Short circuit protection system for a starter circuit

Abstract

A method and apparatus are provided for short circuit protection to a motor vehicle starter circuit. The invention includes providing a switching mechanism positioned intermediate to a DC power source and the starter. A controller manipulates the switching mechanism between an open position and a closed position, the closed position connecting the starter circuit to the DC power source and the open position disconnecting the starter circuit from the DC power source.

1 . A short circuit protection system for a DC power source and a device configured to draw a current of at least 200 amps and powered by said DC power source comprising a first relay-actuated electromechanical switch connected within a conductive path extending between said DC power source and said device, a second relay-actuated electromechanical switch connected within said conductive path between said first electromechanical switch and said DC power source, and a microprocessor for receiving at least one input signal indicating a command to operate or cease operation of said device and for generating at least one output signal to said first and second electromechanical switches for opening and closing said switches, wherein timing of a first output signal indicating a command to open said first electromechanical switch occurs before a second output signal indicating a command to open said second electromechanical switch.  
     
     
         2 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein said device is a motor vehicle starter.  
     
     
         3 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein said microprocessor is a controller.  
     
     
         4 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said input signals is supplied by an engine controller.  
     
     
         5 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein a first input signal indicates a vehicle ignition switch or equivalent has been activated and a second input signal indicates an activation of a vehicle ignition switch or equivalent has ceased.  
     
     
         6 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said output signals is supplied to a starter solenoid.  
     
     
         7 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein at least one of said output signals is supplied to an electrical center.  
     
     
         8 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         9 . (Cancelled)  
     
     
         10 . The short circuit protection system as in  claim 1 , wherein timing of a third output signal indicating a command to close said second electromechanical switch occurs before a fourth output signal indicating a command to close said first electromechanical switch.