초록 ▼

A measurement system for measuring discrete voltages of serially connected battery modules making up a battery power supply wherein there would be connected to each junction between cells one terminal of a dual-level voltage responsive switch and wherein the other terminal of each switch is connecte

A measurement system for measuring discrete voltages of serially connected battery modules making up a battery power supply wherein there would be connected to each junction between cells one terminal of a dual-level voltage responsive switch and wherein the other terminal of each switch is connected to a common terminal. The switches are identical, and each would close at a first voltage across it and open at a second, slight higher, voltage. A ramp voltage is generated and connected from the common terminal and the high voltage terminal of the supply. The ramp voltage and current through this circuit are concurrently measured and displayed wherein the difference in voltage between the appearance of two current pulses is illustrative of the battery voltage of the battery module connected between switches giving rise to the current pulses.

대표청구항 ▼

In combination: a pair of first and second terminals; a battery assembly connected between said terminals comprising a plurality of serially arranged battery modules, each module having a pair of plus and minus battery terminals; a plurality of intermediate terminals, each interconnecting a plus ter

In combination: a pair of first and second terminals; a battery assembly connected between said terminals comprising a plurality of serially arranged battery modules, each module having a pair of plus and minus battery terminals; a plurality of intermediate terminals, each interconnecting a plus terminal of one said battery module to the negative terminal of an adjacent said battery module; a common electrical lead; ramp voltage generating means for generating a D.C. ramp voltage extending from approximately zero to a voltage slightly exceeding a voltage of said serially arranged plurality of battery modules, said ramp voltage being connected between said first terminal and said common electrical lead and wherein said battery voltages at said second terminal with respect to said first terminal and said ramp voltage at said common lead with respect to said first terminal are of like polarity; a plurality of voltage responsive switching means, each connected between said common electrical lead and a discrete battery terminal for effecting a closed circuit responsive to a first level ramp voltage and an open circuit responsive to a ramp voltage of increased level, whereby said switching means are discretely and separately closed and opened as a function of ramp voltage; current sensing means in circuit with said common lead and ramp generating means for providing an output responsive to current flow during discrete closed circuit conditions of each said switching means; and indicating means responsive to said ramp voltage and said current sensing means for indicating current flow versus ramp voltage, whereby a discrete difference in ramp voltage between indications of current flow is indicative of the discrete voltage of a discrete said battery module.