Intelligent Battery Disconnect
First Claim
1. A battery disconnect apparatus for monitoring and controlling the battery to electrical load circuit completion or interruption based upon vehicle electrical system states comprising:
- a battery for supplying electrical power to the vehicle circuits;
an alternator to maintain electrical power while the engine is operating and to recharge the battery;
a key switch for initiating the starting of the vehicle engine and completing the electrical circuits to switched electrical vehicle loads;
a battery contactor interposed in the vehicle electrical system between the battery and the vehicle electrical devices and loads, including switched and unswitched electrical loads; and
a controller module for sensing the state of the battery contactor and sensing the state of the key switch by initiating a voltage pulse through the voltage output of the battery contactor and sensing and comparing the voltage input from the key switch and issuing electrical control signals to the battery contactor to close upon sensing key closure.
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention is an electronically controlled battery contactor that opens (disconnects) or closes (connects) the battery circuit from the other parts of a motor vehicle electrical system based on measured or sensed data derived from monitoring the electrical system, communicating with other on-board control units, and pre-programmed requirements specific to the vehicle operation. The primary functions are to protect the battery from excessive current drain when the vehicle is parked, protect against short circuits across the main electrical feed, and provide emergency disconnect for vehicle impact, rollover or sensed thermal events. A programmed delay function controls the opening of the contactor in conjunction with other electronic control units that may require electrical power for a period of time after vehicle shutdown. A master electrical disconnect switch is provided for manual override for servicing the vehicle or during an emergency.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A battery disconnect apparatus for monitoring and controlling the battery to electrical load circuit completion or interruption based upon vehicle electrical system states comprising:
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a battery for supplying electrical power to the vehicle circuits; an alternator to maintain electrical power while the engine is operating and to recharge the battery; a key switch for initiating the starting of the vehicle engine and completing the electrical circuits to switched electrical vehicle loads; a battery contactor interposed in the vehicle electrical system between the battery and the vehicle electrical devices and loads, including switched and unswitched electrical loads; and a controller module for sensing the state of the battery contactor and sensing the state of the key switch by initiating a voltage pulse through the voltage output of the battery contactor and sensing and comparing the voltage input from the key switch and issuing electrical control signals to the battery contactor to close upon sensing key closure. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)
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10. A method for monitoring and controlling the battery to electrical load circuit completion or interruption based upon vehicle electrical system states comprising the steps of:
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providing a battery contactor interposed in the vehicle electrical system between the battery and the vehicle electrical devices and loads, including switched and unswitched electrical loads; providing a key switch for initiating the starting of the vehicle engine and completing the electrical circuits to switched electrical vehicle loads; providing a controller module for sensing the state of the battery contactor and sensing the state of the key switch; determining the open/closed status of the battery contactor; if the battery contactor is determined to be open, periodically initiating a voltage pulse through the voltage output of the battery contactor and sensing and comparing the voltage input from the key switch; and
,issuing electrical control signals to the battery contactor to close upon sensing key closure creating a closed circuit between the battery and the vehicle electrical devices and loads.
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Specification