On-board diagnostic port synchronous battery charging system

Abstract

To provide a suitable on-vehicle diagnostic port synchronous battery charging system.SOLUTION: The charging system includes an interface configured to removably and electrically couple to an external battery, a connector configured to removably and electrically couple to an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port of a vehicle, charge management circuitry electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuitry. The MCU is configured to execute computer-readable program code for managing an output of electrical current from the external battery to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. The charging system may be used to prevent the vehicle battery from being discharged during long periods of storage.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE The present disclosure relates generally to the field of chargers for motor vehicle batteries. [Background technology]

[0002] (background) In the automotive industry, a memory saver is a device that can be connected to an on-board diagnostics ("OBD") port inside a vehicle to conserve computer memory while changing vehicle batteries during maintenance. Start batteries are well known in the industry for providing starting capability for internal combustion and electric engines and motors. From time to time, due to environmental conditions, start battery aging, or other unexpected scenarios, the start battery loses its energy and is unable to deliver the energy required to provide starting capability for internal combustion and electric engines and motors. Due to this unexpected start battery depletion condition, the need for a temporary alternative energy source is always necessary. There is a need to address the above problems with start batteries, to which the novel systems / devices and methods disclosed below are directed. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0003] BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Disclosed herein is a charging system and a corresponding charging method as defined in the independent claims. Embodiments of the invention are given in the dependent claims. The embodiments of the invention may be freely combined with each other if they are not mutually exclusive.

[0004] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a charging system includes an interface configured to removably and electrically couple to an external battery, a connector configured to removably and electrically couple to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of a vehicle, charge management circuitry electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuitry, wherein the MCU is configured to execute computer readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port.

[0005] According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a charging method, a microcontroller unit (MCU) of a charging system outputs current from an external battery to a connector of the charging system. The external battery is removably and electrically coupled to the charging system, and the connector is removably and electrically coupled to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of a vehicle, which is electrically coupled to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through the OBD port. While outputting the current, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, the MCU stops outputting the current and enters a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time. In response to the expiration of the predetermined time period, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the MCU re-enters the low power consumption mode for the predetermined period of time and repeats measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery. If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, the MCU repeats the charging method. The present specification also provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) A charging system, an interface configured to removably and electrically couple to an external battery; a connector configured to removably and electrically couple to an on-board diagnostic (OBD) port of the vehicle; charge management circuitry electrically coupled to the interface and the connector; a microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuitry, the MCU configured to execute computer readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through an electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port; and A charging system comprising: (Item 2) When the external battery is electrically coupled to the interface and the connector is electrically coupled to the OBD port, the MCU: (a) opening an output switch of the charging system to output current from the external battery to the connector; (b) measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port while outputting the current; (c) in response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, closing the output switch, stopping the output of the current, entering a low power consumption mode, and starting a low power consumption timer; (d) measuring a voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port in response to expiration of the low power consumption timer; (e) if the vehicle battery voltage exceeds the charging voltage, re-entering the low power consumption mode, restarting the low power consumption timer, and repeating the measuring (d); (f) if the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, (a)-(f) are repeated. (Item 3) In repeating (f), the MCU further (f1) increasing the set voltage by a preset amount every two expirations of the low power consumption timer; (f2) repeating (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. (Item 4) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) measuring the temperature of the external battery using the interface; (b2) When the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the output switch is closed to stop the output of the current and power off the charging system. (Item 5) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) measuring the voltage of the external battery using the interface; (b2) When the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the output switch is closed to stop outputting the current and power off the charging system. (Item 6) Prior to opening the output switch, the MCU: (g) starting a test timer for the test period; (h) prior to the expiration of said test timer: (h1) measuring the temperature of the external battery using the interface; (h2) turning off the charging system when the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold; (i) prior to expiration of said test timer; (i1) measuring the voltage of the external battery using the interface; (i2) powering off the charging system when the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold; (j) The charging system according to item 2, wherein (a)-(f) are executed in response to expiration of the test timer. (Item 7) further comprising a cable with a first end and a second end; the first end is configured to be removably and electrically coupled to the connector; Item 10. The charging system of claim 1, wherein the second end comprises a set of clamps configured to be removably and electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the vehicle battery. (Item 8) further comprising a cable with a first end and a second end; the first end is configured to be removably and electrically coupled to the connector; Item 10. The charging system of item 1, wherein the second end comprises an adapter configured to be removably and electrically coupled to a cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle battery. (Item 9) A charging method, comprising: (a) outputting, by a microcontroller unit (MCU) of a charging system, a current from an external battery to a connector of the charging system, the external battery being removably and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector being removably and electrically coupled to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of a vehicle, the connector being electrically coupled to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through the OBD port; (b) measuring, by the MCU, the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port during the output of the current; (c) in response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, stopping the output of the current and entering a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time by the MCU; (d) measuring, by the MCU, a voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port in response to expiration of the predetermined time period; (e) if the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds a charging voltage, re-entering the low power consumption mode by the MCU for the predetermined time period and repeating the measuring (d); (f) repeating the charging methods (a)-(f) by the MCU when the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage; A method comprising: (Item 10) The repeating (f) (f1) increasing the set voltage by a preset amount by the MCU every two expirations of the predetermined time period; (f2) repeating the charging methods (a)-(f) by the MCU using the increased set voltage; Item 10. The method according to item 9, comprising: (Item 11) During the output of the current (b), the method further comprises: (b1) measuring the temperature of the external battery by the MCU; (b2) when the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU stops outputting the current and powers off the charging system; Item 10. The method according to item 9, comprising: (Item 12) During the output of the current (b), the method further comprises: (b1) measuring a voltage of the external battery by the MCU; (b2) when the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, stopping the output of the current and powering off the charging system by the MCU; Item 10. The method according to item 9, comprising: (Item 13) Prior to outputting the current, the method further comprises: (g) starting, by said MCU, a test timer for a test period; (h) prior to the expiration of said test timer: (h1) measuring the temperature of the external battery by the MCU; and (h2) When the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU turns off the power of the charging system. and (i) prior to expiration of said test timer; (i1) measuring, by the MCU, the voltage of the external battery; and (i2) powering off the charging system by the MCU when the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold; and (j) in response to expiration of the test timer, proceeding by the MCU to the charging method (a)-(f); Item 10. The method according to item 9, comprising: (Item 14) A non-transitory computer readable medium having computer readable program code embodied therein, the program code, when executed by a microcontroller unit (MCU), causing the MCU to: (a) outputting current from an external battery to a connector of a charging system, the external battery being removably and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector being removably and electrically coupled to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of a vehicle, the connector being electrically coupled through the OBD port to a vehicle battery of the vehicle; (b) measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port while outputting the current; (c) in response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, stopping the output of the current and entering a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time; (d) measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port in response to expiration of the predetermined time period; (e) if the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds a charging voltage, re-entering the low power consumption mode and repeating the measuring (d) for the predetermined period of time; (f) if the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, repeating (a)-(f); A non-transitory computer-readable medium for causing (Item 15) The repeating (f) (f1) increasing the set voltage by a preset amount every two expirations of the predetermined time period; (f2) repeating (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage; Item 15. The medium according to item 14, comprising: (Item 16) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) measuring the temperature of the external battery; (b2) if the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, stopping the output of the current and powering off the charging system; Item 15. The medium according to item 14, (Item 17) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) measuring the voltage of the external battery; (b2) when the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, stopping the output of the current and powering off the charging system; Item 15. The medium according to item 14, (Item 18) Prior to outputting the current, the MCU further: (g) starting a test timer for a test period; (h) prior to the expiration of said test timer: (h1) measuring the temperature of the external battery; and (h2) powering off the charging system when the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold; and (i) prior to expiration of said test timer; (i1) measuring the voltage of the external battery; (i2) powering off the charging system when the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold; and (j) upon expiration of said test timer, proceed to (a)-(f); Item 15. The medium according to item 14, [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1]FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a charging system in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0007] [Figure 2] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary charging system and external battery in accordance with the present invention.

[0008] [Figure 3A] 3A and 3B illustrate close-up photographs of the top side of the charging system enclosure without the external battery. [Figure 3B] 3A and 3B illustrate close-up photographs of the top side of the charging system enclosure without the external battery.

[0009] [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C illustrates a close-up of the bottom side of the charging system without the external battery.

[0010] [Figure 4] Figure 4 illustrates a close-up of the connector on the outer end of the cord for connecting to the OBD port.

[0011] [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignment according to the OBD-II standard.

[0012] [Figure 6-1] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary charge management circuitry for a charging system. [Figure 6-2] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary charge management circuitry for a charging system.

[0013] [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of pin assignments for an MCU in an exemplary embodiment.

[0014] [Figure 8] FIG. 8 illustrates an initialization process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 9] FIG. 9 illustrates a charging process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates a microcontroller in accordance with an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 11] 11 and 12 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment in which a connector of a charging system is coupled to a cable. [Figure 12] 11 and 12 illustrate a further exemplary embodiment in which a connector of a charging system is coupled to a cable. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] (Detailed explanation) The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0019] References herein to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," "an exemplary embodiment," or "a preferred embodiment" mean particular features, structures, or characteristics described in connection with an embodiment included within at least one embodiment of the present invention. Appearances of the phrase "in one embodiment" in various places herein do not necessarily all refer to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Furthermore, various features are described that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not by other embodiments. Similarly, various requirements are described that may be requirements for some embodiments but may not be requirements for other embodiments. In general, features described in one embodiment may be suitable for use in other embodiments, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0020] Disclosed herein are embodiments of a charging system that can be used to prevent a vehicle battery from discharging during long periods of storage, vehicle inactivity due to extended travel, winter storage, etc. The charging system connects to the vehicle's OBD port during use and preferably uses an external battery for charging purposes, although other batteries or battery packs may also be used and are contemplated within the scope of the present invention. Charging system embodiments can provide bursts of charging current using and / or through the OBD port. Thus, using the charging system helps prevent or reduce the chance that a vehicle battery will be discharged during long periods of storage without the need to connect a charger to a vehicle battery powered by the main building power source. Using the charging system also eliminates the need to connect the charging system directly to the terminals / posts of the vehicle battery.

[0021] Embodiments of the charging system and method combine two electrical systems (e.g., a tool lithium battery and a lead-acid automobile battery) to complement flexibility and integrated performance and usability for the user. In preferred embodiments, the charging system and method integrate a self-powered management system that monitors the energy level of the primary system battery (i.e., the vehicle battery), thereby replenishing lost energy by drawing from a removable external battery electrically coupled to the charging system. Embodiments of the charging system and method compensate for the self-discharge characteristics of the vehicle battery by monitoring and charging the vehicle battery as needed, which may provide non-limiting benefits for vehicles left in storage for long periods of time, such as during winter, between trips, while parked in a parking garage, etc. Another non-limiting benefit is that vehicles with inaccessible batteries may alternatively be recharged by using the vehicle's OBD port without connecting directly to the vehicle battery posts / terminals. Accordingly, embodiments of the charging system and method provide the following non-limiting features / benefits: · Saves time and money for users by keeping vehicle batteries charged during long-term storage and other scenarios. Automatically, without user intervention, monitors the vehicle battery for self-discharge and activates charging of the vehicle battery as needed. -Recover lost energy for vehicle start-up battery. Reduce and / or prevent heavy vehicle battery discharge. The charging system is preferably cordless for its power source, so no extension cords or AC outlets are required. Preferably in conjunction with a tool battery, although other batteries may also be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0022] Thus, embodiments of the charging system and method can extend or prolong the life of a vehicle battery by not allowing the vehicle battery to enter a sulfation stage when left in a discharged state for an extended period of time. Embodiments of the charging system provide a synchronous charger to assist and assist in maintaining the vehicle battery at a good healthy level during long-term storage, and preferably prevent the vehicle battery from becoming deeply discharged. In preferred embodiments, the use of external batteries, such as lithium tool batteries, is extended to the automotive or motor vehicle industry, as they can be used to synchronize the charging of the vehicle battery using the OBD port and extend the life of the vehicle battery.

[0023] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a charging system according to an exemplary embodiment. Charging system 100 removably and electrically couples to an external battery 101 through an interface 112. Charging system 100 includes a cord 102 coupled at one end to a connector 103 for removably and electrically coupling to an OBD port 104 of a vehicle 105 to provide charging to a vehicle battery 106. Charging system 100 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 107 for controlling charge management circuitry 120 in implementing a charging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, charge management circuitry 120 includes, but is not limited to, external battery temperature measurement circuitry 108 for measuring the temperature of external battery 101, vehicle battery voltage measurement circuitry 109 for measuring the voltage of vehicle battery 106, and external battery voltage measurement circuitry 110 for measuring the voltage of external battery 101. Charging system 100 further includes output display control circuitry 111 that is used by MCU 107 to control an output display (e.g., an LED display, not shown) for providing visual information to a user. The charging system and charging method are described in further detail below.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary charging system and external battery according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, charging system 100 includes an enclosure that is preferably lightweight, plastic, and compact in a palm-sized design, preferably weighing less than 1 pound. Charging system 100 is removably and electrically coupled to external battery 101. Charging system 100 further includes cord 102 and connector 103. FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate close-up photographs of the top side of the enclosure of charging system 100 without external battery 101. FIG. 3C illustrates a close-up photograph of the bottom side of charging system 100 without external battery 101. The bottom side of charging system 100 includes interface 112 for electrically connecting external battery 101 (not shown in FIG. 3C) to charging system 100. When the external battery 101 is electrically coupled to the charging system 100, the cord 102 of the charging system 100 may preferably be greater than 20 inches in length for a direct connection so that the charging system 100 can be installed on the floor carpet of the vehicle 105. Such dimensions are not considered limiting, and smaller or larger dimensions for the length of the cord 102 of the charging system 100 may be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0025] FIG. 4 illustrates a close-up of connector 103 at the outer end of cord 102 for connecting to OBD port 104. OBD port 104 conventionally includes 16 pins. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of pin assignments according to the OBD-II standard. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in a preferred embodiment, connector 103 includes three pins 401 that correspond to pins 4 (chassis ground), 5 (signal ground), and 16 (battery power) of the OBD-II standard OBD port 104. Other pins or pin combinations may also be used and are considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] FIG. 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of exemplary charge management circuitry 120 of charging system 100. Charge management circuitry 120 includes interface 112 (see also FIG. 3C ) for electrically coupling charging system 100 and external battery 101, and interface 601 for electrically coupling charging system 100 to OBD port 104 via connector 103. Charge management circuitry 120 is controlled by MCU 107, which has its own power supply 602. In this exemplary embodiment, MCU 107 includes 14 pins. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignments for MCU 102 in this exemplary embodiment. Pin 1 couples to external battery temperature measurement circuitry 108 for measuring the temperature of the external battery 101 . Pin 2 couples to vehicle battery voltage measurement circuitry 109 for measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 via the electrical connection between the connector 103 and the OBD port 104 . Pin 3 has no connection in this exemplary embodiment. Pin 4 is used by the MCU 107 to carry signals to enable temperature measurement of the external battery 101. Pin 5 is coupled to electrical ground. Pin 6 is used by the MCU 107 to transmit signals to the output display control circuitry 110, such as to control the LEDs of the output display. Pin 7 is used by the MCU 107 to carry a signal to enable the bank circuit 603. As is known in the art, the bank circuit is a DC / DC power converter that steps down the voltage from a source (the external battery 101) to a load (the vehicle battery 106). Pin 8 couples to an output switch 604 between the charging system 100 and the OBD port 104. Pin 9 is used by the MCU 107 to carry a signal to enable measurement of the voltage of the external battery 101. Pin 10 couples the MCU 107 to its power supply 602. Pins 11 and 12 connect to the oscillator. Pins 13 and 14 couple to external battery voltage measurement circuitry 110 and are used by MCU 107 to measure the voltages of segments of external battery 101. In this exemplary embodiment, external battery 101 includes multiple cells, and each cell or segment of cells may be monitored separately for balancing purposes.

[0027] FIG. 8 illustrates the initialization process of the charging method, according to an exemplary embodiment. First, a user installs the external battery 101 by coupling the connector 103 to the vehicle OBD port 104 (block 1) and then coupling the external battery 101 to the interface 112 on the bottom side of the charging system 100 (block 2). The MCU 107 of the charging system 100 then enters the initialization process by first closing the output switch to the OBD port 104 so that no charge is provided through this port 104 (block 3). The MCU 107 then clears a voltage regulation flag (block 4). The voltage regulation flag is used by the MCU 107 to track the number of wake-ups from sleep mode, as described below with reference to FIG. 9. Clearing the voltage regulation flag allows for more precise measurement of the vehicle battery 106 by setting a new starting point after each system startup. The MCU 107 then sets the charging voltage to the target voltage (e.g., 12.5 V) (block 5). In a preferred embodiment, the target voltage is set at the optimum voltage according to the manufacturer's specifications of the external battery 101. The MCU 107 then starts a test timer (block 6) for a predetermined test period (e.g., 1 minute).

[0028] During the test period, the MCU 107 continuously and / or periodically measures the temperature (block 7) and voltage (block 8) of the external battery 101. If the temperature of the external battery 101 exceeds a threshold temperature or temperature range (e.g., 20°C to 60°C), the MCU 107 determines that the external battery 101 is too hot (block 7). If the voltage of the external battery 101 falls below a voltage threshold or voltage range (e.g., 12.5V + / - 0.3V), the MCU 107 determines that the external battery 101 is fully discharged, i.e., undervoltage (block 8). In a preferred embodiment, the temperature threshold and / or voltage threshold are set according to the external battery 101 manufacturer's specifications.

[0029] If the external battery 101 exceeds the temperature threshold or drops below the voltage threshold at any time during the test period, the MCU 107 terminates the initialization process and closes the output switch to the OBD port 104 if it is not already closed (block 11). The MCU 107 then performs a shutdown process. In the shutdown process, the MCU 107 starts a shutdown timer, e.g., 60 seconds, up to a time period during which the MCU 107 communicates to the user that an error occurred during the initialization process (block 12). The MCU 107 does so by causing the output display to indicate the error, such as by rapidly flashing an LED on the output display (block 13). Once the shutdown timer expires (block 14), the MCU 107 completes the shutdown of the charging system 100 by stopping the output display and powering off the MCU 107 to prevent the external battery 101 from discharging (block 15).

[0030] If the test period expires without the external battery 101 exceeding the temperature threshold or dropping below the voltage threshold (block 9), the MCU 107 opens the output switch to the OBD port 104 and begins the charging process, as described below with reference to FIG. 9.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates a charging process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment. After opening the output switch (per block 10 in FIG. 8 ), the charging system 100 begins outputting current from the external battery 101 to the vehicle battery 106 via the electrical connection between the connector 103 and the OBD port 104 (block 16). The charging system 100 continues outputting current until the MCU 107 determines that the vehicle battery 106 has been charged to a set voltage (block 19). During the charging process, the MCU 107 continuously or periodically measures the temperature of the external battery 101 (block 17) and the voltage of the external battery 101 (block 18), in a manner similar to blocks 7 and 8 in FIG. 8 . If the temperature of the external battery 101 exceeds a temperature threshold or drops below a voltage threshold during the charging process, the MCU 107 terminates the charging process by closing the output switch to the OBD port 104 (block 11, FIG. 8 ). The MCU 107 then powers down according to blocks 12-18 of FIG.

[0032] Once the vehicle battery 106 has charged to a set voltage (block 19), the MCU 107 stops charging the vehicle battery 106 by closing the output switch and entering a low power consumption mode or “sleep mode” (block 20). In this exemplary embodiment, the power level in the low power consumption mode is set according to the external battery 101 manufacturer's specifications (e.g., 27 μA). The MCU 107 then starts a low power consumption timer (e.g., a 5-hour timer) (block 21). Upon expiration of the low power consumption timer (block 22), the MCU 107 exits, or “wakes,” from the low power consumption mode (block 23) and determines whether the voltage regulation flag is set (block 24). A voltage regulation flag that is not set indicates that the current wake from the low power consumption mode is the first of two wakes. A voltage regulation flag that is set indicates that the current wake is the second of two wakes. If the voltage regulation flag is not set, the MCU 107 measures the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 using the electrical coupling between the connector 103 and the OBD port 104 (block 25). If the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 is not below a preset charging voltage (e.g., 12.5 V), the vehicle battery 106 does not require recharging at this time. Optionally, the MCU 107 clears the voltage regulation flag (block 28) to ensure that the flag is cleared. The MCU 107 then repeats the sleep mode (blocks 20-22). If the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 is below the charging voltage (block 25), the vehicle battery 106 requires recharging. The MCU 107 sets the voltage regulation flag (block 26) and outputs current to charge the vehicle battery 106 (blocks 16-19).

[0033] If the MCU 107 determines that the voltage regulation flag is set (block 24), i.e., the current wake is the second of two wakes, the MCU 107 increases the set voltage by a preset amount (e.g., 200 mV) (block 27). The MCU 107 clears the voltage regulation flag (block 29) and then proceeds to charge the vehicle battery 106 to the increased set voltage (blocks 16-19). Thus, after every two wakes, the vehicle battery 106 is charged to the increased set voltage, regardless of the vehicle battery voltage. In this way, the vehicle battery 106 is prevented from discharging by maintaining the battery at the preset charging voltage.

[0034] 7-9, during the initialization and charging process in this exemplary embodiment, the MCU 107 uses pin 4 to send a signal to enable temperature measurement and then uses pin 1 to measure the temperature of the external battery 101. The MCU 107 uses pin 9 to send a signal to enable voltage measurement and uses pins 13 and 14 to measure the voltage of the external battery. The MCU 107 uses pin 2 to measure the voltage of the vehicle battery 106. The MCU 107 also uses pin 8 to send signals to open and close output switches to the OBD port 104, uses pin 7 to enable bank circuitry by sending signals, and uses pin 6 to control the output display 110 by sending signals.

[0035] FIG. 10 illustrates a microcontroller according to an exemplary embodiment. The microcontroller 150 is operatively coupled to a processor 156 or processing unit, a memory 151, and a bus 159 that couples various components, including the memory 151 to the processor 156. The bus 159 represents one or more of any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, and a processor or local bus, using any of a variety of bus architectures. The memory 151 may include a computer-readable medium in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 152 or cache memory 153, or a non-volatile storage medium 154. The memory 151 may include at least one set of program code modules 155 that, when executed by the processor 156, are configured to perform the functions of embodiments of the present invention. The microcontroller 150 may also communicate with other components via an input / output (I / O) interface 157, e.g., pins as illustrated in FIG. 7.

[0036] 11 and 12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which the connector 103 of the charging system 100 can be coupled to a cable. As illustrated in FIG. 11 , in this embodiment, the cable 1100 includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end includes a mating connector 1101 configured to removably and electrically couple to the connector 103. The second end includes a set of clamps 1102 configured to removably and electrically couple to one or more terminals of the vehicle battery 106. In this exemplary embodiment, the set of clamps 1102 are similar to the clamps on a conventional battery jumper / booster cable. When the connector 103 and the cable 1100 are coupled, the terminals of the vehicle battery 106 are electrically coupled to the charging system 100. The external battery 101 attached to the charging system 100 can then be used to jump-start the vehicle 105.

[0037] 12, in an alternative embodiment, the second end of the cable 1200 includes an adapter 1202 configured to be removably and electrically coupled to a cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle 106. Charge can then be provided to the vehicle battery 106 through the cigarette lighter socket in the manner described above.

[0038] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only, and not for purposes of limitation. The description of a feature or aspect in each embodiment should typically be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

[0039] All components of the device and their locations, electronic communication methods between system components, magnet types, cables, wiring, mounting or securing mechanisms, mechanical connections, electrical connections, dimensions, values, materials, charging methods, battery types, applications / uses, tools and devices that may be used therewith, etc., discussed above or shown in the drawings, where applicable, are merely examples and are not to be considered as limiting, and other components and their locations, electronic communication methods, magnet types, cables, wiring, mounting or securing mechanisms, mechanical connections, electrical connections, dimensions, values, materials, charging methods, battery types, applications / uses, tools and devices that may be used therewith, etc. may also be selected and used, and all are contemplated within the scope of this disclosure.

[0040] The present invention can include a computer-readable storage medium providing program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For purposes of this description, a computer-readable storage medium can be any apparatus that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium can be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or propagation medium. Examples of computer-readable media include semiconductor or solid-state memory, random access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). As used herein, a computer-readable storage medium should not be construed as being a transitory signal itself, such as an electric wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses passing through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through a wire.

[0041] A data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code will include at least one processor coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements through a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory employed during the actual execution of the program code, mass storage devices, and cache memory that provides temporary storage of at least some of the program code to reduce the number of times the code must be read from mass storage devices during execution.

[0042] Input / output or I / O devices (including but not limited to keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I / O controllers.

[0043] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified local function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks may occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially in parallel, depending on the functionality involved, or the blocks may sometimes be executed in the reverse order. It should also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart diagrams, may be implemented by special-purpose hardware and special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or actions or combinations of computer instructions.

[0044] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises" and / or "comprising," as used herein, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0045] Although the present invention has been described according to the illustrated embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that variations to the embodiments may exist and that these variations are within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0046] The use of headings in the claims is for ease of reference only and does not imply any required order. The listed elements may occur in any order. For example, two elements listed in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially in parallel, depending on the functionality involved, or the elements may sometimes be executed in the reverse order.

Claims

[Claim 1] The invention described in this specification.

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