Cable connector for electronic battery tester

Abstract

A battery tester including a battery tester cable, a cable pod coupled to an end of the battery tester cable, and a battery tester housing including a cavity configured to receive the cable pod. The cable pod and the cavity include mating parts configured to mate the cable pod within the cavity in at least two different preset orientations. In some examples, the orientations are changeable and securable manually.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present embodiments relate to electronic battery testers of the type used to test storage batteries. Also, the present embodiments relate to cables which are used to couple such electronic battery testers to storage batteries.

Storage batteries have long been used to provide power to various types of systems such as automobiles or as standby power sources. In order to fully utilize such batteries, it is often desirable to perform a test on the battery which provides an indication related to the condition of the battery. For example, such a test can provide an indication that a battery is weak and should be replaced, or that a battery is discharged and should be charged.

Battery tests can be as simple as a visual inspection to more complex tests such as measuring the specific gravity of acid used in the battery. A simple electronic battery test can be based upon the voltage measured across the battery. Another electronic battery test is a load test in which a load is applied to the battery and the response of the battery is observed. A less intrusive way of measuring the condition of a battery is based upon a dynamic parameter of the battery. Such a measurement technique has been pioneered by Midtronics, Inc. of Willowbrook, Ill. and Dr. Keith S. Champlin as shown and described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,873,911, issued Mar. 25, 1975, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. No. 3,909,708, issued Sep. 30, 1975, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,768, issued Mar. 28, 1989, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,170, issued Apr. 25, 1989, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,881,038, issued Nov. 14, 1989, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,912,416, issued Mar. 27, 1990, to Champlin; U.S. Pat. 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No. 8,754,653, issued Jun. 17, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,516, issued Oct. 28, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,872,517, issued Oct. 28, 2014; U.S. Pat. No. 8,958,998, issued Feb. 17, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 8,963,550, issued Feb. 24, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 9,018,958, issued Apr. 28, 2015; U.S. Pat. No. 9,052,366, issued Jun. 9, 2015; U.S. Ser. No. 09/780,146, filed Feb. 9, 2001, entitled STORAGE BATTERY WITH INTEGRAL BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 09/756,638, filed Jan. 8, 2001, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETERMINING BATTERY PROPERTIES FROM COMPLEX IMPEDANCE/ADMITTANCE; U.S. Ser. No. 09/862,783, filed May 21, 2001, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TESTING CELLS AND BATTERIES EMBEDDED IN SERIES/PARALLEL SYSTEMS; U.S. Ser. No. 09/880,473, filed Jun. 13, 2001; entitled BATTERY TEST MODULE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/109,734, filed Mar. 28, 2002, entitled APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR COUNTERACTING SELF DISCHARGE IN A STORAGE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 10/263,473, filed Oct. 2, 2002, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH RELATIVE TEST OUTPUT; U.S. Ser. No. 09/653,963, filed Sep. 1, 2000, entitled SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING POWER GENERATION AND STORAGE; U.S. Ser. No. 10/174,110, filed Jun. 18, 2002, entitled DAYTIME RUNNING LIGHT CONTROL USING AN INTELLIGENT POWER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 10/258,441, filed Apr. 9, 2003, entitled CURRENT MEASURING CIRCUIT SUITED FOR BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 10/681,666, filed Oct. 8, 2003, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH PROBE LIGHT; U.S. Ser. No. 60/587,232, filed Dec. 14, 2004, entitled CELLTRON ULTRA, U.S. Ser. No. 60/653,537, filed Feb. 16, 2005, entitled CUSTOMER MANAGED WARRANTY CODE; U.S. Ser. No. 60/665,070, filed Mar. 24, 2005, entitled OHMMETER PROTECTION CIRCUIT; U.S. Ser. No. 60/694,199, filed Jun. 27, 2005, entitled GEL BATTERY CONDUCTANCE COMPENSATION; U.S. Ser. No. 60/705,389, filed Aug. 4, 2005, entitled PORTABLE TOOL THEFT PREVENTION SYSTEM, U.S. Ser. No. 11/207,419, filed Aug. 19, 2005, entitled SYSTEM FOR AUTOMATICALLY GATHERING BATTERY INFORMATION FOR USE DURING BATTERY TESTER/CHARGING, U.S. Ser. No. 60/712,322, filed Aug. 29, 2005, entitled AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE, U.S. Ser. No. 60/713,168, filed Aug. 31, 2005, entitled LOAD TESTER SIMULATION WITH DISCHARGE COMPENSATION, U.S. Ser. No. 60/731,881, filed Oct. 31, 2005, entitled PLUG-IN FEATURES FOR BATTERY TESTERS; U.S. Ser. No. 60/731,887, filed Oct. 31, 2005, entitled AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM DIAGNOSTIC DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No. 60/751,853, filed Dec. 20, 2005, entitled BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 60/751,853, filed Dec. 20, 2005, entitled BATTERY MONITORING SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 11/356,443, filed Feb. 16, 2006, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER WITH NETWORK COMMUNICATION; U.S. Ser. No. 60/847,064, filed Sep. 25, 2006, entitled STATIONARY BATTERY MONITORING ALGORITHMS; U.S. Ser. No. 60/950,182, filed Jul. 17, 2007, entitled BATTERY TESTER FOR HYBRID VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 60/973,879, filed Sep. 20, 2007, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER FOR TESTING STATIONARY BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 60/992,798, filed Dec. 6, 2007, entitled STORAGE BATTERY AND BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/061,848, filed Jun. 16, 2008, entitled KELVIN CLAMP FOR ELECTRONICALLY COUPLING TO A BATTERY CONTACT; U.S. Ser. No. 12/697,485, filed Feb. 1, 2010, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 12/712,456, filed Feb. 25, 2010, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DETECTING CELL DETERIORATION IN AN ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL OR BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 61/311,485, filed Mar. 8, 2010, entitled BATTERY TESTER WITH DATABUS FOR COMMUNICATING WITH VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 61/313,893, filed Mar. 15, 2010, entitled USE OF BATTERY MANUFACTURE/SELL DATE IN DIAGNOSIS AND RECOVERY OF DISCHARGED BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 12/769,911, filed Apr. 29, 2010, entitled STATIONARY BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/330,497, filed May 3, 2010, entitled MAGIC WAND WITH ADVANCED HARNESS DETECTION; U.S. Ser. No. 61/348,901, filed May 27, 2010, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/351,017, filed Jun. 3, 2010, entitled IMPROVED ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND HYBRID ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MODULE BALANCER; U.S. Ser. No. 12/818,290, filed Jun. 18, 2010, entitled BATTERY MAINTENANCE DEVICE WITH THERMAL BUFFER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/373,045, filed Aug. 12, 2010, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER FOR TESTING STATIONARY STORAGE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 12/888,689, filed Sep. 23, 2010, entitled BATTERY TESTER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 61/411,162, filed Nov. 8, 2010, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 13/037,641, filed Mar. 1, 2011, entitled MONITOR FOR FRONT TERMINAL BATTERIES; U.S. Ser. No. 13/098,661, filed May 2, 2011, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING A PARAMETER OF A VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 13/113,272, filed May 23, 2011, entitled ELECTRONIC STORAGE BATTERY DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 13/152,711, filed Jun. 3, 2011, entitled BATTERY PACK MAINTENANCE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 13/205,949, filed Aug. 9, 2011, entitled ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER FOR TESTING STORAGE BATTERY; U.S. Ser. No. 61/558,088, filed Nov. 10, 2011, entitled BATTERY PACK TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 13/357,306, filed Jan. 24, 2012, entitled STORAGE BATTERY AND BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/665,555, filed Jun. 28, 2012, entitled HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MAINTENANCE DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No. 13/668,523, filed Nov. 5, 2012, entitled BATTERY TESTER FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 13/672,186, filed Nov. 8, 2012, entitled BATTERY PACK TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 61/777,360, filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitled DETERMINATION OF STARTING CURRENT IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 61/777,392, filed Mar. 12, 2013, entitled DETERMINATION OF CABLE DROP DURING A STARTING EVENT IN AN AUTOMOTIVE VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 13/827,128, filed Mar. 14, 2013, entitled HYBRID AND ELECTRIC VEHICLE BATTERY MAINTENANCE DEVICE; U.S. Ser. No. 61/789,189, filed Mar. 15, 2013, entitled CURRENT CLAMP WITH JAW CLOSURE DETECTION; U.S. Ser. No. 61/824,056, filed May 16, 2013, entitled BATTERY TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD; U.S. Ser. No. 61/859,991, filed Jul. 30, 2013, entitled METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MONITORING A PLURALITY OF STORAGE BATTERIES IN A STATIONARY BACK-UP POWER SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 14/039,746, filed Sep. 27, 2013, entitled BATTERY PACK MAINTENANCE FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE; U.S. Ser. No. 61/915,157, filed Dec. 12, 2013, entitled BATTERY TESTER AND BATTERY REGISTRATION TOOL; U.S. Ser. No. 61/928,167, filed Jan. 16, 2014, entitled BATTERY CLAMP WITH ENDOSKELETON DESIGN; U.S. Ser. No. 14/204,286, filed Mar. 11, 2014, entitled CURRENT CLAMP WITH JAW CLOSURE DETECTION; U.S. Ser. No. 14/276,276, filed May 13, 2014, entitled BATTERY TESTING SYSTEM AND METHOD; U.S. Ser. No. 62/024,037, filed Jul. 14, 2014, entitled COMBINATION SERVICE TOOL; U.S. Ser. No. 62/055,884, filed Sep. 26, 2014, entitled CABLE CONNECTOR FOR ELECTRONIC BATTERY TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 14/565,689, filed Dec. 10, 2014, entitled BATTERY TESTER AND BATTERY REGISTRATION TOOL; U.S. Ser. No. 14/598,445, filed Jan. 16, 2015, entitled BATTERY CLAMP WITH ENDOSKELETON DESIGN; U.S. Ser. No. 62/107,648, filed Jan. 26, 2015, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER; U.S. Ser. No. 62/137,491, filed Mar. 24, 2015, entitled BATTERY MAINTENANCE SYSTEM; U.S. Ser. No. 62/154,251, filed Apr. 29, 2015, entitled CALIBRATION AND PROGRAMMING OF IN-VEHICLE BATTERY SENSORS; U.S. Ser. No. 62/155,045, filed Apr. 30, 2015, entitled CALIBRATION AND PROGRAMMING OF IN-VEHICLE BATTERY SENSORS; U.S. Ser. No. 62/161,555, filed May 14, 2015, entitled ALTERNATOR TESTER, U.S. Ser. No. 14/799,120, filed Jul. 14, 2015, entitled AUTOMOTIVE MAINTENANCE SYSTEM; all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties.

Despite the aforementioned examples, there is a need for improvement in connecting cables to a portable battery tester in a manner that enhances convenience of handling, hanging or otherwise positioning the tester when carrying out battery test operations.

SUMMARY

In an example embodiment described herein, a battery tester includes a battery tester cable, a cable pod coupled to an end of the battery tester cable, and a battery tester housing including a cavity configured to receive the cable pod. The cable pod and the cavity include mating parts configured to mate the cable pod within the cavity in at least two different preset orientations. In some examples, the orientations are changeable and securable manually.

In another example embodiment described herein, a battery tester includes battery tester circuitry configured to provide two Kelvin connections such that four-terminal sensing can occur when the battery tester circuitry is coupled with a battery tester cable that is coupled with two terminals of a battery. Such a battery tester includes a battery tester housing configured to contain the battery tester circuitry and receive a cable pod configured to provide an interface between the battery tester circuitry and the battery tester cable. The cable pod and the battery tester housing include mating parts configured to mate with each other in at least two different preset orientations such that the cable pod and the battery tester housing attach to each other in at least two corresponding orientations that are changeable manually a cable connector configured to couple to a battery tester cable; and

In another example described herein, a cable pod, such as one configured to attach to a battery tester housing, includes a plurality of tester connector parts including mating parts configured to mate with corresponding pod connector parts in at least two different preset orientations in a cavity of a battery tester housing. This mating can occur such that the cable pod can attach to the battery tester housing within the cavity in at least two corresponding orientations manually.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram showing an example cable for coupling an electronic battery tester to a storage battery.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of battery tester housing.

FIGS. 3-6 illustrate example embodiments of cable pods that connect to example battery tester housing, such as the housing illustrated in FIG. 2.

FIGS. 7A-7D show an example alternative securing mechanism for securing a cable pod to battery tester housing (such as the housing illustrated in FIG. 2) using spring loaded fasteners.

FIG. 8 shows an example embodiment of a cable pod that connects to battery tester housing (such as the housing illustrated in FIG. 2), which includes another example alternative securing mechanism for securing a cable pod to battery tester housing using an example simple lock and key mechanism.

FIGS. 9A and 9B show an example alternative securing mechanism for securing a cable pod to a battery tester housing using the example simple lock and key mechanism.

FIGS. 9C and 9D show an example alternative securing mechanism for securing a cable pod to a battery tester housing using an example split pin.

FIG. 10 a simplified circuit diagram of example battery tester circuitry.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 is a simplified schematic diagram which shows an electronic battery tester 10 coupled to a storage battery 12 by a battery tester cable 14. In some embodiments, electronic battery tester 10 may be a hand-held or portable tester. In one embodiment, electronic battery tester 10 is of the type which determines a condition of battery 12 based upon a dynamic parameter of the battery 12 (such as a voltage drop across terminals 12A and 12B of battery 12). In some other embodiments, other techniques that do not utilize dynamic parameters may be employed in a battery tester that is used to test a storage battery.

As shown, a first end of battery tester cable 14 includes two battery connectors configurable to fasten to two respective terminals of battery 12. Also shown, is a second end of the cable 14 coupled to connector 24. The second end of cable 14 may be configured to fasten to the connector 24. The connector 24 may be or include one of the example cable pods described herein.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the dynamic parameter is measured through Kelvin connections to terminals of the battery. A Kelvin connection may include a precision electrical potential contact with a current carrying component or reference point in such a way that at least reduces possible effects of contact resistance. Cable 14 include clamps 16 and 18 which provide Kelvin connections to electrical terminals 12A and 12B, respectively. In this example embodiment two Kelvin connections are illustrated. In other words, a four-terminal sensing (4T sensing) is shown. A 4T sensing can include an electrical impedance measuring technique that uses separate pairs of current-carrying and voltage-sensing electrodes to make possibly more accurate measurements than two-terminal (2T) sensing.

As shown in FIG. 1, cable 14 includes first and second cables 20 and 22 and clamps 16 and 18. Clamps 16 and 18 are coupled to cables 20 and 22, respectively. The cables 20 and 22 extend between clamps 16 and 18 and a connector 24. The connector 24 is coupled to electronic battery tester 10. Cables 20 and 22 may be bonded or otherwise coupled together partially along their length as they extend from connector 24. Cables 20 and 22 separate at some point so that clamps 16 and 18 can be split apart to couple to terminals 12A and 12B of battery 12. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cables 20 and 22 each include two individual electrical wires used to provide Kelvin connections. The two individual electrical wires of each of cables 20 and 22 may each be electrically insulated from each other and carried in an insulating sheath. Some other embodiments may not use Kelvin connections (such as in examples using 2T sensing) and, in such embodiments, cables 20 and 22 may each include only one electrical wire. 4T sensing is explained further with respect to FIG. 10.

In example embodiments described in connection with FIGS. 2-6, the electrical connector 24 coupled to electronic battery tester 10 includes a cable pod connector that is manually attachable and detachable to battery tester 10. In some embodiments, a cable pod can be attachable and detachable manually to a battery tester without a tool such as a screw driver.

FIGS. 2-6 show an exterior of battery tester 10 having a housing 26 that is configured to receive a cable pod 28 shown in FIGS. 3-6. Housing 26 can have battery tester circuitry within an internal cavity (not shown). Such battery testing circuitry can be coupled to the battery tester cable 14 and such circuitry can be configured with the battery tester cable to provide two Kelvin connections with the two battery connectors when fastened to the two respective terminals of the battery 12 such that four-terminal sensing can occur (such as depicted in FIG. 10). In some other examples (not depicted), the battery tester circuitry can be configured with the battery tester cable to provide two connections with the two battery connectors when fastened to the two respective terminals of the battery such that two-terminal sensing can occur. Also, housing 26 includes an external cavity 30 that has a size and shape that corresponds to a size and shape of cable pod 28.

As shown in FIGS. 3-6, cable pod 28 includes a main connector body 32 that includes a rectangular shape. Main connector body 32 has first and second ends 34 and 36 and first and second sides 38 and 40. Cable pod 28 also includes first and second extended portions 42 and 44 that extend outwardly from sides 38 and 40, respectively, and are positioned near opposite ends 34 and 36, respectively. Extended portions 42 and 44 include downward projections 45 and 47 that can fit into and may contact corresponding portions of a bottom surface of cavity 30 when cable pod 28 is positioned within cavity 30. Cable 14 is coupled to first extended portion 42.

The shape and size of external cavity 30 corresponds to the shape and size of the cable pod 28. Accordingly, cavity 30 includes a rectangular main connector receiving portion 46 that receives main connector body 32 of cable pod 28. Main connector receiving portion 46 of cavity 30 has first and second ends 48 and 50 and first and second sides 52 and 54. Also included in cavity 30 are first and second channels 56 and 58 that extend from sides 52 and 54, respectively. Channels 56 and 58 are configured to receive first and second extended portions 42 and 44 of cable pod 28, respectively.

To secure cable pod 28 within cavity 30, both cable pod 28 and cavity 30 include engagement features. In cavity 30, engagement features include slots 68 and fastener holes 70. In an example, holes 70 may be threaded holes. Cavity 30 includes projections 72 that mate slots 68. Cavity 30 also includes fastener bosses 74 that align with holes 70 when cable pod 28 is fitted into cavity 30. Once pod 28 is fitted with cavity 30, fasteners (not shown), such as threaded fasteners (e.g., screws), may be inserted into holes 70 and bosses 74 and tightened to secure cable pod 28 with cavity 30. In the example where the holes 70 include threaded holes, the bosses 74 may include threaded receiving holes and the pod 28 may be secured to the cavity 30 by threaded fasteners screwed into holes of the pod and bosses.

Alternatively or in addition to the depicted example for securing cable pod 28 with cavity 30, an embodiment of the pod and electronic battery tester may include a variation of the threaded fastener and hole pairings or a different type of fasting mechanism. For example, a shaft or dowel may be fitted for corresponding holes or bosses of a pod and housing of a battery tester and such a shaft or dowel may be secured by one or more corresponding pins (such as split pins or spring pins) that insert into a hole on an upper and/or lower portion of the shaft or dowel. In another example configuration, merely a pin (such as a split pin) may be used to secure a pod to a tester.

Specifically, some examples of the tester may include securing parts configured to secure the cable pod within the cavity of the tester housing of the tester in at least one of the orientations described herein. The battery tester housing and the cable pod may each include at least two holes. The at least two holes of the battery tester housing may be configured to align with the at least two holes of the cable pod such that the securing parts can mate with the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod to secure the cable pod within the cavity in at least one of the orientations described herein. In such examples, the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod may include threaded holes and the securing parts may include corresponding threaded fasteners.

Additionally or alternatively, the cable pod may be attachable and detachable to the cavity of the battery tester housing manually without use of an additional device or tool. In such an example, the securing parts may include dowels with fins that are configured to: retract when inserted through the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod; and extend such that top surfaces of the fins catch bottom surfaces of the battery tester housing and the cable pod in way that secures the cable pod within the cavity in at least one of the orientations described herein. Alternatively, in such an example, the securing parts may include at least two dowels with rectangular extensions. The at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod may configured to align with each other such that the at least two dowels can be inserted into the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod and subsequently turned such that top surfaces of the rectangular extensions catch bottom surfaces of the battery tester housing and the cable pod in way that secures the cable pod within the cavity in at least one of the orientations described herein. Also, the securing parts may include at least two split pins that each are configured to be squeezed through the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod and secure the battery tester housing and the cable pod when positioned through the holes and released such that respective feet of the at least two split pins fit into corresponding small openings within the cavity in at least one of the orientations described herein.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D show an example alternative securing mechanism for securing a cable pod (such as the pod 28) to an electronic battery tester using spring loaded fasteners. FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B show another example alternative securing mechanism for securing a pod to an electronic battery tester using a simple lock and key mechanism.

As shown in FIGS. 7A-7D, dowel 84 can be inserted into respective holes 70 and 75 of the cable pod 28 and the bosses 74. The dowel 84 includes fins 86a and 86b that are extended in FIGS. 7A and 7C and retracted in FIGS. 7B and 7D. The fins 86a and 86b can retract into the dowel 84 such that the dowel can be inserted into the holes 70 and 75 (as shown in FIG. 7B). Fins 86a and 86b can also extend out from dowel 84 such that once the dowel has been inserted into holes 70 and 75, respective top surfaces of fins 86a and 86b can catch respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82 of cable pod 28 and housing 26. By catching the respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82, the dowel 84 is locked into its position shown in FIG. 7C and consequently cable pod 28 is secured to housing 26. As shown, bottom surface 80 is adjacent to and immediately below holes 70, and bottom surface 82 is adjacent to and immediately below holes 75. In such an example, bosses 74 may each include one of holes 75 and small openings 98 that provide respective open spaces for fins 86b to extend into. Also, FIGS. 5 and 6 show the holes 70 and 75 overlapping such that dowel 84 can be inserted into the holes and fins 86a and 86b can retract and then catch bottom surfaces 80 and 82 of cable pod 28 and housing 26, respectively.

As shown in FIG. 7B, edges of holes 70 and 75 may cause fins 86a and 86b to retract. In such an example, fins 86a and 86b may be loosely coupled to a hinge within dowel 84 such that the fins can extend and retract from respective openings of the dowel with at most a minimum force applied in either direction on the fins. Respective springs (not shown) may also be coupled with dowel 84 and fins 86a and 86b such that a force stronger than the minimum force is needed to be applied to the fins to cause the fins to retract. In such an example, at most a minimum force is needed to extend the fins.

As shown in FIG. 7D, button 88 attached to an upper portion of dowel 84 may be pressed to cause fins 86a and 86b to retract into the dowel. In such an instance, couplings between button 88 and fins 86a and 86b may include at least one spring. When button 88 is pressed downward (as shown by the downward arrow in FIG. 7D), the fins 86a and 86b retract and dowel 84 can be pulled out through holes 70 and 75; otherwise top surfaces of fins 86a and 86b catch bottom surfaces 80 and 82, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows an alternative instance of cable pod 28 and hosing 26 of tester 10. This alternative instance provides a securing mechanism for securing pod 28 to electronic battery tester 10 using a simple lock and key mechanism. As shown in FIG. 8 holes 70 and 75 are replaced by holes 90 and 92. Holes 90 and 92 include slot portions 91 and 93, respectively, and the slot portions can be aligned with each other as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9A. Also shown, bosses 74 include respective instances of holes 92, in this example.

As shown by FIGS. 8 and 9A, dowel 94 can be inserted into holes 90 and 92 when rectangular extensions 95a and 95b of the dowel are aligned with slot portions 91 and 93, respectively. In other words, rectangular extensions 95a and 95b of dowel 94 can line up with slot portions 91 and 93, respectively, such that the dowel can be inserted into holes 90 and 92. As shown by FIG. 9B, dowel 94 can be rotated once within holes 90 and 92 such that respective upper surfaces of rectangular extensions 95a and 95b can catch respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82 of cable pod 28 and housing 26. By catching the respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82, the dowel 94 is locked into its position shown in FIG. 9B and consequently cable pod 28 is secured to housing 26. Bottom surface 80 is adjacent to and immediately below holes 90. In an example, bottom surface 82 is adjacent to and immediately below holes 92. In another example, the bottom surface 82 is adjacent to and immediately below a lower portion of holes 92 and bosses 74. In such an example, bosses 74 may each include one of holes 92 (such as shown in FIG. 8) and small openings 98 that provide respective open spaces for rectangular extension 95b to turn into.

In another example, as shown in FIGS. 9C and 9D, a simple split pin arrangement may secure the pod to the housing. For example, split pin 96 with feet 97a and 97b can be configured such that it can be squeezed (as shown by the arrows in FIG. 9C) and inserted through holes 70 and 75. Respective small openings 98 can be included amongst the inner sides of the holes 75 at respective bottom-side portions. This configuration provides for split pin 96 to insert into the holes 70 and 75 and then release to expand such that feet 97b of the split pin extend horizontally to fit into the small openings 98 and secure the pod 28 to the housing 26. Feet 97a and 97b can also extend out from the body of the split pin 96 such that once the split pin has been inserted into holes 70 and 75, respective top surfaces of feet 97a and 97b can catch respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82 of cable pod 28 and housing 26. By catching the respective bottom surfaces 80 and 82, the split pin 96 is locked into its position (as shown in FIG. 9D) and consequently cable pod 28 is secured to housing 26.

In another example, not depicted, cable connections to the housing of a tester may include twist lock and quick release mechanisms. Such a scheme may include a twist lock where the pod is twisted to be locked to the housing, or a fastener is inserted and twisted (such as dowel 94 shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B) to lock the pod to the housing. The quick release mechanism may include parts that enable a release between the pod and housing without performing the reverse operations of the lock operations, such as a reverse twist and pull of the pod and/or fastener from the housing. The quick release mechanism may include a simple manipulation of a lever or a press of a button. Whether a twist lock and quick release mechanism or another type of fastening and release mechanism is used, such mechanisms can be configured to provide at least two orientations of the securing of a cable pod to tester housing.

For example, the pod 28 can be positioned and secured with the cavity 30 in at least the two different orientations shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown, the at least two different orientations are at least substantially opposed to each other and are preset according to the structure of the pod 28 and the cavity 30. From a different perspective, FIG. 3 shows cable pod 28 oriented such that first extended portion 42 of cable pod 28 is positioned to fit within first channel 56 of cavity 30. Accordingly, in the first orientation shown in FIG. 3, the second extended portion 44 of cable pod 28 is positioned to fit within second channel 58 of cavity 30. FIG. 5 shows cable pod 28 oriented such that first extended portion 42 of cable pod 28 is fitted within first channel 56 of cavity 30 and the second extended portion 44 of cable pod 28 is fitted within second channel 58 of cavity 30. In the second orientation, shown from a different perspective in FIG. 4, the first extended portion 42 of cable pod 28 is positioned to fit within second channel 58 of cavity 30 and the second extended portion 44 of cable pod 28 is positioned to fit within the first channel 56 of cavity 30. FIG. 6 shows the first extended portion 42 of cable pod 28 is fitted within second channel 58 of cavity 30 and the second extended portion 44 of cable pod 28 is fitted within the first channel 56 of cavity 30. In an example, the orientation shown in FIG. 5 may represent a first orientation of at least two different preset orientations including the battery tester cable oriented out of a top surface of the battery tester. Also, in such an example, the orientation shown in FIG. 6 may represent a second orientation of the at least two different preset orientations including the battery tester cable oriented out of a bottom surface of the battery tester.

In an example not depicted, the battery tester may include a manually extendable and retractable hook. In such an example, the hook may also be adjustable such that it is positioned at an opposite end of the tester from the battery tester cable.

The cable pod 28 includes electrical connectors 60 and 62 and cavity 30 includes electrical connectors 64 and 66. Connectors 60 and 62 can be electrically coupled to connectors 64 and 66, respectively, when of cable pod 28 is at least fitted within cavity 30. In an example, electrical coupling may occur once cable pod 28 is secured within cavity 30. As shown in FIGS. 2-6, electrical connectors 64 and 66 include reversible electrical connectors. The reversible connectors can provide electrical connection of cable wires to circuitry within the housing 26 when cable pod 28 is positioned and secured with cavity 30 in the first or second orientation.

Reversible electrical connectors 64 and 66 include key receiving features 76 and 78, respectively. Key receiving feature 76 faces second end 50 of main connector receiving portion 46 of cavity 30. Key receiving feature 78 faces first end 48 of main connector receiving portion 46 of cavity 30. Each of reversible electrical connectors 64 and 66 also includes a plurality of pin connections 80. Key receiving features 76 and 78 are configured to receive keys 77 and 79 included in connectors 60 and 62 of cable pod 28 in the first orientation, respectively. The reverse occurs in the second orientation.

In some embodiments, in order to facilitate electrical connection in both connection orientations, pins connections 80 may be divided into two groups of pin connections. For example, in the first orientation, only pins connections 82 of reversible electrical connectors 64 and 66 may couple to pin connections (not shown) in connectors 60 and 62 of cable pod 28 to provide electrical connections. In the second orientation, only pin connections 84 of reversible electrical connectors 64 and 66 may couple to pin connections in connectors 60 and 62 of cable pod 28 to provide electrical connections. In some other embodiments, instead of two connectors 60 and 62, cable pod 28 may include only one connector 60. In such embodiments, pin connections 80 in connectors 64 and 66 in cavity 30 are not divided into two groups. Instead, each of connectors 64 and 66 separately include the pin connections to connect to electrical circuitry within housing 26. Thus, in examples with only connector 60, in the first orientation, the single connector 60 of cable pod 28 couples only to connector 64 in cavity 30 to provide the electrical connection. In the second orientation, the single connector 60 of cable pod 28 couples only to connector 66 in cavity 30 to provide the electrical connection. Either way, the connections can include Kelvin connections as further described with respect to FIG. 10.

FIG. 10 a simplified circuit diagram of battery tester circuitry that includes battery tester circuitry 100. Circuitry 100 may be within housing 26. Circuitry 100 is shown coupled to battery 12 via cable 14, cable pod 28, and reversible electrical connectors 64 and 66. Circuitry 100 can be configured to determine the conductance (G_BAT) of battery 12 and the voltage potential (V_BAT) between terminals 12A and 12B. Circuitry 100 includes current source 102, differential amplifier 104, analog-to-digital converter 106 and microprocessor 108.

In operation, current source 102 is controlled by microprocessor 108 and can provide a current in the direction shown by the arrow in FIG. 10. In one embodiment, the signal outputted by the current source 102 is a square wave or a pulse or other signal with a time varying component including a transient signal.

Amplifier 104 is capacitively coupled to battery 12 through capacitors C₁ and C₂. Amplifier 104 has an output electrically coupled to an input of analog-to-digital converter 106. Amplifier 104 is electrically coupled to terminals 12A and 12B of battery 12 through capacitors C₁ and C₂, respectively, and provides an output related to the voltage potential difference between terminals 12A and 12B. In some examples, amplifier 104 may have a high input impedance.

Circuitry 100 also includes a second differential amplifier 117 having inverting and non-inverting inputs electrically coupled to terminals 12A and 12B, respectively. Amplifier 117 is electrically coupled to measure the open circuit potential voltage (V_BAT) of battery 12 between terminals 12A and 12B. The output of amplifier 117, which is an analog signal, is communicated to analog-to-digital converter 106 and then converted into a digital signal such that the voltage across terminals 12A and 12B can be measured by microprocessor 108.

As depicted in FIG. 10, circuitry 100 can be electrically coupled to battery 12 through a four-point connection technique known as a Kelvin connection. A Kelvin connection allows current I to be injected into battery 12 through a first pair of terminals while the voltage V across the terminals 12A and 12B is measured by a second pair of connections. Where little current flows through amplifier 104, the voltage drop across the inputs to amplifier 104 is substantially identical to the voltage drop across terminals 12A and 12B of battery 12. The output of differential amplifier 104 is then converted to a digital format and is provided to microprocessor 108.

Microprocessor 108 is electrically coupled to system clock 110, memory 112, visual output 114 and analog-to-digital converter 106. Microprocessor 108 is configured to receive an input from input device 113 and an input/output (I/O) port 115. Microprocessor 108 is also configured to communicate an output to output device 114 and the I/O port 115. Microprocessor 108 operates at a frequency determined by system clock 110 and in accordance with programming instructions stored in memory 112, to measure the voltage across terminals 12A and 12B.

Microprocessor 108 may also determine the dynamic conductance of battery 12 by applying a current pulse I using current source 102. The microprocessor determines the change in battery voltage due to the current pulse I using amplifier 104 and analog-to-digital converter 106. The value of current I generated by current source 102 may be predetermined and is stored in memory 112. In one embodiment, current I may be obtained by applying a load to battery 12. Microprocessor 108 can calculate the conductance of battery 12 using the following equation:Conductance=G_BAT=ΔI/ΔV  Equation 1

In Equation 1, ΔI is the change in current flowing through battery 12 due to current source 102, and ΔV is the change in battery voltage due to applied current ΔI. Microprocessor 108 determines a condition of battery 12 based on such measurements. Note that although a current is described, any forcing function with a time varying component may be used and the source may be active or a passive load. Although measurement of dynamic conductance is described, any dynamic parameter may be measured.

Although the some of the example embodiments show cable pod 28 and cavity 30 having a particular shape, it should be noted that, in different embodiments, cable pod 28 and cavity 30 may be of any suitable shape and configuration.

Although the present disclosure provides only the example embodiments described herein, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A battery tester, comprising: a battery tester cable comprising a plurality of cable wires;a cable pod coupled to an end of the battery tester cable, the cable pod having a first extended portion coupled to the end of the battery tester cable and a second extended portion opposite the first extended portion, the cable pod further including first and second connectors electrically coupled to the cable wires; anda battery tester housing including a cavity configured to receive the cable pod and having first and second channels extending therefrom, wherein the cable pod and the cavity include mating parts configured to mate the cable pod within the cavity in at least two different preset orientations and wherein the battery tester cable and the first extended portion extend in the first channel away from the battery tester housing in a first direction and the second extended portion fits in the second channel when the cable pod and cavity are oriented in a first of the at least two different preset orientations, and the battery tester cable and the first extended portion extend in a second direction in the second channel and the second extended portion fits in the first channel when the cable pod and cavity are oriented in a second of the at least two different preset orientations, the battery tester housing further including batter tester circuitry carried therein and coupled to reversible connectors in the cavity which provide a reversible connection between the battery tester circuitry and the first and second connectors of the cable pod.

2. The battery tester of claim 1, wherein the at least two different preset orientations are at least substantially opposed to each other.

3. The battery tester of claim 2, wherein a first orientation of the at least two different preset orientations includes the battery tester cable oriented out of a top surface of the battery tester, and wherein a second orientation of the at least two different preset orientations includes the battery tester cable oriented out of a bottom surface of the battery tester.

4. The battery tester of claim 1, wherein the battery tester cable includes: a first end with two battery connectors configurable to fasten to two respective terminals of a battery; anda second end including the end of the battery tester cable coupled to the cable pod.

5. The battery tester of claim 4, wherein the battery tester circuitry is configured with the battery tester cable to provide two Kelvin connections with the two battery connectors when fastened to the two respective terminals of the battery such that four-terminal sensing can occur.

6. The battery tester of claim 4, and wherein the battery tester circuitry is configured with the battery tester cable to provide two connections with the two battery connectors when fastened to the two respective terminals of the battery such that two-terminal sensing can occur.

7. The battery tester of claim 1, further comprising a manually extendable and retractable hook.

8. The battery tester of claim 1, further comprising securing parts configured to secure the cable pod within the cavity in either of the at least two different preset orientations.

9. The battery tester of claim 8, wherein the battery tester housing and the cable pod each include at least two holes, wherein the at least two holes of the battery tester housing are configured to align with the at least two holes of the cable pod such that the securing parts can mate with the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod to secure the cable pod within the cavity in either of the at least two different preset orientations.

10. The battery tester of claim 9, wherein the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod include threaded holes and the securing parts include corresponding threaded fasteners.

11. The battery tester of claim 9, wherein the cable pod is attachable and detachable to the cavity of the battery tester housing manually without use of an additional device or tool.

12. The battery tester of claim 11, wherein the securing parts include dowels with fins that are configured to: retract when inserted through the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod; andextend such that top surfaces of the fins catch bottom surfaces of the battery tester housing and the cable pod in way that secures the cable pod within the cavity in either of the at least two different preset orientations.

13. The battery tester of claim 11, wherein the securing parts include at least two dowels with rectangular extensions, and wherein the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod are configured to align with each other such that the at least two dowels can be inserted into the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod and subsequently turned such that top surfaces of the rectangular extensions catch bottom surfaces of the battery tester housing and the cable pod in way that secures the cable pod within the cavity in either of the at least two different preset orientations.

14. The battery tester of claim 11, wherein the securing parts include at least two split pins that each are configured to be squeezed through the at least two holes of the battery tester housing and the cable pod and secure the battery tester housing and the cable pod when positioned through the holes and released such that respective feet of the at least two split pins fit into corresponding small openings within the at least two holes of the battery tester housing.

15. The battery tester of claim 11, wherein the cable pod and the battery tester housing are configured to attach to each other by a twist lock.

16. The battery tester of claim 15, wherein the cable pod and the battery tester housing are configured to detach from each other by a quick release.