Device for determining the status of a vehicle battery

Abstract

An apparatus for determining a state of a rechargeable battery used to power a starter motor of an engine is provided. The apparatus includes: a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage in a rechargeable battery of an engine starting circuit, the rechargeable battery configured to power a starter motor; a voltage correlation device operably connected with the voltage detector; and an output device understandable by a user. The apparatus is configured such that, during power supply of the starter motor, the voltage measuring means measures one or more voltage values of the rechargeable battery, and the voltage associating means associates the measured one or more voltage values with predetermined one or more voltage values in order to determine a state of the rechargeable battery. The user understandable output is configured to output an indication of a status of the rechargeable battery.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of testing rechargeable batteries used to start electrically cranked engines, such as automobile engines. Background Art

[0002] Many types of engines are cranked using an electric starter motor. Particularly in vehicles and other forms of transportation, the starter motor is powered by the vehicle's battery. Once the engine has started, a generator coupled to the engine typically recharges the battery, preparing it for the next start. This arrangement is commonly incorporated into automobiles, boats, motorcycles, portable generators, and the like.

[0003] As is well known, all rechargeable batteries have a limited lifespan beyond which they cannot be adequately charged (or cannot hold a charge long enough) to provide the required current to the starter motor for proper cranking of the engine. Particularly in modern automobiles, the battery is exposed to considerable parasitic loads due to the heavy use of accessories such as stereo amplifiers, navigation systems, video displays, etc.

[0004] In many cases, car drivers may not recognize the early signs of impending battery failure (such as slow cranking) and fail to replace the battery in a timely manner. Typically, the driver will crank the engine longer than usual or perform multiple starting attempts, activities that further aggravate the battery's already poor condition. Eventually, the battery depletes to the point where the engine will not start.

[0005] The driver's assessment of the battery's state can be affected by ambient temperature. In colder conditions, the driver may expect a slower engine crank, and therefore a slower start. Consequently, the slow crank may not be attributed to any defects in the battery itself, leading to the incorrect assumption that the battery is not in any undamaged state.

[0006] In any case, it is possible that the motorist may not be provided with any signs or indications that the vehicle battery may be in a compromised state.

[0007] Given the above, it's not uncommon for drivers to be stranded due to a vehicle battery failing to crank and start the vehicle engine. In such cases, the driver must call roadside assistance to "jump-start" the engine and then arrange for the battery to be replaced at a service center. This, of course, results in considerable cost and inconvenience for the driver.

[0008] The prior art provides devices that provide information about the vehicle battery, however issues of inaccuracy, cost and complexity arise.Some prior art devices draw significant power from the vehicle circuitry, which in itself can lead to starting problems.

[0009] One aspect of the present invention is to overcome or alleviate the problems of the prior art, or to provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0010] The discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles of manufacture and the like is included in this specification solely to provide a context for the present invention. There is no suggestion or representation that any or all of these matters formed part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed before the priority date of each claim of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0011] In a first, but not necessarily broadest, aspect, the present invention provides an apparatus for determining the condition of a rechargeable battery used to power a starter motor of an engine, the apparatus comprising:

[0012] a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage in a rechargeable battery of an engine starting circuit, the rechargeable battery being configured to power a starter motor,

[0013] a voltage-correlating device operatively connected to the voltage detector,

[0014] User-understandable output devices,

[0015] wherein the apparatus is configured such that the voltage measuring device measures one or more voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery during powering of the starter motor, and the voltage associating device associates the measured one or more voltage values ​​with a predetermined one or more voltage values ​​in order to determine the state of the rechargeable battery, and the user-understandable output is configured to output an indication of the state of the rechargeable battery.

[0016] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage correlation device comprises an analog circuit and / or a microprocessor.

[0017] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the correlation of the voltage values ​​comprises comparing voltage values ​​or a ratio of changes in the comparing voltage values.

[0018] In an embodiment of the first aspect, two or more voltage values ​​are measured, and the voltage correlating device is configured to compare a lower voltage value or a lowest voltage value of the two or more measured voltage values ​​with the predetermined one or more voltage values.

[0019] In one embodiment of the first aspect, in the event that the low voltage value or the lowest voltage is determined by the voltage correlating device to be less than the predetermined one or more voltage values, a user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

[0020] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the voltage specification of the rechargeable battery.

[0021] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 10V, 9.9V, 9.8V, 9.7V, 9.6V, 9.5V, 9.4V, 9.3V, 9.2V, 9.1V, 9.0V, 8.9V, 8.7V, 8.6V, 8.5V, 8.4V, 8.3V, 8.2V, 8.1V or 8.0V.

[0022] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 9.0V.

[0023] In one embodiment of the first aspect, in a case where a ratio of a change in the voltage value is determined by the voltage correlating means to be greater than a predetermined ratio, a user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

[0024] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the ratio of the predetermined change in voltage value is equal to or less than about 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the ratio specification of the rechargeable battery when new.

[0025] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the device comprises a temperature measuring device, and the device is configured to determine the state of the rechargeable battery using the measured temperature value.

[0026] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the temperature measuring device measures the temperature of: a portion of the rechargeable battery, an object around the rechargeable battery, or the environment around the rechargeable battery, a portion of the starter motor, an object around the starter motor, or the environment around the starter motor, or within an enclosed area housing the rechargeable battery and / or starter motor, or ambient temperature, or engine intake air temperature.

[0027] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the measured temperature value is used to calculate, interpolate, extrapolate, select, generate, modify or otherwise provide the predetermined one or more voltage values.

[0028] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the measured voltage value(s) and optionally the measured temperature value are used by the microprocessor to determine whether to instruct a user-intelligible output unit to output a warning that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

[0029] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage measuring device is a connection configured to connect to an OBD system of a vehicle including a rechargeable battery.

[0030] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage measuring device is or includes a voltmeter of a vehicle including a rechargeable battery.

[0031] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage measuring device is a voltmeter that is present as original equipment connected to the rechargeable battery.

[0032] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage measuring device is a voltmeter dedicated to the operation of the device.

[0033] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the temperature measuring device is a thermocouple or a thermistor.

[0034] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the device is configured to connect to a vehicle OBD system.

[0035] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the device is configured to connect to a vehicle OBD connector.

[0036] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the device is configured to replace a vehicle OBD connector.

[0037] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the voltage correlation device is a microprocessor comprising or having access to electronic memory having stored thereon program instructions configured to perform any one or more of the following:

[0038] sampling one or more voltages output by the voltage measurement unit,

[0039] sampling one or more temperatures output by a temperature measurement unit,

[0040] associating a predetermined voltage with the sampled voltage or voltages,

[0041] The predetermined voltage is compared to the sampled voltage or voltages.

[0042] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the device is constructed by a modular PCB design approach.

[0043] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the engine is an internal combustion engine.

[0044] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the engine is used to provide power to a water vehicle, a land vehicle, an air vehicle, a machine, or a generator.

[0045] In one embodiment of the first aspect, the land vehicle is a car, a motorcycle, a recreational vehicle, a commercial vehicle, or a truck.

[0046] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a method for determining the condition of a rechargeable battery used to power a starting motor of an engine, the method comprising: measuring one or more voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery during powering of the starting motor; and associating the measured one or more voltage values ​​with one or more predetermined voltage values ​​to determine the condition of the rechargeable battery; and outputting a user-understandable output indicating the condition of the rechargeable battery.

[0047] In an embodiment of the second aspect, two or more voltage values ​​are measured, and the voltage correlation compares a lower voltage value or a lowest voltage value of the two or more measured voltage values ​​with predetermined one or more voltage values.

[0048] In one embodiment of the second aspect, in the event that the low voltage value or the lowest voltage is less than the predetermined one or more voltage values, the user-understandable output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

[0049] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the voltage specification of the rechargeable battery.

[0050] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 10V, 9.9V, 9.8V, 9.7V, 9.6V, 9.5V, 9.4V, 9.3V, 9.2V, 9.1V, 9.0V, 8.9V, 8.7V, 8.6V, 8.5V, 8.4V, 8.3V, 8.2V, 8.1V or 8.0V.

[0051] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 9.0V.

[0052] In one embodiment of the second aspect, in a case where a ratio of a change in the voltage value is greater than a predetermined ratio, a user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

[0053] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the predetermined ratio of change in voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the ratio specification of the rechargeable battery when new.

[0054] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the method includes measuring a temperature value.

[0055] In one embodiment of the second aspect, the temperature of: a portion of a rechargeable battery, an object surrounding the rechargeable battery, or the environment surrounding the rechargeable battery, a portion of a starter motor, an object surrounding the starter motor, or the environment surrounding the starter motor, or the temperature within an enclosed area housing the rechargeable battery and / or starter motor, or the ambient temperature, or the engine intake air temperature is measured.

[0056] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the method includes calculating, interpolating, extrapolating, selecting, generating, modifying, or otherwise providing a predetermined one or more voltage values ​​using the measured temperature value.

[0057] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the method includes utilizing the measured one or more voltage values ​​and optionally the measured temperature value to determine whether to output a warning that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0058] Figure 1A is a graph of battery voltage as a function of time including during the engine starting period. The graph represents a usable battery.

[0059] Figure 1Bis a graph of battery voltage as a function of time including during a period of engine starting. This graph indicates a damaged battery that should be replaced.

[0060] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a preferred embodiment of the present apparatus for determining the state of a rechargeable battery using battery voltage and temperature information.

[0061] Figure 3 is similar to Figure 2 , but is configured to utilize the battery voltage provided by the vehicle's OBD system.

[0062] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0063] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, as will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.

[0064] Similarly, it should be appreciated that the descriptions of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, various features of the present invention are sometimes combined in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof, for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure and aiding understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. However, this disclosure method should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than expressly stated in each claim. On the contrary, as reflected in the following claims, inventive aspects may lie in less than all the features of a single aforementioned disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are expressly incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim independently serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some features included in other embodiments but not other features, the combination of features from different embodiments is intended to be within the scope of the invention and from different embodiments, as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

[0066] In the following claims and the description herein, any of the terms "comprise", "include" or "which includes" is an open term, which means at least including the elements / features that follow, but not excluding other elements / features. Therefore, when used in the claims, the term "comprise" should not be interpreted as limiting the devices or elements or steps listed thereafter. For example, the scope of an expression of a method comprising step A and step B should not be limited to a method consisting of only method A and method B. Any of the terms "including" or "which includes" or "that includes" used herein is also an open term, which also means at least including the elements / features that follow the term, but not excluding other elements / features. Therefore, "comprise" is synonymous with "include" and means "including".

[0067] The present invention is based at least in part on the discovery that the usability of a rechargeable battery in an engine starting circuit can be assessed by considering the voltage drop that occurs in the circuit when the engine is started. Even when the battery is new, a measurable voltage drop occurs during engine starting.

[0068] refer to Figure 1A , which shows the voltage drop observed in a serviceable automotive lead-acid battery during engine starting. Before the engine has started, the battery has a voltage of 12.6V. Upon activation of the starter motor, the voltage drops rapidly to 9.6V. Once the engine has started, the starter motor is turned off, and the generator driven by the engine outputs 13.5V to charge the battery. In this case, the lowest voltage measured (9.6V) exceeds 9.0V, indicating that the battery is serviceable and does not need to be replaced.

[0069] As the battery becomes damaged from repeated charge and discharge cycles, the voltage drop increases. Figure 1B , shows the voltage drop of an exemplary lead-acid battery that is damaged and needs to be replaced. In this case, the battery exhibits a normal (12.6 V) voltage at rest, however, when placed under load by the starter motor, the voltage drops significantly to 8.8 V, which is below the exemplary threshold level of 9.0 V. This result indicates that the battery should be replaced to avoid engine starting problems or future starting failures.

[0070] As will be appreciated, the voltage threshold may vary depending on a number of factors, including any one or more of the battery capacity (in Ah), the normal voltage of an undamaged battery, the engine start time, the make of vehicle, the model of vehicle, and the age of the vehicle. Accordingly, some embodiments of the device will allow for some customization or selection of a suitable threshold voltage based on any one or more of the aforementioned factors. For example, a multi-position switch or variable resistor may be used to select a suitable threshold voltage. A suitable voltage may be selected by reference to a table provided to the user with the device. In other embodiments, the device is configured to use a threshold value as determined at the start of a vehicle with a known good battery. For example, the device may measure the lowest voltage and then set the threshold value at, for example, 10% lower.

[0071] More complex methods can be implemented. For example, the lowest voltage during engine startup (e.g., the lowest voltage in the 0-100 ms period) can be measured, and then the average voltage value during a later period (e.g., 101-300 ms) can be measured, and the difference between these voltage values ​​can be used to set the threshold voltage. As a further alternative, the average voltage value across the entire engine startup period (e.g., 0-300 ms) can be used as the threshold.

[0072] As an alternative to considering voltage drop, the battery's serviceability can be discerned by looking at the ratio of voltage drop during engine starting. Any ratio significantly different from that seen in a new battery may indicate a sufficient loss of output during engine starting to justify replacement. For example, a relatively high ratio of voltage drop may indicate that the battery should be replaced.

[0073] The device measures the voltage in the engine starting circuit by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the device places a voltmeter across the battery terminals. A suitable connection can be made between the positive terminal of the battery and ground. The device can be configured to sample the voltage value from the voltmeter during engine starting. The device can obtain electrical power for operation from a rechargeable battery, a dedicated battery, or some other means.

[0074] Alternatively, the voltage reading can be obtained by the device from an on-board diagnostic (OBD) system of the type often found in vehicles. Thus, the device is connected to the OBD system and samples the voltage value during engine start-up. Conveniently, the OBD system can provide electrical power for the operation of the device (e.g., via OBD2 pin 16).

[0075] In embodiments that rely on OBD, the device includes a microprocessor configured to read the voltage value output by the OBD system.

[0076] In some embodiments, the device is configured to connect to a standard OBD connection port (such as a 16-pin OBD2 connector). In such embodiments, the device can be removed from the connector to allow connection of a diagnostic computer as needed. In other embodiments, the device has a "pass-through" configuration, allowing for essentially permanent installation while also providing an OBD connection port that allows use of a diagnostic computer while the device remains connected.

[0077] In some embodiments, the device replaces the vehicle's OBD connector, or is otherwise substantially permanently connected to the OBD connector. These embodiments can be most conveniently installed by the vehicle manufacturer during production. However, retrofitting is possible.

[0078] The device includes suitable means for correlating the voltage measured by the voltage measuring means with a predetermined voltage to determine the battery state by reference. Continuing with the example used above, the device includes means for comparing the voltage drop during engine cranking with a predetermined voltage value (9.0V). Some means is needed to compare the lowest voltage measured during cranking with 9.0V. Such means may be entirely analog, an example of which is an operational amplifier comparator. An operational amplifier comparator compares one analog voltage level to another analog voltage level or to some preset reference voltage V REF (such as 9.0V) and generates an output signal based on this voltage comparison. In other words, the op amp voltage comparator compares the magnitudes of two voltage inputs and determines which of the two is the largest. The voltage comparator can use positive feedback or no feedback at all (open-loop mode) to switch its output between two saturation states because the voltage gain of the amplifier in open-loop mode is essentially equal to A. VO . Due to this high open loop gain, the output from the comparator swings fully to its positive supply rail +Vcc or fully to its negative supply rail -Vcc upon application of a varying input signal exceeding a certain preset threshold. The open loop op amp comparator is an analog circuit that operates in its non-linear region in that variations in the two analog inputs V+ and V- cause it to behave like a digital bi-stable device in that triggering causes it to have two possible output states of +Vcc or -Vcc. In this sense, the voltage comparator is essentially a 1-bit analog to digital converter in that the input signal is analog but the output functions digitally. In the event that the measured voltage drops below 9.0V during engine starting, this indicates a damaged battery and in this case the op amp produces an output which in turn triggers an alert output that can be understood by the vehicle operator.

[0079] In other embodiments, the means for voltage comparison is entirely digital and provided by a microprocessor. The voltage of the engine starting circuit is applied to the relevant microprocessor input pin and evaluated by program instructions stored in electronic memory. The program instructions may store a predetermined voltage (9.0V in this example) and compare the voltage applied to the input pin with the predetermined voltage. If the voltage measured during engine starting drops below 9.0V, a damaged battery is indicated, and in this case, the program instructions trigger an alarm output that can be understood by the vehicle operator.

[0080] In other embodiments, a hybrid analog / digital device is used to compare voltages. One example is where the output of an operational amplifier is connected to an input pin of a microprocessor.

[0081] It has further been discovered that consideration of temperature can help assess the serviceability of a rechargeable battery in an engine starting circuit. Under cold conditions, the voltage may drop more quickly and / or to a lower voltage than when the engine is started under milder conditions. Thus, under mild temperatures, the device may set the voltage drop to 9.0V as the predetermined threshold voltage value, below which the battery is considered damaged. However, under colder conditions, the predetermined threshold voltage value may be lowered to, for example, 8.6V, to account for the inherently larger voltage drop that occurs in new batteries even during engine starting. Additionally, the starter motor may be more difficult to turn under colder conditions, thereby increasing the power drain on the battery. These embodiments of the device reduce the likelihood that a serviceable battery will be replaced prematurely and unnecessarily.

[0082] Conversely, under higher temperature conditions, the predetermined threshold voltage value may be increased to, for example, 9.4V to account for the inherently lower voltage drop that may occur in a new battery during engine starting. Rechargeable batteries tend to deliver power more easily at higher temperatures. Additionally, the starter motor may experience less friction and turn more easily in warmer conditions, thereby reducing power consumption on the battery. These embodiments of the device reduce the likelihood that a battery will be falsely assessed as serviceable when it is actually damaged and needs replacement.

[0083] It is most effective to measure the temperature at or around the rechargeable battery, or at or around the starter motor. The temperature at these locations is most relevant because it provides information about the relative ease with which the rechargeable battery can turn the starter motor. Conveniently, the temperature can be obtained from the vehicle's OBD system, which can return the engine coolant temperature, the intake air temperature, or the ambient temperature.

[0084] As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, temperature may be measured by a thermocouple or a thermistor.

[0085] Embodiments of devices utilizing temperature inputs will typically include a microprocessor. For example, the output of a thermocouple or thermistor can be connected to relevant input pins of a microprocessor.

[0086] Program instructions executed by the microprocessor utilize both the measured voltage and the measured temperature to determine (typically by algorithmic means) whether the rechargeable battery is usable, or is damaged and requires replacement.

[0087] For example, the program instructions may define a series of predetermined voltages, each of which is applicable at a certain temperature.An electronic look-up table may be provided for this purpose, as exemplified below.

[0088]

[0089] Various alternatives for using temperature are contemplated when determining the most appropriate predetermined voltage for the conditions. Calculations can be implemented by a processor such that, for example, starting from a base value of 8.0V at -20 degrees Celsius, the predetermined voltage is increased by 0.1V for each degree of temperature increase. Other conversions of voltage based on temperature can be implemented as deemed appropriate by those skilled in the art.

[0090] The present device provides a user-interpretable output device to indicate that the rechargeable battery is damaged and needs to be replaced. The output can be triggered by an analog signal output (such as the output implemented by the operational amplifier embodiment of the voltage comparator described above) or by a digital output (such as the output implemented by the microprocessor embodiment of the voltage comparator described above). The output device can be digital (such as an LCD display) and can accept analog or digital input. The output device can be analog (such as a buzzer) and can accept analog or digital input.

[0091] The output device may alert the user through visual means (eg, an LCD display or a warning light showing the relevant text) or auditory means (eg, a buzzer or a speech synthesizer that speaks the relevant words).

[0092] The output device may be incorporated into the vehicle instrument cluster or otherwise disposed within the vehicle cab. When the audible alarm is sounded, the output device may be located in a hidden space, such as under the dashboard or seat.

[0093] As will be noted from the above description, the device can be substantially self-contained, with all necessary components provided. Alternatively, some components can be provided by a vehicle or other machine having a rechargeable battery and a starter motor. As an example, a voltmeter already present in a vehicle and accessible by the OBD system can form part of the device.

[0094] In some embodiments, the device is configured to consume only a limited amount of current. When powered by a vehicle battery, the low-current-consuming device reduces parasitic current consumption, thereby helping to extend the life of the vehicle battery. When powered by a battery dedicated to the device, the low-current-consuming device extends battery life.

[0095] Preferably, the device is configured to consume less than about 0.5 mA, 0.4 mA, 0.3 mA, 0.2 mA, or 0.1 mA.

[0096] Low current consumption embodiments may include program instructions configured to place the device in a "sleep" mode, whereby the power dissipation circuitry is isolated from the power source. The device may normally be in sleep mode and transition to a "wake-up" mode upon detecting a drop in voltage associated with activation of the vehicle ignition or cranking of the starter motor. Once the engine has started, as detected by an increase in voltage or by some other means, the device is returned to sleep mode by program instructions.

[0097] As a further alternative, a vibration sensor in the device may detect when a person enters the vehicle, such detection triggering a transition from sleep mode to wake mode.

[0098] The present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the following preferred examples.

[0099] Preferred embodiments of the invention

[0100] Figure 2 A preferred apparatus (10) of the present invention is shown that utilizes voltage input and temperature to determine the usability of a rechargeable battery (15). This embodiment may be suitable for automotive applications. The rechargeable battery (15) powers an electric starter motor (20) that rotates an engine flywheel (not shown) during engine starting.

[0101] The voltage measuring device (25) measures the voltage of the rechargeable battery (15) during engine starting, such as Figure 1A The output signal of the voltage measuring device (25) is sent to the input pin of the microprocessor (30) for processing.

[0102] The device also includes a thermocouple (35) for detecting the temperature in the engine compartment of the car and near the rechargeable battery (15) or the starter motor (20). The output signal of the thermocouple (35) is sent to the input pin of the microprocessor (30) for processing.

[0103] The microprocessor (30) has access to program instructions stored in an electronic memory (not shown) configured to select a threshold voltage value from a range of possible stored values ​​based on the temperature measurement reported by the thermocouple (35). The electronic lookup table disclosed above can be used for this purpose.

[0104] When the threshold voltage value is selected, the program instructions sample the voltage during activation of the starter motor (20) during engine starting. The lowest voltage is identified and compared to the selected threshold voltage value.

[0105] In the event that the lowest voltage is less than the selected threshold voltage value, the processor instructs the LCD (40) to output the text "NEW BATTERY!" to warn that the rechargeable battery (15) is damaged and should be replaced.

[0106] Figure 3 The device of the present invention is shown connected to the vehicle OBD2 port (45). Figure 2 The embodiments of are substantially the same. Figure 3 In an embodiment, pin 16 of the OBD2 port (45) is connected to a voltage input pin of the microprocessor (30). Pin 16 continuously outputs the voltage of the rechargeable battery (15) and can sample the voltage under the direction of program instructions accessible by the microprocessor (30).

[0107] Now refer to Figure 4 , which is a schematic diagram of a highly preferred embodiment of the present invention. The OBD connector is connected to the battery terminals (B+ and B-).

[0108] The 3.3V power source is supplied from the battery to the U2 MCU chip by LDO U1; R1 is a current limiting resistor to prevent surges to U1; C1, C2, C3 and C6 are filter capacitors to provide clean power at 3.3V.

[0109] R2, R3, and C5 form a voltage sampling circuit system. R2 and R3 form a voltage divider. The collected battery voltage is then sent to the MCU's ADB pin 12. The collected voltage is compared with the MCU's internal reference voltage and then drives the buzzer or LED operation by comparing the preset voltage alarm threshold.

[0110] R4, R5 and C5 constitute a flexible reference basic voltage circuit system. The AD signal is compared with the fixed basic voltage value inside the MCU, or with the external reference basic voltage value. Because R4 and R5 can be modified, different flexible reference basic voltage points can be obtained.

[0111] R6 and TH1 form a temperature detection circuit system. If the ambient temperature changes, the TH1 resistance will also change, and the preset alarm voltage threshold will be relatively compensated by the program.

[0112] SW1, R10, and C8 form a vibration sensing circuit system. When vibration occurs, the SW sensor opens or closes, causing the voltage of PA4 / pin 15 of the MCU to change accordingly.

[0113] The J1 connector is the port used to program the MCU firmware.

[0114] R7, R8 and R9 are LED lights, which are connected to pins 7, 8 and 9 through current limiting resistors of R7, R8 and R9.

[0115] BZ1 is a buzzer connected to BZ1, BZ2 / pin 4, pin 5 of the MCU.

[0116] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other cases, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail in order to avoid obscuring an understanding of this specification.

[0117] While the present invention has been described primarily with reference to installation in an automobile, it should be understood that it is not intended to be limited to that application. Having the benefit of this description, one skilled in the art will be able to apply the present invention to other types of vehicles and machines that include a rechargeable battery to power a starter motor.

[0118] It is not intended that all embodiments of the present invention have all the advantages discussed herein. In fact, some embodiments may have only a single advantage. Other embodiments may not provide any advantages and merely provide a useful alternative to the prior art.

[0119] In the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Claims

1. An apparatus for determining a state of a rechargeable battery used to power a starter motor of an engine, the apparatus comprising: a voltage measuring device configured to measure a voltage in a rechargeable battery of an engine starting circuit, said rechargeable battery being configured to power said starter motor, a voltage correlation device operatively connected to the voltage detector, User-understandable output devices, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the voltage measuring device measures one or more voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery during powering of the starter motor, and the voltage associating device associates the measured one or more voltage values ​​with one or more predetermined voltage values ​​in order to determine the state of the rechargeable battery, and the user-understandable output is configured to output an indication of the state of the rechargeable battery.

2. The device according to claim 1, wherein The voltage correlation device includes an analog circuit and / or a microprocessor.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: The correlation of the voltage values ​​comprises comparing voltage values ​​or a ratio of changes in comparing voltage values.

4. The device according to claim 3, wherein Two or more voltage values ​​are measured, and the voltage correlating device is configured to compare a lower voltage value or a lowest voltage value of the two or more measured voltage values ​​with the predetermined one or more voltage values.

5. The device according to claim 4, wherein In the event that the low voltage value or the lowest voltage is determined by the voltage correlating means to be less than the predetermined one or more voltage values, the user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein: The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the voltage specification of the rechargeable battery.

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 10V, 9.9V, 9.8V, 9.7V, 9.6V, 9.5V, 9.4V, 9.3V, 9.2V, 9.1V, 9.0V, 8.9V, 8.7V, 8.6V, 8.5V, 8.4V, 8.3V, 8.2V, 8.1V or 8.0V.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 9.0V.

9. The apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 8, wherein In a case where the ratio of the change in voltage value is determined by the voltage correlating means to be greater than a predetermined ratio, the user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, wherein The predetermined ratio of change in voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the ratio specification of the rechargeable battery when new.

11. The device according to any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising temperature measuring means, and the device being configured to determine the state of the rechargeable battery using the measured temperature value.

12. The apparatus according to claim 11, wherein The temperature measuring device measures the temperature of: a portion of the rechargeable battery, an object around the rechargeable battery, or the environment around the rechargeable battery, a portion of the starter motor, an object around the starter motor, or the environment around the starter motor, or within an enclosed area housing the rechargeable battery and / or the starter motor, or ambient temperature, or engine intake air temperature.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: The measured temperature value is used to calculate, interpolate, extrapolate, select, generate, modify or otherwise provide the predetermined one or more voltage values.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 13, wherein The measured voltage value(s) and optionally the measured temperature value are used by the microprocessor to determine whether to instruct the user-interpretable output unit to output a warning that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

15. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The voltage measuring device is configured to be connected to the OBD system of a vehicle including the rechargeable battery.

16. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The voltage measuring device is or includes a voltmeter of a vehicle including the rechargeable battery.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The voltage measuring device is a voltmeter present as original equipment connected to the rechargeable battery.

18. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein The voltage measuring device is a voltmeter dedicated to the operation of the device.

19. The apparatus according to any one of claims 11 to 18, wherein The temperature measuring device is a thermocouple or a thermistor.

20. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, configured to be connected to a vehicle OBD system.

21. A device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, configured to be connected to a vehicle OBD connector.

22. The device of any one of claims 1 to 14, configured to replace a vehicle OBD connector.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein The voltage-correlating device is a microprocessor that includes or has access to electronic memory having stored thereon program instructions configured to perform any one or more of the following: sampling one or more voltages output by the voltage measurement unit, sampling one or more temperatures output by the temperature measurement unit, associating a predetermined voltage with the sampled voltage or voltages, The predetermined voltage is compared to the sampled voltage or voltages.

24. The device of any one of claims 1 to 23, constructed by a modular PCB design approach.

25. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein The engine is an internal combustion engine.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein: The engine is used to provide power to a water vehicle, a land vehicle, an air vehicle, a machine or a generator.

27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein: The land vehicle is a car, motorcycle, recreational vehicle, commercial vehicle or truck.

28. A method of determining a condition of a rechargeable battery used to power a starter motor of an engine, the method comprising: measuring one or more voltage values ​​of the rechargeable battery during powering of the starter motor; and correlating the measured one or more voltage values ​​with predetermined one or more voltage values ​​to determine a state of the rechargeable battery; and outputting a user-understandable output indicative of a status of the rechargeable battery.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein Two or more voltage values ​​are measured, and the voltage correlation compares a lower voltage value or a lowest voltage value of the two or more measured voltage values ​​with the predetermined one or more voltage values.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein In the event that the low voltage value or the lowest voltage is less than the predetermined one or more voltage values, the user-understandable output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

31. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the voltage specification of the rechargeable battery.

32. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 31, wherein The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 10V, 9.9V, 9.8V, 9.7V, 9.6V, 9.5V, 9.4V, 9.3V, 9.2V, 9.1V, 9.0V, 8.9V, 8.7V, 8.6V, 8.5V, 8.4V, 8.3V, 8.2V, 8.1V or 8.0V.

33. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein The predetermined voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 9.0V.

34. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 33, wherein In a case where a ratio of a change in the voltage value is greater than a predetermined ratio, the user-comprehensible output outputs a warning indicating that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

35. The method according to claim 34, wherein The predetermined ratio of change in voltage value is equal to or less than approximately 90%, 89%, 88%, 87%, 86%, 85%, 84%, 83%, 82%, 81%, 80%, 79%, 78%, 77%, 76%, 75%, 74%, 73%, 72%, 71%, 70%, 69%, 68%, 67%, 66%, 65%, 64%, 63%, 62%, 61% or 60% of the ratio specification of the rechargeable battery when new.

36. A method according to any one of claims 2 to 10, comprising measuring a temperature value.

37. The method according to claim 36, wherein Measuring the temperature of: a portion of the rechargeable battery, an object surrounding the rechargeable battery, or the environment surrounding the rechargeable battery, a portion of the starter motor, an object surrounding the starter motor, or the environment surrounding the starter motor, or within an enclosed area housing the rechargeable battery and / or the starter motor, or ambient temperature, or engine intake air temperature.

38. A method according to claim 36 or claim 37, comprising using the measured temperature value to calculate, interpolate, extrapolate, select, generate, modify or otherwise provide the predetermined one or more voltage values.

39. A method according to any one of claims 28 to 38, comprising using the measured voltage value or values ​​and optionally the measured temperature value to determine whether to output a warning that the rechargeable battery is in a damaged state.

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