초록 ▼

A safety device is wired in series with selected accessories in a wiring circuit for a vehicle. The safety device of the present invention determines the state of charge of the battery as a function of the rate of discharge of the battery. When the state of charge falls below preset values, the devi

A safety device is wired in series with selected accessories in a wiring circuit for a vehicle. The safety device of the present invention determines the state of charge of the battery as a function of the rate of discharge of the battery. When the state of charge falls below preset values, the device activates a switch which disconnects the battery from the vehicle wiring circuit in order to save sufficient energy for engine ignition. In another embodiment, a programmed microprocessor activates electronic switches to sequentially disconnect banks of accessories from the battery.

대표청구항 ▼

For use in conjunction with a vehicle having a battery, an ignition system, and at least one electrically powered accessory connected to the battery, a device for electrically disconnecting the battery from the accessory whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value comprising: a nor

For use in conjunction with a vehicle having a battery, an ignition system, and at least one electrically powered accessory connected to the battery, a device for electrically disconnecting the battery from the accessory whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value comprising: a normally closed switch connected in series between the battery and the accessory, and means for opening said switch comprising: means for sensing a battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below said predetermined value, timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a predetermined time period after said sensing means output signal, and means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said switch, wherein said sensing means comprises means for determining the rate of discharge of the battery and for adjusting a threshold level at which said timing means is activated as a function of the rate of discharge of the battery. For use in conjunction with a vehicle having a battery, an ignition system, and at least one electrically powered accessory connected to the battery, a device for electrically disconnecting the battery from the accessory whenever the battery energy falls below a predetermined value comprising: a normally closed switch connected in series between the battery and the accessory, and means for opening said switch comprising: means for sensing a battery characteristic indicative of battery drain and for generating an output signal whenever an energy capacity of said battery falls below said predetermined value, timing means responsive to said sensing means output signal for generating a timing output signal a predetermined time period after said sensing means output signal, and means responsive to said timing means output signal for opening said switch, wherein said sensing means comprises a first and second comparator, said first comparator generating a first output signal to said timer means which resets and energizes said timing means when the battery voltage falls below a first voltage level, said second comparator generating an output signal which activates and initiates the beginning of said predetermined time period when the battery voltage falls below a second voltage level, said first voltage level being greater than said second voltage level.