Patent ID: 6222341
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: F02N,H02J,Y02T

Abstract:
A circuit for controlling the charging of a starting charge energy source in a vehicle and for controlling a supply of charge from a reserve charge energy source and an alternator in the vehicle, the circuit comprising:a charge maintenance device includinga first circuit branch coupling the starting charge energy source and the reserve charge energy source and the alternator for charging the starting charge energy source when the vehicle is running,a second circuit branch coupling the starting charge energy source and the reserve charge energy source and the alternator for charging the starting charge energy source when the vehicle is running or not running, anda switchable device connected to the second circuit branch to control flow of current through the second circuit branch; anda controller operably connected to sense the level of charge on the starting charge energy source, the controller enabling and disabling the switchable device to connect and disconnect the second circuit branch between the starting charge energy source and the reserve charge energy source in response to the level of voltage on the starting charge energy source.