FR3128163A1 - Electric motor vehicle resulting from the conversion of an original heat engine version of the vehicle - Google Patents

Abstract

Electric motor vehicle resulting from the conversion of an original heat engine version of the vehicle Electric motor vehicle (1) resulting from the conversion of an original heat engine version of the vehicle (1), the heat engine of the original version comprising a thermal engine control module communicating with various parts of the vehicle (1) via at least one computer network (10), the vehicle (1) with an electric motor comprising: • at least one electric motor ( 2) mounted as a replacement for the internal combustion engine of the original version, • at least one electric power supply battery (5), • an electric motor control module (13) communicating with said at least one computer network (10) , at least part of the data transmitted on said at least one computer network (10) by the electric motor control module (13) being identical to at least part of the data initially transmitted by the heat engine control module of the original version, the electric motor control module (13) being configured to interpret at least part of the data from the computer network (10) initially intended for the heat engine control module. Figure for abstract: Fig. 1

Description

Electric motor vehicle resulting from the conversion of an original heat engine version of the vehicle

The present invention relates to the technical field of electric motor vehicles resulting from the transformation of an original combustion engine version of the vehicle, in particular but not exclusively heavy goods vehicles. The invention relates in particular to an electric motor vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original combustion engine version of the vehicle comprising an electric motor control module communicating with various parts of the vehicle. The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such an electric motor control module and a method for manufacturing such a vehicle.

The average lifespan of a vehicle, especially a heavy goods vehicle, with internal combustion engines is less than 10 years, or even 5 years for long-distance transport, mainly due to environmental regulations.

Thus, many vehicles that are still functional are scrapped and replaced by new ones, which requires new material and energy resources, harming environmental protection.

Since the decree of March 13, 2020, French legislation authorizes the transformation under conditions of thermal vehicles into electric vehicles and their approval. To obtain homologation, the legislation specifies, among other things, that the electric powertrain must provide substantially the same power as the thermal powertrain and that the curb weight and the distribution of the load on the axles must be substantially identical before and after transformation.

The vast majority of current vehicles comprise various organs communicating with each other via one or more computer networks, for example multiplex computer networks. Among these components, mention may be made in particular of the engine control module, the automatic gearbox if applicable, the driving aids (anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic trajectory corrector (ESP), speed limiter/controller speed), the dashboard, the cabin equipment (seats, air conditioning, mirrors, navigation) or in some cases an intelligent service unit (known by the acronym BSI).

When the heat engine is replaced by an electric motor, the various components can no longer communicate with the heat engine control module. This can cause various electronic problems, such as the display of fault lights, or even the malfunction of certain electronic systems.

It is known from WO 2020/25859 to replace the vehicle control unit of an electric vehicle resulting from the transformation of a thermal vehicle. However, this technique is relatively expensive and requires significant processing time.

There is a need to have a vehicle with an electric motor resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the vehicle, the electronic integration of the electric motorization of which is facilitated and the time required for the transformation of which is reduced. .

The present invention meets all or part of this need and it achieves it thanks to, according to one of its aspects, an electric motor vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original heat engine version of the vehicle comprising a module for controlling the heat engine communicating with various components of the vehicle via at least one computer network, the electric motor vehicle comprising:

• at least one electric motor fitted to replace the internal combustion engine of the original version,
• at least one power supply battery,
• an electric motor control module, replacing the thermal engine control module, communicating with said at least one computer network, at least part of the data transmitted on said at least one computer network by the electric motor control module being identical to at least part of the data initially sent by the heat engine control module of the original version, the electric motor control module being configured to interpret at least part of the data from the computer network initially intended for the heat engine control.

Thanks to the invention, the control module can send the same data as the heat engine control module of the original version. In addition, the control module knows how to interpret the data transmitted by the various parts of the vehicle. Thus, the control of the electric motor via said at least one computer network is transparent for the vehicle, that is to say that it is carried out in a manner identical to that of the original version. In a way, the electric motor control module "mimics" the combustion engine control module of the original version.

Thus, the architecture of said at least one computer network and the computers of the other parts of the vehicle are advantageously identical to those of the original version. The integration of the electric motor during the transformation is thus simple and transparent for the user.

By “data”, we mean a set of frames, each frame comprising a type of information and the encoding format of the value or the state associated with the type of information. For example, a frame consists of the motor rotation speed and the encoding format of the value of this motor rotation speed.

The vehicle may comprise at least one data communication computer network by multiplexing, for example a value-added computer network (in English “ Value Added Network ” or VAN) or a computer network of controllers (in English “ Controller Area Network ” or CAN).

The vehicle may include at least one RS 485 data communication computer network.

The communication protocol of said at least one computer network may be known, for example, according to the SAE J1939 standard or according to the SAE J1587 standard. In this case, the encoding of at least part of the data can be done according to known rules. In particular, the type of information as well as the encoding format of a data can, at least in part, be determined using a public database of the protocol.

When the communication protocol of said at least one computer network is according to a known protocol, for example according to the SAE J1939 standard, data initially transmitted by the control module of the heat engine of the original version can be proprietary, it is that is to say that the only knowledge of the known protocol does not allow to interpret them.

The electric motor control module can transmit at least part of the proprietary data initially transmitted by the heat engine control module. The fact that the control module can transmit proprietary data over said at least one computer network can make it possible to avoid malfunctions of certain organs.

The electric motor control module may include a bus connected to said at least one computer network, in particular a multiplexing interface. The bus makes it possible to read and transmit data on said at least one computer network.

The electric motor control module may comprise a processing unit which may comprise a microprocessor, a read only memory (ROM) and a random access memory (RAM). The processing unit makes it possible to analyze the data of said at least one computer network and/or of various sensors. The processing unit also makes it possible to send orders to one or more actuators, such as for example to increase the speed of the electric motor.

The various sensors can be chosen from the group consisting of an engine temperature sensor, an engine rotation speed sensor, an electrical voltage sensor, an electrical current sensor and a torque sensor.

The various actuators can be chosen from the group consisting of a voltage controller of the electric motor, an electric current controller traversing the electric motor, in particular an alternating current frequency controller if necessary and a safety circuit breaker.

The various parts of the vehicle can be chosen from the group consisting of a central door locking system, an alarm, interior lighting, an immobilizer system, a window wiping system, a fire management system , one or more driving assistance devices (anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic trajectory correction (ESP), electronic brake force distribution (REF), engine torque control on deceleration (MSR), electronic traction control system (ASR)), cabin equipment (seats, air conditioning, mirrors, navigation, radio, heating, icebox), an intelligent service unit (BSI), an automatic gearbox if applicable, a suspension system, a tire pressure control system, a battery, in particular 12V or 24V depending on the original voltage of the vehicle, a wheel, a braking system, a pedal, a power steering system, an airbag, a system window opening, a horn and mirrors.

Each member may include a computer connected to said at least one computer network, the computer making it possible to read and/or transmit data on it. The various computers of the components of the vehicle can be interconnected via said at least one network. The various computers can be interconnected using at least one bus, for example at least one CAN bus.

The electric motor can be a synchronous or an asynchronous motor.

The electric motor can operate with alternating (single-phase or three-phase) or direct current.

The vehicle may include a display device visible to the driver of the vehicle. The electric motor control module can be arranged to cause the display on the display device of at least one item of information on the operation of the vehicle, in particular at least one of the items of information chosen from the group consisting of the speed of engine rotation, vehicle speed, battery charge level and engine temperature. The display device is preferably that of the original version, which saves a lot of time during production.

Indeed, thanks to the invention, the data on said at least one computer network concerning the operation of the electric motor are identical to the data concerning the operation of the heat engine of the original version. Thus, for the display device, when the control module causes the display on the display device, the change of motorization is not detectable.

Said at least part of the data transmitted by the control module of the electric motor may include at least information on the speed of rotation of the motor, a diagnosis, the level of charge of said at least one battery and/or the temperature of the motor electric.

Said at least part of the data interpreted on the computer network may comprise a position of an accelerator pedal and/or a brake pedal, data coming from a speed limiter or a speed regulator or else from data from driver assistance systems, and information on the operating status of the various components.

The electric motor control module can be configured to prevent the display, on the display device, of fault warning lights to indicate anomalies of the original version of the vehicle, during nominal operation, for example to prevent the engine oil pressure fault display, abnormal coolant temperature, catalytic converter anomaly, overhaul light, particle filter saturation, faulty glow plug, etc. In fact, the display of these warning lights defect is not indicative of a real malfunction of the electric vehicle. In addition, in some cases, the display of one of these warning lights may be accompanied by the impossibility of starting.

The vehicle may comprise at least one hydrogen tank and at least one fuel cell producing electricity at least for the electric motor. In this case, the display device can be configured to make it possible to display the filling level of the hydrogen tank.

For example, the display device can be controlled to display the filling level of the hydrogen tank using a display module initially used before conversion of the vehicle to display the filling level of the AUS32 tank (also called AdBlue®).

For example, the display device can be controlled to trigger the display of the low fuel level warning light when the battery charge is low and/or when the hydrogen tank fill level is low.

The vehicle may include at least one electric battery, in particular to replace a fuel tank of the original combustion engine version of the vehicle.

The vehicle may comprise a battery control system, also called BMS (in English “ Battery Management System ”) communicating with said at least one computer network. In this case, at least part of the data transmitted by the battery control system can include at least one item of information on the level of charge of said at least one battery. In the original version of the vehicle, equivalent data was provided and emitted, for example by a probe immersed in the fuel, to indicate the filling level of the fuel tank.

The battery control system can be configured to control the charge of said at least one battery.

The battery monitoring system can be connected to the electric motor control module. In this case, the battery control system communicates with said at least one computer network via the electric motor control module.

The electric motor control module can be configured to control the electric motor, in particular by controlling its voltage, the electric current supplied, its speed of rotation . The control of the electric motor is preferably at least partly carried out thanks to the data interpreted on said at least one computer network received by the control module.

The vehicle is preferably a heavyweight.

“Heavyweight” means a motorized vehicle with a total laden weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. The heavy goods vehicle can be a truck capable of towing a trailer, also called a "road tractor", a flatbed or fixed tray truck, a carrier truck, an agricultural tractor, a bus, a car, a special vehicle, for example a firefighter or military vehicle. The distribution of equipment in the vehicle may be different depending on the type of vehicle, in particular heavy goods vehicles.

Alternatively, the vehicle is a so-called light vehicle, such as a car.

Method for simulating an electric motor control module

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a method for simulating a thermal engine control module communicating with at least one computer network of a vehicle, the process comprising the following steps:

1. Transmit data on said at least one computer network so that at least part of the data transmitted on said at least one computer network is identical to at least part of data initially transmitted by the thermal engine control module,
2. Read at least a portion of data originating from said at least one computer network initially intended for the thermal engine control module.

Thanks to this process, it is possible to simulate a control module of a heat engine of a vehicle. This makes it possible in particular to use a transformed vehicle, for example into an electric vehicle as defined previously, the transformation then being invisible by the various organs connected to said at least one network.

Method of programming an electric motor control module

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a method for programming an electric motor control module of an electric vehicle, preferably as defined above. , resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

1. on the original thermal engine version of the vehicle, comprising the thermal engine control module, making at least one recording of data sent on said at least one computer network by at least some of the components of the vehicle to at least one other parts of the vehicle,
2. disconnecting the thermal engine control module from said at least one computer network,
3. make at least one recording of data transmitted on said at least one computer network by at least some of the components of the vehicle to at least some of the other components of the vehicle,
4. compare the data recorded in step c) with those of step a) in order to identify data recorded in step a) but not recorded in step c),
5. determine the functionality of each datum thus identified by the comparison carried out in step d),
6. writing a program and programming the electric motor control module with said program so that it can transmit on said at least one computer network at least part of the data, initially transmitted by the heat engine control module, using data identified in step d) and using the determination in step e).

Thanks to the invention, after implementing this method, the electric motor control module is able to "imitate" the heat engine control module of the original version.

The method may include, before step d), a step consisting in breaking down the data recorded in step a) and in step c) into frames. In this case, step d) can be implemented so as to identify data frames recorded in step a) but not recorded in step c). Step e) may consist in determining the functionality of each frame.

When the communication protocol of said at least one computer network is according to a known protocol, for example according to the SAE J1939 standard, the method is implemented in step f) so that the program and the programming of the control of the electric motor make it possible to identify and interpret at least part of the data of the computer network initially intended for the control module of the heat engine, by referring to said known rules of the protocol. For example, identification can be achieved by determining whether or not the information type of each piece of data read from the computer network is intended for the engine control module.

When the communication protocol of said at least one computer network is according to a known protocol, for example according to the SAE J1939 standard, the determination of the functionality of each datum in step e) can be at least partially carried out by referring to said rules known to the protocol.

When data initially transmitted by the internal combustion engine control module of the original version are proprietary, the method makes it possible to identify and interpret them, for example by observing the reaction of the original components of the vehicle during transmission of proprietary data.

Thus, the electric motor control module can transmit at least part of the proprietary data initially transmitted by the heat engine control module. The fact that the control module can transmit proprietary data over said at least one computer network can make it possible to avoid malfunctions of certain organs.

During step a), several recordings can be made successively, in particular under the following successive conditions: with the engine switch off, with the engine switch on, when the internal combustion engine is in operation and in an acceleration phase of the vehicle.

During step c), several recordings can be made successively, in particular under the following successive conditions: with the engine switch off and with the engine switch on.

The method may include the step of recording the program of the electric motor control module in a database, for example by identifying it for a vehicle model. Thus, it may be possible to program an electric motor control module of an electric vehicle of a given model using the program saved in the database, if the program for the given model is available on this database.

Method of programming a series of control modules s

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a method for programming at least two electric motor control modules of an electric vehicle, preferably as defined above, resulting from the transformation of an original thermal engine version of the vehicle, the method comprising the following steps:

1. program a first electric control module according to the method for programming an electric motor control module defined above or by using a program recorded in a database, said program having been obtained using the programming method d an electric motor control module defined above,
2. Program one or more additional trolling motor control modules by copying the trolling motor control module program.

The process is particularly suitable for the transformation into electric vehicles of a series of thermal engine vehicles. In particular, the series of thermal engine vehicles can be formed by vehicles of the same model.

Thus, for a given model of vehicle, it is possible to carry out step a) only once and to carry out step b) for each vehicle of the given model, which makes it possible to accelerate the rate of transformation of a series from thermal vehicles to electric vehicles.

Process of transformation into an electric vehicle

A further subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, in combination with the foregoing, is a method for converting an original thermal engine version of the vehicle into an electric vehicle as defined above, the method comprising the following steps:

1. program an electric motor control module according to the method for programming an electric motor control module defined above or by using a program stored in a database, said program having been obtained using the programming method an electric motor control module defined above,
2. replacing the combustion engine with an electric motor comprising said electric motor control module,
3. connecting the electric motor control module to said at least one computer network of the vehicle.

Thanks to the invention, the transformation into an electric vehicle of an original version with a heat engine is simplified, since it is not necessary to modify the architecture of said at least one computer network of the original vehicle nor the organs connected to said at least one computer network.

The method can be implemented for a series of vehicles, in particular of the same model.

Electric motor control module

Another subject of the invention, according to another of its aspects, independently or in combination with the foregoing, is a control module for an electric motor of an electric vehicle resulting from the transformation of an original version to heat engine comprising a heat engine control module communicating with various parts of the vehicle via at least one computer network, the electric motor control module being configured so that it can transmit at least part of the data initially transmitted by the control of the combustion engine and interpreting at least part of the data from the computer network initially intended for the control module of the combustion engine.

The invention may be better understood on reading the detailed description which follows, non-limiting examples of implementation thereof, and on examining the appended drawing, on which

there schematically illustrates, in top view, various assembled elements of an example of a vehicle according to the invention,

there schematically illustrates, partially, an example of a computer network of a vehicle according to the invention,

there schematically illustrates an example of a control module for an electric motor of a vehicle according to the invention,

there schematically illustrates, in front view, an example of a vehicle display device according to the invention,

there illustrates in block diagram the steps of an example of a method for programming an electric motor control module according to the invention, and

there illustrates in block diagram the steps of an example of a method of transformation into an electric vehicle according to the invention.

Claims (15)

Vehicle (1) with an electric motor resulting from the transformation of an original heat engine version of the vehicle (1) comprising a control module for the heat engine communicating with various parts of the vehicle (1) via at least one computer network ( 10), the electric motor vehicle (1) comprising:

• at least one electric motor (2) fitted to replace the internal combustion engine of the original version,
• at least one electrical supply battery (5),
• an electric motor control module (13), replacing the heat engine control module, communicating with said at least one computer network (10), at least part of the data transmitted on said at least one computer network (10) by the electric motor control module (13) being identical to at least part of the data initially transmitted by the heat engine control module of the original version, the electric motor control module (13) being configured to interpreting at least part of the data from the computer network (10) initially intended for the thermal engine control module.

Vehicle according to claim 1, comprising at least one computer network (10) for data communication by multiplexing, for example a value-added computer network (in English " Value Added Network " or VAN) or a computer network of controllers (in English “ Controller Area Network ” or CAN). Vehicle according to one of claims 1 and 2, comprising a display device (25) visible to the driver of the vehicle (1), the electric motor control module (13) being arranged to cause the display on the device to display (25) of at least one item of information on the operation of the vehicle (1), the display device (25) preferably being that of the original version. Vehicle according to claim 3, the electric motor control module (13) being configured to prevent the display, on the display device (25), of fault warning lights to indicate anomalies of the original version of the vehicle , during nominal operation. Vehicle according to one of Claims 3 and 4, comprising a hydrogen tank (20) and a fuel cell (21) producing electricity at least for the electric motor (2), the display device (25 ) being configured to display the filling level of the hydrogen tank (20). Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least part of the data transmitted by the control module of the electric motor comprises at least information on the speed of rotation of the motor, a diagnosis, the level of charge of said at least one battery and/or the temperature of the electric motor. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the said at least part of the data interpreted on the computer network comprises a position of an accelerator pedal and/or of a brake pedal, of data coming from a speed limiter or cruise control or even data from driving assistance systems, and information on the operating status of the various components. Vehicle according to any one of the preceding claims, the vehicle (1) being a heavy goods vehicle. Method for programming an electric motor control module (13) of an electric vehicle (1) according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, resulting from the transformation of an original combustion engine version of the vehicle (1), the method comprising the following steps:

1. on the original thermal engine version of the vehicle (1), comprising the thermal engine control module, making at least one recording of data sent on the said at least one computer network (10) by at least some of the organs of the vehicle (1) to at least some of the other parts of the vehicle (1),
2. disconnecting the heat engine control module from said at least one computer network (10),
3. make at least one recording of data transmitted on said at least one computer network (10) by at least some of the components of the vehicle (1) to at least some of the other components of the vehicle (1),
4. comparing the data recorded in steps c) with those of step a) in order to identify data recorded in step a) but not recorded in step c),
5. determine the functionality of each datum thus identified by the comparison carried out in step d),
6. writing a program and programming the control module (13) of the electric motor with said program so that it can transmit on said at least one computer network (10) at least part of the data initially transmitted by the control module of the heat engine , using the data identified in step d) and using the determination in step e).

Method according to the preceding claim, comprising, before step d), a step consisting in breaking down the data recorded in step a) and in step c) into frames. Method according to the preceding claim, in which step d) is implemented so as to identify data frames recorded in step a) but not recorded in step c). Method according to one of Claims 10 and 11, in which step e) consists in determining the functionality of each frame. Method according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, in which, during step a), several recordings are made successively, in particular under the following successive conditions: with the engine switch off, with the engine switch on, when the internal combustion engine is in operation and in an acceleration phase of the vehicle. Method according to any one of Claims 9 to 13, in which, during step c), several recordings are carried out successively, in particular under the following successive conditions: with the engine switch off and with the engine switch on. Method of converting an electric vehicle (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8 of an original thermal engine version of the vehicle (1), the method comprising the following steps:

1. program an electric motor control module (13) according to the method according to any one of Claims 9 to 14 or by using a program recorded in a database, the said program having been obtained using the method according to any of claims 9 to 14,
2. replacing the thermal engine with an electric motor (2) comprising said electric motor control module (13),
3. connecting the electric motor control module (13) to said at least one computer network (10) of the vehicle (1).