FR3108070A1 - VEHICLE MONITORING THE RECHARGING OF A BATTERY BASED ON THE STATES OF THE CHARGING SENSORS - Google Patents

Abstract

A vehicle (V) comprises: - a rechargeable battery (BR), - a base (ER) to which are fixedly secured a first socket (P1) suitable for recharging the battery (BR) in direct current and comprising two first pins each provided with a first sensor measuring the temperature, and a second socket (P2) suitable for recharging the battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins each provided with a second sensor measuring the temperature, and - a processor (PR) and a memory (MD) triggering an interruption of a recharge with the first (P1), respectively second (P2), taken when the first, respectively second, sensors are faulty and the temperature measured by a second, respectively first, sensor is greater than a temperature threshold or that the second, respectively first, sensors are also faulty. Fig. 1

Description

VEHICLE WITH CONTROL OF BATTERY CHARGING BASED ON THE STATUS OF CHARGING SOCKET SENSORS

Technical field of the invention

The invention relates to vehicles having at least one rechargeable battery in direct current and in alternating current, and more precisely the control of the recharging of such batteries.

State of the art

Certain vehicles comprise at least one battery which can be recharged with direct current and with alternating current (according to the choice of the user) thanks to first and second sockets which are fixedly secured to a base which they comprise in a front part or back. More specifically, the first socket of the base is suitable for direct current charging and generally comprises two first pins, and the second socket of the base is suitable for alternating current charging and generally includes at least two second pins ( and most often seven pins).

When you want to charge the battery of a vehicle with direct current, respectively alternating current, you connect an external socket (for example from a charging station) to the first, respectively second, socket of this vehicle.

The successive connections and disconnections of the external sockets on the pins of the first and second sockets of the base through which the current flows cause wear on these pins and therefore the contacts of the latter with the external sockets become less and less straightforward. Consequently, when there is play between metal/metal contacts, small electric arcs can sometimes appear which can generate an increase in the temperature of the base which is potentially dangerous for the vehicle, the socket of the base and the user who realizes the disconnection of the external socket and/or for the vehicle. It is therefore important to monitor the temperature of the base during each recharge.

To this end, it has been proposed to add a first temperature sensor to each of the first two pins of the first socket of the base through which the direct current flows, and a second temperature sensor to each of the two second pins of the second socket of the base through which the alternating current flows, and to interrupt recharging when at least one of the first and second sensors detects a temperature above a threshold (typically equal to 90° C.). In general, this interruption is accompanied by a display (for example of a service light) on a screen of the vehicle in order to warn its user.

As those skilled in the art know, this mode of operation has several drawbacks. Indeed, if the four first and second sensors are simultaneously faulty, it is not possible to have a temperature measurement and therefore there will be no decided interruption of recharging due to the temperature of the base, which can prove to be dangerous for the user (risk of burns) and/or for the vehicle and/or for the charging station (risk of fire). In addition, the sensor which detects a temperature above the threshold may (possibly temporarily) malfunction, so that a charging interruption may be wrongly decided on because of this malfunction. This can therefore be harmful for the user since he will recover a vehicle whose battery has not been recharged and therefore possibly unusable if its powertrain (or GMP) is all-electric.

The aim of the invention is therefore in particular to improve the situation.

Presentation of the invention

It proposes in particular for this purpose a vehicle comprising at least one rechargeable battery and a base to which are fixedly secured, on the one hand, a first socket suitable for recharging the battery in direct current and comprising two first pins each provided with a first sensor measuring the temperature, and, on the other hand, a second socket suitable for charging the battery with alternating current and comprising two second pins each provided with a second sensor measuring the temperature.

This vehicle is characterized in that it also comprises at least one processor and at least one memory arranged to carry out the operations consisting, during a recharge with the first, respectively second, socket, in triggering an interruption of this recharge when the first , respectively second, sensors are faulty and that the temperature measured by at least a second, respectively first, sensor is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or that the second, respectively first, sensors are also faulty.

Thus, direct or alternating current charging is only interrupted if it is really necessary (failing sensors of the socket used and abnormal heating of the base or all the sensors failing simultaneously), in order to avoid as much as possible possible that the user recovers his vehicle with his battery not recharged.

The vehicle according to the invention may include other characteristics which may be taken separately or in combination, and in particular:

- its processor and its memory can be arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering a signaling to a passenger of the vehicle of the interruption of recharging;

- its processor and its memory can be arranged to carry out the operations consisting, in the event of failure of at least one first or second sensor for a duration greater than a time threshold, of triggering a signal to a passenger of the vehicle;

- its processor and its memory can be arranged to perform the operations consisting, in the event of failure of at least one first or second sensor, of triggering storage in a memory of a fault code associated with each faulty sensor;

- its processor and its memory can be arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering the storage in the memory of the fault code associated with each faulty sensor in correspondence of a fault duration of the latter;

- each of the first and second sensors can measure the temperature of the base;

- the temperature threshold can be between 80°C and 100°;

- it can be of the automotive type.

The invention also proposes a method intended to allow control of the charging of a rechargeable battery of a vehicle also comprising a base to which are fixedly secured, on the one hand, a first socket adapted to charging the battery in direct current and comprising two first pins each provided with a first sensor measuring the temperature, and, on the other hand, a second socket suitable for recharging the battery in alternating current and comprising two second pins each provided with a second sensor measuring the temperature.

This method is characterized in that it comprises a step in which recharging is interrupted with the first, respectively second, taken when the first, respectively second, sensors are faulty and the temperature measured by at least a second, respectively first , sensor is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or that the second, respectively first, sensors are also faulty.

The invention also proposes a computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means, is capable of implementing a control method of the type of that presented above for controlling charging a rechargeable battery of a vehicle also comprising a base to which are fixedly secured, on the one hand, a first socket suitable for charging the battery with direct current and comprising two first pins each provided with a first sensor measuring the temperature, and, on the other hand, a second socket suitable for recharging the battery with alternating current and comprising two second pins each provided with a second sensor measuring the temperature.

Brief description of figures

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on examination of the detailed description below, and of the appended drawings, in which:

schematically and functionally illustrates an embodiment of a vehicle according to the invention,

schematically and functionally illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a charging base coupled to a power supply module comprising an exemplary embodiment of a control computer, and

schematically illustrates an example of an algorithm implementing a recharging control method according to the invention.

Detailed description of the invention

The object of the invention is in particular to propose a vehicle V comprising at least one battery BR which can be recharged with direct current or alternating current in a controlled manner, so as to avoid overheating of its charging base ER.

In what follows, it is considered, by way of non-limiting example, that the vehicle V is of the automobile type. This is for example a car, as illustrated in Figure 1. But the invention is not limited to this type of vehicle. It concerns any type of vehicle comprising an all-electric or hybrid powertrain (or GMP) and comprising at least one rechargeable battery in direct current or alternating current according to the choice of the user. Thus, it concerns land vehicles (utility vehicles, motorhomes, minibuses, coaches, trucks, motorcycles, road construction machinery, construction machinery, agricultural machinery, leisure machinery (snowmobile, kart), caterpillar machinery, and manned exploration craft), boats and aircraft, for example.

Furthermore, it is considered in what follows, by way of non-limiting example, that the GMP of the vehicle V is all-electric. It therefore comprises at least one electric drive machine producing in particular torque for its movements from the energy stored in a rechargeable battery. But the GMP of the vehicle V could be hybrid and therefore comprise at least one electric driving machine and at least one non-electric driving machine (possibly thermal).

There is schematically represented in FIG. 1 a vehicle V, according to the invention, comprising a transmission chain (here at all-electric GMP), a (recharging) base ER comprising first P1 and second P2 sockets, and at least one processor PR and at least one memory MD.

As illustrated without limitation, the GMP of the vehicle V here comprises an electric motor machine MM, associated with a rechargeable battery BR, and a coupling device DC. In addition, the transmission chain comprises in particular, in addition to its GMP, a motor shaft AM and a transmission shaft AT.

The electric motor MM is responsible for producing torque on the order of a GMP supervision computer (not shown), from the energy which is stored in the battery BR. It (MM) delivers this torque to the motor shaft AM which is also coupled to the DC coupling device. This torque is produced here for a train of driving wheels (here the first train T1) which is coupled to the coupling device DC via the transmission shaft AT. The torque produced is therefore here transmitted to the first train T1 when the DC coupling device couples the motor shaft AM to the transmission shaft AT.

In the example illustrated without limitation in Figure 1 the first train T1 is located at the front of the vehicle V, and preferably, and as illustrated, coupled to the transmission shaft AT via a differential (here front) D1. But in a variant this train T1 could be the one referenced T2 which is located at the rear of the vehicle V.

The DC coupling device can, for example, be a shaft speed reduction box. But it could also be a dog dog or a clutch.

The BR battery is rechargeable with direct current or alternating current (depending on the choice of the user), via a power supply module MA which is connected to the (recharging) base ER. For example, this battery BR can be of the low voltage type (typically 220 V or 400 V or even 600 V). But it could also be of the medium voltage or very low voltage type (typically 48V).

This battery BR also supplies, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 1, electrical equipment of the vehicle V which is, for example, connected to an on-board network RB. To this end, the battery BR is, here, coupled to the on-board network RB via a DC/DC type converter CV, as well as possibly via a power distribution module MDE.

The first socket P1 is fixedly attached to the base ER and is suitable for charging the battery BR with direct current. As illustrated in Figure 2, it comprises two first pins B1 each provided with a first sensor C1 measuring the temperature locally and through which the direct current flows.

The second socket P2 is fixedly attached to the base ER and is suitable for recharging the battery BR with alternating current. As illustrated in Figure 2, it includes in particular two second pins B2 each provided with a second sensor C2 measuring the temperature locally and through which the alternating current flows. It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIG. 2, the second socket P2 comprises seven pins, including the two second pins B2, because it constitutes a socket of the CCS2 type (but the invention applies whatever or the type of socket).

Preferably, each of the first C1 and second C2 sensors measures the temperature of the base ER.

The MA power supply module provides the interface between the battery BR and the base ER. It is responsible for controlling the power supply to the battery BR during each charging phase during which an external socket (for example from a charging station) is connected either to the first socket P1 or to the second socket P2.

The processor PR and the memory MD are arranged to perform the operations consisting of:

- during a recharge with the first socket P1, to trigger the interruption of this recharge when the first two sensors C1 are faulty and the temperature measured by at least a second sensor C2 is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or the seconds C2 sensors are also faulty, or

- during a recharge with the second socket P2, to trigger the interruption of this recharge when the two second sensors C2 are faulty and the temperature measured by at least a first sensor C1 is higher than the chosen temperature threshold or when the first sensors C1 are also faulty.

We consider here that a sensor is (in a state) faulty when it no longer provides a temperature measurement.

For example, the temperature threshold can be between 80°C and 100°C. Thus, it can, for example, be chosen equal to 90°C.

Thanks to the invention, direct or alternating current charging is now interrupted when it is really necessary, and more precisely if the sensors (C1 or C2) of the socket (P1 or P2) used are faulty and a abnormal overheating of the ER base has been observed or if all the sensors (C1 and C2) are faulty simultaneously. Thus, it is avoided as far as possible that the user recovers his vehicle V with his battery BR not recharged.

It is in fact considered that it is only when at least the sensors (C1 or C2) of the socket (P1 or P2) used are faulty and the temperature of the base ER is abnormal (when it is measurable) that there is a malfunction at this socket (P1 or P2) and therefore that there is a risk of burning the user or igniting the vehicle V.

The processor PR can, for example, be a digital signal processor (or DSP (“Digital Signal Processor”)). This processor PR can comprise integrated (or printed) circuits, or else several integrated (or printed) circuits connected by wired or wireless connections. By integrated (or printed) circuit is meant any type of device capable of performing at least one electrical or electronic operation. Thus, it can, for example, be a microcontroller.

The memory MD is live in order to store instructions for the implementation by the processor PR of at least part of the control method described below (and therefore of its functionalities).

It will be noted that in the example illustrated without limitation in FIGS. 1 and 2, the processor PR and the memory MD are part of a computer CA which is itself part of the power supply module MA and which is produced in the form a combination of electrical or electronic circuits or components (or “hardware”) and software modules (or “software”). But in a variant embodiment not shown, the processor PR and the memory MD could be part of a computer, possibly dedicated to the control of refills according to the state of the first C1 and second C2 sensors, and external to the power supply module MA, although being coupled to the latter (MA) to inform it of decided charging interruptions.

It should also be noted that if the processor PR detects that only one of the first two C1 or second C2 sensors is faulty, it will continue to analyze the temperature measured by the other first C1 or second C2 sensor (not faulty) and therefore decide to interrupting the recharging (in direct or alternating current) if this measured temperature is higher than the above-mentioned chosen temperature threshold.

It will also be noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering a signaling to a passenger of the vehicle V of the interruption of recharging (in direct or alternating current).

It will be understood that this signaling takes place when the user decides to use his vehicle V again after recharging his battery BR.

For example, this signaling can be done by displaying a service indicator or a dedicated warning text message on a screen of the vehicle V, such as for example that of the dashboard or that of the central instrument panel, and/or by broadcasting a dedicated sound (or audio) message via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V.

It will also be noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably arranged, in the event of failure of at least a first C1 or second C2 sensor for a duration which is greater than a time threshold, to perform the operations consisting in triggering a signal to a passenger of the vehicle V. It is considered here that when a failure of a first C1 or second C2 sensor is lasting (too long) it must be reported to the user of the vehicle V. For example, this reporting can be done by displaying a service warning lamp or a dedicated warning text message on a screen of the vehicle V, such as that of the instrument panel or that of the central instrument panel, and/or by broadcasting an audible message ( or audio) dedicated via at least one loudspeaker present in the vehicle V.

It will also be noted that the processor PR and the memory MD are preferably arranged, in the event of failure of at least a first C1 or second C2 sensor, to perform the operations consisting in triggering storage in a memory of an associated fault code at each faulty sensor. Thus, during a visit to an after-sales service, it is possible, by accessing the contents of this memory, to know whether a first C1 or second C2 sensor has been considered to be faulty (temporarily or permanently). This then makes it possible to decide whether to change this faulty first C1 or second C2 sensor or the entire ER base (with its first P1 and second P2 taken).

The fault code storage memory can, for example, be part of the AC ECU or more generally of the MA power supply module. But it can also be non-dedicated and therefore used for storing a lot of vehicle life information V. In the latter case it can, for example, be part of what those skilled in the art sometimes call the service box intelligent (or BSI - supervisory equipment). The transmission to the memory of the messages containing the fault codes then takes place via a communication network on board the vehicle V, and possibly multiplexed.

In the presence of the last option, the processor PR and the memory MD can possibly be arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering the storage in the memory of the fault code associated with each faulty sensor in correspondence of a fault duration of the latter.

It will also be noted, as illustrated without limitation in FIG. 2, that the computer CA can also comprise, in addition to its random access memory MD and its processor PR, a mass memory MM, in particular for storing temperature measurements (issues first C1 and second C2 sensors), and intermediate data involved in all its calculations and processing. Furthermore, this calculator CA can also comprise an input interface IE for receiving at least the temperature measurements to use them in calculations or processing, possibly after having formatted and/or demodulated and/or amplified them. , in a manner known per se, by means of a digital signal processor PR′. In addition, this computer CA can also include an IS output interface, in particular for delivering its charging interruption orders or commands (at least for the MA power supply module) and its messages containing sensor failure reports ) or fault codes.

The invention can also be considered in the form of a control method intended to be implemented in the vehicle V described above in order to allow control of the recharging of its battery BR.

This control method comprises a step 10-40 in which recharging is interrupted with the first P1, respectively second P2, taken when the first C1, respectively second C2, sensors are faulty (simultaneously) and the temperature measured by at least one second C2, respectively first C1, sensor is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or that the second C2, respectively first C1, sensors are also faulty (simultaneously).

Schematically illustrated in FIG. 3 is an example of an algorithm implementing a charging control method according to the invention.

The algorithm comprises a sub-step 10 in which, in the event of starting a recharging in direct current (via the first socket P1) or alternatively in alternating current (via the second socket P2), the measurements of temperature performed by the first C1 and second C2 sensors.

Then, if in a sub-step 20 it is detected that the conditions for interrupting the recharge are met (two first sensors C1 simultaneously faulty and temperature measured by at least one second sensor C2 above the chosen temperature threshold or second sensors C2 also simultaneously faulty, or else two second sensors C2 simultaneously faulty and temperature measured by at least one first sensor C1 above the chosen temperature threshold or first sensors C1 also simultaneously faulty), then in a sub-step 30 the recharging which is in progress is interrupted. course.

Then, in a sub-step 40, a passenger of the vehicle V can be notified of this interruption of recharging and/or store in a memory at least one fault code (possibly associated with a duration of failure).

It will be noted that one or more sub-steps of step 10-40 of the control method can be carried out by different components. Thus, the control method can be implemented by a plurality of digital signal processors, random access memory, mass memory, input interface, output interface.

It will also be noted that the invention also proposes a computer program product (or computer program) comprising a set of instructions which, when it is executed by processing means of the electronic circuit (or hardware) type, such as for example the processor PR, is able to implement the charging control method described above to control the charging of the battery BR of the vehicle V.

Claims (10)

Vehicle (V) comprising at least one rechargeable battery (BR) and a base (ER) to which are fixedly attached i) a first socket (P1) suitable for recharging said battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins (B1) each provided with a first sensor (C1) measuring the temperature, and ii) a second socket (P2) suitable for recharging said battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2) each provided with 'a second sensor (C2) measuring the temperature, characterized in that it further comprises at least one processor (PR) and at least one memory (MD) arranged to perform the operations consisting, during a recharge with said first (P1 ), respectively second (P2), taken, to trigger an interruption of this recharging when said first (C1), respectively second (C2), sensors are faulty and the temperature measured by at least one second (C2), respectively first ( C1), sensor is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or that said second (C2), respectively first (C1), sensors are also faulty. Vehicle according to Claim 1, characterized in that the said processor (PR) and the said memory (MD) are arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering a signaling to a passenger of the said vehicle (V) of the said interruption of recharging. Vehicle according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the said processor (PR) and the said memory (MD) are arranged to carry out the operations consisting, in the event of failure of at least one first (C1) or second (C2) sensor for a duration greater than a time threshold, in triggering a signal to a passenger of said vehicle (V). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the said processor (PR) and the said memory (MD) are arranged to carry out the operations consisting, in the event of failure of at least a first (C1) or second ( C2) sensor, to trigger storage in a memory of a fault code associated with each faulty sensor. Vehicle according to Claim 4, characterized in that the said processor (PR) and the said memory (MD) are arranged to carry out the operations consisting in triggering the storage in the said memory of the fault code associated with each faulty sensor in correspondence of a duration failure of the latter. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 5, characterized in that each of the said first (C1) and second (C2) sensors measures the temperature of the said base (ER). Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the said temperature threshold is between 80°C and 100°C. Vehicle according to one of Claims 1 to 7, characterized in that it is of the automobile type. Method for controlling the charging of a rechargeable battery (BR) of a vehicle (V) also comprising a base (ER) to which are fixedly attached i) a first socket (P1) suitable for charging said battery (BR ) in direct current and comprising two first pins (B1) each provided with a first sensor (C1) measuring the temperature, and ii) a second socket (P2) suitable for recharging said battery (BR) in alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2) each provided with a second sensor (C2) measuring the temperature, characterized in that it comprises a step (10-40) in which recharging is interrupted with said first (P1), respectively second ( P2), taken when said first (C1), respectively second (C2), sensors are faulty and the temperature measured by at least one second (C2), respectively first (C1), sensor is greater than a chosen temperature threshold or that said second (C2), respectively first (C1), sensors are also faulty. Computer program product comprising a set of instructions which, when executed by processing means, is capable of implementing the control method according to claim 9 for controlling the recharging of a rechargeable battery (BR) of a vehicle (V) also comprising a base (ER) to which are fixedly secured i) a first socket (P1) suitable for recharging said battery (BR) with direct current and comprising two first pins (B1) each provided a first sensor (C1) measuring the temperature, and ii) a second socket (P2) suitable for recharging said battery (BR) with alternating current and comprising two second pins (B2) each provided with a second sensor ( C2) measuring the temperature.