Patent ID: 6433442
Filing Date: 2002-08-13
Classification: B60R

Abstract:
A method for operating a safety device in a motor vehicle, the safety device containing a multistage high-current battery isolating switch coupled between a battery in the motor vehicle and an electrical system of the motor vehicle for disconnecting the battery from the motor vehicle's electrical system, wherein a switching logic is coupled to the safety device for actuating the safety device, the method comprising the steps of:actuating with the switching logic the safety device to disconnect the battery from the motor vehicle's electrical system upon sensing with the switching logic the presence of a manual instruction input to the switching logic, and upon the expiration of a time delay after the manual input has been sensed, and outputting a warning signal from the switching logic during the time delay; sensing the presence of at least one vehicle operating signal and preventing actuation of the safety device to disconnect the battery from the motor vehicle's electrical system when the vehicle operating signal is present; and in the event of actuation of the safety device to disconnect the battery from the motor vehicle's electrical system, actuating the safety device to reconnect the battery to the motor vehicle's electrical system upon the activation of a door contact switch.