초록 ▼

A microprocessor-based electronic voltage regulation system for controlling the charging of the battery in a vehicle. The conventional voltage regulator is eliminated and the intelligence of the microprocessor already present on the vehicle for controlling engine operation is used to regulate the ou

A microprocessor-based electronic voltage regulation system for controlling the charging of the battery in a vehicle. The conventional voltage regulator is eliminated and the intelligence of the microprocessor already present on the vehicle for controlling engine operation is used to regulate the output of the alternator. The battery temperature signal from a temperature transducer and a battery voltage signal from a sense line connected directly to the positive terminal of the battery are supplied to the microprocessor through an analog-to-digital converter. The microprocessor is programmed to ascertain from the battery temperature signal the desired set point voltage based upon an inverse first order relationship between battery temperature and desired battery voltage with preset maximum and minimum voltage set point levels. Energization of the field windings is controlled in accordance with a comparison between the desired set point voltage and the battery voltage signal on the battery sense line and is implemented in response to a control signal from the microprocessor by a solid-state power switching circuit which interfaces with the alternator field windings. In addition, the microprocessor is provided with additional feedback information relating to various driving conditions, such as vehicle deceleration, throttle position, engine RPM, and elapsed time since ignition, and is further programmed to modify the desired voltage set point or modify engine RPM in accordance with such driving conditions. Overcurrent protection for the logic circuitry and improved diagnostic capabilities are also provided.

대표청구항 ▼

In a charging system for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine including an alternator driven by the internal combustion engine for supplying a charging current to the battery of the vehicle whenever the field windings of the alternator are excited by a supply of current therethrough; a

In a charging system for a vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine including an alternator driven by the internal combustion engine for supplying a charging current to the battery of the vehicle whenever the field windings of the alternator are excited by a supply of current therethrough; an improved voltage regulation system for controlling the excitation of said field windings in accordance with the voltage level of said battery, including: means for providing a battery voltage signal on a first sense line related to the voltage level at the positive terminal of the battery; means for providing a temperature signal on a second sense line related to the temperature of the battery; power switching means for controlling the supply of current through said alternator field windings; and logic control means located remote from said power switching means and including an integrated circuit microprocessor connected to said first and second sense lines and to said power switching means via a control line and programmed to determine in accordance with the temperature signal on said second sense line the desired battery voltage level, compare the desired battery voltage level with the actual battery voltage level as determined from said first sense line, and control the actuation of said power switching means by producing a control signal on said control line in accordance with said comparison; said microprocessor being further programmed to control the operation of said internal combustion engine; said logic control means further including diagnostic circuit means connected between said control line and said microprocessor for detecting when said power switching means is not conducting current through the field windings of the alternator despite the production of said control signal by said microprocessor.