An emergency start power supply with diagnostic function

Abstract

Jump start device with a diagnostic function, comprising a power supply; a jump start section coupled to the power supply, wherein the jump-start section is designed to jump-start a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is also configured to provide a diagnosis of at least one component of the vehicle, wherein the jump-start section comprises a circuit configured to determine one or more voltage values ​​of a battery of a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is configured to couple the power supply to a battery of the vehicle to jump-start the vehicle based on the one or more determined voltage values, wherein the jump-start section is configured to provide a diagnosis of the battery and / or a starter motor and / or an alternator of the vehicle based on processing the one or more voltage values.

Description

[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part (CIP) of U.S. patent application serial number 18 / 092,249, filed December 31, 2022, entitled “Vehicle jump starter device,” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application serial number 17 / 515,477, filed October 31, 2021, entitled “Vehicle jump starter device,” now U.S. Patent No. 11,545,842, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application serial number 63 / 223,830, filed July 20, 2021, entitled “Vehicle jump starter device,” all of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Background of the invention

[0002] The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for a portable jump starter with a diagnostic function.

[0003] As people's living standards improve, self-driving cars are becoming more and more widely used. During operation, cars may encounter various emergencies, such as battery power loss, starter motor or alternator failure, or other problems. Roadside assistance is available in an emergency, but may be time-consuming. The functional requirements for emergency starting and vehicle diagnostics are clear and are among the most important requirements for self-help in vehicle emergencies.

[0004] Currently, there are products on the market to solve these basic functional needs. However, the two functions are split into two separate, distinct products. The startup function and the diagnostic function adopt separate designs, resulting in a lack of integrated user experience optimization, resulting in a poor user experience.

[0005] Accordingly, there is a need for further improvements in vehicle jump start devices that have a diagnostic function. Brief description of the embodiments

[0006] In some embodiments, the present invention discloses jump-start devices with a diagnostic function and methods for operating the devices. The jump-start device with a diagnostic function is configured to provide jump-start functionality along with diagnostic capability in a single, self-contained, portable product.

[0007] The multifunctional starting power supply can provide a comprehensive solution for various emergency situations drivers may encounter on the road. The device not only includes an emergency start function, but also includes a diagnostic function that can quickly and efficiently identify potential vehicle problems.

[0008] Additionally, the device is designed with portability in mind. It has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and store in a vehicle. It also includes a built-in rechargeable battery that can be charged via an external power source, ensuring the device is always ready for use.

[0009] A jump starter with a battery or vehicle diagnostic function can be used to assess whether the car battery, along with other vehicle components, is damaged. If the jump starter has a battery diagnostic function, a user can quickly and efficiently detect the battery's health status after starting to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced.

[0010] The jump-start device with a diagnostic function can be programmed to provide vehicle conditions based on the measured voltages provided by the load sensor. For example, the load sensor can be configured to sample the battery voltages for a short period of time, such as a few minutes. The values ​​and changes in the battery voltages can enable diagnosis of the vehicle's battery, starter motor, and alternator.

[0011] The jump starter with a diagnostic function may include a diagnostic circuit configured to measure various vehicle data, such as the internal resistance of the battery. The internal resistance may be an indication of the battery's health, such as its capacity and remaining battery life.

[0012] The diagnostic circuit may include a current measuring circuit configured to measure currents within the vehicle, such as currents supplied by the battery during vehicle startup or running. The measured current, along with the measured voltages, may be processed to provide a diagnosis of the vehicle, including the battery, starter motor, and alternator motor.

[0013] The jump starter with a diagnostic function may be configured to perform diagnostics of a vehicle, including battery-related components such as the battery, starter motor, and alternator. For example, the jump starter may perform battery-related tests, including tests to determine the battery's state of charge and health (SOC & SOH), the battery's voltage drop during cranking, the battery's cold cranking amps (CCA), the alternator's current output (to diagnose undercharging or overcharging), the alternator's voltage and ripple (to diagnose blown diodes), the starter motor coil resistance (to diagnose motor winding failures), and the battery-to-starter motor cable's voltage drop and resistance.

[0014] Additionally, the jump-start device may be configured with a diagnostic function to perform diagnostics of other vehicle components, such as engine health and performance system tests, fuel injector tests, pressure and system leak tests, and hydraulic tests. For example, the jump-start device may include accessories such as pressure transducers to measure the engine's air intake, exhaust, and fuel system pressure. Short description of the drawings Fig. 1A-1B illustrate a configuration for a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 2A-2E illustrate connection configurations of a jump starter device to a vehicle according to some embodiments. Fig. 3A-3C illustrate flow diagrams for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart for operating a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 6A-6B illustrate flow diagrams for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A-7B illustrate operation of a passive voltage sensor according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A-8B illustrate operation of an active voltage sensor according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A-9D illustrate flow diagrams for forming a voltage detection circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 10A-10B illustrate configurations and controls of a sensor combination according to some embodiments. Fig. 11A-11C illustrate flow diagrams for forming a sensor assembly according to some embodiments. Fig. 12A-12B illustrate operations for using an active / passive voltage sensor for a vehicle with a connected battery, according to some embodiments. Fig. 13A-13B illustrate operations for using an active / passive voltage sensor for a vehicle with a disconnected battery, according to some embodiments. Fig. 14A-14C illustrate flow diagrams for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 15A-15B illustrate a configuration of a load sensor according to some embodiments. Fig. 16A-16B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump start device according to some embodiments. Fig. 17A-17B illustrate configurations of combinations of passive and active sensors according to some embodiments. Fig. 18A-18B illustrate flow diagrams for forming a sensor assembly according to some embodiments. Fig. 19A-19B illustrate configurations for polarity swapping of a load sensor in a jump starter device according to some embodiments. Fig. 20A-20B illustrate flow diagrams for forming sensor assemblies with a polarity swap circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 21A-21B illustrate configurations for circuits configured to process voltage outputs from a load sensor, according to some embodiments. Fig. 22A-22C illustrate configurations for voltage comparators according to some embodiments. Fig. 23A-23C illustrate flow diagrams for forming sensor assemblies according to some embodiments. Fig. 24A-24C illustrate a configuration of a jump start circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 25 illustrates a configuration for a jump starter device with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 26A-26D illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. Fig. 27A-27B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 28A-28B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 29 illustrates a configuration of a jump starter device with a diagnostic circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 30A-30C illustrate a diagnostic circuit for measuring an internal resistance of a battery according to some embodiments. Fig. 31A-31E illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. Fig. 32A-32B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 33A-33B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 34 illustrates a configuration of a jump starter device with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 35A-35E illustrate a diagnostic circuit for measuring a current of a vehicle according to some embodiments. Fig. 36A-36D illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. Fig. 37A-37B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 38A-38B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Detailed description of the embodiments

[0015] In some embodiments, the present invention discloses jump-start devices with a diagnostic function and methods for operating the jump-start devices with the diagnostic function. A jump-start device with a diagnostic function may include a jump-start component that may include load sensors, e.g., sensors or sensing circuits for measuring data, such as voltage data, of a load coupled to the jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a controller configured to process the load data to determine the status of the load, such as the conditions of the vehicle connected to the jump-start device.

[0016] The load data may include voltages from the load under different conditions, such as the load voltages under no external power source or under the excitation of an external power source. For example, the vehicle may provide a voltage, such as a voltage other than zero, or no voltage, such as a zero voltage, under no external power source. Under an external power source, the sensor may measure the same, similar, or completely different voltages.

[0017] From the load data, the control unit can determine whether a battery is present. If a battery is present, the load data can provide information about how suitable the battery condition is for jump-start operation. If the battery is not present, the load data can provide information about whether the vehicle conditions are suitable for jump-start operation.

[0018] The load status may include the battery conditions after determining that the battery is present and connected to the jump starter. For example, the battery conditions may include an overvoltage battery, such as a battery with a voltage significantly higher than a battery in the jump starter, which could potentially cause damage to the jump starter.

[0019] Battery states may include a fully charged battery, e.g., a battery with a voltage similar to a new battery, such as between 12 V and 13.5 V for a 12 V battery. The fully charged battery state may be suitable for operating the jump starter.

[0020] Battery states may include a good battery, such as a partially empty or partially discharged battery, such as between 10 V and 12 V for a 12 V battery. The good battery state may be suitable for operating the jump-start device, such as jump-starting the vehicle or charging the vehicle battery with the jump-start device.

[0021] Battery conditions may include a bad battery, such as a battery that is mostly empty or mostly discharged, such as between 0 V and 10 V for a 12 V battery. The bad battery condition may be suitable for operating the jump starter, such as jump-starting the vehicle. The bad battery condition is likely unsuitable for charging the vehicle battery with the jump starter.

[0022] Battery conditions may include a reversed polarity battery, e.g., a battery where the terminals have been reversed connected to the jump starter, such as the positive terminal of the vehicle battery being connected to the negative terminal of the jump starter. The reversed polarity condition may be indicated by a measured negative voltage. In some embodiments, the load sensor may convert the negative voltage to a positive voltage to facilitate voltage detection using a TTL (transistor-transistor logic) signal input to a control unit, such as a microprocessor. The reversed polarity battery condition may be unsuitable for operating the jump starter, so the jump starter may be disabled until the condition is corrected.

[0023] Battery conditions may include a shorted battery, for example, a battery whose terminals are shorted. The shorted battery may exhibit OV. The shorted battery condition may be unsuitable for operating the jump starter, which may, for example, damage the jump starter by shorting the jump starter's battery. The jump starter may be disabled until the condition is corrected, such as by removing the shorted battery.

[0024] The load status may include the states of the connection between the jump starter and the vehicle, such as to the vehicle battery or to the vehicle electrical circuit. The state of the connection may include situations where the battery is present or where the battery is not present. For example, the connection states may include an open connection, such as the jump starter cables not contacting the vehicle battery or the vehicle electrical circuit. The non-contact state may be unsuitable for operating the jump starter because the jump starter is not connected to the vehicle. The jump starter may be shut down until the condition is corrected, such as the jump starter cables being reconnected.

[0025] Connection conditions may include a poor connection, such as the jump starter cables not making good contact with the vehicle battery or the vehicle's electrical circuit, which may result in high contact resistance between the jump starter and the vehicle. Depending on the contact resistance, the poor contact condition may be suitable or unsuitable for operating the jump starter. In the case of high contact resistance, the jump starter may shut down until the condition is corrected, such as reconnecting the jump starter cables.

[0026] The status of the load may include the vehicle circuit conditions after determining that the battery is absent or present but not connected to the jump starter. For example, the vehicle circuit conditions may include a shorted vehicle circuit, such as when the jumper cables are connected to the vehicle circuit in reverse polarity, which may provide a short current path through the flyback diodes in parallel with the starter or alternator motor. The shorted vehicle circuit condition may be unsuitable for operating the jump starter because both the jump starter and the vehicle circuit will be damaged. The jump starter may be disabled until the condition is corrected, such as correcting the polarity connection between the jumper cables and the vehicle circuit.

[0027] The vehicle circuit conditions may include a good connection to the vehicle circuit without the presence of a battery. The good connection may be suitable for operating the jump-start device, such as jump-starting the vehicle or using the jump-start device to temporarily replace the battery for operating the vehicle.

[0028] Fig. 1A-1B illustrate a configuration for a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. 1A, a jump starter device 100 may include an internal power supply, such as a battery 110, having terminals coupled to an output coupler 116A / 116B configured to couple to a pair of cables for connection to a vehicle 150, such as the battery of a non-operating vehicle or to the vehicle's electrical circuit without connecting the battery. The connection of the battery terminals to the coupler may be controlled by a switch 112. For example, a first battery terminal, such as the positive terminal, may be directly coupled to a positive terminal 116A of the coupler. A second battery terminal, such as the negative terminal, may be coupled to a negative terminal 116B of the coupler via the switch 112.A different connection may be used, such as the positive terminals being coupled to each other via switch 112, while the negative terminals are directly connected to each other. Switch 112 may be a controllable switch, such as a coil relay, a solid-state relay, or a power transistor. Switch 112 may include multiple switches in parallel, for example, to accommodate a high current supplied to the vehicle by the jump-start device.

[0029] The switch 112 can be controlled by a control unit 111, such as a microcontroller or a microprocessor. For example, the microcontroller 111 can connect or disconnect the connection between the battery and the output coupler of the jump starter. As shown, the control unit 111 can output a control signal 131 to the switch 112. The control signal 131 can activate the switch 112, for example, to turn the switch 112 on so that the negative terminal of the battery is connected to the negative terminal 116B of the output coupler. The control signal 131 can deactivate the switch 112, for example, to turn the switch 112 off so that the negative terminal of the battery is disconnected from the negative terminal 116B of the output coupler.

[0030] Generally, control unit 111 may activate switch 112 when the vehicle condition is suitable for the jump starter to jump start the vehicle, charge the vehicle's battery, or replace the vehicle's battery with the jump starter. If the vehicle condition is not suitable, e.g., potentially damaging the jump starter or the vehicle's battery or the vehicle's electrical circuit, control unit 111 may deactivate switch 112.

[0031] The microcontroller 111 may receive input signals 134 from a load sensor 140 coupled to the vehicle 150 to measure data of the vehicle 150, such as the vehicle's load voltage 141, the contact resistance 145 between the jumper cables and the vehicle, and the vehicle's load resistance 146. The load sensor may have its internal power 142, such as by coupling to the battery 110. By having an internal power supply, the load sensor may be an active sensor, e.g., a sensor that can measure a load response after power is delivered to the load.

[0032] The load sensor may be configured to receive load data, e.g., data from the load coupled to the output terminals. For example, the load sensor may be a circuit configured to convert a voltage of the load, e.g., the voltage at the output terminals, into another voltage. By coupling or decoupling the load to the load sensor, the load sensor may be configured to provide a first voltage relative to the load voltage without using battery power and a second voltage relative to the load voltage using battery power.

[0033] From the input signals 134, the control unit 111 can determine the status of the vehicle and the connectivity between the jump starter and the vehicle. Based on the vehicle status, the control unit can output the control signal 131 to turn the switch 112 on or off.

[0034] The control unit 111 may be configured to receive the load data from the load sensor and may process the load data to obtain a state of the vehicle. For example, the control unit may analyze the first and second voltages received from the load sensor and may determine the state or status of the vehicle, such as that the connection to the vehicle may have reversed polarity, that the connection to the vehicle may be an open connection, e.g., not making contact, that the vehicle battery may be short-circuited, that the vehicle battery may have an abnormally high voltage unsuitable for the jump-start device, that the vehicle is missing a battery, that the jump-start device may be used to jump-start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery, or that the jump-start device may be used as a spare or auxiliary battery for the vehicle.

[0035] In Fig. 1B, the load sensor 140 may be configured to measure load data from the output terminals, such as a first voltage without external power and a second voltage with external power. The load data may be provided to the control unit 111, which may analyze the load data to determine the status of the load, e.g., conditions of the vehicle to which the jump starter is connected. For example, the load status may include conditions of the vehicle battery, such as an overvoltage of the vehicle battery, a good vehicle battery, a rechargeable battery (good chargeable and poor chargeable), a shorted battery, or a battery with a reversed polarity connection. The load status may include conditions of the connection between the jump starter and the vehicle, with or without a battery in the vehicle, such as a good connection, a bad connection, or an open connection.The load status may include conditions of the vehicle without a battery, such as a reversed polarity connection or a correct polarity connection.

[0036] Fig. 2A-2E illustrate connection configurations of a jump start device to a vehicle according to some embodiments. In Fig. 2A, the jump start device 200 may be coupled to a vehicle 250, such as via a pair of jumper cables 201. The jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle's battery 252 or may be connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit 251 without being connected to the battery 252. For example, the battery 252 may be removed from the vehicle 250. Alternatively, the battery 252 remains in the vehicle 250 but is disconnected from the vehicle's electrical circuit. The jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit without contacting the battery.

[0037] In Fig. 2B(a), the jumper cables can be connected to the vehicle battery with correct polarity 253. e.g., the positive / negative terminal of the jumper cables (which may or may not be coupled to the positive / negative terminal of the battery in the jumper device by means of a switch) is connected to the positive / negative terminal of the battery, respectively. The correct polarity state is necessary for proper connectivity between the jumper device and the vehicle.

[0038] In Fig. 2B(b), the jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle battery with reversed polarity 254, e.g., the positive / negative terminal of the jumper cables is connected to the negative / positive terminal of the battery, respectively. The reversed polarity condition is an unsuitable condition for using the jump starter. The jump starter may be turned off and wait for the reversed polarity condition to be corrected.

[0039] In Fig. 2C(a), the jumper cables may be poorly connected to the vehicle battery, e.g., connected with high contact resistance. For example, the connection may be improper, such as connecting largely to the insulation instead of the battery terminal. The poor connection, which can be identified as having high contact resistance at the connection, may render the jump starter ineffective, e.g., significantly reducing the current delivered to the vehicle. The jump starter may be turned off while waiting for the connection to be corrected.

[0040] In Fig. 2C(b), the jumper cables may not be connected to the vehicle battery, e.g., forming an open circuit connection 225. For example, the connection may be improper, such as connecting to the insulation instead of the battery terminal. The open connection, which can be identified as having infinite contact resistance at the connection, may render the jump-start device ineffective, e.g., no power can be transferred from the jump-start device to the vehicle. The jump starter may be turned off and await the connection correction.

[0041] In Fig. 2D(a) The jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle while the vehicle battery is missing or removed. For example, the battery may be missing or removed from the vehicle. If, for example, the battery is short-circuited, the battery may be removed. With a proper connection, the jumper can function as a battery backup; for example, the vehicle may operate with the jumper temporarily replacing the vehicle battery.

[0042] In Fig. 2D(b), the jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery. For example, the vehicle battery may still be present but not connected to the jump starter or the vehicle's electrical circuit. Similar to the missing battery, the jump starter, with a proper connection, can act as a battery backup; for example, the vehicle may operate with the jump starter temporarily replacing the vehicle battery.

[0043] In Fig. 2E(a), the jumper cables may be connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery, with correct polarity 253*. The correct polarity condition may be represented by an appropriate load resistance, e.g., the condition of the vehicle's electrical circuit such as the alternator or other electrical components. The correct polarity condition, without the vehicle battery, may allow the vehicle to start with the assistance of the jump starter. Additionally, the vehicle may operate, e.g., run, with the jump starter temporarily replacing the vehicle battery.

[0044] In Fig. 2E(b), the jumper cables can be connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery, with reversed polarity 254*. The reversed polarity condition can be represented by a short circuit, e.g., zero resistance due to the flyback diodes in parallel with the alternator or starter motor. The reversed polarity condition, without the vehicle battery, can cause damage to the vehicle and the jump starter. Thus, the jump starter can be turned off and wait for the polarity condition to be corrected.

[0045] Fig. 3A-3C illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. In Figure 3A, process 300 forms a jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a battery connected to a switch before being connected to a jumper cable. The jump-start device may include a controller configured to turn the switch on or off based on input signals from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jumper cable.

[0046] In Fig. In FIG. 3B, operation 320 illustrates a jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a battery coupled to a switch controlled by a controller based on inputs from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jump-start device. The conditions may include a voltage of the vehicle with or without a vehicle battery, a resistive load of the vehicle without the vehicle battery, or a contact resistance between the jump-start device and the vehicle.

[0047] In Fig. 3C, operation 340 illustrates a jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a battery coupled to a switch controlled by a controller based on inputs from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jump-start device. The conditions may include whether the jump-start device is coupled to the vehicle with correct or reverse polarity, if the vehicle has a battery or no battery, if the jump-start device is properly connected to the vehicle, or if the battery is shorted.

[0048] Fig. 4 illustrates a flowchart for operating a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. 4, operation 400 connects a jumper cable of a jump start device to a vehicle. The jump start device may include a sensor assembly configured to monitor a condition of the connection or a condition of the vehicle. The sensor assembly may be configured to provide inputs to a control unit configured to control whether a battery of the jump start device is connected to the vehicle.

[0049] Operation 410 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether a battery of the vehicle has an overvoltage. Operation 420 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the vehicle battery has a similar voltage with correct polarity. Operation 430 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the vehicle battery is connected with correct polarity. Operation 440 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the vehicle battery is short-circuited. Operation 450 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the vehicle battery is connected with reverse polarity. Operation 460 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the jumper cable is connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery and whether the connection is open. Operation 470 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the jumper cable is connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery and whether the connection is with correct polarity.Operation 480 assesses, by the sensor assembly, whether the jumper cable is connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery and whether the connection is with reversed polarity.

[0050] In some embodiments, the jump starter may include a load sensor assembly with active and passive sensors for measuring load conditions of a connected vehicle. In a passive sensor, the sensor detects a condition or status of the load using a power of the load. For example, a voltmeter can be considered a passive sensor that can be used to measure the voltage of the load. The voltmeter uses the power of the load to measure, for example, the load voltage caused by the load power. In the case of the vehicle, the passive sensor of the jump starter uses the vehicle power, for example, using the vehicle battery, to obtain a voltage of the vehicle, e.g., a voltage of the battery present in the vehicle.

[0051] In contrast, an active sensor may include its own power supply, e.g., using the sensor's power supply to provide it to the load to detect a load response corresponding to the applied power. For example, an ohmmeter can be considered an active sensor that can apply a voltage to the load to measure a current response proportional to the load's resistance. In the case of the vehicle, the active sensor of the jump starter uses external power, such as the power of a jump starter battery, to apply it to the vehicle, e.g., applying it to the vehicle's electrical circuit with or without a vehicle battery to obtain a vehicle voltage, e.g., a voltage of the battery present in the vehicle or a voltage of the vehicle's electrical circuit if there is no battery in the vehicle.

[0052] For example, a typical passive sensor can be converted into an active sensor to obtain a different response from the load. For example, a passive voltmeter can measure the load voltage. An active voltmeter can supply a voltage to the load and measure a different voltage relative to the supplied voltage and also relative to the load voltage.

[0053] In some embodiments, the load sensor of the jump starter may include an active sensor, along with an optional passive sensor. The active sensor may include a voltage sensor configured to measure a voltage of the vehicle, such as a voltage of the vehicle battery. The active voltage sensor may be configured to vary the measured voltage caused by the vehicle battery, which may simplify voltage detection of the vehicle battery. For example, the measured voltages of the vehicle battery may be between 12 V and -12 V, with the negative voltages resulting from reversed polarity. The negative voltages may cause difficulties for the microprocessor, such as a microprocessor circuit that uses TTL logic.Thus, the active voltage sensor can apply a voltage to the vehicle load so that the measured voltages can be between 12 V and 0 V, where 12 V - 6 V corresponds to the correct polarity measurement of a vehicle battery with 12 V - 0 V and 6 V - 0 V corresponds to the reverse polarity of a vehicle battery of 0 V - 12 V. The active voltage sensor can map the range of voltages of the vehicle battery, which can be from a negative value to a positive value, to another range which can be positive values, e.g. from 0 V to a positive value.

[0054] The use of 12 V and 6 V is just one example. Other voltage values ​​can be used to separate the positive and negative areas of the vehicle battery. For example, the positive battery area may be more important, having multiple sub-areas of good battery, bad battery, defective battery, and shorted battery, compared to the negative battery area, which has only one area of ​​reversed polarity connection, for example. Thus, other voltage ranges other than 12 - 6 V and 6 - 0 V can be used. For example, the voltage ranges can be divided by 12 V - 3 V for correct polarity and 3 V - 0 V for reversed polarity connection.

[0055] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a combination of an active sensor and a passive sensor. The sensor combination may provide separation of similar voltage measurements. For example, a zero voltage measurement using a passive voltage sensor may indicate a shorted battery, an open connection, or a connection to the vehicle without contacting the battery. Using an active voltage sensor may provide different voltages for these different conditions.

[0056] The combination of active and passive sensors can include two separate sensors, or a single sensor that can be switched between the active sensor and the passive sensor. The switching can be automatic, for example, using an oscillator that switches between the two sensors during each oscillation cycle. The switching can be controlled by the control unit, which can switch sensors before the measurement.

[0057] In some embodiments, the sensor combination can be used to calculate a resistance, such as a load resistance, a contact resistance, or a combination of load and contact resistance, for example, by determining a current passing through a known resistance.

[0058] Fig. 5 illustrates a portion of a jump-start device according to some embodiments. A jump-start device 500 may include a control unit 511, such as a microprocessor, that may receive input signals 535, 536, and 537 from a load sensor 540 and that may generate an output signal 531 to activate or deactivate a switch 512.

[0059] The load sensor 540 may include a passive voltage sensor 562 that may be coupled to a vehicle 550, for example, via the output coupler 516A / 516B, and that may be used to measure a voltage of the vehicle battery. The output 535 of the passive voltage sensor 562 may be provided to the control unit 511 as an input 535 to determine the output signal 531.

[0060] The load sensor 540 may include an active voltage sensor 563, which may be coupled to a vehicle 550, for example, also via the output coupler 516A / 516B. The active voltage sensor 563 may have a power supply 573A, which may be the jump starter battery or a separate and independent power supply. The active voltage sensor may be used to measure a different voltage of the vehicle battery, e.g., different from the voltage measured by the passive voltage sensor. For example, the measured voltage from the active sensor may be proportional to the voltage of the power supply 573A and also proportional to the vehicle battery voltage. The output 536 of the active voltage sensor 563 may be provided to the control unit 511 as an input 536 to determine the output signal 531.

[0061] An oscillator 561 can be used to activate the passive voltage sensor 562 or the active voltage sensor 563. For example, in one cycle of the oscillator, the passive voltage sensor 562 can be activated first, followed by the active voltage sensor 563. Alternatively, the control unit 511 can provide an output signal 532 to the oscillator 561, for example, to toggle the activation of the passive or active voltage sensor. For example, a first output signal 532 can activate the oscillator, which then activates the passive voltage sensor. A second output signal 532 can activate the oscillator, which can activate the active voltage sensor.

[0062] In some embodiments, the oscillator may include a controllable switch, which may be a circuit configured to turn a connection on or off upon receipt of a control signal, such as signal 562. For example, when the switch is off, the passive voltage sensor is enabled and the active voltage sensor is disabled, allowing the load sensor to measure a voltage of the vehicle. Upon receipt of a control signal 562 from the controller, the switch is on, enabling the active voltage sensor and disabling the passive voltage sensor. The load sensor may measure a different voltage of the vehicle subject to the application of external power supply 573A.

[0063] The load sensor 540 may include a resistance sensor 565 that may be coupled to a vehicle 550, for example, also via the output coupler 516A / 516B, and that may be used to measure a resistance of the jumper cable connection and / or the resistance of the vehicle's electrical circuit. The resistance sensor 565 may have a power supply 573B, which may be the jump starter's battery or a separate and independent power supply. The resistance measurement may include a voltage measurement along with a calculation to determine the resistance. The output 537 of the resistance sensor 565 may be provided to the control unit 511 as an input 537 to determine the output signal 531.

[0064] The measured resistance may include contact resistance, e.g., the resistance of the connection between the jump starter cables and the vehicle terminals. The measured resistance may include vehicle load resistance, e.g., the resistance of the vehicle's electrical circuit when the connection does not contact the vehicle battery. The measured resistance may include a combination of contact resistance and load resistance, e.g., the resistances are measured together.

[0065] In some embodiments, the contact resistance may be either a very low resistance, indicating a good connection between the jump starter and the vehicle; or a very high resistance, indicating an open connection, e.g., the jump starter cables are not contacting the vehicle's terminals. As an estimate, the very low contact resistance may be characterized as zero resistance, while the very high contact resistance may be characterized as infinite resistance.

[0066] In some embodiments, the resistance sensor 565 may be a software component, e.g., an algorithm in the control unit 511. For example, the control unit may receive voltage measurements from the passive and active voltage sensors and may use the measured voltage values ​​to calculate the resistance, for example, through known configurations.

[0067] Fig. 6A-6B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. 6A, operation 600 illustrates a jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a battery coupled to a switch controlled by a controller based on inputs from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jump-start system. The sensor assembly may include a passive voltage detector coupled to a battery of the vehicle. The sensor assembly may include an active voltage detector coupled between the jump-start battery and the vehicle battery and circuitry, such as an oscillator or a switch, to alternate between the passive and active voltage detectors.

[0068] In Fig. 6B, operation 620 illustrates a jump-start device. The jump-start device may include a battery coupled to a switch controlled by a controller based on inputs from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jump-start system. The sensor assembly may include a voltage detector configured to measure voltages of a battery of the vehicle if the vehicle battery is connected to the jump-start system. The voltage detector is also configured to measure a load of the vehicle if the vehicle battery is not connected to the jump-start system.

[0069] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a passive voltage sensor and an active voltage sensor. The passive and active voltage sensors may be coupled to the vehicle, such as by coupling the vehicle battery to the vehicle, or by coupling the vehicle's electrical circuit without connecting to the battery (because the battery is not present or because the existing battery is removed from the vehicle's electrical circuit).

[0070] Thus, when the jump starter is coupled to the vehicle, the passive voltage sensor can measure the voltage of the vehicle's battery, and can thus provide vehicle battery conditions if there is a battery in the vehicle and if the jump starter is coupled to the vehicle's battery. If there is no battery in the vehicle or if the jump starter is coupled to the vehicle's electrical circuit without a connection to the vehicle's battery, the passive voltage sensor can measure a zero voltage, indicating that there is no battery, e.g., no power source connected to the jump starter.If the passive voltage sensor measures a zero voltage, this can indicate many possible vehicle circuit conditions, such as an open circuit condition, a short circuit condition, a reversed polarity connection to the circuit, or a correct polarity connection to the circuit. An active voltage sensor can be used to resolve the multiple vehicle conditions.

[0071] Fig. 7A-7B illustrate operation of a passive voltage sensor according to some embodiments. Fig. 7A(a) and Fig. 7A(b) shows the operation of the passive voltage sensor connected to a vehicle battery. Fig. 7B(a) and Fig. 7B(b) show the operation of the passive voltage sensor connected to a vehicle circuit without being connected to the vehicle battery, such as in a case of no battery in the vehicle.

[0072] Fig. 7A(a) shows a configuration of a passive voltage sensor 762 that may be coupled to a vehicle battery 752. Fig. Figure 7A(b) shows voltage ranges of measurements 762A resulting from the passive voltage sensor 762, assuming a vehicle with a 12V battery. A highest range of measured voltage from the passive voltage sensor is an overvoltage battery range 721, which may be above approximately 15V or so. In this range, the vehicle battery has an abnormally high voltage, e.g., above 15V for a 12V vehicle. For this measurement range, the jump starter may be disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jump starter circuitry.

[0073] A second highest range of measured voltage from the passive voltage sensor is a good battery range 722, which may be around 12 V or so, such as from 12 V to 13.5 V. In this range, the vehicle battery exhibits a voltage suitable for a good battery, which is typically slightly higher than 12 V for a 12 V battery. For this measurement range, the jump starter device can be activated to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery.

[0074] A third highest range of measured voltage from the passive voltage sensor is a rechargeable battery range 723, which may be less than about 12 V or so, such as from 0 V to 12 V. This voltage range can be divided into a good rechargeable battery range, which is between 10 V and 12 V, and a poor rechargeable battery range, which is between 0 V and 10 V. In this range, the vehicle battery exhibits a voltage suitable for charging the battery, although the possibility of charging the good rechargeable battery (e.g., greater than 10 V) is much higher than for the poor rechargeable battery (e.g., less than 10 V). For this measurement range, the jump start device can be activated to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery.

[0075] A fourth highest range of measured voltage from the passive voltage sensor is a shorted battery range 724A, which may be approximately 0 V, such as from 0 V to 0.5 V or from -0.5 V to 0.5 V. In this range, the vehicle battery may be completely discharged, with the terminals shorted together, or at least exhibit low resistance between the two terminals of the battery. For this measurement range, the jump starter may be turned off or disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jump starter circuitry.

[0076] The lowest range of measured voltage from the passive voltage sensor is a reversed polarity battery range 728, which can be less than 0 V, such as from -12 V to 0 V. In this range, the jumper cables are connected to the vehicle battery with reversed polarity, e.g., the positive terminal of the jumper is connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery. For this measurement range, the jumper can be turned off or disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jumper circuitry.

[0077] Fig. 7B(a) shows a configuration of a passive voltage sensor 762 that may be coupled to a vehicle electrical circuit 751. Fig. Figure 7B(b) shows voltage ranges of measurements 762B resulting from the passive voltage sensor 762. Since the vehicle circuit 751 has no power source, the passive voltage sensor always measures 0 V, regardless of the vehicle circuit conditions.

[0078] For example, the passive voltage sensor may measure an equal measured voltage 720A of 0V for a shorted vehicle circuit condition 724B, an open circuit condition 725, such as the jumper cables not being connected to the vehicle, a reverse polarity condition 726, such as the jumper cables being connected to the vehicle circuit in reverse polarity, or a correct polarity condition 727, such as the jumper cables being connected to the vehicle circuit in correct polarity.

[0079] Furthermore, the passive voltage sensor can measure an equal measured voltage 720B of 0 V for a shorted battery condition 724A and for a shorted circuit condition 724B, an open circuit condition 725, a reversed polarity condition 726, and a correct polarity condition 727.

[0080] An active voltage sensor may have a power source, such as being connected to the jump starter's battery. Thus, the active voltage sensor may measure the voltage of the vehicle battery if the vehicle battery is coupled to the jump starter, and may measure the voltage of the vehicle circuit if the jump starter is connected to the vehicle circuit without connection to the battery. The active voltage sensor may resolve some of the multiple vehicle conditions related to the zero voltage measurement with the passive voltage sensor.

[0081] Fig. 8A-8B illustrate operation of an active voltage sensor according to some embodiments. Fig. 8A(a) and Fig. 8A(b) show the operation of the active voltage sensor connected to a vehicle battery. Fig. 8B(a) and Fig. 8B(b) show the operation of the active voltage sensor connected to a vehicle circuit without being connected to the vehicle battery, such as in a case of no battery in the vehicle.

[0082] Fig. 8A(a) shows a configuration of an active voltage sensor 862 that may be coupled to a vehicle battery 852. The active voltage sensor 863 may have its own power source 873A, such as being coupled to the battery of the jump starter.

[0083] In some embodiments, the active voltage sensor 863 may include a voltage divider with resistors R1 and R2. One end of the voltage divider is coupled to the booster battery 873A. The other end of the voltage divider is coupled to the output coupler, which is configured to be connected to the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle battery 852 or the vehicle circuit 851 without being connected to the vehicle battery. An output Vout 863A / 863B from the voltage divider may be provided to the control unit to assist the control unit in determining the status of the vehicle, e.g., whether it is suitable to activate the booster device.

[0084] Using the voltage divider configuration as an active voltage sensor as shown, the output voltage of the active voltage sensor can be calculated as Vout=R2R1+R2(Vps+Vcar) where V psthe voltage at the power source is 873A and V car the voltage across the vehicle, such as the voltage of the vehicle battery 852 or the voltage across the vehicle circuit 851 (which is proportional to the load resistance or contact resistance of the vehicle). This calculation assumes that the jump starter's connection to the vehicle battery is a good connection, e.g., has low contact resistance. This assumption can be met by selecting appropriate values ​​for resistors R1 and R2, for example, to limit the current delivered to the vehicle in the event of faults such as a reversed polarity connection or a shorted vehicle battery. The values ​​for resistors R1 and R2 can be less than 100 ohms, such as between 30 and 70 ohms.

[0085] In some embodiments, the active voltage sensor may have a current limit. For example, the current supplied by the power supply 873A may be limited to low values, such as less than 1 A, less than 199 mA, less than 10 mA, less than 1 mA, less than 0.1 mA, less than 0.01 mA, or less than 1 μA. The current limiter may be achieved by a current limiter circuit, such as a voltage divider circuit using high-value resistors.

[0086] Other voltage sensor configurations may be used, such as an amplifier circuit or a voltage comparator circuit. The voltage sensor may include a current limiting circuit to prevent damage to the jump starter or the vehicle.

[0087] Fig. 8A(b) shows voltage ranges of V outMeasurements 863A resulting from the active voltage sensor 863, assuming a vehicle with a 12V battery and a jump starter with a 12V battery, along with a selection of R1 equal to R2. Other configurations of R1 and R2 may be used, such as R1 = 2R2 or R1 = 3R2. The higher values ​​of R1 can provide a larger voltage range for the correct polarity connection. For example, using R1 = R2, the voltage range for the correct polarity connection is from 6V to 12V. Using R1 = 2R2, the voltage range for the correct polarity connection is from 4V to 12V. Using R1 = 3R2, the voltage range for the correct polarity connection is from 3V to 12V.In some embodiments, the correct polarity connection voltage range may be more important than the reverse polarity connection voltage range because the correct polarity range may be divided into multiple sub-ranges for different vehicle battery performance.

[0088] Other jump starter battery configurations may be used, such as a 24V battery for use in vehicles with a 24V battery, such as some buses and trucks. In some embodiments, the jump starter battery and the vehicle battery may have the same voltage value; for example, the jump starter may be configured to jump start or charge vehicles with a particular voltage specified by the jump starter. Thus, a jump starter may have a 6V, 12V, or 24V battery and may be used to jump start a vehicle with a 6V, 12V, or 24V battery, respectively. In some embodiments, additional circuitry may be used to enable a single jump starter to jump start different vehicles with different battery voltages.For example, a 24V to 12V step-down converter can be used to enable a 24V jump starter to jump start a 12V vehicle.

[0089] The measured voltage Vout from the active voltage sensor 863 can be classified into several voltage ranges, similar to the voltage ranges of the passive voltage sensor discussed above. However, with the amplification of Vps, e.g., the voltage from the jump starter battery, the measured voltage Vout can be mapped to higher values.

[0090] A highest range of measured voltage from the active voltage sensor is an overvoltage battery range 871, which may be above approximately 14 V or so. In this range, the vehicle battery has an abnormally high voltage, e.g., above 15 V for a 12 V vehicle. Since the jump starter battery is approximately 12 V, the measured Vout may be slightly less than the vehicle battery voltage. For this measurement range, the jump starter may be disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jump starter circuitry.

[0091] A second highest range of measured voltage from the active voltage sensor is a good battery range 872, which may be around 12 V or so, such as from 12 V to 13.5 V. Since the jump starter battery is approximately 12 V, the measured Vout may be approximately the same as the vehicle battery voltage. In this range, the vehicle battery exhibits a voltage suitable for a good battery, which is typically slightly higher than 12 V for a 12V battery. For this measurement range, the jump starter can be activated to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery.

[0092] A third highest range of measured voltage from the active voltage sensor is a rechargeable battery range 873, which may be less than about 12 V or so, such as from 6 V to 12 V. Since the jump starter battery is about 12 V, the measured Vout may be about 6 V when the vehicle battery voltage is 0 V. For this measurement range, the jump starter may be activated to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery. Similar to the passive voltage sensor measurements, this range can be divided into a good rechargeable range and a poor rechargeable range.

[0093] A fourth highest range of measured voltage from the active voltage sensor is a shorted battery range 874A, or a zero equivalent value, which may be around 6 V, such as from 5.5 V to 6.5 V. The zero equivalent value 874A may be a value of the voltage measured by the active voltage sensor when the vehicle terminals are connected to a shorted battery. The zero equivalent value 874A may be a value of the voltage measured by the active voltage sensor corresponding to a 0 V vehicle battery, e.g., a voltage value mapped from 0 V by the passive voltage sensor.

[0094] Since the jump starter battery voltage is approximately 12 V, the measured Vout may be approximately 6 V when the vehicle battery voltage is 0 V. In this range, the vehicle battery is completely discharged, with the terminals shorted together, or at least with a low resistance between the two battery terminals. For this measurement range, the jump starter can be turned off or disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jump starter circuitry.

[0095] A lowest range of measured voltage from the active voltage sensor is a reverse polarity battery range 828, which may be less than 6 V, such as from 0 V to 6 V. Since the jump starter battery is approximately 12 V, the measured Vout may be less than approximately 6 V if the vehicle battery voltage is negative, e.g., between 0 V and -12 V. In this range, the jump starter cables are connected to the vehicle battery with reverse polarity, e.g., the positive terminal of the jump starter is connected to the negative terminal of the vehicle battery. For this measurement range, the jump starter may be turned off or disabled to prevent damage to the battery or the jump starter circuitry.

[0096] Thus, the use of an active voltage sensor can map measurements from the vehicle battery voltage ranges of -12 V to 12 V to 0 V to 12 V. The higher detection voltage of 0 V - 12 V can enable the use of TTL logic in the microprocessor-controlled jump starter.

[0097] Fig. 8B(a) shows a configuration of a similar active voltage sensor 863 coupled to a vehicle electrical circuit 851. The active voltage sensor 863 may have its own power source 873A, such as being coupled to the battery of the jump starter.

[0098] Using the voltage divider configuration as an active voltage sensor as shown, the output voltage of the active voltage sensor can be calculated as Vout=R2+RcircuitR1+R2+RcircuitVps where V ps the voltage at the power source is 873A and R circuitthe resistance on the vehicle, such as the load resistance of the vehicle circuit 851 and / or the contact resistance of the connection to the vehicle circuit.

[0099] Fig. 8B(b) shows voltage ranges of measurements 863B resulting from the active voltage sensor 863. Since the vehicle circuit 851 has no power source, the active voltage sensor measures the resistance of the vehicle circuit.

[0100] For example, the active voltage sensor may measure an equal measured voltage 870A of 6 V for a shorted vehicle circuit condition 874B and a reverse polarity condition 876, such as the jumper cables being connected to the vehicle circuit in reverse polarity.

[0101] In some embodiments, the resistance of the vehicle circuit in the reverse polarity connection 876 without the vehicle battery may be approximately zero due to the flyback diodes in parallel with the starter motor or the alternator motor. Similarly, in the event of a short circuit 874B in the vehicle circuit, the resistance of the vehicle circuit may be approximately zero.

[0102] The active voltage sensor may measure a similar measured voltage 870B of 12 V for an open circuit condition 875, such as the jumper cables not being connected to the vehicle. In some embodiments, the resistance of the vehicle circuit in the open circuit connection 875 without the vehicle battery may be approximately infinite.

[0103] The active voltage sensor may measure a same measured voltage 870B between 7 V and 10 V for a correct polarity condition 877, such as the jumper cables being connected to the vehicle circuit in correct polarity. In some embodiments, the resistance of the vehicle circuit may be non-zero in the correct polarity connection 877 without the vehicle battery. The resistance of the vehicle circuit may vary for different vehicles, resulting in different measured voltages from the active voltage sensor, which may range from 6 V to 12 V, such as between 7 V and 11 V.

[0104] As discussed above, the value of 6 V corresponding to a vehicle battery state of 0 V is based on the selection of R1 and R2, e.g., R1 = R2, in the voltage divider circuit of the active voltage sensor. The voltage divider circuit can be selected so that the active and passive voltage sensors can share the same circuit, with the difference being the connection to the 873A power source. Other voltage values ​​corresponding to the vehicle battery state of 0 V can be obtained by selecting correct values ​​for R1 and R2.

[0105] As shown, the active voltage sensor can measure an equal measured voltage 870B of 12 V, 7 V to 10 V, or 0 V for each of an open circuit condition 875, a correct polarity condition 877, or either a shorted battery or shorted circuit condition 874A or 874B, or a reversed polarity condition 876.

[0106] Fig. 9A-9D illustrate flow diagrams for forming a voltage detection circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 9A shows voltage detection relative to the booster battery and the vehicle battery. Operation 900 forms a voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is coupled to a vehicle and also coupled to a battery of a booster device. The voltage detection circuit is configured to provide a voltage relative to the booster battery voltage and the voltage across the vehicle.

[0107] Fig. 9B illustrates the detection of different voltages for cases when the vehicle battery is not connected to the jump starter. Operation 920 forms a voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is coupled to a vehicle and also coupled to a jump starter battery. The voltage detection circuit is configured to provide different voltages for an open connection, for a connection without a battery and with correct polarity, for a connection of the vehicle without a battery, and with reversed polarity.

[0108] Fig. Figure 9C illustrates the detection of different voltages for cases when the vehicle battery is not connected and when the battery is connected but shorted. Operation 940 forms a voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is coupled to a vehicle and is also coupled to a battery of a jump starter. The voltage detection circuit is configured to provide different voltages for no battery and for a shorted battery in the vehicle.

[0109] Fig. Figure 9D illustrates the detection of different positive voltages for cases involving a correct polarity and reverse polarity battery connection. Operation 960 forms a voltage detection circuit, wherein the voltage detection circuit is coupled to a vehicle and also coupled to a battery of a jump starter. The voltage detection circuit is configured to provide positive voltages for a correct polarity and reverse polarity connection to a battery in the vehicle.

[0110] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a combination 978 of an active voltage sensor and a passive voltage sensor coupled by a controllable switching circuit, such as a controllable switch. For example, the load sensor may include a passive voltage sensor coupled to a switch connected to the jump starter's battery. When the switch is deactivated, the load sensor behaves as a passive voltage sensor. When the switch is activated, the load sensor behaves as an active voltage sensor. In some embodiments, the passive voltage sensor may include a voltage divider circuit 971. Other passive voltage sensor configurations may also be used.

[0111] In some embodiments, the switching between passive and active sensors can be controlled by a control unit. Alternatively, the switching between passive and active sensors can be performed automatically by an oscillator, i.e., for each cycle of the oscillator, the passive sensor can be activated, followed by the active sensor.

[0112] Fig. 10A-10B illustrate configurations and controls of a sensor combination according to some embodiments. An active / passive voltage sensor 1078 may include a voltage divider 1071 configured to be coupled to a vehicle, such as a vehicle battery 1052 or a vehicle electrical circuit 1051. The voltage divider 1071 may also be coupled to a switch 1072 coupled to a power source 1073, such as the battery of the jump starter. The active / passive voltage sensor 1078 may provide an output voltage 1034, which may be provided as an input signal to a control unit, such as a microcontroller 1011.

[0113] In Fig. 10A, the control unit 1011 may be configured to generate an output signal 1032 to control the switch 1072, such as an ON / OFF control. For example, the control unit 1011 may generate an ON control signal to activate the switch 1072, causing the active / passive voltage sensor 1078 to become an active voltage sensor. The control unit 1011 may generate an OFF control signal to deactivate the switch 1072, causing the active / passive voltage sensor 1078 to become a passive voltage sensor.

[0114] In Fig. 10B, the switch 1072 may be controlled by an oscillator 1061, which automatically turns the switch on and then off (or vice versa) to switch the active / passive voltage sensor 1078 between an active voltage sensor and a passive voltage sensor.

[0115] The passive voltage sensor, e.g., the active / passive voltage sensor 1078, when the switch 1072 is off, can measure a voltage from the vehicle, such as measuring the vehicle battery voltage when the vehicle battery is connected, or measuring a zero voltage when the vehicle battery is not connected. The active voltage sensor, e.g., the active / passive voltage sensor 1078, when the switch 1072 is on, can measure a voltage from the vehicle, such as measuring the vehicle battery voltage when the vehicle battery is connected, or measuring another voltage related to the load resistance of the vehicle circuit when the vehicle battery is not connected.

[0116] The oscillation period may be larger, such as much larger, than the clock period of the control unit 1011 to provide adequate time for the control unit to perform measurements. Thus, the control unit may have a sequence of measurements with an active voltage measurement followed by a passive voltage measurement. The control unit may process the sequence of measurements to obtain measurements from the passive and active voltage sensors.

[0117] Fig. 11A-11C illustrate flow diagrams for forming a sensor assembly according to some embodiments. In Fig. 11A, process 1100 forms a sensor assembly configured to measure voltages of a vehicle's battery if the vehicle battery is connected to the jump-start system. The sensor assembly is also configured to measure a load of the vehicle if the vehicle battery is not connected to the jump-start system.

[0118] In Fig. 11B, operation 1120 forms a sensor assembly including a switch connecting two circuits, the switch configured to be toggled between an OFF state and an ON state. In the OFF state, the sensor assembly is configured to measure voltages of a battery of a vehicle. In the OFF state, the sensor assembly is configured to measure a load of the vehicle.

[0119] In Fig. 11C, operation 1140 illustrates a sensor assembly including a switch coupled to a voltage divider circuit, one end of the divider circuit configured to couple to a battery of a vehicle, and another end of the switch coupled to a battery of a jump-start system. The voltage divider circuit may include an output signal, the output signal configured to provide a voltage to the vehicle battery when the switch is off and configured to provide a load to the vehicle when the switch is on. The switch may be coupled to an oscillator circuit for automatically switching between on and off, or the switch may be coupled to a controller for the controller to turn the switch on or off.

[0120] In some embodiments, the combination of a passive sensor and an active sensor, e.g., an active / passive voltage sensor with a switch, may be used to distinguish between ambiguities of vehicle conditions caused by the use of only one type of voltage sensor, as discussed above.

[0121] Fig. 12A-12B illustrate operations for using an active / passive voltage sensor for a vehicle with a connected battery, according to some embodiments. Fig. 12A(a) and Fig. 12A(b), the switch coupling the active / passive voltage sensor to a power source 1273 is turned off, causing the active / passive voltage sensor to become a passive voltage sensor 1262. The power source 1273 may be the battery of the jump starter.

[0122] Fig. Figure 12A(a) shows a configuration of the active / passive voltage sensor in which the connection to a power source is disabled, e.g., turned off. The active / passive voltage sensor thus becomes a passive voltage sensor 1262 that can be coupled to the vehicle battery 1252 to generate an output voltage 1262A.

[0123] Fig. Figure 12A(b) shows voltage ranges of the measurements of the passive voltage sensor 1262, which can include an overvoltage of 15 V (1221), a good battery of 12 V (1222), a rechargeable battery of 0 V - 12 V (1223), a shorted battery of 0 V (1224A), and a reverse polarity of -12 V - 0 V (1228).

[0124] In Fig. 12B(a) and Fig. 12B(b), the switch coupling the active / passive voltage sensor to a power source is turned on, causing the active / passive voltage sensor to become an active voltage sensor 1263.

[0125] Fig. Figure 12B(a) shows a configuration of the active / passive voltage sensor in which the connection to a power source 1273 is enabled, e.g., turned on. The active / passive voltage sensor thus becomes an active voltage sensor 1263 that can be coupled to the vehicle battery 1252 to generate an output voltage 1263A.

[0126] Fig. Figure 12B(b) shows voltage ranges of the measurements of the active voltage sensor 1263, which can include an overvoltage of 15 V (1271), a good battery of 12 V (1272), a rechargeable battery of 6 V - 12 V (1273), a shorted battery of 6 V (1274A), and a reverse polarity of 0 V - 6 V (1278).

[0127] By using a combination of an active and passive voltage sensor, e.g., using the active / passive voltage sensor when the switch is turned off, then on, two voltage measurements can be obtained that can provide a status of the vehicle battery when the jump starter is connected to the vehicle. The measured voltages for a passive voltage sensor can be in an overvoltage range (such as above 15 V), a high voltage range (such as 12 V), a mid-voltage range (such as between 0 V and 12 V), a short-circuit voltage range (such as 0 V), and a reverse voltage range (such as < 0 V, e.g., between -12 V and 0 V).The measured voltages for an active voltage sensor may also be in an overvoltage range (such as above 12 V), a high voltage range (such as 12 V), a medium voltage range (such as between 6 V and 12 V), a shorted voltage range (such as 6 V), and a reversed voltage range (such as < 6 V, e.g., between 0 V and 6 V).

[0128] For example, the measurements may include a vehicle battery overvoltage (1221 and 1271) with overvoltage and overvoltage measurements, e.g., 15 V and 15 V, a good vehicle battery (1222 and 1272) with high voltage and high voltage measurements, e.g., 12 V and 12 V, a rechargeable vehicle battery (1223 and 1273) with medium voltage and medium voltage measurements, e.g., ~10 V and ~11 V, a shorted vehicle battery (1224A and 1274A) with shorted voltage and shorted voltage measurements, e.g., 0 V and 6 V, and a reversed vehicle battery polarity (1228 and 1278) with reversed voltage and reversed voltage measurements, e.g., 12 V and 0 V. As can be seen, the passive and active voltage sensors can detect voltages in similar ranges.Thus, in some embodiments, only measurements from one sensor may be used, with measurements from the other sensor being used for confirmation.

[0129] If the jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, there can be no ambiguity; for example, there can be no case where a measured voltage can lead to more than one vehicle condition. Furthermore, the battery conditions are the same; for example, the battery conditions can be determined using only one of the two passive and active voltage sensors.

[0130] However, the active voltage sensor can map the voltages measured by the passive voltage sensor to different ranges. For example, the voltages measured by the passive voltage sensor can range from -12 V to 12 V, indicating different vehicle battery conditions and a different connection of the jump starter to the vehicle. Negative measurements, e.g., from -12 V to 0 V, may require additional or different circuitry, such as the use of a control unit capable of receiving negative voltages or the use of a converter to convert the negative voltages to positive voltages.

[0131] The active voltage sensor can map the negative and positive voltage ranges measured by the passive voltage sensor to a positive range, such as from 0 V to 12 V, with each subrange corresponding to a battery or connectivity state. Thus, circuits using an active voltage sensor can be simpler. In the case of having both a passive and an active voltage sensor, only the measurements from the active voltage sensor can be considered to avoid using the negative voltage range. For example, the control unit can evaluate the positive voltage range of both the passive and active voltage sensors and ignore the negative voltage range measured by the passive voltage sensor.Alternatively, the control unit may judge the positive voltage range from the active voltage sensors, and then use the positive voltage range measured by the passive voltage sensor as a confirmation for the data obtained from the active voltage sensor.

[0132] As shown, the active and passive voltage sensors share the voltage measurement circuit, e.g., they share the voltage divider circuit, with a switch toggling the shared circuit between a passive sensor and an active sensor. This shared configuration can be thought of as a combination of passive and active sensors, e.g., forming a circuit that can function as a passive or active sensor by controlling a switch. Alternatively, a separate passive sensor and active sensor can be used, e.g., there are two different sensor circuits, each circuit designed to measure the vehicle's voltages. In either case, the control unit can receive two voltages measured from the vehicle: one from the passive sensor and one from the active sensor.

[0133] Fig. 13A-13B illustrate operations for using an active / passive voltage sensor for a vehicle with a disconnected battery, according to some embodiments. Fig. 13A(a) and Fig. 13A(b), the switch coupling the active / passive voltage sensor to a power source 1373 is turned off, causing the active / passive voltage sensor to become a passive voltage sensor 1362. The power source 1373 may be the battery of the jump starter.

[0134] Fig. Figure 13A(a) shows a configuration of the active / passive voltage sensor in which the connection to a power source is disabled, e.g., turned off. The active / passive voltage sensor thus becomes a passive voltage sensor 1362 that can be coupled to the vehicle circuit 1351 to generate an output voltage 1362B.

[0135] Fig. Figure 13A(b) shows an equal voltage range of measurements from the passive voltage sensor 1362, which may include an open circuit of 0 V (1325), a correct polarity connection of 0 V (1327), a short circuit of 0 V (1324B), and a reverse polarity connection of 0 V (1326).

[0136] In Fig. 13B(a) and Fig. 13B(b), the switch coupling the active / passive voltage sensor to a power source 1373 is turned on, causing the active / passive voltage sensor to become an active voltage sensor 1363.

[0137] Fig. Figure 13B(a) shows a configuration of the active / passive voltage sensor in which the connection to a power source is enabled, e.g., turned on. The active / passive voltage sensor thus becomes an active voltage sensor 1363 that can be coupled to the vehicle circuit 1351 to generate an output voltage 1363A.

[0138] Fig. Figure 13B(b) shows different voltage ranges of the measurements of the active voltage sensor 1363, which may include an open circuit of 12 V (1375), indicating an infinite load or infinite contact resistance 1370C, a correct polarity connection of approximately 8 V (1377), indicating a finite load resistance 1370D, a short circuit of 6 V (1374B), and a reverse polarity connection of 6 V (1376), indicating a zero load resistance 1370E.

[0139] By using a combination of an active and passive voltage sensor, e.g., using the active / passive voltage sensor when the switch is turned off, then on, two voltage measurements can be obtained that can provide a status of the vehicle circuit when the jump starter is connected to the vehicle. The measured voltages for a passive voltage sensor can be in a shorted voltage range (such as 0 V). The measured voltages for an active voltage sensor can be in a high voltage range (such as 12 V), a medium voltage range (such as between 6 V and 12 V), and a shorted voltage range (such as 6 V). In general, the voltage ranges for the vehicle circuit without a vehicle battery can be a subset of the voltage ranges the vehicle with a vehicle battery.

[0140] For example, measurements may include an open circuit of the vehicle circuit (1325 and 1375) with shorted voltage and high voltage measurements, e.g., 0 V and 12 V, a correct polarity connection of the vehicle circuit (1327 and 1377) with shorted voltage and medium voltage measurements, e.g., 0 V and ~8 V, and a shorted circuit or reversed polarity of the vehicle circuit (1324B and 1374B / 1326 and 1376) with shorted voltage and shorted voltage measurements, e.g., 0 V and 6 V.

[0141] Fig. 14A-14C illustrate flow diagrams for forming a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. 14A, a jump-start device may include a sensor assembly configured to simultaneously or sequentially measure voltages of a vehicle using or not using the booster battery. Operation 1400 forms a jump-start system, the jump-start system including a battery coupled to a switch controlled by a controller based on inputs from a sensor assembly configured to monitor conditions of a vehicle connected to the jump-start system. The sensor assembly is configured to measure a first voltage of the vehicle without using the booster battery and a second voltage of the vehicle using the booster battery.

[0142] In Fig. 14B, a jump-start device may include a sensor assembly configured to simultaneously or sequentially measure voltages of a vehicle, with or without the booster battery. Operation 1420 forms a jump-start system including a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly is configured to measure a first voltage with the sensor assembly not coupled to the booster battery and a second voltage with the sensor assembly coupled to the booster battery.

[0143] In Fig. 14C, a jump starter may include a sensor assembly configured to simultaneously or sequentially measure voltages of a vehicle to obtain a status of the vehicle through different measured voltages or voltage ranges. Act 1440 forms a jump starter system having a sensor assembly for measuring voltages of a vehicle. Voltage values ​​of V1>15V or V2>15V indicate an overvoltage condition. Only one overvoltage measurement is sufficient. If V1 is an overvoltage, e.g., V1>15V, the vehicle battery has an overvoltage, such as when a 12V jump starter is connected to a 24V vehicle. If V2 is an overvoltage, e.g., V2>15V, the jump starter battery has an overvoltage, such as when a 24V jump starter is connected to a 12V vehicle.

[0144] The voltage values ​​of V1-12 V and V2~12 V indicate a jump-startable condition. The voltage values ​​of 12 V>V1>0 V and over 12 V>V2>6 V indicate a jump-startable condition. The voltage values ​​of V1-0 V and V2-6 V indicate a short circuit condition of the vehicle battery. The voltage values ​​of V1<0 V and V2<6 V indicate a reverse polarity condition. The voltage values ​​of V1~0 V or V2-12 V indicate an open connection condition. The voltage values ​​of V1~0 V and 10 V>V2>7 V indicate a correct polarity condition. The voltage values ​​of V1~0 V and V2~6 V indicate a reverse polarity condition.

[0145] The specific values ​​for V1 and V2 in operation are obtained for a 12V booster battery, a 12V vehicle battery and a voltage divider circuit as a shared circuit for the passive and active voltage sensor with equal resistances (e.g. R1 = R2).

[0146] In some embodiments, the overvoltage condition is characterized by the measured voltages from the passive and active voltage sensors being within the overvoltage range. The overvoltage condition is one of the non-jump-startable conditions. e.g., if the overvoltage condition is detected, the jump starter is automatically shut down to prevent potential damage to the jump starter or the vehicle. After the automatic shutdown, the jump starter can be manually activated. e.g., the shutdown due to the overvoltage condition can be overridden to activate or operate the jump starter if an operator decides to manually override, for example, due to a possible error in the jump starter's judgment or due to special circumstances that make automatic shutdown impractical.

[0147] The passive voltage sensor measures voltages from the vehicle battery, so an overvoltage measurement from the passive voltage sensor indicates an overvoltage condition for the vehicle battery. The active voltage sensor measures voltages from both the booster battery and the vehicle battery, so an overvoltage measurement from the active voltage sensor indicates an overvoltage condition for either the booster battery, the vehicle battery, or both batteries.

[0148] For the passive and active voltage sensor, the overvoltage range is the range of voltages above a voltage value at which the booster battery and the vehicle battery can be. For example, a 12V lead-acid battery for a vehicle may have an open voltage of less than approximately 14.7V. Thus, an overvoltage range for a 12V battery can be any voltage above 15V.

[0149] For practical purposes, the overvoltage range for the active voltage sensor can be considered the same as the overvoltage range for the passive voltage sensor, although there may be some differences. For example, if a 12V jump starter is connected to a 24V vehicle, the passive voltage sensor may measure 24V, while an active voltage sensor may measure 18V, assuming a voltage divider circuit with R1 = R2. Although the two voltage values ​​are different, both values ​​can indicate that the measured voltages are within the overvoltage range, which is above 15V for a 12V jump starter.

[0150] Similarly, if a 24V jump starter is connected to a 12V vehicle, the passive voltage sensor may measure 12V, while an active voltage sensor may measure 18V, assuming a voltage divider circuit with R1 = R2. Although the two voltage values ​​are different, the data may indicate that at least one of the measured voltages is in the overvoltage range, which is above 15V for a 12V vehicle.

[0151] Thus, if an overvoltage is detected, either by the passive or active voltage sensor, the booster device is disabled, e.g., the booster battery is disconnected from the vehicle. The booster device can be restarted after the operator corrects the situation, such as changing the booster device to a setting that allows a higher battery voltage (if the vehicle battery has an overvoltage) or a lower battery voltage (if the booster battery has an overvoltage).

[0152] The jump-startable condition is characterized by the measured voltages from the passive and active voltage sensors, which are within the high and medium voltage ranges. The high voltage range is the range of voltages around a nominal voltage value of the booster battery or the vehicle battery. For example, a fully charged or good 12V lead-acid battery for a vehicle may have a voltage less than approximately 14.7V, such as between 12V and 14.7V. Thus, a high voltage range for a 12V battery can be any voltage above 12V and below 15V.

[0153] The mean voltage range is the range of voltages for a discharged battery, e.g., a fully or partially discharged battery, which may be less than the nominal voltage of the booster battery or the vehicle battery. For example, a 12V lead-acid battery for a vehicle may have a voltage less than approximately 12V, such as between 0V and 12V. Thus, a mean voltage range for a 12V battery can be any voltage above 0V and below 12V.

[0154] In some embodiments, the mid-range voltage range may be divided into a high mid-range and a low mid-range voltage range. A high mid-range voltage range for a 12V battery may be between 10V and 12V. This voltage range may indicate a good chargeable battery; e.g., the battery is discharged but can be charged back to the nominal voltage value of 12V. A low mid-range voltage range for a 12V battery may be between 0V and 10V. This voltage range may indicate a poorly chargeable battery; e.g., the battery may be over-discharged and difficult to charge back to the nominal voltage value of 12V. However, with regard to jump-starting a vehicle, a battery in either the high mid-range or low mid-range voltage range may be jump-started by the jump-starting device.

[0155] The passive voltage sensor measures voltages from the vehicle battery, so a high or medium voltage measurement from the passive voltage sensor indicates a high or medium voltage condition for the vehicle battery. Thus, measurements from the passive voltage sensor can be used as a primary source for determining vehicle battery voltages. For example, if a passive voltage sensor returns a high voltage (such as 14 V), this indicates that the vehicle battery can be fully charged. In this case, if the active voltage sensor also returns a high voltage (such as 14 V), this indicates that the booster battery is also fully charged. If the active voltage sensor returns a medium voltage (such as 11 V), this indicates that the booster battery is partially or fully discharged.This condition rarely occurs because the jump starter may have an indicator to indicate the condition of the booster battery.

[0156] If a passive voltage sensor returns a medium voltage (such as 11 V), this indicates that the vehicle battery may be empty, either partially or completely empty, depending on the measurement values. In this case, if the active voltage sensor returns a high voltage (such as 14 V), this indicates that the booster battery is fully charged. This is a suitable condition for the booster battery to jump-start or recharge the vehicle battery. If the active voltage sensor also returns a medium voltage (such as 11 V), this indicates that the booster battery is also partially or completely empty. This condition rarely occurs because the jump-start device may have an indicator to indicate the condition of the booster battery.

[0157] The active voltage sensor measures voltages from both the booster battery and the vehicle battery, so a high or medium voltage measurement from the active voltage sensor indicates a high or medium voltage condition for either the booster battery, the vehicle battery, or both batteries. Thus, measurements from the active voltage sensor can be used as a secondary source, for example, to verify measurements from the passive voltage sensor or to resolve ambiguities resulting from measurements from the passive voltage sensor.

[0158] For example, if an active voltage sensor returns a high voltage (such as 14 V), this measurement indicates more than one possible situation. If the passive voltage sensor also returns a high voltage (such as 14 V), this indicates that both batteries can be fully charged. If the passive voltage sensor also returns a zero voltage (such as 0 V), this indicates that the 14 V is coming from the booster battery. The connection to the vehicle may be open, e.g., there is no contribution from the vehicle battery.

[0159] If an active voltage sensor returns a medium voltage (such as 10 V), this measurement also indicates more than one possible situation. If the passive voltage sensor also returns a medium voltage (such as 10 V), this indicates that both batteries may be partially discharged. If the passive voltage sensor also returns a zero voltage (such as 0 V), this indicates that the 10 V is coming from the booster battery. Since the booster battery is likely fully charged, this indicates that the vehicle may be contributing as a resistive load. Thus, there is no battery in the vehicle, and the booster device is likely connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit.

[0160] Thus, jump-startable conditions include when high or medium voltages are detected in both the passive and active voltage sensors. Jump-startable conditions also include when a high or medium voltage is detected in the passive voltage sensor. Furthermore, jump-startable conditions include when a medium voltage is detected in the active voltage sensor with a zero voltage (or shorted voltage condition) detected in the passive voltage sensor.

[0161] If a high voltage is detected in the active voltage sensor when a zero voltage (or shorted voltage condition) is detected in the passive voltage sensor, this indicates an open connection problem, which is not a jump-startable condition.

[0162] When a jump-startable condition is detected, the jump-start device can be switched on, e.g., the control unit can issue a command to connect the switch so that the booster battery can be used to jump-start or charge the vehicle's battery.

[0163] The short-circuited voltage state is characterized by the measured voltages from the passive voltage sensor being around zero, i.e., a zero range of voltage values ​​slightly different from zero. The voltages in the zero-voltage state can be zero voltage or can range from -0.5 V to 0.5 V, which can be explained by the fluctuation and error in the voltage measurements.

[0164] The passive voltage sensor measures voltages from the vehicle battery. Thus, a shorted voltage measurement from the passive voltage sensor (e.g., a 0 V measurement) indicates a shorted voltage condition for the vehicle battery if the jump starter is connected to the vehicle battery. A 0 V measurement can also indicate an open connection if the jump starter is connected or not connected to the vehicle battery. A 0 V measurement can also indicate the absence of a vehicle battery. Thus, there can be several possible conditions when the passive voltage sensor provides a measurement that falls within this shorted voltage range.

[0165] The short-circuited voltage condition is also characterized by the fact that the measured voltages from the active voltage sensor drop by approximately a value that is mapped to the zero battery voltage. For example, for a voltage divider circuit with R1 = R2, as discussed above, the voltage measured by the active voltage sensor in the short-circuited voltage condition is half the voltage of the booster battery. In general, for different resistance values ​​in the voltage divider circuit, the short-circuited voltage measured by the active voltage sensor is proportional to the ratio of the resistance closer to the vehicle battery, e.g., proportional to R2 / (R1 + R2).Using a 12V booster battery and a voltage divider with R1 = R2, the voltages for the shorted voltage range measured by the active voltage sensor can be 6V, or can be from 5.5V to 6.5V, where 0.5V is used to account for the variation and error in the voltage measurements.

[0166] The active voltage sensor measures voltages from both the booster battery and the vehicle battery, so a shorted voltage measurement from the active voltage sensor indicates a shorted voltage condition for either the booster battery, the vehicle battery, or both batteries.

[0167] For the active voltage sensor, this shorted voltage range may indicate a shorted condition, either a shorted battery or a shorted circuit. For example, if there is a connected battery, this shorted overvoltage condition from the active voltage sensor indicates a shorted battery. If there is no connected battery, this shorted overvoltage condition from the active voltage sensor indicates a shorted circuit in the vehicle's electrical circuit. The shorted circuit may be caused by a short in the vehicle's electrical circuit. In some embodiments, the shorted circuit may be caused by connecting the jump starter to the vehicle's electrical circuit in a reversed polarity connection.A vehicle's motor, such as the starter motor, may have a flyback diode connected in reverse polarity to the motor induction coil to dissipate the EMF voltage. For example, if the jump starter is reversely connected to the vehicle's electrical circuit, the flyback diode can be considered a shorted circuit.

[0168] The reversed voltage state is characterized by the measured voltages from the passive voltage sensor being negative, e.g., less than 0 V or less than approximately -0.5 V, to account for measurement errors. The voltages in the reversed voltage state can range from 0 V to -12 V, from 0 V to -15 V, or from -0.5 V to -12 V, from -0.5 V to -15 V.

[0169] The passive voltage sensor measures voltages from the vehicle battery, so a negative voltage measurement from the passive voltage sensor indicates a negative voltage condition, e.g. the polarity is reversed.

[0170] The negative voltage state is also characterized by the measured voltages from the active voltage sensor being smaller than a value mapped to the zero battery voltage. For example, for a voltage divider circuit with R1 = R2, as discussed above, the voltage measured by the active voltage sensor in the negative voltage state is less than half the voltage of the booster battery. Generally, for different resistance values ​​in the voltage divider circuit, the negative voltage measured by the active voltage sensor is proportional to the ratio of the resistance closer to the vehicle battery, e.g., proportional to R2 / (R1 + R2).Using a 12V booster battery and a voltage divider with R1 = R2, the voltages for the negative voltage range measured by the active voltage sensor can be less than 6V, or can be from 5.5V to 0V, where 0.5V is used to account for the variation and error in the voltage measurements.

[0171] In some embodiments, the present invention discloses a jump-start device comprising a combination of a passive sensor and an active sensor. The passive sensor may be configured to measure a voltage from a vehicle coupled to the jump-start device. Since the passive sensor does not have its own power supply, meaning that the passive sensor receives power from the vehicle, the passive sensor may measure a voltage relative to the voltage of the vehicle's battery. Without the vehicle's battery, e.g., when the jump-start device is connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle's battery, or when the vehicle's battery is not present in the vehicle, the passive sensor may measure a zero voltage because there is no power source for the passive sensor to measure.

[0172] The active sensor may be coupled to a power source, such as the battery of the jump starter. The active sensor may also be configured to measure a voltage from a vehicle coupled to the jump starter. Thus, the active sensor may provide a voltage related to the jump starter battery voltage and also related to the vehicle battery. The active sensor may measure a voltage related to the vehicle battery voltage, in addition to the relationship to the jump starter battery if there is a vehicle battery coupled to the jump starter. Without the vehicle battery, e.g., when the jump starter is connected to the vehicle without being connected to the vehicle battery, or when the vehicle battery is not present in the vehicle, the active sensor may measure a voltage related to the jump starter battery alone.

[0173] A combination of voltage measurements from the passive and active sensors can resolve ambiguities in vehicle states, such as states that a single sensor, e.g., an active or a passive sensor, cannot distinguish.

[0174] For example, measurements from a passive voltage sensor and an active voltage sensor may all read as being much higher than the voltage of the jump starter's battery, such as higher than a predetermined amount. For example, the voltage of the jump starter's battery may be 12 V. The predetermined amount may be approximately 3 V. Thus, the measurements from the passive and active voltage sensors may read 15 V or higher and 15 V or higher, respectively. This combination of measurements shows that the jump starter is measuring a vehicle battery with abnormally high voltage, e.g., above 15 V, indicating that the vehicle has an abnormally high voltage battery. The jump starter's control unit may decide to disconnect the connection to the vehicle, e.g., issue an output command to turn off the switch that connects the jump starter battery to the vehicle.

[0175] Measurements from a passive voltage sensor and an active voltage sensor can all be read as approximately the voltage of the jump starter's battery, which can be between 12 V and about 13.5 V for a 12 V battery. For example, the voltage of a fully charged 12 V battery can be between 12 V and 13.5 V or 14 V. Thus, the measurements from the passive and active voltage sensors can read approximately 12 V (or between 12 V and 13.5 V) and approximately 12 V (or between 12 V and 13.5 V), respectively. This combination of measurements shows that the jump starter is measuring a vehicle battery with a good voltage, e.g., around 12 V, which indicates that the vehicle has a good battery, a fully charged battery, or a good new battery. The jump starter's control unit can decide to establish connection to the vehicle, e.g.,issue an output command to turn on the switch that connects the booster battery to the vehicle.

[0176] The measurement from a passive voltage sensor can be read as positive and slightly less than the jump starter's battery voltage, such as between 0.5 V and about 12 V for a 12 V battery. For example, the measurement from the passive voltage sensor can be read as slightly less than about 12 V (or between 0.5 V and about 12 V, or 11.5 V).

[0177] The measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as slightly less than about 12V, but higher than the measurement from the passive sensor. The measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as higher than a proportion of the booster battery, e.g., a voltage divider ratio of the sum of the booster battery and the vehicle battery, which can vary from 0V to 12V. For a voltage divider of 0.5, the measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as being from more than half the booster battery to about the booster battery voltage, e.g., between about 6V and 12V. For example, the measurements can be 0.5V - 12V and 6V - 12V.

[0178] This combination of measurements shows that the jump starter detects a vehicle battery with a chargeable voltage, e.g., less than approximately 12 V, indicating that the vehicle has a chargeable battery. The jump starter's control unit can decide to establish the connection with the vehicle, e.g., by issuing an output command to turn on the switch that connects the jump starter battery to the vehicle.

[0179] The measurement from a passive voltage sensor can be read to be approximately zero volts, such as less than approximately 0.5 V. For example, the measurement from the passive voltage sensor can be read to be between 0 V and 0.5 V.

[0180] The measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as a proportion of the booster battery, e.g., a divider ratio of the sum of the booster battery and the vehicle battery. For the vehicle battery to be 0 V, the measurement from the active voltage sensor can vary from 0 V to 12 V. For example, for a voltage divider of 0.5, the measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as being slightly more than half of the booster battery, e.g., approximately 6 V or between 6 V and 6.5 V.

[0181] This combination of measurements indicates that the booster detects a shorted vehicle battery or a shorted vehicle circuit, such as a reversed polarity connection without the vehicle battery. The booster's control unit may decide to disconnect the connection to the vehicle, e.g., issue an output command to turn off the switch connecting the booster battery to the vehicle.

[0182] For the measurement from a passive voltage sensor to be approximately zero volts, the measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read to be approximately the same as the booster battery, e.g., approximately 12 V.

[0183] This combination of measurements indicates that the jump starter is detecting an open circuit connection. The jump starter's control unit can decide to disconnect the connection to the vehicle, for example, by issuing an output command to turn off the switch connecting the booster battery to the vehicle.

[0184] For a passive voltage sensor to read approximately zero volts, the active voltage sensor reading can be read as a fraction of the booster battery, e.g., a divider ratio of the sum of the booster battery and the vehicle battery. For the vehicle battery to read 0 V, the active voltage sensor reading can vary from 6 V to 12 V. For example, for a voltage divider of 0.5, the active voltage sensor reading can be read as being from more than half the booster battery to approximately the booster battery, e.g., between 6 V and 12 V, or more likely, between 7 V and 10 V.

[0185] This combination of measurements shows that the jump starter is measuring a correct polarity connection to the vehicle's electrical circuit without a vehicle battery. The jump starter's control unit can decide to establish the connection to the vehicle, e.g., by issuing an output command to turn on the switch that connects the booster battery to the vehicle.

[0186] The measurement from a passive voltage sensor can be read as negative, such as between 0 V and -12 V for a 12 V battery. For example, the measurement from a passive voltage sensor can be read as being between -0.5 V and approximately -12 V.

[0187] The measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as being positive and less than a proportion of the booster battery, e.g. a voltage divider ratio of the sum of the booster battery and the vehicle battery, which can vary from 0 V to 12 V. For a voltage divider of 0.5, the measurement from the active voltage sensor can be read as being from 0 V to less than half the booster battery to about the booster battery voltage, e.g. between about 0 V and 6 V. For example, measurements can be 0 V - 6 V or 0.5 V to 5.5 V.

[0188] This combination of measurements indicates that the jump starter is detecting a vehicle with a reversed polarity connection. The jump starter's control unit can decide to disconnect the connection to the vehicle, e.g., by issuing an output command to turn off the switch connecting the booster battery to the vehicle.

[0189] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a voltage sensor with two switches coupled to the vehicle and the jump starter battery. The voltage sensor may include a voltage divider with resistors R1 and R2.

[0190] Fig. 15A-15B illustrate a configuration of a load sensor according to some embodiments. In Fig. 15A, a load sensor may include a voltage sensor 1568 that may be coupled to the battery of the jump starter via a first switch 1572A and that may be configured to be coupled to a vehicle, e.g., to a vehicle battery 1552 or to a vehicle electrical circuit 1551 via a second switch 1572B. The switches 1572A and 1572B may be controlled by the control unit.

[0191] Fig. 15B(a) - 15B(c) show operating configurations for the load sensor. In Fig. 15B(a), the load sensor may function as an active voltage sensor 1563 by turning on the first switch 1572A and turning off the second switch 1572B. The active voltage sensor configuration may be used to measure a voltage of the battery of the booster device.

[0192] In Fig. 15B(b), the load sensor may function as a passive voltage sensor 1562 by turning off the first switch 1572A and turning on the second switch 1572B. The passive voltage sensor configuration may be used to measure a voltage of the vehicle's battery.

[0193] In Fig. 15B(c), the load sensor may function as an active voltage sensor 1563 by turning on the first switch 1572A and the second switch 1572B. The active voltage sensor configuration may be used to measure a voltage of the vehicle from a combination of a battery of the booster device and a vehicle, such as the vehicle battery 1552 or the vehicle circuit 1551.

[0194] The load sensor can be used to measure a resistance of the vehicle, for example by comparing a measured voltage when both switches are on with a predetermined voltage for an ideal vehicle.

[0195] Fig. 16A-16B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump start device according to some embodiments. In Fig. 16A, operation 1600 illustrates a jump-start system having a sensor assembly. The sensor assembly may include a circuit comprising a voltage divider. The circuit is coupled to a battery of the jump-start system via a first switch. The circuit is coupled to a battery of a vehicle via a second switch.

[0196] In Fig. 16B, operation 1620 turns off a first switch coupled to a voltage measuring circuit. Operation 1630 measures a first voltage using the voltage measuring circuit. Operation 1640 turns off a second switch coupled to the voltage measuring circuit. Operation 1650 measures a second voltage using the voltage measuring circuit. Operation 1660 turns on the first and second switches. Operation 1670 measures a third voltage using the voltage measuring circuit. Operation 1680 determines a resistance based on the first, second, and third voltages.

[0197] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a combination of one or more active voltage sensors and one or more passive voltage sensors, each voltage sensor generating an output voltage. In some embodiments, the voltage sensor may include a voltage divider circuit. Other voltage sensor configurations may also be used.

[0198] Fig. 17A-17B illustrate configurations of combinations of passive and active sensors according to some embodiments. In Fig. 17A, the load sensor 1780 may include an active sensor circuit 1763 with a voltage divider of R1 and R2 and a passive sensor circuit 1762 with a resistor R3. The active sensor is connected to the jump starter battery and also to the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle battery 1752 or to the vehicle electrical circuit 1751. The passive sensor is coupled to the vehicle.

[0199] The active and passive sensors may provide output signals 1746A and 1766B, respectively, which may be connected directly to the control unit 1711 as two separate input lines. Alternatively, the output signals 1746A and 1766B may be connected to the control unit 1711 via a multiplexer 1774, which may provide a single input line into the control unit 1711. The control line for the multiplexer may be provided by the control unit; e.g., the control unit may determine which input line passes through the multiplexer. The control line for the multiplexer may be provided by an oscillator 1761, which may cause the output signals 1746A and 1766B to pass sequentially through the multiplexer.

[0200] In Fig. 17B, ​​the load sensor 1781 may include a first active sensor circuit 1763 with a voltage divider of R1 and R2, a second active sensor circuit 1763* with a resistor R4, and a passive sensor circuit 1762 with a resistor R3. The first active sensor is connected to the jump starter battery and also to the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle battery 1752 or to the vehicle circuit 1751. The second active sensor is connected to the jump starter battery. The passive sensor is coupled to the vehicle.

[0201] The active and passive sensors can provide output signals 1736A, 1736B, and 1735, respectively, which can be connected directly to the control unit 1711 as three separate input lines. Alternatively, the output signals 1736A, 1736B, and 1735 can be connected to the control unit via a multiplexer, which can provide a single input line to the control unit. The control line for the multiplexer can be provided by the control unit; for example, the control unit can determine which input line passes through the multiplexer, as shown in the previous figure. The control line for the multiplexer can be provided by an oscillator, which can cause the output signals to pass sequentially through the multiplexer, as shown in the previous figure.

[0202] Fig. 18A-18B illustrate flow diagrams for forming a sensor assembly according to some embodiments. In Fig. 18A, act 1800 forms a sensor assembly having a first circuit and a second circuit. The first circuit is configured to be coupled to a vehicle. The first circuit is configured to measure a voltage relative to the vehicle. The second circuit is coupled to a booster battery and is configured to be coupled to a vehicle. The second circuit is configured to measure a voltage relative to the booster battery and the vehicle. The outputs from the first and second circuits are provided to a controller. Alternatively, the outputs from the first and second circuits are multiplexed to be provided to the controller. The multiplexer is controlled by an oscillator circuit for automatically switching between inputs. Alternatively, the multiplexer is controlled by the controller to cause the controller to switch the multiplexer between inputs.

[0203] In Fig. 18B, act 1820 forms a sensor assembly having first, second, and third circuits. The first circuit is configured to be coupled to a vehicle. The first circuit is configured to measure a voltage relative to the vehicle.

[0204] The second circuit is coupled to a booster battery and is configured to be coupled to a vehicle. The second circuit is configured to measure a voltage related to the booster battery and the vehicle. The third circuit is configured to measure a voltage related to the booster battery. The outputs from the first, second, and third circuits are provided to a control unit. Alternatively, the outputs from the first and second circuits are multiplexed to be provided to the control unit. The multiplexer is controlled by an oscillator circuit for automatic switching between inputs. Alternatively, the multiplexer is controlled by the control unit so that the control unit switches the multiplexer between inputs.

[0205] In some embodiments, the load sensor may be coupled to a polarity reversal circuit, such as an H-bridge or a combination of relays. The polarity reversal circuit may be coupled between the load sensor and the vehicle, which may allow the load sensor to reverse polarity if it detects reversed polarity. The polarity reversal circuit may provide confirmation that the connection to the vehicle is indeed a reversed polarity connection.

[0206] Generally, a reversed polarity condition may prevent the jump starter from performing further diagnostics, as the reversed polarity is not suitable for establishing a connection with the vehicle. Thus, polarity reversal may allow assessment of the vehicle's battery condition, such as an overvoltage condition (such as over 15 V for a 12 V vehicle), a good battery condition (such as between 12 V and 13.5 V for a 12 V vehicle), a rechargeable battery condition (such as between 10 V and 12 V for a 12 V vehicle), a poorly rechargeable battery condition (such as less than 10 V for a 12 V vehicle), or a shorted battery (such as 0 V for a 12 V vehicle).

[0207] Fig. 19A-19B illustrate configurations for polarity swapping of a load sensor in a jump starter device according to some embodiments. Fig. 19A shows a configuration of a polarity reversal circuit 1985 using two double-throw single-pole relays. The jump starter may include a load sensor 1980 including an active / passive voltage sensor circuit 1968, which may have a voltage divider circuit using a resistor configuration of R1 and R2. The active / passive voltage sensor circuit 1968 may be connected to the battery 1910 via a switch controlled by an output signal 1912 from a control unit 1911. By turning the switch on or off, the active / passive voltage sensor circuit 1968 may form an active voltage sensor or a passive voltage sensor, respectively. The active voltage sensor and the passive voltage sensor may sequentially generate output voltages 1934 to be input to the control unit 1911.

[0208] One end of the load sensor 1980 may be coupled to a polarity swap circuit 1985. The polarity swap circuit 1985 may include two double-throw single-pole (SPDT) relays connected between the load sensor 1980 and the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle battery 1952 or to the vehicle electrical circuit 1951. Thus, when the SPDT relays are activated, the load sensor 1980 may be connected to the vehicle in a first polarity, such as a reversed polarity. When the SPDT relays are deactivated, the load sensor 1980 may be connected to the vehicle in a second polarity opposite the first polarity, such as a correct polarity.

[0209] The SPDT relays can be controlled by a polarity change signal 1913, which can be an output control signal from the control unit 1911, or which can automatically perform the polarity change from an oscillator circuit 1961.

[0210] In operation, the control unit 1911 may first determine that the connection to the vehicle is a reverse polarity connection. For example, a reverse polarity condition may be detected using a combination of voltage measurements with the passive and active sensors, such as a measurement of 12 V and 0 V, indicating the presence of a vehicle battery connected in the reverse polarity connection. The reverse polarity condition may be detected using a combination of voltage measurements of 0 V and 6 V, indicating the absence of a vehicle battery and a connection of the vehicle circuit in the reverse polarity connection.

[0211] Fig. 19B shows another configuration of a polarity exchange circuit 1986 using four transistors, such as field-effect transistors or bipolar transistors. The jump-start device may include a load sensor 1980 that includes an active / passive voltage sensor circuit 1968, which may comprise a voltage divider circuit using a resistor configuration of R1 and R2. The active / passive voltage sensor circuit 1968 may be connected to the battery 1910 via a switch controlled by an output signal 1912 from a control unit 1911. The active voltage sensor and the passive voltage sensor may sequentially generate output voltages 1934 to be input to the control unit 1911.

[0212] One end of the load sensor 1980 may be coupled to a polarity swap circuit 1986. The polarity swap circuit 1986 may include four transistors forming an H-bridge configuration to be connected between the load sensor 1980 and the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle battery 1952 or to the vehicle electrical circuit 1951. Thus, when the first two of the four transistors are activated, with the other remaining second two transistors deactivated, the load sensor 1980 may be connected to the vehicle in a first polarity, such as a reversed polarity. When the first two of the four transistors are deactivated, with the other remaining second two transistors activated, the load sensor 1980 may be connected to the vehicle in a second polarity opposite the first polarity, such as a correct polarity.

[0213] The four transistors can be partitioned into two groups of two transistors, with each group controlled by an opposite polarity change signal 1913 or 1913*, for example, through an inverter. The polarity change signals 1913 and 1913* (which can be signal 1913 passing through an inverter) can be an output control signal from the control unit 1911, or can automatically perform the polarity change from an oscillator circuit 1961.

[0214] Fig. 20A-20B illustrate flow diagrams for forming sensor assemblies with a polarity exchange circuit according to some embodiments. In Fig. 20A, operation 2000 forms a sensor assembly including a switch having one end coupled to a circuit, with another end of the switch coupled to a battery of a jump-start system. The circuit may be configured to be coupled to a polarity reversing circuit for measuring a voltage of a vehicle with reversible polarity.

[0215] In Fig. 20A, operation 2000 illustrates a sensor assembly including a switch having one end coupled to a circuit, with another end of the switch coupled to a battery of a jump-start system. The circuit may be configured to be coupled to a polarity reversing circuit for measuring a voltage of a vehicle with reversible polarity. The switch may be coupled through an oscillator circuit for automatically switching between on and off. Alternatively, the switch may be coupled to a control unit for the control unit to turn the switch on or off. The polarity reversing circuit may be controlled by an oscillator circuit for automatically switching the polarity reversal. Alternatively, the polarity reversing circuit may be coupled to a control unit for the control unit to switch the polarity.

[0216] In some embodiments, the voltage output from the load sensor may be provided to the control unit as an analog signal, e.g., a voltage value between -12 V and over 15 V. An analog-to-digital (A / D) converter may be used to convert the analog voltage signal into a digital signal to be processed by the control unit. Alternatively, the analog output voltage from the load sensor may be processed, for example, by a voltage comparator circuit to generate multiple digital signals relating to the voltage ranges corresponding to the control of the jump starter device.

[0217] Fig. 21A-21B illustrate configurations for circuits configured to process voltage outputs from a load sensor, according to some embodiments. In Fig. 21A, a control unit 2111 may include a built-in A / D converter 2174, for example, an internal circuit coupled to an analog input (AI) of the control unit. A load sensor 2180 may include an active / passive voltage sensor 2168, which may be coupled to the battery 2110 of the jump starter via a switch. The switch may be controlled by an on / off control signal 2112 generated by the control unit 2111, such as from a digital output (DO) of the control unit. The load sensor may be configured to be coupled to a vehicle, such as to a vehicle battery 2152 or to a vehicle electrical circuit 2151, e.g., when the vehicle battery is removed or unconnected.

[0218] The load sensor may generate an output voltage 2134 that may provide information about the status of the vehicle, such as whether or not a vehicle battery is connected to the jump starter; the conditions of the vehicle battery, such as an overvoltage battery, a good battery, a rechargeable battery, or a short-circuited battery; and the conditions of the jump starter's connection to the vehicle, such as not connected at all (e.g., forming an open circuit), connected in correct polarity, or connected in reverse polarity. The output voltage signal 2134 may be provided to the control unit 2111 as an analog input, e.g., connected to the control unit at an AI pin. The control unit may convert the analog input 2134 into a digital value, for example, using the built-in A / D converter 2174.Based on the value of the converted digital voltage, the control unit can detect the status of the vehicle, the conditions of the vehicle battery, and the conditions of the connection between the jump starter and the vehicle. The control unit can then output an appropriate output signal 2131 to switch 2112, which can control whether the jump starter's battery should be connected to the vehicle's terminals.

[0219] Fig. 21B shows another configuration for processing the output voltage 2134 from the load sensor 2180. A voltage comparator 2176 may be configured to divide the analog input 2134 into different voltage ranges, for example, based on the consideration of the jump-start device. For example, the voltage comparator 2176 may be configured to compare the input voltage with different reference voltages to provide output voltages belonging to different voltage ranges. For example, the voltage comparator may compare the input voltage with a reference voltage of 15 V to detect if the input voltage is higher than 15 V, which may indicate that the vehicle battery is experiencing an overvoltage condition. Likewise, the reference voltages may include 11 V or 12 V, which may indicate an input voltage of between 12 V and 13.5 V or between 12 V and 13.5 V, e.g.a vehicle battery that is fully charged and may be as good as new. This input voltage can also indicate an open-circuit condition, e.g., the measured voltage is the voltage of the jump starter battery. Other reference voltages may include a zero voltage or a negative voltage, which may indicate a shorted vehicle battery or a reversed polarity connection, respectively.

[0220] Fig. 22A-22C illustrate configurations for voltage comparators according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 22A shows a positive voltage comparator 2286 that includes a differential operational amplifier (op-amp) connected to a power supply Vcc. As shown, the op-amp is a single-rail op-amp (or single-power-supply op-amp), which means that an op-amp requires a single power supply, such as Vcc. Other configurations can be used, such as a dual-rail op-amp (or dual-power-supply op-amp), which is an op-amp that requires two power supplies, such as a positive power supply Vcc and a negative power supply -Vcc. A reference voltage can be obtained using a voltage divider circuit that uses two resistors R1 and R2.The op-amp is configured as a positive comparator by connecting the input voltage Vin to the positive terminal of the op-amp and the reference voltage Vref to the negative terminal of the op-amp. The voltage Vin is compared to the reference voltage Vref, and if Vin is greater than Vref, the op-amp output is high, from a low voltage.

[0221] The op-amp can be configured as a negative comparator by connecting the input voltage Vin to the negative terminal of the op-amp and the reference voltage Vref to the positive terminal of the op-amp. The voltage Vin is compared to the reference voltage Vref, and if Vin is less than Vref, the op-amp output is low, from a high voltage.

[0222] Fig. Figure 22B shows a window voltage comparator 2287 that includes two differential operational amplifiers (op amps) connected in parallel. As shown, the op amps are single-rail op amps (or a single power supply op amp), which means that op amps require a single power supply source, such as a Vcc. Other configurations can be used, such as a dual-rail op amp (or a dual-power supply op amp), which is an op amp that requires two power supplies, such as a positive power supply Vcc and a negative power supply -Vcc. Two reference voltages of Vref1 and Vref2 can be obtained using a voltage divider circuit that uses three resistors R1, R2, and R3.Op amps are configured in a window comparator by connecting the input voltage Vin to the negative terminal of a first op amp and also to the positive terminal of a second op amp. The first reference voltage Vref1 can be supplied to the positive terminal of the first op amp. The second reference voltage Vref2 can be supplied to the negative terminal of the second op amp. The voltage Vin is compared to the reference voltages Vref1 and Vref2. If Vin is between Vref1 and Vref2, e.g., Vin is less than Vref1 and greater than Vref2, the op amp output will be high, from a low voltage.

[0223] Fig. Figure 22C shows a comparator voltage level detector 2288 that includes multiple differential operational amplifiers (op amps) (five op amps are shown) connected in parallel. The op amps can be a single-rail or single-power-supply op amp, or they can be a dual-rail or dual-power-supply op amp. Single-rail op amps can be used to evaluate DC voltages, such as either a positive voltage or a negative voltage. Thus, single-rail op amp comparator circuits can be used on positive input voltages, such as voltages provided by an active voltage sensor, which can provide 0 V - 15 V for measuring vehicle battery voltages between -12 V to +15 V, as discussed above.

[0224] Dual-rail op amps can be used to evaluate AC voltages, such as a voltage with positive and negative components. Thus, dual-rail op amp comparator circuits can be used with both positive and negative input voltages, such as voltages provided by a passive voltage sensor, which can provide 12 V to +15 V for measuring vehicle battery voltages between -12 V to +15 V, as discussed above.

[0225] As shown, the comparator voltage level detector 2288 may have five reference voltages of Vref1, Vref2, Vref3, Vref4, and Vref5, which can be obtained using a voltage divider circuit employing six resistors R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6. The op-amps are configured into a comparator voltage level detector by connecting the input voltage Vin to the positive terminals of all op-amps, with the negative terminals connected to the different reference voltages Vref1 - Vref5. The voltage Vin is compared with the reference voltages, and if Vin is higher than a reference voltage, the op-amp output corresponding to the reference voltage is high, from a low voltage.

[0226] As shown, the 2288 comparator voltage level detector is not a window comparator. For example, the Vout5 output for 0 V - 6 V does not actually contain voltages in the range of 0 V - 6 V, but actually contains any voltage greater than Vref5, such as greater than 0 V (Vref5 = 0 V) ​​or greater than 0.5 V (Vref5 = 0.5 V). Only when the other output voltages (Vout4 = 6 V - 6.5 V, Vout3 = 6.5 V - 11 V, Vout4 = 11 V - 13.5 V, and Vout1 = over 15 V) are zero (indicating that the output voltage is not greater than the smallest voltage value of 6 V), then the Vout5 output = 0 V - 6 V is in the range of 0 V - 6 V.

[0227] Thus, the comparator voltage level detector 2288 can generate a voltage that covers the range of over 15 V for (Vout1 = 1, Vout2 = 0, Vout3 = 0, Vout4 = 0, Vout5 = 0), a range of 11 V - 13.5 V for (Vout1 = 0, Vout2 = 1, Vout3 = 0, Vout4 = 0, Vout5 - 0), a range of 6.5 V - 11 V for (Vout1 = 0, Vout2 = 0, Vout3 = 1, Vout4 - 0, Vout5 = 0), a range of 6 V - 6.5 V for (Vout1 = 0, Vout2 = 0, Vout3 = 0, Vout4 = 1, Vout5 = 0) and a range of 0 V - 6 V for (Vout1 = 0, Vout2 = 0, Vout3 = 0, Vout4 = 0, Vout5 = 1).

[0228] The outputs of the 2288 comparator voltage level detector may include a pull-up resistor coupled to a Zener diode. The Zener diode can be set at 3.3 V or 5 V, for example, to generate a TTL voltage for a microprocessor. The pull-up resistor is used for a class of op amps that use an open collector transistor for their output, such as an LM339 op amp chip. For op amps with an open collector transistor for their output, a pull-up resistor connected to the collector and Vcc is required to cause the open collector transistor to operate.

[0229] Fig. 23A-23C illustrate flowcharts for forming sensor assemblies according to some embodiments. In Fig. 23A, act 2300 forms a sensor assembly including a circuit configured to measure a voltage of a vehicle's battery or a vehicle load. An output of the circuit may be provided as an analog input to a control unit. Alternatively, the output of the circuit may be partitioned into multiple ranges of voltages to be provided as multiple digital inputs to the control unit.

[0230] In Fig. 23B, act 2320 forms a sensor assembly having a circuit configured to measure a voltage of a vehicle's battery or a vehicle load. An output of the circuit may be partitioned into multiple ranges of voltages to be provided as multiple digital inputs to a control unit, where the voltage ranges include an overvoltage range, a comparatively good battery voltage range, a rechargeable battery voltage range, a zero voltage range, and a reverse polarity voltage range.

[0231] In Fig. 23C, act 2340 forms a sensor assembly including circuitry configured to measure a voltage of a vehicle's battery or a vehicle load. An output of the circuitry may be provided to a comparator voltage level detector to be partitioned into one of several ranges of voltages to be provided as digital inputs to a control unit.

[0232] Fig. 24A-24C illustrate a configuration of a jump start circuit according to some embodiments. Fig. 24A shows a schematic diagram in which the switch 2412 is configured to control the connection of the positive terminal of the jump starter battery 2410 to the positive terminal 2416A of the vehicle, such as the positive terminal of the vehicle battery. The switch 2412 may be controlled by a control output 2431 from the control unit 2411. The load sensor 2440 may be configured to sense the vehicle voltage from the positive terminal of the vehicle. The load sensor 2440 may be configured to receive a power source 2442, such as from the jump starter battery 2410. A trigger switch 2472 may be used to control the application of the power source 2442 to the load sensor. The trigger switch 2472 may be enabled or disabled with a control output signal 2432 from the control unit 2411. For example, when the control unit 2411 activates the trigger switch 2472, e.g.When the control unit 2411 turns on the switch 2472, the load sensor can receive power from the booster battery 2410, which can convert the load sensor into an active voltage sensor. When the control unit 2411 deactivates the trigger switch 2472, e.g., turns off the switch 2472, the load sensor has no external power source, causing the load sensor to behave like a passive voltage sensor.

[0233] Fig. Figure 24B shows a schematic diagram in which the switch 2412 is configured to control the connection of the negative terminal of the jump starter battery 2410 to the negative terminal 2416B of the vehicle, such as the negative terminal of the vehicle battery. Similar to the above configuration, the switch 2412 can be controlled by a control output 2431 from the

[0234] Control unit 2411. Load sensor 2440 may be configured to sense the vehicle voltage from the negative terminal of the vehicle. Load sensor 2440 may be configured to receive a power source 2442, such as from the jump starter battery 2410. A trigger switch 2472* may be used to control the application of power source 2442 to the load sensor. Trigger switch 2472* may be enabled or disabled with a control output signal 2432* from control unit 2411, causing load sensor 2440 to behave as an active or passive sensor, respectively.

[0235] Other configurations may be used, such as two switches that control the connection of both the positive and negative terminals of the booster battery to the positive and negative terminals of the vehicle connector.

[0236] Fig. Figure 24C shows a portion of the jump start circuit. Relays can act as a switch 2412 to couple between the positive terminal of the booster battery 2410 and the positive terminal 2416A of the vehicle connector. The control signal 2431 from the control unit can be used to turn the relays 2412 on or off to couple or uncouple the jump start device from the vehicle.

[0237] The load sensor 2440 may include a voltage divider circuit that may be coupled to the terminal 2416A of the vehicle connector. The load sensor may be coupled to the battery 2410 of the jump starter via a trigger switch 2472, such as a CMOS transistor. The trigger switch 2472 may be controlled, e.g., turned on or off, by a control signal 2432 from the control unit. The control signal 2432 may turn on the trigger signal circuit 2433, which in turn turns on the trigger switch 2472, thereby connecting the load sensor 2440 to the battery 2410.

[0238] In some embodiments, the present invention discloses connecting the booster battery 2410 to the vehicle, e.g., to the vehicle connector to be connected to the vehicle battery or the vehicle electrical circuit, in a controlled manner to enable the determination of the vehicle's condition. Thus, while the main connection from the battery 2410 to the vehicle is severed by turning off the switch 2412, the booster device provides a connection between the battery 2410 and the vehicle via the load sensor, e.g., via the voltage divider circuit. Thus, the power delivered to the vehicle can be controlled, such as controlling the current delivered to the vehicle, by selecting an appropriate resistance for the voltage divider.The control connection between the battery 2410 and the vehicle may allow the jump starter to determine vehicle conditions, particularly without the vehicle battery, without causing damage to the jump starter or the vehicle.

[0239] The load sensor 2440 may provide output signals representing the vehicle conditions. The output signal from the load sensor may be an analog voltage signal and may be converted into one or more digital signals, for example, by a signal processing circuit 2486, such as a comparator level circuit, as discussed above. After processing in the processing circuit 2486, the output signals may be provided to the control unit as input signals 2434, which may provide information about the vehicle conditions.

[0240] In some embodiments, the jump starter may include output terminals 2416A, such as a positive output terminal and a negative output terminal. The output terminals may be configured to connect to terminals of a vehicle, such as terminals of a vehicle's battery. Alternatively, the output terminals may be configured to connect to the vehicle without connection to the vehicle's battery, e.g., when there is no battery in the vehicle or the vehicle's battery is disconnected from the jump starter's connection to the vehicle.

[0241] The output terminals may be terminal-like connectors at the end of a cable, such as a jumper cable. Alternatively, the output terminals may be a coupler on the jumper device designed to accept a jumper cable.

[0242] The jump-start device may further include a battery 2410 having a battery voltage. For example, the battery may be a lead-acid battery, a lithium-ion battery, or other types of batteries. In some embodiments, the battery may include other types of portable power sources, such as fuel cell devices. The battery voltage may be 12 V and may be configured to jump-start, charge, or replace a 12 V battery in a vehicle. Batteries with other voltages may be used, such as a 6 V battery to assist 6 V vehicles or a 24 V battery to assist 24 V vehicles. Alternatively, circuits may be used to increase or decrease the battery voltages.For example, a 12V battery can be used with an optional step-down circuit to provide 6V for 6V vehicles, or a step-up circuit to provide 24V for 24V vehicles.

[0243] An overvoltage value higher than a maximum voltage of the battery can be adjusted based on the battery types and voltages. For example, for a 12V battery, a fully charged battery can reach a maximum voltage of about 14.7V. Thus, an overvoltage value for a 12V battery can be about 15V or higher, such as 18V or 20V. Since the nearest available car battery can typically be 24V, a value less than 14V and greater than 15V can be used as the overvoltage for the 12V lead-acid battery. In some embodiments, the overvoltage value can be used to determine whether the jump-starting device is suitable for assisting a vehicle. For example, a 12V jump-starting device cannot be used to jump-start a 24V vehicle.An overvoltage detection system can detect abnormally high voltage in the vehicle and can thus cut off the connection to the booster battery to prevent damage to the jump starter.

[0244] The jump start device may further include a controllable switch 2412 arranged between the connection of the battery terminals and the output terminals, e.g., the battery terminals are connected to the output terminals via the controllable switch.

[0245] Wherein terminals of the battery are connected to the output terminals via the controllable switch such that power from the battery is supplied to the output terminals when the controllable switch is turned on, and the power from the battery is not supplied to the output terminals when the controllable switch is turned off.

[0246] The controllable switch may be an SPST (single pole, single throw) switch connected between the positive terminals, e.g., between the positive battery terminal and the positive output terminal. Alternatively, the controllable switch may be an SPST switch connected between the negative terminals, e.g., between the negative battery terminal and the negative output terminal. Alternatively, the controllable switch may be a DPST (double pole, single throw) switch connected between the positive and negative terminals, e.g., first poles between the positive battery terminal and the positive output terminal, and second poles between the negative battery terminal and the negative output terminal. Other switch configurations may be used. The controllable switch may be a switch controlled by an electrical signal, such as a signal generated by a control unit, e.g.,can be switched on or off.

[0247] The jump starter may further include a load sensor 2440, which may be a circuit configured to measure a voltage, such as across a load. The load sensor may be connected to the output terminals 2416A and may be configured to measure voltages at the output terminals. The load sensor may be connected to the battery 2410 and may be configured to receive power from the battery.

[0248] The load sensor may be configured to measure a first voltage at the output terminals without using the battery. The load sensor may be configured to measure a second voltage at the output terminals using the battery. For example, the load sensor may include a circuit that may optionally be connected to the battery, such as via a controllable switch. The circuit may be connected to the output terminals. Thus, when the controllable switch is turned off, the battery is not connected to the circuit, and the circuit may measure a voltage at the output terminals without using the battery. When the controllable switch is turned on, the battery is connected to the circuit, and the circuit may measure a voltage at the output terminals using the battery.

[0249] Other configurations may be used. For example, the load sensor may include a first circuit that is not connected to the battery and a second circuit that is connected to the battery. The first circuit may measure a voltage at the output terminals without using the battery. The second circuit may measure a voltage at the output terminals using the battery.

[0250] The voltages measured by the load sensor with and without the battery are designed to provide information about vehicle conditions. For example, the load sensor may include a circuit such as two resistors connected in series. One end of the series resistors is connected to the output terminals. The other end of the series resistors is not connected to the battery, for example, by connecting it to the battery via a switch that is turned off. By measuring the voltage across the series resistors, a voltage can be obtained that indicates the voltage of a vehicle's battery if there is a battery, or indicates zero voltage if there is no battery or if the battery is short-circuited.

[0251] After the switch is turned on, a voltage can be measured across the series resistors. The measured voltage can indicate the vehicle's voltage with or without the vehicle's battery. The purpose of the series resistors is to limit the current from the load sensor to the output terminals so that if a normal condition occurs on the vehicle, such as a short-circuited battery, the current is not excessive, preventing damage to the jump starter.

[0252] The measured voltages without using the battery and with using the battery can provide information about the vehicle's battery if the vehicle has a battery connected to the jump starter. The measured voltages can also provide information about the vehicle if there is no connected battery in the vehicle. The combination of the measured voltages can provide enough information about the vehicle's condition to allow the jump starter to make decisions about whether or not to turn on the controllable switch to jump start the vehicle, to charge the vehicle's battery, or to act as a battery backup for the vehicle.

[0253] The vehicle states may include a first state, or an on state, in which the controllable switch may be turned on to assist in starting or operating the vehicle. The vehicle states may include a second state, or an off state, in which the controllable switch should not be turned on to prevent potential damage to the jump starter or the vehicle. In some embodiments, the jump starter may include a manual override to override the control unit's response based on the off state to account for unexpected situations, e.g., situations not covered by the control unit's current programming.

[0254] The power-on state analyzed from the measured voltages may include a jump-startable state, e.g., a state in which the jump-start device is suitable for jump-starting or charging the vehicle. The jump-startable state may indicate a connection with correct polarity between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals and may also indicate the suitability of the voltage for the battery and a vehicle battery. For example, the first voltage and the second voltage may have a positive value and be less than or equal to the overvoltage value.

[0255] In some embodiments, the power-on state may further include a replaceable state, in which the jump-start device is suitable for use as a backup battery for the vehicle. The jump-start device may be used as a backup battery for the vehicle in cases where there is no battery in the vehicle.

[0256] For example, the vehicle battery may be missing from the vehicle. The jump starter may be connected to the vehicle, e.g., to the terminals presumably intended to be connected to the vehicle battery. The jump starter may detect the backup condition and may turn on the controllable switch to enable the jump starter's battery to operate as the vehicle battery to keep the vehicle running. The jump starter may have a compact form factor, e.g., a small size, to enable the jump starter to be placed within the vehicle, such as secured within it, to keep the vehicle running. The control unit may be programmed to enable the jump starter to operate as a backup battery in addition to causing the jump starter to jump start the vehicle or charge the vehicle battery.

[0257] Alternatively, the vehicle battery may be severely damaged, such as short-circuited, so the presence of the vehicle battery in the vehicle may impede vehicle operation. The vehicle battery can be removed, and the jump starter can be connected to the vehicle to act as a backup battery.

[0258] The replaceable condition may indicate the absence of a battery in the vehicle and a connection with correct polarity between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals. The indication may be determined by the first voltage being close to a zero value and the second voltage being less than the battery voltage and greater than a zero equivalent value, where the zero equivalent value is a value of the second voltage when the vehicle terminals are connected to the shorted battery. The zero equivalent value may be a value in the shorted battery range measured by the active voltage sensor.

[0259] In some embodiments, the backup state may overlap the jump-startable state, for example, when the vehicle battery is not good enough to keep the vehicle in a running state. For example, if the vehicle battery is severely discharged, the jump-start device may assist in jump-starting the vehicle, but the vehicle battery may not be able to maintain the running state if the jump-start device is removed because, for example, the vehicle battery is severely discharged, making it difficult to recharge the vehicle battery to an operational state. The jump-start device may then act as a battery supplement, e.g., installed in parallel with the vehicle battery to act as the vehicle battery.

[0260] The shutdown condition analyzed from the measured voltages may include an open circuit condition, where there is an open circuit between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals. The open circuit condition may indicate an open connection between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals. The open circuit condition may be determined by the first voltage being close to a zero value and the second voltage being comparable to a voltage of the jump starter's battery.

[0261] In some embodiments, the voltage of the jump starter's battery may be predetermined and stored in memory for access by the control unit. For example, a 12V jump starter may have a value of 12V stored as the voltage of the jump starter's battery.

[0262] In some embodiments, the voltage of the jump starter's battery may be determined, such as measured from the battery. For example, a load sensor may include circuitry configured to measure a voltage of the jump starter's battery. A benefit of the circuitry may include monitoring the jump starter's battery and may provide an indicator to a user to recharge the jump starter when the voltage is below a threshold.

[0263] The off-state analyzed from the measured voltages may include a short-circuit condition in which a vehicle's battery is short-circuited. The short-circuit condition may indicate that a short-circuited vehicle battery is connected to the output terminals and may be determined by the first voltage being close to a zero value and the second voltage being close to the zero-equivalent value.

[0264] The off-state analyzed from the measured voltages may include a reverse polarity state, where there is a reverse polarity connection between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals. The reverse polarity state may indicate the presence of the vehicle's battery and a reverse polarity connection between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals, and may be determined by the first voltage being a negative value and the second voltage being less than the zero equivalent value.

[0265] In some embodiments, the off state may further include an overvoltage condition in which the vehicle includes a battery having a voltage higher than a highest voltage exhibited by the battery after a full charge. The overvoltage condition may indicate that the jump starter is connected to the vehicle battery and that the vehicle battery has an overvoltage value. The overvoltage condition is determined by the second voltage being above the overvoltage value.

[0266] In some embodiments, the off state may further include a non-replaceable state, indicating the absence of the vehicle battery in the vehicle and a reversed polarity connection between the vehicle terminals and the output terminals. The non-replaceable state may be determined by the first voltage being near a zero value and the second voltage being near the zero equivalent value.

[0267] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a circuit connected to the output terminals and to the battery via another controllable switch, e.g., the switch may be configured to toggle the connection to the battery. The circuit may be configured to measure the first voltage when the controllable switch is off. The circuit may be configured to measure the second voltage when the controllable switch is on. The first and second voltages may provide indications about conditions of the vehicle, e.g., determine the condition of the vehicle under the possible conditions listed above.

[0268] The controllable switch may be coupled to the control unit to be controlled by the control unit to switch between the first and second voltages. Alternatively, the controllable switch may be coupled to an oscillator to generate repeated sequences of the first and second voltages. The oscillator circuit may be controlled by the control unit, for example, to start or stop, or to control a period of the oscillations, such as the time at which the oscillator output is high enough to turn the switch on or the time at which the oscillator output is low enough to turn the switch off.

[0269] In some embodiments, the circuit may include a voltage divider circuit connected to the output terminals and to the battery via a controllable switch. The circuit may include a series of resistors, e.g., a first resistor connected to a second resistor. The second resistor may be connected to an output terminal of the output terminals. The first resistor may be connected to the battery via the controllable switch. The circuit may be configured to provide the first voltage at a point between the first and second resistors when the second controllable switch is off. The circuit may be configured to provide the second voltage at a point between the first and second resistors when the second controllable switch is on.

[0270] In some embodiments, the circuit may include a third controllable switch for switching a connection to the vehicle battery, e.g., switching the connection to the output terminals, in addition to the second controllable switch that can switch the connection to the battery of the jump starter. In this configuration, the circuit may be configured to measure the first voltage when the second controllable switch is turned off and the third controllable switch is turned on. The circuit may be configured to measure the second voltage when the second controllable switch is turned on and the third controllable switch is turned on. The circuit may be configured to measure a third voltage indicative of a voltage of the battery when the second controllable switch is turned on and the third controllable switch is turned off.

[0271] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include multiple circuits, such as two circuits, each circuit configured to measure a different voltage at the output terminals. For example, the load sensor may include a first circuit connected to the output terminals and configured to measure the first voltage. The load sensor may include a second circuit, the second circuit connected to the battery and also connected to the output terminals. The second circuit may be configured to measure the second voltage.

[0272] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include more than two circuits, such as three circuits. In addition to the first and second circuits described above, the load sensor may include a third circuit connected to the battery and configured to measure a third voltage indicative of a voltage of the battery.

[0273] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a polarity swap circuit configured to swap the polarity of the measured first and second voltages. For example, the load sensor circuit may be connected to the output terminals via a controllable polarity swap, as described above. The polarity of the polarity swap may be controlled by the control unit or by an oscillator, for example, to determine the polarity of the first and second voltages.

[0274] In some embodiments, the load sensor may include a voltage comparator that may enable the measured first and second voltages to be converted into multiple voltages based on different voltage ranges, as determined by the vehicle's conditions. For example, the output of the load sensor may be connected to the control unit via a voltage comparator, wherein the voltage comparator is configured to convert the first or second voltage into multiple voltage ranges.

[0275] The jump-start device may further include a control unit. The control unit may be connected to the load sensor to receive the first and second voltages. The control unit may be configured to analyze the first and second voltages to determine one of the vehicle's states, e.g., a vehicle state among the states indicated by the first and second voltages.

[0276] The control unit may be connected to the controllable switch to control the controllable switch, such as providing an electrical signal to turn the controllable switch on or to turn the controllable switch off, for example, by providing an electrical signal to turn it off or by stopping the electrical turn-on signal. The control unit may be configured to turn the controllable switch on under the first condition, e.g., under the vehicle condition in which the jump-start device may be turned on, e.g., turn the controllable switch on to connect the battery to the output terminals to supply power to the vehicle.

[0277] The control unit may be configured to analyze the first and second voltages to determine a state of the vehicle's states, e.g., under the different states of the vehicle. The control unit may be configured to turn on the controllable switch when the replaceable state or the jump-startable state is detected. The control unit may be configured to turn off the controllable switch or keep it in an off state (e.g., do nothing if the switch is already in the off state) or not turn on the controllable switch when the overvoltage state, the open circuit state, the short circuit state, or the reverse polarity state is detected.

[0278] In some embodiments, the jump starter may be configured to turn off the switch before connecting the jump starter's output terminals to the vehicle's terminals. For example, the control unit may be programmed to turn off the switch during the initialization step after the jump starter is turned on.

[0279] In some embodiments, the jump-start device may further include indicators connected to the control unit to provide an indication of the vehicle's conditions. The control unit may be configured to activate the indicators based on the vehicle's conditions.

[0280] In some embodiments, a method of operating the jump-start device may include connecting output terminals of a jump-start device to terminals of a vehicle. The controller may be programmed to measure a first voltage at the output terminals connected to the vehicle terminals, wherein the first voltage is measured without using a battery of the jump-start device. For example, the controller may decouple the battery of the jump-start device from a measuring circuit prior to measuring the first voltage, for example, by turning off a switch connecting the measuring circuit to the battery of the jump-start device.

[0281] The control unit may be further programmed to measure a second voltage at the output terminals, wherein the second voltage is measured using a battery of the jump-start device. For example, the control unit may couple the battery of the jump-start device to the measuring circuit before measuring the second voltage, for example, by turning on the switch connecting the measuring circuit to the battery of the jump-start device.

[0282] The control unit may be further programmed to analyze the first and second voltages to determine one of a plurality of vehicle states, wherein the plurality of vehicle states include an open circuit state, a short circuit state, a reverse parity state, and a jump-startable state. In some embodiments, the plurality of vehicle states may further include an overvoltage state, a replaceable state, and a non-replaceable state. A jump starter with diagnostic function

[0283] In some embodiments, the jump starter device may be configured with a diagnostic function to enable the jump starter to detect any potential problems with the battery in addition to problems with the vehicle.

[0284] A jump starter with a battery or vehicle diagnostic function can be used to assess the vehicle's health in addition to jump-starting it. For example, if a vehicle fails to start due to a battery failure, the jump starter can be used to start the vehicle. A jump starter can also be used to determine whether the car battery, along with other vehicle components, is damaged. If the jump starter has a battery diagnostic function, a user can quickly and efficiently detect the battery's health status after starting to determine whether the battery needs to be replaced.

[0285] A jump starter with a diagnostic function can be used to diagnose the car battery, such as detecting the car's internal resistance, CCA (cold cranking amps), battery life, battery charge capacity, and other key parameters to determine whether the car battery needs maintenance or replacement. Additionally, the diagnostic function can allow the user to detect any abnormal problems in the car, such as with the starter motor or generator. The jump starter can also be used to test vehicle conditions, such as the battery, starter motor, and alternator, to perform periodic vehicle maintenance. Combining a jump starter with a diagnostic function can allow the user to purchase and maintain a single device that can perform the desired diagnostic tests currently performed by separate devices.

[0286] The jump starter with diagnostic function or capability can provide multifunctional vehicle emergency service, integrating two automotive emergency functions—emergency starting and vehicle diagnostics—in a small and lightweight configuration for easy portability. The combined jump starter can start a car and also diagnose the conditions of automotive components, perfectly integrating the two functions commonly used in automotive emergency starting products. Additionally, the overall size of the combined jump starter is small and lightweight for convenient portability.

[0287] In some embodiments, the jump starter with a diagnostic function may include components of a jump starter as described above with reference to a jump starter with the diagnostic function. For example, the jump starter components may include an internal power supply module including a battery, such as a lithium-ion battery, connectors for connecting to terminals of a vehicle, switching circuitry coupled between the internal power supply and the connectors, a load sensor for detecting the status of the vehicle based on measured voltages, and a control unit for controlling the switching circuitry based on the detected status of the vehicle. The jump starter components may include an input and output interface, such as a display, for entering and displaying setpoints and the status of the jump starter.

[0288] The jump-start device with a diagnostic function can be programmed to provide vehicle conditions based on the measured voltages provided by the load sensor. For example, the load sensor can be configured to sample the battery voltages for a short period of time, such as a few minutes. The values ​​and changes in the battery voltages can enable diagnosis of the vehicle's battery, starter motor, and alternator.

[0289] The jump starter with a diagnostic function may include a diagnostic circuit configured to measure various vehicle data, such as the internal resistance of the battery. The internal resistance may be an indication of the battery's health, such as its capacity and remaining battery life.

[0290] The diagnostic circuit may include a current measuring circuit configured to measure currents within the vehicle, such as currents supplied by the battery during vehicle startup or running. The measured current, along with the measured voltages, may be processed to provide a diagnosis of the vehicle, including the battery, starter motor, and alternator motor.

[0291] The jump starter with a diagnostic function may be configured to perform diagnostics of a vehicle, including battery-related components such as the battery, starter motor, and alternator. For example, the jump starter may perform battery-related tests, including tests to determine the battery's state of charge and health (SOC & SOH), the battery's voltage drop during cranking, the battery's cold cranking amps (CCA), the alternator's current output (to diagnose undercharging or overcharging), the alternator's voltage and ripple (to diagnose blown diodes), the starter motor coil resistance (to diagnose motor winding failures), and the battery-to-starter motor cable's voltage drop and resistance.

[0292] Additionally, the jump-start device may be configured with a diagnostic function to perform diagnostics of other vehicle components, such as engine health and performance system tests, fuel injector tests, pressure and system leak tests, and hydraulic tests. For example, the jump-start device may include accessories such as pressure transducers to measure the engine's air intake, exhaust, and fuel system pressure.

[0293] The jump-start device with a diagnostic function may include a housing for enclosing the jump-start components and the diagnostic components. External elements may be included, such as cables for connecting to the vehicle for measuring battery voltages and, optionally, cables for connecting to battery wires for measuring currents.

[0294] When operating to jump-start a vehicle, the control unit may assess the vehicle's status, for example, through a load sensing circuit. After determining an appropriate status, as discussed above with respect to jump-start operation, the control unit may turn on the jump-start switch, which electrically connects the internal power supply to the output connectors, to jump-start the vehicle.

[0295] Before or after jump-starting the vehicle, the jump-starter can assess the vehicle's conditions, including the battery, starter motor, and alternator motor. This assessment can help determine the repair or replacement of affected components.

[0296] For example, before jump-starting the vehicle, the jump starter can measure the battery voltage. The battery voltage can provide an indication of the battery's status, such as whether the battery is good, bad, rechargeable, repairable, or needs to be replaced. Furthermore, the jump starter can determine the battery's charge status from the measured battery voltage, for example, using a lookup table that relates the battery voltage to the battery's charge status. Battery information can be provided to the starter motor to enable an accurate assessment of the charge status, as there are differences between different batteries and battery manufacturers.

[0297] For example, for a 12V lead-acid battery, typical in a passenger car, a battery voltage above 12.6V may indicate a good battery. A good battery indication may show that the vehicle's problem may be with the starter motor, rather than the battery. A battery voltage between 8 or 10V and 12.6V may indicate a chargeable battery, such as a jump-startable condition. A low battery voltage, such as lower than 8 or 10V, may indicate a severely discharged battery that may need to be replaced.

[0298] After the vehicle has been jump-started, the measured battery voltages can provide a battery charging rate, indicated by an increase in battery voltage. For example, the vehicle may run until the battery voltage is higher than 12.6 V, such as 13.6 V, indicating a battery voltage that is charging the alternator. After the vehicle is stopped, the battery voltage may drop to between 13.6 and 12.6 V, indicating a good battery.

[0299] Other data can be obtained from the vehicle using the jump start diagnostic circuit, such as the internal resistance of the battery and the currents to the starter motor and alternator during vehicle start-up and running.

[0300] The jump starter may include a display module to indicate the status of the jump starter and the vehicle in either jump start mode or diagnostic mode. For example, the display may be configured to show the measured voltages as a function of time or the status of the vehicle based on the measured voltages, such as the states of the battery, starter motor, and alternator.

[0301] The jump starter may include auxiliary features such as a power module, which may include charging circuitry for charging the internal power supply, such as charging from the home AC power, charging from the 12V DC cigarette lighter socket, or charging from USB connectors, such as USB Type-C charging. The power module may be configured to provide power outputs, such as a 12VDC or 5VDC power output, using cigarette lighter or USB port outputs. The features may include a light source, such as an LED module with selectors for steady light, driving light, or SOS light mode. The additional features may include input and status output, such as an on / off switch, a power-on LED, fault LEDs, battery level LEDs, light mode switch and LED, charger LED, power-off LED, and manual override buttons and LEDs.

[0302] The jump starter may include additional features, such as an input module, e.g., programming buttons or other inputs, to allow a user to establish preset data, such as battery information. The preset battery information may be preprogrammed for popular batteries. The battery temperature may be input into the jump starter, or the jump starter may include a temperature sensor to measure the battery temperature.

[0303] The additional features may include multiple manual switches to override the automatic operation of the jump starter, such as manually turning on the jump starter switch to override the control unit. For example, based on load sensor data, the control unit may determine that it is not appropriate to turn on the jump starter switch. The manual switch can be used to override the control unit's decision, e.g., turning on the jump starter switch if the operator determines it is appropriate.

[0304] Additional features may include a DC or AC charging circuit to recharge the internal power supply.

[0305] For example, the charging circuit may be designed to charge the internal power supply during the air pumping process.

[0306] The additional features may include a cooling module, such as a fan, for cooling the jump starter, such as the internal power supply, control unit, or jump starter switch. The cooling module may be automatic, e.g., based on a preset temperature using an internal temperature sensor. The cooling module can be set to cool the jump starter components before, during, or after use.

[0307] A battery diagnostic may include a measurement of the battery's state of charge (SOC) and an estimate of its state of health (SOH). A battery's state of health (SOH) represents a measure of the battery's ability to store and deliver electrical energy compared to a new battery.

[0308] The state of charge (SoC) is defined as the available capacity (in Ah), i.e., the amount of electrical charge stored in the battery, and expressed as a percentage of its nominal capacity. Thus, the value of SOC varies between 0% and 100%. If the SOC is 100%, then the battery is considered fully charged, whereas a SOC of 0% indicates that the battery is completely discharged. In practical applications, the SOC is not allowed to exceed 50%, and therefore the battery is recharged when the SOC reaches 50%. Similarly, as a battery begins to age, the maximum SOC begins to decrease. This means that for an aged battery, a SOC of 100% would be equivalent to a 75%-80% SOC of a new battery.

[0309] Typically, the SoC cannot be measured directly, but it can be estimated from direct measurement techniques, such as a battery voltage reading. For example, the battery voltage value is related to the SoC via a known discharge curve (voltage versus SoC) of the battery. The discharge curve is influenced by the battery current (due to battery electrochemical kinetics) and temperature. This method can be made more accurate by compensating the voltage reading with a correction term proportional to the battery current and by using a lookup table of the battery's open-circuit voltage versus temperature.

[0310] Battery diagnostics may include a measurement of the battery's capacity, which is the coulometric capacity, e.g., the total ampere-hours available when discharging the battery from a 100 percent state of charge to the cutoff voltage at a specific discharge rate. Capacity is calculated by multiplying the discharge current (in amperes) by the discharge time (in hours) and decreases with increasing C-rate.

[0311] Battery diagnostics may include a measurement of cold cranking amps (CCA), which is the number of amps a fully charged battery can produce at 0 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 seconds while maintaining at least 7.2 volts.

[0312] Battery diagnostics may include measuring the battery's internal resistance, which is dependent on the battery's state of charge and can provide an indication of battery efficiency. For example, as internal resistance increases, battery efficiency decreases and thermal stability is reduced as more charging energy is converted to heat.

[0313] Fig. Figure 25 illustrates a configuration for a jump starter device with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. The jump starter is configured to use a load sensor to measure voltages of the battery for a specified period of time. The measured voltages are configured to determine a status of the battery with respect to operation of the jump starter and are also configured to determine conditions of the battery, such as a charge status and a capacity of the battery.

[0314] The jump-start device with a diagnostic function may include a jump-start section, including a battery 2510 that may be configured to supply power to the jump-start section. The jump-start section also includes a control unit 2511 that may be configured to receive input data and provide output instructions to the jump-start section. The jump-start section also includes a display 2564 that may be configured to display input and output data for the jump-start section and the diagnostic data.

[0315] The jump-start section may include a switch 2512, e.g., a jump-start switch, configured to control the connection of terminals of the battery 2510 to connectors 2516 of the jump-start device configured to be connected to terminals of the vehicle, such as terminals of the vehicle battery. The switch may be a single switch coupled to one terminal of the battery, such as a positive terminal, as shown. Alternatively, the switch may be coupled to a negative terminal of the battery. The switch may be a double switch coupled to two terminals of the battery.

[0316] A load sensor 2540 may be configured to sense the vehicle voltage from the positive terminal of the vehicle. The load sensor 2540 may be configured to receive a power source, such as from the jump starter battery 2510. The load sensor may include circuitry to measure the voltages at the vehicle connector 2516 with or without use of the battery's power source. For example, a trigger circuit may be used to control the application of the power source to the load sensor and may be enabled or disabled with a control output signal 2532 from the controller 2511. When the controller 2511 enables the trigger circuit, the load sensor may receive power from the jump starter battery 2510, which may convert the load sensor into an active voltage sensor.When the control unit 2511 deactivates the trigger circuit, the load sensor has no external power source, causing the load sensor to behave like a passive voltage sensor. Alternatively, the load sensor may include two circuits, one connected to the battery and one not connected to the battery.

[0317] The switch 2512 may be controlled by a control output 2531 from the control unit 2511 based on the input data 2534 from the load sensor. For example, after receiving the input data 2534, which may include voltage values ​​measured at the connectors 2516 with and without the battery power, the control unit may determine the status of the vehicle to decide whether or not to turn on the switch 2512.

[0318] The control unit 2511 may be configured to sample the voltages at the vehicle connector, e.g., at the vehicle's battery coupled to the connector, for a period of time, such as for a few minutes, such as 1, 2, 3, or 5 minutes. For example, the load sensor circuit may be controlled by the control unit, which may output control signals to the load sensor to periodically sample the battery voltages. The control unit may perform voltage sampling at a frequency of less than a few hundred cycles per second, such as less than 200 Hz, less than 100 Hz, or less than or equal to 50 Hz. The control unit is also configured to process the sampled voltages to determine a condition of the battery and other components of the vehicle.

[0319] The jump-start device may include an input module 2564* configured to select a jump-start function or a diagnostic function. Additionally, the input module may be configured to accept user inputs, including inputs for the jump-start section and inputs for the diagnostic function. For example, the diagnostic inputs may include data for the battery, such as the battery's rating, battery brand, and battery year.

[0320] The temperature of the battery, such as temperatures on the outer casing of the battery, can be input into the control unit via the input module to enable accurate determination of the battery conditions.

[0321] Alternatively, a temperature module 2557 may be included to enable battery temperature measurement. An external temperature sensor may be coupled to the battery's outer casing, with the temperature sensor leads connected to the temperature module through the temperature sensor connector 2557*.

[0322] The jump-start device may include an output module 2564, which may include a plurality of lights, such as LEDs or a display, and which may be configured to display the status and results of the jump-start and diagnostic function operation. For example, the output module may be configured to display a table showing battery states and a voltage graph showing battery voltages as a function of time.

[0323] The jump starter may include an interface module 2556 for coupling to an external display or computer. The external display may be configured to show more data using a large screen compared to a smaller display in the jump starter. A program may be executed on the computer to complement the functionality of the control unit.

[0324] An override button can be used to override the output control signals from the control unit. Manual override buttons can be included to override the settings imposed by the control unit. For example, there may be some exceptional situations outside of the normal operation of the jump starter, such as for testing purposes. Although the jump starter is not connected to a vehicle, resulting in switch 2512 being open, an operator can use the override buttons to establish a connection through the switch.

[0325] The override buttons may include a manual hardwired switch arranged in parallel with switch 2512. Closing the parallel manual switch creates a connection across switch 2512, providing an effectively closed configuration for switch 2512. Alternatively or additionally, the override buttons may include a manual switch arranged in series with switch 2512. The series manual switch may be in a normally closed configuration so as not to interfere with the operation of the jump-start device. Opening the series manual switch creates an open circuit across switch 2512, providing an effectively open configuration for switch 2512.

[0326] The override button may include a manual software switch, which is a manual switch coupled to the control unit. The control unit is programmed to change normal operation, such as overriding the current settings, based on the status of the manual override software switch. For example, control signal 2531 also depends on the status of the override buttons in addition to the voltage input 2534 received from load sensor 2540.

[0327] The override buttons can be regular switches or momentary switches. For regular switches, the override operation is effective until the operator changes the switch configuration. For momentary switches, the override operation is only effective when the operator presses the switch. When the operator releases the switch, the override operation ends.

[0328] The override buttons may include one or more manual hard-wired switches arranged in parallel and in series with switch 2512. As shown, one switch configuration includes a parallel and a series switch 2587 for switch 2512. Other configurations may be used.

[0329] The override buttons may include one or more manual hard-wired switches located at or near the battery 2510 to disable the switch 2512 or allow it to be connected to the battery 2510.

[0330] Fig. 26A-26D illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. The jump starter may be configured to sample voltage data from the vehicle battery before and after starting the vehicle. An advantage of the jump starter with diagnostic functionality is the ability to diagnose a vehicle battery when the vehicle fails to start. Without the jump starter function, a diagnostic system may indicate a dead battery. With the jump starter function, a diagnostic system may jump start the vehicle to evaluate whether the battery can be charged, whether there is a problem with the starter motor, or whether there is a problem with the alternator.

[0331] Fig. 26A shows a diagnosis of a jump starter with a diagnostic function based on sampling the battery voltage. The jump starter is connected to a battery of a vehicle, and a battery voltage can be obtained. The battery voltage can provide an indication of the battery's condition, such as that a good 12V lead-acid battery should have a voltage higher than a threshold, such as 12.4V. A voltage lower than 12.4V can indicate a bad battery. If the battery type and manufacturer are known, a lookup table can be used to obtain a battery state of charge, such as that a battery voltage of 13V can indicate a 100% state of charge, and a battery voltage of 10.5V can indicate a 0% state of charge, or a completely dead battery.

[0332] The vehicle can be started either by its own battery or by jump-starting. The cranking action 2603 can provide information 2601 about the starter motor and other information about the battery, such as battery capacity. During cranking, the battery voltage drops due to a high current flowing through the starter motor. A small voltage drop indicates a high battery capacity, meaning that a small proportion of the battery is being used in the cranking action. A large voltage drop indicates a low battery capacity, meaning that a large proportion of the battery is being used in the cranking action. For example, a drop of greater than 3 V, e.g., the battery voltage dropping to lower than 9.6 V, can indicate a bad battery, e.g., a low-capacity battery.

[0333] The value of 3 V or 9.6 V is a typical value, which may also depend on the voltage sampling rate, such as 50 Hz. For a higher sampling rate, the voltage drop can be 5 V or a battery voltage of approximately 8 V.

[0334] The vehicle may be idling 2604, e.g., continuing to run. The battery voltages obtained during the idling action 2604 may provide information 2602 about the alternator, such as the alternator's charging rate, and about the battery, such as the battery recovery rate and battery efficiency. For example, the battery voltage may gradually increase to approximately 13 or 13.5 V, indicating a fully charged battery. The rate of voltage increase may indicate the battery's charging capability.

[0335] Fig. Figure 26B shows a voltage sampling curve for a good vehicle, e.g., a vehicle without a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, but the jump starter function is not activated. e.g., the switch connecting the jump starter's power supply or battery to the vehicle's battery is disconnected or disconnected. Disabling the jump starter function can be activated by a manual switch, which disables the jump starter function. The diagnostic function can be enabled or can be enabled automatically, e.g., enabled as a default state.

[0336] When the vehicle is not running 2606, the jump starter may measure the vehicle battery voltage 2605. The measured voltage may provide an indication of the battery, such as a good battery voltage range 2607 of 12.4 to 15 V, and a bad voltage range 2608 of less than 12.4 V. The voltage values ​​are shown as an example, with actual values ​​depending on the batteries, such as the battery types. The battery voltage may be used to provide a battery state of charge, for example, using a lookup table.

[0337] The starter motor can start 2610, for example, by the user turning on the ignition system. Other considerations can be added, such as allowing the engine to be cranked 2611 without starting to obtain data for the cranking process. Alternatively, the starter motor can start with the ignition activated.

[0338] When the vehicle is started, the battery voltage may drop with a battery drop value of 2612 due to a large current flowing through the starter motor. The voltage drop is proportional to the amount of charge provided by the battery, so a large drop, such as greater than a threshold such as 3 V, may indicate a low-capacity battery, such as a bad battery that needs to be recharged, repaired, or replaced.

[0339] The vehicle may continue to run, either idling or with the engine at high rpm, such as 2000 or 2500 rpm. The voltage values ​​show an increase, indicating a charging rate 2613 due to the alternator's charge 2614. The voltage increase may provide an indication of the recovery and efficiency of the battery based on charging. The voltage increase rate may also provide an indication of the status or condition of the alternator, e.g., how well the alternator is charging the battery. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged, e.g., restoring the amount of charge used by the starting and cranking process. The charged voltage 2615 may provide an indication of the battery, showing how well the battery is charged.

[0340] When viewed in detail, the voltage curve may show ripples 2616, which can provide information about the alternator, such as the diodes in the alternator.

[0341] The voltage curve can be shown on the display. The condition of the battery, starter motor, or alternator motor can be processed from the voltage curve and can also be displayed to provide vehicle diagnostics.

[0342] Fig. Figure 26C shows a voltage sample curve for a faulty vehicle, e.g., a vehicle requiring a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, but the jump start function is not activated.

[0343] If the vehicle is not running (2606), the jump starter can measure the vehicle battery voltage (2605). The measured voltage can provide an indication of the battery, including the battery's state of charge. If the measured battery voltage (2605*) is a good voltage, e.g., a voltage between 12.4 and 15 V, indicating a good battery, it is likely that the problem with the vehicle is with the starter motor, causing the engine to not start.

[0344] If the measured battery voltage 2605* is a bad voltage, e.g., a voltage below 12.4 V, indicating a bad battery, the jump starter can help jump-start the vehicle. The jump starter is then switched on 2617, e.g., the switch connecting the booster battery to the vehicle connector is switched on. The voltage value can increase to a good value between 12.4 and 15 V, which is the voltage of the booster battery.

[0345] The engine can start using the Jump Starter 2610 to provide power to the starter motor.

[0346] There may be a drop in voltage, which indicates the capability of the booster battery.

[0347] The jump start can then be switched off 2617*, e.g. the switch that connects the jump start battery to the vehicle connector is switched off.

[0348] The vehicle may continue to run. The voltage readings may show an increase, which can provide an indication of the battery's recovery rate and efficiency based on charging. The rate of voltage increase can also provide an indication of the alternator's status or condition. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged.

[0349] The vehicle can be stopped and then restarted to obtain a voltage drop across the vehicle's battery, which can provide an indication of the vehicle's battery capacity, as discussed above. The voltage curve can be shown on the display.

[0350] Fig. Figure 26D shows diagnostic results processed from the measured voltage values ​​to provide alternator motor battery conditions. The diagnostic results 2618 may be shown on a display, which may include raw and processed data, such as the initial battery voltage before jump-starting, the battery state of charge, the lowest voltage during the vehicle cranking period, the battery capacity, the charging rate, and the final charged battery voltage. The alternator conditions may include the charging rate provided by the alternator and the ripple value indicating the diodes performing the rectification action.

[0351] Fig. 27A-27B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. In Fig. 27A, process 2700 connects a jump starter with battery diagnostics to a vehicle battery. The jump starter portion is off, while the load sensor portion is turned on to measure voltages at the vehicle connector, e.g., vehicle battery voltages.

[0352] Operation 2701 receives a voltage of the vehicle's battery. Operation 2702 determines a battery state of charge based on the battery voltage, for example, through a lookup table or a function that relates the state of charge to the battery voltage.

[0353] Operation 2703 starts the vehicle. Alternatively, the vehicle is cranked without starting. Operation 2704 receives a voltage drop across the battery when the vehicle starts. Operation 2705 determines a capacity of the battery based on the voltage drop. Operation 2706 determines a state of a starter motor based on the voltage drop.

[0354] Operation 2707 obtains a battery voltage increase rate after the vehicle starts. Operation 2708 determines a battery charging rate based on the voltage increase rate. Operation 2710 determines a state of an alternator based on the voltage increase rate. Operation 2711 obtains a peak-to-peak voltage of a battery voltage ripple. Operation 2712 determines a state of an alternator based on the ripple voltage.

[0355] In Fig. In Figure 27B, operation 2720 connects a jump starter with battery diagnostics to a vehicle battery. The jump starter portion is off, and the load sensor portion is turned on to measure voltages at the vehicle connector, such as vehicle battery voltages.

[0356] Operation 2721 determines a battery state of charge based on a measured voltage at the vehicle battery.

[0357] Process 2722 jump-starts the vehicle after the jump-starter is turned on. The jump-starter is then turned off after the vehicle is started.

[0358] Operation 2723 determines battery states and / or starter motor states and / or alternator states of the vehicle based on measured vehicle battery voltages during a vehicle runtime.

[0359] Fig. 28A-28B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. In Fig. 28A, operation 2800 depicts a jump start. The jump start includes a power supply. The jump start includes a jump start circuit coupled to the power supply, the jump start circuit configured to jump start a vehicle. The jump start is configured to determine a condition of the battery or the vehicle based on one or more voltage values ​​sensed from the battery.

[0360] In Fig. 28A, operation 2810 depicts a jump starter. The jump starter includes a load sensor configured to sense one or more voltages of a battery of a vehicle. The jump starter includes a power supply configured to jump start a vehicle based on a status of the battery determined by the one or more voltages. The jump starter is configured to process the one or more voltages to determine a condition of the battery.

[0361] In operation 2811, the jump starter includes a controller configured to control the load sensor to sample the one or more voltages. The controller is configured to process the one or more voltages.

[0362] In operation 2812, the state of the battery includes a state of charge of the battery determined based on the one or more voltages.

[0363] In operation 2813, the state of the battery includes a capacity of the battery determined based on a drop in the one or more voltages during a period when the vehicle is starting.

[0364] In operation 2814, the start assist is configured to determine a state of a starter motor based on a drop in the one or more voltages during a period in which the vehicle is starting.

[0365] In operation 2815, the state of the battery includes a charge rate of the battery determined based on a voltage increase of the one or more voltages during a period after the vehicle is started.

[0366] In operation 2816, the jump starter is configured to determine a state of an alternator based on an increase in the one or more voltages during a period after the vehicle is started.

[0367] In operation 2817, the jump starter is configured to determine a state of an alternator based on a peak-to-peak voltage of a ripple of the one or more voltages during a period after the vehicle is started.

[0368] A jump starter with a diagnostic circuit including a circuit for measuring internal resistance.

[0369] The jump starter may be configured with a diagnostic circuit to perform the diagnostic function, which may enable the jump starter to detect any potential problems with the vehicle. The diagnostic circuit may include a circuit configured to measure a conductivity or internal resistance, which is the inverse of the conductivity, of the battery.

[0370] The internal resistance of a battery is a measure of the battery's ability to generate electricity. Internal resistance is related to the plate area available within the battery, which determines how much power the battery can deliver. As a battery ages, the plate area can sulfate, or release active material, leading to higher measured internal resistances and negatively affecting its performance.

[0371] Internal resistance provides useful information in detecting problems and indicating when a battery should be replaced. For example, internal resistance can be used to detect battery defects, short circuits, and open circuits, which will reduce the battery's power delivery capacity. The measured internal resistance can determine the battery's health. For example, a regular inspection of internal resistance can show how the battery's condition is deteriorating over time, which can provide reassurance that the battery is nearing the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced. As an example, a 25% increase in resistance above a baseline indicates a performance drop of 100% to approximately 80%.

[0372] The internal resistance of a battery can be determined from a small AC signal analysis or by a DC method that uses a DC current instead of an AC current. In AC signal analysis, a small AC current (e.g., on the order of about one ampere) is generated in a circuit loop that includes the battery. The AC voltage measured across the battery's terminals is related to the battery's internal resistance; for example, the voltage is a product of the internal resistance and the current.

[0373] The calculated internal resistance can be affected by the battery's temperature and state of charge. For example, cold temperatures can increase the internal resistance due to electrolyte chemistry. Thus, a measured internal resistance can be adjusted for the actual battery temperature either through user input from an external battery temperature measurement or an integrated temperature sensor designed to measure battery temperature.

[0374] Furthermore, due to the electrolyte's lack of conductive ions, the internal resistance may increase when the battery is not fully charged. Thus, an accurate measurement of the internal resistance can be performed after the battery has been charged, such as after the vehicle has been jump-started and the battery has been charged by the alternator.

[0375] In small AC signal analysis, the AC current can be generated by coupling a switched load to the battery. The switched load can periodically draw a small current across the battery terminals. The periodically switched load can include a resistor connected to an oscillator, which can be a switch controlled by the control unit. When the control unit turns the switch on, a current is generated from the battery that passes through the resistor. When the control unit turns the switch off, there is no current through the resistor. Thus, a square-wave AC current is generated across the battery. The frequency of the AC current is controlled by the control unit and can be less than 100 Hz, such as 50 Hz. The load is selected to generate a small AC current so that the AC current is determined by the load and is independent of the internal resistance of the battery, e.g.does not change with the internal resistance.

[0376] An AC voltage is generated at the battery terminals, resulting from the AC current and the internal battery resistance. The AC voltage is amplified, rectified, and filtered to produce a signal proportional to the internal battery resistance. A coupling capacitor is coupled to the AC voltage measurement circuit to eliminate the DC battery voltage.

[0377] The internal resistance can be used to determine a battery's condition, such as detecting the CCA (cold cranking amps) and the remaining battery life.

[0378] The jump-start device with a diagnostic circuit may further include a control unit configured to sample the voltage of the vehicle battery for a period of time. The measured voltage curve may allow for a determination of battery conditions in addition to the internal resistance. Furthermore, the measured voltage curve may allow for a determination of conditions of other components of the vehicle, such as the starter motor and the alternator motor.

[0379] Fig. 29 illustrates a configuration of a jump-starting device with a diagnostic circuit according to some embodiments. The jump-starting device with a diagnostic circuit may include a jump-starting section and a diagnostic section.

[0380] The jump starter with diagnostic circuitry may include a jump starter section including a battery 2510, a control unit 2511, a switch 2512, and a load sensor 2540. The jump starter may include an input module 2564*, a temperature module 2557, an output module 2564, and an interface module 2556. The jump starter may include override buttons or manual buttons 2587 or 2588, as discussed above.

[0381] The jump starter with diagnostic circuitry may include diagnostic circuitry 2567 that may be coupled to vehicle connector 2516. Diagnostic circuitry 2567 may include circuitry configured to measure an internal resistance of the battery using small AC signal analysis. Other circuitry may be included, and other methods for measuring the internal resistance may be used.

[0382] The 2567 diagnostic circuit is controlled by the control unit, and the result is fed back to the control unit after the detection is completed. The control unit can calculate the external battery voltage, internal resistance, CCA, battery life, and other parameters through sampling and calculation, and displays them to the user via the display module.

[0383] Additionally, the control unit 2511 may be configured to sample the voltages at the vehicle connector for a period of time to determine a condition of the battery and other components of the vehicle using the voltage-time curve.

[0384] Fig. 30A-30C illustrate a diagnostic circuit for measuring an internal resistance of a battery according to some embodiments. Fig. Figure 30A(a) shows a schematic configuration for a small AC signal model for measuring the internal resistance of a 2510 battery. An AC current, such as a constant AC current lac, is supplied to the battery to form, for example, a current lac in a circuit loop including the battery. An AC voltage Vac is measured across the battery. The internal resistance of the battery is the ratio of the voltage over the current, e.g., Vac / lac.

[0385] Fig. Figure 30A(b) shows a circuit diagram for a small AC signal model. The circuit includes a 2510 battery, represented by a voltage source V connected in series with an internal resistor r. An external resistor R connected in series with a switch SW is coupled to the battery terminals. When the switch SW is turned on or closed, the battery discharges through the resistor R, e.g., a current flows through the resistor R. When the switch SW is turned off or opened, the battery stops discharging, e.g., there is no current. The switch SW is coupled to a control unit for controlling the switch SW. The control unit can turn the switch on and off at a specific frequency, such as 50 Hz.With the control signal from the control unit to the switch SW, an AC current lac in the form of a rectangular source can run in the loop that includes the battery, the resistor R and the switch SW.

[0386] The voltage across the battery is measured. A coupling capacitor C is connected in series with the input to amplifier circuit A to measure only the AC component and generate an AC voltage Vac. Amplifier circuit A can be an operational amplifier capable of amplifying the small AC voltage across the battery. The internal resistance is the ratio of the AC voltage Vac to the AC current lac.

[0387] Fig. Figure 30B shows a portion of a jump starter, including a diagnostic circuit 2567 and a control unit 2511, along with a vehicle connector 2516. The diagnostic circuit may include an internal resistance measuring circuit 2567A, as shown in the previous figure. The internal resistance measuring circuit is coupled to the vehicle connector 2516 for connection to the vehicle battery. The internal resistance measuring circuit is coupled to the control unit to receive a square wave control input, e.g., a stream of on-off signals to control a switch to generate an AC current. The internal resistance measuring circuit is also coupled to the control unit to provide a voltage proportional to the internal resistance.

[0388] Fig. Figure 30C shows an example of a circuit designed to measure internal resistance. CB- and CB+ are connected to the negative and positive terminals of the car battery, respectively. EN is controlled by the control unit and is used to open and close the switch in the circuit for the internal resistance. The circuit includes a section containing a voltage follower US, which is designed to generate a reference voltage Vref to be used in amplifier circuits U1 and U3 to provide output signals Vout1 and Vout2 with primary and secondary gains for measuring different values ​​of the internal resistance. The circuit includes a load branch with resistor R21 and switch M1, which is controlled by a signal EN from the control unit. The circuit includes several amplification stages U2, U1, and U3 for amplifying an AC voltage from the battery.

[0389] In operation, the control unit can provide an on-off switch sequence to periodically discharge the battery through a resistor and stop its discharge, for example, a 50 Hz signal. When the battery is discharging, e.g., when the control unit turns on the switch, the control unit can receive a voltage at the gain stages Vout1. When the battery is no longer discharging, e.g., when the control unit turns on the switch, the control unit can receive a voltage at the gain stages Vout2. The difference between Vout1 and Vout2 is the amplitude of the AC voltage induced by the battery current. The internal resistance of the battery can be determined from the difference between Vout1 and Vout2 divided by a current through the resistor R, e.g., a ratio of the battery voltage Vbat and the resistance R. r=Vout2−Vout1Vbat / R where r is the internal resistance of the battery, Vbat is the vehicle battery voltage sensed by the load sensor, R is the resistance of resistor R21, Vout1 and Vout2 are the voltages at the gain stages corresponding to having and having no current through resistor R21, respectively.

[0390] Fig. 31A-31E illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. A user can enter the diagnostic mode through the interface setting of the jump starter device. For example, the control unit can first control the diagnostic circuit and turn on a diagnostic detection circuit switch 2567A. The control unit can obtain voltage measurements from the internal resistance circuit in the diagnostic circuit 2567 and then calculate parameters such as the external battery voltage, internal resistance, CCA, and battery life through sampling and calculation, and present them to the user via the display module. After the diagnosis is completed, the control unit can turn off the detection function of the diagnostic circuit. With the user's operation, the product can also assess the battery's charging capacity and detect whether there are any abnormal problems in the car's alternator.

[0391] The jump starter may be designed to measure an internal resistance of the battery, in addition to sampling voltage data from the vehicle battery before and after starting the vehicle.

[0392] Fig. 31A shows a diagnosis of a jump starter with a diagnostic function based on sampling the battery voltage. The jump starter is connected to a vehicle's battery, and a battery voltage can be obtained, which can provide an indication of the battery's condition 2600. A lookup table can be used to obtain a state of charge of the battery from the measured voltage. For example, the control unit can sample the vehicle battery voltage from the load sensor circuit and then calculate the state of charge (SOC) according to the corresponding relationship between the battery voltage and the SOC.

[0393] The battery's internal resistance can be measured, which can provide an indication of the battery's health, including the CCA value and remaining battery life. For example, a low resistance value of less than 0.01 ohms can indicate a good battery.

[0394] In operation, the control unit can provide an on-off switch sequence to periodically discharge the battery through a resistor and then stop its discharge. The boost stages can provide a voltage corresponding to the current through the resistor. The internal resistance of the battery can be determined by the ratio of the voltage and current.

[0395] In general, the health of a lead-acid battery is related to the battery's internal resistance. For example, large-capacity batteries have low resistance, while small-capacity batteries have higher resistance. Thus, the internal resistance of a battery can be measured and then compared to a nominal value to determine the battery's condition.

[0396] The battery's CCA can be determined from the internal resistance, as CCA represents the battery's conductivity and is therefore closely linked to the internal resistance. Specific vehicle battery data, such as the year, type, and brand of the battery, can be entered into the jump starter to obtain a graph or table that relates the internal resistance to the CCA value.

[0397] Alternatively, an estimate of the CCA value can be obtained through an average CCA curve. For example, the relationship between the internal resistance and the CCA of common batteries on the market can be determined through preliminary tests to obtain an average CCA curve, as shown in Fig. 31E. The average CCA curve can be used to obtain the battery's CCA value based on the measured internal resistance. A lookup table can be used, or a curve fit can be applied to a function that relates the CCA to the internal resistance, CCA = f(r).

[0398] The health of a lead-acid battery is related to its internal resistance. Large-capacity batteries have low resistance, while small-capacity batteries have higher resistance. Thus, the internal resistance of a battery can be measured and then compared to a nominal value to determine the battery's condition.

[0399] The battery life can be calculated from the CCA value, Health status=CCA×100CCA0 where CCA is the measured CCA value of the battery and CCA0 is the nominal CCA value of the battery entered by the user into the jump starter.

[0400] The jump-start device can be used to periodically measure the internal resistance at an early stage of the battery's life, such as when the battery is new. By comparing the values ​​obtained from these subsequent measurements with the initial value, a significant increase in internal resistance can be determined, indicating that the battery is approaching the end of its life.

[0401] A major reason for the increase in internal resistance is the deterioration of the battery's positive plates. For example, the lead carriers of the grid and the paste of the positive plates erode and degrade, resulting in a reduction in plate size and an increase in resistance. Internal resistance can also be related to the state of charge and remaining battery capacity.

[0402] The vehicle can then be started, either by its own battery or by jump-starting. The cranking action can provide information 2601 about the starter motor and other information about the battery, such as battery capacity. During cranking, the battery voltage drops due to a high current flowing through the starter motor, which can provide an indication of battery capacity. The voltage drop can indicate battery charge capacity.

[0403] The battery charge capacity can be obtained separately by first setting the jump starter to the battery charge capacity detection mode. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle battery via the vehicle connector. After the diagnostic circuit is turned on, the initial voltage Vout of the vehicle battery is detected. Then the engine can start. The battery voltage is monitored, and the lowest battery voltage in the process is recorded as Vmin. If the difference between Vout and Vmin is greater than a voltage value Vthreshold, for example, the voltage drop due to engine cranking and starting is high. This indicates that the battery charge capacity is insufficient. The Vthreshold value is a defined standard judgment value, which can be 3V. A higher Vthreshold can be used for a higher voltage sampling rate.

[0404] The vehicle may be idling. The battery voltages obtained during the idling action may provide information 2602 about the alternator, such as the alternator's charging rate, and about the battery, such as the battery recovery rate and battery efficiency. The increase in battery voltage may indicate a status of a vehicle's generator.

[0405] The generator status can be obtained separately by first setting the jump starter to generator detection mode. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle battery via the vehicle connector. After the diagnostic circuit is activated, the engine can start and run at 2500 - 3000 rpm. The battery voltage Vout is monitored at this time. If the battery voltage Vout is between 12.5 and 15 V, for example, there is an increase in the battery voltage due to the generator's charging rate, which indicates that the generator is normal. If the battery voltage Vout is less than 12.5 V, the generator's power generation may be insufficient. If the battery voltage Vout is greater than 15 V, there may be an overvoltage fault in the generator.

[0406] Fig. Figure 31B shows a voltage sampling curve for a good vehicle, e.g., a vehicle without the need for a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery. When the vehicle is not running 2606, the jump starter can measure the vehicle battery voltage 2605, which can provide an indication of the battery. The battery voltage can be used to provide a battery state of charge.

[0407] The diagnostic circuit can be enabled or always enabled. The internal resistance 2621 is then determined from the measured voltage using the internal resistance circuit. The CCA and battery life or health can be determined from the internal resistance value.

[0408] The starter motor may start 2610. When the vehicle is started, the battery voltage may drop at a battery drop value 2612. The voltage drop is proportional to the amount of charge provided by the battery, thus a large drop, such as greater than a threshold such as 3 V, may indicate a low-capacity battery, e.g., a bad battery that needs to be recharged, repaired, or replaced.

[0409] The vehicle may continue to run, either idling or with the engine at high rpm, such as 2000 or 2500 rpm. The voltage values ​​show an increase, indicating a charging rate 2613 due to the alternator's charge 2614. The voltage increase may provide an indication of the recovery and efficiency of the battery based on charging. The voltage increase rate may also provide an indication of the status or condition of the alternator, e.g., how well the alternator is charging the battery. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged, e.g., restoring the amount of charge used by the starting and cranking process. The charged voltage 2615 may provide an indication of the battery, showing how well the battery is charged.

[0410] When viewed in detail, the voltage curve may show ripples 2616, which can provide information about the alternator, such as the diodes in the alternator.

[0411] Fig. Figure 31C shows a voltage sampling curve for a faulty vehicle, e.g., a vehicle requiring a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, but the jump start function is not activated.

[0412] When the vehicle is not running 2606, the jump starter can measure the vehicle battery voltage 2605, which can provide an indication of the battery, including a battery state of charge.

[0413] For example, an internal resistance can be measured by the diagnostic circuit. If the measured battery voltage 2605* is a good voltage, e.g., a voltage between 12.4 and 15 V, indicating a good battery, the internal resistance value can confirm that the battery is good, with the CCA and health status being determined from the internal resistance.

[0414] If the measured battery voltage 2605* is a bad voltage, for example, a voltage lower than 12.4 V, which indicates a bad battery, the measured internal resistance may be high, which shows that the battery is not good enough to start the vehicle.

[0415] The jump starter can help jump-start the vehicle. The jump starter is then activated (e.g., the switch connecting the booster battery to the vehicle connector is connected). The voltage can increase to a good value between 12.4 and 15 V, which is the voltage of the booster battery.

[0416] The engine may start using the Jump Starter 2610 to provide power to the starter motor. There may be a drop in voltage, indicating the capability of the jump start battery.

[0417] The jump starter can then be deactivated 2617*, e.g., the switch connecting the jump starter battery to the vehicle connector is turned off. The jump starter battery is disconnected, and the measured voltage value may drop, indicating the vehicle battery voltage.

[0418] The vehicle may continue to run. The voltage readings may show an increase, which can provide an indication of the battery's recovery rate and efficiency based on charging. The rate of voltage increase can also provide an indication of the alternator's status or condition. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged.

[0419] An internal resistance can be measured again, for example, by the diagnostic circuit. The measured value of the internal resistance can be a true indication of the battery, as it is fully charged. The CCA and the battery's health can then be determined from the internal resistance.

[0420] The vehicle can be stopped and then restarted to obtain a voltage drop across the vehicle's battery, which can provide an indication of the vehicle's battery capacity, as discussed above. The voltage curve can be shown on the display.

[0421] Fig. Figure 31D shows diagnostic results processed from the measured voltage values ​​to provide alternator motor battery conditions. The diagnostic results may be shown on a display, which may include raw and processed data such as the initial battery voltage before jump-starting, the battery state of charge, the lowest voltage during the vehicle cranking period, the voltage drop, the internal resistance, the CCA value, the battery capacity, the charging rate, and the final charged voltage of the battery. The alternator conditions may include the charging rate provided by the alternator and the ripple value indicating the diodes performing the rectification action.

[0422] Fig. 32A-32B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. 32A, process 3200 connects a jump starter with battery diagnostics to a vehicle's battery. The vehicle may be a vehicle in good condition, e.g., capable of starting itself without the need for a jump starter service. The jump starter portion of the jump starter is off, and the diagnostic portion is on.

[0423] Operation 3201 receives a voltage of the battery, for example, from a load sensor circuit configured to determine a status of the vehicle, including a voltage of the vehicle battery.

[0424] Operation 3202 determines a state of charge of the battery based on the battery voltage, for example, through a lookup table. Generally, a higher battery voltage has a better state of charge. The battery voltage and state of charge may provide indications of a battery condition.

[0425] Operation 3203 obtains the internal resistance of the battery, for example, by enabling the internal resistance measurement circuit in the diagnostic circuit. The internal resistance of the battery can also provide an indication of the battery's condition. For example, if the battery is still good, the internal resistance is low, such as less than 0.01, less than 0.005, or about a few milliohms. A higher internal resistance may indicate a bad battery.

[0426] The internal resistance is higher when the battery is empty. For a vehicle that won't start, the battery may not be fully charged, and the internal resistance value may be high, indicating a dead battery. Subsequent internal resistance measurements can be taken, especially after the battery is charged, to provide a more accurate description of the battery's condition.

[0427] Operation 3204 determines a cold cranking amps (CCA) value of the battery based on the internal resistance. Operation 3205 determines a battery life for the battery based on the CCA value. The CCA and battery life can be determined again for a fully charged battery.

[0428] Operation 3206 starts the vehicle. Operation 3207 determines a battery capacity or a starter motor condition based on a battery voltage drop when the vehicle starts.

[0429] Operation 3208 determines a battery charge rate or alternator state based on a voltage increase rate when the vehicle is running. Operation 3210 determines an alternator state based on a peak-to-peak voltage of a battery voltage ripple when the vehicle is running.

[0430] In Fig. 32B, operation 3220 connects a jump starter with battery diagnostics to a battery of a vehicle. The vehicle may be a vehicle requiring jump start service. The jump start portion of the jump starter is off, and the diagnostic portion is on.

[0431] Task 3221 optionally determines a battery voltage and a battery state of charge. The determined data can be used to determine whether the battery is good or bad. If the battery is good, the vehicle's failure to start issue is likely not related to the battery, but rather to the starter motor.

[0432] Operation 3222 optionally determines the internal resistance, CCA, and battery life of the battery. This determination is used to reinforce the voltage and SOC evaluation that the no-start issue may or may not be related to the battery.

[0433] Process 3223 jump-starts the vehicle. For example, the jump-start section is activated. The diagnostic section remains active, for example, to monitor battery voltages. The jump-start section is then deactivated after the vehicle starts.

[0434] Operation 3224 determines states of the battery and / or states of an alternator of the vehicle, for example, based on the measured voltages during vehicle start-up and running after jump-starting. For example, an increase in voltage during battery running after the jump-starting portion is disabled may provide an indication that the battery is charged, that the alternator is capable of generating current to charge the battery.

[0435] Operation 3225 optionally determines the internal resistance, CCA, and battery life of the battery after the battery is charged. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged. The charging time can be reduced by pressing the accelerator pedal to increase the engine rpm, thus producing a higher charging rate. The internal resistance, CCA, and battery life of the battery can be determined again to obtain a battery condition.

[0436] Fig. 33A-33B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. In Fig. 33A, operation 3300 depicts a jump start. The jump start includes a power supply, such as a battery, configured to provide an electrical current to a starter motor of a vehicle to jump start the vehicle. The jump start includes a jump start circuit coupled to the power supply, the jump start circuit configured to jump start the vehicle based on a status of the vehicle, such as a measured voltage value of the vehicle.

[0437] The jump starter includes a diagnostic circuit configured to determine a condition of the battery or the vehicle. For example, the diagnostic circuit includes an internal resistance measuring circuit configured to measure an internal resistance of the battery.

[0438] The jump starter includes a control unit configured to control the jump starter section and the diagnostic circuit. The control unit may also be configured to process voltage values ​​measured at the vehicle battery to determine a condition of the vehicle, including a battery condition, a starter motor condition, or an alternator condition.

[0439] In Fig. 33B, operation 3310 depicts a jump starter. The jump starter includes a load sensor configured to sample one or more voltages of a battery of a vehicle. The jump starter includes a power supply configured to jump start a vehicle based on a status of the battery determined by the one or more voltages. The jump starter includes diagnostic circuitry configured to measure an internal resistance of the battery to determine a condition of the battery. The jump starter includes a controller configured to control the jump starter portion and the diagnostic circuitry. The controller may also be configured to process voltage values ​​measured at the vehicle battery to determine a condition of the vehicle, including a condition of the battery, a condition of the starter motor, or a condition of the alternator.

[0440] In operation 3311, the control unit is configured to control the diagnostic circuit to obtain the internal resistance to determine a cold cranking amps value and battery life data for the battery.

[0441] In operation 3312, the diagnostic circuit includes an AC conductivity measurement circuit for measuring internal resistance.

[0442] In operation 3313, the diagnostic circuit includes a load circuit coupled to the battery, the load circuit including a switch coupled to the control unit. The control unit is configured to provide a series of pulses to the switch to generate a current. The diagnostic circuit includes a measurement circuit coupled to the battery to measure a voltage across the battery with respect to the current. The control unit is configured to process the measured voltage to generate the internal resistance. The control unit is configured to provide a CCA value of a battery life based on the internal resistance.

[0443] In operation 3314, the state of the battery includes a state of charge, a capacity, or a charge rate of the battery.

[0444] In operation 3315, the jump starter is configured to determine a starter motor condition or an alternator condition.

[0445] A jump starter with a diagnostic circuit including a current measuring circuit.

[0446] The diagnostic circuit of a jump starter device may include a circuit configured to measure a current of the vehicle, such as a current drawn by the starter motor, by the alternator, by a combination of starter and alternator motors, or by a cable.

[0447] Vehicle current can provide useful information in detecting problems with the vehicle. The measured current is complementary to the battery voltage and can provide confirmation or additional information regarding the vehicle. For example, an increase in battery voltage after the vehicle starts is a good indication that the alternator is charging a battery. A current measurement can confirm the charging process, such as showing a negative current value, e.g., a current going to the battery, during the voltage increase period. The negative current, along with the voltage increase, can provide an indication that the battery is charging and that the alternator is able to produce the required current to charge the battery.

[0448] Furthermore, the high current drawn by the starter motor during starter cranking can be used to calculate the internal resistance of the battery using the voltage drop at the time of the high current drawn. For example, at the time the starter motor starts, a high positive current, e.g., a current drawn by the battery on the order of hundreds of amperes, such as 500 A, is observed, along with a drop in battery voltage, for example, to about 10 V. The internal resistance can be calculated as 10 / 500 = 0.02 ohms. The internal resistance can be used to determine the condition of the battery, such as detecting the CCA (cold cranking amps) and the remaining battery life.

[0449] The jump-start device with a diagnostic circuit may further include a control unit configured to sample the voltage of the vehicle battery for a period of time. The measured voltage curve may allow for a determination of battery conditions in addition to the internal resistance. Furthermore, the measured voltage curve may allow for a determination of conditions of other components of the vehicle, such as the starter motor and the alternator motor.

[0450] Fig. 34 illustrates a configuration of a jump-starting device with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. The jump-starting device with a diagnostic circuit may include a jump-starting section and a diagnostic section.

[0451] The jump starter with diagnostic circuitry may include a jump starter section including a battery 2510, a control unit 2511, a switch 2512, and a load sensor 2540. The jump starter may include an input module 2564*, a temperature module 2557, an output module 2564, and an interface module 2556. The jump starter may include override buttons or manual buttons 2587 or 2588, as discussed above.

[0452] The jump starter device with a diagnostic circuit may include a diagnostic circuit 2567 that may be coupled to the diagnostic connector 2516*. The diagnostic connector may be configured to be coupled to an ampere probe configured to measure a current in the vehicle. The diagnostic circuit 2567 may include a circuit configured to measure a current of the vehicle. For example, the current probe may be disposed on a cable exiting the positive terminal of the battery. The current detected by the current probe may be provided to the current measuring circuit in the diagnostic circuit 2567 to be provided to the control unit 2511. The current probe may be disposed on different cables, such as a cable coupled to a terminal of the starter motor, a cable coupled to a terminal of the alternator motor, or any cable in the vehicle.Other circuits may be included, such as a circuit for measuring internal resistance, multiple current measuring circuits with multiple current probes, or multiple additional circuits for measuring voltage with multiple voltage probes.

[0453] The 2567 diagnostic circuit is controlled by the control unit, and the result is fed back to the control unit after the detection is completed. The control unit can calculate the external battery voltage, vehicle current, internal resistance, CCA, battery life, and other parameters through sampling and calculation, and display them to the user via the display module.

[0454] Additionally, the control unit 2511 may be configured to sample the voltages at the vehicle connector for a period of time to determine a condition of the battery and other components of the vehicle using the voltage-time curve.

[0455] Fig. 35A-35E illustrate a diagnostic circuit for measuring a current of a vehicle according to some embodiments. Fig. 35A shows a schematic configuration for measuring a current provided by a battery 2510. One or more current probes 2633 may be arranged on a cable coming from the battery, such as a cable to the alternator 2632, a cable to the starter 2631, or both cables to the alternator and the starter. Outputs of the current probes are provided to a current measuring circuit 2567B, which may generate one or more voltages related to the measured currents to the control unit.

[0456] Fig. 35B(a) and Fig. 35B(b) show an example of a current probe 2633 in a closed configuration and an open configuration, respectively. The current probe may include an openable jaw configured to wrap around a cable. The probe may be configured to output the measured current. Alternatively, the probe may include circuitry for processing the current, such as converting the measured current into a voltage signal suitable for input to the control unit.

[0457] Fig. 35C shows an example of a circuit configured to measure a vehicle current. The circuit may include a diagnostic circuit 2567, which may include a current measuring circuit 2567B. The current measuring circuit is coupled to a diagnostic connector 2516* configured to be coupled to a current probe. Alternatively, the current probe may include a current measuring circuit, and the output of the current probe may be provided directly to the control unit without the need for a current measuring circuit 2567B on the diagnostic circuit.

[0458] Fig. 35D shows another example of a circuit configured to measure vehicle current. The circuit may include a diagnostic circuit 2567, which may include a current measuring circuit 2567B, along with a circuit 2567A configured to measure internal resistance. The current measuring circuit 2567B is coupled to a diagnostic connector 2516* configured to couple to a current probe. The internal resistance measuring circuit 2567A is coupled to a vehicle connector 2516 configured to couple to a battery of the vehicle. The input to the diagnostic circuit is provided by the control unit. The output of the diagnostic circuit is provided to the control unit 2511.

[0459] Fig. 35E shows another example of a circuit configured to measure multiple vehicle currents and voltages. The circuit may include a diagnostic circuit 2567, which may include a circuit 2567A configured to measure internal resistance, one or more current measuring circuits 2567B, and one or more voltage measuring circuits 2567C. The internal resistance measuring circuit 2567A is coupled to a vehicle connector 2516 configured to couple to a battery of the vehicle. The current measuring circuits 2567B are coupled to diagnostic connectors 2516* configured to couple to current probes. The voltage measuring circuits 2567C are coupled to voltage connectors 2516*A configured to couple to voltage probes. The input to the diagnostic circuit is provided by the controller.The output of the diagnostic circuit is provided to the control unit 2511.

[0460] Fig. 36A-36D illustrate a diagnostic function of the jump starter according to some embodiments. The jump starter may be configured to sample vehicle voltage and current data before and after starting the vehicle. Fig. 36A shows a diagnostic of a jump starter with a diagnostic function based on sensing the vehicle voltage and current, such as the battery voltage and the current supplied to the vehicle by the battery. The vehicle connector of the jump starter is connected to a battery of a vehicle. The diagnostic connector of the jump starter, such as a current connector, is connected to a current probe to be coupled to a cable of the vehicle, such as a cable leaving the battery to the starter and alternator. Battery voltages and vehicle currents can be obtained.

[0461] The battery voltage and vehicle current can provide an indication of the battery's condition, including the battery's state of charge. A small positive current can be measured, indicating battery power used to power the vehicle's peripherals, such as the vehicle's computer.

[0462] The vehicle can be started, either by its own battery or by jump-starting. The cranking action 2603 can provide information 2601 about the starter motor and other information about the battery, such as battery capacity and internal resistance. During cranking, the battery voltage drops due to a high current flowing through the starter motor. A small voltage drop indicates high battery capacity. The measured current increases significantly to start the engine. The ratio of voltage over current can be used to determine the internal resistance of the battery, which can be used to determine the CCA and battery health.

[0463] The vehicle may be in idle mode 2604, e.g., continuing to run. The battery voltages and vehicle currents obtained during the idle action 2604 may provide information 2602 about the alternator, such as the alternator's charging rate, and about the battery, such as the battery recovery rate and battery efficiency. For example, the battery voltage may gradually increase with a negative current, indicating battery charging.

[0464] Fig. Figure 36B shows a voltage sampling curve for a good vehicle, e.g., a vehicle without a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, but the jump starter function is not activated—e.g., the switch connecting the jump starter's power supply or battery to the vehicle's battery is disconnected or disconnected. The diagnostic function is enabled, either by automatic activation or manual activation.

[0465] When the vehicle is not running 2606, the jump starter may measure the vehicle battery voltage 2605 and current 2622. The measured voltage and current may provide an indication of the battery condition, such as a battery state of charge.

[0466] The starter motor can start 2610, for example, by the user turning on the ignition system. The battery voltage may drop, causing a large current to flow through the starter motor. The voltage drop is related to the battery capacity. The ratio of the voltage drop to the large current is the internal resistance of the battery. This can be used to determine the CCA and battery life.

[0467] The vehicle can continue running. The voltage values ​​show an increase, indicating a charging rate 2613 due to the alternator's charge 2614. Accordingly, the current shows negative values, indicating a current being supplied to the battery. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged, e.g., restoring the amount of charge used by the starting and cranking process. The voltage and current curves may show ripples 2625, which can provide information about the alternator, such as the diodes in the alternator.

[0468] The voltage curve can be shown on the display. The condition of the battery, starter motor, or alternator motor can be processed from the voltage curve and can also be displayed to provide vehicle diagnostics.

[0469] Fig. Figure 36C shows a voltage sample curve for a faulty vehicle, e.g., a vehicle requiring a jump starter. The jump starter is connected to the vehicle's battery, but the jump start function is not activated.

[0470] When the vehicle is not running (2606), the jump starter can measure the vehicle battery voltage (2605*) and current. The jump starter is turned on (2617) to connect the booster battery to the vehicle. The engine can start (2610) using the booster battery to provide power to the starter motor. There may be a drop in voltage, indicating the booster battery's capability.

[0471] The jump start can then be switched off 2617*, e.g. the switch that connects the jump start battery to the vehicle connector is switched off.

[0472] The vehicle may continue to run. The voltage readings may show an increase, and the current readings may show a negative current, which can provide an indication of the battery's recovery rate and efficiency based on charging. The rate of voltage increase can also provide an indication of the alternator's status or condition. After a period of time, the battery may be fully charged.

[0473] The vehicle can be stopped and then restarted to obtain a voltage drop across the vehicle's battery, which can provide an indication of the vehicle's battery capacity, as discussed above. The voltage curve can be shown on the display.

[0474] Fig. 36D shows diagnostic results processed from the measured voltage values ​​to provide alternator motor battery conditions. The diagnostic results 2618 may be shown on a display and may include raw and processed data, such as the initial battery voltage before jump-starting, the battery state of charge, the lowest voltage during the vehicle cranking period, the voltage drop, the maximum current, the internal resistance, the CCA, the battery capacity, the charging rate, and the final charged voltage of the battery. The alternator conditions may include the charging rate provided by the alternator and the ripple value indicating the diodes performing the rectification action.

[0475] Fig. 37A-37B illustrate flowcharts for operating a jump starter with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. Fig. In 37A, process 3700 connects a jump starter with battery diagnostics to a vehicle's battery. Process 3701 samples battery voltages and currents. Process 3702 determines a battery state of charge based on the battery voltage.

[0476] Operation 3703 starts the vehicle. Operation 3704 determines a capacity of the battery or a condition of a starter motor based on a voltage drop across the battery when the vehicle starts. Operation 3706 determines an internal resistance of the battery based on voltage and current values ​​at a current surge time when the vehicle starts. Operation 3707 determines a cold cranking amps (CCA) value of the battery based on the internal resistance. Operation 3708 determines a battery life for the battery based on the CCA value.

[0477] Operation 3710 receives an increase in battery voltage and current. Operation 3711 determines a battery charge rate or an alternator state based on the voltage and current increase. Operation 3712 determines an alternator state based on the voltage and current increase and a peak-to-peak voltage and current ripple.

[0478] In Fig. In 37B, operation 3720 connects a jump start with battery diagnostics to a vehicle's battery. Operation 3721 optionally determines a battery state of charge.

[0479] Operation 3722 jump-starts the vehicle. Operation 3723 determines battery conditions and / or starter motor conditions and / or alternator conditions of the vehicle. Operation 3724 optionally determines a CCA value and battery life based on an internal resistance of the battery.

[0480] Fig. 38A-38B illustrate flowcharts for forming a jump start with a diagnostic function according to some embodiments. In Fig. 38A, operation 3800 constitutes a jump start. The jump start includes a power supply. The jump start includes a jump start circuit coupled to the power supply, the jump start circuit configured to jump start a vehicle. The jump start includes a diagnostic circuit configured to determine a condition of the battery or the vehicle. The diagnostic circuit is configured to measure an internal resistance of the battery.

[0481] In Fig.38B, operation 3810 depicts a jump start. The jump start includes a load sensor configured to sense one or more voltages of a battery of a vehicle. The jump start includes a power supply configured to jump start a vehicle based on a status of the battery determined by the one or more voltages. The jump start includes diagnostic circuitry configured to measure an internal resistance of the battery to determine a condition of the battery.

[0482] In operation 3811, the control unit is configured to control the diagnostic circuit to obtain the internal resistance to determine a cold cranking current value and battery life data for the battery.

[0483] In operation 3811, the diagnostic circuit includes an AC conductivity measurement circuit for measuring internal resistance.

[0484] In operation 3811, the diagnostic circuit includes a load circuit coupled to the battery, the load circuit including a switch coupled to the controller. The controller is configured to provide a series of pulses to the switch to generate a current. The diagnostic circuit includes a measurement circuit coupled to the battery to measure a voltage across the battery with respect to the current. The controller is configured to process the measured voltage to generate the internal resistance. The controller is configured to provide a CCA value of a battery life based on the internal resistance.

[0485] In operation 3812, the state of the battery includes a state of charge, a capacity, or a charge rate of the battery.

[0486] In operation 3814, the jump starter is configured to determine a starter motor condition or an alternator condition.

[0487] In some embodiments, reference numbers are classified by the last two digits, which refer to a similar component or element, and the first one or two digits refer to the figure number. For example, 111, 511, 1011, 1711, 1911, 2111, 2411, 2511, and 2611 all refer to a control unit. For example, the last two digits of 11 refer to a control unit, while the first one or two digits of 1, 5, 10, 11, 17, 19, 21, 24, 25, and 26 refer to the figure numbers. There may be an exception, for example, in the number of flowchart steps. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 18 / 092,249

[0001] US 17 / 515,477

[0001] US 11,545,842

[0001] US 63 / 223,830

[0001]

Claims

[1] Jump start device with a diagnostic function, comprising a power supply; a jump start section coupled to the power supply, wherein the jump-start section is designed to jump-start a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is also configured to provide a diagnosis of at least one component of the vehicle, wherein the jump-start section comprises a circuit configured to determine one or more voltage values ​​of a battery of a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is configured to couple the power supply to a battery of the vehicle to jump-start the vehicle based on the one or more determined voltage values, wherein the jump-start section is configured to provide a diagnosis of the battery and / or a starter motor and / or an alternator of the vehicle based on processing the one or more voltage values. [2] Jump start device with a diagnostic function, comprising a power supply; a jump start section coupled to the power supply, wherein the jump-start section is designed to jump-start a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is also configured to provide a diagnosis of at least one component of the vehicle, wherein the jump-start section comprises a circuit configured to determine an internal resistance of a battery of the vehicle, wherein the jump start section is configured to provide a diagnosis of the battery and / or a starter motor and / or an alternator of the vehicle based on the determined internal resistance. [3] Jump start device with a diagnostic function, comprising a power supply; a jump start section coupled to the power supply, wherein the jump-start section is designed to jump-start a vehicle, wherein the jump-start section is also configured to provide a diagnosis of at least one component of the vehicle, wherein the jump-start section comprises a circuit configured to determine one or more current values ​​of a current passing through a cable coupled to a battery of the vehicle, wherein the jump-start portion is configured to provide a diagnosis of the battery and / or a starter motor and / or an alternator of the vehicle based on the one or more determined current values. [4] A jump start device with a diagnostic function designed to be coupled to a vehicle, the jump start device with a diagnostic function comprising: a power supply; a load sensor configured to measure one or more voltage values ​​of a battery of the vehicle; a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to couple the power supply to the battery to provide jump start assistance to the vehicle based on a status of the vehicle determined from the one or more voltage values, wherein the control unit is configured to process the one or more voltages to determine a state of the vehicle. [5] A jump start device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein the jump start device with a diagnostic function is configured to jump start the vehicle before diagnosing the condition of the vehicle. [6] A jump start device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, further comprising a controllable changeover circuit arranged between the power supply and an outlet connector, the outlet connector being adapted to be coupled to the battery, wherein the control unit is configured to switch on the controllable switch to couple the power supply to the battery to jump-start the vehicle. [7] Starting device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein the load sensor is coupled to the power supply, wherein the one or more voltage values ​​are obtained with and without a contribution from the power supply. [8] Starting device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein the load sensor is configured to provide a first voltage value when the battery is not connected to the load sensor, wherein the load sensor is configured to provide a second voltage value when the battery is connected to the load sensor; where the status of the vehicle is determined from the first and second voltage values. [9] A jump start device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein a condition of the vehicle includes a condition of the battery, a condition of a starter system, or a condition of an alternator system. [10] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein a state of the vehicle includes a state of the battery, wherein the state of the battery comprises a state of charge of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is not running, a capacity of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle starts, a battery charging rate determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, or a state of charge of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running. [11] Starting device with a diagnostic function according to claim 4, wherein a condition of the vehicle comprises a condition of the alternator system, wherein the condition of the alternator system comprises an ability of the alternator to produce a charging current determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, or an assessment of a rectifier diode in the alternator determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running. [12] A jump start device with a diagnostic function designed to be coupled to a vehicle, the jump start device with a diagnostic function comprising: a power supply; a load sensor configured to measure one or more voltage values ​​of a battery of the vehicle; a diagnostic circuit; a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to couple the power supply to the battery to provide jump start assistance to the vehicle based on a status of the vehicle determined from the one or more voltage values, wherein the control unit is configured to process at least output data from the diagnostic circuit to determine a condition of the vehicle. [13] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein the condition of the vehicle comprises at least one of the following an internal resistance of the battery, which is determined by the diagnostic circuit, a cold start current value of the battery, which is determined from the internal resistance, or a battery life determined from the cold cranking current value. [14] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein the diagnostic circuit comprises a circuit configured to provide a voltage with respect to an internal resistance of the battery, wherein the control unit is configured to process the voltage to obtain the internal resistance, wherein the control unit is configured to generate a cold cranking current value and a battery life of the battery based on the internal resistance. [15] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein the control unit is configured to process output data from the diagnostic circuit and the one or more voltages to determine the condition of the vehicle, wherein the condition of the vehicle comprises at least one of the following a battery state of charge determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is not running, an internal resistance of the battery, which is determined by the diagnostic circuit, a cold cranking current value of the battery determined from the internal resistance, a battery lifetime determined from the cold cranking current value, a capacity of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period at which the vehicle starts, a battery charging rate determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, a state of charge of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, an ability of the alternator to produce a charging current determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, or an assessment of a rectifier diode in the alternator determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running. [16] Starting device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein the diagnostic circuit comprises a circuit configured to provide one or more measurements of a current, wherein the control unit is configured to process the one or more voltages and the one or more measurements of current to or from the battery during a period when the vehicle starts to determine the state of the vehicle, including an internal resistance of the battery. [17] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein the diagnostic circuit comprises a circuit configured to provide one or more measurements of a current, wherein the control unit is configured to process the one or more voltages and the one or more measurements of current to or from the battery to determine the state of the vehicle, wherein the state of the vehicle comprises at least one of the following: a battery state of charge determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is not running, an internal resistance of the battery, which is determined by the diagnostic circuit, a cold cranking current value of the battery determined from the internal resistance, a battery lifetime determined from the cold cranking current value, a capacity of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period at which the vehicle starts, a battery charging rate determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, a state of charge of the battery determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, an ability of the alternator to produce a charging current determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running, or an assessment of a rectifier diode in the alternator determined from the one or more voltage values ​​during a period when the vehicle is running. [18] Starting aid device with a diagnostic function according to claim 12, wherein a condition of the vehicle includes a condition of the battery, a condition of a starter system, or a condition of an alternator system.

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