MXPA97004362A - Improved proof device for alternator / starter - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved alternator / starter test device includes an electronic voltage regulator (ER) to regulate the output of an externally regulated alternator (A1). A selectable load switch (SW4) allows so-called "high output" alternators to be tested without damaging the voltage regulator. For certain types of internally regulated alternators, the test device includes a meter connection circuit, coupled with an "energized" switch of the test device, which operates or operates to detect the test meter (M1) for a period of time. that the energized switch (SW8) is temporarily depressed to supply power to an internally regulated alternator (A1) that is being tested, thus preventing the alteration of the test results if a defective alternator is tested. The internal thermal circuit breakers (CB1, CB2, CB3) are provided at strategic locations on the test device to avoid damage to the internal circuit due to defective alternators and starters. A delayed-shutdown timer circuit (TM1; Figure 2) disconnects the starter (ST) energy being tested, after a predetermined period of time in order to avoid damage to the starter due to a proven excess

Description

IMPROVED PROOF DEVICE FOR ALTERNATOR / STARTER 1. Technical Field This invention relates generally to test devices for automotive alternators and starters. In particular, the invention provides an improved test device that overcomes the problems of conventional testers. 2j_ Related information Conventional testing devices for automotive alternators and starters are well known. These testers operate by mechanically connecting an alternator with a tester, igniting an engine that causes the alternator to turn and, measuring in a meter the output voltage generated by the alternator that is being tested. The starters are tested by electrically connecting the starter to the tester, providing power to the starter and, measuring the current flowing through the starter. Because the testing functions of alternators and starters are often combined in a single device, these testers will be referred to hereinafter as "testers of the bleeder / starter". Many alternator / starter testers P438 conventional problems such as for example the non-reliability, the inaccuracy or alteration in the results of the test and damage caused to the starters by a prolonged test. For example, conventional alternator / starter testers that employ mechanical voltage regulators to provide voltage regulation during alternator testing are easily damaged due to repeated testing with defective alternators, necessitating frequent repairs. However, to date the use of electronic voltage regulators in these test devices has been problematic or impossible. As another example, conventional alternator / starter testers that provide an "energized" switch to apply voltage to the internal voltage regulator of certain alternators may cause the test meter to show or exhibit altered results when testing a defective alternator. . To avoid this problem, instructions or special training is needed to inform the operators of the test devices to discard or disregard the altered meter reading during the "energized" period. As another example, conventional alternator / starter testers fail to provide adequate protection to the internal circuit to prevent certain parts of the tester from being destroyed by alternators or by faulty starters. As a final example, many starters can be damaged due to a prolonged test, however, conventional testing devices do not prevent an operator or an inexperienced customer from testing a starter for more than a few seconds, resulting in possible damage to the starter. As a result of the above and other problems and disadvantages, conventional alternator / starter testers are unreliable, difficult to operate and can provide altered test results.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention solves the aforementioned problems by providing an improved tester, which includes, in various combinations, four improvement features. Each one is summarized below. Electronic regulator for externally regulated alternators. Alternators can generally be classified into two types: (1) those that have an internal voltage regulator, - and (2) those that require an external regulator in the car to regulate their output voltage. When testing this last type of alternator, the same tester must provide voltage regulation. Conventional test devices use a mechanical voltage regulator based on the same design as that used in many older automobiles. These mechanical regulators are easily damaged due to repeated testing with defective alternators. For example, the contact points wear out due to overheating, resulting in an eventual failure. In addition, the output produced by these regulators leads to undesirable or inaccurate characteristics of the meter, due to the "brincoteos of the needle" caused by the mechanical vibration of the regulator. However, until now it has been almost impossible to use electronic voltage regulators because sometimes the polarity of the regulators must be switched (impossible with the electronic regulators) and, because the older alternators require a selectable capacity of 12 volts. of 6 volt. Most of the most recent alternators do not require the capacity of 6 volts, nor do they require inverted polarity. A first improvement involves replacing the mechanical regulator of the voltage in the tester with an electronic 12 volt voltage regulator. Additionally, a new switch is provided that allows the so-called "high extraction" alternators that extract from 8 to 12 amperes. If this alternator is connected to the tester, this switch is manually operated to reduce the voltage to the electronic regulator, which prevents it from being damaged. The energized switch is selectively decoupled from the test meter. Conventional testers include an "energized" switch that must be temporarily depressed to apply 12 volts to the battery posts of certain types of internally regulated alternators (specifically, "CS type" alternators).; these alternators only need to be "energized" for about 2 seconds until the internal regulator turns on). However, if this switch is depressed when a defective alternator is mounted in the tester, the test meter will incorrectly show favorable test results. In this way, an operator who mistakenly presses this switch and obtains a favorable measurement reading (or the one that is evaluating the meter while pressing the switch) can be tricked. Thus, a second improvement includes the coupling of the switch of the energized switch to a circuit of disconnection of the meter, so that when the energized switch is pressed, the meter is disconnected. When released to the energized switch, the meter will again be collected to the test circuit and will provide a correct reading. Internal thermal cut-outs. Conventional testers do not include protection to prevent certain parts of the tester from being destroyed by faulty alternators or starters. For example, when the "energized" switch is depressed, supplying 12 volts to an alternator under test, a defective alternator can result in overloads of the internal circuit of the tester, possibly resulting in the failure of the tester. Similarly, if a test alternator contains short-circuit field windings, certain internal circuits may be damaged when the alternator is tested. A third improvement includes inserting internal thermal circuit breakers in at least two locations in the circuit. One, attached to the energized switch, to withdraw or cut the power of the switch if an excessive current flows through the switch and, another, in the circuit that flows through the field windings of the alternator. These circuit breakers are preferably mounted internally (instead of being externally accessible) Delayed shutdown timer Many starters can be damaged by excessive testing, P 38 this way, for example, if a new starter is attached to the tester and repeatedly rotated during the test, the same starter can be damaged. However, conventional testers allow an operator to test a starter as long as desired. In this way, there is no way to avoid unintended or careless operators from damaging a starter. A fourth improvement includes the addition of a delay timer circuit that will only allow a fixed period of time to pass when a starter is tested. After the fixed period of time (for example, three seconds), the power is switched off to prevent additional rotation of the starter. Various other objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following detailed description, drawings and appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 shows in block diagram form the various principles of the invention as applied to the testing of an alternator. Figure 2 shows in block diagram form the various principles of the invention, as applied to test a starter.

Figur-a 3 shows the details of a circuit that incorporates the various principles of the invention. Figure 4 shows the details of how the starter test circuit can be coupled to the circuit of Figure 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Figure 1 shows in block diagram form an alternator test circuit employing the various principles of the present invention. The portions of the test circuit that are not important for the inventive particularities have been omitted, in a general manner, from the simplified circuit shown in Figure 1. As generally shown in the Figure 1, an alternator to test Al is mechanically linked or connected to an MO motor, such as by means of a belt and pulley arrangement. The entire tester can be placed in a warehouse of automotive parts and arranged in a console, so that someone can place the alternator Al in the test console, attach the alternator to the MO motor and put several switches to conduct the test. In general, the alternator under test is electrically coupled to a J102 socket that allows several portions of the tester to make electrical contact with the corresponding circuits that are inside the alternator under test. Depending on the type of alternator, socket J102 may include connectors for a battery line, a stator line, a ground line, a field line, a Delco A line and a Delco B line. Of course other combinations are possible and nomenclatures. In one embodiment, the J102 tap is coupled to the battery, stator, ground and field lines of an alternator under test; this arrangement is generally used for externally regulating alternators. For a "high output" alternator, an S 4 switch is set or placed in the "high output" H position that causes the battery line to be connected to the ground line, through the R series resistors and R12. In this "high output" position, the voltage conducted to the battery terminal BAT of the electronic voltage regulator ER is also decreased by passing through the resistor Rl. Conversely, for the "normal output" alternators, switch S 4 moves to a "normal" position N which causes the battery line to be grounded only through resistor R12 and causes the complete voltage output of the alternator to connect with the BAT battery bolt on the ER regulator. An S6 switch on the motor ignites the motor, which rotates the armature of the alternator Al, causing it to generate a voltage at the terminal of the battery. The voltage generated by the alternator Al is perceived through the switch SW4, through the diode D5, and is regulated by the electronic regulator ER. The output voltage is displayed in volts on the MI meter. It will be appreciated that the MI meter may comprise an analog meter, a digital meter or other indicator means, for example an array of LEDs or the like. Switch S 5 is used to select between an internally regulated alternator and one that requires an external voltage regulator. Switch SW5 may comprise a coupled switch which, when moved to the "up" (INT) position, selects the lines of jack J102 that will be used for internally regulated alternators (ie, disconnects the line from field and connect the Delco A and Delco B lines in the test circuit) and, when moving to 1 to "do n" (down) (EXT), select the lines from the J102 jack that will be used by regulated alternators externally (that is, select the Field Line and disconnect the Delco A and Delco B lines). In summary, for externally regulated alternators (downward position), the field line is connected to the field terminal of the regulator P438 of ER voltage, which causes the voltage on the battery terminal of the ER regulator to be regulated by alternately grounding and de-airing, at a high speed, the field line of the alternator under test. The electronic voltage regulator ER can comprise any of the various well-known types, such as for example the VR 746 model manufactured by Wells Manufacturing Co. When in the INT position, the SW5 switch connects to the Delco A line of the Al alternator. with the alternator battery line and it connects the Delco B line of the alternator Al to a PSl power supply that simulates a car battery. This position, used for internally regulated alternators, supplies the internal regulator with battery power for operation. For certain internally regulated alternators, the switch SW8 is used to temporarily supply the voltage of the simulated battery to the battery line of the alternator Al and simultaneously disconnect the MI meter from the test circuit. Switch SW8 in this way is preferably a temporarily depressed switch, which is pressed for a few seconds to supply power to the alternator. In accordance with the various principles of the invention, the switch SW8 in this way is preferably a temporarily depressed switch that P438 is pressed for a few seconds to supply power to the alternator. In accordance with the various principles of the invention, the switch SW8 also disconnects the MI meter to avoid defective readings of the meter during the energized period. Figure 2 shows, in block diagram form, a starter test circuit employing the various principles of the present invention. It will be understood that the circuit of Figure 2 can be combined with that of Figure 1 in a single alternator / starter test device that can be used to test alternators and starters that have been removed from the automobiles in the warehouse. A ST test starter is coupled to the MI meter (which may be the same meter as the one in Figure 1) to measure the current flowing through the starter during a test. A power supply PS2 of the starter provides the voltage needed to turn the starter ST. The starter relay RL1 couples the starter's power supply to the starter to be tested in response to the closing of the starter test switch SW7 (see the bottom of SW7 in Figure 3). The timer TM1 is preferably coupled in series between the test switch SW9 of the starter and the riser RL1 of the starter. When an operator presses the P438 switch SW7, starter relay RL1 is coupled with power supply PS2 to turn starter ST and also activates timer TMl. After a predetermined time interval, such as for example 2 or 3 seconds, the timer TMl deactivates the relay RL1 of the starter despite the fact that the operator keeps pressing the switch SW7. This prevents excessive testing of the ST starter. The TMl timer is automatically reset for the next test. Figure 3 shows additional details of a circuit employing the various principles of the present invention. The identical letters enclosed in circles represent portions of the circuit that are connected. For example, the field terminal FLD in the electronic voltage regulator ER (upper part of Figure 3) is electrically connected to the switch SW5 (lower right portion of Figure 3) as indicated by the use of the letter "I". "locked in a circle in both positions. The bold circuit lines in Figure 3 indicate grounded portions of the circuit. The operation of the circuit in Figure 3 will be described below. A test alternator is coupled to socket J102 (lower right portion of Figure 3). For externally adjustable alternators, the following lines and the corresponding bolts on the J102 socket are P438 use in general form: battery (pin 4), earth (pin 1), stator (pin 2), and field (pin 5). For alternators that are internally regulated, the following lines and the corresponding bolts in socket J102 are used in general terms: battery (bolt 4), earth (bolt 1), Delco A (bolt 6) and Delco B (bolt 3). The selection between internally regulated and externally regulated alternators is made by means of the coupled switch SW5 (lower right portion of Figure 3) which, when switched or switched to the "down" position, connects the field line in the test circuit by the thermal cut-out CB2 (hence the coupling of the field line of the alternator with the field terminal FLD of the electronic voltage regulator ER). Conversely, when switch SW5 is switched to the "up" position, the field line of the alternator is disconnected, but the Delco A line and the Delco B line are connected in the test circuit. In this last position, the Delco B line is coupled to the output of the power supply by the resistor R7 (observe the output of the bridge rectifier through the internal circuit breaker CB1 CB), while the Delco A line is connected with the terminal of the alternator battery through the D8 diode. The switch SW6 of the motor is used for P438 activate an engine (not shown in Figure 3) that rotates the armature of the alternator under test. For an alternator test, switch SW7 is supposed to be in the "volts" position to measure the alternator output voltage. When switch SW7 is in the "volts" position, line R (Negative side of the meter) it lands (see the right portion of the ICO circuit board) and, line S (positive side of the meter) connects to the D output of the battery via resistor R4, with line E through switch SW4. This battery output, which is also coupled to the battery terminal BAT of the electronic controller ER, is regulated by the controller ER by means of the action of the field line I. The voltage regulator ER limits any excessive voltage in the controller. the terminal of the battery opening the field line of the alternator under test, sampling at a high speed (for example, up to 7,000 times per second). The operator can read the voltage generated by the alternator in the MI meter. As indicated above, switch SW4 allows the tester to admit either high output or normal alternators. Switch SW4 (halfway through circuit board 100) is placed either in "up", which connects the battery line of the alternator with the upper part of resistor R12 and, subsequently to ground or, with a P438"down" position, which connects the alternator battery line with the upper part of the resistor Rl and subsequently with the earth line G (after flowing through the two Rl and R12). For so-called "high output" alternators, switch SW4 is adjusted or positioned to increase the load resistance in the alternator; for other types of alternator, switch SW4 is placed or adjusted to produce a lower load resistance. As an example, the resistor Rl may comprise a resistor of 1 ohm and 50 watts, while the resistor R12 may comprise a resistor of 3 ohms and 50 watts. The load selection also helps protect the electronic regulator ER from damage during testing with high amperage alternators. Switch SW8 is an energized switch, which, when momentarily depressed, connects the voltage of the simulated battery obtained in L with the battery line of the alternator under test by means of circuit E point and switch SW4. This energized function is used to supply voltage to the internal regulator of certain internally regulated alternators. Simultaneously the SW8 disconnects the meter Mi from the circuit to avoid a faulty reading during the period of time in which the energized circuit is activated. Conveniently, certain parts of the alternator / starter tester can be implemented in P438 a circuit board 100 that can be installed in or on a mechanical structure that includes couplings for the devices under test. For example, this arrangement allows the circuit to be modified with minimal changes in the rest of the tester. The lower portion of circuit board 100 includes a transistor circuit (including transistor Ql) that acts as a low voltage detector. Generally speaking, if the AC voltage supplied to the tester falls below a suitable minimum, a low-voltage LED indicator 2 is lit to indicate this condition. The operation of this type of circuit is conventional and well known. When moving to the left position (amps), the SW7 switch connects the MI meter in a current path of the starter to be tested, and connects the power supply line A with the delayed-off timer TMl. Zener varistors can be used to derive power peaks to ground. Figure 4 shows additional details for connecting a starter test circuit with the circuit shown in Figure 3. The figure is descriptive by itself and no further elaboration is necessary. It is evident that many modifications and variations of the present invention are possible and that the P43B references to specific values are given by way of example only. Therefore, it will be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced in some other way than specifically described.

P438

Claims (11)

1. CLAIMS; A device for testing an alternator that has been removed from an automobile, comprising: a motor adapted to temporarily couple with the alternator to rotate an alternator armature as part of the test; a test coupling socket, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling socket comprises a battery line connector, a line-to-ground connector, a field-line connector, each connector line has the function of connecting with a corresponding circuit in the alternator; a power supply to simulate the voltage of the automobile battery, an output thereof is coupled with the battery line connector; an electronic voltage regulator having a first terminal coupled with the power supply and with the battery line connector and a second terminal coupled with the field line connector, wherein the electronic voltage regulator regulates the voltage present in the first terminal controlling the voltage in the second terminal; and a meter coupled with the battery line connector to display or display the voltage generated by the P438 alternator, in response to the test.
2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a switch, coupled with the battery line connector, for selectively connecting to the battery line connector, either with a first resistive load producing a first voltage drop with with respect to the first terminal of the electronic voltage regulator, or with a second resistive load that produces a second voltage drop with respect to the first terminal of the electronic voltage regulator.
3. The device according to claim 1, further comprising an internal thermal circuit breaker, connected in series with the field line connector, to disconnect the field line connector of the electronic voltage regulator, in response to an excessive current that flows between them, and to reconnect to the field line connector with the electronic voltage regulator when the temperature of the same falls below a threshold.
4. 4. The device according to claim 1, wherein the test coupling socket further comprises a Delco A line connector and a Delco B line connector, for connecting each with a corresponding circuit in the alternator, the device further comprising a switch, P438 coupled with the Delco A line connector, the Delco B line connector and the field line connector, the switch serves for the selection between a first position, in which the field line connector is disconnected from the electronic regulator of voltage and the Delco A and Delco B line connectors are connected in the test circuit, and a second position in which the field line connector is connected to the second terminal of the electronic voltage regulator and the Delco A line connectors and Delco B are disconnected from the test circuit.
5. The device according to claim 4, wherein in the first position, the Delco A line is connected to the battery line connector and the Delco B line is connected to the power supply.
6. The device according to claim 1, further comprising: a power supply for the starter to supply a starting voltage to the starter under test; a starter relay to connect to the starter power supply with the starter, - a starter test switch to activate the starter relay; and a timer, coupled with the starter relay and with the starter test switch, P438 to deactivate the starter relay after a predetermined time interval, - where the meter displays the current flowing through the starter instead of displaying an alternator voltage.
7. 7. The device according to claim 1, which further comprises a switch, coupled to the meter and the power supply, to disconnect the meter when the power supply is connected to the battery line of the alternator.
8. The device according to claim 7, further comprising an internal thermal circuit breaker, coupled between the switch and the battery line connector, for disconnecting the battery line connector of the switch, in response to an excessive current through the same, and to reconnect to the battery line connector with the switch when a battery temperature falls below the threshold.
9. The device according to claim 4, further comprising a second switch, coupled with the meter and with the power supply, for disconnecting the meter when the power supply is connected to the battery line of the alternator.
10. 10. A device for testing an alternator that has been removed from a car, comprising: P438 an engine adapted to temporarily couple with the alternator to rotate an alternator frame as part of the test, - a test coupling socket, adapted to be electrically connected to a corresponding connector on the alternator, the test coupling socket comprises a battery line connector and a ground line connector, each line connector serves for connection with a corresponding circuit in the alternator, - a power supply to simulate the car's battery voltage, an output of it is coupled with the battery line connector, - a meter coupled with the battery line connector to display or display the voltage generated by the alternator in response to the test; and a switch, coupled with the motor and power supply, to temporarily connect to the power supply with the battery line connector and simultaneously disconnect the meter from the battery line connector.
11. 11. A device for testing a starter that has been removed from a car, comprising: deactivating the starter relay after a predetermined time interval; and a meter to display or display the current P438 flowing through the starter. P438 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An improved alternator / starter test device includes an electronic voltage regulator (ER) to regulate the output of an externally regulated alternator (Al). A selectable load switch (SW4) allows so-called "high output" alternators to be tested without damaging the voltage regulator. For certain types of internally regulated alternators, the test device includes a meter connection circuit, coupled with an "energized" switch of the test device, which operates or operates to disconnect the test meter (MI) for a period of that the energized switch (SW8) is temporarily depressed to supply power to an internally regulated alternator (Al) being tested, thus preventing the alteration of the test results if a defective alternator is tested. The internal thermal circuit breakers (CB1, CB2, CB3) are provided at strategic locations on the test device to avoid damage to the internal circuit due to defective alternators and starters. A delayed shutdown timer circuit (TMl; Figure 2) disconnects the energy of the starter (ST) being tested, after a predetermined period of time in order to avoid damage to the starter due to a proven Excessive P438 P438