Device for diagnosing faults in the electrical system of a vehicle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for diagnosing faults in the electrical system of a vehicle, comprising a case (1) housing an electronic circuit (2) with a series of connectors (3) that can be coupled at different points on cables of the vehicle and at least one electrical power source (7). The device also comprises a system of indicators (5), configured in the form of one or more LEDs and / or a screen, and fastening elements (4) arranged around the case to fasten said device to the vehicle. The electronic circuit (2) comprises: at least one memory with the ability to temporarily or permanently store and recover data, and different logic inputs.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical system

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as the title of this descriptive document states, is a device for diagnosing faults in vehicle electrical systems. It is an innovation that offers advantages previously unknown within current techniques.

[0005] TECHNICAL SECTOR

[0006] The present invention falls within the sector of diverse industrial techniques and transport, especially in vehicles in general, in the classification of combined control of several subunits of a vehicle of different type or function, control systems specially adapted for hybrid vehicles, driving control system of land vehicles not related to the control of a particular subunit, also to preserve safety in case of a failure of the driving assistance system.

[0007] Similarly, it falls under the section for vehicles, equipment or vehicle parts, not provided for elsewhere.

[0008] STATE OF THE ART

[0009] The present invention arises when customers take their vehicle to a mechanical workshop due to an intermittent fault in the electrical installation.

[0010] When a car is used daily, it may have frayed wires that only make contact under certain circumstances, such as when moving the engine, opening a door, going over a bump, or with the entry of moisture.

[0011] These faults, although brief, can limit the vehicle's operation and register an error code in the control unit. The frequency of these faults varies, occurring from several times a day to once a month, which makes diagnosis very difficult.

[0012] 2 To solve this problem, this invention provides a diagnostic device for faults in vehicle electrical systems that not only detects the presence of faults in the cables, but also identifies and records the specific type of fault present in each cable. This saves time in diagnosis and facilitates the detection and resolution of problems.

[0013] Currently, there is no known existence of any diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation that presents structural and constitutive technical characteristics equal or similar to those described in this descriptive memorandum, as claimed.

[0014] DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The object of the present invention is the creation of a diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation that provides a notable innovation within its field of application in the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany the present description.

[0016] The present invention relates to a diagnostic device for faults in vehicle electrical systems. It comprises a housing that contains an electronic circuit connected to affected wires in a vehicle's electrical system via connectors and fasteners. The housing has ports that define accessible connection points where the various connectors are attached. The electronic circuit has at least one memory capable of storing and retrieving data temporarily or permanently, and logic inputs for different voltage values, such as 24V, 12V, 5V, 0V, CAN H, CAN L, among others, capable of detecting the type of fault or failure in the vehicle's electrical system wires.

[0017] This device not only detects cable faults but also identifies and records the specific type of fault in each cable, saving diagnostic time and facilitating the detection and resolution of problems in vehicle electrical systems. Furthermore, it features an indicator system that simplifies fault interpretation for the user.

[0018] This innovation solves the problem of diagnosing intermittent faults in vehicle electrical systems. Thanks to its ability to accurately identify and record electrical failures, even those that occur briefly and under specific circumstances, it makes it easier for repair shops to detect and resolve these issues.

[0019] This device is beneficial, especially because it facilitates the accurate diagnosis of faults that occur in specific circumstances, such as engine movements, door openings, bumps or humidity, which usually register short but critical error codes in the vehicle's control unit.

[0020] The diagnostic device is equipped with a housing that typically comprises two hollow pieces joined together, forming a small and lightweight structure. This housing also has internal partitions to accommodate the electronic circuitry. Connectors: The connectors can be pins, connectors, or alligator clips, which connect directly to the cables involved and to the logic inputs via connection points. These connectors vary in size, configuration, and characteristics depending on the specific application.

[0021] The fastening elements, such as half-rings, are arranged around the housing to allow the passage of fastening means, such as cable ties, attaching the housing removably to any point on the vehicle and ensuring a firm hold during diagnosis. This facilitates a precise and practical process, allowing removal once the diagnosis is complete and the fault has been detected.

[0022] Additionally, the casing accommodates at least one electrical power source, such as a rechargeable battery, with ample capacity to maintain a stable charge for long periods of time.

[0023] The diagnostic device features an indicator system that includes at least three LEDs per wire. These LEDs activate to signal different types of faults: for example, one LED, with a specific color, indicates a short circuit to higher voltage; another LED, of a different color, indicates a short circuit to ground; and a third LED, of a different color, indicates an open circuit.

[0024] Additionally, the indicator system can incorporate a single, multifunctional LED that uses color coding and blinking sequences to represent different faults. For example, a long blink followed by a pause and several short blinks can indicate a specific code that helps identify the problem.

[0025] Any color coding or frequency is clearly documented on a label located on the back of the housing, allowing the user to quickly identify the type of fault and take the necessary steps for its repair.

[0026] Furthermore, the housing can have dual inputs for each signal, ensuring that all connectors are duplicated. This feature is advantageous for facilitating the diagnostic process.

[0027] The electronic circuit, for its part, is designed to process the signals it receives through these two inputs, which optimizes the identification and diagnosis of faults in the vehicle's electrical installation.

[0028] As an example, consider an electrical installation consisting of a 12V cable between a control unit and a solenoid valve. Connections will be made at several points in the installation (motor connector, solenoid valve inlet, for example). In this case, if the control unit fails, it will indicate the problem. If the first point is working correctly and the second is faulty, the fault lies between them. If both are faulty, the problem is between the control unit and the motor connector. If both points are receiving power, the fault may be in the solenoid valve. The fault can be detected by the presence of a voltage different from the expected one.

[0029] To use the vehicle electrical system fault diagnostic device, the connectors, such as needles, connectors, or clamps, must first be connected to the affected wires of the vehicle's electrical system, preferably with several connectors on each wire at different points.

[0030] Next, the housing is secured with cable ties that pass through fastening elements, such as half-rings, at a suitable point on the vehicle.

[0031] Once connected and secured to the vehicle, and after several journeys, the device's electronic circuit detects and records intermittent electrical faults, storing the data in its memory for later analysis.

[0032] EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES

[0033] 5 To complete the description being made and in order to help to better understand the characteristics of the invention, this descriptive report is accompanied, as an integral part thereof, by a figure in which, for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, the following has been represented.

[0034] Figure 1 shows a schematic view of the vehicle electrical system fault diagnostic device.

[0035] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.

[0036] The vehicle electrical system fault diagnostic device, the subject of this invention, is characterized by comprising a housing (1) that contains an electronic circuit (2). This circuit is connected to the affected wires in a vehicle's electrical system via connectors (3), which are attached to the housing (1) by means of connection points (6), generally female. This device not only detects the presence of faults in the wires but also identifies and records the specific type of fault present in each wire. This saves time in diagnosis and facilitates the detection and resolution of problems in vehicle electrical systems through a system of indicators (5), usually visual, which facilitates the user's interpretation of the fault.

[0037] The casing (1) generally comprises two hollow pieces that are joined together, forming a small, lightweight structure with internal divisions for housing the electronic circuit (2).

[0038] In another preferred embodiment, the electronic circuit (2) has at least one memory capable of storing and retrieving data temporarily or permanently and different logic inputs of different voltage values, such as 24 V, 12 V, 5 V, 0 V, CAN H, CAN L, among others, capable of detecting the type of fault in the cables involved in the vehicle's electrical installation.

[0039] Preferably, the connectors (3) can be needles, connectors, or connecting clips, which connect directly to the cables involved and, in turn, connect to the logic inputs via the connection points (6). These connectors (3) vary in size, configuration, and characteristics to suit the specific application required. In a preferred embodiment, this housing (1) has fastening elements (4) for mounting to the engine or vehicle body. Preferably, the fastening elements (4) are half-rings arranged around the housing (1) to allow the passage of fastening means, such as cable ties, for removably attaching the housing (1) to any point on the vehicle, ensuring a firm hold during diagnostic use. This feature facilitates a precise and practical process, allowing for removal once the diagnosis is complete and the fault in the vehicle's electrical system has been identified.

[0040] Generally, the housing (1) also contains at least one electrical power source (7), such as a rechargeable battery, with ample capacity to maintain a stable charge for extended periods. It can also be powered from the motor battery.

[0041] In another preferred embodiment, the indicator system (5) includes at least three LEDs per cable, which are activated to indicate different types of faults, such as, for example, an LED of one color will indicate a short circuit to higher voltage, another LED of a different color will indicate a short circuit to ground, and a third LED, with a color different from the previous ones, will reflect an open circuit.

[0042] Preferably, the indicator system (5) may also include a single multifunctional LED per wire that uses color coding and blinking sequences to represent different faults. For example, a long blink followed by a pause and several short blinks will indicate a specific code, such as code 35, which is used to identify a short to positive on the 5V pin.

[0043] Preferably, the color coding of the indicator system (5) is clearly documented on a label located on the back of the housing (1), enabling the user to quickly identify the type of fault and take the necessary steps for repair.

[0044] In another preferred embodiment, the housing (1) has a double input for each of the signals, allowing all connectors to be repeated twice. This feature is especially useful for eliminating faulty sections of the installation, since electrical installations in vehicles can be complex and have multiple routes.

[0045] The indicator system (5) can be a display. Preferably, the electronic circuit (2) is designed to process the signals it receives through the inputs of each cable, facilitating the identification and diagnosis of faults in the vehicle's electrical system. For example, if a 12V cable supplying a solenoid valve malfunctions under certain conditions, when the vehicle's electronic control unit (ECU) detects a fault, the user can pinpoint the problem in the electrical system based on which connector (3) detects the fault, thus eliminating a large portion of the system. If the first point is good and the second is faulty, the faulty cable is located between the engine connector and the solenoid valve. If both points are faulty, the problem lies between the ECU and the engine wiring harness connector.Even if both points receive voltage, it can be deduced that the fault may be in the same solenoid valve.

[0046] This functionality will allow for more accurate identification of problems in electrical installations, thus improving the efficiency of vehicle maintenance and repair.

[0047] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field may understand its scope and the advantages that derive from it, it being noted that, within its essentiality, it may be put into practice in other modes of embodiment that differ in detail from the one indicated as an example, and which will also achieve the protection sought provided that its fundamental principle is not altered, changed or modified.

Claims

CLAIMS 1. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, characterized by comprising a housing (1) that houses an electronic circuit (2) with a series of connectors (3) attachable to different points of cables of the vehicle, and a system of indicators.

2. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises fastening elements (4) to the vehicle.

3. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has openings that determine connection points (6) of the connectors (3).

4. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the electronic circuit (2) has at least one memory with the capacity to store and retrieve data temporarily or permanently and different logic inputs of different voltage values, such as 24 V, 12 V, 5 V, 0 V, CAN H, CAN L.

5. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the fastening elements (4) are semi-rings, which are arranged around the housing (1).

6. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) houses at least one electrical power supply (7).

7. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator system (5) includes at least three LEDs per cable.

8. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator system (5) includes a single LED. 9 9. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the housing (1) has a double input for each of the signals.

10. Diagnostic device for faults in the vehicle electrical installation, according to claim 1, characterized in that the indicator system (5) is a screen.

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