 12 V while the battery 12 continues to be discharged at a current greater than 25 A, the fifth timer starts operating,
Count down 10 seconds before the battery 12 is disconnected.

This intelligent switch allows the user to switch on the radio (discharge at 0.2 A) and to automatically switch on and off the cooling fan (1).
It also responds to changing loading conditions, such as switching between small and large loading currents, such as 0 A drainage. The first timer starts when the battery voltage drops below the first voltage reference level (12.4375V). When the cooling fan is switched on, the battery voltage will rapidly rise to the second level (12.3125V), then to the third level (12.1875V), then to the fourth level (1.
2.125V) and the second, third, and fourth timers begin counting down at different times.

If the cooling fan is switched off for a certain length of time, for example three minutes after the moment when the fourth timer starts running, the battery voltage stops dropping and the fourth, third and second voltage references Ascend slowly through the levels in chronological order. The timers stop counting when the battery voltage rises again to the corresponding level, but the measured value of each timer is not settled. The measured number is useful for indicating or recording how much power is drained from the battery 12.

Thereafter, the switch of the cooling fan is, for example, 1
After 0 minutes, and when the battery voltage drops again below the respective next lower voltage reference level, the corresponding timer starts counting from the previously stopped and stopped value. When the battery voltage subsequently drops below the fourth voltage reference level, the fourth timer begins counting down only those two minutes that have not been counted by the fourth timer because three minutes have already been measured earlier. 2
At the end of the minute, the battery is disconnected and the battery 12
Stores about 50% of the maximum capacity.

All timers are set to charge 13 volts per minute as a result of the vehicle's engine restart.
As described above, after being charged above a predetermined high voltage level and charged for a predetermined time, the battery is automatically reset.

Finally, reference is made to FIG. 6 and FIG. The subject intelligent switch in connection with the electrical system 14 described above can be extended to 12-cell lead-acid batteries consisting of two components connected in parallel. The first part of the battery acts as crank battery 12A and the second part acts as auxiliary battery 12B. The crank battery 12A is primarily designed to supply a very large current to start the vehicle, and the auxiliary battery 12B is used to power the long cycle accessories while the vehicle charging system is not running. Primarily designed to withstand consumption.

Another embodiment of the intelligent switch 10A is illustrated in FIGS. The intelligent switch 10A is very similar in shape to the original switch 10 and has equivalent parts indicated by the same reference numbers. Intelligent switch 10A
Is a pair of starting and accessory latching relay switches 30A and 30A to disconnect respective loads from crank battery 12A and auxiliary battery 12B, respectively.
B is incorporated. Switch 30A and switch 30B
Are represented as being able to enter via the same line 54, but are responsive to a unique control signal provided by the controller 34 for independent switching. Alternatively, another line 54 can be used for a controller that switches the corresponding switch 30A or 30B, respectively.

There are two batteries 12A and 12B, and separate switches 30A and 3B to control them.
Because 0B is used, two lines 40A and 40B
(Corresponding to line 40 described above) is included to provide battery power to power management unit 38. For the same reason, two lines 50A and 50B (corresponding to line 50 described above) are included for a battery voltage monitor 36 that monitors the output voltage of batteries 12A and 12B.

The intelligent switch 10A is used to protect both the crank battery 12A and the auxiliary battery 12B, which are connected in parallel in use, from damage due to overdischarge. The intelligent switch also uses a crank switch to start the vehicle.
Sufficient power is stored in the battery 12A. The start switch 30A is opened each time the vehicle stops with the engine stopped so that the crank battery 12A can always have sufficient power.

The battery voltage monitor 36 constantly monitors the voltages of the auxiliary battery and the crank batteries 12A and 12B. When the terminal voltage of the interconnected batteries 12A and 12B rises above 13.0V, the vehicle starts running and the vehicle's generator 16 generates power and a start and auxiliary switch 30A to enable charging of the batteries 12A and 12B. And 30B are both closed. Terminal voltage of batteries 12A and 12B is 12.8
V, and if the generator 16 does not produce electricity,
Vehicle electric loading 18 to crank battery 12A
After a delay of, for example, 30 seconds to disconnect the start switch 30A, the start switch 30A switches to open. The crank battery 12A is automatically reconnected by detecting the vibration at the time of vehicle restart.

The intelligent switch 10A always ensures that the crank battery 12A has sufficient power stored for vehicle start-up, so that the crank battery 12A is always maintained at a high state of charge. Protection from over-discharge damage.

The auxiliary battery 12B supplies electric power for operating the electric load 18. The intelligent switch 10A also protects the auxiliary battery 12B from damage due to overdischarge. When the vehicle shuts off with the engine off and the crank battery 12A is disconnected, the battery voltage monitor 36 activates the auxiliary battery 1
Monitor the status of 2 continuously. When the headlight or radio is turned on, the remaining battery capacity drops to a predetermined value, for example, 10.8 V, and the battery voltage monitor 36 detects this and sends a signal to the control device 34 to open the auxiliary switch 30B. Then, the auxiliary battery 12B is disconnected after a delay of, for example, 30 seconds. If the battery voltage is at risk of returning to a level higher than the predetermined value before the time delay ends, the controller 34 does not disconnect the auxiliary battery 12B.

When the crank battery 12A is driven to store enough power to start the vehicle, the auxiliary battery 12B does not need to hold excess power. 5% to 10% of maximum capacity
Only a small percentage need be saved to protect the auxiliary battery 12B from damage due to overdischarge. Thereby, the auxiliary battery 12B
The capacity of the vehicle can be fully utilized by the user of the vehicle.

Start switch and auxiliary switches 30A and 30
When B is both open and vibration is detected, controller 34 first closes start switch 30A and connects crank battery 30B to start the vehicle. After the vehicle has started, the crank battery 12A is charged by the vehicle's generator 16. When the voltage of the crank battery 12A rises to a predetermined level (for example, 13V), the auxiliary switch 30B is thereafter closed, and the auxiliary battery 12B and the crank battery 12A are simultaneously closed.
Charging becomes possible.

While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment. Rather, the intention is to cover all various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0052]

As can be understood from the above description, the intelligent switch for a battery according to the present invention can switch the current from the battery to off or on with respect to the electric load, can display the voltage level of the battery, and A voltage monitor capable of outputting a voltage signal, a vibration sensor capable of detecting and displaying vibration of the vehicle, and capable of outputting a vibration signal; a control device connected to receive the voltage signal and the vibration signal; A timer associated with a voltage threshold, wherein the switch is off when the control device does not detect vehicle vibration and the battery voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold; and Switches on when vibration is detected regardless of battery voltage level For example, after the engine of the car is turned off, the electric load and the battery are automatically cut off, so that the forgetting of disconnection between the electric load and the battery is eliminated and the consumption of the battery is prevented, so that the engine is restarted. Battery life is prolonged, and the switch is automatically reset by detecting the vibration that occurs when opening and closing the door of the car or when the driver enters the car,
This eliminates the need to manually reset the switch.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an electrical system for a vehicle incorporating the intelligent switch for a battery of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows the intelligent battery for the battery shown in FIG.
It is a functional block diagram of a switch, and a part is schematic.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the intelligent switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of another embodiment of the intelligent switch of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a table showing the loading state and the relationship between voltage reference level and length of time for one embodiment of the intelligent switch according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of the intelligent switch according to the present invention, a part of which is a schematic diagram;

FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram of another embodiment of the intelligent switch according to the present invention;

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Intelligent switch 12 Battery 13 Internal switch box 13A Positive battery terminal 13B Negative battery terminal 14 Electric system 16 Generator 18 Loading 20 Ignition system 22 Headlight 24 Accessories 26 Starter 28 Ground 30 Latching relay 34 Control device 36 Battery Voltage monitor 38 Voltage management unit 40-49 wires 50 input 52 wires 58 timer 32 vibration detection unit 42 output 44 wires 46 wires 48 wires 49 Lead wire 12A Crank battery 12B Auxiliary battery 30A switch 30B switch

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5G003 AA07 BA01 BA02 DA13 DA18 EA06 GC04 GC05 5H030 AA04 AA08 AS08 BB21 FF44 FF52

Claims (40)

[Claims] A switch connected to the battery and configured to switch between a first state for preventing a flow of current from the battery and a second state for allowing a flow of current from the battery; A voltage monitor that is connected and provides a voltage signal that can display the voltage level of the battery, a vibration sensor that detects the vibration of the vehicle and provides a vibration signal that can display it, a voltage signal and a vibration signal The first state is established when vibration of the vehicle is not detected and the voltage level of the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold, and the second state is detected when vibration is detected regardless of the voltage level of the battery. And a control device configured to generate a control signal for switching a switch to a state to prevent unwanted discharge of a vehicle battery. An intelligent switch, characterized in that 2. The voltage monitor according to claim 1, wherein the voltage monitor outputs a voltage signal detected by the control device when the voltage from the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold.
The described intelligent switch. 3. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a central processing unit. 4. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, wherein the control device comprises a microprocessor. 5. A predetermined delay is provided between a time when the voltage level of the battery falls below a predetermined threshold value and a time when a control signal is output from the control device, and the control signal is controlled when vibration is detected. 2. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, further comprising a timer circuit that is not output from the device. 6. The intelligent switch according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined delay is approximately 30 seconds. 7. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, wherein the switch comprises a latching relay. 8. The intelligent switch according to claim 7, wherein the control signal comprises a control pulse. 9. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, wherein the vibration sensor outputs a vibration signal according to vibration of the vehicle. 10. The intelligent switch according to claim 9, wherein the vibration sensor comprises a piezoelectric disk or a magnetic sensor. 11. A power management unit for supplying power to a voltage monitor, a vibration sensor, a control device, and a latching relay.
The described intelligent switch. 12. The intelligent switch according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined voltage threshold is approximately 12.1 volts. 13. The battery of claim 1, wherein the battery comprises a positive terminal and the intelligent switch is connected to the positive terminal and incorporated in the battery.
The described intelligent switch. 14. A switch connected to the battery and configured to switch between a first state for preventing a flow of current from the battery and a second state for allowing a flow of current from the battery; A voltage monitor configured to provide a low-voltage signal when the voltage from the battery falls below a predetermined voltage threshold, and a vibration sensor configured to detect a vehicle vibration and provide a vibration signal capable of displaying the vibration. Connected to receive a low-voltage signal and a vibration signal, and generate a control signal for switching a switch to a first state when vibration of the vehicle is not detected and to a second state when vibration is detected. An intelligent switch comprising: a control device configured to prevent undesired discharge of a vehicle battery. . 15. Monitoring the voltage level of the battery, supplying a voltage signal indicating the voltage level, detecting vibration of the vehicle, supplying a vibration signal indicating the same, receiving the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and receiving the voltage signal and the vibration signal from the battery. Control signal based on a voltage signal when the voltage level of the vehicle falls below a predetermined threshold voltage level, and based on vibration when vehicle vibration is not detected. Generating a control signal to switch the switch to the state of, and generating another control signal to switch the switch to the second state so that current can flow from the battery if vibration is detected again. And preventing undesired discharge of the vehicle's battery. 16. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of delaying generation of the control signal after the voltage level drops below a predetermined voltage threshold value. 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the delay is approximately 30 seconds. 18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the switch comprises a latching relay. 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein the control signal is a control pulse. 20. The method of claim 20, wherein the predetermined voltage threshold value is approximately 12.1.
The method according to claim 15, wherein the bolt is a bolt. 21. A first state in which a battery is connected in a circuit and prevents flow of current from the battery;
A switch configured to switch between a second state allowing current to flow from the battery, and a switch connected to the battery and configured to provide a voltage signal indicating a voltage level of the battery. A voltage monitor, a vibration sensor that detects vibration of the vehicle and supplies a vibration signal to display the voltage monitor, receives the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and detects the vibration of the vehicle after the battery voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold. A control device configured to generate a control signal to switch between a first state when not detected and a second state when vibration is detected; and a voltage of the battery below a predetermined voltage threshold. In response to the level drop, the control unit starts counting a predetermined time period, and when the predetermined time period ends, the control device switches to the first state. It said control signal and at least one of the timers which are arranged to generate, consists, intelligent switch, characterized in that so as to prevent undesired discharging of rechargeable vehicle battery for switching. 22. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein the control device comprises a microprocessor. 23. The battery comprises a positive terminal,
22. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein the intelligent switch is incorporated in the battery into a positive terminal. 24. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein the switch comprises a latching relay. 25. The vibration sensor according to claim 21, wherein the vibration sensor comprises a piezoelectric disk or a magnetic sensor.
The described intelligent switch. 26. A voltage monitor, a vibration sensor,
The intelligent switch of claim 24, further comprising a controller, at least one timer and a latching relay. 27. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein the battery is a battery for starting a vehicle engine. 28. A vehicle comprising: a first component for mainly starting an engine of a vehicle; and a second component for mainly supplying power to an electric load of the vehicle. 22. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein a voltage monitor is connected to the first switch and the intelligent switch includes first and second switches connected in circuit with the top and second components, respectively. ·switch. 29. Generating an initial control signal for switching a first switch to an initial state if vehicle vibration is not detected after the first battery component drops below an initial predetermined voltage threshold; and Thereafter, when the vehicle vibration is not detected and the voltage level of the second battery component falls below a second predetermined voltage threshold lower than the first predetermined voltage threshold, the second switch is turned to the first state. 29. The intelligent switch of claim 28, wherein the intelligent switch is configured to generate a second control signal for switching to a second control signal. 30. The intelligent switch of claim 29, wherein the first and second predetermined voltage thresholds are approximately 12.8 volts and 10.8 volts, respectively. 31. A controller comprising at least two of said predetermined voltage thresholds and wherein said intelligent switch comprises said one timer associated with each of said predetermined voltage thresholds, The first of the timers is for counting a relatively long time corresponding to a predetermined voltage threshold that is a relatively high predetermined voltage threshold, and the second of the timers is relatively 22. The intelligent switch of claim 21, for counting a relatively short predetermined amount of time corresponding to a low predetermined voltage threshold. 32. The intelligent switch of claim 31, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal when one of a predetermined length of time is measured to completion. 33. A controller configured with said five predetermined voltage thresholds, wherein a predetermined time associated with a higher voltage threshold is greater than a predetermined time associated with a lower voltage threshold. Intelligent length of time
22. The intelligent switch of claim 21, wherein the switch includes the one timer associated with each predetermined voltage threshold for measuring. 34. When the voltage level of the battery rises again above a predetermined voltage threshold associated with the timer,
A timer for stopping the measurement and restarting the measurement when the battery voltage level falls below a predetermined voltage threshold value associated with the timer, wherein the measurement is resumed from where the measurement was stopped, and 3. The timer according to claim 2, wherein the timer measures a length of time corresponding to the remaining predetermined time.
The intelligent switch according to 1. 35. The intelligent switch according to claim 21, wherein said at least one timer comprises a count down timer. 36. The intelligent switch of claim 34, wherein the controller is configured to generate the control signal when a predetermined length of time has been measured to completion. 37. Monitoring the voltage level of the battery, supplying a voltage signal indicating the voltage level, detecting the vibration of the vehicle, supplying a vibration signal indicating the vibration, receiving the voltage signal and the vibration signal, and receiving the voltage signal and the vibration signal from the battery. Generating a control signal based on a voltage signal that switches a switch to a first state to prevent current flow from the battery when the voltage level falls below a predetermined threshold voltage level when there is no vehicle vibration. Prevents undesired discharge of the vehicle's battery by generating additional control signals to switch the switch to the second state so that current can flow from the battery when vibration is detected again A method characterized in that: 38. The method according to claim 37, further comprising the step of delaying the generation of the control signal after the voltage level drops below a predetermined voltage threshold value. 39. The method according to claim 39, wherein the delaying comprises: starting to measure an initial predetermined length of time when a voltage level from the battery falls below a first predetermined threshold voltage level; and The voltage level from the second,
39. The method of claim 38, further comprising: starting measuring a second relatively short predetermined amount of time when falling below a relatively low predetermined threshold voltage level. 40. The method of claim 39, wherein a control signal is generated when one of a predetermined length of time is measured to completion.