TERMINALS

DESCRIPTION

The Related Art

The invention relates to the indicator mechanism showing the voltage value of the battery and to the method of measuring - evaluating this in the batteries especially used in vehicles.

The invention particularly relates to voltage indicator having at least one lamp (LED), which is positioned on the covers of the batteries, which measure the battery voltage by being connected to the battery terminals and which indicates in which voltage interval the measured value is found by lighting of a lamp in a different colour or by lighting of a different lamp for each interval, and which warns the user in critical values both before the battery is mounted at the vehicle and during it is in operation on the vehicle.

The Prior Art

Batteries store the electrical energy in the form chemical energy via the reactions occurring between the chemicals found inside them and they give the chemical energy they store back in the form of electrical energy.

Batteries require regular maintenance in order to have long service life and efficient and safe usage. According to this, the most important situations are;

- prevent the water found inside the battery from going below the level of the electrode plates found in the battery,

- protection against sudden hot and cold situations against the risk of explosion,

- protection of the battery against being shaken and provide well fixation,

- provide the ventilation holes found at the plugs of the battery cells be open,

- regular controlling and protection of the terminals against oxidation,

- prevent the battery having full acid and water from being left uncharged, and

- prevent over charging of the battery.

In cases of said over charging situations water loss occurs in the battery and flammable oxygen and hydrogen gases may be formed. This causes mixing of the oxygen and the hydrogen gas which is a quite flammable substance. Also, due to the lost water, electrode plates are left open and damaged. If the situation of overcharging is not noticed, the service life of the battery would shorten. Due to the above said problems, the American patent with publication no US 4184011 discloses a body which provides control of the water level inside the battery and principally floats in liquid, a cover providing its mounting on the battery cover, and a handle which stays out when the liquid amount is adequate and which fits on said cover when the liquid amount decreases. In this application, control of the voltage level is not mentioned.

The patent with publication no US 5132176, describing an invention about the control of the charge level, is based on the principle of decreasing of water level and increasing of acid concentration in the charged battery and decreasing of acid concentration and increasing of water level in the opposite situation. The invention is formed of an indicator and a porous support, which is sensitive against acid, and which also comprises dye in itself. Charge level of the battery can be understood with a dyed colour indicator changing in accordance with acid concentration and a relevant reference table formed. However, an electronic mechanism which gives warning by using the voltage difference is not found in the invention.

In the patent with publication no US 4224383, a single lamp is disclosed, which is found in a rechargeable battery, which is connected to the cable network found inside the battery, and which lights when the battery is fully charged. However, a mechanism indicating over and low charge is not found.

As a result of all of these problems, need has occurred for a battery voltage indicator, which gives warning in low and overcharge situations and which indicates certain voltage intervals of the battery.

Purposes of the Invention

The invention is formed in the light of the prior art and it is purpose is to solve the above said problems and deficiencies.

The primary purpose of the invention is to inform the user about the voltage value of the battery etc. embodiments used especially in vehicles and warn the user in required situations.

The purpose of the invention is to warn the user in cases of low charge or overcharge by blinking or flashing with a different colour and lead to intervention on the battery as soon as possible.

A purpose of the invention is to recognize the measured voltage value in the battery via its electronically mechanism and then provide lighting of the lamp showing the voltage value interval in which this value is found or provide a single lamp light in the colour showing the voltage value interval in which this value is found and thus show the situation of the battery at that instance. Another purpose of the invention is to record and interpret or store for reporting the times the battery is exposed to critical points, its voltage values, and periods in which the battery is found in critical points via the memory unit it has.

The invention is also formed by using surface mounting technology (SMT) and surface mounting components and it is purpose is to obtain a voltage indicator which occupies less place and has less cost than the normal components.

Another purpose of the invention is to provide the user with an indicator which can be seen and noticed from every angle by forming a voltage indicator having lamp (LED) on the battery.

With the cable shoe, which is one of the alternative connections used in the invention, the purpose is to provide the indicator with the facility to be fit and used in all batteries. In another alternative, which is used in the invention, with the terminal connection having steel spring cable and positioned as embedded in the battery cover, the purpose is to be able to use it in all conditions where corrosion, shock etc. factors are present.

The structural and characteristic features of the invention and all advantages will be understood better in detailed descriptions with the figures given below and with reference to the figures, and therefore, the assessment should be made taking into account said figures and detailed explanations. Figures for Better Understanding of the Invention

Figure-1, presents the schematic view of the electronic circuit, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure-2, shows the arrangement of the circuit components of the invention on the circuit board.

Figure-3, presents the representative views of the terminal connection components of the invention which are embedded on the battery upper surface and the terminal connection pins which are formed by bending the ends of these and taking out of the battery upper surface.

Figure-4, presents the perspective view of the battery of the invention, on which the voltage indicator having single lamp lighting in different colours is positioned.

Figure-5, presents the perspective view of the voltage indicator, which is the subject of the invention.

Figure-6, presents the top view of the battery having the indicator on which protective cover is fixed.

Figure-7, shows the connection of the circuit board of the voltage indicator with the terminal connection pins.

Figure-8, presents the top view of the indicator, on which the protective cover is fixed.

Figure-9, shows the front section of the cover on which the voltage indicator is placed. Figure-10, presents the schematic view of the electronic circuit of the alternative embodiment.

Figure-11 , shows the arrangement of the circuit components of the alternative embodiment on the circuit board.

Figure-12, presents the lower perspective view of the cable shoe and cover of the alternative embodiment.

Figure-13, presents the sectional view of the cable shoe and cover of the alternative embodiment, where they are mounted on the battery terminal.

Figure-14, is the perspective view of the alternative of the voltage indicator, wherein it is positioned on the battery cover.

Drawings do not have to be scaled and details not necessary for understanding the present invention may be neglected. Moreover, components which are at least widely equal or which have at least widely equal functions are shown with the same number.

Parts References

100. Battery body 275. Voltage divider resistance couple

110. Positive or negative terminal 276. Resistance couple capacitor

280. Indicator lamp voltage resistance

200. Voltage indicator 285. Programming resistance

210. Terminal connection component 290. Resetting resistance

211. Terminal connection pin 295. Cross connection diode

220. Protective cover

221. Upper protective cover 300. First indicator lamp

230. Electronic circuit card 301. Second indicator lamp

231. Pin connection component/latch 302. Third indicator lamp

235. Single indicator lamp 303. Fourth indicator lamp

240. Signal LED lamp 304. Warning lamp

241. Signal LED lamp resistance 310. Cable shoe

250. Indicator lamp window 311. Cover

260. Microprocessor 312. Connection cable

262. Analogue to digital converter-ADC

264. Memory unit

265. Processor feed voltage unit

266. Feed voltage unit capacitor

ADC - Analogue to Digital Converter SMT - Surface Mounting Technology

LED - Light Emitting Diode

Detailed Description of the Invention

In this detailed description, the preferred embodiments of the battery voltage indicator, which is the subject of the invention, will only be disclosed for better understanding of the subject, and will not form any limiting effect.

The invention particularly relates to the voltage indicator (200), which indicates the present voltage value of the battery by being connected to at least one positive and at least one negative terminal (110) positioned on the battery body (100). The invention principally relates to voltage indicator (200), which indicates the present voltage value of the battery by being connected to at least one positive and at least one negative terminal (110) positioned on the battery body (100); and which comprises at least one electronic circuit card (230), at least one ADC (analogue to digital converter) (262) converting the analogue voltage value taken from the battery into digital value, at least one microprocessor (260) providing conduction of operation according to the voltage value obtained, and at least one processor feed voltage unit (265) providing the required voltage for operation of said microprocessor (260).

Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

Alternative with single lamp:

The feature of one of the preferred embodiments of the invention is reduction of the obtained voltage down to the microprocessor (260) operating level by division of the voltage obtained from the battery terminals (110) via a resistance couple (275), conversion of the read analogue voltage value into digital value by comparison with the reference voltages found in said converter (ADC) (262), interpretation of said digital value in microprocessor (260), and lighting of an indicator lamp (235) in appropriate colour and/or manner, which gives voltage information by lighting in different colours according to voltage values and which warns the user by lighting in different colour and/or manner than its previous states in case of having very low or very high voltage.

The invention also comprises;

- at least one memory unit (264), which is formed integral with said microprocessor (260), and in which said reference voltage values and the operation programme are loaded, and the periods and voltage values at which the battery is found at critical points, times during when the battery is exposed to said situations and the times when the battery is plugged at the vehicle, how much time it worked, and how much time it waited without working are stored,

- at least one capacitor (276) which is connected in parallel with one resistance of said voltage divider resistance couple (275),

- at least one capacitor (266) connected to said processor feed voltage unit (265) output,

- at least one each resistance (280), which control the current passing through said indicator lamp (235), and which limit the current passing for each of the three primary light colours (red-green-blue),

- at least one resistance (285), which ensures said microprocessor (260) is in operation mode during programming of the microprocessor (260) and during use,

- at least one resistance (290) which provides the +5 Volt resetting voltage reach the resetting input during resetting of said microprocessor (260),

- at least one diode (295) controlling cross-connection of the terminals of the voltage indicator, and

- a water-proof protective cover (220) providing protection of said electronic circuit card (230) and the components found on them.

In the preferred application, all of the circuit components found on the circuit board (230) are mounted on the circuit board (230) by means of surface mounting technology (SMT). Therefore, all the components are surface mounting components (SMC).

Figure-1 ; is the schematic view of the electronic circuit, which is the subject of the invention. As it would be seen, the current controlled by a cross connection diode (295) is sent to the processor feed voltage unit (265) if the connection is made correctly. At the output of said unit (265), 5 Volts of microprocessor (260) operating voltage is obtained. Via the capacitor (266) positioned at the output of said unit (265), possible surges at the unit (265) are absorbed and transmission of a constant 5 V is provided to the microprocessor (260).

On the other hand, the current obtained from the battery terminals via the terminal connection component (210) is divided by the resistance couple (275) and reduced to a value at which the microprocessor (260) can operate. Via absorption of the surges by the capacitor (276) connected in parallel with the resistance, which is one of the resistances found among the resistance couple (275) and shown as R3, a constant voltage is transmitted to ADC (262) and thus, the most accurate result is obtained.

After comparison of the reference values with the voltage value coming to the microprocessor (260), lighting of the indicator lamp (235) is provided. The lamp (235) is preferably a RGB (red-green-blue) LED lamp. Similarly, a lamp which can light in different colours can also be used. In order to provide the lamp (235) with the facility to display the three colours, a resistance (280), which can adjust the current, is used for each colour. The programming (285) and resetting resistance (290) are used as one for each.

Figure-2; shows the arrangement of the circuit components of the invention on the circuit board (230). Here the R1 , R6, and R7 resistance are connected with said RGB led lamp. As mentioned before, a resistance is used for each primary colour. The second led lamp (240) shown with the name LED1 is a signal LED lamp (240), which provides communication of the data collector reaching the data found in the microprocessor (260) in order to collect information about the battery. The resistance (240) shown as R8 is used for controlling the current passing through this lamp (241). Figure-3; shows the upper cover of the battery, on which the indicator (200), which is the subject of the invention, is used. As it is representatively shown here, the conductive terminal connection components (210) (one anode for one cathode) in the form of steel spring are positioned in a way that they are embedded at the upper surface of the battery. The components (210) are the state of the spring steel converted into the desired form in order to provide its connection with the terminal (110) before injection and go to the desired point inside the cover. While one end of the connection components (210) is contacted at the terminals (110) as being fitted like steel spring, it goes at the battery upper surface by the other ends being bended and thus formation of two terminal connections pins (211) are provided at the region where the indicator body (220) is fixed. The indicator (200) is positioned on the pins and thus voltage values can be taken from the terminals (110).

Figure-4; presents the perspective view of the voltage indicator (200), wherein it is positioned on the battery cover. In Figure-5, the perspective view of the indicator (200) alone is given. Figure-6, gives the upper view of the battery cover, on which the indicator (200) is completely connected.

Figure-8 is the detailed view of the indicator, wherein upper protective cover (221) is positioned on it. Upper protective cover (221) is formed in accordance with the battery carrying arm in shape and preferably, at its middle point, a channel is found at which the window (250) providing visibility of said lamp (235) is positioned. The circuit board (230) used in the indicator (200) comprises at least one pin connection component (231), which is fixed on one end and the other end of which is attached to said terminal connection pin (211 ). These are preferably two latches (231 ) providing taking of the voltage values. The terminal connections of the indicator (200) are completed via these latches (231) (Figure-9).

Operation principle of the alternative with single lamp:

Voltage obtained from battery terminals (110) is prevented by the cross connection diode

(295) if the terminals are cross-connected. In the opposite case, in which the terminals are directly connected, the voltage is divided via a resistance couple (275) and reduced to the microprocessor (260) operation level. The analogue voltage value read is converted into binary digital value having 10 bits width at the converter (ADC) (262) integrally formed with the microprocessor (260) by being compared with the reference voltages found in the memory unit (264). This situation provides measuring the input voltage with 0.1 volts of sensitivity. After interpretation of said digital value via the operation programme found in the memory unit (264), which is positioned at the microprocessor (260), and which is preferably a flash memory, lighting of the indicator lamp (235) in the appropriate colour is provided. The memory unit (264) also records the periods and voltage values at which the battery is found at critical points, times during when the battery is exposed to said situations and the times when the battery is plugged at the vehicle, how much time it worked, and how much time it waited without working data.

Indicator lamp (235) lights, when the measured voltage;

- is between 9.0 V and 10.487 V, as blue/red,

- is between 10.5 V and 11.487 V ₁ as blue/green,

- is between 11.5 V and 12.287 V, as green/red,

- is between 12.3 V and 13.0 V, as green,

- is between 13.1 V and 13.687 V, as red/green/blue,

- is between 13.7 V and 14,9 V, as blue,

- is between 14.913 V and 17 V, as red.

The indicator lamp (235), which is the subject of the invention, can give information about the battery and the vehicle charge system by lighting in different combinations and at intervals in cases of over voltage, low voltage, overcharge or low charge situations. Moreover, every failure situation is recorded in the memory unit (264). According to this, as warning light in case of over voltage, said indicator lamp (235) preferably lights in red colour for a certain period (0.5 second) and green for a certain period (1 second). In case of low voltage situation, as the warning light, it lights in green colour for a certain period (1 second) and in white colour for a certain period (0.5 second).

The transparent window (250) found at the indicator body (220) mixes the colours lighting at the same time and thus provides them to be seen as a single colour (For example, red/green = yellow, red/blue/green = white). Alternative with multiple lamps:

The feature of the other one of the preferred embodiments of the invention is to comprises four indicator lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303) lighting and/or fading according to the voltage value, at least one warning lamp (304) warning the user by lighting in cases of having very low or very high voltage, at least one microprocessor (260) controlling the lighting and fading of the warning and indicator lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304) according to the voltage value obtained, and at least one processor feed voltage unit (265) providing the required voltage for operation of said microprocessor (260).

The invention also comprises at least one memory unit (264), which is formed integral with said microprocessor (260), and in which said reference voltage values and the operation programme are loaded, at least one capacitor (276) which is connected in parallel with one resistance of said voltage divider resistance couple (275), at least one capacitor (266) connected to said processor feed voltage unit (265) output, at least one resistance (280), which controls the current passing through said indicator and warning lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304) and limit it at the required current, at least one resistance (285), which ensure said microprocessor (260) be in operation mode during programming of the microprocessor (260) and during use, at least one resistance (290) which provides the +5 Volt resetting voltage reach the resetting input during resetting of said microprocessor (260), at least one diode

(295) controlling cross-connection of the terminals of the voltage indicator, and a water-proof protective cover (220) providing protection of said electronic circuit card (230) and the components found on them.

Figure-10; presents the schematic view of the electronic circuit of the invention. As it would be seen, the current controlled by a cross connection diode (295) is sent to the processor feed voltage unit (265) if the connection is made correctly. At the output of said unit (265), 5

Volts of microprocessor (260) operating voltage is obtained. Via the capacitor (266) positioned at the output of said unit (265), possible surges at the unit (265) are absorbed and transmission of a constant 5 V is provided to the microprocessor (260).

On the other hand, the current obtained from the battery terminals (110) via cables (312) is divided by the resistance couple (275) and reduced to a value at which the microprocessor (260) can operate. Via absorption of the surges by the capacitor (276) connected in parallel with the resistance, which is one of the resistances found among the resistance couple (275) and shown as R3, a constant voltage is transmitted to ADC (262) and thus, the most accurate result is obtained.

After comparison of the reference values with the voltage value coming to the microprocessor (260), lighting of the required indicator lamp (300, 301 , 302, 303) and/or the warning lamp (304) is provided. The lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304) are preferably LED lamps. A resistance (280) is used for 5 lamps (300, 301, 302, 303, 304).

The programming (285) and resetting resistance (290) are used as one unit each.

Figure-11 ; shows the arrangement of the circuit components of the alternative embodiment on the circuit board (230). 5 lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304) are positioned side by side and preferably they are sorted according to importance and battery charge ratio.

Figure-14; presents the perspective view of the voltage indicator (200), wherein it is positioned on the battery cover. Protective cover (220) can be formed in accordance with the battery holding arm. On the cover (220), upper part of which facing the lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304) is formed transparently, a structure is formed which is raising from the first indicator lamp (300) towards the fourth (303) in the form of a transparent right triangle. In this way, the charge ratio is easily understood by the user. Moreover, a warning sign is formed at the region found on the warning lamp (304). Figure-12; is the lower perspective view of the cable shoe (310) and cover (311). Via the cable shoes (310) fixed at the ends of said cables (312), the invention can be adapted to and used at all batteries. The cover (311) protects the shoe (310) against external factors and at the same time conceals the cable (312) and the shoe (310). The cover (311) has a channel which can be positioned at the terminal (110) and preferably has a rectangular body. Moreover, on the body, an extension is present, which provides the cable (312) with the facility to enter into the battery holding body by being concealed. In Figure-13, the section view of the cable shoe and its cover are given, wherein they are mounted on the battery terminal.

Operation principle of the alternative with multiple lamps:

While the invention is in operation, the voltage obtained from the battery terminals (110) is prevented by the cross connection diode (295) if the terminals are cross-connected. In the opposite situation, where the terminals are directly connected, the voltage is reduced to microprocessor (260) operating level by being divided via a resistance couple (275). Among the resistances forming said resistance couple (275) and shown as R2 and R3 in Figure-1 , R2 is preferably 100k%1 for 12 Volt batteries and 220k%1 for 24 Volt batteries. The analogue voltage value read is converted into binary digital value having 10 bits width at the converter (ADC) (262) integrally formed with the microprocessor (260) by being compared with the reference voltages found in the memory unit (264). This situation provides measuring the input voltage with 0.1 volts of sensitivity. After interpretation of said digital value via the operation programme found in the memory unit (264), which is positioned at the microprocessor (260), and which is preferably a flash memory, lighting of the appropriate indicator lamp (300, 301 , 302, 303) and/or warning lamp (304) is provided.

Among said lamps (300, 301 , 302, 303, 304);

- the first indicator lamp (300) starts to light in red colour when the measured voltage is between 9 V to 10.7 V, and is preferably below 10 V,

- said warning lamp (304) stars to light in red colour at most 60 seconds after the lighting of said first indicator lamp (300),

- the second indicator lamp (301 ) starts to light in yellow colour when the measured voltage is between 10.8 V to 12.1 V,

- the third indicator lamp (302) starts to light in green colour when the measured voltage is between 12.2 V to 13.5 V,

- the fourth indicator lamp (303), starts to light in green colour when the measured voltage is between 13.6 V to 14.9 V,

- said fourth indicator lamp (303) starts to blink in green colour when the measured voltage is between 15 V to 17 V, and

the warning lamp (304) starts to blink in red colour at most 60 seconds after the lighting of said fourth indicator lamp (303). The characteristics and features found in said alternatives can also be used crosswise in the other alternative.