EP1565341A1 - Motor vehicle comprising means for varying accelerator pedal extreme actuated position - Google Patents

Motor vehicle comprising means for varying accelerator pedal extreme actuated position

Info

Publication number
EP1565341A1
EP1565341A1 EP03778399A EP03778399A EP1565341A1 EP 1565341 A1 EP1565341 A1 EP 1565341A1 EP 03778399 A EP03778399 A EP 03778399A EP 03778399 A EP03778399 A EP 03778399A EP 1565341 A1 EP1565341 A1 EP 1565341A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
pedal
vehicle
temperature
reformer
threshold
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP03778399A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Gilles Dewaele
Fahri Keretli
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Renault SAS
Original Assignee
Renault SAS
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Renault SAS filed Critical Renault SAS
Publication of EP1565341A1 publication Critical patent/EP1565341A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L50/00—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle
    • B60L50/50—Electric propulsion with power supplied within the vehicle using propulsion power supplied by batteries or fuel cells
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B60L58/30—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells
    • B60L58/32—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load
    • B60L58/34—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for monitoring or controlling fuel cells for controlling the temperature of fuel cells, e.g. by controlling the electric load by heating
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60K—ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PROPULSION UNITS OR OF TRANSMISSIONS IN VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENT OR MOUNTING OF PLURAL DIVERSE PRIME-MOVERS IN VEHICLES; AUXILIARY DRIVES FOR VEHICLES; INSTRUMENTATION OR DASHBOARDS FOR VEHICLES; ARRANGEMENTS IN CONNECTION WITH COOLING, AIR INTAKE, GAS EXHAUST OR FUEL SUPPLY OF PROPULSION UNITS IN VEHICLES
    • B60K26/00—Arrangements or mounting of propulsion unit control devices in vehicles
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L15/00—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles
    • B60L15/10—Methods, circuits, or devices for controlling the traction-motor speed of electrically-propelled vehicles for automatic control superimposed on human control to limit the acceleration of the vehicle, e.g. to prevent excessive motor current
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B60—VEHICLES IN GENERAL
    • B60L—PROPULSION OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; SUPPLYING ELECTRIC POWER FOR AUXILIARY EQUIPMENT OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRODYNAMIC BRAKE SYSTEMS FOR VEHICLES IN GENERAL; MAGNETIC SUSPENSION OR LEVITATION FOR VEHICLES; MONITORING OPERATING VARIABLES OF ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES; ELECTRIC SAFETY DEVICES FOR ELECTRICALLY-PROPELLED VEHICLES
    • B60L58/00—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles
    • B60L58/40—Methods or circuit arrangements for monitoring or controlling batteries or fuel cells, specially adapted for electric vehicles for controlling a combination of batteries and fuel cells
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05G—CONTROL DEVICES OR SYSTEMS INSOFAR AS CHARACTERISED BY MECHANICAL FEATURES ONLY
    • G05G1/00—Controlling members, e.g. knobs or handles; Assemblies or arrangements thereof; Indicating position of controlling members
    • G05G1/30—Controlling members actuated by foot
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T10/00—Road transport of goods or passengers
    • Y02T10/60—Other road transportation technologies with climate change mitigation effect
    • Y02T10/70—Energy storage systems for electromobility, e.g. batteries
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02T—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO TRANSPORTATION
    • Y02T90/00—Enabling technologies or technologies with a potential or indirect contribution to GHG emissions mitigation
    • Y02T90/40—Application of hydrogen technology to transportation, e.g. using fuel cells

Definitions

  • Motor vehicle comprising means for varying the extreme actuated position of the accelerator pedal
  • the invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an electric propulsion motor capable of being supplied with electric energy by two separate energy sources.
  • the invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle comprising an electric propulsion motor capable of being supplied with electrical energy: - by a first source of electrical energy constituted by a fuel cell which is supplied with fuel by a reformer when the temperature of the reformer is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature; or
  • a fuel cell consists mainly of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, which are separated by an electrolyte. This type of battery allows the direct conversion into electrical energy of the energy produced by the following redox reactions: - an oxidation reaction of a fuel, or fuel, which feeds the anode continuously; and
  • the fuel cells used to supply electrical energy on board motor vehicles are generally of the solid electrolyte type, in particular of polymer electrolyte. Such a cell uses in particular hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O 2 ) as fuel and oxidizer respectively.
  • This type of battery makes it possible to obtain at the same time a generally satisfactory yield, reaction time and operating temperature for supplying electricity to an electric motor for the propulsion of a motor vehicle.
  • the fuel cell offers in particular the advantage of only rejecting water which is produced by the reduction reaction at the cathode.
  • the oxidizer of a battery of the type described above can be ambient air whose oxygen (O2) is reduced.
  • the cathode generally comprises an inlet which allows the continuous supply of oxygen (0 2 ) or air, and an outlet which allows the evacuation of the excess air or oxygen (0 2 ) as well as the evacuation of the water produced during oxygen reduction (0 2 ).
  • the anode generally has an inlet through which hydrogen (H 2 ) is introduced.
  • Hydrogen (H 2 ) is extracted from petrol during a so-called reforming operation which requires a device called a reformer.
  • the gasoline is injected into the reformer with water and air.
  • the reforming product is a gas called reformate which is mainly composed of hydrogen (H 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (C0 2 ), oxygen (0 2 ) and nitrogen ( N 2 ).
  • the anode of the cell is then directly supplied with reformate by the reformer.
  • the reformer needs to be heated and maintained at a temperature above a threshold temperature.
  • the reformer includes a heating device. Below this threshold temperature, the reformer cannot supply hydrogen (H 2 ) to the fuel cell, and the latter cannot therefore produce electrical energy.
  • the reformer threshold temperature is higher than the ambient temperature to which the vehicle is likely to be subjected.
  • the heating device can last up to several minutes.
  • the electric motor cannot be powered by the fuel cell and the driver must wait until the reformer starts to be able to use the motor vehicle.
  • the vehicle generally includes an accelerator pedal movable between a rest position and a maximum position which corresponds to the maximum power likely to be supplied by the motor as a function of the releasable electric power. by the fuel cell.
  • the pedal is also capable of occupying a threshold position which is situated between the rest position and the maximum actuated position, and which corresponds to the maximum power which can be supplied by the motor when it is supplied by the battery.
  • Document US-6447939B1 describes a device in which when a "quick-down" is detected during the start of the reforming phase, the amount of electrical energy required to start the reformer is limited and the amount of electrical energy distributed to the motor is increased giving priority to the motor supply.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle comprising means for varying the extreme actuated position of the improved accelerator pedal.
  • the present invention provides a vehicle of the type described above, characterized in that means are provided for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal as a function of a parameter representative of the electric power available for powering the engine.
  • said representative parameter is the temperature of the reformer
  • said means automatically vary the actuated extreme position of the accelerator pedal between a threshold position corresponding to the electrical power releasable by the battery and a maximum position corresponding to the electrical power which is likely to be supplied by the fuel cell;
  • - Said means are controlled by the intervention of the driver via a manual control device which is neutralized as long as the temperature of the reformer is below the threshold temperature;
  • - Said means vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal when the accelerator pedal is located between the rest position and an intermediate position which is located between the rest position and the threshold position; - Said means automatically vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal after a time delay;
  • the vehicle comprises means for increasing the resistance to movement of the accelerator pedal from the threshold position towards the maximum position which are actuated automatically and temporarily;
  • the vehicle includes an alert device which issues an alert signal to the driver when the temperature of the reformer is above the threshold temperature;
  • - Said means comprise a retractable stop which is movable between an active state in which the movements of the accelerator pedal are limited between the rest position and the threshold position, and an inactive state in which the pedal is capable of reaching the maximum position.
  • FIG. 2 is a view of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 equipped with a device for varying its extreme position actuated according to the teachings of the invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the pedal and the device according to the section plane 3-3 of Figure 2;
  • FIG. 4 is a diagram which illustrates the operation of the vehicle shown in Figure 1;
  • - Figure 5 shows the pedal of Figure 2 which is here equipped with a variant of the device to vary its extreme actuated position;
  • FIG. 6a is a sectional view along the cutting plane 6-6 of Figure 5 and which shows the device in an active state;
  • - Figure 6b is a view similar to that of Figure 6a and which shows the device in semi-active state
  • - Figure 6c is a view similar to that of Figure 6b and which shows the pedal actuated beyond a threshold position
  • Figure 6d is a view similar to that of Figure 6a and which shows the device in the inactive state.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10 comprising an electric propulsion motor 12.
  • the vehicle 10 also includes an auxiliary battery 14 and a fuel cell 16 which are here capable of successively supplying the motor 12 with electrical energy.
  • the electric power supply circuit of the motor 12, which is shown in thin solid lines, comprises a selection switch 18 which is intended to select the source of electric power supply for the motor 12.
  • the selection switch 18 can occupy a main position 18a in which the fuel cell 16 supplies the engine 12 with electrical energy, or an auxiliary position 18b in which the battery 14 supplies the engine 12 with electrical energy.
  • An inverter 20 is here arranged in the electrical supply circuit between the switch 18 and the motor 12.
  • the fuel cell 16 has already been described in the preamble. It is supplied with oxidizer, here oxygen O 2 , and with fuel, here hydrogen H 2 , by a supply circuit which is shown in bold solid lines in FIG. 1. The stack is supplied with oxidant by an air compression device 21.
  • the fuel cell 16 is supplied with fuel by a reformer 22 which extracts the hydrogen H 2 from a hydrocarbon such as gasoline.
  • the hydrocarbon which feeds the reformer 22 is contained in a tank 24.
  • the reformer 22 must be heated and maintained at a temperature above a threshold temperature Ts in order to function.
  • the reformer 22 is equipped with a heating device (not shown).
  • the threshold temperature Ts of the reformer 22 is higher than the ambient temperature to which the vehicle 10 is liable to be subjected.
  • the threshold temperature Ts of the reformer 22 is higher than the ambient temperature to which the vehicle 10 is liable to be subjected.
  • the reformer 22 therefore comprises a temperature sensor 26 which transmits, to an electronic control unit 28, a signal representative of the temperature Tm of the reformer 22.
  • the lines for exchanging the signals received or transmitted by the electronic control unit 28 are shown in broken lines in Figure 1.
  • the electronic control unit 28 compares the measured temperature Tm of the reformer 22 with the threshold temperature Ts:
  • the electronic control unit 28 selects the auxiliary position 18b of the switch 18;
  • the passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10 here comprises an accelerator pedal 30 which is mounted articulated between a rest position PO corresponding to zero power supplied by the motor 12 and a maximum position P2 corresponding to the maximum power supplied by the motor 12 when it is powered by the fuel cell 16.
  • the pedal 30 thus allows the driver to control the power supplied by the engine 12, for example in proportion to the angular travel of the accelerator pedal 30.
  • the pedal 30 is also susceptible occupy a threshold position P1 which is located between the rest position PO and the maximum position P2.
  • the threshold position P1 corresponds to the power which the motor 12 can supply when it is supplied by the auxiliary battery 14. That is to say that when the motor 12 is supplied by the auxiliary battery 14, the power supplied by the motor 12 remaining constant beyond this threshold position P1.
  • the operating principle of the pedal 30 is as follows.
  • a position sensor 32 of the pedal 30 transmits a signal, representative of the angular position of the pedal 30, to the electronic control unit 28.
  • the electronic control unit 28 then transmits a signal to the inverter 20 so that the latter "controls" at the selected electrical energy source 14 or 16 the electrical power necessary for the motor 12 to supply the required mechanical power.
  • the vehicle 10 includes a device 34 for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 and in particular for limiting the movements of the pedal 30 between the rest position PO and the maximum position P2, or between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1.
  • the pedal 30 mainly consists of a handle 36 which is generally vertical at the lower end of which is arranged a shoe 38 which is intended to receive a force applied by the driver's foot.
  • the upper end of the crank 36 is rotatably mounted relative to the structure of the vehicle around a transverse axis A.
  • the upper end of the crank comprises a head 40 in which is formed an oblong groove 42 substantially longitudinal.
  • the front end 44 of the groove 42 is intended to cooperate with a retractable stop 46 secured to the structure of the vehicle 10 in order to limit the movements of the pedal 30 between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1.
  • the retractable stop 46 is slidably mounted transversely in a housing 48 which is integral with the structure of the vehicle 10 and which is arranged near the head 40 of the pedal 30.
  • the retractable stop 46 is controlled by an electromagnet 50 arranged inside the housing 48.
  • the electronic control unit 28 controls the stop 46 by means of the electromagnet 50 in particular between:
  • a first step E1 the driver starts the vehicle 10, then during a second step E2, the temperature sensor 26 supplies the electronic control unit 28 with the temperature Tm of the reformer 22.
  • the control unit electronics 28 then compares the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 with the threshold temperature Ts.
  • the electronic control unit 28 triggers a limitation step E3 during which it selects the auxiliary position 18b of the switch 18 so that the motor 12 is powered by the auxiliary battery 14.
  • step E3 During step E3 and after selecting the switch
  • the electronic control unit 28 triggers a step E4 of driver warning during which the driver is warned by means not shown, that a source of energy of greater capacity than the auxiliary battery 14, that is to say the fuel cell
  • step E4 during a release step E5, the electronic control unit 28 controls the switch 18 in main position 18a so that the fuel cell 16 supplies the electric motor 12.
  • the electronic control unit 28 selects the inactive state the retractable stop 46 so that the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 corresponds to its maximum position P2. The movements of the pedal 30 are then free between its rest position PO and its maximum position P2.
  • the electronic control unit 28 only selects the inactive state of the retractable stop 46 after a time delay, for example a few seconds after the indicator light has been on.
  • the driver alerted by the indicator light thus has time to become aware that the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 is going to be modified and he is thus less likely to press the accelerator pedal 30 unintentionally.
  • the passage of the retractable stop 46 in the inactive state is controlled, not only as a function of the temperature Tm of the reformer 22, but also in depending on the position of the accelerator pedal 30.
  • the retractable stop 46 does not go into the inactive state until:
  • the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts;
  • step E5 the electronic control unit 28 controls an intermediate device for manual release (not shown) of the retractable stop 46 which is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle
  • the conductor cannot act on the manual triggering device because the latter is inhibited or neutralized by the electronic control unit 28.
  • the electronic control unit 28 activates the manual triggering device.
  • the driver is alerted by the illumination of the indicator light, and he himself manually triggers the device which triggers the passage of the retractable stop 46 in the inactive state.
  • the manual triggering device is for example a push button electrically connected to the control unit 28.
  • the stop 46 is capable of temporarily occupying a semi-active state which is intended to be engaged during the release step E5, and in which the movements of the pedal 30 between its threshold position P1 and its maximum position P2 require the driver to apply to the shoe 38 a force greater than the force required when the stop 46 is inactive.
  • This embodiment uses a variant 52 of the device 34 to vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal shown in Figures 2 and 3. This variant is shown in Figures 5, 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
  • the retractable stop 46 here comprises a transverse lug 54 which is intended to cooperate with a stop bearing 55 secured to the housing when the stop 46 is in the active state so that the stop 46 is fixed relative to the housing 48 when the face d the front end 44 of the pedal is brought into contact with the stop 46.
  • the housing 48 is perforated with a substantially longitudinal slot 56 intended to guide the stop 46 in longitudinal sliding when the latter is in a semi-active state in which the stop 46 is movable relative to the housing 48, and that the pedal 30 is moved between its threshold position P1 and its maximum position P2.
  • the housing 48 also includes a compression spring 58 of generally longitudinal orientation relative to the orientation of FIG. 2 and on which the stop 46 is supported.
  • the spring 58 is in particular intended to exert an additional force opposite to the force that the driver applies to the pedal 30 when the stop is in the semi-active position.
  • the spring 58 makes it possible to resiliently recall the stop 46 towards the longitudinal position which it occupies in the active or inactive state.
  • the housing 48 includes an electromagnet 50 which controls a transverse rod 60 which comprises a notch 62 which is intended to receive a longitudinal stud 64 carried by the stop 46 to allow the transverse movement of the stop 46.
  • FIG. 6a shows the device 52 in the active state.
  • the stop 46 is then engaged in the groove 42 and it is immobilized, in longitudinal translation relative to the housing 48, by the stop bearing 55 which blocks the lug 54.
  • the movements of the pedal 30 are then limited between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1.
  • FIGS. 6b and 6c show the device 52 in the semi-active state.
  • the electromagnet 50 then acts on the rod 60 which performs a first transverse translation to the right according to the orientation of FIG. 6b.
  • the rod 60 and the stop 46 being made integral by fitting the stud 64 into the notch 62.
  • the stop 46 is therefore also moved transversely to the right so that the stop 46 is always engaged in the groove 42 and so that the lug 54 is no longer adjacent to stop bearing 55.
  • the pedal 30 When the pedal 30 is returned to its threshold position P1, the stud 64 is again engaged in the notch 62 of the rod 60.
  • the device 52 can then be deactivated, as shown in FIG. 6d.
  • the electromagnet 50 acts on the rod 60 so that the latter performs a second transverse translation to the right.
  • the rod 60 therefore drives the stop 46 in transverse translation to the right according to FIG. 6d so that the stop 46 is completely released out of the groove 42.
  • the pedal 30 is then capable of being moved between its rest position PO and its maximum position P2.
  • the electronic control unit 28 selects temporarily the semi-active state of the stop 46.
  • the driver thus has the sensation of being able to actuate the pedal 30 beyond its threshold position P1, but he must exert a conscious effort to overcome the resistance of the spring 58.
  • the electronic control unit 28 controls the passage of the stop 46 to the inactive state, the driver was thus able to become aware of the increase in power that the motor 12 can supply. It will be understood that simple mechanical inversions can constitute alternative embodiments of the invention.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Transportation (AREA)
  • Power Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Sustainable Development (AREA)
  • Sustainable Energy (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Electric Propulsion And Braking For Vehicles (AREA)
  • Auxiliary Drives, Propulsion Controls, And Safety Devices (AREA)
  • Hybrid Electric Vehicles (AREA)

Abstract

The invention concerns a motor vehicle (10) comprising an electric drive engine (12) capable of being successively supplied with electric power by two separate electric power sources, in particular by a set of batteries and by a fuel cell, and of the type comprising an accelerator pedal (30) which is mobile between a rest position (P0) and an extreme actuated position (P1, P2) corresponding to the maximum power capable of being supplied by the engine (12) based on the amount of electric power available for its powering. The invention is characterized in that means (34, 35) are provided for varying the extreme actuated position (P1, P2) of the pedal (30) on the basis of a parameter (Tm) representing the amount of electric power available for powering the engine (12).

Description

"Véhicule automobile comportant des moyens pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale d'accélération" "Motor vehicle comprising means for varying the extreme actuated position of the accelerator pedal"
L'invention concerne un véhicule automobile comportant un moteur électrique de propulsion susceptible d'être alimenté en énergie électrique par deux sources d'énergie distinctes.The invention relates to a motor vehicle comprising an electric propulsion motor capable of being supplied with electric energy by two separate energy sources.
L'invention concerne plus particulièrement un véhicule automobile comportant un moteur électrique de propulsion susceptible d'être alimenté en énergie électrique : - par une première source d'énergie électrique constituée par une pile à combustible qui est alimentée en carburant par un reformeur lorsque la température du reformeur est supérieure ou égale à une température de seuil ; ouThe invention relates more particularly to a motor vehicle comprising an electric propulsion motor capable of being supplied with electrical energy: - by a first source of electrical energy constituted by a fuel cell which is supplied with fuel by a reformer when the temperature of the reformer is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature; or
- par une seconde source d'énergie électrique constituée par une batterie auxiliaire tant que la température du reformeur est inférieure à la température de seuil ; et du type qui comporte une pédale d'accélération qui est mobile entre une position de repos et une position extrême actionnée correspondant à la puissance mécanique maximale susceptible d'être fournie par le moteur en fonction de la puissance électrique disponible pour son alimentation.- by a second source of electrical energy constituted by an auxiliary battery as long as the temperature of the reformer is lower than the threshold temperature; and of the type which comprises an accelerator pedal which is movable between a rest position and an extreme actuated position corresponding to the maximum mechanical power capable of being supplied by the engine as a function of the electrical power available for its supply.
Les véhicules mus par un moteur électrique peuvent avantageusement être alimentés en énergie électrique par une pile à combustible. Une pile à combustible est constituée principalement de deux électrodes, une anode et une cathode, qui sont séparées par un électrolyte. Ce type de pile permet la conversion directe en énergie électrique de l'énergie produite par les réactions d'oxydo-réduction suivantes : - une réaction d'oxydation d'un combustible, ou carburant, qui alimente l'anode en continu ; etVehicles powered by an electric motor can advantageously be supplied with electric energy by a fuel cell. A fuel cell consists mainly of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, which are separated by an electrolyte. This type of battery allows the direct conversion into electrical energy of the energy produced by the following redox reactions: - an oxidation reaction of a fuel, or fuel, which feeds the anode continuously; and
- une réaction de réduction d'un comburant qui alimente la cathode en continu. Les piles à combustible utilisées pour fournir de l'énergie électrique à bord de véhicules automobiles sont généralement du type à électrolyte solide, notamment à électrolyte en polymère. Une telle pile utilise notamment de l'hydrogène (H ) et de l'oxygène (02) en guise de carburant et de comburant respectivement.- a reduction reaction of an oxidizer which feeds the cathode continuously. The fuel cells used to supply electrical energy on board motor vehicles are generally of the solid electrolyte type, in particular of polymer electrolyte. Such a cell uses in particular hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O 2 ) as fuel and oxidizer respectively.
Ce type de pile permet d'obtenir à la fois un rendement, un temps de réaction et une température de fonctionnement globalement satisfaisants pour fournir de l'électricité à un moteur électrique pour la propulsion d'un véhicule automobile.This type of battery makes it possible to obtain at the same time a generally satisfactory yield, reaction time and operating temperature for supplying electricity to an electric motor for the propulsion of a motor vehicle.
Contrairement aux moteurs thermiques qui rejettent avec les gaz d'échappement une quantité non négligeable de substances polluantes, la pile à combustible offre notamment l'avantage de ne rejeter que de l'eau qui est produite par la réaction de réduction à la cathode. De plus, le comburant d'une pile du type décrit précédemment peut être de l'air ambiant dont l'oxygène (O2) est réduit.Unlike heat engines which reject a significant quantity of polluting substances with the exhaust gases, the fuel cell offers in particular the advantage of only rejecting water which is produced by the reduction reaction at the cathode. In addition, the oxidizer of a battery of the type described above can be ambient air whose oxygen (O2) is reduced.
La cathode comporte généralement une entrée qui permet l'alimentation continue en oxygène (02) ou en air, et une sortie qui permet l'évacuation du surplus d'air ou d'oxygène (02) ainsi que l'évacuation de l'eau produite lors de la réduction de l'oxygène (02). De façon générale, l'anode comporte généralement une entrée par laquelle est introduit de l'hydrogène (H2).The cathode generally comprises an inlet which allows the continuous supply of oxygen (0 2 ) or air, and an outlet which allows the evacuation of the excess air or oxygen (0 2 ) as well as the evacuation of the water produced during oxygen reduction (0 2 ). In general, the anode generally has an inlet through which hydrogen (H 2 ) is introduced.
Cependant, dans l'état actuel de la technique, le stockage d'hydrogène pur (H2) à bord du véhicule nécessite un volume trop important pour obtenir une autonomie confortable. De plus, la logistique de distribution de l'hydrogène (H2) n'est pas encore répandue géographiquement.However, in the current state of the art, the storage of pure hydrogen (H 2 ) on board the vehicle requires too large a volume to obtain comfortable autonomy. In addition, the logistics for the distribution of hydrogen (H2) is not yet widespread geographically.
Pour résoudre ces problèmes, il est connu de produire de l'hydrogène (H2) directement à bord du véhicule à partir d'hydrocarbures, notamment de combustibles conventionnels tels que l'essence ou le gaz naturel. L'hydrogène (H2) est extrait de l'essence lors d'une opération dite de reformage qui nécessite un dispositif appelé reformeur. L'essence est injectée dans le reformeur avec de l'eau et de l'air. Le produit du reformage est un gaz appelé reformât qui est principalement composé d'hydrogène (H2), de monoxyde de carbone (CO), de dioxyde de carbone (C02), d'oxygène (02) et d'azote (N2). L'anode de la pile est ensuite directement alimentée en reformât par le reformeur.To solve these problems, it is known to produce hydrogen (H 2 ) directly on board the vehicle from hydrocarbons, in particular from conventional fuels such as petrol or natural gas. Hydrogen (H 2 ) is extracted from petrol during a so-called reforming operation which requires a device called a reformer. The gasoline is injected into the reformer with water and air. The reforming product is a gas called reformate which is mainly composed of hydrogen (H 2 ), carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (C0 2 ), oxygen (0 2 ) and nitrogen ( N 2 ). The anode of the cell is then directly supplied with reformate by the reformer.
Pour pouvoir produire un tel reformât, le reformeur nécessite d'être chauffé et maintenu à une température supérieure à une température de seuil. A cet effet, le reformeur comporte un dispositif de chauffage. En deçà de cette température de seuil, le reformeur ne peut pas alimenter la pile à combustible en hydrogène (H2), et cette dernière ne peut donc pas produire d'énergie électrique.To be able to produce such a reformate, the reformer needs to be heated and maintained at a temperature above a threshold temperature. To this end, the reformer includes a heating device. Below this threshold temperature, the reformer cannot supply hydrogen (H 2 ) to the fuel cell, and the latter cannot therefore produce electrical energy.
Cependant, la température de seuil du reformeur est supérieure à la température ambiante à laquelle le véhicule est susceptible d'être soumis. Ainsi, lorsque le reformeur est froid, sa mise à température par le dispositif de chauffage nécessite un temps non négligeable qui peut durer jusqu'à plusieurs minutes. Durant ce temps, le moteur électrique ne peut pas être alimenté par la pile à combustible et le conducteur doit patienter jusqu'à la mise en marche du reformeur pour pouvoir utiliser le véhicule automobile.However, the reformer threshold temperature is higher than the ambient temperature to which the vehicle is likely to be subjected. Thus, when the reformer is cold, it takes significant time to warm it up by the heating device, which can last up to several minutes. During this time, the electric motor cannot be powered by the fuel cell and the driver must wait until the reformer starts to be able to use the motor vehicle.
Pour permettre au conducteur d'utiliser le véhicule rapidement après son démarrage, il est connu d'équiper le véhicule d'une batterie d'accumulateurs auxiliaire afin d'alimenter le moteur électrique durant le temps de chauffage du reformeur. Ainsi, lors du chauffage du reformeur, le moteur est alimenté en énergie électrique par la batterie auxiliaire, et lorsque le reformeur a atteint sa température de seuil, la source d'alimentation en énergie électrique bascule automatiquement de la batterie vers la pile à combustible.To allow the driver to use the vehicle quickly after starting, it is known to equip the vehicle with an auxiliary storage battery in order to power the electric motor during the heating time of the reformer. Thus, when the reformer is heated, the engine is supplied with electrical energy by the auxiliary battery, and when the reformer has reached its threshold temperature, the source of electrical energy supply automatically switches from the battery to the fuel cell.
Cependant, une telle batterie ne peut généralement pas fournir autant de puissance électrique au moteur qu'une pile à combustible. Cela a des conséquences sur la puissance maximale que peut fournir instantanément le moteur et donc sur les sensations de pilotage du conducteur.However, such a battery cannot generally supply as much electrical power to the engine as a fuel cell. This has consequences for the power maximum that can instantly provide the engine and therefore on the driving sensations of the driver.
Pour permettre au conducteur de commander le moteur électrique, le véhicule comporte généralement une pédale d'accélération mobile entre une position de repos et une position maximale qui correspond à la puissance maximale susceptible d'être fournie par le moteur en fonction de la puissance électrique libérable par la pile à combustible. La pédale est aussi susceptible d'occuper une position de seuil qui est située entre la position de repos et la position maximale actionnée, et qui correspond à la puissance maximale susceptible d'être fournie par le moteur lorsqu'il est alimenté par la batterie.To allow the driver to control the electric motor, the vehicle generally includes an accelerator pedal movable between a rest position and a maximum position which corresponds to the maximum power likely to be supplied by the motor as a function of the releasable electric power. by the fuel cell. The pedal is also capable of occupying a threshold position which is situated between the rest position and the maximum actuated position, and which corresponds to the maximum power which can be supplied by the motor when it is supplied by the battery.
Lorsque le moteur est alimenté par la batterie, l'actionnement de la pédale d'accélération depuis la position de repos jusqu'à la position de seuil se traduit pour le conducteur par une augmentation continue de puissance. L'actionnement de la pédale d'accélération au-delà de la position de seuil reste ensuite sans effet sur la puissance fournie par le moteur contrairement à ce qu'attend le conducteur lorsque le moteur est normalement alimenté par la pile à combustible.When the engine is powered by the battery, actuation of the accelerator pedal from the rest position to the threshold position results in a continuous increase in power for the driver. Actuation of the accelerator pedal beyond the threshold position then has no effect on the power supplied by the engine, contrary to what the driver expects when the engine is normally powered by the fuel cell.
De plus, lorsque la source d'alimentation du moteur bascule automatiquement de la batterie auxiliaire vers la pile à combustible et que la pédale d'accélération est actionnée au- delà de la position de seuil, le moteur est soudainement alimenté par une plus grande puissance électrique. L'augmentation brutale de puissance fournie par le moteur qui en est la conséquence est alors susceptible de surprendre le conducteur et/ou de provoquer un accident.In addition, when the engine power source automatically switches from the auxiliary battery to the fuel cell and the accelerator pedal is actuated beyond the threshold position, the engine is suddenly powered by greater power. electric. The sudden increase in power supplied by the engine which is the consequence is then likely to surprise the driver and / or cause an accident.
Le document US-6447939B1 décrit un dispositif dans lequel quand un « quick-down » est détecté pendant le démarrage de la phase de reformage, la quantité d'énergie électrique nécessaire au démarrage du reformeur est limitée et la quantité d'énergie électrique distribuée au moteur est augmentée en donnant la priorité à l'alimentation du moteur. L'objet de la présente invention est de fournir un véhicule automobile comportant des moyens pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale d'accélération amélioré.Document US-6447939B1 describes a device in which when a "quick-down" is detected during the start of the reforming phase, the amount of electrical energy required to start the reformer is limited and the amount of electrical energy distributed to the motor is increased giving priority to the motor supply. The object of the present invention is to provide a motor vehicle comprising means for varying the extreme actuated position of the improved accelerator pedal.
La présente invention propose un véhicule du type décrit précédemment, caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu des moyens pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale en fonction d'un paramètre représentatif de la puissance électrique disponible pour l'alimentation du moteur.The present invention provides a vehicle of the type described above, characterized in that means are provided for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal as a function of a parameter representative of the electric power available for powering the engine.
Selon d'autres caractéristiques de l'invention : - ledit paramètre représentatif est la température du reformeur ;According to other characteristics of the invention: - said representative parameter is the temperature of the reformer;
- lorsque la température du reformeur est supérieure à la température de seuil, lesdits moyens font varier automatiquement la position extrême actionnée de la pédale d'accélération entre une position de seuil correspondant à la puissance électrique libérable par la batterie et une position maximale correspondant à la puissance électrique qui est susceptible d'être fournie par la pile à combustible ;when the temperature of the reformer is higher than the threshold temperature, said means automatically vary the actuated extreme position of the accelerator pedal between a threshold position corresponding to the electrical power releasable by the battery and a maximum position corresponding to the electrical power which is likely to be supplied by the fuel cell;
- lesdits moyens qui font varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale sont commandés par l'intervention du conducteur ;- Said means which vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal are controlled by the intervention of the driver;
- lesdits moyens sont commandés par l'intervention du conducteur par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de commande manuel qui est neutralisé tant que la température du reformeur est inférieure à la température de seuil ;- Said means are controlled by the intervention of the driver via a manual control device which is neutralized as long as the temperature of the reformer is below the threshold temperature;
- lesdits moyens font varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale lorsque la pédale d'accélération se situe entre la position de repos et une position intermédiaire qui est située entre la position de repos et la position de seuil ; - lesdits moyens font varier automatiquement la position extrême actionnée de la pédale après une temporisation ;- Said means vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal when the accelerator pedal is located between the rest position and an intermediate position which is located between the rest position and the threshold position; - Said means automatically vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal after a time delay;
- le véhicule comporte des moyens pour augmenter la résistance au déplacement de la pédale d'accélération depuis la position de seuil vers la position maximaie qui sont actionnés automatiquement et de façon temporaire ;the vehicle comprises means for increasing the resistance to movement of the accelerator pedal from the threshold position towards the maximum position which are actuated automatically and temporarily;
- le véhicule comporte un dispositif d'alerte qui émet un signal d'alerte à l'attention du conducteur lorsque la température du reformeur est supérieure à la température de seuil ;- The vehicle includes an alert device which issues an alert signal to the driver when the temperature of the reformer is above the threshold temperature;
- lesdits moyens comportent une butée escamotable qui est mobile entre un état actif dans lequel les déplacements de la pédale d'accélération sont limités entre la position de repos et la position de seuil, et un état inactif dans lequel la pédale est susceptible d'atteindre la position maximale.- Said means comprise a retractable stop which is movable between an active state in which the movements of the accelerator pedal are limited between the rest position and the threshold position, and an inactive state in which the pedal is capable of reaching the maximum position.
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés, parmi lesquels : - la figure 1 représente schématiquement un véhicule automobile réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention ;Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear during the reading of the detailed description which follows for the understanding of which one will refer to the appended drawings, among which: - Figure 1 schematically represents a motor vehicle produced according to the teachings of the invention;
- la figure 2 est une vue de la pédale d'accélération du véhicule représenté à la figure 1 équipée d'un dispositif pour faire varier sa position extrême actionnée selon les enseignements de l'invention ;- Figure 2 is a view of the accelerator pedal of the vehicle shown in Figure 1 equipped with a device for varying its extreme position actuated according to the teachings of the invention;
- la figure 3 est une vue en coupe de la pédale et du dispositif selon le plan de coupe 3-3 de la figure 2 ;- Figure 3 is a sectional view of the pedal and the device according to the section plane 3-3 of Figure 2;
- la figure 4 est un diagramme qui illustre le fonctionnement du véhicule représenté à la figure 1 ; - la figure 5 représente la pédale de la figure 2 qui est ici équipée d'une variante du dispositif pour faire varier sa position extrême actionnée ;- Figure 4 is a diagram which illustrates the operation of the vehicle shown in Figure 1; - Figure 5 shows the pedal of Figure 2 which is here equipped with a variant of the device to vary its extreme actuated position;
- la figure 6a est une vue en coupe selon le plan de coupe 6-6 de la figure 5 et qui représente le dispositif dans un état actif ;- Figure 6a is a sectional view along the cutting plane 6-6 of Figure 5 and which shows the device in an active state;
- la figure 6b est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 6a et qui représente le dispositif en état semi-actif ; - la figure 6c est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 6b et qui représente la pédale actionnée au-delà d'une position de seuil ;- Figure 6b is a view similar to that of Figure 6a and which shows the device in semi-active state; - Figure 6c is a view similar to that of Figure 6b and which shows the pedal actuated beyond a threshold position;
- la figure 6d est une vue analogue à celle de la figure 6a et qui représente le dispositif en état inactif.- Figure 6d is a view similar to that of Figure 6a and which shows the device in the inactive state.
Dans la description qui va suivre, on adoptera à titre non limitatif une orientation longitudinale, verticale et transversale indiquée par le trièdre L, V, T de la figure 2.In the description which follows, we will adopt, without limitation, a longitudinal, vertical and transverse orientation indicated by the trihedron L, V, T of FIG. 2.
On a représenté schématiquement à la figure 1 un véhicule automobile 10 comportant un moteur électrique de propulsion 12. Le véhicule 10 comporte aussi une batterie auxiliaire 14 et une pile à combustible 16 qui sont ici susceptibles d'alimenter successivement le moteur 12 en énergie électrique. Le circuit d'alimentation électrique du moteur 12, qui est représenté en traits continus fins, comporte un commutateur de sélection 18 qui est destiné à sélectionner la source d'alimentation en énergie électrique du moteur 12.FIG. 1 schematically shows a motor vehicle 10 comprising an electric propulsion motor 12. The vehicle 10 also includes an auxiliary battery 14 and a fuel cell 16 which are here capable of successively supplying the motor 12 with electrical energy. The electric power supply circuit of the motor 12, which is shown in thin solid lines, comprises a selection switch 18 which is intended to select the source of electric power supply for the motor 12.
Ainsi le commutateur de sélection 18 peut occuper une position principale 18a dans laquelle la pile à combustible 16 alimente le moteur 12 en énergie électrique, ou une position auxiliaire 18b dans laquelle la batterie 14 alimente le moteur 12 en énergie électrique. Un onduleur 20 est ici agencé dans le circuit électrique d'alimentation entre le commutateur 18 et le moteur 12.Thus the selection switch 18 can occupy a main position 18a in which the fuel cell 16 supplies the engine 12 with electrical energy, or an auxiliary position 18b in which the battery 14 supplies the engine 12 with electrical energy. An inverter 20 is here arranged in the electrical supply circuit between the switch 18 and the motor 12.
La pile à combustible 16 a déjà été décrite en préambule. Elle est alimentée en comburant, ici de l'oxygène 02, et en carburant, ici de l'hydrogène H2, par un circuit d'alimentation qui est représenté en traits continus gras à la figure 1 . La pile est alimentée en comburant par un dispositif de compression d'air 21 .The fuel cell 16 has already been described in the preamble. It is supplied with oxidizer, here oxygen O 2 , and with fuel, here hydrogen H 2 , by a supply circuit which is shown in bold solid lines in FIG. 1. The stack is supplied with oxidant by an air compression device 21.
La pile à combustible 16 est alimentée en carburant par un reformeur 22 qui extrait l'hydrogène H2 à partir d'un hydrocarbure tel que de l'essence. L'hydrocarbure qui alimente le reformeur 22 est contenu dans un réservoir 24.The fuel cell 16 is supplied with fuel by a reformer 22 which extracts the hydrogen H 2 from a hydrocarbon such as gasoline. The hydrocarbon which feeds the reformer 22 is contained in a tank 24.
Le reformeur 22 doit être chauffé et maintenu à une température supérieure à une température de seuil Ts pour pouvoir fonctionner. A cet effet, le reformeur 22 est équipé d'un dispositif de chauffage (non représenté).The reformer 22 must be heated and maintained at a temperature above a threshold temperature Ts in order to function. For this purpose, the reformer 22 is equipped with a heating device (not shown).
Comme cela a déjà été expliqué en préambule, la température de seuil Ts du reformeur 22 est supérieure à la température ambiante à laquelle le véhicule 10 est susceptible d'être soumis. Ainsi, lorsque le conducteur démarre le véhicule 10 à froid, un temps non négligeable de chauffage du reformeur 22 pouvant durer jusqu'à quelques minutes est nécessaire pour porter le reformeur 22 à sa température de seuil Ts.As already explained in the preamble, the threshold temperature Ts of the reformer 22 is higher than the ambient temperature to which the vehicle 10 is liable to be subjected. Thus, when the driver starts the vehicle 10 cold, a significant time for heating the reformer 22 which can last up to a few minutes is necessary to bring the reformer 22 to its threshold temperature Ts.
Le reformeur 22 comporte donc un capteur de température 26 qui transmet, à une unité de commande électronique 28, un signal représentatif de la température Tm du reformeur 22. Les lignes d'échanges des signaux reçus ou émis par l'unité de commande électronique 28 sont représentées en traits discontinus à la figure 1 . Après avoir reçu la mesure Tm de la température du reformeur 22, l'unité de commande électronique 28 compare la température mesurée Tm du reformeur 22 à la température de seuil Ts :The reformer 22 therefore comprises a temperature sensor 26 which transmits, to an electronic control unit 28, a signal representative of the temperature Tm of the reformer 22. The lines for exchanging the signals received or transmitted by the electronic control unit 28 are shown in broken lines in Figure 1. After having received the measurement Tm of the temperature of the reformer 22, the electronic control unit 28 compares the measured temperature Tm of the reformer 22 with the threshold temperature Ts:
- si la température Tm du reformeur 22 est inférieure à la température de seuil Ts, l'unité de commande électronique 28 sélectionne la position auxiliaire 18b du commutateur 18 ;- If the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is lower than the threshold temperature Ts, the electronic control unit 28 selects the auxiliary position 18b of the switch 18;
- si la température Tm du reformeur 22 est supérieure à la température de seuil Ts, l'unité de commande électronique 28 sélectionne la position principale 18a du commutateur 18. L'habitacle (non représenté) du véhicule 10 comporte ici une pédale d'accélération 30 qui est montée articulée entre une position de repos PO correspondant à une puissance nulle fournie par le moteur 12 et une position maximale P2 correspondant à la puissance maximale fournie par le moteur 12 lorsqu'il est alimenté par la pile à combustible 16. La pédale 30 permet ainsi au conducteur de piloter la puissance fournie par le moteur 12, par exemple proportionnellement à la course angulaire de la pédale d'accélération 30. La pédale 30 est aussi susceptible d'occuper une position de seuil P1 qui est située entre la position de repos PO et la position maximale P2. La position de seuil P1 correspond à la puissance que peut fournir le moteur 12 lorsqu'il est alimenté par la batterie auxiliaire 14. C'est-à-dire que lorsque le moteur 12 est alimenté par la batterie auxiliaire 14, la puissance fournie par le moteur 12 restant constante au-delà de cette position de seuil P1 .- If the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is higher than the threshold temperature Ts, the electronic control unit 28 selects the main position 18a of the switch 18. The passenger compartment (not shown) of the vehicle 10 here comprises an accelerator pedal 30 which is mounted articulated between a rest position PO corresponding to zero power supplied by the motor 12 and a maximum position P2 corresponding to the maximum power supplied by the motor 12 when it is powered by the fuel cell 16. The pedal 30 thus allows the driver to control the power supplied by the engine 12, for example in proportion to the angular travel of the accelerator pedal 30. The pedal 30 is also susceptible occupy a threshold position P1 which is located between the rest position PO and the maximum position P2. The threshold position P1 corresponds to the power which the motor 12 can supply when it is supplied by the auxiliary battery 14. That is to say that when the motor 12 is supplied by the auxiliary battery 14, the power supplied by the motor 12 remaining constant beyond this threshold position P1.
Le principe de fonctionnement de la pédale 30 est le suivant. Un capteur de position 32 de la pédale 30 émet un signal, représentatif de la position angulaire de la pédale 30, vers l'unité de commande électronique 28. L'unité de commande électronique 28 émet ensuite un signal à destination de l'onduleur 20 afin que ce dernier « commande » à la source d'énergie électrique sélectionnée 14 ou 16 la puissance électrique nécessaire au moteur 12 pour fournir la puissance mécanique requise.The operating principle of the pedal 30 is as follows. A position sensor 32 of the pedal 30 transmits a signal, representative of the angular position of the pedal 30, to the electronic control unit 28. The electronic control unit 28 then transmits a signal to the inverter 20 so that the latter "controls" at the selected electrical energy source 14 or 16 the electrical power necessary for the motor 12 to supply the required mechanical power.
Dans la suite de la description, nous appellerons position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 la position jusqu'à laquelle le conducteur peut enfoncer la pédale 30 avant d'arriver en butée.In the following description, we will call the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 the position up to which the driver can depress the pedal 30 before reaching the stop.
Selon les enseignements de l'invention, le véhicule 10 comporte un dispositif 34 pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 et notamment pour limiter les déplacements de la pédale 30 entre la position de repos PO et la position maximale P2, ou entre la position de repos PO et la position de seuil P1 .According to the teachings of the invention, the vehicle 10 includes a device 34 for varying the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 and in particular for limiting the movements of the pedal 30 between the rest position PO and the maximum position P2, or between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1.
Nous allons maintenant décrire la pédale 30 équipée de ce dispositif 34 en référence aux figures 2 et 3. La pédale 30 est principalement constituée d'une manivelle 36 globalement verticale à l'extrémité inférieure de laquelle est agencé un patin 38 qui est destiné à recevoir un effort appliqué par le pied du conducteur. L'extrémité supérieure de la manivelle 36 est montée à rotation par rapport à la structure du véhicule autour d'un axe transversal A.We will now describe the pedal 30 fitted with this device 34 with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. The pedal 30 mainly consists of a handle 36 which is generally vertical at the lower end of which is arranged a shoe 38 which is intended to receive a force applied by the driver's foot. The upper end of the crank 36 is rotatably mounted relative to the structure of the vehicle around a transverse axis A.
Selon ce mode de réalisation de l'invention, l'extrémité supérieure de la manivelle comporte une tête 40 dans laquelle est formée une rainure oblongue 42 sensiblement longitudinale. L'extrémité avant 44 de la rainure 42 est destinée à coopérer avec une butée escamotable 46 solidaire de la structure du véhicule 10 afin de limiter les déplacements de la pédale 30 entre la position de repos PO et la position de seuil P1 .According to this embodiment of the invention, the upper end of the crank comprises a head 40 in which is formed an oblong groove 42 substantially longitudinal. The front end 44 of the groove 42 is intended to cooperate with a retractable stop 46 secured to the structure of the vehicle 10 in order to limit the movements of the pedal 30 between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1.
La butée escamotable 46 est montée coulissante transversalement dans un boîtier 48 qui est solidaire de la structure du véhicule 10 et qui est agencé à proximité de la tête 40 de la pédale 30.The retractable stop 46 is slidably mounted transversely in a housing 48 which is integral with the structure of the vehicle 10 and which is arranged near the head 40 of the pedal 30.
La butée escamotable 46 est commandée par un électroaimant 50 agencé à l'intérieur du boîtier 48. L'unité de commande électronique 28 commande la butée 46 par l'intermédiaire de Pélectro-aimant 50 notamment entre :The retractable stop 46 is controlled by an electromagnet 50 arranged inside the housing 48. The electronic control unit 28 controls the stop 46 by means of the electromagnet 50 in particular between:
- un état actif (représenté à la figure 3) dans lequel la butée 46 est susceptible de coopérer avec la face d'extrémité avant 44 de la rainure 42 afin de limiter les déplacements de la pédale 30 entre sa position de repos PO et sa position de seuil P1 , la position de seuil P1 étant alors la position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 ; et- An active state (shown in Figure 3) in which the stop 46 is capable of cooperating with the front end face 44 of the groove 42 in order to limit the movements of the pedal 30 between its rest position PO and its position threshold P1, the threshold position P1 then being the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30; and
- un état inactif (non représenté) dans lequel la butée 46 est escamotée par coulissement transversal vers la droite selon la figure 3, de façon à permettre les déplacements de la pédale 30 entre sa position de repos PO et sa position maximale P2, la position maximale P2 étant alors la position extrême actionnée.- An inactive state (not shown) in which the stop 46 is retracted by transverse sliding to the right according to Figure 3, so as to allow movement of the pedal 30 between its rest position PO and its maximum position P2, the position maximum P2 then being the extreme position actuated.
Nous allons maintenant décrire le fonctionnement du véhicule 10 en référence au diagramme de la figure 4. Lors d'une première étape E1 , le conducteur démarre le véhicule 10, puis lors d'une deuxième étape E2, le capteur de température 26 fournit à l'unité de commande électronique 28 la température Tm du reformeur 22. L'unité de commande électronique 28 compare alors la température Tm du reformeur 22 avec la température de seuil Ts.We will now describe the operation of the vehicle 10 with reference to the diagram in FIG. 4. During a first step E1, the driver starts the vehicle 10, then during a second step E2, the temperature sensor 26 supplies the electronic control unit 28 with the temperature Tm of the reformer 22. The control unit electronics 28 then compares the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 with the threshold temperature Ts.
Si la température Tm du reformeur 22 est inférieure à la température de seuil Ts, alors l'unité de commande électronique 28 déclenche une étape E3 de limitation au cours de laquelle elle sélectionne la position auxiliaire 18b du commutateur 18 de façon que le moteur 12 soit alimenté par la batterie auxiliaire 14.If the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is lower than the threshold temperature Ts, then the electronic control unit 28 triggers a limitation step E3 during which it selects the auxiliary position 18b of the switch 18 so that the motor 12 is powered by the auxiliary battery 14.
Lors de l'étape E3 et après le sélection du commutateurDuring step E3 and after selecting the switch
18 en position auxiliaire 18b, l'unité de commande électronique18 in auxiliary position 18b, the electronic control unit
28 active la butée escamotable 46 de façon que la position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 corresponde à la position de seuil P1 .28 activates the retractable stop 46 so that the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 corresponds to the threshold position P1.
Ainsi, lorsque le conducteur actionne la pédale d'accélération 30, cette dernière se déplace librement entre la position de repos PO et la position de seuil P1 , la rainure 42 étant parcourue librement par la butée 46.Thus, when the driver actuates the accelerator pedal 30, the latter moves freely between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1, the groove 42 being traversed freely by the stop 46.
Lorsque le conducteur actionne la pédale 30 jusqu'à la position de seuil P1 , la face d'extrémité avant 44 de la rainure 42 bute contre la butée escamotable 46 et la pédale 30 est alors en position extrême actionnée. Lorsque la température Tm du reformeur 22 est supérieure ou égale à la température de seuil Ts, l'unité de commande électronique 28 déclenche une étape E4 d'alerte du conducteur au cours de laquelle le conducteur est averti par des moyens non représentés, qu'une source d'énergie de plus grande capacité que la batterie auxiliaire 14, c'est-à-dire la pile à combustibleWhen the driver actuates the pedal 30 to the threshold position P1, the front end face 44 of the groove 42 abuts against the retractable stop 46 and the pedal 30 is then in the extreme actuated position. When the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts, the electronic control unit 28 triggers a step E4 of driver warning during which the driver is warned by means not shown, that a source of energy of greater capacity than the auxiliary battery 14, that is to say the fuel cell
16, est disponible, par exemple par l'illumination d'un témoin lumineux au tableau de bord du véhicule ou par un signal sonore.16, is available, for example by the illumination of an indicator light on the dashboard of the vehicle or by an audible signal.
A la suite de l'étape E4, au cours d'une étape E5 de libération, l'unité de commande électronique 28 commande le commutateur 18 en position principale 18a de façon que la pile à combustible 16 alimente le moteur électrique 12.Following step E4, during a release step E5, the electronic control unit 28 controls the switch 18 in main position 18a so that the fuel cell 16 supplies the electric motor 12.
Puis, lorsque le commutateur 18 est en position principale 18a, l'unité de commande électronique 28 sélectionne l'état inactif la butée escamotable 46 de façon que la position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 corresponde à sa position maximale P2. Les déplacements de la pédale 30 sont alors libres entre sa position de repos PO et sa position maximale P2.Then, when the switch 18 is in the main position 18a, the electronic control unit 28 selects the inactive state the retractable stop 46 so that the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 corresponds to its maximum position P2. The movements of the pedal 30 are then free between its rest position PO and its maximum position P2.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, lors de l'étape E5 de libération, l'unité de commande électronique 28 ne sélectionne l'état inactif de la butée escamotable 46 qu'après une temporisation, par exemple quelques secondes après que le témoin lumineux ait été allumé. Le conducteur alerté par le voyant lumineux a ainsi le temps de prendre conscience que la position extrême actionnée de la pédale 30 va être modifiée et il est ainsi moins susceptible d'appuyer involontairement sur la pédale d'accélération 30.According to another embodiment of the invention, during the release step E5, the electronic control unit 28 only selects the inactive state of the retractable stop 46 after a time delay, for example a few seconds after the indicator light has been on. The driver alerted by the indicator light thus has time to become aware that the extreme actuated position of the pedal 30 is going to be modified and he is thus less likely to press the accelerator pedal 30 unintentionally.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, lors de l'étape E5 de libération, le passage de la butée escamotable 46 dans l'état inactif est commandé, non seulement en fonction de la température Tm du reformeur 22, mais aussi en fonction de la position de la pédale d'accélération 30. Ainsi la butée escamotable 46 ne passe à l'état inactif que lorsque :According to another embodiment of the invention, during the release step E5, the passage of the retractable stop 46 in the inactive state is controlled, not only as a function of the temperature Tm of the reformer 22, but also in depending on the position of the accelerator pedal 30. Thus the retractable stop 46 does not go into the inactive state until:
- la température Tm du reformeur 22 est supérieure ou égale à la température de seuil Ts ;- The temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts;
- et que la pédale 30 est située entre sa position de repos PO et une position intermédiaire P1 qui est située en deçà de la position de seuil P1 .- And that the pedal 30 is located between its rest position PO and an intermediate position P1 which is located below the threshold position P1.
Ainsi, lorsque le moteur 12 est alimenté par la batterie auxiliaire 14, et que le conducteur maintient son effort sur la pédale 30 de façon que cette dernière soit bloquée dans sa position extrême actionnée (c'est-à-dire sa position de seuil P1 ), lors du passage du commutateur 18 de la position auxiliaire 18b à la position principale 18a, le conducteur doit obligatoirement relâcher son effort sur la pédale 30 pour que cette dernière vienne en position intermédiaire P1 ' avant de pouvoir déplacer à nouveau la pédale entre sa position de seuil P1 et sa position maximale P2. De cette façon, même si le conducteur est inattentif au témoin lumineux, il ne peut pas enfoncer involontairement la pédale d'accélération 30 au delà de la position de seuil P1 .Thus, when the engine 12 is supplied by the auxiliary battery 14, and the driver maintains his force on the pedal 30 so that the latter is locked in its extreme actuated position (that is to say its threshold position P1 ), when switching the switch 18 from the auxiliary position 18b to the main position 18a, the driver must release its force on the pedal 30 so that the latter comes to the intermediate position P1 ' before being able to move the pedal again between its threshold position P1 and its maximum position P2. In this way, even if the driver is inattentive to the warning light, he cannot unintentionally depress the accelerator pedal 30 beyond the threshold position P1.
Dans une autre variante de l'invention, lors de l'étape E5, l'unité de commande électronique 28 commande un dispositif intermédiaire de déclenchement manuel (non représenté) de la butée escamotable 46 qui est situé dans l'habitacle du véhiculeIn another variant of the invention, during step E5, the electronic control unit 28 controls an intermediate device for manual release (not shown) of the retractable stop 46 which is located in the passenger compartment of the vehicle
10.10.
Tant que la température Tm du reformeur 22 est inférieure à la température de seuil Ts, le conducteur ne peut pas agir sur le dispositif de déclenchement manuel car ce dernier est inhibé ou neutralisé par l'unité de commande électronique 28.As long as the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is lower than the threshold temperature Ts, the conductor cannot act on the manual triggering device because the latter is inhibited or neutralized by the electronic control unit 28.
Lorsque la température Tm du reformeur 22 est supérieure ou égale à la température de seuil Ts, l'unité de commande électronique 28 rend actif le dispositif de déclenchement manuel. Ainsi, lorsque le conducteur est alerté par l'illumination du témoin lumineux, et il déclenche lui-même manuellement le dispositif qui déclenche le passage de la butée escamotable 46 à l'état inactif.When the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts, the electronic control unit 28 activates the manual triggering device. Thus, when the driver is alerted by the illumination of the indicator light, and he himself manually triggers the device which triggers the passage of the retractable stop 46 in the inactive state.
Le dispositif de déclenchement manuel est par exemple un bouton poussoir relié électriquement à l'unité de commande 28.The manual triggering device is for example a push button electrically connected to the control unit 28.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation de l'invention, la butée 46 est susceptible d'occuper temporairement un état semi-actif qui est destiné à être enclenché lors de l'étape de libération E5, et dans lequel les déplacements de la pédale 30 entre sa position de seuil P1 et sa position maximale P2 nécessitent que le conducteur applique sur le patin 38 un effort supérieur à l'effort requis lorsque la butée 46 est inactive.According to another embodiment of the invention, the stop 46 is capable of temporarily occupying a semi-active state which is intended to be engaged during the release step E5, and in which the movements of the pedal 30 between its threshold position P1 and its maximum position P2 require the driver to apply to the shoe 38 a force greater than the force required when the stop 46 is inactive.
Ce mode de réalisation fait appel à une variante 52 du dispositif 34 pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale représenté aux figures 2 et 3. Cette variante est représentée aux figures 5, 6a, 6b, 6c et 6d.This embodiment uses a variant 52 of the device 34 to vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal shown in Figures 2 and 3. This variant is shown in Figures 5, 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
Nous allons maintenant décrire les différences structurelles entre ce dispositif 52 et le dispositif 34 préalablement décrit.We will now describe the structural differences between this device 52 and the device 34 previously described.
La butée escamotable 46 comporte ici un ergot transversal 54 qui est destiné à coopérer avec un palier d'arrêt 55 solidaire du boîtier lorsque la butée 46 est en état actif de façon que la butée 46 soit fixe par rapport au boîtier 48 lorsque la face d'extrémité avant 44 de la pédale est amenée en contact avec la butée 46.The retractable stop 46 here comprises a transverse lug 54 which is intended to cooperate with a stop bearing 55 secured to the housing when the stop 46 is in the active state so that the stop 46 is fixed relative to the housing 48 when the face d the front end 44 of the pedal is brought into contact with the stop 46.
Le boîtier 48 est ajouré d'une lumière 56 sensiblement longitudinale destinée à guider la butée 46 en coulissement longitudinal lorsque cette dernière est dans un état semi-actif dans lequel la butée 46 est mobile par rapport au boîtier 48, et que la pédale 30 est déplacée entre sa position de seuil P1 et sa position maximale P2.The housing 48 is perforated with a substantially longitudinal slot 56 intended to guide the stop 46 in longitudinal sliding when the latter is in a semi-active state in which the stop 46 is movable relative to the housing 48, and that the pedal 30 is moved between its threshold position P1 and its maximum position P2.
Le boîtier 48 comporte aussi un ressort de compression 58 d'orientation globalement longitudinale par rapport à l'orientation de la figure 2 et sur lequel la butée 46 est en appui. Le ressort 58 est notamment destiné à exercer une force additionnelle opposée à l'effort qu'applique le conducteur sur la pédale 30 lorsque la butée est en position semi-active. De plus, le ressort 58 permet de rappeler élastiquement la butée 46 vers la position longitudinale qu'elle occupe dans l'état actif ou inactif.The housing 48 also includes a compression spring 58 of generally longitudinal orientation relative to the orientation of FIG. 2 and on which the stop 46 is supported. The spring 58 is in particular intended to exert an additional force opposite to the force that the driver applies to the pedal 30 when the stop is in the semi-active position. In addition, the spring 58 makes it possible to resiliently recall the stop 46 towards the longitudinal position which it occupies in the active or inactive state.
Le boîtier 48 comporte un électro-aimant 50 qui commande une tige tranversale 60 qui comporte un cran 62 qui est destiné à recevoir un téton 64 longitudinal porté par la butée 46 pour permettre le déplacement transversal de la butée 46.The housing 48 includes an electromagnet 50 which controls a transverse rod 60 which comprises a notch 62 which is intended to receive a longitudinal stud 64 carried by the stop 46 to allow the transverse movement of the stop 46.
Nous allons maintenant décrire le fonctionnement du dispositif 52 en référence aux figures 6a, 6b, 6c et 6d.We will now describe the operation of the device 52 with reference to Figures 6a, 6b, 6c and 6d.
On a représenté à la figure 6a le dispositif 52 dans l'état actif. La butée 46 est alors engagée dans la rainure 42 et elle est immobilisée, en translation longitudinale par rapport au boîtier 48, par le palier d'arrêt 55 qui bloque l'ergot 54. Les déplacements de la pédale 30 sont alors limités entre la position de repos PO et la position de seuil P1. On a représenté aux figures 6b et 6c le dispositif 52 dans l'état semi-actif. L'électro-aimant 50 agit alors sur la tige 60 qui effectue une première translation transversale vers la droite selon l'orientation de la figure 6b. La tige 60 et la butée 46 étant rendus solidaires par emboîtement du téton 64 dans le cran 62. La butée 46 est donc aussi déplacée transversalement vers la droite de façon que la butée 46 soit toujours engagée dans la rainure 42 et de façon que l'ergot 54 ne soit plus adjacent au palier d'arrêt 55.FIG. 6a shows the device 52 in the active state. The stop 46 is then engaged in the groove 42 and it is immobilized, in longitudinal translation relative to the housing 48, by the stop bearing 55 which blocks the lug 54. The movements of the pedal 30 are then limited between the rest position PO and the threshold position P1. FIGS. 6b and 6c show the device 52 in the semi-active state. The electromagnet 50 then acts on the rod 60 which performs a first transverse translation to the right according to the orientation of FIG. 6b. The rod 60 and the stop 46 being made integral by fitting the stud 64 into the notch 62. The stop 46 is therefore also moved transversely to the right so that the stop 46 is always engaged in the groove 42 and so that the lug 54 is no longer adjacent to stop bearing 55.
Ainsi, comme représenté à la figure 6b, lorsque le conducteur actionne la pédale au-delà de sa position de seuil P1 , la face d'extrémité avant 44 de la pédale 30 transmet l'effort de la pédale 30 à la butée 46. Cette dernière, n'étant plus bloquée longitudinalement par le palier d'arrêt 55, elle est libre de se déplacer dans la lumière 56 du boîtier 48. Le déplacement longitudinal de la butée 46 comprime le ressort 58 qui exerce alors un effort opposé sur la butée 46, et donc sur la pédale 30.Thus, as shown in FIG. 6b, when the driver actuates the pedal beyond its threshold position P1, the front end face 44 of the pedal 30 transmits the force of the pedal 30 to the stop 46. This last, no longer blocked longitudinally by the stop bearing 55, it is free to move in the lumen 56 of the housing 48. The longitudinal movement of the stop 46 compresses the spring 58 which then exerts an opposite force on the stop 46, and therefore on the pedal 30.
Lorsque la pédale 30 est rappelée dans sa position de seuil P1 , le téton 64 est de nouveau engagé dans le cran 62 de la tige 60. Le dispositif 52 peut alors être inactivé, comme représenté à la figure 6d. L'électro-aimant 50 agit sur la tige 60 de façon que cette dernière effectue une seconde translation transversale vers la droite. La tige 60 entraîne donc la butée 46 en translation transversale vers la droite selon la figure 6d de façon que la butée 46 soit totalement dégagée hors de la rainure 42. La pédale 30 est alors susceptible d'être déplacée entre sa position de repos PO et sa position maximale P2.When the pedal 30 is returned to its threshold position P1, the stud 64 is again engaged in the notch 62 of the rod 60. The device 52 can then be deactivated, as shown in FIG. 6d. The electromagnet 50 acts on the rod 60 so that the latter performs a second transverse translation to the right. The rod 60 therefore drives the stop 46 in transverse translation to the right according to FIG. 6d so that the stop 46 is completely released out of the groove 42. The pedal 30 is then capable of being moved between its rest position PO and its maximum position P2.
Selon ce mode de réalisation, lorsque la température Tm du reformeur 22 est supérieure ou égale à la température de seuil Ts, l'unité de commande électronique 28 sélectionne temporairement l'état semi-actif de la butée 46. Le conducteur a ainsi la sensation de pouvoir actionner la pédale 30 au delà de sa position de seuil P1 , mais il doit exercer un effort conscient pour vaincre la résistance du ressort 58. Quelques secondes après le passage à l'état semi-actif de la butée 46, l'unité de commande électronique 28 commande le passage de la butée 46 à l'état inactif, le conducteur a ainsi pu prendre conscience de l'augmentation de puissance que le moteur 12 peut fournir. II sera compris que les inversions mécaniques simples peuvent constituer des variantes de réalisation de l'invention. According to this embodiment, when the temperature Tm of the reformer 22 is greater than or equal to the threshold temperature Ts, the electronic control unit 28 selects temporarily the semi-active state of the stop 46. The driver thus has the sensation of being able to actuate the pedal 30 beyond its threshold position P1, but he must exert a conscious effort to overcome the resistance of the spring 58. A few seconds after the passage to the semi-active state of the stop 46, the electronic control unit 28 controls the passage of the stop 46 to the inactive state, the driver was thus able to become aware of the increase in power that the motor 12 can supply. It will be understood that simple mechanical inversions can constitute alternative embodiments of the invention.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Véhicule automobile (10) comportant un moteur électrique de propulsion (12) susceptible d'être alimenté en énergie électrique : - par une première source d'énergie électrique constituée par une pile à combustible (16) qui est alimentée en carburant par un reformeur (22) lorsque la température (Tm) du reformeur1. Motor vehicle (10) comprising an electric propulsion motor (12) capable of being supplied with electrical energy: - by a first source of electrical energy constituted by a fuel cell (16) which is supplied with fuel by a reformer (22) when the temperature (Tm) of the reformer
(22) est supérieure ou égale à une température de seuil (Ts) ; ou(22) is greater than or equal to a threshold temperature (Ts); or
- par une seconde source d'énergie électrique constituée par une batterie auxiliaire (14) tant que la température (Tm) du reformeur (22) est inférieure à la température de seuil (Ts) ; et du type qui comporte une pédale d'accélération (30) qui est mobile entre une position de repos (PO) et une position extrême actionnée (P1 , P2) correspondant à la puissance mécanique maximale susceptible d'être fournie par le moteur (12) en fonction de la puissance électrique disponible pour son alimentation, caractérisé en ce qu'il est prévu des moyens (34, 52) pour faire varier la position extrême actionnée (P1 , P2) de la pédale (30) en fonction d'un paramètre (Tm) représentatif de la puissance électrique disponible pour l'alimentation du moteur (12).- by a second source of electrical energy constituted by an auxiliary battery (14) as long as the temperature (Tm) of the reformer (22) is lower than the threshold temperature (Ts); and of the type which comprises an accelerator pedal (30) which is movable between a rest position (PO) and an extreme actuated position (P1, P2) corresponding to the maximum mechanical power capable of being supplied by the engine (12 ) as a function of the electrical power available for its supply, characterized in that means (34, 52) are provided for varying the actuated extreme position (P1, P2) of the pedal (30) as a function of parameter (Tm) representative of the electrical power available to power the motor (12).
2. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que ledit paramètre représentatif est la température (Tm) du reformeur (22). 2. Vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said representative parameter is the temperature (Tm) of the reformer (22).
3. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que, lorsque la température (Tm) du reformeur (22) est supérieure à la température de seuil (Ts), lesdits moyens (34, 52) font varier automatiquement la position extrême actionnée de la pédale d'accélération (30) entre une position de seuil (P1 ) correspondant à la puissance électrique libérable par la batterie (14) et une position maximale (P2) correspondant à la puissance électrique qui est susceptible d'être fournie par la pile à combustible (16). 3. Vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that, when the temperature (Tm) of the reformer (22) is higher than the threshold temperature (Ts), said means (34, 52) automatically vary the position extreme actuated accelerator pedal (30) between a threshold position (P1) corresponding to the electric power releasable by the battery (14) and a maximum position (P2) corresponding to the electric power which can be supplied by the fuel cell (16).
4. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens (34, 52) qui font varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale (30) sont commandés par l'intervention du conducteur. 4. Vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said means (34, 52) which vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal (30) are controlled by the intervention of the driver.
5. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens (34, 52) sont commandés par l'intervention du conducteur par l'intermédiaire d'un dispositif de commande manuel qui est neutralisé tant que la température (Tm) du reformeur (22) est inférieure à la température de seuil (Ts).5. Vehicle (10) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said means (34, 52) are controlled by the intervention of the driver by means of a manual control device which is neutralized as long as the temperature (Tm ) of the reformer (22) is lower than the threshold temperature (Ts).
6. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens (34) font varier la position extrême actionnée de la pédale (30) lorsque la pédale d'accélération (30) se situe entre la position de repos (PO) et une position intermédiaire (P1 ) qui est située entre la position de repos (PO) et la position de seuil (P1 ).6. Vehicle (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that said means (34) vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal (30) when the accelerator pedal (30) is located between the rest position (PO ) and an intermediate position (P1) which is located between the rest position (PO) and the threshold position (P1).
7. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens (34) font varier automatiquement la position extrême actionnée de la pédale (30) après une temporisation.7. Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that said means (34) automatically vary the extreme actuated position of the pedal (30) after a time delay.
8. Véhicule (10) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte des moyens (52) pour augmenter la résistance au déplacement de la pédale d'accélération (30) depuis la position de seuil (P1 ) vers la position maximale (P2) qui sont actionnés automatiquement et de façon temporaire.8. Vehicle (10) according to claim 3, characterized in that it comprises means (52) for increasing the resistance to movement of the accelerator pedal (30) from the threshold position (P1) to the maximum position (P2) which are activated automatically and temporarily.
9. Véhicule (10) selon l'une des revendications précédentes, caractérisé en ce qu'il comporte un dispositif d'alerte qui émet un signal d'alerte à l'attention du conducteur lorsque la température (Tm) du reformeur (22) est supérieure à la température de seuil (Ts).9. Vehicle (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an alert device which emits an alert signal for the attention of the driver when the temperature (Tm) of the reformer (22) is higher than the threshold temperature (Ts).
10. Véhicule (10) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 9, caractérisé en ce que lesdits moyens (34, 52) comportent une butée escamotable (46) qui est mobile entre un état actif dans lequel les déplacements de la pédale d'accélération (30) sont limités entre la position de repos (PO) et la position de seuil (P1 ), et un état inactif dans lequel la pédale (30) est susceptible d'atteindre la position maximale (P2). 10. Vehicle (10) according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that said means (34, 52) comprise a retractable stop (46) which is movable between an active state in which the movements of the pedal acceleration (30) are limited between the rest position (PO) and the threshold position (P1), and an inactive state in which the pedal (30) is capable of reaching the maximum position (P2).
EP03778399A 2002-11-27 2003-10-16 Motor vehicle comprising means for varying accelerator pedal extreme actuated position Withdrawn EP1565341A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

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FR0214848A FR2847528B1 (en) 2002-11-27 2002-11-27 MOTOR VEHICLE COMPRISING MEANS FOR VARYING THE EXTREME ACTUAL POSITION OF THE ACCELERATION PEDAL
FR0214848 2002-11-27
PCT/FR2003/003050 WO2004050415A1 (en) 2002-11-27 2003-10-16 Motor vehicle comprising means for varying accelerator pedal extreme actuated position

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EP (1) EP1565341A1 (en)
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KR (1) KR20050074645A (en)
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JP4343114B2 (en) 2009-10-14
US7183729B2 (en) 2007-02-27
FR2847528B1 (en) 2005-01-28
FR2847528A1 (en) 2004-05-28

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