Vehicle diagnostic port synchronized battery charging system

Abstract

The charging system includes an interface configured to removably and electrically couple to an external battery, a connector configured to removably and electrically couple to an on-board diagnostics (OBD) port of the vehicle, charge management circuitry electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuitry. The MCU is configured to execute computer-readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to a vehicle battery of the vehicle through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. The charging system can be used to prevent the vehicle battery from discharging during long-term storage.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Background of the Invention) (Field of Disclosure) The present disclosure generally relates to the field of chargers for motor vehicle batteries.

Background Art

[0002] (Background) In the automotive industry, a memory saver is a device that can be connected to the on-board diagnostic (「OBD」) port inside a vehicle while changing the vehicle battery during maintenance, saving the computer's memory. The starting battery is well-known in the industry as providing starting capabilities for internal combustion and electric engines as well as motors. At any time, due to environmental conditions, the aging of the starting battery, or other unexpected scenarios, the starting battery loses its energy and it is impossible to deliver the energy required to provide starting capabilities for internal combustion and electric engines as well as motors. Due to this unexpected starting battery shortage condition, the need for a temporary alternative energy source is always necessary. It is necessary to address the above problems associated with the starting battery, which are targeted by the novel systems / devices and methods disclosed below. (See, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 and 2).

Prior Art Documents

Non-Patent Documents

[0003]

Non-Patent Document 1

Non-Patent Document 2

[0004] (Brief summary of the invention) A charging system and a corresponding charging method, as defined in an independent claim, are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the present invention are given in dependent claims. Embodiments of the present invention can be freely combined with each other if they are not mutually exclusive.

[0005] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a charging system includes an interface configured to be removable and electrically coupled to an external battery, a connector configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, a charging management network electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, and a microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charging management network. The MCU is configured to execute computer-readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to the vehicle's vehicle battery through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port.

[0006] According to another embodiment of the present invention, in a charging method, a microcontroller unit (MCU) of the charging system outputs current from an external battery to a connector of the charging system. The external battery is removable and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector is removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, and the connector is electrically coupled to the vehicle's vehicle battery through the OBD port. While outputting current, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. In response to determining that the vehicle battery voltage has reached a set voltage, the MCU stops outputting current and enters a low-power consumption mode for a predetermined period. In response to the expiration of a predetermined time period, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. If the vehicle battery voltage is above the charging voltage, the MCU enters the low-power consumption mode again for a predetermined time period and repeats the measurement of the vehicle battery voltage. If the vehicle battery voltage is below the charging voltage, the MCU repeats the charging method. This specification also provides, for example, the following: (Item 1) It is a charging system, An interface configured to be removable and electrically coupled to an external battery, A connector configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, A charging management network electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, A microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuit network, wherein the MCU is configured to execute computer-readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to the vehicle battery of the vehicle through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, and A charging system equipped with this feature. (Item 2) When the external battery is electrically coupled to the interface and the connector is electrically coupled to the OBD port, the MCU, (a) Open the output switch of the charging system and output current from the external battery to the connector, (b) While the current is output, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached the set voltage, the output switch is closed, the output of the current is stopped, the system enters low power consumption mode, and the low power consumption timer is started. (d) Upon expiration of the low power consumption timer, the voltage of the vehicle battery is measured using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the system re-enters the low power consumption mode, restarts the low power consumption timer, and repeats the measurement (d). (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, the charging system described in item 1, wherein (a)-(f) is repeated. (Item 3) In the aforementioned repetition (f), the MCU further, (f1) After every two expirations of the low power consumption timer, the set voltage is increased by a predetermined amount. (f2) The charging system described in item 2, repeating (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. (Item 4) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Using the interface, measure the temperature of the external battery, (b) The charging system according to item 2, wherein if the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the output switch is closed to stop the output of the current and the power to the charging system is turned off. (Item 5) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Using the interface, measure the voltage of the external battery, (b) The charging system according to item 2, wherein if the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the output switch is closed to stop the output of the current and the power to the charging system is turned off. (Item 6) Prior to opening the output switch, the MCU, (g) Start the test timer over the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) Using the interface, measure the temperature of the external battery, (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds the temperature threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) Using the interface, measure the voltage of the external battery, (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below the voltage threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. (j) The charging system described in item 2, which performs (a)-(f) in accordance with the expiration of the test timer. (Item 7) The cable further comprises a first end and a second end, The first end is configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the connector, The charging system according to item 1, wherein the second end comprises a set of clamps configured to be removable and electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the vehicle battery. (Item 8) The cable further comprises a first end and a second end, The first end is configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the connector, The charging system according to item 1, wherein the second end comprises an adapter configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle battery. (Item 9) The charging method is (a) The charging system's microcontroller unit (MCU) outputs current from an external battery to a connector of the charging system, wherein the external battery is removable and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector is removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, and the connector is electrically coupled to the vehicle's battery through the OBD port. (b) During the output of the current, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, the MCU stops the output of the current and enters a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time. (d) In accordance with the expiration of the predetermined time period, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the MCU re-enters the low power consumption mode over a predetermined time period and repeats the measurement (d), (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, the MCU repeats the charging methods (a)-(f). Methods that include... (Item 10) The aforementioned repetition (f) is, (f1) At the end of every two predetermined time periods, the MCU increases the set voltage by a predetermined amount, (f2) The MCU repeats the charging method (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. The method described in item 9, including the method described in item 9. (Item 11) During the output of the current (b), the method further: (b1) The MCU measures the temperature of the external battery, (b2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU will stop the output of the current and turn off the power to the charging system. The method described in item 9, including the method described in item 9. (Item 12) During the output of the current (b), the method further: (b1) The MCU measures the voltage of the external battery, (b) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the MCU stops the output of the current and turns off the power to the charging system. The method described in item 9, including the method described in item 9. (Item 13) Prior to outputting the aforementioned current, the method (g) The MCU starts the test timer for the duration of the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) The MCU measures the temperature of the external battery, and (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU will turn off the power to the charging system. To do, (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) The MCU measures the voltage of the external battery, and (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the MCU will turn off the power to the charging system. To do, (j) In response to the expiration of the test timer, the MCU proceeds to the charging method (a)-(f). The method described in item 9, including the method described in item 9. (Item 14) A non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readable program code embodied therein, which, when executed by a microcontroller unit (MCU), the MCU, (a) Outputting current from an external battery to a connector of a charging system, wherein the external battery is removable and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector is removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, and the connector is electrically coupled to the vehicle's vehicle battery through the OBD port. (b) During the output of the current, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, the output of the current is stopped and the system enters a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time. (d) In accordance with the expiration of the predetermined time period, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the system re-enters the low power consumption mode for a predetermined time period and repeats the measurement (d), (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, repeat (a)-(f) A non-transient, computer-readable medium that enables the following action. (Item 15) The aforementioned repetition (f) is, (f1) At the end of every two predetermined time periods, the set voltage is increased by a predetermined amount, (f2) Repeat (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. The media listed in item 14, including those listed in item 14. (Item 16) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Measuring the temperature of the external battery, (b2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the output of the current is stopped and the power to the charging system is turned off. The medium described in item 14 that can be used to perform the action. (Item 17) During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Measuring the voltage of the external battery, (b2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below the voltage threshold, the output of the current is stopped and the power to the charging system is turned off. The medium described in item 14 that can be used to perform the action. (Item 18) Prior to outputting the aforementioned current, the MCU further: (g) Start the test timer over the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) Measuring the temperature of the external battery, and, (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds the temperature threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. To do, (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) Measuring the voltage of the external battery, (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. To do, (j) When the test timer expires, proceed to (a)-(f) The medium described in item 14 that can be used to perform the action. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a charging system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0008] [Figure 2] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary charging system and external battery according to the present invention.

[0009] [Figure 3A] Figures 3A and 3B illustrate enlarged photographs of the upper side of the charging system enclosure without an external battery. [Figure 3B]Figures 3A and 3B illustrate enlarged photographs of the upper side of the charging system enclosure without an external battery.

[0010] [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows a magnified photograph of the bottom of the charging system without an external battery.

[0011] [Figure 4] Figure 4 shows a close-up photograph of the connector at the outer end of the cord used to connect to the OBD port.

[0012] [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignments according to the OBD-II standard.

[0013] [Figure 6-1] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary charge management circuit network for a charging system. [Figure 6-2] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary charge management circuit network for a charging system.

[0014] [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignments for the MCU in an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] [Figure 8] Figure 8 illustrates the initialization process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] [Figure 9] Figure 9 illustrates the charging process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0017] [Figure 10] Figure 10 illustrates a microcontroller according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0018] [Figure 11]Figures 11 and 12 illustrate further exemplary embodiments in which the connector of the charging system is coupled to the cable. [Figure 12] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate further exemplary embodiments in which the connector of the charging system is coupled to the cable. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0019] (Detailed explanation) The following description is provided to enable those skilled in the art to construct and use the present invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Accordingly, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is considered to be the broadest possible, consistent with the principles and features described herein.

[0020] References herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an exemplary embodiment,” or “a preferred embodiment” mean specific features, structures, or characteristics described in relation to embodiments included within at least one embodiment of the present invention. The phrase “in one embodiment” in various places herein does not necessarily refer to all identical embodiments, and separate or alternative embodiments are not mutually exclusive with other embodiments. Furthermore, various features that may be exhibited by some embodiments but not by others are described. Similarly, various requirements that may be requirements for some embodiments but not for others are described. In general, features described in one embodiment may be suitable for use in other embodiments, as will be obvious to those skilled in the art.

[0021] Embodiments of a charging system that can be used to prevent a vehicle battery from discharging during long-term storage, vehicle inactivity due to long journeys, winter storage, etc. are disclosed herein. The charging system is connected to the vehicle's OBD port during use and preferably uses an external battery for charging purposes, but other batteries or battery packs may also be used and considered within the scope of the invention. Embodiments of the charging system can provide bursts of charging current using and / or through the OBD port. Thus, using the charging system helps prevent or reduce the opportunity for the vehicle battery to discharge during long-term storage without the need to connect a charger to the vehicle battery powered by the main building power supply. Using the charging system also eliminates the need to connect the charging system directly to the terminals / posts of the vehicle battery.

[0022] Embodiments of the charging system and method combine two electrical systems (e.g., a tool lithium battery and a lead-acid automotive battery) to complement the flexibility, integrated performance, and usefulness for the user. In a preferred embodiment, the charging system and method integrates a self-power management system that monitors the energy level of the primary system battery (i.e., the vehicle battery), thereby replenishing lost energy by drawing from a removable external battery electrically coupled to the charging system. Embodiments of the charging system and method compensate for the self-discharge characteristics of the vehicle battery by monitoring and charging the vehicle battery as needed, and may provide non-limiting benefits for vehicles that are left stored for extended periods, such as during winter, during travel, or while parked in a multi-story parking garage. Another non-limiting benefit is that vehicles with inaccessible batteries can, as an alternative, be recharged by using the vehicle's OBD port, without directly connecting to the vehicle battery's posts / terminals. Thus, embodiments of the charging system and method provide the following non-limiting functions / benefits: • By keeping the vehicle battery charged during long-term storage and other scenarios, it saves users time and money. • Automatically monitors the vehicle battery for self-discharge and activates charging as needed, without user intervention. • Recovers lost energy for the vehicle's starting battery. • Reduces and / or prevents battery discharge in heavy vehicles. • The charging system is preferably cordless to its power source, thus eliminating the need for extension cords or AC outlets. Preferably, it works in conjunction with the tool battery, but other batteries may also be used and will be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0023] Therefore, embodiments of charging systems and methods can extend or prolong the life of a vehicle battery by preventing the vehicle battery from entering the sulfation phase when it remains discharged for extended periods. Embodiments of charging systems provide a synchronous charger that helps and assists in keeping the vehicle battery at a good normal level during long-term storage, preferably preventing the vehicle battery from being heavily discharged. In preferred embodiments, the use of an external battery, such as a lithium tool battery, can be used to synchronize the charging of the vehicle battery using an OBD port and extend the life of the vehicle battery, thus extending the application to the automotive or motor vehicle industry.

[0024] Figure 1 illustrates a block diagram of a charging system according to an exemplary embodiment. The charging system 100 is removable and electrically coupled to an external battery 101 through an interface 112. The charging system 100 includes a cord 102 which is coupled at one end to a connector 103 to be removable and electrically coupled to an OBD port 104 of a vehicle 105 in order to provide a charge to a vehicle battery 106. The charging system 100 includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 107 for controlling a charge management network 120 in an implementation of a charging method according to an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the charge management network 120 includes, but is not limited to, an external battery temperature measuring network 108 for measuring the temperature of the external battery 101, a vehicle battery voltage measuring network 109 for measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery 106, and an external battery voltage measuring network 110 for measuring the voltage of the external battery 101. The charging system 100 further includes an output display control circuit network 111 used by the MCU 107 to control an output display (e.g., an LED display, not shown) for providing visual information to the user. The charging system and charging method are described in more detail below.

[0025] Figure 2 illustrates an exemplary charging system and external battery according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment, the charging system 100 includes an enclosure that is preferably lightweight, made of plastic, and compact in a design that fits in the palm of the hand, preferably weighing less than 1 pound. The charging system 100 is removable and electrically coupled to an external battery 101. The charging system 100 further includes a cord 102 and a connector 103. Figures 3A and 3B show magnified upper side photographs of the enclosure of the charging system 100 without the external battery 101. Figure 3C shows a magnified lower side photograph of the charging system 100 without the external battery 101. The lower side of the charging system 100 includes an interface 112 for electrically connecting the external battery 101 (not shown in Figure 3C) to the charging system 100. When the external battery 101 is electrically coupled to the charging system 100, the charging system 100 can be installed on the floor carpet of the vehicle 105, as the cord 102 of the charging system 100 may preferably be longer than 20 inches for direct connection. Such dimensions are not considered limiting, and smaller or larger dimensions than the length of the cord 102 of the charging system 100 may also be used and considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 shows a magnified photograph of the connector 103 at the outer end of the cord 102 for connecting to the OBD port 104. The OBD port 104 conventionally includes 16 pins. Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignment according to the OBD-II standard. As shown in Figure 4, in a preferred embodiment, the connector 103 includes three pins 401 corresponding to pins 4 (chassis ground), 5 (signal ground), and 16 (battery power) of the OBD-II standard OBD port 104. Other pins or pin combinations may also be used and will be considered within the scope of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 6 illustrates a schematic diagram of an exemplary charge management network 120 of the charging system 100. The charge management network 120 includes an interface 112 (also see Figure 3C) for electrically coupling the charging system 100 and an external battery 101, and an interface 601 for electrically coupling the charging system 100 to the OBD port 104 via a connector 103. The charge management network 120 is controlled by an MCU 107, which has its own power source 602. In this exemplary embodiment, the MCU 107 includes 14 pins. Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the pin assignment for the MCU 102 in this exemplary embodiment. Pin 1 is connected to an external battery temperature measurement network 108 for measuring the temperature of the external battery 101. Pin 2 is connected to a vehicle battery voltage measurement circuit network 109 for measuring the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 via an electrical connection between connector 103 and OBD port 104. • Pin 3 does not have a connection in this exemplary embodiment. Pin 4 is used by the MCU 107 to transmit signals and enable temperature measurement of the external battery 101. Pin 5 is connected to electrical ground. Pin 6 is used by the MCU 107 to transmit signals to the output display control circuit network 110, for example, to control the LEDs of the output display. Pin 7 is used by the MCU 107 to transmit a signal to enable the bank circuit 603. As is well known in the art, the bank circuit is a DC / DC power converter that reduces the voltage from a source (external battery 101) to a load (vehicle battery 106). Pin 8 is connected to the output switch 604 between the charging system 100 and the OBD port 104. Pin 9 is used by the MCU 107 to transmit a signal to enable the measurement of the voltage of the external battery 101. Pin 10 connects the MCU 107 to its power source 602. Pins 11 and 12 are coupled to the oscillator. Pins 13 and 14 are connected to an external battery voltage measurement network 110 and are used by the MCU 107 to measure the voltage of a section of the external battery 101. In this exemplary embodiment, the external battery 101 includes multiple cells, and each cell or section of cells may be monitored separately for balancing purposes.

[0028] Figure 8 illustrates the initialization process of the charging method according to an exemplary embodiment. First, the user installs the external battery 101 by connecting the connector 103 to the vehicle OBD port 104 (block 1) and connecting the external battery 101 to the interface 112 on the bottom side of the charging system 100 (block 2). The MCU 107 of the charging system 100 then enters the initialization process by first closing the output switch to the OBD port 104 so that charging is not provided through this port 104 (block 3). The MCU 107 clears the voltage regulation flag (block 4). The voltage regulation flag is used by the MCU 107 to track the number of times the system wakes from sleep mode, as described below with reference to Figure 9. Clearing the voltage regulation flag allows for more precise measurement of the vehicle battery 106 by setting a new starting point after each system startup. The MCU 107 sets the charging voltage to a target voltage (e.g., 12.5V) (block 5). In a preferred embodiment, the target voltage is set to an optimal voltage according to the manufacturer's specifications of the external battery 101. The MCU 107 then starts the test timer for a predetermined test period (e.g., 1 minute) (block 6).

[0029] During the test cycle, the MCU 107 continuously and / or periodically measures the temperature (block 7) and voltage (block 8) of the external battery 101. If the temperature of the external battery 101 exceeds a threshold temperature or temperature range (e.g., 20°C to 60°C), the MCU 107 determines that the external battery 101 is too hot (block 7). If the voltage of the external battery 101 falls below a voltage threshold or voltage range (e.g., 12.5V + / - 0.3V), the MCU 107 determines that the external battery 101 is completely discharged, i.e., undervoltage (block 8). In a preferred embodiment, the temperature threshold and / or voltage threshold are set according to the manufacturer's specifications for the external battery 101.

[0030] If the external battery 101 exceeds the temperature threshold or falls below the voltage threshold at any point during the test cycle, the MCU 107 terminates the initialization process and closes the output switch to the OBD port 104 if the output switch is not yet closed (block 11). The MCU 107 then performs a shutdown process. In the shutdown process, the MCU 107 starts a shutdown timer, for example, 60 seconds, until it reaches a time period for the MCU 107 to communicate to the user that an error occurred during the initialization process (block 12). The MCU 107 does this by indicating an error on the output display, such as by rapidly flashing an LED on the output display (block 13). Once the shutdown timer has expired (block 14), the MCU 107 completes the shutdown of the charging system 100 by stopping the output display and turning off the power to the MCU 107 to prevent the external battery 101 from discharging (block 15).

[0031] If the test cycle ends with the external battery 101 not exceeding the temperature threshold or not falling below the voltage threshold (block 9), the MCU 107 opens the output switch to the OBD port 104 and starts the charging process, as described below with reference to Figure 9.

[0032] Figure 9 illustrates the charging process of a charging method according to an exemplary embodiment. After the output switch is opened (according to block 10 in Figure 8), the charging system 100 begins to output current from the external battery 101 to the vehicle battery 106 via the electrical connection between the connector 103 and the OBD port 104 (block 16). The charging system 100 continues to output current until the MCU 107 determines that the vehicle battery 106 has been charged to a set voltage (block 19). During the charging process, the MCU 107 continuously or periodically measures the temperature of the external battery 101 (block 17) and the voltage of the external battery 101 (block 18) in a manner similar to blocks 7 and 8 in Figure 8. If the external battery 101 exceeds a temperature threshold or falls below a voltage threshold during the charging process, the MCU 107 terminates the charging process by closing the output switch to the OBD port 104 (block 11, Figure 8). The MCU107 is then powered off according to blocks 12-18 in Figure 8.

[0033] Once the vehicle battery 106 is charged to the set voltage (block 19), the MCU 107 stops charging the vehicle battery 106 by closing the output switch and entering a low-power consumption mode or "sleep mode" (block 20). In this exemplary embodiment, the power level in low-power consumption mode is set according to the manufacturer's specifications of the external battery 101 (e.g., 27 μA). The MCU 107 then starts a low-power consumption timer (e.g., a 5-hour timer) (block 21). When the low-power consumption timer expires (block 22), the MCU 107 exits low-power consumption mode (block 23), or "wakes," and determines whether the voltage regulation flag is set (block 24). An unset voltage regulation flag indicates that the current wake is the first of two wakes. A set voltage regulation flag indicates that the current wake is the second of two wakes. If the voltage regulation flag is not set, the MCU 107 measures the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 using the electrical coupling between connector 103 and OBD port 104 (block 25). If the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 does not fall below a pre-set charging voltage (e.g., 12.5V), the vehicle battery 106 does not request recharging at this time. Optionally, the MCU 107 clears the voltage regulation flag (block 28) to ensure the flag is cleared. The MCU 107 then repeats the sleep mode (blocks 20-22). If the voltage of the vehicle battery 106 falls below the charging voltage (block 25), the vehicle battery 106 requests recharging. The MCU 107 sets the voltage regulation flag (block 26), outputs current, and charges the vehicle battery 106 (blocks 16-19).

[0034] The MCU 107 determines that the voltage regulation flag is set (block 24), i.e., if the current wake is the second of two wakes, the MCU 107 increases the set voltage by a preset amount (e.g., 200mV) (block 27). The MCU 107 clears the voltage regulation flag (block 29) and then proceeds to charge the vehicle battery 106 to the increased set voltage (blocks 16-19). Thus, for every two wakes, the vehicle battery 106 is charged to the increased set voltage, regardless of the vehicle battery voltage. In this way, the vehicle battery 106 is prevented from discharging by keeping the battery at a preset charging voltage.

[0035] Referring to Figure 7-9, during the initialization and charging process in this exemplary embodiment, the MCU 107 uses pin 4 to send a signal to enable temperature measurement, and then uses pin 1 to measure the temperature of the external battery 101. The MCU 107 uses pin 9 to send a signal to enable voltage measurement, and uses pins 13 and 14 to measure the voltage of the external battery. The MCU 107 uses pin 2 to measure the voltage of the vehicle battery 106. The MCU 107 also uses pin 8 to send signals to open and close the output switch to the OBD port 104, uses pin 7 to enable the bank circuit by sending a signal, and uses pin 6 to control the output display 110 by sending a signal.

[0036] Figure 10 illustrates a microcontroller according to an exemplary embodiment. The microcontroller 150 is operationally coupled to a processor 156 or processing unit, memory 151, and a bus 159 that connects the processor 156 to various components including memory 151. The bus 159 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, peripheral bus, accelerated graphics port, and processor or local bus, using any of various bus architectures. Memory 151 may include a computer-readable medium or a non-volatile storage medium 154 in the form of volatile memory such as random access memory (RAM) 152 or cache memory 153. Memory 151 may include a set of at least one program code module 155 configured to perform the functions of the embodiments of the present invention when executed by the processor 156. The microcontroller 150 may also communicate with other components via an input / output (I / O) interface 157, for example, pins as illustrated in Figure 7.

[0037] Figures 11 and 12 illustrate another exemplary embodiment in which the connector 103 of the charging system 100 can be coupled to a cable. As shown in Figure 11, in this embodiment the cable 1100 includes a first end and a second end opposite to the first end. The first end includes a mating connector 1101 configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the connector 103. The second end includes a set of clamps 1102 configured to be removable and electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the vehicle battery 106. In this exemplary embodiment the set of clamps 1102 is similar to the clamps on a conventional battery jumper / booster cable. When the connector 103 and the cable 1100 are coupled, the terminals of the vehicle battery 106 are electrically coupled to the charging system 100. An external battery 101 attached to the charging system 100 can then be used to jump-start the vehicle 105.

[0038] As shown in Figure 12, in an alternative embodiment, the second end of the cable 1200 includes an adapter 1202 configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle 106. Charging can then be provided to the vehicle battery 106 through the cigarette lighter socket in the manner described above.

[0039] It should be understood that the exemplary embodiments described herein should be considered descriptively only, and not for limiting purposes. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered applicable to other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments are described with reference to the drawings, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various formal modifications and details can be made therein without departing from their spirit and scope.

[0040] All components of the device and its locations, methods of electronic communication between system components, magnet types, cables, wiring, mounting or fastening mechanisms, mechanical connections, electrical connections, dimensions, values, materials, charging methods, battery types, applications / uses, tools and devices that may be used with it, etc., discussed above or shown in the drawings, are merely examples and not limiting, where applicable. Other components and their locations, methods of electronic communication, magnet types, cables, wiring, mounting or fastening mechanisms, mechanical connections, electrical connections, dimensions, values, materials, charging methods, battery types, applications / uses, tools and devices that may be used with them, etc., may also be selected and used, and all are considered within the scope of this disclosure.

[0041] The present invention may include a computer-readable storage medium that provides program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system. For the purposes of this description, the computer-readable storage medium may be any device that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device) or propagation medium. Embodiments of the computer-readable medium include semiconductor or solid-state memory, random-access memory (RAM), and read-only memory (ROM). The computer-readable storage medium as used herein should not be construed as being a transient signal itself, such as radio waves or other freely propagating electromagnetic waves, electromagnetic waves propagating through waveguides or other transmission media (e.g., optical pulses passing through optical fiber cables), or electrical signals transmitted through wires.

[0042] A data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code would include at least one processor, directly or indirectly coupled to memory elements via a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory, mass storage, and cache memory, which provide temporary storage for at least some of the program code, in order to reduce the number of times the code must be read from mass storage during execution.

[0043] Input / output or I / O devices (including, but not limited to, keyboards, displays, pointing devices, etc.) may be coupled to the system either directly or through an intervening I / O controller.

[0044] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing a defined local function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions described within a block may occur outside the order shown in the figure. For example, two blocks shown consecutively may actually be executed substantially in parallel, depending on the functionality involved, or blocks may sometimes be executed in reverse order. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagram and / or flowchart diagram, and combinations of blocks in the block diagram and / or flowchart diagram, may be implemented by special-purpose hardware-based systems that perform the defined functions or actions, or combinations, of special-purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0045] The technical terms used herein are for the sole purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to be limitations of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural form unless the context otherwise clearly indicates. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used herein, specify the presence of the described features, integers, steps, actions, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, actions, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0046] Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, those skilled in the art will readily recognize that modifications to the embodiments are possible and that such modifications fall within the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, many modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

[0047] The use of notation in the claims is for ease of reference only and does not indicate any required order. The enumerated elements may occur in any order. For example, two elements enumerated consecutively may actually be performed substantially in parallel, depending on the functionality they involve, or elements may sometimes be performed in reverse order.

Claims

1. It is a charging system, An interface configured to be removable and electrically coupled to an external battery, A connector configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, A charging management network electrically coupled to the interface and the connector, A microcontroller unit (MCU) coupled to the charge management circuit network, wherein the MCU is configured to execute computer-readable program code for managing the output of current from the external battery to the vehicle battery of the vehicle through the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. Equipped with, When the external battery is electrically coupled to the interface and the connector is electrically coupled to the OBD port, the MCU will (a) Open the output switch of the charging system and output current from the external battery to the connector, (b) While the current is output, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached the set voltage, the output switch is closed, the output of the current is stopped, the system enters low power consumption mode, and the low power consumption timer is started. (d) In response to the expiration of the low power consumption timer, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port. (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the system re-enters the low power consumption mode, restarts the low power consumption timer, and repeats the measurement (d). (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, repeat (a)-(f), Prior to opening the output switch, the MCU, (g) Start the test timer over the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) Using the interface, measure the temperature of the external battery, (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds the temperature threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) Using the interface, measure the voltage of the external battery, (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below the voltage threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. (j) A charging system that performs (a)-(f) in accordance with the expiration of the test timer.

2. In the repeated step (f) described above, the MCU further, (f1) After every two expirations of the low power consumption timer, the set voltage is increased by a predetermined amount. (f2) The charging system according to claim 1, wherein (a) - (f) is repeated using the increased set voltage.

3. During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Using the interface, measure the temperature of the external battery, (b) The charging system according to claim 1, wherein if the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the output switch is closed to stop the output of the current and the power to the charging system is turned off.

4. During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Using the interface, measure the voltage of the external battery, (b) The charging system according to claim 1, wherein if the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the output switch is closed to stop the output of the current and the power to the charging system is turned off.

5. The cable further comprises a first end and a second end, The first end is configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the connector, The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the second end comprises a set of clamps configured to be removable and electrically coupled to one or more terminals of the vehicle battery.

6. The cable further comprises a first end and a second end, The first end is configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the connector, The charging system according to claim 1, wherein the second end comprises an adapter configured to be removable and electrically coupled to the cigarette lighter socket of the vehicle battery.

7. The charging method is (a) The charging system's microcontroller unit (MCU) outputs current from an external battery to a connector of the charging system, wherein the external battery is removable and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector is removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, and the connector is electrically coupled to the vehicle's battery through the OBD port. (b) During the output of the current, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, the MCU stops the output of the current and enters a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time. (d) In accordance with the expiration of the predetermined period, the MCU measures the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the MCU will re-enter the low power consumption mode for the predetermined period and repeat the measurement (d), (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, the MCU repeats the charging methods (a) to (f). Includes, Prior to outputting the aforementioned current, the method (g) The MCU starts the test timer for the duration of the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) The MCU measures the temperature of the external battery, and (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU will turn off the power to the charging system. To do, (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) The MCU measures the voltage of the external battery, and (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the MCU will turn off the power to the charging system. To do, (j) In response to the expiration of the test timer, the MCU proceeds to the charging method (a)-(f). Methods that include...

8. The aforementioned repetition (f) is, (f1) At the end of every two predetermined periods, the MCU increases the set voltage by a predetermined amount, (f2) The MCU repeats the charging method (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

9. During the output of the current (b), the method further: (b1) The MCU measures the temperature of the external battery, (b2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the MCU will stop the output of the current and turn off the power to the charging system. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

10. During the output of the current (b), the method further: (b1) The MCU measures the voltage of the external battery, (b) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the MCU will stop the output of the current and turn off the power to the charging system. The method according to claim 7, including the method described in claim 7.

11. A non-transient computer-readable medium containing computer-readable program code embodied therein, which, when executed by a microcontroller unit (MCU), the MCU, (a) Outputting current from an external battery to a connector of a charging system, wherein the external battery is removable and electrically coupled to the charging system, the connector is removable and electrically coupled to the vehicle's on-board diagnostic (OBD) port, and the connector is electrically coupled to the vehicle's vehicle battery through the OBD port. (b) During the output of the current, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (c) In response to determining that the voltage of the vehicle battery has reached a set voltage, the output of the current is stopped and the system enters a low power consumption mode for a predetermined period of time, (d) In accordance with the expiration of the predetermined period, measure the voltage of the vehicle battery using the electrical coupling of the connector and the OBD port, (e) If the voltage of the vehicle battery exceeds the charging voltage, the system enters the low power consumption mode again for the predetermined period and repeats the measurement (d), (f) If the voltage of the vehicle battery falls below the charging voltage, repeat (a)-(f) Have them do it, Prior to outputting the aforementioned current, the MCU further: (g) Start the test timer for the duration of the test cycle, (h) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (h1) Measuring the temperature of the external battery, and (h2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds the temperature threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. To do, (i) Prior to the expiration of the test timer, (i1) Measuring the voltage of the external battery, and (i2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below a voltage threshold, the power to the charging system is turned off. To do, (j) When the test timer expires, proceed to (a)-(f) A non-transient, computer-readable medium that can perform this action.

12. The aforementioned repetition (f) is, (f1) At the end of every two predetermined periods, the set voltage is increased by a predetermined amount, (f2) Repeat (a)-(f) using the increased set voltage. The medium according to claim 11, including the following:

13. During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Measuring the temperature of the external battery, (b2) If the temperature of the external battery exceeds a temperature threshold, the output of the current is stopped and the power to the charging system is turned off. The medium according to claim 11, which can perform the following.

14. During the output of the current (b), the MCU further: (b1) Measuring the voltage of the external battery, (b2) If the voltage of the external battery falls below the voltage threshold, the output of the current is stopped and the power to the charging system is turned off. The medium according to claim 11, which can perform the following.

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