Cart charge system

• US 7,183,746 B1
• Filed: 08/30/2004
• Issued: 02/27/2007
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Darrell L. Carter
• Original Assignee: Darrell L. Carter
• Inventors: Carter, Darrell L
• Primary Examiner(s): Easthom; Karl
• Assistant Examiner(s): BOATENG, ALEXIS ASIEDUA
• Application Number:
  US10/929,877
• Time in Patent Office: 911 Days
• Field of Search: 320/116, 320/123, 180/65.3, 180/65.4, 307/9.1, 307/10.1, 307/10.7, 318/432, 318/434, 318/139
• US Class Current: 320/116
• CPC Class Codes: B60K 1/04 of the electric storage means for propulsion exchanging batteries for electric propulsion of vehicles B60L53/80; for auxiliary purposes only B60R16/04; supplying batteries to, or removing batteries from, vehicles B60S5/06
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 2220/20 DC electrical machines
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 50/62 charged by low-power generators primarily intended to support the batteries, e.g. range extenders
• CPC Class Codes: B60L 58/21 having the same nominal voltage
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/1415 with a generator driven by a prime mover other than the motor of a vehicle
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 7/1423 with multiple batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/62 Hybrid vehicles
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/70 Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
• CPC Class Codes: Y02T 10/7072 Electromobility specific charging systems or methods for batteries, ultracapacitors, supercapacitors or double-layer capacitors

Abstract

A charging mechanism includes means for generating electrical current and means connected to the generating means for distributing the generated current. At least one battery bank formed from a plurality of batteries is connected in series. A means for charging the batteries is connected between the bank and the distribution means. A voltage controller controls a voltage level provided by at least one battery bank from at least one of exceeding and falling below a predetermined voltage level. Upon the controlling means detecting the voltage level is below the predetermined voltage level, the controlling means causes the generating means to generate the electric current to be provided to at least one battery bank by the distribution means and the charging means charges at least one battery bank.

Claims

1. A charging mechanism aboard an electrically powered vehicle comprising:

a) means comprising an engine driving first and second alternators for generating electrical current;

b) means connected to said generating means for distributing said generated current;

c) first and second battery banks connected in series, each battery bank formed from a plurality of batteries connected in series, each said battery bank having a positive terminal and a negative terminal;

d) means for charging said batteries comprising the positive terminal of the first battery bank being connected to an output of said first alternator and said negative terminal of said first battery bank being connected to a first alternator ground isolated from a common motor ground, the positive terminal of the second battery bank being connected to an output of said second alternator and said negative terminal of said second battery bank being connected to a second alternator ground isolated from said common motor ground, the first and second alternator grounds being electrically isolated from each other and the common motor ground;

e) means for controlling a voltage level provided by said battery banks to maintain a predetermined voltage level;

wherein upon said controlling means detecting a voltage level below said predetermined voltage level, said controlling means causes said generating means to generate electric current to charge said battery banks;

f) a DC motor connected to said battery banks through said controlling means for powering said vehicle, said controlling means being connected to said positive terminal of said first battery bank and said negative terminal of said second battery bank, said motor thereby receiving power from said battery packs in series.

2. The charging mechanism as recited in claim 1, wherein each battery bank is formed from four batteries.

3. The charging mechanism as recited in claim 2, further comprising a junction box for connecting each output from said battery banks to said controlling means.

4. The charging mechanism as recited in claim 3, wherein each respective battery forming a battery bank is a 12 volt battery thereby resulting in each respective battery bank having a combined voltage of 48 volts.

5. The charging mechanism as recited in claim 4, wherein each alternator generates 48 volts.